Our Mexico Top 10

Pueblos Magicos, Beaches, Food, and Indigenous Culture

After spending 7-weeks in Mexico, we wanted to share our top 10 suggested adventures with you.

# 1. Being a Foodie in Mexico

Being a foodie in Mexico has been easy. We’ve loved the local food throughout Mexico, but particularly the Chiapan and Oaxacan restaurants which we found to be good or better and less expensive than those in more popularly visited destinations.

Some restaurants to check out: El Peruano in Parque La Huasteca in Nuevo León (for some unreal Peruvian ceviche) and Cocoliche (Mixtos), La Peregrina (Yucatecan) and Nostalgia ‘Sabor Istmeño’ (Oaxacan) in San Cristobal De Las Casas, Chiapas.

# 2. Exploring the Mayan Ruins of Bonampak and Yuxchilán

We liked Palenque, but we loved the more remote ruins of Bonampak and Yaxchilán, the latter of which is reached by a hour-long boat ride on an amazing river through the Lacandon jungle.

# 3. MTB in the Sierra Madre Mtn. Range

The cross country and enduro mountain biking in the Sierra Madre Mountain Range is awesome, even compared to places like Colorado and Utah where we typically ride.

# 4. Paragliding in Valle de Bravo

The paragliding in Valle de Bravo is world class, making it a destination for paragliders from all over the world, even if you fly tandem with an instructor.

# 5. Sunbathing in Zipolite

We aren’t nudists, but we nevertheless loved the hippie vibe of relatively undiscovered Zipolite Beach which is also great base from which to explore the wilder parts of the Oaxaca Coast.

# 6. Sipping Mezcal

At first, Mezcal seemed a bit strong and smoky for us. But over the course of our trip to Oaxaca it grew on us. Mezcal is typically from Oaxaca, but it’s possible to find good Mezcal, and mezcalerías, throughout Mexico.

# 7. Visiting Indigenous Communities in the Oaxaca Valley

One of the things we loved most about the indigenous villages of the Oaxaca Valley was how accessible and authentic they were at the same time.

# 8. Exploring the Mueblos Magicos Throughout MEX

We loved the beautiful colonial buildings and streets, friendly people, great food and slow pace oof the pueblos magicos including Oaxaca, San Cristóbal de Las Casas and Valle de Bravo. We’ve also heard good things about San Miguel de Allende and Taxco.

# 9. Scuba diving in Cenotes in the Yucatan

The dives in the cenotes of the Yucatan are amazing. You’ll need a PADI Open Water certification to do these dives. Some are deeper (requiring deep diving experience) or more technical (requiring good buoyancy). Our favorites include the Angelita, Dream Gate, the Pit and Tajma Ha. These are harder dives but they are unforgettable.

# 10. Staying in Awesome Campgrounds

Whether you are in an overland vehicle or a tent, there are lots of great campgrounds in Mexico. All of them can be found on iOverlander. Our favorites include: ‘Rancho La Mesa’ in Patzcuaro with a great view over the lake and town, ‘Rancho San Nicolas’ in San Cristobal de Las Casas with “the best shower in Mexico,” ‘Maya Bell’ in Palenque with Howler monkeys and pitchers of fresh juice, and ‘Yax Ha’ in Chetumal with spots on the ocean. But along with a bunch of smaller and more obscure spots like these, the most amazing campground in the middle of a cactus forest was Botanic Garden, Helia Bravo Hollis.