There are plenty of awesome cities in the United States, each offering something unique to visitors. It’s hard to pick a favorite, but if I have to then I’m going with New Orleans.

While the Crescent City is most well-known for its massive Mardi Gras celebrations and other epic New Orleans festivals, this is also a foodie’s paradise. New Orleans food is incredibly diverse and is some of the best in the country.

You could honestly plan your entire trip to New Orleans around where and what you’re eating.

There are so many mouth-watering dishes to try and an abundance of excellent restaurants to visit. You can make several trips to the city and try something new every time, and you’ll still only barely scratch the surface.

I’ve traveled all over my home country and I can say without a shadow of a doubt that New Orleans is my favorite city for food.

I love a good slice of New York pizza and I’m always happy to crush a Chicago hot dog, but you just can’t beat the variety in New Orleans. American food may be accused of being somewhat bland, but that’s definitely not the case here!

If you’re planning a trip to New Orleans and are wondering what to eat, this guide is for you.

Read on for a look at the best food in New Orleans, featuring recommendations for some of the top places to try each dish. 

Ready to get into the best New Orleans dishes? Click here to jump down the page. 

What is New Orleans Food?

So, what exactly is New Orleans food? The cuisine of the Big Easy is a real melting pot. It’s influenced by both Cajun and Creole cuisine as well as soul food. You may be wondering what the difference between Cajun and Creole is. Time for a little history lesson!

Creole Cuisine

Before Louisiana was part of the USA, it was a colony of France and then Spain. Creole refers to the American-born descendants of those European settlers.

French settlers used this word to distinguish between those who were born in Louisiana and those born back in France. This term was also used to describe the descendants of African slaves and Native Americans that were born in the area.

Much like the people, Creole cuisine is a fusion of French, Spanish, African, and Native American influences. Over the years, it was also influenced by German and Italian immigrants as well as the cuisine found in other parts of the southern US.

Cajun Cuisine

Now onto the Cajuns, who are also known as Acadians.

They are the descendants of French colonists who were expelled from the area in Canada known as Acadia when the British took over.

Many of them moved to Louisiana, as it was a French colony at the time. They intermarried with other groups, so many Cajuns today have ancestors from places like Ireland and Germany.

As you might guess, Cajun cuisine has a strong French influence. It’s considered a “rustic” cuisine, meaning it relies heavily on local ingredients and is relatively simple to prepare.

It’s not necessarily spicy, but it does employ a wide variety of seasonings. We’ll take a look at some of the best Cajun food in New Orleans in just a minute.

Wondering where to stay in New Orleans during your trip? Check out our in-depth guide to the best hotels on Bourbon street, including loads of information about the French Quarter.

Soul Food and Seafood

Finally, soul food refers to the cuisine created by African-American descendants of slaves.

With limited rations and long, demanding workdays, they came up with hearty, filling dishes using what little they had. Soul food staples like cornbread, fried catfish, and collard greens with pork came about as a result and are still very popular today.

Thanks to its location, seafood features very prominently in the Big Easy.

It’s here that the Mississippi River flows into the Gulf of Mexico, so people have easy access to both fresh and saltwater fish and shellfish. Shrimp, crawfish, oysters, and crab are all common ingredients in New Orleans food.

Now that you know about the various styles of food, let’s take a look at some New Orleans famous food and must-try dishes in the city.

Best New Orleans Food: 10 Must-Try Dishes

As a result of the mix of people and cultures in New Orleans, there are numerous tasty, must-try meals.

Some of the dishes are more well-known than others, and while there are way more than 10 foods you should try, here are some famous New Orleans dishes you don’t want to miss. 

Jambalaya

When it comes to New Orleans food, one dish that always comes to mind is jambalaya. This is a spicy one-pot dish with rice and a mixture of andouille sausage, chicken, and shrimp.

As is typically the case with New Orleans food, there’s an interesting backstory behind this dish.

Back when the Spanish settled here, they had a hard time recreating their beloved paella due to high taxes on saffron. Instead, they turned to local ingredients such as juicy tomatoes.

There’s both a Cajun and a Creole-style of jambalaya, which is dependant on the use of tomatoes.

You’ll typically find Creole jambalaya in New Orleans, which uses tomatoes. But if you were to travel to other areas in Louisiana, you’ll find Cajun-style jambalaya — which doesn’t incorporate tomatoes in the recipe. 

Both styles use the “holy trinity” of onion, celery, and bell peppers (typically green). Garlic is also used in jambalaya, as are a wide range of seasonings such as cayenne pepper, oregano, paprika, and more.

The best thing about jambalaya is that there are so many different ways to cook it. You could try it every day of your trip and not have the same experience twice!

This just might be the quintessential New Orleans dish as it’s found all over the city. Some of the best places to eat jambalaya in the city include Mother’s and the New Orleans Creole Cookery.

Po’ Boys

Po’ Boys are a New Orleans classic. If you’re wondering where the interesting name of these tasty sandwiches comes from, there’s another historical lesson behind it. 

Back in1929, the streetcar workers in New Orleans were on strike. A pair of restaurant owners, former streetcar conductors themselves, came up with a cheap sandwich to feed the hungry, unpaid workers.

They referred to the striking workers as “poor boys,” and the name stuck for the style of sandwich.

The French influence on New Orleans food is clear once again, as po’ boys are served on a baguette-style loaf of bread. Roast beef has always been a popular filling, including a “sloppy” style that’s covered in gravy.

These days, fried seafood options like shrimp and oysters are also all the rage.

Whichever filling you choose, get ready for a delicious sandwich and a prime example of New Orleans famous food. When ordering a po’ boy, ask for it “dressed” if want lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and mayo.

Some of the best places for a po’ boy include Domilise’s, Parkway Bakery & Tavern, and Liuzza’s by the Track.

Looking to wash your po’boy down with a drink?! Don’t miss our list of the top 10 best New Orleans Bars.

Crawfish

Crawfish – or “mud bugs” as they’re known in Louisiana – are freshwater crustaceans that kind of look like small lobsters. They’re kind of a big deal here, so much so that there’s even a whole festival dedicated to them! 

Spring is crawfish season in the Big Easy. Going to a crawfish boil is a must-do if you’re visiting this time of year. The boiled crawfish are typically served alongside corn and potatoes, making for a very filling and satisfying meal.

There are countless options for boiled crawfish in New Orleans. Some places cook it up every day, while others do boils just once a week.

A few places that come recommended include Bevi Seafood Co., Cajun Seafood, and Frankie & Johnny’s.

One dish that always comes up on lists of the best food in New Orleans is crawfish étouffée, which comes from the French word meaning “to smother.” The mudbugs are indeed smothered in a roux (a mix of butter and flour) along with spices.

As with many other popular NOLA dishes, crawfish étouffée comes in both Cajun and Creole styles. Bon Ton Cafe (Update 2021: this restaurant is temporarily closed, check back), Felix’s, and Chartres House (Update 2021: this restaurant is temporarily closed, check back), are all good spots to try this popular New Orleans food.

Don’t miss a trip out to the New Orleans swamp! Check out this list of the top 7 swamp tours and head out on a trip after you’re done eating your way through the city.

Beignets

We’ve already covered some of the best food in New Orleans for a hearty, filling meal. Let’s take a quick break from all the seafood and spice to satisfy your sweet tooth with a classic NOLA treat — beignets.

These delectable pastries were introduced by the French hundreds of years ago, and they’re definitely high atop the list of New Orleans famous food. Square-shaped pastries made of fried dough, beignets are known as a doughnut without the hole.

Once they’re hot and ready, beignets are dusted with powdered sugar. They’re best eaten hot and fresh, especially paired with a cup of cafe au lait. 

The most famous place to get your beignet fix is definitely Cafe du Monde (if you’ve seen the movie Chef, this is where they sampled beignets!).

There’s always a line here, but it moves quickly and it’s worth it to cross this NOLA staple off your list. Another great choice is the 24-hour Morning Call located inside City Park.

Red Beans & Rice

No list of New Orleans food would be complete without red beans & rice.

Simple, filling, and delicious, this is a local favorite. It’s basically the bacon & eggs of the Big Easy. Legendary musician Louis Armstrong loved it so much that he would sign letters “Red Beans & Ricely Yours.”

Red beans & rice was traditionally made on Mondays using leftover pork bones from dinner the night before. This made for an easy dinner to prepare while tending to household duties like cleaning and laundry.

These days, you can enjoy red beans & rice any day of the week.

It’s cooked slowly in a pot along with the holy trinity and a mixture of spices, then served over rice. 

As with many classic New Orleans dishes, most locals will tell you that the best version comes from their mom’s kitchen. If you’re just traveling here, some popular places to munch on red beans & rice include Joey K’s, Mother’s, and Coop’s (which is 21 and over only).

Gumbo

One of the most classic Creole dishes being cooked up in NOLA is gumbo. It’s so popular down here that it’s actually the state dish of Louisiana! Of course, there’s also a Cajun spin on this New Orleans famous food.

No two pots of gumbo are alike, as the options are endless when it comes to making this hearty stew. Just about any type of meat or shellfish can be used in gumbo.

A thickener such as roux, okra or filé powder is also used along with the holy trinity of vegetables and a variety of seasonings. 

Once again, New Orleans food showcases a melting pot of influences with gumbo. You’ve got roux from France, okra from West Africa, sassafras from Native Americans, and sausage from Germany.

Many outsiders confuse gumbo and jambalaya, as the dishes are a bit similar.

The main difference is that gumbo is served on rice, while the rice is actually cooked in with jambalaya. Both of them have so many different choices for ingredients that the options really are endless.

Gumbo is on the menu all over the Big Easy, but some of the best places to try it are the Gumbo Shop, Mr. B’s Bistro, and Dooky Chase’s.

Bananas Foster

When you need to satisfy your sweet tooth in New Orleans, be sure to give Bananas Foster a try.

This classic dessert was created right here in NOLA in the 1950s at Brennan’s Restaurant — which is also one of the most popular places to try famous cocktails in New Orleans.

At that time, New Orleans was a major hub for bananas that entered the US from Central and South America.

Chef Paul Blange created a dish consisting of bananas with a sauce made of butter, rum, and brown sugar. He named it after Richard Foster, a local business leader and friend of the owner. 

Once they’re soaked in the sauce, the bananas are set aflame in a technique known as flambé. The fire actually burns off the alcohol but leaves the smokey taste of the rum. It’s typically prepared at your table and served with vanilla ice cream.

Of course, Brennan’s remains the go-to place to try this famous New Orleans food. Over at Hansen’s, you can try another classic New Orleans dessert called a sno-ball and get it with a Bananas Foster topping.

Muffuletta

There’s been a lot of French and Spanish influences so far in this post, but we have Italians to thank for this next one. The muffuletta is a giant sandwich made on a sesame seed roll. It’s stuffed with several different deli meats, cheese, and olive dressing.

Typical fillings for a muffuletta include ham, salami, mortadella (a type of Italian sausage), and either Swiss or provolone cheese (or both!).

The olive dressing is composed of chopped green and black olives along with onions in olive oil and spices. A muffuletta is typically served cold, but many places will toast it for you if you want the cheese melted.

The name for the sandwich comes from the bread, which originates from Sicily. Central Grocery was the first place to serve muffulettas in the city, and they remain the best spot to try this New Orleans famous food.

As the story goes, the owner noticed people would stop in his store to buy bread, meat, cheese, and olives, and try to eat them all together on the street.

Of course, this made for quite a messy dining experience. He decided to make their lives easier by assembling all the ingredients in one sandwich!

Other popular spots for this filling sandwich include Cochon Butcher and R&O’s. A whole muffuletta is pretty massive, so you may want to just grab a half or split it with a friend.

Pralines

The next item on our list of New Orleans food is one of the city’s most iconic sweets — pralines. These candies are traditionally made with almonds and caramelized sugar and were brought to Louisiana by the French settlers. 

Due to their abundance in the region, pecans came to replace almonds in the recipe for pralines. Cooks added milk or cream to thicken the confection. The result is a soft and creamy sweet that’s basically a nutty version of fudge.

You can find pralines all over the Big Easy, as they’re one of the most famous sweets in the city.

One place that comes highly recommended is Tee-Eva’s. This family-run bakery whips up creamy pralines and pies from recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation. 

Southern Candymakers is another great spot to try this famous New Orleans food. They make the original as well as several other varieties of pralines, including rum, chocolate, peanut butter, or coconut. 

Oysters

When talking about the best food in New Orleans, oysters are always involved in the discussion. Because of the warm waters in the Gulf, oysters can be harvested year-round here. 

People in NOLA enjoy oysters in many different ways — raw, fried, chargrilled, broiled, or just stuffed into a po’ boy.

For raw oysters, some of the best places to go include Pascal’s Manale and Bourbon House. The latter even has $1 oysters during their Happy Hour from 4-6 Monday-Friday!

The most iconic cooked version is Oysters Rockefeller, which was invented right here in New Orleans at Antoine’s back in 1899.

If you’re wondering where the name comes from, these oysters were named after John D. Rockefeller – who was the richest man in the country at the time – for their extreme richness.

It consists of oysters on the half shell topped with a green sauce and bread crumbs. They are then either baked or broiled and served with lemon wedges for a garnish. Their exact recipe remains a secret to this day!

Another classic dish is Oysters Bienville, which is made by topping baked oysters with a mix of shrimp, mushrooms, bell peppers, breadcrumbs, parsley, and cheese. The best place to go for this mouth-watering oyster dish is Arnaud’s where it was created.

King Cake

Last but not least on our list of the best New Orleans food is the famous King Cake. The name refers to the three kings in the Bible, who came bearing gifts for baby Jesus on the 12th night. 

King Cake is typically served between King’s Day (January 6th) and Ash Wednesday. It’s a staple of Carnival season in NOLA and can be found all over the city. 

This famous cake is typically made with brioche dough and a wide array of fillings, such as cinnamon, fruit, chocolate, and cream cheese. The icing on the cake is always gold, purple, and green – the royal colors of Mardi Gras. 

One of the most interesting things about King Cake is that there’s always a tiny plastic baby hidden in the cake. Whoever finds the baby in the cake has to throw the next party or buy the next cake.

This continues the fun throughout the whole Mardi Gras season when hundreds of thousands of King Cakes are consumed in New Orleans. 

Manny Randazzo’s is one of the top places to pick up a King Cake, and you can expect to find a line around the block here. If you’re not in New Orleans during the Carnival season, you can still get a King Cake from Adrian’s Bakery as they make them year-round.

Now You Know The Best New Orleans Cuisine

I’m sure by now your tummy is rumbling and your mouth is watering, and you’re ready to book that flight to the Big Easy to start sampling some of the best New Orleans food. These 10 must-try dishes will certainly get you started on exploring the culinary scene of NOLA.

Of course, there are plenty of other amazing things to eat in New Orleans. Some other dishes you’ll want to add to your list include blackened redfish, dirty rice, yaka mein soup, bread pudding, sno-balls, and so much more. 

Whether grabbing a quick po’ boy from a hole-in-the-wall deli or sitting down to a 3-course meal in a fancy restaurant, you’re going to love eating your way across New Orleans.

Have you been to the Big Easy and have some great recommendations on what and where to eat? Leave a comment below and let us know.

Images in this article are courtesy of Shutterstock.com.

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Getting a job in another country is always a complicated process. But the requirements for teaching English in South Korea aren’t as extensive or difficult as you may think.

Fortunately, for many jobs, such as teaching at academies called hagwons, the requirements to teach English in South Korea don’t include prior experience or even a teaching certificate.

You can land one of these jobs with little more than a bachelor’s degree in any subject.

That was my situation when I found my first teaching job. I had recently graduated from university and had never taught before, so I only met the minimum requirements for teaching English in Korea.

My newly acquired bachelor’s degree was enough to get hired, however. I found a job at a good hagwon and began what turned out to be a lasting career in teaching English abroad.

Requirements for teaching English in South Korea have changed somewhat since then, and other types of schools, such as universities, require more qualifications and certifications from potential teachers than hagwons.

In this article, I’ll review these teaching English in Korea requirements.

Teaching English in Korea Requirements: The Basics

Besides consulting articles like this one, the best way to find out the requirements for teaching English in South Korea is to search online for English teaching jobs.

Their job descriptions typically list the requirements for each specific job, with additional important information such as the salary, number of working hours, and location.

A common website for finding teaching jobs all over the world is Dave’s ESL Cafe. You should spend some time browsing through job descriptions to get an idea of what the requirements for teaching English in South Korea are.

Another good website that is specific to Korea is the KOTESOL association website. It’s particularly good for finding university jobs. Finally, have a look at the EPIK Program, which was initiated by the Korean Ministry of Education.  

Once you find a school that you like, a recruiter or school representative will help you through the hiring and visa application process.

They’ll give you a list of the documents you need for the particular job, as well as how to get them certified with apostilles or notarizations, if necessary.

☞ SEE ALSO: Teach English to Korean Students Online – 7 Websites That Pay 

Types of Schools in South Korea

Different schools have different requirements for teaching English in South Korea. Some of these include the teacher’s nationality, qualifications, and experience.

The main types of schools where you can teach English in Korea are hagwons, public and private grade schools (elementary, middle, and high schools), and universities.

Requirements for Teaching English in South Korean Hagwons

Hagwons are small, private academies commonly attended by kindergarten students and older children. There are hagwons for math, tae kwon do, musical instruments, and practically any other subject you can imagine.

English hagwons are one of the most prevalent types. They usually have kindergarten classes during the morning and early afternoon, and then shorter classes in the afternoon for students in elementary through high school.

Hagwons for children have the fewest requirements for teaching English in South Korea. Usually, only a bachelor’s degree is necessary, and it doesn’t matter which subject it’s in.

There are also hagwons for adults in South Korea. The requirements for these schools can be slightly stricter than at hagwons for children. Along with a bachelor’s degree, they may also require a TESL/TEFL certificate and previous teaching experience.

If you’d rather teach adults than children but don’t have the experience or other requirements to do so, a good long-term plan is to begin teaching at a hagwon for children and later find a job at a school for adults.

Hagwon contracts are almost always for one full year. Along with a monthly salary, they usually provide housing, airfare reimbursement, and two one-week paid vacations.

Requirements to Teach English in South Korean Public and Private Grade Schools

Some grade schools (elementary, middle, and high school) in South Korea will hire anyone with a bachelor’s degree, like at hagwons.

Most, however, have somewhat tougher requirements, preferring teachers with experience and a degree in education or at least English. A TEFL certificate of at least 100 hours is typically required. Click here for a list of the best TEFL certificates.

It may be possible to teach other school subjects, in the English language, of course. For example, if you have a bachelor’s degree in history, you may get hired as a history teacher.

As with any job, it’s a good idea to browse through many job descriptions to get an idea of what their teaching English in Korea requirements are. Have a look at the 

Requirements to Teach English in South Korean Universities

University jobs are some of the best teaching jobs in South Korea. They also have the most stringent requirements.

Many universities require two or three years of previous teaching experience, often but not always at the university level.

Many people who teach in South Korea for long periods of time are able to work their way up to universities. Experience teaching at hagwons or grade schools, along with a better understanding of the country and how it works, allows them to eventually get an in-demand university teaching job.

Having a master’s degree and a TESL/TEFL certificate is another common requirement at universities. Even if it isn’t a formal requirement, if you have either of these qualifications you’ll certainly be paid more.

☞ SEE ALSO: 15 Things To Do in Seoul, Korea  

Requirements for Teaching English in Korea

The following requirements are necessary for finding a teaching job in South Korea.

1. Passport

Your passport must remain valid for the duration of your contract, so at least a year from the day when you arrive in South Korea.

If you decide to stay for a second year but your passport will expire during that time, don’t worry. You can apply for a new passport at your home country’s consulate. Once you get your new passport, you can use it to apply for your second visa.

2. Nationality

Many schools only accept teachers from English-speaking countries.

If you don’t come from one of these countries, tell the recruiter or representative right away, because an early part of the hiring process is when you send a scan or photo of your passport.

Some schools, especially hagwons, may hire non-native speakers with a high level of English and an advanced certification to prove it (such as from Cambridge). It’ll be much more difficult to find schools like this, but they do exist.

Some schools, mostly universities and grade schools, specify that they only accept teachers from seven countries: the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.

3. Teaching Experience

As mentioned above, the vast majority of hagwons for children don’t require previous teaching experience. Many hagwons for adults do require experience, though.

Grade schools may or may not require experience, and universities always do, although this previous experience doesn’t always have to be at another university. Two or three years at a hagwon might be enough.

4. Language skills

Many people are surprised that proficiency in the Korean language is not a requirement for teaching English in South Korea. 

In fact, the majority of English teachers in South Korea didn’t speak any Korean when they first arrived. And once there, many foreigners never bother to learn any more than the basics.

Of course, it’s a good idea to learn the native language of the country where you live, but it’s not necessary for teaching. English lessons are more effective if they’re 100% in English, and many schools have English-only policies. 

Regarding English grammar, you can get by with a hagwon for children with only a basic understanding of it. For teaching adults, you’ll need a higher level of knowledge than simply being a native speaker, and you’ll need to be an expert to work at a university.

You can study grammar on your own, or learn it as part of the content of a TESL/TEFL certificate.

Required Documents for Teaching English in South Korea

In general, better jobs that require experience (such as universities) require more documents, while schools (like hagwons) that accept people without teaching experience require fewer documents.

You’ll need the originals of all documents. Don’t worry, you’ll get them back after applying for your visa in Korea.

Even so, it’s a good idea to make scans or take digital photos and save them somewhere permanent, like a Google Drive or other cloud account.

Once you begin the hiring process, the school will tell you whether you need these documents certified or not. Certifications such as apostilles or notarizations are typical requirements for teaching English in South Korea.

 

1. Bachelor’s Degree

You can get an English teaching job at a hagwon with a four-year bachelor’s degree in any subject, whether it’s English, engineering, music, or anything in between.

For other types of schools, like grade schools, you’ll probably need a bachelor’s degree in education, English, or some other relevant subject. You can determine what exactly these other relevant subjects are by communicating with individual schools.

You’ll probably need your original transcript too. If you’re not sure, ask the person who helps you through the hiring process.

2. Master’s Degree or PHD

If you have a master’s degree or PHD, especially if it’s in education or English, you’ll have a much better chance at getting a job at a university or a public or private grade school.

Always use the highest degree you have. It won’t only open up better positions to you, but will probably get you paid more.

Same as for the bachelor’s degree, you’ll need the original degree and also the transcript.

3. TESL/TEFL Certificate

Check the requirements for teaching English in South Korea for specific jobs before you sign up for a TESL/TEFL certificate program.

For many schools, this certification isn’t actually required, but merely preferred. Having said that, it will give you a better grasp of lesson planning and classroom situations. And, it may give you a leg up on other candidates for the job.

TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) and TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) courses vary greatly in their content and quality, especially among online and in-person courses.

You may spend $100 for a cheap online TEFL course that doesn’t really teach you anything, or you may spend $1,000 for a professional course that will allow you to work anywhere in the world, though probably won’t be necessary for teaching at a hagwon.

Whichever course you choose, you still won’t know if you’re any good at teaching or even if you like it until you set foot in a classroom. And what you learn in the classroom will be far more useful than whatever you learn in a TESL/TEFL program.

This means that a TESL/TEFL certificate isn’t necessary for teaching in South Korea – not for landing an entry-level hagwon job, nor for the actual teaching – but it is preferred. 

If after a year at a hagwon, you enjoy teaching and know you want to continue doing it, you can always do a TESL/TEFL course later.

4. Criminal Background Check

Hagwons rarely require a criminal background check, but other types of schools, such as private grade schools, may request one of these certificates. In most cases, you’ll get it at a local police station.

Don’t worry about fulfilling this teaching English in Korea requirement until a school requests it — unless, of course, you have a criminal record.

If it was some minor high-school transgression, then order a criminal background check now, before you begin your job search, to see if it comes up clean or not.

5. Birth Certificate

You probably won’t need your birth certificate to get hired, but it may be necessary once you’re in South Korea. You may need it to open a bank account, to sign up for health insurance, or for something else that requires you to prove your identity.

As with all other documents, you’ll need the original. If you don’t have it, in most cases you’ll need to request it from the hospital where you were born.

6. Certifications: Apostilles and Notarizations

As mentioned earlier, some schools require your university degree (and possibly criminal background check) to be certified with either apostilles or notarizations.

Apostilles are internationally recognized document certifications. They’re signed, stamped, and attached to the document that’s being certified.

In the United States, you can arrange for an apostille by checking the website for the Secretary of State of the state where you graduated from university. Some cost around $10, while others are as cheap as $1. It depends on the state.

It’s a simple process. You mail your degree (and transcript, if necessary), a check for the fee, and a self-addressed stamped envelope to the office, and the documents with the apostilles attached will be mailed back to you.

Other countries have a similar process. Simply do a Google search for “apostille” along with the name of the region or province where you went to university.

Instead of an apostille, the school may require that you get your degree or other documents notarized by a Korean consulate in your country.

In this case, you’ll probably need to visit the consulate to determine the process and the costs, although this information may be available online.

Don’t worry about this until you find a job that wants to hire you. They’ll give you their specific teaching English in Korea requirements.

7. Protection for Your Documents

Part of living and working internationally is carrying around a folder full of original documents. You’ll need a sturdy plastic one that can hold everything described in this article and more.

As you continue teaching, you’ll add more documents to this folder. When you get any new certifications, such as a TESL/TEFL certificate, put the original certificate and transcript in your folder.

Every time you finish a contract at a school and plan to move on, get a letter of recommendation (with details about the job, contact information, and the date) and put it in the folder.

Make two photocopies of everything, one to leave at home with a family member and one to take with you — but not in the same place where you keep the originals.

Also, take digital photos of your passport, work visa, and everything that’s in the folder. Save the photos on a hard drive, and also email copies to yourself.

Summary of English in Korea Requirements

A quick run-down of what we’ve covered. Each type of school has different requirements, but basically, you’ll need:

1. a passport
2. Bachelor’s degree
3. TEFL
4. be a native English speaker
5. a criminal background check

• For all schools: you’ll need a passport valid for longer than the time you’ll be in South Korea (at least one year) and the original degree and transcript of a bachelor’s degree in any subject.
• For many hagwons for children: all you’ll need is your passport and original degree and transcript — no more. Some schools may ask for a TESL/TEFL certificate, but many won’t.
• For hagwons for adults: you may need a year or two of teaching experience and possibly a TESL/TEFL certificate.
• For public elementary, middle, and high schools: you may need a bachelor’s degree in English, education, or another relevant subject (for example, a degree in chemistry if you’ll teach chemistry classes). Previous teaching experience may be required, along with a criminal background check and TEFL Certificate.
• For Universities: universities almost always require at least two or three years of previous teaching experience. Sometimes hagwon experience counts toward this. You’ll have a much easier time finding a job if you have a master’s degree in a relevant subject, and a TESL/TEFL certificate is useful too. A criminal background check may also be required.

Now You Know What’s Needed to Teach in Korea

Those are the requirements for teaching English in South Korea. Sounds complicated? Trust me, it’s not.

Over the many years since my first English teaching job at a hagwon in South Korea, I’ve found jobs at schools in three other foreign countries. In two of these countries, I worked at multiple universities.

The requirements in those countries were far stricter than the requirements to teach English in South Korea, which upon comparison were quite easy to meet.

Because of this, along with the sheer quantity of jobs available, South Korea is one of the best countries in the world for potential teachers to find their first teaching job. Experienced teachers will find even more options, such as at grade schools and universities.

Good luck.

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The UNESCO-listed city of Guanajuato is quite possibly the most picturesque place in all of Mexico. Brightly coloured buildings tumble down the hillside, leading to lovely plazas and squares.

The temperature is perfect, the people are friendly and there are endless amounts of things to do in Guanajuato, making it a must-visit destination in Mexico.

After spending 2 weeks in this lovely mountain town, we can honestly say that it’s a great place for travellers to visit, and we can’t wait to return. 

There are numerous things to see in Guanajuato, but here’s my list of the 12 best.

1. Wander The Colourful Lanes

Guanajuato is a well-designed city with plenty of plazas and squares, and leading away from those squares are many lanes and alleyways just waiting to be explored.

The colours of the buildings are bright and cheerful, and the little streets are endless.

You may get lost in the labyrinth of streets in the hills, and if so, just wander downhill until you eventually arrive in the center of town.

The center of the city is pedestrian-only, meaning you can explore without worrying about vehicles, exhaust or loud horns honking.   

So, where are all the cars? They’re underground!

That’s right, there’s hardly any traffic in Guanajuato due to the network of tunnels beneath the city.

These tunnels were initially built to prevent flooding of the nearby Rio Guanajuato (river) from damaging the city, but today the tunnels are now protecting the city from traffic.

This makes Guanajuato one of the most enjoyable cities to walk around in. 

Walking around and exploring on foot is one of the best things to do in Guanajuato for sure. Put your phone away, and don’t worry about Google Maps here —  getting lost is all part of the fun.

2. Visit The Mummy Museum

Of all the attractions in Guanajuato, visiting a museum filled with mummies is definitely the most offbeat.

One story says that these people had to be dug up from the cemetery in order to make room for new bodies.

Another states that a perpetual burial tax was issued and those who couldn’t afford it, had their beloved family members dug up and moved.

Regardless of which story is true, what was discovered wasn’t skeletons as planned.

Due to the large amounts of clay and limestone in the ground, the bodies became mummified!

Every local person you talk to will tell you to visit this museum, which houses over 100 mummified bodies. Mexicans are obsessed with death and their infatuation with this museum only helps to prove that.

Westerners may find it a bit eery, creepy and sad, as we’re not as comfortable with death as other cultures are. Regardless of how you feel, it’s a very interesting museum and one of the weirdest things to do in Guanajuato.

The museum is open from 9:00 – 6:00pm every day and costs 50 pesos ($2.10) to enter. Click here to find the Mummy Museum on the map. 

3. Enjoy A Show At The Theatre

There are a couple of theatres in Guanajuato with Teatro Principal (main theatre) having performances and events weekly — typically on Fridays during the months of February – June.

The symphony orchestra is fabulous and tickets cost between 80 – 100 pesos ($3.40 – $4.25) for two hours of incredible music. If you’re wondering what to do for date night in Guanajuato, this is it. Click here to find Teatro Principal on the map.

Another option is to join this Airbnb Experience with a local.

You’ll learn all about the arts and music scene in Guanajuato and Mexico, take in a symphony performance (at either Juarez or Principal Theatre), and afterward, enjoy dinner at one of the top restaurants in the city. Click here to learn more.

4. Visit The Alley of The Kiss

The name of this famous alleyway comes from an old folk tale.

Apparently, two young people lived across the alley from each other and although the girl’s father forbade their relationship, they were in love and continued to see one another.

Because the lane is so narrow, their balconies almost touched, allowing the young couple to kiss in secret! 

The story has a tragic ending, but if you go to this alleyway and stand on the red step and kiss your significant other, you’ll have 7 years of happiness.

For couples, this is one of the most romantic things to do in Guanajuato.

5. Go On a Food Tour (one of the best things to do in Guanajuato for foodies!)

If you’re interested in sampling delicious street foods, visiting some markets and walking around the city, this tour is for you!

The food in Mexico has historical significance and has actually been given UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status. Not only that, but the cuisine is so tasty. The best way to find (and eat) traditional food is by joining a tour with a knowledgable guide. 

From authentic gorditas and sopes, to tomales and tacos, this food tour will take you around to all of the hot-spots and best vendors.

After devouring delicious snacks, sipping on Mexican coffee and finishing it all off with homemade ice cream, you’ll be ready for a nap. Check out Mexico Street Food Tours for details.

*Warning, this video will make you hungry!

6. Wander Through Diego Rivera’s Home

Diego Rivera was Frida’s husband and a famous artist in Mexico.

His home has now been turned into a museum/art gallery and you can wander through and take a glimpse into the rooms of his actual home — which are still set up with furniture.

In order to turn the home into an art gallery, the house has been added onto. You’ll find some fantastic pieces are here, by both Rivera’s and other more modern artists as well.

The best way to understand what you’re actually looking at and to get a better glimpse into the life of Diego Rivera is to join a tour. Click here to find Diego’s home on the map. 

7. Ride the Funicular

The funicular is a tram-car pulled by a cable, which takes you up the side of the mountain.

It’s kind of like an escalator, which is great as the mountainside is quite steep. Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views over the colourful city of Guanajuato, as well as an up-close view of the statue of Pipila, a local hero.

The funicular is located behind Teatro Juarez. A one-way ticket costs 30 pesos, while a return journey is 60. I recommend taking the funicular up, and walking down. Click here to find it on the map. 

8. Go Shopping

There are a few markets in town, but the most important (and biggest) is the Mercado Hidalgo.

Vendors set up shop here selling everything from fresh fruits and clothing to cheese and meat.

You may notice that the iron building sort of resembles a train station, and you’re right, that’s what it was initially supposed to be!

Even if you’re not interested in purchasing anything, it’s still worth a visit to see the unique building and the goods for sale.

9. Check Out The Churches and Cathedrals

There are numerous churches and cathedrals in and around the city center.

You can’t miss the vibrant yellow Basilica de Guanajuato which dominates the main plaza, while the San Cayetano (La Valenciana) is located out near the mines.

The Templo de la Compañía is considered one of the finest examples of Churrigueresque style in Latin America. The facade of this church may seem a bit rundown, but the interior is stunning.

Even if you’re not a religious person, you can’t help but be in awe of the beautiful structures.

10. Visit the Alhóndiga de Granaditas (art and history museum)

This building has been used for many things over the years.

Initially, it was a grain storehouse, before becoming a fortress for the Spaniards. After that, it was used as an armory, then a school, then a prison, before finally becoming a museum.

This was also the place of the first victory over the Spanish during the War Of Independence in 1810. Don’t miss the beautiful murals above the staircase.

The building is open Tuesday – Saturday from 10:00am – 6:00pm. The entrance fee is 30 pesos ($1.25), click here to find Alhondiga de Ganaditas on the map. 

11. Join a Historical Walking Tour

Wandering around aimlessly in Guanajuato is fun, but if you want to learn about the buildings you’re looking at, the history of the city, and find some secret spots, then I suggest joining a walking tour with a local. 

The same owner of the food tour listed above runs an interesting tour on foot around the city. During the trip, you’ll explore back alleys, two museums, Diego Rivera’s home, Teatro Juarez, and take a ride up the funicular to the spectacular viewpoint.

To end the tour, you’ll enjoy a coffee or alcoholic drink from a rooftop bar. This is a great way to spend a few hours and see some offtrack places in Guanajuato.

At the end, you’ll ride the funicular up to the stunning viewpoint and enjoy a coffee or alcoholic drink from a rooftop bar. Click here to learn more.

Another option for a walking tour is this one, which takes you to the University, Plaza Baratillo, Museo Regional de Guanajuato Alhondiga de Granaditas, Mercado Hidalgo, Plaza de la Paz, the underground roads, and there are stops depending on what the group is interested in seeing — it’s up to you!

The tour is around $40 and is great value for money. Learn more here. 

12. Explore The Mines

Guanajuato made a name for itself (and fortunes) due to the silver mines surrounding the city. There are 2 mines that are worth visiting, but they aren’t for those who are claustrophobic. 

El Nopal Mine is the closest to Guanajuato and is the smaller of the two.

Tour guides here are local university students who are studying this field. Many of the tours will only be held in Spanish, but it’s interesting to visit even if you don’t completely understand the language.

The cost to enter is just 30 pesos ($1.25), and a tip for the students is appreciated. You can find El Nopal Mine on the map here. 

The second and larger mine in the area is La Valenciana. 

This was the deepest and most extensive mine in the area and had its heyday during the 17th century.

Here, you can descend down a 60m shaft into the depths of the mine! This mine is one of the more unique places to visit, and experiences to have in Guanajuato.

The cost to entre La Valenciana is 30 pesos ($1.25). The mine is located 5 kilometers from the city center. You can find it on the map here. 

Bonus! Visit The Wineries

Did you know there are wineries around Guanajuato? Sure, the Valle de Guadalupe on the Baja Peninsula is more well-known in the wine world, but there are more than 25 wineries around San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato City!

Don’t miss Rancho Toyan, Tres Raices, Santisima Trinidad, Dos Buhos and Hacienda San José Lavista.

In terms of the wine itself, our favourites were the Aglianico and Cabernet Franc at Dos Buhos, and the Merlot and Malbec at Hacienda San José Lavista. 

From Guanajuato, you can rent a car to visit the vineyards, hire a private driver, or join a tour. Visiting the wineries is one of the more unique things to do in Guanajuato.

Now You Know What To Do in Guanajuato

Never during our travels have we fallen in love so quickly with a city. Guanajuato is an incredible place with many interesting things to see and do.

This list literally could have gone on and on! I highly recommend visiting this UNESCO city in Mexico and hope you love it as much as we did.

And, don’t miss our epic travel guide to Mexico which lists everything you need to know about travelling to this amazing country. 

Images in this article were provided by Shutterstock, a website for sourcing royalty-free images and videos. Learn more here.

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Guanajuato state should be firmly planted on your Mexico travel list. Blessed with natural beauty, Spanish colonial cities, cultural and historical festivals, and fantastic shopping, Guanajuato has a little something for everyone. 

Add to it the fact that there are more than 25 wineries in the state and you’ll probably want to move here!

In Mexico, wine isn’t as sought after as tequila, beer, or mezcal, but its consumption is on the rise and wine drinking is gaining popularity. 

In Guanajuato, the Ruta del Vino (Wine Route) isn’t as well established as the Valle de Guadalupe on the Baja Peninsula, but that’s part of its charm.

Here, you can expect a more personalized experience, boutique wineries, and more bang for your buck.

Some small food pairings and a tour of the winery and vineyards are often included in the tasting price — something that’s hard to come by in other wine regions.

We recently spent a few weeks in Guanajuato and absolutely loved it.

After visiting Guanajuato City, Dolores Hidalgo, La Gruta hot springs, and the city of San Miguel de Allende, we were looking forward to delving deeper into Guanajuato’s food and wine scene. 

We sipped, swirled, and sampled our way around the state while celebrating my birthday in style.

After experiencing this portion of the El Bajío wine region, I’ve put together this guide visiting the best 8 wineries in Guanajuato to help you plan your trip.

Note: Guanajuato is the name of the state, but to make it confusing, Guanajuato City is the capital of the state! 

About Guanajuato Wines

As it only dates back to the late 1990s / early 2000s, modern winemaking in Guanajuato is a fairly new practice. But, due to its high altitude (6,500 feet above sea level), cool evenings, and hot days, the region is conducive to grape growing.

One of the more unique aspects of the wineries in Guanajuato is that winemakers here are trying to practice “old world” techniques. This means no additives or pesticides, low intervention, and a focus on providing the most natural wine possible.

As a consumer, organic wine means fewer headaches and hangovers after drinking! 

Because Guanajuato is an up-and-coming wine region, the winemakers are still testing different grape varietals and seeing which ones work best with the land, and which grape blends compliment spicy Mexican food.

Based on what we sampled during our travels here, I’d say that the Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Tempranillo are winners. 

The Guanajuato Wine Route

The official Ruta del Vino stretches from the western side of Dolores Hidalgo to the eastern side of San Miguel de Allende, however, you can find many vineyards and wineries scattered all around the state of Guanajuato.

We made our way towards the historical city of Dolores Hidalgo and beyond, east towards Queretaro state, and west to Guanajuato city where we found numerous wineries, restaurants, and vineyards.

Unfortunately, we weren’t able to visit the wineries in the south of the state…but, that just means we’ve saved something for next time. 

Must-Visit Wineries in Guanajuato

It doesn’t get much better than enjoying a fantastic meal surrounded by vines while sipping on premium red wines. After some research and discussion, we decided on our wine route — which we spread out over the course of two days.

Here’s my list of the must-visit wineries that make great day trips, or weekends away from anywhere in Guanajuato. 

1. Dos Búhos

If you’re interested in 100% certified organic wines, you’ll find them here at Dos Búhos (meaning “two owls”). 

As we passed through the white archways and alongside rose bushes, a towering mesquite tree with small tables and chairs underneath its branches greeted us in the distance.

Soft jazz music was playing on the speakers, setting the scene for our first wine tasting of the day. 

Edgar introduced himself as the sommelier and we were led on a journey through winemaking at Dos Búhos while pairing each glass with a bite from the platter of snacks we were offered. 

Not only were the premium reds fantastic (in particular, the Aglianico and Cabernet Franc), but we enjoyed chatting with Edgar about how much he loves his job — he’s turned his passion into a career, which we think is fantastic. He also handwrites the date and grape varietal on every label, which gives each bottle a nice personal touch. 

A tasting of 5 wines here costs 650 pesos ($33) per person or 900 pesos ($45) for premium wines with a small pairing. You can contact Dos Búhos on WhatsApp at +524151247583 to make a reservation. 

2. Rancho Toyan

For wow factor, Rancho Toyan is a must-visit winery.

As we pulled up to the entrance, three lion statues greeted us. That’s unusual, we thought. But, as we would soon learn, “unusual” was par for the course here!

We continued walking under the archway to enter the property which was guarded by gargoyles, past a few statues of monks, before meeting up with Salvador, our wine guide.

Descending down 14 meters into the wine cellar and tasting room, we started to notice a pattern. Here, lining the pathway and protecting the cellar were monks illuminated by a very dim, bluish light. 

At Rancho Toyan, every pathway above and below ground seemed to be guarded by lions, monks, or gargoyles — this was a very interesting place!

I won’t give it all away, but Salvador informed us that the owner (who is from Mexico City) wanted a medieval theme to the winery as it was easier to have wine than water back in those days. Plus, when the Spanish came to Mexico they brought monks with them.

So, naturally, it all ties in.

The whole place is oozing in mythology and symbology and it’s a great tour. A tasting of 5 wines here costs 800 pesos ($40) per person, including a tour of the cellar and a small plate of meats for pairing.

In keeping with the quirkiness of the winery, you can only purchase wines onsite, they aren’t sold in any stores. Learn more here and find Rancho Toyan on the map here. 

3. Viñedo Los Arcángeles (Vineyard Archangels) 

Mexican-owned Vineyard Archangels offers visitors numerous experiences. From wine tastings, beer samplings, and cellar tours, to picnics in the vineyards, outdoor cinema, and camping under the stars — there really is something for everyone here!

Added to all of the activities above, this is a beautiful winery that you can actually stay at. 

Viñedo Los Arcángeles offers three labels: Cabernet Sauvignon, Savignon Blanc and a Cabernet Savignon – Merlot blend.

The Cabernet Sauvignon is dry, medium-bold, and not too acidic, while the Sauvignon Blanc offers dried fruit flavours with oaky notes.  

Learn more about Viñedo Los Arcángeles on their website and find them on the map here. To make a reservation and to find out the latest tour and tasting prices, contact them by email: vinedolosarcangeles@gmail.com or phone: +525518834801.

4. La Santisima Trinidad

Not only are the wines tasty and the Tuscan-style property gorgeous, but the tour itself is really interesting. 

La Santisima Trinidad is part of a group that includes Viñedos San Lucas and Viñedos San Francisco. Together, these three places offer boutique hotel stays, restaurants, vineyards, wine tastings, and olive oil and lavender production. 

With a group of other travellers and wine lovers, we explored the small wine cellar at La Santisima Trinidad and learned about how lavender is processed onsite.

At the end of the property tour, we sat down at a long table outdoors to sample three wines, while perfectly pairing each sip with a bite of food and discussing tasting notes with the fellow wine lovers.

We also visited the sister property at Viñedos San Lucas for lunch and enjoyed a meal of grilled chicken and shrimp while gazing out at the vineyard. It’s a beautiful setting for a meal.

The cost of a winery tour with tasting is 690 pesos ($35) including 3 wines, a tour, and a small cheese pairing.

Learn more about La Santisima Trinidad here and contact them on WhatsApp at +524181071761 to make a reservation. And, you can find the winery here on the map.

5. Tres Raices

Meaning “Three Roots” to honour the owner’s three children, Tres Raices is a beautiful, modern winery.

Not only can you dine at the fantastic restaurant, wander through the vineyards and enjoy a tour of the cellar, but if you wanted to indulge a little bit more, you could spend the night here in one of the gorgeous villas with a shared pool.

Tres Raices opened in 2015, with their oldest vintage from 2017. As we walked around with our wine guide Mauricio, we were in awe of the natural beauty of the property, the grand entranceway, and the chic dining area.

After gawking at the expansive vineyards from the small observation tower, the stunning 600-year-old wooden door from India, the onyx decor, and the beautiful wine cellar, it was time to actually sample the wine.

We opted for the “full-bodied wine tasting” which included 5 oaked wines — 4 reds and 1 white.

Unfortunately, we weren’t able to taste the Gran Reserva without purchasing the whole bottle (which we didn’t do as we already had too many wine bottles in our suitcases!), but the wines we did try were quite smooth and flavourful.

This tasting cost 500 pesos ($25) each. For 200 pesos more ($10), you can join the property tour as we did.

If you have a chance, I recommend eating here as well at the Terruño Restaurant. Try the Wagyu sliders (small burgers) and the fettucini with salmon and burrata. You can thank me later!

Contact Tres Raices by WhatsApp: +524151135250, visit their website and find them on Google Maps.

6. Hacienda San José Lavista

We didn’t hear about this winery until our last couple of days in Guanajuato and I’m so glad we didn’t miss it.

As soon as we arrived at the entrance, we were blown away by the gorgeous adobe-built, earth-tone buildings and the 10 hectares they occupied.

On the property, there’s the owner’s home, a chapel, a villa for rent, and a restaurant with a wine cellar. The restaurant is surrounded by vineyards and a small lake, with rolling hills in the distance…oh ya, this is a stunning spot for a meal!

We were here at San José Lavista to sample the wines and enjoy a meal with a view, but many people actually get married at this romantic venue. With a perfectly picturesque chapel surrounded by vines, I can definitely see the appeal.

We were able to sample a few sips of the wines on offer before buying a bottle to enjoy with lunch. I recommend the 2017 Merlot and the 2017 Malbec. Both were great, but the dry Merlot was the winner with oaky flavour and notes of dried fruit.

The wines were bold and full-bodied and the food at Hacienda San José Lavista was also fantastic. Guanajuato-born Chef José Francisco González runs the kitchen here and our meal did not disappoint.

Try the salad with pistachio dressing and aged goat cheese, the ravioli with water buffalo ragu, and the baked chicken breast with almond and roasted vegetables. We devoured and enjoyed each bite.

If you have time, I recommend visiting the wine cellar after your meal and wandering around the vineyards.

Contact the hacienda on WhatsApp: +524151264595 or phone: +524151559108 ext 132, or you can send them an email to make a reservation: administracion@restaurantetarragon.com. 

7. Cuna de Tierra

Established in 1993, this is the oldest winery in Guanajuato. While we had high hopes for our visit, we were a bit letdown. But, since wine tasting is highly subjective, I still think Cuna de Tierra should make the list.  

First, let me say that the winery and vineyard itself are stunning and the service was great. We also saw many groups of friends and families enjoying a meal and bottles of wine at the outdoor restaurant. 

As we arrived at our perfectly placed table for two right alongside the Malbec grapes, I couldn’t wait to do the tasting. After some explanation of each bottle from George the sommelier, we clinked glasses and took our first sips.

With many awards under their belts, this highly-rated winery produces 120,000 bottles of wine each year, so they’re definitely doing something right!

Unfortunately, the wines at Cuna de Tierra just weren’t to our liking and we found them to be a bit too astringent. Either way, it’s a gorgeous setting and a great place to enjoy a vineyard tour and lunch.

Find Cuna de Tierra on the map here and learn more here. Or, contact them by email: enoexperiencias@cunadetierra.com.mx or phone: +524186880078.

8. Bernat

This family-run estate is smaller than the wineries listed above. So much so, that you’ll be given the wine tour and tasting by the owner, Alvaro, himself! That’s the joy of a boutique winery in Guanajuato.

Here at Bernat, you can take part in a wine tasting and tour of the vineyards and cellar, or if you plan to visit the area during the harvest (August – October), you can play winemaker for a day and create your own bottle of wine. 

Bernat offers just three labels, one white (a minerally blend of Viognier and Chardonnay) and two reds (Grenache and a blend of Syrah, Malbec, and Merlot).  

Learn more about Bernat on their website and contact them by email: bernatvinicola@gmail.com or phone: +525539547344. Find Bernat on the map here.

How to Visit the Wineries in Guanajuato

Before you set off to enjoy a wine-filled day, make sure you call ahead to each of the wineries to make a reservation. You’ll want to ensure the wineries are actually open, and that you get a spot on the tasting and tour. 

Most of the wineries are only open a few days a week. And, English-speaking guides and the sommeliers don’t work every day. To avoid disappointment, contact them ahead of time.

When it comes to getting around, the best way to visit the wine route is to hire a driver for the day. Drinking and driving isn’t a great idea anywhere in the world.

To find a reputable driver, you can either ask your hotel or Airbnb host or, join a day tour which should include all wine tastings, a tour of the cellar and winery, and pick-up and drop-off from your hotel.

Most tours with Viator, Get Your Guide, and Airbnb Experiences don’t have that many reviews. It doesn’t mean the tour isn’t great, it’s most likely because this region is still being discovered!

Finally, once you’re actually at the wineries, many have bicycles on offer for you to enjoy cycling peacefully through the vineyards.

You can easily visit the wineries in Guanajuato from many cities in the state, including Guanajuato City, San Miguel de Allende, León, Dolores Hidalgo and Celaya.

Enjoy Guanajuato!

I hope this article helped you decide which wineries to visit during your trip to Guanajuato. Even if you’re not all that into wine, the estates themselves and the restaurants are all worthy of a visit.

Leave the cities behind and experience a day amongst the vines. For more information on visiting the wine region and other useful information about the state, have a look at the Guanajuato tourism board website.

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Despite the reputation for calorie-ridden, deep-dish pizza, Chicago’s food scene is really quite varied and surprising. Expect tasty brunch, lunch, dinner, small brews, farm-to-table, international cuisine, and off-the-beaten-track places to eat in Chicago.

I’ve been to Chicago many times with my husband and friends and always enjoy what I eat — and at prices cheaper than what you’d find in New York City, what’s not to love?

Exploring all the best places to eat in Chicago is a delicious challenge when visiting the Windy City, one I’m always up for. Not to mention, eating your way around the city is one of the best things to do in Chicago.

Here’s my list of the top 21 best places to eat in Chicago:

Best Places to Eat in Chicago for Brunch

Chicago does brunch just right.

I’m a true-blue, native New Yorker and my love of my hometown will forbid me from admitting publicly that Chicago’s brunch scene could ever rival New York’s. That being said, I think most people can agree that Chicago knows how to kick brunch’s ass.

Whenever I come to the Third Coast to visit my friends, we always try to get our eat on. Here’s a list of some of our favorite places to eat in Chicago for brunch:

1. Mortar and Pestle

• Address: 3108 North Broadway
  Chicago, IL 60657. Click here for directions and reviews.
• Phone: (773) 857-2087
• Hours: Friday – Monday: 9am – 3pm. 

I had the best Cubano sandwich I’ve ever had here. Try as I might, I haven’t found a place to top this one no matter which of the best places to eat in Chicago we dine at.

Mortal and Pestle is a classic, hipstery, modern-looking restaurant with big windows perfect for people watching.

Last time I was there, I felt comfortable seated in the window seats watching the world go by. I love going somewhere I don’t feel I need to rush out of, ya’ know?

Pro Tip: They are walk-in only and don’t take reservations.

☞ NOTE: another top thing to do in the city is going on the Chicago Architecture River Cruise. After you’ve had a fantastic lunch, hop aboard a boat and learn about the history and architecture along the Chicago River. Don’t miss it!

2. Batter and Berries

• Address: 2748 N Lincoln Ave
  Chicago, IL 60614. Click here for directions and reviews.
• Phone: (773) 248-7710
• Hours: Friday – Monday: 8am – 3pm. Tuesday – Thursday: 9am – 2pm

If you are looking for one of the best places to eat in Chicago, look no further. People love this restaurant not just for the wonderful owners, but for the fantastic meals. How about apple pie french toast with maple butter? Or maybe some cheesy hash browns?

Batter and Berries is also BYOB, so don’t expect to order a Bellini here.

Pro Tip: This place is popular! Expect a wait, but the line moves fast.

3. Tweet

• Address: 5020 N Sheridan Rd,
  Chicago, IL 60640. Click here for directions and reviews.
• Phone: (773) 728-5576
• Hours: Monday – Sunday: 9:00am—3pm

This is one of my go-to spots to score some awesome biscuits and gravy. Their menu is not all stodgy carbs, though. They have excellent gluten-free options and vegan scrambles to die for.

Located in a really cute restaurant with a bunch of local art on the walls, this cash-only brunch restaurant is a great stop.

Pro-tip: Get one of their Bloody Marys, they are huge and delicious and will give you a great buzz to start your mid-morning stroll.

4. Toast

Update 2021: Both locations have closed permanently.

• Address: 2046 N. Damen
  Chicago, IL 60647. Click here for directions & reviews.
• Phone: (773) 935-5600
• Hours: Monday-Friday: 8am—3pm. Saturday & Sunday: 8am—4pm

With 2 branches in Bucktown and Lincoln Park, Toast has got you covered. This is a cute restaurant filled with knickknacks and fantastic aromas coming from the kitchen.

Try their “pancake orgy”, a stack of different varieties of rich and fluffy pancakes (pine nut and mascarpone? Yes please!) and at only $10, this place is a real bargain. This is BYOB, so if you’re looking for mimosas, bring the champagne.

Pro Tip: Get there early. Both branches tend to fill up quickly for brunch on the weekends.

5. Lula Cafe

• Address: 2537 N Kedzie Ave
  Chicago, IL 60647. Click here for directions and reviews.
• Phone: (773) 489-9554
• Hours: Thursday – Sunday: 9am – 3:00pm and 5:00pm – 10:00pm

Recently featured in Thrillist’s Best Brunch Spots in America, this one is a real show-stopper among the best places to eat in Chicago. They specialize in farm-to-table fare, mixing up their menus to suit which ingredients are currently in season.

They have a fantastic vegetarian / vegan menu that uses organic, seasonal ingredients. So, enjoy stuffing your face with greens and fruits…and if you have space in your stomach, get the side dish of coleslaw. It’s fantastic!

Pro Tip: They have amazing organic coffee here.

6. Goddess and The Baker

• Address: 33 S. Wabash Avenue,
  Chicago, IL 60603. Click here for directions and reviews.
• Phone: (312) 877-5176
• Hours: Monday-Friday: 8:00am – 4:00pm

If you are looking for something more in the downtown core, then this would be one of the best places to eat in Chicago. They have two branches around town and offer an amazing breakfast.

What I really enjoyed most about this place was the effort they made for Pride Week in Chicago. They had glitter and rainbow coffee, and rainbow pastries!

There are also lots of vegan options. But if you are looking for more of a heart-stopping meal, their Mac and Cheese is delicious. Here is, truly, a hipster paradise.

Pro Tip: Great to stop in for a coffee on your way to Millennium Park.

7. Lucy’s (Victory’s Banner)

• Address: 2100 West Roscoe Street
  Chicago, IL 60618. Click here for directions and reviews.
• Phone: (773) 665-0227
• Hours: Wednesday – Sunday: 10am—3pm. Saturday and Sunday 9:00am – 3:00pm 

Vegans and vegetarians, rejoice! Here is a good, cheap, veggie-friendly restaurant featuring tons of brunchy yumminess. Don’t miss this casual restaurant’s delicious vegan french toast.

Pro Tip: There’s a lot of available parking outside in case you decide to drive.

8. Longman and Eagle

• Address: 2657 N. Kedzie Ave.
  Chicago, IL 60647. Click here for directions and reviews.
• Phone: (773) 276-7110
• Hours: Monday – Thursday: 5:00pm – 10:00pm. Friday – Sunday: 12pm – 12am 

This American, hipster restaurant is not to be scoffed at. Featuring farm-to-table menus and a rotating line-up of fresh ingredients, there is always something special being cooked at Longman and Eagle.

The real humdinger about this place is the huge list of delicious cocktails and spirits they serve, setting this brunch apart from the rest of the cool places to eat in Chicago.

Pro Tip: Although famous for their brunch, these guys are open late into the night serving food and drink. According to some of my local friends, sometimes they’ll offer really cheap drinks like $1 PBRs.

Would you prefer to have a local show you where to eat in Chicago? Check out this 2.5-hour food, drink, and walking tour or this 4-hour food, drink, and cycling tour!

Best Places to Eat in Chicago for Lunch and Dinner

In my opinion, the best places to eat in Chicago are authentic, flavorful and unique. Even if the restaurant I plan to visit only serves burgers, I’d hope that this American classic is done well and leaves me feeling like I had something special.

For lunch or dinner, Chicago is known for its deep-dish pizzas — you can’t go wrong seeking out a chance to drown your hunger in cheese, sauce and bread. That said, here are some other classics in Chicago that you should try.

9. Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria

• Address: Over 50+ locations throughout Chicago
• Phone: numbers vary depending on location.
• Hours: vary depending on location.

I’m partial to calling Chicago’s deep-dish pizza a glorified casserole with cheese, tomato sauce, and crust. I’m biased though because aside from a rivalry over whose buildings are the tallest, New York and Chicago tend to have very different ideas over what “pizza” really is.

My biases aside, I can’t say “no” to a ton of cheese and a crusty edge no matter how thick that slice may be…

Lou Malnati’s is a staple of deep-dish pizza and with so many places to eat in Chicago, you’re likely to come across more than one location beckoning you to come in and stuff yourself with all the carbs a body can handle.

I won’t beat around the bush: deep-dish pizza is fantastic but heavy.

I split a personal-sized pizza with a friend when I was last there. We ordered the pepperoni and it was amazing. The crust was buttery, the sauce was bright and that cheese oozed all over the place.

Pro Tip: Go for a downtown location and then take a walk along Lake Shore Drive to help burn off that calorie avalanche your body has to deal with.

10. Big Jones

• Address: 5347 N Clark St
  Chicago, IL 60640. Click here for directions and reviews.
• Phone: (773) 275-5725
• Hours: Monday-Friday: 11am-9pm. Saturday and Sunday: 10am – 3pm and 5pm – 9pm 

Here is Southern Louisiana cooking done right. Huge portions will fill you up until you burst with pleasure, before rolling yourself home. The shrimp and grits are out of control, plus they give beignets with your meal!

The price tag for this restaurant is a little on the expensive side, so don’t come if you’re on a shoestring budget, but it is well worth a visit. If you need more convincing, Thrillist listed Big Jones as one of the best fried chicken joints in America.

Pro Tip: They also serve awesome cocktails.

11. Tank Noodle

• Address: 4953-55 North Broadway
  Chicago, IL 60640. Click here for directions and reviews.
• Phone: (773) 878-2253
• Hours: Saturday and Sunday: 10am – 9pm. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: 11am – 9pm 

This is my favourite Vietnamese restaurant outside of Asia, and is what to eat in Chicago if you’re looking for something different from classic American cuisine.

Every time I visit the city, I go here and order the crispy, stir-fried, large, rice noodles with seafood. Divinity in a serving bowl.

The restaurant is no-frills, so don’t come expecting 4-star service, but I have never walked away from this place disappointed. Even in Vietnam, I couldn’t find the crispy, oily, large noodles like Tank Noodle.

Pro Tip: Go with friends and order a couple of dishes to eat family style.

12. Parson’s Chicken and Fish

• Address: 2952 W. Armitage Ave.
  Chicago, IL 60647. Click here for directions and reviews.
• Phone: (773) 384-3333
• Hours: 7 days a week, 11am to 11pm

One of my friends claims that their fried chicken is the best in the city. But my real reason to go would be to enjoy their massive patio and drink a beer. 

If fried chicken isn’t your thing, they also feature a bunch of other tasty treats…that you can wash down with delicious frozen alcoholic slushies.

Pro Tip: The fried fish is not as good as the fried chicken as it’s heavy on the batter.

13. Blackbird

Update 2021: this restaurant is now permanently closed.

• Address: 619 W Randolph St.
  Chicago, IL 60661. Click here for directions and reviews.
• Phone: (312) 715-0708
• Hours: Lunch: Monday-Friday: 11:30am—2pm. Dinner: Sunday-Thursday: 5pm—10pm. Friday-Saturday: 5pm—11pm

For those of you who prefer fine dining, this is more of an upscale restaurant experience. Blackbird is a restaurant where you’ll find fantastic mid-western food showcasing farm-to-table ingredients. They offer great choices for meat eaters and vegetarians alike.

If you are not looking to spend a lot of money, rather than having dinner here, stop in for lunch. Blackbird has a very reasonably priced lunch prix fixe menu where for $25 per person you can enjoy an appetizer, entrée and dessert. The menu changes constantly and offers a lot of exciting seasonal treats.

Pro Tip: They offer $10 wine pairings with lunch. A great way to enjoy a very reasonably priced, well-paired glass with your meal.

14. Demera

• Address: 4801 N Broadway St.
  Chicago, IL 60640. Click here for directions and reviews.
• Phone: (773) 334-8787
• Hours: Friday and Saturday: 12 – 9pm. Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday: 12 – 8pm. Tuesday: 12:30pm – 8pm

Rated as the best Ethiopian food in the Windy City, this is a gem among the best places to eat in Chicago. This Michelin Guide recommended restaurant is a great place to take a group of friends for a family-style night out.

The interior is bright, friendly, and easy to plop down in a seat and get your eat on.

There are vegetarian and vegan options to choose from on the menu (although the menu can be a little daunting and hard to navigate if it’s your first time – just trust that this food is outstanding!). They also feature imported African beers, which you should give a try.

Pro Tip: Ethiopian food is eaten with your hands, and if you have never tried this incredible cuisine, come with an open mind (and clean hands!).

*Lunch Bonus* Also check out Revival Food Hall for a wide variety of restaurants all under one roof.

Best Places to Eat in Chicago For Snacks and Brews

Walking in Chicago is one of my favorite pastimes and whenever I visit, I’ll walk until my feet feel like they’ll fall off. That’s why knowing a couple of the best places to eat in Chicago that can dish out a snack and a beer to break up the walk is so critical!

My Chicago friends have taken me to many of these places listed below when we’re walking around. It’s like they’re calling us to come in and take a load off.

In my opinion, you can’t come to Chicago without trying at least one local brewery and eating a Chicago hot dog. So, here’s a list of the recommendations I have for beers and snacks to help you get the most out of your strolls.

15. The Wiener Circle

Update: The Wiener Circle is currently undergoing renovations, check their Facebook page to see when they will reopen. 

• Address: 2622 N Clark St,
  Chicago, IL 60614. Click here for directions and reviews.
• Phone: (773) 477-7444
• Hours: Monday-Sunday: 11am—4am

The Weiner Circle has a well-known reputation among places to eat in Chicago, for just toeing the line between a joke-like vibe and flat-out insults hurled at the customers.

When I last walked in with a friend, the lady behind the cash machine had just finished telling off a customer for “taking too long to order”.

I made sure I knew just what the hell I was ordering before I stepped up.

Their hot dogs speak for themselves, however, and you can’t miss a chance to bite into a crunchy, crispy, overstuffed charred ‘dog that sings Chicago’s praises (even if you won’t hear them from the cashier).

Pro Tip: This is a great place to come if you are looking for a post-drink-a-thon night out.

16. The Doughnut Vault

• Address: 401 N Franklin St
  Chicago, IL 60654. Click here for directions and reviews.
• Phone: (312) 285-2830
• Hours: Wednesday – Sunday: 7:30am – 1pm 

There are two locations in Chicago, because these doughnuts are that good. You can get whatever type of fried dough you feel like: glazed, stuffed, plain, dusted… you name it.

Sometimes there will be a line out the door for people waiting to get their hands on a doughnut.

Their selection of flavours and varieties changes daily, so go with an open mind. You might come away with a new favourite flavour.

Pro Tip: Don’t wait until the end of the day to get here, this bakery closes its doors once the stock runs out!

17. Four Moon Tavern

• Address: 1847 W Roscoe St.
  Chicago, IL 60657. Click here for directions and reviews.
• Phone: (773) 929-6666
• Hours: Monday-Thursday: 3pm-11pm. Friday and Saturday: 12pm-12am. Sunday: 10am – 11pm

This is a true neighbourhood bar with lots of space and a little patio to go and spend some time outside. Play a game of billiards or put some money in the old-school jukebox, this is a good, classic pub to get a brew and some nibbles.

The food is great: Four Moon’s bar food rotates, but their chicken tenders are really good. Occasionally, they’ll feature a chicken pot pie that is out of control delicious. You can also order some great cheap drinks.

Pro Tip: This spot is a hang for lots of theatre people who’ll go for a nightcap after finishing with their evening performances.

18. Hop Leaf

• Address: 5148 N Clark St
  Chicago, IL 60640. Click here for directions and reviews.
• Phone: (773) 334-9851
• Hours: Friday and Saturday: 12-11pm. Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday: 12-10pm. Monday and Tuesday: 12-9pm

This is a bar where you can get seasonal fare, a great beer and not be distracted by a million TVs!

I think the best places to eat in Chicago are airy, filled with good conversation, and don’t constantly bombard customers with a loud sports game or TV show.

Hop Leaf is a 21+ adults-only bar. No kids. No families. Just adults eating good food — making it one of the coolest places to eat in Chicago.

They have wine on tap and they are always rotating their beer and wine list, offering the visitor a chance to just hang with grown-ups and order good, cheap food (like maybe a cashew butter and jelly sandwich?). Don’t miss this spot, or the other best bars in Chicago.

Pro Tip: They also have live shows a couple of times a month if you’d like to see some storytelling or reading or performances by local artists. Check out their website for more details.

19. Begyle Brewing Company

• Address: 1800 W Cuyler Ave.
  Chicago, IL 60613. Click here for directions and to see reviews.
• Phone: (773) 661-6963
• Hours: Monday-Thursday: 3pm-9pm, Friday: 12pm-9pm, Saturday: 11am-9pm, Sunday: 12pm-6pm

A neighbourhood bar where lots of locals chill out with a good brew and good friends. This is a smaller, no-frills place where you can drink good, artisanal beer.

I recommend Begyle Brewing Co. because you’re likely to avoid the worst of any tourist crowd and get a chance to rub elbows with locals.

Begyle does not offer a full kitchen for eating, but they do encourage you to bring your own food and there are often food trucks parked near the brewery to fill an empty stomach. Be sure to take a brewery tour while there.

Pro Tip: There’s a skee ball machine!

Don’t miss this video of the awesome things to do in Chicago!

20. Billy Goat Tavern

• Address: 60 E. Lake Street
  Chicago, IL 60601. Click here for directions and reviews.
  (And 4 other locations around the city)
• Phone: (312) 346-5620
• Hours vary by location.

Among the best places to eat in Chicago, few are as classic and historic as the Bill Goat Tavern (the original opened in the 1930s).

The location I listed above is on the “lower-level” of Chicago, meaning its no-frills, Gotham-like location was perfect for the set of some of the Batman movies (which were filmed here!).

Billy Goat is most famous for their “cheezborger,” which you are encouraged to order with more than one cheesy meat patty if you desire. The burgers aren’t served with lettuce or tomato, instead heaped high with pickles. There are no fries, either. You can get a bag of chips.

Pro Tip: Coming here for the burger is all well and good, but the location is also really cool to walk around and pretend you’re on the set of a Batman movie.

21. Waterfront Cafe

• Address: 6219 N Sheridan Rd.
  Chicago, IL 60660. Click here for directions and reviews.
• Phone: (773) 761-3294
• Hours: 7 days a week: 12 – 9pm

If you visit Chicago, this is a great patio-only restaurant featuring views of Lake Michigan and a chance to get as much of a beachy vibe as possible while in the Windy City.

The restaurant is right on the water and the atmosphere is really chilled out. Come enjoy the sun and wind while sipping a very reasonable $10 sangria.

Waterfront Cafe has a small selection of eats and they feature live music on weekend nights. For a really nice Lake Michigan experience, this is one of the best places to eat in Chicago.

Pro-Tip: Go for the views. Seriously. This restaurant still feels like a hidden gem and isn’t too crowded.

Now You Know Where to Eat in Chicago!

While there are numerous fun things to do in Chicago, the fact that the city is known for its foodie scene means that you must indulge during your trip – it’s practically a requirement!

As you can tell from this list, Chicago offers food from all around the world, plus the typical American classics. I hope this list gave you some inspiration for amazing dining options in Chicago.

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If you’re wondering what it’s like to live in Denver as a digital nomad, you’re in the right place. Even though it’s a pretty large city, living in Denver, Colorado is an excellent way to experience this beautiful part of the United States.

I’ve been living in downtown Denver for the past 8 months, and it’s been fantastic!

While I’m not technically a digital nomad, I do work remotely for myself and run my own freelance branding and web design studio while working with clients worldwide. 

By the end of this post, you’ll know everything from the best area to live in Denver and the cost of living, plus what it’s like to be a remote worker there.

Here’s everything you need to know about living in Denver as a digital nomad.

What’s It Like Living in Denver?

Living in Denver is unlike living in any other city, which is why I personally love it so much and think it’s the perfect place for digital nomads.

Denver is located right at the foothills of the breathtaking Rocky Mountains, so it’s often used as a home base for adventuring throughout the mountains and the rest of the state.

So many great day trips are just a short ways away, like Rocky Mountain National Park, Idaho Springs, and Boulder.

Everyone in Denver is so kind, especially the locals, which (in my experience) is a vast difference from the eastern United States.

Denverites love helping people who just moved to the area or are visiting, and people are just so incredibly welcoming here.

There are numerous things to do in Denver and those who live in and around the city are very much into the outdoors.

It’s not often that you’ll meet a local who hasn’t at least attempted to hike a 14er (mountains that rise 14,000 feet or higher), and pretty much everyone knows how to ski or snowboard — sports are big here.

One thing that you should know about Denver is that it is located high above sea level (5,280 feet / 1,609 meters), which is why it’s dubbed as the “Mile High City.” Because of the elevation, you can get dehydrated really quickly due to the dryness in the air.

However, the elevation helps a lot when it comes to weather. Denver gets more sun than Miami as the locals like to say, with an average of over 300 days of sun every year. Plus, when it’s warm, it’s never humid.

Remote Working in Denver

Working remotely while living in Denver, Colorado, is terrific because there are so many other freelancers, entrepreneurs, and remote workers in the city.

Plus, as I mentioned earlier, you can be working in your hotel or co-working space in the morning only to be hiking to the top of the Flatirons in Boulder by the afternoon.

The area is filled with so many fun destinations that should be at the top of anyone’s Colorado bucket list.

Hotels in Denver are relatively affordable compared to other big cities (most places cost less than $100 USD right in Lower Downtown), and there are also a few hostels. Airbnbs are also pretty abundant here and can be affordable for more extended stays.

So many events are held in Denver throughout the year, some of which are free. This can be a great way to meet other locals or travellers who are digital nomads just like you during your visit.

In addition, Denver is a massive foodie city. Plus, you can get almost anything delivered right to your door with Grubhub, Uber Eats, Doordash, or Postmates.

Because everyone loves staying active in Denver, it’s really easy to stay healthy too, which is essential for digital nomad life. Join a local gym, attend a free outdoor yoga class at the Red Rocks, or rent a city bike and ride it around the city.

Is Denver Safe?

According to Colorado Biz, Denver is the safest city in the USA! When it comes to violent crime, property crime, natural disasters, drinking water violations and transportation fatalities, Denver ranks lowest.

Denver is mostly safe for anyone travelling or living here. Of course, you shouldn’t travel places alone at night or visit areas that may seem sketchy.

Like anywhere, there isn’t any specific area in Denver with absolutely no crime, but you can try to stay in a place with lower crime rates. More on the best area to live in Denver can be read about in the next section of this article.

Personally, I have had nothing unsafe happen around me since moving here 8 months ago, and I live in one of the busiest areas of the city. However, I do use common sense like I would if I were travelling anywhere else.

Here are a few things that you can do while living in Denver, Colorado to keep yourself safe.

Don’t Jaywalk

It can be so tempting to jaywalk when you’re in a city, but it’s illegal almost everywhere in the United States.

Plus, just because you think there isn’t a car coming doesn’t mean that one won’t just turn a corner and suddenly be there honking a horn at you.

Utilize the Bike Lanes

You’ll most likely find yourself getting around by riding a bike or an electric scooter — it’s affordable, you can get some exercise and enjoy the fresh air.

Make sure you use the bike lanes throughout the city marked in green paint so that you don’t hit any pedestrians on the sidewalks. 

Also, according to this article, Colorado residents are known to be some of the worst drivers in the country, so be cautious when riding your bike!

Stick to Populated Areas

A good rule of thumb is to stick to areas where there are many people. Generally speaking, when there are more people around, the odds of incidents occurring are less likely due to all the potential witnesses.

This goes for anywhere in the world. Avoid empty alleyways, quiet dark streets and just be cautious when walking alone.

Keep a Close Eye on Your Belongings

When walking through a crowd, make sure you keep your important belongings close to you. A great way to do this is to also use a bag with zippers instead of one that is always open such as a tote bag.

Have Insurance

You should always have insurance, but if you plan to enjoy any of the outdoor sports on offer in Denver (and you should), make sure to have proper insurance in case of any accidents. Have a look at Safety Wing’s nomad insurance to see if it works for you.

What Is The Best Area To Live in Denver?

There are many great neighbourhoods in Denver. Here are a few of the best places to consider staying while living in Denver as a digital nomad.

LoDo (Lower Downtown)

LoDo is the historic area in Denver that’s considered the centre of the city. It’s located near everything; Union Station, Coors Field, the 16th Street Mall, Larimer Square, and the Capitol Building.

Because it’s right downtown, you’d think that it’d be crazy expensive, but that’s not the case.

Apartments here, in particular, aren’t that expensive (they tend to be around $1500 USD per month), and there are hotels and hostels in the area with low rates.

Living in this part of the city means that you won’t have to rely on public transportation as much and you can get around on foot. 

Cherry Creek

Cherry Creek is arguably one of the most beautiful neighbourhoods in Denver, but it can also be pretty expensive to stay here. This part of the city is always kept the cleanest, and there are tons of activities to do in the area.

In Cherry Creek, you can grab a bite to eat at the famous Cherry Cricket, shop at the mall, or check out the art galleries. However, this is an area to consider if you have a bit more money to spend on accommodation.

Five Points/RiNo (River North)

Just north of LoDo is this hip and trendy neighbourhood. It’s filled with tons of street art, delicious food, and many local breweries, so you’ll never be out of things to do here.

This area doesn’t have the high pricetag as downtown does and it’s a more affordable neighbourhood for digital nomads.

However, living in this area, you’ll most likely have to rely on public transportation because it is a bit farther from all the must-visit places in the city.

Highland Park

To stay right outside of all the best attractions in Denver, consider staying in Highland Park. This area is located right next to Confluence Park, one of Denver’s best and biggest urban green spaces right along the river.

Highland Park is relatively walkable and has tons of great shops and restaurants. Plus, it’s home to the iconic Little Man Ice Cream stand, a favourite among locals and tourists.

Co-Working Spaces in Denver

Because the cost of living in Denver is pretty low compared to other states in the USA, you’ll have some money to spend at one of the city’s great coworking spaces. Luckily, there are quite a few.

Here are some of the top-rated coworking spaces in Denver.

WeWork

WeWork has taken the world by storm, so it’s kind of a given that there are quite a few locations throughout Denver. They have locations in the Financial House, Wells Fargo Center, Tabor Center, The Circa Building, The Lab, and the Triangle Building.

Rates at WeWork are pretty affordable, and you can choose between a private office, hot desk, or even purchase day passes using the app.

Green Spaces

Green Spaces on Walnut Street is another of Denver’s great coworking spaces. It’s located in RiNo and has a really fun industrial and modern feel to it, and is the perfect way to meet and work among other remote workers.

Similar to WeWork, you can purchase access to a dedicated desk, private office, or hot desk.

Expansive 16th Street

If you are staying downtown, then you’ll most likely be pretty close to Expansive 16th Street.

This co-working space is located right on the 16th Street Mall and stands out from others in the city because it has a huge rooftop balcony so you can work outside and enjoy the Denver sunshine.

There are private offices, suites, conference rooms, and hot desks here. Plus, the amenities are endless.

Creative Density Coworking

This fun community, Creative Density Coworking, was built by freelancers for freelancers. The inside is painted in fun, vibrant colours, and they have locations in Uptown, Cap Hill, and Lone Tree.

At this co-working space, you can get a hot desk, office, or permanent desk. No matter your budget, this co-working space can most likely accommodate you, which is why it’s such a great place to work as a digital nomad.

How To Find Accommodation in Denver

It’s pretty easy to find apartments and other accommodations throughout Denver. Below are a few of the easiest ways to find a place to stay during your time in the city.

Airbnb

To book accommodation and have an apartment to yourself or stay in someone else’s house in a private room, check out Airbnb. As with most locations, try booking a stay for an advanced period of time to get a discount.

A great way to find better prices on Airbnb is to be a bit more flexible with your dates by clicking the +-7 button when picking your travel dates. This helps widen up your search!

Be sure to also be on the hunt for locations run by Superhosts, which means they are hosted by top-rated hosts on the platform and have received lots of great reviews since putting their home on Airbnb.

Facebook Groups

If you’re on a time crunch, then you’ll want to check out a few local Facebook groups that make finding a place to stay easy.

These Facebook groups include people looking for a place to stay and those who are putting their house or apartment up for rent, or even just a room in their home.

Check out Denver Housing, Rooms, Apartments, Sublets, Roommates and Denver Apartments/Rooms/Houses for Rent/Sale. You do have to request to join these groups, but once you’re in, there are places to stay galore.

VRBO

Similar to Airbnb, VRBO is a great resource for finding a place to stay in Denver. They have some different locations that aren’t mentioned on Airbnb, so it’s worth checking out both of the sites to cover your bases.

Wifi Speeds in Denver

Wifi speeds are pretty great while living in Denver. I’m living in downtown Denver and at my apartment, I ran an internet speed test and I have a download speed of 150 Mbps and an upload speed of 40 Mbps. Not too bad!

I’ve never run into issues with wifi speed in Denver, and sometimes I also work at local coffee shops. Wifi is not something you’ll have to worry about as a digital nomad in Denver.

Cost Of Living in Denver  

Denver may not be the cheapest city to live in the USA, but it’s definitely affordable.

The cost of living in Denver really depends on where in the city you are staying. My average monthly spending is around $1,000 total and I have a roommate. 

I use public transportation, live in LoDo, and shop at King Soopers.

For reference, you could probably expect to spend between $2000 to $5000 for two people, depending on where you choose to stay.

Below, find a breakdown of the cost of living in Denver.  

Accommodation Costs in Denver

Accommodation costs vary more than any other cost depending on where you stay within the city.

The average accommodation cost for two people on Airbnb is around $1800 a month, but it can range up to approximately $4,000 for luxury accommodation.

For pretty affordable housing in a great location, definitely consider LoDo. With a short walk, you can be in Cap Hill, watch a Rockies game at Coors Field, or get to Union Station to travel around the rest of the Denver surrounding area. 

Transportation Costs in Denver

If you use public transportation, your costs can be kept relatively low. Day passes can be purchased starting at $5 USD, which lets you take buses and trains locally, which is all you’ll need to get around.

Getting around by scooter or bicycle is a great option. Just download the Lyft app and you’re all set. Scooters are $1 to unlock and $0.30 per minute. 

If you plan to have a car, definitely try to find accommodation with a free parking spot if you can. Parking is $4/hour in a lot, up to $24/day. Learn more about monthly parking here.  

Grocery Costs in Denver

While there are many different grocery stores in Denver, try to avoid Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s if you want to save some money.

Opt to shop at shops like Safeway or King Soopers to keep costs lower, and download their respective apps to get immediate coupons and rewards.

I spend around $350 a month (split between two people) for groceries in Denver, so you could expect somewhere around that number for two people. Unless, of course, you prefer higher-end groceries and specialty foods.

Restaurant Costs in Denver

Most meals in Denver at restaurants are pretty reasonably priced and are comparable to meals in other cities.

The average entree at a restaurant downtown on the 16th Street Mall costs around $15 USD, while more luxury meals start at around $50 USD.

Save money on restaurant meals during one of Denver’s best week-long festivals, Denver Restaurant Week. This happens 1-2 times throughout the year and a whole bunch of restaurants offer three-course meals for affordable prices.

Gym Costs in Denver

Denver is filled with many different gyms, so definitely shop around before locking in a price and signing a contract for your membership.

Prices start as low as $10 USD at rec centres but can go up to around $250 USD for more premium memberships.

Some apartments also include a gym membership in their rent, like the place that I stay at in LoDo. Definitely keep that in mind while you’re doing your accommodation search, because it can help you save a bit of money.

Weather in Denver

Honestly, the weather in Denver is one of the reasons that it makes such an ideal digital nomad location. As mentioned earlier, it’s sunny almost every day of the year, so even when it’s cold, it’s not that cold.

Because of where Denver is located, it does get all four seasons, so you can expect to have snow if you visit in winter. Colorado is a winter sports paradise, after all.

When it does snow, it never stays long because of the sun. If you wake up to a foot of snow, it may be mostly melted by the time you get ready for bed in the evening.

Here are some of the average temperatures each season.

• Winter: 0°C (32°F)
• Spring: 9°C (48°F)
• Summer: 40°C (75°F)
• Fall: 11°C (41°F)

If you do visit during winter, keep in mind that they don’t plow the snow off the roads or sidewalks here when it snows. This also includes the highways.

Be sure to plan your digital nomad trip wisely by thinking about the activities that you most want to do during your time living in Denver. If you want to snowboard, for example, you definitely won’t want to visit in the dead of summer.

Pros and Cons of Living in Denver 

There are quite a few pros and cons of living in Denver, but the pros definitely outweigh the cons. Below, find some of my own pros and cons that I’ve come across over the past eight months.

Pros of Living in Denver as a Digital Nomad

• It’s right next to the Rocky Mountains, so nature is just a short drive away
• The weather is almost always beautiful, and the sun is pretty much always out
• There are many coworking spaces for digital nomads
• Wifi speeds are relatively high
• You can easily live here without a car and use public transportation
• It’s a safe city

Cons of Living in Denver as a Digital Nomad

• If you don’t book accommodation in advance, it can be costly
• It’s a city so you’ll pay more than living in a suburb
• Denver is landlocked

Conclusion

Now you know all about living in Denver, Colorado as a digital nomad. I absolutely love living here and it’s one of my favourite places that I’ve ever lived, or even travelled to.

There’s no better feeling than being able to escape the world for a little while to head to the mountains or support locals at a delicious brewery while taking a break from work.

Be sure to save and pin this for later if you’re looking for your next best digital nomad destination.

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Wine, gastronomy, boutique accommodations and a low-key vibe. Valle de Guadalupe offers this and much more making it an ideal travel destination for foodies and wine aficionados.

Located in Baja California, Mexico, this underrated area of the country is a great place for a fun weekend with friends, a romantic getaway, or for those who are simply wanting to eat good food and drink excellent wine.

The accommodations and restaurants blend almost seamlessly into the desert landscape, and you’ll almost always have dogs, cats and livestock nearby.

While it has quite a rustic, farm feel to it, visitors here seem to dress to impress.

You’ll spot tourists, photographers and “Instagrammers” dressed for the destination — wearing a desert-inspired colour palette that suits the scene.

We recently ate and drank our way through the Valle de Guadalupe (Guadalupe Valley) on a week-long trip and are already missing the region!

In this post, I’ll list the best things to do in Valle de Guadalupe, the top wineries, where to eat, where to stay, and my top tips for a great trip to Baja California.

About Valle de Guadalupe

Most travellers to Mexico have heard about Cabo San Lucas, Cancun, Mexico City, and Oaxaca, but surprisingly, Valle de Guadalupe remains somewhat hidden. For oenophiles, this is one of the best places to visit in Mexico.

Of the 14 wine regions in the country, this is Mexico’s best. The quality of wine in the Valle completely surprised us!

If you’re into big, bold, juicy, oaked reds, you will not be disappointed. But don’t worry if you’re not, there are some excellent white and rose wines as well.

The Valle de Guadalupe (Valle) has been producing wine for around 200 years, with this region contributing to 90% of the wine produced in the country. And while wine consumption may not be as popular in Mexico as beer and tequila, it’s getting there.

The area is also known for its stylish accommodations, sophisticated atmosphere, and awarded gastronomy — most of which are reached by driving down dusty, dirt roads.

With the Pacific Ocean nearby, the area creates a microclimate of its own, which is similar to the Mediterranean. Grapes and other fruits and vegetables are easily grown here, while the seafood is pulled fresh from the ocean just 30 minutes away.

5 Best Wineries in the Valley

Unlike other places in the world where we’ve travelled for wine, all of the wineries in the Valle de Guadalupe charge for tastings — anywhere from $10 – $50, usually for 4 small glasses.

It’s recommended to make a reservation for tastings, not only to ensure you get a spot, but to make sure they are open. Weekends are busy, as are the summer months and holidays.

There are numerous wineries to explore and wines to sample, here’s a quick list of our favourites.

1. Baron Balch’e

If you’re into aged red wines, Baron Balch’e is your place. This well-known winery offers 18 different labels — 14 reds, 3 whites and 1 Clarette.

Included in the tasting is a tour of the cellar, which is a nice addition. There’s also a restaurant on-site. Baron Balch’e offers 5 different packages at different prices and levels of wine quality: A – E.

If you’re a red wine drinker, I recommend the premium tour “D” for 600 pesos ($30), or at the very least, tasting “C” for 330 pesos ($16.50). We lucked out and were given the tour by Norman who is an expert Sommelier. Ask for him if you can!

Reservations aren’t necessary, as you will just join the tour to the cellar as one becomes available in your language (Spanish & English). Click here to find Baron Balch’e on the map, or call them here: +526466881032

2. Retorno

This super small, unassuming place is where to go for a chilled-out setting (ie: non-Instagram), but with a cool winemaker and fantastic reds. This is a great family-owned place.

The winemaker gave us barrel tastings, we sampled some newer wine out of the metal vat and enjoyed the conversation. Plus, Carlota the labrador dog was so sweet!

Tastings here are affordable at 140 pesos ($7) for the basic or $200 ($12) for the complete. For whites, the Teo is oaky on the nose and slightly fruity to taste.

For reds, don’t miss sampling the Palabra, Retorno, and the Década (which celebrated the winery’s tenth anniversary) — all are oaked, dry, bold, and complex.

Reservations are necessary, call them here: +526461519247 or send an email to info@vinicolaretorno.com. Find Retorno on the map, here.

3. Relieve

Relieve is completely different from the two wineries above. This stylish, modern winery and vineyard is surrounded by rows of vines and has a nice patio available for a drink.

We had been enjoying wines by Relieve while living in Playa del Carmen, so it was nice to be at the source!

The tastings here are 650 pesos and again, I recommend doing the premium tasting. The Tempranillo and Merlot are fantastic with lots of oak, deep red fruits, and a long finish. The Nebbiolo isn’t on the tasting menu but is a great bottle as well.

Reservations are recommended. Call Relieve here: +526462475285 and find them on the map here.

4. Don Tomás

The setting here is stunning. You can drink wine and have lunch at the tables that are completely surrounded by vines, or on one of the other decks.

We weren’t impressed with the lack of information provided with the tastings here, but the quality of wine made up for that. Also, a small cheese and bread board is included with the tastings — which is the only place in the Valley we found that.

The premium tasting is 400 pesos ($20) and included all red wines, while the basic is 250 pesos ($12.50).

5. Vena Cava

The hillside here was dug out to create a natural cooling system for the barrels. The tastings are held here as well.

A really cool feature of Vena Cava is the fishing boat which has been flipped upside down and acts as the roof. Vena Cava is all about recycling and reusing.

Sadly, when we visited they weren’t offering the premium tasting. We did enjoy the regular tasting and learned a lot about the winery from the guide.

After you’re done with the tastings, make sure to eat at the onsite food truck, Troika. Order the oysters, cabbage, and mushroom risotto — you can thank me later.

The basic tasting is $18, two natural wines and two regular wines is $20, four natural wines is $35. If you want to do a premium tasting, you have to reserve in advance.

Call them here to reserve: +52 (646) 156 8053 or make a reservation through their website here. Find Vena Cava on the map here.

Other Must-Visit Wineries:

1. Montefiori (Vinos Paolini) – Mexican wines with an Italian heart is the slogan here. Italian winemaker who has been in Mexico since 1985. This is a classy setting with a nice view. 450 pesos ($22) for a premium tasting. Find it on the map, here.
2. Emevé – Modern winery, nice vineyard views. The explanation of the wines was informative and the wines are good as well. 250 pesos ($12) for 3 tastings, or 400 pesos ($19) for 4 tastings with a souvenir glass. Click here to see it on the map.
3. Cava Maciel – A small, more off-track winery that is definitely worth the visit. The explanation of the wines here is top-notch. The winemakers here are passionate, fun, and informative. We really enjoyed the wines. It’s 350 pesos ($17) for a basic tasting and 500 pesos ($24) for a premium one. Find it here.
4. Viña de Frannes – One of the most gorgeous lunch and tasting settings! Viña de Frannes is one of the only places doing a Cabernet Franc with 12 months in French oak — it was fantastic. Try the rib eye pizza and ceviche, all was so good. Find it here.
5. Casta – Another place that includes a cellar tour in the tasting. In fact, we actually did the tasting down in the cellar! Pretty cool. The staff here were great and many details and information were given about the wines we were sampling. The wines here were quite nice as well. Tastings are between 200 – 400 pesos ($10 – $20). Find it on the map here.
6. Magoni – Lovely area under a huge oak tree. The Nebbiolos are good and they also offer a balsamic vinegar tasting. Regular four tasting costs 220 pesos ($11), six tastings cost 280 ($14) and the reserva tasting with 4 wines and snacks costs 650 ($33).
7. Vinos Dubacano – our driver and his family actually own this tasting room, which is surrounded by vines. Inside has sort of a bar feel to it, and while we sat at the counter, our driver explained their wine and we sampled many! They offer 5 different types of tastings, with the premium tasting coming in at 350 pesos ($17.50) – for 5 glasses. Find them here.
8. Vinicola Kruger – this is a funky place with a few tables and chairs and an elevated, converted shipping container for a rooftop sitting area. This place was part of the tour we booked with our driver. We didn’t have a chance to sample the premium wines, but the basics were good. There are four gorgeous dogs here too! Find it on the map.
9. Xecué – This is a relaxed place with an amazing view across the valley. When we visited, they were really busy and didn’t really give us much explanation on the wines, and the pours were pretty tiny. Tastings are 300 pesos ($15), premium tastings are 400 pesos ($20) and are offered Friday – Sunday. Find it here.

We didn’t visit the more commercial wineries: El Cielo, Monte X’anic and LA Cetto, although they are popular.

One winery we did visit and don’t recommend is Lechuza. Each tasting glass was the same price as a full-sized, regular glass of wine. Their reasoning for that was that we paid more due to the information that we received during the tasting.

No information was given about the wines that we couldn’t have found on the back of the bottle, and we were ignored most of the time. Plus, the setting here is just off the highway. Personally, it wasn’t our favourite place.

Where to Eat in Valle de Guadalupe

Foodies rejoice! This destination offers tasty menus and incredible dining settings.

Whether you want to do a tasting menu with wine pairing, dine on cuisine cooked by a Michelin-starred chef, or eat more traditional Mexican food, you’ll find it in the Valle de Guadalupe.

Many of the restaurants are available for reservations on the OpenTable app. If not, you’ll need to call them directly. Something to note is that dinner times aren’t late in the Valle with many restaurants closing around 8:30pm.

There are numerous restaurants to eat at, but these are my recommended spots.

1. Deckman’s

Michelin-starred chef Drew Deckman heads the open-air kitchen here. If you only eat at one restaurant, make it this one, and make sure you are there to enjoy the sunset!

The concept here is locally sourced, farm-to-table, slow food. It’s casual, yet elegant.

We watched the sunset over the vineyard and mountains in the distance while sitting under a towering pine tree. As the sun went down, fairy lights twinkled above the diners and the kitchen — creating a magical scene.

I recommend the sea bass, and short rib for mains, and the beets for a starter. The food and location are top-notch.

We saved Deckman’s for our last meal in the Valle and it didn’t disappoint. Learn more here and find the restaurant on the map here.

2. Finca Altozano

Another popular spot for lunch or dinner. The setting here is incredible and it’s a great place to take photos and enjoy the sunset over the valley.

We only had a light meal here of risotto and burrata salad to share, but the food was good, the restaurant was really busy and the open-air kitchen was great.

Call +52 646 156 8045 for reservations and find Finca Altozano on the map here.

3. Fauna

This is part of Bruma which offers a very unique dining setting. Choose between out front under umbrellas, inside, or in the back under a “roof” of intertwined sticks.

Warning, don’t choose to sit at the back when the sun is out as it doesn’t provide enough shade! The food here is fantastic and David Castro Hussong’s menu is constantly changing.

One thing that annoyed us is we found the menu to be unnecessarily pretentious, with the food available listed as: “cabbage”, “oysters”, “lettuce”, “scallops”… I mean, where’s the description of the dish?!

If available, try the grilled cabbage, oysters and chicken sopes (sometimes they do duck sopes). All of these were incredibly flavourful. Call to reserve: +52 646 103 6403 or use Open Table to book and find it here on the map.

4. Troika

This is a food truck that’s on the Vena Cava winery property. We did a tasting at the winery followed by lunch here. For a food truck, the cuisine is superb!

Dine at picnic tables next to a small pond with ducks and geese paddling by. Don’t miss the mushroom risotto, oysters and grilled cabbage — they were perfectly seasoned, well-balanced, and delicious. Phone: +52 646 246 4123 and find Troika on the map here.

5. La Cocina de Doña Esthela

This family-run place has almost 6,000 reviews on Google Maps!

It started as just a simple stand serving the local community breakfast. It has since expanded, but the quality and authenticity have remained the same (we talked to numerous locals who confirmed this).

The typical meals here are borrega which is lamb that has been roasted in a clay oven for 48 hours and elote (corn) pancakes.

Expect huge lineups, but it’s worth the wait. We went mid-week around noon and it was packed, but weekends are even busier. Gordon Ramsay was actually here in February 2021! Find it on the map here.

Other Food Options:

1. Doce: this restaurant is at the Bubbles by Campera. We stayed here so decided to eat at the onsite restaurant as well. The artichoke ravioli was delicate and delicious and the roasted lamb was great.
2. Animalon: a very popular place with a tasting menu. Dining under a beautiful, old oak tree. We didn’t have a chance to eat here, but it’s supposed to be great.
3. Once Pueblos: the view from here is stunning! Make sure to come for a drink at least. We stayed for dinner and the amuse-bouche and starter were great, but our mains were lacking. One was too salty and one was underseasoned.
4. Casa Frida: a very cool place to come for lunch, a photoshoot and a glass of wine.
5. Decantos Vinicola: we didn’t have a chance to eat or drink here, but it comes highly recommended and looks like a great spot.
6. Lunario and TrasLomita: on the same property and with the same chef, these two restaurants come highly recommended.

Things To Do in Valle de Guadalupe

As you can probably tell by now, the top things to do in Valle de Guadalupe are eating and drinking!

I listed the best restaurants and wineries above, but, here’s a quick rundown of a few other top things to do in and around the Valle (including Ensenada).

1. Visit a Museum

Learn about the history of wine in the region at the Museo del Vino. You’ll also find an art gallery, amphitheater and garden here. Russian Molokans settled in the Valle in the early 1900s and the Museo Ruso showcases a typical adobe house and you can also learn more about the history of these immigrants.

2. Watch Sunset

Grab a drink at Bura Cuatro Cuatros and watch the sun touch the ocean. Two other great spots are Deckman’s restaurant and Latitud 32 where the sun dips behind the mountains with the vineyards in the forefront.

3. Take a Helicopter Ride

Feel like splurging? Join a helicopter tour of the vineyards! Some of the trips even include flying over the ocean. Have a look at this tour or this one.

4. Yoga and Day Spa

One of the top activities in the Valle de Guadalupe is to join a yoga class, or simply relax at the spa. Luna de Sol is just the place to combine both.

5. Go Hiking

You can either do some walking around the dirt roads in the valley or if you’re up for a bit of a trek, head to El Salto Waterfall Trail, which is about a 30-minute drive from the Valle. The fairly easy trail is 3.5 kilometers in and out.

6. Get a Massage

There’s actually a mobile massage service that will come to your accommodation in the Valle! The therapists bring everything needed and can set up wherever you would like them to. Learn more here.

How To Get to Valle de Guadalupe

Getting to the Valley is relatively easy.

By Land From The United States

Many Americans simply cross the Californian border at San Ysidro or Otay Mesa and head south to reach the Valle de Guadalupe.

From San Diego to the Valle it’s just a two-and-a-half-hour drive. Check the live wait times at the border crossings here.

By Air

The closest airport to the Valle is Tijuana International Airport.

We flew into Tijuana Airport and rented a car to drive to the Valle. From the Tijuana airport to the Valle, it’s around a 2-hour drive. Give yourself extra time for traffic, or any issues on the highway.

By Rental Car

After you’ve arrived at the airport, I recommend renting a car to drive to Valle. You’ll want to have your own wheels as there’s no Uber or buses and while there are taxis, they are pricey and need to be arranged in advance.

Which Rental Company?

In Mexico, when you look online at websites like Expedia, the cost of renting a car is incredibly cheap. But in Mexico, the price is too good to be true!

There is mandatory insurance coverage that you must have in the country, which tacks on a LOT to the rental price that you see on booking engines.

We rented our car with Enterprise directly and paid $30 per day including full insurance coverage.

There’s an Enterprise booth at arrivals at the airport where you go to tell them you’ve arrived. Then, a van will pick you up and take you to the rental car, which is just a 2-minute drive away.

Mark the pick-up spot on your map…we didn’t and couldn’t find it when it came time to drop the car off! The customer service at Enterprise was amazing and I recommend them.

Unless you’re visiting during the wet/muddy season, don’t listen to people when they say you need an SUV for this part of Mexico. We had a 4-door, compact car and it was fine.

Which Route from Tijuana Airport to the Valle?

There are a few routes to take out of Tijuana, with highway 1D being the newer scenic route (with tolls). Highway 1 is the older highway, which is a bit slow going when you leave Tijuana due to the streetlights before getting out onto the highway.

Highway 1D is a tolled (cuota) road. It’s 4 lanes wide and winds its way along the coastline, which is why it’s called the scenic highway.

If you choose to drive 1D from Tijuana to the Valle, you will hit 3 toll booths which charge 40 pesos ($2) each.

This was our route driving to and from the Valle (we hit a lot of traffic on Highway 1 when returning back to the airport): Highway 1 to 1D, and up Highway 3 to the Valle.

Notes on driving from Tijuana to the Valle de Guadalupe:

We had no intention of driving at night.

But, our plane was delayed and we arrived at 8:30 pm at Tijuana airport. After speaking with our hotel in the Valle and the rental car company, both said that many of their guests and clients drive this route at night with no issues.

We didn’t have any problems, but it can be intimidating driving in a foreign country while trying to navigate a new destination in the dark.

The 1D highway is strange in that there are no lights along it. So, if you were to turn off your headlights, it would be pitch black. We had our high beams on the whole time just to be able to see!

Be mindful at night due to animals on the road, broken-down cars without lights, and potholes when you’re off the highway.

During the mornings, there might be fog as well due to the proximity to the ocean.

Top Tips For Visiting Valle de Guadalupe

Here are a few things to note during your trip.

1. US Dollars and Pesos are used interchangeably. If coming from the USA, you could just use dollars if you wanted.
2. You need reservations for restaurants and hotels, especially on weekends when SO many Americans come across the border from California!
3. You can make reservations for most restaurants on Open Table which makes things really easy as many places don’t answer their phones or emails.
4. You also need reservations for tastings – just a day before or even the same day is ok, but you have to call and book.
5. It’s best to hire a designated driver when you plan to do a full day of tasting. Drivers go for around $25/hour, or you can book a tasting tour. We booked this tour with Ivan and enjoyed it. We also hired him again a couple of days later as our driver. This is another option for a wine tour.
6. Plan your wine tasting and food route. You don’t want to visit a winery at the north of the Valle, followed by one in the south. Plan accordingly and do a few that are next to each other. This saves time and backtracking.
7. The main roads are Ruta 3 and Calle Principal. Outside of those, it’s pretty much just dirt!
8. People eat early and restaurants close early in the Valle. Sunset is around 7:00 and since it’s a desert, it’s cold at night (at least in May it was).
9. Wear closed shoes — for dust and dirt, for comfort, and for when it’s cold.

Where to Stay in the Valley

There are numerous options for accommodation — small Airbnbs, luxury hotels, and boutique villas. We stayed at 4 different properties (due to not booking ahead on Memorial Day weekend…) and based ourselves around different parts of the Valley.

It ended up working out really well! Here’s where we stayed:

Contemplacion Boutique

The villas here are amazing. Each individual villa offers floor-to-ceiling windows, a huge bathroom, air-conditioning, coffee machine and a small fridge.

Not only are the accommodations comfortable, but the property is gorgeous and the staff are friendly as well.

We booked the “Superior Cabin with panoramic mountain view” and were very happy with our booking, which also included a good breakfast. The only downside is that because it’s floor-to-ceiling windows, it doesn’t offer a lot of privacy.

We really enjoyed our stay at Contemplacion and would return in a heartbeat. The location was great as well. Find the location on the map here and read reviews and see the latest price on Booking.com.

Campera Hotel Burbuja

Have you stayed in a bubble before? This glamping experience can be had here in the Valley!

There’s no frame in these bubbles and air is continuously pumped into the bubble to keep it inflated. There’s a private bathroom inside and the clear front and top of the bubble allow for views of the vineyard and stars at night.

It’s an adults-only property and you’re not allowed to walk in front of the bubbles, which is great for privacy. The onsite restaurant, Doce, serves up tasty food and the staff are very friendly.

We stayed 1 night in the bubble and in my opinion, that is enough time. It’s a novelty stay and a unique experience, but there’s not a lot of space and it’s not practical for a longer stay. Find it on the map here and learn more here.

Rancho Los Retoños

We loved it here! These villas are in an excellent location on the western bank of the Valley, surrounded by vineyards and with easy access to wineries nearby. Ours was Villa Napoli and we enjoyed our stay.

Each villa has a little walk-out deck with a seating area and a firepit that the staff will light for you on request.

There are walking trails around the property, the sweetest dog named Chavo, the staff are so friendly and the beds are really comfortable as well. Plus, a huge breakfast is included in the price.

All in all, this was probably our favourite place to stay in the Valle de Guadalupe. Note that there isn’t an onsite restaurant, but there is a small bar for buying drinks. You can learn more on their Facebook page, or on Airbnb. Find it on the map, here.

Challet Tur

This place offers a one-off bungalow. This is how Airbnb stays used to be — a helpful, friendly host who lives on the property and gives you all sorts of information and advice.

The bungalow we booked had 2 bedrooms, a small kitchen (no stove), a bathroom and living area. There was a fire pit outside and chairs and a table. We did some great morning walks here and even spotted a coyote one morning!

The property was in a great location near many vineyards and restaurants. We enjoyed our stay here. Find it on Airbnb here and on Google Maps.

Frequently Asked Questions

You probably still have questions, I know we did when figuring out how to visit the Valle de Guadalupe.

When is the best time to visit the Valle de Guadalupe?

April – May, and October – November are the best times to visit the Valle de Guadalupe.

The desert heat isn’t as intense as the summer months and the light breeze is nice. Plus, it’s not as cold as it would be in the winter. August has the Harvest Festival, which means high crowds but lots of parties and festivals (plus grape-filled vines).

Is Valle de Guadalupe safe?

Yes, it’s safe for tourists to visit the Valle de Guadalupe. As with many places in Mexico, most crime is related to drug cartel activity, and won’t affect tourists. Stay away from all things related to drugs and stick to the wine!

There are police patrolling the Valle de Guadalupe but we were told there are little to no check stops. Either way, it’s always best to join a wine tour with a guide, or hire a local driver if you plan on drinking wine.

What should I wear to the Valle de Guadalupe?

In my opinion, you should wear comfortable shoes and clothing. There are full articles for “inspirational Valle de Guadalupe” outfits online, which are basically for those who want to do Instagram shoots. So, it depends on what you’re looking for!

I chose to wear jeans and a nice top, and I always had a black cardigan with me for when it was windy or chilly at night. In the evenings in May, it was actually quite cold so Nick and I both had our down jackets.

Nick wore shorts some days, or jeans. A short-sleeved collared shirt at nice dinners and a t-shirt otherwise.

For shoes, you’ll want sneakers or if you’re looking to be more stylish, then flat boots are a good idea. Regardless, you’ll see all sorts of attire, so just wear what you feel comfortable in. Due to the sun (and for style) a hat is another smart option.

Is the Valle de Guadalupe Expensive?

Short answer, yes. Especially when compared to other rural destinations in Mexico.

However, if you’re coming from the United States, you’ll find this wine region much more affordable than Napa and actually, it’s on par with expensive Mexican destinations like Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and Puerto Vallarta.

Accommodation can range from $60 – $250+ per night depending on what you book. Tastings are around $10 – $50 for four small glasses. Meals range depending on where you eat, but for two people at a nice restaurant with wine, expect to spend around $100.

Have Fun in the Valle!

Mexico has so much to offer travellers, and now with wine tourism on the rise, it’s just one more reason to visit this incredible country. I hope you found this guide useful, if so, please share it on social media. Happy winery touring!

 

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Finding a source of income while getting an education can be difficult, but don’t worry, there are many online jobs for college students with no experience. No matter your skillset, there is a job that you can do from the comfort of your own dorm room or apartment.

I recently graduated during the spring of 2020 (yes, it was over a Zoom video) and while in school I found some ways for college students to make money online.

Since graduating, I’ve created an entire business completely online and am now location-independent, living the dream.

Luckily, no matter your interests, there is some sort of online work that will interest you. By the end of this article, you’ll have countless options to start earning money as soon as next week!

Here are the best online jobs for college students with no experience.

1. Blogger (or Another Type of Website)

One of the best online jobs for college students with no experience is to try out blogging! I actually did this myself and started a blog nine years ago, so I can verify that this is a great option.

How to Get the Job

If you are interested in starting your own website or blog, it’s pretty easy to get the job. You don’t have to apply to have a blog at all; you just have to purchase a domain, get hosting, set up your website, and you’re good to go.

There are tons of blog topics out there, but it’s best to choose the one you actually care about.

If you select a topic such as parenting when you don’t even have kids, for example, then you’ll have nothing to write about. 

Some popular blogging topics include travel, food, health and fitness, and even arts and crafts. Take the time to think about what niche you’d be able to endlessly write about, but also consider if it’s one of the profitable blog topics if you plan on eventually monetizing it.

Blogging is easily one of the top online jobs for students to earn money because of how easy it is to start doing. However, you must understand that blogging is a career that takes time to build up.

 

Compared to some other jobs on this list, it may be a few years before you even start to see any money rolling in from your website.

That’s why blogging is often started as a side hustle while you’re in college because, by the time you graduate, you might have gained enough momentum to make a decent income from your website.

To be a successful blogger, make sure to learn all about SEO or search engine optimization. Without it, you’ll never rank on Google and, therefore, will have difficulty getting organic traffic. Also, be sure to utilize Pinterest from the moment you start your website.

How Much it Pays

Many bloggers make a living from their websites, but these are often the bloggers who have been at it for a few years. Most beginner bloggers are lucky to make between $100 and $500 per month.

Once you become more established, you can start earning anywhere from $2,000 and higher per month. Some of the most successful bloggers out there make more than $25,000 per month.

To make money on your blog, you’ll want to try to get with an ad network (like Mediavine, Ezoic, etc.) and focus a lot on affiliate marketing. You’ll also want to consider creating digital products or online courses that you can sell to your readers. 

2. Freelance Writing

Freelance writing is another of the great online jobs for students to earn money at home. As a college student, you’re surely writing essays almost weekly for your classes (no matter what your major is), so you’re most likely a top-notch writer by this point.

How to Get the Job

With freelance writing, you will have to apply to different positions that you’ll find online.

Many freelance writers who are just beginning their careers use websites like Upwork and Fiverr to start finding clients. I’ve had lots of success with Upwork in particular.

Another option, instead of using freelance job searchers like those, is to check out different online publications in your niche.

For example, if you want to write in the travel niche, you might check out National Geographic Traveller to see if they accept any new writers.

The difference between applying to jobs on Upwork versus applying to be a writer for online publications is that usually, Upwork clients are looking for someone immediately. You can start to get work a lot quicker on Upwork, most likely, which is something to consider.

While you don’t necessarily have to pick a niche for your freelance writing, it can help set you apart from your competition.

It will also be easier for you to find positions because you could search for terms such as “travel freelance writer jobs” instead of just “freelance writer jobs.”

How Much it Pays

Freelance writing pays differently depending on your client and how you would prefer to be paid. Usually, freelance writers are paid either a set rate for an article within a specific word range, or they’re paid by the word.

It’s suggested that freelance writers should never get paid by the hour. Sure, when you are just starting out, this could result in a lot of money. 

However, as time goes on and you get quicker at writing, you’ll regret getting paid hourly. Plus, clients often like to know how much it will cost them for an article before they hire you.

Most beginner freelance writers will make around $50 USD for an article between 2,000 and 3,000 words. Once you start to gain more experience or begin to get booked out, you can start charging around $0.25 or higher per word.

Another thing to keep in mind is that different types of freelance writers get a different payout. For instance, often website copywriters earn a lot more than blog article writers.

If you niche down into a particular industry early on, you’ll also be more likely to charge more as you gain more experience. You could also consider niching in an industry similar to your college major, which could get you a higher pay at a quicker rate.

See Also: 10 Websites With Freelance Writing Jobs for Beginners

3. Social Media Manager

It may seem too good to be true, but one way for college students to make money online is to be a social media manager. 

How to Get the Job

You genuinely don’t need any experience to do this, especially because you probably use social media every day anyway.

It’s highly possible that you know more about social media than some social media managers out there who already have tons of clients!

There are a few different ways to get a job as a social media manager, which is why it is excellent online work for students to make money.

The first (and easiest) way is to work as a freelancer and either start your own social media management business or use sites like Upwork and Fiverr.

I made more than enough to live off of by creating my own social media management business and found most of my clients through Upwork, so it’s doable.

Another option is to try to use Facebook Groups to get jobs. Join groups with online business owners, and soon enough, you’ll find that many people are looking for help with their social media. You could easily step in and help them out.

Last but not least, you could look for part-time jobs with companies online. However, this would probably take up more of your time than if you were just to freelance because you wouldn’t be able to pick your own hours.

I’ve also never been asked about my experience before for social media management, which makes it a perfect opportunity for college students. You can also set your own rates and work whatever hours you want to work, making it ideal for a college schedule.

How Much it Pays

Social media managers who are just starting out vary in pay scale. If you work part-time for a company, you’d be paid hourly, usually between $13 to $20 USD as a beginner.

However, if you choose to be a freelancer and offer services on your own, you can charge a lot more.

The best way to charge is with fixed-rate packages, and you’ll want your beginning package to be around $300 USD to start out, with some of your more extensive and comprehensive packages costing a lot more.

For reference, when I first started, I had three different packages: $350, $500, and $650 USD. The majority of my clients were at the $500 USD package, but it was good to have an upsell package if they wanted more services.

This can be pretty lucrative, making it one of the best online jobs for college students with no experience.

Keep in mind that you might have some monthly expenses as a freelancer though, including client management systems, social media schedulers, and even analytics tools.

I pay around $150 USD for these a month, but they make my services even more successful which leads to more referrals and happy clients.

4. Graphic Design

Being a graphic designer is another of the online jobs for students to earn money.

Sure, studying design in school and having a few internships can help your craft, but if you dabbled in design in high school or have created elaborate group presentations for class before using Canva, you can do this.

How to Get the Job

Similar to social media management, the best way to get work as a graphic designer is to use websites like Upwork or Fiverr. This allows you to find immediate work and set your own rates.

You could also use Facebook Groups or look for part-time positions, but freelancing is the best way for you to get started with no experience necessary. 

If you are interested in being a graphic designer but want to learn more about it, you’re in luck. There are tons of tutorials online that you can watch for free, and nobody will question whether you design in Canva or the Adobe suite.

While often a portfolio is needed for designers, this isn’t always the case. I’ve been asked to show my work pretty rarely on a site like Upwork, which is why it’s excellent for you to go there if you have no experience but want to get started in this field of work.

Even if you do find a client that wants to see your portfolio, you could show items you’ve created in school like presentations or even an elaborate Instagram graphic design you’ve created.

Or, you could be completely honest and say you haven’t grown your portfolio yet because you’re currently working towards getting a degree and are doing this as a side hustle.

How Much it Pays

Graphic design is one of the best online jobs for students to earn money at home because the pay is pretty good compared to some other jobs on this list.

Beginners can expect to charge around $20 USD hourly, and as your clientele and experience grow, you can start charging upwards of $50 USD per hour.

If you’d rather, you could also charge a fixed rate price for your projects. This could be a better option if you are fast with your work and still want to be paid an adequate amount.

5. Be an Entrepreneur

Gen Z has proven that you can start a business at any age, including while you’re in college. So, why not consider being an entrepreneur?

How to Get the Job

While being an entrepreneur isn’t the most conventional of online jobs for college students with no experience, it can be an extremely rewarding one.

As far as how to get the job, all you have to do is think of a great idea so that you can start your business. You’ll want to think about whether you’d rather have an e-commerce shop or a service-based business.

Some fun e-commerce shop ideas for college students include making jewellery out of polymer clay or making digital products online. Of course, there are tons of other ideas, but they are easy to do with a limited amount of space.

If you choose to start a service-based business, your options are pretty endless. You could be a website designer, consultant, or even a coach for a topic you love.

The great thing about both of these options is that nobody will ask you about your experience unless you willingly give it to them. They will be more interested in the work that you do or the products that you sell more than anything else.

How Much it Pays

Entrepreneurs put a lot of money into their business upfront to see a payoff. Of course, if you choose to have an e-commerce store, you’re going to have to put more into your business upfront versus if you’re an online service-based business owner.

After putting the money into your business, you should start to see it pay off with sales and more clients over time. Becoming an entrepreneur is a great way to turn your passions into profits. 

Entrepreneurs range a lot in how much money they make. Some make around $10,000 a year, while others can earn upwards of $100,000. It all depends on how much work you put into your business and how much you charge for your products or services.

6. Teach English (one of the best online jobs for college students)

If English is your first language, then you’re in luck: you can get paid to teach English online. This is one of the most sought-after jobs out there because no experience is needed, and it’s perfect for college students.

If English isn’t your first language, you can teach your native tongue online with platforms like PrePly or Cambly.

How to Get the Job

Usually, you’ll at least need a Bachelor’s degree and a TEFL certificate, but that’s not always the case.

There are quite a few companies that will hire you without having a Bachelor’s degree yet, which is why it’s such a great job for college students to have some supplemental income. 

Magic Ears requires you to be currently pursuing a degree, which is why teaching English with that company is a great way to make money while you’re in school! Magic Ears pays up to $26/hour. Learn more here and read our Magic Ears review.

Your experience of speaking English for years is enough to teach it to people in other countries.

To get a job teaching English online, you will have to go through an application process. You’ll be interviewed, which many people say is often a pretty easy and stress-free interview compared to other jobs.

Then, if you’re hired, you’re ready to start working and teaching others. Often, you’ll be teaching students in Asia who want to learn English as a second language. This is one of the most rewarding online jobs for college students with no experience.

How Much it Pays

Most jobs teaching English online are paid by the hour, so essentially your income will depend on the number of classes you teach each week.

You can usually get paid up to $26 USD per hour, which is a lot higher than minimum wage in all states in the U.S.

Some companies will even still pay you for no-shows, so you’re guaranteed to make money whether your student comes to your course ready to learn or not.

Plus, you can teach from the comfort of your own dorm room or apartment as long as you have a strong internet connection.

Learn more about obtaining a cheap TEFL certificate and find teaching English online jobs here.

7. Virtual Assistant

If you are good at following directions and love helping out other people, then being a virtual assistant could be perfect for you. Plus, no experience is needed, so it’s one of the ideal online jobs for students to earn money.

How to Get the Job

Believe it or not, but there are tons of online business owners who are looking for a virtual assistant just like you.

Plus, many of these people would be eager to hire someone in college because you’re learning so much at school that you might be able even to help apply to their business.

Often, a lot of virtual assistant jobs can be found on Upwork. I’ve been working with a client since last July as a marketing virtual assistant through Upwork which has been an excellent long-term income source for me.

Another option is also Facebook Groups, because often people in groups ask for help with just one small task and you can upsell them on your service packages.

You might be wondering what exactly a virtual assistant does. Well, that depends greatly on your interests and your skillset.

Virtual assistants do various tasks, including social media management, content creation, writing, schedule management, email management, editing, and more. Their sole purpose is to help out the business owner in any way that they can.

No experience is necessary for this job, but having some skill sets will come in handy. However, as a college student, you’d be able to help out with schedule management, at least since you already do that on a daily basis.

The great thing about being a virtual assistant though is that you can easily pick the type of client that you love to help. Maybe you love helping online creatives like graphic designers or web designers.

You might even find that you love helping bloggers in a specific niche, and that can become your specialty.

How Much it Pays

Beginner virtual assistants earn less than those with more experience but can expect to earn between $15 to $20 USD when first starting out. As you gain more experience, you can quickly start charging upwards of $50 USD.

Often, virtual assistants will sell their services in hourly packages. So, perhaps you’ll have a 5-hour package, 15-hour package, and a 30-hour package.

Normally, the packages are sold at a discounted rate versus your hourly price in order to entice people to purchase more work for you.

One way to fast-track your way to charging more for your work is to pick a specialty.

For instance, I have a close business friend who is a course tech virtual assistant, which means she helps explicitly out course creators with workbooks, writing lessons, and preparing presentations.

8. Course Creator

Is there something that you’re incredibly passionate about that you’d love to teach other people? Consider being a course creator!

How to Get the Job

Being a course creator is usually a completely freelance gig, meaning that you’re in charge of yourself and won’t apply for a job. So, you will want to start your own business, create a website, and begin creating courses.

There are tons of topics that you can create courses on.

Maybe you’re super interested in jewelry-making, and you’ve been doing it since high school. Well, you can make an online course about it to teach others how to make jewelry as you do.

This can be a gratifying job if you like helping other people. I’ve worked quite a bit in the course creator space, and it’s tons of fun, especially if the course is a topic you’re passionate about.

Once you create your course, you’ll want to find the perfect hosting platform to get all of your course information online and quickly retrievable by students. Some great options include Kajabi, Thinkific, and Teachable.

Often, being a course creator means putting in a lot of time upfront before seeing a payoff, similar to starting a blog. That’s why it’s great to start this career while you’re in college. By the time you graduate, you might have gained enough of a following to make a decent income.

☞ SEE ALSO: 7 Best Platforms to Sell Courses Online 

How Much it Pays

Unlike other jobs on this list, there is not a set income for course creators.

Essentially, course creators make a digital product that is then sold online in their shop. So, the amount of income you make depends on how much you market your course.

As far as pricing goes, you’ll want to price depending on how much information you’re giving to your students. Most courses will go between $47 USD (for a mini-course) and $2000 (for a course that comes with live classes).

Often, self-paced courses cost less than ones with live Zoom calls, which is something to consider as a student.

One of my business mentors is a course creator and has made upwards of $20,000 USD some months because of how successful her business is now.

So, this can be an extremely lucrative job, especially if you move into coaching, consulting, and one-on-one business services after graduating.

9. Take Surveys

Yes, you can actually make money taking surveys online as a college student. This is one of the easiest jobs because you can just do it in your free time between classes or whenever you have the time.

How to Get the Job

Surveys are offered as a job online primarily due to market research. Companies want to see how you (and many others) behave when they are creating their products to make themselves as successful as possible. 

To get the job, you’re going to want to be careful. Unfortunately, there are many scams out there when it comes to taking surveys online, and these are not websites that you’ll want to visit for obvious reasons.

Luckily, there are a few reputable sites worth checking out, like SwagBucks or American Consumer Opinion. Just make sure you do your research and check out TrustPilot before signing up to take surveys on a website.

Keep in mind that this is also a time-consuming job. A survey could take you quite a while to take, and you might not get the biggest payout at all times.

How Much it Pays

Like I mentioned, taking surveys can be a pretty time-consuming job. Because of that, the payout can be pretty low. Often, one survey equals about $1 to $5 USD, depending on the company and website you are taking the survey from.

However, this can add up if you find the time to take many surveys throughout the month. You could easily make around $1000 USD if you plan it out well enough and have the time to do so.

You’ll also obviously need a computer and a strong internet connection to take these surveys. Taking them on your phone could be another option.

☞ SEE ALSO: Paid Online Surveys – The Top Companies That You Can Trust 

10. Transcriptionist

Last but not least, you could consider being a transcriptionist. This is one of the great online jobs for college students with no experience because all you have to do is listen and type.

How to Get the Job

Luckily, even though we have computers now, most companies will prefer actual people to do transcriptions for them instead to ensure better accuracy. Essentially, your job would be to listen to something and then type it out.

Usually, to get a job as a transcriptionist, you’ll have to take an online typing test and also a practice transcription test. Getting a job as a transcriptionist isn’t easy because it’s a sought-after job, but if you pass the tests, you’re one of the lucky ones.

You’ll want to do some internet searches online to find the best transcription jobs. Keep in mind that pay depends on which company you work with.

Other options include looking for a part-time job with an actual business looking for a one-off transcriptionist. It’s up to you which path you choose.

Keep in mind that you will need a strong internet connection, good headphones, and a computer to get this job done.

How Much it Pays

Most transcription jobs pay by the minute of audio that you transcribe, so you’ll get more pay as you get better at the job because you’ll be able to get through your assignments quicker.

When you first start out, it could easily take you 20 minutes or longer to get through a minute of audio.

The starting pay for a minute is usually around $0.30, but it varies depending on the company. As you gain more experience, you can easily make upwards of $2,000 per month with consistent work.

Conclusion

Now you know all of the top online jobs for college students with no experience. The key to being successful with this is to plan your schedule and work around your classes and be sure to not let your work overpower your education.

You’ll also want to make sure you thoroughly do your research to find a job that you will actually enjoy doing. I wish you the best of luck with earning some extra money as a college student!

Disclaimer:Goats On The Road is an Amazon Associate and also an affiliate for some other retailers. This means we earn commissions if you click links on our blog and purchase from those retailers.

Are you a course creator or an aspiring course creator? If so, then you’ve probably been wondering about the best platforms to sell online courses so that you can teach people and showcase your knowledge — while not breaking the bank.

As more and more people make the move to e-learning, online courses are really starting to become more popular.

These courses allow people to not only learn more about their interests from the comfort of home, but they help people make money online and become an entrepreneur themselves — while learning directly from the pros. 

If you have a hobby or a question that you commonly get asked in your industry, then it might be time that you develop a curriculum around that topic.

From there, you can turn it into a profitable course using one of the platforms to sell online courses listed below. By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly where to sell online courses, and you’ll be itching to create and promote a course of your own.

Here are the 7 best platforms to sell online courses.

1. Teachable

Easily one of the best platforms to sell online courses is Teachable.

This platform is one of the most commonly-used course platforms, and if you’ve ever taken a course online before, there’s a pretty high chance that it might’ve been hosted on Teachable. (Goats On The Road’s SEO Course is hosted on Teachable!)

Teachable Pricing

On Teachable, there are a few different tiers of payment and features. Here’s a short breakdown of each.

The most affordable option at Teachable is $29 USD per month paid annually or $39 USD per month paid monthly. 

This is marketed as the perfect package for first-time course creators and includes unlimited students, drip course content options, and integrated email marketing.

The biggest drawback of this tier is that there’s a 5% transaction fee on every course sale you make, which can add up.

Pro is the next tier up and costs $99 USD per month annually or $119 USD per month paid monthly. It has everything that’s included in basic but has no transaction fees, integrated affiliate marketing, and includes graded quiz options.

The most significant package at Teachable is the Business package for $249 USD per month annually or $299 USD per month paid monthly.

This tier includes everything in Basic and Pro but also allows 20 admin-level users, bulk student enrollments, and advanced theme customization options.

Pros and Cons of Teachable 

If you’re wondering where to sell online courses, Teachable could easily be the perfect option for you. However, you’ll want to consider the pros and cons before coming to your final decision.

Teachable has some excellent pros. You can sell more than just courses within the platform, including ebooks, digital products and downloads, or even workshops. You can also bundle your courses, payout your affiliates, and create upsells to generate even more money with your other offers. 

Easily one of the best things about Teachable too is that they recently came out with an app version.

This means that instead of trying to use the Teachable website, your students can easily access your material and learn almost anywhere while on the go at the click of a button.

Just like any platform, though, Teachable has its cons. One of the most common cons that people experience with Teachable is that it can be slow to load occasionally, but that can honestly just be due to a bad internet connection.

Other cons include the transaction fees for creators if you’re on the Basic plan and the integrations aren’t as high-tech as other platforms (you have to use Zapier for almost everything).

2. Thinkific

Many course creators and course consultants argue that the best platform to sell courses online is Thinkific. This is most likely because they actually offer an amazing free plan that allows you to dabble in course creation before making a full commitment. 

Thinkific Pricing

Obviously, when considering platforms to sell online courses, you have to think about the pricing. Here’s a breakdown of the different pricing tiers at Thinkific, as well as the features of each.

With the free plan, you can host up to three courses and have unlimited students. You can also utilize their quizzes and surveys feature (which is excellent for making sure your students retain their information), and you can also instantly access the money that you make.

The next plan is $39 USD per month and is called the Basic Plan. With this plan, you can have unlimited courses, unlimited students, coupons, drip content, a custom domain, email integrations, Zapier triggers, and even a custom domain!

Right after the Basic Plan is the Pro Plan, which costs $79 USD per month and includes everything that the Basic Plan has and then some.

You can have two site admin accounts, private and hidden courses, advanced pricing tiers, memberships, assignments, and live host lessons with Zoom.

The largest and most extensive package is the Premier Plan which costs $399 USD and has the types of features that you won’t need unless you make courses for a living.

Some of the features of this package include 15 group analysts, up to 50-course admins, an onboarding package, and a single sign-on.

Pros and Cons of Thinkific

Overall, there are quite a few pros and cons with Thinkific that you’ll also want to think about. 

Pros include that it allows a lot more advanced content (like drip content, assessments affiliate integration, etc.), and you can have fun assignments that will make your students want to keep returning back to your course to learn more.

Overall, the integrations used within Thinkific are also very advanced compared to other course hosting platforms out there. For example, you can use fun badge integrations to give your students a little virtual prize whenever they complete a particular lesson.

However, there are definitely some cons. The course player isn’t necessarily the prettiest, although around a year or so ago, they did update it, so it looks way better than it did.

The sales page and landing page customizers also kind of look a little blocky, so if having pretty landing pages to get people to sign up for your course is something that’s important to you, then you’ll want to create your own on your website and use outbound links to Thinkific.

3. Kajabi

If you’re wondering what the best platforms to sell online courses with tons of advanced features are, then you’ll want to consider using Kajabi.

Not only is Kajabi a course hosting platform, but many people also use it to build out their entire website instead of using something more traditional like WordPress or Squarespace.

As you may have guessed, pricing is a bit higher with Kajabi. However, the features are incredible. Read more about them below and find out why this is the best platform to sell courses online.

Kajabi Pricing

Their smallest level tier is called the Basic Plan and is either $149 USD per month billed monthly or $119 USD per month billed annually.

With this plan, you get one website, 1,000 members, unlimited marketing emails and landing pages, three products, and three pipelines. 

The next level tier is called the Grown Plan and costs slightly more at either $199 USD per month billed monthly, or $159 USD billed annually.

You can have 15 products, 15 pipelines, unlimited marketing emails and landing pages, one website, and 10,000 active members for this price.

At the very top is their largest tier, the Pro Plan, which is $399 USD per month monthly or $319 USD per month paid annually.

With this price tag, you can have up to 100 products, 100 pipelines, unlimited marketing emails and landing pages, 20,000 active members, 25 admin users, and three websites.

The pricing for Kajabi definitely gets more affordable as you grow your course collection and start offering more courses. 

Pros and Cons of Kajabi

Similar to Teachable and Thinkific, there are both pros and cons to start using Kajabi. Read more about them below.

Compared to other course hosting options, if you want a website and course hoster all in one, then Kajabi is perfect for that. Within Kajabi, you can sell everything as far as products go, create excellent email marketing funnels, and even have an optimized cart checkout with customizable landing pages.

Honestly, the major con to using Kajabi is the price tag. It’s not the most affordable platform to use if you’re new to selling courses and digital products because you don’t know how much money you’ll make just yet. It’s more so for once you’re a bi more established.

There are also not affiliate options for you to make extra money with your current clients, which is something that’s offered at lower price points with Teachable and Thinkific.

4. Podia

Another one of the best platforms to sell online courses is Podia, and this one is often overlooked. However, it offers quite a lot of great features for its price point, and it has a prettier interface than most other websites.

Podia has three different plan tiers, and they even use some pretty fun names for their tiers compared to other course hosting platforms. Below, learn more about the pricing and features of each tier.

Podia Pricing

The lowest tier, Mover, is $39 USD per month paid monthly. With this tier, you get unlimited everything, zero transaction fees, free migrations, daily support, and you can sell courses, digital downloads, or webinars. 

The features don’t end there; you also get customer messaging, the option to create bundles, a custom website, unlimited email subscribers, and up to 5,000 email recipients each month.

Shaker is the next plan and costs $79 USD per month.

It has absolutely everything that is included in the Mover plan but also allows you to sell memberships, have course certificates, do affiliate marketing, create an embedded checkout, and use third-party code as needed.

Plus, you can have up to 15,000 monthly email recipients instead of 5,000, like what is included in the Mover plan.

If you need more than that, then you may want to consider the Earthquake plan, which is $179 USD per month. The main differences with this package are that it allows you to have five additional teammates and up to 50,000 monthly email recipients.

Other extras with this plan include that you can have a white-labelled website, an onboarding call, a dedicated account manager, and a monthly group creator call. If you will be selling a lot, then this could be an excellent plan for you compared to the others.

Pros and Cons of Podia

So now that you know about the packages, it’s time to look deeper into the pros and cons of Podia. 

Arguably the prettiest platform on this list is Podia. It’s super customizable and has some of the best-looking landing pages and sales pages that you can create out of any other platform.

Plus, you can have unlimited products in your shop, so you don’t have to worry about upgrading just to be able to host more.

However, some of the cons include not having affiliate marketing in the lowest tier, and you can also only use PayPal as your payment integration on the lowest tier.

These two cons, though, aren’t really a big deal and they probably won’t be that much of a bother in the long run.

5. Circle.so

Circle.so is kind of like the new kid on the block when it comes to selling online courses. While you can host your courses here, it also doubles as a community-building platform so that you can be collaborative with your students here instead of in an off-platform Facebook Group.

There are a few different plans at Circle.so that range in price, which you can learn more about below. 

Circle.so Pricing

The lowest pricing tier is the Basic plan, and it costs $39 USD per month as most other platforms do. With this tier, you can have 1,000 members, a custom domain, ten spaces, and use Zapier integrations.

For $79 USD per month, you can use the Professional plan, which is slightly bigger. With this, you can get 10,000 members, 100 spaces, advanced reporting, priority email support, custom CSS and Javascript (great for customization), and a white-labelled community.

The most extensive package at Circle.so is $199 USD per month and is the Enterprise plan.

This is a huge leg up from the Professional plan and has 100,000 members, three communities, 1,000 spaces, and you’ll have a dedicated account manager in case you run into any issues ever.

Pros and Cons of Circle.so

What’s so great about Circle.so is that it’s much more different than the other course platforms on this list. It’s more of a newer platform too, so they are still coming out with new features on a rolling basis.

With each plan, you can customize the platform to match your business’s branding, integrate with your own website, and also connect it to another course platform if you’re using one.

For example, you could technically host all of your courses on Thinkific and then use Circle.so as a way to connect with your audience.

Circle.so also allows you to have hidden spaces, so you’d want to create a space for each course and then make a Zapier integration to immediately invite those who have signed up for your course into the space.

Another great thing about Circle.so is that you can host your monthly calls (if they’re included in your course) Directly within the platform’s call channels.

Cons include that it’s not as intuitive as some of the other platforms on this list. Part of your course will have to include a tutorial showing students how to get around the platform and utilize it because it might be confusing at first.

There also isn’t a free plan option, which could be considered a con if you’re looking for something on the cheaper side to just play around with course creation for now.

6. Kartra

Next up is Kartra, another one of the best platforms to sell online courses. This platform is excellent for course selling and tons of other great things, which will be discussed below.

There are four different plans available for purchase through Kartra, so you can easily pick the one that will help you the most.

Kartra Pricing

The Starter plan is the cheapest option at $99 USD per month. With this tier, you can have one custom domain, 50 GB of bandwidth, the ability to host 100 pages, 50 videos, and 20 products. Plus, you can build two membership sites.

Next is the Silver package, which is $199 USD per month with a bit more abilities. It includes three custom domains and unlimited emails, bandwidth, pages, products, videos, and membership sites.

Right after the Silver package is the Gold package at $299 USD per month. With this package, you get everything in the Silver package plus up to 5 custom domains and access to Kartra Agency.

Last but not least is the largest package that’s available at Kartra, the Platinum package for $499 USD per month. It includes absolutely everything in the Gold package but also allows you to have up to ten custom domains and unlimited team members and helpdesks.

So, as you can see, these packages can get quite large if you have the money to pay for them. However, most people would be perfectly fine on the Starter plan, especially with just a few courses or products.

Pros and Cons of Kartra

Of course, there are still some pros and cons that you’ll want to consider when choosing between Kartra and another platform.

Kartra has a huge leg up on its competition because there’s a massive knowledge base available in case you ever run into any issues. Plus, you can host all of your videos internally, and you won’t have to consider using a platform like Vimeo.

If you plan on ever having a membership that grants access to your courses, then Kartra is also perfect for that due to their great membership options.

There is also the ability to easily upsell your customers to get them to purchase something with a more extensive offer.

Honestly, the main downside to Kartra is its expensive price tag. At $99 USD per month for the lowest plan, that automatically makes Kartra the most expensive option on this list. It’s definitely something you’ll have to budget for.

Plus, the interface may not be as beautiful as Kajabi’s or Podia’s. 

7. LearnDash

Last but not least is LearnDash, which is a bit more of a unique option on this list because it mainly functions as a plugin to your WordPress site. Here’s a breakdown of the pricing options available for LearnDash.

LearnDash Pricing

Note that all pricing at LearnDash is annual and not monthly, which makes it a pretty affordable option if you have a WordPress site!

The Basic package comes in at $199 USD and includes one site license and unlimited courses and users. Plus, you can drip-feed your content, offer quizzes, have course forums, and even give certificates and badges to your students as they progress throughout your course.

Other inclusions are email notifications, free integrations, course content protection, and a demo site template as an added bonus. There’s also always a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Next is the Plus package, which is a bit more costly at $229 USD. It includes up to 10 site licenses, access to the ProPanel, and everything that’s included in the Basic package.

Last but not least is the largest package, the Pro tier.

This comes in at $369 USD and has everything in the Plus package plus a few minor tweaks. You can use this one on up to 25 site licenses, which can be helpful if you have lots of sites or work with lots of sites that will be using the plugin. 

Pros and Cons of LearnDash

There are also quite a few pros and cons that you’ll want to consider, which are outlined below.

First of all, the quizzing is pretty advanced compared to other platforms on this list. You can also add in prerequisites so that people can’t access certain parts of the course without completing other things like questionnaires or previous lessons.

This platform works on a drag and drop basis, meaning you have a lot of freedom when it comes to designing your course and moving things around.

Plus, the addition of a discussion forum makes it easy to connect with your audience without the addition of a Facebook Group or another platform like Circle.so.

Some cons for LearnDash include that it can only be used on WordPress, and it can be hard to get the hang of when you first start out.

You’ll most likely find yourself watching lots of YouTube tutorials and searching for how-to articles, while with platforms like Teachable, you’ll be able to figure out what to do pretty quickly.

Conclusion

Now you know all about the best platforms to sell online courses. If you found that you’re still a bit unsure about which platform is worth trying out after reading this article, then take advantage of the free trials.

Almost every platform on this list has at least a 14-day free trial for you to go into it and test out the waters before investing. Plus, there are also still lots of other platforms out there. Don’t hesitate to try out multiple platforms before taking the leap.

Disclaimer:Goats On The Road is an Amazon Associate and also an affiliate for some other retailers. This means we earn commissions if you click links on our blog and purchase from those retailers.

A blocky white fortress stands on rugged cliffs over the calm sapphire water of the Caribbean Sea. This is Tulum, one of the most spectacular archeological sites in Mexico.

Compared to other ancient Mayan cities, Tulum’s structures are rather small, the architecture isn’t especially detailed, and the site itself can be explored in less than an hour.

Despite this, the Tulum ruins are among the most famous and popular in Mexico — even the world.

Why? It’s all about real estate: location, location, location. Although most archeological sites in Mexico are inland, Tulum faces the sea, where sucrose beaches are hidden in coves under cliffs spotted with tropical plants.

You can climb down a tall wooden staircase to one of these beaches and swim out to view the limestone buildings from the sea. This experience makes the Tulum ruins on the beach one of the top destinations in the Mayan Riviera.

I’ve visited the ruins of Tulum many times on my frequent trips to Playa del Carmen and the town of Tulum.

It’s close to both and even easily reached from Cancun farther north. Indeed, no trip to the area is complete without a pilgrimage to Tulum.

In this guide, learn how to visit the Tulum ruins in Mexico.

History of the Tulum Mayan Ruins

The Mayan word “Tulum” means “wall” or “palisade.” As the name suggests, Tulum was a walled city, and the excavated ancient wall forms the boundaries of the archeological site today.

Tulum was first settled in the 6th century and peaked around 1200 CE.

Unlike other ancient Mayan cities in Mexico and Central America, most of which collapsed and were eventually abandoned a thousand years ago for reasons still unclear, Tulum remained a prosperous city until the Spanish conquest of the early 16th century.

Tulum’s strategic location made it an important trading center that linked the land and water routes of the ancient Mayan world. Its sturdy wall and tall cliffs along the sea fortified it against attacks from any direction.

After the arrival of the Spanish, Tulum’s decline was unfortunately rapid. This was due to European diseases rather than Spanish aggression, however, as the Spanish mostly left Tulum alone.

Tulum Pyramids and Temples to Visit

The site of the Tulum Mayan ruins forms a large rectangle along the coast. It can be divided into three general areas.

The central part is open and flat and has the largest buildings. The jungle is thicker in the areas to the north and south, where there are fewer structures.

A logical way to visit the site is from north to south, mostly because the entrance is to the north and there’s an exit to the south.

The site is small enough to see in an hour, but with swimming, wandering, and backtracking, you could extend a visit to three hours or so.

To explore the area to the north, take a left immediately upon entering the site. This path through leafy trees is often missed by people headed straight for the famous photo opportunity on the sea.

Right away you’ll see the House of the Cenote, which was the city’s source of fresh water and where residents worshiped the Mayan god of water.

Next to the sea and standing high on rocky cliffs, the Temple of the God of the Winds is the largest structure in the area to the north.

The little beach south of this temple is Playa Tortuga, which is designated for nesting sea turtles and off-limits to visitors.

The central area of the Tulum ruins is where most tourists gather. If you arrive early and want to get great photos, head here immediately before the crowds form and the sun gets high.

Among the excavated buildings, you’ll see countless iguanas sunning themselves on the stones or scrambling on the grass.

The tallest and most significant structure in Tulum is El Castillo, the Castle. It was used as a lighthouse and comprises three ornamental temples with columns, snake carvings, and animal-god figureheads.

A wide staircase leads to the top from the opposite side of the sea, but you can’t climb it.

Next to the Castle is the Descending God Temple, which features a sculpture of the deity above the entrance. Variations of this image of the Descending God can be seen throughout Tulum.

Across the path is the Temple of the Frescos, which was an observatory and contains impressive murals depicting the Mayan Underworld. The House of Columns and the House of Halach Uinik are farther down the path.

The southern section has the fewest structures. It’s also somewhat hilly, with paths winding through dense jungle. Make sure to take the path that follows the cliffs along the water for another perspective of the Castle on its seaside perch.

Things to Do at the Tulum Ruins

Aside from photography, you can enjoy two activities within the Tulum ruins: walking around the site and swimming at its little beach.

You can’t miss the beach located south of the Castle and the wide wooden staircase that leads down to it. There’s no place to change, so you may want to arrive with your swimming suit under your clothes.

Farther south of the Tulum ruins is Paradise Beach, commonly known as Tulum Beach. Wide and full of powdery sand, it’s regularly included on lists of the best beaches in Mexico.

A short road leads from the Tulum ruins down to Paradise Beach.

You can get to this road by exiting the ruins from the gate at the southwest corner of the site. Don’t step through this exit until you’ve seen everything in the archeological site, because you won’t be allowed back in once you leave.

If you walk for a while down the beach, eventually you’ll get to where another road leads to the town of Tulum.

It’s a long, hot walk on the side of the road to get to town, so you may want to take a taxi. The trip into Tulum town should cost around $100 pesos (5 USD).

As you walk down the beach, don’t forget to occasionally look behind you to see the ruins from a distance.

Where Are the Tulum Ruins Located?

The Tulum ruins are located a few miles north of the town of the same name. They’re easily accessible from anywhere on the Mayan Riviera, Mexico’s stretch of Caribbean coastline on the east side of the Yucatan Peninsula.

From Playa del Carmen, it takes about an hour to get there by car or colectivo, the white passenger vans that serve as public transportation.

It’s a longer trip from Cancun, about two hours, but it’s still possible to visit the Tulum ruins on a day trip from there.

From Tulum town, the easiest way to get to the ruins is by colectivo, which takes about 15 minutes.

Colectivos leave frequently from several stops on the highway through town, starting from near the ADO bus station. Make sure you’re on the correct side of the road.

Walking from town is also possible, which I did once. It takes about an hour.

A great option is to ride a bicycle, which takes only about 20 minutes. It’s easy to find a rental in town, or many hotels and hostels provide free bicycles for their guests to use.

In the area between the highway and the ruins are several decent but overpriced restaurants, some flagrantly overpriced souvenir shops, and lots of tour guides and hustlers. You don’t need to buy tickets until you reach the entrance of the archeological site.

When Is the Best Time To Visit?

Any time of year is a good time to visit the Tulum ruins on the beach.

The weather is beautiful and sunny year-round in the Mayan Riviera. Summer months are hotter and wetter, but regular winds from the Caribbean cool things off then.

One concern is hurricane season, which lasts from August to October. There’s obviously not much you can do about this, however.

Weather aside, an important thing to keep in mind is that the ruins near Tulum get extremely busy during peak travel season and Mexican holidays. At these times, a long line may form of people waiting to take the staircase down to the beach under the Castle.

Peak travel season is late December to early January (especially between Christmas and the New Year), and late July and early August.

Another time you should absolutely avoid is Semana Santa (Holy Week), the week before Easter, when many Mexicans travel. The Tulum pyramids are absolutely packed then.

Also, because the ruins near Tulum are free to enter on Sundays for Mexican citizens and foreign residents of Mexico, this day can get crowded as well.

It’s a good idea to get to the ruins early in the morning. If you arrive right when they open, you’ll beat the crowds, especially the tour buses that usually arrive at least an hour later.

Getting there early also means that you can walk around and enjoy the site before it gets too hot, and you’ll also get better photographs.

Best Tulum Ruins Tours

Taking a tour to the Tulum ruins is a good idea for several reasons.

You won’t have to arrange your own transportation, which is especially convenient if you’re staying in Cancun or Playa del Carmen. You’ll also have a guide explaining the history and archeological significance of the place.

Some tour agencies sell tickets that allow you to skip the line at the entrance, which is a great benefit if you visit during a busy time of year.

Many tours combine a visit to the Tulum ruins with other activities, like swimming in cenotes or exploring other archeological sites.

1. Cancun: Tulum and Cenotes 5 Hour Guided Tour

Departing from Cancun, this Tulum ruins tour follows up a two-hour guided visit to the archeological site with a visit to a nearby cenote, most likely Dos Ojos, one of the largest in the area.

Cenotes are fresh water caves and sinkholes found throughout the Yucatan peninsula. They’re great for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving.

2. Tulum and Cenotes Tour

If you don’t mind spending less time at the ruins, this tour is shorter than the previous and also includes a stop at a cenote.

After one hour at the Tulum ruins, you’ll go to the Kin Ha cenote near Puerto Morelos (between Cancun and Playa del Carmen). There’s an extra fee if you want to swim.

The tour departs from Cancun, and all transportation is included.

3. Day Trip to Tulum and Coba Ruins Including Cenote Swim and Lunch from Cancun

This Tulum ruins tour not only stops for a swim at a cenote, but also takes you to the ruins of Coba. Coba is another fascinating ancient Mayan city located inland about 45 minutes by bus from the Tulum ruins.

Coba is larger and quite a contrast from Tulum. It’s set deep in the jungle instead of next to the sea, and it has notably different architecture, including a tall irregular stone pyramid and a ball court.

Between the two archeological sites, the group cools off by swimming in the Casa Tortuga cenote.

The tour departs from either Cancun or Playa del Carmen, and it includes a large buffet lunch of Yucatan specialties.

MORE TULUM TOURS

Tulum Ruins Entrance Fee

The Tulum ruins cost 80 pesos to enter, which is about $4 USD. Make sure you bring pesos, not dollars or another currency. You’ll be charged an exorbitant rate if you exchange dollars outside of the site.

Entrance for Mexican citizens and foreign residents in Mexico is free on Sundays.

Tulum Mayan Ruins Hours

The current hours for the Tulum Ruins are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last access at 3:30 PM.

These hours will likely change as COVID-19 restrictions are eased, so check the official website of the Tulum ruins for updates.

Parking at the Tulum Ruins

The Tulum ruins don’t have a designated parking lot, although there’s plenty of parking in private lots outside the ruins. A spot with unlimited time should cost around $100 pesos (about $5 USD), although this depends on how busy the place is. Expect to pay more in peak season and during holidays.

Can You Climb the Tulum Ruins?

Climbing any of the structures is forbidden, as well as leaving the designated paths.

At archeological sites all over Mexico, I’ve met travelers who were convinced it would be a good idea to hide in the park overnight in order to climb one of the pyramids in the morning to catch the sunrise.

Forget about it for Tulum. There’s nowhere to hide, and you’ll surely be caught and arrested. (This goes for all ruins in Mexico, by the way.)

Swimming at Tulum’s Beach

Swimming at the Tulum ruins on the beach is one of the great pleasures of visiting the Mayan Riviera.

Playa Ruinas, usually known as Tulum Beach, is located directly to the south of the cliffs below the Castle. A sturdy wooden staircase leads down to the small beach.

As you can imagine, it sometimes gets incredibly crowded. If you arrive early, you may want to go there first to get a swim before the hordes descend upon it.

As mentioned, Paradise Beach, the big beach in Tulum, is located directly south of the ruin complex. Walking there is easy after visiting the ruins.

5 Top Tips for Visiting the Ruins Near Tulum

Here are my top tips for a great trip to the Tulum Ruins:

1. Don’t buy tickets from the hustlers or little stores between the highway and the entrance to the park, but buy them right at the park entrance.

2. Get there early, both to beat the crowds and also to have enough time left in the day to either head down to Paradise Beach or visit a nearby cenote.

3. One of the closest and best cenotes in Dos Ojos. Catch a colectivo (passenger van) on the highway outside the ruins for the short trip to Dos Ojos (or another cenote). You can also go scuba diving in Dos Ojos!

4. Bring lots of water, some snacks, and everything you need for the beach. Keep in mind that officially you aren’t allowed to bring in big bags or large amounts of food. A normal size backpack won’t be a problem, though.

5. For getting the best photos of the ruins, you’ll either want to get there right when it opens or stay until it closes. In the morning, the sun is over the sea, and in the afternoon, the sun is over land away from the sea.

Conclusion

If you have a limited amount of time in the Mayan Riviera and can only visit one Mayan ruin complex, then I recommend Tulum.

Chichen Itza is incredible. It’s a much larger site with better architecture, carvings, and sculptures. It’s also much farther away and requires a full day to properly appreciate.

Tulum, on the other hand, is an easy day trip from anywhere in the Mayan Riviera. It’s small enough that you can see it in only a few hours and then head to the beach, to a cenote, or into Tulum town for seafood or tacos.

Also, although Tulum’s Castle may not be as impressive as the iconic pyramid in Chichen Itza (also called the Castle), its location above the bright turquoise water of the Caribbean more than makes up for it.

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Disclaimer:Goats On The Road is an Amazon Associate and also an affiliate for some other retailers. This means we earn commissions if you click links on our blog and purchase from those retailers.