3 Culturally Rich Mexican Cities To Add to Your Travel List

Americans are fortunate to have easy access to Mexico. The country’s diverse landscape, from beaches to mountains and big cities to seaside towns, makes it a desirable destination for any traveler.

Most of us are familiar with the Mexican beach resort areas of Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Cozumel, and Cabo San Lucas, but the 3 cities I’ll share with you today have more of a cultural vibe versus a beach party. Merida, Mexico City, and Puerto Vallarta stand out as cities offering an elevated cultural experience in addition to a good time.

In today’s article, I share tips on getting to Mexico using miles, lodging you can book using hotel loyalty points, suggestions for things to do, and food to try at each destination city.

Getting There

Fortunately, Mexico is a convenient geographical neighbor to the U.S., so getting to Mexico is a direct flight from many major U.S. cities.

All the major U.S. airlines offer numerous award flights to Mexico using frequent flyer miles. Here are some ideas for booking those flights:

• Redeem as few as 15,000 Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles miles in United business class one-way from Newark (EWR) to Mexico City (MEX).
• Redeem as few as 16,500 British Airways Club Avios in American business class one-way from Miami (MIA) to Merida (MID).
• Redeem as few as 20,000 American Airlines AAdvantage miles in American business class one-way from Los Angeles (LAX) to Puerto Vallarta (PVR).
• Redeem 29,000 Delta SkyMiles in Delta first class one-way from New York (JFK) to Mexico City (MEX).
• Redeem as few as 30,000 United MileagePlus miles in United business class one-way from Newark (EWR) to Puerto Vallarta (PVR).

Some airlines have variable pricing, so the lowest fares may not be available during peak periods. Airlines also add fees and taxes to mileage prices.

Check out our article for step-by-step instructions on the best ways to fly to Mexico using miles and points.

Bottom Line:

Because Mexico is conveniently in North America and adjacent to the U.S., using frequent flyer miles to get there can be easy and cost-effective.

We like the fact that you can transfer Membership Rewards points earned on The Platinum Card^® from American Express and Ultimate Rewards points earned on the Chase Sapphire Reserve^® card to airline partners. Once transferred, miles can be used to book award flights to Mexico, including our 3 featured cities.

BEST LOUNGE ACCESS

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The Platinum Card^® from American Express

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

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Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

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The Platinum Card^® from American Express

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Welcome Offer

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

80,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $1,760

Annual Fee

$695

APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than The Platinum Card^® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges (enrollment required), Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
• 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
• 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com

Cons

• $695 annual fee (rates and fees)
• Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)

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Card Highlights

• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards^® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel^® up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards^® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel^®.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts^® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card^®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card^® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney+ bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• With American Express Global Lounge Collection^® eligible Card Members can enjoy access to over 1,400 airport lounges globally, including The Centurion^® Lounge, Unlimited Delta Sky Club^® Access when flying an eligible Delta flight, Escape Lounges, Lufthansa Lounges when flying Lufthansa Group, Plaza Premium, Priority Pass™ Select Lounges, & Additional Global Lounge Collection Partner Lounges subject to visit limitations. Lounges may have their own rules, like additional access rules and guest fees, and for Priority Pass Select, you need to enroll and there are unlimited airport lounge visits for Card Members. With Delta Sky Club Access, Card Members will receive 10 Visits to the Delta Sky Club to be used from February 1 until January 31 of the next calendar year and can unlock Unlimited Delta Sky Club Access by spending $75,000 in eligible purchases on their Card in a calendar year. To find a lounge, visit the membership section in the American Express^® App or visit http://www.americanexpress.com/findalounge#/loungefinder.
• A Walmart+ membership can get you free shipping with no order minimum on eligible items shipped by Walmart. Use your Platinum Card^® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) and receive one statement credit for up to $12.95 (plus applicable taxes. Plus Ups not eligible) each month. Free Shipping excludes most Marketplace items, freight & certain location surcharges. Paramount+ Essential plan only, separate registration required.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card^® Account. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
• $200 Uber Cash: Platinum Card^® Members can ride or dine in style with $15 in Uber Cash each month, plus a bonus $20 in December after adding their Card to their Uber account. Use your Uber Cash on rides and orders in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
• $199 CLEAR^® Plus Credit: CLEAR^® Plus helps get you to your gate faster by using unique facial attributes to verify you are you at 50+ airports nationwide. Use the dedicated CLEAR Lane to confirm your identity without taking out your passport or ID – this can mean shorter lines, less waiting. Receive up to $199 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for your CLEAR Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) with the Platinum Card^®.
• Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck^® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card^®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card^®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• Use Global Dining Access by Resy to access premium dining experiences. Receive Priority Notify and unlock insider access to some of the world's most sought-after restaurants with Global Dining Access by Resy. Download the Resy iOS app or log into Resy.com and add your Platinum Card^® to your Resy profile to take advantage of your special benefits and discover restaurants near you.
• $695 annual fee.¤
• Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

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American Express Membership Rewards

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Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns 3x points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns 3x points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Welcome Offer

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

60,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$1,200

Annual Fee

$550

APR

20.24% - 28.74% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Excellent

Why We Like This Card

If you’re looking for an all-around excellent travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve^® is one of the best options out there.

The card combines elite travel benefits and perks like airport lounge access, with excellent point earning and redemption options.  Plus it offers top-notch travel insurance protections to keep you covered whether you’re at home or on the road.

Don’t forget the $300 annual travel credit which really helps to reduce the annual fee!

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel^SM immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually
• 5x points on airfare booked through Chase Travel^SM
• 3x points on all other travel and dining purchases; 1x point on all other purchases

Cons

• $550 annual fee
• Does not offer any hotel elite status

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Card Highlights

• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
• Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $120 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck^®
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.24% - 28.74% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

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Chase Ultimate Rewards

Merida

Merida is a beautiful Spanish colonial city on Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula. It is one of the country’s safest cities and a cultural hub.

With an estimated population of 1.2 million, it is also the largest city in southeastern Mexico. Compared to other cities on the Yucatan peninsula, including Cancun or Tulum, Merida is less crowded and not as popular a tourist destination.

Merida is less visited, but that doesn’t mean it offers a lesser experience. Merida is a city where you can relax, walk the cobblestone streets, take in the culture, eat a lovely meal, and enjoy a few exciting day excursions to the surrounding countryside.

Lodging You Can Book in Merida Using Hotel Loyalty Points

Merida offers a variety of lodging options, from basic to luxurious. Several boutique hotels offer private settings and unique experiences in the tree-lined streets of the city center. Here are some ways to use hotel loyalty points for lodging in Merida.

Marriott

Rosas & Xocolate, Mérida, a Member of Design Hotels: Constructed from 2 former colonial palaces, this boutique hotel has just 17 rooms. Enjoy the luxurious surroundings with access to central Merida starting at 33,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.

Courtyard Merida Downtown: This modern hotel is about a mile from the city center. Its rooftop restaurant gets good reviews. The hotel also has a gym and rooftop pool. Nights can be booked from 20,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.

Residence Inn Merida: Outside the city center and 25 minutes from the airport, the Residence Inn makes a good choice for conducting business or for an extended stay. Room rates start at 16,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.

Hilton

Diez Diez Collection, an SLH Hotel: This adults-only hotel may be a fine choice when luxury is a priority. The hotel has a rooftop infinity pool, Yucatan-inspired dining, and central Merida is 20 minutes away. A standard room starts at 50,000 Hilton Honors points.

Villa Mercedes Merida, Curio Collection by Hilton: This full-service hotel, about 3 miles from the city center, has an outdoor pool and fitness center. It would be a good place for a business meeting or as a base for exploring the area. Standard hotel nights start at 30,000 Hilton Honors points.

Decu Downtown, an SLH Hotel: Enjoy a luxurious stay in the heart of Merida with fine dining, a rooftop lounge with views of the city, and an on-site spa. You can book a room from 55,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

Hilton Honors points work well for securing lodging in Mexico. We like the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card because it earns 12x points at Hilton and elevated points on many everyday purchases. Plus, you earn a free night certificate after $15,000 in purchases in a calendar year.

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass^® Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

An excellent high-earning Hilton credit card that comes with perks like Hilton Honors Gold status and up to $200 in Hilton credits every year.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass^® Card

An excellent high-earning Hilton credit card that comes with perks like Hilton Honors Gold status and up to $200 in Hilton credits every year.

Welcome Offer

Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass^® Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

130,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $650

Annual Fee

$150

APR

20.24%-29.24% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

If you’re someone who loves traveling and loves staying in Hilton hotels, adding a co-branded Hilton hotel card to your wallet is almost a no-brainer. From automatic Hilton elite status to up to $200 in Hilton credits every year, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass^® Card can be a great fit for Hilton loyalists looking to up their travel game.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 12x points per $1 at Hilton hotels
• 6x points per $1 at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and U.S. restaurants
• 4x points per $1 at U.S. online retail purchases

Cons

• Annual fee of $150 (rates & fees)

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass^® Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Get up to $50 in statement credits each quarter for purchases made directly with a property in the Hilton portfolio on your Hilton Honors American Express Surpass^® Card. That's up to $200 in statement credits annually.
• Earn 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio.
• Earn 6X Points for each dollar of purchases on your Card at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations.
• Earn 4X Points for each dollar on U.S. Online Retail Purchases.
• Earn 3X Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card.
• Earn a Free Night Reward from Hilton Honors after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year.
• Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors ™ Gold Status with your Hilton Honors American Express Surpass^® Card.
• Spend $40,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year and you can earn Hilton Honors™ Diamond Status through the end of the next calendar year.
• As a Hilton Honors American Express Surpass^® Card Member, you can enroll to receive complimentary National Car Rental^® Emerald Club Executive^® status through the link on your American Express online account. After you're enrolled, you can reserve a rental car by calling National Car Rental directly, using your travel service, or by booking online or through the National Car Rental mobile app. Terms apply.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
• $150 annual fee.
• Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.24%-29.24% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Hilton Honors

Hyatt

Hyatt Regency Merida: Just a short walk from the Paseo de Montejo and the city center, the Hyatt Regency Merida offers great value from just 5,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

Rosas & Xocolate: This unique Mr & Mrs Smith hotel offers a chocolate shop, a perfumery, and a tequila bar. The pink-themed decor and over-the-top amenities flow through the 17 boutique hotel rooms. Each room comes with an espresso machine, high-end bath products, and a hammock. Rooms start at 17,500 World of Hyatt points.

Casa Olivia: Another Mr & Mrs Smith member, this adults-only hotel is the epitome of luxury. Relax poolside with a margarita and take in the posh ambience of this boutique hotel in the city center. Rooms are available from 34,750 World of Hyatt points.

IHG

Holiday Inn Express Merida Centro: The hotel gets great reviews for its central location, room comfort, staff service, and cleanliness. You can book rooms from 13,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.

Holiday Inn Merida: You can walk from the hotel to the city center and the main Paseo de Montejo street. Shopping and dining are close, and the hop-on, hop-off bus picks up nearby. You can book rooms starting at 15,000 IHG One Rewards points.

Holiday Inn Express Merida: Away from the city center, this hotel lets you mix business with pleasure. It offers a complimentary shuttle within a 5-mile radius and is close to shopping and dining. Expect to redeem 15,000 IHG One Rewards points or more for nights at this location.

Things To Do

You won’t be short on things to do in Merida. Once you’ve explored what the city has to offer, you can venture out to the coast, explore Mayan ruins, or jump in and enjoy a cool cenote.

• Art, music, and entertainment: Plaza Grande, the city’s central meeting place, always has something going on. Enjoy a light show, an exhibition of traditional folk dances, games, live music, and more. You’ll find parks and plazas throughout the city where you can enjoy the celebrations.
• Walk Paseo de Montejo: On Sundays, the grand street that is home to the city’s historical mansions turns pedestrian-only. During this time, the street is filled with artists, musicians, and dance performances. It’s a lovely way to take in the city’s culture.
• Visit a local bar: Look for bars with swinging saloon-type doors. You’ll be sure to meet some interesting people and enjoy live music. La Negrita Cantina is one of the most popular.
• Celestún and the flamingos: Celestún is a fishing village about an hour from Merida. The waterfront town is a great place to have fresh fish at one of the beachside restaurants. The Celestún Biosphere Reserve is home to a large flock of thousands of flamingos, a sight worth seeing. Guided tours that include transportation from Merida are available.
• Visit the Mayan ruins: A day trip from Merida takes in the ruins of Chichen Itza, Uxmal, and many other historical sites.
• Swim in the cenotes: Cenotes are natural underground freshwater pools, perfect for escaping the heat of the Yucatan. Some are in caves, and others are open-air. You can book a cenote tour or take the bus to Holmun, about an hour from Merida, a hub for more than a dozen cenotes.

Hot Tip:

Viator offers lots of different guided tours in and around Merida. These can be a great way to familiarize yourself with the area before venturing out on your own.

Food To Try

You’re in the Yucatan, so the local food choices may be different from what you’re accustomed to. No worries, as every type of food is available here.

• Cochinita pibil: This slow-roasted pork dish is memorable and one you’ll want to enjoy more than once. The marinated pork is often served with a homemade corn tortilla, pickled onions, and refried black beans.
• Marquesitas: No trip to Merida would be complete without this local dessert. Widely available as street food or a restaurant specialty, it’s a wafer cone filled with custard, chocolate, caramel, or cheese.
• Sopa de lima: This is a tortilla soup made with chicken and local sour limes.
• Mercado 60: This open-air food court in the city center has about 20 food stalls. It’s a great place to sample local and not-so-local fare.

Hot Tip:

Booking a food-tasting tour ensures you’ll try many of the authentic Yucatan dishes. Viator offers an affordable Merida food tour option.

Mexico City

The geographical size of Mexico City and its dense population, estimated at over 22 million, may seem overwhelming enough to keep some tourists from visiting. Determining where to stay, what to do, and how to navigate the vast metropolis may seem like a daunting task to some travelers.

If you view Mexico City as several unique neighborhoods instead of one huge populated city, exploring it can be easily managed and result in a great experience.

In addition to the ease of getting there, there are many reasons to visit Mexico City. These include the temperate climate, archeological sites, historic architecture, museums, delicious food, street art, festivals, and affordability. You won’t run out of activities in Mexico City.

Lodging You Can Book in Mexico City Using Hotel Loyalty Points

Many popular hotel chains have dozens of Mexico City properties available with hotel loyalty points. Here are some examples of hotels that can be booked using points from the major hotel programs.

Marriott

JW Marriott Hotel Mexico City Polanco: If a luxury stay is on your agenda, the JW Marriott could be a good choice for exploring Mexico City. You’ll also be close to the best shopping and dining in Polanco’s upscale neighborhood. Rooms can be booked from 45,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.

Mexico City Marriott Reforma Hotel: The hotel’s trendy neighborhood location gives you access to Mexico City’s museums, Zona Rosa, the Zocalo, and Chapultepec Park. The hotel also has an executive lounge. You can book rooms starting at 22,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Sheraton Mexico City Maria Isabel Hotel: This Sheraton is within walking distance of Zona Rosa, a vibrant neighborhood filled with some of the city’s best bars and nightlife. You’ll also find street markets, galleries, restaurants, and boutiques. Rooms start at 27,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.

Hilton

Hilton Mexico City Reforma: Adjacent to Alameda Park, the hotel is also close to several museums, including the Diego Rivera Mural Museum and the Palacio de Bellas Artes. Book rooms from 40,000 Hilton Honors points.

Hampton Inn & Suites Mexico City – Centro Historico: This hotel is a favorite of mine because it is a few blocks from the central zocalo, where New Year’s activities are held. Rooms start at 30,000 Hilton Honors points.

Hilton México City Airport: This is a perfect property for a layover or early morning flight, as the hotel is within Benito Juarez International Airport in Terminal 1. You can secure a room from 40,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

Hyatt

Hyatt Regency Mexico City: This hotel is close to the upscale Polanco neighborhood. It has a heated outdoor pool and sundeck and gets 5-star guest reviews. Rooms can be booked from 9,000 World of Hyatt points.

Hyatt Regency Mexico City Insurgentes: This centrally located property offers easy access to dining and nightlife venues and has pet-friendly rooms. The hotel can be booked from 9,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

Andaz Mexico City Condesa: Stay right in the heart of the artsy and sophisticated La Condesa neighborhood in this modern and trendy boutique hotel. Rooms start at 12,000 World of Hyatt points. Read our in-depth review of the Andaz Mexico City Condesa to learn more.

IHG

InterContinental Hotels Presidente Mexico City: This upscale hotel is in the heart of the premier Polanco neighborhood. It offers boutique shopping, fine dining, and proximity to city attractions. The hotel also has an executive lounge. Booking a night starts at 46,000 IHG One Rewards points.

Holiday Inn Mexico Zona Centro, an IHG Hotel: Guests praise this hotel for its location, rooftop pool, fitness center, service, and breakfast. You can book a night from 15,000 IHG One Rewards points.

Holiday Inn & Suites Mexico Zona Reforma: With a great location, friendly staff, and nearby attractions, the hotel makes a good base for exploring Mexico City. Book a room starting at 15,000 IHG One Rewards points.

Things To Do

There are so many options for keeping busy in Mexico City. It’s a city filled with celebration, history, religion, art, museums, and historical sites. Here are a few activities not to miss.

• Anthropology Museum: This is an absolute must when in Mexico City. The museum holds the world’s largest collection of artifacts from Mexico’s indigenous groups, including a massive stone sundial.
• Xochimilco: These ancient canals are a pleasant retreat from the bustling city. Book a colorful boat by the hour and relax as you float through the greenery.
• Explore the Pyramids at Teotihuacan: The striking Pyramids of the Sun and Moon are just a sample of what you’ll witness at this UNESCO World Heritage site. Walk the entire valley to get a feel of this ancient pre-Hispanic site.
• Frida Kahlo Museum: Learn about the life and work of this famous artist at the Blue House museum.
• Lucha libre: Head over to Arena Coliseo, the oldest in the city, for a wrestling match and an evening you won’t forget.
• Hop-on, hop-off bus tour: I mention the infamous tour bus because Mexico City has a comprehensive hop-on, hop-off bus network that reaches every corner of the city. With 4 different routes, including the historic city, basilica, Polanco horse track, Chapultepec, and south routes, you’ll want to purchase the 2-day ticket. The buses are equipped with complimentary Wi-Fi.

This list is a sampling of things to do in Mexico City. Visit the city’s tourism site for more ideas on how to enhance your stay.

Food To Try

Street food is a staple in Mexico City, but there’s no shortage of fine dining establishments. Here are some foods to try in Mexico City.

• Mole: This rich, complex traditional sauce is made with chocolate, chili peppers, and spices. It’s a must-try when in Mexico City. Pujol is said to make the best, but mole is widely available.
• Churros: This deep-fried, puffy pastry cylinder makes the perfect mobile dessert and is available from street vendors everywhere.
• Elotes: Grilled corn on the cob never tasted so good. The cob is adorned with mayonnaise, crumbled cheese, chili, lime, and possibly cilantro. It’s another popular street food.
• Tres Galeones: You have to try tacos in Mexico City. While there are hundreds of taco restaurants, this restaurant made the best I’ve had. My favorites are the fish, octopus, and shrimp, but the traditional tacos al pastor are popular.

Good food isn’t difficult to find in Mexico City, but this list of some of the best restaurants is a good place to start for recommendations. You can also book many different types of food tours in Mexico City.

Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a beach resort town on Mexico’s Pacific coastline, but the city has so much more to offer. The city is a contrast of modern and historic, making it a comfortable place to visit, a culturally interesting city, and a foodie haven.

Tourists and locals walk the city’s oceanside pedestrian thoroughfare throughout the day, especially at sunset. Evenings are special along the Malecon, with live music, food vendors, and artists.

Many travelers enjoy a comfortable feel in the city, as many expat Canadians and Americans make it their home — this doesn’t include those who vacation here. The influence is obvious with every type of cuisine, music genre, bridge clubs, language classes, and expat meetups.

Still, Puerto Vallarta manages to hold tightly to its historical colonial charm in every way.

Lodging You Can Book in Puerto Vallarta Using Hotel Loyalty Points

Puerto Vallarta is a prime holiday destination where you can find all types of lodging, including boutique city hotels, all-inclusive resorts, family-friendly properties, and adult-only accommodations. There’s an option for every budget and preference.

Marriott

The Westin Resort & Spa, Puerto Vallarta: This beachside resort is just 5 minutes from PVR airport and 15 minutes from downtown Puerto Vallarta. The full-service resort has tennis courts, a private beach, a kids club, several pools, and a fitness center. You can book rooms from 30,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa: This beachfront resort has everything you’d expect at a full-service resort. However, golfers will appreciate its special access to the Marina Vallarta Golf Course just a 5-minute walk away. The hotel also sells golf packages. Rooms start at 40,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Sheraton Buganvilias Resort and Convention Center: This expansive resort is just a 15-minute walk to downtown Puerto Vallarta and its famous beachside Malecon. There’s a lot to like about this low-key resort. Rates start at 34,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

I always use Marriott Bonvoy points earned on my Marriott-branded credit cards to book my hotel in Puerto Vallarta because the fifth award night booked is free. I also use my Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express^® Card to pay for charges at my hotel, as the card earns 6x Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar spent.

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Marriott Bonvoy Bevy^® American Express^® Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy card gives you automatic Marriott elite status and helps you earn more Marriott Bonvoy points on your everyday purchases.

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Marriott Bonvoy Bevy^® American Express^® Card

The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy card gives you automatic Marriott elite status and helps you earn more Marriott Bonvoy points on your everyday purchases.

Welcome Offer

Earn up to 135,000 Marriott Bonvoy^® bonus points. Earn 85,000 points after you spend $5,000 and an extra 50,000 points after you spend an additional $2,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership.

Up to 135,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $945

Annual Fee

$250

APR

20.24%-29.24% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy^® American Express^® Card, the latest mid-tier offering in the Marriott Bonvoy lineup of cards, offers cardholders automatic elite status and ways to earn more Marriott Bonvoy points on each of their stays and daily purchases.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 6x points per $1 at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy
• 4x points per $1 at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases per calendar year, then 2x points)
• 2x points per $1 on all other purchases

Cons

• $250 annual fee (rates & fees)
• Free Night Award certificate is not an automatic benefit

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Card Highlights

• Earn up to 135,000 Marriott Bonvoy^® bonus points. Earn 85,000 points after you spend $5,000 and an extra 50,000 points after you spend an additional $2,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy^® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy^®.
• Earn 4X points at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets per calendar year, then 2X points).
• Earn 2X points on all other eligible purchases.
• Marriott Bonvoy^® 1K Bonus Points Per Stay: Earn 1,000 Marriott Bonvoy^® bonus points per paid eligible stay booked directly with Marriott for properties participating in Marriott Bonvoy^®.
• With complimentary Marriott Bonvoy^® Gold Elite Status, earn up to 2.5X points from Marriott Bonvoy^® on eligible hotel purchases with the 25% Bonus Points on stays benefit.
• Marriott Bonvoy Bevy^® Free Night Award: Earn 1 Free Night Award after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Bevy^® Card in a calendar year. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy^® points) at a hotel participating in Marriott Bonvoy^®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
• 15 Elite Night Credits: Each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Bevy^® American Express^® Card you can receive 15 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy^® Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy^® member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express.
• Plan It^® is a payment option that lets you split up purchases of $100 or more into equal monthly installments with a fixed fee. Plus, you'll still earn rewards the way you usually do.
• $250 Annual Fee.
• Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.24%-29.24% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Hilton

Hilton Vallarta Riviera All-Inclusive Resort: This hotel impresses with 2 infinity pools and a full-service spa. It is at a prime beach location just a few miles from downtown Puerto Vallarta. Enjoy a stay starting from 100,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

Hampton Inn by Hilton Nuevo Vallarta: The hotel is not near the city center but offers a complimentary airport shuttle. It also has free parking, an outdoor pool, free breakfast, and pet-friendly rooms. Standard rooms start at 20,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

Hyatt

Select from several Hyatt all-inclusive resorts in Puerto Vallarta. Secrets Vallarta Bay Puerto Vallarta (from 25,000 World of Hyatt points per night), Sunscape Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa (from 18,000 points), and Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta (from 35,000 points), are just some of the great options within 30 minutes of PVR airport.

Hacienda San Angel: An adults-only hilltop hotel, this hotel is a member of Mr & Mrs Smith and has lots of charm. Near Zona Romantica, the antique-filled hotel suites overlook the bay. Rooms are from 32,500 World of Hyatt points.

IHG

Holiday Inn & Suites Puerto Vallarta Marina & Golf: With affordable accommodations and proximity to PVR airport, the hotel is also within walking distance of Puerto Vallarta Marina District. The hotel has a nice rooftop pool and wellness spa and is a perfect choice to begin or end a visit to Puerto Vallarta. You can book rooms from 14,000 IHG One Rewards points.

Holiday Inn Express Puerto Vallarta: You couldn’t be closer to PVR airport. The hotel is well-suited for a stay before an early morning flight and includes a free breakfast. Room rates start at 14,000 IHG One Rewards points.

Things To Do

Relaxing and enjoying the beauty of the ocean is a favorite pastime in Puerto Vallarta, but here are some activities for when you’re ready to explore.

• Get out on the water: Whether it’s fishing, water sports, or a scenic cruise, the bay is at your disposal. Watch out for whales early in the year.
• Visit beaches: Puerto Vallarta isn’t known for its beaches, but there are still plenty of gorgeous strands.
• Walk the Malecon at sunset: There’s nothing better than an evening walk along the city’s most iconic esplanade.
• Puerto Vallarta Botanical Gardens: The garden is a treasure. It’s south of the city and reachable by bus or taxi. You could spend a whole day there walking the trails, visiting the orchid house, and having lunch at the restaurant.
• A gallery walk: Puerto Vallarta’s art galleries hold special open house events each week. Sip a glass of wine and enjoy the art as you walk between galleries.
• Shop the markets: Puerto Vallarta markets are more than places to buy things. They’re a place to meet up with neighbors, enjoy a bite to eat, and savor the sights and sounds. Artisanal and food markets take place daily throughout the city.
• Nightlife: Nighttime entertainment is easy to find along the Malecon, the Romantic Zone, and the cobblestone streets of Los Muertos Beach.
• Yelapa: Boats leave Puerto Vallarta regularly for the 30- to 45-minute trip to Yelapa. Here, you can ride horses, enjoy the beach, have lunch, and hike to the waterfall. It’s the perfect day trip from the city.

Hot Tip:

There are many great tours to book in Puerto Vallarta, including a guided city tour, whale watching, or a sunset cruise.

Food To Try

Puerto Vallarta is a gastronomical paradise. The presence of expats likely creates demand, but everyone benefits. Fortunately, the city doesn’t lose sight of its heritage, so traditional Mexican cuisine is abundant.

• The food of your choice: Puerto Vallarta is a melting pot of every cuisine on the planet. If you crave it, you’ll find it prepared well. From traditional Mexican food to Italian, Asian, or Barcelona tapas, it’s all here.
• Tacos: Yes, you must try local tacos when in Puerto Vallarta. Pancho’s Takos serves some of the best, but I’ve also enjoyed Tacomar and Layla’s. Chances are, there will be a great taco restaurant next to your hotel.
• Try Yelapa pie: The pie ladies from nearby Yelapa are waiting on the Malecon to sell you a delicious slice or a whole custard pie in flavors such as coconut, chocolate, banana, corn, and pecan.
• Ocean Grill: For an incredible dining experience, take the boat livery from Boca de Tomatlán south of town to the jungle-based restaurant. Seafood is their specialty, but the view will be stunning regardless of what you order. Reservations are required.

Final Thoughts

Merida, Mexico City, and Puerto Vallarta are some of my favorite cities. No matter how many times I visit, there’s always something new to experience.

It’s worth noting that Mexico City has a temperate climate and is comfortable most of the year, but Merida and Puerto Vallarta can be extremely hot in summer. Our guide to the best times to visit Mexico by season, interest, and destination can help you plan your trip.

You can’t beat these 3 Mexican cities for affordable, unique, and cultural experiences.