Most people, when they think of Mexico, picture beaches and resorts. With its long coastline meeting both the Pacific and Caribbean oceans, this is certainly one side of Mexico, and for a ‘flop and drop’ holiday, Mexico offers an abundance of choices.
However, there are 31 states plus the capital to explore and Mexico has so much more to offer beyond water-based activities. For food lovers, Mexico provides a variety and standard of cuisine that exceeds what you’ll find in Mexican restaurants in Australia, with each state boasting its own regional specialities. Mexican cuisine is a blend of indigenous and Spanish influences, varying by region due to local climate, geography and the ethnic diversity of Mexico’s many First Nation groups, which include over 60 different ethnicity.
Often, our clients have Egypt on their bucket list because they want to see a pyramid, but Mexico also has many stunning pyramids to explore. Historic and ancient sites are a must-see in Mexico - this is the land of the Mayans, Aztecs, Toltecs and smaller groups like the Olmec tribes. Sometimes these civilisations coexisted in Mexico at the same time. They are renowned for their art, architecture, mathematics, calendar and astronomical systems. The iconic Chichen Itza pyramid is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Other must-visit sites include the jungle-surrounded Palenque, the Teotihuacan just outside Mexico City, the coastal beauty of Tulum, the magnificent Uxmal, and the remarkable El Tajín. Some of these ancient pyramids are even climbable!
A ‘must-see’ for any history enthusiast visiting Mexico is the Museo Nacional de Antropología in Mexico City. Established in 1964, this incredible museum spans 5 kilometers, contains 23 rooms, and boasts an astonishing 600,000 objects, including the famous ‘Stone of the Sun’. The National Museum of Anthropology rivals the British Museum, The Louvre and The Hermitage, and is reason enough to visit Mexico City to experience this world-renowned collection.
Another unmissable museum in Mexico City is the Frida Kahlo Museum, often referred to as the Blue House for its electrifying cobalt-blue walls. This historic house, where Frida lived and painted, is now an art museum dedicated to her life and work. Visitors can stroll through the lovely tranquil gardens, explore the rooms where she lived, view her studio, and see some of her artworks, clothes and personal effects. Located in the Colonia del Carmen neighborhood of Coyoacán in Mexico City, the museum transports you into Frida’s world and offers insight into the meanings behind her unique paintings.
Mexico also has a rich colonial history. The arrival of Cortés in the 16th century changed Mexico forever and the subsequent colonisation by the Spanish is still visible in the country’s heritage buildings, UNESCO World Heritage towns, cuisine and festivals. Charming villages feature shady plazas, dominating churches, cobblestone streets, stately homes, whitewashed walls and terracotta tiles. We chose to visit San Cristobal de las Casas in the mountains for this experience and were not disappointed. San Cristobal is also close to many indigenous villages that can be visited as day trips.
Mexico hosts many festivals and it’s a delight to experience some of these in person. We were in Mexico for the Day of the Dead week, where locals dress up, throw street parades and create special altars in their homes and businesses to remember loved ones. Towns are decorated with flowers and local communities gather at graveyards for remembrance picnics filled with music, food and socialising.
Safety is often a concern when it comes to Mexico, but while there are certainly ‘no-go’ areas in Mexico City and some states with reputations for crime, I travelled throughout Mexico for two weeks with a female friend and never felt unsafe or in danger. We had pre-booked transfers and personal guides and would recommend this as an excellent way to explore Mexico. We also navigated local tourist areas on foot without issues and found the Mexican people to be accommodating and helpful, even with limited English (and we spoke no Spanish). An itinerary can be custom-tailored to include whatever aspects of Mexico appeal to you.
Kymberly from our office has visited Mexico six times and can help you plan your next Central American holiday!
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