Discover Mexico’s highlights

Whether you’re dreaming of compelling ancient ruins, soft sands lapped by the shimmering waves, or the best shrimp tacos you’ve ever eaten, Mexico answers the call. Relish the changing landscapes as you travel through this gigantic nation; from heaven-reaching mountains to tropical forests; from vibrant mangroves thriving with wildlife to sprawling desert. Take some time in each region to dive deep into the local cuisine – a highlight for everyone who visits Mexico, whether you’re a self-proclaimed foodie or not. Pacific beaches tempt surfers to their renowned breaks, whilst sheltered coves of dazzling blue – perfect for swimming and snorkeling – punctuate the Caribbean coast. When you add historical intrigue and a rich and artistic culture into all that natural splendor, you have yourself a magnificent holiday destination that few can resist.

We’ve compiled this brief round-up of some of Mexico’s many highlights to give you a taste of what’s in store when you decide on this jewel of Central America for your next holiday. 

Mexico City – for its real, frenetic energy

Sitting at nearly 2,500 meters altitude and surrounded by mountains, Mexico City boasts a spectacular location. This sprawling metropolis of 25 million may seem a little intimidating at first, but its vivid spirit, endless people-watching, incredible foodie spots colonial heart and impressive cultural sights will soon win you over.

If you’re in Mexico for the food (and why wouldn’t you be?), Mexico City is a fantastic introduction to the authentic and captivating street food the country is known for. Fill up on tacos, tamales, quesadillas and elotes (grilled corn), with some crispy churros for dessert; the lunch choices are endless and memorable. Head to Mercado de la Merced and Mercado de San Juan, a must-visit for local ingredients and food experiences.

To get a vibe of the city, wander the Zócalo – the main square and home to the imposing 19th century cathedral – or pop into the many fabulous museums. The Anthropology Museum is particularly good, as is the museum dedicated to the life and work of Frida Kahlo (the museum is her former home with husband Diego Rivera, the Casa Azul). Hang out in Chapultepec Park, one of the world’s largest urban parks, and recharge your batteries before exploring some of the further flung districts, or go shopping in the many colorful handicraft markets. Soon you’ll realize that the buzz of Mexico City gets under your skin in the best way.

Oaxaca, a Mexican foodie paradise

As one of the most celebrated foodie hotspots of Mexico, you simply can’t fail to eat well in Oaxaca. This is the ‘Land of Seven Moles’ – a rich, flavorful sauce made with chiles, nuts, seeds and spices that the region is known for, and you will definitely want to try at least several. There’s also tlayudas (a sort of Oaxacan pizza), Oaxaca’s version of tamales and tacos, deliciously stringy quesillo cheese, and if you’ve got the nerve, chapulines – toasted grasshoppers seasoned with garlic, lime and salt. Wash it down with mezcal, one of the city’s cornerstone drinks and you’ve got yourself a pleasingly authentic culinary celebration. 

When you take a break from all that deliciousness, there are plenty of other attractions to charm you. The vibrant colors of the buildings, the elegant colonial architecture and the public spaces adorned with interesting artworks will put a smile on your face, whilst the busy markets will tempt you to browse and buy with their imaginatively displayed local handicrafts. This is a town with creativity running through its veins – and all that artistry is celebrated with a number of impressive galleries and art museums showcasing works from local and national artists from the past right up to the present day. 

The ancient magic of Chichén Itzá

In the Yucatan Peninsula sits Chichén Itzá, a centuries-old Mayan Kingdom thought to have once been a significant center of ceremony and power. Dating back to around 300 AD, but mostly built between 600 and 900 AD, this Mayan archaeological site is iconic in Mexico and internationally; and was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, both for its magnificent ancient structures which are incredibly well-preserved, and for how extensively it has been explored and researched. The city would once have been an important hub in the Mayan world; its prominent monumental ‘pyramids’ used for burial, particularly for rulers and high-ranking individuals. Many Mayan pyramids also had temples on top, where rituals and ceremonies were performed.

Various architectural styles present at Chichén Itzá have confused archaeologists, but the consensus today is that these differences in styles reflect the growing influence of outside regions during the site’s development. Some of the most iconic and resplendent buildings  at Chichén Itzá include the Temple of Kukulkan, named after the plumed serpent God; the Temple of the Warriors; the Tomb of Chacmool, the Caracol; the Ball Courts and the Wall of Skulls.

Puebla’s cultural arts

It might be Mexico’s fourth largest city but Puebla has a welcoming, friendly vibe. Just a short drive from Mexico City, this UNESCO World Heritage Site won’t disappoint – with its leafy central town square, attractive colonial architecture and yet more mouth-watering food culture.

Don’t miss the chance to watch local artisans make traditional Talavera pottery. It’s one of the city’s best known crafts, renowned for its intricate designs and colorful, hand-painted patterns, and a visit to a workshop is a fascinating insight into this ancient tradition. Another worthy use of time is to visit the Biblioteca Palafoxiana, the oldest public library in the Americas, with a sumptuous interior of original wood-paneled shelving and an impressive collection of historic books. The Great Pyramid of Cholula is also a great sojourn in Puebla, as one of the tallest pyramids in the world, it also affords spectacular views of the area.

Just like so many cities in Mexico, Puebla is famed for its incredible food. Make sure you try the celebrated local specialties, including chiles en nogada (poblano peppers stuffed with picadillo, topped with walnut sauce and pomegranate seeds), chalupas (fried tortillas with a variety of toppings) and mole poblano (the local mole sauce which has a rich, chocolatey flavor).

The resplendent history of Merida

Merida is a city rich with Mayan and colonial history, and has long been a hub of cultural fusion. As with many  Mexican cities once ruled by the Spanish, Merida sits on the site of the Mayan city of T’Hó, re-using the stones from existing monuments to create a new city, built to Spanish architectural traditions. This blend of Mayan heritage and Spanish colonial influence is evident in the city’s architecture, traditions and daily life. 

Today, the main plaza is still home to some of the most important buildings in Merida, including the Catedral de Mérida and the Palacio de Gobierno, making it a vibrant and lively space that reflects Mérida’s colonial past and is a natural focal point for the life of the historic center.

The city’s past wealth was a result of the sisal trade during the 19th century, a raw material used to make rope until the advent of nylon. The industry brought immense prosperity to Mérida, and the architectural legacy of this golden era is visible along Paseo de Montejo, where magnificent mansions and grand buildings line the boulevard. Many cultural events take place in Merida year round, making it a vibrant and appealing place to linger, make the most of the tropical temperatures and enjoy the outdoor lifestyle.

Glittering coasts, incredible beaches

It might go without saying, but Mexico’s coastline simply can’t be beaten. With two coasts to choose from stretching an immense 10,000 kilometers, Mexico is a great destination for sun worshippers and beachcombers alike.

Many of the most tourist-heavy beaches are on the Caribbean side, and served by several resort hotels for excellent facilities, shopping and water sports. The hotspots are Tulum, Cancun, Cozumel (Cozumel is popular with cruise ships) Playa del Carmen and Isla Holbox. With a reputation for being the place to see and be seen, Playa del Carmen is alluringly upmarket, while Tulum is renowned for its alternative, boho vibe and its focus on wellness. Don’t forget the stunning cenotes of Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula, where the swimming is still and serene.

On the other side, the Pacific coast is home to lively beach resorts like Puerto Vallarta with its cobblestone streets and cool artsy vibe, and luxurious Cabo San Lucas, where dramatic cliffs meet serene bays. Come here for surfing, rich cultural heritage and swathes of natural beauty in which to try deep-sea fishing, scuba-diving and hiking. 

Meanwhile, the Gulf coast is ideal for those looking to escape the tourist hordes; with cities like Veracruz, steeped in colonial history, with fun-filled cultural festivals and historic sites to explore. Veracruz’s Malecón (seafront promenade) is a center of its Afro-Mexican influence, and often thrums with music, dancing and lively markets. Fresh seafood here is delicious, with ceviche, fish tacos and red snapper to savor.

Make it happen 

Get your fix of Mayan sites, stunning beaches, vibrant flavors and distinctive culture on a tailor-made holiday to Mexico. Our dedicated local experts are there on the ground with up to the minute knowledge of everything Mexican, making them the perfect partners to create a bespoke trip for you.