Mexico Travel Guide

Learn more about why ADO is the best bus company in Mexico and how easy and comfortable it is to travel by bus.  Then use this simple tip to pay with an American credit card in advance to save you time and aggravation.

Studying Spanish in Mexico is one of the most popular activities because it’s affordable and there are many reputable schools to choose from.  If you’re curious about what it’s like to join one, follow this look at a typical day as a Spanish student.

Find out how to ensure you have a fabulous time on your trip to Mexico City. These easy tips will turn your trip up a notch!

Although I love Mexico, I think you can see the highlights of the capital in a single trip.  Make sure you don’t miss some of the best things to do, like Xochimilco, Lucha Libre, and even the metro!

Check out this guide to neighborhoods, since where you should stay depends on how you travel and which things to do in Mexico City you want to do. Get the scoop on downtown and the zocalo, Polanco, Condesa, and Zona Rosa. I have hotel recommendations for each area and budget – my favorite is a Condesa spot less than $100.

Want to stay in the Centro Historico? Check out my full review of the Hotel Umbral, a Hilton-affiliated property in the heart of things with comfortable rooms.

If you've got extra time, add one (or all!) of these side trips to your vacation. Some destinations make great day trips whereas others need an overnight (or more).

Travel to the pyramids of Teotihuacan without a tour! This popular day trip from Mexico City brings great history and culture at a low price when you DIY. Get step by step bus directions to get there cheaply. If you’re still not convinced, I have a tour recommendation just in case.

For an entirely different experience, visit Teotihuacan after dark to see the pyramids lit up. You'll walk the Avenue of the Dead and then watch a light and sound projection on the Pyramid of the Sun.

I know, when you think of Mexico, you don’t think of volcanoes! This high altitude day trip (accessible from Mexico City or Puebla) is a gorgeous change of pace from city life and an extraordinary chance to watch volcanic activity.

Every winter, millions of butterflies migrate to central Mexico. You can see them by visiting Piedra Herrada monarch sanctuary in Valle de Bravo. Get the scoop on hikes, horseback rides, and what else to do in town.

Visiting Puebla Mexico isn’t like going to Cancun. You have to act like a local and think on your feet. I learned a few things the hard way, but hopefully these Puebla travel tips will help you stay ahead of the curve.

he secret to doing Puebla right is to spend more than just a day trip from Mexico City (although that’s better than nothing).  Find out what to do, where to stay, and what to eat!

Other travelers claim Cancun is too touristy.  It totally is, but you can get off the beaten path and/or just enjoy it for what is is: a chance to have fun.  I’ve done both and think it’s worth visiting at least once.

Xcaret is the original “eco-archaeological park” in the Riviera Maya and the best way I can describe it is a Mexican Epcot.  I only had a few hours, so I focused in on my invitation to their nighttime Xcaret Mexico Espectacular, a dinner show that tells the story of Mexico’s history and then showcases music, dance, and traditional clothing from different regions of Mexico.  I expected a standard theme park performance, something haphazard and semi-interesting, but instead I was on the edge of my seat for the entire show.

El Grito de Mexico, better known as Mexican Independence Day on September 16, is celebrated nationwide. Festivities for El Grito Isla Mujeres include a reenactment, music, dancing, food, and fireworks.

Oaxaca is a love-it-or-hate-it town. Get a quick overview of this colonial town best known for its food and art and then decide whether or not it’s right for your next trip to Mexico.

One of the questions I get most often is whether or not Oaxaca is safe for travelers. I get it -- it's not usually one of the first places someone visits in Mexico and the mystery means you don't know what to expect. I share the reality here and how to prepare if you decide to go.

An hour and a half outside of Oaxaca, Hierve el Agua is one of two petrified “waterfalls” in the world.  Over thousands of years, calcium carbonate and other minerals from flowing springs built up and hardened, creating tall white rock formations that tower over the surrounding valley. The real draw is the natural pools overlooking these cliffs that you can swim in, believed to have healing properties.

This two day itinerary to San Cristobal de las Casas will help you plan and organize what to do in San Cristobal Mexico (plus restaurant and hotel recommendations!). This beautiful colonial city in Chiapas is the perfect place to explore, relax, and enjoy a few day trips within the region.

Get out of town from Comitan or San Cristobal de las Casas! A day trip to El Chiflon waterfalls is a gorgeous way to spend a day in Mexico. Hiking trails, picnic, swimming, and a zipline! Find out how to get there and how to plan your day.

Without a doubt, Chiapas isn’t given credit for being the incredible destination it is.  It gained a bit more awareness in 2009 when Sumidero Canyon National Park was a candidate for the Seven New Natural Wonders of the World.  I loved this boat ride through gorgeous scenery and past wildlife like monkeys and crocodiles.

This town that you’ve never heard of is about as far south as you can get in Mexico before heading to the Guatemalan border. I went on a whim, and ended up enjoying the look at “real” Mexican life in this untouched town that still has plenty of things to do. Take a peek at how beautiful it is.

I ignored the US State Department travel advisory for travel to Taxco in the state of Guerrero. How stupid was that? And what happened while I was there?

This park outside of Taxco is a series of gorgeous blue pools, each more beautiful than the last. It's not great for hiking but it might be just the side trip you need, especially on a hot day when you can swim!