Travel Advisory for Mexico

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Mexico has many diverse areas to visit in each region. You can spend time relaxing on the beautiful beaches or visit the different Mayan ruins. Take in the beauty of the ancient architecture and artifacts at museums and cathedrals.  It is advisable to take a guided tour of each site you visit. In that way you will have the best experience and information of every place.  

The Mexico Caribbean beaches like Cancun or Playa del Carmen, and its pacific beaches like Acapulco, Puerto Vallarta, and Ixtapa, Its beautiful islands like Cozumel and Isla Mujeres, and the Veracruz Coral Reef System constitute an extensive variety of tourist destinations you may visit.  There is something for everyone in Mexico. 

Visit Museums

The country has a variety of very famous museums that visitors cannot miss on their trip to Mexico. Each of them has different collections of valuable pieces that can be seen and admired. The antiquity and representation of human culture, art, and science, is striking.   

The architectural constructions of the Mexican museums are very amazing also with different representative styles in each of the states of the country. Museums are renowned outside its borders. As they house a number of collections of precious objects that are many centuries old and a good option to visit.  Some of the most famous:

› National Museum of Anthropology: 
This museum contains the largest collection of ancient art of the world. The museum has 23 permanent exhibitions. Archaeology exhibits are located on the ground floor. Ethnographic exhibits about present day indigenous groups in Mexico are on the upper level. Several of the exhibits have re-creations of archeological scenes. Like murals in the

‘Teotihuacan’ section and tombs in the ‘Oaxaca’ and Mayan rooms. 
You will have the chance to see the pieces in the context in which they were found. The museum is big and it has an extensive collection. You want to set aside enough time to do it justice. This is undoubtedly within the three best anthropological museums in the world. 

› Frida Kahlo Museum: 
It is known as the Blue House. It is located in Mexico City, and it is one of the most renowned since it was the home of the artist of the same name Frida Kahlo (2007-1954). She was a painter known for her self-portrait works which reflected issues of gender, race and classism of his time. In the museum, you can admire her magnificent works, the places that could be for her workshops and where the artist lived.

› Palacio de Bellas Artes:  
The building is an impressive architectural work dating from 1904. It is built on the site of the old National Theater of Mexico. It is well-known for its beautiful and impressive murals.

› Castillo de Chapultepec:  
Its construction dates from the 17th century. It houses twenty different rooms of the history of Mexico, and is without a doubt a jewel of history. 

Colonial Cities

Guided tours in the cities of Mexico are an excellent option to know the attractions of each state, its architectural buildings, squares, parks and markets. Enjoy a nice walk, visit the most popular places in Mexico and taste its typical gastronomy. The country is rich in colonial cities. Here is a glimpse of a city tour of the capital, Mexico City:   

› El Zocalo:  
It is located in the heart of Mexico City, and it is called Constitution square. But is better known by the inhabitants as ‘El Zócalo’. It is a place for the political and historical events of the city, and is representative of the independence of Mexico. Other events are religious and establish the very marked spirituality of Mexicans. In its surroundings, admire very beautiful architectural constructions. Such as the Presidential Palace and the Metropolitan Cathedral, shopping centers and popular stores.

› Garibaldi Square:  
Its history dates back to the 17th century when it was still a popular marketplace sales plaza. It is representative of the Mexican revolution, and it is located in the northern part of Mexico City. The Square is famous for its activities with mariachis and folk dance groups in picturesque costumes. Tourists love to enjoy the show while tasting typical dishes. 

Get a close encounter with local traditions

Mexico is a country with very marked traditions. Its costumes, crafts, and gastronomy have a lot to do with its history and its spiritual beliefs. Interact with the locals throughout every single location. Here is an example of their culture:

› Guadalupe shrine:
As Mexico is an eminently Catholic country, the Virgin of Guadalupe is venerated and the basilica is important to many believers in the country and throughout America. It is the largest Catholic pilgrimage center in honor of the Virgin. The basilica is famous for its impressive architecture and history. Legend has it that in the 15th century, a believer named Juan Diego prayed to the virgin and the image of this appeared in the cloak of the believer. So a bishop, upon hearing the incredible story and the miracle that happened, ordered to build this Catholic sanctuary. 

The Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe is December 12. There are many celebrations for this reason in Mexico City. This is the time that it is most recommended to visit the basilica due to the religious ceremonies and pilgrims’ tour of Mexico City. Ten million people, between pilgrims and tourists, visit the basilica each year.

The Mayan World

The Mexican territory is home to many archaeological sites that keep a magical heritage of the ancient Mayan civilization. When you take a trip to this country, it is essential for you to know the ancient Mayan world. In several states, there are different Mayan cities with pyramids, ruins and hieroglyphics representative of the history of much more than two millennia ago. These are just two samples of the experiences you will have:

› Maya City Edzna:
It is located fifty-two kilometers from the state of Campeche on the Yucatan Peninsula. The archaeological site has many visitors to see its great pyramids, the temple of Mascarnones, the temple of five floors, the great Acropolis and many other sites. The squares that the Mayans used for their ball game can also be seen here. 

The structures are from the 400 century BC. The surface area of ​​this Mayan city is approximately 25 square kilometers. It contains more than six thousand two hundred different types of structures, so it takes a full day to make the journey.

› Equinox at Chichen Itza: 
Witnessing the equinox in a Mayan city is a unique experience! The equinox occurs when, due to the movement of the sun, the duration of the day and night is the same throughout the world. The autumn equinox (September 22 and 23) and the spring equinox (March 20 and 21) are the two opportunities when visitors from all over the world come to witness this incredible phenomenon.

For approximately forty-five minutes, the afternoon sun creates an illusion of a feathered serpent in the biggest pyramid. This serpent symbolized the union of the earth and the underworld to the ancient Maya. The serpent simulates descending down from the stairs of the pyramid. It is an astronomical spectacle without equal. During the visit and before the equinox, you can see folk groups like to wear white to attract good vibes.

Leisure Activities

If you are looking for recreational and relaxation activities in this country, there are many of them. Each state offers different activities for visitors in its picturesque states. These are two samples of these types of activities: 

› Xochimilco canals: 
People considered the canals the Mexican Venice. Explore the canal by boat. The Mexican folk music “Mariachis” accompanies the trip. Vendors approach the canoes selling delicious local dishes. Enjoy the landscape, the music and the traditional Mexican food.  If you are in Mexico City, this is one of the tours that cannot be missed. The canals are located twenty four kilometers from Mexico City.

› Guadalajara Tequila tours:  
Tequila is probably the most traditional drink that identifies Mexico and its festivals. It is obtained from the fermentation and distillation of the maguey. The tequila tours in Guadalajara are famous and a lot of fun. Some tours include a train ride to the city of Tequila for a tour of the distilleries, buffet with margaritas, mariachis and folkloric ballet.  Tours can be planned for a full weekend or less. The city of Tequila is located sixty seven kilometers from the city of Guadalajara in Jalisco state, the largest producer of this Mexican drink.

For Natural Lovers

For those who love nature, Mexico offers extensive biodiversity throughout its territory. The magical natural landscapes allow many hiking activities.

› Humpback Whale Watching in Cabo San Lucas:  
Visitors take the tour, in inflatable boats, through the waters of the cape to observe the humpback whales in close proximity. Upon reaching the open sea, you can see the stunts, jumps and turns of the whales, which is a delight for tourists. Studies have found that whale stunts and the movement of their fins is a form of communication between them. Whales can grow to fourteen meters in height and can weigh forty tons. Cabo San Lucas is located to the south of the Baja California peninsula, Mexico. A professional guided tour is necessary.

› Ría Celestún Biosphere Reserve: 
Visitors here can take a boat tour of the reserve to enjoy bird watching. Located in the north of the Yucatan peninsula, it is a natural reserve of ecosystems. There are many migratory birds, hosting both forest and aquatic birds. You will find hummingbirds, woodpeckers, herons and ducks. The most preferred bird for visitors is the pink flamingo for its color and beauty.   

Swimming in Secret Natural Pools – Cenotes

The Cenotes are natural freshwater ponds that are supplied by an underground river. Erosion of the earth created the cenotes. Inside the cenotes, there is a natural pool, that combined with the rock formations, gives its waters turquoise and jade tones, a true natural wonder! 

The Yucatan peninsula is famous for its cenotes with approximately one hundred and forty cenotes suitable for visiting tourists to hike, swim, snorkel, cave and dive.   There are many Cenotes in Mexico, so here are just two examples of them:

› Gran Cenote:   
This is one of the most beautiful cenotes in Mexico. The Cenote is located on the Mayan Riviera of the Yucatan peninsula, specifically in Tulum, Quintana Roo. It is like a beach with shores of different types of vegetation and a jade-colored pool with incredibly crystalline waters. This amazing Cenote is ideal for snorkeling where you can see little fish and turtles at the bottom of its waters with clarity.

› Suytun Cenote:  
It is located in an ecological ranch north of the Yucatan Peninsula in the colonial city of Valladolid. The Cenote is underground and a small opening in its ceiling gives it natural lighting. Inside, it has beautiful mineral formations and a five-meter deep natural pool of blue water, making this cenote ideal for relaxing in its waters admiring the beauty of its interior.

White Sandy Beaches
The beaches of Mexico are famous worldwide for being paradisiacal places. Their reputation is preferred by visitors for enjoying a perfect vacation. If you travel to this country, it is mandatory to at least visit one of them, and there are many on the list. It is recommended to look for information about the beaches to plan the trip.  A couple of them are mentioned below:

› Mujeres Island: 
It is one of the most popular beaches that Mexico offers. A short ferry trip from the port of Juarez in Cancun takes visitors to the island. It is located exactly at the tip of the Yucatan peninsula surrounded by the Caribbean Sea. It has white sand and palm trees. Its waters are warm and crystal clear, and are home to dolphins and turtles, making it ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

If you like diving, there is a coral reef called Manchones in the southern part of the island. It is twelve kilometers long and has a variety of marine life inside combined with the colorful reef.  The turtle farm is a sanctuary created for the care of turtles, inspired by the illegal hunting of the species.Visitors can see how the eggs are saved from predators. After they hatch, the small young are laid in a pond and later returned to their marine habitat, The travelers can help free baby turtles into the ocean. To visit the turtle farm you must set aside a guided tour. 

› Tulum:   
It is located in the northeast of the Yucatan peninsula. Tulum is also an ancient Mayan city on the seashore. After the visit of the archaeological sites of Tulum, you can enjoy the attractions and beauty offered by its paradisiacal beaches.
Like many in Mexico, the beaches of Tulum are white sand and very clear waters. There are a variety of hotels, bars and restaurants to make the visit enjoyable. You can take boat tours and bicycle tours. You can also plan a visit to some of its cenotes, since it has several.

The Sian Ka’an Reserve is located thirty minutes from the town of Tulum. It is home to many protected species and very beautiful beaches for kayaking, snorkeling or boat tours.

Swimming with Turtles in Akumal is a remarkable opportunity. This small marine turtle reserve is located twenty kilometers from Tulum. Since the state tries to protect the turtles to the maximum, only a certain number of tourists swim with them. It is an unforgettable experience since they are very beautiful marine beings.