ATM and Banks in Playa del Carmen Guide

If it’s your first time traveling outside the country or you’re new to Mexico, there are some quirks about banking here that you should be prepared for. Banks in Playa del Carmen are not necessarily going to be like what you find at home and ATMs in Playa also have their own quirks.

After four years living here and experience with visitors trying to navigate the banks around town, here are my top tips to help you avoid the mistakes I made and hopefully save you some money as well.

ATM and banks in Playa del Carmen guide

Decline the conversion 

One thing I’ve noticed here more than in other places I’ve traveled is ATMs and banks in Playa del Carmen will often give you the option to lock in a conversion rate when you’re withdrawing cash and even sometimes when you’re buying from restaurants and stores.

This is one way banks make money on top of all those fees they like to charge you. So you might be paying the Mexican bank’s ATM fee, your bank may have international transaction fees and then the Mexican bank will add this exchange rate markup on top of the real exchange rate.

In most cases, you should decline the ATM’s conversion rate. Usually, it’s a very unfavorable exchange rate and you could end up forking out much more than you anticipated. You can confirm with your bank but more often than not their rate is closer to the real exchange rate.

Watch out for the middle and the end of the month

This is one quirk about banks in Playa del Carmen that I didn’t pick up on until I actually started living here. Locals usually get paid twice a month: once in the middle and once at the end of the month. You’ll notice long lines at banks as everyone is getting their pay packet at the same time.

The most troublesome part about this situation, besides having to wait in a line, is that ATMs will often run out of cash or there will be a limit to how much you can withdraw. In general, the end of the day and Fridays are also busier times so it’s a good idea to plan around these if you can. If you’re traveling to Tulum as well, this can be even worse because there are less ATMs around and banks can be more spread out.

There are usually two lines

So often in the past, I would walk past a bank desperate to get some cash out and keep moving when I saw a long line snaking outside the branch. It wasn’t until I had to get money out one day to pay for my rent that I joined the end of a long line, beholden to my fate, and started chatting with the person in front of me.

Luckily I did because she pointed out that she was waiting for a teller in the bank and if I wanted the ATM, there was a much shorter line inside. Facepalm to me because once I actually walked through the doors into the refreshing AC, there was only one person waiting to use the ATMs.

So the moral of the story is, always ask at the end of the line if it’s for the ATM (cajero automatico in Spanish) or not. Chances are you will get to avoid a long wait.

Your card might not work in some ATMs

This is a given for anywhere you might be traveling and is one of my top travel tips. You should always travel with multiple cards in case one doesn’t work. If possible, you should have at least a credit card and a debit card but also, a Mastercard and a Visa.

Your card not working is less common compared to 10 or 15 years ago but I do see it still happening now. And it’s not fun when you need to take out a bunch of cash for a tour to Chichen Itza and you’ve left it to the last minute. Cue me running around the city at 7 in the morning trying to figure out why my card doesn’t work.

Some banks are only associated with one type of financial institution, either Visa or Mastercard, also known as the Plus and Cirrus networks. So if you try to withdraw money using a Mastercard and the machine only accepts Visa, then you won’t be able to use it and need to hunt for another ATM.

The network could be one issue or it could just be that the two banks don’t talk to each other (my technical term). Either way, if you’ve tried a couple of times and you’re getting no luck, then try a different card type or move on to a different ATM.

Having multiple cards also helps in the unfortunate situation of your card getting stolen or the ATM eating your card. The practice in banks in Playa del Carmen (and nearby Cozumel) is if something goes wrong and your card gets taken by the ATM, then they won’t return it to you, it will get destroyed.

Don’t use ATMs on Fifth Avenue

While out exploring all the things to do in Playa del Carmen, you might notice all the conveniently placed ATMs dotted along Fifth Avenue. My suggestion is to avoid these like the plague.

Many have been tampered with in the past leaving you with a greater chance of getting your card read. They also have the highest ATM fees that you’re likely to find. I’ve seen upwards of USD$15.

Likewise, if there is a problem with your transaction or your card gets eaten by the ATM, you’re much more likely to get help if you use a machine connected to or inside a bank.

Watch out for ATM fees

Unlike some countries where ATM fees have mostly been abolished (hello, Australia), these fees are alive and well in Playa del Carmen. Not only that but depending on which ATM or bank you choose, you might end up paying two or three times as much as a bank right next to you.

Each bank not only has its own ATM fee but you might also have a different fee depending on which card you’re using.

So my Card A might attract a fee of $32 at Bank A and a fee of $96 at Bank B while Card B could have a fee of $50 at Bank A or $17 at Bank B. If my bank has a relationship with the Mexican bank, I might not get charged a fee at all. Clear as mud, right?

If you’re going to be in Playa for a while, it’s worth a little effort to figure out which banks charge you the least as this could add up to savings in the long run. As a long-term traveler, I know how important it is to not only save and budget for your holiday but also to keep costs down while you’re on the road as well.

Generally speaking, Scotiabank seems to have the highest fees overall, unless you have a Scotiabank card from home. Any ATM on Fifth Avenue or non-bank ATMs in convenience stores are also way up there fee-wise. Likewise, watch out for any standalone ATM near the ferry to Cozumel.

Meanwhile, Santander and Banamex seem to have the lowest fees. You’ll need to do your own experimentation of course, but these are a good place to start.

ATM and banks in Playa del Carmen guide

I’ll keep adding to this list as I come across new and wonderful changes to the banks here in Playa. If you know of anything that should be added or if you have any questions, please add it to the comments below.

How to get to Playa del Carmen from Cancun Airport by bus

You’ve bought the flights, booked your accommodation and now the last thing on the list is to just figure out how to get to Playa del Carmen. The good news is, the city is very well connected by bus and it’s one of the cheapest and easiest ways to get from the airport.

I personally use the bus, especially if I’m traveling on my own so I’ve detailed how to get from Cancun to Playa del Carmen by bus to help you with your vacation planning.

If the bus is not on the cards for you, check out this full guide on transport from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen with suggestions for private drivers, shuttle companies, and rental cars.

How to get to Playa del Carmen from Cancun Airport by bus

Fast facts

Cost: MXN$208 or roughly USD$10

Travel time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Bus station in Playa del Carmen: Corner of Fifth Avenue and Benito Juarez Avenue

“ADO BUS STATION - PLAYA DEL CARMEN”, BY Stephen Rees, LICENSED UNDER CC BY 2.0

Step by step guide

Getting the bus from Cancun Airport is relatively painless and I’ve had many visitors go through the process with no drama. You don’t need to book in advance and the bus will drop you directly on Fifth Avenue in central Playa del Carmen.

Step 1 - Find the bus stop

Head straight outside the terminal where you’ll likely see a mob of drivers with signs asking you where you want to go. Each terminal layout is slightly different but you should find a sign for the buses or you can ask one of the taxi drivers to point you in the right direction.

Note: There have been complaints by people online that taxi drivers have told them the buses are not operating to try to get them to take a taxi instead. If this happens to you, just be firm and tell them you already have a ticket. This has never happened to me in my ten years traveling here but I thought it was important to give you a heads up.

Step 2 - Buy your ticket first

You can buy your ticket from the small ticket kiosk located right by the bus stop. Tickets are currently MXN$208 and you must pay in cash. You can withdraw pesos from the ATMs located inside the terminal or, you can purchase your ticket using a credit card from the ADO salesperson found near the rental car companies right after baggage claim.

Note: If you’re buying a ticket from inside the terminal, they may not sell you a ticket for the next bus departure if they think you won’t have enough time to make it. This could mean a longer wait which is why I would avoid this method if possible and try to have the cash to pay curbside.

Step 3 - Get on the bus

Look for the bus heading to Playa del Carmen as they are also buses going to Cancun, Tulum, and Merida. The bus driver will scan your ticket and remind you to sit in the seat assigned to you. There should only be one stop in Puerto Morelos before you get to Playa del Carmen but the bus driver will make announcements to make sure you get off at the right place.

Sometimes the driver will put on a movie but this will likely be dubbed over in Spanish. A great opportunity for you to practice your language skills. Or maybe just pop some headphones in and have a nap. The trip will take upwards of 1 hour and 15 minutes depending on which terminal you get on at as the bus will make a stop at each one before leaving the airport.

“ADO BUS STATION - PLAYA DEL CARMEN”, BY APPAIOOSA, LICENSED UNDER CC BY 2.0

Which bus company to use to get from Cancun Airport

ADO is the bus company that serves much of the Yucatan Peninsula and can get you around the Riviera Maya with ease. The buses are comfortable, air-conditioned, and driven by professional drivers to get you to your holiday destination safely.

Who should use the bus to get from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen?

If you’re traveling on your own or with a friend, looking to save some money, or want a pain-free way to get to Playa del Carmen then the bus is your best option.

The bus might not be the best option if you’re staying at a resort outside of Playa del Carmen. You can get a taxi once you arrive at the station but the costs of the cab fare and the time taken to switch from bus to taxi makes getting a private driver or taking a shuttle a much better option.

Where does the bus stop in Playa del Carmen?

Playa del Carmen has two bus stations but the bus from Cancun Airport only stops at one of these. This bus station is located on the corner of Fifth Avenue and Benito Juarez Avenue on the south side of town.

 

How to get from the Playa del Carmen bus station to your hotel

One thing to note is that the bus will drop you at the main bus station located on the corner of Fifth Avenue and Juarez Avenue so if you’re hotel is not located within walking distance or you have a lot of bags, you will have to get a taxi on the other end.

Taxis in Playa are usually cheap with a standard fare around the downtown area costing no more than MXN $40 (USD$2) and you can flag one down quite easily. When you’re around the more touristy parts of Playa, however, you’re going to find taxi ranks set up with taxis ready to get you wherever you want to go.

The downside of these taxi ranks is that they’re going to charge you far more than the standard fare for the benefit of not having to look for your own. One such taxi rank is located right outside the Playa del Carmen bus station and you’re be expected to fork out around MXN$100-$150 even if your hotel is not far away.

If you’re happy paying more, then these taxis are a safe way to get to your hotel and still a good option. If you’re willing to walk two blocks west to 15 Avenue then you can flag a regular cab down and bring your costs back down. Just remember to confirm the cost with the driver before you get in as it is unfortunately common practice to try to get unwitting tourists to pay a higher price.

Arm yourself with the Playa del Carmen taxi zone chart so you know the correct fare to get you to your accommodation and help you get around town without getting ripped off.

Cenote Azul near Playa del Carmen

Frequently asked questions

How much luggage am I allowed on the bus from Cancun Airport?

Technically,  you’re allowed one bigger bag in the bag storage area under the bus and one to carry on. Practically, the bus drivers don’t ever seem to monitor this so as long as you’re not taking the piss with an entourage of 10 bags, you should probably be fine.

Can I take my pet on the bus from Cancun Airport?

The official rule is that pets have to go in the baggage storage under the bus in a carrier and most drivers will enforce this rule. I have known people to get away with carrying a small dog in their bag but you might not want to rely on this method lest you be stuck with an unusable bus ticket and the last resort choice of getting an expensive taxi to Playa del Carmen. 

Your best bet is to hire a private driver and I’ve listed a few options who are happy to have a pet tag along in the full Transport from Cancun airport to Playa del Carmen guide.

Is the bus from Cancun Airport good for small kids?

You can certainly use the bus if you’re traveling with kids but my recommendation when traveling in a group is to use a private driver. The cost will be cheaper once you have at least three people and you will get door-to-door service with enough space for car seats and luggage.

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If you have any questions or comments, please let me know in the comments below. I read them all and would love to know if there is anything else you’re like to know or share about Playa del Carmen.

How to get to Playa del Carmen from Cancun Airport

Planning your Mexican escape? Once you’ve got the flights and hotel sorted, the next step is figuring out how to get to your tropical vacation.

Cancun Airport is located 35 miles (56 km) away from Playa del Carmen and getting there is actually quite easy. Even if you’ve left it to the last minute, there are still a few transport options to get you to Playa Del Carmen without much fuss.

Read on to find out how to get to Playa del Carmen from Cancun Airport including some frequently asked questions to help you with your planning.

“Boeing 787 / Aeroméxico”, by Hector Martínez, licensed under CC BY 2.0

How to get to Playa del Carmen from Cancun Airport

Whether you’re going solo or got the whole crew in tow, there are several options you can take to get to Playa del Carmen. The bus is the cheapest option, especially if you’re traveling alone while renting a car can be the most pricey but it will give you the freedom to get around the area and explore.

Rent a car

If you’re planning to rent a car anyway for your visit, renting a car at Cancun Airport could be the easiest option. It’s an easy 45-minute drive to Playa del Carmen and I often found the car rental agencies located at the airport to be some of the best to deal with.

Make sure to book in advance and have a Plan B in place just in case your flight arrives too late. Unlike some other international airports, the car rental places in Cancun seem to close early and some travelers have been stuck.

Take the bus

The ADO bus is usually my go-to if I’m traveling on my own from Cancun Airport. It’s about USD$10, air-conditioned, comfortable and there is only one stop in Puerto Morelos before you get to Playa del Carmen. Depending on the time of day, the buses can depart as early as every half hour with a longer wait in off-peak times.

The buses drop you off at a bus station located on the south end of Playa where you have a choice of walking to your accommodation if it’s near enough or getting a taxi.

You can get your ticket once you arrive from either a ticket booth within the airport found after baggage claim and near the car rental booths or curbside next to the bus stop. The booth inside takes cards but the one outside is cash only.

My best advice is to get your ticket curbside if you can. The tickets are for set departure times so if you’re too close to the next departure, the booth inside will usually sell you the following departure time even if you still have a chance of making the next one. I was unfortunate enough once to not have cash so had to use the booth inside the airport and when I got outside the bus was sitting there for a good 10 minutes before it left followed by another half an hour wait before the next one.

Check out the full guide on How to get to Playa del Carmen from Cancun Airport by bus for more detail.

“ADO Bus Station - Playa Del Carmen”, by appaIoosa, licensed under CC BY 2.0

Hire a driver

There are a ton of drivers willing to pick you up at Cancun Airport for a fair fee. I usually pay around MXN$600-$800 or USD$30-$40.

Here are some personal recommendations of drivers I use regularly:

• JF Riviera Tours: +52 984 176 1374

• Daniel: +52 984 105 1368

• Tania: +52 984 322 5142

They all speak English and can also be hired for day trips and as guides to help you explore the area. I suggest you get in touch with them through WhatsApp, one of the must have apps for travel.

Book a shuttle

A shuttle from Cancun Airport is a slightly cheaper option than a private driver if you’re on your own and don’t mind sharing a van with a few strangers. Shuttles will take you from door to door and you will usually have to pay in advance.

Grab a taxi

This is the last resort if the bus wait is too long or you haven’t already arranged any other transport in advance. Once you exit the terminal, you will see a large group of taxi drivers happy to take you where you need to go but this is definitely the priciest option.

You’ll have to do some negotiating here as they are going to start prices as high as MXN $1,200 (USD$60) or even more.

Chichen Itza - one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and an easy day trip from Playa del Carmen

Frequently asked questions

How can I get to Playa del Carmen with a pet?

The ADO bus only allows pets to be placed in the luggage storage underneath the bus and not onboard so this is probably not the best option unless you have a particularly chill pup. I do know of some people who have snuck on with a small dog in their bag but you might not want to rely on this option.

Your best bet is to either rent a car or use one of the suggested drivers who are all happy to have a pet on board.

How can I get from Cancun Airport with a lot of luggage?

If you’re struggling to pack light, then get in touch with a private driver. Fernando at JF Riviera Tours and Christian both have a variety of vehicles to fit multiple bags.

How can I get from Cancun Airport with a group?

If you’re travelling with a group of more than 3 people, it makes sense to hire a private driver or get a taxi as a last resort. The recommended drivers can carry large groups and all their luggage with no worries.

Can I use the colectivos to get to Playa del Carmen?

The colectivo vans that travel up and down the main highway between Cancun and Playa del Carmen are a cheap way to get around the Riviera Maya. Unfortunately, you can’t use them to get from the Cancun Airport.

Practically, you would have to walk almost 40 minutes in the heat and humidity that the area is known for, along roads not designed for pedestrians before you get to the busy highway where you’d have to wait for a colectivo to pick you up. I can be pretty frugal at times but I haven’t heard of anyone attempting this, especially since the bus is only about USD$10 and a much comfier option.

21 best places to go in Mexico

It seems like Mexico is on everyone’s lips these days, possibly because it’s the only places many can travel right now. So there’s at least one bright side to a global pandemic along with the fact that you get to explore a new part of the world that you might never have discovered.

I’ve been visiting Mexico for years and decided to settle down and use it as a base back in 2017 because, in my eyes, it’s almost perfect. Each state has a distinct identity from the food to the culture and picking the best places to go in Mexico can be challenging.

To help you decide where you should visit on your next trip, I got some travel bloggers to pick their favourite places to go in Mexico and share what they love about it. If you do decide to visit, please share your experience in the comments below!

Best places to go in Mexico

1) Oaxaca City (Ciudad de Oaxaca)

I’ll start with my personal favourite, a cute colonial city just south of Mexico City.  Oaxaca is the capital city of a state with the same name, also popular for the beaches of Puerto Escondido and Mazunte.

There are a lot of things to do in Oaxaca but one of my favourite parts about the city is its lively cultural calendar. I’m talking about weekly festivals, elaborate Quinces and spontaneous parades.

Oaxaca is known as the culinary capital of Mexico and no matter your budget, you’re going to be eating it up. From street-side quesadillas (with original quesillo from Oaxaca), to crunchy grasshoppers in the bustling markets and the Mexican-fusion creations of the fine-dining restaurants.

Don’t forget about the regional speciality of mezcal. Make a beeline for the closest mezcaleria or a mezcal factory for a tasting to figure out your favourite blend. Mezcal, which is similar to tequila, is served with orange slices and sal de gusano or worm salt and can be found in all of its varieties in every bar and restaurant around the city. It would be tough to avoid it even if you tried. They’re serious about their mezcal!

In between meals, you’re going to want to visit the nearby villages, natural sites and ancient ruins surrounding the city. You’ve got a petrified waterfall, artisan workshops and breathtaking Monte Alban that offers a panoramic view over the valley.

2) Mexico City

- Melissa from Parenthood and Passports

With more than 150 museums, incredible food, and a vibrant, family-friendly culture, Mexico City offers everything from a chic, cosmopolitan experience to an artistic, and authentic urban adventure. As North America’s largest city, this mega-metropolis has something for everyone. The number of museums in the city is second in the world only to Paris. Give yourself at least 3 days in Mexico City to hit the highlights. Although you would need weeks to visit all of the world-class museums, galleries, and historic sites in the country’s capital city. In the heart of Mexico City, you’ll find the Metropolitan Cathedral, which is the largest church in the Americas. Directly across the street from the cathedral, the open plaza, known as Zocalo, is a popular place for festivals, public events, and even protests. It is, by far, the largest square in the Americas, as well. 

A visit to the Metropolitan Cathedral and Zocalo can easily be combined with a tour of the ancient Mayan ruins of Templo Mayor, and the city’s historic old town area. Old Town entices visitors with its colorful facades and stunning street art painted along the corridors, alleyways, and streets. 

Other must-see sites include Palacio de Bella Artes, the National Museum of Anthropology, and Paseo de la Reforma. Paseo de la Reforma is a popular and modern street lined with tall trees, unique sculptures, famous monuments, and high-end restaurants and hotels. 

With so much to do and see in Mexico City, it should be a must-visit on any Mexico itinerary and definitely one of the best places to go in Mexico.

3) Isla Mujeres

- Chris from The Aquarius Traveller

Isla Mujeres is a small Island in the Caribbean Sea, just off the coast of Cancun with a population of approximately 12 thousand people. It’s known as the “one stop” island destination, with those fantastic looking beaches and luxury hotels. If you’re travelling on a budget, then you are still sure to find suitable, comfortable accommodation as well.

Anyone that visits Isla Mujeres will either be relaxing the day away, doing an endless supply of water activities, Shopping or exploring. The Island itself is only 4 miles (7km) long and 0.4 miles (650 metres) wide and the easiest mode of transport is by golf buggy or scooter. Being as small as it is though, the Hotels, restaurants and shopping districts are all within walking distance.

While you there, why not try your hand at snorkelling or Diving on the many reef systems including the manmade “Musa Museum” or swimming with Dolphins. If you up for a little excitement, summertime brings whale sharks to the area and is often the biggest draw card for many tourists. 

Are you into fishing, then the turquoise blue waters are excellent, even for beginners? On land, there is a Mayan temple, sculpture garden, Hacienda Mundaca Homestead, a turtle farm and the Garrafon reef park.

At the end of the day, feast down on a local dish like “Ceviche”…….you won’t want to go home!

4) Cancun

- Michelle from That Texas Couple

You cannot have a list of the best places to visit in Mexico and not include the tourist hot spot that is Cancun. Surrounded by the beautiful blue waters of the Caribbean Sea, Cancun is a mecca for those seeking sand, surf, sun, and fun. Known for its gorgeous white sand beaches, excellent resorts, and great nightlife, Cancun truly has something for everyone.

Of course, the first thing you want to do is choose where to stay in Cancun.  We recommend choosing Cancun’s Hotel Zone. This area gives you easy access to the beach as well as some great shopping and nightlife.  Once you have chosen the perfect accommodations, then be sure and check out all of the fabulous things to do in and around Cancun. 

Visitors have unlimited water sports at their disposal. You can easily book a snorkeling or diving trip, ride jet skis, or try out parasailing.  We especially love taking the ferry over to Isla Mujeres.  Touring Isla Mujeres on a golf cart makes for a really fun experience. If shopping is what you are looking for, then you are in luck.  Cancun is full of great places to shop as well.  

History lovers will definitely want to book a day trip to the Mayan ruins that are in this area including the world-famous Chichen Itza, located a short drive from Cancun. Foodies will also enjoy all of the fabulous Mexican cuisine that Cancun has to offer!

5) Puerto Escondido

- Anna from Anna Meanders

Puerto Escondido means hidden port, although it's not quite so hidden nowadays as more and more people discover the magic of Oaxaca state's stunning Pacific coastline. The vibe here is laid back and totally chilled out, with a beach suited for everyone, and some of the best fish tacos you've ever tasted. 

Puerto Angelito and Playa Manzanillo provide picture perfect sheltered bays full of tropical fish and soft, golden sand to dig your toes into while you sip a margarita - you're running on Mexican time now, after all!  Across the other end of town you'll find Playa Zicatela, a surfer spot with long stretches packed full of excellent waves and pro surfers, great juice bars and magnificent sunsets each evening, with no shortage of hammocks to kick back and take it all in.

If wildlife is your thing, there is an abundance of sea-life tours to take you out spotting the local dolphins, manta rays, sea turtles and humpback whales who frequent the warm, Pacific oceans. At dusk, make your way to Playa Bacocho for an unforgettable experience releasing newly hatched sea turtles out into the ocean. Once night sets in, make your way to the lagoon of Manialtepec for an otherworldly show of magical bioluminescence, and watch the phosphorescent plankton light up the water in a show of a billion glowing stars. 

6) Valladolid

- Kate from Our Escape Clause

Small, colorful, and perfectly positioned to act as a base for all kinds of day trips when road tripping the Yucatan peninsula, Valladolid definitely lives up to its status as one of Mexico’s Pueblos Magicos (“magic towns”) and its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Valladolid isn’t located on the coast, so while it is a popular city to visit in the region, it has a much more relaxed atmosphere than hotspots like Playa del Carmen or Tulum, and attracts a different kind of tourist.

While you’re there, be sure to check out the charming Zocalo and the beautiful Convent of San Bernardino de Siena, as well as take a stroll down the colorful Calzada de los Frailes and admire the gorgeous Iglesia de San Servicio.

Cenote Zaci, located in the heart of town, is also worth a visit (though it will be overshadowed by other nearby cenotes!).

Be sure to also stop for some food at the Mercado Municipal--the earlier you visit, the better!

As lovely as central Valladolid is, though, it is perhaps even better known for what lies just outside of it.

Valladolid is centrally located to some of the best cenotes on the Yucatan peninsula. Instagram-famous Cenote Suytun is less than a 15-minute drive from central Valladolid, as are Cenote Samula and Cenote Xkeken.

You can also use Valladolid to visit the stunning Ek Balam ruins and the cenote located right next door, Cenote X’canche (which may just be the most stunning cenote in the area).

Most famously, Valladolid is perfectly positioned to take a day trip to Chichen Itza!

7) San Miguel de Allende

- Katja from Globe Totting

San Miguel de Allende is undeniably one of Mexico’s prettiest destinations and one of the best places to go in Mexico. Famed for its elaborate baroque architecture, charming cobbled streets and its pink sandstone church, it’s one good-looking city.

The good news for visitors, however, is that there’s more to San Miguel de Allende than simply good looks. It’s home to a colourful history, some excellent restaurants, noteworthy sights and 100s of elaborate, Instagram-perfect doors.

Start your visit at San Miguel’s iconic pink church, La Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel (otherwise known as La Parroquia). This Grand Dame towers above the city skyline and was modelled on Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. From here, hop on the antique-looking trolley bus for a tour of the city. Stops include El Chorro, the public laundry that is still in use today. If you have your own wheels, then make sure to visit El Charco del Ingenio, the Botanical Gardens and Nature Reserve. Located just outside the city centre, these wild gardens extend over 170 acres.

Other highlights include the lively local market, the excellent traditional toy museum (particularly good if you’re visiting San Miguel de Allende with kids) and Cumpanio, one of the best bakeries in town. Make sure to stop by Churrería San Agustín while you’re here as well. Owned by a famous Argentine actress, Margarita Gralia, this is the place to come for churros con chocolate.

8) Puerto Vallarta

- Vicky from Buddy The Traveling Monkey

Puerto Vallarta is definitely one of the best places to go in Mexico. It’s especially great if you’re traveling on a budget. There are a lot of free things to do in Puerto Vallarta! One of the most popular things to see and do in Puerto Vallarta is to walk along the Malecon. This concrete boardwalk is a mile long and offers great views of the bay. You’ll also find plenty of restaurants and shops there.

Another popular place to visit is the Church Of Our Lady Of Guadalupe. It was built in the 1930s and the inside is beautiful. Not too far from the church is Isla Cuale, which we also recommend visiting. It’s a small river on the Cuale River and has a few restaurants and a small cultural museum that’s open during the winter months. The main reason to go, though, is the flea market. Here you can find clothes, jewelry, paintings, things for the home, and souvenirs.

Puerto Vallarta is also known to have spectacular sunsets. The best place to watch a sunset in Puerto Vallarta is the Mirador de La Cruz. This hilltop lookout on the eastern side of Puerto Vallarta is a challenge to get to; it requires climbing up a lot of very steep stairs. But we promise the sunset views at the top are worth the climb.

For small town vibes close to Puerto Vallarta, check out this digital nomad Airbnb in Sayulita.

9) Campeche

- Maartje and Sebastiaan from The Orange Backpack

The picturesque town of Campeche in the Yucatán peninsula is one of the best places to go in Mexico. It is often called the most beautiful town in the country and a must-visit on any Mexico itinerary.

Campeche is known for its pastel-colored houses and charming streets. You’ll only find this in the small old town, while the city is actually quite big though. Strolling around the colorful streets in the old town is one of the best things to do in Campeche.

There aren’t many other big sights or attractions. The biggest sight is the old city wall, once located directly at the sea. Some parts are open as a museum and others can be climbed for free, like the museum in Baluerto de San Carlos, close to the northern gate.

Another great place to visit is the old botanical garden. It’s small and tours are only available in Spanish, but even without any explanation it’s a peaceful place to just sit on the swings and relax.

One of the most beautiful spots in Campeche is just outside the old town, at the seaside Malecon. This beach avenue is the best place to be around sunset when the sky turns yellow, orange and red with the sun setting in the sea.

You can’t visit Campeche without seeing its main square. It has a cozy village vibe with colorful buildings, a monumental church and a gazebo.

10) Mazatlan

- Daniel from Layer Culture

If you are on the lookout for the best places to go in Mexico, Mazatlan may not appear on your radar but as a prominent coastal destination, you'll quickly see why there's more than one reason to visit. 

When you think of Mazatlan imagine local markets, breathtaking ocean views, and historic landmarks all in one place. Not only will you find some of the best sunsets in the whole country, but you may be pleased to notice the area is a little less congested than others when comparing to beach resorts in Mexico such as the Cancun or Playa del Carmen. 

With so many things to do in Mazatlan, the coastal town boasts a solid list of luxury hotels as well as budget hostels and B&Bs for backpackers, so no matter what your style of travel is you’ll find something to suit you. There are three islands located off the coast which are very popular with people looking to try surfing, diving, and other aquatic activities. 

For those looking for a more cultural experience, there are landmarks such as the Centro Historico which is home to many historical buildings and places such as Plaza Machado know as Machado Square in English which is one of the most popular places to go in Mazatlan where many restaurants and entertainment venues offer you a memorable experience on any trip to the city. All in all, any visitor to the Pacific side of Mexico should consider a trip to Mazatlan to see all that it has to offer. 

11) Teotihuacan

- Taima from Poor in a Private Plane

Located less than an hour outside of Mexico City, Teotihuacan is a must-visit and certainly a contender from one of the best places to go in Mexico. This ancient city is home to the Pyramid of the Sun, one of the top 10 largest pyramids in the world. 

This ancient city was once one of the largest cities in the Americas. Today visitors can spend the day admiring the pyramids and making their way around the archaeological site.

After a morning of exploring take a break and head over to La Gruta for lunch. La Gruta is a restaurant that is in a cave. And it's a great place to have a meal and enjoy a nice cold margarita before heading back out to explore the pyramids.

Take the time to do the climb to the top of the pyramids where you will be rewarded with amazing views of the ancient city. These are some of the few pyramids where you can still climb up to the top.

If time permits then make your way into town where you can try many of the vendors selling everything from street tacos to sweets. This is also a great spot to really experience daily life in Teotihuacan as this is the place where locals go shopping for fresh fruit, vegetables, and other food items. It is soo colorful and really gives you a unique look into the day to day life.

12) Guadalajara

- Jeanine from Le Wild Explorer

Guadalajara is Mexico’s second-largest city and located in the state of Jalisco. It’s widely known for mariachi music and the state is where tequila originated from. There are many things to do in this beautiful city from sight-seeing to eating the local and national cuisine. A trip to Guadalajara is amazing at almost any time of the year.

If you’re planning a visit, be sure to eat and drink at the restaurants and bars on Chapultepec Avenue. Here you’ll find bars such as El Depósito World Beer Store, El Perdón Cantina, and more. If you’re looking for a different type of drink experience try pulque, an alcoholic drink made of fermented sap from the maguey plant, at La Pulkata. It’s said to be the “drink of the gods” and was drunk by the Aztecs. 

Check out the monuments such as the beautiful Guadalajara Cathedral in the historic center and the Templo Expiatorio del Santísimo Sacramento, a neo-gothic church from the late 1800s. The city is also full of art. Check out the murals of Jose Clemente Orozco at the Palacio de Gobierno del Estado de Jalisco and the Instituto Cultural Cabañas.

There are also many day trips you can take from Guadalajara. You can take a tour to Tequila town to sample some tequila from the source. Or visit the charming town around Lake Chapala or take an excursion to check out Los Guachimontones, a pre-Columbian archaeological site about an hour outside the city. There are many things to do in the city so at least three days in Guadalajara is recommended. Enjoy your visit to Mexico!

13) Guanajuato

- John from Roaming Around the World

Guanajuato isn’t just one of the best places to go in Mexico. Many visitors proclaim this colonial city in the central highlands is the most beautiful in all of Mexico. The notoriously colorful dwellings connected by narrow pedestrian alleyways help to make Guanajuato shine brightly!

The historic town of Guanajuato is also listed as one of Mexico’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as its beauty is further evident throughout the city's historic architecture. Baroque and neoclassical buildings add a certain flair to Guanajuato. Opulent churches, a spectacular theatre, ancient haciendas, and the grand staircase leading to the iconic university building are all impressive examples of Guanajuato’s architecture that can be viewed by taking an amble around the city. 

In addition to sightseeing, there’s also lots to do in Guanajuato. The city was built on the prosperity of silver mines, which can still be visited today. Meanwhile, museums range from the artist Diego Rivera’s birthplace to a museum that houses over 100 local mummies! For recreation, consider hiking in the surrounding mountains or take a paddleboat within a city park. In the evening, callejoneadas offer a local Guanajuato tradition of taking a nighttime stroll filled with legends, lore, music, and laughs, all as this gorgeous city lights up.

Like any great city in Mexico, there are also some delicious eating and drinking opportunities. Leafy plazas lined with cafes give a perfect excuse to unwind with a cerveza while soaking in the atmosphere. Miner’s enchiladas are a signature dish to try while dining in Guanajuato. This vegetarian dish is super filling! A great street food scene abounds too, as do restaurants that elevate the local cuisine.

There’s lots to love about this beautiful city sprawled across the mountainside.

14) Playa Del Carmen

- Christine from Mexico Viajera

Playa Del Carmen is one of the popular towns in Quintana Roo along the Caribbean shoreline. Famous for its palm-lined and sandy white beaches, it's only one hour from Cancun and it's also a popular day trip from the city. I recommend staying for a couple of days though as there are many things to do in Playa Del Carmen and it deserves a couple of days at least.

Playa del Carmen used to be just a sleepy village that gained popularity from the counter culture crowds but it has now evolved as a cosmopolitan Mexican city. From the last decade, the city has become inundated by construction and tourism development that it has now become like an extension of Cancun City offering massive hotels, shopping malls, and lively nightlife.

But despite the massive progress over the years, it still remains one of the best places to go in Mexico that offers laid back to sophisticated holidays.

Activities in Playa del Carmen include surfing and paddle boarding on its beaches, watching a cultural show in the Parque Los Fundadores, eating the best Mexican food that you can find, and shopping in La Quinta Avenida (5th Avenue). You can even go ATV riding in the Mayan jungle.

Playa Del Carmen is also a good base from several adventure activities within the area. You can explore cenotes like Cenote Azul, Cristalino, and Jardin del Eden, the majestic cave system of Rio Secreto, less popular beaches like Xpu-ha and Puerto Morelos, and also explore nearby popular diving sites like Akumal and Cozumel. The majority of these you can reach within an hour from Playa del Carmen. 

Check out my guide on my favorite things to do in Playa del Carmen from a local’s perspective.

15) Tijuana

- Kay from The Awkward Traveller

For lack of better words, Tijuana does not have the best reputation when it comes to Mexican cities. Usually, tourists either think Tijuana is dangerous or they think of it as seedy and too raunchy. 

While these reputations were earned for a reason, the city has really put in a lot of work (and time, and energy, and money) into shedding the city's less-desirable reputation and creating a welcoming environment for all visitors with lots of fun activities in Tijuana. And they have succeeded. This is why it makes the list from one of the best places to go in Mexico.

First, Tijuana is like a lesser-known Tulum in the sense that it has an incredible underground art scene. You can visit various galleries and shops at Pasaje Rodriguez, a colorful alleyway lined with murals alongside the twenty-four studios, cafes, and even an independent library! Tijuana is also big on craft brews and creative cocktails, like Border Psycho Brewery and La Mezcalera. 

But of course, Tijuana is a foodie's paradise. Fun fact: the Caesar Salad was actually invented in Tijuana, and you can try it at its original location, Caesar's, where they prepare the salad dressing table-side! Then, eat everything else! Telefonica Gastro Park is an amazing food cart hub if you can't decide on a particular cuisine. Or if you already know you want to chow down on authentic Mexican street food, head to the street known as "Taco Alley" for, unsurprisingly, more tacos than you could ever finish eating. 

However, if you do want to experience more of the classic party scene Tijuana is known for, head to Revolution Avenue where bars and clubs are plenty, there is a Tijuana Walk of Fame, and no-touching strip clubs! 

16) Puebla

- Rose from Where Goes Rose

The gorgeous city of Puebla makes a pleasant break from busy Mexico City. Just two hours from the capital, you can visit either as a busy day trip or, the recommendable option, an overnight trip.

Puebla is both the name of the state and the city at its heart. It’s cobbled streets and colourful houses are comparable to Oaxaca yet it’s smaller and sleepier with less tourist thoroughfare and less English spoken.

There are plenty of things to do in Puebla that will keep you busy for a couple of days. Spend a sunny day browsing galleries in the artists quarter and pick up some souvenirs at the Parian Market. Foodies will be in their element as they stroll Calle de Dulche, in English ‘Sweet Street’. Every shop is a sweet shop, serving traditional recipes handed down through the generations. Prices are very low and you can walk away with a giant basket of candies for a couple of dollars. 

Foodies should also try mole poblano which the locals will tell you was invented in their city (although the locals of Oaxaca will tell you the same!). This rich chilli and chocolate sauce is best eaten over chicken enchiladas at Fonda de Santa Clara. You can also try Puebla’s signature dish, chile en nogada translating as chili in walnut. A giant chili is stuffed with peach and pear, lightly battered and bathed in a creamy walnut sauce, decorated with pomegranate seeds.

Other things to do include walking underground through the Secret Tunnels of Puebla, learning about the history at the Amparo Museum and taking a day trip to nearby town, Cholula, known for its impressive pyramids.

17) Merida

- Alexander from Gourmand Trotter

Merida is actually the largest city of the Yucatan Peninsula, but only a few tourists venture here. It's a great city to experience the authentic Mexican culture of Yucatan. Merida features beautiful buildings with classic colonial architecture mixed with big squares that are lined with markets and food stalls from time to time. It's fantastic to see the influences from various cultures throughout times, ranging from Mayan, Spanish, French, British, and even Lebanese influences. 

Also, what makes Merida even more special is the fact that it's the Mexican city with the highest percentage of the indigenous population, around 60% of Meridians are of Mayan descent.

Some of the main attractions of the city include Plaza Grande, Catedral de Mérida, Dzibilchaltún, and the famous Lucas de Galvez Market. Mérida is also known for its many festivals throughout the year, and the locals love a good celebration. It's a great place to celebrate Dia de Muertos, and the city also has an annual carnival in February or March.

If you want a cultural experience, a visit to the Theatre in Merida, also known as Teatro Jose Peon Contreras, is a great option. It's an old theatre with elegant details and budget-friendly shows.

Another option could be to experience Pok Ta Pok, which is a modern take on the ancient Mayan Ball Game, although without the spilled blood. These games take place each Saturday night on Calle 60 around 8:30. And they are free to watch.

Overall, Mérida is kind of a hidden gem that more and more travelers discover as they venture beyond the classic destinations of Yucatan, and it's definitely one of the best places to go in Mexico.

18) Morelia

- Dean and Laynni from Routinely Nomadic

Morelia was one of the most pleasant surprises of all the enjoyable Mexican cities we’ve visited. The capital of Michoacan state has a fascinating history and its beautiful historic center and vast array of classic colonial architecture earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. Often flying under the radar compared to more popular central Mexican tourist hotspots like Guanajuato and San Miguel de Allende (worthy destinations in their own right), those who make the short detour to Morelia will be thrilled with the authentic atmosphere and relative lack of foreign tourists.

Lacking the dramatic hills of the Mexican mining towns, Morelia nevertheless offers a compelling grandeur in its neat, orderly grid of clean streets and impressively well-preserved buildings. Around practically every corner is another grand cathedral or photogenic plaza, making it the perfect place for an extensive Morelia walking tour. Another great option is to rent bikes, as Morelia’s wide, flat streets are perfect for cycle touring. In fact, every Sunday morning is the Ciclovia, when most of the main central streets are closed to vehicles so the locals can get out and enjoy the beauty of their own city.

From its iconic pink limestone buildings to the grand, bustling plazas to the dramatic and imposing ancient aqueduct, Morelia is a perfect location for some relaxed wandering and colonial sightseeing. Of course, like any Mexican city worth its salt, Morelia also boasts great taquerias, social rooftop bars and more popular ice cream shops than you could hope to visit all in one stay.

19) Taxco

- James from Travel Collecting

Taxco is a small town set on the sides of a steep hill.  It is a classic colonial town with narrow cobbled streets and whitewashed houses with orange tiled roofs.  Taxco is famous for silver and there are lots of silversmith workshops throughout town, as well as a major silver market.  You can wander into the workshop and see the artisans at work, and get some bargains on beautiful silver work at the same time.

There are also dozens of churches in town.  The most famous is the incredible Baroque church the Templo de Santa Prisca which sits on the main square or Zocala, the Plaza Borda.

Santa Prisca and all of the other churches in Taxco come alive during the Semana Santa or Holy Week.  Taxco is home to nightly processions starting with Palm Sunday when crowds of people walk through the narrow streets holding figures made from palm fronds.  On following nights, statues of the main characters in the story leading up to Easter are carried through the streets from churches around the area, re-enacting scenes from the Bible.  

However, it is the nightly processions of penitents that make Semana Santa in Taxco truly unique and places it firmly as one of the best places to go in Mexico.  Brotherhoods of penitents walk through the streets carrying huge bundles of thorny sticks on their bare shoulders, or laboring under enormous heavy crosses, or, even more gruesomely, lashing their backs with sharp thorns until they are bleeding wounds to pay penance for their sins.  This is a centuries-old tradition that is still very much alive in this tiny hillside town.

Whether you visit at Easter or another time of year, Taxco is a fascinating place to explore.  Taxco is in Guerrero, about 2 hours and 40 minutes southwest of Mexico City by bus or car. 

20) San Cristóbal de las Casas

- Claire from Claire's Itchy Feet

San Cristóbal de las Casas is one of my favorite places to go in Mexico. What I love about San Cris is the perfect mix of old and new. It feels like it’s retained a lot of traditions there, while having a bit of a hipster edge. It’s very close to the border of Guatemala and you can really feel it. Like in Guatemala the local people still mostly wear traditional dress which is always beautiful to see and admire and the main town is a perfect example of colonial architecture. Once you are done wandering the streets admiring the architecture you can duck into one of the many cute cafes for a coffee fix. 

San Cristobal is also (in my opinion) the best place in Mexico to get your shopping fix! They have several amazing markets to explore. Things to buy in San Cris are leather goods, traditional Mexican textiles, crystals and stones for jewelry, coffee, and an alcoholic drink called Pox. Last time I went I left with a new wardrobe, far too many new pieces of jewelry and a handbag. The prices are extremely reasonable and the quality is excellent. 

Be sure to find a place to stay in the centre and bring some warm clothes and wet weather gear. The temperatures often drop, even in the summer and it also rains quite a bit. Don’t let that put you off though, you can buy warm clothing there at the market for a very reasonable price and you will fit right in!

21) Tulum

I couldn’t end this post without including the real talk of the town right now, Tulum. Although I live in Playa del Carmen, Tulum is just an hour away from me and a place I frequently visit for the weekends or when I need a short getaway.

It really seems like Tulum is the top of everyone’s best places to go in Mexico list and for good reason. Tulum is an easy base to explore the Yucatan peninsula and has some of the region’s best attractions within a short drive.

Tulum is surrounded by picturesque cenotes and lagoons and you could easily spend days visiting one after the other without making a dent in the seemingly never-ending list. The Tulum Ruins, while on the smaller side, has a dramatic Instagram-esque location perched at the edge of a cliff overlooking its own private beach.

If you’re up for some nightlife, Tulum turns it up in the only way it knows how - with either over the top bougie boho-chic clubs filled with international eco-art pumping out house music under the full moon or ancient herbal drug-fueled jungle trance parties.

And, even though I love my easy breezy, taco joints and ample choices of vegan restaurants in Playa, it’s hard to ignore the foodie scene that just keeps growing in Tulum. From farm-to-table Mayan-inspired dishes to fine dining restaurants featuring a different menu each night. Or try the romantic, candlelit hacienda-turned-restaurant for date night followed by drinks at the cenote-side dining of Clan-Destino.

So, make like everyone else pouring into Mexico right now and visit one of these best places to go in Mexico while they’re still great!

My Mayan adventure in Sian Ka’an on the Riviera Maya

Riding down the bumpy dirt road in between a small forest of palm trees, thick enough to allow just small glimpses of the Caribbean Sea, I knew I was about to see something truly special. Cell service was long gone and although we passed the occasional house, there was no sign of modern life. I had definitely reached the end of the road.

Despite previous research, I had no real idea what to expect on my Sian Ka'an tour other than I'd be getting to see some wildlife and snorkelling was on the agenda.

My crash course on the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve was thanks to Kay Tours and I was lucky to have my new blogger friends from Claire’s Itchy Feet and Viva La Travelista along for the ride.

If you’re looking for info on what to expect in this less-visited part of Mexico, then read on to see what my experience in Sian Ka’an was like.

What is Sian Ka’an?

Sian Kaan means "place where the sky is born” in Mayan. Spend a day out there and you’re sure to see why.

Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve is the third largest protected area in Mexico, covering 5280 km² or 1.3 million acres. The National Park was established in 1986 and as well as being one of the most beautiful places in the Yucatan Peninsula, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In a region that's known for nightlife and big theme parks, Sian Kaan is like the antidote for those looking to experience the natural side of the Riviera Maya.

Sian Ka’an fast facts

• Sian Ka'an makes up 10% of the State of Quintana Roo

• Over 380 species of bird have been identified in the park

• The reserve is also home to 115 mammals species, 47 dragonflies species and 318 species of butterflies

• The following animals call Sian Ka’an home: manatees, howler and spider monkeys, crocodiles, Jabiru stork, ocelots, pumas, jaguars, pink flamingos, toucans and tapirs

• Sian Ka'an has a variety of inlets, marshes, mangroves and coastal and in-land lagoons

• The climate is tropical with summer rains and usually wettest in September

Where is Sian Ka’an

Sian Ka’an is found on the Caribbean Coast, about an hour south of Tulum and two hours from Playa del Carmen.

 

Who should visit Sian Ka'an?

• Bird watchers, in particular, will love this tour

• Nature and animal lovers in general

• Anyone looking to get away from it all

This area is all about relaxing, taking in the scenery and getting the chance to see wildlife in their natural habitat.

What to expect on Kay Tours’ Sian Kaan Tours

Highlights:

• Wildlife observation - birds, dolphins, crocodiles, sea turtles and manatees (if you’re lucky)

• Guided snorkelling tour at the coral reef

• Refreshments, fruit and snacks in the van

• Lunch and free time at the fishermen village of Punta Allen

• Free pictures of your day

• Tour duration is approximately 10 hours

Sleepy Playa

Playa is not exactly an early morning destination and visitors to this little city are often surprised not to be able to find breakfast before 8 in the morning.

Nevertheless, expect an early wakeup because one of the benefits of a trip with Kay Tours is you’ll be the first boat out and the first one to get to all the sights (unless you’re a boatload of bloggers who take way too many photos and make the tour run an hour late. Oops.)

The little touches are all taken care of, however. Even though my day started early, I was pleasantly surprised to find fruit, breakfast bars and coffee on the van to snack on.

Once everyone was picked up, which doesn’t take too long since tours run with a maximum of ten people, we got a briefing of how the day would look from our friendly tour guide, Juan.

This is when we learned about Kay Tours’ brilliant use of aluminum water bottles to eliminate the need for plastic bottles. Each bottle already had our names marked, ready to be refilled throughout the tour.

We had ten hours ahead of us but the van was very comfortable and some took the opportunity to have a quick snooze. If you stay awake, though you’ll get some great views of Tulum and the coast.

Entering Sian Ka'an

Once you get to the entrance of the National Park, you’re sure to know, whether asleep or not. The bumpy road to our starting point of Paso Lagartos makes sure you're aware you’re not in Kansas anymore. This is what we came for - pure, unadulterated nature and Mexico at its best.

Along the way, we made a quick pit stop to stretch our legs and get our first glimpse of the clear waters of the lagoon. We took the opportunity to have a chat with the local fishermen trying their luck out at a conveniently placed bridge and they were kind enough to point out one of the largest crocodiles I’ve ever seen. And I’ve lived in Australia, the land of Crocodile Dundee!

Next stop was to our boat pick-up point at Paso Lagartos where a yummy sandwich awaited us. I certainly wasn’t about to go hungry on this tour. While the boat was packed, we got the chance to explore the coast on one side and the lagoon on the other.

This is when I got my first glimpse of the local wildlife, a sunbathing iguana. I love these guys, especially after my encounter at the Green Iguana Conservation Project in San Ignacio, Belize.

The boat tour begins…

Once we jumped on board and got settled, we got another briefing in more detail of what we could expect to see for the day.

First stop - dolphins! Who doesn’t love dolphins? And while I’ve been fortunate enough to see these adorable creatures around the world, this time, I got to spend time with what I thought was an adorable baby frolicking with who I imagined was his mum and dad.

Mmmmmm. Turns out he was a frisky teenager and all that frolicking was his idea of flirting. Kind of PG 13+ but that’s nature for you.

Another high point for me was Isla de Pajaros (Bird Island). This was a mangrove island covered with chatty birds of all kind. I spotted some pelicans, boobies (of the bird variety) and frigates along with lots of babies, thanks to the season.

Snorkel time

Due to being a protected area, swimming with the wildlife is against the park rules and not permitted. If you’re keen to get into the water, however, no need to worry. There are spots on the coral reef where snorkelling is allowed and our boat captain took us out there so we could don our gear and head underwater.

While I wouldn’t be heading back to Sian Ka’an to snorkel in a hurry (Cozumel holds the crown for the best snorkelling in the area), I was super impressed by how uncrowded the reef was. No getting bonked in the head by a rogue flipper here. You’re free to explore the reef at your own pace and not feel like you’re in the water equivalent of a Contiki tour.

Juan was quick to point out any interesting under-water critters and managed to spot a little shark hiding out underneath a rock. Get your best pose ready because tour guides are also equipped with a GoPro for underwater pics.

Once we were done snorkelling, we headed out to find some more wildlife. Overall on the trip, we got to see tons of birds, dolphins, sea turtles, spotted eagle rays, crocodiles, starfish and sharks.

Punta Allen

One of my favourite things while travelling is getting to see small towns around the world, a real example of what life is like for a lot of people around the country.

Our stop in Punta Allen gave me a chance to explore the town, chat to some friendly locals and of course, feed that growing hunger that accumulated after all that swimming.

Lunch was all local food, set up buffet style right by the water. There was a ton of veggie options, including fresh salad.

Once we’d had our fill, it was time to head back to the boat and sadly make our way back home. Our trip back was made a little bit more exciting, though, as we were trying to race an incoming storm. Our timing was impeccable as we got back to the van just before the rains hit.

What you should know about Kay Tours

• One of my favourite things about Kay Tours is that while they do an amazing job at private tours, they also provide the opportunity to join small group tours. If you’re travelling solo or can’t make up enough for a full tour, they will help you match up with other travellers.

• My second favourite thing: Free pictures! With Kay Tours, you don’t need to spend your day trying to get that perfect shot. Just sit back, relax and take it all in while your tour guide has you covered with pics taken from a professional camera.

• Kay Tours makes a real effort to be as environmentally conscious as possible. From the use of an aluminum water bottle for the day to serving your morning coffee in cute little mugs, they’re not just paying lip service to being “eco”.

• The tour guides are genuinely awesome. Kay seems to have handpicked his guides from the pool of the best guides in Mexico. Claire’s done a handful of tours with Kay tours now and has said that every single one has been first class.

Juan, our tour guide was attentive and considerate showing a level of professionalism that I don't see often. An example was when he warned us that we had a bumpy ride coming up and made sure those who get motion sick sat upfront before they started to feel ill.

If you’re spending a while in the Riviera Maya, Kay Tours also have tours to some of the popular tourist attractions including Chichen Itza, Tulum, Coba and even to swim with the whale sharks near Isla Mujeres.

Looking for somewhere off the beaten track? Kay Tours also visit Las Colorodas, the stunning pink lakes in the north of the region and Muyil, located deep in the jungle.

Budget travellers should make sure to check their website because they often have promos. There’s currently 20% off on offer for the Sian Kaan tour.

Kay Tours

Website: kay.tours

Email: contact@kay.tours

Outside Mexico: +52 19 84 1 43 23 47

Inside Mexico: 0 44 98 41 43 23 47

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Tulum Ruins, Mexico

Tulum is located on Mexico's Caribbean Coast just south of Playa Del Carmen. It can be considered the "green resort" town because you can still find many luxury resorts and stylish beach clubs but there's also a growing number of eco style hotels and beach cabins available.

Right outside of town there is a small set of Mayan ruins known for its picture perfect setting on the beach. The Tulum Ruins are the third most-visited archaeological site in Mexico, after Teotihuacan and Chichen Itza.

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Laguna Bacalar - The Lagoon of 7 Colours

The town of Bacalar and Laguna Bacalar itself are popular amongst budget travelers and backpackers but due to its remote location and importantly, the distance from Cancun Airport, it’s one of the least touristy places you can visit this close to the Caribbean Coast of Mexico.

Gaspar Pacheco founded the town in 1545 as Salamanca de Bacalar, derived from the Mayan words ‘Bak Halal’, meaning ‘place surrounded by reeds.'

I visited Bacalar on a two week trip with my family with a goal to show them what I love about Mexico away from the margaritas and novelty sombreros of the Mexican Riviera, and the extremely cultural but sometimes chaotic neighbourhoods of Mexico City. Although there’s nothing wrong with those things, I really wanted to show them another side of Mexico.

Fun with dad and the Bacalar sign

After a three hour drive from Tulum to Bacalar, we arrived in Bacalar and were immediately greeted by the sight if the lagoon. Laguna Bacalar is called the Lagoon of 7 Colours because of the distinct blue colours that are visible throughout the lake. The water clarity is also very impressive partly due to its white limestone bottom.

The lagoon measures 43 km long and 2 km at its widest point. It is also the second largest body of freshwater in Mexico, after Lago de Chapala in Jalisco and Michoacán.

There are several restaurants and bars located on the lakefront where you can have a meal or just a drink and sit lakeside or relax on the adjacent docks. There is one public dock that is free to access and is actually a lot of fun as well.

The lake is quite shallow at the shore except where there are cenotes. This makes it great for smaller children to get in and snorkel. Just be careful when jumping in!

You can rent a variety of equipment to get out into the water, including kayaks and sailboats but the best activity is a half day tour that gets you to all the different sites on the lagoon.

Lagoon tours

There are a few tour operators in town, some private and some that work as part of a cooperative. As you explore the town you will see signs everywhere advertising lake tours so you will have your pick of operators.

Lake tours are available next to the public dock that last for two hours and cost about $280 pesos.

After doing some research and because I was with my parents, I really wanted the best day out possible so we decided to go with the more expensive tour offered by Amir AdvenTours. The tour is in English and Spanish, goes for 3.5 hours and costs $526 pesos.

After meeting the guide and boat we crossed the Channel of the Pirates to take in the coastline from the water. From here you can see the Fort and all get a better sense of the 7 colours you can see throughout the lake.

We stopped in the channel for an explanation of the history of the lagoon and a quick swim in the warm waters. Amir then took the group for a walk through the sulfur infused muddy shallows for a full body mud mask followed by a fun race through the mud that really hugged your feet and if you were’t careful you could end up face first in the muddy water.

While we scrubbed the mud off Amir prepared a feast of tropical fruits including banana, watermelon, mango and the sweetest pineapple I’ve ever had.

Amir even helped push us up the tree!

Hanging out at the stromatolites

After the snack stop we visited the “Black Cenote” which is an open cenote with a depth of about 85 meters where we got to snorkel. For the brave, Amir showed us how to do a dive after climbing the branches of a tree.

Then we visited the “Cenote Esmeralda” with a depth of 45 meters and finally the “Cenote Cocalitos” where you can see stromatolites that are known as living stones and are considered as the oldest form of life in the planet.

Finally, we visited the Island of Birds for one more swim and snorkel.

The tour includes snorkeling equipment, life jackets, fruit, snacks and drinks. There was a good balance of information and fun water activities and by the end of the tour we were pretty exhausted. I highly recommend this tour!

The Fort of San Felipe

The Fort of San Felipe Bacalar is another major attraction in this area, because in its walls, pillars and ramparts there are still traces of past battles. The fort was built in 1729 with the main purpose of preventing the attacks suffered by the population from the pirates. Interestingly the fort was also used to monitor and repell traffickers of dyewood, a highly valued precious wood back then.

During the Caste War, the Fort was used by the Spanish as a point of defense against Maya who fought to win back the village, won the war but left the fort in ruins.

Today, the Fort of San Felipe Bacalar has become a local history museum. The collection in the museum includes pieces of pre-Hispanic history, Colonial history, drawings, historic plans, beautiful murals, multimedia devices and even the skeleton of a genuine pirate of the Caribbean.

Getting in and out

Bacalar is a great stopover in between the Yucatan and Belize. If you’re coming from Cancun it is a five hour drive or three hours from Tulum. There are regular ADO bus services if you’re not driving.

With it’s clear, warm waters and tranquil town, Bacalar is a great place to visit if you want to relax while taking in the stunning views the lagoon. These never got old and while relaxing on a dock with a good book, you could really waste a day or three away.

This post is part of my Top 30 in Central America and Mexico. You can also check out some more of my favourite sites and activities in Mexico here.

Have you made it to Bacalar? Any other recommendations for the region that I missed out? Let me know in the comments below!

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Top Things To Do In Oaxaca City, Mexico

Oaxaca (pronounced wah - ha - ka) is located about 500 km from Mexico City and 250 km from the beaches on the Oaxaca State coastline, like Puerto Escondido and Mazunte. I recently spent two months there taking a break from travelling and volunteering with a local organisation.

I chose Oaxaca City, the capital of the state and largest of Oaxaca cities, as it is the perfect combination of Mexican culture and modern amenities. Oaxaca is known as the culinary capital of Mexico and also the home of mezcal. During my time there I met a lot of lovely people who made my experience all the richer and I found a ton of fun things to do in Oaxaca.

Check out this list for some inspiration when spending some time in Oaxaca and while you’re there don’t forget to take some time to soak in the rich history and culture all around you. Sometimes the best activity is just exploring a new city by foot and Oaxaca is perfect for that.

Take the opportunity to chat to the people you see around you because I always found most people loved to share a lazy afternoon sharing time with a new friend. Oaxaca City is definitely worth a visit and is one of my favourite places to visit in Oaxaca State.

The petrified waterfalls at Hierve de Agua

1) Hierve el Agua

This is a must visit and you will see this site on most tours based in Oaxaca. Ask anyone in town what to do in Oaxaca and Hierve el Agua will be the first thing they list. Hierve el Agua is often referred to as a petrified waterfall as the site consists of two waterfall-like formations that have been formed over many years with a process similar to that of stalactites in caves. There are also several “mineral-rich” pools that you can bathe in, one that goes all the way to the edge of the cliff forming a natural infinity pool.

If going on your own I would suggest heading there as early as possible so that you can take advantage of the various hiking trails and also don’t forget to head to the further waterfall so you can view the big one from afar! It’s far too warm to do this trip in the middle of the day. Also, don’t forget a hat and sunscreen as there is not a lot of shade.

There are several small food and goods stalls located at he entrance to the site including loads of fresh, chopped fruit, tamales and cocktails, of course. I had one of the best tamales of my trip at the stall nearest the entrance of the site so look out for that one if you’re hungry!

The natural mineral pools at Hierve el Agua

2) Oaxaca Stamp Museum (Museo de Filatelia de Oaxaca) 

http://www.mufi.org.mx/en/home1.php

A stamp museum might sound like one of the most boring place in the world (unless you’re really into stamps!) but this museum is actually a treasure trove of historical information on Oaxaca State and Mexico in general. There’s also a beautiful courtyard where you can relax and ignore the bustle of the city for an hour or two.

If you’re a big Frida Kahlo fan check out the section with many of her own correspondences. If you’re travelling with kids, there are also some cool interactive exhibits. There’s also no entry fee. Bonus! Okay, I have to admit I do sound a bit excited. Maybe I should start stamp collecting?

Checking out the Frida section!

Our little joke in the guestbook for any Anchorman fans out there ;)

3) Pochote Market

Oaxaca has it fair share of grand markets. I have fond memories of visiting my local market to pick up my groceries for the day and sometimes a fresh fruit juice to treat myself.  The city centre also has a huge market that I loved to weave through to get my fix of nieve - the Oaxacan version of ice cream, and some of the famous Oaxaca cheese.

If you want a slice of expat life in Oaxaca though, you should check out the Pochote Market. Held every Friday and Saturday in the garden and courtyard of the Iglesia Xochimilco. The Pochote Market has a wide range of produce available. You can find some traditional Oaxacan and Mexican cuisine with an international twist, as well as organic produce including eggs, coffee, and fresh fruit and vegetables.

Best of all, if you want to try a traditional Mexican dish but are a vegan or vegetarian then this is a great place to sample meat heavy foods replaced with tofu or other plant based foods. Tofu, Mexico style ;)

Sometimes there is live music which just adds to the lovely feeling of snacking under the trees within the shade of the local church with the sounds of church bells ringing in the background. An excellent way to start your morning!

4) Arbol del Tule

Ever seen the tallest tree in the world? What about the oldest tree? You might think that the widest tree in the world wouldn’t be as impressive and that’s what I thought before visiting. How wide could it be??

Well Arbol del Tule is actually pretty wide, with a circumference of 42 metres, it is certainly wide enough to be impressive anyway and it is a beautiful tree. It's so wide I couldn't actually fit it in a photo! Scientist believe the tree to be between 1,433 and 1,600 years old. You don’t have to be a nature buff to really appreciate the grandeur of the tree! I would suggest visiting even for a short while and exploring the cute little town that it’s located in. 

There’s also a well maintained topiary garden where I had fun trying to guess exactly what the different animals were. They're not exactly the most accurate representations!

An emu?

5) Check out the artist workshops and graffiti around town

Oaxaca is filled with amazing art both inside and outside. I would strongly recommend spending a few hours walking around the city, stopping into different workshops and galleries and keeping an eye out for any graffiti.

I suggest starting at Porfrio Diaz and Independencia and heading north, also a good route if you’re heading to Pochote Markets.

6) Monte Alban

Breathtaking Monte Alban will give you panoramic views of the valley and over a couple of hours you can experience its vast complex of pyramids, tombs, temples and ancient plazas. It is 400 m above the floor of Oaxaca valley so you can see amazing views from all around.

One of the more fascinating aspects of Monte Alban is the significant number of carved stone monuments. Called "Los Danzantes" (literally The Dancers), they depict naked men in contorted poses. They represent tortured and sacrificed war prisoners. Over 300 have been found to date and you can see them both on site and in the museum.

We found a small patch of shade!

7) Interesting festivals in surrounding villages

While I was in Oaxaca I got invited to a lot of different festivals both in Oaxaca and in the nearby villages. I would suggest visiting one if you get a chance while you’re visiting. You will really get a taste for the huge cross section of cultures that exist just in this one part of Mexico.

Check out my article here on some of my favourite festival memories. I also had a pretty sobering experience during the Semana Santa activities and if you’re lucky enough to be in Mexico or Central America at this time you will really get to witness something special.

8) Visit a mezcaleria or a mezcal factory

I am not the biggest fan of mezcal. I tried and tried but could never make myself like it or even stomach it sometimes. I can drink tequila by the litre (not literally) but when it comes to mezcal, there’s something about its smokey undertones that make me gag.

Instead of your traditional lime and salt that you would have with tequila, Mezcal is served with orange slices and sal de gusano or worm salt. This is exactly what it sounds like, a mixture of sea salt, toasted and ground agave worms and a touch of chile. You can also find several varieties of mezcal including flavoured and aged.

What to do in Oaxaca State? Drink mezcal of course!

9) Laze about in the Zocalo

In most Mexican cities, the zocalo is the place to be at any time of the day. It’s basically the square or park that marks the centre of town. It’s a meeting place, where parades start and end, a place to protest and be heard and a place to just while away the day people watching.

In Oaxaca there always seems to be something on at the Zocalo. Whenever I had nothing on I would head down to the Zocalo to check out the action. A bonus for me was that some of the kids I worked with would hang out there when not in school or at the centre because their mum worked there so I would always have a playmate if I wanted too as well. It’s very interesting hanging out in the zocalo and seeing everything from a 10 year old’s perspective.

Resources

Que Pasa Oaxaca

There always seems to be something happening in Oaxaca so make sure you stay on top of all the events and activities by checking out the QuePasa Oaxaca website, the best of the Oaxaca blogs. You’ll find loads of information in English about the going ons of this very cultural city and its surrounds.

Oaxaqueños love to party and there seems to be a festival on every single day. I would often head out on a Saturday to go to the markets and would find myself surrounded by a parade or tents for a food festival.

Oaxaca Lending Library

In town for a little while? You should definitely check out the library. They have a huge selection of English language books, newspapers and magazines. You can hire and even some great deals if you want to buy a book. They also have a regular language exchange every Saturday where you can spend a couple of hours with a small group having conversations in Spanish and then English. 

They are also a great place to visit if you just want some advice about the town. There’s a message board with a variety of different posts so it’s worth a stop by just to check out what’s happening in town. There are loads of little quiet nooks to sit in as well as free wifi and a rooftop seating area!

Top Tip: There are several tour companies that offer a variety of the above activities bundled into a one day excursion. Usually something like Arbol del Tulle, a mescal factory and Hierve el Agua. Take it from someone who did all these things individually and just go with the organised excursion.

You might not have as much time as you want at places like Hierve el Agua but the costs really aren’t much more than what you would pay yourself and you don’t have to wait in the hot sun for local pickup trucks to show up.

That's it for the best places to visit in Oaxaca. If you're planning a trip consider these Oaxaca hotels and if you're already there check out my love letter to Mazunte and consider including it into your itinerary. If you can't visit for a while at least now you know how Oaxaca is pronounced and how fun it is to say!

Where to stay in Oaxaca City

Quinta Real Oaxaca

My luxury pick for your stay in Oaxaca, Quinta Real, is located in a historic convent. It is in a great location, just one block from the Santo Domingo Cultural Centre and the walkway that houses most of the galleries, museums and handicraft stores. This full service hotel has everything you would expect in a four star hotel, like a gym, pool, and concierge with the unique colonial touches that are special to the region.

Read the latest reviews on Trip Advisor

Check out the best prices: Hotels.com | Expedia | Booking.com

Hotel La Casona De Tita

This small six-room hotel receives near perfect reviews on Trip Advisor and is widely reviewed as one of the best places to stay in Oaxaca. If you can grab a room here then don't hesitate! Each room is unique and all are exquisitely decorated with antique and contemporary furniture, and Oaxacan textiles.

Read the latest reviews on Trip Advisor

Check out the best prices: Booking.com

Casa Angel Youth Hostel

For the best budget option you should definitely check out Casa Angel. I practically lived here for a couple of weeks until I found a more permanent place to live and was sad to leave. The two best things about Casa Angel are their Deluxe Rooms and their cooked breakfasts. You can fill up on a huge breakfast in the morning while you chat to other travellers about your plans for the day and at night sleep in one of the most comfortable dorms I have ever tried. There's also a rooftop terrace with BBQ facilities, garden and weekly events.

Read the latest reviews on Trip Advisor

Check out the best prices: Hostelz.com

What else is there to do in Oaxaca State?

There are loads of places to visit and things to do in Oaxaca State besides Oaxaca City. When I was researching stuff to do in Oaxaca I learnt about the Magic Mushroom Capital of Mexico, San Jose del Pacifico.

Alternative travellers flock to this beautiful, tiny, mountain town with one main street of about 300 metres where you can indulge in mushrooms and temazcal. If you're looking for a holistic, one with nature type experience, the this is the place to go.

One of the most relaxing places to visit in Oaxaca State is Mazunte on the Pacific Coast. Mazunte is my favourite beach destination in Mexico and if you want to do nothing but swim, eat and hammock the day away then this is for you.

If you're into surfing or want to learn, then Puerto Escondido is an excellent place to practice. If you're heading here from Oaxaca city then definitely take an official bus instead of the minivans. The twisty route taken by the smaller vehicles can make turn the strongest of stomachs.

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Tell me your favourites!

These are some of my favourite activities and locations in Oaxaca. Please share if there’s anything I didn’t mention that you would include. What were your favourite experiences in Oaxaca?

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Festival Life In Oaxaca, Mexico

I recently spent two months living in the colonial city of Oaxaca (pronounced wa-hah-kah), volunteering with a small volunteer group that helped tutor disadvantaged kids who had been given scholarships. I usually worked in the middle of the day for about four hours and then had the rest of the time to explore.

There’s a lot to see and do in Oaxaca but my favourite part of the city was its lively cultural calendar. There was always something on and Oaxaceños loved any excuse to party. During my time there I was lucky enough to be invited to the party of a Quinceañera in the smallest village I have ever visited. There were literally chickens and cows roaming the streets! I went to many a food festival where I got to try so many delicacies from the well-known “culinary capital” of Mexico. I also got to experience a Semana Santa parade which was literally sobering (more on that another time).

One Saturday I got a message from a friend letting me know that there was a water festival on. "World’s Dullest Festival,” I replied. She convinced me to meet her there and it turned out to be a huge festival with local dances, parades and stalls all to honour “agua”. Agua means water in Spanish but in Mexico it often refers to a flavoured water refreshment, full name Agua Fresca or Fresh Water, that mixes fruits, grains and other flavours with water. It’s a drink you are often served in local eateries and also sold on the streets.

The festival encouraged local business owners all around the city to give away free “agua” to passersby and there were also a variety of the more popular flavours available to try at the festival. It was a great opportunity for me to try some of the more “interesting” flavours that I wouldn’t usually want to buy due to their strange consistency and colours!

Some of the flavours of aqua that you might find in Oaxaca include tamarind, hibiscus and agua de horchata, my personal favourite which is made with rice, vanilla and cinnamon.

Moral of the story is - if you see a festival happening while you are in Oaxaca, you should definitely take some time to check it out. You never know what you will learn and what you will get to try.

The Quinceañera is the celebration of a girl’s fifteenth birthday in many parts of Latin America and it marks the transition from childhood to young womanhood. The party I was invited to was for the daughter of my good friend’s Spanish teacher. As there was not going to be anyone who was likely to speak English there she was allowed to bring a plus one.

We were super excited to attend the party as neither of us had been to a Quinceañera before and the opportunity to visit a new village was a big positive as well. The morning of the party we were stressing about what to buy as a present and kept being advised that a bottle of mezcal was definitely the right choice. So with a present appropriate for a fifteen-year old (apparently) we hopped into collectivo and off we went.

Party Time!

Side note about public transport in Oaxaca: The most common way to get around is by collectivo which is essentially a maroon and white coloured taxi which will have a placard on the dash stating location. The collectivo has a regular route and you just need to know where you’re headed too and let the driver know where you want to get off along the way. It’s called a collectivo because you’re essentially sharing the ride with anyone else who flags the driver along the route.

The most interesting part is that the driver will try to squeeze in as many people as possible and this means that you could get as many as two people in the front seat with the driver and four in the back seat. My top tip is to always choose the back seat when you jump in. You definitely don’t want to be in that awkward spot with the gear stick being jammed into your calf over and over again!

Once we were well on our way and everyone else had gotten on and gotten off, we started to have a chat with the driver and learnt that he lived in this small village and knew the party girl! We probably should not have been as shocked once we saw the size of the town. He drove us right to her door and told us how regularly the collectivos left for when we were ready to leave.

The party was well under way by the time we got there as I had mastered the art of “Latin American time” and we were introduced to the birthday girl. She was dressed in the most beautiful and elaborate dress and, compared to the rest of us, looked like a princess. I felt seriously underdressed but apparently it’s tradition for the Quinceañera to wear the big faux-wedding dress so no one really felt out of place.

So many cakes for one girl!

After a touching speech from her obviously proud parents, there was cake cutting and then we feasted! There was so much to eat and everything looked amazing. There was lots of grilling going on and also I got to try lots of things I would not usually.

The afternoon was pretty spectacular, spending time getting to know her friends, family and neighbours as we all ate and listened to music but the best part was towards the end when she gathered al her friends together to open presents. This day has turned into one of my most memorable times in Mexico because of this beautiful girl and her little sister. Sometimes watching a child open presents can be a depressing thing for me. Seeing their bored reaction after opening pricey toy and after pricey toy which are then all shoved in a corner to be forgotten about.

The birthday girl spent so much time savouring every moment opening every present and even turned it into a little game by having the guests try to guess what the present could be. She even let her little sister open some as she was desperate to join in on the fun. She also loved book presents the most and her eyes would glisten over in excitement every time she thought she was about unwrap a book.

After opening the presents we started to play some party games and all the kids begged us to join in. They were super sweet and even got into charades with my friend who’s Spanish was non-existent. It was truly special to spend time hanging out with fifteen year olds who actually acted like fifteen year olds.

When we left they treated us like family and all saw us out and made sure we got into the collectivo. I am so grateful that I was lucky enough to peer into the life of a fifteen-year old in one of the smallest towns in Oaxaca. I love travel because I am gifted with these experiences! Have you ever been to a Quinceañera and was it a smaller event like mine or one of the large elaborate types? 

Read more about Mexico and Central America!

Mazunte - A Pacific Paradise

Here’s a tale about one of my favourite places in the world. I intended to visit for a couple of days just to de-stress and get some sun after the chilly nights of San Cristobal but ended up staying for a whole week. I could have stayed much longer had I not already committed to volunteering in Oaxaca City.

I took a night bus to San Pedro Pochutla and then a colectivo to Mazunte. A colectivo can really be anything, often a minivan or taxi but in this case, it was the back of a pickup truck. As more and more people piled in along the way, I was eventually squished next to two lovely older men and got to find out about what they did in Mazunte and they loved telling me about their families.

As we were nearing the coast and I could start to smell the sea air, we got stopped by a road block. The police were checking licences and it turned out our driver deigned not to carry one that day. We sat in the back of the truck for about five minutes as the passengers continued to make jokes and were in general good spirits even though we were about to be stuck a 20 minute walk from our destination.

Everyone eventually realised the police were not going to let us continue so we all hopped out and made our way down the hill to Mazunte. By this time it was seven in the morning and not much was happening. I heard this could be a bit of a hippy town and witnessed a few early morning locals going about their business but it was quiet otherwise.

Upon my first sighting of the beach I knew this was the place for me. I settled into my new hostel, Posada Del Arquitecto, which was right on the beach and started my new life in Mazunte.

There is really not much to do in Mazunte but everyday my friends and I would find ourselves declaring, “Another perfect day in Mazunte!” The weather is lovely, the people are relaxed and if you want to spend some time doing absolutely nothing surrounded by natural beauty then this is the place to be!

Eating and drinking

There are some genuinely great places to eat including a spectacular wood fired pizza place run by a real Italian, a fish and chip shop, a falafel place, an Italian gelato stand and a juice bar where you can get a litre of juice for 35 pesos! Due to the large expat community you will really be surprised by the variety and quality of food available.

Cafes and restaurants seem to open whenever they want to so you can't plan anything. It's like a nice surprise as you walk through town and find that your favourite places are open. The main street always seem new to me because of this phenomenon; there's always a different combination of stores opened on any given day.

You can also eat your way around the world just by laying on the beach as food vendors bring around a variety of treats for you to snack on. My personal favourites were the sushi lady, the pizza lady and the donut guy.

Most nights there's usually a movie night in one of the hostels. The organisers post a flyer up everyday with details of that night’s movie and location. Depending on the hostel they’ll offer some drink specials and even some dinner options. While I was there, they played a variety of movies from recent blockbusters (like The Revenant) and more classical movies from the 1920’s.

There's not much party life here so you could easily find yourself in bed by 11 so you can get a full night's sleep before you wake up for the sunrise or morning yoga.

If you do want to party, you can walk the streets and there’s usually a gathering of people outside the juice bar, where they offer 2 large mojitos for 100 pesos or the Mezcaleria is open Friday and Saturday nights with live music late into the evening along with free mezcal tasting.

Chasing the sunset

You can watch the sunrise right from the beach in Mazunte but need to walk to another beach to see the sunset. Every afternoon about 4:30 pm locals and foreigners alike start congregating on the beach to see the evening in. Those who are up to a walk start heading to the hill to do the sunset hike.

You start by walking through some local forest while gradually climbing up to a point looking back down to the Mazunte beach. There’s usually a lovely Portuguese lady selling some delicious chocolate truffles and other treats and you could stay here and witness the sunset if you’re not up for anymore walking (or you ate too many chocolate truffles!).

After hanging out here for while, you climb down to an almost deserted little beach where you can sit and stare as the sun sets seemingly right in front of you. Take a dip in the orange waters and fully immerse yourself in this spectacular time of the day.

After watching the sun set for a bit on this beach, everyone then heads up to the furthest point, Punta Cometa. You walk through some more forest, pass some spectacular rock formations and then come upon the point which takes my breath away every time. 

The sunset is different every day and since you’re now on Mexican time and you take things as slow as possible then you’re always in a hurry to catch that last bit of sunset as you head toward the point, making it even more special.

From here, it’s all about sitting and staring in awe at the sunset and the otherworldly atmosphere of the beach below. There are huge rocks with some real personality and it almost reminds me of landscapes you encounter when traveling through Salar de Uyuni and South East Bolivia.

Once the sun sets, you still have another hour or so of dramatic orangey-coral landscapes to soak up so you can stay on the point or climb down to the beach below. Once there you can take another swim or head to the small bar located right on the beach for a very strong cocktail or some nibbles.

A Pacific Paradise

Of all the beaches I’ve been to on the Pacific coast this is definitely my favourite. During the day there are huge pelicans diving for fish and beautiful hummingbirds flitting around. Everyone seems to respect the peace and there is rarely any loud music blaring, at the most you might hear the strains of a guitar or drumming.

In Mazunte you can do yoga every morning for as little as 50 pesos. You can sleep in a swinging bed looking out into the coast for 90 pesos. You can eat like you’re in Europe or indulge in local Mexican fare. You can do nothing at all and still end the day with a contented sigh and a stupid grin on your face because you’re just so happy to be there.