The new route operated by regional carrier Aeromar will bring together Oaxaca and Tuxtla Gutierrez (for San Cristobal de las Casas), operating 5 days...
I was very lucky to be invited on a last minute trip to Mexico at the end of January. I know a fair bit of Mexico, having spent time living there, but...
Exuberant festivals, ancient civilisations, canyons and deserts, sugar-white sand and coral reefs, authentic street food, mariachi and mezcal - Mexico is a vibrant and passionate country of endless variety and contrast.
If you can tear yourself away from the gorgeous Caribbean and Pacific beaches, there are wonderful old Spanish towns to explore, local markets selling colourful textiles, fascinating museums, and excellent restaurants serving regional specialities alongside classic dishes spiced with chilli peppers, chocolate and coriander. Accommodation ranges from rustic lodges to luxurious private villas and elegant colonial haciendas, steeped in history and character.
Mexico has superb Olmec, Aztec and Maya ruins, whose ancient heritage survives to this day in the customs and dress of its indigenous communities - brilliantly displayed in colourful festivals held throughout the year, a fusion of timeless tradition with richly symbolic Catholic ritual.
The natural world is exceptional too, whether you’re swimming in turquoise sinkholes, or cenotes, spotting whale sharks out to sea, following clouds of Monarch butterflies on migration or taking in the incredible scenery of the Copper Canyon. Adventurer, culture lover or history buff, Mexico will capture your mind and delight your senses.
Highlights
Here are some of our Mexico highlights
Stunning snorkelling
The clear blue waters off Mexico and on mainland cenotes (sinkholes) are a wonderful place to snorkel and see marine life. Whale sharks can even be seen around Isla Holbox from June to September, when they come to mate.
Idyllic Beaches
The small, friendly Isla Holbox has miles of white-sand beaches and tranquil waters blisfully devoid of Mexico's usual crowds. Its natural reserve also affords excellent wildlife viewing - all in all a highly recommended, relaxed beach spot!
Ancient Maya sites
Palenque is the country's most enchanting ruin, still partially covered in vegetation and hidden in the rainforest, itself home to howler monkeys, toucans and ocelots. Hundreds of ruined buildings remain undercover, yet to be excavated.
Canyons and railroads
The Copper Canyon, longer and deeper than the Grand Canyon, is reached via the Chepe railroad offering the most dramatic scenery in Mexico. The area is great for walking, or just marvel over the vast canyon from the various viewing points.
Stunning snorkelling
The clear blue waters off Mexico and on mainland cenotes (sinkholes) are a wonderful place to snorkel and see marine life. Whale sharks can even be seen around Isla Holbox from June to September, when they come to mate.
Idyllic Beaches
The small, friendly Isla Holbox has miles of white-sand beaches and tranquil waters blisfully devoid of Mexico's usual crowds. Its natural reserve also affords excellent wildlife viewing - all in all a highly recommended, relaxed beach spot!
Ancient Maya sites
Palenque is the country's most enchanting ruin, still partially covered in vegetation and hidden in the rainforest, itself home to howler monkeys, toucans and ocelots. Hundreds of ruined buildings remain undercover, yet to be excavated.
Canyons and railroads
The Copper Canyon, longer and deeper than the Grand Canyon, is reached via the Chepe railroad offering the most dramatic scenery in Mexico. The area is great for walking, or just marvel over the vast canyon from the various viewing points.
Stunning snorkelling
The clear blue waters off Mexico and on mainland cenotes (sinkholes) are a wonderful place to snorkel and see marine life. Whale sharks can even be seen around Isla Holbox from June to September, when they come to mate.
Idyllic Beaches
The small, friendly Isla Holbox has miles of white-sand beaches and tranquil waters blisfully devoid of Mexico's usual crowds. Its natural reserve also affords excellent wildlife viewing - all in all a highly recommended, relaxed beach spot!
Thanks so much! I wanted to write and say thank you so much for all of your help and all of your planning! We had a great time. We LOVED our guide in Oaxaca - he is amazing and knows so much! Our full day with him and visiting Monte Alban and visiting the family for lunch (and to see their weaving/rugs), that was definitely a highlight. The girls loved helping to grind the corn to make tortillas and to tour and eat at their house. I think they will never forget that. - MW
When to go to Mexico
Mexico is a year-round destination with higher temperatures in the rainy season of May to October. The hurricane season, generally around September, can affect the Caribbean coast. The area around the Sierra Madre, which extends from the US border down to Mexico City, has a more moderate climate with warm days and cool nights, although winter (December to February) can be cold.
Yellow fever, tetanus, cholera and malaria advisable. Malaria is a risk in rural areas mainly south of Mexico City but the highest risk is in the Mayan sites, jungle and coastal regions.
Visas
Not required for EU, US or most other citizens
Money
The currency is the Mexican Peso (about 11 per US$) . There are notes for 20, 50, 100 and 200 pesos and coins for 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 pesos. It is recommended to bring either US Dollars or dollar denomination travellers cheques to change, which you can change at most casas de cambio and banks. Keep official exchange slips as without them you will be unable to change pesos back into dollars. American Express, Mastercard and Visa credit cards are generally accepted. Cash can be withdrawn with your Visa card from some banks and most ATM’s accept Visa (over Mastercard).
Telephones
Public phones take phone cards (Ladatel) costing 30 or 50 pesos. There are commercially run booths (e.g. Computel) which are almost twice the price but easier as you make the call and pay after. International calls are rather expensive. Always check prices before using the telephone at hotels, as they often mark up international and long-distance calls considerably.
Area
1.9 million sq km.
Population
104 million
Time zone
GMT-6 (in Mexico City) GMT-5 (East) GMT-7 (West)
Voltage
Generally 220V. 110V available in bathrooms.
Language
Official language is Spanish, but there are over 65 indigenous languages, the most common of which are Nahuatl (spoken by 2 million people), Maya, Zapotec and Mixtec.
Driving
Car hire is a good option in the Yucatan Peninsula. Roads are mostly tarmac (2 lanes) and local drivers are not too erratic. The main hazzard are topes (speed ramps) which are in all populated areas, and signed before each one with a yellow sign (but still easy to miss).
Mexico
Thanks so much! I wanted to write and say thank you so much for all of your help and all of your planning! We had a great time. We LOVED our guide in Oaxaca - he is amazing and knows so much! Our full day with him and visiting Monte Alban and visiting the family for lunch (and to see their weaving/rugs), that was definitely a highlight. The girls loved helping to grind the corn to make tortillas and to tour and eat at their house. I think they will never forget that.
- MW