An Adventurous Guide to the Best Cities to Visit in Mexico

One of the great things about sharing a border with another country is the ability to drive there and explore a foreign culture, exciting new food choices and amazing historical sites. As a bonus, our friendly southern neighbor offers plenty of sun-soaked beaches and clear blue waters. Whether you choose to go in the warmer months or the cooler months, there are plenty of cultural events and fiestas to experience. 

Keep in mind that even though you can drive across the border, you are still a foreigner in this thriving country and, as such, there are certain rules you must follow. One of those is the requirement to purchase Mexican car insurance. It’s a task you should plan to do before you leave so you’ll have one less item to check off. Let the folks at Sanborn’s Mexico Auto Insurance give you an affordable quote.

Embark on a Cultural Journey through Mexico's Vibrant Cities

Some people drive to Mexico to have some relaxed fun in the sun on the country’s many beaches. Others go to hike around ancient cities and ruins with their mystical atmosphere. Still others go to taste the flavor of the fiestas and specialty cuisine. Bringing your car with you gives you the freedom to move about the country as much as you want, without being tied down by someone else’s schedules or booking a flight. It also offers you the room to pack what you want – and even bring the family dog, although there are new rules about bringing dogs back into the U.S. you’ll need to know.

Whatever your plans, here are some ideas of places you won’t want to miss.

A Tour of Mexico's Can't-Miss Cities

If you are planning a trip to Mexico, then you may already have an idea of where you want to go and what you want to see. Keep reading to get a small sampling of some of the best Mexico vacations and off-the-beaten path places to visit. Google typical weather conditions for the time of year you plan to go, pack your sunscreen and take plenty of pictures.

Mexico City: The Heartbeat of Mexican Culture and Cuisine

Expect to have all five of your senses engaged (and maybe some you didn’t know about) as you make your way through one of the biggest cities in Mexico and its famous markets (mercados) and dining options. The only complaint will be you didn’t have enough time to see, smell and taste everything this city has to offer, since it is Mexico’s largest city. For culture, don’t miss the Teotihuacan Pyramids and the National Museum of Anthropologie. Famous markets include Jamaica Market and Mercado de Artesanias La Ciudadela. To get a taste for what the natives love to eat, try Casa de Tono and for a fancier touch, El Cardenal.

Guadalajara:  A Fusion of Historic Beauty and Modern Attractions

Time your visit so you can spend a few hours admiring the inside and outside of historical cathedrals located in Guadalajara, one of Mexico’s major cities. Both Catedral de Guadalajara and Templo Expiatorio del Santísimo Sacramento are beautiful, still in service examples of days gone by. This charming city is filled with delightful parks, designed to bring out the nature lover in you. A mecca for Mexican art, don’t miss Guadalajara’s art scene, including the MUSA (free) and the Palacio de Gobierno, both filled with murals by famous Mexican artist José Clemente Orozco.

Santiago de Querétaro: A Hub of History and Wine Country

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, you’ll find 500 years of history, as well as a world-famous wine region. Be sure and take a selfie with the 74 arched aqueduct in Santiago de Querétaro. It rises 75-feet above street level and is an amazing site. Get ready to be charmed by this peak into the rich colonial past still visible in the city’s stunning architecture and winding streets.

San Miguel de Allende: Where Colonial Charm Meets Artistic Flair

It’s been called the jewel box of Mexico with its bright array of colorful adobe buildings, a riot of colorful blooms spilling out from courtyards and charming and active artists’ colonies. Also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, San Miguel de Allende is best explored on foot, as treasures await in nooks and crannies you might otherwise miss. Artisan crafts and all art mediums are displayed for sale in different markets,

Unearthing the Hidden Gems

For those who want to get off the beaten path and explore some of Mexico’s more hidden gems, the following are examples to delight the history lover, the culture aficionado and the gourmet in your group. Visit one or all – when you bring your car with you into Mexico, you can plan your trips day-by-day.

Oaxaca: A Kaleidoscope of Color and Crafts

From the old, brightly-colored colonial homes with their carefully chosen hues to the museums, street markets, performers, and dining options, Oaxaca shines both during the day and at night. If you are looking for a colorful explosion for all the senses, don’t miss a stop at Oaxaca.

Merida: Where Mayan Legacy Endures

For those who wish to walk in the same place the ancient Mayans built their civilization, Merida offers proximity to those ruins, as well as access to a more settled stretch of the Gulf of Mexico coast than nearby Cancún. After a day of hiking the Mayan ruins or some time on the beautiful beach, Merida offers traditional food options.

Puebla: Take Your Taste Buds on Vacation

Puebla’s reputation as a feast for your taste buds does a little disservice to some of its other attractions for your senses, including a spectacular view of Mexico’s most famous volcano, Popocatepetl, best seen in the early morning. This is best viewed from Cholula, about 10 miles away (and one of the reasons you drove to Mexico!). But on to taste buds and for good reason: The food of Puebla is distinctly different than in other cities. Don’t miss Puebla’s nationally recognized candies.

Coastal Havens and Lively Beach Towns

For a large majority of visitors to Mexico, it’s the lure of the beautiful beaches, warm, romantic nights and plenty of fiesta and Cerveza. In fact, Rocky Point (Puerto Peñasco) has been called Arizona’s beach for a reason. Whether you want to be part of a raucous and fun-filled beach party scene, a moonlit stroll or a family friendly option, there is something for everything involving surf and sand in Mexico. Check out these best beach cities to visit in Mexico.

Puerto Vallarta: Sunsets, Art, and Bohemian Vibe by the Sea

If you are lucky and you time it right, you can enjoy the gorgeous sunsets of Puerto Vallarta. There are several beaches to choose from in this paradise, each with its own personality. Street performers and local art grace the mercado’s you can find in town when – and if – you have enough sun and sand. Couple can find their vibe in the Romantic Zone (Zone Romantica), while those looking for more excitement will enjoy the lively nightlife.

Cancun: More than Just a Party Destination

When people think of Cancun, many picture a non-stop, loud and raucous party scene. During U.S. high school and college spring break periods, this may be true, so those seeking some of the more mystical and enjoyable parts of Cancun should plan their trips accordingly. For the rest of the year, Cancun is a beautiful beach playground with guided trips deep into the jungle to swim in a cenote (deep sinkholes).

Tulum: Eco-Friendly Resorts and Mystic Archaeology

Tulum is Mexico’s Bohemian birthplace: A destination for those seeking a magical, mystical vibe with overtones of Zen. Juice detoxes, yoga on the beach and food that marries world cuisine with traditional Mexican flavors, Tulum is also the last city built by the Mayan people between the 13th and 15th centuries.

Cultural Festivals and Events to Add to Your Itinerary

Just as some U.S. visitors driving to Mexico come for the beaches, the culture, the food and the art, others plan their trips around this country’s famed holidays, festivals and events. With a heavily Catholic population, Christmas (Navidad) means centuries-old cathedrals decorated to the nines and is one of the best Mexico vacations. Festivals dedicated to traditional music, clothing and food are wondrous feasts for all the senses.

Dia de los Muertos

Right after America’s spookiest holiday, Halloween, is Mexico’s tribute to those who have gone before: Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) on Nov. 1-2. The two events may seem similar to Americans used to seeing skulls and painted faces on Oct. 31, but for Mexicans, Dia de los Muertos holds a much more religious and spiritual place in their hearts. However, you haven’t really experienced anything until you visit a Mexican city celebrating this symbolic holiday with all of its colors, parades, special food and decorations.

Guelaguetza Festival in Oaxaca

On the last two Mondays of July, the town of Oaxaca transforms itself into a flamboyant ceremony celebrating the indigenous cultures living in harmony in this part of Mexico. If you go, be prepared to be asked to take part in performances.

Cervantino International Festival in Guanajuato

Begun in Guanajuato in the mid-20th century to showcase the plays of Miguel de Cervantes in the city’s plazas, this event has since grown to become one of the most important and significantly cultural events in the world. With an emphasis on artistic creations in the Spanish language, visitors can expect to see and hear classical music, Mexican folk dance, opera, street performers and much more at this event held in mid to late October.

The International Film Festival in Morelia

Held the second week in October, the Morelia International Film Festival is an annual event dedicated to bringing together Mexican cinematographers with international filmmakers. Visitors can take part in films screenings, conferences, round tables and exhibitions in Morelia, Pátzcuaro and Mexico City. After the festivities, additional short films, documentaries and feature films can be viewed in a variety of venues in Mexico City.

The Carnival in Mazatlán and Veracruz

Between the two of them, these annual Mexican carnivals spotlight the rich traditions and vibrant culture of the Mexican people. Veracruz Carnival is usually in late February, while Mazatlán Carnival is traditionally held before Easter. Both are spectacles filled with street parades, intricately designed floats, music-filled streets, and an overall joyous atmosphere. Visitors will be immersed in these culturally enriching events, engaging all five senses. 

Travel Tips for the Ultimate Mexican City Experience

On the whole, the Mexican population is filled with charming, welcoming people. Most visitors leave with nothing but great memories of a sensory explosion of sights, smells, tastes, sounds and touch. As a visitor, however, you can help your trip to be stress free by following a few tips for your experience.

·       Make sure you have all the required documents, especially if you are driving your own vehicle into Mexico.

·       Treat people as you want to be treated. Common courtesy goes a long way.

·       Don’t get drunk unless you have family or friends to see you safely back to your hotel.

·       Avoid walking alone at night.

·       Keep valuables in the safe at the hotel.

·       Bring sunscreen and other travel essentials for Mexico in summer.

·       Have cash with you – You will need cash for toll roads, tips, and many vendors only accept cash.

·       Stay on the toll roads when possible and don’t drive at night. Animals are frequently on the roads and you cannot see them in time to stop.

We have other tips and suggestions for those driving to Mexico, but keep in mind that thousands of Americans drive into Mexico every year and have no problems.

Insuring Your Trip to Best Cities in Mexico with Sanborn’s Mexico Auto Insurance