15 great spots for couples in Mexico
You don't actually need towel swans and heart-shaped pizza to ace the love game. All you need is… Mexico!
It's close if you're in the States, the weather is always good, and there's a lot to do no matter what your partner is into.
Read on for fun date ideas and where in Mexico to do them. There's no better place to be a hopeless romantic!
Quick note: getting around Mexico
Domestic flights are inexpensive and widely used. The only downside: they often have a layover in a major hub like Mexico City or Guadalajara.
Buses are the most popular way to travel between cities. Large companies have comfortable ones with AC that can take you through the whole country, while smaller local businesses provide cheap commutes between remote locations.
Car rentals are affordable and available throughout the country. Make sure to take pictures of the vehicle from all angles before setting off.
1. Swim in Grutas Tolantongo
If a good old jacuzzi with rose petals doesn't do it anymore, this cascade of baths surrounded by mountains will. Wake up early and pack your swimsuits and power banks – a camera roll filled up to the max is part of the experience. Plan to make a day out of it, but probably just a day: there aren't many hotels in the area. Book a romantic dinner at your hotel back in Mexico City to wrap things up!
How to get there: Drive from Mexico City (2hr).
If you want to travel here, do yourself and your boo a favor and come on a workday. It's very popular, so weekends and public holidays aren't the best choice for a quiet getaway.
2. Día de Los Muertos in Guanajuato
Every year on November 1st, the country gathers to celebrate one of its most culturally significant holidays: the Day of the Dead.
So if your darling needed a tissue while watching Coco, consider the trip to Guanajuato scheduled (it appeared in the film). And if they didn't, well… Being in love means wanting to experience big emotions together, and this event will surely leave you with lasting memories.
Thousands of flowers flood the streets, people dress up in colorful costumes for the parade, and families build shrines to honor those who are no longer with us. If you don't feel like seeing all of that with your partner, they probably ain't the one (disclaimer: not real relationship advice).
How to get there: Fly from Mexico City (1hr), take a bus from Terminal Central de Autobuses del Norte (5hr 20min), or drive (4hr 30min).
Apart from just watching and gasping, enjoy the local art displayed throughout the city and eat pan de muertos, a traditional bun you can enjoy whether you're alive or dead: it's left at the graves of loved ones.
3. See whales in Baja California Sur
Baja California Sur has way more to offer than pricey drinks at Cabo San Lucas. Let diverse wildlife, crystal-clear water, and even pirate ship cruises give you a perfectly balanced weekend: cry happy tears on a whale-watching tour in the morning, then process what you've seen at a couple's spa – your Dora the Explorer boo will be as happy as a clam.
While whales are the stars, there's a whole lot more marine life to see in Baja California Sur. Here's your animal checklist:
- Mobula rays
- Whale sharks
- Marlins
- Dolphins
- Sea lions
- Humpback whales
- Oceanic manta rays
How to get there: Fly from Mexico City to La Paz (2hr).
4. Jump in a cenote in Yucatán
With a number of beaches, archaeological sites, and amazing restaurants in the Mérida area, you're in for a romantic overload even if you stay in town.
But here's an adventurous alternative: one of the safest cities on the continent is also surrounded by thousands of cenotes – natural sinkholes where you can swim, take pictures, and (sometimes) jump in like a modern-day Tarzan. Hot!
How to get there: Fly to Mérida or Cancún from the US or Mexico City, then take a guided tour or a public bus to one of the cenotes.
5. Listen to mariachi in Guadalajara
Have you ever pictured being romantically serenaded on a hot summer night? Here's where the dream can come true.
In Guadalajara, the birthplace and capital of mariachi, the melodies of Mexico can be heard everywhere you go – the city regularly beats its own world record for the most mariachi playing simultaneously.
So it's easy to arrange your very own private mariachi concert: find ads for local bands at every corner. Otherwise, just stroll the city and listen for free (tips are welcome).
How to get there: Fly from the US or Mexico City (1hr 40min).
There's a lot to explore between the rounds of music too! The city is highly influenced by Spanish culture, so you'll have tons of magnificent churches to gawk at, along with colonial buildings now occupied by art enthusiasts and eclectic shops. And don't forget the food markets – there are some tasty dishes you can only find in Jalisco.
6. Surf in Puerto Escondido
You, too, can be a Surfer's Girlfriend! Even if your S.O. hasn't surfed before and you're a 40-year-old man.
The coast of Oaxaca has tons of lodging and activities to choose from, so you can join a surf camp or look into something more private.
Apart from rail banging and doing bottom turns (unfortunately not in a kinky kinda way), you can hop on a boat to look at the wildlife, meet travelers from around the world, or look for secluded, scenic beaches for just the two of you.
How to get there: Fly from Mexico City (1h 10min) or drive or take a bus from Oaxaca (6hr). Small 12-seat planes are also available from Oaxaca.
7. Zone out in Cozumel
Finally! A relaxing weekend for those who would choose just an infinity pool over an infinite pool of activities. Turquoise water and a wide selection of upscale resorts will help you focus on how good your honey looks in a swimsuit against the white sand, not on the latest batch of breaking news from back home.
If you somehow get tired of rose petals and beach dinners, hop on a boat and explore the area: it's touristy, but for good reason.
Other places to consider in Quintana Roo:
- Cancún
- Tulum
- Playa del Carmen
- Holbox
- Isla Mujeres
- Riviera Maya
- Puerto Morelos
How to get there: Fly from Mexico City (2hr).
8. "Study" tequila in… Tequila
Nothing like tequila to help us show off our finest qualities! Ok, maybe not, but this is a cultural excursion... so drink up.
While staying in a hotel room that looks like a huge barrel isn't romantic in itself, descending into tequila cellars decorated with Christmas lights is. You'll learn how the iconic drink is made, take pictures in the agave fields, and taste dozens of varieties of tequila. You're very sophisticated indeed.
How to get there: Fly to Guadalajara directly from the US or Mexico City (1hr 40min), then take a bus or drive to Tequila (1hr).
9. Explore Diego and Frida's life in Mexico City
Couple goals, Mexico edition: these two knew something about stormy love. Take a tour around Frida and Diego's estates in their home neighborhood of Coyoacán and spot the murals dedicated to them. You'll notice the whole city is filled with Kahlo's and Rivera's legacy!
Where to visit:
- Frida Kahlo Museum (book tickets online a week in advance)
- Museo Casa Estudio Diego Rivera y Frida Kahlo
- Museum of Modern Art
- Frida Kahlo Park
- Museo Mural Diego Rivera
- Museo Dolores Olmedo
How to get to there: Fly direct from major US cities.
10. Dance to salsa in Veracruz
Stepping on each other's toes is more fun when you're in the city of salsa – it's even known as the genre's international capital! The music blasts from every speaker, but you can take a private dancing class or catch a concert to get in a spicy mood for the night. If you want to go extra big, in June, there's the largest salsa festival in the world, called… drumroll... Salsa Fest!
How to get there: Fly directly (55min) or take a car or bus from Mexico City (5hr).
11. Drink wine in Baja California
Napa "Credit Card Debt" Valley can kiss your butts goodbye, because Baja California is here to give you your money's worth.
There are romantic options for practically any budget, from private villas and posh wine-tasting sessions to inexpensive hotels and more affordable wine tours. What's great is that all options guarantee a good time!
How to get there: Drive from California or take a flight to Tijuana from Mexico City (4hr).
12. Take a cooking class in Oaxaca
Say farewell to store-bought tacos: the recipes of the Indigenous people of Mexico have lasted thousands of years and are now available to you at a cooking class. What's more charming than seeing your bae making their first tamal?
On top of gastronomy, the city of Oaxaca has a lot going on for lovebirds: historic hotels for enjoying each other's company, cozy colorful streets for photoshoots, and beautiful architecture and museums to get cultured together.
How to get there: Fly from Mexico City (1hr).
13. Skydive in Puerto Vallarta
To literally take your lover's breath away, jump off a plane! Just don't forget to have a parachute and a certified instructor attached to your back.
In mid-air, the thrills are endless: scream at the top of your lungs, savor the adrenaline rush (apparently, it's good for relationships), and see your whole love life flash before your eyes! Then land smoothly in Puerto Vallarta, where you can hit up fancy restaurants for dinner and classy boutique hotels for the best ocean views.
How to get there: Fly from Mexico City (1hr 30min) or drive or take a bus from Guadalajara (5hr).
14. See butterflies in Michoacán
If you watched that one SpongeBob episode and now have a crippling fear of butterflies, maybe skip this one. Otherwise, count yourself lucky and come to the Monarch Reserves in Michoacán to admire the winged symbol of Mexico – or rather, hundreds of thousands of them.
The tour guides will tell you everything you need to know, but be very careful and take only the designated paths – these magnificent creatures are very fragile (unlike your relationship, of course).
How to get there: Drive or take a bus from Mexico City (5hr).
The parks are filled with migrating Monarch butterflies from January to March, so you can feel like a Disney princess while learning all about these treasured beauties!
15. Go on a booze cruise in Xochimilco
So many colorful boats! If only you could bring your own food and drinks on board, blast love ballads from a huge speaker, and laugh under a Mexican sky… Oh wait, you can!
Choose from one of several tours ranging from one hour up to the whole day, depending on how long you want to stay in this atmosphere of pure joy. And don't forget to stop by the tiny tent in the middle of the cruise to look at axolotls – the cutest dwellers in these waters.
How to get there: Take a taxi from Tasqueña subway station or book an organized tour that usually starts in central Mexico City.
That's it! Now you just need to book the trip and call your sweetheart to say: "Pack your bags and bring your passport. I'll pick you up at 7. Don't ask questions." So smooooooth.
