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  • View on a red-and-white church, mountains in the background and two cacti in the foreground
    Puebla

    7 Best Things to Do in Zapotitlán Salinas

    June 13, 2024 /

    Cactus forests, salt mines, and insects for breakfast: Zapotitlán Salinas lies in the biosphere reserve Tehuacán-Cuicatlán, the home of many endemic cactuses. Its position inside a triangle of mountain ranges blocks the precipitation of the seas and makes this area so dry and hot that not much can grow. Additionally, the ground is salty as it once used to be at the bottom of the sea. There are even salty springs that are the reason for the salt mines you can find here. Thus also the full name of the town – Zapotitlán Salinas (salinas means salt mines). With roughly 2,700 inhabitants, Zapotitlán Salinas is small and can be explored…

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    Cholula Pyramid

    14 Best Things to Do in Cholula

    April 19, 2024
    Excursions from Puebla

    19 Top Excursions from Puebla City You’ll Love (Half-Day and Day Trips)

    February 15, 2025

    Celebrating Day of the Dead in Puebla 2025: 13 Things to Do (Updated)

    October 15, 2025
  • In front of a Mayan pyramid, hands are holding a smartphone with useful apps for Mexico
    Travel Tips

    11 Useful Apps for Traveling to Mexico

    June 7, 2024 /

    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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    melmextravel

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    Basic Spanish Language Guide

    Basic Spanish Language Guide for Your Next Vacation in Mexico – 70+ Useful Phrases

    September 14, 2024
    Mayan Statue made of stone

    Montezuma’s Revenge: Traveler’s Guide on How to Stay Healthy in Mexico

    July 26, 2024
    Magical Town (Pueblo Mágico) of Atlixco

    Discover Mexico’s Magical Towns (Pueblos Mágicos) – Local’s Guide

    August 30, 2024
  • Tepoztlán's cobbled streets with pink flowers hanging from a wall and the Tepozteco mountain in the background
    Morelos

    13 Best Things to Do in Tepoztlán

    May 31, 2024 /

    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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  • Toll Road Mexico
    Travel Tips,  Living in Mexico

    Driving in Mexico: How to Prepare and Stay Safe

    May 24, 2024 /

    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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    Tacos Arrachera at a Mexican Restaurant with Pico de Gallo and Salsa

    How to Confidently Order Food in a Mexican Restaurant (Cheat Sheet with 60+ Phrases)

    April 11, 2025
    Metal door with letters on it saying "Ser Mexicano es Chingón" (Being Mexican is cool) - Mexican Spanish phrases

    25 Colloquial Mexican Spanish Phrases That Make Speaking to Locals More Fun!

    March 14, 2025
    Magical Town (Pueblo Mágico) of Atlixco

    Discover Mexico’s Magical Towns (Pueblos Mágicos) – Local’s Guide

    August 30, 2024
  • Playa Villa Rica, Veracruz, and Cerro de los Metales
    Veracruz

    5 Best Things to Do in Villa Rica

    May 17, 2024 /

    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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  • Colorful painting about Mayan culture and mythological creatures
    Culture

    Scary Mythological Creatures of Mayan Culture (And How to Outsmart Them)

    May 3, 2024 /

    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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Hi there! I’m Mel from melmextravel. I’ve been living in Mexico for more than 3 years. I’m happy you’re here to join me on my travels! Melanie melmextravel profile picture

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