Holidays to Mexico

Mexico travel guide

• When is the best time to visit Mexico?

  Mexico's dry season runs from December to April, this is arguably the best time to travel to Mexico as we get enough rain at home!! Temperatures average 24°C, perfect pool weather!
  
  
  
  

• Mexico attractions

  Mexico offers visitors incredible variety, from jungle and desert settings, to rural villages, charming colonial towns and buzzing “mega-cities”, which sit alongside the picturesque Sierra Madre and Sierra Nevada mountains. Its extensive Pacific and Caribbean coastlines feature beautiful beaches and some of the world’s best snorkelling and diving spots, the country is also home to some of the best-preserved Mesoamerican architecture in Latin America.
  
  

  Mexico’s beaches

  Mexico’s Playa del Carmen, along with the beaches of Cancún and Cozumel, figure high among the world’s most popular beaches, with white sand, clear blue waters and plenty of colourful marine life, as well as world-class resorts and exciting nightlife.

  Mexico is also home to Acapulco, immortalised in song and made famous as a playground for the rich and famous by the likes of Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra.

  For a quieter experience, Mexico includes many beautiful beaches outside the major tourist hotspots. Try the beaches of small Holbox Island just off the Yucatan Peninsula, the magnificent white-sand beaches surrounding the bay at Bahia Concepción or the pristine beach at Xcalak, near the border with Belize and surrounded by the Great Maya Reef.

  Pyramids of Tenochtitlán

  No visitor to Mexico should miss the giant pyramids at Teotihuacán, an ancient city that lies just 50 kilometres northeast of Mexico City. The largest pyramid in Mexico, the Pyramid of the Sun, was built in approximately 100 AD. Equally famous, although smaller, is the Pyramid of the Moon, built in about 450 AD. The city of Teotihuacán is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

  Chichen Itza

  Chichen Itza is one of the largest Mayan cities ever constructed. Today it’s a fascinating complex of ancient Mayan ruins, including the central, step pyramid known as El Castillo (or the Temple of Kukulcan), which includes a total of 365 steps – one for each day of the year. Other highlights include the Great Ball Court and El Caracol, a circular temple that once served as an astronomical observatory. Over 1.2 million people travel to see Chichen Itza every year.

  Bosque de Chapultepec

  For breathing space and entertainment in bustling Mexico City, head to Bosque de Chapultepec, a massive city park that spans over 686 hectares. The park is divided into three main sections. The first includes attractions such as the National Museum of Anthropology (Mexico’s most visited museum, and for good reason), the Rufino Tamayo Museum and a popular zoo. The second section includes museums such as El Papalote – an interactive museum for children, the Museo Tecnológico de la CFE and the Museo de Historia Natural.

  Also in the park, you’ll find plenty of jogging and walking trails, exercise facilities and even the Feria de Chapultepec amusement park, which is located near the Lago Mayor. The park is known for its roller coasters, including the hair-raising Montaña Infinitum, which has three loops.

  Riviera Maya

  Mexico’s Riviera Maya runs along the country’s Caribbean coastline, in the eastern part of the Yucatán Peninsula. It’s home to many of Mexico’s top resorts. Among the many attractions for visitors are magnificent beaches with warm turquoise waters, the Belize Barrier Reef, which is the second longest barrier reef in the world, swimming in cenotes (natural underground reservoirs) and the fascinating archaeological sites at Tulum, Chichen Itza and, further inland, Coba.

  Cancún

  Just to the south of the Riviera Maya, Cancún is one of Mexico’s most popular tourist destinations, famous for its 22.5 kilometres of dazzling white-sand beach, turquoise waters and energetic nightlife. The nearby Isla Mujeres is worth visiting for its turtle farm and Playa del Norte beach.

  Tulum

  On the Yucatán Peninsula and just 128 kilometres from Cancún, Tulum was one of the last cities built by the Mayans in around 1200 AD. Today it’s popular for Mayan ruins perched atop 12 metre cliffs, with spectacular views over the Caribbean.

  Acapulco

  With its long beach and deep turquoise bay, Acapulco is one of the world’s most famous beach resorts. Since the 1950s, it has been attracting the rich and famous, and today it still has a reputation as a party town – especially among the hordes of US students who arrive each year for spring break. In addition to its varied nightlife, a key attraction in Acapulco is the La Quebrada cliff divers, famous for dives from a 40 metre high cliff into an inlet that’s just seven metres wide and four metres deep.

  Cozumel

  Situated just off the Yucatan Peninsula, Cozumel is a national marine park featuring magnificent coral reef and tropical fish. The area was first made famous by Jacques Cousteau. A ferry to Cozumel departs hourly from the popular Riviera Maya beach, Playa del Carmen.

  XCaret Eco-Park

  If you prefer your Mayan architecture with a touch of Disney, or just because it honestly is fun, head to the XCaret Eco-Park, a theme park 6.5 kilometres south of Playa del Carmen in the Riviera Maya. Along with authentic pre-Columbian ruins from the archaeological site of Xcaret, the park includes a replica of a Mayan village with artisans at work, an aquarium, bird and butterfly pavilions, areas for viewing manatees, a beach with a range of water sports on offer and the opportunity to swim with dolphins, a theatre, a spa, shops and a number of restaurants.

  Palenque

  Located 130 kilometres to the south of Ciudad del Carmen, Palenque is one of Mexico’s most fascinating archaeological sites, featuring some of the best-preserved examples of Mayan architecture and sculptures, dating to between 600 and 800 AD. Palenque also includes the only Mesoamerican pyramid used as a funerary monument.

  Guanajuato

  Located in a valley in the Sierra de Guanajuato Mountains, the 16th Century city of Guanajuato includes some of the most beautiful colonial buildings and churches in the country. Guanajuato’s main traffic thoroughfares are partly or completely underground, and many of its above-ground streets and alleyways are too narrow for cars. This makes the city perfect for pedestrians to explore.

  Copper Canyon

  Mexico’s Copper Canyon is a network of impressive canyons, together far exceeding the size of America’s Grand Canyon. A good way to see the canyons is via the Chihuahua al Pacifico Railway, which reaches an altitude of 2,400 metres and passes over a phenomenal 37 bridges, offering spectacular views.

• Top 5 things to do in Mexico

  History

  The incredible Pyramid of the Sun and Pyramid of the Moon at the ruins of the ancient city of Teotihuacán, and the fascinating Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza.

  Take to the water

  Snorkelling or diving along the Mayan Barrier Reef, which is the second largest coral reef in the world.

  Dos Ojos

  Swimming in the refreshingly cold, crystal-clear water of cenotes - a flooded cave system - like those at Dos Ojos, north of Tulum that’s known for its phenomenally clear, limestone-filtered water.

  Dia de Los Muertos

  Witnessing the Dia de Los Muertos festivities in Oaxaca, where families decorate altars and the tombs of loved ones, and prepare traditional foods like mole negro, pan de yema and Oaxacan chocolate.

  Guanajuato

  Walking the narrow streets of Guanajuato in the mountains of the Sierra de Guanajuato, with its charming colonial architecture.

• Mexico food and drink

  Mexican food and drink

  Mexican cuisine blends indigenous Mexican and European influences. Key ingredients include corn, beans, rice, potatoes, tomatoes, onion, seafood and meat, squash, avocado and nuts, with flavourings that include chilli, garlic, cumin, coriander, epazote, cinnamon and cocoa. Chipotle, which is a smoked-dried jalapeño pepper, is also widely used in Mexican cuisine.

  Popular Mexican dishes include tacos, enchiladas, tamales, mole sauce, atole and pozole – a stew made with hominy corn, meat, chilli and other ingredients.

  Mexico is, of course, famous for its tequila. It also produces good beer and includes a number of award-winning wineries. Popular non-alcoholic beverages include fruit juices and frothed hot chocolate, often flavoured with cinnamon.

  
  Mexico: Eating out

  Especially in the large cities, there’s usually every type of cuisine that you can think of – from Japanese to Italian. However, it’s worth seeking out some of the best spots for traditional Mexican food.

  Just a few of the most popular restaurants in the country are:

  • The informal and colourful La Guapachosa in Mexico City, for delicious Oaxacan food and good prices in an open-air setting.
  • Also in Mexico City, El Cardenal, for excellent Mexican food and good service.
  • Peter’s Restaurante in Cancún, a small restaurant known for its great international and Mexican food – try the key lime pie with tequila sorbet.
  • In Guadalajara, the wonderful La Tequila, for high-quality traditional Mexican dishes and a huge range of tequilas.

• Mexico nightlife

  If you’re in Mexico City or a tourist hotspot such as Cancún, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to nightlife.

  In Mexico City, popular watering holes include the comedy theatre Jules Basement, Bar Jorongo in the Sheraton Maria Isabel Hotel for its live music and mariachi shows, the lively El Hijo del Cuervo bar for loud music and good food and beer, and the popular upscale nightclub, Mezzanotte.

  Popular Cancún nightclubs to try include Señor Frogs, Christine, Cat’s, La Boom, Coco Bongo, Carlos’n Charlie’s, Dady'O and Fat Tuesday.

• Lifestyle and culture in Mexico

  Nearly half of all Mexicans today live in large cities, among them sprawling Mexico City, Guadalajara, Puebla-Tlaxcala and Monterey.
  
  In places like Mexico City, evidence of the country’s pre-Columbian and Spanish colonial past, as well as modern Mexican art, culture and cuisine, coexist with a range of international influences. Strong religious, cultural and patriotic traditions survive, but they do so in the context of a bustling economy, global franchises and some of the world’s worst traffic congestion.
  
  In more rural areas, lifestyles are more traditional. For example, you’ll encounter region-specific foods, crafts, styles of dress, architecture and ways of life in small towns throughout the Chiapas, as well as in towns like Oaxaca, Guerrero, Sonora, Tamaulipas, Yucatán, Michoacán and others.
  
  89% of Mexico’s population is Roman Catholic. The country includes many magnificent churches and cathedrals, and Catholic holidays punctuate the year’s calendar.

• Mexico's history

  Mexico boasts more UNESCO World Heritage sites than any other country in the Americas. It’s home to some of the most inspiring and well-preserved Mesoamerican architecture, including elaborately decorated Mayan temples and the world’s largest Mayan pyramids, at Teotihuacán.

  Across Mexico, you’ll also find beautiful examples of Spanish colonial architecture, from charming town plazas to graceful haciendas and magnificent cathedrals.

  Mexico is also known for its thriving arts and cultural scene. Did you know that Mexico City has the highest number of museums in the world? Among those not to miss are the impressive Palacio de Bellas Artes, or Palace of Fine Arts, alongside the Alameda Central Park and the National History of Anthropology, which includes an amazing collection of artefacts from both pre-Columbian and Hispanic times.

• Mexico events - what's on when?

  January

  Epiphany (Día de los Reyes Magos)
  On the 6th of January, Mexicans celebrate Epiphany, or Three Kings Day. Gifts are exchanged and a round cake called Rosca de los Reyes is eaten. A small doll is traditionally hidden in the cake; the lucky person who gets the slice containing the doll is expected to host a party on Día de la Candelaria in February.

  February

  Candlemas Day (Día de la Candelaria)
  On the 2nd of February, the religious holiday of Día de la Candelaria is celebrated throughout Mexico with a range of festivities, including processions and bullfights. In southern and central Mexico, tamales are traditionally eaten on this day and blessings of both seeds and candles are held.

  March

  Carnaval
  Not to be outdone by their feisty Latin American neighbours, communities across Mexico hold a colourful carnaval every year during the five days leading up to Ash Wednesday. Carnaval is marked by exuberant street parties and traditional music, parades, floats and spectacular costumes. The largest and most popular Carnival celebrations are held in Mazatlán and Veracruz, as well as in Baja California and the Yucatán Peninsulas.

  Benito Juarez's birthday
  On the 21st of March, Mexico marks the birthday of Benito Juarez, one of the countries heroes and its first president.

  April

  Holy Week (Semana Santa)
  Holy Week, which runs from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday, is an important religious time in Mexico, which has a population that’s almost 90% Catholic. Passion plays are staged throughout the country and re-enactments of the crucifixion are held in towns and cities such as Iztapalapa, Patzcuaro, San Cristobal de las Casas and Taxco. Families attend mass on Good Friday and Easter Sunday, and it’s traditional to break cascarones – died egg shells filled with confetti – with family and friends.

  May

  Cinco de Mayo
  Cinco de Mayo is celebrated in the city of Puebla to commemorate the Mexican defeat of the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862.

  June

  Navy Day (Día de la Marina)
  Towns along Mexico’s coast celebrate Día de la Marina on June 1st with parties and fireworks. Corpus Christi
  
  Across Mexico, Corpus Christi is celebrated on the Thursday following Trinity Sunday with religious processions through the streets, food, musical performances and dancing. The Voladores de Papantla, of “flying dancers”, traditionally perform near the archaeological site of El Tajin, and celebrations are held in Mexico City near the Zocalo, Cathedral and National Palace.

  July

  La Guelaguetza Dance Festival
  In mid-July, the fascinating city of Oaxaca hosts La Guelaguetza, one of Mexico’s biggest annual festivals. The festival has pre-Hispanic origins, and today is an opportunity for celebration of Mexico’s indigenous cultures, with traditional music, dance, food and handicrafts.

  August

  International Chamber Music Festival
  During the first two weeks of August, San Miguel de Allende hosts the popular International Chamber Music Festival, with top Mexican and international performers.

  Día de la Asuncion de la Virgen Guadalupe
  On the 15th of August, Mexicans mark the ascension of the Virgin of Guadalupe with processions and special masses – including a huge mass in Mexico City, at the Basilica de Guadalupe.

  September

  Independence Day
  On the 16th of September, Mexico celebrates its independence. Festivities begin on the night of the 15th, when, by tradition, the president shouts "Viva Mexico" from the balcony of the National Palace at 11pm and Mexicans respond with "Viva!" Among the biggest Independence Day celebrations are those in Queretaro and San Miguel de Allende, due to their significance during and after the Mexican War of Independence.

  October

  Festival Cervantino Internacional
  In October, the city of Guanajuato hosts the Festival Cervantino Internacional, known locally just as El Cervantino. The festival is one of the biggest artistic and cultural events in Latin America, with theatre, music and dance performances by top local and international artists, along with art and photographic exhibits.

  Fiestas de Octubre in Guadalajara
  Guadalajara is the birthplace of the Mariachi. Throughout October, Mariachi musicians converge in Guadalajara to celebrate the musical style that has become synonymous with Mexico.

  November

  Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos)
  On the 1st of November, saints and those who died as children are honoured. The next day is All Souls’ Day, when departed adults are remembered. Especially in southern and central Mexico, families clean and decorate the graves of loved ones. Sugar-candy skulls, pan de muerto (bread of the dead) and skeletons are sold throughout the country.

  December

  Día de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe
  On the 12th of December, Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe is celebrated with a mass ceremony and a traditional fair, along with free musical performances at the Basilica de Guadalupe's plaza.