14 Reasons Why Mexico is the BEST COUNTRY!!!
It’s only in recent years that I have come to realize just how amazing Mexico truly is. Growing up in the USA, I was used to Americans going on vacation in Mexico. It was a common spring break destination and I had been to Cabo multiple times, as well as a few other popular beach destinations in the Yucatan peninsula.
Perhaps it was Mexico’s proximity to the USA, or knowing so many Mexican people in my country, or the plethora of drunk American tourists on it’s most popular beaches - that made Mexico feel less exotic, less exciting.
But I’ve done a complete 180 on my stance now.
Mexico has something for everyone and it’s one of the most varied countries I’ve ever been to - it has big cities, quaint cobblestoned towns, rich history & culture - that vastly differs across the states, a beautiful language, delicious cuisine, beaches, mountains, ruins, and so much more.
Visiting places like Mexico City - one of my all time favorite big cities….and Oaxaca - a haven for foodies, mezcal drinkers, with culture galore….and even some of the less frequented beaches like Huatulco - where there is so much beauty (and fewer drunk Americans) - helped completely reshape the way I saw Mexico.
In case you need further convincing, here are some of the top reasons why Mexico is one of the most underrated and fabulous countries in the world….
1. Surreal Beaches
Mexican beaches are a sight to behold! With a number exceeding 450 watery edges, powdery beaches are the pride of Mexico. Topping the list would most be the famous Tulum's Playa Paraiso (Paradise Beach). Where you can find tons of cute trendy cafes and instagrammable shops - it’s a big hot spot for digital nomads too. The Yucatan peninsula in general is fantastic, lots of white sand beaches and bright blue waters. (Although be prepared to run into alot of drunk Americans here lol - as well as in Cabo & Puerto Vallarta.)
I have yet to visit - but Bacalar is high up on my to do list as well - it’s stunning and has often been compared to the Maldives for it’s clear turquoise blue waters and overwater bungalows. For a party (or your gay best friend), make sure to check out Puerto Vallarta - it’s sure to show you a good time. Or you could hit up the chilled out Sayulita or Hualtuco….both nice spots.
You can get up close and personal with some of wildlife’s most amazing marine creatures in Mexico as well - from brightly colored fish to dolphins, whales, orcas, and more. During the early winter months, it is common for bay-watchers to catch a glimpse of these majestic animals crawling out of the shimmering waters in a rather dramatic style. So all in all, the beaches here are pretty SICK!
2. Mouth-Watering Food
We all know tacos and quesadillas…but Mexican cuisine goes so much further than that. There is incredible variety across the different regions of Mexico. Each with it’s own unique dishes and flavors. From a greasy quesabirria at your local food truck to abuela’s home cooked mole, there are so many fantastic dishes to invigorate and excite your tastebuds.
Street-food culture is very popular in Mexico - so not only will your mouth be happy, but your wallet as well. But if fine dining is more your thing - there’s also incredible restaurants throughout the country - and in Mexico City in particular. Be sure to check out Pujol and Quintonil while you’re in CDMX. Pujol is generally regarded as the best restaurant in Mexico; although I preferred Quintonil myself - very inventive and unique dishes.
3. Adventure Activities That Keep the Adrenaline Rushing
Mexico is home to some wild and exotic adventure activities as well. By the Baja coast, divers can get a chance to get surrounded by a class of white sharks by way of cage diving.
Or experience the once in a lifetime activity of hot air ballooning over Teotihuacan ruins. Let the Mexican breeze touch your face while you experience the splendid aerial views of the ancient archaeological site in the air.
For thrill-seeking travelers, consider paragliding or even deep cave exploration. MUSA, which is the world's largest underwater museum of art, has caught the attention of several adventure seekers all across the globe in Cancun.
4. Beautiful Language
I don't know about you - but I LOVE the Spanish language. I find it incredibly beautiful and I’m forever sad that I didn’t continue my Spanish studies.
So use your visit as an excuse to brush up on your Spanish knowledge. It’s not a terribly difficult language to learn and picking up a few phrases can really help you in your travels - such as knowing how to count, order food, ask where the bathroom is, etc. Additionally, locals always love it when you try to speak their language - it shows you are trying and care!
Or perhaps you could even sign up to do Spanish lessons while visiting Mexico! What better place to learn Spanish than in a Spanish speaking country - where you can put your new found knowledge to work.
5. Rich Cultural Heritage
The traditions and customs of the Mexican people are incredibly varied and diverse - influenced by the ancient Mayan & Aztec civilizations, indigenous people, and Europeans. And the coolest part is that many of the ancient traditions of their ancestors have been preserved - which means you can still experience them today!
Just take music and dance for instance. Mariachi music dates back to the 18th century and yet it is still well-known and loved to this day! Traditionally mariachi bands consist of 5 musicians wearing ‘charro’ suits. If you are making your way through Mexico, you are bound to hear them play from the streets and in restaurants.
Mexicans are also a people who love to party - from small villages to big cities, festivals and fiestas play a large role in their everyday lives. Every community has its own patron saint who is honoured with celebrations and processions every year.
One of my favorite cultural experiences in Mexico has been doing a traditional temezcal. The ceremony takes place in a sweat lodge and originated with pre-Hispanic indigenous people in Mesoamerica - the goal being to purify the body and provide spiritual healing. You crawl through a small door to a teeny tiny lodge - while a shaman performs a ritual. Afterwards you crawl out of the hole (naked) and this is supposed to signify your rebirth.
6. Affordable
Ok so I know I am speaking from a place of privilege (I feel lucky every day to be able to travel the world while making US dollars) - but it’s worth adding that the prices in Mexico are generally pretty reasonable. Mexico is a country where your money can go far.
You don’t have to spend a lot of money to eat well - the street food options in the cities is incredible - from tacos & birria, to churro stands, and women selling home cooked arepas out of a basket.
Not to mention there are many free things to do throughout the country as well, from spending time on the beach, to free museum entry on certain days, gorgeous parks to explore, etc.
7. Ruins and Historical Sites
There are endless historical & archaeological sites throughout the country of Mexico. Teotihuacan - which is less than an hour outside of Mexico City - is a vast pre-Columbian ‘holy city’ that’s filled with geometric pyramids which predate the Aztecs. A visit here is an absolute must for anyone passing through Mexico City (and I highly recommend seeing the ruins from a hot air balloon ride…truly epic!)
Or you could pay a visit to Chichen Itza - which is the largest pre-Columbian Mayan city in the Yucatán Peninsula. The ancient city is filled with sacred temples, grand pyramids, and ceremonial cenotes.
There are 35 UNESCO World Heritage sites in Mexico too! In case you aren’t familiar, World Heritage Sites are designated by UNESCO for having cultural, historical, scientific or other form of significance. So clearly there is a lot to unpack and explore here!
7. Day of the Dead
Mexican culture has a very interesting relationship with death and dying. And no where is this seen more clearly than by their annual Day of the Dead celebration.
The event takes place every year in late October & early November and is a tradition to give tribute to the dead. During the couple week period, you will see brightly colored flowers all over the city, people walking around with “caldera” (skull) makeup, and altars set up with photos of dead relatives. The idea behind the celebration is to honor & remember the loved ones who have passed on and culminates with a big parade in the big cities - Mexico City & San Miguel are great places to be during this time!
And speaking of death, if you ever get a chance to see a Mexican funeral procession - it’s a pretty awesome sight as well. Family members and friends take to the streets to celebrate the person who has passed on in a parade-like fashion complete with music and drinks. I didn’t see any tears, it was all smiles and celebration. Very interesting!
8. The Capital City
Mexico City completely stole my heart. It’s one of my favorite cities in the world and a place I know I will always return to. It’s the only place I’ve been in a long time that makes me feel like I want to set up home there. And for a digital nomad, that’s pretty huge!
The city has some of the best hotels, restaurants, bars & clubs in the world - and is full of great neighborhoods. My two favorite neighborhoods to stay in are Roma Norte & La Condesa! Here you’ll find everything you need to live comfortably and entertain yourself. You could work from a different cute, trendy cafe each day - and drink and eat somewhere new every night.
There are also stunning parks all over the city….I think this was something that really surprised me when I first visited in 2017. There is this incredible sense of peacefulness in the parks.
CDMX is also incredibly dog friendly as well - I took me dog with me for 6 weeks in March & April 2022. She was literally allowed in almost everywhere - restaurants, shops, etc. You can even bring your dog to workout studios in the city! She accompanied me to my cycling class and Orangetheory - waiting in the lobby with the other pups while the owners work out.
Whether you spend a couple of days or a couple of weeks, falling in love with this beautiful city is inevitable.
9. Mezcals
It’s funny because for a long time, I thought I didn’t like mezcal. I generally do not like any smokey flavors. But then I visited Oaxaca in 2021 and it completely changed everything.
I quickly learned that not all mezcal are smokey (it’s just that the ones that come to the USA are generally of the smokier variety.). But mezcal actually comes in all sorts of flavors and varieties.
Tequila is a mezcal too - in case you didn’t realize. And I love that. You can even take the Tequila train from Guadalajara to the city of Tequila (getting drunk along the way lol) - to visit a distillery and museum and learn about the tequila production process.
Now, obviously, the after-effects of tequila are annoying. However, this drink has some health benefits as well. A wide range of studies has shown that some shots of tequila can actually help in weight loss. (I hope that is true lol)
10. Chocolate
Did you know that Mexico is actually the birth place of chocolate?! Mmmmm. The cocoa plant was first grown here and later introduced to Europe and the rest of the world.
And fun fact - in the beginning, chocolate was meant to be drunk, not eaten. At it’s origin, it was so precious to the ancient cultures that cocoa beans were used as a means of currency in the olden days.
In the present day, hot chocolate is still deliciously drunken in Mexico. AND pair it with a churro to create the most delectable combo! If you are a chocolate connoisseur, be sure to look for fresh and 100% natural chocolate. You can also find it filling the inside of many rolls & croissants Mexican bakeries.
11. Vibrant Markets
It is often said that the local markets unveil the real beauty of Mexico. I cannot agree more with this fact! No where is this more evident than in Mexico City, where the local market culture is always bustling and lively. Wish to have a bunch of fresh flowers? Check. Make a salad of exotic fruits? Check. Handmade artisanal jewelry? Check.
Some of my favorite markets are in Coyoacan in Mexico City - but try to go on a weekday because on weekends it’s PACKED to the brim with families.
Whether you are trying to cook a meal for your friends or looking for souvenirs to take back to your family - you’re sure to find whatever you need at the Mexican markets (and if you’re anything like me, probably a whole bunch of stuff you didn’t even know you needed lol!)
12. Nightlife
Let me tell you - Mexicans know how to party well. There’s no shortage of cool bars, clubs, and parties throughout the country. One of my favorite spots in Mexico City (that have locations all over the city) is Gin Gin. Loud music, hella vibes, and a long list of gin & tonics for you to choose from (among other drinks & food as well of course!).
There are lots of great little mezcalerias through the country as well - with particularly great ones in Oaxaca where the culture for mezcal is strong. Pop into one for an explanation and tasting - and bring home unique bottles for all your friends!
13. Epic volcanoes and Mountains
Did you know that Mexico is home to an endless series of mountains? And many volcanoes as well! If you are looking for an opportunity to hike, the Sierra Madre Mountains in Oaxaca are an amazing choice. Also known as El Popo, this majestic mountain is one of nature's mastery triumphs.
When you are exploring the eastern part of Mexico, the sight of the beautiful snow-capped mountains that peak as high as 5,426 meters (17,926ft) is sure to blow your mind.
14. Classic Artwork
I don’t know about you - but I’ve always loved Frida Khalo. Her artwork, her dramatic life, and tumultuous relationship with Diego Rivera always fascinated me. But she is just one of the amazing artists hailing from Mexico. This country has a beautiful mélange of ancient artisanship and folk art that will transport you back in time and excite the senses.
There are so many iconic Mexican artists - besides Frida & Diego, you also have José Clemente Orozco, David Alfaro Siqueiros, Gerardo Murillo, and many others. So make sure to view their illustrious bodies of work at the Museo Nacional de Arte and Palacio Nacional or pay a visit to the Frida Khalo House & Museum in Coyoacan, Mexico City.
Or if performance art is more your thing, an experience in Palacio de Bellas Artes is an absolute must in the itinerary!
Well hopefully I’ve convinced you. Book your ticket to Mexico today!!!! You won't regret it. I promise.