Mexico

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Why visit Mexico?

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Mexico Jungles, deserts, teeming cities, one-street pueblos; fiesta fireworks, Frida’s angst: Mexico conjures up so many vivid images. And the reality lives up to the expectation. From the southern jungles to the smoking, snowcapped volcanoes and the cactus-dotted northern deserts, all surrounded by a coast strung with sandy beaches and wildlife-rich lagoons, Mexico is an endless adventure for the senses. A climate that ranges from temperate to hot almost everywhere makes for a life spent largely in the open air. Take it easy lying on a beach, dining alfresco or strolling pretty streets, or get out and snorkel warm Caribbean reefs, hike mountain cloud forests or take a boat in search of dolphins or whales.

Mexico is packed with culture and history. Its pre-Hispanic civilizations built some of the world’s great archaeological monuments. The Spanish colonial era left beautiful towns full of tree-shaded plazas and richly sculpted stone churches and mansions. Modern Mexico has seen a surge of great art from the likes of Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo. Top-class museums and galleries around the country document Mexico’s fascinating history and its endless creative verve. Popular culture is just as vibrant, from the underground dance clubs of Mexico City to the wonderful handicrafts of the indigenous population.

What does Mexico bring in mind?

Acapulco

Acapulco is the original Mexican resort town which came into prominence by the 1950s as a getaway for Hollywood stars and millionaires. Still, Acapulco remains a popular tourist destination especially among Mexicans and as a spring break destination among US college students. No visit to Acapulco is complete without watching the cliff divers perform their impressive jumps into ocean. They have been doing it since the 1930s, although today the divers are professionals.

Cozumel Located just off the Yucatan Peninsula, it is a popular destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. The underwater world around Cozumel was discovered by Jacques Cousteau in 1959 who called it one of the best diving areas in the world. Since that time Cozumel has become a National Marine Park to protect the delicate balance of its beautiful coral reefs and amazing variety of tropical fish.

Guanajuato

Nestled in the mountains of the Sierra de Guanajuato lies the beautiful colonial city of Guanajuato. The city was founded in 1554 next to one of the richest silver mining areas of Mexico. The 16th- century mining boom led to the construction of beautiful haciendas and fine colonial buildings. Guanajuato streets and many colorful alleyways spread out in every direction while most of its traffic is served by a network of underground tunnels making it an excellent city for pedestrians.

Dias des los Muertos, Oaxaca A holiday celebrated in many parts of Latin America. In Mexico, Oaxaca, the Day of the Dead Festival starts at the end of October when families prepare the tombs for the return of the spirits. During this time, tombs and home altars are decorated with flowers and families leave offerings for the spirits in the cemeteries.

Los Cabos

A lively 20 mile beach area at the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula, the white sandy beaches backed by sophisticated resorts, restaurants, bars and other attractions run from spring break destination Cabo San Lucas down to the quieter San José del Cabo. Los Cabos is a great destination for water sport devotees with some of the best all-around sport fishing in the world.

Palenque Palenque is an archaeological site that was located on the western edge of the Maya empire in the present-day state of Chiapas, Mexico. Palenque is much smaller than some of its Mayan neighbor cities, but it contains some of the finest architecture and sculptures the Maya ever produced.

Mexico City It is in fact a network of canyons which together are several times larger than the Grand Canyon. The most popular way to explore the Copper Canyon is on the “Chihuahua al Pacifico” Railway. The track passes over 37 bridges and through 86 tunnels, rising as high as 2,400 meter above sea level featuring spectacular views of the canyons below.

Teotihuacán

In the 2nd century BC a new civilization arose in the valley of Mexico; it built the flourishing metropolis of Teotihuacán and its huge pyramids. Seven centuries after the demise of the Teotihuacán empire the pyramids were honored and utilized by the Aztecs and became a place of pilgrimage.

Playa del Carmen Commonly referred to as simply “Playa,” Playa del Carmen is a lively resort town in the state of Quintana Roo on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Formerly a quiet fishing village of distinct European influence, the town has expanded in recent years into a vibrant resort town of beautiful beaches, entertainment venues and commercial buildings.

Puerto Vallarta

Situated on the Bay of Banderas along Mexico’s Pacific Coast in the state of Jalisco is the popular vacation city, Puerto Vallarta. Gorgeous beaches and lush jungle mountains envelope this charming town of 5 stars resorts, gourmet restaurants, fabulous shops and dozens of nightclubs.

Things you shouldn’t miss in Mexico

• Hidden Beach on the Marieta Islands in Riviera Nayarit

• Puebla and Cholula Tour by Gray Line Mexico City

• Cancun Zipline Canopy Tour

• Sea Turtle Experience

• The copper canyon

• Juanacatlán Lagoon

• Riviera Maya

• The Monarch Biosphere Reserve

• The Pyramids of Monte Albán (Oaxaca), Palenque (Chiapas) and Tulum (Quintana Roo) The positive energy and spiritual intake you experience at these pyramids is truly life changing.

• The Fiestas Grandes de Enero in Chiapa de Corzo (Chiapas)

• The Coasts of Oaxaca and Michoacán

• Carnitas and an ice-cold cervezas in Dolores Hidalgo (Guanajuato)

• The Chocolate Factories of Oaxaca (City of Oaxaca)

• Vallarta Zoo

Best destinations in Mexico

Mexico City

The capital of Mexico, Mexico City is one of the world’s largest cities comprised of many ethnic groups from all over the globe. Not only is this vast city the most important political, cultural and educational center in Mexico, but it is also one of the most important financial centers in Latin America.

Cancun

A world famous tourist destination on the Caribbean coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, Cancun presents a complete vacation package of fabulous beaches, a first-class hotel zone, Mayan ruins, modern attractions and an exuberant nightlife. But it is the year-round perfect weather and gorgeous beaches that make Cancun one of the best vacation spots in Mexico.

Oaxaca

The capital city of the state by the same name, Oaxaca is located in a valley below the Sierra Madre mountains. Colonial architecture, archaeological sites, a pleasant climate and tranquil atmosphere make it a popular tourist destination in Southern Mexico.

Chichen Itza

It is the largest of the Maya cities in the Yucatan Peninsula and one of Mexico’s most visited tourist destinations. The most famous landmark of Chichen Itza is the temple-pyramid of El Castillo.

Tulum

Tulum is situated on the east coast of the Yucatán Peninsula. It once served as the major port of the Mayan city of Coba. The tropical beach milieu makes this a stunning top attraction which should not be missed.