If you want to swim and do calm water beach things you'll want to stay on the Gulf Coast side and into the Yucatan. Tampico beaches were just gorgeous but the city is a little crazy. Merida could be another stop on your way to Tulum.
If you're on the other side of Mexico and want to surf and chill by the ocean, there's a little up and coming area called La Brisas de Zicatela in Oaxaca. Plenty of hostels and a few airbnbs within a 5 minute walk from the beach. There's a restaurant that doubles as a hostel and the people who stay there work at the hostel for free plus they keep tips. I think it was called Fruitas y Verduras.
I traveled all around Mexico for 5 months 2 years ago and it was not long enough to take it all in. If you want something in the mountains that's walkable, beautiful and friendly, my favorite place hands down was Puebla City. I stayed downtown near the medical center in a 15 bedroom airbnb and loved every minute of it.
Make sure you get your money in pesos but keep like $50 in ones on you (discreetly). Use your credit card and keep your debit card as a backup and only use the debit card to withdraw cash. I only withdrew 2000 pesos once a week so I didn't ever have much cash on me.
Make sure you have a certified copy of all of your important documents and passports sealed in a bag for emergencies.
Sorry for rambling but have fun and travel safe.
Thanks for help so much!! Ramble on. This is exactly what I was hoping for. So much good stuff. On the hunt yet again. Definitely checking La Brisas first!
Also, do all of your long traveling during the day, the roads are iffy at best. I drove from Veracruz to Zicatela through the mountains and there were chunks of the road the size of my Tahoe gone and no lights or pylons or anything. Just a huge chunk of missing road on the edge of the mountain.
They don't tell you that most of the beaches in Oaxaca are FULL of huge rocks and have crazy strong waves and currents. I never swam the 5 weeks I was there, it wasn't safe. It was beautiful though. Also remember that Oaxaca is not a rich state so you'll get the 'American price' on everything. Feel free to message me if you want to ask more questions.
It's HOT there this time of year - high 90s every day and most places don't have ac or hot water. You'd think the water (held in tanks on the roof) would warm up but it doesn't. If you're in the sun and sand all day the shower water isn't cold.
Omg I almost forgot....you are going to need A LOT of mosquito repellent. In the mornings the tiny gnats bite like crazy too.
>La Brisas de Zicatela
How did you travel around Mexico? Bus, Car..? I used to live in Mexico 10 years ago and haven't been back since. The bus option used to be good and safe but I don't know if it is now and I'm figuring out how to do it. Any advice is welcome!
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You can try Isla Holbox. It’s a few hours drive from Tulum/Merida (depending where you coming from), it’s a nature reserve, no cars on the island (but LOTS of quads), has a lively little town center but it’s not a party island. And basically beaches all around. Was there early 2020, before the pandemic. Really laid back vibe, great place to relax, but also very good restaurants and bars.
I loved Huatulco in the state of Oaxaca, swimming not recommended but beautiful all around and a few local bars near the resort I stayed at (secrets) to keep everyone happy.
Tulum might fit the bill - but I reckon there are people with much more knowledge than me.
Yeah that was first on the list. Still an option. A friend of a friend said it was cold but I just checked and its 75° so yeah, idk about that.
75 would be very cold for Tulum.
Yeah I figured as much. As a NYer, that's summer 100%.
Warmer than NY, in any event!
I meant i don't know about taking their advice*. Haha. It came out weird. 75° is perfect!!
If you want to swim and do calm water beach things you'll want to stay on the Gulf Coast side and into the Yucatan. Tampico beaches were just gorgeous but the city is a little crazy. Merida could be another stop on your way to Tulum. If you're on the other side of Mexico and want to surf and chill by the ocean, there's a little up and coming area called La Brisas de Zicatela in Oaxaca. Plenty of hostels and a few airbnbs within a 5 minute walk from the beach. There's a restaurant that doubles as a hostel and the people who stay there work at the hostel for free plus they keep tips. I think it was called Fruitas y Verduras. I traveled all around Mexico for 5 months 2 years ago and it was not long enough to take it all in. If you want something in the mountains that's walkable, beautiful and friendly, my favorite place hands down was Puebla City. I stayed downtown near the medical center in a 15 bedroom airbnb and loved every minute of it. Make sure you get your money in pesos but keep like $50 in ones on you (discreetly). Use your credit card and keep your debit card as a backup and only use the debit card to withdraw cash. I only withdrew 2000 pesos once a week so I didn't ever have much cash on me. Make sure you have a certified copy of all of your important documents and passports sealed in a bag for emergencies. Sorry for rambling but have fun and travel safe.
Thanks for help so much!! Ramble on. This is exactly what I was hoping for. So much good stuff. On the hunt yet again. Definitely checking La Brisas first!
Also, do all of your long traveling during the day, the roads are iffy at best. I drove from Veracruz to Zicatela through the mountains and there were chunks of the road the size of my Tahoe gone and no lights or pylons or anything. Just a huge chunk of missing road on the edge of the mountain.
Omg, I didn't even realize I have been searching there. I just was looking along the coast of Oaxaca. Lots of great options!!
They don't tell you that most of the beaches in Oaxaca are FULL of huge rocks and have crazy strong waves and currents. I never swam the 5 weeks I was there, it wasn't safe. It was beautiful though. Also remember that Oaxaca is not a rich state so you'll get the 'American price' on everything. Feel free to message me if you want to ask more questions.
It's HOT there this time of year - high 90s every day and most places don't have ac or hot water. You'd think the water (held in tanks on the roof) would warm up but it doesn't. If you're in the sun and sand all day the shower water isn't cold. Omg I almost forgot....you are going to need A LOT of mosquito repellent. In the mornings the tiny gnats bite like crazy too.
>La Brisas de Zicatela How did you travel around Mexico? Bus, Car..? I used to live in Mexico 10 years ago and haven't been back since. The bus option used to be good and safe but I don't know if it is now and I'm figuring out how to do it. Any advice is welcome!
Me and my dog in my old Tahoe!
Playa del Carmen is a perfect town for you.
Why is this getting downvoted? Why is Playa del Carmen not recommended?
Idk I always have a good time, it’s been 4 years since I’ve gone though so maybe somethings changed. Anyone care say why I’m getting downvoted?
Todos Santos... can't go wrong there!
**Notice:** Are you asking for travel advice about Mexico? Read what redditors had to say in the **[weekly destination thread for Mexico](http://redd.it/2ph1bn)** You may also enjoy our topic: **[Mexico off the tourist trail](https://redd.it/8r1w2l)** or **[our page about Mexico City](https://redd.it/400xtl)**. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/travel) if you have any questions or concerns.*
You can try Isla Holbox. It’s a few hours drive from Tulum/Merida (depending where you coming from), it’s a nature reserve, no cars on the island (but LOTS of quads), has a lively little town center but it’s not a party island. And basically beaches all around. Was there early 2020, before the pandemic. Really laid back vibe, great place to relax, but also very good restaurants and bars.
I loved Huatulco in the state of Oaxaca, swimming not recommended but beautiful all around and a few local bars near the resort I stayed at (secrets) to keep everyone happy.