Vegan Food in Mexico City

Vegan Food in Mexico City

Destinations, Mexico

Vegan Food in Mexico City

Last Updated November 12th, 2019

A self run vegan food tour in Mexico City, with our favorite places to eat!

Most vegetarians and vegans already enjoy Mexican cuisine as it can very easily be made for a plant based diet.

There is one neighborhood in Mexico City that has done a particularly wonderful job at having great vegan food in Mexico City. The best part- it’s all vegan AND it tastes amazing! Vegan food in Mexico City can easily be found, and lucky for Mexico City visitors is that the city is filled with good food options on every corner.

My sister and I impulsively decided to spend a day enjoying multiple vegan eateries around the Roma/Condesa neighborhood in Mexico City. I’ve included all of the places that we really enjoyed and in an order that follows along a walk throughout the area. Follow along the listed places below for a tasty vegan day!

Read More: Why Stay in Roma or La Condesa in Mexico City

*Note: the order of the places listed were done so to make it as convenient to walk around as possible. No backtracking or out of the way places.

Roma & La Condesa, Mexico City Vegan Food Tour

Chiquitito Cafe’

Simple, beautiful decor matched with equally delicious coffee. Start here to rev up your engines for your marathon day of eating.

Ojo de Aqua

This is a small chain in Mexico City, known for their fresh juices and entrees. Order a large juice from their extensive menu, and sit with a view of the park fountain. *Similar to ordering at Panera, place your order at the counter and receive a number that you bring to your table.

El Pendulo

A beautiful coffee shop and bookstore. You may not need another coffee by this point, but El Pendulo is a neighborhood favorite so spend some time wandering through the aisles of books.

Plan V

Plan V has the cutest interior and an all plant based menu (with an English menu too!). We really enjoyed their enfrijoladas.

El Tako Vegano

Split an order of three of their tacos made with fresh green (spinach) tortillas. Our favorite was the Alhambra taco, and was made even better with their selection of delicious salsas and incredibly friendly staff!

Por Siempre Vegano

Por Siempre Vegano is a vegan food truck. Or should I say, it is the most epic food truck ever. The line for lunch was crazy long, but well worth the 15 minute wait. We ordered the torta with seitan and avocado, and as I write this my mouth is watering. This food truck opens at 1pm and is perfect for lunch.

Mercado Roma

Mercado Roma is a delicious and easily accessible gourmet food market in the heart of the neighborhood. They have a vast array of dining options and a lovely open seating area towards the back. Walk around to see all of the different options, but don’t miss El Moro with the most delicious churros I’ve ever had.

*there is also a spice vendor which is a great souvenir idea for Mexico City

Cucurucho Coffee

A simple, and delicious coffee shop with beans sourced from within Mexico. You can purchase beans here which is a huge plus if you enjoy bringing coffee back home like I do. Bonus- they only use sustainable cups and are pet friendly!

La Pitahaya

Now that you are recaffeinated (or at least stocked up with coffee beans to bring home), stop into La Pitahaya. This vegan eatery is cozy and delicious with an all plant based menu known for their pink taco shells made from beetroot.

Casa Quimera

Casa Quimera is a vegan food market that I have read about online — I have not been here myself. I wanted to add it to this list as it’s fairly close to La Pitahaya and is supposed to have quite a few vegan food options inside.

There are food tours that you can book and pay for in Mexico City. In fact, we took one! However, this is a day that you can easily navigate for yourself. I removed some locations that we went to where we didn’t love the food. So, what you’ve read here are the top places! And I’m sure I’m missing a few more great places.

If you’re walking and see a vegan restaurant that isn’t listed here, be sure to check it out and start creating your own list of vegan food places that must be visited in Mexico City. If you don’t want to spend an entire day doing this, then mark a couple of these places down to enjoy while out exploring. You won’t be disappointed.

If you’d rather go with a tour group then check out these great deals:

TIPS for a self run food tour:

  • If youre doing this with another person, split an entree so you can eat throughout the day
  • If you can only choose one place to eat at, go to Por Siempre Vegano vegan food truck. I still dream about the food from there.

Visiting Mexico City? Check out this Mexico City Travel Guide

Hi! I’m Laura, a sustainable travel blogger, as well as freelancing online brand strategist. I share real & honest information about traveling, how to do so sustainably, and ways to earn an income while working remote.

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Things to know before traveling to Belize

Things to know before traveling to Belize

Central America, Destinations, Travel Tips

Things to know before traveling to Belize

Belize felt like an ‘off the beaten path’ place, where we could truly escape the hustle of our lives and embrace the pleasantly slow lifestyle of the Caribbean. The country has a unique blend of crystal clear waters, top snorkel and scuba locations, Mayan ruins, tropical jungles and incredible wildlife. If you’re considering a visit to Belize, here is a list of 12 facts and tips you should know before you go.

[already in the planning stages of your trip? Feel free to jump to “Top things to do in San Pedro”]

Included in this post:

  • TOP things you need to know before traveling to Belize
  • The best areas to visit when traveling in Belize
  • Our favorite hotels (recommended by multiple Belizean locals)
  • Items you will definitely want to pack on your trip to Belize

With so much to explore, here are

13 things you need to know before traveling to Belize

1. English is the main language spoken. Even though the country is hugged by Mexico and Guatamala, english is the official language of Belize. Many people in Belize are tri-lingual, also speaking Spanish & Creole. Belize is the only English speaking country in Central America.

2. Belize used to be known as the British Honduras. They only gained their independence in 1981.

3. You can use US Dollars almost anywhere. However, your change may be a mix of Belizean and US dollars. In my experience, Belizeans preferred us to use US dollars, so be sure to bring cash with you. *There are ATMs throughout most major areas, so don’t worry about bringing a lot of cash.

4. For a small country (only 70 miles across), it’s incredibly diverse. We were told by locals that there are at least four different cultures within the country: Creole, Mestizos, Mayan & Garifuna.

5. Regardless of background, Belizeans are known for their welcoming smiles.

6. The Belizean government has done an outstanding job preserving its natural habitat. From marine preserves to animal welfare, this country truly cares about its long term impact on the environment.

7. Rice and beans simmered in coconut milk are a staple item, so vegetarians can be happy visitors here.

8. Most areas of Belize are safe for visitors, and getting around is fairly easy as their highways are all well-paved. Belize City is where the majority of their crime occurs, and is due to drug trafficking and gang violence. Keep in mind, that the tropical areas you’ll be visiting are not in Belize City, so you won’t have to worry about this.

9. Coffee and chocolate in Belize are immaculate. Be sure to buy lots of both to bring home with you.

10. Or better yet, move down to Belize as an expat. There are plenty of tax breaks (so I’m told) and happy expats currently down there.

11. Belize is home to many rare animal species; tapirs, jaguars, manatees and hundreds of unique birds.

12. Archaeologists discover new findings every year of Mayan sites! In fact, the country is full of beautiful Mayan ruins.

13. Belize has some of THE most incredible snorkel and scuba diving sites in the world! It’s home to the second largest barrier reef, after Australia’s, and the country prides itself on it’s determination to keep their oceans clean and safe.

What are the BEST places to visit in Belize?

Here are the most beautiful places in Belize that any traveler should be sure to visit while vacationing in this central american country:

BELIZE

Tropical Places to see

San Pedro Island

Caye Caulker

Hol Chan Marine Reserve

the Great Blue Hole

Ambergris Caye

Placencia

Silk Cayes National Park

Hopkins

Belize Barrier Reef

Punta Gorda

BELIZE

Jungle & Mayan Ruins to see

Altun Ha Ruins

Xunantunich Ruins

Caracol Ruins

Sleeping Giant Resort

Mayan Caves

the Belize Zoo

Where should you stay in Belize?

Mayan Princes Hotel

San Pedro

Sleeping Giant Rainforest Lodge

Belmopan/Rainforest

Laru Beya Resort

Placencia

Don't Forget to Pack:

click image to find out more!

Belize is quickly becoming a top central american destination for tourists, and with a multitude of activities and sights to explore it’s easy to understand why.

If you have any questions about planning a trip to Belize comment below and I’d be happy to help!

If you’re planning a trip to Belize, check out my other blog posts on the most beautiful places to visit & the best things to do in Belize

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Mexico City Travel Advice

Mexico City Travel Advice

Destinations, Mexico, Travel Tips

Mexico City Travel Advice

Tips to help you feel prepared for your trip to Mexico City

The most populous city in North America is a staggering characterization to anticipate for a non-Spanish speaking traveler. However tourism is booming here. Each year millions come to explore Mexico City’s many museums, gardens, and clubs, and it’s begun to be spoken about in the same sentences as with London, Paris, etc. Many have a misconception that the city is rife with crime, overpopulation and pollution. To the contrary, Mexico City is a beautiful and colorful destination waiting for you to explore its deep rooted history, culture, and possibly most important, food! After traveling here, I’ve put together my most useful Mexico City travel advice.

20 Pieces of Travel Advice for Mexico City

1. There are (essentially) no rules of the road. People will drive in all directions and nudge their cars through where they want. And adjust your ears for the car horns, as they are extensions of a Mexico City drivers arm.

2. Public Transportation should be avoided if you are not a local. Pick pocketing happens to many tourists, so use Uber instead

[New to Uber? Use this link to earn your first ride for free on me!]

3. Avoid the taxis too (they are pink & white). This may be a preference on the traveler, but I’ve read plenty of stories of Mexico City taxi drivers who skim your credit card information and overcharge non-Spanish speakers. If you insist on taxis, NEVER hail one from a tourist attraction. Go to the stations that have taxis parked, or one that your hotel can call for you.

4. In fact, the ratio of drivers to people living in the city is fairly low, which makes its people more sustainable than most other cities.

5. Overall, Mexico city is very safe for tourists! In fact tourism is booming here; with over 12 million plus visitors coming each year.

6. The city is very vegetarian and vegan friendly!

[ Related: Here is a vegan food tour we did ourselves in Mexico City! ]

7. Mexicans are not fans of sarcasm and can take things very personally. So use caution if your go to humor is sarcastic. (*we were advised of this by a few different Mexico City locals, however I never experienced it firsthand)

8. Cinnamon is a popularly used spice. Embrace it or go home.

9. Mexico City is not for morning people (or so I’m told). They enjoy late nights out, and who couldn’t blame them with their exciting club scene. Lucky for travelers, that just means it is easier to take morning photos since there will be less people out.

10. The city is massive. While on a map it may not look like it will take you long to get there, in real time it will. So, incorporate travel time and traffic if riding in a car.

[ Related: Mexico City Travel Guide ]

11. There are 16 districts in Mexico City, also known as colonias. Each has its own personality, and vibe. Polanco, for example, is one of the wealthiest residential areas with expensive designer boutiques, upscale restaurants, and swanky clubs and hotels. While Condesa and Roma are home to hip cafes and bars, quirky shops, and cool art galleries.

[ Related: Wondering where to stay in Mexico City? Here’s why you should stay in Roma or La Condesa ]

12. The city was built on a high altitude lake bed- and it continues to sink… (could this be north america’s version of Venice?) When people speak about pollution in the city this is because the air takes awhile to migrate away from this valley.

13. Lunch is the biggest meal of the day, so should not be missed. The gastro scene in Mexico City is booming. You can find a delicious meal on any spectrum of price you’re willing to pay. Dinner typically starts around 9pm.

14. Carry loose change to tip at restaurants. 10% is customary, and it can be left on your table when you depart.

15. Speaking of cash, it’s best to carry small denominations of pesos with you. Use your credit cards for larger purchases.

16. Pack to dress in layers- the weather can be sunny all morning with showers in the afternoon.

17. You cannot and should not drink the tap water. My advice would be to purchase a large jug of water at a local convenience store and refill your own water bottle throughout your trip.

18. Leave your valuables at home. There is no need to flash off your expensive jewelry or handbags. As a visitor, you can easily be targeted. We were even told that many locals won’t wear their nice jewelry out in certain areas of the city.

19. Dress smart. While many may not wear expensive jewelry, as a whole, the people of Mexico City dress professionally.

20. Set aside at least three FULL days in Mexico City. While you could spend weeks here to see it all, the major sites can be done in a weekend. Plus that’s three lunches and three dinners where you can eat your way to happiness here.

If you’re questioning whether you should go to Mexico City or not, the answer is YES, go! The city is very affordable and safe for tourists. Have more questions? Check out my other posts about traveling in Mexico. You can also leave a question in the comments below and I’ll be sure to respond and help you plan your trip!

Hi! I’m Laura, a sustainable travel blogger, as well as freelancing online brand strategist. I share real & honest information about traveling, how to do so sustainably, and ways to earn an income while working remote.

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Top 9 things to do in Placencia, Belize

Top 9 things to do in Placencia, Belize

Central America, Destinations

Top 9 things to do in Placencia, Belize

How to explore this beautiful, laid-back town, plus everything you need to plan your trip here.

This page contains affiliate links to products and tours that I have used for my own travels, purchased & enjoyed. Clicking these links does not cost you anything, however doing so will support Blue Eyed Compass and allow the site to continue. THANK YOU!

What was once a quaint, sleepy fishing village Placencia, Belize is now home to the country’s most beloved resorts and hotels. Yet it still effortlessly maintains it’s small-town & colorful charm.

Read on the learn about all there is to do in Placencia, Belize!

Included in this post:

  • Where to stay in Placencia
  • How to get to Placencia
  • Costs of Placencia
  • Top 9 things to do in Placencia

Tell me about Placencia, Belize

Placencia, Belize is a small town that is alive with color and personality. Residing on the southern peninsula of Belize, Placencia is a place that feels like an island.

With plenty of places to eat, long stretches of beaches, snorkel adventures to go on and cocktails to enjoy on the beach, you can’t go to Belize and not visit Placencia. If planning a trip here, prepare yourself for a no-shoes, laid back vacation.

And best part is, there is no ‘best time to visit Placencia. It’s beautiful all year round!

Where to stay in Placencia, Belize

As I mentioned before, Placencia is home to some of Belize’s most popular hotels and resorts. Yet don’t be alarmed, there are no major hotel chains with extensively large buildings blocking your beach views or cutting away at your bare-footed getaway. Most of the resorts only house a few 20+ guests at any one time.

We stayed at the Laru Beya Resort & absolutely loved our oceanfront unit. You can’t beat a place where your door opens up to the ocean for sunrise.

Booking.com

Costs for visiting Placencia, Belize

Lodging Costs: there are quite a few lodging type options for this small town ranging from hostels to resorts. Hostel prices range from $13-50 USD, AirBnb’s come in at $25-55 USD, and resorts costing anywhere from $200-$800+ USD per night.

Meals/Food Costs: Belize is much cheaper in comparison to the United States when it comes to costs your meals. A sit-down restaurant in Placencia will cost around $20 USD, with cheaper places ranging from $5-7 USD. Of course, the bars and restaurants lining the beaches are a bit pricer ranging from $20-$40 USD. There are a few grocery stores in town, but in comparison to other parts of Belize, Placencia groceries are more expensive but still cheap in comparison to America, coming in around $40 for a week’s worth of meals.

Excurions: It’s hard to put a firm price on the cost of excursions as each tour company is different and their prices vary depending on the season and type of excursion you book. However, be prepared to dish $200/person daylong excursions. Which may sound like a lot, however you’ll be out all day with some of the most informed and fun-loving guides you could hope for on a vacation.

How to get Around Placencia, Belize

Placencia is a small enough place with an all flat terrain, that getting around is quite easy and affordable. You can walk almost anywhere within the main town, but if your hotel is a bit outside of town, as was our – Laru Beya Resort – you can do the following to get around Placencia:

Bike: many hotels offer their guests free bike rentals, but if not you can find them as cheap as $10 USD/day.

Rent a golf cart: As with bikes, most hotels & resorts in Placencia will have golf carts that you can rent at a daily rate. Each hotel ranges in price for their rentals. Keep in mind that their golf carts will go slow. They respect the speed limit and so have restricted their golf carts to not exceed a certain speed limit. If you’re able to bike you may likely get to where you’re going quicker on a bike than a golf cart.

Hire a taxi: the taxi’s in Placencia aren’t expensive, with the more expensive rides costing up to $15-20 USD.

Discover the tools I use to travel without overpaying: Read more here

With so much to explore, here are the

Top 9 things you need to see & do in Placencia, Belize

Getting to Placencia, Belize

We drove from our hotel located in the jungle and felt the winding road to here was an easier version of the Road to Hana and a great way to witness how Belizeans live. You’ll drive past colorful square houses, see kids riding their bikes back from school and lots of fruit stands on the side of the road.

You can also fly directly into Placencia. There are two airlines that fly in/out of here, and only use jumper planes. Both airlines had great reviews and seemed very similar by comparison. *We flew from Placencia back to the Belize City airport at the end of our trip and loved the ocean views we had. It was a wonderfully fun experience being on a small plane too.

Placencia, Belize is not meant to be a destination overflowing with ‘things to do’. The lifestyle is soothing and meant for relaxing. Here are things that I feel any visitor should add to their itinerary:

Enjoy coffee & breakfast at the Above Ground Coffeehouse

What I wouldn’t do to enjoy another iced coffee and freshly made jam on toast in this treehouse bungalow. The Above Ground Coffeehouse that may just be the best cup of coffee I’ve ever had. They also offer light breakfast fare. We purchased homemade jams with toast each morning and loved each flavor we tried. Above Ground Coffeehouse is located just outside of the main part of Placencia town.

Be adventurous on the calm waters

Stand up paddleboarding, kayaks and snorkeling are all fun water activities you can partake in. Most hotels and Airbnb’s have these items for water activities for free! The ocean waters in Placencia are very calm so taking a kayak out is quite easy.

Enjoy Happy Hour at Tipsy Tuna

This eclectic restaurant and bar is typically filled with local expats and long term visitors. While we typically like to enjoy authentic restaurants of the places we visited, we stopped in due to a recommendation. We loved this place because everyone there was welcoming and had wonderful conversations with so many people.

Wander around the main part of town

There are so many colorful shops in Placencia, that window shopping can be great fun.

Treat yourself to Tutti Frutti Gelato

This Belizean gem creates delicious gelato (surprising because gelato is a traditional Italian dessert so finding it so far from Italy that tastes so great is a wonderful treat!) Tutti Frutti’s flavors are made fresh each day and a must have when in Placencia.

Experience Mayan history via cave tours

Check out my blog post about caving tour options that Belize offers. If your trip to Belize involves only Placencia than you won’t want to miss the opportunity to explore ancient caves. There are plenty of tours that can pick up guests in Placencia town to experience the jungle.

Snorkel the Silk Cayes

Belize has quite a few marine preserves to help protect the wildlife and reef, and Silk Cayes is a must-visit location. The boat ride to get here is about an hour from Placencia.

The preserve consists of three islands, although you will snorkel only one of them. The main island has a simple grill and restroom for tour groups coming here, but rest assured Belizeans have made sure to maintain this place’s natural beauty and do an incredible job bringing reusable tableware and cleaning up any garbage.

Being at Silk Cayes feels like you’ve discovered an uncharted island in the middle of the ocean. The water is calm and pristinely clear. Once under the water, you’ll see lavender-colored reefs, princess parrotfish (these remind me of the Rainbow Fish children’s book), manta rays and if you’re lucky a turtle!

Read More: How to easily become a better sustainable traveler

Treat yourself to a nice dinner at Rumfish

Placencia is a traditional fishing village, so like most of Belize, their fresh seafood in Placencia is some of the best you can find anywhere. Rumfish gives off some serious New Orlean vibes, and serves traditional Belizean dishes, along with the best fish tacos in the area (or so I’ve heard) They also have delicious vegetarian options, which we rarely found throughout our time in Belize. And since centrally located in Placencia town you can easily walk around after your meal.

Meander down Main Street

Main street is a pedestrian-only walkway that is 4,000-feet long and is lined with art murals and beaches

Once a sleepy fishing village, Placencia is now a colorful vacation spot for Belize with some of its most beautiful beaches. Be sure to schedule a few days here to truly enjoy its easy-going vibe and maritime beauty.

TIPS for visiting Placencia, Belize:

  • There are a range of hotels and Airbnb’s to fit any budget, but be aware that town is towards the edge of the peninsula. If your hotel is farther north it can take upwards of 40 minutes to get to town because the speed limit is fairly slow.
  • You can rent a golf cart or order a taxi to get around if you aren’t staying directly in town

Don't Forget to Pack:

click image to find out more!

Hi! I’m Laura, a sustainable travel blogger, as well as freelancing online brand strategist. I share real & honest information about traveling, how to do so sustainably, and ways to earn an income while working remote.

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Set up your blog today by using my discount code for Bluehost – Click the image to get started.

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If you’re planning a trip to Belize, check out my other blog posts on the most beautiful places to visit & the best things to do in Belize

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First Time Visitors Mexico City Travel Guide

First Time Visitors Mexico City Travel Guide

Destinations, Mexico

First Time Visitors Mexico City Travel Guide

Here are visitor & local favorite sightseeing stops, and neighborhoods to explore and safety tips for first-time visitors.

This page contains affiliate links to products and tours that I have used for my own travels, purchased & enjoyed. Clicking these links does not cost you anything, however doing so will support Blue Eyed Compass and allow the site to continue. THANK YOU!

As a first time visitor to Mexico City it can feel daunting about what to expect.

What do you envision when you think of Mexico?

I visualize lots of vibrant colors, hear tons of happy people walking around me, taste fresh tortas, smoky mezcal, cinnamon sweet churros, and the strum of guitars as part of a mariachi band.

Now imagine a city that has all of that, PLUS beautiful architecture blending old and new, celebrated history seen throughout its streets and tree-lined boulevards leading to city parks, galleries, and vibrant restaurants. This is Mexico City, Mexico – a destination with a combination of your favorite Mexican characteristics.

Here is your first time visitors travel guide to Mexico City!

How to get around Mexico City

Mexico City is a very large city, and one I wouldn’t suggest anyone try to walk the entirety of. Instead start your trip by ordering an Uber, hop in and head to the most interesting places to see in Mexico City:

[New to Uber? Use this link to earn your first ride for free on me!]

Car sharing rides are quite cheap in Mexico City, costing around $3 for a 10-15 minute trip. And something I would suggest over their public transportation.

How long do you need to spend in Mexico City?

There are plenty of restaurants, museums and day trips that you could spend weeks in Mexico City. If you aren’t an urban fan or dying to see the more ‘scenic’ parts of the country and just booking a stopover in Mexico City, I would suggest at least three full days.

First Time Visitors Guide to Mexico City

NEIGHBORHOOD:

Bosque de Chapultepec

A vast and lush park (bosque in spanish translates to park!), Bosque de Chapultepec offers so much for first time visitors. Spending an entire weekend here is possible, it is that large of a park.

Chapultepec Castle

The castle is inside of Bosque de Chapultepec. The Chapultepec Castle is the only royal castle built in the Americas and since its use as a palace it has been home to military academies, presidents and now is the National Museum of History. Pay only 70 pesos to enter the museum and be rewarded with views of the city in all directions. Heads up though, this is a steep climb to the entrance.

Hi! I’m Laura, a sustainable travel blogger, as well as freelancing online brand strategist. I share real & honest information about traveling, how to do so sustainably, and ways to earn an income while working remote.

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Check out more images of Chapultepc Castle by scrolling through here

Mexico City Travel Guide | Blue Eyed Compass
Mexico City Travel Guide | Blue Eyed Compass
Mexico City Travel Guide | Blue Eyed Compass
Mexico City Travel Guide | Blue Eyed Compass
Mexico City Travel Guide | Blue Eyed Compass
Mexico City Travel Guide | Blue Eyed Compass
Mexico City Travel Guide | Blue Eyed Compass

Step into the Future Forest

Upon your walk from the Chapultepec Castle to your next stop (see next item below), visitors will find the Future Forest. An art installation done by artist Thomas Dambo, made entirely out of recycled plastic!

The Future Forest can be found within the parks Botanical Gardens. It was created for the annual Flowers and Gardens Festival (April 2018) and is set to remain here until further notice.

Museo Nacional de Antropologica

Also inside of the Bosque de Chapultepec (remember, this park is huge!), is the Museum of National Anthropology. Enjoy this museums free entrance and open courtyard set up to get a glimpse into the way ancient mayans lived and treasures collected from sites like Chichen Itza.

La Feria

Chapultepec Parks own amusement park!

NEIGHBORHOOD:

Centro Historico

Explore all of the Zocalo

Zocalo is part of the historic center of Mexico City. This is where the major picture snapping sights are, and is the heart of the city. Set aside this area as the start of one of your days and explore the following:

Metropolitan Cathedral

This is the lead place for Roman Catholicism in Mexico. Built on top of sacred Aztec space (thanks to Spanish conquistadors), this cathedral is the most recognizable church in Mexico City. And it’s interior is stunning with the golden Altar of Forgiveness gleaming as soon as you step inside.

Check out more images of the Metropolitan Cathedral by scrolling through here

Templo Mayor

These are the remaining ruins of the Mexica people’s place of worship of Tenochtitlan (which is now the city of Mexico City). You can pay to enter, or see it from above by walking to the right side of (if you are facing) the Metropolitan Cathedral.

National Palace

Since the time of the Aztecs, this has been the ruling class’s palace. It is now a government building and museum. Much of the exterior is original and beautifully maintained. The National Palace is free to enter, and you will provide your ID as you enter — don’t worry, you get it back when you exit. Be sure to enjoy the gardens as there are feral cats on the grounds, many of which were very friendly and seeking cuddles! Inside you’ll enjoy The History of Mexico wall mural by Diego Rivera. This massive mural seamlessly intertwines the struggles of the Mexican people throughout history.

*The entrance to the National Palace in Mexico City may be difficult to find. Head towards the Templo Mayor from the Metropolitan Cathedral and go down Prol Seminario. The entrance will be a five minute walk down this road and on the right side of the road.

Check out more images of the National Palace by scrolling through here

Mexico City Travel Guide | Blue Eyed Compass
Mexico City Travel Guide | Blue Eyed Compass
Mexico City Travel Guide | Blue Eyed Compass
Mexico City Travel Guide | Blue Eyed Compass
Mexico City Travel Guide | Blue Eyed Compass

Walk down Calle Francisco I Madero

This pedestrian only street, leading from the Zocalo, has many restaurants and stores to shop in. A wonderful place to stop for a quick bite and people watch. Plus it will lead you to the beautiful…

Palais de Bella Artes

Probably the most iconic building in all of Mexico City. The Palace of Fine Arts is a stunning architectural beauty. Tours are available inside, but I prefer the outside beauty and people watching. If you want pictures with less people visit here early in the morning prior to its opening. *If you want pictures of the Palais de Bella Artes from above visit the cafe inside of Sears across the street.

Alameda Central

One of the many public parks in Mexico City, Alameda Central is connected to the Palais de Bella Artes. Walk along the granite walkways, and on the weekends there is usually street food vendors and performances here.

NEIGHBORHOOD:

Roma // Condesa

The Roma and Condesa neighborhood of Mexico City is the perfect place to escape from the hustle of the metropolitan areas.

Walk along Avenida Amsterdam

A round about tree lined street in between the road just for pedestrians. It circles around the main area of the neighborhood, so you can stop off to explore where you feel drawn to.

Read More: Staying in the Roma and La Condesa Neighborhoods

Find the best vegan food

See my guide on our own self run vegan food tour that you can take yourself on. This neighborhood has some of THE best vegan food offerings in the city. There is also a vegan food market called Casa Quimera that has lots of options for fresh produce and restaurant prepared meals.

*Remember the food is phenomenal, the water is not.

Read More: Vegan Food Tour in Mexico City

Wander the streets in search of stunning street art

There is so much great street art in this neighborhood that it is reason enough to grab some shots next to them.

Enjoy the many public parks throughout the city

  • Plaza Luis Cabrera is a small one in the Roma neighborhood, surrounded by restaurants and lots of great people watching.
  • Parque Espana is another small public park in the Roma neighborhood with a mini CDMX sign and street art of the infamous dog, Frida, can be seen too.

*There are so many parks in the city, if you see one allow yourself some time to wander through or go in with a coffee in hand to people watch and understand the culture a bit more.

The remaining suggestions are places that I have not been to, but wanted to share as they were part of my research prior to traveling here.

Polanco

Polanco is an upscale area of the city. Known for its high end shopping and top quality restaurants. In addition to the Centro Historico and Roma/Condesa neighborhood, the Polanco area is very safe for tourists to travel to in Mexico City.

Coyoacan

Coyoacan is a beautifully preserved, popular place to visit in Mexico city (especially on the weekends). Coyoacan is a vibrant area with a few places to enjoy walking around.

Temple San Juan Bautista

A well known catholic cathedral with many beautiful murals.

Coyoacan central square

The main area of this district and it is lined with great restaurants.

Xochimilco

Famous for its floating gardens, Xochimilco is known as the Venice of Mexico. Many first time visitors will go here on the weekends, hop in a colorful boat and float around with drinks.

*We did not go here ourselves, but were told by a few locals that it would be easier to visit here if you spoke Spanish, as many here only speak Spanish. At the very least, bring cash in small denominations with you so you can avoid overpaying.

No matter what you choose to see and do in Mexico City as a first time visitor, it’ll be easy to enjoy yourself. The colorful culture is so bright and the food so delicious, that adding in some historical sites can only make it a better time.

Don’t forget to pack these Mexico City Essentials:

TIPS for visiting Mexico City, Mexico:

  • Be wary of walking around at night. We chose not to go out at night (since we were exhausted at the end of each day) but many locals told us to be cautious as females — this is advice you should carry with you everywhere you go
  • Don’t take the public metro system; Ubers were very cheap and took up much less time. There are also quite a few reports of pickpocketing on public transportation, so avoid dealing with it if possible.
  • Don’t take taxis either; this is a preference depending on who you talk to
  • Read More about Mexico City Travel Advice
  • If you don’t speak the language, stay in safe areas (such as the ones listed above)
  • Book an Airbnb or boutique hotel in the La Condesa or Rome neighborhoods
  • It’s best to carry cash & use credit cards for larger purchases
  • Leave your valuables at home, no need to flash off your expensive jewelry or handbags.
  • Street food is a vibe in Mexico City, and probably the most affordable (and delicious) food you will ever find.
  • Most museums are closed on Mondays

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Experience Mayan Caves in Belize

Experience Mayan Caves in Belize

Central America, Destinations

Experience Mayan Caves in Belize

The best tours and caves to explore in Belize

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I’m a history lover by nature, and once I learned that the caves in Belize were idolized places by the Mayans I knew I had to go explore them. Caving in Belize is a wonderfully sustainable way to experience history, nature, have an adventure and get to know the local culture. There are a few options for cave tours, each with their own adventurous spirit, and all with a load of history embedded in the story.

Things to know about visiting caves in Belize

  • You MUST book a tour to visit any cave in Belize- almost all of them are sacred places that have historical artifacts inside so the government requires a tour guide
  • There are hundreds of caves in Belize, but only a fraction are open to the public to visit. The Belizean government has done a phenomenal job protecting the caves from over crowding them with tourists
  • The environment inside of caves is extremely fragile. A rule of thumb is to leave the place the same or a little better than when you arrived; meaning do NOT leave any trash (all of the guides will review this with you as well), and if you see trash notify your guide so it can be picked up to be removed.
  • Each hotel will offer similar and unique tours; be sure to check out Tripadvisor for tour reviews & to get even more ideas
  • Wear clothes you are comfortable getting wet, including closed toe shoes. The first river crossing will have you submerged up to your shoulders. We purchased these water shoes prior to our trip and loved how they felt like lightweight sneakers.

Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM)

The ATM cave is the most popular cave to visit in Belize. Uniquely, it’s popularity doesn’t equate to an overcrowded tourist trap. Tours here must be booked in advance, as there are only a handful of approved licensed guides. In fact, the government has stated that it will no longer allow any more people to be licensed on guiding groups into this cave. This means that once all of the current guides have retired, the cave will be closed off from the public!

Most tours will pick you up at your hotel, and you’ll enjoy a scenic drive through stoney back roads, small farms and lush jungle hills as the backdrop. Be sure to inhale the fresh orange scent while driving through the orange groves prior to parking. Once there, helmets will be provided with headlamps. The adventure starts right away with a short swim through a river (three different times!) and a 40 minute flat level hike to get to the entrance of the cave.

Greeted by clear, teal water and multiple pools of water cascading from the cave entrance, a curtain of ivy disguises its true depth. After jumping into the water to swim through the caves entrance, you will notice how the rock surfaces you walk on are not slippery at all. That is due to the lack of sunlight. Sunlight allows moss to grow, so no sun exposure means no moss.

Right away you will learn and see visible traces of the Mayans who came here to worship their gods. Mayans viewed the tree roots in the caves as the roots to their Tree of Life that connected them to the spirit world below. These caves, and the well preserved ATM cave, was a place of sacrifice during difficult times. Take note of how the sacrifices intensify with the depth of the cave, meaning that the more troublesome their situation the further in they would go to place offerings. This was done because the Mayans felt that the deeper into the cave they went equated to their closeness to the gods. Towards the back of the cave is the “Crystal Maiden”, who is thought to be a sacrifice victim. Years of annual rainy seasons has left her appearing to have a ‘fairy dust’ coating.

Once all the way in the cave, enjoy the dynamic hike back down through the cave. Climbing through crevices and sliding down into natural pools of water until you swim out of the cave and back into the jungle sunlight. Finishing your hike with a lunch outdoors and a beer with your group.

*I cannot recommend this tour enough if you are visiting Belize. It is so well structured, informative and well managed. I also loved how it felt like an adventure that anyone could do. Since our group had only four excited adults, our guide gave us a more exciting cave hike, and he was so willing to answer questions & point out cool things about the plants, animals and Mayan people. See below for a link of how to book him for your tour here.

TIPS for visiting the Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) cave:

  • NO cameras of any kind are allowed inside (someone has cracked a fragile skull by accidentally dropping their camera on it) *Hence, why there are no pictures for this tour on this section of the post
  • Try to book with a small group. With only one other couple on our tour, our guide was able to maneuver us to different areas inside of the cave, and you’ll spend more time swimming throughout the tour.
  • There are simple showers you may use after your hike back to the vehicle. I’d suggest bringing a change of clothes and towel from your lodging, so that you can quickly rinse off and feel refreshed on your drive back

Waterfall Cave Expedition

The most vigorous cave tour option, the Waterfall Cave Expedition will involve hiking through a jungle, crawling in a cave, swimming and jumping off from the top of waterfalls. Caves Branch Jungle Lodge picks up the group in a ‘renovated’ (loosely used word here) tank. Which is needed when driving through unpaved roads through a valley of orange groves.

Once far enough into the jungle, enjoy a short 20 minute hike that starts with a warning of ‘watch out for snakes!’ and the guide pulling out his machete. A sure sign that today’s endeavor will be one to remember.

Unlike the ATM tour, the cave entrance is on dry land with tree roots pulling around the cave entrance. You will eventually get to water that comes up to your knees and will go from walking to crawling through low hanging stalactites in the dark, and tip toeing when you’re able to stand so as not to disturb the delicate cave equivalent of an ocean’s coral reef.

Once you are deep enough into the cave the real adventure starts. Dropping your packs, you put on a life vest and start by swimming under low hanging spaces with bats flying right above your head.

Coming up to the first large open space, you’ll feel like a kid again jumping feet first into a natural pool of water to swim to the first waterfall. And then you’ll feel anxiety as you watch the guides clip in each visitor to a rappel line secured alongside the largest waterfall.

Climbing up, face-first into a gush of water means relying on your intuition to hike up successfully. Luckily your guide will direct you with a forceful nudge in the right direction (thank goodness for that too because once your eyes are squeezed shut I was grasping at straws trying to pull myself up) and pushing your feet into the natural gaps to hoist yourself up.

After this, the remaining waterfalls are much easier to climb up. Once halfway through the cave – as the other half is too far to access on one day – the group will turn around and the really fun part begins. Jumping down the waterfalls into their natural basins!

Each adrenaline-pumping jump comes with the possibility of leaving a piece of yourself behind… Be sure to jump in the place the guides point out so as not to hit the rocks under the water.

Once you’re finished jumping and sliding back down through the cave, enjoy a fresh (vegetarian-friendly) lunch prepared for you inside of the cave! Table cloth, cutlery and all. Taking all of the food and trash with you, you hike back out of the cave and through the jungle for your calm ride back through the forested orange groves.

The best part is the potential for awesome animal sightings- night herrings, green parrots, hawks and egrets.

Cave Tubing

Cave tubing is another tour option that you can book while in the Belizean jungle. We chose to be more adventurous and hike the cave waterfalls, but if you’re looking for a relaxing trip this is great to learn about the history and enjoy the fresh water.

*We booked our tours through our hotel, the Sleeping Giant Rain forest Lodge.

The ATM cave tour they offer is with a contracted guide, named Abel. He was fantastic! He can be booked only through your stay here.

The Waterfall Cave Expedition is through Caves Branch Jungle Lodge. Sleeping Giant booked it for us, and a Cave Branch vehicle picked us up. Meaning, you could book the same tour we took with them and they should be able to accommodate your pick up and drop off.

Hi! I’m Laura, a sustainable travel blogger, as well as freelancing online brand strategist. I share real & honest information about traveling, how to do so sustainably, and ways to earn an income while working remote.

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If you’re planning a trip to Belize, check out my other blog posts on the most beautiful places to visit & the best things to do in Belize

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