Mexico
Top Tips
Archaeological sites
The most famous ancient Mayan sites include Chitchen Itza and Uxmal
in the Yucatán, Palenque hidden in the jungles of Chiapas,
Monte Albán near Oaxaca, and Teotihuacan, the Aztec capital
near Mexico City. Between them, they present a fascinating insight
into the rise and fall of the country‘s past ruling
civilisations.
Beaches
The Yucatán Peninsula boasts postcard-perfect white sands
and azure Caribbean seas, though some stretches are crowded (our
portfolio avoids the worst spots, of course). Nature lovers should
head to the Pacific Coast - unspoilt Mazunte with its nesting
turtles, or the more developed but still secluded coast south of
Puerto Vallarta. Or Baja California (especially around Bahia
Concepción) has some beautiful beaches and great
sea-kayaking.
Diving and snorkelling
The barrier reef off the Yucatán Peninsula offers excellent
snorkelling and diving, especially off Cozumel. Baja California has
good diving around Mulege and Loreto; Baja Camp is the
place to base yourself.
Surfing
Puerto Escondido on the Pacific coast ranks among the world's top
surf sites; laid-back Flor de Maria is in the thick of
the action. Upscale Las Alamandas is also a great option,
as is Todos Santos in Baja California (with a wide choice of
recommended places to stay).
Wildlife
Baja California is great for whale-watching (December-April). Visit
Ocampo for the Monarch butterfly migration (November-February), and
Mazunte or Tulum for sea turtles (June-November). For birdlife, try
the lagoons near Puerto Escondido, the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve
(Mexico's largest protected area) near Tulum and - for flocks of
pink flamingos - Celestun, near Mérida.
Other natural wonders
The Yucatán's limestone cenotes - underground caverns that
you can dive or snorkel through - are a world-class attraction,
with idyllic spring-fed pools. Agua Azul (near Palenque) is a
stunningly turquoise river cascading through the jungle. Laguna
Bacalar in the Yucatán has gloriously tranquil blue-green
waters.
Shopping
Go to Oaxaca for some of the country's best markets, fine textiles,
surreal model animals, and contemporary art. Mexico City is best
for guitars, pottery and Huichol bead masks. Head to Taxco for
silver, and Mérida in the Yucatán for hammocks.
Indigenous life
...is still thriving around Oaxaca, San Cristóbal de las
Casas and the northern highlands, although modern influences are
beginning to infiltrate these otherwise rural village communities.
Casa Na Bolom - a museum, cultural centre and hotel in
one - offers the most illuminating insights.
Trekking
Climb the semi-active peaks of Mexico’s volcanic belt, or go
hiking in the Copper Canyon in northern Mexico. The hills around
Oaxaca city are popular with mountaineers and cyclists, and offer
fantastic vistas over the surrounding valleys. In Baja California,
you can head into the Sierra de la Laguna from Todos Santos.