Choose from 291 Fun Things to Do in Mexico
ShowingFilter 241-260 of 291 listings.
Zipolite
Zipolite, or Playa Zipolite, is a beach community that is often referred to as Mexico’s hippie haven. This 1.5-kilometer stretch of beach seems lost in time with its slow pace of life. The beach is divided into several areas—the eastern end is called Colonia Playa del Amor, the central part is Centro and the western end is Colonia Roca Blanca. There is really only one main street in Zipolite: Avenida Roca Blanca, or El Adoquín. It was once the only paved road in Zipolite, but three residential area streets are now paved as well.
Don’t expect the party zone like you find in other parts of Mexico like Cancun, but visitors can take part in the surfing, a major draw to Zipolite. You won’t find high-rise hotels or large fancy restaurants with huge fishbowl-style drinks, but instead, look for the main street for a carnival atmosphere in the evenings, with artists, musicians and street vendors making an appearance.
Colonia Roca Blanca is really the central neighborhood in Zipolite and was named after the large, white rock just offshore. The area has grown but still attracts crowds of yoga gurus, surfers and musicians that pass through town. During high season, the area’s small bars and nightclubs see more activity.
Zipolite’s beach is pristine with clear water and golden sands. You may recognize it from the Mexican blockbuster film “Y tu mamá también.” While swimming is allowed, it is not always recommended due to strong waves and undertow.
Practical Info
Zipolite has garnered a lot of fame due to its reputation as Mexico’s only nude beach. Total nudity is really only common on the western end of the beach, or at the small eastern cove of Playa del Amor.
Address: Zipolite, Mexico
Hours: Daily
From $ 49
Xenotes Oasis Maya
Nature and outdoor enthusiasts should not miss a trip to the Xenotes Oasis Maya park, where four completely contrasting water deposits are connected to a system of underground rivers and streams. Each cenote has their own personality, offering different landscapes and a whole host of adventure activities to enjoy.
K'áak ́ Fire Xenote
K'áak ́ is an open cenote with lush plant life adorning its vertical walls. Enjoy its mysterious emerald waters by jumping in a kayak and paddling around its perimeters, or admire the beautiful scenery as you float along in an inner tube.
Lu'um Earth Xenote
A stunning hidden cave cenote, Lu’um is formed by a large vault of stalactites with only a small opening at the top, through which the sunlight filters in and reflects upon the turquoise water. Thrill seekers will enjoy rappelling down the stone walls and into the inviting waters below.
Ha' Water Xenote
Ha’ is a semiopen cenote featuring fascinating rock formations and an abundance of diverse fauna and aquatic life. Grab a snorkel and explore an underwater world filled with exotic fish and waterlily gardens.
Lik’ Wind Xenote
Known for its cylindrical shape and lush vegetation, the limestone walls of this ancient cenote have now fully collapsed, providing an impressively dramatic landscape. Clip in and soar above the water on a highoctane zip line ride, before plunging in for a refreshing swim in the gentle currents.
Insider’s Tip: The activities at Xenotes Oasis Maya are family friendly and suitable for children over the age of six years old. (A minimum height of 4.5 ft. and a minimum weight of 88 lbs is required for ziplining.)
Practical Info
The park is located between Cancun and Puerto Morelos, and most people visit on an organized tour from Playa del Carmen, with an experienced guide, food, and roundtrip transportation included.
Address: Boulevard Kukulcan, Km 15, Cancun, Mexico
Admission: Dependent on tour
From $ 90
Zocalo de Merida
Better known as Plaza Grande, Plaza Principal, or just “the main square” by English speakers, this has been the center of Merida since the cathedral was finished in the late 1500s. It’s a pleasant place to sit and watch the locals and visitors in action, with families enjoying a bag of popcorn or popsicles from the excellent paleta shop on one side. There are cafes on the edge in the shade for a leisurely drink or bite to eat and several main shopping and dining streets branch off from here.
On one corner you can hire a carriage driver to give you a tour up to Paseo de Montejo and back, but do it at night when there’s less traffic. Explanations will all be in Spanish, but it’s a picturesque trip through the historic district even if you don’t understand a word.
Using the Zocalo as your base, you can walk or take a quick taxi ride to almost anywhere of interest to visitors in the center of Merida.
On one corner you can hire a carriage driver to give you a tour up to Paseo de Montejo and back, but do it at night when there’s less traffic. Explanations will all be in Spanish, but it’s a picturesque trip through the historic district even if you don’t understand a word.
Using the Zocalo as your base, you can walk or take a quick taxi ride to almost anywhere of interest to visitors in the center of Merida.
Address: Mexico
From $ 54
Toniná
Once a worthy rival to nearby Palenque, today the ruins of the ancient Mayan city of Toniná are among the least visited of Chiapas’ many Mayan sites, but its remote location and minimal crowds make a tour all the more impressive. Toniná’s importance as a ceremonial center was at its height between 600 and 900 AD and the vast archeological site encompasses more than 90 excavated buildings dating back to this period, spread over seven hillside terraces, as well as an on-site museum.
Highlights include the Great Pyramid, the Temple of Prisoners, the War Palace and the Temple of the Earth Monster, famous for its well preserved ‘Mural of the Four Eras’, but the star attraction is the towering hilltop Acropolis. A 70-meter high pyramid reached by 260 steps, the Acropolis ranks as one of Mexico’s highest Mayan temples and offers spectacular views over the Ocosingo Valley below.
Practical Info
Toniná is located 14 km east of Ocosingo in Chiapas and is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9am-4pm. Adult admission to the archeological park is MEX$46.
Address: Toniná, Mexico
Hours: Tuesday–Sunday 9am-4pm
Admission: MEX$46
From $ 100
Xihuacan Museum and Archaeological Site
Opened to the public in 2013, the Xihuacan Museum and Archeological Site offers a unique look at a pre-Columbian temple site as archeologists uncover it. Located in the area around Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, on Mexico’s Pacific coast, the archeological site include a religious pyramid about 45 feet tall and 300 feet square at the base, which remains only partially uncovered, and an ancient ball court that is one of the largest ancient courts in Mexico, second only to Chichen Itza’s. The nearby museum houses around 800 artifacts uncovered at the site, including ancient pottery, tools and art works, along with exhibits about the people who inhabited the area across more than four millennia.
Practical Info
Xihuacan Museum and Archeological Site are located near a small farming village called Soledad de Maciel, which is about 45 minutes from the sister resort towns of Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo. Admission is free.
Address: Soledad de Maciel, Mexico
Hours: Open Tues-Sun 10am-5pm
From $ 65
Tlacotalpan
Brightly colored houses with Spanish tiled roofs line the streets of Tlacotalpan, a lively city and river port near the Gulf of Mexico. The architecture, culture, history and tradition of this popular place have made it a destination for visitors looking to experience real Mexico.
Whether it’s taking a scenic boat ride along the Papaloapan River, exploring the neoclassical architecture of the town, or spending an afternoon at Zaragoza Square before enjoying a traditional dinner by the water, Tlacotalpan is ripe with entertainment options. Visitors should be sure to stop by the iconic Church of the Candelaria and Hidalgo Park, as well as the local hub of old-world history, the Agustin Lara House of Culture.
Practical Info
Tlacotalpan is located about 62 miles south of Vera Cruz City. The annual Candlemas Festival begins on January 31 and takes place for eight days. A statue of the Virgin of Candlemas is carried through the streets and locals enjoy nightly fireworks as well as traditional food, song and dance.
Address: Tlacotalpan, Veracruz, Mexico
From $ 96
Zocalo
Located at the heart of Mexico City in the center of the Aztec capital Tenochtitlan, Plaza de la Constitucion—better known as Zocalo—is where old and new Mexico meet. Pre-Hispanic ruins exist side-by-side with impressive colonial structures, and white-collar workers stroll among cultural performers and traditional art vendors. This city-block square is also a gathering place for political protest and cultural celebration—and it’s an ideal spot to savor the flavor of real Mexico City.
Tour nearby Palacio Nacional, just east of Zocalo, where massive murals by Diego Rivera depict the nation’s vibrant history. Next, pass through the doors of Catedral Matropolitana for a look at religious colonial art and impressive golden altars. When it’s time for a break head to the Gran Hotel Ciudad de Mexico, where incredible views and strong drinks from the terrace bar round out the perfect day.
Tour nearby Palacio Nacional, just east of Zocalo, where massive murals by Diego Rivera depict the nation’s vibrant history. Next, pass through the doors of Catedral Matropolitana for a look at religious colonial art and impressive golden altars. When it’s time for a break head to the Gran Hotel Ciudad de Mexico, where incredible views and strong drinks from the terrace bar round out the perfect day.
Practical Info
Zocalo is easily accessible from the city’s metro system. It’s worth spending some extra time in the station to examine made-to-scale replicas of the square throughout history.
Address: Plaza de la Constitución S/N, Centro, Cuauhtémoc, Ciudad de México, D.F. 06010, Mexico
From $ 15
Yagul
High on a cactus-studded plateau, the ruins of Yagul offer a view of Oaxaca’s Tlacolula valley. Yagul dates back to at least 500 AD, but most of the existing structures were built several hundred years later, after the decline of the nearby city of Monte Albán . When the Spanish arrived in Oaxaca, Yagul still had a population of 6000.
Due to the easy-to-defend location and fortifications, archeologists believe Yagul was a military center. Like the other major ruins in the area, the site was occupied at various times by both the Zapotecs and the Mixtecs. The ruins include the second largest ancient ball court in Mesoamérica, several typically creepy tombs, and a labyrinthine stone palace with six small stone courtyards.
Due to the easy-to-defend location and fortifications, archeologists believe Yagul was a military center. Like the other major ruins in the area, the site was occupied at various times by both the Zapotecs and the Mixtecs. The ruins include the second largest ancient ball court in Mesoamérica, several typically creepy tombs, and a labyrinthine stone palace with six small stone courtyards.
Practical Info:
Yagul is located 38 km southeast of the capital on Highway 190. Drive, take a taxi, or go to Oaxaca’s second class bus station (Central Camionera de Segunda Clase in Colonia Mercado de Abastos) and catch a bus to Mitla. Ask the driver to drop you off at Yagul. You’ll have to walk about a kilometer to the site.
Address: Oaxaca, Mexico
Hours: Tues-Sun 8am-6pm
Admission: 37 pesos; Free on Sundays
From $ 80
Yaxchilan
Located on the Usumacinta River and surrounded by the dense Lacandon Jungle, the archeological area of Yaxchilán is reachable only by boat, a 40-minute cruise from the border town of Frontera Corozal. Getting there is all part of the experience and the journey is as spectacular as the destination, with howler monkeys swinging overhead, colorful birds swooping low over the waters and crocodiles crawling along the river banks, before scaling a grand riverside stairway to the site entrance.
An important Mayan city between 681 and 800 AD, Yaxchilán is an impressive site, with more than 120 structures dotted around the sprawling plot. The ruins are grouped into three main areas—the Great Plaza, the Grand Acropolis and the Small Acropolis—and are renowned for their unique architectural design, featuring monolithic limestone columns, elaborate stucco facades, decorative lintels and ornamental roof combs.
Practical Info
Yaxchilán Archeological Park is located about 30 kilometers north of Bonampak on the Mexican-Guatemalan border and is reachable by boat from Frontera Corozal. The site is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission to the park is 49 pesos, and due to its remote location, Yaxchilán is best visited as part of a guided tour.
Address: Yaxchilan, Chiapas, Mexico
Hours: Daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: 49 pesos
From $ 91
Xochimilco
With its brightly painted trajineras (flat-bottomed boats), traditional chinampas (floating gardens), and network of flower-perfumed canals, Xochimilco—the “Flower Garden”—is the kind of place that will have you reaching for your camera at every turn.
The Basics
The floating gardens of Xochimilco make an easy half-day trip from Mexico City, and the quintessential way to explore is a traditional trajinera boat ride around the Xochimilco canals and islands. Xochimilco tours are often combined with a Mexico City sightseeing tour, visits to historic sites such as the National University of Mexico or the ancient ruins of Teotihuacan, or a tour of the Coyoacán neighborhood, where highlights include the Diego Rivera Anahuacalli Museum and the Frida Kahlo Museum.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Opt for a 2-hour boat tour to fully explore the site.
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothing so you can easily climb on and off the boats.
- Some of the larger trajineras offer food, drinks, and mariachi music on-board.
How to Get There
The Gardens of Xochimilco are located about 14 miles (23 kilometers) south of the Zócalo in Mexico City. To get there by public transport, take Metro Line 2 to Tasqueña station. From there, the Tren Ligero trains runs directly to Xochimilco; follow the signs to the embarcadero on arrival.
When to Get There
Xochimilco can get crowded; locals and tourists alike visit on weekends and holidays. The festive atmosphere is all part of the experience, but opt for a weekday or early-morning visit if you prefer to avoid the crowds.
The Floating Gardens of Xochimilco
Xochimilco’s floating gardens are the last vestige of Mexico’s elaborate chinampas—the agricultural system set up by the ancient Aztecs. Devised to make the most of the fertile lake lands of the Anahuac Valley, the chinampas are comprised of small, man-made islands of farmland linked by a network of canals. Though most of the Aztecs' massive system of canals have long since been drained, the suburb of Xochimilco offers a glimpse into the ancient beauty of Tenochtitlán, and the remarkably preserved site is now protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Address: Xochimilco, Mexico
Admission: Free
From $ 29
Tormentos Reef
One of the Riviera Maya’s premier scuba diving sites, Tormentos Reef is located off the coast of Cozumel and houses a rich variety of marine life. Here you can find purple and orange coral structures upward of 30 feet (9 meters) in height, tunnels hiding nurse sharks and sea turtles, and huge manta rays nestled in the sand.
The Basics
With a depth of roughly 50 feet (15 meters), strong currents, and numerous tunnels, Tormentos Reef is classified as an intermediate-level scuba-diving site. Diving tours typically leave from Cancun or Cozumel, often visiting other dive sites along with Tormentos Reef such as Palancar Gardens, the Santa Rosa Wall, or La Herradura. Round-trip transportation to the reef, lunch, and diving equipment are provided on some tours.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Tormentos Reef is a must-see attraction for wildlife lovers and scuba divers.
- Remember to bring sun protection, a swimsuit, and plenty of water.
- It’s a good idea to wear a wetsuit or rash guard while diving or snorkeling to protect against the sun, jellyfish, and rough coral surfaces.
- The current at Tormentos Reef is strong, so plan your air accordingly for dives.
- Be careful not to touch or disturb the wildlife.
- Evidence of dive certification is required to participate in certified dives.
How to Get There
Tormentos Reef is located off the island of Cozumel near Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. To get there, you can opt for a private charter boat or a guided tour.
When to Get There
You can visit Tormentos Reef year-round, but it’s busiest from December through April, when the weather tends to be sunny and warm. There are fewer crowds during hurricane season (May through October), but be sure to check the weather for storms.
Cozumel’s Coral Reefs
Cozumel is best known for its expansive coral reefs, some of the largest in the world. Paradise Reef and the Palancar Gardens are ideal spots for novice divers and snorkelers due to their shallow depth, and offer a chance to glimpse sea turtles, moray eels, colorful fish, towering coral spires, and gently waving sea fans. The Palancar Caves are probably the most famous dive site, with huge brain corals and swim-through tunnels. The Palancar Horseshoe is another massive formation of corals.
Address: Cozumel, Mexico
From $ 189
Zocalo (Plaza de Armas)
This popular gathering spot near in the port state of Veracruz is a hot bed for culture, nightlife, entertainment, song and dance. Both travelers and locals gather inside the lively cafes that line the bustling sidewalks of this town center. Musicians playing Cuban-inspired music gather to perform while traditional dancers take to the streets for impromptu performances.
Stalls selling local food and souvenirs, as well as bars serving strong drinks and restaurants dishing Mexican cuisine make this car-free area perfect for curious pedestrians looking to explore. Colonial architecture lines the square, which fills with locals after dusk and on weekends. Travelers love the salsa clubs in close proximity but agree that there’s plenty of dancing in the streets of this Zocala, too.
Practical Info
Zocalo is located in Queretaro on Calle Luis Pasteur near the corner of Libertad, north of Jose Ma. Pino Suarez.
Address: Calle Luis Pasteur, Veracruz, Mexico
From $ 51
Xoximilco
Xoxomilco, whose name means “garden of flowers” in the ancient Aztec language, is Cancun’s homage to the floating gardens and canals of Mexico City’s famous Xochimilco neighborhood. Here, visitors can experience a number of Central American traditions, including floating boats strung with flowers, live music, and regional food.
The Basics
Most Xoximilco tours leave from central Cancun and include pickup and drop-off from local hotels. At the park, you can float down the river in a Mexican gondola, or trajinera, enjoy a meal of traditional Mexican food, sip tequila and beer, and listen to traditional mariachi and marimba music.
Xoximilco Cancun is part of a network of related parks and experiences, including Xcaret, Xel-Hal, Xplor Fuego, Xplor, Xenotes Oasis Maya, Xoximilco Cancun, Xichen, and Xenses. You can purchase packages granting admission to multiple parks.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Xoximilco Cancun is a must-see attraction for culture and nightlife lovers.
- The park is located in the jungle, so be sure to plan for mosquitos; wear long pants and closed-toed shoes, and bring plenty of biodegradable insect repellent.
- Valet parking is available onsite.
- Wheelchair service is available; all boats are wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Xoximilco is located about five minutes by road from Cancun International Airport. While most tours provide round-trip transportation from your hotel, you can also take a taxi or drive yourself.
When to Get There
The park is busiest from December through April, when the weather tends to be sunny and warm; there are fewer crowds during hurricane season (May through October). Nights at Xoximilco are particularly magical.
Mexico City’s Xochimilco Neighborhood
The floating gardens of Xochimilco are a Mexico City must-see; the quintessential way to explore is a traditional trajinera boat ride around the canals and islands. Combine it with a Mexico City sightseeing tour, which will include the National University of Mexico, the ancient ruins of Teotihuacan, and the the neighborhood of Coyoacán, home to the Diego Rivera Anahuacalli Museum and the Frida Kahlo Museum.
Address: Cancun, Mexico
From $ 90
Torre Latinoamericana
Built in 1956, the Torre Latinoamericana was once Latin America’s tallest building. And while it’s weathered a handful of major earthquakes, the Torre is no longer the region’s most towering skyscraper (that title belongs to a building in Argentina). Still, impressive city views from the 44th-floor observation deck, strong drinks at the 41st floor lounge and a well-curated museum that showcases the history of the city make this architectural beauty worth checking out.
Travelers say the Torre Latinoamericana offers some of the most breathtaking views around, but it’s best to wait for ideal weather conditions (and days when city smog is under control), otherwise there’s little to see from the Torre’s observation deck.
Practical Info
Torre Latinoamericana is located at Eje Central Lazaro Cardenas 2, near the Ballas Artes metro stop. It’s open daily from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m. and admission costs about M$70 for adults and M$60 for children. Admission is free to those visiting the bar.
Address: Eje Central Lázaro Cárdenas 2, Centro, Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City 06000, Mexico
Admission: Adults: $M70; Children: $M60
From $ 11
Xplor Adventure Park
Set in the middle of the Yucatan jungle, Xplor Adventure Park allows visitors to experience Mexico’s environmental treasures firsthand. Here you can raft down a stalactite-filled underground river, swim in cenotes, ride in an amphibious vehicle, or zipline above the canopy. There’s also a nighttime option to explore after dark.
The Basics
Xplor Adventure park is a popular day trip destination from Mexico’s Riviera Maya region. Tours are available from Playa del Carmen and Cancun, with most lasting upwards of seven hours for a full day at the park. Some combination excursions also visit nearby attractions such as the Tulum or Chichen Itza ruins. Basic admission includes access to the park’s attractions and facilities plus unlimited snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, and a lunch buffet.
Xplor is part of a network of related parks and experiences, including Xcaret, Xel-Hal, Xplor Fuego, Xenotes Oasis Maya, Xoximilco Cancun, Xichen, and Xenses. Packages including admission to multiple parks are available.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Bring sneakers, biodegradable sunblock, water shoes, a swimsuit, a towel, and a change of clothes.
- Wear comfortable, lightweight clothing suitable for physical activity.
- Lockers, Wi-Fi, and parking are included.
- Life jackets and helmets are provided for applicable attractions.
- Minimum age to enter Xplor is six years old, and minimum age to drive amphibious vehicles is 18 (a valid driver’s license is required).
- For ziplining, the minimum height required is 3.6 feet (one meter). The minimum weight is 88 pounds (40 kilograms), while the maximum is 300 pounds (136 kilograms).
How to Get There
Xplor Adventure Park is located in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, roughly 20 minutes by road from downtown Playa del Carmen and 1.5 hours by road from Cancun. Most Xplor tours include round-trip transportation from Cancun and Riviera Maya-area hotels. While there, all activities are contained within the park.
When to Get There
The park opens at 9am and closes at 5pm for daytime admission. Nighttime tours start at 5pm and typically last seven hours. The park is busiest from December through April, when the weather tends to be sunny and warm. There are fewer crowds during hurricane season (May through October), but be sure to check the weather for storms.
Visit Xplor After Dark: Xplor Fuego
Xplor Fuego night adventure tours provide an extra thrill and allow you to safely experience the Riviera Maya jungle after dark. The evening crowd arrives after 5pm, ready to don headlamps and explore the park’s jungles and rivers by moonlight. Access includes the same activities as daytime admission—just with a different perspective.
Address: Carr. Cancun-Chetumal KM 282, Solidaridad, Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo 77710, Mexico
Admission: $108
From $ 90
Shrine of Guadalupe
Among the most visited Catholic pilgrimage sites in the world, the Shrine of Guadalupe atop Tepeyac Hill in Mexico City honors the legendary 16th-century appearance of the Virgin Mary to Juan Diego, a local peasant. The shrine, also known as the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Basilica de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe), is devoted to the patron saint of Mexico.
The Basics
Two basilicas now stand at the Shrine of Guadalupe—the Old Basilica (1709) and the New Basilica (1976), which houses Juan Diego’s cloak with the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Visitors can also climb the steps to the Capilla del Cerrito, the original hill chapel built on the site of Juan Diego’s vision. Many full-day tours combine a visit to the shrine with a tour of Teotihuacan.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Entrance to the basilicas is free, but there is an admission fee for the Basilica Museum.
- Dress appropriately in modest clothing—shorts are not allowed.
- The Shrine of Guadalupe is wheelchair accessible.
- The shrine is closed on Mondays.
How to Get There
The Shrine of Guadalupe is located in the La Villa neighborhood in northern Mexico City. To get there, take metro Line 6 to La Villa Basilica, a few blocks from the shrine, or any number of city buses.
When to Get There
With thousands of daily visitors, the Shrine of Guadalupe is always busy, so arrive early to avoid the crowds. The most atmospheric time to visit is on December 12 for the Feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe, when the shrine is the epicenter of countrywide celebrations including parades, special masses, and firework displays.
The Legend of the Shrine of Guadalupe
According to legend, the Virgin Mary appeared to Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin in December 1531. In his vision, the apparition was a teenage girl who asked the recently baptized Aztec in his native Nahuatl to build a shrine in her honor on Tepeyac Hill. When the Spanish priests refused to believe Juan Diego's tale, she gave him a sign: roses in December. And when he gathered the flowers up in his cloak, her image miraculously appeared on it. Today, Juan Diego’s tilma (cloak) is on display at the Basilica of Guadalupe, and December 12 marks one of Mexico’s holiest celebrations.
Address: Plaza de las Americas 1, Avenida de los Misterios y Calle Fray Juan de Zumárraga, Mexico City, Mexico
Admission: Free
From $ 17
Zona Romantica
Puerto Vallarta's Romantic Zone (Zona Romantica)—also called the Old Town, South Side, or Old Vallarta—sits away from the hotel zone and just steps from Los Muertos Beach. With artisan shops, streetside taco stands, and lively cantinas, this area of winding cobblestone streets maintains a more traditional, laid-back feel than the rest of the city.
The Basics
The Zona Romantica boasts more restaurants, bars, and cafes per square foot than anywhere else in Puerto Vallarta, making it a great place to sample the local cuisine and soak up a bit of Mexican culture. Visitors can shop for Mexican art, lounge on golden-sand beaches, or walk along the newly reconstructed pier. On weekends, the Old Town Farmers Market offers a variety of fresh local produce and food, as well as handicrafts.
Visit the Old Town independently or as part of a Puerto Vallarta sightseeing tour that includes hotel or port pickup and drop-off. There’s also a beach-hopping tour and a popular food tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- See Old Vallarta as part of a small-group or private sightseeing tour.
- English is widely spoken in almost all of the tourist areas.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.
How to Get There
There are several ways to reach the Zona Romantica, located in the south of Puerto Vallarta, across the bridge over the Cuale River from the north side. Take the bus marked “Centro” (downtown) or a taxi. Or, if you’re driving, follow highway 200.
When to Get There
Puerto Vallarta can be visited year-round. Winter sees large numbers of tourists, whereas other times of year are less crowded. Spring and fall strike a nice balance between pleasant weather and manageable crowds. Wet weather is likely from July through September.
Los Muertos Beach
Located just south of Olas Atlas Beach in the Old Town, Los Muertos Beach is Puerto Vallarta’s best known and most-visited beach. It’s popular with families and often crowded, though locals would argue it’s the perfect spot for people watching. There’s lots to see and do here, including vendors, activities, sun, surf, and sand. In the evenings, the beachfront restaurants serve gourmet cuisine against the backdrop of romantic Vallarta sunsets.
Address: Puerto Vallarta, Pacific Coast, Mexico, Mexico
From $ 52
Zona Dorada (Golden Zone)
A deserted stretch of sand just a few decades ago, the Golden Zone of Mazatlan is now the area where package tourists spend most of their time. Lined with hotels, restaurants, and bars, it pulses with activity from the morning until the wee hours. All the usual watersports are on offer and sailing trips depart to nearby islands.
Playa Los Sabalos is the center of the zone and is the best area for swimming, with a surf that is calm most of the time. There are plenty of choices for toes-in-sand dining and drinking, as well as discos that are pumping at night.
Playa las Gaviotas offers more of the same, but has rougher waters and can be more crowded because of the size of the hotels fronting it. You can walk from one to the other along miles of golden sand or catch an open-air taxi called a pulmonia.
Playa Los Sabalos is the center of the zone and is the best area for swimming, with a surf that is calm most of the time. There are plenty of choices for toes-in-sand dining and drinking, as well as discos that are pumping at night.
Playa las Gaviotas offers more of the same, but has rougher waters and can be more crowded because of the size of the hotels fronting it. You can walk from one to the other along miles of golden sand or catch an open-air taxi called a pulmonia.
Address: Mexico
From $ 30
Xenses Park
Using the natural surrounding of Mexico's Riviera Maya, Xenses Park lets visitors lose themselves in the sounds and sights of optical illusions. The park's vision involves the fascinating neurological phenomena known as synesthesia, where a single sense has the ability to suddenly stimulate another. Colors seem to be heard, sounds felt and smells seem to be tasted.
At Xenses Park, waterfalls thunder by underground labyrinths and ziplines crisscross the trees, while pools, water slides and animal exhibits accompany 3D movies. Throughout a half-day experience, travelers will take delight in questioning what is real and what is instead just a product of stimulated senses. Opened in 2016, Xenses Park allows visitors to experience something outside the norm of regular, adrenaline-fueled theme parks, and pair the adventure with mind-bending features that must be seen to be believed.
Practical Info
Xenses Park can be visited on tours from both Cancun and Playa del Carmen. It is three miles from Playa del Carmen and 45 miles from Cancun, while offering free parking for travelers who choose to visit the park on their own. All travelers should bring a swimsuit or clothes they don't mind getting wet. Some activities, such as ziplines, may have height or weight requirements.
Address: Playa Del Carmen, Mexico
Hours: Mon–Sat
Admission: Adults $59, kids 5–11 $29
From $ 100
Zinacantan
With a population that’s 99.1 percent Tzotzil Maya, Zinacantan is a destination for travelers who want to witness and explore the lifestyle and history of Mexico’s indigenous people. Visitors can learn about animist traditions and Catholic influence on a visit to one of the town’s churches or visit local artisans creating traditional clothing. A small market selling handmade Mayan goods proves a perfect place to purchase souvenirs or sample local fare. And while this village is worth a visit any time of year, visitors say a guide can help ease the feeling of being an outsider during non-festival seasons when travelers are few and far between.
Practical Info
Zinacantan is located in the southern part of the Central Chiapas highlands. The Feast of Sain Lawrence, the town’s patron saint, takes place each year from August 8 through August 10. Guided tours are a popular option since public transport between Chamula and Zinacantan is nearly impossible to find.
Address: Zinacantan, Mexico
From $ 19