Tuxtla Gutiérrez | Visit Ancient Mayan Ruins | The Mayan culture is one of the most important indigenous cultures in Southern Mexico. Artifacts from b

mexico - Fernwayer Travel Stories & Experiences

Mexico

The Mayan culture is one of the most important indigenous cultures in Southern Mexico. Artifacts from bygone times stretch far across the jungles of Quintana Roos and Chiapas. 

If you want to learn more about how indigenous peoples lived before colonization, don't miss the ruins of Palenque. Arguably the largest Mayan ruins on the continent, they're tucked away, deeply hidden in the Mexican jungle. The highlights of the actual ruins are the numerous temples, a palace and aqueducts, and of course, a guided tour where you can learn all about Mexico's history. If you venture out into the jungle, you'll encounter rare wildlife like monkeys, colorful birds, and giant snakes.

Take sunscreen, plenty of water, and some snacks, as the tour takes at least half a day.

Visit Ancient Mayan Ruins

Colombia

Tacos al pastor, elotes, chilaquiles, quesadillas, ceviche – the list goes on, because Mexican food is not only tasty but offers hundreds of different things to try. Anyone visiting Mexico City must, by all means, do a street food tour – a culinary and cultural adventure.

If you want a more adventurous Mexico City street food experience, there's no better place to venture than Mercado de San Juan, known for serving up crawlies and edible insects. 

Famous for being Frida Kahlo’s weekly shopping spot, Mercado Coyoacán is a little more expensive, but once you've tried the Tostadas de Coyoacán or fresh pulpo, you’ll forget about the price. For more hipster, upper-class street food, you can also try Mercado Roma – I’ve had some delicious sweet Pan de Los Muertos.

Taste the best street food

Oaxaca is the most diverse state in Mexico, with the richest history of indigenous peoples and consequently the most fascinating and vibrant folk art in the country. In Oaxaca are so many different indigenous groups spread across numerous villages, and each of them is known for their unique works of art, from rugs to pottery, flowers, and paintings.

Street art in Oaxaca tells stories about Mexico, their struggles for independence and economic development, and against military dictatorship and US American influence. You can learn a lot from indigenous rights to natural disasters through street art in Oaxaca by walking through the streets and analyzing each mural.

For art lovers only

Laguna Bacalar, a pristine lagoon in the state of Quintana Roo, just a few hours from Tulum, is one of the most beautiful places in Mexico. The place is known for its delicate ecosystem, and I recommend you stay in one of the eco-lodges and learn more about the unique flora and fauna while you're there.

Due to a complex, ancient oxygenation process, the lake's sedimentary structures shimmer in seven different blue colors, and the crystal clear water invites you to jump right in. There are several ways to explore the lagoon:
- Swimming in the tepid water
- Hiking around the lake
- Taking a sunrise tour on a stand-up paddleboard

You can easily stay 5 days in this small town, eat Mexican food, get take-out pizza, try mezcal (a liquor made from the agave), and take a free walk to the town's cemetery, small art galleries, and tiny souvenir stores. If you’re tight on time, two nights will make it as well.

Ecotourism to the 7 color lake

Spain

If you are interested in rare natural phenomena and want to learn more about marine life, you should head to Mexico's Pacific coast. One of the best spectacles is the annual whale migration, where you can catch unique glimpses of humpback whales. 

The largest mammals on earth have earned their reputation as the most beautiful, intelligent, and impressive creatures. If you watch the ocean at migration time (either from the shore or on a boat tour), you'll see baby whales leaping and maybe even hear mother whales calling their families together. The baby-whale season is from January until the end of April.

But the Pacific coast is not only known for whales. It's just as beautiful to watch sea turtles hatch. If you come at the right time, you can witness mother turtles laying hundreds of eggs overnight in the soft sand on the coast, and much later, those hundreds of babies hatch and crawl toward the sea. Come between late August to early October.

Mexico

Chiapas

Visit Ancient Mayan Ruins

Mexico City

Taste the best street food

Oaxaca

For art lovers only

Quintana Roo

Ecotourism to the 7 color lake

Spain

Community of Madrid

Witnessing whale migration