Home to some of the most stunning landscapes and ancient structures in the world, Mexico is a beautiful country located on the southern part of North America, sharing its northern border with the United States. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a relaxing vacation on the beach or visit the ancient pyramids, Mexico has everything needed for a vacation to remember.
Language: Spanish
Currency: Peso
Government: Federal Presidential Constitutional Republic
The Mexican climate is divided by the 24th parallel. South of the parallel, the temperatures remain consistent throughout the year with an average temperature of between 24 to 28 degrees Celsius. Winter and summer are, for the most part, the same and only differ in temperature by about 5 degrees. The area surrounding Baja is at risk of serious hurricanes during summer and fall months. The Northern part of Mexico is mainly a dry desert-like climate with sporadic rain and some parts experiencing temperatures upwards of 50 degrees Celsius.
Human life in Mexico dates back as far as 21,000 BCE, making it one of the oldest civilizations in the world. The early civilizations of Mexico are significant contributors of inventions and advancements in areas such as architecture, mathematics, astronomy, medicine and theology although the Ancient Aztecs were known for practicing human sacrifice on a large scale. Mexico as we know it today was established in 1823 and Guadalupe Victoria became the first president of the new country. The year 1911 marked the beginning of the Mexican Revolution which then re-ignited the civil war. That war lasted six years, until 1917 when a new constitution was drawn up. It was estimated that the war killed upwards of 900,000 people.
ACAPULCO
Coming to the forefront of tourism in the 1950’s, Acapulco is the original Mexican resort town. This place is enjoyed for its picturesque beaches and party atmosphere and vibe. It remains a popular destination for American college students looking for some spring break fun.
CHICHEN ITZA
This is the largest of the Mayan cities and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. The most famous landmark here is the pyramid of El Castillo. This temple is of astronomical significance as each face of the pyramid has a stairway with 91 steps which, together with the common step at the top, add up to 365, the number of days in a year.
TEOTIHUACAN
This ancient Mexican city is the home of the largest pyramid in all of Mexico, The Pyramid of the Sun which was built around 100 AD. The smaller and slightly newer Pyramid of the Moon was finished in 450 AD and is also located here. A mere 31 miles northeast of Mexico City, Teotihuacan can be reached by bus or taxi
LOS CABOS
Known for its white sandy beaches and classy resorts, bars and restaurants and its spring break mega destination Cabo San Lucas, Los Cabos is a major player in the Mexican tourism industry. It is known for being one of the best sport fishing locations in the world. If you are lucky during the winter months, you can even go whale watching in the Pacific Ocean.
PALENQUE
Palenque is smaller than most of the other Mayan cities, but don’t let that fool you. It contains some of the best architecture and sculptures the Maya ever produced. The bulk of them dating from between 600 AD to 800 AD including the Temple of Inscriptions, the only pyramid built as a funerary monument.
It has a reputation for being one of the most scenic, mellowed-out destinations in the world. Lounge in a beachside village and dine on fresh seafood, camp out in the desert or party all night on this iconic stretch of Mexi-Cali culture.
A quiet moment at a lagoon in the Mayan Riviera, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Imagine… A gourmet menu, sandy beaches and a world renowned Tequila lounge. The perfect intimate getaway is waiting for you at the Azul Beach Hotel, located in the heart of Cancun, Mexico.
Rich in culture and history, Chiapas, Mexico boasts every type of beauty imaginable: waterfalls, mountains and Mayan Ruins.
How good is your Spanish? If you’re headed to Mexico, you’ll likely want to brush up on these essential phrases.
It’s spicy, it’s cheap, it’s yummy. It’s something you simply must sample when you’re in Mexico. Check out these photos showing off some of the best Mexican street food… but only if you’re prepared to feel really, really hungry.
Mexican street food is the epitome of comfort food. From tacos to agua fresca, here are the best bites to grab on the streets of Mexico.
Mexico’s City of Angels is known not just for its heavenly scenery, but also for its rich culinary scene. Here are five dishes you must try if you find yourself in Puebla de los Angeles.
Take to the cobblestone streets of this UNESCO World Heritage site, one of Mexico’s most famous artistic communities.
The historic town of San Miguel de Allende in Mexico is known for its arts and culture, but it’s also a thriving place for eco adventurists. Here are four great green experiences.
Forget tequila shots and spring breakers. A new Cancun is emerging—one that’s about food, culture, art and architecture, rather than college kids and all-you-can-eat buffets.
The Mayans are possibly one of the most intriguing civilizations of the past (who didn’t follow the December 21st end-of-the-world hooplah?). Here are five sites you’ll want to explore to learn about their culture (and why the world didn’t end).
From ocean dives to deep jungle treks, here are three wildlife adventures you have to experience in the Mayan Riviera.
Could you survive a Temazcal experience? Will McGough participates in the Hispanic sweat lodge tradition and finds out why it’s been known to bring people to tears.
Get away from the frenzy of Los Cabos, Mexico, and hit up a desert-meets-beach oasis in La Paz, where it’s all about taking time for yourself—tequila shots optional.
Adventurous eaters in Puerto Vallarta can sample everything from brains to internal organs, all wrapped up in a tortilla. Would you be willing to try tacos made from eyeballs or intestine?
Cabo is more than just a destination for drunken spring breakers. Well, it’s that, too, but if you want to step away from the tequila for a bit, there’s plenty else to discover.
Getting to the Paricutin Volcano, one of the wonders of the world, isn’t easy. It’ll take passing through a region known for drug cartel crime and heading into an inhospitable environment of volcanic dust.
You don’t get a dish more traditionally associated with Mexico than tacos. From meat preparation to the spiciest toppings, here’s your definitive guide to tacos in the region of Puerto Vallarta.
Ever heard of Yelapa? No? That’s what’s so great about it. A short boat trip from touristy Puerto Vallarta, this little fishing village will let you experience a lesser-known side of Mexico.
A trip to Mexico on the Day of the Dead helped writer Sharon Spence Lieb overcome her fear of death—so she can be prepared just in case the end of the world is actually coming.
Doomsday is apparently just a day away. If you’re one of the ones who don’t believe the hype—but want to get up close with Mexican history—here are some adventure tours to get you in the Mayan mood.
December 21st is just a few days away! Here are the best festivities, activities and archaeological sites pertaining to the looming end of the Mayan calendar.
Mexico’s real name isn’t really Mexico. And the country’s president wants to change that.
New Age fanatics are preparing for the end of the Mayan calendar by flocking to an unlikely place with an even unlikelier story: A mountain in southwestern France where they believe an alien spaceship will carry them to safety.
Mexican cuisine is so much more than tacos and guacamole. Here, Rease Kirchner lists the five foods you must try to get the true taste of Mexico. Trust us, you won’t find any of these at your local Tex-Mex restaurant.
Every year, on the spring and fall equinox, a shadowy snake slithers down the side of Chichen Itza’s pyramid of Kukulcan. Rosalind Cummings-Yeates watches the ancient Mayan tradition—and explains why the world won’t end in 2012.
The rules when it comes to tipping vary across Latin America. Find out when and how much to tip when travelling through this part of the world—so you can avoid embarrassment, and maybe even save yourself some money.
Looking to learn Spanish abroad? Our picks for the top destinations to practice your skills will have you booking a flight and perfecting your español in no time.
Google’s Street View function now lets you visit Mexican historical sites such as Chichén Itzá and Teotihuacan, straight from your computer screen.
Karen Catchpole and Eric Mohl have been trying to see massive, but elusive, whale sharks for years. When the fates finally aligned off the coast of Cancun, Mexico, they couldn’t believe they were swimming with sharks the size of buses!
Famed scientist / marine biologist Jacques Cousteau proclaimed Mexico’s Sea of Cortez, Baja, to be the aquarium of the world. Waheeda Harris savoured the chance to “swim in his flippers” and go snorkelling among the sea lions of Baja.
One adventure-filled day in Mexico finds Bret Love rappelling into a deep cave, hiking through thick jungle, mountain biking in torrential rain and zip-lining through the tree-tops. And that was just for starters!
The one time they didn’t follow the golden rule of road tripping, Karen Catchpole and Eric Mohl paid the price and got an unwanted glimpse of the chop-shop underbelly of Guadalajara, Mexico.
Looking for beach hopping bliss in Mexico? Look no further than Puerto Escondido. Whether you want to snorkel, surf, do the scene, chill out, get romantic or enjoy family time, here’s the full menu!
What would you do? After trying grilled cactus in Puerto Escondido, Mexico, Michele Peterson is offered toasted grasshoppers tossed with lime and spices.
Sit down with local producers, ask questions, imbibe, learn about the making of mezcal and discover “the norm” before the spirit became trendy and subject to mass tourist interest and export.
High design meets high testosterone at Playa del Carmen’s Hotel Reina Roja, one of the most unique (and sexiest) hotels in Mexico, according to this travel blogger.
In a nod to the Mayans, who believe cenotes are an abode of the gods, I closed my eyes and scattered flower petals I had brought as an offering. Suddenly, a giggle reverberated through the air. I opened my eyes and scanned the cavern, but I was still alone.
Get your heart racing and adrenaline flowing by swimming in the Cancun and the Yucatan Peninsula with the largest fish in the sea.
Cancun’s one-of-a-kind jungle thrill delivers adrenaline, bragging rights and a healthy dose of the Yucatan’s famous cenotes. Join Trans-America Journey travel bloggers Karen Catchpole and Eric Mohl as they ride the world’s first roller coaster zip line.
Looking for an all-inclusive luxury resort with a penchant for local culture?
Want to explore the depths of the earth? Mexico has some of the world’s best diving, whether it’s off the coast of Cozumel, through the cenotes of its Yucatan Peninsula, or into the Cave of Swallows in San Luis Potisi. And it doesn’t stop there. Did you know that Mexico also has the world’s largest Canyon system? (ironically in a state called Chihuahua) and, yes, it actually is larger than the Grand Canyon!
Four luxury resorts in Cancun that are re-defining what it means to be “all-inclusive”
Whether you think the world will end or a new era will begin, 2012 is the year to head to Mexico.
