Chichen Itza - Mexico tourist office
Mexico Destination Guide
by Tina Banerjee
Summary
Mexico is a well-established long-haul beach destination with glitzy resorts like Acapulco requiring little introduction. Beautiful beaches, coral reefs and all-inclusive hotels, some of which offer excellent spa facilities, have endeared themselves to scores of luxury-seeking holidaymakers seeking a Caribbean getaway.
But Mexico’s appeal extends far beyond its coastline. With its remote villages, the sensory overload of Mexico City and a rich history spawning ancient empires to Spanish colonialism, visitors are sure to be thrilled by its multi-layered tapestry.
Getting there, getting around Mexico
A number of scheduled airlines operate to the capital, in addition to charter flights from UK regional airports to the country’s main beach resorts. To overcome pricey internal domestic airfares, pre-book discounted air passes with Aeromexico or Mexicana before you leave the UK.
Train services, particularly in the south, can be dire but are the best means of travelling from Mexico City to the US border. First class, long-distance coach services are good value for money. In the capital, the metro and bus services are extensive, cheap and reliable. VW Beetle taxis can be booked in advance and prices should be fixed before you start your journey.
Quick facts
Currency: Mexican Peso
Language: Spanish
Flight time: 12 hours
GMT: Between - 6 to -8 hours
Weather: Mexico’s weather varies by season and by region but is enjoyable year-round with October to May generally the most pleasant time to visit. The hurricane season in Mexico normally runs from June to November and primarily affects the Caribbean coastline
Dialling code: 00 52
Electricity: 120V, 60 Hz. Flat two-pin plugs are standard
Mexico City - Mexico tourist office
Beaches in Mexico
For decades, the rich and famous have flocked to the Pacific coastal resorts of glitzy Acapulco and Puerto Vallarta, renowned for their sprawling all-inclusive hotels and golden beaches. Expect art galleries, designer boutiques, spas, golf, tennis, mountain biking, snorkelling, horseback riding and hot-air ballooning. New rival resorts include those along the up-and-coming Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo coastline, which boast clear waters, forested eco-sanctuaries, pristine offshore islets and comfortable hotels. A real honeymoon hotspot.
On the Yucatan peninsula lies the high rise resort of Cancun, a 25-kilometre long densely-packed hotel zone offering glamorous clubs, shops and gourmet restaurants and helicopter tours. So many Americans take their holidays here that you may feel it's more like Florida than Mexico. To the south lie the rapidly growing Riviera Mayan resorts like Playa del Carmen and offshore Cozumel which offer a wealth of diving, snorkelling and fishing off the world’s second largest coral reef.
Sightseeing in Mexico
Prepare for a bewildering explosion of sights and sounds in the world’s most populated city, Mexico City. Explore the city’s parks, boulevards, museums and colonial palaces. Highlights include the Plaza de las Tres Culturas which offers an introduction to the country’s Aztec ruins while the Plaza of the Constitution, constructed by the conquistadors, is overlooked by some impressive public buildings such as the Presidential Palace and Catedral Metropolitana.
There’s also Guadalajara featuring interesting museums and a long musical heritage, and the colonial wonders of Oaxaca. You’ll also discover impressive Spanish colonial grandeur in the Yucatan state capital of Merida.
Mexico for families
The coastal resorts brimming with beaches, water parks and children’s clubs are perfect for children of all ages. Escape the hustle and bustle of Mexico City with a trip to Xochimilco, a lovely spot for picnics, where you can hire canal boats, or stroll among the flower and fruit markets. Or go to Chapultepec Park where there’s a castle, zoo and a museum.
In Guadalajara, there’s Magic Jungle theme park, a planetarium and weekly rodeos. Horse-back riding and swimming in natural pools is also possible.
Mexico day trips
From Puerto Vallarta, possible day trips include flights to a mountain silver mining village, booze cruises plus dolphin and whale watching excursions. If you’re on the Mayan Riviera, unique eco-archaeological theme parks and cenotes – natural pools of clear water found in caves and open to swimmers – are additional draws. Swimming with dolphins is possible in Cancun and Acapulco.
From Mexico city, take the 30 mile journey to see 2,000 year old Teotihuacán, the county’s largest pre-Hispanic city. Other Mayan sites include jungle-shrouded Palenque which some say are superior to the ruins at Chichen Itza featuring a 75ft high pyramid. Visit Palenque in the morning when an ethereal fog smoulders over the ruins.
Cozumel coastline - Mexico tourist office
Eating out in Mexico
Native Indian, French and Spanish foods are combined in Mexican dishes. Expect lashings of refried pinto, kidney beans, chilli in sweet and savoury forms and rice. There's of course tons of tortillas, tacos, burritos, empanadas and chicken mole where the meat is cooked in a cocoa-tomato sauce. Breakfasts tend to be light affairs, while lunches are typically the biggest meal of the day. Indulge in a wonderful array of fruit, vegetable and fresh juices.
Tequila, the national drink, can be drunk straight, or in cocktails. Consult locals for the best brands. Local beer is good and varies in strength. Licuados are fresh juices mixed with milk and water.
Mexico shopping
Playa del Carmen is a great place for unique high-quality crafts, especially jewellery. Cancun is situated in a duty-free state, so jewellery, cosmetics and perfumes can be purchased at bargain prices - just head for Yaxchilan Avenue in Centro.
Good souvenirs to look out for across the country include embroidered clothing, banks, ceramics, leather items, baskets, hats and hammocks.
Mexico nightlife
Mexico City offers an intense hotbed of evening action, with everything from live mariachi bands to sophisiticated clubs. Clubbers should head to the following neighbourhoods: Centro Historico, Zona Rosa, Polanco and Condesa. Plaza Garibaldi is also good for nightly entertainment - enjoy awesome views while you drink a cocktail on the roof of the trendy Condesa DF Hotel.
Acapulco is renowned for its raucous nightlife in peak season. Clubbers don’t normally start before midnight, and typically stay out ‘til dawn. Many hotels also host their own parties, which include dinner, dancing and a show. All night, open-air discos on or near the beach are also increasingly popular. The situation’s very similar in lively Cancun.
Related destinations
If you're interested in Mexico you may also like to look at these related destinations:
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