There are many beautiful places to visit in Mexico. Oaxaca, with its rich history and culture, Sayulita, a tropical paradise, and a Mayan archaeological location in Cozumel are just a few of the beautiful places you can visit. You can even hike to the top of the Pena de Bernal.
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Oaxaca City is a cultural hub
Oaxaca City houses many important religious and cultural sites, including the stunning Santo Domingo church, which is the tallest building in the city. The church, built in the Baroque style, has been a place of worship and a museum for nearly four centuries. The interior is decorated in gold leaf and has intricate woodwork and carved stones.
The city’s storied history dates back to the 15th century, when Oaxacan residents petitioned the Spanish crown to declare the city a city. This petition was eventually granted in 1532 by King Charles V. Oaxaca City was one of the first regions of Mexico to be liberated from Spanish rule. A few years later, Jose Maria Morelos, a revolutionary, received the Constitutional Elements. This led to the city’s liberation. Later, he marched towards the coastal city of Acapulco, causing massive setbacks to the Spanish government.
Oaxaca City is home to several universities, including the Universidad Autonoma Benito Juarez de Oaxaca. Built between 1899-1899, the Edificio Central de la Universidad university was constructed. It was designed in the European Romantic style, but has touches of the indigenous culture of the region. The campus also houses the Department of Law and Department of Social Studies as well as the gymnasium.
Many artists and artisans call the city home. The Textile Museum of Oaxaca City focuses on textiles as art and includes a wide variety of local and national crafts. Visitors can learn about special crafts, including chapuline tacos.
The city is also home to many museums. You can visit these to learn more about the evolution of art and culture throughout history. You can also see the indigenous art of Oaxaca at the Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca. The Museo de Arte Contemporaneo also features contemporary Mexican art.
Sayulita is a tropical paradise
Sayulita is located in the Sierra Vallejo, a region renowned for its biodiversity. It is a hub for exploring the natural beauty and water sports of the region. It is a popular destination for yoga and wellness lovers, and it has many holistic shops and vegan restaurants.
It is 45 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta airport, yet feels like a world away from high rise cities. You can request for transportation to and from the airport, or rent a car if you want to explore the area yourself. The roads are safe and easy-to-follow.
Sayulita is home to numerous beaches, and the main beach is the most popular. The town is also home to a large festival called Boho Fest, which takes place after the holiday season. If you are looking for a party, visit the town during this time.
Sayulita has luxury vacation homes and rentals. Casa Orion is located in the north of the town and is just three minutes walk from the beach. It features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and an outside patio. It is a great choice for families, couples, or large groups.
It is also a popular surfing spot. You can learn to surf or just relax at the beach. There are also many art galleries and local Huichol art stands. The town’s colorful sign is located on La Plaza Principal. Here are also many local Millenial skateboarders.
Safety is a top priority in Sayulita. Although crime is low, it can still be a problem if valuables are left in plain sight. When walking on the streets, be alert and smart.
Cozumel is a Mayan archaeological site
Cozumel is a Mayan archaeological town in Mexico, known for its pristine beaches, great diving, and Mayan ruins. It is the first capital of the Mayan Empire and an important pilgrimage site for the Maya. The San Gervasio archaeological park is accessible from the main road. It is connected by a basic street. These Maya ruins date back to the Early Classic period (250–500 AD) and flourished during the Post Classic period (1200-1539 AD).
The Mayans founded civilization in Guatemala fifteen centuries prior to Christ and expanded their culture into Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. They built cities in this region during the seventh and eighth centuries. In Cozumel, they considered the island to be a sacred site and used it as a temple. The Mayans called the island Cuzamil, and the Spanish phonetically translated the name to Cozumel.
Another site worth visiting is El Cedral, a Mayan ruins site located in the town of El Cedral. These ruins date back to 800 AD and were once an important fertility temple. You can either explore the ruins on your own or combine your visit with a visit at a Mayan cultural center. This will allow you to learn about the Maya culture and see their art.
The most important Mayan ruins in Cozumel are located at San Gervasio, east of San Miguel de Cozumel. This sacred site was home to Ixchel, the fertility goddess. The site is surrounded by lush jungle and features nine temples. The jungle is home to iguanas as well as other tropical animals.
Copper Canyon
Located in Northern Mexico, Copper Canyon is a spectacular natural wonder seven times larger than the Grand Canyon. This stunning canyon is home to many beautiful ruins and majestic waterfalls. It also has a rich history. This place is definitely worth visiting while traveling through Mexico. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The canyon is well-known for its unusual rock formations. It is an ideal place to go horseriding, hiking, or cycling. The canyon is also known for its local life. Copper Canyon can get very hot during the day, so make sure to bring water and sunblock. Andy shows you how to hike through the canyon in his video.
The Canyon is carved out of the mountainous area by rushing water over millions of years. Six rivers, including Rio Fuerte, intersect in the canyon’s heart. These rivers run into the Sea of Cortez. The canyon is located in a vast nature preserve covering 372 miles.
Copper Canyon is a must-see if you plan to visit it. First-class tickets are available online or through tour agents. It is a good idea to book a local tour company that can arrange transportation and accommodation.
Copper Canyon can also be reached by train. You can take a train from Los Mochis or El Fuerte, which is located 75km northeast of Los Mochis. It takes approximately five hours and 30 minutes, depending on the route you choose. You should plan your trip accordingly as the train departs at different times.
Take time to explore Copper Canyon while you are there. Piedra Volada is the highest waterfall in the country at 1,476 feet (450m). Basaseachic Falls is the second-highest waterfall.
Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most beautiful places in Mexico. This ancient city, located in Yucatan is built on top a network of thousands of underground caves and rivers. These waterways were believed to lead to the underworld by the Mayans. Today, many of the cenotes are accessible and make for an amazing place to cool off on a hot day.
One of the most significant monuments on the site is the Pyramid of Kukulkan. It is approximately 545 feet long and two hundred and twenty-three feet wide. The statue is topped with images of the Mayan god Kukulkan. The walls of the temple also feature carvings of jaguars and eagles holding human hearts.
El Castillo is a temple built by the Mayans in 10th century. It is a religious place and the sun is believed to cast a shadow on the steps during the equinoxes. This temple is also home to one of the most beautiful nighttime shows in the world – the Chichen Itza Light and Sound Show.
The cost to enter Chichen Itza depends on who you are. Non-citizens pay 533 Pesos for entry, which includes the entrance fee and four fifths of the state tax. An adult costs about US$26. The site has a limited number of visitors, and it’s best to bring cash to avoid long lines.
Chichen Itza is open at eight in the morning, and the place becomes more crowded from 10am onwards. However, compared to previous years, it doesn’t get very crowded on Sundays. Mexicans are also eligible for free admission.