Although the city does not have a lot of festivities being a small beach town, locals do get hyped up and participate with the events happening in bigger areas in the Yucatan peninsula, like in Cancun.

Some of these festivals are the following:

Bird Festival

One of the most anticipated events in the Yucatan Peninsula, especially by bird lovers, the annual Bird Festival takes participants to several exhibitions, conferences, and workshops dedicated to birds and anything about them. Usually taking place in November, the festival will surely bring you a lot of appreciation to the winged animals.

Yucatan Fair

The Yucatan Fair is considered to be one of Mexico’s most important events, particularly to the stock breeder trading industry. However, throughout the years, the lively and colorful event has already evolved from being a mere celebration for livestock to a celebration of other regional products as well. During this period, small theme parks, children’s shows, horse races, entertainers, cockfights, and the most anticipated Palenque festival take place around the peninsula.

Autumn Cultural Festival

Celebrating the rich culture of Yucatan, the Autumn Cultural Festival is another annual event not to miss when you are in Playa. The celebration is marked by lively music played around the region as well as several theater and dance productions.

So in case you get bored with your Spanish lessons, try to take a break and join in the fun in Playa del Carmen’s neighboring places.

Among the new world’s first cities, Monte Albán was founded during 500B.C. Today, it is known to be the capital of Oaxaca. For more than a millennium, the city was inhabited by the Zapotecs, who were also referred to as the ‘”cloud people”.

The archaeological site served as the heart of the Zapotecs’ culture, and up to this date, several landmarks which will show a hint of the civilization’s way of living can still be found on the area.

You can imagine several rituals and sacrifices performed in Monte Albán, as well as ball games and dances taking place. A number of astronomical observations and conquests were recorded in Monte Albán as well as the place has been home to only farmers, goldsmiths, and silversmiths, it was also home to many royalty, wisemen, and even astronomers. If that isn’t enough, many Zapotecs were buried here along with their worldly treasures – which now comprise the world’s largest Mesoamerican discovery! In fact in 1934, 500 pieces of jade and gold (now displayed In the Regional Museum of Oaxaca) were found here by Alfonso Caso, a Mexican archaeologist.

Get yourself on a tour to Monte Albán and see for yourself the wonders and mysteries of the Zapotec culture. Walk to its plazas and pyramids and let history unfold before you. You would better understand the life and culture of the people in Oaxaca after exploring its roots in Monte Albán.

And as you return to your classes, you will not only feel refreshed, you would also come more knowledgeable about the city.

Go for a water tour

Santa Catalina Monastery, Xochimilco Arches, and Seven Regions Fountain are some of the places to be in Oaxaca to go on a water tour.

Santa Catalina Monastery, located on 5 de Mayo, is a Colonial complex erected in 1576. It showcases the Los Lavaderos fountain that has a hydraulic system – which was used during the colonial period – to behold of. On the other hand, Xochimilco Arches, which is an aqueduct built during the 1700s, used to supply Oaxaca with water from the city of San Felipe del Agua. Also referred to as Arquitos, a visit to the three-blocked remain of the aqueduct would be a learning-filled experience.

The Seven Regions Fountain, which was built in the middle of the 20th century, was renovated during 2006. Decorated with some of the state’s bronze statues, the fountain is worth every minute of your tour.

Check out the buildings

Oaxaca is known for its historic architectural structures. If you have time during the weekend, or when you are on a break for your Spanish lessons, checking out these buildings would make you appreciate the city more.

Your list of to-visit buildings should include the Palacio Municipal (Oaxaca’s City Hall) which is located close to the Plaza de la Danza; the Macedonio Alcalá Theater which has been home to many opera, ballet, and concerts; and the National Pawnshop which was built during the end of the 1700s. Showcasing an example of the neoclassical architecture’s wonder, the structure used to be a home to a group that provides people with loans in exchange of their possessions.

If you want to discover more of the city, you can also visit its various monuments, auditoriums, stadiums, and libraries. Happy exploring!

Here are some of them:

Sirloin Stockade
(322) 221-2167

Perfect for those who are in a budget, Sirloin Stockade is among the city’s most crowded restaurants. Not only does it offer great Mexican cuisines at affordable prices, it also serves a buffet of international dishes, which range from Asian to Italian.

Los Chilaquiles
(322) 223-9432

A relatively new establishment in town, Los Chilaquiles specializes in traditional Mexican food. If you want a taste of authentic Mexican dishes, this restaurant should not miss your list. Open from breakfast to dinner, customers will spend an average of 200pesos in Los Chilaquiles.

El Arrayan
(322) 222-7195

A multi-awarded intimate Mexican restaurant, El Arrayan offers customers with Mexican dishes with a little bit of twist. Prepared using the country’s traditional ingredients, many restaurant-goers would notice the cuisines served in the restaurants to be “soulful”. Each person would approximately spend 250pesos eating at the restaurant.

El Andariego
(322) 223-2100

Located on the town’s main avenue, El Andariego is a Mexican restaurant since 1989. With its traditional decorations and live mariachi, the place is perfect for authentic Mexican cuisines as well as seafood. Spending an average of 250pesos in the restaurant is all worth it.

SI Seňor
(322) 1130064

The restaurant’s ocean-view terrace and garden sanctuary make it an exceptional yet typical Mexican dining place. Try its delectable and fresh salsas, tortillas, and moles and discover why many people visit the restaurant. On average, diners spend around 200pesos in Si Seňor. Food is served during lunch and dinner time.

Los Xitomates
(322) 222-9434

Los Xitomates is situated at the heart of the city. If you are looking for a place to spend a romantic evening, then this is the place for you. With its cozy atmosphere and mouth-watering dishes, spending about 350pesos (per person) will not be put to waste.

With all these great restaurants to choose from, it would not be hard to enjoy Puerto Vallarta while learning Spanish.

Here are some no-no’s that you should remember when trying to cook a Mexican dish:

Buying taco shells from the store

Sure, tacos are as easy as filling the tacos with some ground beef, tomato, and cheese. But did you know that the secret to an authentic Mexican taco is with the taco shells? While a typical taco is made from taco-shaped chips laden with fats, calories, and processed corn, an authentic Mexican taco uses real-corn tortillas that are made from masa which is so unlike the ground corn. If you want the taco to be crispy, cook it in a little bit of hot oil, while you cool it on a paper towel, you can then begin to fold it in half.

Overstuffing burritos

A real Mexican burrito does not overload with meat, instead just a bit of it wrapped in a small corn tortilla is enough. What makes it delicious though is the addition of fresh onions, tomatoes, cilantros, sliced avocado, and shredded cabbage.

Too much guacamole

Guacamole is one of Mexico’s delicious toppings. While it will enhance the taste of meals, drowning it with it is just overkill. Perfect guacamoles are those that are home-made. Those bought in restaurants and stores may just be too watery.

Pouring hot sauce on a whole fish

Although some people appreciate the zing provided by a bottle of Tapatio or hot sauce, this may actually overpower the flavor of certain dishes, including fish. Mexican food is not all about spicy sauce; it’s the great combination of both food and spices. To make sure you get a real Mexican flavor, try taking a few bite of the dish then add a few dash of the chili sauce until you think it’s enhanced but the flavor is retained.

Learning Spanish and experiencing the culture of Mexico is never enough without food. So whenever you have a free time, go experiment with some Mexican dishes.

Happy cooking!

Transportation

You should closely monitor your transportation expenses in Playa. As you will be travelling to and from your school every day for your Spanish lessons, knowing how much exactly are you going to pay for buses or taxis will be a wise idea. Depending on your distance from your school, bus fares range from $2-$9, while taxis play around $12-$35. If you are on a tight budget, taking the bus service would be economical. Aside from that, you also get to rub elbows with the locals.

Grocery

Familiarizing yourself with the average price of your basic commodities will help you assess which ones do you need and which ones are just luxuries. For one, rums and wines cost about $4 per bottle, thus, unless there is an occasion that calls for it, you might as well not include it in your basic necessities. Meats such as roast beef, beef tongue, and chicken, play at around $4.04, $8,09, and $2.01, respectively, while fruits and vegetables cost an average of $.40-$1.99. If you are in a really tight budget, turning to vegetables more will cut your expenses significantly.

If you have car in Playa, a gallon of unleaded gasoline cost $1.66. A movie ticket is worth $3.50 – that said, you may consider going to the cinemas for just once a week.

Monitoring your expenses while studying Spanish Playa del Carmen is not just wise for those who are in a budget, even those who have enough money to spend in the city would need to do it to make sure their cash is wisely spent.

Among the most celebrated events in Oaxaca is the Guelaguetza. An annual happening in the city, Guelaguetza also known as the Los lunes del cerro (Mondays of the Hill), usually takes place two Mondays after July 16. Aside from the usual parades, the celebration features traditional group dancing that is usually composed of only one sex. For Spanish language students, this event is an opportunity to witness the city’s culture and experience it by yourself.

Prior to the Guelaguetza, the Oaxacaňos already party for their carnival. Although less colorful and less extravagant than that of Brazil, Oaxaca carnival, which is held every February, is still worth-seeing. Join in with the fun and games and dress up to fully experience the party in Oaxaca carnivals.

After Guelaguetza, the party heats up in Oaxaca as not only the people head to the Iglesia de la Merced but all these people’s animals as well. Animals of all shapes and sizes are brought to the church for the Blessing of Animals every 31st of August. If you have a pet or just an animal lover, you would surely enjoy this party for animals.

When December strikes, not only are the people looking forward to celebrating Christmas in Oaxaca; they are also edgy to celebrate the town’s Radish Festival. – Yes, a festival for radish! Also known as the Fiesta de los Rabones, the feast includes a showcase of various radish sculptures. For a student like you, this event is something that you should really not miss as this could be the only feast dedicated to radish throughout the world!

Sure you can party to Oaxaca every night, but the feasts mentioned here will give you an authentic experience in Oaxaca, Mexico.

Just on the corners of 5th Avenue – the city’s main “it” night out spot – are several bars and restaurants that offer great variety of drinks at affordable prices. Among these are Feliz Hora, End Zone, Deseo, Tequila Barrel, and Fah.

Located on the north end of the street, Feliz Hora which when translated in English means “Happy Hour” does give justice to its name when night time strikes. Aside from offering few good drinks, the bar is also perfect to chat and meet locals. End Zone on the other hand which is situated on the 12th and 14th Streets of the 5th Avenue is one of the many sports bars in Playa. It has televisions with big screens and serves great sandwiches to go with your drinks.

On the south of 5th Avenue the rooftop bar, Deseo. Staying true with its hip and modern setting, the alfresco bar features double beds in addition to its chairs for an easier and more comfortable lounging with your friends. Although the bar plays silent movies from the 20s and the 30s, no one would not call the place “cool”. Tequila Barrel, which is located on the same block as Deseo, is another sports bar which provides customers with American sports on its televisions. While enjoying a sip of their tequila (don’t wonder why), you can go have fun on its dance floor together with some exotic dancers.

Continuing on the southern stretch of Playa is Fah which is located inside the Siesta Fiesta Hotel. Situated on an outdoor sidewalk, the bar offers live music including American pop tunes to go along your vodka or margarita.

There are also several destinations for good drinks in Playa that is outside but close to the 5th Avenue. Some of these are the Coco Bango (Calle 12th and 10th Ave.) which, at $50 already provides full bar services and Santanera (Calle 12) which is the main spot for young party goers because of its extremely cool setting – not to mention great DJs.

With all these varied choices in Playa del Carmen, who says you can’t have fun while learning Spanish? So bottoms up, and enjoy your experience!

There are various options for a part-time job in Playa. The most common is babysitting mainly because this kind of job does not require much papers and time – which is a good thing to students like you. However, when applying to babysit in Playa, it would be an advantage to work for a family that speaks English or at least understands the language for that matter. Aside from giving you an additional means in town, babysitting will also help you in learning Spanish faster as you can practice your lessons often.

If you do not think you have a thing for kids and have a TEFL/TESOL certification already, then why not consider applying to teach English in the city? Although Mexico has lower paid employees than those in the U.S., this part-time job will significantly contribute in paying your bills and other expenses. If you do not have the certification yet, there is a 4-week TEFL certification program in town that also offers assistance when you decide to get a full-time job. Your TEFL or TESOL certification, along with your Spanish language certification will surely give you bigger and better opportunities not just in Mexico, but in other Spanish-speaking places as well.

Finding a part-time job in Playa del Carmen would not just help you survive – at least financially – in town, it will also be an opportunity to really immerse yourself in Playa’s lifestyle.

Making a phone call

Making a phone call in Puerto Vallarta may be a bit confusing as the town’s phone system has recently been changed. That is why some phone numbers won’t work anymore.

If your phone number in Puerto Vallarta was written this way: 3-12-34, the recent change in the phone system requires 22 before it to make a 7-digit phone number. So, the 3-12-34 becomes 223-12-34 – and that is for local calls. If you are calling from your cellphone, you should dial 044-322-223-12-34. If your family members or friends outside Mexico would want to make a call, do not forget to inform them of Mexico’s country code which is 52 and the town’s area code which is 322. Thus, when calling you, they should dial 52-322-223-12-34.

Sending posts or mails

If your friends or family want to send you some package, it’s important for you to get the exact address of the place you are living in the city. If you like, you can also opt to use the address of the school you are studying in – make sure to ask if the school caters for those things. Puerto Vallarta’s postal code is 48300.

Virtual connection

With the internet though, everything is made faster, easier, and more convenient. Instead of using the public phone booth for instance, you can easily go for a video chat with your loved ones via Skype. Aside from being free, this will also give you an unlimited time to talk to your friends and family. Social network sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and MySpace among others allow you to share your memorable moments while in Puerto Vallarta as well. You can post your latest photos and/or videos and enable your pals to comment on it.

Thanks to technology, you would no longer feel that homesick while studying in Puerto Vallarta.