Mexico Guide
Mexico is a vibrant blend of cultural treasures, sandy beaches and varied landscapes. Whether you're climbing volcanoes, exploring pre-Columbian ruins, wandering colonial cities or cruising along desert highways, this country of colourful contrasts will leave a spicy taste in your mouth.
Explore beyond vibrant Mexico City's hustle and bustle to find ancient Mayan ruins and elegant colonial buildings. Northwest of the capital is Guadalajara, the heart and soul of Mexican national identity, with its ornate baroque cathedral; while Monterrey is the face of modern Mexico, a booming economic powerhouse in the country's northeast.
Surf the waves off Baja California, scuba dive in the waters of Cozumel and plumb the depths of Copper Canyon. Central Mexico is defined by volcanic peaks while the rainforests of Chiapas are prime territory for exploring. Work up a thirst in the desert of the Sierra Madre.
Take home a unique piece of silver jewellery from Taxco, a bottle of fiery mezcal or tequila from Oaxaca or some folk medicine from Mexico City's Mercado Sonora. Puebla is famed for its ornately decorated Talavera pottery while you'll find beautiful hand-woven, brightly coloured Mayan cloth in San Cristobal de las Casas.
Mexican food involves intense, spicy flavours, many of them pre-Hispanic in origin. Based on beans and corn, the untold regional variations are a world away from the Tex Mex food visitors may have tried at home. Try especially tamales (corn meal stuffed with meat or cheese), meat served with mole poblano (a spicy sauce made with chocolate) and tostadas (toasted tortillas with meat, beans and salad).
Take in the misty grandeur of the Cascada de Basaseachi, at 246 metres Mexico's highest waterfall, or find something to hide behind at Morelia's Museo de la Mascara, or Mask Museum.
