Mexico

Best time to visit

October to May, to avoid extreme temperatures

 

Experiences

• Navigating your way through massive Mexico City, especially the Museo Nacional de Antropologia and the world’s largest open air market
• Eating fish tacos at sunset on the beach in Zipolite
• Exploring the awe-inspiring ruins at Teotihuacán
• Cancun beaches
• Swimming with dolphins in Cancun
• Exploring the awe inspiring ruins at Teotihuacán, Pelenque and Monte Albán
• Being immersed in the Mayan world of Yucatán
• Exploring Baja’s long coastline and rugged interior
• Snorkelling at Isla Mujeres and Cozumel
• Chicken Nitza

 

Eat

A comida corrida (the daily special set menu offered in the markets), chocolate mole, sweet tamales with milke atole, staples like tortilla, beans and chillies, tunas, nopales (cactus leaves)

 

Drink

Jugos naturales, expecially the bloodlike vampire fruit juice (beef and carrot), all three alcohols from the maguey plant, tequila, mescal and the less alcoholic pulque, cerveza (beer); spicy Mexican hot chocolate

 

Interesting facts

Mariachis, beaches and coastal resorts, trying to get to the US, Diego Riviero and Frida Kahlo, cliff divers in Acapulco, the phrase mañana, border towns, margaritas

The Olmecs were the first people to extract chocolate from cacao beans – 3000 before anybody else.  The Caesar salad was invented in Tijuana.

Mexico

 

Mexico offers travellers a tantalising smorgasbord of nature, history, cuisine and culture. Aztec and Mayan archaeological treasures, tequila, charming colonial cities, Mexican food and beach culture, all these features and more make up this tourist and historical hub. Culture vultures will be bowled over by the impressive sites of ancient civilisations that moulded Mexico’s great Pre-Columbian history, while nature lovers will be in their element on the pristine beaches along its 10 000-kilometre coastline, or exploring the country’s rainforests, mountain peaks and mangrove lagoons. Gourmands flock here for the distinctive and flavourful cuisine that has become famous the world over.

 

Cancún

 

The jewel of Mexico’s beach resort destinations, world-famous Cancun is set on a small sliver of island real estate in the northeast corner of the Yucatan Peninsula. The development of the famed beach resort started in the 70s, when the Mexican government built a causeway connecting the island to the mainland. Each year thousands of travellers visit Cancun to enjoy its clubbing, beach parties and bikini contests. Culture seekers should head to the various Mayan ruins in the region, such as the ancient settlements of El Meco and El Rey, and Yamil Lu’um, a Mayan temple dating back to the 14th century.

 

Tulum

 

 

 

Cabo San Lucas

 

Cabo San Lucas is one of two principal cities in Los Cabos – one of Mexico’s most popular resort regions, on the Baja Peninsula between the Pacific and the Sea of Cortez. The town’s azure bays and elegant marina are backed by the desert, forming a striking contrast with the stark, cactus-studded landscape. Visitors can enjoy a heady mix of sun-kissed days and fun-filled nights – deep-sea fishing, sun-bathing on idyllic beaches and playing golf on world-class

greens can be followed with a sunset boat cruise, seafood feast and dancing. Favourite attractions in the area are Medano Beach, where you can sip on a cocktail at the water’s edge, remote and beautiful Lovers Beach, and El Arco – an iconic stone arch carved by the wind.

Tulum

 

In the coastal town of Tulum you will find Mexico’s only archaeological site overlooking the sea. The Tulum Ruins were once an ancient Mayan fortress and now offer tourists the chance to soak up some history before dipping into the water at one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. While the ruins are the main attraction, there is also plenty to be seen and done in the rest of Tulum. Ocean lovers can spend time diving, snorkelling and exploring cenotes – natural swimming holes that the Mayans considered sacred – and the quaint town offers a selection of small hotels, restaurants and stores that provide dining, shopping and entertainment opportuities.

Merida

 

 

Due to its isolated geographic location, the capital of Yucatan has fostered a unique cultural and political identity. Merida was built on the site of the ancient Maya city T’ho, but many of the existing Mayan pyramids were knocked down by the Spanish to build the large colonial buildings you see today. The city is the second-largest historic centre in Mexico, after Mexico City itself, and has a host of trendy museums, art galleries, restaurants and boutiques. Don’t miss a visit to the famous avenue Paseo de Montejo to view the beautiful sculptures which line the road. The sculpture installation changes every year.

 

San Miguel de Allende

 

Set in Mexico’s Central Highlands, the cosmopolitan city of San Miguel de Allende is known for its thriving art scene, excellent restaurants, upmarket accommodations, colonial architecture, and rich cultural heritage. It is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Mexico and holds UNESCO World Heritage status. Visitors can enjoy a wide selection of interesting attractions including: the vibrant handicraft market, the recently excavated archaeological zone of Canada de la Virgen, the picturesque El Jardín, the main plaza in the historical heart, and the Neo-Gothic San Miguel Arcangel Parish, a church in the heart of the city’s historic cobblestoned centre.

 

 

 

Guanajuato

 

Set in a narrow valley bordered by the Sierra de Guanajuato Mountains, the charming city of Guanajuato is made up of narrow, cobblestone streets that wind in-between colourful buildings and up mountainsides. Many of these streets are far too small for vehicles to pass through, and the resulting underground network of tunnels is just one of the features that make the city a unique destination. Visitors to the historic mining town are also treated to magnificent neo-classical and baroque buildings, vibrant plazas, and a host of cultural events and activities all year round – including the famous Festival Internacional Cevantino, one of the world’s premier art and culture extravaganzas.

 

Palenque

 

Considered one of the best-preserved examples of Mayan architecture, the ruins of Palenque can be found in the dense jungle of Mexico’s Chiapas state. The city flourished between 500 and 700 AD, after which it disappeared into the rainforest until its rediscovery in 1746. Spread over 15 square kilometres, the area is home to hundreds of temples and palaces that were constructed without the help of metal tools, wheels or animals. Adorning the structures are relief carvings illustrating Mayan mythology, and the site is dotted with sacred cieba trees which the Mayans believed to connect the underworld, the earth and the heavens.

 

La Paz

Located on the Baja California Peninsula, the city of La Paz serves as the capital of Baja California Sur. This cosmopolitan city is renowned for its picturesque seafront promenade fringed by a variety of cafes, bars and restaurants on one side and pristine beaches lapped by azure waters to the other. Visitors can look forward to a variety of activities including: diving into the beauty of the Sea of Cortez, discovering the fauna and flora of Magdalena Bay, and exploring the beautiful Port of La Paz. Other popular activities include: swimming with whale sharks, visiting the nearby Espíritu Santo Island for its excellent snorkelling and learning about local culture at the enchanting town of Todos Santos.

 

Puerto Escondido

 

Located on Mexico’s Pacific coast, the port town of Puerto Escondido is a popular vacation destination in the state of Oaxaca. ‘Surfs up’ at this beach paradise with Tie-dye T-shirts, surfboards, and beach shacks abound. This surfing mecca is known for its spectacular stretches of golden-sand beach, perfect waves, and magnificent surrounding natural landscapes. It boasts a collection of pristine beaches, all possessing a unique charm including the palm tree-lined Principal Beach, where visitors can relax at one of the thatch-roofed bars lining the beach, as well as surf the excellent waves at Zicatela Beach, enjoy the calmer waters of La Punta Beach and soak up the incredible scenery of Carrizalillo Beach set in a little cove backed by steep cliffs. Other highlights include: kayaking, diving, horse riding, fishing, and whale watching. This sun-drenched Mexican paradise is a dream come true for sun worshippers and nature lovers.

 

Bacalar

 

On the edge of Lake Bacalar near the Belize border in southeastern Mexico, the town of Bacalar boasts stunning waters, captivating history and delicious food. Also known as the ‘Lake of Seven Colours’ due to its turquoise and blue currents, Lake Bacalar is the central point for many visitors who enjoy swimming in its calm, shallow coves and trying out the smorgasboard of watersports on offer. A unique heritage offers a wealth of historical sites to explore nearby, most notably the collection of Mayan archeological ruins at Kohunlich, Becan, Chicanna, Dzibanche and Chacchoben. Discover true pirate stories at the piracy museum, or marvel at the remarkable Fuerte de San Felipe 18th-century fort. Don’t miss the mouth-watering local dishes, especially the seafood, vegetarian and vegan dishes which are the area’s speciality.

 

Ixtapa

 

Idyllically set on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, in the state of Guerrero, Ixtapa is a popular beach resort town known for the high-rise hotels, all-inclusive resorts, vibrant bars, upscale boutiques and fine restaurants lining the sweeping arc of El Palmar Beach. The area is sandwiched between the spectacularly scenic Sierra Madre and the glistening Pacific Ocean, which combine to form an ideal environment for a diverse range of outdoor and leisure activities. These include, among others: swimming, boating, kayaking, surfing, hiking, mountain biking, golfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and deep-sea fishing. Visitors can also look forward to exploring the bay’s remote and secluded beaches as well as hopping across to the neighbouring resort town of Zihuatanejo, which lies just 6 km down the coast and features some wonderfully authentic local Mexican culture. .

 

Loreto

 

Loreto is a popular tourist city in Mexico, on the eastern coast of the Baja California Peninsula. The city boasts stone walkways fringed by striking colonial architecture, and offers spectacular views of the Carmen and Coronado islands, giving it the feel of a small European village. Loreto serves as an excellent base from which to explore the spectacularly scenic landscapes including the beautiful Bahia de Loreto National Park, home to whales, dolphins, and pelicans; and the monumental Sierra de la Giganta mountain range, where trails lead to prehistoric cave art. Visitors can hop on a city tour and view the many historical landmarks of the area, including the seventeenth-century Mision de Nuestra Senora de Loreto. Other highlights include: the Parque Nacional Bahia de Loreto, Mexico’s largest marine park; the chic, modern beachfront area of Nopolo; and a variety of exciting fishing and diving opportunities off the coast.

 

Mexico City

 

Mexico City, one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world, sprawls across the Valley of Mexico. Originally the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan, the city was constructed over the ancient Lake Texcoco. The arrival of the Spanish saw the demolishment of most structures. However, some centuries-old canals and ruins can still be found. Head to the historic centre to see a host of architectural and cultural attractions, including the Plaza de la Constitucion, the National Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Templo Mayor, the Palace of Fine Arts and the scenic Central Alameda Park. Top attractions such as Chapultepec Castle, the Modern Art Museum and the National Museum of Anthropology can be found in Chapultepec Park.

 

Playa del Carmen

 

Formally a small fishing town in the Yucatán peninsula, Playa del Carmen has grown into one of the region’s most fashionable locations. Playa, as it’s commonly referred to, offers visitors a trendy getaway ideal for shopping, sampling mouthwatering cuisine at fine restaurants and dancing the night away at any of its many beach clubs. A trip to Playa is incomplete without a walk down the town’s very own 5th Avenue, Quinta Avenida, a cobblestone street where locals and tourists come to play. Those in search of quieter activities can take in the reefs and ocean life whilst diving and snorkelling, or spend some time on a local fishing boat.

 

Puerto Vallarta

 

Situated in the Jalisco State, Puerto Vallarta is set on the west coast of Mexico. The resort town is backed by tropical palm-covered mountains, and encircles the glittering blue Bahia de Banderas waters. Prime attractions include: the spectacular sandy beaches, the picturesque boardwalk, and the array of world-class city comforts. The town is famous for its pumping nightlife boasting a variety of trendy clubs, salsa hotspots, and stylish wine and cocktail bars lining its cobbled streets. Puerto Vallarta is also the gay beach capital of Mexico, and has many LGBT-friendly options. Gormands delight in the massive selection of traditional and modern restaurants, where the seafood, Mexican flavours and myriad of international dishes win over even the fussiest of palates. Other highlights include: the chance to swim with dolphins and giant manta rays, the excellent selection of art galleries, and the wonderful Riviera Nayarit nearby.

 

Oaxaca

 

Mexico’s southern state is known for its diverse natural landscapes. Mountain peaks, canyons, pristine beaches and tropical rainforests have shaped its topography, creating a fertile platform for rich biodiversity – the state is endowed with 50% of all Mexico’s plant and animal species. Oaxaca City offers a rich colonial charm and is located only nine kilometres from Monte Albán, a Maya city founded in 500BC, which is dotted with several hundred artificial terraces. Holidaymakers flock to Oaxaca’s pacific coast for its good surf, the string of vibrant holiday resort towns, and stretches of pristine coastline where sea turtles come to nest.

 

Acapulco

 

Made famous by Hollywood’s finest in the 1950’s, Acapulco is one of Mexico’s oldest seaside resorts and also the country’s largest. The city is divided into two, with the northern side considered the ‘original’ Acapulco. Here visitors can spend the night in hotels once visited by the likes of John Wayne and Zsa Zsa Gabor, experience local culture in the town square or ‘Zócalo’, or take in some history at the Fuerte de San Diego – the only remaining colonial building in the city. Although Acapulco is popular for its energy and buzzing nightlife, it also offers beautiful beaches and scenery, as well as a number of exciting water sports.

 

Guadalajara

 

Located in western Mexico, the city of Guadalajara serves as the capital and largest city of the state of Jalisco. Guadalajara is also the second-largest metropolis in Mexico. Considered by most to be the home of mariachi music and wide-brimmed sombreros, Guadalajara is known as the cultural hub of Mexico. It boasts a charming village atmosphere, but with big-city attractions including: fascinating museums, modern restaurants, cosmopolitan culture, rich history and excellent shopping. Visitors can sample Guadalajara’s famed culinary delights at the city’s massive food court at Mercado San Juan de Dios, the city’s daily market; as well explore the city’s historic centre, dotted with landmarks and colonial plazas. Don’t miss the opportunity to try Guadalajara’s speciality, torta ahogada, a scrumptious ‘drowned sandwich’ stuffed with fried pork.

 

 

 

Puebla

 

Set in East Central Mexico, the city of Puebla, also known as Puebla de los Angeles, serves as the capital and largest city of the eponymous state of Puebla. Dubbed the ‘city of the angels’, this prominent Spanish colonial city is lined with elegant architecture. Puebla is renowned for its culinary history, thriving art and nightlife scene and its impressive pottery, namely, the famed Talavera tiles. Visit the city’s well-preserved historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to numerous convents, a spectacular cathedral and over seventy churches, join a tile painting workshop, and sample some of Puebla’s famous Mexican cuisine. Don’t miss the breathtakingly beautiful volcanoes located just beyond the city to the west, with the best views offered from the small town of Cholula.

 

Tijuana

 

Neighbouring California and positioned on the US/Mexican border, Tijuana is one of the largest cities in Mexico set along the beautiful Gold Coast of Baja California. Dubbed ‘The most visited city in the world’, this urban metropolis bursts with frenetic energy featuring a booming nightlife, a melting pot of cultures and a sophisticated dining and urban art scene. Visitors can look forward to exploring the historic downtown area, officially called Colonia Zona Centro, to browse the colourful El Popo Market. The Avenida Revolucion is a major tourist centre with a buzzing main strip fringed with lively bars, taco stands, souvenir shops and vibrant restaurants. Other highlights include: visiting the Neoclassical Fronton Jai Alai Palace, which serves as a massive music venue for huge concerts, sampling an array of locally-brewed craft beers and immersing yourself in the Mexican soul of this revitalised city.

 

Ensenada

 

The port city of Ensenada lies on Mexico’s Baja California peninsula. The city is a mecca for food lovers, who flock to indulge in its famous mouth-watering seafood, tasty tequila and excellent wine. Visitors can tour various estates, sample cocktails alongside mariachi bands or try hundreds of award-winning tequilas from intricately decorated, artistic bottles. Spend a leisurely afternoon on the photogenic Malecon promenade marvelling at Mexico’s biggest flag, watching the day’s catch come in, looking out for migrating grey whales. Take a boat trip to Guadalupe Island, the easiest place in the world to see Great White sharks, where elephant seals have travelled every season from Alaska for hundreds of years. Nature lovers will enjoy exploring the surrounding tropical valleys, mountains and national parks. See the second largest blowhole in the world at La Bufadora.

 

Santiago de Queretaro

 

Set in central Mexico, the city of Santiago de Queretaro is known for its heritage buildings, a rich history and ancient Old Town. Visitors flock here to soak up the Baroque structures lining the streets and the collection of well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture. There are many activities to look forward to including visiting the San Francisco Church set in the city’s main square of Zenea Garden, viewing the Santa Rosa de Viterbo Church, and browsing an array of artefacts at the Queretaro Regional Museum. Other highlights include wandering around the artsy historical centre, visiting the Temple and Church of Santa Cruz, taking a tour around town on the touristic bus and strolling around Plaza de Armas.

 

Zihuatanejo

 

This resort town on Mexico’s Costa Grande is the pretty sister of the famous Acapulco. Once a sleepy fishing village, Zihuatanejo is smaller and more traditional; instead of high-rise buildings bordering the beach, it has palm trees and a colourful walkway. Running from Playa Principal to Playa Madera, there are great bars and restaurants along this waterfront promenade, with a bustling fish market on the north end. If you’re heading to the beach, Playa La Ropa is the best for swimming and Las Gatas is the most popular for snorkelling. Anglers flock to Zihuatanejo all your round. Offshore, you can catch sailfish, dorado and tuna.

Chichen Itza

 

 

The most famous Mayan archaeological site in Mexico, Chichen Itza transports visitors back to between the 9th and 12th centuries CE, when the ancient city was at its height. One of the largest Mayan cities in Central America, Chichen Itza’s highlights include the Kukulkan Pyramid and the sacred Cenote (a natural fresh water well that plunges 22 metres and was a key water source for the first settlers and farmers of the city). Kukulkan Pyramid, called “El Castillo” (the castle) by the Spanish, towers 30 metres above the ground, and once served as a temple to the god Kukulkan.

 

Isla Mujeres

 

Situated just off the coast of Cancun, the Isla Mujeres, meaning ‘Island of Women’ is a small Mexican island in the magical Caribbean Sea. This island is a true beach paradise, boasting some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Visitors can enjoy the slow-pace island-style atmosphere, discover a colourful underwater world teeming with tropical marine life, and explore Mayan heritage with a visit to the crumbling remains of Ixchel’s Temple, built in honour of a mythological Mayan goddess at Punta Sur. Other popular activities include: diving, snorkelling and a host of other thrilling watersports. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the world-renowned Playa Norte, featuring calm crystal-clear impossibly blue waters and fringed by an array of charming beach bars and restaurants.

 

Teotihuacan

 

Located just 40 kilometres northeast of Mexico City, Teotihuacan is an ancient city featuring a collection of large pyramid structures dating back to 200 BC. It is listed as a World Heritage Site owing to these massive ruins with impressive architectural structures, significant monuments, murals, carvings and several museums through which visitors can explore the city’s intriguing history. This majestic archaeological site is famous for its pyramids, namely the Pyramid of the Moon and the Pyramid of the Sun, one of ancient Mexico’s largest structures that offer incredible views after climbing the steep 250 steps. Other must-see sites include the Temple of Quetzalcoatl, the Citadel, and the Avenue of the Dead. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn about the rich cultural heritage and view ancient artefacts at the Museum of Teotihuacan Culture.

 

Isla Holbox

 

Holbox is a friendly little island which forms part of Mexico’s exquisite Yum Balam Nature Reserve. This little known and remarkably unspoiled destination sees very few foreign visitors and has only recently found itself on the tourism map due to its excellent bird and marine life watching possibilities. Visitors can look forward to relaxing on pristine white sand beaches, exploring sandy streets lined with colourful Caribbean buildings, and incredible bird watching with over 50 bird species residing in the area including large flocks of pelicans, flamingos, herons, roseate spoonbills and many more. Whale sharks and sea turtles are also frequently spotted in the waters surrounding this idyllic little island.

 

Uxmal

 

Located in the Puuc region of the Yucatán State of Mexico, the ancient Mayan town of Uxmal dates back to A.D 700 and was originally home to approximately 25, 000 Mayan inhabitants. Today, it is considered one of the world’s most important archaeological Mayan sites and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in recognition of its historical significance. The site’s remarkable collection of buildings, noted for their vast size, ornate decorative features, and elegant beauty, are typical of the Riley Kand Puuc style, with smooth low walls that open on detailed friezes based on representations of typical Maya huts. The tallest structure in Uxmal is The Pyramid of the Magician which, according to ancient legend, was single-handedly constructed in just one night by a magician-god named Itzamna. Other structures of interest include the Governor’s Palace, which covers an area of more than 1,200 m2 and The Nunnery Quadrangle, the finest of Uxmal’s several fine quadrangles of long buildings with elaborately carved façades.

 

Mazatlan

 

Situated along the Pacific Coast of the state of Sinaloa, the Mexican resort town Mazatlan is a popular tourist destination. This coastal town features twenty kilometres of white-sand beaches, historic Neoclassical and French Baroque architecture and offers excellent sports fishing, all of which draw travellers from all corners of the globe. Visitors can enjoy a stroll through the beautiful Machado Square; visit the cultural treasure- Teatro Angela Peralta, a restored performance hall; and discover the monumental Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. Don’t miss the more modern district of Zona Dorada, also known as the Golden Zone, known for its vibrant nightlife. Other popular activities include: golfing, eco-venturing and an array of thrilling watersports.

Sian Ka’an

 

 

The biosphere reserve of Sian Ka’an is located in Mexico’s municipality of Tulum. Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the reserve is one of the largest protected areas in the region featuring a barrier reef and some famous archaeological sites, including Muyil. Sian Ka’an is home to diverse endemic species of flora and fauna, including migratory birds, native bees, chit palms, water lilies, cedar, mahogany, native orchids and exotic butterflies. Marine turtles, crocodiles, spider monkeys, Jabiru stork, pink flamingoes and other fauna species can also be spotted at this reserve. Visitors can look forward to activities such as boating, snorkelling, fishing, bird watching and sightseeing.

 

San José del Cabo

 

San José del Cabo is the perfect mild antidote to its wild and boisterous neighbour, Cabo San Lucas. Although this picturesque historical and cultural town is becoming increasingly sophisticated, it has managed to retain the look and feel of an authentic provincial Mexican town. It’s quaint, narrow streets are lined with splendid jacaranda trees and charming pastel-coloured adobe houses many of which have been converted into stylish restaurants, boutiques, art galleries, cafes and authentic Mexican restaurants. Some the of area’s most impressive luxury resort hotels and spas can also be found here, offering excellent services and amenities as well as panoramic views across the turquoise ocean and some gorgeous, secluded beaches. With its livelier neighbour just around the corner, travellers who choose quieter San José del Cabo as a base can get the best of both worlds by spending their days in the more peaceful environment of San José del Cabo and then hopping across to vibrant Cabo San Lucas to get a taste of the rowdy action whenever they feel the need.

 

Puerto Morelos

 

Puerto Morelos lies on the east coast of Mexico in the state of Quintana Roo. This highly-recommended Mayan Riviera destination is found roughly halfway between the much larger resort-cities of Cancun and Playa del Carmen, and offers a quieter, more laidback base from which to explore the Yucatan Peninsula’s immense natural beauty. Puerto Morelos has two main drawcards: its stunning beaches with their inviting turquoise waters, and two kilometres of explorable (and protected) mangrove swamp which runs through the middle of town, where bird watching is popular. You can spot spider monkeys in the Jardin Botanico (lush botanical gardens), while the world’s second-largest barrier reef (the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef) crests above the surface of the sea less than three hundred metres from the shoreline in Puerto Morelos, meaning that first-class scuba diving experiences await active travellers.

 

Campeche

 

Often overlooked by travellers to the Yucatan peninsula, quiet Campeche offers a plethora of hidden treasures. Pristine, deserted beaches stretch across the coastline; the Tereminos Lagoon offers protection to an abundance of bird and sea life and a day can be spent cruising its mangrove inlets; and the capital of the state is an elegant colonial city. The fortified old town, now a World Heritage Site, was founded in 1540 by Spanish conquistadores. Bright traditional homes of Andalucían and Caribbean influence line narrow cobbled lanes. Just outside town you’ll find Edzna, an ancient Mayan city, and further afield, the Mayan settlements of Calakmul, Uxul and Xicalango.

 

Todos Santos

 

Located on Mexico’s Baja Peninsula at the foot of the magnificent Sierra de la Laguna Mountain Range, the enchanting town of Todos Santos is known for its historical significance, natural beauty, and rich culture. The town serves as an oasis amidst the surrounding desert landscape. Todos Santos boasts dozens of art galleries and a variety of wonderful restaurants and cafes housed in newly restored colonial buildings, as well as a host of different accommodation options. Visitors can learn about local history at the La Casa de La Cultura, the town’s history museum; surf some of the county’s best waves at the beaches of San Pedrito and Los Cerritos; and wander the charming cobblestoned streets in the picturesque Old Town.

 

Chetumal

 

Idyllically set on Mexico’s scenic Yucatan Peninsula on the northern border of Belize, the city of Chetumal serves as the capital of Quintana Roo. It provides a convenient stopover and excellent base from which to explore the scenic surrounding area including Bacalar’s lagoon of seven colours and dive the caverns of Cenote Azul. Visitors can look forward to an array of activities including learning about the indigenous history at the Museum of Mayan Culture, spotting manatees, crocodiles and turtles at the Manatee Sanctuary and soaking up the evening atmosphere at Boulevard Bahia. A little further afield, the ancient ruins of Oxtankah lie just 15 kilometres north of Chetumal and the nearby village of Calerderitas makes for a lovely afternoon adventure offering fresh fish cuisine and clear turquoise waters. Other not-to-be-missed Mayan ruins dotting the area include Kohunlich, Dzibanche and Kinichna.

 

Cuernavaca

 

Resting in the Tepozteco Mountains just south of Mexico City, in the Morelos state, the ‘city of eternal Spring’, Cuernavaca, offers breathtaking natural beauty, fascinating history, and a wealth of art. Heritage attractions include the extravagant 16th-century Palace of Cortes, filled with artworks by Diego Rivera; a grand cathedral; ancient ruins; and numerous museums. Most notable among these is the Robert Brady Museum, housing an incredible collection of textiles, antiques, paintings and folk arts from all over the world, as well as works by Kahlo, Covarrubias, and Brady’s own paintings. The awe-inspiring volcanoes, mountains, rivers and prairies which surround the town provide abundant opportunities for caving, rappelling, canyoning, climbing, rafting and mountain biking. Other highlights include the elegant Borda Gardens, inspired by the gardens of Versailles.