THE BEST OF 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 colorful 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.
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?
he 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?
Have you heard of Mexico’s Island of the Dolls? It’s just outside Mexico City and is covered in the weathered remains of plastic dolls.
Mexico’s remote Chiapas region, once the home to bandits and revolutionaries, it is now opening up to travelers, offering an insight into the life and traditions in the south.
Mexicans will hold a fiesta at the drop of a very wide-brimmed hat. No matter what day it is, it will be some saint’s birthday somewhere and the fireworks and colourful costumes will be dutifully brought out.
The biggest festival, held at the start of November each year, is Día de los Muertos – the Day of the Dead. Locals head to the nearest cemetery to commune and party with long-deceased relatives.
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