Tailor Made Holidays in Mexico: Highlights

Discover Mexico's ancient civilisations

Few countries in the world are lucky enough to have as wide a range of ancient civilisations displaying the history of their nation as Mexico. It is an historian’s paradise with an abundance of ruins from Olmec to Zapotec to Mayan at every turn. Added to the excitement of being able to transport you back in time to when these ancient cities were teeming with life, the setting of these magnificent sites is an attraction in itself, whether it is being engulfed in jungle surrounded by the howls of monkeys or atop a plateau with a magnificent view.

Read more about: Palenque
 
Experience the Day of the Dead in Mexico's colonial cities

On the 1st of November Mexico celebrates its ''Day of the Dead'', a colourful syncretism of ancient cultures and Catholicism involving decorated skulls, candles, banners and parades. Celebrations take place across the country but there's something particularly enchanting about the setting of these charming colonial towns and it's well worth timing your visit to coincide with these festivities.

 
Experience the splendour of Mayan ruins

There are hundreds of Mayan sites across the southeast and the Yucatan Peninsula, some barely excavated and relatively untouched, others famous and much visited. Uxmal, south of Merida, is only semi-excavated and yet you can see enough to appreciate its beauty and former power. Devoted to the rain god Chaac, look out for his face around every corner and on every building.

 
Explore the fincas in Sierra Madre

Coffee connoisseurs will appreciate a stay in the Fincas or coffee estates up in the Sierra Madre region. Visit in December or January during the coffee bean harvest, so you can follow the bean from field through the Beneficio process to cup. Enjoy delicious coffee; the first of the day will be served on your terrace while watching the sun rise over spectacular vistas: plantations fading into plains merging into the Pacific! For the more adventurous there are some wonderful walks through the plantations towards flower fincas.

Read more about: Tapachula and Around
 
Spend time in the anthropological museum in Mexico City

The Anthropological museum in Mexico City is a fascinating place to start a trip to Mexico as you learn about the ancient civilisations of this incredible country. There are many artefacts on display and you will learn about the feuding that took place in the past. A great introduction to the many archaeological sites that you may visit during your trip.

Read more about: Mexico City and Around
 
Take the train through Copper Canyon

A ride on El Chepe, the train which links the pacific coast with the arid interior through the Copper Canyon is intrepid! The Copper Canyon is four times larger than the Grand Canyon in Arizona and in several parts much deeper! The gloriously scenic rail journey passes sweeping mountain vistas, sheer canyon walls, sparkling lakes and fields of flowers. Stop off at Cerocahui or Barrancas to enjoy scenic walks, birdwatching and local Tarahumara indigenous markets. The best time to make this journey is late September and October after the summer rains when the vegetation is still green, and the temperatures are not too hot at the bottom of the canyon or too cold at the top.

 
Visit the market towns around Oaxaca

Visiting the colourful market towns around Oaxaca makes for a fascinating experience. There are weaving communities, where you can witness textiles still being produced by the back-loom method, and potteries where you can learn about the process of turning mud into various artefacts without the use of the wheel - a wonderful insight into the production methods of another time!

Read more about: Oaxaca
 
Visit the pre-Hispanic shaman church in Chamula

Visiting the pre-Hispanic shaman church in the village of Chamula is an incredible experience. Attendants bring fizzy drink cans, candles and chickens to make offerings amid the crowded church: pine needles liberally scattered on the floor, smoky candles and muttered chanting add to the atmosphere. Base yourself in the charming Spanish colonial town of San Cristóbal de las Casas with its baroque Roman Catholic churches to experience the dichotomy of the area’s colonial history and its indigenous heritage.

 
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