We have traveled to Mexico a dozen times and always enjoy our trips to this diverse country. After a year of cancer struggles, we have started planning our travels for the winter, and Mexico is at the top of our list. After we finally visit Cartagena in Colombia, but that will be another article. For now, let’s talk about all the amazing reasons to visit Mexico!
Why Visit Mexico?
Many people ask, why visit Mexico? Whenever we mention we are planning to spend the winter there, people tell us they are “worried for our safety and would prefer we go someplace else”, but with a little planning, a trip to Mexico is awesome, and we are going to share some reasons to visit Mexico right now!
When is the Best Time to Visit Mexico?
The best time to visit Mexico depends on what you want to do and where you want to go. Generally the dry season is the best time to visit from November to April when the weather is warm and sunny and perfect for beach vacations in Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Puerto Vallarta. This is also the time to visit cultural and historical sites like Chichen Itza and Teotihuacan without the discomfort of heat and rain.
If you want to go whale watching the peak season in Baja California is from December to April but it is from … to October in the Yucatan.
If you want fewer crowds and lower prices May to June and September to October are good times to visit with pleasant weather and a more relaxed trip. Just be aware that the rainy season from May to October can bring heavy showers in the tropical areas but it rarely affects your travel plans.
1. Rich Cultural Heritage
Mexico has a rich and varied cultural heritage that spans thousands of years so history buffs will love it. You can explore ancient civilizations like the Maya and Aztecs through incredible archaeological sites. Chichen Itza one of the New Seven Wonders of the World has El Castillo pyramid a must see for any traveler. Teotihuacan the “City of the Gods” is another highlight with its impressive Pyramids of the Sun and Moon.
Beyond these famous sites Mexico has many more historical treasures. Palenque in Chiapas has beautiful Maya architecture and carvings surrounded by jungle. Monte Albán in Oaxaca has stunning views and a glimpse into the Zapotec civilization. And in addition to these ruins you can visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the historic center of Mexico City and Xochimilco where colorful boats float through ancient canals.
And cultural festivals and traditions are a big part of Mexico’s heritage. Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) shows how Mexico does death. Elaborate altars, colorful decorations and parades. Independence Day and Cinco de Mayo
2. Stunning Beaches
Mexico has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world with coastlines on the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea to suit every kind of traveler. Cancun on the Yucatan Peninsula is famous for its white sand and clear turquoise water, perfect for sunbathing, luxury resorts and water activities like snorkeling and scuba diving at the nearby Great Mesoamerican Reef.
On the Caribbean Coast, Playa del Carmen on the Riviera Maya is chill with beautiful beaches, great for exploring marine life, visiting ancient Mayan ruins like Tulum or taking a ferry to Cozumel. For a more luxurious experience Tulum has eco-chic beaches, trendy beach clubs, boutique hotels and the famous Tulum Ruins right on the beach.
On the Pacific side Puerto Vallarta has beaches surrounded by mountains, great for whale watching, deep sea fishing and exploring the old town. Cabo San Lucas in Baja California is famous for its dramatic landscapes, luxury resorts, nightlife, the iconic El Arco rock formation and activities like snorkeling, sailing and sport fishing.
For surfers Sayulita and Puerto Escondido have some of the best waves in Mexico. Sayulita is bohemian and suits both beginners and experienced surfers while Puerto Escondido is famous for the big waves at Zicatela Beach.
3. Natural Wonders
Mexico’s natural wonders are breathtaking and varied. Sumidero Canyon in Chiapas has cliffs and boat tours on the Grijalva River, views and wildlife. Hierve el Agua in Oaxaca has petrified waterfalls and natural infinity pools, swimming and hiking.
Pico de Orizaba, Mexico’s highest peak, is for serious mountaineers with tough climbs and views. The national park around it has hiking and camping in a volcanic landscape. The cenotes of the Yucatan have unique swimming in crystal clear sinkholes, for snorkelers and divers.
Copper Canyon in Chihuahua is bigger and deeper than the Grand Canyon, hiking, horseback riding and train rides. Mexico is a nature and adventure lover’s paradise.
4. Delicious Mexican Cuisine
Mexican food is a big draw for foodies worldwide, and many people plan their vacation around trying its bold flavours, many ingredients and colourful traditions. Mexican food is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, that’s how important and special it is on the world stage.
Street Tacos are the ultimate Mexican food experience. Found in markets and roadside stalls these tacos feature freshly made tortillas filled with a variety of meat, topped with onions, cilantro, and salsa. Each region has its own twist and you can taste the flavors exploding on your taste buds. Mole is a complex sauce made from a mix of chiles, chocolate and spices, Mole Poblano from Puebla is the most famous but Oaxaca is known as the “Land of Seven Moles”.
Whether you are enjoying Tamales and street food or dining on Ceviche at a Michelin Star Mexican Restaurants in Mexico City, dining in Mexico is the best way to experience Mexican culture.
Pozole is a thick soup made with hominy, pork or chicken and a mix of spices, you have to try it. This traditional dish is often garnished with radishes, lettuce, oregano and lime, so you get a burst of flavours in every spoonful. It’s especially popular during celebrations and fiestas.
5. Mexican Spirits
Mexico’s drink offerings are just as impressive. Tequila and Mezcal, both traditional Mexican spirits made from agave are part of the country’s drink culture. You can do tastings and tours in the states of Jalisco and Oaxaca where these spirits are produced.
6. Chocolate Was Created in Mexico
Did you know Mexico is also home to the creation of chocolate? Dating back to 1100 BC, the Aztecs were known to use cocoa in their drinks. Cocoa beans were a sign of wealth and were used as a form of currency. Some vendors still offer authentic Aztec chocolate in the markets.
7. Festive Atmosphere
Mexico’s party atmosphere is a big draw for travelers, with celebrations and events all year round.
Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is the big one, on November 1st and 2nd, where you honour your deceased loved ones with altars, parades and vigils.
Mexican Independence Day on September 16th has fireworks, music and the Grito de Dolores in Mexico City’s Zócalo Square.
Cinco de Mayo is the Battle of Puebla, with parades and cultural events in Puebla.
Other events include Las Posadas, a 9 day Christmas celebration with processions and parties, Carnaval in coastal cities like Mazatlán and Veracruz with parades and fancy dress, Guelaguetza in Oaxaca with indigenous dances and music, Semana Santa (Holy Week) with solemn processions and religious ceremonies.
The Night of the Radishes in Oaxaca is a bit quirky, where they carve radishes and Puebla’s International Mole Festival celebrates the region’s culinary heritage. Participating in these events will give you a real connection to Mexico’s culture and community.
8. Affordable Travel
Mexico is known for its affordability, offering great value for accommodations, food, and activities. It’s an ideal destination for budget-conscious travelers.
Mexico is one of the most affordable international vacations you can take. A number of airlines that fly to Mexico have travel packages that can make the overall trip more affordable for you. They’re especially affordable when not around any major holidays, as there is less of a demand to fly there.
One Canadian dollar is the equivalent to nearly 12 Mexican pesos, and even at that conversion rate, you still have the opportunity to negotiate with the vendors in the markets for their goods. In addition, most of the attractions in Mexico are free for visitors, which is ideal if you’re on a budget.-
9. Diverse Landscapes
Mexico has so many different landscapes to offer the outdoor enthusiast. From the huge Copper Canyon in Chihuahua, bigger and deeper than the Grand Canyon, to the jungles and cenotes of the Yucatan, there’s something for everyone. The Sierra Madre Mountains offer great hiking and birdwatching, the Baja Peninsula has dramatic coastlines for whale watching and snorkeling and the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve in Michoacán is a must see for the winter migration.
The Pacific Coast has surf spots like Puerto Escondido and Sayulita, Chiapas has rainforests and waterfalls like Agua Azul. The Valle de Guadalupe wine region in Baja California has vineyards and gourmet restaurants. Whether you’re in deserts, mountains, jungles or beaches Mexico has it all and is the ultimate adventure destination.
From deserts to jungles and mountains to beaches, Mexico’s diverse geography offers endless opportunities for adventure. Hike through Copper Canyon, explore the cenotes of the Yucatan Peninsula, or climb the pyramids of Palenque.
10. Warm Climate
Mexico’s warm weather is a big plus, with sun and pleasant temps year round. The Yucatan Peninsula with tropical destinations like Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum is for beach lovers. The Baja California Peninsula has mild winters and hot summers, perfect for snorkeling and whale watching in Cabo San Lucas and La Paz.
The Pacific Coast cities of Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán and Acapulco have a tropical climate, great for water sports and nightlife. Central Mexico, including Mexico City and San Miguel de Allende has a temperate climate with warm summers and mild winters, perfect for sightseeing.
The humid tropical climate in Chiapas and southern regions means lush rainforests and waterfalls. Northern Mexico’s desert climate with hot summers and cool winters means warm weather in cities like Monterrey.
Mexico’s warm climate means outdoor activities year round, from hiking in the Sierra Madre Mountains to surfing in Sayulita and Puerto Escondido. The weather makes festivals like Dia de los Muertos and Cinco de Mayo even more fun, so come for the sun and adventure.
11. Vibrant Cities and Towns
Mexico’s cities are a mix of old and new, so you get a fun travel experience. Mexico City is the big bustling capital, a cultural hub with world class museums like the National Museum of Anthropology and historic sites like the Zocalo and Chapultepec Castle. The city’s many neighborhoods, like Roma and Condesa, are full of art galleries, cafes and nightlife.
Guadalajara is the birthplace of mariachi music and tequila, it’s got a rich cultural heritage and festivals. You can visit the historic Teatro Degollado, the beautiful Guadalajara Cathedral and the lively Mercado San Juan de Dios. The city’s arts and food scene make it a must see.
Monterrey is set in the Sierra Madre Mountains, so you get a mix of nature and urban. The city is known for its modern architecture, the Macroplaza and Fundidora Park, a former steel foundry turned cultural space. The business district and upscale shopping centers are for business travelers and tourists.
Or you can visit the colonial towns of Guanajuato and San Miguelle de Allande. You can visit Mexico again and again and not visit the same place twice.
12. Friendly Locals
Mexican hospitality is famous for friendly people who welcome visitors and share their culture. The phrase “mi casa es su casa” (my home is your home) is real. Travelers love the personal connections they make, from helpful shopkeepers and great tour guides to warm hosts in boutique hotels and Airbnb’s.
In smaller towns and villages like San Miguel de Allende and Oaxaca the local community wants to share their customs and traditions. Joining in local festivals, eating at family owned restaurants and shopping at artisan markets is the way to do it.
Even in the most touristy places like Cancun and Puerto Vallarta the locals will always help you out, give you advice and a smile.
13. Unique Wildlife
Mexico has so much amazing wildlife for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. The country has different ecosystems, from rainforests and deserts to mountains and coastal areas, each with its own species.
The Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve in Michoacán is a UNESCO World Heritage site where millions of monarch butterflies migrate every winter. This is a must see for wildlife enthusiasts, a breathtaking sight of butterflies clustering in the oyamel fir forests.
Baja California Sur is famous for its marine life, especially in the Sea of Cortez, known as the “Aquarium of the World” by Jacques Cousteau. You can snorkel, dive and kayak among coral reefs, whale sharks, sea lions and dolphins. Gray whale watching in Laguna San Ignacio and Magdalena Bay is an unforgettable experience with these gentle giants.
In the Yucatan Peninsula the jungles and coastal waters are full of wildlife. Visit the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to see jaguars, manatees and over 300 species of birds. Snorkel in cenotes and along the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef to see fish, turtles and rays.
14. Communication
While the majority of Mexican citizens speak Spanish, they all have varying degrees of knowledge in speaking English. This makes it easy for many tourists, most of whom visit from the United States and Canada, to communicate with the locals to get directions or ask for help. It also makes laughing and joking with the local children memorable.
You can negotiate easier when buying your goods because you can banter back and forth with the vendors. Most of the Mexican people are also very friendly to tourists. They understand that tourism helps to boost the Mexican economy. When tourists are happy and traveling to Mexico everyone benefits.
15. Music
Dave and I have always said that Mexican musicians are the most talented and when going out at night, make sure to watch Mariaches play at a local bar.
Mexico’s musical heritage is a big part of its DNA. Mariachi music from Jalisco is the iconic one and you can hear it in places like Plaza Garibaldi in Mexico City. Regional styles add to the mix: son jarocho from Veracruz, norteño and banda from the north and trova yucateca from the Yucatan Peninsula.
Music festivals like the Cervantino in Guanajuato and Vive Latino in Mexico City bring together traditional and contemporary sounds with international artists. Experiencing these traditions is the real deal of Mexico’s culture and artistic soul.
From ancient ruins, to beautuful beaches Mexico has it all. Mexicans are welcoming and friendly. Yes, the country has its problems with the cartels, but if you plan well and avoid the hot zones, you can have a safe an enjoyable time in Mexico. So are you planning to visit Mexico? Let us know in the comments below.