Mexico, a land brimming with vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and culinary delights, beckons travelers from around the globe. Forget outdated stereotypes and embrace the true spirit of this diverse nation. Instead of focusing on what to avoid, let’s dive into the incredible experiences that await you. Planning a trip to Mexico is about opening yourself to a world of possibilities, and this guide will illuminate the essential “Things To Do In Mexico” for an unforgettable adventure.
Explore Beyond the Headlines: Discover Mexico’s Safe and Welcoming Regions
Dismiss the sensationalized media portrayals and discover the real Mexico – a country where warmth and hospitality are the norm. While it’s true that certain areas face challenges, vast stretches of Mexico are as safe, if not safer, than many cities worldwide. Think of vibrant neighborhoods where families stroll in the evenings, bustling markets filled with friendly vendors, and tranquil towns where life moves at a relaxed pace.
Instead of fixating on fear, focus on exploring the incredibly safe and welcoming destinations Mexico offers. Cities like Mérida and Oaxaca consistently rank among the safest in North America, providing a secure and enriching environment for travelers. Solo female travelers, in particular, often find Mexico to be incredibly hospitable and safe when exercising common sense and taking necessary precautions.
To ensure a safe and positive experience, avoid seeking out illicit activities, especially in tourist hotspots. Just like anywhere else in the world, exercising street smarts is key: be mindful of your belongings, avoid excessive drinking in public, and share your itinerary with someone back home. By focusing on responsible travel and venturing beyond fear-mongering narratives, you’ll unlock the true heart of Mexico and its incredibly welcoming people.
A street in Valladolid painted in bright colors, with multicolored triangular flags hanging between the buildings.
Venture Inland: Uncover Mexico’s Rich Tapestry Beyond the Beaches
Mexico boasts stunning coastlines, but limiting your trip to the beach is like only reading the first chapter of an epic novel. While beach relaxation is undeniably appealing, the true soul of Mexico resides inland, waiting to be explored.
Imagine wandering through the sprawling metropolis of Mexico City, a vibrant hub of history, art, and gastronomy. Picture yourself captivated by the colonial charm of Oaxaca, a city renowned for its cultural richness and culinary traditions. Envision yourself immersed in the lush landscapes of Chiapas, a region teeming with natural wonders and indigenous cultures. Or consider exploring the mystical cenotes of the Yucatán Peninsula, natural sinkholes offering crystal-clear waters for swimming and snorkeling.
Inland Mexico is not only culturally enriching but also often more budget-friendly than the bustling beach resorts. To plan an inland adventure, consider a well-rounded itinerary that combines city exploration with natural wonders. A two-week itinerary could incorporate the Yucatán Peninsula, including time on Isla Holbox and Bacalar for beach relaxation, alongside visits to historical sites, cenotes, and charming inland towns. Alternatively, dedicate a full week to exploring Oaxaca City and its surrounding region, immersing yourself in its culture, cuisine, and nearby attractions. For a structured experience, consider joining a guided tour that delves into the heart of Mexico, ensuring you don’t miss out on the treasures hidden beyond the coastline.
Be Prepared: Carry Small Change for Public Restrooms
Navigating public restrooms in Mexico requires a small adjustment for many international visitors. It’s customary in many public facilities to pay a small fee, typically around 10 pesos (approximately 50 cents USD), for restroom access. This fee is usually paid to an attendant who, in turn, provides you with toilet paper.
Being caught without small change when nature calls can be inconvenient, so it’s wise to keep some pesos readily accessible. Additionally, be mindful of the plumbing systems. In many parts of Mexico, the infrastructure isn’t designed to handle toilet paper. Therefore, you’ll often find a wastebasket next to the toilet for paper disposal. Embracing these local customs ensures a smoother and more respectful travel experience. Carrying small denominations of Mexican currency is generally a good practice, as many smaller establishments appreciate or even request exact change for transactions.
There’s nothing like a chelada on a hot day!
Expand Your Palate: Savor the Diversity of Mexican Beers
While Corona’s marketing may paint a picture of Mexican paradise with its iconic imagery, limiting yourself to this single brand is missing out on a world of flavorful Mexican beers. Enjoy a Corona or two, capture that Instagram-worthy shot, and then embark on a journey to discover the diverse and high-quality beers Mexico has to offer.
Victoria stands out as a widely appreciated and excellent Mexican beer, known for its balanced flavor and smooth finish. Pacífico is another popular choice, particularly refreshing on a warm day with its crisp and clean taste. Beyond these mainstream options, Mexico’s craft beer scene is burgeoning, with microbreweries popping up across the country, each offering unique and innovative brews.
Furthermore, explore the creative realm of Mexican beer cocktails. You might be familiar with the Michelada, a savory concoction akin to a beer-based Bloody Mary, featuring tomato juice, lime, and spices. For a simpler yet equally refreshing option, try a Chelada – a delightful mix of beer, ice, lime juice, and salt. Perfect for combating the Mexican heat, a Chelada is a testament to the inventive and refreshing ways Mexicans enjoy their beer.
Protect Delicate Ecosystems: Opt for Reef-Safe Sunscreen
While your everyday sunscreen is suitable for general use when exploring towns and cities, it’s crucial to switch to reef-safe sunscreen when entering any body of water in Mexico. This isn’t just about protecting coral reefs; reef-safe sunscreen is formulated to be gentler on all aquatic life and delicate water environments.
Despite its name, reef-safe sunscreen benefits much more than just coral reefs. It omits chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which are harmful to various marine organisms. Mexico is home to numerous fragile aquatic ecosystems, including stunning cenotes, the pristine waters of Lake Bacalar, and the unique mineral springs of Hierve el Agua, among many others. To preserve these natural wonders, Mexican authorities and environmental advocates strongly encourage the use of reef-safe sunscreen whenever you swim in any natural water body.
Prioritize purchasing reef-safe sunscreen before your trip or upon arrival in Mexico. By making this conscious choice, you contribute to the preservation of Mexico’s precious aquatic environments for generations to come.
Your regular sunscreen might damage this cenote.
Embrace the Language: Learn Basic Spanish Phrases
Immersing yourself in a new culture begins with a simple yet powerful act: learning a few phrases in the local language. In Mexico, Spanish is the language of warmth and connection. Even mastering basic greetings like “Buenos días” (good morning), “Buenas tardes” (good afternoon), “Buenas noches” (good evening), and “Gracias” (thank you) demonstrates respect and appreciation for Mexican hospitality.
Expand your vocabulary with essential phrases like “Sí” (yes), “No” (no), numbers “Uno, dos, tres” (one, two, three), “Dónde está” (where is), “Habla inglés” (do you speak English), and “Por favor” (please). Ordering “Dos cervezas, por favor” (two beers, please) will surely be well-received.
Spanish is considered one of the easier languages for English speakers to learn, with phonetic pronunciation and relatively straightforward grammar. Even if you believe you’re not linguistically gifted, dedicating a little time to learning basic Spanish phrases will significantly enhance your interactions with locals and enrich your overall travel experience. Avoid the common tourist faux pas of immediately launching into English without attempting even a few words of Spanish.
Tailor Your Interests: Explore Ruins if They Resonate with You
Chichen Itzá, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Mexico’s most iconic ancient ruins, is a popular day trip from Cancún and the Riviera Maya. However, while undeniably impressive, ruins aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. If ancient history and archaeological sites don’t particularly pique your interest, don’t feel obligated to spend your precious vacation time visiting them simply because they are “must-sees.”
Your vacation is your own to curate. If ruins don’t excite you, there are countless other incredible experiences awaiting you in Mexico, from exploring vibrant cities and relaxing on pristine beaches to venturing into lush jungles and savoring culinary delights. Give yourself permission to skip the ruins if they don’t align with your interests and focus on activities that genuinely resonate with you.
However, if you are intrigued by Chichen Itzá and decide to visit, enhance your experience by opting for independent exploration with a rental car, arriving on a cloudy day to avoid harsh sun, steering clear of Sundays (when it’s free for Mexican citizens and thus very crowded), and combining your visit with a refreshing dip in a nearby cenote, such as the stunning Hacienda San Lorenzo Oxman. For a less crowded and more intimate ruins experience, consider exploring alternative sites in the Yucatán Peninsula like Mayapán and Uxmal, which often offer fewer crowds and allow you to climb sections of the structures.
Chichen Itzá is not usually this empty.
Reduce Plastic Waste: Embrace Reusable Water Bottles
While tap water in Mexico is generally not safe for drinking, relying solely on bottled water contributes significantly to plastic waste, a pressing environmental concern, especially as Mexico’s recycling infrastructure is still developing. Instead, adopt more sustainable practices to stay hydrated.
Many Mexicans utilize large, reusable water jugs delivered to homes and businesses, a practice common in hotels and restaurants. Mid-range and higher-end hotels often provide pitchers of purified water. If staying in a rental, purchasing a large water jug from a convenience store like Oxxo and exchanging it for a refill when empty is a cost-effective and eco-friendlier approach.
When venturing out, carry a reusable water bottle. For situations where potable water access is uncertain, consider a Lifestraw Water Bottle, which filters water as you drink. Alternatively, a SteriPen, a portable UV water purifier, can be used to treat water in any container, rendering it safe to drink. By embracing reusable water solutions, you minimize plastic consumption and contribute to a more sustainable travel footprint in Mexico.
Pack Smart: Check the Weather Forecast Before You Go
Avoid the common misconception that Mexico is perpetually sunny and hot. Mexico’s vast geographical expanse encompasses diverse climates, from temperate highlands to tropical coastlines. Failing to check the weather forecast for your specific destination can lead to packing missteps and discomfort.
Mexico City, situated at a high altitude, experiences cooler temperatures, particularly during winter months and evenings. Cities like San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato, also located at higher elevations, can be surprisingly cool. Packing layers, including a light puffer jacket and jeans, is advisable, especially if visiting these regions. Arriving in Mexico City in December dressed for a tropical beach vacation would be a clear example of inadequate preparation.
Microclimates can also exist within regions. San Cristóbal de las Casas in Chiapas, at a high elevation, can be foggy and chilly, while lower-lying areas like Sumidero Canyon in the same state can be sunny and warm. Conversely, Mérida in the Yucatán Peninsula is one of Mexico’s hottest cities, with peak heat and humidity in April and May, making visits during December to March more comfortable.
Be mindful of hurricane season, generally spanning from June to November, with August and September being peak months. The Yucatán Peninsula, including popular destinations like Cancún and Tulum, is susceptible to hurricanes. While hurricane season might offer lower accommodation prices, it also carries the risk of travel disruptions. Travel insurance is highly recommended, especially during hurricane season, to cover potential evacuations or trip cancellations.
Mexico City — beautiful, stunning, and cooler than you think.
Pack Earplugs: Be Prepared for Mexico’s Lively Soundscape
Mexico is a vibrant and energetic country, and with that comes a lively soundscape. While the energy is part of its charm, it can also be quite loud at times. From street vendors announcing their wares to music spilling out from homes and businesses, and even buses broadcasting movies at full volume, noise is often a constant companion in Mexico.
Embrace the lively atmosphere, but also come prepared with earplugs. They are invaluable for moments when you need to focus, such as working remotely, getting a good night’s sleep, or simply finding respite on a long bus journey. Earplugs aren’t about blocking out Mexico’s vibrancy entirely, but rather about having a tool to manage the sound levels when needed. And while you might be tempted to ask your neighbors to quiet down if they’re celebrating late into the night, remember that Mexicans are generally very warm and welcoming – you might just end up being offered a beer and joining the festivities!
Explore Regional Cuisine: Go Beyond Tacos
Tacos are indeed a cornerstone of Mexican cuisine, and their incredible variety and deliciousness are undeniable. Enjoying tacos multiple times a day is a perfectly acceptable and delightful part of the Mexican culinary experience. However, limiting yourself to just tacos would be a disservice to the vast and diverse culinary landscape of Mexico.
Mexican cuisine is one of the most significant culinary traditions in the Americas, rooted in indigenous ingredients and techniques, and refined over centuries. Before your trip, research the regional culinary specialties of your destination. Mexican food is deeply regional, with each area boasting unique dishes and flavors. The most authentic and exceptional Mexican cuisine is found in its regional variations.
For dedicated food enthusiasts, Oaxaca and Mexico City are culinary epicenters. Both cities offer rich culinary traditions, from street food to high-end dining, often at prices considerably lower than comparable restaurants in the United States or Europe. Explore the moles of Oaxaca, the street food scene in Mexico City, and the diverse flavors that each region brings to the table. Mexico offers a culinary adventure far beyond tacos, waiting to be savored.
Mexico is LOUD!
Mexico is a country of endless discovery, offering a rich tapestry of experiences far beyond common misconceptions. By embracing these “things to do in Mexico,” you’ll unlock the true magic of this incredible destination and create memories that will last a lifetime. Plan your adventure, open your mind, and prepare to be captivated by the beauty, culture, and warmth of Mexico.
