Welcome to Mexico, baby, where the white sandy beaches and vibrant culture have you on hold. This North American country boasts an epic nightlife scene, Tequila Tequila, tacos, tropical weather all year round, and a tourist-friendly hotel zone.
I know Mexico is on many travel bucket lists, and I’m unsurprised. In this blog, I’ll tell you things you need to know about Mexico and recommend the best locations to stay and things to do in Cancun, Mexico City and Playa del Carmen.
Disclaimer: This blog contains affiliate links. If you purchase any cool products or experiences through these links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost. I only recommend the best experiences and activities through extensive research.
Language & Currency In Mexico
Language: Spanish is the official language of Mexico, and the primary language most of the population speaks. Numerous Indigenous languages are also spoken, and the government recognises them as national languages.
Currency: Although most places accept cards and Apple payments, I always recommend keeping some petty change wherever you go, just in case. Mexico’s official currency is the Mexican Peso, abbreviated as MXN. The peso is further divided into smaller units, including centavos.
CANCUN
Cancun is the most popular and visited place in Mexico among tourists. It has a tremendous buzzing nightlife and lovely beaches. It appeals to various activity interests, such as outdoor and adventurous, spa and luxury, historical and cultural, and retail and food. There are accessible routes to other locations in Mexico, with many tours operating from here, making it an ideal place to start and popular among visitors.
Beautiful beach in Cancun
Things To Do In The Day In Cancun
Chichen Itza, Cenote & Valladolid Tour: Prepare for an amazing adventure! Explore the incredible Mayan ruins at Chichén Itzá, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, and marvel at the step pyramid of Kukulcan (El Castillo). Then, cool off with a swim in an underground cenote sinkhole in Saamal, followed by a guided tour of the charming colonial city of Valladolid. This tour offers the perfect blend of history, adventure, and relaxation!
Rio Lagartos & Las Colorades Tour: Join the Rio Lagartos and Las Coloradas Tour for an unforgettable adventure! Spot flamingos, crocodiles, and diverse bird species in Rio Lagartos’ stunning mangroves before marvelling at the mesmerizing pink lakes of Las Coloradas. With guided tours and plenty of photo opportunities, immerse yourself in Mexico’s natural beauty and unique wonders!
Coba, Cenote, Tulum & Playa Del Carmen Tour: Get ready for the ultimate full-day adventure from Cancun! Explore the ancient Mayan city of Tulum, with its iconic El Castillo and stunning white-sand beach. Dive into a cenote in the Riviera Maya, snap some Insta-worthy pics, and then discover the pyramids of Cobá in the Yucatán Peninsula. Finally, wrap up your tour with vibrant Playa del Carmen shopping. It’s a jam-packed day, but it’s so worth it!
HOPO Bus Tour: A hop-on-hop-off bus tour of Cancun is the best way to experience the country’s general vibe. It’s a guided tour, so you’ll stop only at the best stops to discover Mexico. You’ll also stop at the Tequilla Museum for a tequila-tasting session; I approve.
Day Pass: The all-inclusive Xplor Park day pass is the best for the adrenaline junkies. This incredible space includes 14 different zip lines flying over treetops, river rafting through cave formations, driving vehicles along exciting jungle trails and swimming in underground rivers and caves. It’s a jam-packed full day of thrilling adventure. Everything is included, including lunch and soft drinks!
Nightlife Experience In Cancun
Make the most of Cancun’s buzzing nightlife! Party at the famous Coco Bongo Nightclub. If partying isn’t your thing, you could always go for a once-in-a-lifetime moonlight snorkelling tour to see a diverse range of marine life.
Isla Mujeres is a small tropical island off the coast of Mexico, only a 20-minute boat ride from Cancun. It is best known for its white sand beaches, diving and snorkelling opportunities, and the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef.
Isla Mujeres translates to ‘Island of Women’. Its laid-back approach and good vibes make it known as the ‘Magic Town’ of Mexico. The island is primarily car-free, so you’ll mainly walk, ride a bike, or hop on and off golf carts.
I made some friends and went to Isla Mujeres
You won’t need to book tours as the island is relatively small unless you want to enjoy an encounter with dolphins, which I recommend booking in advance. Enjoy yourself on the white sand beach whilst indulging in yummy food, or spend your time on a catamaran in Isla Mujeres enjoying food, drinks, and snorkelling activities.
MEXICO CITY
Mexico City is the country’s economic and cultural heart. It boasts numerous UNESCO sites and stunning places; you’ll be crazy to skip here. Home to roughly 150 museums, it offers a variety of experiences for different interests. This is especially amazing for those who enjoy the art scene and are interested in cultural heritage. Mexico City also has an excellent reputation for great food; if you love tacos, tortillas, and churros (some of my favourite delicacies), this is the place to be!
Beautiful streets of Mexico City
Things To Do In Mexico City
HOHO BUS: This is a great way to see the vibes of any city. It’s also a great, affordable way to get around, with many opportunities to explore multiple locations. With your one—or two-day Hop On/Off Pass, you can hop on and off as often as possible. There are four routes.
Cooking Class: It’s great to learn how the locals get down with their food. A Cooking Class Experience is a perfect way to learn the ins and outs of delicious Mexican cuisine. In a small group, on this memorable tour, you’ll be taught the secrets of Mexican recipes: learn, cook, and then eat!
Xochimilco, Coyoacan, Frida Kahlo & Unam Tour: This is a must-do tour for Mexico City visitors! Float down the canals of Xochimilco on a trajinera, explore the colonial charm of Coyoacan, and marvel at the murals in UNAM. Visit the National Autonomous University of Mexico with its impressive volcano-shaped Olympic Stadium. Dive into the history of the museum ‘La Casa Azul’.
Teotihuacan & Tlateloco Tour: Join the Teotihuacan and Tlatelolco Tour for an epic journey through Mexico’s history! Explore the iconic pyramids of Teotihuacan, including the Sun and Moon pyramids and the Temple of Quetzalcoatl. Then, visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, an important Catholic pilgrimage site, before delving into the fascinating Tlatelolco, where Mexico’s past, present, and future converge.
The Tolantongo Caves:Tolantongo Caves is one of Mexico’s wonders. Here, you can relax in 40 different thermal water pools, cliff pools and slides. Discover the hidden waterfalls and access the paradise tunnel for a suspense bridge, restaurant and zipline experience. Sounds impressive, right?
Cable Car Ride: Enjoy a cable car ride over the city and mountains of Mexico City on the Neighbourhood’s Contrast Tour. On this trip, you’ll hear fascinating information on Mexico’s history while exploring contrasting neighbourhoods. You’ll witness dazzling restaurants, hotels, and expensive boutique stores in luxurious locations around Mexico.
City Of Silver: Book the Cacahuamilpa Caves & Taxco Tour on the steep streets of the ‘City of Silver’. As you enter the giant rock door, you’ll witness the surreal sceneries of a historically significant mountain formed by the water’s erosion and the earth’s movements. Check out the customs of the Chontl Tribes to honour their gods of the underworld before feasting at the Hotel Monte Taxco, topped by an enjoyable cable car ride.
Gear up for an epic evening in Mexico City! Dive into the thrilling world of Lucha Libre with the Lucha Libre Experience, where you’ll witness jaw-dropping acrobatics ringside while donning your own Lucha Libre mask and enjoying two complimentary tequila shots. Or, groove to the rhythm of the Garibaldi Show at the iconic Plaza Garibaldi, where lively dance performances light up the night. For a more relaxed vibe, embark on a night walking tour with a guide to witness the enchanting transformation of Mexico City after dark. It’s your ticket to an unforgettable night of excitement and adventure!
Playa del Carmen is another well-known destination in Mexico. It is recognised for its sandy white beaches, fishing villages, coral reefs, and diving scene. It is also home to tasty local food, great shopping opportunities, a creative art scene, and a hyped nightlife—a popular destination that caters to everyone.
Located next to Riveria Maya, most excursions begin or end at Playa del Carmen. In this compact, mid-sized city, you’ll find a range of places to stay and things to do, all within walking distance.
Apartments in Playa del Carmen
Things To Do In Playa Del Carmen
Xcaret Park: Get ready for an incredible adventure at Xcaret Park! With over 40 attractions, you can swim in caves, admire butterflies, explore coral reefs, meet manatees, and hang out with monkeys. Don’t miss the Mushroom Farm or The Living Museum. Enjoy stunning views from the Rotating Scenic Tower and immerse yourself in Mayan culture. Be sure to catch the Life and Death Festival from October 30th to November 2nd—it’s a BIG deal!
Tulum, Coba, & Cenotes Tour: On a tour to Tulum, Coba and Cenotes, you’ll see the fantastic archaeological site and learn its history. Then, you’ll visit Cenote Kuxtal to swim in sinkholes inside limestone caves before enjoying a yummy lunch. The final stop is at the beautiful Coba Mayan ruins, the site of the tallest pyramids in the Yucatan, which you’ll be able to climb.
Whale Shark Tour: Get ready to check off a big one from your bucket list with the Whale Shark Tour! Hop on a ferry just 45 minutes away to swim beside the world’s largest fish. You’ll get up to 3 chances to snorkel or swim with the whale sharks, with instructors on board to ensure your safety and guide you in the water. It’s a unique and thrilling experience that will make your day unforgettable!
Holbox Island: This ultimate island-hopping adventure is perfect for paradise vibes. Hop on board and cruise to remote paradise islands, where colourful houses and sandy streets await. Sip on some refreshing drinks (maybe more than a few) as you chill on premium white beaches. Explore the Yum Balam Nature Reserve, home to over 300 bird species. And don’t miss Punta Mosquito and Isla Passion, where shallow waters and picture-perfect scenery await.
Nightlife In Playa Del Carmen
Looking for some evening excitement in Playa del Carmen? Look no further! Dive into the mesmerizing world of Cirque du Soleil’s ‘JOYA‘ show, where heritage and history come to life with fantastic storytelling. Sip on champagne or munch on popcorn as you enjoy this one-of-a-kind experience—trust me, it’s incredible! If you’re craving adventure, hop on the Xplor Fuego trip for an adrenaline-packed night of ziplining, paddling, swimming, and driving. And if daytime fun is more your style, opt for the Xplor All-Inclusive Experience.
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