South of the Border
Mexico can be split up into regions a lot like the U.S. So when visiting the country, it's important to keep that mind. If you're interested in certain things like architecture and history you might consider going to central Mexico (kind of like going to northeast US). If you want beaches then you'll end up in a different area(s). However, you can still grasp the culture where ever you visit.
Although I have visited a few places in Mexico, my experiences have been limited. If I were to plan a trip to Mexico, I would want to explore some of the southern states, like Guerrero, Oaxaca, and Chiapas.
When natives talk about tourist attractions in Guerrero, they'll most likely mention the beach town of Acapulco. It's a touristy are but still home to one of the best beaches in Mexico and La Quebrada cliff where people dive off from. But Acapulco isn't only the beach worth visiting, Ixtapa should definitely be considered an alternative for its beach life and snorkeling. Moving away from the ocean, some might find intriguing visiting the raw caves in Grutas de Cacahuamilpa National Park (it's one of the largest cave systems in the world). It's also worth visiting Taxco, which is known for its silver jewelry (great souvenir idea right?) and Spanish colonial architecture which you'll find spread throughout the country.
Going to Oaxaca, there is plenty to see and do. The state has a coast and as a result, is bound to have at least one really nice beach. Puerto Escondido and Huatulco (which has 9 bays) are great options for surfing, fun nightlife, and enjoying a beach environment. Besides the beaches, Oaxaca is a state rich in culture. It has kept alive pieces of indigenous culture as well as a distinct cuisine. You can visit the Monte Alban pyramid complex (yes pyramids exist outside of Egypt) which dates back at least 1500 years ago. It is easy to try different foods that you cannot readily find at Mexican markets in the U.S. The cuisine includes eating grasshoppers, Oaxacan cheese, and 7 different moles (it's like the curry of Mexico) among others. Very important in Mexican culture are the various fiestas and culrural events held in different areas of the country. La Guelaguetza is annual event held in the state's captial city of Oaxaca and is celebrated on the 2 following Mondays after July 16 (you don't need to know the history behind the event to enjoy the festivities).
Neighboring Oaxaca, Chiapas is a go to destination if you're interested in nature and colonial town architecture. The state is home to vast greenery like the Canon del Sumidero National Park which is known for its scenery and kayaking (& boat tours) and Agua Azul waterfalls (series of waterfalls with majestic looking water). There's also the Lacandon jungle whose rain forest can be appreciated by those willing to venture in it. Spanish colonial architecture can be experienced in towns like San Cristobal de las Casa where it's been preserved and with it, certain cultures that have been integrated with the indigenous and Mexican populations.
There's many way to enjoy Mexico, and depending on the time of year, you'll likely experience different things. So find out what you'd like to get out of your trip. You might find what you are looking for in one city or one state (or multiple cities in multiple states).
-- Eric
Although I have visited a few places in Mexico, my experiences have been limited. If I were to plan a trip to Mexico, I would want to explore some of the southern states, like Guerrero, Oaxaca, and Chiapas.
Guerrero
When natives talk about tourist attractions in Guerrero, they'll most likely mention the beach town of Acapulco. It's a touristy are but still home to one of the best beaches in Mexico and La Quebrada cliff where people dive off from. But Acapulco isn't only the beach worth visiting, Ixtapa should definitely be considered an alternative for its beach life and snorkeling. Moving away from the ocean, some might find intriguing visiting the raw caves in Grutas de Cacahuamilpa National Park (it's one of the largest cave systems in the world). It's also worth visiting Taxco, which is known for its silver jewelry (great souvenir idea right?) and Spanish colonial architecture which you'll find spread throughout the country.
Oaxaca
Going to Oaxaca, there is plenty to see and do. The state has a coast and as a result, is bound to have at least one really nice beach. Puerto Escondido and Huatulco (which has 9 bays) are great options for surfing, fun nightlife, and enjoying a beach environment. Besides the beaches, Oaxaca is a state rich in culture. It has kept alive pieces of indigenous culture as well as a distinct cuisine. You can visit the Monte Alban pyramid complex (yes pyramids exist outside of Egypt) which dates back at least 1500 years ago. It is easy to try different foods that you cannot readily find at Mexican markets in the U.S. The cuisine includes eating grasshoppers, Oaxacan cheese, and 7 different moles (it's like the curry of Mexico) among others. Very important in Mexican culture are the various fiestas and culrural events held in different areas of the country. La Guelaguetza is annual event held in the state's captial city of Oaxaca and is celebrated on the 2 following Mondays after July 16 (you don't need to know the history behind the event to enjoy the festivities).
Chiapas
Neighboring Oaxaca, Chiapas is a go to destination if you're interested in nature and colonial town architecture. The state is home to vast greenery like the Canon del Sumidero National Park which is known for its scenery and kayaking (& boat tours) and Agua Azul waterfalls (series of waterfalls with majestic looking water). There's also the Lacandon jungle whose rain forest can be appreciated by those willing to venture in it. Spanish colonial architecture can be experienced in towns like San Cristobal de las Casa where it's been preserved and with it, certain cultures that have been integrated with the indigenous and Mexican populations.
There's many way to enjoy Mexico, and depending on the time of year, you'll likely experience different things. So find out what you'd like to get out of your trip. You might find what you are looking for in one city or one state (or multiple cities in multiple states).
-- Eric
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