Mexico Beyond its Beaches
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Millions of Americans visit Mexico each year, but many head to its shores to sunbathe and party, missing out on the country's rich culture. For those who want more than just a tan, new TPG Contributor Diego Szteinhendler shares three hip and historic cities that will introduce you to Mexico's fascinating and beautiful interior.
San Miguel de Allende
Just a three-hour drive from Mexico City and best known for its beautiful Spanish Colonial streets and domes, San Miguel de Allende is also home to the largest US expat community in Mexico, many of whom are artists and writers. What does this mean for you? Most people understand English or can at least comprehend your high school-equivalent Spanish with a smile.
San Miguel, as it's colloquially known, has a city center comprised of only 24 blocks, but hosts world-class restaurants such as Hotel Matilda's Moxy, helmed by chef Enrique Olvera of Pujol in Mexico City and the New York hit Cosme. Be sure to visit the pink Parroquia church that is set over the town's heart, as well as the Centro Cultural Ignacio Ramirez (or Bellas Artes), a former convent that's now a renovated community center and art gallery.
While exploring the city, make a few stops at unique shops like Mixta, for fashion and furniture; Juana Carta Textile Art for rebozos (shawls); and Recreo for traditional updated zarapes. Like Oaxaca, San Miguel has several roof top bar options, such as Luna at the Rosewood Hotel, where you can enjoy soft breezes and stunning sunsets year-round.
How to Get to San Miguel de Allende
Del Bajío International Airport (BJX) is about an hour and 15 minutes from San Miguel de Allende, and is by far the most popular option for travel to the area. American flies to BJX from Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), with round-trips starting at 25,000 AAdvantage miles in economy or 30,000 in business/first. Delta flies from Los Angeles (LAX) or Atlanta (ATL), with round-trips starting at 30,000 SkyMiles in economy and 60,000 in business/first. Or, you could take United, which regularly has flights from Houston (IAH) or seasonally from Los Angeles (LAX), with round-trips starting at 35,000 MileagePlus miles in economy or 60,000 in business/first.
Note that you can often find cheaper fares by flying to Mexico City (MEX) on these carriers and a handful of others, but you'll have to rent a car, hop on a bus or hire a driver for the three-hour trip to San Miguel.
Where to stay
Save your points for the next destination. In San Miguel de Allende, you'll want to stay at a romantic boutique property like the Hotel Belmond Sierra Nevada, which was carved from historic former residences. The hotel offers spa services like a Temazcal (the sauna of Mesoamerica) and has its own culinary school. Rates start at $254 per night, but because it's a Visa Signature Hotel, holders of Visa Signature cards (e.g., Chase Sapphire Preferred, Hyatt Credit Card, Marriott Rewards Premier Credit Card, Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card, Bank of America's Alaska Airlines Visa Signature credit card, Citi Hilton HHonors Reserve Card, etc.) will receive perks like a $25 food or beverage credit, complimentary continental breakfast and, when available, an automatic room upgrade.
San Cristobal de las Casas
In the south of the country, the state of Chiapas is home to one of Mexico's best-preserved Spanish Colonial cities, San Cristobal de las Casas. Known in the 1990s as the territory of "El Comandante Marcos" and his Zapatista army, it's now a completely safe place to visit and mingle with locals.
A good way to start your visit to San Cristobal is with a stroll along the Real de Guadalupe, a pedestrian-only street that's full of restaurants, hotels and travel agencies where you can book any tour or side trip you might desire (see below). After a great Mexican meal at the high-end Tierra y Cielo, head over to Calle Madero (parallel to Real de Guadalupe) and walk toward Plaza 31 de Marzo, the main square of San Cristobal. Here you'll find the Municipal Palace, the Cathedral and the San Nicolás church.
Other can't-miss churches include the Templo de la Caridad and Templo de Santo Domingo, the latter of which is arguably the most gorgeous example of Baroque art in Chiapas. Near these churches you'll find the Mercado de Artesanías (art and crafts market) where you can get hand-woven textiles from Chiapas and neighboring Guatemala, as well as typical souvenirs.
While in the area, consider side trips to the national park at Sumidero Canyon, the second most-visited attraction in Chiapas (one-hour drive west); the Agua Azul Wateralls, known for their exquisite blue waters (three-hour drive north); and the impressive ruins of Palenque, one of Mexico's finest examples of Mayan architecture and design (four-hour drive north).
How to Get to San Cristobal de las Casas
San Cristobal de las Casas doesn't have its own airport, but you can connect from Mexico City (MEX) to nearby Tuxtla Gutierrez Airport (TGZ) on Aeromexico starting at 30,000 SkyMiles in economy and 60,000 in business/first. (A few days a week, there are also flights into TGZ from Cancún (CUN) on Volaris.) From TGZ, take a one-hour and 15-minute ADO shuttle to San Cristobal de las Casas ($10 per person) or a taxi for around $40.
Where to Stay
With an exterior like an old hacienda or convent, but with a modern and comfortable interior, the Holiday Inn San Cristobal is a solid option with a great location near the main pedestrian-only streets. Rates start at $64 or 10,000 IHG Rewards points per night.
Oaxaca
The capital of the Oaxaca state, the city of Oaxaca (pronounced wha-ha-kah) is a stylish and romantic destination that is full of 16th-century architecture, cozy flower vine-draped hotels and happening bars – and isn't far from ruins built by the Zapotecas, a group of ancient people native to Mexico (and not to be confused with Mayans or Aztecs). Oaxaca's main attraction is the fabulous Santo Domingo cathedral, which is set in the Zócalo main square and is surrounded by restaurants, Mexican treat vendors and some excellent people-watching opportunities everywhere you turn.
In the Juarez market, you can taste typical Oaxacan food specialities like chicken stewed in a rich mole negro sauce — or if you're brave, munch on some fried grasshoppers. Keep an eye out for alebrijes, traditional and brightly painted folk art sculptures of fantastical animals that make great souvenirs. Stroll the cobblestone streets of the historic downtown and in just a few hours, you're guaranteed to fall in love with this UNESCO World Heritage city.
Cool bars are beginning to pop up on rooftops all over town like you'll see in San Miguel, so after a long day of sightseeing, don't forget to head up and sit down in front of a killer view with a hearty Oaxaca-cheese quesadilla and a glass of strong mezcal. If you're a fan of this trending liquor that's made from smoked agave, expect to visit plenty of mezcalerias — Oaxaca is this spirit's birthplace.
Leave time to take side trips to the Central Valley of the Oaxaca state (approximately 20-30 miles from downtown Oaxaca) to see the most important Zapotec archeological sites: Monte Álban, the former Zapotec political capital, and Mitla, the ornate religious center known as the "City of the Dead."
How to Get to Oaxaca
Fly United Express direct to Oaxaca's Xoxocotlán International Airport (OAX) from Houston (IAH), with round-trips starting at 35,000 MileagePlus miles in economy or 60,000 in business/first. You could also take Aeromexico via Mexico City (MEX), with round-trips starting at 30,000 SkyMiles in economy and 60,000 in business/first. OAX is set 15 minutes from downtown, and can easily be reached by a Terrestre shuttle or taxi (about $8.50).
Where to Stay
A former convent, Quinta Real Oaxaca is built around a quiet courtyard and is surrounded by flower gardens. Part of a luxury Mexican hotel chain and a member of Historic Hotels Worldwide, rates here start at $190 per night. At the reasonably priced and well-situated Holiday Inn Express Oaxaca Centro-Histórico in the historic center, rates start at $73 or 15,000 IHG Rewards points per night.
Helpful Hint
Credit cards such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred,Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express. and the Citi Premier® Card don't charge foreign transaction fees, making them ideal to use on vacation in Mexico. To see more cards without these fees, check out our post, Top Credit Cards With No Foreign Transaction Fees.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.