Palenque
Explore the Mayan ruins of Palenque, an archaeological gem set in tropical jungle.

Oaxaca
Pronounced wah-hah-kah, this is known as the gastronomic capital of Mexico. Eat your way around this fabulous city enjoying seven varieties of mole!

San Cristobel de las Casas
A highland town in southern Mexico known for its well preserved colonial architecture, suih as the centuries old, yellow San Cristóbal Cathedral on the Parque Central. Take time to wander the lovely well-preserved colonial streets.

Playa del Carmen
Relax on the sparking beaches of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula’s strip of Caribbean shoreline.

Chichen Itza
View the ‘jewel in the crown’ of Yucatan Mayan sites, Chichen Itza with its massive pyramid, ball court, observatory and temples.

Mexico is in northern hemisphere so seasons are opposite to ours, however there is no wrong time to visit. The hottest time of year is May- Sep (particularly on the coast) and it gets cooler and dry from Oct – Apr. Some say it is more comfortable to travel in the cooler season but that depends on how hot you like it!.

I must admit I feared being overwhelmed by Mexico’s multitude of ancient civilisations. Thankfully I heeded the advice of a friend and headed first for Mexico City’s exceptional Archaeological Museum – which proved to be the perfect primer for what turned out to be an incredible exploration of Aztec and Mayan history.

Among the many ruins I visited, Chichen Itza, undeniably the most famous, is a must-see, but it was Palenque that stole the show. Largely shrouded in jungle and remarkably well-preserved, it ignited my imagination – I could almost hear the echoes of a thriving Mayan community.

Mexico offers more than just ancient wonders of course. Heading for the highlands, a beautiful hacienda in San Cristobal de las Casas became my luxurious home base for a few days. I revelled in the slow pace of this charming town filled with Spanish colonial architecture and took day trips to nearby indigenous villages. Their colourful markets provided a fascinating glimpse into life in today’s Mexico.

Mexico also offers delicious cuisine of course, and lovers of art will be delighted – I highly recommend the Frida Kahlo Museum in Mexico City. What more can I say? Pack your bags and embark on an unforgettable Mexican adventure!

Chris

Currency Mexican Peso

Language Spanish is the official language of Mexico, although some 66 indigenous languages from pre-Hispanic cultures are still spoken today

Why we love it Discover some fantastic architecture in the ‘centro historico’ of Mexico City and travel about the city in the local taxis – bright green VW’s (yes, the original VW was manufactured in Mexico right up until 2003!). If you are keen on resorts, then Mexico has it all – from Caribbean resorts such as Cancun and Playa del Carmen on the Riveria Maya to Acapulco and Puerto Vallarta on the Pacific coast. Don’t forget Baja California – one of the world’s best surf spots and the location of the twin resorts of Cabo san Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. One of the most interesting reasons to visit Mexico is the awe-inspiring feeling of the archaeological sites dating back to Pre-classic, Classic and Early Classic. If it’s all a bit much working out exactly how ancient these sites are, don’t worry – just sit back and enjoy the view. We love the quaint colonial towns of Oaxaca, Merida and San Cristobal de las Casas; picture-postcard destinations with cobblestone streets, character-filled hotels and real charm. On the Yucatan Peninsula is the famous international resort of Cancun, though for Kiwi’s might prefer the laid-back almost bohemian resort of Playa del Carmen. The beach is out of this world, there are plenty of little bars and restaurants and enough shopping, but not too much. It is also the best gateway to Cozumel Island a 45-minute ferry away and the best diving spots in Mexico.

Weather Mexico is northern hemisphere so seasons are opposite to ours. The hottest time of year is May- Sep (particularly on the coast) and it gets cooler and dry from Oct – Apr. Some say it is more comfortable to travel in the cooler season but that depends on how hot you like it!

Social customs & quirks Mexican culture has been shaped from the blending of pre-Hispanic civilisations, Spanish culture and influences from the United States.
‘Futbal’ – soccer as we know it, is singularly the most popular sport in the country, followed by charreria and bullfighting. Charreria is the Mexican style of traditional horsemanship developed from the colonial haciendas, from which the American style of “rodeo” developed.
Mexican people are warm and gracious and as in a lot of Latin cultures, have a ‘manana’ (or ‘tomorrow’) attitude. A sensitive and slightly laid-back attitude will get you everywhere while travelling in Mexico.
When greeting people in Mexico it is common to shake hands. Women may also greet men or women with a kiss on the cheek. Tipping is customary – 10% on top of the bill is standard and U$1 per piece of luggage for porterage.

Festivals & events The most important date in Mexico is Independence Day on September 16th. Other important dates are the Day of the Dead (Nov 2nd), Easter, and the Virgin of the Guadelupe Day (Dec 12th)

Health* There are currently no health requirements entering Mexico

Notes *Please be aware that Health information is subject to change at any time and you should always double check these requirements at the time of booking and before travel.