Choose from 291 Fun Things to Do in Mexico
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Mexico City Museum of Modern Art (Museo de Arte Moderno)
Known for its vast collection of 20th- and 21st-century art, the Museum of Modern Art (Museo de Arte Moderno) in Mexico City houses works dating from the 1920s to the present. Included among the roughly 3,000 paintings, sculptures, photographs, drawings, and prints are seminal works by Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera—arguably Mexico’s best-known artists.
The Basics
Located in Chapultepec Park, the Museum of Modern Art opened in 1964 and is part of the Instituto Nacional de Bellas Artes, a Mexican institution that coordinates artistic and cultural activities. Its exhibits feature both national and international contemporary artists, as well as a permanent collection—located in room C of the main building—that includes works by Remedios Varo, Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, Juan Soriano, and many others. Highlights of the museum, which is often compared to New York City’s Museum of Modern Art in terms of significance, include Kahlo’s famous self-portrait Las Dos Fridas and Rivera’s open-air murals.
Museum tickets are available upon arrival, or book a skip-the-line ticket in advance. Some museum visitors arrive via the Mexico City hop-on hop-off bus, which stops here.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Mexico City Museum of Modern Art is a must-see for art aficionados.
- Museum admission is free on Sundays.
- Book a skip-the-line ticket to avoid waiting in entry lines, especially in peak season.
- There is an on-site coat check.
- The museum is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
How to Get There
Access the Museum of Modern Art through Chapultepec Park, which is easily accessible via public transportation; the nearest metro station is Chapultepec. The museum is about a 15-minute drive from the city’s historic center, and parking is available on Paseo de la Reforma, an avenue that runs diagonally through Mexico City.
When to Get There
The museum is open from 10:15am to 5:30pm Tuesday through Sunday. Peak tourist season in Mexico City typically runs from November to May, so expect more crowds during that time—and on Sundays, when museum admission is free.
Spend the Day in Chapultepec Park
Before or after your visit to the Museum of Modern Art, spend some time in the surrounding Chapultepec Park (Bosque de Chapultepec), one of the largest city parks in the western hemisphere. The art museum is located in the park’s first of three sections, which boasts popular attractions such as Chapultepec Castle (Castillo de Chapultepec), Chapultepec Zoo (Zoológico de Chapultepec), the Museum of Anthropology (Museo Nacional de Antropología), and the Rufino Tamayo Museum (Museo Rufino Tamayo).
Address: Av. Paseo de la Reforma S/N, Miguel Hidalgo, Bosque de Chapultepec, Ciudad de Mexico, D.F., Mexico 11560, Mexico
Admission: Varies
From $ 5
Pedregal de Cabo San Lucas
Take the Baja trail down to where the land ends, and amid the joining of two seas you’ll find beautiful, luxurious Pedregal de Cabo San Lucas. The first luxury community of Cabo San Lucas and still regarded as one of the city’s best, this little peninsula of rock is home to numerous five-star luxury resorts, restaurants, shops, and a thriving nightlife. Terrific views at every twist and turn of Pedregal’s cobblestone streets make for an attraction in itself, and if you want to walk the life of luxury, take a stroll through Pedregal and see the multi-million dollar homes and the beautiful Pacific beachside. A trip to Pedregal is a step into elite Cabo living, so if you’re ready to lounge like royalty, look no further than this little Cabo peninsula.
Address: Los Cabos, Mexico
From $ 85
Mercado 20 de Noviembre
If you love meat then exploring Mercado 20 de Noviembre in Oaxaca, Mexico, is a must. This market is centrally located in downtown Oaxaca and puts a strong focus on meat plus has a variety of other products for sale.
Of the meat offerings at Mercado 20 de Noviembre, its claim to fame is the section of the market dedicated to Carnes Asadas, which means grilled meat. You can buy cuts of meat raw to grill it up yourself if you're staying somewhere that has such capabilities, or you can take the easy route and purchase the sizzling slices of meat grilled right in front of you at the market and enjoy it at one of the stall-side tables. To really make your Carnes Asadas experience fun, pick up some chiles or veggies at one of the produce stalls by the lane of Carnes Asadas stands and ask your meat vendor to grill them up with your Carnes Asadas.
Mercado 20 de Noviembre is also home to a variety of stalls filled with buckets and containers holding spices, fruits, mole (a Mexican sauce that Oaxaca is known for) and much more. You can also find local arts and crafts, though the focus at Mercado 20 de Noviembre is largely on the food.
Practical Info
Mercado 20 de Noviembre is located at Calle del 20 de Noviembre (hence its name) in the Centro neighborhood of Oaxaca.
Address: Calle del 20 de Noviembre, Oaxaca 68000, Mexico
From $ 46
Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana)
At the historic heart of one of the world's most populous cities, is the first and largest cathedral in the Americas, seat of the Archdiocese of Mexico, and a wonder to behold. The Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral - or Catedral Metropolitana - is a symphony in stone, composed over 4 centuries into manifold facades, displaying textbook Neoclassical, Renaissance, and wedding-cake ornate Mexican Baroque (Churrigueresque) styles.
Within its fantastic bulk are sheltered some 16 chapels, several alters and retablos, a fine parish church, and a choir, each an inspired work of art replete with gold gilt, fine paintings, and sculptural details. Above it all, 25 bells - measured in tons - ring and sing to the city all around.
The cathedral sits atop a far more ancient foundation, originally built for a temple to Huitzilopochtli, the Aztec God of war. His pyramid was destroyed by the Spanish, who built their cathedral in its stead. As the thirsty city emptied its underground aquifer, however, this massive monument began to sink into the subsoil. It was stabilized in the 1990s, but still lists to one side.
Within its fantastic bulk are sheltered some 16 chapels, several alters and retablos, a fine parish church, and a choir, each an inspired work of art replete with gold gilt, fine paintings, and sculptural details. Above it all, 25 bells - measured in tons - ring and sing to the city all around.
The cathedral sits atop a far more ancient foundation, originally built for a temple to Huitzilopochtli, the Aztec God of war. His pyramid was destroyed by the Spanish, who built their cathedral in its stead. As the thirsty city emptied its underground aquifer, however, this massive monument began to sink into the subsoil. It was stabilized in the 1990s, but still lists to one side.
Practical Info
The Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral overlooks the Zócalo, more properly called Plaza de la Constitución, which has marked the city center since it was founded in 1325. Though the Spanish razed the neighborhood's original Aztec temples and federal buildings, they used the same stones to rebuild the capital city in Europe's image. Half a millennium later, this is still the center of all the action.
All roads lead to the Zócalo, but you're much better off without a car - traffic is terrible. Instead, take Metro Line 2 to the Zócalo stop, right in front of the cathedral.
All roads lead to the Zócalo, but you're much better off without a car - traffic is terrible. Instead, take Metro Line 2 to the Zócalo stop, right in front of the cathedral.
Address: Plaza de la Constitución s/n, Mexico City, Mexico
Hours: Open daily 7am - 7pm
Admission: Free
From $ 17
Misol-Ha Waterfall
A slim cascade tumbling 35 meters from the cliff edge into the turquoise waters below, the Misol-Ha waterfall makes an arresting sight, set against a backdrop of lush jungle in the Chol tribe area of Chiapas.Often visited en-route to the Mayan ruins of Palenque, Misol-Ha and the nearby Agua Azul falls are two of the region’s most popular natural landmarks.
While the scenery is undeniably photogenic, the main highlight of a visit to Misol-Ha is the chance to swim beneath the falls and the deep, cool waters offer welcome relief from the muggy heat of the rainforest. A walkway also passes behind the falls, revealing a series of hidden caves that can be explored with the services of a local guide.
Practical Info
The Misol-Ha waterfall is located off Highway 199, 25 kilometers south of Palenque, and is open daily during daylight hours. Admission is 20 pesos per person.
Address: Misol-Ha Waterfall, Chiapas, Mexico
Hours: Daily
Admission: 20 pesos per person.
From $ 38
Maguey Bay
Maguey Bay is an easily accessible bay with a popular beach of the same name. A handful of busy seafood shacks line the beach, and visitors can sip cold beers on patio chairs, or splash around in the bay’s calm, clear waters. You’ll find lots of amenities here, too, as Maguey tends to be one of Huatulco’s busier bays.
The Basics
Maguey Bay is an ideal spot for swimming and snorkeling. Rent some gear and head into the ocean, where a wide variety of colorful tropical fish exist just off the shores, or head to the rockier edge of the bay for some wave jumping. Visit the bay independently or as part of a Huatulco sightseeing cruise. Tours typically visit several different bays with a stop at Maguey for snorkeling.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Maguey Bay is easy to reach, and offers restaurants, water sports facilities, public restrooms, and showers.
- Choose a Huatulco sightseeing cruise with hotel pickup and drop-off included.
- Bring sun protection and plenty of water, as the beach offers little shade.
- Arrive early if you want to beat the crowds, especially during high season.
How to Get There
Maguey Bay sits just south of Santa Cruz Bay and is accessible by rough road or hired boats. There’s a taxi stand at the entrance to the bay, so you’ll rarely have to wait for a ride back into town. The road to Maguey can be difficult to navigate during rainy season.
When to Get There
As with all of Huatulco, Maguey Bay can be visited year-round. The beach begins to fill up with visitors around midday when the boat tours start to arrive. Mornings are less crowded and offer better conditions and calmer waters for swimming and snorkeling.
Organo Bay
Just a stone’s throw away, Organo Bay is a quiet bay that’s perfect for travelers who just want to get away from it all. It receives fewer visitors than Maguey Bay, mainly because of its inaccessibility—to visit by vehicle, it’s a 20-minute walk from the main road. There are no amenities here, so plan to carry enough food, water, and supplies for the day.
Address: Maguey Bay, Oaxaca, Mexico
From $ 55
Paseo de Montejo
While the center of Merida is all Spanish Colonial in architecture and layout, Paseo de Montejo is the product of a brief period when the French controlled Mexico and built a grand boulevard lined by mansions. Several upscale hotels, nightclubs, and hot restaurants are on this stretch, retaining their original interesting façades. It’s a pleasant street for walking, with wide shady sidewalks and interesting shops and galleries here and there. It ends at a roundabout with the city’s history laid out in stone on a relief in the center. Just before that are two places showing where we’ve come: a small tourist shopping mall on one side and a Super Wal-mart on the other.
If you stay on this boulevard heading north in a car, eventually it turns into a highway that goes 40 minutes to Progreso’s beach and cruise ship dock, on the Gulf of Mexico.
It’s a long, hot walk to get here from the center, however, so most visitors see Paseo de Montejo on a horse carriage ride or take a taxi to the end and walk back via Santa Lucia and Santa Ana parks.
If you stay on this boulevard heading north in a car, eventually it turns into a highway that goes 40 minutes to Progreso’s beach and cruise ship dock, on the Gulf of Mexico.
It’s a long, hot walk to get here from the center, however, so most visitors see Paseo de Montejo on a horse carriage ride or take a taxi to the end and walk back via Santa Lucia and Santa Ana parks.
Address: Mexico
From $ 17
Macroplaza (La Gran Plaza)
Build in the early 1980s, this popular town square is a hub for commerce and the fourth-largest plaza of its kind in the world. Impressive monuments line the pedestrian zone, including Faro del Comercio, which shoots green laser lights into the city sky each night.
Visitors to the plaza can wander the halls of the Palacio de Gobierno, where local government offices are located, or explore the Biblioteca Fray Servando Teresa de Mier—the city’s iconic public library. Visitors can escape the noise of the city in nearby Jardin Hundido—located at the center of Macroplaza—where quiet fountains and well-kept gardens provide a true urban oasis.
Practical Info
The Macroplaza is accessible via Monterrey Metro’s Zaragoza station near the Fuente de Neptuno.
Address: 5 de Mayo, Zaragoza, Zuazua y Constitución, Centro, Monterrey 64000, Mexico
Hours: Daily
From $ 56
Paseo de la Reforma
France has the Champs-Élysées, New Orleans has St. Charles Street, and Mexico City has the Paseo de la Reforma. More than just a major thoroughfare that spans the length of the city, the street is a historical touchstone to remind all who pass through of the robust history of Mexico City.
Once commissioned by then-newly crowned emperor Maximilian, the Paseo de la Reforma was built to connect the center of the city with his imperial residence, Chapultepec Castle in Chapultepec Park. Originally named after his beloved, the promenade was named Paseo de la Emparitz. After Maximilian’s execution and the liberation of the Mexican people, the street was renamed the Paseo de la Reforma and has since stood as a testament to the resiliency of the Mexican people.
Today, the most prominent buildings in Mexico City reside along the avenue. For a time during President Diego’s regime, the paseo became popular with the Mexican elite, and some European styled houses developed. Also along the paseo are many historic monuments, including ones to Cuauhtémoc, Simón Bolívar, José de San Martín and Christopher Columbus.
Practical Info
The Paseo de la Reforma runs from Chapultepec Park to the northeastern end of Mexico City.
Address: Ciudad de Mexico, D.F., Mexico, Mexico
From $ 15
Jose Cuervo Distillery
As the world’s oldest and largest Tequila distillery, the Jose Cuervo brand is renowned around the globe - and the family-run distillery is the top attraction of the town of Tequila, the birthplace of Mexico’s National drink. Established in 1795, the legendary distillery forms part of the UNESCO-listed landscape of Jalisco and produces up to 20,000 gallons of mixto and 100% agave tequilas per day.
Today, the Jose Cuervo Distillery is open to the public via guided tour, offering visitors the chance to learn how the juice is extracted from blue agave plants and distilled to produce a range of traditional blanco (white), añejo (aged) and mixto (diluted) tequilas. Guests can also sample a selection of fine tequilas, sip premium tequila straight from the barrel or visit the private cellars of the Cuervo family. It’s even possible to create your own customized bottle of tequila, selecting your choice of spirit and designing your own personalized label.
Address: Jose Cuervo 73, Tequila, Jalisco 46400, Mexico
From $ 359
Pelican Rock
Located off the coast of Cabo San Lucas, Pelican Rock features dramatic rock formations and a small, gravelly beach that's often crowded with snorkelers, swimmers, scuba divers, and cliff jumpers. This protected spot at Land’s End is famous for its abundant wildlife, both above and below the ocean’s surface, and popular with Los Cabos snorkeling tours.
The Basics
Pelican Rock is only reachable by boat, and most visitors arrive as part of a guided snorkeling or kayaking tour that includes hotel or port pickup and drop-off. Sightseeing cruises typically also visit other must-see Land’s End attractions, such as the Arch of Cabo San Lucas (El Arco), Lover’s Beach, Medano Beach, and the area’s resident sea lion colony.
Glass-bottom boat tours let you view Los Cabos’ colorful sea life without getting wet, and there’s also a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) tour and a popular Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo sightseeing combo tour to consider.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Pelican Rock is a must-see for nature and wildlife lovers.
- Choose a snorkeling or sightseeing cruise with hotel pickup and drop-off.
- Arrive early if you want to beat the crowds, especially during high season.
- Set aside some time to see the other highlights of Land’s End.
How to Get There
Pelican Rock is located off the extreme southernmost tip of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula (Baja California Sur) and only accessible by boat. The easiest way to reach Pelican Rock is on a sightseeing cruise from Cabo San Lucas or via water taxi from the downtown marina.
When to Get There
Los Cabos can be visited year-round. Winter sees large numbers of tourists, whereas other times of year are less crowded. Rainy season occurs from August to October; during this time, expect higher-than-average humidity and water temperatures upward of 80°F (27°C).
Snorkeling at Pelican Rock
Pelican Rock is the highlight of many Los Cabos snorkeling tours. In addition to colorful coral formations, tropical fish, and maybe sea turtles or rays, snorkelers also have the chance to see frogfish, goatfish, lobsters, nudibranchs, and even some whitetip sharks. Snorkeling tours depart from Cabo San Lucas and often include a water sightseeing tour of Land’s End.
Address: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
From $ 15
Museum of Tequila and Mezcal (Museo del Tequila y el Mezcal)
The Museum of Tequila and Mezcal—or Museo del Tequila y el Mezcal (MUTEM)—offers visitors a lesson in the history, production and significance of Mexico’s much-loved, agave-based spirit, with optional tastings included. Located in the historic and frequently visited Plaza Garibaldi, the museum features a permanent exhibit hall on the first floor showcasing, step-by-step, the tequila and mezcal production process, from the selection of agave varieties to distillation.
The museum also covers Mexican culture and history, with exhibits going into detail on the site’s location, known as the center of los mariachi, and national pop culture. Visitors will have the chance to sample multiple tequila and mezcal varieties, including silver, reposado and añejo tequila, and visit the top-floor restaurant and bar, which serves its selection of Mexican dishes with a view overlooking Plaza Garibaldi, the Mexico City Cathedral and Torre Latinoamericana.
Practical Info
The Museum of Tequila and Mezcal is located in Plaza Garibaldi, one of the most traditional parts of Mexico City. It is open daily from 11am to 10pm (and until midnight on weekends). It is possible to purchase agave, tequila and mezcal products from the museum gift shop. Hotel pickup and drop-off is included with most tours, but the area can also be reached via metro, with access from Metro Garibaldi station.
Did You Know? By law, tequila can only be made using blue agave, while mezcal can be made with around 30 different types of agaves.
Address: Plaza Garibaldi s/n Col. Centro, Mexico City, Mexico
Hours: Sun–Wed 11am–10pm (until midnight Thurs–Sat)
Admission: Varies
From $ 125
Jolly Roger Pirate Ship
Offering family entertainment that both adults and children can enjoy, the Jolly Roger Pirate Ship sets sail from the Riviera Maya and sails the Caribbean seas while dazzling passengers with swashbuckling pirate shows and hearty food. The ship is a modern replica of the Santa Maria, which Columbus is said to have journeyed on when he discovered the Americas.
The Jolly Roger features four decks and can accommodate up to 240 passengers, with plenty of space for entertainment and dining. Filet mignon, lobster, a vegetarian option, plus a special pirate kids menu are on offer, not to mention the open bar with free domestic drinks. The pirate show is a blend of comedy and adventure, interspersed by dinner, fireworks, and dancing. Expect dramatic sword fighting, exploding cannons, and amazing acrobatics, all designed to entertain, delight, and draw you in to this unique pirate adventure.
Insider’s Tip: This is a popular attraction, so it's a good idea to book tickets in advance. Dinner, drinks and entertainment are all included in the ticket price.
Practical Info
The Jolly Roger Pirate Ship departs from the Playa Linda Pier. A pier tax of $11 per person in addition to the cost of the tour is required upon departure.
Address: Boulevard Kukulkan, Km 4.5, Cancun, Mexico
Hours: 6:30am-10pm
Admission: From $87
From $ 100
Oaxaca Culture Museum
This beautifully restored monastery is connected to the Templo de Santo Domingo and houses one of the nation’s most impressive museums. Well-curated exhibits transport travelers through the history of Oaxaca, from ancient times to modern day. Visitors will learn not only about New World influences, but about pre-Hispanic traditions through halls lined with handmade crafts, herbal medicines and local costumes.
Perhaps the most impressive item in the Oaxaca Culture Museum is the Mixtec hoard from Tomb 7, which dates back to the 14th century. A rare collection of silver, jade and gold, which was discovered by Alfonso Caso in the early 1930s, showcases the ancient tradition of burying royalty among riches.
Practical Info
The museum is located in Alcala, southwest of El Llano Park. It is open from 10 a.m. until 6:15 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday. All placards are in Spanish only, but travelers can rent an English audio guide for M$50.
Address: Calle Macedonio Alcalá S/N Centro, Oaxaca, Mexico
Hours: Open Tuesday trough Saturday 10 am - 6:15 pm
Admission: M$51
From $ 6
Mision de Nuestra Senora de Pilar
Founded by Father Jaime Bravo in 1723, the mission sits against the Sierra Nevada mountain range in Todos Santos on the Pacific Baja coast. Originally developed as an outpost of a larger mission in nearby La Paz, it became the principle mission of the Jesuits in the area upon its closure. With colorful stained glass surrounding the altar, the interior contains the statue of the Virgin of Pilar that the town celebrates annually with a festival in October. It has become a religious and historic landmark of Todos Santos.
Perched high on the hills above town, a visit to the mission offers views of the ocean and the Valle del Pilar. The structure is surrounded by colorful flowers, clean and simple in its design. The Virgin of Pilar is considered the patron saint of Todos Santos, and the mission remains a symbol at the heart of the area.
Practical Info
The mission can be found opposite the main plaza in Todos Santos. Todos Santos is 50 miles south of La Paz and 45 miles north of Cabo San Lucas.
Address: Plaza de Armas, Todos Santos 23305, Mexico
Hours: Open during daylight hours
From $ 75
Mexico City Alameda Central
Originally a public green space in 1592, Mexico City’s Alameda Central features fountains, statues, and lush landscaping. The urban park is a popular spot for locals and visitors to relax, people watch, and explore historic, cultural, and artistic sights like Diego Rivera's famous mural, Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in Alameda Park.
The Basics
In 1592, Viceroy Luis de Velasco planted dozens of poplar trees, creating the park and earning Alameda Central its name, which comes from the Spanish word álamo or poplar tree. Since then, the country’s leaders have put their mark on the green space, including President Porfirio Diaz, who commissioned the Palace of Fine Arts (Palacio de Bellas Artes) be built near the park.
In addition to wandering the area by foot, visitors can explore via bike and Segway tours.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Alameda Central offers free Wi-Fi.
- Food vendors aren’t allowed in the park, so be sure to bring snacks if you plan to stay.
- The area is considered safe for visitors.
How to Get There
As is the case with most of Mexico City, pricy parking lots are located close to the Alameda Central, but it’s better to forgo the car or cab and take the metro to this congested neighborhood. Metro Bellas Artes, accessed by Lines 2 and 8, opens up right onto the park, while Metro Hidalgo, via Lines 2 and 3, is right across the street.
When to Get There
Alameda Central is a popular spot, especially on weekends and on weekdays between 4 and 7pm when locals leave work. As for time of year, visit during the spring (late March and April) to see the jacaranda trees in bloom with large, vibrant purple flowers; they are native to tropical and subtropical regions of Mexico.
Palacio de Bellas Artes
Located at the end of Alameda Central, the Palace of Fine Arts (Palacio de Bellas Artes) is Mexico City’s major cultural center and hosts art exhibitions, along with a range of live events, including music, dance, theater, and opera. It also houses a permanent art collection with statues and murals by Diego Rivera, David Alfaro Siqueiros, Rufino Tamayo, and José Clemente Orozco.
Address: Avenida Hidalgo, Mexico City, Mexico
Admission: Free
From $ 36
Museum of the Island of Cozumel
The Museum of the Island of Cozumel (Museo de la Isla de Cozumel) sits on the waterfront in downtown San Miguel de Cozumel. Inside the historical building are a wealth of displays, all well signed in both Spanish and English. Its four permanent exhibit rooms offer an overview of the island’s geography, ecosystems, history, and culture.
The Basics
The museum’s exhibits begin on the ground floor with Cozumel’s natural history. Fine examples from the island’s famed coral reefs are a must for snorkelers and divers eager to learn more about the underwater world. Other highlights include interactive exhibits about Cozumel’s cultural heritage and its history of pirate attacks. You can also see Cozumel’s transformation from a sparsely populated Caribbean island into an internationally known tourist destination.
Visit the Museum of the Island of Cozumel independently or as part of a guided history walking tour that provides a great overview of San Miguel de Cozumel’s waterfront and downtown.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The museum is ideal for those who want to learn more about Cozumel’s natural and cultural history.
- Expect to spend about an hour exploring the exhibits.
- The museum offers basic facilities, including a gift shop and restrooms.
- Researchers are welcome to use the museum’s on-site library.
- The museum and café are not accessible to wheelchairs.
How to Get There
The Museum of the Island of Cozumel is an easy walk from the Playa del Carmen ferry pier or the Plaza del Sol. Simply head north along the waterfront on Avenida Rafael Melgar and the museum is on your right, between Calle 4 and Calle 6.
When to Get There
The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 9am to 5pm, and there isn’t really a bad time to visit. If you want to avoid the crowds, arrive in the morning. Winter brings large numbers of travelers to Cozumel, and the weeks before and after Easter are some of the busiest.
Café El Museo
Set aside some time to eat at the excellent Café El Museo, a casual restaurant located on the second floor above the museum. Enjoy fresh seafood, authentic Mexican dishes, and fabulous Caribbean Sea views from the lovely covered patio, which must have been a favorite spot for guests at what was once Cozumel’s first upscale hotel.
Address: Avenida Rafael Melgar and Avenida 4, San Miguel, Mexico
From $ 4
Nuevo Vallarta
A luxurious and spacious hotel and resort zone, Nuevo Vallarta lies at the center of beautiful Banderas Bay—a long, sandy stretch of beach and cool Pacific water known for its small fishing villages. Born from the tourist boom that was Puerto Vallarta in the 1970s, Nuevo Vallarta was built to offer all that the traveler could want: luxury hotels, fine dining, boutique shopping and some fabulous water sport attractions. The Marieta Islands preserve lies just a few miles offshore, and the water here is home to countless species of fish and larger marine life including the elusive sea turtles. Whale-watching is another seasonal event and one that shouldn’t be missed, much like a visit to this pristine part of Puerto Vallarta.
Practical Info
Nuevo Vallarta is located about 15 minutes north of the Puerto Vallarta airport. The American dollar and Mexican peso are widely accepted.
Address: Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico
From $ 35
Mexico City Great Temple (Templo Mayor)
Overview
What remains of the Aztecs’ Great Temple (Templo Mayor) sits right in the middle of Mexico City, but many tourists miss it. In 1978, a massive, 8-ton (7,000-kilogram) stone depicting Coyolxauhqui (the Aztec goddess of the moon) was unearthed, marking the location of the temple, a gathering place sacred for the Aztecs during the 1300s and 1400s.
The Basics
Located next to the Metropolitan Cathedral, close to the Zócalo, the ruins of the Great Temple currently consist of walls embedded with stuccoed skulls and enormous carvings dedicated to Tlaloc (the god of storms) and Huitzilopochtli (the god of war). Throughout the 1980s, excavation revealed an unprecedented trove of treasures from the Aztec Empire, with more and more being uncovered all the time.
Today, visitors can tour the ruins and explore the on-site museum, which houses artifacts, such as the monolith of the moon goddess, knives, masks, sculptures, and other objects. Excavation work at the UNESCO World Heritage Site continues today. Book your ticket in advance to skip long lines, or join a sightseeing tour of Mexico City that visits the Great Temple.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Visit the museum before exploring the ruins to get a better understanding of the archaeological site.
- You’ll walk through the ruins on gated pathways.
- The Great Temple is a must-visit for history buffs and those interested in the Aztecs.
How to Get There
Driving isn't recommended because traffic can be heavy and parking expensive. Since the Great Temple site is situated near the historic center, it’s easily accessible by public transit. Via the Metro Line 2, hop off at the Zócalo stop, which is a quick walk from the museum. The archaeological site is also a stop on many bus tours.
When to Get There
The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, 9am to 5pm. Admission is free Sundays, so expect crowds. The best time to visit any outdoor spot in Mexico City is between March and May, when it’s sunny and not too hot. But, it is also the busiest time of the year because of this.
National Museum of Anthropology (Museo Nacional de Antropología)
The National Museum of Anthropology allows visitors to explore Aztec history further. Located in Chapultepec Park, Mexico City’s most-visited museum hosts a collection that includes notable historical items, such as the Aztec Stone of the Sun, the giant carved heads of the Olmec people, and the Aztec Xochipilli statue. From the Great Temple, it’s a short ride via public transit.
Address: Seminario #8 Centro Historico, Mexico City, Mexico
Admission: Varies
From $ 9
Muyil
Stretching along the banks of a coastal lagoon and dominated by the 17-meter-tall El Castillo, one of the region’s tallest pyramids, the little-visited Mayan ruins of Muyil are undeniably photogenic and make a unique alternative to the nearby sites of Tulum and Coba.
Set on the edge of the Sian Ka'an biosphere reserve, Muyil is a worthwhile detour for hikers and there are a number of significant ruins to explore, as well as an observation tower, offering views over the neighboring lagoon, and boat rides around the lagoon. The ancient settlement is estimated to have dated back to as early as 300 BC and remaining structures include the ‘Sacbé’, a five-meter-wide ancient road, and the ‘Pink Palace’, renowned for its well-preserved stuccos.
Practical Info
Muyil is located by the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, around 20 km south of Tulum.
Address: Tulum, Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico, Mexico
From $ 115