If you’re looking for the top ten places to visit in Mexico, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll cover everything from Chichen Itza to the canals of Xochimilco to Valladolid. In addition to these highlights, you’ll also find tips on how to plan your trip and make it memorable. After reading this article, you’ll be ready to plan your trip to Mexico!
Chichen Itza
The magnificent pyramids at Chichen Itza are a must-see on any trip to Mexico. One of the most spectacular structures is the Temple of the Warriors, with its central stairway, statue, and four platforms. This temple is home to over two hundred stone columns and is an impressive example of the ancient Maya’s architectural prowess. The site was once an expansive temple, supporting the roof with its thousands of columns.
The site is also a popular tourist destination, so keep in mind that souvenir sellers will be competing to make you buy their wares. Be prepared for a brash and obnoxious racket, as many vendors will be selling the standard tourist memorabilia. Be wary of pushy souvenir sellers who will hand you something without asking and then demand payment at a later time. Although the site is generally safe for tourists, it does attract pickpockets. Fortunately, Chichen Itza has lockers for your luggage to keep it secure.
When visiting Chichen Itza, try to go early in the morning, when the site is less crowded. You’ll have less time to explore the site, as the archaeological site opens at 8 AM. Moreover, it gets extremely hot around midday, so an early start is highly recommended. You can also stay overnight at a nearby hotel to avoid the heat and crowds. You will enjoy the site in the morning before the crowds arrive.
Xochimilco canals
The Xochimilco canals are located in the southern borough of Mexico Número de la aerolínea KLM and are a stunning site. While cruising through the canals, passengers can enjoy scenic views and ride on a trajinera, an open-air boat. You can also buy refreshments on board and visit floating gardens and wildlife preserves. Many trajineras are also outfitted with tables and chairs for passengers to relax in.
To see the colorful plants and birds in their natural habitat, you can tour the trajineras that float down the canals. Visitors can also enjoy a mariachi band on a floating boat, a popular pastime during the weekend. The trajineras are full of people and locals who bring portable speakers so that they can listen to music while floating along.
While the Xochimilco canals are the main attraction of this tourist destination, the town has plenty of other attractions to offer as well. A visit to the Dolores Olmedo Museum and the Cuemanco flower market is also highly recommended. The atmosphere is lively, and a local tourist recently lost his life after jumping from boat to boat.
The Xochimilco canals are located about 44 minutes outside of Mexico City, making it a convenient destination for nature and outdoor activities. While you’re in the city, you can combine a Xochimilco canal tour with another southern site, such as the Aztec Pyramids. If you want to see a little bit more than just the Xochimilco canals, make sure to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, San Miguel de Allende.
Sumidero Canyon
If you love waterfalls and are looking for one of the best places to visit in Mexico, you must head to Sumidero Canyon. This canyon is home to seasonal waterfalls like Arbol de Navidad, or Christmas trees. The canyon is home to many species of animals and birds, as well as several rock caves and natural formations. You should plan to visit Sumidero Canyon during the rainy season so that you can see the waterfalls in their full glory.
You can reach Sumidero Canyon from the city of Tuxtla by bus, shuttle van, or rental car. A car ride to Tuxtla costs about 70 pesos, and a boat tour to Cahuare will cost around $230. You should always remember to tip the boat driver and keep your trash until you exit the boat. After you have experienced the canyon, you’ll be able to decide when to visit Sumidero Canyon again.
For a close-up view of the Sumidero Canyon, head to La Coyota viewpoint. It offers a slightly higher vantage point and overlooks the Rio Grijalva. Another great spot for a sunset or sunrise view is the watchtower at the top of the canyon. The watchtower has plenty of shade and offers a wide space for you to admire the landscape. You can also visit the waterfront, where boats pass below.
Valladolid
In Valladolid, you can find the convent, a combination of a church and a fortress. A 16th-century chapel has a carved altarpiece, and the convent contains a waterwheel that is the second largest in Yucatan. It is worth a visit if you are a history buff. The convent is surrounded by a nice park plaza, and you can even catch a nightly light show.
You can wander aimlessly through the town, admiring the architecture and the local culture. The Calzada de los Frailes is the most photogenic street in Valladolid, and is teeming with boutiques and museums. If you’re looking for a place to eat, try Meson del Marques, one of the city’s many restaurants.
If you’re visiting Valladolid without a car, you can take a Colectivo to Chichen Itza. It opens at 8 a.m. and takes about an hour to explore. You can hire a guide if you wish – it costs 1000 MXN, which is around 55 USD. Another option is to opt for a tour organized by a hotel.
If you’re hungry, try out the delicious local cuisine of Valladolid. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the mix of modern Mexican cuisine and Yucatan-style cuisine. If you’re looking for something a little more traditional, try Chaya, a local vegetable that has been used by the Mayans in the Yucatan region for centuries.
San Miguel de Allende
In the northern central highlands, San Miguel de Allende is a jewel. With outstanding restaurants, luxury accommodations, and quality artisans, this charming town offers a unique combination of Mexican culture and cosmopolitan living. A Unesco World Heritage site since 2008, San Miguel de Allende is the ideal place to mix with tourists from abroad and immerse yourself in the vibrant cultural scene.
With its quaint charm and postcard-perfect landscape, San Miguel de Allende has long captivated visitors from around the world. Today, this town has elevated itself to world-class status with a thriving art scene, world-class restaurants, luxury hotels, and wellness amenities. Visitors can also take part in year-round festivals and festivities. It is well-known for its iconic church, dozens of art galleries, and 360-degree panoramic views.
San Miguel de Allende is home to the city’s most iconic church, the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was designed by Belgian architects based on a postcard of a Gothic church. Inside, you’ll find colorful images of local saints and vivid scenes of the crucifixion.
Travelers can arrive in San Miguel de Allende by bus. The bus ride from Queretaro will cost you around Mex$200 to $300. You can purchase tickets through Omnibus de Mexico or Estrella Blanca. There are also buses from Guanajuato and Celaya. All of these buses will stop in San Miguel De Allende. You can also fly to San Miguel de Allende and explore the city by car.
Oaxaca
Despite not being a huge city, Oaxaca packs a punch in terms of culture, history, and activities. If you’re planning a trip to Mexico, this is the place to go. Start your visit to Oaxaca’s capital city, Oaxaca. While there are many great places to stay in Oaxaca, you’ll want to explore the city first.
Oaxaca’s Textile Museum is an excellent free place to see traditional textile crafts. The museum has a mix of permanent and visiting exhibits, as well as workshops, lectures, films, and a library. You can even get a guided tour of the museum. In addition, there is a gift shop selling local textiles. It’s hard to go home without buying something unique, so make sure you plan enough time.
The culture of Oaxaca is alive throughout the year. Its vibrant, colorful, and diverse music scene is especially fun to experience during the festive season. You can experience a traditional Oaxacan festival, such as the month-long Guelaguetza, during which local dances and music are showcased. During this festival, Oaxaca becomes a lively place for celebrating the Day of the Dead.
Oaxaca State is largely free of cartel violence and other security concerns. While protests have increased in recent years, the majority of them are peaceful and non-violent. Protests in Oaxaca are a fact of life and can lead to road closures. Protests usually take place outside of tourist areas. Sometimes they focus on the city center’s zocalo.
