Top 10 Things to Do in Mexico
Mexico City
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Museo Frida Kahlo
Contact:
- +52 55 54 5999
- visit website
Location:
- Londres 247, between Calles Allende and Abasolo
- Colonia del Carmen
- Mexico City,D.F.04400
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Map
Our Local Expert Says:
Undoubtedly the best place to learn about the life of this iconic and world renowned artist.
Description:
No visit to Mexico City is complete without making pilgrimages to the holy sites of two Mexican goddesses: the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe and Frida Kahlo's home, the Casa Azul. Known for disturbingly intimate self-portraits, Frida lived 47 years of pain and passion. Her turbulent marriage to Mexican muralist Diego Rivera has been the fodder for books and movies – they were the art world's radical power couple in the 1930s. The Casa Azul in Coyoacán, where Frida was born, lived, and died, remains untouched by time. "Blue House" visitors pass through galleries, kitchen, and dining room, but most fascinating are Frida's bedrooms, one each for day and night. Her doll collection, clothing, paintbrushes, and easel illustrate the storied life of México's Communist queen. After visiting Museo Frida Kahlo, stroll up to the Museo Casa de León Trotsky or down to Plaza Central and the Museo de Culturas Populares.
How to Get There: Métro: Line 3, Viveros and Coyoacán Stations. From Plaza Central, walk north on Calle Allende and turn right on Londres.
Hours of Operation: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 5:30 pm
Admission: General: MX$55/US$5.50. Students and teachers: MX$20/US$2. Admission also includes entrance to Anahuacalli Museum, which displays Diego Rivera's collection of pre-Hispanic art
Parking: Limited street parking
Services: Restrooms, cafeteria, gift shop, photograph exhibition, documentary films shown every hour. Guided Tours: MX$350/US$35, with advance reservation
Additional information: The museum is closed on January 1, February 5, March 21, May 1, September 16, November 20, December 1 every six years due to change of government, December 24 in the afternoon, December 25, December 31 in the afternoon. Backpacks and large bags must be checked. -
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Catedral Metropolitana
Contact:
- +52 55 5512 9467 / +52 55 5512 7096
- visit website
Location:
- Donceles 95
- The <i>zócalo,</i> on Cinco de Mayo, Centro Histórico
- Mexico City,D.F.06020
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Map
Our Local Expert Says:
An astonishing monument to Catholicism in Mexico. A definite must see.
Description:
Construction of this grand cathedral began in the early 1570s and took two and a half centuries to complete. The resulting Catedral Metropolitana, or "La Catedral" as is known to locals, is a grandiose monument to Mexican devotion which uses a variety of architectonic styles (including neo-classicism, Spanish renaissance and a few obvious touches of Baroque). Inside the three vaulted basilica are intricate 16 Century wooden altars, gold gilded statuettes dating from the 16 Century, and 14 massive, astonishingly decorated chapels. Since the "Catedral" was constructed atop Aztec ruins, and due to the sheer weight of marble, stone and brick, the "Catedral" is sinking at a slow, but very noticeable rate. This is a definite must see.
Cancun
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Cancun Underwater Museum
Contact:
- 52 (998) 192-1189
- visit website
Location:
- Cancun,Quintana Roo
Our Local Expert Says:
Cancun's Underwater Museum is one of the largest artificial, underwater attractions in the world. This unique museum is a must-see, while in Cancun.
Description:
Cancun Underwater Museum, also known as MUSA-Museo Subacuatico de Arte, is the area's newest, and definitely the most unique, attraction. Occupying over 1,600 square feet, it is one of the largest artificial, underwater attractions in the world.
In 3 areas, off the shores of Cancun and Isla Mujeres, over 400 sculptures have been sunk at depths of 9-20 feet. The artwork was created by British artist, Jason deCaires Taylor, and each of the pieces was made from environmentally-friendly materials so as not to harm the environment.
The sculptures were placed near the famous Manchones reef, which is visited by over 750,000 snorkelers and scuba divers, each year. The Underwater Museum was built to draw traffic away from the natural reef, and allow it to recover from damage caused by hurricanes, in recent years. Over time, coral will begin to grow on the clay sculptures, creating one of the most unusual artificial reefs in the world.
Cancun Underwater Museum opened on November 26, 2010, but it will quickly become the premier spot for snorkeling and scuba diving. Snorkel trips and dive trips can be arranged through Aqua World Cancun and Aqua Fun, as well as through other local tour operators.
For those of you that don't snorkel or dive, Aqua World Cancun offers a tour on their SubSee Explorer, which allows you to view the Underwater Museum from inside their half-boat/half-submarine water craft. Acapulco
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Zócalo (El)
Contact:
- +52 744 434 0170 (Tourist Information)
Location:
- Costera Miguel Alemán ( between San Diego Fort and the Yacht Harbor), Col. Centro
- (Frente al Muelle Central)
- Acapulco,GRO39300
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Map
Our Local Expert Says:
This is the heart of the old central neighborhood of Acapulco. While catering to tourists it also retains local authenticity, and is a showcase for some of the town's elderly characters of the "popular classes," as they are called here.
Description:
The Zócalo was the heart of Spanish Acapulco, founded on December 13, 1521, when Fernando Chico sailed into Acapulco Bay, and remains the most traditional section of the entire city. The busy neighborhood's vital center is a pretty tree-lined plaza between the Church of Nuestra Senora de la Soledad and the bay front avenue, La Costera. The church, built only in 1930, is unusual in Mexico: onion-shaped twin towers covered in blue and yellow tiles resemble those of a Russian Orthodox church.
The plaza's arcades contain restaurants and ice cream stores and if you explore the surrounding side streets you will find decent prices for souvenirs. The cruise ship terminal is within walking distance of the Zócalo and the sidewalks are frequently packed with passengers enjoying a day in port. Walk up the hill behind the church to La Quebrada and watch the cliff divers. -
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La Quebrada
Contact:
- (744) 483 1400
- visit website
Location:
- Av. Lopez Mateos and Plazoleta La Quebrada, Colonia Centro
- (Plazoleta de la Quebrada)
- Acapulco,GRO39390
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Map
Our Local Expert Says:
The one thing not to miss seeing in Acapulco.
Description:
Twisting cobblestone streets climb up to La Quebrada, the site of Acapulco's world-famous spectacle, where brave young men dive from a steep cliff into the waters of a narrow, rocky inlet. Cliff diving began in 1934 as a tourist attraction (of course!) and since that year generations of divers have propelled themselves daily from a height of 41 meters (136 ft) into churning surf only 3 meters (11 ft) deep. The finale of the last nighttime show is most impressive: a single fearless diver descends in total darkness carrying flaming torches. The divers have even made it into the Guinness Book of World Records for "the highest regularly performed headfirst dives." You can watch the divers from a sidewalk at the base of the inlet, the official viewing site, or from the dining room terrace at Hotel Mirador or, for free, from the road that leads to Sinfonia del Mar.
Hours of Operation: Five shows daily: 1:00, 7:30, 8:30 9:30 10:30 pm
Admission: MX$35/US$3.50
Payment: Cash only. Divers congregate after shows on the staircase for photos and to receive tips.
Parking: limited street parking, parking available in the plaza in front of El Mirador Hotel
Services: performance, restrooms, restaurant at Hotel Mirador
Additional information: The best viewpoint is from the restaurant terrace of El Mirador Hotel. Minimum menu expenditure is required, choices are expensive, and food is of only average quality. Cabo San Lucas
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Playa el Medano
Contact:
- +52 624 143 0016 (Tourist Information)
Location:
- South of downtown
- Cabo San Lucas,Baja California Sur23410
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Map
Our Local Expert Says:
Best beach in Los Cabo.
Description:
Spring break on MTV happens here every day. The Mango Deck is ground zero for the top banana eating contest in the world. The sex position contest is not recommended for the whole family. The bartenders will call you up on stage and proceed to drink you under the table. The beach itself is huge, about two miles long, and filled with restaurants, bars, souvenirs vendors, and opportunities for fun on the water. You can rent wave runners, kayaks, go parasailing, have a panga take you out to Land's End, or drop you off back at the marina. Swimming is extremely safe here, and although you won't find any lifeguards in Cabo San Lucas, they rope off areas for swimming so that you aren't run down in your prime by a renegade wave runner. Dining and drinking options other than the Mango Deck include The Office, Baja Cantina, The Sand Bar, and the Medano Beach Club. The beach is a short walk from downtown, but the local taxi drivers will be glad to take your money if you want to save your energy for sun-soaked debauchery. -
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Kaleidoscope Cruises
Contact:
- +52 624 148 7318
- visit website
Location:
- Boulevard Marina at Madero
- Cabo San Lucas,BCS23410
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Map
Our Local Expert Says:
Not for kids…this is one of Cabo's famous Booze Cruises. Big at spring break.
Description:
This company offers many cruises; one of them is an adults-only cruise. Take the sunset booze cruise, where drinks are on the house. First, the boat heads out toward the arch at Land's End for an up-close and personal view, then traverses the waters to the east to gain a view of the sun setting across the city. It departs the marina daily and the cruises fill up quickly so call ahead or arrive early. Options are also available for diving, snorkeling or whale watching too.
Puerto Vallarta
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Malecón (El)
Contact:
Location:
- Paseo Díaz Ordaz
- Centro
- Puerto Vallarta,Jalisco48300
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Map
Our Local Expert Says:
Make sure to have a drink and some nacho's at one of the variety of bars/restaurants, and watch the pelicans dive for fish.
Description:
Returning visitors to Puerto Vallarta long for two things – that first margarita and a visit to the magnificent El Malecón (boardwalk). This beautiful, mile long oceanfront walkway, an easy walk or short car ride from most of the city's hotels, traces the beach, running parallel to the main street. The Malecon offers stunning, unobstructed views of sand and surf and is the perfect place to watch Vallarta's magical sunsets. In 2005 the Malecon was extended to link downtown with the popular Romantic Zone, giving all visitors easier access to enjoying it. Whether you are looking for shopping, dining or music – you won't be disappointed with a visit to the Malen. Don't miss the famous permanent sculptures by local artists. On Saturday nights, you are likely to see the customary Mexican "courting" ritual as teenagers walk hand-in-hand along the boardwalk, their entire family trailing two feet behind. Restaurants, bars and boutiques selling trendy clothing, silver, folk art, Cuban Cigars and tequila abound near the Malecon. If you want to dance the night away, head for the Malecon where the music begins at 11 pm and can continue to 6 a.m. the next morning
