Here it's a list of some of the must see places to see on the pacific coast (west coast) of Mexico:
Archeological Site: Monte Alban
Monte Alban is easily one of the most underrated archeological sites you can visit on the pacific coast of Mexico. Monte Alban isn't as famous as the ruin site of Chichen Itza in Cancun but it is truly a world-class Mayan site with stunningly maintained grounds.
Monte Alban is located just outside of the city of Oaxaca and it is pretty easy to get even with car rental, though public buses do run from Oaxaca to the site. It costs just $4 to get inside Monte Alban and you can easily explore the archeological site by yourself, though you may want to hire a guide (costs around $15) since there are lots of tombs and buildings to be explored.
Dolphin Adventure
Dolphin Adventure is definitely one of the most enjoyable attractions on the pacific coast of Mexico you can visit on your trip. Dolphin Adventure is located in Nuevo Vallarta and it’s worth visiting for a fun day hanging out with dolphins and sea lions.
The cool thing about Dolphin Adventure is that it offers different programs to suit young and old so even toddlers can take part in the fun. You can swim with dolphins, dive underwater, and even be a dolphin trainer for the day.
Colonial Building: Hospicio Cabanas
Hospicio Cabanas is an 18th century hospital orphanage located right in the heart of Guadalajara. Hospicio Cabanas is actually the oldest hospital building in Latin America and it’s still beautifully preserved.
The building is open to the public though you can only tour the main hall, which is home to the boldest paintings and murals you’d ever see. These murals (by Jose Clemente Orozco) are really jaw-dropping but they do a good job at depicting the live and hardships of Mexican people during the 1900’s.
Colonial Town: Old Vallarta
The old town of Puerto Vallarta is one of the must see places in PV and one of the best places in Mexico to enjoy a walking tour.
The cobblestone streets of Old Vallarta are very walkable and the streets are filled with lots of cute boutique shops, galleries, restaurants, hotels, and discos. Probably the best thing about a visit to Old Vallarta is being able to take a walk along the stunning boardwalk (Malecon) for some amazing views of the ocean.
Beach Town: Mazunte
The beaches are certainly one of the biggest attractions on the pacific coast of Mexico and Mazunte is one of the best places on Mexico’s pacific coast to go to for a relaxing beach vacation.
Mazunte is a small beach town but its mile-long shoreline is dotted with only small hotels which is a great if you want a low-key vacation. If you aren't staying in Mazunte, the main reason to be in town is to visit Punta Cometa, which is a beautiful lookout where you can enjoy some of the most romantic sunsets/sunrises ever! The other attraction worth visiting in Mazunte is the National turtle center to see all kinds of sea turtles and hatchlings.
Natural Attraction: La Quebrada
La Quebrada are beautiful cliffs located in Acapulco that offer amazing views of the ocean. However, the main reason La Quebrada is one of the most popular tourist attractions on the pacific coast of Mexico is because of the cliff diving shows.
If you’ve never seen a cliff diving before, you’ll definitely enjoy the experience of watching cliff divers perform really cool diving stunts from the top of La Quebrada cliffs.
Tequila Tour: Tequila
A visit to Mexico’s pacific coast wouldn’t be complete without enjoying a bit of tequila, and what better place to do this than in the town of Tequila? The town of Tequila is home to various factories where you can enjoy tequila tours and sample fine tequila such as Mundo Cuervo and La Cofradia. There is also a small tequila museum in town that you can visit and learn about the history of tequila
By the way, if you’re a serious tequila fan you may want to consider taking a tour ride on the Tequila Express to soak in further the spirit of Tequila. The Tequila Express runs from Guadalajara to Amatitan (via the town of Tequila) and features onboard entertainment by Mexican mariachis and plenty of alcoholic beverages like tequila and Mexican beer.
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