There is much more to Mexico than tequila spring break, and shores. And while tourist places like Cancun and Cabo San Lucas are popular for some reason, all-inclusive resorts and overcrowded shore areas don’t always result in an authentic encounter. The good news is, you can make your visit to Mexico a non-touristy one. From Maya museums to historic festivals, the country provides a lot more than just palm trees and swim-up pool bars.
Strategies for an Authentic Visit to Mexico
Continue reading for 10 insider ideas that can cause a more visit to Mexico, even if you’re led to a town or resort area.
Go for a Festival
Whether it’s for Day of the Dead or Mexican Independence Day, you’ll have a more culturally rich visit to Mexico if you visit during a celebration or festival. These events are a socket to learn more about the country’s history and customs, and are packaged with exciting experiences.
Here are some popular holidays to plan a trip to Mexico
- Diez y Seis: Mexican Independence Day, September 16
- Dia de la Raza: Day of the Race (date Christopher Columbus arrived in North America), October 12
- Dia de Los Muertos: Day of the Dead, October 31 to November 2
- Dia de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe: Our Lady of Guadalupe (patron saint of Mexico), December 12
- Las Posadas: Christmas Season kickoff, December 16
- Dia de Los Santos Reyes: Three Kings Day, January 6
- Semana Santa: Holy Week, Lent and Easter
- Carnaval: Mardi Gras, dates vary with the Easter calendar
- Benito Juarez Day: Third Monday in March
Make a Picky Eater
Don’t settle to the onsite restaurants in your hotel. Instead head to a destination famous for its food, like Oaxaca or Puebla, that are famous for mole and chalupas.
If you’re in the Cancun area, reserve a dinner at La Joya in the Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun Resort. Unique to the restaurant, it supplies a video-mapping culinary experience that’s out of this world: The eight-course meal informs the history of Mexico through visual effects and food.
And no matter where you go, inquire for the region or city’s local specialty–for Isla Mujeres its own tik’n xic experienced fish.
Visit a Museum
No matter where your visit to Mexico takes you, there’s a variety of museums worth visiting. Mexico City is known as the art capital of the country, with dozens of museums such as the Museum of Popular Culture Coyoacan/San Angel and the well-known Museo-Estudio Frida Kahlo & Diego Riviera. Even Cancun has a newly opened (2012) Maya museum–Museo Maya de Cancun–complete with an archeological site and thousands of artifacts.
Visit a Small Beach Village
There are loads of quiet shore towns and a few aren’t much from tourist places. Sayulita at Riviera Nayarit is just north of Puerto Vallarta and known for its laid back surfing vibe, even though it attracts tourists. Or head to Yelapa that is car-free, accessible by water taxi from Puerto Vallarta.
In case you’re looking for a visit to Mexico’s Riviera Maya, head to nearby Punta Allen, located in the Sian Ka’an Bioshperhe Reserve. Also in Quintana Roo, you’ll find Puerto Morelos in between Cancun and Playa del Carmen–it is much quieter than its resort neighbors.
Shop in Markets
While it might be hard to skip out on the touristy gimmicks, your very best option for authentic Mexican markets are in Guadalajara and Mexico City.
In Guadalajara, Mercado Libertad can’t be missed–literally: The massive market is home to over 2,800 sellers. For something bigger, head just outside the town to Tlaquepaque or Tonala, that are known for handicrafts and authentic Mexican artwork.
In Mexico City, you’ll discover magnificent food and clothing markets, like Bazaar Sabado, Mercado de la Merced, and Mercado Artesanal de Coyoacan (located in Frida Kahlo’s home town).
Take the Bus
If you are an experienced traveler who speaks some Spanish, taking the bus in most of Mexico’s tourist-frequented regions is safe and affordable. In Cancun, many buses are brand new and will get one to popular spots, in addition to sights beyond the primary strip. Head to the bus station ahead of time and ask for advice on your desired route. In Yucatan for example, there are local buses, long distance buses, along with also a mini-bus line. Depending upon your trip, you can chose from first-class, second-class, plus class, and luxury buses. Learn more specific information on Mexico buses.
Volunteer
If you are really looking for an authentic visit to Mexico, you are able to volunteer through a number of programs. International Volunteer HQ has options varying in length from one to 12 weeks. Participants are located in the popular town of Merida, and have the choice of picking from five jobs, such as animal care, childcare, and Maya agriculture.
Swim in a Cenote
Cenote, or swimming caves, are well-known in the Yucatan Peninsula, and that means you can easily get scammed to a tourist-packed excursion. Instead, head to the city of Valladolid and venture into the area’s cenotes in your–Oxman, Xkekhen, Samula, Zaci, and X’Chanche are all within driving distance (you can even walk into Zaci) and therefore are less crowded than the ones tour operators will try and sell you on.
Bonus: Valladoid also has Maya ruins, Ek Balam, home into some taller step pyramid compared to crowded Chichen Itza’s.
Research a UNESCO World Heritage Site
There are 34 UNESCO World Heritage sites in Mexico, such as 10 historic cities, making boundless options for an authentic trip to Mexico. From agave landscapes into the historical centers of Mexico City and Xochimilco, there’s plenty of ways to incorporate culture into your visit to Mexico.
For a full collection of historical sites, visit UNESCO’s website.
Speak the Language
While it’s possible to get by with English in most parts of Mexico, particularly in resort areas, you should challenge yourself to talk Spanish. Ease your way into it by trying to purchase food in Spanish, and you’ll feel like a local before you know it.
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Take a blast on this personal combo excursions which will demonstrate the culture and colours of Mexico City. Not only will you stop by the famous “Blue House”(Frida Kahlo Museum), however you will also find the majestic structure of the National Autonomous University of Mexico, the scenic landscapes of Coyoacan’s. . .MORE
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