Five Ideas for Guided Tours in Mexico

• Puerto Vallarta, the pearl of the Mexican Pacific

  Puerto Vallarta, located on the west coast of Mexico, is known for its rich culture, delicious cuisine, lively streets and vibrant nightlife.
  Start your visit at the Malecón, Puerto Vallarta’s palm-lined promenade. Here you’ll find bronze and stone sculptures, craft stores, restaurants and bars with ocean views. The Malecón is also the perfect place to enjoy the city’s famous sunsets.
  Continue your exploration with a visit to the city’s historic center, where you’ll discover colonial buildings, picturesque plazas and cobblestone streets. Don’t miss the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe, an iconic building in Puerto Vallarta that dominates the city with its two towers.
  For a more cultural experience, visit the Puerto Vallarta Cultural Institute. This contemporary art museum is located in a former prison and exhibits works by local and international artists. The institute’s sculpture gardens are also a must-see.
  For nature lovers, don’t miss a boat trip to Las Caletas beach, a private, white sand beach accessible only by boat. Here you will find freshwater waterfalls, dense rainforest and many activities such as snorkeling, kayaking and hiking.

• Isla Mujeres

  Located just a few miles off the coast of Cancún, Isla Mujeres is a small island paradise that is often considered a hidden gem of Mexico. With its white sandy beaches, turquoise waters and spectacular scenery, it’s no wonder that more and more travelers are drawn to this charming island.
  The perfect starting point for your trip to Isla Mujeres is the town’s charming fishing village, where you can admire the colorful boats and cobblestone streets. It is also recommended to visit the local artisanal market to buy authentic souvenirs.
  One of the most popular spots in Isla Mujeres is Playa Norte beach, considered by some to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. You can enjoy the gentle waves, white sand and palm trees to relax and take spectacular photos.
  Another must-see attraction is Punta Sur, located on the southern tip of the island. Here you can visit the historic lighthouse, enjoy panoramic ocean views and explore hiking trails. Visitors can also swim in the famous Garrafón Marine Park, where marine life abounds and colorful corals amaze.

• The archaeological wonder of Chichen Itza

  Chichen Itza, located in the Yucatan Peninsula, is one of the most emblematic archaeological sites in Mexico. This ancient Mayan city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is full of architectural wonders and historical sites to discover.
  While visiting these millennia-old places, you will have the chance to discover incredible sites such as the pyramid of Kukulcan, the sacred Cenote, the square of the thousand columns and the great ball of play.
  The Temple of Kukulcan, also known as El Castillo, is one of the most impressive structures on the site. With its 365 steps (one for each day of the year), it is considered a masterpiece of Mayan architecture.
  The Sacred Cenote is another must-see place in Chichen Itza. It is a fresh water well surrounded by rocky cliffs. The Maya used the Cenote Sagrado for religious ceremonies and human sacrifices. Today, the cenote is a popular swimming spot and offers a unique experience for visitors.
  The Plaza of the Thousand Columns is a unique structure in Chichen Itza. It consists of a series of square columns that once supported a large roof. This square was used for public gatherings.
  One of the last great sites to be discovered in Chichen Itza is the imposing playground. This is an oval-shaped playground where the Maya played a complex ball game involving rubber balls and stone rings.
  Besides the archaeological sites, there are many other activities to do in and around Chichen Itza. The nearby city of Valladolid is a charming colonial town, with cobblestone streets, colorful buildings and a relaxed atmosphere. Nature lovers will also enjoy the nearby cenotes, which are natural freshwater pools surrounded by tropical vegetation.

• Oaxaca

  Oaxaca is a city located in southern Mexico, in the state of the same name. It is known for its rich history, indigenous culture and traditions, as well as its unique gastronomy. This colonial city of baroque style is a hidden gem that is well worth a visit.
  The main square, called Zocalo, is one of the most emblematic places in the city. It is surrounded by historical buildings, such as the Oaxaca Cathedral and the Government Palace, both of which are worth a visit. The plaza is also surrounded by numerous cafes and restaurants offering a variety of traditional Mexican dishes.
  The Jalatlaco neighborhood, located just a few steps from the main plaza, is a picturesque area with colorful houses, cobblestone streets and peaceful patios. It is also an artistic neighborhood, with many art galleries and artists’ studios.
  The Benito Juarez market is a must-see for food lovers. This market offers a variety of fresh and local products such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, spices and cheeses. It is also a great place to taste Oaxacan culinary specialties such as tlayudas, tamales and quesadillas.
  Monte Alban is an archaeological site located a few kilometers from the city. It was built by the Zapotecs over 2500 years ago and was used as a ceremonial and administrative center. The site is located on a hill and offers a panoramic view of the city of Oaxaca.
  Finally, Oaxaca City is also known for its lively nightlife. The Reforma district is the place to be for bars, clubs and live music. There is something for every taste and budget.

• Veracruz

  Located on the east coast of Mexico, Veracruz is a picturesque and lively port city. It offers a unique combination of history, culture, beaches and nightlife. If you’re looking for a less touristy but equally captivating Mexico travel destination, Veracruz is the perfect choice.
  One of the gems of Veracruz is its historic center, which is full of historical and cultural sites. Stroll the cobblestone streets to admire the colonial architecture and visit the Veracruz Cathedral, an iconic building that has survived several hurricanes and earthquakes. Also, don’t miss the main square, the Zocalo, which is surrounded by historic buildings and offers a warm and festive atmosphere.
  For history lovers, the fort of San Juan de Ulua is a must-see. This fort was built by the Spanish in the 16th century to protect the port of Veracruz from pirate attacks and other enemies. Today, the fort is open to the public and offers guided tours to discover the fascinating history of this historic monument.
  But Veracruz is not only a city full of history, it is also known for its sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. Boca del Río beach is one of the most popular in the area, with a wide variety of restaurants, bars and beach clubs. Chachalacas beach is also very popular with surfers.
  If you’re looking for nature, don’t miss a visit to the Cofre de Perote National Park, located a few kilometers from the city. This park offers many activities, such as hiking, camping and bird watching. The park is also home to the Cofre de Perote volcano, which reaches an altitude of more than 4,200 meters.
  Veracruz is also known for its lively nightlife. The Zona de los Portales is a trendy area where you can find bars, restaurants and discos. The traditional music of Veracruz, the son jarocho, is omnipresent in the city, especially in the bars and restaurants of the historic center.