Fantastic meals, serene surroundings, and wonderful beaches. These are a few of the essential components that constitute an ideal getaway for Mexicans traveling throughout their home nation. There are numerous locations to visit in Mexico that draw tourists from all over the world, but for residents, it's all about feeling at home; finding warm, familiar places is essential.
Here are just a few of the Mexican locations that consistently draw the most local tourists. Some are even frequent destinations where Mexicans adore to unwind and rest outside with a native meal or drink multiple times a year.
Quintana Roo, Tulum
Since the pre-Hispanic remains are perched atop a cliff overlooking Paradise Beach's blue sea, Tulum's archaeological zone is unlike any other. The town is the starting point of the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, which contains coral reefs, jungles, mangroves, and cenotes. The town is surrounded by beautiful white beaches, but nature is also highly significant here. Because of this, it's a fantastic location for ecotourism. Many hotels, such as Azulik and Papaya Playa Project, only provide environmentally friendly experiences. This includes everything from the building materials to the fair trade practices utilized every day to even the spa services that are based on regional customs and ingredients. Additionally, there are many ways to get in touch with nature, like glamping, jungle bike trips, and yoga on the beach.
Minas Viejas near San Louis Potosi, Mexico is a gorgeous waterfall and an off the beaten tourist path destination that is definitely worth the visit. Locals love to cool off in the tranquil pools at the bottom of this waterfall. https://t.co/wvXLR8Iida pic.twitter.com/zDPipO7Ear
— Alyson Gerwe (@AlysonGerwe) October 17, 2019
State of Mexico, Valle de Bravo
One of the popular weekend getaways for Mexicans is this. The Magical Town is the ideal retreat from city life because it is close to Mexico City. It has all the amenities you seek in a luxurious holiday while maintaining the pleasantly leisurely pace of a small town. It's a mountain town, so there are a few cottages tucked away in the woods where you may spend evenings by the fireplace. Lago Avándaro, however, is the town's main attraction. Around it, there is a lively atmosphere full of eateries, cafes, and stores selling everything from ceramics, blown glass, and wooden sculptures to the newest fashion labels. The lake is constantly crowded with people enjoying floating restaurants and bars that bring the celebration to the water or participating in water sports like kayaking and skiing. The tallest part of the forest, one of the locations where millions of monarch butterflies come after a protracted trek from Canada, attracts all the attention throughout the winter, though.
Morelos's Cuernavaca
This location, which is around 50 miles from Mexico City, is popular among city dwellers seeking a getaway. Because of its consistently high temperatures and vibrant floral decorations on its streets, Cuernavaca is referred to as the "City of Eternal Spring." Large gardens and heated pools are a requirement whether you rent a house or stay in a hotel like Las Maanitas or Camino Real. This is a location where visitors may genuinely unwind. Numerous eateries in the historic district's winding lanes and stone buildings draw tourists for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. People enjoy strolling through this area and finding local businesses, colonial structures, and charming parks and fountains. The Cathedral and the Plaza de Armas, where Cortés Palace is located, are only two of the many historic sites nearby. The Spanish conqueror Hernán Cortés built this structure as his home at the beginning of the 16th century. It is currently a significant historical site where visitors may learn stories about the city that not many people are aware of.
In Oaxaca, Huatulco
The nine bays of Huatulco are characterized by calm waters and rich flora. Mexicans adore the beach, and these ones are particularly lovely with their backdrop of lush mountains, golden sand beneath their toes, and vibrant sunrises. There are 36 beaches here, so visitors have a wide range of activities to choose from, such as scuba diving through the coral reefs, kayaking, sailing, or simply relaxing with mezcal in the sun. Huge resorts at Tangolunda Bay, many of which are all-inclusive, are available in Huatulco for a stress-free vacation. The beaches are fantastic, but there is so much to see in Oaxaca to connect with its vibrant culture. The Museum of Oaxacan Handicrafts, which is regarded as a cultural museum, is one choice. Members of the local communities are present to discuss their customs and even demonstrate how plants are weaved together or how their moles are created since there are no things on display (yes, you get to taste it). Genuine items including rugs with ancient Zapotec techniques and themes, black clay pottery, clothing with vibrant embroidery, and wooden alebrijes are available here for admiration and purchase. Additionally, the Huatulco National Park, a protected area including the bays where tropical forests and the sea environment coexist, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. For avid hikers looking to find waterfalls, historic ceremonial sites, and wild animals, it is the ideal location.
Baja California's Valle de Guadalupe
Fantastic wine and delicious food? This is the location to visit if you want to indulge. In this hamlet of vineyards, friends and couples enjoy learning about Mexican wine. There is something for everyone, whether you're searching for a high-end resort and winery like El Cielo, a contemporary experience with rooms "floating" on the rocky mountain like Encuentro Guadalupe or a glamping excursion like the Campera Bubble hotel. There are roughly 200 wineries in this area, which makes practically all of the nation's wine. Many of them, including L.A. Cetto, Monte Xanic, and Vincola Bruma, are accessible for tours. You may explore the vineyard on foot or even on bikes in addition to enjoying samples at several of the restaurants, which provide matching dinners that accentuate the tastes of Baja cuisine. Guadalupe Valley has recently become more popular as a gourmet trip because of establishments like Fauna and Laja. Several pop-up farm-to-table restaurants with outdoor seating that overlooks vineyards or in some cases allow you to sit among the vines open during the summer. The Harvest Festival (Fiestas de la Vendimia) takes place in August, with festivities at wineries, vineyards, and restaurants all across the city.
Quintana Roo's Playa del Carmen
Mexicans travel to Playa del Carmen to party, while Tulum is where they go to relax. There is a dynamic vibe in this small village with blue waves. From the legendary Mamita's to the stylish Coralina at the Grand Hyatt, upscale resorts and intimate boutique hotels all share the smooth sand of the beaches and provide fun outdoor activities like water sports and day clubs. The major pedestrian route in this area is called Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue), and it is lined with cafes, bars, and stores. If you're looking for handmade goods or limited-edition luxury labels, it's also a great place to go shopping throughout the day. It's also where the nightlife is most active, especially on the weekends. There are countless options for foodies, from traditional seafood dishes like that at Los Aguachiles (aguachile is a spicy dish made of seafood in a "chili water" preparation of chili peppers, lime juice, and vegetables) to unique choices like Alux, which serves Mayan and Mexican cuisine in an underground cavern, or The Traveler's Table, a five-course dining experience at the beach club of Punta Venado with just one big table designed to make new friends.
Jalisco's Puerto Vallarta.
Given its proximity to Guadalajara, this beach is a favorite among Mexican tourists. Any time of year is a terrific time to visit the beach. There are, however, certain thrilling chances at specific seasons of the year. More than a thousand humpback whales come to this area in the winter, and you can witness them jump and sing as they perform courtship displays. Since they give birth in these warm waters as well, if you're lucky you could even get to witness a newborn or two. Only licensed tour guides conduct tours, and they make sure they don't harm these marine mammals. Sea turtles come to the shore to lay their eggs in the second part of the year. Due to the city's regular turtle visitors, one of the most effective protection programs in the nation has been created. It includes protected nurseries that are located in upscale hotels so that everyone may contribute. When the eggs hatch, the turtles are released, and the owners ask for assistance while also educating the visitors about the ecology and the value of conserving these species. If you've had your fill of the beach, the town's surrounding mountain range is a haven for thrill seekers. You may mountain bike here, go on a stroll next to a waterfall, or visit El Jorullo, a suspension bridge that spans the Cuale River and is more than 1,540 feet long and nearly 500 feet high. Additionally, the Malecón (boardwalk) is covered in arts and crafts for some enjoyment unrelated to nature. The sidewalk is decorated with sculptures and murals, and there are frequently scheduled art performances there. The Marina Vallarta, with its famous lighthouse and pier where yachts and boats are moored, is a lovely place to eat with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean.
New Vallarta, Mexico
For Mexicans, the broad stretch of stunning golden beaches is a popular vacation site. Luxury hotels with oceanfront infinity pools and spas that combine cutting-edge medical procedures with traditional indigenous knowledge can be found in Bahia Banderas. Restaurants, upscale spas, and golf courses are all found in the town. For instance, the Grand Velas Spa provides a chocolate body and face treatment in addition to a massage with obsidian stones. Also attracting visitors is the area's tranquil sea, which has transformed it into a dreamy sailing location. The two marinas have recently become more significant and are currently home to roughly 500 vessels. Additionally, golf is drawing people to the local courses, including El Tigre Golf Club, which is regarded as one of the nation's most difficult. As a part of the Riviera Nayarit, Nuevo Vallarta has a number of programs for protecting the environment. One of these is the El Cora Crocodile Sanctuary, where guests may take a tour and discover more about the crocodiles that call this site home. For the courageous, some trips even include feeding the crocodiles!
Guerrero's Ixtapa Zihuatanejo
In Guerrero, Mexico, Ixtapa Zihuatanejo and Acapulco are constantly vying for the attention of Mexican tourists. Warm waves and excellent weather all year round are some of the top reasons to go there. Although Ixtapa is primarily geared toward resorts and Zihuatanejo has a more bohemian air, the two cities have grown together for so long that they are now regarded as one destination. Since it was once a coconut plantation, the expansive shoreline is ideal for taking a leisurely stroll along while savoring a coconut and the sunset. Las Gatas Beach is one of the most tranquil beaches for unwinding, and its clean water makes it a popular snorkeling location. And if you want to travel somewhere new, a water taxi can take you from Playa Linda to Ixtapa Island. You arrive at a green and golden island with four gorgeous beaches after a 10-minute boat journey. Since Carey is the only one of them without a restaurant, nature takes center stage. On the other three, you may discover beachside, casual eateries that provide exceptionally fresh regional cuisine by daily bringing in fresh fish and seafood.
The city of Oaxaca
Mexicans visit this stunning city with a rich culture to eat at its restaurants, visit the adjacent natural wonders, learn how to make mezcal, and take part in some of the local customs. Oaxaca is a city that never stops celebrating. In July, there is the Guelaguetza festival, which features parades through the streets as well as dance and art performances. In October and November, no other city celebrates the Day of the Dead with as much fervor as this one does. Walking about the city is a must. You might start by going to the stunning Santo Domingo church before engaging with the nearby cultural center that explains the history of indigenous communities. The Jardn Etnobotánico, which is just next to it, protects native plants and runs a program to keep indigenous languages alive. You can find traditional items like alebrijes in the craft shops and art galleries you pass on your way to the tourist walkway, or you can enter one of the mezcaleras to learn about the production of mezcal, sample some different kinds, and decide which one you want to take home. Investigating the food is arguably one of the most exciting things to do. Although there are several renowned eateries with wonderful offerings, such as Casa Oaxaca and Criollo, there is nothing quite like the markets for those seeking a more "local experience." The Mercado 20 de Noviembre has every type of food you can think of, including an entire aisle of meat that you can eat there or buy to take home. There is also a separate aisle solely for chocolate. For tlayudas, the signature food of Oaxaca, or just as a snack, other stalls offer more unusual selections like grasshoppers. For dessert, choose from a fruit sherbet like mango or mamey or a tejate beverage made of maize and cocoa. There aren't many large hotels or resorts in this area; instead, it's more common to find charming boutique hotels where guests are lavished with excellent treatment, such as Casa Oaxaca, Hotel Azul, or Hotel Los Amantes.