FERNWAYER'S GUIDE TO MEXICO

Traveling around Mexico is like taking a journey across space and time. It’s a place where an indigenous past, a colonial history, and a thriving contemporary present all coexist in vibrant –sometimes slightly chaotic– and exciting harmony. A country where mountains, jungles, and beaches will take your breath away with their beauty, and where pre-Hispanic ruins, colonial churches, and modern cities sometimes occupy the same territory. But most of all, Mexico is its people. No matter where you go, you’ll encounter warm, friendly locals eager to welcome you and share their country’s treasures. This honest hospitality will stay with you forever. Read on to discover just a few of the many reasons to explore this fascinating country.

Best Things To Do in Mexico

Mexico is often referred to as many countries within one country, which is why there is a vast array of things to see and do here. You can learn about its prehispanic heritage by visiting fascinating archaeological sites such as Monte Albán and Teotihuacan, and visit legendary cultural institutions such as Mexico City’s Anthropology Museum. Its varied revolutions come to life in historical sites that reference some of its most famous children, such as Benito Juárez and Emiliano Zapata. The country’s efforts to make a cohesive identity during the 20th century can be seen in the stunning murals and architecture from the likes of Luis Barragán and Diego Rivera. Its contemporary life comes alive in its varied gastronomical culture, which ranges from Michelin-starred restaurants to popular street vendors.

1. A fascinating pre-Hispanic culture

Mexico’s ancient ruins and temples invite you on a journey through time, showcasing the rich knowledge developed by civilizations that dominated the country centuries ago. Chichén Itzá, a Maya archaeological complex in Yucatán, was declared one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007. Surrounded by lush jungle, its 26 constructions tell the story of one of the most advanced cultures in the Mesoamerican region, with highlights like the Chichén Itzá Castle, the Observatory, and the Ball Game. Not far away, in Quintana Roo, the Tulum ruins are a spectacle to admire by the Caribbean. Long, long before the town became a magnet for those looking for a boho chic beach getaway, it was a Maya walled city called Zamá, which means “dawn.” Its oceanfront Castillo (castle) sits atop a cliff, providing a dramatic postcard, and is believed to have served as a sort of lighthouse, helping Maya sailors navigate the Caribbean. 

One of the most breathtaking Maya ruins awaits in Chiapas. Palenque, reachable from the capital city of Tuxtla Gutiérrez or from Villahermosa, Tabasco, was one of the most important cities of the Maya civilization, yet was hidden under the thick jungle for centuries and only unveiled in 1952. With plazas, palaces, aqueducts, and tombs, it is believed to have had up to 8,000 citizens in its day. Over in Mexico City, you’ll find the remnants of Templo Mayor. Considered the center of the universe for the Aztecs, this sacred complex sits right in the heart of downtown, next to the city’s cathedral and National Palace, in a fascinating blend of time periods.

2. Breathtakingly beautiful beaches

Bathed by water on almost seven miles of coastline, Mexico is home to some of the world’s most stunning beaches. On the West Coast, encounter the Pacific’s deep blue and powerful waves in Los Cabos, where a desert landscape creates a stunning contrast with the ocean, or head to the Riviera Nayarit for gorgeous jungle-meets-sea views. An impressive hospitality, culinary, and nightlife scene, along with plenty of water activities — including premium whale-watching in the winter — make these western regions irresistible.

Moving south, Puerto Escondido, on the shores of Oaxaca, offers a more laid-back vibe. Ideal for surfers, Puerto Escondido is home to beaches like Zicatela –also known as the Mexican Pipeline–, Carrizalillo, and La Punta –a good choice for beginners–. While remaining casually cool “Puerto”, as locals lovingly call it, also offers chic hotels like the eco-friendly Terrestre, built by Mexican architect Alberto Kalach.

There’s plenty to love on the opposite side of the country, too. If turquoise Caribbean waters are your thing, the Riviera Maya beckons with tranquil, soft-sand beaches and destinations that range from group- and family-friendly spots, like Cancun, to chic locales, like Tulum, to ultra low-key places, like Puerto Morelos. Perhaps the Riviera’s best-kept secret is Holbox, a gorgeous island where time seems to run at a slower pace than everywhere else. Without large resorts or fancy restaurants on the horizon, days here are spent walking the sandy beaches or swimming alongside massive –but harmless– whale sharks, offering a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.

3. Museums to suit every interest

More than 180 museums make Mexico City a veritable museum paradise — and an eclectic one at that. Are you enthralled by classical art? Head to MUNAL (Museo Nacional de Arte), a gorgeous downtown building that houses 500 years of Mexican art, with masterpieces by artists like José Clemente Orozco and Rufino Tamayo. Are you a Frida fan? A visit to her Coyoacán house, Museo Frida Kahlo, is in order. 

There's also an antique toy museum (Museo del Juguete Antiguo México), an interactive economics museum (Museo Interactivo de Economía), and a chocolate museum (Mundo Chocolate Museo). Not all the museum action is concentrated in the capital, though. Find spectacular contemporary art at Monterrey’s MARCO, historic, viceregal, and contemporary art at Puebla’s Museo Amparo, and even tacos at Tijuana’s recently opened Museo del Taco.

4. A living culinary culture

Mexicans love gathering around the table. That sense of warmth and joy will accompany you through every meal, whether it’s at a street stand feasting on tacos, elotes — grilled corn on the cob — or quesadillas; at one of the many renowned restaurants around the country; or a charming cantina – a traditional watering hole where you’ll usually find an assortment of traditional dishes, unpretentious drinks and where, up until not long ago, women were not welcome. 

Across the country, regional recipes, traditions, and specialties weave a fascinating landscape that brings surprises at every stop. Exploring each state, city, and town means encountering unique recipes that tell the story of its geography, history, and culture. Taste impossibly fresh seafood in Baja California, beautifully complex moles in Oaxaca –sauces made with chilies and spices–, or cochinita pibil, the iconic dish from Yucatán: pork meat marinated in achiote paste and citrus and bursting with flavor. 

Traditional Mexican cuisine, with its ingredients and techniques, is part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list, and this timeless legacy is alive thriving in the hands of cooks around the country. Head to Tierra y Cielo in San Cristóbal de las Casas, where chefs Marta Zepeda and Kievf Rueda honor Chiapas’ rich culinary heritage with a contemporary touch, or check out Xokol in Guadalajara, a creative concept by chefs Óscar Segundo and Xrysw Ruelas, modern yet firmly based on promoting creole corn.

5. Spirits with a soul

Tequila may be the first Mexican spirit you think of, and with good reason. Born in the blue agave fields of Jalisco, this liquid is part of the country’s folklore and identity, the protagonist of endless parties and sobremesas (the art of lingering at the table for hours after a meal, which is highly encouraged during your visit).

While tequila is incredibly popular and was the first Mexican spirit to earn an Appellation of Origin in 1974, the Aztecs actually started by drinking a fermented agave beverage called pulque, which you can still enjoy today. Other agave-born delights include mezcal — a smokier, mystical spirit mainly produced in Oaxaca — raicilla — a fragrant liquid from the western states of Jalisco and Nayarit — and bacanora — born in the town of the same name in Sonora. To dive into the universe of tequila-making, head to La Guarraña in Tequila, and allow the team behind El Tequileño to share the secrets behind their prized liquid. Even better, pair your visit with a stay at Casa Salles boutique hotel. Over in Oaxaca, a stop at La Mezcaloteca is a must. Here, artisanal mezcal reigns, and the experts behind the bar will tailor a tasting according to your interests and tastebuds.

6. Charming colonial jewels and pueblos mágicos

Three centuries of Spanish presence in Mexico –between the conquest in the sixteenth century and the Independence in 1821– brought a complex cultural fusion that still influences the country’s customs, food, and traditions today, as it did throughout Latin America. Architectural remnants of this period remain alive in the country’s colonial cities, many of which thrived as mining or port cities at the time.

Guanajuato, a stunning mountainous city in the heart of Mexico’s Bajío region (and the capital of Guanajuato state), is the perfect example. Exploring the tunnels, alleys, and cobblestone streets of this former silver mining city –the most important mining center during colonial times– is absolutely inspiring, as is climbing to one of its lookouts to admire the view from above. Also in Guanajuato, San Miguel de Allende is a favorite among locals and foreigners alike. With the breathtaking Church of Saint Michael as the town centerpiece, surrounded by adorable streets lined with colorful houses, restaurants, coffee shops, and art galleries, it’s a place that demands getting lost in its charm and beauty.

On the Caribbean shores, Campeche’s enchanting historic center, lined with pastel-colored houses and shops, tells the story of the first port city founded by the Spanish in the Yucatán Peninsula — complete with a fort to defend the city from pirates. Its coastal location also guarantees some of the best seafood in the country –make sure to try pan de cazón.

Whimsical squares with gazebos, historic churches, colorful buildings, and cobblestone streets may sound like the stuff of fairy tales, but these are some of the many enchanting elements you’ll encounter when exploring Mexico’s Pueblos Mágicos, which literally translates to “magical towns.” From coastal areas to mountain regions to colonial towns, Pueblos Mágicos have been chosen for their historical and cultural relevance, as well as their warm hospitality. A few favorites? San Sebastián del Oeste, a magically foggy former mining town in Jalisco; Izamal, known for its bright yellow buildings, in Yucatán; Mineral del Chico, a forest lover’s haven in Hidalgo; and San Cristóbal de las Casas, bursting with culture amidst the cloudy mountains of Chiapas.ù

7. Adventures in nature

Standing among the world’s most biodiverse countries (sharing the honor with places like Peru, Brazil, and Indonesia), Mexico is a never-ending paradise for natural exploration, with 232 Natural Protected Areas and 602 Areas Destined for Conservation managed or supported by the government. 

Underwater wonders await throughout its coasts. Cabo Pulmo National Park, a Protected National Marine Park in Baja California, is a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and earned the nickname “the world’s aquarium” from oceanographer Jacques Cousteau thanks to its incredible marine life. It’s home to one of the largest coral reefs in North America, as well as more than 800 marine species, including hammerhead sharks, sea turtles, and tiger sharks. On the other peninsula, the Ría Celestún Biosphere Reserve is a complex and stunning ecosystem that combines mangroves, wetlands, and low rainforests. Reachable by car from Mérida in less than 90 minutes, this beautiful area is home to more than a thousand species –most spectacularly, pink flamingos, creating one of the most colorful and charming tropical postcards in the Yucatan peninsula.

When it comes to natural marvels, cenotes are among Mexico’s most astounding. From the Mayan word dzonot, which means “water-filled cavity,” these sinkholes are found along the Yucatán Peninsula, likely as a consequence of the asteroid crash that occurred millions of years ago — the same one that wiped out the dinosaurs. These underground caves were considered sacred portals to the underworld by the Maya and remain extremely important today, as they are a source of fresh water for many in the region. Visiting them is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but one that should be done responsibly.

For explorations on dry land, you can find plenty of hiking trails in the mountains — many of them around Mexico City, including the stunning Nevado de Toluca volcano and Los Dínamos National Park — sandboarding in the desert dunes near La Paz, and ziplining above the jungle in the Riviera Maya. In Chiapas, Yaxchilán offers a two-for-one spectacle: declared a Natural Monument, these stunning Mayan ruins are nestled among the lush greenery of the Lacandona forest, immersing you in the mysticism and richness of the Maya world. 

8. A colorful landscape of arts, crafts, and design

Mexico’s creative scene is blossoming with talent. Popular art is essential to the country’s identity, with beautiful, intricate creations that bring beauty and joy to markets, street fairs, and artisan shops. Admire stunning textiles in Chiapas, ranging from tablecloths to dresses to pillows to traditional huipiles worn by local women. These delicately woven masterpieces are the result of generations of knowledge and skill, kept alive by artisans in regions like San Juan Chamula and Zinacantán. In Oaxaca, some of the most iconic creations include alebrijes, fantastic creatures made of parts of different animals –say, a winged lion, or a cat with an owl’s head–, traditionally carved in wood and painted in bright, colorful patterns. 

While crafts keep the tradition alive, Mexico is also home to a thriving contemporary art and design scene. Explore art galleries like Travesía Cuatro and Guadalajara 90210 in Guadalajara, OMR and Pequod Co. in Mexico City, or head to Mexico City Art Week in February. With the spectacular Zsona MACO art fair as the centerpiece, it’s a weeklong celebration at galleries and events spaces that takes over the city.

8. A sip of mexican wine country

No matter your level of wine expertise, delving into Mexico’s thriving wine-producing regions is a treat for the senses. In Baja California Norte, Valle de Guadalupe boasts a winemaking tradition that dates to the eighteenth century and is home to some of the most renowned wineries in Mexico, like Monte Xanic and Santo Tomás, as well as exciting newcomers like Bruma. Founded in 2008, this spectacular winery also houses a boutique hotel and chef David Castro Hussong’s beloved restaurant, Fauna.

In the Bajío region, Guanajuato awaits with lovely boutique wineries, while Querétaro, the southernmost wine-producing region in the Northern Hemisphere, is especially known for its sparkling wines. These regions are perfect pit stops if you’re exploring nearby cities like Querétaro, Guanajuato, or San Miguel de Allende.

9. Celebrate with unique festivals

It might be a cliché to say that it’s always a party in Mexico, but there are plenty of excuses to join the festivities throughout the year. July brings the Guelaguetza to Oaxaca, a festival that honors the state’s 16 peoples through dance, music, parades, and of course, food. With the iconic Auditorio Guelaguetza as the main stage, the festival takes over the city throughout the month, painting it with the colors of the state’s incomparable culture and folklore. Come September, a patriotic mood fills the entire country for Independence Day, celebrated on the 16th. From Mexico City’s sprawling Zócalo to main squares across cities and towns, listen to “El Grito” as local authorities echo the call to independence once proclaimed by Miguel Hidalgo –followed by tequila and antojito-filled celebrations.

Fall brings the much-beloved Día de Muertos, held on November 1 and 2. On these evenings, Mexicans welcome their dearly departed back to the realm of the living, treating them to their favorite earthly delights –from food to spirits to cigarettes– set up on altars called ofrendas in their homes. Mexico City hosts a spectacular parade on Paseo de la Reforma, while San Miguel de Allende encourages guests to dress up as fancy catrines and catrinas. Pátzcuaro, Michoacán is enveloped in mysticism as locals head to the Tzirumútaro cemetery, located on Páztcuaro island in the middle of the lake of the same name, lighting the way with candles and torches. Known as La Noche de las Ánimas (Night of the Souls), it’s a fusion of pre-hispanic and Catholic traditions, keeping the everlasting bond between the dead and the living strong, as people visit their loved ones at the cemetery, celebrating their life with joy and gratitude.

April

Mexico City blooms with the lavender color of its iconic jacaranda trees.

April

Mexico City blooms with the lavender color of its iconic jacaranda trees.

July

The Guelaguetza festival celebrates Oaxacan culture in Oaxaca.

July

The Guelaguetza festival celebrates Oaxacan culture in Oaxaca.

September

Get into the patriotic mood during the Independence Day celebrations.

September

Get into the patriotic mood during the Independence Day celebrations.

October

The International Cervantino Festival brings music and dance to Guanajuato.

October

The International Cervantino Festival brings music and dance to Guanajuato.

November

Día de Muertos is a celebration of life like no other.

November

Día de Muertos is a celebration of life like no other.

December

Christmas and New Year’s bring a special cheer and cooler temperatures.

December

Christmas and New Year’s bring a special cheer and cooler temperatures.