In 2022 I spent two month in México. It sounds like a lot of time for one country, but I could’ve travelled there for so much longer. Here’s a list with things I consider worth seeing, eating, doing and knowing in and about this beautiful country.

Cities and Islands

• Cozumel: Great for snorkeling/diving, even if you are doing a short trip in Cancun or Playa del Carmen you can do a day trip to the island. Although it’s worth to stay one night. Tip: Renting a car or scooter is the easiest way to get around on the island. If you do so, take care of the police, I heard crazy stories about how they find reasons to give tourists a fine.
• Puerto Escondido: I saw some of my most beautiful sunrises and sunsets there! It’s also a great place to learn surfing. Even if you’re a beginner, there are beaches with smaller waves. Finding an instructor won’t be a problem – there’s a lot in Puerto. Just make sure, it’s the right one for you. You can also do amazing horse trips closeby. They are usually in the evening so that it’s not too hot, but like that you can ride into the sunset. The street along Playa Zicatela is great for night activities: There’s regular bars, pool bars and great places to eat.
• San Cristobal de las Casas: There’s a lot of nice things to do in and around San Cris. It’s a good thing to do the free walking tour around the city first. It gives you an understanding of how it is built and the tour to the „cañon del sumidero“ is a nice daytrip. I can also recommend a daytrip to the waterfalls „agua azul“ and „misol ha“. I also enjoyed walking around the city for hours, especially the markets are worth visiting.

Places to eat

• „Don Luca Juice and Snack Bar“ in Playa del Carmen: You won’t regret going here! Everything is homemade, fresh and really tasty. He has smoothies, juices, salads and sandwiches. I went there every day, after I found that place.
• „Mr. Taco“ in Bacalar: I spent two days in Bacalar to visit a friend and this place was his absolute favorite. After going there, I understand why. You have a great choice of all kinds of Méxican food (Tacos, Burritos, Quesadillas, etc.), the prices are really good and the portions are huge. Usually I eat a lot, but the burrito I had was enough for two full meals.
• „Loving hut“ in San Cristobal de las Casas: Getting vegetarian or vegan food, especially good one, can be hard in México, but this place is an absolute gem. Unfortunately I only discovered it by the end of my time there, but the food is amazing, vegetarian (mostly even vegan) and for great prices, too.

Activities

• Cenotes: Most of these underground caves (natural sinkholes) are to be found in the states Yucatan and Quintana Roo. There are different types of Cenotes, the most common ones are Cave, semi-open and open ones. I visited one of all kind and I can really recommend it as its usually combined with a Mayan ritual, which is also worth experiencing. My two favorites were both around Playa del Carmen: El Cenote Azul (open cenote, no tour needed) and Rio Secreto (Cave, guide needed).
• Snorkeling in Cozumel: The coral reefs around the island are the worlds second largest (Nr. 1 is Great Barrier Reef). I did a tour and they took as to the best spots, but if you prefer, you can also do it on your own. Make sure to go to Playa El Cielo, there are always rays around that area. Just make sure, not to step on them! Take careful steps and whirl up some sand with each step, to make yourself noticeable.
• Chichén Itzá: This complex of Mayan ruins is absolutely worth visiting – after all, it is one of the seven world wonders! I did it as a day trip from Playa del Carmen. But looking back, I’d recommend to stay in Valladolid. It’s a beautiful city and it’s not even an hour from Chichén Itzá. But no matter, where you start this trip from: Go there in the morning! Around the ruins itself there are no trees and it gets extremely hot. Also most group tours arrive later and by going there early, it’s usually not that crowded yet. If you get a chance to visit during the spring and fall equinoxes, it’s even more spectacular as you can observe the phenomenon of a meandering solar projection on the ruins.

Good to know

• Language: Spanish
• Currency: Mexican Peso
• How to get around: The safest way is to travel by bus. The company most people travel with is ADO. Most cities have an office, where you can book tickets. It’s also possible by app or on the website. For shorter trips, there’s also collectivos, where you get picked up at a certain place and it’s a really cheap place to get by. The pick up and drop off locations can change, so it’s best to just ask locals about it, tourists don’t usually use them.
• Before the trip: Check the entry requirements from your country to México (visa and vaccinations). From most countries there’s no Visa required and you get a certrain amount of days you’re allowed to stay in México at the border control. Checking is always important though.