Best Places to See While on a Look-See Trip to Mexico (Plus, Itineraries)

Embarking on a Look-See trip is a crucial step when considering a move to Mexico. It allows you to experience firsthand the culture, climate, and day-to-day life of various regions, helping you make an informed decision about where you might want to live. This exploratory trip can provide invaluable insights into the cost of living, the friendliness of locals, and the overall atmosphere of different cities and towns.

Recommended Itineraries

For a 10-day trip, consider starting in Mexico City before heading to the colonial highlands, including San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato. Then, explore the Pacific coast, visiting Puerto Vallarta and the laid-back town of Sayulita. For a 20-day trip, include the Yucatan Peninsula, with stops in Merida, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. Additionally, consider visiting the charming towns of Ajijic and Chapala near Lake Chapala, and the vibrant city of Oaxaca.

Mexico City

Mexico City, the capital, is a bustling metropolis with a population of over 21 million. It offers a rich history, vibrant culture, and a surprisingly affordable cost of living. Expats and digital nomads appreciate the city's diverse neighborhoods, world-class museums, and excellent food scene. Its central location makes it easy to explore other parts of the country.

Travel Tip: Visit the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and don't miss the iconic Metropolitan Cathedral.

San Miguel de Allende

Located in the colonial highlands, San Miguel de Allende is known for its cobblestone streets, colorful architecture, and thriving arts scene. With a population of around 160,000, it offers a small-town feel with big-city amenities. The is reasonable, and its large expat community makes it an attractive choice for retirees and digital nomads.

Travel Tip: Dine at La Parada, a popular restaurant serving Peruvian cuisine.

Guanajuato

Guanajuato is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its silver mining history, winding alleyways, and underground tunnels. With a population of approximately 170,000, it offers a mix of colonial charm and modern conveniences. The cost of living is low, and its vibrant culture makes it a favorite among expats and digital nomads.

Travel Tip: Explore the famous Alley of the Kiss, a narrow alleyway with a romantic legend.

Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a popular beach destination on the Pacific coast with a population of around 250,000. It offers a mix of modern resort living and traditional Mexican charm. The cost of living is higher than in other parts of Mexico, but its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and large expat community make it an attractive choice.

Travel Tip: Visit the iconic Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe in the historic center.

Sayulita

Sayulita is a laid-back beach town north of Puerto Vallarta with a population of around 5,000. Known for its surfing, it offers a bohemian vibe and a lower cost of living compared to Puerto Vallarta. Its growing expat community and relaxed pace of life make it a popular choice for digital nomads.

Travel Tip: Try the fresh seafood at Don Pato's Restaurant on the beach.

Merida

Merida is the capital of Yucatan, known for its colonial architecture, rich Mayan history, and vibrant culture. With a population of around 1 million, it offers a blend of modern city life and traditional Mexican charm. The cost of living is affordable, and its proximity to stunning beaches and archaeological sites makes it an attractive option for expats.

Travel Tip: Visit the ancient Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza, a day trip from Merida.

Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is a coastal town on the Yucatan Peninsula known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife. With a population of around 250,000, it offers a mix of modern resort living and traditional Mexican charm. The cost of living is higher than in other parts of Mexico, but its stunning beaches and large expat community make it a popular choice.

Travel Tip: Explore the famous Quinta Avenida, a pedestrian street with shops, restaurants, and bars.

Tulum

Tulum is a bohemian beach town on the Yucatan Peninsula known for its stunning beaches and ancient Mayan ruins. With a population of around 30,000, it offers a relaxed pace of life and a growing expat community. The cost of living is higher than in other parts of Mexico, but its unique blend of beach life and cultural experiences makes it an attractive choice.

Travel Tip: Visit the Tulum Archaeological Site, the only Mayan city built on the coast.

Ajijic and Lake Chapala

Ajijic and Chapala are charming towns on the shores of Lake Chapala, Mexico's largest freshwater lake. Known for their mild climates and large expat communities, they offer a relaxed pace of life and an affordable cost of living. With a population of around 10,000 in Ajijic and 50,000 in Chapala, they provide a small-town feel with plenty of amenities.

Travel Tip: Stroll along the malecon in Ajijic, enjoying the beautiful lake views.

Oaxaca

Oaxaca is a vibrant city known for its rich cultural heritage, colonial architecture, and delicious cuisine. With a population of around 300,000, it offers a blend of modern city life and traditional Mexican charm. The cost of living is affordable, and its thriving arts scene and large expat community make it an attractive choice for retirees and digital nomads.

Travel Tip: Visit the ancient Zapotec ruins of Monte Alban, just outside the city.