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.
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Language & Currency In Mexico
Language: Spanish is the official language of Mexico and the primary language spoken by most of the population. 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 Prepare for an amazing full-day adventure! You’ll discover the incredible Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, and marvel at the step pyramid of Kukulcan (El Castillo). Then, you can cool off with a swim in an underground cenote sinkhole in Saamal, followed by a guided tour of the charming colonial city of Valladolid.
Rio Lagartos & Las Colorades: Join the Rio Lagartos & Las Coloradas Tour for an unforgettable adventure! You’ll be on the lookout for flamingos, crocodiles, and diverse bird species in Rio Lagartos’ stunning mangroves. The pink lakes of Las Coloradas will also have you pulling out your phone for Instagram pics. With plenty of photo opportunities, this tour is a must!
Coba, Cenote, Tulum & Playa Del Carmen Tour: This full-dayadventure from Cancun will take you to the ancient Mayan city of Tulum, with its iconic El Castillo and stunning white-sand beach. You’ll also visit the Riviera Maya and the pyramids of Coba in the Yucatan Peninsula. To end the trip, the tour will stop by the vibrant Playa del Carmen shopping centre, where you can shop for goodies.
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. Everything is included, including lunch and soft drinks!
Make the most of Cancun’s buzzing nightlife! Party at the famousCoco Bongo Nightclub. If partying isn’t your thing, you could always go for a once-in-a-lifetimemoonlight 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 encounter 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 Mujeresenjoying 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 great routes to explore.
Cooking Class: A Cooking Class Experienceis a perfect way to learn the ins and outs of delicious Mexican cuisine. On this memorable tour, you’ll experience how the locals get down in the kitchen and be taught the secrets of Mexican recipes. You’ll learn, cook, and then eat!
Xochimilco, Coyoacan, Frida Kahlo & Unam: This is amust-do tour for Mexico City visitors! Spend the day floating down the canals of Xochimilco on a trajinera before exploring the colonial charm of Coyoacan. You’ll also discover the UNAM murals and visit the National Autonomous University of Mexico.
Teotihuacan & Tlateloco: Join the Teotihuacan and Tlatelolco Tour for an epic journey through Mexico’s history. The iconic pyramids of Teotihuacan, including the Sun and Moon pyramids and the Temple of Quetzalcoatl, are such iconic sites. Visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, an important Catholic pilgrimage site, before delving into the fascinating Tlatelolco.
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 learn fascinating information on Mexico’s history while exploring the contrasting neighbourhoods. You’ll see fancy restaurants, hotels, and expensive boutique stores in luxurious locations around Mexico.
City Of Silver: Book the Cacahuamilpa Caves & Taxco Tour for the ‘City of Silver’. As you enter the giant rock door, you’ll witness the surreal sceneries of a significant mountain formed by the water’s erosion and the earth’s movements. You’ll see the Chontl Tribes honouring 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 theLucha Libre Experience, where you’ll witness jaw-dropping acrobatics ringside while donning your own Lucha Libre mask and enjoying two complimentary tequila shots.
Alternatively, 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 tourwith 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 atXcaret 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. The stunning views from the Rotating Scenic Tower and the Mayan culture make this experience special. Xcaret Park also has a Life and Death Festival from October 30th to November 2nd—it’s a BIG deal!
Tulum, Coba, & Cenotes: On a tour of Tulum, Coba and Cenotes, you’ll see the stunning 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! You’ll take a 45-minute ferry to swim beside the world’s largest fish. It’s a unique and thrilling experience that will make your day unforgettable!
Holbox Island: This ultimate island-hoppingadventure 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.
Looking for some evening excitement in Playa del Carmen? Look no further! Join 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.
So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to explore Cancun, Mexico City or Playa del Carmen for a cheeky vacation in the sun. If you’re in search of some other sun-fun exploration? Check out ‘Where’s Hot’for inspiration on your next warm getaway.
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