Discover the Real Mexico Beyond the Beach Resorts

Scenic street in San Miguel de Allende

The majority of tourists who visit Mexico stay at all-inclusive beach resorts, totally missing the rich history, culture, and natural beauty that Mexico offers. In my opinion, if you choose to restrict your stay to a beach resort, you haven't experienced Mexico.

For some tourists, that's totally fine but if you're ready to experience Mexico’s diversity, there's an abundance of options to choose from. I've been to Mexico 11 times and have only scratched the surface.

Discovering Mexico's Historic Cities and Towns

Mexico has 177 Pueblos Mágicos (Magical Towns) recognized by the government for their historical importance, cultural traditions, and natural beauty. In addition, the country has 35 World Heritage Cities designated by UNESCO for their significant historic and and cultural value. Mexico has an estimated 200,000 archaeological sites, of which 174 are open to the public.

Mexico City, one of the largest cities in the world, attracts millions of tourists annually who enjoy world class museums, fine dining and vibrant neighborhoods. It also makes a good base for visiting other historic cities nearby, including:

• Oaxaca: Famous for its indigenous culture, colorful markets, and ancient Zapotec ruins, Oaxaca is also an excellent place to explore Mexico's varied cuisine through culinary school or food tours.

• Puebla: The city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its Spanish colonial architecture, cathedral and oldest public library in the Americas. Local handicrafts, notably Talavera pottery, are widely available.

• San Miguel de Allende: San Miguel is a gorgeous colonial city with art galleries and a lively cultural and music scene. Plan on spending a few nights here as there is a lot to see and do.

• Teotihuacan -- Constructed between the 1st and 7th centuries AD, and known for its massive Pyramid of the Sun and Pyramid of the Moon, this ancient city was once the largest in the Americas.

  
  

An Abundance of Cultural Experiences

Mexico has over 5,000 traditional festivals and events each year. These celebrations range from large national events like the Day of the Dead and Independence Day to local gatherings and festivities. 

• Day of the Dead: This multi-day festival commemorates friends and family who have passed on. Parades and street fairs take place across Mexico. Tourists are welcome to observe and participate. I experienced this colorful festival in Mexico City and would gladly go back to do it all over again!

• Cuisine tours: You can attend cooking classes and/or take evening food tours to better understand regional specialties in cities like Mexico City or Mérida.

• Art and crafts: Discover indigenous weaving, pottery, and silverwork in places like Taxco or Chiapas.

  
  

Wildlife and Nature Await

Mexico has a wide variety of environments ranging from deserts to tropical rainforests and temperate-to-high-altitude forests, all of which provide unique encounters with nature.

• Monarch butterfly reserves: Visit in January through mid-February and see millions of butterflies over-wintering in the highlands of Michoacán and Mexico state. Hiking is required to reach the largest colonies in the oyamel forests.

• Whale Watching in Baja - Get up close to adult and baby grey whales in San Ignacio Lagoon or Magdalena Bay on the Pacific Ocean. I've experienced this amazing event twice, once as a day trip and as part of a small ship cruise adventure. You can explore the "Aquarium of the World" in the Sea of Cortez and along the rugged Pacific coast from December to April.

• Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve: A protected area with diverse ecosystems, including mangroves and lagoons, ideal for bird-watching.

Practical Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip

• Research your destination: Rely on recent traveler blogs and reviews. Check the US State Department Travel Advisories for any recent bulletins pertaining to crime and kidnapping risks. Popular destinations like Mexico City, Oaxaca, and San Miguel de Allende have well-established tourist infrastructures with strong police presence. Many towns rely on tourism and actively protect visitors. Around 1.6 million Americans and over 50,000 Canadians live in Mexico.

• Common sense goes a long way: To reduce the risk of being targeted by criminals, avoid traveling at night and avoid local nightclubs and bars. Leave expensive clothing and jewelry at home.

• Consider joining a small group tour. To make your journey as safe and stress-free as possible, travel with a tour group. I've traveled with Eco Colors (butterfly sanctuary tour) and Intrepid Travel (Day of the Dead tour) and both were great experiences with free time to do our own exploring. There are many other reputable tour groups to choose from that can provide you the support you need.

• Simple precautions reduce risk of food and water borne illnesses. Always drink bottled water. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption. If you are susceptible to digestive illnesses, consult with your doctor prior to departure.

• Healthcare is easily accessible if you need it: Mexico is becoming a center for medical and dental tourism. Major cities have excellent hospitals and clinics, often at a fraction of the cost in the US or Europe.