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11 Useful Apps for Traveling to Mexico
Exploring cities, enjoying the beach, and trying out different food: Mexico offers lots of opportunities for an interesting vacation. To make the most of your time, having useful apps on your phone can enhance your experience, simplify logistics, and help you get deeper into the local culture. Here’s a list of essential apps that can be useful when traveling to Mexico. 1. Translation Apps Depending on where you travel to in Mexico, you might hit some language barriers. If you stay in big tourist destinations, hotel staff and taxi drivers probably speak at least basic English. However, in smaller areas or restaurants, it might be helpful to be able to…
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13 Best Things to Do in Tepoztlán
Forested mountains, cobbled streets, and spirituality: Tepoztlán is a small mountain village in the Morelos state. A Magical Town (Pueblo Mágico) since 2002, Tepoztlán lies at 1,400 m (4.600 ft) above sea level and is beautifully embedded in the valley of the Tepozteco mountain. It’s known for its small pyramid on top of the mountain dedicated to the god of pulque, an alcoholic beverage. But it’s also a spiritual center for yoga enthusiasts and alike, with its temazcal (sweat lodge) and spa services, aura readings, and such. At the market, you can buy medicinal herbs that curanderos (healers) use for their therapies. You can eat pre-Hispanic food at the market…
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Driving in Mexico: How to Prepare and Stay Safe
Traveling through Mexico by car can be an exciting and more independent way to explore the country. Especially if you want to go to less frequented places or combine several destinations into a road trip. However, before you hit the road, there are several important factors you should consider to ensure a smooth and safe journey. Here you can find information about driving in Mexico, including the need for car insurance, safety concerns, and necessary documentation. So, get ready and start your road trip well-prepared! Is Driving a Car in Mexico Safe? Driving in Mexico can be safe as long as you take appropriate precautions and stay informed about the…
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5 Best Things to Do in Villa Rica
Dark fine sand, dunes, and an archaeological site: Villa Rica de la Veracruz has lots to offer for a relaxing yet varied beach vacation. This town was established under Hernán Cortés in 1519. It comprised a church, an enclosed settlement, and a fort whose sparse remains are still to be found. But even more famous is this place for the alliance with 30 Totonacan towns that Cortés achieved. This was an important stepstone to the Conquest of Mexico. Nowadays, the town’s beach called Playa Villa Rica is the main attraction and tourist destination. The nearby archaeological site of Quiahuiztlán with its Totonac mausoleum-style tombs is unique to Mexico. The beach…
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Scary Mythological Creatures of Mayan Culture (And How to Outsmart Them)
The Mayan culture, which has survived to this day on the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico, features many mythological creatures. Many of today’s Mayans still believe in their existence—and that they continue to roam ancient forest paths, bringing mischief or harm to anyone who crosses them. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Fortunately, old Mayan legends offer advice on how to handle these encounters and come out unharmed. So get ready, and be well prepared for your next trip to Yucatán. Handling Mythological Encounters in Yucatán The first step to handling a dangerous situation is recognizing you’re in one. Here are some of the better-known figures from Mayan mythology, along…
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11 Best Things to Do in Chignahuapan
Christmas spheres and hot springs: These are only two of the things that Chignahuapan is known for. The Magical Town (“Pueblo Mágico”) lies high up in the mountains of the Sierra Norte, only 15 km away from another Magical Town: Zacatlán de las Manzanas. Like in Zacatlán, you can buy cheese bread (“pan de queso”) here, but also fig bread. Factories for Christmas spheres are spread all over town, and their products can be bought at small shops all around the main square with its beautiful wooden Mudejar-style gazebo. The largest indoor Virgin Mary sculpture is featured in one of its churches, and a museum displays various species of the…