From its colour-wheel challenged flag, broiled chicken with spicy chocolate sauce, pink lakes and crystal caves to its festive embrace of death, Mexico is so beguilingly intense and daringly offbeat, it’s unreal.
This is where being late is not only fashionable, it’s also un poquito sexy. Where ‘yes’ means ‘no’ unless it really means ‘yes’, or is that the other way around? Anyway, in Mexico, nothing is too spicy, and everything is manageable, it just takes a little time. Besides, by tomorrow, it may have fixed itself.
Mexico is big, but not so big that you’ll get lost (for long). In any case, there is always someone happy to give you directions to somewhere else. Wherever you go, Mexico’s unapologetic adoration for bright, striking colours can be seen in its dress and culture. And its landscape is as diverse as it is beautiful. From rugged mountains, rumbling volcanoes, sprawling canyons, and dry deserts to lush jungles, tropical forests, rushing rivers and deep cenotes, the scenery of Mexico is incredibly varied. Best of all, Mexico is probably the only place on Earth where you can eat yourself silly and not put on weight!
Mexico is more than just a country to visit; it is a bold attitude seasoned with chilli and lime. It’s an invitation to stride forward, engage passionately and love life unreservedly, whatever happens. Come and arouse your senses, it is real.
– December to April are the driest months across the country and the best time to visit Mexico.
– Avoid the Riviera Maya during the USA Spring Break (around early March) and the hurricane season (August to October).
– For an incredible wildlife experience, visit the Yucatan in whale shark season
– Day of the Dead celebrations occur every year between 30 October and 2 November; if you would like to experience the unique festivities, be sure to plan well in advance.
– See the ancient city of Teotihuacan from a hot air balloon at dawn.
– Get off the beaten track on the Yucatan Peninsula and explore hidden cenotes and ancient ruins with a rental car.
– Ride the Chepe Train through the Copper Canyon and enjoy some of Mexico’s most dramatic scenery.
– Explore the extraordinary sculpture gardens of eccentric surrealist Edward James at Las Pozas in Xilitla.
– Enjoy a hands-on cooking class in Merida or explore Oaxaca’s street food with a unique walking tour.
– Explore Guanajuato, San Cristobal de las Casas and San Miguel de Allende, just a few of the best-preserved colonial cities in Mexico.