Viva La Mexico

One can use a lot of analogies when describing Mexico. A link between North America and Latin America. A melting pot of European and indigenous peoples’, cultures and traditions. And to some, a parade of stereotypes: of tequila, sombreros and mariachi bands. One thing is certain: Mexico is larger than the sum of its parts. As one of the most visited countries in the world, especially by its neighbours to the north, Mexico has long held an allure for travellers. Any one aspect of Mexico- the vibrant culture, pristine beaches, or rich history-would be enough to satisfy even the most demanding visitor. But when you combine and layer all of these captivating aspects together, what emerges is a rich tapestry made up of the things that make Mexico extraordinary. Read on and you'll be booking your Mexican holiday in no time...

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Mexico’s famous beaches like Playa del Carmen, Cancun and Los Cabos are definitely its bread and butter. But with over 5,800 miles of coastline on both the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean, there are countless opportunities to swim and dive at quieter, less-travelled beaches. However, the idea of an ‘undiscovered’ beach in Mexico is losing ground. Examples of these unspoiled beachfront beauties are becoming fewer and farther between as large-scale developments take root in many once off-the-grid fishing villages. That being said, a visit to a low-key town like Troncones, Puerto Escondido, La Pazand Rincon de Guayabitos will give you those lazy, feel-good beach vibes.

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Larger than the whole of Central America, Mexico’s geographical enormity means that it’s almost impossible to explore all of its natural wonders in one trip. Head inland and you’ll be hard-pressed to choose just one region to visit. From arid, cacti-filled areas of Baja California and the Chihuahuan Desert to the dense stretches of rainforest in the Lacandon Jungle, to the country’s highest mountain, the snow-capped Pico de Orizaba, you’ll find Mexico’s geographic diversity rivals that of United States. Whether you trek along the mouth of a volcano, zip-line through the forests in the Yucatan or hike in Chiapas, there is a wealth of natural features to keep any eco-enthusiast occupied for a very long time.

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Located in the highlands of central Mexico, San Miguel de Allende has won the hearts of many ex-pats who choose to retire in this picturesque town. Rows of cheerfully painted houses and winding cobbled streets make San Miguel very walkable, perfect for exploring the many galleries, handicraft shops and gourmet restaurants.Guadalajarais smaller and more relaxed than Mexico City but still has a lot to offer the culture-seeking tourist, with is sprawl of interesting museums, charming colonial quarters and lively nightclubs.The people of Oaxaca City are truly the heart of the city. Despite being one of the poorest cities in the country, the welcoming crowds make you feel right at home. The city’s beautiful colonial architecture and bustling village-style markets are a feast for the senses. Oaxaca is one of Mexico 29 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which adds another layer of history to the city.Nestled in the mountains, Puebla boasts world-class cuisine and a growing gastronomic culture. The city’s biggest claim to foodie fame is being the home of the legendary mole sauce, made from over 20 ingredients including many varieties of peppers. Another UNESCO World Heritage city, Puebla is brimming with colonial charm.Merida is a flourishing metropolitan city in the Yucatan, with both modern and historical appeal. A fine array of museums, art galleries, boutiques and restaurants give the city a dynamic energy while the ancient Mayan culture is still very much alive and well here.

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The history of Mexico began long before the Spaniard Hernan Cortes arrived on its Caribbean shores. It’s the great ancient civilizations that once resided here, the Olmecs, the Mayans, the Toltecs and lastly, the Aztecs, that contributed to Mexico’s fascinating narrative. Spanish colonial influence, like Catholicism along with Mesoamerican traditions are represented throughout the country in music, dance and religious celebrations. This spirited blend is the lifeblood of Mexico’s vibrant culture.

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Much of Mexico’s culinary culture stems from pre-colonial customs and ingredients like corn, chiles (hot peppers) and beans. These humble yet satisfying ingredients are staples in many dishes you will find across the country. For an authentic taste of Mexico, try a meal at a homey and inexpensive restaurant known as ‘comida corrida” or at an iconic taco truck or at a food stall in a local market. What makes Mexican food stand out is how it highlights fresh, seasonal and local ingredients. This means every region will have its own take on the country’s classic dishes; like succulent fish tacos along the coast or hearty menudo soup in the highlands.Tender slices of spit-roasted pork are placed on a small corn tortilla along with coriander, diced onion and pineapple.Tamales were a staple for the Mayans and Aztecs and their popularity persists today. Corn flour is stuffed with either sweet or savoury fillings like fruit, meats, beans or cheese and then wrapped in a cornhusk, then the tamale is steamed.Corn or flour tortillas are wrapped around meat, beans, cheese, fish, vegetables or a combination of these. Then the tortilla is folded so all the fillings are tucked neatly inside where it is then covered in a chile sauce.

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ValladolidIn the centre of the Yucatan Peninsula is Valladolid, a city that wears its history on its sleeve. With a number of beautiful architectural sites that reflect the city’s colonial past it is like walking through the pages of a history book. Valladolid is a cosmopolitan city that retains its authenticity, while places around it like Playa del Carmen and Tulum continue to expand and develop to cater to tourists.CuernavacaKnown as the ‘City of Eternal Spring’ because of its temperate year-round climate, Cuernavaca continues to dazzle visitors with its beautiful colonial setting doused in tropical vegetation. Cuernavaca is home to a plethora of historical sites and its sprawling estates and lush gardens attract Mexico’s most glamorous visitors.Teotihuacan and PalenqueAs an alternative to the heavily trafficked ruins of Chichen Itza, why not check out some of Mexico’s even more inspiring Mayan ruins. Teotihuacan is located just 50km outside of Mexico City, making it easily accessible to visitors who want to see the ‘City of the Gods’ during a day trip. The giant pyramids; the Temple of Quetzalcoatl and the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon, were constructed between 1^st and 7^th-centuries AD. The surrounding area was home to one of the largest pre-colonial cities in the Americas, and served as a massive Mesoamerican cultural centre for centuries. Palenque is an archaeological gem in the north of Chiapas state. Located in a lush jungle setting Palenque is home to Mexico’s largest step pyramid, complete with mysterious hieroglyphics. The breath-taking ruins became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.San Cristobal The lovely city of San Cristobal has attracted generations of like-minded politicos, artists and writers. Like other colonial cities, San Cristobal oozes Spanish charm and its pretty architecture is the perfect complement to the gorgeous highland scenery in the background. Full of breezy cafes and eateries, San Cristobal has a cool, cosmopolitan culture but also pays tribute to Mexico’s past. The Tzotzils and Tzeltals peoples live in surrounding villages and they come to the city to sell their beautiful handicrafts.Copper CanyonLocated in the southwestern region of Chihuahua state, the Copper Canyon gives the U.S.’s Grand Canyon a run for its money. Copper Canyon is a series of six canyons, but taken together they are more than twice as large as the Grand Canyon. Copper Canyon is truly a monumental testament to the power of nature and an incredible place to enjoy the outdoors. Hiking is the most popular activity and there are many lodges and haciendas that cater to the canyon’s guests.