We’ve been dreaming of a trip to Mexico for a long time and hope that we’ll get the chance someday, or that it will somehow happen. Mexico is an incredibly diverse country with mountains, beaches, deserts, lagoons, caves, ruins, a colorful underwater world, and much more. We’re impressed by the country’s diversity. Our travel reporter Chiara spent a semester abroad in Mexico and, in today’s travel report, shares her favorite Mexico highlights and plenty of travel tips and insider information with you and us. But beware: Wanderlust is guaranteed!

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• Why Mexico?
• My top Mexico highlights
• Transportation in Mexico
• Accommodation in Mexico
• Costs & Budget – What do you pay?
• Safety in Mexico
• Mexican cuisine
• My best travel tips
• Packing list – My top 3 must-haves
• My conclusion about the trip

Why Mexico?

I’ve been studying in Stuttgart since 2016, and I’ve known since the beginning that I would spend a semester abroad. Why? When else do you get the chance to try out life in a country of your choice, without a lot of bureaucracy and risk? Probably not so soon. When it came time to apply, I read what felt like a hundred testimonials. From Singapore to Italy to Chile, everything was there. Ultimately, I decided to go to a Spanish-speaking country to brush up on my rusty school Spanish.

I had already spent several holidays in Spain, which is why I focused on Latin America. Mexico wasn’t my primary focus at first, but then I realized – Mexico had everything I wanted! The country is incredibly exciting and diverse. The partner university in Cholula near Puebla is a beautiful private university with many suitable courses.

There are many affordable housing options, and the climate in Puebla is fantastic. Plus, Mexicans speak easy-to-understand Spanish. All of these expectations turned out to be true. Looking back, I couldn’t have made a better choice! The country is full of joie de vivre with diverse landscapes, beaches, and cities. A trip to Mexico is always worthwhile. In this post, I’d like to share my Mexico highlights, experiences, and tips with you.

My Top Mexico Highlights

Mexico is huge, and even in five months, I haven’t managed to visit all the places I would have liked to. Nevertheless, I traveled a lot and will tell you about some of my highlights here. First of all: The typical vacation region of the Riviera Maya is hardly represented, as I think it’s truly overrated. Everything is expensive, crowded, and the beaches are full of seaweed and hotels. Mexico has much more to offer! Whenever I remember great accommodations or restaurants, I write them down.

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1. Surfer’s Paradise Puerto Escondido

One of my first trips took me to the Pacific coast, to Puerto Escondido. After a two-hour bus ride, two hours of waiting at the airport, an hour-long flight, and another short taxi ride, we finally dropped off our luggage at the hostel and found ourselves at 7 a.m. on one of the widest sandy beaches I’ve ever seen. Puerto Escondido is a small surfer’s paradise with around 25,000 inhabitants and a few guest accommodations. Surfers are magically drawn to the gigantic waves here.

Prices in the city are still quite low for a tourist destination, and the town and beaches are generally uncrowded. I’m writing “beaches” here because Puerto is surrounded by many different bays and beaches, so you can visit a new one every day. Some of them aren’t particularly swim-friendly due to the waves, while others are even suitable for snorkeling. Besides tanning and water sports, there’s a daily opportunity to release cute baby turtles on the beach and watch them up close on their way to the sea.

If that’s not enough for you, you can take part in one of the whale watching tours or observe the incredible bioluminescence, the glowing plankton. The nightlife also guarantees lots of fun! Various bars and clubs, some of them directly on the beach or on the rooftops above, open their doors. I had one of my best party nights in Mexico in Puerto. Unfortunately, I only spent a long weekend there, but I would definitely return to Puerto Escondido.

• Accommodation: Selina Hostel* (I’m not generally a Selina fan, but it’s a really good choice; it’s a beautiful resort right on the beach, and the rooms are clean and spacious enough).
• Food: Elephant Garden has a particularly delicious breakfast; Lychee is an Asian restaurant where you eat on cushions in the sand.

2. Dream Beaches in Bacalar

On my road trip across the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico’s most popular tourist destination, Bacalar was surprisingly my favorite place! In contrast to Cancún, Playa del Carmen, or Tulum, Bacalar is still quite quiet and authentic. The small town of Bacalar is located directly on the “Laguna de los siete colores,” the Lagoon of Seven Colors. The name comes from the (apparently exactly seven) different shades of blue that run like stripes through the water.

The lagoon is truly a dream! The water is incredibly bright blue, and a boat tour allows you to visit various corners of the lagoon, including various swimming breaks. “Los Rápidos” is particularly cool. A spot right on the canal that flows into the lagoon. The water there is almost more beautiful than in the lagoon itself; you can drift with the current and snorkel at the same time. You shouldn’t miss the lagoon!

• Accommodation: At the Kulu Tubo Hostel* you can stay in a kind of air-conditioned tube! The owners are very friendly (we had a small party with them in the evening) and the pizza is absolutely delicious.
• Food: Around the Zócalo (the main square, which forms the center of a Mexican town) there are many restaurants, tacos, and street food.

3. Puebla and Cholula, a city with a population of one million. This is one of the reasons why the region holds a special place in my heart. Puebla’s city center is beautiful, full of street markets, colorful houses with hidden courtyards, and rooftop bars. Cholula is about 20 minutes from the center of Puebla. Cholula is a colorful student town full of restaurants, cute cafes, and, above all, bars. With Container City and the party street “Calle 14,” Cholula is a true party paradise.

Clubs are free to enter, and the atmosphere on the streets and in the shops is incomparable to German parties. The many taco places are open until the morning, where the partying usually continues. Another good reason to visit Cholula is the world’s largest pyramid by circumference! Only small parts of it have been uncovered, but from the very top, where a beautiful cathedral stands, you have a fantastic view of Puebla and the Popocatépetl volcano. The sunsets on the pyramid are truly magical.

• Food: Cemitas y Molotes Katy’s for the best cemitas (a kind of giant burger) and molotes (see Cocina Mexicana) in Mexico – it’s extremely affordable, too. Saporo y Tokio Ramen has such delicious ramen that even the Asians have become regulars. La Berenjena serves not-so-cheap, but very good pizza and salads.

4. Water Pools of Hierve El Agua

Hierve El Agua is surely something everyone has seen on Instagram. Pools of varying sizes in front of a precipice that flows into a petrified waterfall – all amidst a gigantic mountain panorama. The view is best enjoyed with a beer in the cool water. This natural phenomenon is unique and therefore offers a perfect photo backdrop.

The nearest large city from which excursions to Hierve El Agua are possible is Oaxaca City, the capital of the state of the same name. A visit to the city is definitely worth it! The architecture is very beautiful, and Oaxaca also has great rooftop restaurants and bars. The architectural site of Monte Albán is also located near the city.

5. Ancient Mayan City of Palenque

In southern Mexico, on the border with Guatemala, lies the state of Chiapas. The region is considered poor, but relatively untouched and beautiful. In the jungle of Chiapas, the Mayan city of Palenque attracts many visitors. Although I had already visited the world wonder Chichen Itzá, I was much more impressed by Palenque. There weren’t as many souvenir stands there, and everything was more natural.

The temple complexes are partly excavated and reconstructed, but partly are also in the jungle and dilapidated. The atmosphere is said to be mystical, especially in the morning when there is still a light mist in the air. I was there in the afternoon, but there were few visitors due to light rain.

• Accommodation: Away from the site, we spent the night in a cabaña (small wooden hut) in the middle of the jungle, where we were woken up in the morning by howler monkeys! There are various such accommodations on Airbnb*.

6. San Cristóbal De Las Casas

Let’s stay in Chiapas! One of the prettiest cities in Mexico is San Cristóbal De Las Casas. It is located in the highlands of Chiapas, which is why the climate is so pleasant. The city is full of markets where locals sell handmade goods. The pretty pedestrian streets create a relaxed atmosphere. All the restaurants and bars have outdoor seating, making it feel a bit like Italy. We climbed one of the two hills at either end of the city to watch the sunset, and late at night, the Zócalo is quite busy.

• Accommodation: The Hostel La Puerta Vieja* is one of the coolest hostels I know! There are varied activities every evening, daily tours to the surrounding waterfalls or the large Sumidero Canyon are offered, and the included breakfast exceeds any hostel standard.

7. Paradise Baja California

Beautiful beaches, crystal-clear water, and lots of Americans. That’s what defines Baja California. The most popular destinations are located at the very tip of the peninsula, which borders California to the north. This geographical proximity also explains the masses of Americans, who unfortunately drive up prices in the region. Nevertheless, the area, with its desert, mountains, and surrounding islands, is beautiful, making a visit absolutely worthwhile.

The city of Los Cabos, where I rented an Airbnb during my weekend trip, is perfect for harbor strolls and nights of partying. What we didn’t know at the time: Due to the arrest of drug lord “El Chapo,” various cartels are fighting each other in Los Cabos. The city is even considered one of the most dangerous in the world! Surprisingly, as a tourist, you don’t notice any of this. Sure, you get offered drugs on the party street, but that happens in Berlin too.

8. Out and about in Mexico City

Mexico City is a city of millions, a cultural capital, and considered a crime-ridden city. However, there is an incredible amount to discover in and around the city. With a healthy dose of caution, the metropolis is definitely a must-see on any trip to Mexico. The famous Frida Kahlo Museum “Casa Azul” is located in the art icon’s former home and offers intimate insights into her life. From the Torre Latinoamericano, you have a fantastic 360-degree view of the capital.

The Palacio De Bellas Artes in the historic center is an impressive palace. It is home to several museums, there are regular performances by well-known artists, and it is considered Mexico’s cultural center. The huge Chapultepec Park provides relaxation. The castle of the same name is located on a hill in the park. The beautiful former royal palace can be visited and offers a fantastic view. Another highlight in the capital is the Xochimilco River. It’s full of colorful rafts on which you can float down the river, usually accompanied by drinking, partying, and dancing. Mexicans know how to enjoy life.

Transportation in Mexico

Within Mexican cities, I preferred Uber. Uber is safer than official taxis in Mexico, and it’s inexpensive. For longer distances, the excellent bus network is ideal. There are luxury coaches that often provide snacks and drinks, allowing you to travel from city to city in a relaxed manner. Bus travel is therefore an affordable and comfortable option. If you want to travel even more cheaply, you can take collectivos.

The minibuses travel various routes, but only start when all seats are full. We also sometimes used rental cars. For this, we rented inexpensive cars through the ADAC (German Automobile Association) with full insurance and no deductible. We were never stopped, and apart from the center of Cancún, it was easy to get everywhere. For long distances, there are the budget airlines VivaAerobus and Volaris. While they aren’t always punctual, they are otherwise a good alternative.

Accommodation in Mexico

There are cool and affordable hostels throughout Mexico that you can easily find on Hostelworld* or Booking.com*. It’s also often worth checking out Airbnb* offers. What’s better varies from city to city and, of course, also depends on whether you prefer privacy or meeting other travelers. On my travels in Mexico, it was actually a pretty good mix, and I never had any negative experiences with accommodations.

Costs & Budget – How much does it cost?

Mexico is cheap! How cheap depends on the region, though. Prices around Cancún, for example, are hardly comparable to Cholula; everything there seemed outrageously expensive to me. Generally, it’s always a good way to save money by eating or shopping where you see lots of Mexicans. Street food is also a cheap alternative. Prices for activities can often be negotiated.

Accommodation, again, depends entirely on personal preferences. On average, you can plan well with €10 per night per person. I had a daily budget of €30 for activities, food, transportation, and accommodations. I have to say, though, that €30 is definitely a student budget; it doesn’t include any kind of luxury.

Safety in Mexico

I think my father was pretty angry that I had to choose Mexico of all places to spend a semester abroad. After all, the country doesn’t exactly have a good reputation when it comes to safety or crime solving. To be honest: I never felt unsafe. Nevertheless, it’s always advisable to be cautious when traveling.

This includes, for example, not traveling alone at night, not carrying too much cash, and always carrying your cell phone close to your body. You should avoid neighborhoods that are considered dangerous and simply be more careful than you would in Germany. There’s not much more you can do to feel good about yourself. In my opinion, the joie de vivre and good atmosphere in Mexico make up for the unsafe situation.

Mexican Cuisine

There’s so much to try! Unfortunately, it’s not so easy being a vegetarian, because tacos are everywhere. A good alternative, however, are quesadillas, which you can also fill with vegetables and dip into delicious salsas. Salsas are served with every meal anyway, so it’s good to be able to tolerate a little spice. My other favorite dishes include molotes, fried pastries filled with all sorts of things; flautas, a type of rolled tortilla (which can also be filled), enchiladas, and for breakfast, you MUST try chilaquiles.

This dish of nachos in salsa with beans and egg is, contrary to expectations, a perfect breakfast! Elotes also take some getting used to but are surprisingly delicious: corn on a skewer, rolled in mayonnaise and cheese. You should generally like corn when traveling in Mexico, as it’s found almost everywhere. Fun fact: The Mayans believed that humans were made of corn! An interesting drink is Clamato. A type of tomato juice that Mexicans love and even mix with beer (chelado).

My best travel tips

Some experiences are simply a must for a trip to Mexico! For example, a visit to the Mexican wrestling “Lucha Libre”. The locals get really emotional when the wrestlers face off in the ring in exciting costumes. This event takes place in practically every major city.

Parties (especially reggaeton parties) in Mexico are amazing! Everyone has fun, dances together, and there are the coolest clubs. Salsa parties are also a lot of fun, and if you don’t know the steps, you’ll learn them in record time. Anyone who loves to party should attend a Mexican party.

Tequila! The Mexican national drink comes in more variations than I ever could have imagined. Distilleries throughout the country offer tequila and mezcal tastings. You not only learn a lot about the history and production of the drinks, but also about the Mexicans’ love of drinking. Tastings are usually inexpensive or even free, and toasts, songs, and rituals are included!

Packing List – My Top 3 Must-Haves

The weather in Mexico is almost always nice. Depending on the region and altitude, it can sometimes get chilly, which is something to consider when planning your trip and packing list. On domestic trips, I was always glad to have mosquito repellent* (in the form of spray or creams) and snorkeling gear* with me. A fanny pack* (or neck pouch) was also indispensable. This kept my money, passport, credit card, and cell phone close to my body and within sight. In higher and drier regions, a good lip balm is worth its weight in gold!

Medications are also important, especially those that provide relief from adverse gastrointestinal reactions. These can occur quite often. However, there are many well-stocked pharmacies locally if necessary. A travel adapter* (flat-wall sockets, 110V) and sunscreen* should also be included in your luggage. Everything else you might need can also be purchased locally.

My conclusion about the trip

Today, I am indescribably glad that I didn’t let rumors and warnings deter me and set out to explore Mexico on my own. There are so many other places that have fascinated me, which is why I would advise everyone to plan as much time as possible. Mexico is a country with many problems, and there’s no way to sugarcoat that.

Nevertheless, it has at least twice as many positive aspects: Mexico combines friendly people, impressive nature, cultural highlights, fascinating history, delicious food, fun party nights, and great cities. I also actually achieved my goal and now speak better Spanish than ever before!