17 Essentials: what to see and visit on a tourism trip to Mexico

Mexico It is an immense country full of attractive places that is impossible to explore completely in a single trip.

When preparing a first trip to Mexico, two equally tempting options are likely to emerge.

On the one hand there is the option of travel to the Riviera Maya for its fabulous combination of caribbean beaches, big resorts, and traces of the great Mayan civilization as Chichén Itzá.

The second option to consider is to take an eminently cultural trip that takes us from CDMX for some of the cities that are declared World Heritage awarded by the Unesco.

Tourism routes through Mexico

This route will also allow us to see many other interesting places, from remains of ancient civilizations to small charming towns that are located near these cities.

Logically, if we have a lot of time we can combine both routes, and then that first trip to Mexico It would be really complete.

The route of the cities registered on the list of the World Heritage includes a series of cities that achieved great importance in the Virreinal time.

Many of them owe their wealth to the great benefits obtained from the silver mines that were discovered and exploited over time, and therefore can be considered to form the Silver Route.

Those found north of CDMX define the initial part of the call Camino Real de Tierra Adentro that united CDMX with Santa Fe (New Mexico, United States), a 2.500 kilometer route that became the axis of the Viceroyalty of New Spain.

We can not forget Oaxaca, a city located south of the capital and which is one of the most attractive in the country.

The city and its surroundings, whether the Monte Albán archaeological site, artisan villages or tule tree, form a very attractive and recommended destination.

Best places to visit in Mexico

From this double option, we are going to highlight you for best places to visit on a trip to Mexico.

Ancient Mayan cities in Yucatan: Chichén Itzá and Tulum

Yes for you trip to Mexico you opt for a holiday stay in a Caribbean beach of Riviera Maya, in your travel plan you cannot miss a visit to some of the archaeological complexes of the Mayan civilization.

And there are several options that you will have.

Now, in this respect the most visited place in the Mexican Yucatan Peninsula is archaeological complex of Chichen Itza, Heritage and considered one of the Wonders of the Modern World.

Its origins date back to the 9th century AD and its iconic image is its Great Pyramid.

Another highly recommended visit is ancient Mayan city of Tulum, whose remains of its walled enclosure offer a special attraction as they are located on the seashore.

On these visits, or others that you can make in Yucatan during your vacation stay in Riviera Maya, you will be able to deepen your knowledge of the very interesting Mayan culture.

Here you have information for visit Chichen Itza and Tulum archaeological complex.

Cenotes in Yucatan

With a trip to the Mexican Yucatan You cannot miss a visit to one of the more than 3.500 cenotes enabled for visits in that region.

The cenotes They are wells that can be of enormous dimensions, which extend throughout the entire Yucatan peninsula, and in whose crystalline sweet waters of underground rivers you can bathe.

The excursions to the Mayan archaeological complexes of Yucatan are always combined with visits to cenotes managed by Mayan communities where tourists bathe.

CDMX

CDMX It is, without a doubt, the American capital with the greatest heritage and cultural wealth, the result of the importance it has had over many centuries.

Since pre-Hispanic times it was the center of power in the region, and today it is an incomprehensible city that deserves several days to get to know it.

Its historic center arises around the Constitution Plaza, which everyone calls the Zócalo, one of the largest in the world.

There or very close appear the Cathedral, National Palace, Aztec Main Temple and an impressive set of palaces and churches from the colonial era.

Another point of interest is the Central mall, with it, an immense park overlooking the Palace of Fine Arts and Franz Mayer museums and Diego Rivera Mural.

El Reforma walk It is the great avenue that reaches the Chapultepec park, where is the National Museum of Anthropology, which is the first one we can recommend in this city, and the one that should be visited in case we only have time for just one.

In it there is a complete review of the prehispanic civilizations or indigenous cultures Mexico.

En CDMX You should not miss visiting some of the most elegant neighborhoods (called colonies). Coyoacan (with the Frida Kahlo's House), Saint Angel, Condesa y Polanco They are the most interesting.

There are many other interesting places to visit in the Mexican capital, but we must recommend at least the Plaza of the Three Cultures, where there are buildings that represent the Pre-Hispanic, colonial and independent Mexico.

And also the Basilica of Guadalupe, perhaps the second most visited Catholic temple in the world after the Vatican, and the Garibaldi Square, which is attended by mariachis at dusk.

Here you have all the information about What is essential to see and do in Mexico City and surroundings.

Xochimilco floating gardens

Do not forget that Unesco included in the list of World HeritageIn addition to the historic center, the floating gardens of Xochimilco, one of the few reminders that Mexico was built on a lagoon.

We recommend visiting them, if possible, during the weekend since that is when everything is most lively, with families exploring the canals in boats and the mariachis and the food stalls create a very attractive atmosphere.

Pre-Hispanic city of Teotihuacán

The surroundings of Mexico City They are full of equally interesting places.

If only one had to be highlighted, our choice would be pre-Hispanic city of Teotihuacán which lived its time of splendor between the 50st and XNUMXth centuries, and which is located about XNUMX kilometers away.

Further away, about 100 kilometers, is Puebla, with a unique baroque neighborhood.

Both sets are also included in the list of the World Heritage 1987 since.

Taxco

Taxco It is one of the most attractive cities in the surroundings of Mexico City.

It is located about 175 kilometers away from the capital, and is the typical weekend destination for its inhabitants.

The church of Santa Prisca (the most important in the city and one of the most important works of baroque art in the world) and its surroundings have been included since 2001 in the tentative list of the World Heritage for the Unesco, so it is reasonable to think that he will achieve that recognition in the near future.

One of the pleasures of Taxco is walking aimlessly through the alleys that open around the town. church of Santa Prisca continually encountering splendid mansions and picturesque corners.

One of the fundamental attractions of Taxco It is walking through its streets and observing the atmosphere, full of food and craft vendors, as well as the surprises of finding curious squares or corners.

It is also highly recommended to go up to viewpoint of the Monumental Christ, which is in the Atache hill.

Here you have all the information about What is essential to see and do in Taxco.

Querétaro

If you organize a road trip from Mexico City to Guanajuato and Zacatecas, Querétaro It can be the first stop on the trip.

Despite being the least known of all the cities of the so-called Silver Route o Inland Path, Querétaro It has great monumental wealth.

La Unesco included Querétaro on the list of Heritage in 1996 for being an example of multicultural city, with neighborhoods of Spanish origin next to original indigenous nuclei.

There are several very pleasant squares and gardens to walk around.

On the way you pass buildings of great historical or cultural importance, such as the San Francisco church, Republic Theater, where the Constituent Congress to prepare the Political Constitution of the United Mexican States that still rules the country.

We must highlight the number of convents and churches as well as mansions and palaces, some of them have been converted into hotels full of charm.

A little out of the way, the Convent of Santa Cruz allows an immersion in the ways of life of the colonial period that is well worth it.

In the surroundings there are usually stalls where indigenous women sell local crafts.

Here you have all the information about What is essential to see and do in Querétaro.

San Miguel de Allende

In the path between Querétaro and Guanajuato is San Miguel de Allende.

Su historical Center has a marked character viceregal, but its atmosphere is quite different from the rest of the nearby cities since, for decades, it has been the favorite of many foreigners, especially Americans, who spend long periods of time there, especially in winter.

San Miguel de Allende It lived its time of splendor during the 18th century and then numerous churches and palaces were built with a mix of Spanish, Creole and indigenous influences.

Su historical Center, very well rehabilitated, is one of the most attractive in all of Mexico.

As is normally the case, a good place to start the visit is the main square, which in this case is known as the garden.

Here the parish tower, of a curious style, draws attention. pseudogothic.

It is said to have been conceived by a local craftsman more than a century ago after seeing a postcard of a Belgian church.

A moment not to be missed is the evening fall in the garden, when the treetops fill with birds looking for a place to sleep, the church tower lights up, and it is very likely that several groups of birds will appear. mariachis to sing their songs to passersby who request them.

A walk through the nearby streets allows you to discover the architectural treasure of San Miguel de Allende, in which there are many churches and the big ones time mansions viceroyalty.

La Canal Mayorazgo House is one of the best examples of New Spain civil architecture in the center of Mexico.

En San Miguel de Allende the abound art Galeries and Craft shops.

Here you have all the information about What is essential to see and do in San Miguel de Allende.

Atotonilco Sanctuary

El historic center of San Miguel de Allende is included in the list of World Heritage for the Unesco next to the nearby Atotonilco Sanctuary, which is located 14 kilometers away.

El sanctuary of Jesus Nazareno of Atotonilco It is one of the most beautiful examples of baroque art and architecture in all the country; It was built in the 18th century and is an important pilgrimage site.

Here you have all the information about how to visit the Atotonilco Sanctuary.

Dolores Hidalgo

About 30 kilometers from the aforementioned sanctuary is Dolores Hidalgo.

It is a very interesting small city to learn about Mexican history and perfect to immerse yourself in the local atmosphere.

The place is important in Mexico because it is considered that the act that gave rise to the War of Independence in 1810.

In the city there are several museums dedicated to Mexican history, But visit to Dolores Hidalgo It is interesting because it allows us to immerse ourselves in the local atmosphere of a small provincial Mexican city.

Walking through the streets, browsing in the shops, sitting in the square and watching the daily hustle and bustle of the balloon sellers and shoe shiners, eating some tacos in a local restaurant, everything forms a set of sensations that allow us to know and enjoy of our trip.

Here you have all the information about What is essential to see and do in Dolores Hidalgo.

Guanajuato

Guanajuato It is one of the most attractive cities that you can visit in a trip to Mexico since it has some details that make it special, such as its spectacular location and that for centuries it was one of the richest cities in the world due to the importance of the nearby mines.

Un walk through Guanajuato It starts in the squares and gardens of the center, where there is always a very pleasant atmosphere.

In the surrounding streets there are numerous buildings of interest, such as churches, theaters, museums, etc.

Some unique places are the Don Quixote Iconographic Museum, Alhóndiga de Grenaditas and Museum and House of Diego Rivera.

Guanajuato It is a city for wandering around and taking detours along the proposed paths.

Under no circumstances should you miss the panorama from the viewpoint of the Pípila monument; Any time is good but late afternoon is exceptional.

Nor should we forget a detail that makes unique Guanajuato, which is the complex system of underground streets that make it possible for traffic to circulate underground.

A walk, or better yet a taxi ride through this network of tunnels, provides one of the most curious experiences that can be had in a Mexican city.

Here you have all the information about What is essential to see and do in Guanajuato.

Zacatecas

Zacatecas It is the northernmost within the route proposed by the declared Mexican cities Heritage awarded by the Unesco.

Zacatecas It has something in the atmosphere and architecture that differentiates it from other cities.

For many it is the most special of the entire route, perhaps because of its altitude and because it is already close to the northern desert.

Curiously, all this contrasts with many details of the buildings, the baroque more exuberant.

There are a large number of places to visit within a very short distance in the center, although it is also worth going a little further in search of other important points.

In the Plaza de Armas is the cathedral, whose exterior maintains all the splendor baroque.

The number and importance of the museums is surprising, among which it is worth highlighting the Pedro Coronel Museum with works ranging from Ancient Egypt a Goya y Dalí; the Zacatecano Museum, with the extraordinary Huichol Art and Culture room; and the Rafael Coronel Museum, which presents the largest collection of popular mexican masks.

The importance of Zacatecas, like other cities on this route, is due to the wealth of the silver mines.

And although you can visit mines of the Virreinal time In other parts, the easiest to access and one of the most spectacular is the El Eden mine.

Here you have all the information about What is essential to see and do in Zacatecas.

Oaxaca

Located south of Mexico City, Oaxaca is another cultural destinations fundamental in any trip through Mexico, both for the beauty of its historic center and for the interest of the surroundings.

Oaxaca It is located 460 kilometers southeast of Mexico City, which is not a very long distance in a country that is four times the size of Spain.

Para muchos, Oaxaca It is the city that best maintains the spirit of viceregal Mexico, when the Spanish cultures and the different local societies merged to give rise to the country we now know.

Oaxaca It was always the most important city in southern Mexico at the time of the viceroyalty and, therefore, there are a number of important monuments that can be visited.

The good conservation of the historical complex led to its inclusion, along with the nearby Monte Albán archaeological site, in the list of World Heritage for the Unesco.

Furthermore, a large number of people live in the city. community of modern artists whose work is reflected in Museums and galeries.

And if that were not enough, there are several museums with works by ancient pre-Hispanic civilizations in addition to current popular traditions that are inherited from different indigenous cultures and many centuries of history.

The environment in the Zócalo It is one of the most pleasant in all of Mexico and the Church of Santo Domingo It is one of the most splendid on the continent.

Next to it is the Museum of the Cultures of Oaxaca, with the treasure coming from the Tomb 7 of Monte Albán, while in the surrounding lands the Ethnobotanical Garden.

There are other museums that are really worth it, such as the Rufino Tamayo Museum and House of Juarez, as well as contemporary art galleries.

Here you have all the information about What is essential to see and do in Oaxaca.

Archaeological complex of Monte Albán

It has already been said that the surroundings of Oaxaca They are very attractive and also deserve a detailed visit.

The main destination is Monte Albán, the old one Zapotec capital, which reached its maximum development between the 4th and 8th centuries.

It is one of the most impressive archaeological complexes in all of Mexico and is inscribed on the list of World Heritage for the Unesco 1987 since.

Monte Albán It is located on the outskirts of Oaxaca.

Further away, about 45 kilometers, is mitla, another pre-Hispanic city, famous for the intricate stone decoration of its monuments.

Here you have all the information about how to visit the archaeological complex of Monte Albán.

El Tule tree and artisan villages of the Central Valleys

Un tour of the towns of the Central Valleys allows you to know some of the best artisan traditions from all over Mexico.

The artisans from villages like Teotitlán del Valle, San Martin Tilcajete, Saint Thomas Jalieza y San Bartolo Coyotepec They create true works of art.

For this reason Oaxaca It is one of the best places in the entire country to buy quality crafts at a good price.

Another place not to be missed in the surroundings of Oaxaca is El Tule tree, which is said to be the largest living being in the world.

All these places are easily visitable from Oaxaca and can be organized in two different routes.

Here you have all the information on what is essential to see and do in a Route to the north of the city of Oaxaca and in another tour of the south of the city.