Choose from 291 Fun Things to Do in Mexico
ShowingFilter 201-220 of 291 listings.
San Juan Bautista Church
San Juan Bautista Parish is a church located in the Coyoacan neighborhood of Mexico City that is one of the oldest churches in Mexico City. San Juan Bautista is a Catholic church known for its blend of baroque and colonial architecture. It is a focal point of the historic square Plaza Hidalgo, which attracts many visitors of the city. In 1934, the church became a National Monument of Mexico.
San Juan Bautista church dates back to the late 1500s, when it was constructed during the Franciscan order. The whitewashed and stone exterior still dates back to the 16th century. Inside, however, not much from its early days remain, though a recent reconstruction was done that strived to stay true to the church’s original aesthetics. The renovation has returned the church to a glorious splendor of art and decoration. As you walk down the long nave, you’ll do so under a spectacular carved ceiling that has relief designs sculpted into it. The gilded altar gleams at the front of the church with opulent sculptures adorning the gleaming gold.
Practical Info
San Juan Bautista Church is located on the eastern side of Plaza Hidalgo and is free to enter. It is still used for weekly service and mass is conducted every Sunday.
Address: Mexico City, Mexico
From $ 39
Sayulita
Whether it’s the waves that rhythmically roll towards beaches covered in thatched-hut palapas, or the marlin, shrimp, and mahimahi tacos that are served with a squeeze of lime, there’s something exotic and nearly utopian about small town Sayulita. When compared to neighboring Puerto Vallarta—its glitzy, grown-up cousin—Sayulita is a laidback village where the pace of life is just right. “Discovered” by surfers in the 1960s, this Nayarit darling is the trendy new hotspot for escaping the nearby resorts. Thanks to the gentle, beginner-friendly waves that lap at Sayulita Bay, the town has become one of Mexico’s best for learning to ride the waves. Brides looking to say “I Do” now flock to the town in droves, drawn by the area’s affordable lodging and wealth of white sand beaches. Grab a snorkel and hop aboard a cruise to the Marieta Islands, where dozens of species of tropical fish all scour the coral reef. Or, hire a longboard and paddle into a world-class, righthand wave—perhaps choosing to standup paddle just before drinks at sunset. Add in some yogis, a healthy food scene, and a collection of coastal hiking trails, and Sayulita is the Mexican beach town that’s easier to reach than leave.
Practical Info
Sayulita is located approximately 25 miles north of Puerto Vallarta. By car, the journey takes about 45 minutes. By compestela (public transport), expect to spend about 1.5 hours on the journey from the international airport. Waves are best in the winter months on large, northerly swells, but there are small waves breaking at all times of year for beginners hoping to learn. Around town, there’s no need for a rental car, as golf carts, taxis, and hiking trails are the easiest means of transport.
Address: Sayulita, Nayarit, Mexico, Mexico
From $ 42
San Jose Estuary
This stunning sanctuary located between San Jose del Cabo and the Marina is home to hundreds of species of indigenous birds and colorful wildlife. Nature lovers flock to this protected body of fresh water for sunrise kayak journeys and relaxing sunset hikes. It’s popular among birdwatchers, thanks to a peaceful habitat that attracts these wild winged creatures. Travelers say that although damage from the most recent hurricane is still apparent, the San Juan Estuary remains an impressive and worthy destination for visitors looking to escape back into nature and experience the beauty of Mexico. Lucky travelers may spot local fishermen returning with the day’s catch or giant turtles wandering along the shores where strong waves lap the sand.
Practical Info
San Jose Estuary is located east of the Presidente Forum Resort on Paseo San Juan in San Jose del Cabo. It is free to enter and open daily from dawn until dusk.
Address: Blvd. Antonio Mijares, San José del Cabo, Mexico
Hours: Open daily from dawn until dusk
From $ 75
San Gervasio Ruins
Centuries ago, Maya women visited this sacred site to pay tribute to Ixchel, their goddess of love and fertility. Today, the San Gervasio ruins are one of Cozumel’s largest archaeological sites, with low stone structures, a central plaza, and a main temple scattered throughout the jungle.
The Basics
Stroll through the sacred gardens of the goddess Ixchel, explore the large Ka’na Nah building, and visit nearby cenotes (natural swimming holes). Most Cozumel island tours visit the San Gervasio ruins, along with other local attractions such as a tequila factory and a chocolate factory. Some combo tours allow you to see the ruins via dune buggy and may include a snorkeling or beach excursion as well. Private and small-group tour options are available.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The San Gervasio ruins are a must-see for culture and history buffs.
- The ruins are spread throughout the jungle, so plan to do plenty of walking.
- It’s a good idea to bring strong mosquito repellent.
How to Get There
The San Gervasio ruins are located toward the center of the island, roughly 20 minutes by road from San Miguel, Cozumel’s only city. Taxis, rental cars, and scooters are good ways to travel on the island.
When to Get There
You can visit the ruins year-round but the site is busiest from December through April, when the weather tends to be sunny and warm. There are fewer crowds during hurricane season (May through October), but be sure to check the weather for storms.
Must-See Ruins on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula
The Quintana Roo region is full of Maya history. The Tulum archaeological site lies one hour by road from Playa del Carmen and two hours by road from Cancun, and contains the remnants of an ancient port city. Nearby, the ruins at Coba contain a massive 138-foot-high (42-meter-high) stone pyramid. Further inland, the ruins of Chichen Itza are home to a similarly massive step pyramid dubbed El Castillo.
Address: Mexico
From $ 51
Santa Cruz Bay
Gome to Huatulco’s harbor, Santa Cruz Bay is located just minutes from La Crucecita and offers shops, restaurants, hotels, and easily accessible beaches. It’s the jumping-off point for boat tours of Huatulco’s bays, or for hiring small fishing boats to visit some of the more remote beaches.
The Basics
Santa Cruz is the perfect place to shop for artisan crafts, enjoy authentic Oaxacan cuisine, and experience the beauty of the coast. Beach-goers can rent kayaks and jet skies to tour the bay, or swim and snorkel from shore. Those looking for a more scenic escape can hop aboard one of the sightseeing cruises, which depart from the main dock. These excursions carry travelers across the bay, with stops at a number of popular beaches.
Things to Know Before You Go
- English is widely spoken in almost all of the Huatulco tourist areas.
- Most boat tours of the Huatulco Bays leave from the harbor in Santa Cruz.
- The bay has restaurants, shops, and water-sports facilities.
- Bring sunblock and a hat or sunglasses, as the beaches offer little shade.
- Beach chairs and umbrellas are available to rent.
How to Get There
The Huatulco Bays stretch for 22 miles (35 kilometers) along Mexico’s Pacific Coast in the state of Oaxaca. Most visitors arrive by air or cruise ship. Getting there from Oaxaca City by car takes about five or six hours. Santa Cruz Bay is located on the same seaside boulevard as La Crucecita.
When to Get There
Santa Cruz Bay is lovely year-round. The Huatulco resort area as a whole receives fewer tourists than other popular Mexican resort areas and overcrowding is rarely a problem, though Santa Cruz tends to get crowded on days when cruise ships dock here.
Boat Tours of the Huatulco Bays
A boat tour is one of the best ways to explore Huatulco. Sightseeing cruises typically depart from Santa Cruz and include stops at a number of popular beaches, such as Yerbabuena, La India, and Cacaluta. Small fishing boats called lanchas wait in Santa Cruz to take visitors to the untouched shores of bays like Chachacual, which is only accessible by boat.
Address: Santa Cruz Bay, Oaxaca, Mexico
From $ 50
San Juan Chamula
San Juan Chamula, with its scenic streets, traditional architecture and indigenous people is one of the highlights of any visit to Chiapas. The church of San Juan is a popular site, with ornate wooden statues covered in tiny mirrors to ward away evil. Visitors will find a unique mix of Spanish Catholic traditions and old Mayan ways inside the church, which is free of pews and instead covered in carpets and pine boughs. As many healing ceremonies as Sunday services take place here.
A local market showcases traditional clothing, blankets and items from Zapatista. Travelers say it’s best to hire a guide to explore this town, since locals are suspicious of visitors and protective of age-old traditions and indigenous ways.
Practical Info
San Juan Chamula is located 10 kilometers from San Cristobal de las Casas. Approximately 99.5 percent of people here speak an indigenous language—typically Tzotzil.
Address: San Juan Chamula, Mexico
From $ 19
San Bartolo Coyotepec
Visitors looking for the perfect Oaxaca souvenir can find a unique reminder in the municipality of San Bartolo Coyotepec, located about 15 kilometers south of Oaxaca. Known for its black clay pottery, its quiet streets are lined with shops, galleries and studios selling this regional pottery that has been a part of Oaxacan tradition for hundreds of years.
Visitors can check out the work of local artisans, which ranges from old school matte finish pottery to shiny and black, then head to Museo Estatal de Arte Popular de Oaxaca, where a large collection of this state treasure is on display. Afterwards, stop by the newly opened Baseball Academy, where a massive mural of barro negro (black pottery) is painted.
Practical Info
Travelers can find the widest variety of handmade pottery at the Mercado Artesanal. The most traditional pots are large jar meant for holding liquid and a container in the shape of a monkey used to hold the strong local liquor known as mazcal.
Address: Oaxaca, Mexico
From $ 51
Selvatica
Long rated the top outdoor activity in Cancun, Selvatica adventure park gives visitors the chance to shake up their beach routine with ziplines, off-road tours, a cenote dive, and more. Selvatica provides the perfect action-packed day trip from Cancun, just an hour north, and offers customizable options for the whole family.
The Basics
Visitors to Selvatica will find a number of adventurous options for exploring the jungle of southern Mexico. Choose from à la carte adventures, or opt for combo tours that roll multiple activities into one action-packed day. Every tour includes the Extreme Canopy zipline circuit with standard cables and the Cenote Splash, a zipline cable that ends with a cenote swim inside a natural sinkhole. Up the adrenaline with add-ons like the Offroad Polaris tour, ATV rides, or the Gimmee All with access to the extreme Human Roller-Coaster and Flying Superman ziplines. As an extra perk, Selvatica offers complimentary round-trip transportation from most Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Riviera Maya hotels for the ultimate convenience.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Allow at least five hours door-to-door for your Selvatica experience.
- Ziplines have a weight limit of 330 pounds (150 kilograms).
- Bring swimming gear and a change of clothes.
- Lockers are available for an additional fee.
How to Get There
Selvatica offers complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off from most major regional hotels as part of most tours. Those wishing to drive themselves, though, will find it is an easy 1-hour trip from Cancun.
When to Get There
The park is open year-round, and multiple tour departure times are available throughout the day. December through April offers the best weather; it can be rainy other times of year.
Address: Mar 16, 4, Cancún, Q.R., Mexico, Mexico
Admission: Varies
From $ 99
Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve
A stunning landscape of tropical jungle, mangrove forests, and crystalline waters, the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Rich biodiversity, ecoadventures, and a collection of Maya ruins draw visitors to the reserve, which stretches 75 miles (120 kilometers) along the Riviera Maya.
The Basics
The area’s ecological diversity is the biggest draw to vast Sian Ka’an, which, at 1 million acres (404,686 hectares), is the largest protected area on the Mexican Caribbean. Ride a boat through the lagoons of Boca Paila and Caapechen for opportunities to spot animals like spider monkeys, crocodiles, flamingos, ocelots, and pumas in their natural habitat along the shore. Or take a snorkeling tour on the world’s second-largest barrier reef, home to more than 500 species of fish as well as dolphins and marine turtles. Other popular activities include kayak tours, paddleboarding, fly fishing, and visits to Maya archaeological sites including the El Castillo temple and the ancient trading post of Muyil, located among the mangrove forests. Guided tours and private tours help you see more of the reserve’s attractions in a limited amount of time.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Sian Ka’an is a top Tulum area attraction and a must for nature lovers. It’s also an ideal family outing, popular with kids and adults alike.
- Bring a swimsuit, towel, and change of clothes.
- Many guided tours include pickup and drop-off at Tulum or Playa del Carmen hotels.
- Boat rides can be bumpy, so medicine is advised for those who are prone to motion sickness.
How to Get There
The Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is located just south of Tulum on the southeast coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, about 125 miles (200 kilometers) south of Cancun. Access points to the park are at Tulum (Punta Allen or Muyil), Chumpón, and Pulticub. Though the easiest way to get to the reserve is on a guided tour that includes transportation from regional hotels, independent travelers can also drive.
When to Get There
Tulum’s rainy season lasts from roughly June through November, so it is advised to visit outside of those months. Otherwise, the weather is mild and summery year-round.
Sian Ka’an’s Maya Roots
Sian Ka’an translates to “Origin of the Sky” in the Mayan dialect of those who originally lived here. In addition to seeing Maya ruins, visitors can float down a 1,000-year-old canal leftover from the Maya kingdom once located here.
Address: Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico, Mexico
From $ 115
Santa Rosa Wall
The Santa Rosa Wall is one of Cozumel’s most famous dive sites, with coral formations up to 40 feet (13 meters) high, massive rock overhangs, a deep drop-off, narrow tunnels full of sea creatures, and hundreds of species of tropical fish—including nurse sharks, sea turtles, angelfish, manta rays, and barracuda.
The Basics
With a depth ranging from 50 to 120 feet (15.24 meters to 36.6 meters), the Santa Rosa Wall is a good spot for both novice and experienced divers. Diving tours typically leave from Cancun or Cozumel, often visiting other dive sites including Tormentos Reef, Palancar Gardens, or La Herradura. Round-trip transportation to the reef, lunch, and diving equipment are provided on some tours.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Santa Rosa Wall is a must-see attraction for wildlife lovers and scuba divers.
- Remember to bring sun protection, a swimsuit, and plenty of water.
- It’s a good idea to wear a wetsuit or rash guard while diving or snorkeling to protect against the sun, jellyfish, and rough coral surfaces.
- Be careful not to touch or disturb the wildlife.
- Evidence of scuba diving certification is required to participate in certified dives.
How to Get There
The Santa Rosa Wall is located off the island of Cozumel near Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. To get there, you can opt for a private charter boat or a guided tour.
When to Get There
You can visit the Santa Rosa Wall year-round, but it’s busiest from December through April, when the weather tends to be sunny and warm. There are fewer crowds during hurricane season (May through October), but be sure to check the weather for storms. If you’d like to beat the crowds, consider diving this spot in the afternoon, when most other divers have moved on.
Cozumel’s Coral Reefs
Cozumel is best known for its expansive coral reefs, some of the largest in the world. Paradise Reef and the Palancar Gardens are ideal spots for novice divers and snorkelers due to their shallow depth, and offer a chance to glimpse marine life such as sea turtles, moray eels, colorful fish, towering coral spires, and gently waving sea fans. The Palancar Caves are probably the most famous dive site, with huge brain corals and swim-through tunnels. The Palancar Horseshoe is another massive formation of corals.
Address: Cozumel, Mexico
From $ 189
Sayil
Sayil is a distinguished Mayan ruins site in the Puuc Hills of the Yucatan, located a short drive from the larger ruins of Uxmal. Sayil is a part of the same UNESCO World Heritage site as Uxmal and is a prominent Mayan ruin due to its royal origins. It is believed that Sayil was once ruled by a royal dynasty, and the palace ruins on its grounds are still impressive to behold today. Visitors can wander through the ruins and also make a stop at the observatory, another of Sayil's top sites.
It is estimated that Sayil was settled around 800 AD and at one point had a population that reached upwards of 10,000. Visitors to Sayil can soak up this ancient history and get a feel for what life was like during the time of the Mayans while steering clear of the larger crowds at some of the other more popular Mayan sites. The site's jungle location also adds to the exotic, off-the-beaten-path allure.
Practical Info
Sayil is located south of the city of Merida, about a two-hour drive away.
Address: Sayil, The Yucatan, Mexico
From $ 1,054
Sea of Cortez
The Sea of Cortez (also known as the Gulf of California), lies between the Baja California Peninsula and mainland Mexico. This stretch of the Pacific, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most diverse seas in the world and home to more than 3,000 marine species, including hammerhead sharks, sea lions, and sea turtles.
The Basics
While the Sea of Cortez stretches along roughly 2,500 miles (4,000 kilometers) of Mexico’s coastline, the Los Cabos region in Baja California Sur is a popular jumping off point for tours. Many Sea of Cortez excursions leave from Cabos San Lucas, Todos Santos, San José del Cabo, and other nearby towns.
There’s no shortage of things to do, whether you want to fish, snorkel, scuba dive, or horseback ride on the beach. You can also swim with massive whale sharks or relax on a sunset cruise. Whale-watching tours are another popular activity; humpback whales, blue whales, and grey whales migrate through the region during fall and winter.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Sea of Cortez is an ideal destination for nature lovers, sun worshippers, and families with kids.
- If you plan to snorkel or scuba dive, be sure to wear a wetsuit or long-sleeved rash guard to protect against the sun, jellyfish, and rough coral.
- If you’re prone to motion sickness, bring medicine aboard any ocean trips.
- Proof of scuba diving certification is required for certified dives.
How to Get There
The Los Cabos region, where many tours depart from, is located at the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula. Los Cabos International Airport lies roughly 45 minutes by road from Cabo San Lucas and Todos Santos, and 15 minutes by road from San José del Cabo. Rental cars and taxis are good ways to get around in this region.
When to Get There
Although it doesn’t get hit with very many big storms, the Sea of Cortez is subject to the same hurricane season as the Atlantic—the months of June through November may see an increase in rain and storm activity. Winter (December through April) is the busiest season and the best time for whale watching.
Biodiversity in the Sea of Cortez
The Sea of Cortez is an excellent spot for snorkeling and diving, with a rich array of marine life and an underwater world of hard coral reefs. A variety of tropical fish species, including pufferfish, yellow snapper, manta rays, and sharks, can be found here, plus large marine mammals such as whales, whale sharks, and dolphins.
Address: Baja California Penninsula, Mexico
From $ 55
San Juan Market
One of the oldest markets in the city, the San Juan Market (Ernesto Pugibet Market) was established in colonial times and is over 150 years old. One of the most popular places to shop in the city, the market had simple roots, once beginning as people put things out upon blankets on the ground. Perhaps it is for precisely this reason that San Juan Market has excelled where others have failed. Known for its gourmet products and its exotic ingredients, the gathering is what all markets hope to be – unique, genuine and useful.
Look for La Jersey, a famous stall where imported delicacies are sold, such as foie gras, French cheeses and Italian meats. There is also Café Triana where you’ll taste the finest in Mexican organic coffees. Other stalls sell everything from quail to venison to shark.
Practical Info
Located at Ernesto Pugibet 21 in Centro Historico, the market runs Sunday through Friday from about 8am to 4pm.
Address: Calle Ernesto Pugibet 21, Ciudad de México, D.F., Mexico, Mexico
From $ 60
Santa Maria Beach
Stretching around a secluded cove, Santa Maria Beach is a protected marine sanctuary and an excellent spot for snorkeling or sunbathing. Santa Maria’s serene setting offers a nice alternative to the noise and excitement of Cabo San Lucas’ beaches, and snorkeling with a variety of colorful fish is just a short swim from shore.
The Basics
Santa Maria’s wide strip of golden sand and horseshoe-shaped bay tucked between two bluffs make it one of the nicest beaches in Los Cabos.
Most visitors arrive as part of a snorkeling cruise that includes hotel or port pickup and drop-off. There’s also a popular snorkel and kayak combo tour to consider. Excursions typically include free time to enjoy the beach. If you want to spend more time soaking up the Baja tranquility, plan to visit independently.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Choose a half-day snorkeling cruise that includes hotel or port pickup and drop-off.
- Remember to bring sun protection and plenty of water, as the beach offers little shade.
- Santa Maria Beach has basic facilities, including parking, wheelchair ramps, and restrooms.
- Snorkeling gear and beach umbrellas are available to rent.
How to Get There
The easiest way to visit Santa Maria Beach is on a boat tour from Los Cabos. Or, if you’re driving, take Highway 1. The beach is accessible via a well-marked stop off the road, about 8 miles (13 kilometers) east of Cabo San Lucas and 12 miles (19 kilometers) west of San Jose del Cabo.
When to Get There
Santa Maria Beach can be visited year-round. Winter sees large numbers of tourists, whereas other times of year are less crowded. The middle of the week has fewer crowds, and mornings offer better conditions and calmer waters for swimming and snorkeling.
Snorkeling at Santa Maria Cove
Santa Maria’s horseshoe-shaped bay is a popular destination for snorkeling cruises that ply the Los Cabos coast. Santa Maria Cove is one of the best spots to snorkel and see colorful coral formations, troves of tropical fish, and maybe sea turtles or manta rays. Its calm, shallow waters and ease of snorkeling from shore make it an ideal snorkeling spot for families.
Address: Los Cabos, Mexico
From $ 50
Shrine of Guadalupe
Among the most visited Catholic pilgrimage sites in the world, the Shrine of Guadalupe atop Tepeyac Hill in Mexico City honors the legendary 16th-century appearance of the Virgin Mary to Juan Diego, a local peasant. The shrine, also known as the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Basilica de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe), is devoted to the patron saint of Mexico.
The Basics
Two basilicas now stand at the Shrine of Guadalupe—the Old Basilica (1709) and the New Basilica (1976), which houses Juan Diego’s cloak with the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Visitors can also climb the steps to the Capilla del Cerrito, the original hill chapel built on the site of Juan Diego’s vision. Many full-day tours combine a visit to the shrine with a tour of Teotihuacan.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Entrance to the basilicas is free, but there is an admission fee for the Basilica Museum.
- Dress appropriately in modest clothing—shorts are not allowed.
- The Shrine of Guadalupe is wheelchair accessible.
- The shrine is closed on Mondays.
How to Get There
The Shrine of Guadalupe is located in the La Villa neighborhood in northern Mexico City. To get there, take metro Line 6 to La Villa Basilica, a few blocks from the shrine, or any number of city buses.
When to Get There
With thousands of daily visitors, the Shrine of Guadalupe is always busy, so arrive early to avoid the crowds. The most atmospheric time to visit is on December 12 for the Feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe, when the shrine is the epicenter of countrywide celebrations including parades, special masses, and firework displays.
The Legend of the Shrine of Guadalupe
According to legend, the Virgin Mary appeared to Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin in December 1531. In his vision, the apparition was a teenage girl who asked the recently baptized Aztec in his native Nahuatl to build a shrine in her honor on Tepeyac Hill. When the Spanish priests refused to believe Juan Diego's tale, she gave him a sign: roses in December. And when he gathered the flowers up in his cloak, her image miraculously appeared on it. Today, Juan Diego’s tilma (cloak) is on display at the Basilica of Guadalupe, and December 12 marks one of Mexico’s holiest celebrations.
Address: Plaza de las Americas 1, Avenida de los Misterios y Calle Fray Juan de Zumárraga, Mexico City, Mexico
Admission: Free
From $ 17
San Pedro Cholula
San Pedro Cholula is a municipality located in the town of Cholula, which is part of the Mexican state of Puebla. Its many historic sites plus its under the radar atmosphere makes it an excellent area of Mexico to visit.
A top site in San Pedro Cholula is the Place de la Concorde, which is the main plaza in Cholula and is where much of the action occurs. An aesthetically defining aspect of the plaza is Los Portales, a blue wall consisting of 46 arches that stretches down one side of Place de la Concorde. The San Gabriel Monastery is another prominent site in Cholula; it was built on the site of the Quetzalcoatl Temple in the mid-1500s and is one of the largest Franciscan monasteries in Mexico.
The site that draws the most attention for visitors to San Pedro Cholula, though, is the Great Pyramid of Cholula, an ancient pre-Columbian temple that has the largest pyramidal base of any structure in the world. It also happens to be buried underground. Construction began after it was discovered in 1910 to unearth part of the pyramid and today visitors can walk through pathways beneath the earth to explore the Great Pyramid of Cholula. A hike to the top of the outside of the pyramid provides great views of Cholula and the surrounding area.
Practical Info
San Pedro Cholula is located about a two hour drive from Mexico City and makes for a great day trip. It’s also ideal to stay at one of the many hotels in Cholula and spend a few days exploring the area. If just doing a quick trip, make sure to time it with the hours the Great Pyramid of Cholula is open, which is luckily easy to do as it is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Address: San Pedro Cholula, Mexico
From $ 47
San Jose del Cabo
The two towns that make up “Los Cabos” are fraternal—not identical—twins. They both have long, sandy beaches with crystalline turquoise waters, and they both offer a luxurious escape on the Baja Peninsula’s tip. Whereas Cabo San Lucas is a wild, however, and teems with non-stop partying, San Jose del Cabo is more than happy to drift at a slower pace. Here, 20 miles east of Cabo San Lucas on the road heading towards Los Barrilles, colonial architecture and lazy afternoons replace the thump of beach clubs.
That said, San Jose del Cabo is anything but lazy; grab a snorkel and head north to Cabo Pulmo to explore Baja’s only coral reef, or wax up your surfboard to race along of the numerous world-class waves. The fishing here in San Jose del Cabo is as legendary as Cabo San Lucas, with the main difference being celebrating the catch in Colonial Plaza Mijares—rather than a crowded, oceanfront bar full of travelers all ready to party. Birdwatchers and hikers can enjoy a stroll through Estero San Jose, where red tailed hawks and white herons inhabit the oceanfront trails. Spend a morning tanning on the sand of Playa Santa Maria, and finish the night by wandering the old town past Iglesia San Jose. The town is a fusion of resort luxury with traditional Mexican charm—and a calming respite from its rowdy neighbor just a few miles down the coast.
Practical Info
San Jose del Cabo is located 15 minutes from the Los Cabos International Airport. Its’ 18 miles east of Cabo San Lucas, and the winter months of December-April are the most popular time to visit.
Address: San Jose del Cabo, Mexico
From $ 35
Sand Falls
Cabo San Lucas’ famous landscape is easily recognized by anyone who’s gotten a chance to visit this majestic beachfront. Rugged, windswept arches dot the coastline, but these beautiful testaments to what Mother Nature can do are more than just pretty rocks – they mark the spot for some of the best diving in Cabo. Just look to the arch that stands by the head of the harbor and you’re well on your way to some beautiful underwater exploration. This spot is known as Sand Falls.
Discovered by famed underwater explorer Jacques Cousteau, Sand Falls is one of the beautiful phenomena of nature where forces conspire to make for a remarkable, one-of-a-kind spot. Where the steep rocky shoreline meets the continual runoff of sand, divers at Sand Falls enjoy a peaceful scene of time’s relentless ebb and flow. While literally floating in the warm water, you’ll watch the continual runoff of sand into the deep and bountiful sea.
Close to other dive spots including three different shipwrecks, Sand Falls is oftentimes a jumping off point for more snorkel and dive trips in the Cabo San Lucas Harbor.
Address: Los Cabos, Mexico
From $ 40
San Antonio Arrazola
Massive Indian Laurel trees line the winding roads that lead to this picturesque town at the foothills of Monte Alban. Known for its famous painted wooden animals called alebrijes, some 80 families craft these popular souvenirs by hand using local copal, Sierra Sur and Mixteca trees. Travelers can explore the markets, museum and galleries of San Antonio Arrazola, where these one-of-a-kind pieces are on display and learn more about the age-old tradition passed down through generations. Those in the know say it’s best to have artisans pack up figures to keep them safe to travel and that once visitors arrive home the alebrijes should be popped in the freezer temporarily to kill off any termites.
Practical Info
San Antonio Arrazola is located about 8 kilometers from the city of Oaxaca. Travelers can take the second-class bus or group taxi from the central de Abastos. It’s best to travel to San Antonio Arrazola in the early afternoon, as most shops open during the later hours of the morning.
Address: San Antonio Arrazola, Mexico
From $ 30
San Juan de Ulua Fortress
San Juan de Ulua is a maze of historic fortresses and prison cells on a shadowy island overlooking the once-busy port of Veracruz. Constructed in 1956, the fort is home to a dark history that includes captured naval fleets, African slave trade and international treasure.
During the nineteenth century the imposing stone walls and deep dungeons of San Juan de Ulua served as a prison for Mexican political activists. The views from the old lookout tower make it a popular attraction, but a hidden chapel on the southwest side of the structure, massive treasure storage rooms and the dungeon of San Juan de Ulua, which housed the legendary bandit Chucho el Roto, are also worth a look.
Practical Info
The fortress is located at Pedro Saenz de Baranda S/N, in Ver Centro1, within walking distance of Arsenal Nacional. Admission is about 41 pesos per person and hour-long guided tours cost 300 pesos. The fortress is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
Address: Pedro Saenz de Baranda S/N, Ver Centro1, Veracruz 91700, Mexico
Admission: 41 pesos
From $ 38