Mexico offers travellers a tantalising smorgasbord of nature, history, cuisine and culture. Aztec and Mayan archaeological treasures, tequila, charming colonial cities, Mexican food and beach culture, all these features and more make up this tourist and historical hub. The culturally curious will be bowled over by the impressive sites of ancient civilisations that moulded Mexico’s great pre-colonial history. Nature lovers will be in their element on the pristine beaches that stretch along its 10 000 kilometre coastline or exploring the country’s rainforests, mountain peaks and mangrove lagoons. Gourmands gorge on the distinctive and flavourful cuisine that has become famous worldwide.
Mexico City, one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world, sprawls across the Valley of Mexico. Originally the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan, the city was constructed over the ancient Lake Texcoco. The arrival of the Spanish saw the demolishment of most structures. However, some centuries-old canals and ruins can still be found. Head to the historic centre to see a host of architectural and cultural attractions, including the Plaza de la Constitucion, the National Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Templo Mayor, the Palace of Fine Arts and the scenic Central Alameda Park. Top attractions such as Chapultepec Castle, the Modern Art Museum and the National Museum of Anthropology can be found in Chapultepec Park.
De kosmopolitische stad San Miguel de Allende ligt in de centrale Hooglanden van Mexico en staat bekend om zijn bloeiende kunstscene, uitstekende restaurants, luxe accommodaties, koloniale architectuur en rijk cultureel erfgoed. Het wordt beschouwd als een van de mooiste steden in Mexico en heeft UNESCO Werelderfgoed status. Bezoekers kunnen genieten van een breed scala aan interessante attracties, waaronder: de levendige ambachtelijke markt, de onlangs opgegraven archeologische zone Canada de la Virgen, het pittoreske El Jardín, het belangrijkste plein in het historische hart, en de neogotische San Miguel Arcangel Parish, een kerk in het hart van de historische geplaveide centrum van de stad.
Gelegen in een smalle vallei begrensd door het Sierra de Guanajuato-gebergte, bestaat de charmante stad Guanajuato uit smalle, geplaveide straatjes die kronkelen tussen kleurrijke gebouwen en berghellingen. Veel van deze straten zijn veel te klein voor voertuigen om doorheen te rijden, en het daaruit voortvloeiende ondergrondse tunnelnetwerk is slechts één kenmerk dat de stad tot een unieke bestemming maakt. Bezoekers van de historische mijnstad worden ook het hele jaar door getrakteerd op prachtige neoklassieke en barokke gebouwen, levendige pleinen en tal van culturele evenementen en activiteiten. Het meest opvallend is het beroemde Festival Internacional Cevantino, een van's werelds belangrijkste kunst- en cultuurextravaganza's. UNESCO erkent Guanajuato voor zijn kenmerkende architectuur, zilvermijnen en rijke geschiedenis.
Located in western Mexico, the city of Guadalajara serves as the capital and largest city of the state of Jalisco. Guadalajara is also the second-largest metropolis in Mexico. Guadalajara is the cultural hub of Mexico, considered by most to be the home of mariachi music and wide-brimmed sombreros. The town's warm small-town atmosphere is contrasted by big-city attractions including fascinating museums, modern restaurants, and excellent shopping. Sample Guadalajara’s famous culinary delights at the city’s massive food court at Mercado San Juan de Dios; or explore the city’s historic centre, dotted with landmarks and colonial plazas. Don’t miss the opportunity to try Guadalajara’s specialty, 'torta ahogada' a scrumptious ‘drowned sandwich’ stuffed with fried pork.
Dubbed a microcosm of Mexico's best, Oaxaca is a southern state known for its diverse natural landscapes, exquisite architecture, spirited culture, and mouthwatering cuisine. Mountain peaks, canyons, pristine beaches and tropical rainforests have shaped its topography, creating a fertile platform for rich biodiversity – the state is endowed with 50% of all Mexico's plant and animal species. Oaxaca City offers a rich colonial charm and is located only nine kilometres from Monte Albán, a Maya city founded in 500BC, dotted with several hundred artificial terraces. Holidaymakers flock to Oaxaca's pacific coast for its excellent surf, the string of vibrant holiday resort towns, and stretches of pristine coastline where sea turtles come to nest.
Located on Mexico’s Pacific coast, the port town of Puerto Escondido is a popular vacation destination in the state of Oaxaca. ‘Surfs up’ at this beach paradise with Tie-dye T-shirts, surfboards, and beach shacks abound. This surfing mecca is known for its spectacular stretches of golden-sand beach, perfect waves, and magnificent surrounding natural landscapes. It boasts a collection of pristine beaches, all possessing a unique charm, including the palm tree-lined Principal beach, where visitors can relax at one of the thatch-roofed bars lining the beach, as well as surf the excellent waves at Zicatela Beach, enjoy the calmer waters of La Punta Beach and soak up the incredible scenery of Carrizalillo Beach set in a little cove backed by steep cliffs. Other highlights include kayaking, diving, horse riding, fishing, and whale watching. This sun-drenched Mexican paradise is a dream come true for sun worshippers and nature lovers.
