I sort of ended up in Mexico by mistake. I was 19 years-old, and after taking a gap year and working for 12 full months in a retail store, I had exactly $3000 stashed away in my children’s bank account. Of course it seems like a relatively small amount now, but back then it was more money than I had ever dreamed of having and I vividly recall feeling like a billionaire, dripping in gold and hungry to burn some cash. Instead of doing the sensible thing and starting university with some cash in the bank, I quit my job, cashed in my savings and joined my sister on an epic trip around North America.
We flew into LA, eventually going on to travel around California and the mid-west, crashing on the couches of questionable new ‘friends’ and spending hours on buses; by far the cheapest way to see North America but also the longest, most tedious way. I never intended to make it down to Mexico, but we woke up one day with adventure flashing in our eyes and somehow booked a flight south of the border.
I was terrified. The only thing I knew about Mexico was that people with guns and drugs lived there and as a baby who had hardly seen anything outside of New Zealand, I was convinced I would somehow end up in trouble. But of course the thrill of the adventure spurred me on and I went anyway, desperate to get to know the unknown.
We arrived in Cancun, a white sand paradise full of American spring breakers and overweight middle aged couples. We had planned to stay in Mexico about a week, but three weeks later we were will there, having covered the entire southern region of the country, several shades darker and about 200 Coronas deep.
I was convinced I would somehow end up in trouble. But of course the thrill of the adventure spurred me on and I went anyway, desperate to get to know the unknown.
Anybody who knows me will tell you that years later, I talk about Mexico any chance I get. It was the country that possessed me, my first love in travel and the adventure of a lifetime. To this day I don’t know how I survived on so little money, but I guess sometimes travel is more fun when you are forced to go cheap and make your own fun.
If you’re thinking of planning a trip, here are my top tips for things you have to do when venture south of the border. Trust me, it’s worth the journey.
1. Isla Mujares
A small island just 13km off the coast of Cancun, Isla Mujares is a playground for sun seekers and water babies alike. Hire a golf cart and hoon around the island, join a scuba diving tour, or simply wander round and check out the quaint local food stalls. You can cover it in a day, or stay a few days at one of the stunning resorts that are dotted along the beach.
2. Drink Beer on the Beach
Corona and Mexico go together like salt and pepper, and there’s a reason for that. Beer is cheap in Mexico and available everywhere you look. Head down to the beach, settle in and buy a $1 bottle of corona form the street vendors. Make it a sunset if you want the real Mexican experience and whatever you do, don’t forget the lime.
3. Eat Local
Cancun is known as the tourist hub of Mexico, but a short 20 minute bus ride from the main tourist strip you will find small locally run hotels, shops and an incredible outdoor food market. If you have ever wondered what cactus tacos taste like, these markets are the place to go. No fake Mexican food here, just proper authentic Mexican served straight from the locals.
4. Tulum
Tulum is only a short bus ride from Cancun, but it feels a world away. Quiet and historically rich, Tulum is the site of an ancient Mayan city built on high cliffs above the sea. While the town has become more popular with tourists in recent years, it’s still relatively quiet and an amazing space to spend a few days of blissful relaxation.
5. Sleep in a Rainforest Treehouse
Imagine waking up in a treehouse, far above the forest floor, surrounded my monkeys and deep within tropical foliage. The southern rainforests of Mexico feel a world away from the hustle and bustle of Mexico City and offer incredibly cheap accommodation in amazing locally run treehouse camps. Just remember to pack your insect repellent and be prepared for the most humid and hot experience of your life. Don’t worry, the monkeys don’t mind if you look sweaty as hell.
6. Visit the Ruins
Palenque was a Maya city state that flourished in Mexico around the 7th century. Buried deep within the forest of southern Mexico, the ruins are remarkably well preserved and tell an incredible story of an ancient civilisation, sophisticated well beyond its years. Spend a few hours wandering around the ruins and then visit the museum for fascinating insight into how people lived thousands of years ago.
7. Spend time in San Christobel
Nestled deep in the mountains, San Christobel is a colonial town, famous for its textile art, music and architecture. A southern hub for musicians, artists and backpackers, the town is as interesting as it is charming. San Christobel is the perfect place to spend a quiet few days exploring markets, drinking wine, checking out the stunning cathedrals and watching the buskers who line the cobblestone streets.
8. Surf in Oaxaca
Sitting on the Pacific coast of Mexico, Oaxaca is a surf region that boasts some of the best waves in the world. Surfers from across the globe flock to the area, renowned for good waves and even better nightlife. If you don’t already know how to surf, simply head down to the beach and you’ll find dozens of friendly locals running classes for great prices.
9. Swim in the Magical Waters
While you’re in Oaxaca, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Chacahua, a small village that is home to a magical glowing lagoon. The town’s lagoon is full of bioluminescent plankton, causing the water to glow when disturbed. Tours run nightly, giving travellers the opportunity to view the incredible glowing lagoon from a boat or even swim amongst the plankton if they are game. Trust me, there is nothing more magical than jumping into a bath-temperate lagoon at night and seeing the water light up around you as you swim.
10. Stay in Hostels
I’m not exaggerating when I say that my time in Mexico would not have been what it was if I hadn’t have met the people I met in my hostels. If you are visiting Mexico I would highly recommend staying in hostels at least a few times as it will give you an opportunity to meet locals and also make friends from around the world. There’s nothing better than meeting a great group at a hostel and making friends for life.