Mexico,and I know I will visit this country time and time again. I’ve traveled along the Pacific coast, gone on several road trips in the Yucatan Peninsula, dined around Mexico City, and visited more Mayan ruins than I can remember. I absolutely love Mexico, and I’d like to share some of the things I love about Mexico with you.
Mexican Cuisine: Mexican food is a delightful surprise, different from what many of us might expect. It offers a wide range of flavors and dishes that cater to various tastes. From Tlayudas and panuchos to tortillas made from fried beans and crispy potato-stuffed corn tortillas, along with dishes like chilaquiles and hearty tortas (Mexican sandwiches), the culinary journey in Mexico is a true delight. The variety of flavors, spices, and ingredients is a food lover’s paradise.
Exploring Isla Mujeres: Isla Mujeres, a small island in the Caribbean, is one of my absolute favorite places in Mexico. The opportunity to drive a golf cart around the island adds an extra layer of fun to the experience. The island offers stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a relaxed atmosphere that makes it a top destination in the country. From snorkeling to enjoying local seafood, Isla Mujeres has something for everyone.
Mexican People: The warmth and friendliness of the Mexican people are truly remarkable. Traveling in Mexico, you’ll often find that locals are incredibly welcoming and go out of their way to help and make you feel at home. Their hospitality and genuine smiles make the travel experience even more enjoyable.
Vibrant Markets: Mexican markets can be a sensory overload but are an essential part of the cultural experience. While some sights and sounds in the markets may be startling (such as the sounds before the slaughter of animals), these markets are worth exploring. The 20 de Noviembre market in Oaxaca state, for example, stands out with its incredible food selection, including exotic options like fried grasshoppers, and an opportunity to savor authentic Mezcal, a traditional Mexican spirit.
Huevos Motuleños: Yes, we’ve mentioned our love for these dishes before, but when we discovered Huevos Motuleños during the long wait for our bus to Mérida, it quickly became our favorite all-day breakfast item. Huevos Motuleños consist of fried tortillas topped with black beans, fried eggs, sauce, and epazote herb, along with ham for meat lovers. Absolutely heavenly!
Cenotes: Swimming in natural cenotes on the Yucatan Peninsula felt both adventurous and refreshing, especially considering we had never heard of these underground sinkholes before. These natural wonders are a true highlight, offering a unique and surreal experience.
Victoria Beer: Yes, we’ve mentioned it before, but we can’t emphasize enough how much we love Victoria beer!
Mexico City: This sprawling metropolis, while requiring patience and understanding, is the epicenter of creativity, forward-thinking individuals, art, markets, and music. It’s a place where you can find the juxtaposition of wealth in areas like Polanco with the bohemian charm of neighborhoods like La Condesa, as well as the historic but more run-down parts of the city where culture and tradition seep into your soul. The city is a vibrant mix of cultural diversity, with street performers and Mayan people hailing taxis, Mexican rock bands headbanging in the square next to salsa clubs, fashion-forward club-goers strolling through parks until dawn, and openly affectionate same-sex couples walking hand in hand more frequently than in most American cities. Frida and Diego (aka Kahlo and Rivera) are ubiquitous, and the city boasts hundreds of art museums, exhibitions, and collaborations with institutions worldwide. Mexico City may be chaotic, but it’s also charming, crazy, and endlessly creative. We miss you, Mexico City!
Caribbean Coast: The Caribbean coastline, especially the north beach of Isla Mujeres, offers the opportunity to walk 40 to 50 meters into crystal-clear blue waters, with the depth only reaching your knees. Isla Mujeres is also an ideal place for various water activities, so don your snorkeling gear or spearfishing equipment and explore the underwater world! However, the Caribbean coast boasts many stunning beaches, including Tulum, Akumal, and our private beach in Xcalak. They all deserve a spot on my list of things I love about Mexico, but I’ll keep it brief.
Valladolid: We fell in love with this small Pueblo Magico (Magic Town) on the Yucatan Peninsula, but we hope you don’t visit Valladolid.
Mexican Street Musicians: Listening to them is always fun, even if they aren’t perfectly in tune.
Agua Fresca: Thanks to these one-liter water drinks mixed with fruit, we’ve actually been able to gradually wean ourselves off diet soda. We particularly enjoy the cantaloupe and guava “aguas.”
Frida Kahlo’s Casa Azul: Filled with her artwork, personal items, and photographs, it makes you feel like you truly understand her, and the garden is also beautiful.
The Cows in Front of Our House in San Luis Potosi, Oaxaca: These cows may not be world-famous, but they added a special touch to our daily life in the town of San Luis Potosi, Oaxaca.
Traditional Mexican Attire: Mexico is a country where you can find people proudly wearing a wide array of traditional clothing. From the various woolen variations discovered in regions like Oaxaca and San Cristobal de las Casas to the beautiful embroidered white dresses donned by women on the Yucatan Peninsula, the diverse traditional attire is a testament to the rich cultural tapestry of Mexico. Even non-indigenous individuals often opt for these traditional garments rather than following global fashion trends, creating a sense of unity that places Mexican identity at the forefront, transcending class, race, and socioeconomic status.
Diego Rivera Murals in Mexico City: Diego Rivera’s murals are a treasure trove of historical and cultural insights, providing an artistic narrative of Mexico’s past. You can spend hours or even days exploring these murals throughout Mexico City. Rivera’s impact on the city’s art and culture is immense, and his works continue to be a source of inspiration and reflection.
San Cristobal de las Casas: This colonial town in the state of Chiapas stands out as one of the most picturesque and charming places in Mexico. With its well-preserved architecture, vibrant markets, and a unique blend of indigenous and Spanish influences, San Cristobal de las Casas is a destination that exudes both beauty and history.
Tlacoyos from the Street Vendor on Calle Uruguay: The tantalizing aroma and flavors of Mexican street food are a true delight. In this case, the street vendors selling tlacoyos near Pasteleria Ideal on Calle Uruguay in Mexico City #74 offer a culinary experience that you won’t want to miss. Tlacoyos are a delicious snack, and you can also quench your thirst with refreshing aguas frescas, traditional Mexican fruit drinks that come in a variety of flavors.
Lizards Everywhere!: Mexico’s diverse ecosystems are home to an abundance of lizards. From pet geckos in our Playa del Carmen apartment, complete with subsequent baby geckos, to the magnificent iguanas that inhabit places like Tulum, Valladolid, Isla Mujeres, and Chichen Itza, these reptiles add a touch of fascination to the Mexican landscape. Additionally, encountering crocodiles from close quarters offers an unexpected and thrilling wildlife experience.
Historical Ruins: Mexico is a treasure trove of historical ruins, with a particular emphasis on the Maya and Aztec civilizations. These archaeological sites are not only awe-inspiring but also hold significant cultural and historical value. Whether exploring the grandeur of Teotihuacan near Mexico City, the ancient city of Monte Alban in Oaxaca, the mystique of Palenque in Chiapas, or the coastal ruins of Tulum and the iconic pyramid of Chichen Itza on the Yucatan Peninsula, these remnants of the past provide a deeper understanding of Mexico’s rich heritage.
Mexican Bakeries: Mexican panaderías are a delight for the senses. Whether you’re stopping for a quick treat or just passing by, the sight and aroma of cakes, fresh fruit and yogurt tarts, cupcakes, sweet bread, and freshly baked rolls are simply mouthwatering. One of the standout places is Pasteleria Ideal in Mexico City, a bakery that offers a mouthwatering variety of baked goods.
Cheladas and Micheladas: These refreshing and spicy beer concoctions are a revelation. A chelada combines beer with tomato juice, salt, pepper, and hot sauce, while a michelada adds spices and often Worcestershire sauce to the mix. They offer a tangy, zesty twist to your beer-drinking experience.
Tuk-Tuks in Oaxaca: In Oaxaca state, small three-wheeled taxis, often referred to as tuk-tuks, are a distinctive and fun mode of transportation. They zip through the streets of Oaxaca and are a convenient way to explore the city.
Mexican Buses: Mexico’s long-distance bus services are known for their quality and reliability. ADO, OCC, and Oriente are some of the reputable bus companies offering comfortable journeys. ADO buses, in particular, are known for their amenities, such as in-bus entertainment and air conditioning, making them a top choice for extended travel.
Hostal La Candelaria in Valladolid: This hostel in Valladolid, Yucatan, offers an exceptional experience. It boasts clean rooms, two fully-equipped kitchens (including an outdoor one), a charming garden, and welcoming owners who make you feel at home. And, don’t forget the adorable Chihuahuas that add to the homely atmosphere.
Free Wi-Fi Everywhere: Mexico’s commitment to connectivity is remarkable. Even in the smallest towns and villages, you’ll find public parks or squares equipped with free Wi-Fi. Locals and travelers alike can be seen with laptops, smartphones, and tablets, taking advantage of the available internet access, even in the most unexpected places.
Lucha Libre: Mexican wrestling, known as Lucha Libre, is a captivating spectacle, even if it’s scripted. The passionate crowd and the colorful characters make attending a Lucha Libre match a truly unique and entertaining experience.
Mounted Police Officers: Seeing police officers on horseback adds a touch of grandeur to the cityscape, especially when they sport the traditional wide-brimmed hats, adding to the sense of authority and local culture.
Sliced Fruit in Bags: An affordable and delicious treat, fresh fruits are expertly sliced, seasoned with spices and lime juice, and neatly packaged in a bag. These portable fruit bags are available for as little as $1 and offer a refreshing snack on the go.
Professional Laundry Services: Mexico’s laundry services are both cost-effective and efficient. For less than $4, you can have your clothes professionally cleaned by a skilled laundry worker using modern washers and dryers. The result is not just clean clothes but also perfectly ironed garments, neatly folded, leaving you with a pile of clothing that looks as good as new.
Mexican Mannequins: Mexico’s mannequins often sport unique and vibrant styles that reflect the local fashion culture, making them quite distinctive and fun to observe.
Pacific Coast Beaches: The beaches along the Pacific Coast, especially in destinations like Riviera Nayarit, are a paradise for beach lovers. With their natural beauty, warm waters, and vibrant local culture, they offer a more relaxed and tranquil coastal experience.
Yucatan Peninsula Road Trips: Road trips on the Yucatan Peninsula are an exploration of diverse landscapes and cultures. They include Spanish colonial villages, delectable local cuisine, breathtaking Caribbean beaches, refreshing cenotes, numerous Mayan ruins, and lush jungles. The well-maintained roads make it easy to navigate the region, providing travelers with a fantastic opportunity to experience the peninsula’s beauty and history at their own pace.
