Travel
Volunteer and Adventure

Best places to see in Mexico

GVI

Posted: January 23, 2023

Are you ready for an adventure in one of the most vibrant and diverse countries in the world? Mexico is a destination that offers something for everyone, from its ancient ruins to its stunning beaches, delicious cuisine, and friendly people. Mexico is a country that has it all and it’s not hard to see why so many people choose to visit. In this guide, I’ll be sharing with you the best time to visit, budget tips, a wide variety of activities and tourist attractions, the best cities to visit, and some itinerary options to help you make the most of your time in Mexico. Trust me, you won’t want to miss out on all that this country has to offer. So, let’s dive in and start planning your trip of a lifetime!

Best time to visit

When it comes to planning your trip to Mexico, timing is everything. The best time to visit depends on what you want to see and do. If you want to enjoy the beaches, the best time to visit is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. This is also peak tourist season and prices for accommodations and flights tend to be higher. But, if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, the shoulder season (May to October) is a great time to visit. The weather is still warm, and there are fewer crowds, which means you can enjoy the beaches without the crowds and lower prices for accommodations and flights.

Budget

Mexico can be a budget-friendly destination, but it all depends on how you plan your trip. Accommodations range from budget-friendly hostels to luxury resorts. For transportation, you can opt for public transportation, renting a car, or taking a bus. To save on costs, you can also consider staying in smaller towns instead of big cities and look for deals and discounts.

What to do

Mexico has a wide variety of activities to offer, from outdoor activities to cultural experiences. If you’re looking for a beach vacation, Mexico has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Playa del Carmen, Cancun, and Tulum are some of the most popular spots.

For the more adventurous, there are also opportunities for hiking, ecotourism, and adventure sports. For hiking, you can hike to the summit of a volcano like Popocatepetl or Iztaccihuatl. For swimming, you can explore the natural sinkholes called cenotes, such as Cenote Ik kil, Cenote Dos Ojos, and Cenote Azul. These cenotes offer crystal-clear water and opportunities for swimming, snorkelling, and diving.

For adventure sports, you can go paragliding, bungee jumping, or ziplining in the Riviera Maya or take a hot air balloon ride in Teotihuacan.

If you’re interested in culture, Mexico is home to a rich history, with ancient ruins, festivals, music, and dance. You can visit the ancient Maya ruins of Tulum, Chichen Itza or Uxmal, or experience the vibrant traditional festivals like Day of the Dead or the Guelaguetza.

What to see

Mexico is a country of natural wonders and historical sites. You can’t miss the cenotes, which are natural sinkholes filled with crystal-clear water. Some of the most famous cenotes include Cenote Ik kil, Cenote Dos Ojos, and Cenote Azul.

The country also has a number of volcanoes such as Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl, and a diverse array of wildlife. Mexico is home to a wide variety of animals such as jaguars, monkeys, parrots, and sea turtles. Some of the best places to see wildlife are in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, and the El Vizcaino Biosphere Reserve.

Mexico is also home to many ancient ruins, including the famous Maya ruins like Chichén Itzá, Tulum and Uxmal, colonial cities like Mexico City, Oaxaca, and San Cristobal de las Casas and museums like the National Museum of Anthropology, the Templo Mayor, and the Frida Kahlo Museum.

Best cities to visit

Mexico has many cities worth visiting, but some of the must-sees include Mexico City, which is a cultural and historical hub, where you can visit the Zocalo, the main square of the city, the National Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the floating gardens of Xochimilco. Cancun, known for its beaches and nightlife, is a great option for a beach vacation and party.

Tulum, a great option for eco-tourism, with its ancient ruins and cenotes, Guadalajara, which has a rich history and culture and is known as the “Mexican Silicon Valley”, San Miguel de Allende, known for its colonial architecture, arts and culture, and charming cobblestone streets, and Puerto Vallarta, known for its beaches, water sports and nightlife.

Mexico is a big country, and there’s so much to see and do that it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why I’ve put together some itinerary options to help you make the most of your time in Mexico.

One week itinerary

Day 1–2: Mexico City, where you can visit the Zocalo, the National Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the floating gardens of Xochimilco.
Day 3–4: Puebla, a colonial city known for its well-preserved architecture, delicious cuisine, and colourful mosaics.
Day 5–7: Cancun and Tulum, where you can relax on the beaches, explore ancient ruins and cenotes, and experience the vibrant nightlife in Cancun.

Ten days itinerary

Day 1–3: Mexico City, where you can visit the Zocalo, the National Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the floating gardens of Xochimilco.
Day 4–6: Oaxaca, where you can explore the ancient Zapotec and Mixtec ruins, sample traditional Oaxacan cuisine, and see the famous Monte Alban.
Day 7–10: San Cristobal de las Casas, where you can see the colourful indigenous markets, visit the ancient Mayan ruins of Toniná, and experience the traditional Maya culture.

Two weeks itinerary

Day 1–4: Mexico City, where you can visit the Zocalo, the National Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the floating gardens of Xochimilco.
Day 5–8: Guadalajara, where you can explore the historic centre, visit the Rotonda de los Jaliscienses Ilustres, and sample traditional Jaliscan cuisine.
Day 9–12: Puerto Vallarta, where you can relax on the beaches, go on boat tours, and see the famous Malecon boardwalk.
Day 13–14: Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Cozumel, where you can explore ancient ruins, relax on the beaches, and experience the vibrant nightlife in Cancun.

Mexico is a country that has it all, from ancient ruins to stunning beaches, delicious cuisine, and friendly people. I hope this guide has inspired you to start planning your trip to Mexico and that you’ll consider volunteering with GVI to get an in-depth experience of the country while exploring it. So, pack your bags and let’s go!

Speak to us about special offers

Get a grant of up to 80% on conservation programs!

are now available for conservation programs. Apply by 31 Dec to get up to aud10000 off.

Apply

what’s up next?

Raja Ampat: Indonesia’s Diving Paradise

Discover Raja Ampat, Indonesia's diving paradise in the Coral Triangle. Explore rich marine life, pristine waters and unique dive sites like Misool and Cape Kri.

GVI

Posted: July 10, 2024

Read the article