Things To Do
in Mexico
Mexico is a vibrant country in North America known for its rich culture, delicious cuisine, and stunning natural landscapes. It is home to ancient ruins such as Teotihuacan and Chichen Itza, as well as modern cities like Mexico City and Cancun. The United States is a diverse country with a wide range of landscapes, from the beaches of California to the skyscrapers of New York City. It is a global economic powerhouse and cultural influencer, with a rich history and tradition of innovation and entrepreneurship.
Both Mexico and the United States share a long border and have a strong historical and cultural connection.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $20 - $200
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $50
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $10 - $80
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at a local beachside café. Then, enjoy some sun and sand at Playa Cancun.
Explore the vibrant local markets for souvenirs and snacks. Spend the afternoon snorkeling or swimming in the crystal-clear waters.
Dine at a beachfront restaurant as the sun sets. Experience the lively nightlife at nearby clubs or bars.
Visit the ancient ruins of Chichen Itza after a hearty breakfast. Immerse yourself in the rich history of the Mayan civilization.
Enjoy a leisurely lunch in the nearby town of Valladolid. Spend the afternoon exploring the beautiful cenotes in the region.
Head back to your accommodation and take some time to relax. Enjoy dinner at a traditional Mexican restaurant with live mariachi music.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage and diversity.
- Beautiful landscapes ranging from beaches to mountains.
- Affordable cost of living in many areas.
- Warm climate and pleasant weather in many regions.
- Delicious and varied cuisine.
- Vibrant music and art scenes.
- Concerns about safety and crime in certain areas.
- Economic disparities and poverty in some regions.
- Political instability and corruption issues.
- Environmental challenges, including pollution and deforestation.
- Healthcare quality can vary significantly.
- Limited public transportation systems in some areas.
Best Activities in Mexico
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the vast and stunning landscapes of the Grand Canyon with various hiking trails suitable for all skill levels.
Enjoy the sun, sand, and surf at one of San Diego's beautiful beaches, such as La Jolla Cove or Coronado Beach.
Experience the natural wonders of geysers, hot springs, and diverse wildlife while camping in one of America's first national parks.
Cycle along scenic routes featuring breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and picturesque coastal towns.
Experience an adrenaline-pumping adventure zip-lining through the lush jungles of the Yucatán Peninsula.
Explore the breathtaking landscapes of Zion, Arches, and Bryce Canyon National Parks with opportunities for hiking and photography.
Paddle across the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tahoe, surrounded by stunning alpine scenery.
Take a guided tour or go on a self-exploration of the unique flora and fauna in the Sonoran and Mojave Deserts.
Learn to surf or enhance your skills in the warm waters and beautiful beaches of Hawaii.
Embark on an adventure to see bears, whales, and other wildlife in their natural habitats across Alaska's national parks.
Places to Visit in Mexico
Visit one of these nice places.
One of the most iconic natural wonders in the United States, the Grand Canyon offers breathtaking views of its vast geological formations and vibrant colors, especially at sunrise and sunset.
Yosemite is renowned for its stunning granite cliffs, waterfalls, and diverse ecosystems, making it a perfect spot for photography, particularly at locations like Tunnel View and Glacier Point.
Located in Arizona, Antelope Canyon is famous for its wave-like structure and light beams that shine through the narrow passages, providing extraordinary photo opportunities.
With its striking red rock formations and vibrant sunsets, Sedona is a paradise for photographers, particularly at locations like Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock.
Zion features stunning canyons, rock towers, and lush landscapes. The views from Angels Landing and the Virgin River are remarkable for both daytime and twilight photography.
This park is known for its majestic mountain views, wildflower meadows, and glaciers. Places like Sunrise or Paradise offer spectacular overlooks for photography.
With its dramatic cliffs and breathtaking ocean views, Point Reyes offers unique photo spots such as the Point Reyes Lighthouse and the Cypress Tree Tunnel.
Famous for its coastal cliffs, dramatic ocean views, and winding roads, Big Sur provides incredible photographic opportunities, especially at McWay Falls and Bixby Creek Bridge.
One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Chichen Itza features the iconic El Castillo pyramid, where the interplay of light and shadow during the equinox creates captivating visual effects.
Perched on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea, the Tulum Ruins offer breathtaking views and a historical backdrop for stunning photographs.
Food in Mexico
Mexico Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A quintessential Mexican street food, tacos come in countless varieties, with fillings like carne asada, al pastor, and fish. Must-visit places include Tacos El Gordo in Las Vegas and La Taqueria in San Francisco.
Must-Try!
Enchiladas are tortillas stuffed with meats, cheese, or beans, and drenched in flavorful sauces. For memorable enchiladas, visit The Shed in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and El Real Tex-Mex Cafe in Houston, Texas.
These are poblano peppers stuffed with cheese, meat, or seafood, then battered and fried. Find delectable chiles rellenos at Loteria Grill in Los Angeles and Casa Enrique in Long Island City, New York.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
In downtown Los Angeles, this historic market offers a plethora of Mexican delights, including carnitas, aguas frescas, and authentic salsas.
Located in Seattle, Washington, this market features vendors offering fresh seafood, spices, and artisanal tortillas, providing a culinary journey through Mexican flavors.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Mexico, it is customary to greet people with a handshake, accompanied by a friendly 'buenos días' or 'buenas tardes'. Close friends or family often greet with a hug or a kiss on the cheek. In the United States, handshakes are also common, but casual greetings such as 'hi' or 'hello' are widely used, and personal space is generally respected.
When dining in Mexico, it is polite to wait for the host to invite you to start eating, and finishing all of your food is considered respectful. In the United States, it is more casual, and you can start eating once everyone is served, though it is courteous to say 'thank you' to the host.
In Mexico, people tend to stand closer together during conversations and may engage in more physical touch, such as a pat on the back. Conversely, in the United States, people generally maintain a larger personal space and may be less inclined to physical touch, especially with those they do not know well.
Safety
Tipping in Mexico
Ensure a smooth experience
In Mexico, tipping is customary and generally expected. It is common to leave a tip of 10-15% in restaurants, with some patrons tipping more for exceptional service. Bartenders typically receive around 10-20 pesos per drink. In hotels, it is also common to tip porters, housekeeping, and concierges. In the United States, tipping is a significant part of service workers' income. The standard tip in restaurants is usually between 15-20% of the total bill before tax. Tipping is also customary in bars, taxis, and for various service providers such as hairdressers and hotel staff.
In Mexico, cash is widely used, and many people still prefer this method for everyday transactions. However, credit and debit cards are increasingly accepted, particularly in urban areas and tourist destinations. Mobile payment options are gaining popularity. In the United States, credit and debit cards are the most common payment methods. Mobile payments and apps like Venmo and Cash App are also widely used. Consumers have the ability to tip digitally in many payment scenarios, adding convenience to the service experience.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring (March to May) is one of the best times to visit Mexico, especially for beach destinations like Cancun and Playa del Carmen. The weather is warm, flowers bloom, and there are fewer crowds compared to summer.
Summer (June to August) in Mexico can be hot and humid, especially in coastal areas. It's a popular time for families on vacation, but be prepared for occasional rain showers and high temperatures. Expect busy beaches and various festivals.
Fall (September to November) is considered a good time to visit Mexico, especially for cultural festivals like Día de los Muertos. The weather is usually pleasant, but early fall can still be rainy. Tourists start to decrease.
Winter (December to February) is peak tourist season in Mexico due to the holiday season and mild weather. Expect larger crowds in tourist areas and higher prices, especially around Christmas and New Year. Ideal for escaping the cold in other regions.
Spring (March to May) is a great time to visit the United States as temperatures begin to rise and flowers bloom. Popular destinations like Washington, D.C., showcase beautiful cherry blossoms during this season.
Summer (June to August) is the peak travel season in the U.S., with warm weather and school vacations. Expect crowded national parks and coastal areas, as families take vacations. However, heatwaves can occur in some regions.
Fall (September to November) is a beautiful time to visit the United States, particularly for viewing autumn foliage in regions like New England. The weather is usually mild and less crowded compared to summer.
Winter (December to February) varies significantly across the U.S. Snowy regions offer winter sports opportunities, while warmer areas (like Florida) attract those seeking milder climates. Holiday festivities are abundant during this time.
Mexico at Night
Hiking in Mexico
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic hike offering panoramic views of the surrounding desert and mountains. The trail is moderate in difficulty and is popular among local hikers.
Known for its biodiversity, Madera Canyon offers several trails that cater to hikers of all levels. The area is famous for bird-watching and beautiful waterfalls.
This national monument features a variety of trails through rugged terrain and stunning vistas, perfect for day hikes and exploring the desert landscape.
A beautiful trail that runs through a forested area with opportunities for spotting wildlife. Ideal for families and those looking for an easy hike.
A relatively easy hike along the coast, offering views of the Pacific Ocean and opportunities for whale watching during the migration seasons.
Aiports
How to reach Mexico by plane.
Located in Los Angeles, California, it is one of the busiest airports in the United States and serves as a major gateway for international travelers.
Situated between Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas, DFW is the primary airport for the Dallas-Fort Worth area and one of the largest and busiest airports in the world.
Located in Houston, Texas, George Bush Intercontinental Airport serves as a significant hub for international flights and is key for travel between the U.S. and Latin America.
Miami International Airport is located in Miami, Florida, and is a vital hub for U.S.-Latin American flights and one of the busiest international airports in the U.S.
Located in Chicago, Illinois, O'Hare is one of the major airports for international travel in the United States and serves as a significant hub for several airlines.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Individuals of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, and other Latin American backgrounds, making up a significant portion of the population.
People of European descent, including Anglo-Americans and those from other European countries.
Individuals with ancestral roots in Africa, contributing to the diverse cultural landscape.
Individuals with ancestral roots from Asia, including groups such as Chinese, Indian, Filipino, and Vietnamese.
Indigenous peoples of the United States, including numerous tribes and nations with distinct cultures.
Individuals identifying as belonging to two or more racial groups, reflecting increasing diversity in demographics.
Individuals from countries in the Middle East and North Africa, representing a smaller demographic group.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Soccer is the most popular sport in Mexico, with a rich history and an extensive league system, including the top division, Liga MX.
American football is extremely popular in the United States, highlighted by the NFL and college football, drawing massive audiences for events like the Super Bowl.
Baseball is one of the oldest and most beloved sports in both countries, with Major League Baseball (MLB) being a major league in the U.S. and Liga Mexicana de Béisbol in Mexico.
Basketball has a significant following in both Mexico and the United States, with the NBA being a major professional league in the U.S.
Boxing is a popular sport in Mexico, known for producing world-class champions, and is also widely followed in the United States.
Lucha Libre is a form of professional wrestling that is hugely popular in Mexico, characterized by colorful masks and high-flying maneuvers.
Ice hockey has a strong following in the United States, particularly in the Northern regions, with the NHL being the primary professional league.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Mexico.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many Mexican restaurants in the US offer a variety of plant-based options, including veggie tacos, bean burritos, and grilled vegetable fajitas. Notable establishments include Gracias Madre in San Francisco and Chavela's in Brooklyn.
For those seeking gluten-free Mexican cuisine, places like Xoco in Chicago and Senor Grubby's in Carlsbad, California, provide menu items clearly marked for gluten-sensitive diners.