Mexico
Exuberant festivals, ancient civilisations, canyons and deserts, sugar-white sand and coral reefs, authentic street food, mariachi and mezcal - Mexico is a vibrant and passionate country of endless variety and contrast.
If you can tear yourself away from the gorgeous Caribbean and Pacific beaches, there are wonderful old Spanish towns to explore, local markets selling colourful textiles, fascinating museums, and excellent restaurants serving regional specialities alongside classic dishes spiced with chilli peppers, chocolate and coriander. Accommodation ranges from rustic lodges to luxurious private villas and elegant colonial haciendas, steeped in history and character.
Mexico has superb Olmec, Aztec and Maya ruins, whose ancient heritage survives to this day in the customs and dress of its indigenous communities - brilliantly displayed in colourful festivals held throughout the year, a fusion of timeless tradition with richly symbolic Catholic ritual.
The natural world is exceptional too, whether you’re swimming in turquoise sinkholes, or cenotes, spotting whale sharks out to sea, following clouds of Monarch butterflies on migration or taking in the incredible scenery of the Copper Canyon. Adventurer, culture lover or history buff, Mexico will capture your mind and delight your senses.
Highlights
Here are some of our Mexico highlights
Canyons and railroads
The Copper Canyon, longer and deeper than the Grand Canyon, is reached via the Chepe railroad offering the most dramatic scenery in Mexico. The area is great for walking, or just marvel over the vast canyon from the various viewing points.
Stunning snorkelling
The clear blue waters off Mexico and on mainland cenotes (sinkholes) are a wonderful place to snorkel and see marine life. Whale sharks can even be seen around Isla Holbox from June to September, when they come to mate.
Idyllic Beaches
The small, friendly Isla Holbox has miles of white-sand beaches and tranquil waters blisfully devoid of Mexico's usual crowds. Its natural reserve also affords excellent wildlife viewing - all in all a highly recommended, relaxed beach spot!
Ancient Maya sites
Palenque is the country's most enchanting ruin, still partially covered in vegetation and hidden in the rainforest, itself home to howler monkeys, toucans and ocelots. Hundreds of ruined buildings remain undercover, yet to be excavated.
Thank you for your part in making it all happen for us in the way we wanted - that is, to learn more about the four countries we visited, to experience their cultures, to marvel at their inheritance from ancient civilisations, to admire their landscapes, to wander the streets of some great cities and to reacquaint ourselves with some Central American wildlife. We have an overriding impression of friendly, welcoming people, helpful drivers and good guides.
- LG