Depending on where you go in Mexico, you’ll find cacti silhouetted against dry desert landscapes, crystal clear aquamarine water teeming with life, snow-capped volcanoes soaring into the bluest sky, or gleaming white or exotic volcanic beaches that stretch forever. There are major industrialised cities teeming with life and remote little mountain villages. The locals love colour and you’ll find splashes of it everywhere you look. Sunsets are simply magnificent and the ocean is so warm and welcoming you just won’t want to get out.
Days are usually hot and nights fun-filled - even the most demure are tempted to get into the swing of things with the help of steamy salsa dancing and a margarita or two. However remnants of an ancient and incredibly sophisticated civilisation remind us that there is a more serious side to life. Howler monkeys, colourful parrots, pumas, jaguar and other beautiful wildlife inhabit the jungles. And, thanks to a near perfect climate, beautiful beaches beckon from a multitude of places.
More than 3,000 years ago, the first civilisation in Mesoamerica blossomed on a fertile land south of the Gulf of Mexico. There, the Olmecs pioneered a civil, military and religious organisation that would spread after evolving to young cultures in Mesoamerica. The Maya, Purepechas, Huastecos and Aztecs among others, formed local empires whose vestiges can be traced in Uxmal, Tzinzunzan, Tajin and the Main Temple in Mexico City. Their stunning ancient cities were part of a commercial and religious system with staggering, albeit partial development in science. The Mayans introduced the notion of mathematical zero to this hemisphere, as Arabs did in western civilisation, but, paradoxically, the Mayans didn’t use the wheel for mechanical purposes.
Mexico is blessed with coastline on both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, boasting around 450 beaches and diverse marine landscapes. Going to the beach in Mexico means many things - from surfing and sailing, to relaxing under the shade of a palm tree. Of course, the climate and scenery vary dramatically depending where you are in the country, giving visitors to Mexico's coastline the chance to craft their own itineraries and write their own story of the Mexican beach, be it the classic Caribbean honeymoon, a relaxed family vacation or a high-adrenaline water sports adventure. And, the scuba diving in Mexico is the kind they make documentaries about, so, if that’s your thing, make sure you book your ticket now.
Four destinations stand out above the many others available to the traveller. Los Cabos is a luxury tourist resort at the summit of the desert and the Sea of Cortes where clean-cut, modern facilities are balanced with a traditional Mexican atmosphere.
The island of Cancun, now joined to the mainland by a long avenue, boasts some of Mexico's most charming beaches. The Mayan Riviera, arguably the jewel in the crown of Mexico's coastline, is dotted with waterholes, lagoons and stunning archaeological zones and offers a variety of activities.
Finally, on the Pacific coast, Huatulco remains less developed than its more famous cousins, but offers nine beautiful bays and is close to some of Mexico's most famous surfing beaches. There's a paradise for everyone along Mexico's sublime coastline.
Gastronomy
Mexico is famed for its gastronomy. But beyond the tacos and guacamole of world renown, there are rich and various culinary traditions spanning the whole country. The tastes, smells and textures of traditional Mexican ingredients are an assault on the senses, especially the more exotic items such as maguey worms, ants and fried grasshoppers. But the subtle blend of flavours in dishes such as mole and traditional Mexican salsas are sure to delight the palates of even the most conservative diners.
When coming to Mexico, a taste of the regional cuisines of Yucatan and Oaxaca is a must. The gastronomy of Oaxaca is one of the most famous in Mexico, including its famous mole, tlayudas (long pizza-like tortillas with a variety of traditional toppings) and chapulines (grasshoppers) for the more adventurous. The Yucatecan cuisine offers fewer extremes, but can be relied upon for taste every time.
Mexico City
Ciudad de Mexico (Mexico City) is Mexico’s capital city and one of the most important political, cultural, educational and financial centres in North America. With a GDP of $411 billion US dollars in 2012, it is ranked as the eighth richest city in the world. Settling on an altitude of more than 2,000 metres, tourists are instantly enraptured by the city's glamour, cultural heritage and contemporary development. Every corner of the city is sprinkled with stories to tell of famous personalities and ancient tribes. While the Aztecs discovered and gave the city its culture and heritage, the Spanish revamped and added their touch. Today, the cultural amalgamation is mirrored in every landmark of Mexico City, be it the Templo Mayor, El Zócalo Square, Catedral Metropolitana or Frida Kahlo Museum.
San Cristobal de las Casas
The artsy colonial town of Comitan de Dominguez in southern Chiapas is an often overlooked and off the beaten path destination offering a fascinating glimpse into the rich indigenous traditions and culture of the region. Comitán centres on the main plaza where you'll find the Iglesia de Santo Domingo, built during the 16th and 17th centuries. The town is named after local doctor Belisario Domínguez. His former home, now the Casa Museo Dr Belisario Dominguez, is located just south of the main plaza. Nearby you'll also find a modern art museum and archaeology museum.
Puerto Vallarta
Finding your perfect stretch of sand won't be a problem around Puerto Vallarta. Puerto Vallarta's original happening beach, Playa los Muertos (Beach of the Dead) is action central for both locals and tourists alike. The flat stretch of sand starts south of the River Cuale and runs about 1.5 kilometres south while hugging the Romantic Zone. There is a non-stop parade of vendors hawking grilled fish on sticks, jewellery, sombreros and serapes. You can take a banana-boat ride or go parasailing. A string of restaurants run the length of the beach, most with umbrellas and lounges for daytime and romantic tables for candlelight dining. To the north of Playa los Muertos is Playa Olas Altas (High Waves Beach).
Ensenada
The city of Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico is conveniently located 70 miles south of the United States international border, 60 minutes away from Tijuana, Baja California and 90 minutes from San Diego, California. The pathway into the beauty of Baja wine country route offers visitors a wide range of attractions and services ranging from the smallest independent wineries to producers on a large scale, small cottage Inns to the finest gourmet tables, day spas, craft centres, community museums, a missionary site, wine boutiques, art galleries, indigenous culture and nature retreats. In this attractive region you can enjoy a holiday that will become an unforgettable experience.
Wherever you choose to spend your Mexican holiday, try and experience as much of the local culture as you can. And, spread your wings if you have the time and cover as much ground as possible. You’ll definitely be back again.
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