Choose from 291 Fun Things to Do in Mexico
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Land's End (Finisterra)
Located at the southern end of Cabo San Lucas, Land’s End (Finisterra) features dramatic rock formations jutting out into the sea, hidden beaches, and a rich variety of sea life. Here you can seek out the remote stretch of sand known as Lover’s Beach, admire sunbathing sea lions, and see the picturesque El Arco, or archway.
The Basics
Most tours of Land’s End leave from Cabo San Lucas and all include a boat cruise, as the area is only reachable from the water. Options range from basic sightseeing excursions in a glass-bottom boat to romantic sunset cruises, and sometimes include tequila tasting and dinner. You can also opt for a swimming and snorkeling tour of nearby Cabo San Lucas Marine Park, or soar above the water on a parasailing excursion. Some full-day tours visit Land’s End along with other Los Cabos attractions, such as glass-blowing shops and boutiques.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Land’s End is a must-see for nature and wildlife lovers.
- The water near El Arco is too dangerous for swimming, as the surf can be very rough.
- There are very few vendors or facilities in the area, so pack your lunch and remember to bring essentials such as water and sunscreen.
How to Get There
Land’s End is located at the southernmost tip of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula (Baja California Sur), roughly two miles (3.2 kilometers) from downtown Cabo San Lucas. You can’t reach Land’s End on foot, so the best way to get there is by guided tour or via water taxi from the downtown marina.
When to Get There
Visit Land’s End at sunset for a romantic atmosphere and picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean. You can see Land’s End year-round, although winter (December through April) is the busiest season and the best time for whale watching. Visit in May or June for comfortable springtime weather and fewer crowds.
Highlights of Land’s End
Don’t miss the famous arch El Arco, Pelican Rock, or the area’s resident sea lion colony. Lover’s Beach (Playa del Amor) and Medano Beach are also must-see attractions. Relatively untouched, the area as a whole offers a quiet escape from downtown.
Address: Sol Mar, Cabo San Lucas 23410, Mexico
Admission: Free
From $ 15
Mandala Nightclub
Cancún is full of places to party, but the decor at the Mandala nightclub—a multilevel venue in Cancún’s hotel zone—sets it apart. Guests enjoy the wide-open dance floor, glittery lights, and impressive entryway. The club is also known for weekly pool parties, when guests dance to live DJ sets beside the pool or soak in the Jacuzzi.
The Basics
A favorite spot within Cancún’s nightlife scene, Mandala boasts Asian-themed decor with opulent chandeliers and mandala motifs. Skip-the-line VIP packages include access to an open bar that serves unlimited drinks until 3:30am. Other options include admittance to an exclusive VIP section with a private waiter. Mandala is also a frequent stop on bar crawl tours of Cancún.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Dress to impress because casual clothes are considered a big no-no.
- Bottle service is available for groups of six or more.
- The open bar usually doesn’t include specialty drinks such as energy drinks, premium cocktails, or bottled water.
How to Get There
The club is located on Kukulcan Boulevard in Cancun’s hotel zone and opens daily at 9:30pm. Guests can purchase tickets in advance to avoid waiting in line. Bar crawl-type tours typically don’t offer transportation, but the club is easily accessible by taxi or bus. Buses in the hotel zone run 24 hours a day.
When to Get There
Mandala nightclub hosts two theme nights each week. Every Monday, a Mardi Gras party takes over, complete with bead necklaces, shots, and contests inspired by Carnival. On Thursday, Mandala Gone Wild is the club’s version of year-round spring break. The club also hosts a festive New Year’s Eve celebration that requires a special ticket.
Nearby Señor Frog's
Another popular Cancún nightclub, Señor Frog's, offers similar VIP service packages with open bar and skip-the-line access, and it’s located right next to Mandala. Known for its fun party vibes and spring break-style atmosphere, Señor Frog's also offers dinner, so it’s a convenient place to grab food before heading to Mandala.
Address: Blvd Kukulkan km 9 Zona Hotelera, Cancun, Mexico
From $ 35
Lake Chapala
Ringed with charming towns and villages, Lake Chapala has drawn a steady stream of foreign visitors since the sixteenth century, when the conquistador Nuño de Guzman arrived on the lake’s muddy shores. In the early twentieth century, the luxury obsessed dictator Porfirio Diaz popularized the area as a vacation spot for Mexico’s middle and upper classes, and lakeside towns like Ajijic abound with storied hotels, hot springs, beer gardens, and bars.
Located roughly 50 km south of Guadalajara, Chapala is Mexico’s largest lake: 35 km wide and 120 km long. Chapala is not a swimmer’s paradise: water levels have sunk steadily over the years and the lake is murky and choked with pretty but invasive water hyacinth. Most visitors prefer to explore the lake by boats, which can be chartered at the pier in the town of Chapala. The ruined fortress of Mezcala Island, also known as Presidio, is a must-see.
The three main lake towns, Chapala, Ajijic, and Jocotepec, are all worth a visit. Chapala is a famous writers’ retreat; celebrated visitors include Tennessee Williams and D.H. Lawrence, who immortalized Chapala’s Church of San Francisco in the final pages of his novel, The Plumed Serpent. Ajijic is a haven for retirees and artists; the stone streets are lined with galleries and cafes, and it’s an easy place to get by if your Spanish is limited. Jocotepec is the least touristy of the three towns and features a pretty waterfront park and an old-fashioned plaza, where visitors can dine on authentic regional specialties such as birria, spicy goat or beef stew.
Located roughly 50 km south of Guadalajara, Chapala is Mexico’s largest lake: 35 km wide and 120 km long. Chapala is not a swimmer’s paradise: water levels have sunk steadily over the years and the lake is murky and choked with pretty but invasive water hyacinth. Most visitors prefer to explore the lake by boats, which can be chartered at the pier in the town of Chapala. The ruined fortress of Mezcala Island, also known as Presidio, is a must-see.
The three main lake towns, Chapala, Ajijic, and Jocotepec, are all worth a visit. Chapala is a famous writers’ retreat; celebrated visitors include Tennessee Williams and D.H. Lawrence, who immortalized Chapala’s Church of San Francisco in the final pages of his novel, The Plumed Serpent. Ajijic is a haven for retirees and artists; the stone streets are lined with galleries and cafes, and it’s an easy place to get by if your Spanish is limited. Jocotepec is the least touristy of the three towns and features a pretty waterfront park and an old-fashioned plaza, where visitors can dine on authentic regional specialties such as birria, spicy goat or beef stew.
Practical Info
Buses to Jocotepec and Chapala leave Guadalajara’s old bus station (Central Vieja, Los Angeles 218) every thirty or forty minutes. From Chapala it’s easy to catch a bus or taxi 7 km west to Ajijic.
Address: Lake Chapala, Mexico
From $ 35
Leon Trotsky Museum
Located in the Coyoacan borough of Mexico City sits a well-known monument in honor of a government dissenter. The Trotsky Museum honors the famous Russian revolutionary Leon Trotsky, known for his participation in the Bolshevik Revolution, his distaste for the rich and his adamant disapproval of then-Russian leader Stalin. Trotsky and his family fled to Mexico following a death warrant being issued for him in 1939.
It was here, in this house-turned-museum, that Trotsky spent his final days and survived one assassination attempt before succumbing to a second. Bullet holes from the first attempt are still embedded in the walls, and the rest of the museum also keeps the look and feel of the era when Trosky and his family lived here in exile.
The museum includes the house, a garden area and outer walls with a guard tower. The complex was declared a historic monument in 1982, and in 1990, on the 50th anniversary of Trotsky’s assassination, it was also made into a foundation that promotes political asylum for those being persecuted by their governments.
Practical Info
The Trotsky Museum is just a few blocks away from the Frida Kahlo Museum in the Coyoacan borough of Mexico City. It is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10am to 5pm, and ticket prices are roughly $3.50. It is free to enter on Sunday.
Address: Rio Churubusco 410, Del Carmen, Coyoacán, Ciudad de Mexico, D.F., Mexico 04100, Mexico
Admission: $3.50
From $ 2
Marina Vallarta
One of the major attractions in Puerto Vallarta, Marina Vallarta is a self-contained stretch of boardwalk, white sand and retail outlets that has become so well-known for its beauty and success that it was a model for its sister cities of Cabo, Mazatlan, Ixtapa and Cancun. Easily identifiable by its large, 450-slip marina and lush 18-hole golf course, Marina Vallarta’s main attraction is its beautiful promenade, whereupon you’ll find numerous boutique beachfront shops and restaurants, including a lighthouse that makes for great viewing of the bay.
Practical Info
The Marina Vallarta is conveniently located next to the Puerto Vallarta International Airport and is about 15 minutes away from downtown Puerto Vallarta.
Address: Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
From $ 65
Medano Beach (Playa el Medano)
The water may be wild elsewhere, but at Medano Beach - or Playa el Medano - there’s miles of safe, calm swimming and beach fun for all the family.
Los Cabo’s most popular beach is a long, long stretch of beach towels, sun umbrellas, beach volleyball, pleasure boats and beach bars. Resorts and high-rise apartment buildings line the sands, offering beachfront restaurants and bars.
Beach vendors stroll the sands selling everything from sombreros to jewelry, and when the sun goes down the beach turns into Los Cabo’s nightlife hub.
Practical Info
The cape’s downtown beach, Medano Beach runs east from the harbor at Cabo San Lucas, for 2 miles (3 km) to Villa del Palmar.
From the sands, you have a terrific view of Land’s End and El Arco framing the horizon.
Address: Camino Vieja a San José, Cabo San Lucas 23410, Mexico
Admission: Free
From $ 20
Mercado 20 de Noviembre
If you love meat then exploring Mercado 20 de Noviembre in Oaxaca, Mexico, is a must. This market is centrally located in downtown Oaxaca and puts a strong focus on meat plus has a variety of other products for sale.
Of the meat offerings at Mercado 20 de Noviembre, its claim to fame is the section of the market dedicated to Carnes Asadas, which means grilled meat. You can buy cuts of meat raw to grill it up yourself if you're staying somewhere that has such capabilities, or you can take the easy route and purchase the sizzling slices of meat grilled right in front of you at the market and enjoy it at one of the stall-side tables. To really make your Carnes Asadas experience fun, pick up some chiles or veggies at one of the produce stalls by the lane of Carnes Asadas stands and ask your meat vendor to grill them up with your Carnes Asadas.
Mercado 20 de Noviembre is also home to a variety of stalls filled with buckets and containers holding spices, fruits, mole (a Mexican sauce that Oaxaca is known for) and much more. You can also find local arts and crafts, though the focus at Mercado 20 de Noviembre is largely on the food.
Practical Info
Mercado 20 de Noviembre is located at Calle del 20 de Noviembre (hence its name) in the Centro neighborhood of Oaxaca.
Address: Calle del 20 de Noviembre, Oaxaca 68000, Mexico
From $ 46
Las Caletas
The private beach resort of Las Caletas is a day-trip destination like no other for spoiling the senses.
The former home of maverick movie director John Huston, this tropical beach haven is surrounded by protected rainforest and palms.
There’s everything you could possibly need for a relaxed, luxurious day at the beach. Chill-out in a hammock, de-stress with a soothing massage, take a guided diving or kayaking tour, snorkel with sea lions, learn to cook paella or stroll through the bird-filled orchid gardens.
Las Caletas can also be visited at night for a magical dinner under the stars and Mexican dance show.
Practical Info
Las Caletas is around 12 miles (19 km) from Puerto Vallarta on the southern shores of the Bay of Banderas.
The beach can only be reached by catamaran from Puerto Vallarta marina.
Address: Puerto Vallarta 48300, Mexico
From $ 129
Macroplaza (La Gran Plaza)
Build in the early 1980s, this popular town square is a hub for commerce and the fourth-largest plaza of its kind in the world. Impressive monuments line the pedestrian zone, including Faro del Comercio, which shoots green laser lights into the city sky each night.
Visitors to the plaza can wander the halls of the Palacio de Gobierno, where local government offices are located, or explore the Biblioteca Fray Servando Teresa de Mier—the city’s iconic public library. Visitors can escape the noise of the city in nearby Jardin Hundido—located at the center of Macroplaza—where quiet fountains and well-kept gardens provide a true urban oasis.
Practical Info
The Macroplaza is accessible via Monterrey Metro’s Zaragoza station near the Fuente de Neptuno.
Address: 5 de Mayo, Zaragoza, Zuazua y Constitución, Centro, Monterrey 64000, Mexico
Hours: Daily
From $ 56
La Venta Museum (Parque Museo La Venta)
Located on the site of an Olmec ceremonial center, along the bank of the beautiful Lagoon of Illusions, the Ventana Museum was created to preserve artifacts from the surrounding areas, including massive carved stone structures found when oil companies drained local marshes. Among a maze of walking paths through the jungle sit around 30 sculptures, including stone altars and rare Olmec heads, only 18 are known to exist, that weight about 20 tons. The park also has a botanical garden and a zoo with animals like howler monkeys, peccaries and jaguars.
Practical Info
Plan to spend at least a couple hours exploring the incredible artifacts and unique creatures in the zoo. And bring bug spray, as the park is set among the jungle alongside wetlands where mosquitos are abundant.
Address: Adolfo Ruiz Cortines Boulevard, Villahermosa 86040, Mexico
Hours: Daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission: Not free. Admission for non-Mexicans is 40 pesos (just over $2) per person.
From $ 38
Mariachi Plaza (Plaza de los Mariachis)
Maybe it’s the soulful sound of the horn or the iconic sombrero-and-charro-suit performance clothing, but there’s something timeless about mariachi, the playful music of Mexico, and something great to be said about a visit to its cultural center. While the exact origins of the music are disputed, Guadalajara’s Mariachi Plaza, or Plaza de los Mariachis, is a particularly famous musical location and the best place in town to experience the custom, where bands of musicians offer up tableside serenades.
Visitors to the plaza can grab an outdoor table in this working class part of town, request a tableside song and sit back to watch, unwind and sing along with the locals. Often paired with tequila tastings or food tours, a stop in Mariachi Plaza can be a spirited way to spend an evening in Guadalajara.
Practical Info
It’s recommended that travelers head to Mariachi Plaza via guided tour or taxi and avoid venturing too far away from the action.
Address: Plaza de los Mariachis #23, Guadalajara, Mexico
From $ 121
Labna
Labna is an excellent site for archaeology lovers and architectural buffs with its Mayan building ruins that were built in the ancient Puuc style. Located in the Yucatan Peninsula by the larger Uxmal ruins, Labna is a compact structure hidden within the Puuc Hills. Though smaller than some of the other Mayan ruin compounds in Mexico, it is impressive nonetheless. Labna was once used as a ceremonial center by the Mayans during the pre-Columbian era.
Labna’s impressive Gateway Arch is still standing today, and visitors can stand under it and walk through it while marveling at its intricate construction. It is believed that this arch was used to signify the start of the area of the ancient village where the priest and the elite people of Labna lived. Relief designs are etched into the side of the arch, providing impressive details that visitors love taking pictures of. Labna, along with the Uxmal ruins, are designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it is estimated that Labna was inhabited by as many as 2,000 people between 750 AD and 1,000 AD.
Practical Info
Labna is located a little over two hours south of Merida and is accessible by car or tour bus.
Address: Labna, The Yucatan, Mexico
From $ 1,054
Marietas Islands
The small, uninhabited Marietas Islands are located in the Bay of Banderas off Mexico’s Pacific coast. Making up a UNESCO-listed biosphere reserve, the islands are famous for their abundant wildlife and provide a chance to escape the crowds of many Mexican beach resorts, hop on a boat, and explore the islands’ natural delights.
The Basics
The islands are a haven for creatures such as dolphins, manta rays, humpback whales, sea turtles, and blue-footed boobies. Boat tours allow you to see the wildlife, but visitors are only allowed to set foot on one area of the government-protected islands, a strip of sand dubbed the Hidden Beach. Snorkeling and scuba diving tours from Sayulita and Puerto Vallarta are the most popular ways to experience the islands and their coral reef, while whale-watching tours also run in winter.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Diving and snorkeling tours typically last three to five hours, but some longer options include other activities such as kayaking.
- Diving tours often require PADI certification; if you are not certified, look for a beginner option.
- There is a cap on the number of daily visitors, so book your tour in advance.
How to Get There
It takes about 45 minutes to travel by boat from Punta de Mita to the Marietas Islands. Due to strict government protections, you must take a boat tour from a licensed tour operator.
When to Get There
Whale-watching season runs from December through March. For snorkeling and scuba diving, June through September offers the best visibility and warmest temperatures.
Conservation in the Marietas Islands
The Marietas Islands are an MAB Biosphere Reserve, meaning they are part of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere program to improve the relationship between humans and the environment. Because the islands have become increasingly popular, causing interference and possible damage to the ecosystem, the Mexican government authority known as the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (CONANP) has closed the islands to the public in the past. Efforts may be made to prevent future damage in a variety of ways, so enjoy visiting while you can and keep in mind the fragile nature of this important ecological environment.
Address: Marietas Islands, Mexico
From $ 42
Maguey Bay
Maguey Bay is an easily accessible bay with a popular beach of the same name. A handful of busy seafood shacks line the beach, and visitors can sip cold beers on patio chairs, or splash around in the bay’s calm, clear waters. You’ll find lots of amenities here, too, as Maguey tends to be one of Huatulco’s busier bays.
The Basics
Maguey Bay is an ideal spot for swimming and snorkeling. Rent some gear and head into the ocean, where a wide variety of colorful tropical fish exist just off the shores, or head to the rockier edge of the bay for some wave jumping. Visit the bay independently or as part of a Huatulco sightseeing cruise. Tours typically visit several different bays with a stop at Maguey for snorkeling.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Maguey Bay is easy to reach, and offers restaurants, water sports facilities, public restrooms, and showers.
- Choose a Huatulco sightseeing cruise with hotel pickup and drop-off included.
- Bring sun protection and plenty of water, as the beach offers little shade.
- Arrive early if you want to beat the crowds, especially during high season.
How to Get There
Maguey Bay sits just south of Santa Cruz Bay and is accessible by rough road or hired boats. There’s a taxi stand at the entrance to the bay, so you’ll rarely have to wait for a ride back into town. The road to Maguey can be difficult to navigate during rainy season.
When to Get There
As with all of Huatulco, Maguey Bay can be visited year-round. The beach begins to fill up with visitors around midday when the boat tours start to arrive. Mornings are less crowded and offer better conditions and calmer waters for swimming and snorkeling.
Organo Bay
Just a stone’s throw away, Organo Bay is a quiet bay that’s perfect for travelers who just want to get away from it all. It receives fewer visitors than Maguey Bay, mainly because of its inaccessibility—to visit by vehicle, it’s a 20-minute walk from the main road. There are no amenities here, so plan to carry enough food, water, and supplies for the day.
Address: Maguey Bay, Oaxaca, Mexico
From $ 55
Llano Grande Waterfall
Nestled in the Sierra Madre de Oaxaca, the Llano Grande Waterfall is an ideal spot for hiking, swimming, and rappelling. Its shallow pools and multiple cascading waterfalls give ample opportunity for all kinds of water activities: Climb a tree, leap off the rocks, or swing from a rope into the pristine waters below.
The Basics
The waterfall is part of the Copalitilla, a tributary of the Copalita River. It’s an easy 1.5-mile (2.4-kilometer) hike along a scenic river trail to the waterfall, so be prepared for the walk. Llano Grande is difficult to find on your own and most visitors arrive as part of a day trip or ATV tour from Huatulco that includes round-trip transport. Tours typically also include visits to the Finca La Gloria coffee plantation and a butterfly sanctuary.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Llano Grande Waterfall is a must-see for adventurous nature lovers.
- Choose a tour that includes round-trip transport from Huatulco, as the waterfall is difficult to find on your own.
- Wear waterproof shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.
- Bring a dry change of clothes and other necessities like a hat, bug spray, and sunblock.
How to Get There
The Llano Grande Waterfall is located in the municipality of San Miguel del Puerto, about a 90-minute drive from Huatulco. It’s a drive over rough, unpaved roads with little to no signage, so having an experienced guide to get you there can be helpful.
When to Get There
As with all of Huatulco, the Llano Grande Waterfall can be visited year-round. This area receives fewer tourists than other Mexican resort destinations, and it’s rarely crowded. Wet weather is likely from June to October, which can make getting to the waterfall more difficult.
Finca La Gloria
While at Llano Grande, you’ll want to set aside some time to visit the nearby La Gloria coffee plantation. Tour the family-owned farm, learn about the coffee-production process, and sample a freshly brewed cup of aromatic mountain-grown coffee. The waterfall and coffee farm are included on most guided tours of the Sierra Madre de Oaxaca.
Address: Huatulco, Mexico
From $ 61
Mexico City Alameda Central
Originally a public green space in 1592, Mexico City’s Alameda Central features fountains, statues, and lush landscaping. The urban park is a popular spot for locals and visitors to relax, people watch, and explore historic, cultural, and artistic sights like Diego Rivera's famous mural, Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in Alameda Park.
The Basics
In 1592, Viceroy Luis de Velasco planted dozens of poplar trees, creating the park and earning Alameda Central its name, which comes from the Spanish word álamo or poplar tree. Since then, the country’s leaders have put their mark on the green space, including President Porfirio Diaz, who commissioned the Palace of Fine Arts (Palacio de Bellas Artes) be built near the park.
In addition to wandering the area by foot, visitors can explore via bike and Segway tours.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Alameda Central offers free Wi-Fi.
- Food vendors aren’t allowed in the park, so be sure to bring snacks if you plan to stay.
- The area is considered safe for visitors.
How to Get There
As is the case with most of Mexico City, pricy parking lots are located close to the Alameda Central, but it’s better to forgo the car or cab and take the metro to this congested neighborhood. Metro Bellas Artes, accessed by Lines 2 and 8, opens up right onto the park, while Metro Hidalgo, via Lines 2 and 3, is right across the street.
When to Get There
Alameda Central is a popular spot, especially on weekends and on weekdays between 4 and 7pm when locals leave work. As for time of year, visit during the spring (late March and April) to see the jacaranda trees in bloom with large, vibrant purple flowers; they are native to tropical and subtropical regions of Mexico.
Palacio de Bellas Artes
Located at the end of Alameda Central, the Palace of Fine Arts (Palacio de Bellas Artes) is Mexico City’s major cultural center and hosts art exhibitions, along with a range of live events, including music, dance, theater, and opera. It also houses a permanent art collection with statues and murals by Diego Rivera, David Alfaro Siqueiros, Rufino Tamayo, and José Clemente Orozco.
Address: Avenida Hidalgo, Mexico City, Mexico
Admission: Free
From $ 36
Maya Museum (Museo Maya)
Take a break from the beaches of Cancun to explore artifacts from Mexico’s ancient past at the Maya Museum, one of the largest created by the National Institute of Anthropology and History. Inside the museum, visitors can see incredible items recovered from sites like Chichen Itza and Tulum, including the Woman of the Palms, ancient skeletal remains found submerged in a water-filled cave near Tulum. Next to the museum is an ancient archaeological site called San Miguelito, where visitors can stroll among the ruins and gardens.
Practical Info
The Maya Museum is located at the heart of Cancun’s hotel zone, making it easily reached by taxi or bus. It’s open every day except Mondays, and the $4/person entrance fee is well worth it to explore such unique remnants of Mayan history.
Address: Km. 16.5 Kukulcan Blvd., Cancun 77500, Mexico
Hours: Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission: Admission costs 65 pesos (about $4) per person
From $ 5
Los Arcos
At Los Arcos Marine Park in Puerto Vallarta there are islands to visit, reefs to dive, tunnels to swim through, and caves to explore, providing plenty of the arches that give Los Arcos (the Arches) its name. This protected area is famous for its abundant wildlife, both above and below the ocean’s surface, and is a popular snorkeling spot.
The Basics
Los Arcos is reachable only by boat, and most visitors arrive as part of a Puerto Vallarta day cruise that includes relaxing at sea and snorkeling in the caves of Los Arcos. The marine life is stupendously varied, from clown and puffer fish to rays and sea turtles. Sightseeing cruises typically also visit other must-see Puerto Vallarta attractions, such as the malecon (waterfront promenade), Romantic Zone, and Mismaloya Beach. There are also small-group snorkeling tours and popular South Shore private sightseeing cruises. Puerto Vallarta city highlights tours let you view Los Arcos from the shore and include hotel pickup and drop-off.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Los Arcos is a must-see for nature and wildlife lovers, and first-time visitors to Puerto Vallarta.
- Bring sunblock and a hat or sunglasses, as there’s little shade out on the bay. Also wear comfortable clothing, and tote a bathing suit, towel, and change of clothes.
- Snorkeling gear is provided on most Puerto Vallarta boat tours; bring your own if visiting independently.
How to Get There
Los Arcos lies off the coast of Mismaloya, in the south of Banderas Bay. The easiest way to reach Los Arcos is on a snorkeling or sightseeing tour. Cruise boats head out to Los Arcos from the Puerto Vallarta malecon and Marine Terminal.
When to Get There
Los Arcos Marine Park is lovely year-round. Arrive early if you want to beat the crowds, especially during Puerto Vallarta’s high season (winter). Spring and fall strike a nice balance between pleasant weather and manageable crowds. Wet weather is likely from July through September.
Mismaloya Beach
A small sandy beach on a picturesque jungle-fringed cove, Mismaloya sits just south of Puerto Vallarta along the coast of Banderas Bay. In 1964, John Huston’s movie The Night of the Iguana put this now-famous beach town on the map. A popular day trip from Puerto Vallarta, it offers several seafood restaurants, thatched-roof palapas, and one large resort.
Address: Malecon, Puerto Vallarta 48300, Mexico
From $ 23
Malecón
Running 5 kilometers where the town meets the sea, the Malecón is a main road of La Paz. Lined with restaurants, bars, and shops, it is an energetic center of tourist activity. Its wide, clean boulevard is dotted with small sculptures, benches, and beachgoers, all with views of the sand and palm trees. It is a great place to take a peaceful stroll, though often you’ll be joined by those cycling or jogging the path.
The presence of vendors, musicians, and fisherman make it a lively hotspot to gather and take in the local culture. Often artists have their work on display by the small pier. It’s an especially good spot to grab a seafood lunch made with fresh ingredients from the surrounding waters. The Malecón also comes alive at night, beginning with the sunset that many come to view from the edge of the sand.
Practical Info
La Paz’s Malecón stretches from Playa Coromuel in the north to Marina de la Paz in the south.
Address: Paseo Malecón, Zona Central, La Paz, Mexico
From $ 70
Mexico City Great Temple (Templo Mayor)
Overview
What remains of the Aztecs’ Great Temple (Templo Mayor) sits right in the middle of Mexico City, but many tourists miss it. In 1978, a massive, 8-ton (7,000-kilogram) stone depicting Coyolxauhqui (the Aztec goddess of the moon) was unearthed, marking the location of the temple, a gathering place sacred for the Aztecs during the 1300s and 1400s.
The Basics
Located next to the Metropolitan Cathedral, close to the Zócalo, the ruins of the Great Temple currently consist of walls embedded with stuccoed skulls and enormous carvings dedicated to Tlaloc (the god of storms) and Huitzilopochtli (the god of war). Throughout the 1980s, excavation revealed an unprecedented trove of treasures from the Aztec Empire, with more and more being uncovered all the time.
Today, visitors can tour the ruins and explore the on-site museum, which houses artifacts, such as the monolith of the moon goddess, knives, masks, sculptures, and other objects. Excavation work at the UNESCO World Heritage Site continues today. Book your ticket in advance to skip long lines, or join a sightseeing tour of Mexico City that visits the Great Temple.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Visit the museum before exploring the ruins to get a better understanding of the archaeological site.
- You’ll walk through the ruins on gated pathways.
- The Great Temple is a must-visit for history buffs and those interested in the Aztecs.
How to Get There
Driving isn't recommended because traffic can be heavy and parking expensive. Since the Great Temple site is situated near the historic center, it’s easily accessible by public transit. Via the Metro Line 2, hop off at the Zócalo stop, which is a quick walk from the museum. The archaeological site is also a stop on many bus tours.
When to Get There
The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, 9am to 5pm. Admission is free Sundays, so expect crowds. The best time to visit any outdoor spot in Mexico City is between March and May, when it’s sunny and not too hot. But, it is also the busiest time of the year because of this.
National Museum of Anthropology (Museo Nacional de Antropología)
The National Museum of Anthropology allows visitors to explore Aztec history further. Located in Chapultepec Park, Mexico City’s most-visited museum hosts a collection that includes notable historical items, such as the Aztec Stone of the Sun, the giant carved heads of the Olmec people, and the Aztec Xochipilli statue. From the Great Temple, it’s a short ride via public transit.
Address: Seminario #8 Centro Historico, Mexico City, Mexico
Admission: Varies
From $ 9