Mexico’s 7 must-see’s

Overview:

• Palenque
• Celestún Biosphere Reserve
• Mexico City
• Teotihuacan
• Playa del Carmen
• Chichén Itzá
• San Cristóbal de las Casas

Palenque

Located in the Mexican state of Chiapas near the Usumacinta River is Palenque, a perfect example of a Mayan sanctuary (consecrated place)  [AB1] of the late Classical period. Although this UNESCO World Heritage-listed site is much smaller than the larger sites like Tikal and Copán, it’s still contains great examples of architecture from a once thriving civilisation. . Palenque is home to over 500 structures and sculptures that are spread over 15 square kilometres, but only a few have  been fully excavated. The creative brilliance of the Maya civilisation is evident in these ruins, and a day exploring Palenque will carry you two millennia into the past.

Celestún Biosphere Reserve

With more than 600 square kilometres of diverse landscapes across the north of the Yucatán Peninsula, Celestún is a stunning destination renowned for its unique and plentiful wildlife. It’s home to more than 300 species of birds, with the area most notably known for its vibrant pink flamingos. Here you can also find crocodiles, several turtle species and boa constrictors. It’s also famous for its great diversity of environments, ranging from shallow marine platforms, coastal dunes, mangroves, lagoons, cenotes, marshes, and low rainforests.

Mexico City

Say hello to the economic, industrial, and cultural capital of Mexico, Mexico City! Built upon the foundations of an ancient Aztec civilisation, Mexico City has a captivating history that spans from the ancient native civilisations through the invasion of the Conquistadores and subsequent colonial rule. This impressive city invites exploration and discovery to its Plaza de la Constitución, many grand cathedrals and basilicas, National Palace, Xochimilco, and so many other fascinating sites.

Image credit: David Hammett

Teotihuacan

One of the most impressive and mysterious archaeological sites in Mexico is the magnificent Teotihuacán, an ancient Mesoamerican city. Located just outside of Mexico City, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage-listed Site since 1987. It’s said to have been settled in as early as 400 B.C., and by 400 A.D. it was considered the most influential city in the region. The Aztec’s discovered the city in around the 1400s and it had been abandoned at this stage for centuries. Changing its name to Teotihuacán, meaning ‘the place where gods were created’, the Aztecs had significance on the site which can be seen today. It’s distinguished by its enormous monuments, especially the Temple of Quetzalcoatl and the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon, intricately laid out with geometric and symbolic principles.

Playa del Carmen:

One of Yucatán’s hotspots is the incredible coastal town of Playa del Carmen, nestled along the idyllic peninsula. Attracting thousands of travellers each year with its seamless blend of sun-kissed beaches, vibrant-coloured water and coral reefs, this town invites off-shore exploration. Teeming with wildlife, try your hand at snorkeling to spot eels, sea turtles, stunning coral and sting rays. In Playa del Carmen, you’ll also find Quinta Avenida, a lively pedestrian pathway in the middle of town lined with beachfront bars, trendy restaurants and quaint shops.

Image credit: Braden Collum

Chichén Itzá:

If there’s one absolutely must-see site on your Mexico bucket list, it should be the world-famous Chichén Itzá. Not only is this site UNESCO World Heritage-listed since 1988, but it has also been crowned one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, a title appropriate for such an incredible site. Over a millennium ago, this site stood as the geographic epicentre of the Mayan civilisation, where it’s estimated that over 50,000 inhabitants once lived and thrived. The Maya and Toltec perspectives on the world and the cosmos are unveiled here through their stone monuments and artistic creations.

San Cristóbal de las Casas:

Nestled in a picturesque highland valley surrounded by pine forests, the stunning colonial city of San Cristóbal de las Casas is a total must for any traveller to Mexico. Wandering along its quaint cobblestone streets and lovely markets offers visitors a delightful experience, where you can admire the architecture, eat delicious food, and enjoy what is considered typical Mexican culture. Although technically a middle-sized city, its seamless blend of modern and country lifestyles gives this destination a really unique atmosphere.

Picture yourself on a journey across the ancient Mayan sanctuary of Palenque, the wildlife sanctuary of Celestún, the cultural hub of Mexico City and the enigmatic Teotihuacán. Imagine the serene beaches of Playa del Carmen, the iconic Chichén Itzá, and the quaint charm of San Cristóbal de las Casas.

We invite you to check out our Mexico tour, contact our friendly Travel Specialist to day to make your Mexican dream trip a reality!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many days is enough for Mexico?

Mexico is a very large country and you could easily spend months exploring there! However, with a minimum of two weeks you could become nicely acquainted with Mexico and have a wide variety of experiences and landscapes. This would allow time to visit Mexico City, Oaxaca, Chiapas, Yucatan and spend some time relaxing on Mexico’s famous beaches while being immersed in Mexico’s history, culture and amazing cuisine.

What language is spoken in Mexico?

The official language of Mexico is Spanish. Nonetheless, there are various indigenous languages spoken by different ethnic groups throughout the country. This is just a small part of Mexico’s population, however as 92% of people talk Spanish.

Is it easy to travel around Mexico?

Travelling through Mexico can be done very easily thanks to a well-developed public transport network in many cities, and there are good connections between destinations. However, we recommend travelling on a small group tour for the ultimate conveinience. On a Bunnik Tour, we use full size coaches for our small groups, meaning everybody gets a window seat and uninterrupted views. 

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