Top Things to do in Mexico
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Things to do in Mexico, Mexico: The Best Observatories & Planetariums
With 26 UNESCO-declared world heritage sites, charming colonial towns and dozens of thrilling cities, there's plenty to explore in this country of 109 million. Outside the cities, stunning Pacific beaches, stark deserts, mangrove swamps and swimming holes provide all you need for a relaxing, romantic or adventurous vacation. Captivating, cosmopolitan and chaotic Mexico City and the 32 states offer an incredible abundance of experiences, from laid-back and leisurely to upbeat to adrenalin-charging.
Restaurants in Mexico
1. Sierra de San Pedro Martir National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 24 reviews
This national park in northern Baja California is home to the 10,000-foot Devil's Peak (Picacho del Diablo), with its astronomical observatory at its summit, as well as more than 150,000 acres of pine grove.
2. Museo de Astronomia Prehispanica
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 85 reviews
The Prehispanic Astronomical Museum addresses a 10 year archeoastronomical research made at Cañada de la Virgen archaeological site in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato. The exposition explains the importance of the moon cycle at the site and the use of the pyramid as a calendar device.
Reviewed By 883liz - Chicago, United States
It was so worth the visit.! We stopped for lunch and a tour of the cultural astronomy museum at the Comida Prehispanica and the Mueso de Astronomia Prehispanica after a fascinating tour of the Pyramid at Canada de la Virgen (Albert Coffee). Altogether one of the best experiences of our lovely trip to San Miguel de Allende. Our reception from Dr. Rossana Quiro Ennis and her husband Jesus Real Ruiz was so warm and inviting. First we went to the back patio and watched one of the cooks prepare tortillas on the traditional comal while we began with our meal with delicious salsas and chips made from those ethereal tortillas. Two main dishes followed – one vegetable and the other with meat – then dessert and Mexican coffee. All the ingredients were not only organic and locally grown but food that was available to the indigenous people before the arrival of Spaniards. If this lunch was an example, they ate well! And so did we. When I asked Dr. Ennis how she and her husband decided to open both a restaurant and a museum, she explained, “We both found in cooking a way to connect the cycles of nature with the cycles of the sky, which was one of the main themes in prehispanic cosmogonic knowledge.” After lunch, Dr. Ennis described her involvement in the archeological exploration at the Pyramid. She had began by photographing the cycles of the moon as it rose behind the Pyramid over many years and observing the patterns as they must have appeared to the indigenous builders. As a cultural astronomer, she documented evidence of how the local Prehispanic people constructed the Pyramid to follow the complex, interlocking cycles of the moon and sun that they used to predict vital weather cycles and eclipses. She explained - at the level we could absorb - what she had discovered – and documented in her beautiful photographs. Do make time for this experience! It is uniquely engaging!!
3. Mono Rojo Museo/taller
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Local museun/gallery has been designed and built over the last 6 years by artist Guillermo Mazzoco. The museum has is own works of art, mostly sculpture, the works of his collective and a very special collection of Mayan artifacts. Mayan culture and history are infused throughout and the Becan ruins are located 500 meters away. This is a unique and authentic experience not to be missed.
Reviewed By S845LJhollyr - Tulum, Mexico
A hidden treasure that is more than just a museum. I’ve been to Mono Rojo (Becan, Campeche) three times now, and every time I leave, I immediately want to return. Its location right off busy Highway 186 belies a rustic, tranquil interior filled with art, interesting Mayan artifacts, dogs, and good vibes. Best of all, the spectacular ruins are just a short walk away! Mono Rojo continually evolves at the loving hands of its artist-owner, Memo Mazzoco, and his partner Monica Kumar. It’s easy to find and only about 90 minutes west of Bacalar. Do yourself a favor, get off the beaten tourist path and spend a day at Mono Rojo - you won’t regret it!
4. El Rosario Monarch Butterfly Preserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 149 reviews
Located next to the tiny village of El Rosario, this sanctuary is the winter nesting grounds for millions of monarch butterflies that migrate from the U.S. each year.
Reviewed By KLight_12
Getting to see the hundreds of millions of Monarch Butterflies at the El Rosario Monarch Butterfly Reserve was a dream come true! My husband and I went there with Natural Habitats Adventures in January 2020. We stayed in Angangueo for two nights. It is a charming town high in the mountains (about 9000 feet). The butterfly reserve is a few miles above the town near the top of the mountain. When we arrived at the reserve, we rode horses up the trail for a mile or so, then walked about half-mile to the area where the Monarchs were roosting in the Oyamel Fir trees. It was breath-taking to see the masses of monarchs hanging in the branches, thickly covering the tree trunks, and flying about when they were warmed by the sun. Seeing this spectacle was a bucket list adventure, I highly recommend going!
5. Planetario Alfa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 495 reviews
Reviewed By lourdesp433
There is a beautiful group of peacocks and different birds outside, just before you start the visit, then you have a science museum, perfect for children 3-14, and also an IMAX theater, with very interesting documentaries.
6. El Caracol
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 722 reviews
Reviewed By DelfinoEdward - Lucena, Brazil
This round structure inside Chichen Itza was an observatory. It is named “El Caracol” (“the Snail”) because it has a spiral staircase inside. It is believed that the building dates to 906 AD. Part of the Observatory’s platform and a portion of the tower resting on El Caracol has been lost, but it is believed that Mayans used this to observe Venus and many other astronomical events important to them. This is a major structure and is definitely worth viewing while here.
7. Planetario de Cozumel Cha'an Ka'an
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By 661MandyReid - Lake Forest, United States
I cannot say enough wonderful things about this place. First, the staff are amazing! Tony was very educated and very passionate about what he does. We ended up watching a movie in the Dome and it was absolutely incredible!! The imaging, the sound, everything was beyond our expectations. Second, do not be afraid to make the small trip out to this place. It is not that far from town and it is a must do!!! I was bummed our itinerary did not allow us time do participate in the star gazing because I'm sure it would have been incredible. I will definitely be doing that the next time I am in Cozumel. Also, for those that are worried about Covid19, they take all the necessary precautions to ensure you and your travel companions are safe. This is definitely a business everyone should continue to support during these difficult times. Thanks again to the staff & Tony who allowed us to come in for a private viewing! ????
8. Planetario de Morelia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
9. Planetario de Playa del Carmen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
10. Planetario Dr Jose Hernandez Moreno
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 17 reviews
"El planetario es un centro de educación recreativa cuyas actividades contribuyan al enriquecimiento de conocimientos sobre astronomía y las ciencias en general."
