The Wanderlust guide to the best of Mexico
Hot as a habanero chilli, cool as a dip in the Pacific, ancient as the Mayan temples and new as Mexico City’s bars and restaurants – this is your ultimate guide to Mexico
From the vivid wall paintings at Bonampak to the mighty temples of Chichén Itzá, the sheer variety of archaeological sites in Mexico is astounding. Add to this the brilliance of the Caribbean Sea, huge canyons and dense jungles and you have an invigorating cocktail of culture and landscapes.
Congested, polluted and gloriously manic, Mexico City was originally founded by the Aztecs. Beyond the capital, the pace slows. Colonial cities, founded on the wealth of silver mines, rest assuredly on their architectural laurels. Within easy striking distance of Mexico City, the mountains and desert plains of Querétaro are another world: people quietly go about their business as they always have, farming and producing crafts for sale at the local markets.
The city of Oaxaca is the jewel in Mexico’s gastronomic crown, home to colourful markets and a wide array of restaurants and street stalls serving regional specialties such as mole amarillo and empanadas stuffed with courgette flowers and molten quesillo (a mozzarella-like cheese). Sign up for one of the cookery courses and market tours offered by many restaurants around town.
Adventurers flock to Mexico to climb the volcanic peaks, to descend into the deepest cenotes or to spill down the white waters of the Antigua and Pescado rivers. The Caribbean offers superb diving off the Quintana Roo coastline, while on the west coast surfers ride the giant rollers beside the beautiful beaches of the wild Pacific and Baja California. In the far north-west, the Sea of Cortéz is one of the planet’s richest marine feeding grounds – where, if you’re lucky, you’ll spot hammerhead sharks, dolphins and California grey whales.
Looking for inspiration?
From the scorched northern deserts to the humidity of the southern rainforests, Mexico is an invigorating blend of influences as diverse as its landscape. Which begs the question – which is the Mexico for you? Peter Hutchison has put together a handy guide to four unmissable trips in Mexico, covering the Yucatan Peninsula, Colonial Mexico, Mexico City and the South, and ‘Big’ Mexico in the north. Choose one. Choose all four. Just make sure you read Peter’s article first.
If following in the footsteps of the ancients takes your fancy, you’ll want to read Alex Robinson’s suggestions on four different ways to tackle the legendary Maya Route.
The Copper Canyon Railway is rightly regarded as one of the world’s great train journeys. But what do you do when the ride is over? Richard Grant has the lowdown on what else to see and do in Copper Canyon country.
All a bit too strenuous? Then put on Baja Sessions by Chris Isaak, slip down Mexico way and tickle some whales in San Ignacio Lagoon with Lyn Hughes. You know you want to.
More information
Mexico Travel Blueprint: 4 unmissable trips – Peter Hutchison
Four ways to travel the Maya Route – Alex Robinson
Mexico: Copper Canyon country – Richard Grant
Whale watching in Baja California – Lyn Hughes
