I was born and raised in Mexico and have spent the last 15 years exploring the country as a travel journalist. So, I know it has lots to offer, from incredible biodiversity and beautiful resorts to world-class museums.
However, I’ve seen tourists make plenty of mistakes when visiting my country, from failing to learn any Spanish to missing opportunities to explore.
Here are five things tourists should avoid so that they can get the most out of their trip.
Assuming all of Mexico is the same
Mexico is a huge country. To put it into perspective, the largest state, Chihuahua, is slightly larger than the UK. So, to reduce Mexico to a single stereotype would be to erase its incredible diversity.
It has everything from tropical beaches and historical cities to snow-capped mountains and deserts.
Getting from one city to another can require long bus rides or flights, so if you hope to travel throughout the country, I recommend trying not to plan too much for one trip.
Not exploring beyond your resort
Although Mexico is home to incredible resorts in cities like Cancún and Cabo San Lucas, the country has so much more to offer.
For example, about two and a half hours outside downtown Cancún lies Chichén Itzá, an archeological site of Mayan ruins and one of the “New 7 Wonders of the World.”
One of the main attractions is El Castillo, also known as the Pyramid of Kukulkán, which stands nearly 100 feet tall and has impressive features. For example, if visitors clap at the base of the pyramid, they’ll hear the sound of a quetzal, a sacred bird associated with the god Kukulkán.
Meanwhile, about 30 minutes outside Cabo San Lucas lies San José del Cabo, a charming town with a laid-back vibe full of art galleries and colonial architecture.
If you’re willing to venture a bit further from Cabo San Lucas, I also recommend visiting Todos Santos, home of Hotel California, or Cabo Pulmo, a national marine park perfect for snorkeling and diving among coral reefs.
Being afraid to try local food
During your visit, I highly recommend trying one of the more than 50 types of mole, a traditional Mexican sauce that’s very different from the spicy salsa you might be used to.
It’s made with a wide range of ingredients, such as chiles, chocolate, nuts, seeds, spices, vegetables, and sometimes fruits like raisins or apples. It’s usually served with meat or as the base for popular dishes, such as enchiladas de mole.
Another must-try dish is pozole. Almost every state has its own version of this comforting, flavorful soup.
It’s made with cacahuazintle (a special type of corn), broth, and meat, and comes in various styles, including white pozole (without chile), red pozole (with red chile), and green pozole (with ground pumpkin seeds).
The spiciness is real, so I recommend starting slow and only trying what locals say is just a little spicy.
Skipping museums
Mexico City is home to the greatest concentration of museums in the country.
One unmissable stop is the spectacular National Museum of Anthropology in Chapultepec Park. With more than 20 galleries showcasing pre-Hispanic artifacts and ethnographic treasures, it’s worth setting aside several hours — or even an entire day — to truly take it all in.
A short walk away, Chapultepec Castle houses the National History Museum, which showcases Mexico’s story from pre-Columbian times to the modern era. As a bonus, you’ll also find epic murals by David Alfaro Siqueiros and Juan O’Gorman, two of the most acclaimed Mexican visual artists of the 20th century — plus stunning views of the city.
And for fine art lovers, head downtown to MUNAL (the National Museum of Art), located in Plaza Manuel Tolsá. Its collection spans from the colonial period to the mid-20th century and includes works by Diego Rivera, Rufino Tamayo, and María Izquierdo.
Not learning even a few basic phrases in Spanish
At upscale hotels and restaurants, you’ll probably get by just fine in English, but you shouldn’t expect to do the same when wandering local streets, exploring markets, or trying street food.
I encourage learning a few Spanish phrases, such as thank you (gracias), good morning (buenos días), and please (por favor). It’ll open doors and hearts.
Read the original article on Business Insider
The post I was born and raised in Mexico. These 5 mistakes stop tourists from fully enjoying my country. appeared first on Business Insider.
