Choose from 291 Fun Things to Do in Mexico
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Puebla
The United States isn’t the only country with a “city of angels” (i.e. Los Angeles). Mexico is also home to a city that has that moniker: Puebla, officially called Puebla de los Angeles. Puebla is one of Mexico’s oldest cities and legend has it that its angelic name was first earned thanks to the bell tower on Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral since an 18,000-pound bell that no one could figure out how to get up to the tower mysteriously appeared there one morning; angels were subsequently credited for the bell being moved. It is also said that angels designed the layout of the city.
In addition to the cathedral and its famous bell tower, Puebla is also home to a variety of Baroque and Spanish Colonial style buildings and architecture that has caused it to be designated as a World Heritage City. Food is also a huge draw of Puebla. It’s called the capital of mole for a reason, and a visit to Puebla must include a bite (or several) of this beloved Mexican cuisine. Puebla is also known for its chalupas and chiles en nogada.
Practical Info
Puebla is the capital city of the Mexican state of the same name, Puebla. It is located less than 90 miles from Mexico City, making for an easy day trip from there.
Address: Puebla, Mexico
From $ 70
Progreso Cruise Port
Located on the Yucatan peninsula where the Gulf of Mexico meets the Caribbean Sea, the Mexican port of Progreso is a jumping-off point for tours to the Mayan archaeological sites of Chichen Itza (100 miles/160 km away), Uxmal (70 miles/115 km) and Dzibilchaltun (18 miles/30 km). Book a shore excursion or make your own way to the site of your choice by taxi or rental car (both found at the port).
If you’re looking for a more cosmopolitan day in port, head to the city of Mérida, the capital of Yucatan both politically and culturally, where you can soak up the colonial atmosphere by walking along the square, admiring the European-style architecture or stumbling upon a free concert.
How to Get to Mérida
You’ll dock at the Progreso pier, which at 5 miles (8 km) in length is one of the world’s longest. A shuttle takes passengers from ships to the base of the pier, where you can rent a car or grab a cab to make the 20-mile (35-km) drive.
One Day in Mérida
Begin at Plaza Grande, Mérida’s main square, which puts you in the center of the old town. Work your way around the square, picking up a souvenir or two and checking out the historic sights on all sides.
Don’t miss the House of Montejo (Casa de Montejo) built in 1549 and once home to the family of the Spanish conquistador Francisco de Montejo, and Mérida’s cathedral (the Catedral de San Ildefonso), which was constructed during the last half of the 16th century on the site of a Mayan temple.
Take a breather with a cup of coffee or some lunch in the plaza, and then head north from the square along Calle Ciudad toward the Paseo Montejo, a tree-lined boulevard where you’ll find the Palacio Canton, a former palace that houses the Museo Regional de Antropología (Anthropology Museum). Step inside and be wowed by the exhibits that track the region’s history back to ancient times.
For more of Yucatan’s cultural past, jump in a cab and head to the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya (Great Museum of the Maya World), a recent addition (opened in 2012) to the city’s already-rich cultural offerings. Inside the modern exterior, explore the hundreds of pieces jewelry, ceramics and other Mayan artifacts.
If you’re looking for a more cosmopolitan day in port, head to the city of Mérida, the capital of Yucatan both politically and culturally, where you can soak up the colonial atmosphere by walking along the square, admiring the European-style architecture or stumbling upon a free concert.
How to Get to Mérida
You’ll dock at the Progreso pier, which at 5 miles (8 km) in length is one of the world’s longest. A shuttle takes passengers from ships to the base of the pier, where you can rent a car or grab a cab to make the 20-mile (35-km) drive.
One Day in Mérida
Begin at Plaza Grande, Mérida’s main square, which puts you in the center of the old town. Work your way around the square, picking up a souvenir or two and checking out the historic sights on all sides.
Don’t miss the House of Montejo (Casa de Montejo) built in 1549 and once home to the family of the Spanish conquistador Francisco de Montejo, and Mérida’s cathedral (the Catedral de San Ildefonso), which was constructed during the last half of the 16th century on the site of a Mayan temple.
Take a breather with a cup of coffee or some lunch in the plaza, and then head north from the square along Calle Ciudad toward the Paseo Montejo, a tree-lined boulevard where you’ll find the Palacio Canton, a former palace that houses the Museo Regional de Antropología (Anthropology Museum). Step inside and be wowed by the exhibits that track the region’s history back to ancient times.
For more of Yucatan’s cultural past, jump in a cab and head to the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya (Great Museum of the Maya World), a recent addition (opened in 2012) to the city’s already-rich cultural offerings. Inside the modern exterior, explore the hundreds of pieces jewelry, ceramics and other Mayan artifacts.
Port Information
The currency is the Mexican peso, although the US dollar is widely accepted in many tourist-frequented shops and restaurants. There is an Internet cafe at the terminal.
Address: Progreso, YUC, Mexico
From $ 99
La Venta Museum (Parque Museo La Venta)
Located on the site of an Olmec ceremonial center, along the bank of the beautiful Lagoon of Illusions, the Ventana Museum was created to preserve artifacts from the surrounding areas, including massive carved stone structures found when oil companies drained local marshes. Among a maze of walking paths through the jungle sit around 30 sculptures, including stone altars and rare Olmec heads, only 18 are known to exist, that weight about 20 tons. The park also has a botanical garden and a zoo with animals like howler monkeys, peccaries and jaguars.
Practical Info
Plan to spend at least a couple hours exploring the incredible artifacts and unique creatures in the zoo. And bring bug spray, as the park is set among the jungle alongside wetlands where mosquitos are abundant.
Address: Adolfo Ruiz Cortines Boulevard, Villahermosa 86040, Mexico
Hours: Daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission: Not free. Admission for non-Mexicans is 40 pesos (just over $2) per person.
From $ 38
Puerto Vallarta Cruise Port
Sail into the calm Bay of Banderas for a warm Mexican welcome at Puerto Vallarta. This lovely beach resort city is on the mid-west coast of Mexico, lapped by the Pacific Ocean. Make your way downtown from the Marina Vallarta Maritime Terminal for an aquatic, eco-friendly or relaxing shore excursion.
How to Get to Puerto Vallarta
If your ship is mooring at Puerto Vallarta, you’ll dock at the Marina Vallarta Maritime Terminal, 3 miles (5km) north of the city center. Alternatively, your ship might anchor just offshore, in which case a tender will float you ashore. Taxis line up to take you downtown; negotiate the fare (around US$5) before you head off.
One Day in Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta’s number one attraction is the beach, and the full-facility resorts lining the sands. After soaking up the rays, take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront promenade to shop for silver jewelry and ceramics, sculptures and glassware. Soak up the colonial architecture and cobblestone streets on a Small Group City Tour, and if you’re docked for the evening take a sunset cruise across Banderas Bay and dine on the sands by candlelight.
Or spend the day getting up close and personal with dolphins or sea lions, or setting sail for snorkeling and swimming on a day trip to Marietas Islands. Other eco-escapades take you zipping across the rainforest canopy, or cutting trails through the coastal mountains on an ATV adventure.
Port Information
Puerto Vallarta is a popular cruise port, visited by cruise liners operated by Holland America, Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Princess Spanish is the local language, but English is widely spoken and understood in Puerto Vallarta. The local currency is Mexican pesos, and you’ll find it’s cheaper if you use pesos rather than US dollars. There are ATMs throughout Puerto Vallarta.
How to Get to Puerto Vallarta
If your ship is mooring at Puerto Vallarta, you’ll dock at the Marina Vallarta Maritime Terminal, 3 miles (5km) north of the city center. Alternatively, your ship might anchor just offshore, in which case a tender will float you ashore. Taxis line up to take you downtown; negotiate the fare (around US$5) before you head off.
One Day in Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta’s number one attraction is the beach, and the full-facility resorts lining the sands. After soaking up the rays, take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront promenade to shop for silver jewelry and ceramics, sculptures and glassware. Soak up the colonial architecture and cobblestone streets on a Small Group City Tour, and if you’re docked for the evening take a sunset cruise across Banderas Bay and dine on the sands by candlelight.
Or spend the day getting up close and personal with dolphins or sea lions, or setting sail for snorkeling and swimming on a day trip to Marietas Islands. Other eco-escapades take you zipping across the rainforest canopy, or cutting trails through the coastal mountains on an ATV adventure.
Port Information
Puerto Vallarta is a popular cruise port, visited by cruise liners operated by Holland America, Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Princess Spanish is the local language, but English is widely spoken and understood in Puerto Vallarta. The local currency is Mexican pesos, and you’ll find it’s cheaper if you use pesos rather than US dollars. There are ATMs throughout Puerto Vallarta.
Address: Atlatengo LB, Las Glorias, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
From $ 65
Mixquic
For three days a year this quiet mountain village just south of Mexico City becomes the ultimate cultural destination. Between October 31 and November 2 residents gather to commemorate the Day of the Dead, a celebration of loved ones who are no longer living. Travelers make the voyage from Mexico City to the rolling hills of an otherwise quiet countryside to experience this truly unique festival.
Graves are decorated with flowers and skeletons and fragrant incense wafts through the air as residents sing songs honoring those who have passed. Colorful murals cover typically empty walls and stalls selling strong drinks, spicy food and tokens for the dead line the bustling streets. Halls of the local church come alive with traditional artwork and intricate masks to commemorate those who are no longer living. While the journey from Mexico City can be long due to traffic, experiencing this once-a-year festival is well worth the trip.
Graves are decorated with flowers and skeletons and fragrant incense wafts through the air as residents sing songs honoring those who have passed. Colorful murals cover typically empty walls and stalls selling strong drinks, spicy food and tokens for the dead line the bustling streets. Halls of the local church come alive with traditional artwork and intricate masks to commemorate those who are no longer living. While the journey from Mexico City can be long due to traffic, experiencing this once-a-year festival is well worth the trip.
Practical Info
It’s possible to hire a round-trip taxi from Mexico City for about 1500 pesos. Although Mixquic comes alive for Day of the Dead celebrations, it isn’t much of a destination the rest of the year.
Address: San Andres Mixquic, Tláhuac, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico
From $ 52
Monte Albán
A Zapotec ceremonial center, Monte Albán crouches on a leveled mountain top. For a thousand years, the rulers of the city extracted wealth from the plains below. Today, the ruins offer panoramic views of the modern city of Oaxaca sprawling across the giant Oaxaca valley.
Monte Albán is the oldest city in the Americas. In addition to being unusually ancient (dating back to 500 BC), the site is unusually extensive. In its heyday, the city covered 25 square miles. Expanses of Monte Albán aren’t yet excavated, but it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to explore all the restored tombs and temples in one afternoon; the ruins encompass enormous plazas, a ball court, a mysterious monument known as the observatory, a network of underground tunnels, and a profusion of dank tombs, which were once decorated with bright frescoes and filled with treasures of gold and jade.
Monte Albán is the oldest city in the Americas. In addition to being unusually ancient (dating back to 500 BC), the site is unusually extensive. In its heyday, the city covered 25 square miles. Expanses of Monte Albán aren’t yet excavated, but it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to explore all the restored tombs and temples in one afternoon; the ruins encompass enormous plazas, a ball court, a mysterious monument known as the observatory, a network of underground tunnels, and a profusion of dank tombs, which were once decorated with bright frescoes and filled with treasures of gold and jade.
Practical Info:
Admission: 57 pesos. Expect an additional charge to bring a video camera. Admission price includes entrance to the onsite museum.
Monte Albán is located 9km (5 miles) southwest of the city of Oaxaca. Buses to the ruins leave Oaxaca from Hotel Rivera de Angel (Mina 518), six blocks southwest of the zócalo. Rides leave on the hour from 8:30am-3:30pm and cost about 40 pesos for a roundtrip ticket.
Aside from a few spindly jacaranda trees, Monte Albán has minimal shade. The expanses between temples can feel vast and scorching. For this expedition, you’ll want sunscreen, a water bottle, and comfortable shoes.
Monte Albán is located 9km (5 miles) southwest of the city of Oaxaca. Buses to the ruins leave Oaxaca from Hotel Rivera de Angel (Mina 518), six blocks southwest of the zócalo. Rides leave on the hour from 8:30am-3:30pm and cost about 40 pesos for a roundtrip ticket.
Aside from a few spindly jacaranda trees, Monte Albán has minimal shade. The expanses between temples can feel vast and scorching. For this expedition, you’ll want sunscreen, a water bottle, and comfortable shoes.
Address: Oaxaca, Mexico
Hours: Mon-Sun 9am-5pm
Admission: 57 pesos
From $ 6
La Quebrada Cliff Divers
Acapulco's iconic attraction, made famous in Elvis flicks, Ray Austen stunts, and every cheerfully scrawled holiday postcard sent home ever since, are La Quebrada Cliff Divers. Beginning in the 1920s, these brave young men and women began leaping for the crowds some 45 craggy meters (150 terrifying feet) into a wave-crashed inlet just 4 meters (13 feet) deep. And that's if they time it just right.
The ritual begins with a prayer at the shrine to La Virgen de Guadalupe, carved into the cliff-top platform. Then, the divers carefully calculate when their target will have enough water to soften their fall. Finally, they leap. First in the afternoon, and as the sun sets, again. The final dive of the night plunges past torches into a sea of fire (lit with flaming gasoline), no easy feat.
Practical Info
La Quebrada Cliff Divers perform daily at 1pm, 7:30pm, 8:30pm, 9:30pm, and 10:30pm. There are 2 top spots for watching them dive. The public viewing platform close to the cliff offers the best views, and charges a small fee (tips for the divers are, of course, appreciated). Or, grab a seat at gently aging Hotel Mirador Acapulco, with fine views from its restaurant, cocktail lounge, and guest areas.
Address: Plazoleta de la Quebrada 74, Acapulco, Mexico
Hours: Performances daily
Admission: Viewing platform: 30 pesos
From $ 22
Montebello Lakes National Park
With its dazzling lakes bordered by dense pine forests and a seemingly endless network of hiking trails, the Montebello Lakes National Park is an idyllic spot to explore, sprawling along the Guatemalan border. Now a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Montebello was Chiapas’ first national park and boasts an impressive 59 lakes, each naturally formed cenotes (sinkholes) caused by erosion of the limestone terrain. Notable highlights include Tziscao Lake, the largest and deepest lake, the Emerald Lagoons, the Enchanted Lake and the Tinted Lake, celebrated for their startling multi-colored hues, the effect of minerals in the water catching the sunlight.
Hiking is the best way to soak up the magnificent scenery and wildlife of the Montebello Lakes, with cabins dotted around the park for campers, but there are also plenty of other outdoor activities to be enjoyed. Horseback riding and canoeing tours are increasingly popular, but swimming, rafting and even scuba diving is possible in the lakes.
Practical Info
The Montebello Lakes National Park is located 61 kilometers east of Comitán in southeastern Chiapas, close by the Guatemalan border. The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and admission is about 10 pesos.
Address: Montebello Lakes National Park, Chiapas, Mexico
Hours: Daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: About 10 pesos
From $ 18
Punta Laguna Nature Reserve
With its miles of untamed jungle and sizable population of free-roaming spider monkeys, the Punta Laguna Nature Reserve is one of the best places to get up-close to the Yucatan’s varied wildlife. The 5,000-hectare reserve is home to more than 600 spider and howler monkeys, as well as pumas, crocodiles, coati, white-tailed deer and a large variety of tropical birds.
The impressive centerpiece of the reserve is a huge 90-hectare lake, where it’s possible to enjoy canoeing and kayaking, while other popular activities include hiking through the jungle, rappelling between the underground caves and zip-lining through the jungle canopy. The reserve is also home to a traditional Mayan village, where visitors can tour the thatched-roof homes, sample local cuisine and learn about the indigenous population.
Practical Info
Punta Laguna Nature Reserve is located around 60 km northwest of Tulum.
Address: Tulum, Mexico
From $ 135
Labna
Labna is an excellent site for archaeology lovers and architectural buffs with its Mayan building ruins that were built in the ancient Puuc style. Located in the Yucatan Peninsula by the larger Uxmal ruins, Labna is a compact structure hidden within the Puuc Hills. Though smaller than some of the other Mayan ruin compounds in Mexico, it is impressive nonetheless. Labna was once used as a ceremonial center by the Mayans during the pre-Columbian era.
Labna’s impressive Gateway Arch is still standing today, and visitors can stand under it and walk through it while marveling at its intricate construction. It is believed that this arch was used to signify the start of the area of the ancient village where the priest and the elite people of Labna lived. Relief designs are etched into the side of the arch, providing impressive details that visitors love taking pictures of. Labna, along with the Uxmal ruins, are designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it is estimated that Labna was inhabited by as many as 2,000 people between 750 AD and 1,000 AD.
Practical Info
Labna is located a little over two hours south of Merida and is accessible by car or tour bus.
Address: Labna, The Yucatan, Mexico
From $ 1,054
La Crucecita
La Crucecita sits just inland from Santa Cruz Bay on the coast of Oaxaca. Originally built as the service town for the Huatulco resort area, today La Crucecita has an authentic atmosphere draws that visitors from the beaches to its lively streets. Highlights include a traditional market, a historic church, specialty shops, and restaurants.
The Basics
La Crucecita’s La Probadita market is an ideal spot to shop for artisan crafts and taste Oaxacan specialties, such as chocolate, mezcal, and chapulines (fried grasshoppers). Visitors can also step inside the white stucco Church of the Virgin of Guadalupe to see a 65-foot (20-meter) mural of the religious icon painted on its dome. In the evenings, crowds gather in the zocalo (main square) to listen to live music and peruse the stands of numerous street vendors.
Things to Know Before You Go
- La Crucecita is ideal for those who want to have a meal or do some shopping.
- Choose a Huatulco sightseeing tour with round-trip transport included.
- English is widely spoken in almost all of the Huatulco tourist areas.
How to Get There
There are several ways to reach La Crucecita, located about half a mile (one kilometer) inland from Santa Cruz Bay. Most visitors arrive in Huatulco by air or cruise ship. Driving from Oaxaca City takes about 5 or 6 hours. Taxis are plentiful throughout the resort area.
When to Get There
As with all of Huatulco, La Crucecita is lovely year-round. This destination receives fewer tourists than other popular Mexican resort areas and overcrowding is rarely a problem, even during high season (December to April). Wet weather is likely from June to October.
Huatulco Bays
Huatulco is a Mexican resort destination made up of nine bays with 36 beaches. It spans 22 miles (35 kilometers) of coastline in the state of Oaxaca. Its pristine landscapes and rich biodiversity make it popular with nature and wildlife lovers. Huatulco offers a variety of beach experiences, and a boat tour is one of the best ways to explore the bays.
Address: La Crucecita, Oaxaca, Mexico
From $ 35
La Feria de Chapultepec
As one of the most popular amusement parks in all of Mexico, La Feria de Chapultepec is a top spot for families with more than 50 rides and activities. Attractions range from roller coasters and flat rides to zoo animal exhibits and carnival games. Most are organized either for children, families, teens, or extreme adventurers and are designated as such.
The park dates back to 1964 when it debuted some of the tallest and faster roller coasters at that time. It has since been renovated, but keeps much of its original charm and nostalgia. The most classic roller coaster is La Montana Rusa, which held the world record for tallest roller coaster when it was built. There are also many slower rides and rides suited for ages 10 and under, such as the monorail, train, and bumper cars.
Practical Info
The park is located in the middle of Chapultepec Park near the Constituyentes Metro station. Admission costs are based on the amount of activities you’d like to take part in. The park is open daily from 10am-8pm.
Address: Circuito Bosque de Chapultepec, Mexico City, Mexico
Hours: 10am-8pm
Admission: $100-200 MXN
From $ 12
Puerto Morelos National Reef Park
Set equidistant between Playa del Carmen and glitzy, busy Cancun, Puerto Morelos is a laidback beach town on Mexico’s Riviera Maya. While some visitors come for the sunshine, sand, serenity, and cenotes, many come here to dive or snorkel the Puerto Morelos Reef Park. As part of the world’s second largest coral reef system, Puerto Morelos became protected in 1998, and today is tightly administered and monitored to ensure the health of the reef. Unlike other sections of the reef—which runs for 600 miles—the corals found off Puerto Morelos are relatively close to the shore. When scouring the 80° water for marine life, watch as schools of colorful fish all flit and swim in unison, and keep an eye out for barracuda, lobster, star fish, or conch shells. In total, over 500 different species of marine life inhabit this vast stretch of reef—a whole new world that’s waiting underwater just 500 yards from the shore.
Practical Info
Swimming from shore is not allowed inside the National Reef Park, and all visitors must wear eco-friendly sunscreen and life jackets while snorkeling are mandatory.
Address: Puerto Morelos, Riviera Maya, Mexico
From $ 35
La Bufadora
On a peninsula along the Baja California coast, the blowhole ‘La Bufadora’ is a marine geyser that shoots ocean water straight up into the air. It occurs naturally from ocean waves that push water into a sea cavern, which causes the pressure to build and then explode when the water recedes. Depending on the level of the tide, the water can climb as high as 60 feet from the sea.
It’s often seen after a short scenic drive from nearby Ensenada, and has become well known as a natural phenomenon of the area. Legend explains that one of the many grey whales that migrate off the coast here swam too close to shore, and that the geyser is reminiscent of the whale’s spout while waiting to be discovered. There are always beautiful views of the coast here, and a small local square with shops and restaurants nearby.
Practical Info
La Bufadora can be found 21 miles south from the city of Ensenada, on the Punta Banda peninsula. To get there you'll drive about 25 minutes to Maneadero, and follow the signs to La Bufadora from there. Parking is readily available.
Address: Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico
From $ 32
Mitla
A relatively small Mixtec/Zapotec ruin, Mitla is notable for the detailed and well-preserved geometric stonework that decorates the buildings. The setting is pretty, with a cactus garden and shaded benches. From the ruins you can see the domed Church of San Pablo, built in the 16th century when the Spanish pillaged stones from Mitla. At the gates to the ruins, a small artesanía (folk art) market is home to aggressively competitive vendors, a situation that can yield great deals. Outside the gates, a clean and efficient comedor (diner) serves authentic Oaxacan specialties.
The name Mitla comes from the Náhuatl word Mictlan, which means place of the dead or underworld. An ancient ceremonial center, Mitla includes two cross-shaped tombs, a promenade of hefty stone columns, and an elevated suite of ornately-decorated rooms that were once occupied by the Zapotec high priest. Although theories on the subject differ, Mitla was likely built by the Zapotecs, occupied by the Mixtecs, reclaimed by the Zapotecs, and finally conquered by the Aztecs, who took control in 1494.
The name Mitla comes from the Náhuatl word Mictlan, which means place of the dead or underworld. An ancient ceremonial center, Mitla includes two cross-shaped tombs, a promenade of hefty stone columns, and an elevated suite of ornately-decorated rooms that were once occupied by the Zapotec high priest. Although theories on the subject differ, Mitla was likely built by the Zapotecs, occupied by the Mixtecs, reclaimed by the Zapotecs, and finally conquered by the Aztecs, who took control in 1494.
Practical Info:
Mitla is located just off Highway 190, 45 km southeast of the Oaxacan capitol. Colectivos (group taxis) to Mitla can be found across the street from the Oaxaca baseball stadium, Estadio Eduardo Vasconcelos (Niños Heroes de Chapultepec and Boulevard Eduardo Vasconcelos).
Address: Oaxaca, Mexico
Hours: Mon-Sun 8am-6pm
Admission: 50 pesos
From $ 35
La Antigua
Considered by many to be the first true Spanish town in all of Mexico, La Antigua is the home of Hernan Cortes, who led the expedition that ended the Aztec Empire. His house, which was built in 1523, draws travelers from across the globe who seek a window into Mexico’s incredible—and sometimes bloody—past. Today, Cortes’s home, built of coral and stone, is wrapped thick with vines and overgrown with tree roots.
In addition to Cortes’s family home, the oldest church in the Americas, as well as Edificio del Cabildo—which held the first city council—are both located in La Antigua. Travelers can walk through what remains of the Cavalry Lancers’ garrison, where ready troops were once stationed to defend the town, or explore the Spanish colonial architecture hidden in the landscape of this sleepy town.
Practical Info
La Antigua is about a half hour north of Veracruz City. A Xalapa-bound bus from Veracruz stops about 15 minutes away from La Antigua and costs less than US$2 each way.
Address: La Antigua, Veracruz, Mexico
From $ 70
La Roqueta Island
Located off the coast of Acapulco and reachable by boat, La Roqueta Island is an ideal spot for travelers looking to relax. Visitors lounge on the golden sand beaches, snorkel and kayak at secluded coves, and hike a network of trails that lead to stunning scenic overlooks. The island also offers a handful of restaurants and a small zoo.
The Basics
La Roqueta Island can be visited independently or on a sightseeing tour of Acapulco. Most travelers arrive as part of a snorkeling or kayaking tour that includes hotel or port pickup and drop-off. Tours typically include free time to relax on the beach and explore the island.
There’s also a hiking tour and a popular sunset or moonlight yacht cruise to consider. Glass-bottom boat rides take visitors to see a submerged bronze statue of the Virgin of Guadalupe.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The island offers little shade, so remember to bring sunscreen and a hat or sunglasses.
- Snorkeling gear and kayaks are available to rent.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces, especially if you plan to make use of the trail network.
How to Get There
The quickest way to La Roqueta Island is by speedboat from Caleta and Caletilla beaches; boats leave every 20 minutes and the ride takes about 10 minutes. Travelers can also opt for a slightly longer (and more scenic) option, which includes a ride on a glass-bottom boat.
When to Get There
The best time to visit Acapulco is in winter, when humidity is low. Other times of the year are less crowded. Spring and fall strike a nice balance between pleasant weather and manageable crowds. Expect wet weather with higher than average humidity during rainy season (June through October).
Hiking on La Roqueta Island
While many come to La Roqueta Island to snorkel, kayak, and lounge on the beach, its hiking trails are also worth exploring. Popular easy hikes take visitors along lush jungle trails up to the lighthouse, the island’s highest point, and to different lookout points around the island for beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean and Acapulco Bay.
Address: Mexico
From $ 40
La Merced Market
For a genuine glimpse of everyday life in most cities, head to the local food market. While Mexico City is packed with such spots, it’s La Merced Market that offers the most bang for your buck. With a maze of street food stalls selling goods from local produce to pinatas, this traditional spot is the city’s largest market and a major tourist draw.
The Basics
Located on the eastern edge of the city’s main plaza, La Merced spans more than four city blocks and includes a daunting labyrinth of passageways that can be hard to navigate, even for experienced Spanish-speaking travelers—with this, booking a walking food tour through the market with a guide can be beneficial. In addition, if you’re searching for the best mole, tacos, or guajillos chiles, for example, a tour guide will be able to steer you in the right direction. Plus, you’ll be able to learn about the history of the market, which was established in colonial times.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Wear closed-toe shoes and keep jewelry to a minimum since it’s a crowded space.
- La Merced Market is open daily, from 5am to 7pm, and is free to enter; it is closed on some holidays, such as Good Friday.
- Many walking tours include food samples and offer information on Mexico’s culinary culture.
How to Get There:
Located east of Mexico City’s historic center, just north of Sonora Market and the Fray Servando Teresa de Mier, the market and its surrounding neighborhood serve as the city’s commercial hub. La Merced is roughly a 15-minute drive from the airport and is easily accessible and within walking distance from downtown hotels. There is also a subway stop and a bus stop at the market.
When to Get There
La Merced Market is open daily, from 5am to 7pm. Like most food markets, the best time to visit is midweek during the mornings to avoid the crowds and score the freshest produce, meats, and other goods. Market vendors observe national and religious holidays, such as Good Friday, so be mindful of that before making plans to visit.
What to Eat at La Merced Market
The market is divided into different sections based on the types of food being sold, such as meats, fruits and vegetables, and even insects. For adventurous foodies, specialty vendors offer up crispy, fried insects such as crickets, grasshoppers, and ants and their larvae. Other traditional Mexican food to try includes caldo de gallina (hen stew), pancita (another kind of stew made from cow's stomach), pork posole, and plenty of fresh tacos.
Address: Calle Rosario S/N, Venustiano Carranza, Merced Balbuena, Ciudad de México, D.F., Mexico 15810, Mexico
From $ 69
La Sima de las Cotorras (Sinkhole of Parrots)
Thousands of green parakeets inhabit the trees at the bottom of this massive plateau, giving rise to its namesake—Sinkhole of Parrots. Each morning between 5:30 and 6 a.m., as well as each evening from 4 until 5 p.m., these colorful birds dart through the sky as they depart for and return from the outside world. Travelers can bear witness to this spectacle, which is unlike any other, and which hits its peak between March and October. Sinkhole of Parrots attracts more than 80 other species of birds, including honeycreepers, thrushes and woodpeckers, making it a destination for avian aficionados.
In addition to an am impressive array of birds, travelers will find close to 50 ancient rock paintings nearly 70 meters below ground level. Visitors can climb down rocky cliffs to check out these images left by unknown artists between 5,000 and 10,000 years ago.
Practical Info
La Sima de las Cotorras is located in the Karst plateau in the municipality of Ocozocoautla. It is about a 90-minute drive from Tuxtla Gutierrez. Stone cabins are available for travelers who want to stay overnight and a restaurant with a limited menu is located on the sinkhole edge.
Address: Ocozocoautla, Mexico
From $ 188
La Condesa
The charming, bohemian vibe of Mexico City’s La Condesa neighborhood attracts locals and tourists alike. The stylish area boasts a thriving food scene, as well as plenty of bars and clubs. Its wide, tree-lined avenues are dotted with modern cafés, galleries, and boutiques mixed with fixtures of its past, including art nouveau mansions and art deco apartment buildings.
The Basics
Located in the Cuauhtémoc borough of central Mexico City, La Condesa housed the artistic upper class during the early 20th century. Eventually those residents moved to newer neighborhoods, making way for younger, creative types who were seeking cheaper rent. Today Condesa, which draws comparisons to hipster neighborhoods in Brooklyn, has become a foodie destination within Mexico City, with readily available cuisine tours of the area and nearby La Roma.
Things to Know Before You Go:
- La Condesa is a popular place to stay for many travelers visiting Mexico City.
- Tamaulipas, Nuevo León, and Michoacán Avenues are the main spots for nightlife.
- The neighborhood’s Parque Mexico was previously a racetrack and now serves as the center of the district.
- Roma and La Condesa were among the areas hit hardest during the September 2017 earthquake, and the local residents and businesses are still recovering.
How to Get There
Centrally located in Mexico City, La Condesa is easily accessible by several major transportation lines, including four nearby metro stations (Patriotismo, Chilpancingo, Chapultepec, and Juanacatlán) and the Insurgentes route on the city’s Metrobus system. There are bike-sharing stations located in the neighborhood, and it’s a 30-minute drive from the Mexico City International Airport.
When to Get There
If you’re visiting La Condesa on a day trip, keep in mind that, as in most of Mexico, many businesses and shops close between 2pm and 4pm. Traffic may be heavy and boutiques may be closed around that time. Also, Mexico City’s peak tourist season typically runs from November to May, so popular areas like La Condesa may be more crowded.
The Frida Kahlo Museum
Art lovers won’t want to miss the Frida Kahlo Museum, located about 6 miles (10 kilometers) south of Roma and La Condesa in Coyoacán. Also known as the Blue House (La Casa Azul) because of its can’t-miss cobalt blue walls, the historic home—which was Kahlo’s birthplace—now serves as a museum filled with works from the famous Mexican artist and her husband Diego Rivera, along with the couple’s Mexican folk art, photographs, memorabilia, personal effects, and other items.
Address: Colonia Condesa, Cuauhtémoc, Ciudad Mexico, FD 06140, Mexico
From $ 65