Things to do in Mexico | 30 travel tips

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How I love Mexico! Mexico is such an inspiring country with so many beautiful destinations and attractions. Every state in Mexico has its own characteristics and atmosphere, making you want to travel around for months. In this article you’ll find my personal travel tips for things to do in Mexico. Discover scenic and cultural destinations, art, beaches, culinary experiences, archaeological highlights and information about safety, best travel time and transportation.

Map with things to do in Mexico

The map is color coded as follows:

Green: places to visit & things to do in Mexico

Red: archaelogical sites

Yellow/Orange: tips for hotels in Mexico

The best things to do in Mexico | 30 travel tips

Mexico is the country of colonial cities, colorful markets, inspiring art, stunning natural phenomena, a delicious cuisine and beautiful beaches. It has a fascinating history that goes back centuries. During a trip to Mexico you will get to know the Maya, Aztec and other highly developed civilizations. In the cities of Mexico you can stroll around for hours and enjoy a fantastic atmosphere. Enjoy my travel tips for the best things to do in Mexico in this article. I hope it will inspire you to visit Mexico over and over again.

Travel tips for exploring Mexico City

Mexico City is a metropolis with millions of inhabitants, where you can enjoy yourself for days. This capital is often the start of a tour in Mexico and has countless things to do. In terms of art, culture, cuisine and other activities. Of course you should take the time to explore the colonial center with the famous Zócalo, the central square, the cathedral, the post office, the markets, and the Palacio de Bellas Artes, the fine arts palace. You also should not miss the Museum of Anthropology, located in the city park Bosque de Chapultepec. Let yourself be taken on a wonderful journey through the pre-Columbian history of Mexico.

But one of my biggest travel tips for Mexico city is to also spend time in neighborhoods such like Roma, Polanco, Condesa and Coyoacán. Roma and Condesa are quiet neighborhoods with nice buildings, cozy squares, restaurants and art galleries. Polanco has its own Champs-Élysées with stylish stores, culinary restaurants and the Soumaya museum, an interesting futuristic structure, which houses a museum of modern art. Coyoacán is a little further out of the center and is known for its markets, pieceful streets and Casa Azul, the former home of Frida Kahlo. Mexico City is a city I can’t get over because of its many cultural atttractions.

The floating gardens of Xochimilco

One of my best travel tips for Mexico City is to visit the floating gardens of Xochimilco. Xochilmilco was built in Aztec times as an immense water transport system, surrounded by chinampas, floating gardens for agriculture. Today it is a popular weekend destination, for locals and tourists alike.

You can rent a colored gondola and sail through the canals for a few hours. Along the way you’ll encounter boats with mariachi bands, who sing you the typical mariachi songs. Touristy? Certainly! But also for local people it is one of the things to do in Mexico City. Especially on the weekends. The best is to go with a group of people and buy some drinks and snacks in advance. Most boats even have a cool box on board.

Xochimilco is located in the southern part of Mexico City and can be reached by car, within an hour from the city, depending on traffic. You can also book a tour from Mexico City, that includes transportation. You can find prices and availability here.

Things to do in Oaxaca Mexico

Oaxaca is one of the most beautiful cities to visit in Mexico. Because Oaxaca has always attracted many artists, scientists, poets and writers, it is often considered as the cultural capital.  There are plenty of events, exhibitions and festivals taking place. In Oaxaca you can walk through the center and enjoy museums, squares, art galleries and delicious food in the many coffee bars and restaurants

Make sure you also visit the nearby archaeological site and former city of the Zapotecs: Monte Albán. A place less visited than other ruins in Mexico and therefore very peaceful! Take time for the many markets, where you can feast your eyes on spices and local products. You will discover the famous moles – delicious spice sauces that sometimes consist of up to 30 different herbs and hapulines with lemon, a crunchy grasshopper snack. Discover the colorful ceramics and alebrijes, wooden figures with dots that are used during the annual Día de los Muertos. Oaxaca is also the City of mezcal – a kind of tequila, but made from a different type of agave plant.

Oaxaca is the capital of the Oaxaca state. Do you want to discover my travel tips for things to do in Oaxaca Mexico? Read more in my Oaxaca travel guide.

Hotels Oaxaca

• Pug Seal Oaxaca
• Majagua Hotel Boutique
• Hotel con Corazón
• Grana B&B
• Casa Antonieta
• Nardazul “Casa de Sueños”
• Boulenc Bed and Bread
• Hotel Casa Santo Origen

Beaches on the Pacific coast

If you like beaches, a laid back vibe and good food, visit the beaches around Oaxaca, on the Pacific coast of Mexico. The coast here is rougher than on the Riviera Maya and less visited. Hotels and restaurants are also much cheaper than in for example Tulum. Puerto Escondido is a surfer’s paradise and Mazunte is a smaller town with a lovely bohemian vibe. In addition, the beaches around Mazunte are known for its many sea turtles that frequently gather here to breed.

Looking for special tours around Puerto Escondido? Here you book a tour where you go dolphin and whale watching and here you book a tour where you help release baby sea turtles. Both very recommended.Looking for a place to stay in Mazunte? This is an overview with hotels in and around Mazunte.

Just like in Oaxaca, you can enjoy the delicious Zapotekian dishes here. Think of tasty moles (sauces) and corn tortillas.

Puerto Escondido is a 7-hour drive from Oaxaca. If you find this too challenging (the road goes through the mountains and is not great at some parts), you can also take a plane. Check Skyacanner to find your best option. Mazunte is an hour’s drive from Huatulco airport, to which you fly from Oaxaca with Aerotucan.

Hierve el Agua

One of the best things to do in Oaxaca in Mexico is to visit Hierve el Agua. Hierve el Agua means the water that boils.  Only it has nothing to do with boiling water, it looks more like a frozen waterfall. Water comes down from a hotspring and attaches itself to the rocks, due to its high concentration of calcium. Something that makes for an interesting formation of relief and colors.

This rock formation consists of three plateaus with pools where the color of the water, has taken on a deep greenish blue color. The first point is often the busiest because you can swim there. The second point, also called the eye is quieter and offers a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains. At the third point, you have a view of the unusual shaped waterfall.

Hierve el Agua is best reached from Oaxaca, about 1.5 hours away. You can book a tour or rent a car and drive yourself. (Note: do take the route over the paved road). If you opt for a private trip, combine your visit with the archaeological site of Mitla and Tule, the widest tree in the world.

Things to do in San Cristóbal Mexico

San Cristóbal de las Casas is a small town, located in the mountains of Chiapas in Mexico. Chiapas is the state with the highest percentage of indigenous people in the country. Something that is immediately visible in the street scene of San Cristóbal. Many people walk around in colorful traditional costumes, where you can tell by the style and patterns to which group they belong to. Beautiful to observe.

In San Cristóbal de las Casas you will find interesting things to do such as the anthropological museum Casa Na Bolom but the many colored houses, charming streets, viewpoints and lovely terraces make it one of the things to do you can miss during a trip in Mexico. Do not forget to stroll around the markets to buy unique handmade products. Every day people from the surrounding villages travel to San Cristóbal to sell their goods. San Cristóbal is also your startingpoint for beautiful trips in the area, such as a boat tour through the Canyon del Sumidero and a visit to indigenous villages.

This is an overview with tours in San Cristóbal de las Casas Mexico. Curious to read more? Check out my city guide with travel tips and things to do in San Cristóbal de las Casas Mexico.

Hotel San Cristóbal

• Hotel Bo
• Guayaba Inn Boutique Hotel
• Casa Cafeólogo
• Yox Hotel Boutique
• Sereno Art Hotel

The church of San Juan Chamula

If you are in Chiapas state during your trip to Mexico, make sure to visit San Juan Chamula. Not only it is nice to walk through this village of the Tzotzil people and visit the local market, but you will also find one of the most unique attractions of Mexico here: Iglesia de San Juan. This little white church, located in the middle of the square, shows a unique mix of catholic and indigenous beliefs. Countless people come here daily to make offerings in which they honor their saints through rituals.

Inside the church it is dark, mirrors hang everywhere and pine needles are strewn on the ground. Families sit in a circle, light their candles, drink pure alcohol, shout at their saints and at the same time twist the necks of their brought chickens. Very intriguing to observe and step into a completely different world like this. Because a visit can sometimes be intense, it is good to think beforehand whether you want to experience this. Keep in mind that it is absolutely not done to take pictures inside.

You can combine a visit to San Juan Chamula with a visit to the village of Zinacantán. Here you can visit local families and learn more about their traditional weaving techniques. Both villages are best reached from San Cristóbal de las Casas Mexico. More information and travel tips about visiting the villages in Mexico can be found here.

Canyon del Sumidero – deepest canyon in the world

Make sure to make a stop at the Canyon del Sumidero, when you are in Chiapas state.  With a length of 15 km and walls of 1000 meters high, this is one of the deepest canyons in the world. During a boat trip of about 2 hours you’ll have the chance to observe crocodiles, iguanas, monkeys and birds along the way. Bring something warm, because of the high walls, you’ll be in the shade most of the time.

Canyon del Sumidero is located near the village of Chiapa de Corzo, and is a good place to visit if you are on your way from Oaxaca to San Cristóbal de las Casas. One of my travel tips for experiencing Canyon del Sumidero in Mexico is to book your boat trip in advance, so you don’t have to make a line. Especially on weekends, as it can get very crowded. Boat trips can be booked here.

The waterfalls around Palenque

One of the best things to do in Palenque in Chiapas, Mexico, is to visit the surrounding waterfalls. The azure water, the beautiful green jungle with whistling birds and the mysterious caves, will make your visit truly unforgettable.

The best known waterfalls are Misol-Há, Agua Azul and Roberto Barrios. And all three are worth a visit. In Agua Azul and Roberto Barrios there are pools, in which you can swim. Misol-Há is a large waterfall of 35 meters high, which is often the setting for film sets. Special about this place is that you can also walk behind the waterfall (watch out for slippery conditions) to the entrance of a cave. The Roberto Barrios waterfalls are closest to Palenque, about 1 hour away. The other two waterfalls are on the road to Ocosingo, a half hour (Misol Há) and an hour and a half (Agua Azul) drive from Palenque.

You can easily book a tour to the waterfalls. Check the latest prices and availability here: Agua Azul and Misol Há.

It is important to always check the latest security situation in this part of Mexico before you head out. The state of Chiapas had to deal with violent conflicts between the former Zapatistas, civilians and authorities. And still every now and then emotions flare up. One of the roads leading to the falls is regularly involved.

Tips for art in Mexico: Meet Frida Kahlo

Frida Kahlo! No doubt you’ve seen her name or face pass by. Frida Kahlo, became known for her outspoken paintings, infamous relationship with artist Diego Rivera and disability. For years she painted self-portraits from her bed, where her disability and frustration were major themes. Her full eyebrows and distinct clothing style made her world famous. And a cover on Vogue in 1937 even made her a real fashion icon.

The work of Frida Kahlo can be admired in museums around the world. And also during your trip to Mexico you will encounter her name and work a lot. But in Mexico City you can visit her birthplace La Casa Azul, the blue house, where she lived together with Diego Rivera for years. In several rooms you will find art and photographs on the walls. You will also walk past their former work and living spaces and see the famous bed from which Frida made her paintings. In Playa del Carmen there is also a small museum, but not nearly as impressive.

Do you want to visit the Frida Kahlo museum but not stand in line? You can buy your tickets here. La Casa Azul is one of the best things to do in Mexico City. Read more about a visiting La Casa Azul Mexico in the next article, including useful travel tips.

Things to do in Puebla Mexico

Puebla de los Angeles, the city of angels, is a city that is often skipped during a trip to Mexico. And that’s a shame! The city has an interesting mix of both historical sites and trendy art galleries, restaurants and stores. It is remarkable that the center of Puebla, despite the nearly 2 million inhabitants, has managed to retain a friendly and charming atmosphere.

Make sure to visit the Templo de Santo Domingo and the chapel of Saint Rosario, which is entirely covered in gold leaf, the central plaza and the museo Amparo for history and modern art. One of the nicest neighborhoods is the antique district El Cajellón de los Sapos, with colored houses, artists and stores. 

Puebla is also famous for its delicious mole poblano, a spicy chili sauce with light chocolate flavor, which you can order in almost any restaurant. In the covered Plaza Victoria market and in the surrounding stores you can find typical sweets. And at the markets like Los Sapos, El Parian and Mercado de Artistas you can get to know the colored Puebla ceramics.

Hotels in Puebla

• Casona de los Sapos Hotel Boutique
• L Hotel Perla Boutique
• Casa Maria Paz Hotel Boutique

Things to do in Yucatán in Mexico | travel tips

Yucatán is the peninsula of Mexico and is located in the eastern part of the country. It includes the states Campeche, Quintana Roo and Yucatán. Because of its rich Mayan history and culture, it is often called Peninsula Maya, the Mayan Peninsula. In this section you will find my travel tips for things to do in Yucatán in Mexico.

The yellow city of Mexico: Izamal

Izamal is the yellow city of Mexico. And it is called like that for a reason, as the center of the city is completely painted in yellow. Very photogenic. Izamal is a wonderful destination to include in your trip to Mexico. Walk through the yellow center, visit the yellow monastery and climb the remains of ancient pyramids. Izamal used to be a religious center for the Mayans before the Spaniards arrived.

You can easily visit Izamal as a day trip from Mérida. Or make a stop when you are traveling from Merida to Valladolid in Mexico or vice versa. In the next article you will find my travel tips for things to do in Izamal, the yellow city of Mexico.

Hotels in Izamal

• Hacienda Sacnicte – former hacienda transformed into a luxury boutique hotel.
• More hotels can be found here.

Valladolid

Valladolid is a typical Mexican city with a lovely relaxed atmosphere. You will find a plaza with a large cathedral, a monastery, colonial buildings with countless colors and even a cenote, located in the middle of the city. One of the most beautiful streets in Valladolid is Calle de los Frailes, where almost every building is worth a picture. There are boutique hotels, small restaurants and nice stores. Valladolid is a great city to include in Mexico itinerary and also a perfect base for a visit to Chichén Itzá and one of the nearby cenotes.

Curious to visit Valladolid? In the next article you’ll find my travel tips for things to do in Valladolid in Mexico.

Hotels in Valladolid

• Le Muuch Boutique Hotel 
• Casa Tia Micha
• More hotels in Valladolid in Mexico

Cenotes, top attractions in Mexico

The peninsula of Yucatán is known for its cenotes. These are water-filled caves or hollows that played an important role in Mayan times. The Mayas saw these caves as the gateway to the underworld and organized their ceremonies here. Nowadays you can visit these cenotes for swimming, diving or just enjoying the beautiful atmosphere.

The peninsula has more than 3,000 cenotes and around every town you will find at least a few. And believe me, every cenote is completely different. My favorite cenotes are those of Suytun and Ik Kil. Suytun because of the unique platform in the water and Ik Kil because of the open top and tropical environment.

But also the smaller cenotes around the Cobá are worth visiting. Or the Cenote Azul and Dos Ojos on the Riviera Maya. Because there are so many, it’s always best to check the map of where you are, and see if you can fit a visit to cenote into your day trip.

Isla Holbox

Isla Holbox is the most beautiful beach destination and one of my top Mexico travel tips. The beautiful blue waters, the snow-white beaches, the pelicans flying around, the delicious ceviches and the laid back vibe make it a destination to come back to over and over again.

Isla Holbox is a peninsula and also a protected nature reserve, with more than 150 species of birds. You can enjoy the sun, sea and beach but also go for beautiful walks and swim with whale sharks. In the evenings you will be able to observe a natural highlight called, bioluminescence, organisms in the water that emit light. And if you like street art, the small town of Holbox has countless cool painted walls, created by artists from all over the world.

Holbox is a peninsula in the north of Yucatán and only accessible by boat. It is very peaceful there, and less visited than the Riviera Maya, which includes Cancún, Playa del Carmen and Tulum.

Hotels in Holbox

• Villas Caracol
• Hotel Boutique Casa Muuch Holbox
• Mystique Holbox
• Villas Palapas del Mar
• More hotels on Isla Holbox

Campeche

Campeche is a colonial town in the state of Campeche, located on the Gulf of Mexico. This port town is known for its ancient city walls, pastel-colored houses and infamous history. Campeche was built by the Spaniards on a former Mayan settlement and because of its stratetic location, it quickly grew into an important port city. Wealthy Campeche attracted numerous pirates and was attacked several times. That’s why the Spanish began building a large city wall, making Campeche one of the best defended cities of the Spanish empire.

Today, Campeche’s walled city center is on the Unesco World Heritage list. You can stroll through the city’s colonial streets, look for street art and learn more about its history. Calle 59 is the most beautiful street for pictures, because of the colored houses and fine terraces. Stroll along the Malecón to get some fresh air. Moreover, at the end of the day it is the perfect place for a stunning sunset.

Mérida Mexico

Mérida is the capital of Yucatán and the cultural city of the peninsula. Because of the museums, design stores, high end restaurants, numerous festivals and art projects that take place here. Despite the size of the city, it has the atmosphere of a provincial town. You can walk through the colonial center and discover the Paseo de Montejo, also known as the Champs-Élysées of Mérida. This is a long boulevard with old mansions that have been transformed into museums, stores or restaurants.

One of my top travel tips for Mérida in Mexico is to visit restaurants Huniik, where you can enjoy a culinary experience.

Hotels in Mérida

• Casa Lecanda
• Rosas & Xocolate Boutique Hotel
• Hacienda Xcanatun
• El Palacito Secreto Boutique Hotel
• More hotels in Mérida

The flamingos of Celestun

Between November and March, one of the best things to do in Mexico is to visit the national park around Celestún, because you can observe large numbers of flamingos up close here.  The protected nature reserve consists of mangrove forests and is the habitat of crocodiles, sea turtles and more than 200 bird species. You can explore the area by taking a 1 or 2 hour boat trip and truly admire hundreds of flamingos. Most trips end with a delicious seafood meal at one of Celestún’s beachfront restaurants. Celestun is best visited from Mérida.

Check out prices and availability for a tour to the flamingos in Celestún here.

Laguna de Bacalar

Laguna de Bacalar is also called the lake of the 7 colors. And that is because of the different shades of blue you will encounter here. The sun and wind ensure that the lake looks different every moment of the day.  It is so beautiful! You can go on boat trips, visit cenotes, rent a kayak, ride a bike or just relax and enjoy the views. Around the lake there are several perfect boutique hotels where you can stay.

Bacalar is located in the state of Quintana Roo on the Yucatán peninsula. It is one of the best things to do and include in your trip in Mexico, if you are on your way to Belize or Guatemala via the city of Chetumal. Check out availability and latest prices of hotels in Bacalar here.

Tips for beaches at the Riviera Maya Mexico

Tulum

There’s no way you’ve not heard of Tulum. Also known as the Ibiza of Mexico, because of its bohemian vibes. Tulum is a little town, set in a mysterious jungle setting with amazing beaches and the Mayan ruins just around the corner. Everything in Tulum is beautiful and instagrammable but prices have become very high. I still think Tulum is a wonderful place to stay but it is good to know that you are going to spend a lot of money.

The same goes for restaurants. A restaurant you don’t want to miss is Hartwoord (book well in advance), Arca and Nu Tulum, located on the Tulum boulevard. But a better price quality ratio you will find Tulum Pueblo. And then Camello is the your best pick for fish.

Hotels in Tulum

One of my best travel tips for Mexico if you are looking for good value for money is to book a hotel in Tulum town, like Villas Geminis Boutique Condohotel. Often you get a bike with it and you are on the beach within half an hour.  Or if you have more money to spend, go full force for one of the very best places on the beach, like Casa Malca, Nomade, Hotelito Azul, Papaya Playa project or BeTulum. 

This is an overview with availability and latest prices of hotels in Tulum.

Mahahual

Mahahual is the hidden gem of the Riviera Maya. The beaches are beautiful and it is less visited than Tulum. It is a long drive to the south, towards the border with Belize and the selection of nice hotels and restaurants is more limited. But if you like the beach and have the time to make your way south, it is highly recommended!

Hotels in Mahahual

• One of the most beautiful hotels is 40 Cañones.
• This is an overview with availability and latest prices of hotels in Mahahual.

More things to do in Yucatán Mexico

Do you want to make a trip to Yucatán in Mexico? In the following article you will find more travel tips for things to do in Yucatán in Mexico such as, Uxmal, Coba, the salt lakes, swimming with sea turtles and haciendas.

Archaeological things to do in Mexico | 6 travel trips

World wonder Chichén Itzá

The Temple of Kukulchan, El Castillo, at the Chichén Itzá archaeological site, is probably the most photographed building in Mexico. It is a perfect pyramid, wich consists of 4 staircases with 91 steps each, equal to the number of days of the solstice. Chichén Itzá is an ancient city of the Mayans and is currently listed as one of the wonders of the world. It is therefore one of the most famous things to do in Mexico.

The city was built over a period of 600 years and consists of two parts, the old city and the new city with different architectural styles. In Chichén Itzá you can admire the largest ball court from the Mayan Empire, an ancient cenote, a section with 1000 identical columns and the old observatory.

If you want to visit Chichén Itzá, it is important to go very early in the morning. Make sure you book a ticket with early access here, so you don’t have to stand in line. Chichén Itzá can be easily visited from different cities in Yuacatán. Looking for a guided tour? This is an overview with tours where you can check availability and prices.

Tulum Mexico ruins

The ruins of Tulum are less than 10 minutes from Tulum town. Not much remains of the ancient Mayan city itself. But what makes this archaeological site special is its unique location on the Caribbean Sea. It is the only Mayan city that was built on the coast. Because the site is easily accessible from several coastal towns, it is also a busy destination. Make sure you go early in the morning. It is also a great excursion to combine with an afternoon on the beach.

One of my travel tips for Tulum in Mexico: From the beach at Tulum you can already see the ruins in the distance. It is also possible to take a boat trip and admire the ruins.

Palenque

With more than 100 archaeological sites, the state of Chiapas, is the heart of Mayan culture. However, only a part of these ancient cities have been excavated. Palenque is one of the archaeological highlights in Mexico because of its location in the jungle. The Mayan temples that rise above the jungle and the mysterious mist that hangs over the ruins make a visit so worthwhile!

The construction of Palenque began in 100 BC and the place grew into an important Mayan city. Characteristic structures that you can admire include the Temple of the Inscriptions, built as a mausoleum for King Pakal, the large temple complex, consisting of several buildings, corridors and plazas, the Temple of the Sun and the Temple of the Cross. But one of the best things to do is to walk around the jungle and visit the smaller temples in Palenque Mexico. The ruins of Palenque are a 30-minute drive from the city of Palenque in Mexico. Go early in the morning to avoid the crowds. Or at the end of the day to watch the sunset from one of the Maya temples.

This is an overview with hotels in and around Palenque. Do you want to learn more about the history of the Maya? It could be interesting to visit Palenque with a guide. Check out the different archaeolgical tours round Palenque here.

The pyramids of Teotihuacán

Almost everyone knows the famous Mayan temples in Mexico. But Mexico has many other pre-Columbian cultures, such as the Mixtecs, Aztecs and the Zapotecs. One of the top archaeological sites around Mexico City is Teotihuacán. The great pyramids of the sun and moon are just impressive. Via countless steep steps you walk all the way to the top. And here you are rewarded with a panoramic view of the surroundings. Teotihuacán was built by the Toltecs and later used as an important ceremonial center by the Aztecs. Between 300-700 AD, the city, with 200,000 inhabitants, was the same size as Rome. Something that was incredibly large at the time.

Teotihuacán can be reached within 2 hours from Mexico City. It is best to visit the site early in the morning or late afternoon and try to avoid weekends and holidays as much as possible. This is an overview with tours to Teotihuacán. Are you traveling by car? Make sure to buy your tickets in advance here, so you don’t have to make a line upon arrival.

Yaxchilán

One of the most beautiful archaeological sites in Mexico is Yaxchilán. And that is because of its unique place, located deep in the Lacandón jungle, on the border of Mexico and Guatemala. This former Maya city is only accessible by boat. It is therefore also called the most remote Maya complex in Mexico. A 45-minute journey along the Usumacinta River will take you from Frontera Corozal to the entrance of Yaxchilán, where you will be surrounded by rainforest, a mysterious mist, monkeys, toucans and impressive Ceiba trees.

Yaxchilán used to be one of the most important Maya cities of the region in the 7th and 8th centuries AD. But, like many other Maya cities, it was abandoned in the 9th century for reasons that are unclear. Today the complex is open to visitors. You can take a nice walk along the Gran Plaza, Great Acropolis and Little Acropolis. There are also interesting decorations, ornaments and hieroglyphics to be observed.

Yaxchilán is one of my top travel tips for Mexico if you are interested in history and archaeology. You can book a tour from Palenque, including transportation and a guide or book a hotel in Frontera Corozal. Want to know more about the Yaxchilan ruins? Discover everything you want to know in my Yaxchilán travel guide.

La Venta

One of the least visited archaeological sites in Mexico is La Venta, the former site of the Olmeken culture in the state of Tabasco. The first time I visited this place I was deeply impressed. Here you will find tons of heavy stones in the form of mysterious heads, of which it is unclear how they were made.

According to scientists, the Olmecs belong to one of the oldest pre-Columbian cultures in the region (+/-1200 BC). They would have placed the foundation for all cultures that followed, of which the Maya and Aztec are the best known. Consider the development of symbolic writing, the famous ball game, and imposing sculpture. The heads have been found throughout the state and displayed in La Venta.

La Venta can be visited from the city of Villahermosa, the capital of the state of Tabasco. If you are in Tabasco during your trip to Mexico, be sure to visit. And take plenty of anti-mosquito spray with you because you will get attacked here.

Top travel tips for Mexico | Día de los Muertos

Every year on November 1 and 2, Mexico celebrates Día de Los Muertos, a holiday of celebration and remembrance. During these days Mexico is all about skulls, skeletons, altars and graveside visits. Being in Mexico around this time of the year is one of the best things you can do. The theme is death, but the important thing is to demonstrate love and respect for deceased family members. The gates of heaven open and the spirits of the deceased return to earth. Mexicans prepare all kinds of things to welcome these spirits: Graves are decorated, food and drinks are prepared and music is played.

Day of the Dead festivities include processions, offerings, parades and parties where people dress up and wear masks, including skulls and skeletons with wide smiles, lots of colors, and decorations, a symbol of rebirth. Day of the Dead originated several thousand years ago with pre-Columbian cultures, who considered mourning the dead disrespectful. Death was an inherent part of life’s ongoing cycle. Those who had passed away, remained integral members of the community, kept alive in memory and spirit. And during Día de Los Muertos, they temporarily returned to Earth. Día de Los Muertos has been a wonderful tradition to celebrate, honor and commemorate since.

Mini Travel Guide Mexico

Safety tips for Mexico

Mexico is often related to drug crime and violence. And this is certainly something that is going on in Mexico, but plays out a lot in the area around the border with the United States. Mexico is big and even though the violence has moved further across the country in recent years, this violence is not targeted at tourism. However, it is always important to get informed and follow official travel recommendations prior to your trip to Mexico.

That being said, Mexico is a great country to visit. Of course, as in other Latin American countries, you need to be careful with your belongings. Especially at bus stations, markets and other crowded places. In big cities and in places you don’t know, always take a cab at night and get informed about the latest security situation before you head out.

Safety in Chiapas

The state of Chiapas does not have a very good reputation because of its notorious past with rebellions and violence between the local population, Zapatistas and authorities. Once in a while, the situation gets challenging again. It is therefore important to check the security situation before you travel by car in this state. Sommetimes it is better to take a different route and postpone a visit to the falls.

Travel insurance

Looking for a travel insurance? World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance, with coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world.”

Tips for traveling around Mexico

The distances in Mexico are long. If you have time, it is recommened to take a road trip through Mexico. Check out my Mexico itinerary 3 weeks, bringing you from Mexico City all the way to Yucatán. This way you get to see a lot of the surroundings and stop along the way. Public transportation in Mexico is well organized. There are good bus connections between all Mexican cities and the buses are very comfortable. There is an on-board toilet, seats can be reclined far back and movies are often played. Looking for a way to get around in Mexico by bus, ferry or minivan? Check out Bookaway, finding the best connection for you.

Travel by plane

Do you have less time? Then the best way to cover longer distances is by plane. Use Skyscanner, when it comes to searching for cheap flights across the world. An easy way to compare and book your flight ticket, as it searches websites and airlines around the world with one click.

Car rental

I find it easy to rent a car and travel around Mexico. The roads are in good shape and you are free to stop whereever you want. If you go for this option, it is important to be well informed about the safety on certain routes.  Need a rental car for your trip to Mexico? Use Rental Cars to search and compare your car rental options. A quick and easy tool and no need to have up multiple tabs trying to figure out which company is the most affordable. They also have great discounts and cancellation policies. Check out my Mexico itinerary 3 weeks, bringing you from Mexico City all the way to Yucatán.

Tips for transportation within cities

In many cities you can easily explore the center by foot. In Mexico City it is easy and quick to use the metro system. For longer distances, an uber or cab is recommended. The prices are quite affordable.

Tips for tours in Mexico

This is an overview with tours in Mexico.

Mexico Itinerary

What if you have three weeks in Mexico and want to get the most out of your travels?  What should you see and include in your three weeks in Mexico? This is my Mexico itinerary for 3 weeks, bringing you from Mexico city all the way to the peninsula Yucatan. I will show you beautiful cities, places in nature, archaeological sights, activities and cultural highlights to include in your trip.

More about Mexico

Did you enjoy reading this article with tips for Mexico? In the next articles you can read more about Mexico:

• Itinerary Mexico 3 weeks
• City Guide Valladolid
• Oaxaca City Guide
• Things to do in Izamal, the yellow city of Mexico
• What to do in San Cristóbal de Las Casas

Interested in art, culture and archaeology? Read my articles about:

• Yaxchilán, the remote Maya site in Mexico
• Monte Albán, the ruines near Oaxaca
• The best ruins to visit in Mexico
• Frida Kahlo house and museum

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