Mexico
In a few words Sunny and welcoming, Mexico has earned its reputation as one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. More than 20 million people visit Mexico each year, drawn by the warm weather and postcard-perfect resort beaches and seduced by the colourful culture of the cities.
World-class resorts like Acapulco, Cancun and Cabo San Lucas receive the bulk of the tourists in Mexico, while many more travel the coasts in enormous cruise ships stopping at ports along Baja California and the Yucatan Peninsula. Clear ocean waters ideal for surfing, scuba diving and other water sports are a major draw, as well as onshore activities like 4×4 riding, hiking and beach volleyball. The nightlife in the resorts is renowned for its intensity, and top restaurants complete the perfect package-holiday picture.
Travellers who venture inland to Mexico’s less-visited cities discover a different side to the country though; one of colourful colonial buildings, rich and fragrant culinary traditions, lively mariachi rhythms and sold-out bullfighting arenas. A history going back for thousands of years through the Mayan, Aztec and Olmec cultures has left Mexico a rich heritage with stunning archaeological sites like Chichen Itza and Teotihuacán. Yet Mexico has a modern side as well, and bustling metropolises like Mexico City and Guadalajara offer visitors the chance to meet the real face of Mexico.
With enchanting attractions offering plenty of sightseeing, Mexico has consistently proven to be one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world and for many a good reason. With its exotic sandy beaches, blue waters and warm climate, extraordinary history and diverse landscapes, there is something for just about every kind of traveller in this vibrant and colourful country.
Spend a few days wandering round the ancient Mayan and Aztec pyramids and ruins, explore the deserts and swamps, marvel at the rainforests and discover a few of the 176 species of orchid along the way, or navigate an eco-tour by mountain bike, jeep, kayak or horseback. The 58 National Parks conserving indigenous fauna and flora are enough to keep any eco-warrior dazzled and, boasting the most species of birds in the whole of North America, Mexico is a bird-watcher’s paradise. Marine life is in abundance off these tropical shores and the Parque Natural de la Ballena Gris (Gray Whale National Park) is a must for whale watchers.
Beach resort cities such as Acapulco, Cancun and those of the Baja California region are considered to be a slice of heaven! The cities display wonderfully unique architecture and evidence of European colonial rule still exists, while El Zócalo in Mexico City, the second largest city square in the world, is where it all happens and is the best place to experience some real Mexican flavour!
Most domestic travel throughout Mexico can be done by bus with several dozen companies operating by region. Train passenger transportation between cities is limited but flying domestically is considered the most efficient and safest mode of transport in Mexico.
With so much to see and do, it would take a few months, if not years to explore and discover all that this magical country has to offer.