Outline
- Introduction
- Quick Facts
- Brief History
- The People of Mexico
- Quality of Life in Mexico
- Cost of Living in Mexico
- Best Cities in Mexico
- Best Traditional Foods to Try Out in Mexico
- Hotels and Resorts in Mexico
- Best Beaches in Mexico
- Local Events & Festivals
- Should You Visit?
- Best Time to Visit
- Few Things to Note When Visiting Mexico
- Conclusion
Introduction
Should you visit Mexico?
This post is written to answer this question.
Mexico, a country in North America, rich in history, culture and abound with a lot of natural and historical attractions is one of the favourite destinations for tourists and vacationers most especially in North America (US and Canada) and the Americas.
However, over the years, Mexico have attracted millions of international tourists each year and several of its cities are UNESCO World Heritage cities thus adding to the natural charm of this exotic country. Mexico is the most visited country in Latin America!
One question however is, as an international tourist or traveler, should you really visit Mexico? This post is written to answer this question with facts without making this another “Wikipedia” or “Britannica”.
In 2018, I made a commentary on a Mexican Social Media page stating that I heard that Mexico is home of drugs and crimes in the Americas and that the only things I know about Mexico, I know through the Movie, “Once Upon a Time in Mexico” featuring Antonio Banderas. I presume that many people around the world also have similar opinion about Mexico!
However, I got an interesting response from a woman, an Editor for a Mexican Magazine or Newspaper that stayed with me till date. She said “It is not fair to judge or make conclusion about a place from a fictional movie.”
Therefore, I have decided to write this post as an in-depth review and analysis of Mexico presenting some of the best things about this amazing North American Hispanic country.
Map of Mexico
Quick Facts About Mexico
Country Name | Mexico |
Official Name | United Mexican States |
Capital | Mexico City |
Geographic Location | North America |
National Language | Spanish |
Other Languages | Spanish and over 60 Indigenous (Amerindian) Languages |
Demonym | Mexican |
Date of Independence | September 27 1821 |
Total Area | 1,972,550 km2 (761,610 sq. mi) |
Population (2023) | 132,513,474 (worldometer.com) |
Population Distribution | 80.2% Urban & 19.8% Rural |
Ethnicity | Mestizo (62.0%), Amerindian (7.0%), Other (31.0%) |
Religion | Christianity (78.3%), No Religion (14.8%), Other (6.9%) |
Currency | Mexican Peso (MXN) |
Calling Code | +52 |
Internet TLD | .mx |
Border (Neighbours) | • United States of America (North) • Guatemala (South-east) • Belize (South-east) |
Brief History
Mexico has steadily evolved into a modern country with big cities and highly developed tourist and hospitality industry which is characterized by high-end hotels, resorts, restaurants and recreational facilities.
Amidst this ultra-modern façade of Mexico modernity, many people in Mexico rural areas still live in the native and traditional ways and some of Mexican cities are built upon the ruins or monuments left by history. This makes Mexico a great country to experience a perfect balance between the old and new and especially witness the rich traditional culture of the Americas.
Whether you are visiting Mexico for fun, as a tourist, on excursion or for business or even relocating, it is nice that you have a little idea of historical development of the country and its people, this will help you appreciate everything you see on ground across the country a little bit more.
Among several other things, the rich history of Mexico is exemplified by some of its natural attractions many of which are official UNESCO World Heritage Sites, there are over 30 of such sites throughout Mexico. Popular among these ancient sites are the Mayan pyramids at Tulum and Chichen Itza, and the ancient city of Teotihuacan as well as the colonial architecture of towns like Queretaro and Taxco.
The Olmecs are the first known settlers of Mexico. They settled around the city today known as Veracruz. After the Olmecs, several other peoples and/or civilizations have emerged in Mexico such as the Zapotec, the Teotihuacan, the Mayans, the Toltec, and the Aztecs. By far, the Mayans are considered to be the most outstanding historic civilization not limited to Mexico but across the Americas.
The colonial history of Mexico began in 1519 when Hernan Cortes (a Spaniard) landed at Veracruz. Veracruz was ruled by the Aztecs at the time. Cortes attacked and conquered the Aztec and established a new Spanish Colony which he named Nueva Espana (New Spain).
The Catholic Missionaries started arriving in 1523 and many natives were converted to Catholicism.
Mexico declared independence on 16th September 1810 and the independence of Mexico was officially recognized by Spain in September 27 1821.
Over the years, Mexico have seen in flocks of foreign investments which has greatly impacted its economic growth. And today, one of the fastest growing sectors of the Mexican economy is tourism and hospitality.
Mexico is fast becoming a prominent tourist destination for people across the world whom are fascinated by both its history, culture and recreational propensity. Most tourists and visitors are not only attracted to Mexico as a result of its excellent beaches, high-end hotels and resorts, great foods and friendly people but also by the country’s rich history represented by its several historic moments scattered across the country.
So, when you visit or revisit Mexico, be sure to balance fun, recreation, and culture.
The People of Mexico
Majority of Mexicans are Mestizos, that is, they are of Amerindian and Spanish ancestry. Statistically, 62% of Mexicans are Mestizos, 7% are Amerindian (native or indigenous groups) and 31% are of other ethnicity e.g. European (non-Spanish European – English, German, Italian, etc.) or Asian.
Spanish the official national language of Mexico is widely spoken throughout the country. Asides from Spanish, more than 60 native/indigenous languages are spoken across the country including Maya in the Yucatan, Huastec in north of Veracruz, and, on the Mesa Central Region, Nahua, Tarascan, Totonac, Otomi and Mazahua are spoken among the indigenous people.
Over 80% of the people of Mexico lives in the urban centres – cities and towns. 78.3% of Mexicans are Christians and among the Christians over 80% adhere to Roman Catholicism. So, most of Mexicans are Catholics.
And for English-speaking travelers to Mexico, many Mexicans are also either very eloquent or have basic communication skill in English Language.
Mexican people are friendly, lively and accommodating though in some cities, social vices like petty theft or pickpocketing may be present. The general outgoing and warm nature of Mexicans overshadows any little unpleasantness that may be experienced in some part of the country. As a traveler, you only need to be extra-careful and/or avoid the areas more prone to these social vices.
Quality of Life in Mexico
Mexico is an amazing country to live, explore, visit or relocate to. It has constantly been ranked among the top countries for expats by Magazines such as Forbes. According to Numbeo, the Quality of Life in Mexico is classified as Moderate.
Indices | Score | Remark |
Purchasing Power Index | 43.40 | Low |
Safety Index | 45.70 | Moderate |
Health Care Index | 72.54 | High |
Climate Index | 85.83 | Very High |
Cost of Living Index | 39.36 | Very Low |
Property Price to Income Ratio | 8.44 | Moderate |
Traffic Commute Time Index | 39.25 | Moderate |
Pollution Index | 58.46 | Moderate |
Quality of Life Index for Mexico | 126.87 | Moderate |
Source: www.numbeo.com
It is evidenced from the above table that Mexico have a very great weather and very low cost of living. The pollution in the country is moderate, traffic commute time is moderate, prices of properties are moderate, and the quality of health care is relatively high.
Cost of Living in Mexico
Mexico is a country filled with lively cities. The cost of living in Mexico is the lowest among the North American countries. Probably this is why many Americans and Canadians found Mexico to be a highly favourable country to relocate to.
With great landscapes, amazing people and affordable living costs, Mexico is a nice country to visit, work or relocate to.
Using the Numbeo Cost of Living Index, below are some of the best cities in Mexico ranked from the most expensive to the least expensive.
No. | City | State | Cost of Living Index (2023) | Population (2023) |
1. | Monterrey | Nuevo Leon | 44.7 | 1,135,512 |
2. | Tijuana | Baja California | 43.7 | 1,300,983 |
3. | Mexico City | – | 43.4 | 12,294,193 |
4. | Cancun | Quintana Rio | 41.6 | 628,306 |
5. | Merida | Yucatan | 40.4 | 777,615 |
6. | Guadalajara | Jalisco | 40.0 | 1,495,182 |
7. | Puerto Vallarta | Jalisco | 39.9 | 203,342 |
8. | Queretaro | Queretaro | 39.3 | 626,495 |
9. | Puebla | Sovereign State of Puebla | 38.4 | 1,434,062 |
Monterrey, Tijuana and Mexico City are the 3 most expensive cities in Mexico (February 2023) while Puebla, Queretaro (Santiago de Queretaro) and Puerto Vallarta are the least expensive (most affordable) cities in the country.
Cancun, Merida and Guadalajara are of moderate living cost. If you are looking for a not so expensive and not too cheap city to revel in Mexico, one of these 3 could be a perfect choice.
Best Cities in Mexico
Mexico is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful coastal destinations in the world with clean, pristine and radiant beaches.
The country is home to exotic cities where indigenous (Amerindian) culture mixed with Spanish influence meets 21st century modernity – one of the characteristics that makes Mexico a unique destination!
Most Mexican cities reflects the rich history of Mexico and exhibit a rare blend of culture, art, architecture, cuisine and livelihood that represents what I will call “the True Mexico”. When you are in Mexico, you feel Mexico, eat Mexico, drink Mexico, see Mexico and essentially live Mexico. These feelings and livelihood are best experienced in one of several vibrant Mexican cities.
There are two major areas that are mostly visited by tourists in Mexico – the highlands and the coastal regions.
Cities in the highland regions includes; Mexico City, Monterrey, Guadalajara, San Miguel de Allende, Zacatecas and Puebla. Many parts of Mexico’s highland regions are more traditional cum conservative more than the coastal regions which have more relaxed/laid-back attitude.
There are two sides to the Mexican Coast – the Caribbean Side in the East and the Pacific Side to its West. The most popular tourist region along Mexico’s Caribbean Coast is the Yucatan Peninsula. Some of the notable cities along Caribbean Coast of Mexico are; Cancun, Tulum, “Merida”, and Playa del Carmen. And the Pacific Coast of Mexico is home to cities such as Acapulco, Cabo San Lucas and Zihuatanejo and Puerto Vallarta.
Below, I discussed some of the best cities to visit in Mexico.
Cancun
Cancun, a city purposefully built for tourism in the 1970s is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico. The city has emerged as one of the best cities in the country with large concentration of high-end hotels and resorts providing a perfect luxury getaway for its visitors.
If you are looking for some of the best beaches in Mexico, Cancun is the place to be. Cancun coastlines are adorned with white sandy beaches and sparkling turquoise waters. Cancun is indeed a modern resort city and has been serving its purpose as a tourist city very well since its creation.
However, there two sides to Cancun – the upbeat hotels & resorts filled side and the traditionally looking residential side. Whenever you visit Cancun, it is always good that you experience both sides of this admirable city.
Popular attractions in Cancun includes the Mandala Beach, Playa Delfines, La Isla Shopping Village, Avenida Kukulkan, the Mayan Museum, Las Coloradas and the Xoximilco Cancun by Xcaret.
Some of the best hotels you can check out in Cancun are Hard Rock Hotel Cancun, Le Blanc Spa Resort, JW Marriot Cancun Resort and Spa, Grand Fiesta Americana, Moon Palace the Grand, Royal Islander, Krystal Cancun and Live Acqua Beach Resort Cancun.
There are several all-inclusive hotels in Cancun and many of the hotels/resorts in Cancun have access to the beaches. Some of the hotels are also family friendly.
Mexico City
Mexico City is a landlocked city and the capital of Mexico. The city is home to more than 12 million people. It is the largest city in Mexico and the most populous in North America. The metropolitan area or the Greater Mexico City have a total population of more than 20 million inhabitants.
Asides from being Mexico’s political, educational, financial and cultural hub, Mexico City is one of the most important financial centres in North America.
There are plethora of things and places to visit in Mexico City from museums, historical relics, markets, restaurants to shopping centres. The City has over 1,200 museums and several neighbourhoods with unique ambience different from one another in their own respective ways.
The following is a list of some of the top things to do and/or attractions to visit in Mexico City;
- Palacio Nacional
- The Zocalo
- Chapultepec Castle, Park and Forest
- Pyramids of Teotihuacan
- Palacio de Bellas Artes
- Fine Dining at Pujol
- Museo Nacional de Antropologia (National Museum of Anthropology)
- La Cuidadela (the artisanal market)
- Ruins of Templo Mayor
- El Moro Churerria, and
- Floating Gardens of Xochimilco
Mexico City is definitely a great place for art lovers. Asides from the very up-to-date modern side of the city, Mexico City represents the colourful pasts of Mexican history. The city sits directly on the site of Tenochtitlan, the Aztecs’ capital city. And at the center of the city are reflections of Mexico’s colonial past shown by arrays of colonial architectures.
Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas is a perfect destination in Mexico that presents a great blend of breathtaking scenery and amazing weather.
Otherwise simply called Cabo, Cabo San Lucas is a resort city, one of the favourites of tourists, it is seated at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula in Northwestern Mexico.
The city is one of the top five tourist destinations in Mexico. It is noted for its upbeat vibes and non-stop lively nightlife. Among the most remarkable attractions of the city is a Marina that offers some of the highest-quality services and amenities to luxury yachters.
Cabo San Lucas have some of the best beaches in Mexico and perfect locations for scuba diving as well as thriving marine life.
The Playa El Medano is the main beach in Cabo San Lucas and it has nice open restaurants, several bars and recreational amenities.
In Cabo, you can explore the El Arco de Cabo San Lucas (Land’s End), embark on some Wild Canyon Adventures, check out some of the other beaches like the Chileno beach and Playa del Amor (Lover’s Beach), visit a spa, go for shopping or hiking, deep sea fishing, snorkeling and you can also have amazing time in one of the city’s luxury resorts and high-end restaurants.
And if you are into some equestrian, book a horseback ride along some of the beaches in Cabo or take a Camel Ride in the desert.
Cabo San Lucas is a great destination for adventure, fun, recreation and entertainment of the highest possible quality in Mexico.
Some neighbourhoods mostly recommended for tourists in Cabo San Lucas are the Downtown Cabo San Lucas, Marina, San Jose del Cabo, Medano Beach and the Los Cabos Tourist Corridor.
[External Links: Visit los Cabos, Mexico and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico]
Oaxaca City
Emerging from the fertile valleys of southwestern Mexico, Oaxaca is a beautiful city and one of the most important cities in Mexico. The full name of the city is Oaxaca de Juarez. Oaxaca is a UNESCO World Heritage city, a status that gives the city some international prominence.
Oaxaca is very popular for its traditions of food (great cuisines) and the presence of indigenous people. Before the Spanish colonial era, Oaxaca is a major city for the ancient Zapotec tribe. The City is a great place to experience Mexico’s indigenous culture in its purest form.
From lively markets, street food joints, colonial architecture to world-class restaurants, Oaxaca have all it takes to keep you entertained and refreshed throughout your visit.
Oaxaca is reputed as the birthplace of corn and squash. The valley upon which the city sits is very fertile facilitating massive growth of fruits and crops such as avocados, cacao, pumpkin, zapotes, beans, chili peppers and tomatoes.
If you want to experience firsthand rich and colourful Mexican culture, festivals and native entertainments perfectly balanced with great foods and a little bit of modernity, Oaxaca is the right place to be.
Take a walking tour of the streets of the city, breathe in the freshness of this Mexican valley city, take a bite at some of its food joints, visit some of its archeological and cultural centres (museums) and experience some of the finest Mexican traditional fiestas.
The City of Oaxaca is not short of open plazas, galleries, cafes and amazing hotels.
Playa del Carmen
Playa, as it is popular called by the locals, Playa del Carmen is one of Mexican cities on the Yucatan Peninsula’s Mayan Riviera along the Caribbean Sea.
Playa del Carmen was originally a little fishing village amidst jungles and it has developed to be a prominent Mexican resort city today. The city of Playa started as a result of the village’s locals attracting European and South American travelers near the locale. Many of these travelers stayed and over time the locale grew into one of the most multicultural cities in Mexico as it is known today.
Known for its palm-lined beaches, coral reefs and luxury resorts, Playa del Carmen is characterized by several cruise ships stopping by and international as well as local Mexican tourists making Playa one of their favourite destinations in the country.
The city has a laid-back feel compared to nearby cities such as Cancun and Cozumel.
In Playa del Carmen, there are numerous activities to immerse yourself into and fully savour. Asides from the hotels & resorts, souvenir shops and luxury fashion boutiques, you can:
- Go for cenote diving or snorkeling,
- Take a stroll along the city’s popular 5th Avenue (La Quinta Avenida)
- Take a taco tour,
- Go for paragliding,
- Visit ruins like Chichen Itza,
- Have amazing time in one of the rooftop pools
- Try out some traditional Mayan Foods, and
- Explore the best of the beaches that Playa have to offer.
Playa is home to some of the finest restaurants in the Mayan Riviera. You can satisfy your dining desires in any of the restaurants in Playa del Carmen. You can never go wrong with any restaurant you entered in Playa. However, some of the amazing restaurants you can check out in the city are; Oh lala, Sotavento, Quinto at Vidanta Riviera Maya, La Parilla de Manolo, El Gallinero Du Chocolat, The Traveler’s Table, Osteria De Roma, and SushiClub. [External Link: Playa del Carmen]
San Miguel de Allende
San Miguel de Allende is a beautiful landlocked colonial-era city on a hillside in central highlands of Mexico. San Miguel is a colourful and very enchanting Mexican city with a significant population of foreign nationals in Mexico.
A UNESCO World Heritage city, San Miguel de Allende abounds with nice hotels, restaurants, several galleries as well as shopping centres.
The city of San Miguel de Allende is mostly renowned for its Spanish colonial style architecture, great cuisines and its cobblestone streets. The city has won the World’s Best Award as the best city in the world a couple of times especially in 2021.
In San Miguel, take a walking tour of the Centro Historico, visit the Museum Historico de San Miguel de Allende and spend some time at some of its luxury hotels and resorts. Some of the popular hotels in San Miguel de Allende are the Casa de Sierra Nevada, A Belmond Hotel, San Miguel de Allende; Hacienda El Santuario; Rosewood San Miguel de Allende and Live Aqua Urban Resort San Miguel de Allende.
No matter your budget, San Miguel will still efficiently accommodate you and you will still be able to experience the real San Miguel de Allende.
Other Great Mexican Cities
Mexico is a country of beautiful and colourful cities, some of the other cities worth mentioning in this North American country are briefly introduced below with what each city is mostly known for;
City | Known for/as… |
Puerto Vallarta | • A very “beachy” resort city • Sits at the foothills of the Sierra Madre mountains • Known for its colourful historic city center – the Zona Romantica |
Guadalajara | • Second largest city in Mexico • A great city to work, less upbeat than Mexico City • Origin of the Mariachi music • Tlaquepaque (a suburb) internationally known as the hub of Mexican handicrafts and local souvenirs |
Guanajuato | • A UNESCO World Heritage city • Not so touristic but still has authentic Mexican cultural vibes • Popular for its annual festival – the Festival Cervantino • It is home to Museums such as the Don Quixote, The Mummy and the Diego Rivera’s House Museums • A great city to sample some traditional Mexican (street) foods |
Mazatlán | • A coastal city with colonial history • It has one of the longest Malecon (boardwalk) in the world • Renowned for big-game fishing |
Merida | • Located on the Yucatan Peninsula • It is sometimes referred to as the cultural capital of the Yucatan • Close to several Mayan sites and heritages • One of the most colourful cities in Mexico |
Tulum | • Another town on the Yucatan Peninsula • Site of a pre-Columbian Mayan walled city – Zama • Have great beaches and restaurants • Less upbeat than other cities on the Yucatan Peninsula such as Cancun • Several cenotes |
Puebla City | • Situated in east-central Mexico in the Puebla Valley • Its full name is Puebla de Zaragoza • It is the fourth largest city (metro) in Mexico • Known for authentic Mexican pottery • The city is colloquially called the “City of Angels” |
Taxco | • Popular for its silver production – mining, jewelry making and other silver craftmanship • Its full name is “Taxco de Alarcon” • Taxco is a picturesque city surrounded by beautiful mountains |
Tijuana | • Tijuana is a border city at the border of Mexico and US • It has a history filled with drug wars • The city pride itself as the “most crossed border in the world” • Tijuana is known as a city of booze, parties and red lights |
Zacatecas | • Zacatecas lies in central Mexico • It was the site of notorious 16th century silver mines • Main economic activities are mining, agriculture and tourism • The city is lined with colonial architectures as well as museums |
Zihuatanejo | • A resort city on Mexico’s Pacific Coast • A popular cruise ships destination • Renowned for its calm beaches such as the palm-trees lined Playa La Ropa • A great slow laid-back town to slowdown from the upbeat pace of other bigger Mexican cities |
Acapulco | • The city was once known as the “Pearl of the Pacific” • A beach resort town and major port in southwestern Mexico • Was characterized by drug wars but its relatively safe for tourists now • The full name of the city is “Acapulco de Juarez” • Because of its collection of expensive hotels, excellent beaches and high-energy nightlife, Acapulco is sometimes referred to as the “Riviera of Mexico” |
Campeche | • A port city located on the Gulf of Mexico • It is a very colourful fairytale-like city • Campeche is known for its historical buildings, walled historic districts and military architecture • It was a site of a thriving Mayan civilization and home to the oldest Carnival in Mexico • It has one of the best safety rating in Mexico |
Best Traditional Foods to Try Out in Mexico
Nobody definitely wants to visit Mexico, a country internationally recognized to be rich in history and culture, without tasting its alluring traditional dishes. Mexico have some of the best traditional foods in Latin America. From Taco to Enchilada and Guacamole, Mexico traditional foods are yummy and nutritionally rich.
Here, I have highlighted some of the best traditional Mexican foods you should try out.
- Taco. Taco is one of the most popular street foods in Mexico. There are several variations of Taco in Mexico. Tacos are generally made of wheat or corn tortilla stuffed with beef, chicken, pork, fish, cheese and vegetables.
- Enchilada. The history of Enchilada dates back to the old Mayan period when ancient Mexicans would eat corn tortillas wrapped around small fish. Today, making and serving of Enchilada comes with variety of filling including meat, beans, potatoes, cheese and vegetables. Usually, an Enchilada breakfast comes with stuffed corn or flour tortillas served in a chili sauce.
- Chilaquiles. This is a famous traditional Mexican breakfast delicacy. It is made of fried corn tortillas topped with green or red salsa. Chilaquiles are also often served with fried or scrambled eggs, cheese, cream and chicken.
- Pozole. Pozole is popular as a pre-Hispanic dish that was once used as part of Mexican rituals and traditional sacrifices. Pozole today is made of either pork or chicken. A lot of spices and herbs are also added as well as vegetables and corns.
- Tostados. Tostada is a Spanish word that means “toasted”. Tostadas are light and delicious meal derived by frying corn tortillas until they are crunchy. Tostadas are served with different garnishes and toppings such as cheese, seafood, ceviche, refried beans (frijoles) and cooked meat.
- Mole. Mole is a sauce-like dish that is usually prepared with several ingredients including one or more types of chili peppers. There are several varieties of mole and preparation of all of them involve persistent stirring until it is done.
- Guacamole. Among the most popular traditional Mexican dishes, Guacamole is one. Its history dates back to the Aztecs era. Guacamole is usually made of mashed avocadoes, chili peppers, tomatoes, onions, lemon juice and sometimes, garlic are also added. Guacamole is at times eaten with tortilla chips and this Mexican dish is popular as a side dish or condiment.
- Tamale. Tamales were originally a type of traditional dish developed by the ancient Aztec, Inca and Mayan tribes as a ready-to-go food for their warriors to take into battle. Tamale is made of corn dough filled or stuffed with meats, cheeses, fruits, vegetables, mole or chilis and wrapped in banana leaves or corn husks as they are steamed.
- Burrito. Normally, the ingredients involved in making burrito are grounded beef, diced tomatoes, cooked beans, lettuce, sour cream and chili sauce. These ingredients are used to fill a flour tortilla made into a cylinder shaped and then they are lightly grilled or steamed.
- Fajita. Fajita which originally mean “skirt steak” is any marinated grilled meat prepared and served with onions and bell peppers in either a warm flour or corn tortilla. Chicken or beef are the most commonly used meat in preparing Fajita. In most cases, Fajitas are served with condiments such as cheese, sour cream, frijoles, guacamole, diced tomatoes, salsa, shredded lettuce and pico de gallo.
Hotels and Resorts in Mexico
Mexico undoubtedly have numerous posh hotels and resorts as could be found anywhere else in the world. These hotels and resorts provide accommodation and hospitality services to millions of both domestic and international tourists visiting Mexico every year.
Mexico have consistently been dubbed as the most visited country in Latin America. According to the official Ministry of Tourism (SECTUR) of Mexico statistics, Mexico have 22,560 registered hotels and accommodation/hospitality facilities providing roughly 808,000 rooms.
And the three largest urban areas in Mexico – Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey have the highest concentration of branded or upscale hotels in Mexico.
Some of the best hotels and resorts in Mexico are:
- One and Only Palmilla – (Best Luxury Hotel in Mexico according to Tripsavvy)
- The Ritz-Carlton, Mexico City
- Casa De Sierra Nevada, A Belmond Hotel
- Four Seasons Mexico City – (Best Hotel for business according to Tripsavvy)
- Las Alcobas A Luxury Collection Mexico City
- Viceroy Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen – (Best for Romance according to Tripsavvy)
- Waldorf Astoria Los Cabo Pedregal
- Fairmont Mayakoba
- Hotel Bardo, Tulum
- Grand Velas Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen
- Casa Malca, Quintana Roo
- St. Regis Mexico City
- Live Aqua San Miguel De Allende Urban Resort
- La Valise Tulum
- Hotel Esencia – (Best Family-friendly Hotel in Mexico according to Tripsavvy)
Best Beaches in Mexico
Mexico is home to several beautiful and pristine beaches stretching across its over 6,000-miles coastline. Depending on your preference, you can experience Mexican beaches from either the Caribbean side or the Pacific side and if you are staying in Mexico for a longer time, why not experience both sides of Mexican beach life?
Most of the beaches in Mexico are supported with other recreational services and facilities such as hotels, restaurants, cafes, surfing facilities and organized yacht/boat cruises.
The list of beaches in Mexico is large, however, I have listed below 20 of the best beaches you can explore in Mexico representing both the Caribbean and Pacific sides of the country beach life.
- Punta Mita, Nayarit. (Pacific)
- Playa Balandra, La Paz. Baja California. (Pacific)
- Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur. (Pacific)
- Isla Holbox, Quintana Roo. (Caribbean)
- Playa del Amor, Nayarit. (Pacific)
- Zihuatanejo, Guerrero. (Pacific)
- Costalegre, Jalisco. (Pacific)
- Playa Los Cerritos, Todos Santos, Baja California Sur. (Pacific)
- Playa Zicatela, Oaxaca. (Pacific)
- Playa Paraiso, Tulum, Quintana Roo. (Caribbean)
- Playa Mujeres, Cancun. (Caribbean)
- Yelapa, Jalisco. (Pacific)
- Puerto Angel, Oaxaca. (Pacific)
- Playa Sisal, Merida, Yucatan. (Caribbean)
- Playa La Punta, Oaxaca. (Pacific)
- Playa Delfines, Cancun, Quintana Roo. (Caribbean)
- Playa El Medano, Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur. (Pacific)
- Playa Maroma, Riviera Maya, Quintana Roo. (Caribbean)
- Playa Canalan, Nayarit. (Pacific)
- Lagunas de Chacahua, Oaxaca. (Pacific)
Local Events and Festivals in Mexico
Mexico is home to some of the most colourful festivals and celebrations in Latin America. Festivals, celebrations and national events are observed throughout the year in Mexico. Some of these festivals and events are:
- Dia de Muertos (the Day of the Dead). This is probably one of the most celebrated festivals across the Latin America. It is usually celebrated between 1st and 2nd November every year with the second day dedicated to honour the dead. This is definitely a festival that should be experienced by any tourist in Mexico who is around during its celebration.
- Dia de la Independencia (Independence Day). Mexican Independence Day celebration is as colourful as most parts of the country itself. Usually marked on 16th of September to honour the independence of Mexico from Spain. The Independence Day in Mexico is characterized by colourful fanfare, parties, musical performances and fireworks with decorations in green, white and red paints across the cities.
- Guelaguetza Festival. Celebrated in Oaxaca and related cities, the Guelaguetza Festival brings to live colours and wonderful Mexican cultural richness. This festival usually takes place in July (18th or 25th July) every year in Oaxaca, Mexico.
- Dia de la Virgen de Guadalupe. This is an annual Catholic celebration in honour of an event whereby the Virgin Mary appeared to Juan Diego (one of the patriot saints of Mexico). This day is both a religious and national holiday in Mexico. It is celebrated on 12th December in Mexico City. The celebration features a special mass at and around the Basilica of Guadalupe, parades, parties and fireworks.
- Festival de Mexico en el Centro Historico. This annual festival takes place in Mexico City and usually begins in March and last for two weeks. It celebrates Mexico’s rich history and features several cultural exhibitions, music, dance and theatrical performances.
- Cinco de Mayo. This annual celebration primary marks the victory of Mexico over France in the battle of Puebla. It takes place on 5th May and can last for a week around this date. This is one of Mexican festivals that is being celebrated both in Mexico and the US.
- Fiesta de Santa Cecilia. This Mexican festival is held annually at the popular Mariachi Square in Mexico City on 22nd November. It celebrates a Catholic saint (Saint Cecilia) through a wide concert that normally features over 500 musicians.
- Las Posadas. Las Posadas starts on 16th December and marks the beginning of Christmas. It features several traditional songs by children and adults alike as well as processions with children carrying lit candles.
- Vive Latino. This is a Spanish-speaking music festival that takes place around March and April to exhibit new and/or emerging Hispanic musicians from both Spain and the Americas. The most prominent music genre during this rock, reggae and ska. Vive Latino is held at Foro Sol in eastern part of Mexico City.
- Feria Nacional del Mole. The Feria Nacional del Mole is an annual event that celebrates one of Mexican’s traditional foods – Mole. The Mole is the traditional food of San Pedro Atocpan a community within Mexico City. The festival takes place around this locale and allows you to taste different flavours and varieties of Mole as well as other Mexican traditional foods. The event takes place in October.
Should You Visit Mexico?
YES!
Mexico is one of the countries you should definitely visit. Though Mexico was in times past a feared territory, the country has reformed and emerged into the largest tourist destination in Latin America.
If millions of people flocks to Mexico every year and many (especially in the US and Canada) are relocating and/or retiring to Mexico, then this country has huge potential in addition to its natural charms. This makes Mexico a must-visit for any traveler or tourist (seasoned or casual) from any part of the world.
Best Time to Visit Mexico
Mexico can be visited any time of the year. The weather and the terrains in Mexico are good throughout the year.
There are two major seasons in the country’s central and southern parts – rainy season and the dry season. The rainy season usually lasts from May to October and the dry season is between November and April. Winter in Mexico may be observed between December and March.
Most tourists and visitors to Mexico usually prefer the Mexican highlands in summer (or the rainy season) and the coastal areas during the dry season. The busiest period in Mexico is between December and April.
Therefore, if you want to avoid too many crowds and still experience some greenery from the rainy period, any time between late September and early December is probably the best time to visit Mexico.
Few Things to Note When Visiting Mexico
Visiting Mexico is a great travel decision that will be both enjoyable and positively memorable. Below is a list of six (6) things you should note in order to have utmost positive stay and experiences during your visit to Mexico.
- Language. Learn some basic Spanish words. It is nice that you are able to speak and/or understand some basic Spanish words especially greetings and some few sentences good for basic interactions. You should also note that many Mexicans fully understands and communicate in English so if your Spanish is not that sound, you have nothing to fret about
- Safety. Don’t stress yourself too much about the safety in Mexico that you choke yourself out of having optimal enjoyable experiences in the country. You should however embrace and practice some general safety precautions like sticking to the most touristy areas and towns and for women, don’t walk alone at night
- Water. Don’t drink the tap water in Mexico. It is widely recommended that you buy and drink bottled water instead. The bottled waters are available anywhere you go in Mexico
- Planning. Plan ahead and buy tickets in advance before arriving in Mexico. Have clear and vivid plan of where you are going in Mexico, places you’ll like to visit and activities you want to experience. Having a clear plan ahead before arriving in Mexico will make your stay/visit smooth as you transit from one of your visiting objectives (places, experiences, activities, etc.) to another
- Scams. Beware of scams and petty fraud schemes especially in the most touristy areas. Scam schemes are not uncommon in some part of Mexico usually targeting tourists. You should learn to immediately reject/avoid outrageous offers and/or offers that are not in-line with your travel objectives. Beware of offers with too many freebies or that are too cheap for the promised/intended experience, activity, product or service
- Dressing. Dress appropriately for your activities and destinations during your stay in Mexico. Dressing that may be deemed acceptable for coastal destinations (such as loose dresses, etc.) may be strictly frowned upon in the inland especially the Mexican highlands where majority of people dressed more conservatively.
Conclusion
Mexico is definitely a country you should visit. The country is rich in history, culture and modernity.
If you are not visiting Mexico because of its high-end hospitality and recreational facilities such as hotels, shopping malls and restaurants which can also be found anywhere else in the world, then you should definitely visit Mexico because of its unique history, culture, pristine natural environment, great weather as well as pleasant people.
Mexico is a very affordable country without leaving out any aspect of social amenities for all forms of livelihood – conservative, budget or luxury as could be found in any other country in the world. It also has an above average quality of life index.
This Latina gem of a nation abounds with natural beauty, great foods, nice beaches, lush highlands and as much as it still carefully celebrates its cultural and traditional side, Mexico also provides you with access to the best of modern amenities and any form of livelihood you may desire.
Therefore, I will wrap this post up by saying if you have not already visited Mexico, then this country should be on your “to-visit” list and if you have been to Mexico before, you should consider revisiting. Mexico is not the most visited country in Latin America for no reason – this county has uncanny natural ability to renew and refresh its guests!
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