When I write the word “Mexico” I get really excited. A thousand things are going through my head. Things that I want to share with you. So be prepared because this is probably going to be the longest blog I’ll ever write and hopefully I can make you just as excited.
I’ve been to Mexico three times and if it was up to me I would go back a thousand times and maybe even live there temporarily *speaking it into existence for 2021*.
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I’m going to share a great travel route with you. There are still a lot of beautiful places in Mexico that are not on this list, so do your own research before traveling to Mexico to make sure you don’t miss out on beautiful gems.
Are you bound by a time frame? Then you can choose the most interesting places that you like from the list below!
Tulum – Yucatán
Tulum is a piece of heaven for expats, influencers and remote workers. The vibe is super chill, the environment is to die for and there is not a single day when you will get bored even though the city is not extremely big.
My favorite activity was to grab the bike and hit the road every morning before breakfast. (Which is very funny, because everyone who knows me knows that I never cycle in the Netherlands.
A beautiful cycle route is from the city center to the luxury hotels where the beaches are located. Unfortunately, many beaches are linked to hotels, so you cannot access the beaches.
When I was in Tulum it was not a loss, because there was a big seaweed problem. Which made the beaches smell. The water was also full of seaweed. So you actually couldn’t do anything on the beach except throw up.
Fortunately, there are plenty of delicious restaurants to fill your time and your tummy with! The great thing about these spots is that they all have vegetarian options or a completely vegetarian menu.
Restaurants/cafés
- Real Coconut Tulum
I didn’t go to the coast that often due to the seaweed problem. The hotels were also denying access to people who were not guests. Fortunately, I was able to go to Real Coconut and enjoy a nice view during my breakfast. All products are gluten and lactose free. The smoothie bowls were delicious. I highly recommend!
- Co. Conamor
Vegetarian restaurant with great food and chill vibes. They have both an outdoor and an indoor area with lights and cute pillows on the floor. Nice place to spend a few hours.
- Fruto Místico
This was my go-to place. The food here was insanely good. Everything was fresh and well prepared. I didn’t want to eat anywhere else anymore. I had vegan tacos here for the first time and it so was amazing, that I had to come back every day to eat these delicious tacos.
- El Vegetariano
Vegetarian restaurant with vegan options. You can sit both inside and in the garden. Feels super cozy: as if you are at home with locals.
- Del Cielo
Upon entering you immediately have these jungle vibes because of the interior. If you want to eat a bit fancy but chill out this is the perfect place. The menu has tons of delicious options, which made me come back a few times.
Disclamer: gaining weight is 100% guaranteed in Mexico.
I spent a week in Tulum, but I would go back again just to spend more time there. I’ve done and seen so much and that was maybe only 25% of the options out there.
My favorite part of Mexico were the cenotes. For those who do not know what cenotes are: A cenote is a cave or pool with clear water created by underground currents of groundwater. A cenote is a sacred place for the Maya because they believe it is the entrance to the underworld. They used the caves to make sacrifices, including human sacrifices.
Unfortunately I was not able to visit many beautiful cenotes, but 10000% enjoyed the ones I did visit.
Cenotes
- Cenote Calavera
- Gran Cenote
- Cenotes Tankah
- Dos Ojos Cenote
In addition to the cenotes visits, I had a thousand options regarding tours and sights. I really tried to stuff everything into the one week I was in Tulum (that’s the downside of being stuck with 4 weeks of vacation and wanting to see a million things at the same time, -choices, choices, choices).
Tours / activities
- Zona Arqueológica de Tulum
A beautiful archaeological area, which is full of ruins, built at the end of the Maya empire. I immediately admit that I don’t remember much about this day, because it was 40+ degrees that day and my focus was only on survival.
I therefore DO NOT recommend visiting some ruins in the middle of the day WITHOUT water, because you will not survive this.
The view of the Caribbean beach was the only thing that I clearly remember. Within an hour we skipped the beautiful area to take a dip in the sea. A lot of people book this as a tour or combine it with a snorkel trip, which I highly recommend if you want to see sea turtles.
If you don’t feel like booking a tour, you can easily go to the ruins by bike.
- Archeological Zone of Muyil
More ruins. The Muyil Archaeological Zone was one of the first in the Yucatan. You can find this area in the vicinity of Sian Ka’an. Very impressive, but I understand that after 85 ruins you will probably think: “No thanks”.
- Sian Ka’an
Sian Ka’an is really the number one thing to do around Tulum. Sian Ka’an means Origin of Heaven and that’s what it really looks like. The nature reserve consists of tropical forests, swamps and coral reefs with super clear water where you can swim and snorkel.
As the reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and well protected, this beautiful area is still home to hundreds of different animal species, such as turtles, dolphins, monkeys, crocodiles and different types of birds. You can book a tour here.
Cozumel – Yucatán
I did a day trip to Cozumel from Tulum. The collectivo to Playa del Carmen was around 30 pesos (€ 1) and took about an hour. You will be dropped off somewhere on a shopping street and then it is a 5 minute walk to the ferry that takes you to Cozumel. The ferry ride takes about 30 minutes.
Upon arrival on the island, I was immediately happy that I had chosen a day trip instead of an overnight stay. It was so bloody full of people that I really thought for a moment: “wtf am I doing here”. We then quickly started looking for a scooter rental place. We basically got the scooter without showing a driver’s license and a scooter mirror that I had to hold while driving. Let’s just say I was glad I got home safe and sound.
It was the best decision ever because the island is so beautiful if you completely forget the busy city center. Apparently there is only one route that goes around half of the island and if you follow it, you can enjoy this beautiful view of nature and beaches.
We enjoyed a picnic on the beach which was the best choice ever. Then it started to pour, which means: back to the depressed city center while being soaking wet. Fortunately we enjoyed a few hours around Cozumel before we had to travel back for 2 hours.
Valladolid – Yucatán
You can actually see Valladolid within a day. I recommend staying overnight so you can take your time. I stayed at Hostel La Candelaria. Great hostel for a night and in the city center.
I actually immediately rented a bike to see what the deal is in this mini town. Calzada de los Frailes is a large shopping street full of cafes where you can spend some time.
I filled myself up at the vegetarian place Yerbabuena del Sisal and then took the bike to Cenote Zací (which was a fucking bad idea in the middle of the day, I think I saw more people than water). After a few photos I left immediately.
Which cenote I did not visit and what I regret very much was Cenote Suytun. Yes, also touristy but this cenote seems to be really worth it. So yeah: I’ll share it here so next time I know I really have to go.
Merida – Yucatán
Merida was more a base for various activities and tours. First I googled all the top cafes and restaurants of course and fed myself.
Restaurants / cafés
- El Barrio Comfort Food
The fact that two years later I still remember getting the best nacho sauces here with my nachos as an appetizer says enough.
- Mercado 60
Great cozy food court with various tents where you can eat delicious food. I always struggle with food courts because there are so many options and I can never make choices (blame the Libra in me). I am the girl who looks at the menu at home before going out for dinner that (next) day. Yes, I’m sorry.
- Organico Café
Great option for breakfast. The sandwiches and coffee are to-die-for.
- Panchos
I’m sorry if I talk too much about nachos and tacos in this blog, but you just can’t get around it in Mexico. Please order the tacos from Panchos and thank me later.
Tours / activities
A tour to the Celestun Wildlife Refuge is sold on every street corner. You have to find one that looks less sketchy than others. Which was almost a day activity because I really felt like everyone was being weird and trying to scam me. Unfortunately I had not met anyone with whom I could do a trip on my own, so I decided to book a tour online.
Celestun is a beautiful biosphere reserve that is known for the bright pink flamingos and pelicans that you can see in the water. You are surrounded by nature for the entire tour, while you cruise through the mangroves in a boat.
You will learn the importance of the wildlife and how they live. An educational tour that could have been more extensive in my opinion. We haven’t seen much more than nature and wildlife. I therefore recommend doing this tour on your own rather than with a tour so that you are not limited to what they show you.
- Uxmal
Luckily I had met people to visit Uxmal. We took the bus cheaply for a few pesos. For this you have to be really patient. The bus ride takes longer than an hour and really stops 8529x. It is very busy and you share the bus with both people and chicken, so you can forget a quiet ride. The entrance was 400 pesos (€16,-). Which in my opinion is really cheap compared to what we got to see.
Uxmal is a Maya city and together with Palenque and Chichén Itza, it’s known as one of the most important archaeological areas in the Maya culture. It’s also on the Unesco World Heritage List.
I consciously chose to not go to Chichén Itza this time because I knew it would be busy and full of tourists. Ultimately the best choice ever, because Uxmal was almostempty when we got there. The views we had were so sick. I wish you that view too!
San Cristobal de las Casas – Chiapas
San Cristobal is an authentic, colorful town where you can wander for hours without getting bored. It’s no coincidence that this colonial town is packed with tourists all year round. The cobbled, colorful streets and markets are the first things that catch your eye. The atmosphere and the people add even more to all the beauty you see.
Walk around Centro Histórico, Barrio de Guadalupe and Barrico de La Merced to get the best impressions and fill your stomach with food.
In order to not waste too much time the first time, I choose to fly from Merida. This was less than an hour and €100,- for a one-way ticket. This was of course very expensive, but I only had 4 weeks. And even if I had more time: sometimes choosing comfort over dying in a smelly bus that drives 190 km per hour is the best choice you can make.
The second time to San Cristobal I took the night bus. Let’s just say there was a moment when I thought I was going to die because the bus driver drove over this big hole in the road at full speed. I got out in one piece, but with an almost heart attack.
Both times I stayed at the Puerta Vieja Hostel where I’ve had the best time ever. The first time in Mexico took some getting used to anyway because I hadn’t slept in hostels very often, but here I really experienced that family feeling that everyone meant. The hostel was fully booked and yet it became one large group that became friends within a day. The atmosphere among everyone was so chill that at that moment I didn’t want it to end. I also ended up staying almost a week even though I didn’t have that many days left.
Restaurants / cafés
- El Caldero
I had the best nachos and tacos ever here. At this point I call all the nachos and tacos in Mexico “the best ever” because this country is anomalous and has one of the best cuisines in the world.
- Sarajevo Café Jardin
Probably the best café in town. The have a wide menu with too many options. So visiting only one time is not an option. This is also a perfect place for working.
- Lemon Grass Kitchen
If you are looking for organic and cheap food then this is your spot. You can go here for both breakfast and dinner with delicious desserts such as oreo cheesecake, muffins and brownies.
- Falafel 100% Vegetariano
A lot for little. You don’t need more info.
Tours / activities
You can book a tour to Parque Nacional almost anywhere in San Cristobal. The tour is approximately 700 pesos (€29,-) and lasts 2 hours. 9 out of 10 times I book my tours online, just because I’m lazy. You can book a tour to the canons here.
The tour to Parque Nacional takes you to a beautiful rainforest surrounded by nature and lots of greenery. The rainforest is home to jaguars, monkeys, pelicans, parrots and reindeers. Unfortunately, the rainforest is unnecessarily polluted by tourists. There is plastic and garbage everywhere. Which is very sad to see.
Cañón del Sumidero is a gorge created by a geological fault. I had never seen a canyon myself, so I was in awe of everything. You sail across the river from Chiapa de Corzo with the canyon as a view.
The tour guide took us to remote places where you could see various ruins and self-painted art pieces in the caves. This proved that the caves were inhabited by locals years ago.
Unfortunately there was also plastic in the water. The tour guide indicated that some of them do their best to clean up everything, but people keep polluting the environment. Let’s just say we have to share this world with shit people who don’t care about a country they don’t live in.
You can book this tour at any corner in San Cristobal. If you are not sure which one to pick, you can also book a your online here. They are basically all the same.
Not the best transport there is, but a wonderful way to transport yourself through the nature of Chiapas. I don’t often ride horses because the horses abroad are often underfed. I think this is very sad. For this reason, I look up the companies that offer the tours in advance to read the reviews. Fortunately, there are plenty of people who post reviews about the condition of the horses.
The horses looked healthy and they were given plenty to drink. Unfortunately, the tour guides were horrible and they often beat the horses with a stick to “run faster”. Very sad, that’s why I just avoid such tours 9 out of 10 times.
Try to do your research as far as you can or ask locals which tours take good care of their horses. When the horses are healthy and the tour guides are nice, a horseback riding tour is one of the best things to do when you are surrounded by beautiful nature.
Palenque – Chiapas
I did Palenque as a day tour from San Cristobal de las Casas. This was around 900-1000 pesos (€35-40) and took about 11 hours. You don’t have to count on a fancy bus. The roads are shit (as in almost every country in South and Central America), the bus smells musty and you sit close to people you don’t know. But yeah: try to start your day (which starts at 3 AM) with a smile.
Palenque is an ancient history temple city surrounded by Maya art and is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The temples of Palenque are located in the middle of the jungle where you are immediately surrounded by parrots, monkeys and beautiful birds. From there the tour went to the natural waterfalls of Agua Azul and Misol Ha.
I think these are the most impressive waterfalls I’ve seen so far (to be honest I haven’t seen that many gigantic waterfalls in my life). The falls are surrounded by clear water where you can jump in with your fat ass and relax. I liked this part much more than the historical part. At some point after a few weeks all temples look alike and nice clear water is obviously always cool to swim in.
Bacalar – Quintana Roo
Bacalar was one of the last places I traveled to on my first Mexico trip. Bacalar is called “The Lagoon of Seven Colors” and is known for the clear blue water where you can spend hours and hours. Just forget about the Maldives and book your trip to Bacalar. Million times cheaper and perhaps just as satisfying. I booked my stay at The Yak Lake House because their backyard was the Lagoon. Which was even better.
The reason Bacalar is one of the first cities in Mexico that I really want to go back to: it was fucking cloudy when I was there. And we all know what happens when it gets cloudy: the water is still clear, but not as clear blue as you had in mind. The brighter the sun, the bluer the water and of course Sara has seen maybe 2 hours of sun in 5 days. Fortunately, there are plenty of activities and restaurants to keep yourself busy.
Restaurants / cafés
- El Manati
El Manati is a super cozy restaurant where you will be served the typical Mexican dishes AND where the deafening screams of other people rise above your own thinking. Very strange, but I mean this in a positive way. The vibe here is so chill and relaxed, you just see everyone enjoying themselves. Oh yeah, I forgot my towel there, so if someone finds it: I want it back!!
- Mango y Chili
Mango y Chili is a vegetarian restaurant that only works with organic products. This is probably the best restaurant in Bacalar. And perhaps the best vegan restaurant in Mexico. The restaurant is always full, which means nothing more than: IT’S FUCKING GOOD.
Tours / activities
- Paddle boarding
Sun or no sun: all activities on the water are beautiful because of the clear water. The sunset and sunrise paddleboard tour are amazing. You have an insane view over the lagoon while the sun goes down. And if you are as lucky as I am, it will pour down during your only moment of fun and the water will be your only warm space for half an hour.
Book this tour with What Sup Bacalar. They are great and very helpful on the water when you lose your balance for the 100th time.
I didn’t do much in Bacalar, because I really had to recover from 3,5 weeks of traveling and constantly doing activities with other people. But what I will definitely do next time is: kayaking and a sailing tour on the beautiful lagoon
Isla Holbox – Quintana Roo
Isla Holbox is a bounty island north of Yucatan, known for its bright pink flamingos. It is part of the Yum Balam Nature Reserve and is separate from the main land. Snow-white beaches, clear blue water and the peace that you immediately feel upon arrival are a good reason to unwind here after all the traveling or working that you’ve done.
The fact that only golf carts and bicycles are available on the island is another plus. This is to protect the environment from pollution. Most tourists come here to swim with the whale sharks, but I was mainly there to enjoy, sunbathe and FOOD.
Restaurants / cafés
- El Cafecito
Cute cafe where there is hardly any place to sit, but where you can relax or work with your coffee or smoothie.
- Basico
While walking around, this restaurant immediately draws your attention whether you are an influencer or not. The interior, the food, the cocktails, everything was worked out perfectly. I must admit that I have only tried one other restaurant since Basico has a huge breakfast, lunch and dinner offer. So the need to come back every day to try out new things was big.
Oaxaca – Oaxaca
I fell in love with Oaxaca immediately. Do you know that feeling when you arrive somewhere and it feels like coming home? It doesn’t matter whether you plan your day fully or just go for a walk or bike ride: you will enjoy yourself, because the environment gives you a calm feeling. I had this feeling.
I enjoyed these simple days when I was alone, walked around, drank my coffee and smoothie, bought snacks and photographed everything I could (except myself of course, because I still didn’t dare ask strangers to take a picture of me at the time).
I ended up staying in Oaxaca for more than a week, because I had become ill from the air conditioning that was always set to -13. I stayed at Casa Angel Hostel. Which was a nice and cheap hostel, but unfortunately pretty empty when I was there.
The streets were also flooded in other cities, so the buses were nut running for a couple of days. But fortunately I was able to eat a lot of calories here as well in terms of food and coffee. This was my main occupation of course.
Restaurants / cafés
- Café Brújula
I think I sat here every day to drink a smoothie or coffee and facetime with my 3 friends in the Netherlands. You can get the tastiest smoothies here.
- Hierba Dulce
Although I am not vegan, I always look for vegan and vegetarian places. Farahnash taught me this: thank you Baranash, I never need anything else. This place is perfect for you if you have a sweet tooth.
- Los Danzantes
This restaurant was way too fancy for my budget at the time. (This was the second time in Mexico when I had just started my world trip). But the vibe in this restaurant drew me in. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many happy people together (except for festivals obviously).
- Boulenc
You can eat delicious pancakes, toast and filled sandwiches here. I sometimes had lunch twice, just to come back to this place.
- Tacos Alvaro
This is a local place. Doesn’t look that fancy, but it was one of the best tacos I had in all of Mexico. Super budget and cheap.
- Sakura Shokudou
Yes, yes, yes. I can already hear people thinking, “Why the fuck would you eat other cuisines in Mexico”. Believe me when I say Mexican food is in my top 5 cuisines ever, but after weeks of (unhealthy) tacos, burritos, nachos, rice, rice and RICE, your body will start screaming for other cuisines. And of course sushi is one of the first things I look for. I love sushi, so 8 out of 10 times I will tell you that I loved the sushi that I ate.
Tours / activities
The best tour you can do from Oaxaca is to Hierve el Agua. Many people do this on their own, because you only pay 30 to 60 pesos (between €1-3) for the collectivo to get there.
That day I didn’t really feel like stopping a thousand times along the way while waiting for other people to get in. I also didn’t feel like researching how to get there etc. That choice was made even faster when it turned out that the tour was only €25.
Before you arrive at the beautiful Hierve el Agua, the tour first passes a village where you can find the largest tree in the world. This tree is 1400 years old. I don’t know whether it is really the largest tree ever. But it is so big that it did not fit in the pictures that I was trying to make.
After this little village you will pass Mitla (place of the dead) where you will see many archaeological ruins and how handmade textiles are made.
Very impressive, but what is especially impressive is that Mitla is known for their Mezcal. And guess what we were allowed to do at 11 a.m? Right: try shots of mezcal with different flavors. I am a social drinker in the Netherlands. Which means that I am an alcoholic abroad, since you are in social settings all the time.
Finally you arrive at Hierve el Agua which means “the water is boiling”. This is an impressive waterfall created by water sources that contain many minerals. When the water flows over the rocks and cliffs that surround it, it leaves behind the minerals.
This is one of the most impressive places I have ever been. The natural swimming pools in which you could swim were the cherry on top.
Puerto Escondido – Oaxaca
Beach, surfing, eating, beach, surfing, eating, beach, surfing etc. After 2 months of traveling I was SO happy that I could finally lay on the beach all week and do nothing. And that is the only thing I recommend in Puerto Escondido: take your rest and enjoy!!
Restaurants/cafés
- Los Alebrijes
Cute breakfast spot. I liked the coffee and smoothies better than the food, but the atmosphere and the warm welcome makes up for it.
- El Sultan
I ate so much falafel here and it was so good. Do you miss shawarma and kebab in addition to the vegetarian options? Then you’re fine here. Perfect place to have lunch before getting your tan on.
- Smoked Fish Tacos El Viejo
Apparently they have the best fish tacos here. And I can confirm this! In addition to the fish options, they also have a vegetarian option that I definitely recommend!
- Cocofam
Small vegan restaurant with a delicious taco and tortas menu. The tacos are made of beets, spinach and mushrooms. Extra healthy and very tasty!! The owner was super sweet and inviting which made the visit even better.There are so many beautiful beaches where you can enjoy your drink or a surf. Getting your bike and visiting a different beach every day is the best thing you can do to get the best out of the area. The finest beaches that you should definitely visit and catch a surf.
You can find a longer list with recommendations for restaurants in Puerto Escondido here.
Tours / activities
- Playa Bacacho
- Playa Coral
- Puerto Angelito
- Playa Manzanillo
- Playa Zicatela
I did a day trip from Puerto Escondido to Mazunte (overnight). Many people backpack along the different spots on the coast, but I preferred to leave my things in the hostel and go on a day trip without having to carry around my backpack. After all, Mazunte was only an hour with the collectivo and 30 pesos. This spot is great for a day at the beach. Make sure you end your day at Punta Cometa where you will have the sickest view of the sunset.
Guadalajara – Jalisco
I didn’t know this was Mexico’s second largest city. This was immediately noticeable. The city was overwhelming in a negative sense. The amount of people was really all there was to see. Walking around is fun for an hour and then you’ve seen it all. I recommend to do day tours from here, because the real gems are around Guadalajara.
Tours / activities
- Tlaquepaque
Tlaquepaque is a 10 minute drive from Guadalajara. This village consists of houses with authentic colored ceramics pieces that give the environment an artistic look. It radiates tranquility and authenticity. The large square, the Parian, attracts many visitors every day. You can find many eateries, cafes and street musicians there. A few hours of wandering around here is enough, but really feels like a day out because it’s so different from Guadelajara.
- Tequila
Tequila is an hour’s drive from Guadalajara and this fine place also has a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is almost impossible to hear about tequila and not automatically think of Mexico. The hometown of the famous liqueur receives many tourists daily who visit the historic tequila factories.
Guanajuato – Jalisco
I had heard of Guanajuato from other backpackers. It was not on my schedule, but upon arrival I was immediately in love. I no longer felt that I was in Mexico, but as if I had suddenly ended up in Italy.
The colorful houses, narrow streets and historic architecture reminded me of Cinque Terre. From the view point Mirador Panoramica you have the best view of the colorful architecture that this beautiful city has to offer. Guanajuato is seen by tourists and locals as the most beautiful city in Mexico and tbh I agree. The next time I’m here I definitely want to spend a week instead of a few days.
I started my day at Santo Café. It did this every day. It is a busy cafe with not many places to sit, so you can work quietly on your laptop or enjoy your coffee.
I stayed in the beautiful Cactus Hostel. Which is about half an hour’s walk from the city center. Unfortunately it was low season and I was the only one in the hostel. Too bad, because the hostel was really beautiful.
Tours / activities
Normally I only give museums tips to people who I know love museums. I won’t bother the rest with this, because I know they think it’s boring. BUT: Museum of the Mummies of Guanajuato was really something else.
This museum has 100+ mummified bodies buried in a cholera epidemic. Many of the dead at the time were immediately buried to get rid of the disease. Some of the sick were even buried alive because the cholera disease spread so quickly. This also explains why the mummies in the museum have strong facial expressions on their faces.
I am not easily scared or anxious, but I wanted to get out of this museum quickly. Still, I recommend it because it is interesting to see and read the information. But I also get it when you think: “no fucking way”.
Mexico City
Mexico City is the largest Spanish-speaking city in the world with 21 million inhabitants. I cannot describe how many beautiful people I have met here in 5 days. The 5 days I spend there were far from enough because there is so much to do and see. In my opinion I think I really didn’t see that much of Mexico City, because the city is so huge
First of all: book Casa Pepe Hostel Boutique. This is one of the nicest hostels I’ve ever been to. From there you have to do the free walking tour, so that you get a nice picture of the city center and pearls like Palacio de Bellas Artes and Catedral Metropolitana.
Outside the city center are the hipster neighborhoods of La Roma and Condesa. Both neighborhoods have their own individual personality. I therefore recommend going for a walk to soak up the chill vibes and taste something from each street food corner. – after all, you need to walk the calories off immediately. The art-deco buildings and the many cafes and indoor markets are the icing on the cake for me.
Restaurants / cafés
I took full advantage of the street food in Mexico City. Which is definitely recommend. Especially when you love meat. I don’t eat red meat, so sometimes it was a hassle to find chicken or vegetarian options. But I have a lot of favourite coffee shops where I consumed liters of coffee;
- Uruguay 88 Café
Right next to Casa Pepe Hostel, so if you’re hungover you can drag yourself down for a coffee. Please try their chai latte. This was my first ever chai and since then I have been drinking this every week. (Yes: as soon as I find something tasty, I abuse it until I don’t like it anymore. Sue me Susan).
- Finca Don Porfirio Juaraz
Best view you can have of Palacio de Bellas Artes. I sat here for maybe2 2 hours and took 300 of the same pictures of a huge building considered Art. It was great. That is called enjoyment, my friend.
- Café Toscano
Once every few weeks I desperately look for Italian food and then most of all: PASTA. They had a bit of everything, including vegan and vegetarian options. I found the atmosphere very nice and pleasant. I have to say it was very overpriced, but what else do you expect when you are in a hipster area.
Practical information
And of course I’m finishing – the longest blog I’ve ever written – with some practical info that is useful when you are in Mexico.
Visa
Upon arrival at the airport you will receive a tourist visa stamp in your passport. This is usually for 30, 60 or 90 days. Sometimes an exit ticket is also requested. This can be a bus ticket or something similar. Make sure you have the exit tickets, just in case or they may deny you access! Doesn’t happen often, but you don’t want to be among the small percentage where it did happen!
Money
As you have already seen: in Mexico they pay with pesos. Bills come in 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 pesos. Coins come in 10, 20, and 50 cents and 1, 2, 5, 10, and 20 pesos. In the larger cities it is best to pay with your card. There are ATMs everywhere. I also recommend that you bring a creditcard for reservations for hotels or cars, for example.
Please note: when you withdraw money with your credit card, a small fee will be deducted each time. Which can add up. There are some credit cards where this is not done, such as Revolut. So before your trip, compare all credit card options and their advantages and disadvantages.
Safety
Always use your common sense and make sure that you are not to be found in crazy, deserted places at night. Do not advertise expensive items such as telephones and cameras. You really have to follow your gut feelings when this is safe to do or not.
The central emergency number of Mexico is: 066. You can call this number free of charge. Make sure you also save the number of the embassy of your country in Mexico! Save both numbers before you leave for Mexico!
You can read more about safety for solo female travellers here.
Electricity
Mexico uses the American system: a mains voltage of 110 volts and a plug with two flat pins. So make sure you have a world plug to charge all your equipment!
Transport
You can transport yourself in many ways in Mexico. And most of the options are actually cheap.
- Cab
Cabs are nice and simple and quick to hail. Always check before you get in whether the taxi driver has his cab ID on his window or his dashboard. Just in case.
- Uber
I often chose Uber myself. That gave me that 1% extra feeling of safety. I don’t know why, because you can always end up in a bad situation. It is also easier if you cannot speak Spanish, because you enter the address in advance so you don’t have to communicate with the driver.
- Bus
I only used the ADO buses to travel from city to city. These are good buses with relaxed seats that transport you from point A to point B for a few tens, without any fuss. The buses have air conditioning that works just a little too well. So make sure you bring a sweater, otherwise you will freeze to death. Especially at night. You can book the bus tickets at the bus stations or in the app or on the website: www.ado.com.mx. - Colectivo
Colectivo’s are local buses that leave when the bus is full. Normally around 15 people fit here. And they only charge between 20-40 pesos (€0,80-1,60). This is probably the cheapest option for getting around between cities that are no more than an hour apart.
- Plane
If you don’t fancy long bus journeys, the best option to get around is by plane. Keep in mind prices of approximately €100 for a single ticket.
- Rental cars
When you rent a car, there is a good chance that you will be stopped at a checkpoint. This happens even more often when they can see that you are not a local. Usually this involves a thorough drug check, because in Mexico they have a lot to do with cartels and drug couriers. These checks sometimes even involve corruption. Agents who want to fine you or confiscate your passport. So be careful and do your research on this, so that you know how to act in such a situation. In the district of the tourist cities, such as Cancun and Playa del Carmen, the rental company will always give you a folder with information about the corruption and the numbers of the local consulates. Except for this disadvantage: the freedom of a rental car is of course wonderful. Always be alert when traveling: Mexico can have bad roads.
I have Mexico deep in my heart and I can write a whole book about it, but I hope you can get the necessary tips from this to make your trip unforgettable!
My itineraries:
Cancun – Tulum – Valladolid – Merida – San Cristobal de las Casas – Palenque – Bacalar – Isla Holbox.
San Cristobal de las Casas – Oaxaca – Puerto Escondido – Guadalajara – Guanajuato – Mexico City.
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