“Mexico is nothing but resorts, beaches, and Speedos!” That’s what we used to think before our recent trip to the “Land of the Aztecs.” Our prior experience was a one-week, all-inclusive resort stay back in 2007.
During that trip, we mostly stayed within the resort and hardly ventured beyond the bottom of our margarita glasses. But now, seven years later, after spending over two months traveling independently around Mexico, we’ve discovered that the country offers so much more than just beach bars and bikinis. There are endless places to visit in Mexico.
We carved our own path, weaving through Mexico’s deep history and rich culture, which truly amazed us. Despite indulging in luxury, we ventured beyond the typical tourist spots.
For years, our travels took us to remote, off-the-beaten-path destinations, from diving with humpback whales to trekking the Mongolian steppe. Mexico, however, offered a blend of relaxation and adventure. We enjoyed freshly ground coffee, sumptuous Mexican cuisine, and luxury stays, but we also explored the real Mexico, away from the crowds.
In just two months, we experienced so much. We began in Cancun, where we met our friend Bernie from Vancouver Island. We spent five days enjoying the city, despite its lack of authentic Mexican culture, and took advantage of the beach and 2-for-1 margaritas.
Next, we headed to Isla Holbox, the ultimate spot for pure relaxation. We spent our eight days there wandering the dusty lanes, catching up on blogs and emails, and even bartered with fishermen for a fresh fish dinner.
In Valladolid, one of our favorite towns, we worked with local hotels and tour operators, meeting cool expats and locals. We stayed in beautiful guesthouses like Casa Hamaca and funky hostels like Candelaria. We cycled to a cenote and Maya village, and took a tour to see the Flamingos of Ria Lagartos. Valladolid’s quiet, colorful vibe made us think we could live there someday.
Tulum was another favorite. We visited twice, cycling to the beach and soaking up the sun on our first trip. On our second visit, after a press trip with Riviera Maya Tourism, I had unforgettable diving experiences in a cenote and the Caribbean Sea.
Between our Tulum visits, Riviera Maya Tourism hosted us for adventures along the Mayan Riviera, staying at the beautiful Hacienda Tres Rios Resort. We explored an underground river at Rio Secreto, watched a cultural performance at Xcaret, visited a local Maya village, floated through Si’an Kaan Nature Reserve, and toured the Tulum & Coba ruins.
In Merida, with the help of Yucatan Tourism, we explored Progreso Beach, Dzibilchaltun, Chichen Itza, Uxmal, and the colorful town of Izmal, all with our friendly driver Pedro. Though Chichen Itza is a Wonder of the World, our favorite ruins were Uxmal.
Merida itself felt like a larger, busier Valladolid, with beautiful architecture but overwhelming traffic. We stayed at Nomadas Hostel, the best we’ve encountered in five years of travel.
In Palenque, we explored the Mayan Ruins set deep in the jungle, dating back to 226 BC. We couldn’t pick a favorite between Uxmal and Palenque – both were spectacular.
San Cristobal de las Casas became our new favorite city in Mexico. Every narrow lane seemed more beautiful than the last. We spent a week there, enjoying live music, friendly locals, stunning mountain scenery, and comfortable temperatures year-round. We visited San Juan Chamula, where we witnessed unique local traditions, and toured Sumidero Canyon, spotting crocodiles and marveling at the cliffs.
After a fantastic two months, we wrapped up our time in Mexico in Chetumal, feeling sad to leave but excited for our next adventure in Belize. We can’t wait to explore further north in Mexico someday, but now it’s time for new experiences in Belize, learning about Creole culture, diving in clear seas, and enjoying island life.
