Some countries just seem to have it all: great weather, fascinating historical sights, a vibrant culture, fantastic shopping, unspoilt nature and delicious food. Mexico is a firm favourite among travellers because of the sheer variety it offers. There is something for everyone and because the country is relatively cheap, it’s easy to have a great time here even if you’re on a tight budget.
Many people who visit Mexico head straight for the resorts along the coast. However, it would be a shame to miss out on the treasures of the capital. Mexico City, locally referred to as México D.F., is one of the largest cities in the world. Its sheer size will take your breath away and you’ll find a myriad of things to do here, from museums to ancient sites and from trendy nightlife and shopping areas to peaceful parks.
If you love art and architecture, you’ll think you’ve died and gone to Heaven. The city was home to Frida Kahlo, whose blue house you can still visit, as well as her husband Diego Rivera and his fellow Mexican Muralists like David Alfaro Siquieros and José Clemente Orozco, whose works can be admired in various locations.
After the frenetic capital, you’ll want to relax and hitting the beach is one of the best ways to do it. Mexico has been blessed with spectacular beaches worthy of any tourist brochure. Some resorts, like Cancun and Los Cabos, are packed with sun worshippers during high season but you’ll also find plenty of great beaches that haven’t been discovered yet by the tourist crowds – especially if you head to the west coast instead of the Caribbean coast.
For an unforgettable experience in rural Mexico, the Copper Canyon is a magical option. Located in the north-western part of the country, this area combines dramatic landscapes and rich biodiversity with ancient little towns. It’s paradise for active and adventure travellers, but if you want to just sit back and enjoy the scenery, exploring the network of six canyons by train is a must.
Mexico was once home to a number of powerful civilisations, including the Olmec, Aztecs and Maya cultures. There are imposing ruins dotted around the country, from the Yucatán to the heart of Mexico City. A visit to some of these ancient sites will leave you speechless in awe at how people managed to build these structures so many centuries ago.
No visit to Mexico will be complete without trying the country’s cuisine. There is more to Mexican food than tacos and beans. This was after all the part of the world that gave us tomatoes, avocados, maize, chocolate and other foods that we could now barely live without. If varied and flavourful eating is your passion, you’ll find that it’s impossible to go hungry in Mexico. Food tourism in Mexico is growing in rapid strides and you’ll have a choice of tours where you can taste the regional cuisines or learn how to cook like a real Mexican.
Budgeting for a trip to Mexico is quite easy. You don’t need to be a billionaire to travel in style here. If you want to save, it’s good to remember that tourist hotspots like Cancun are much more expensive than the rest of the country, especially between December and March. You can avoid the crowds and travel for less if you go during off-season. A website like Momondo can help you compare flight and accommodation prices so that you’ll know how much you’ll need for the holiday of a lifetime.
