Mexico Travel Specialists
Our Mexico specialists are experienced and passionate about the country - between them they have spent many weeks a year researching new experiences and ensuring everything is of the highest standard. They know Mexico inside out.
ClaireMexico Specialist01993 838 602
Visit Palenque as early as you can. Later in the day the temperatures can be stifling, making it very difficult to climb the pyramids to see the fascinating Mayan artwork at their summits.
Mexico travel specialist - Claire
LizzieMexico Specialist01993 838 616
In Oaxaca I like nothing better than to indulge in a bit of people watching in the shady main plaza, cooling down with a delicious ice cream.
Mexico travel specialist - Lizzie
Rebecca AMexico Specialist01993 838 621
Take time to visit the beautiful leafy district of Coyoacan in Mexico City. It is a peaceful retreat in the heart of the bustling capital.
Mexico travel specialist - Rebecca A
RichardMexico Specialist01993 838 624
Travelling overland is an absolute must in Mexico to fully appreciate the diversity of landscapes this country has to offer.
Mexico travel specialist - Richard
CarolynMexico Specialist01993 838 641
The right hand side of the El Chepe train offers the best views of the Copper Canyon.
Mexico travel specialist - Carolyn
- Claire
- Lizzie
- Rebecca A
- Richard
- Carolyn
Practical Information
We specialise in tailor-made, cultural and natural Mexico rather than the all-inclusive package holidays that parts of the country are well-known for.
Indeed, avoiding mass tourism is a key part of our ethos in Mexico. Where possible we use smaller, more authentic accommodation, and aim to get you to the main sites before the crowds arrive.
Guides and getting around in Mexico
Our guides’ knowledge is unsurpassed and our specialists have researched the best routes to travel around the country. We suggest a chauffeur-guide rather than self-drive as Mexican roads can be hazardous and because of its sheer size we often suggest internal flights where appropriate.
Ideas and suggestions by our specialists
We recommend you do not try to cover the whole country in one visit but rather focus on a few areas, taking the time to absorb the culture and atmosphere.
Infrastructure
The visitor infrastructure in parts of the country is well-developed with good service, first class road networks and high accommodation standards but in other areas the opposite is true.
Language
Mexico's official language is Spanish. English is spoken in much of the tourist industry but having a few choice phrases of Spanish will always be useful especially in more rural areas. In some of the highland areas and on the Yucatan Peninsula you will also hear the indigenous languages spoken.
Food and drink
Mexico is world renowned for its cuisine so make the most of it while you are over there! You will find that the food varies greatly from region to region; the food from Puebla 'comida poblana' is particularly recommended and in particular its 'mole' or chocolate and chile sauce. Most meals are served with tortillas, frijoles (fried beans) and a range of salsas. Try some of Mexico's national beers, tequilas and of course its coffee which is tasty but often served weak.
Social etiquette
Many of the indigenous population, especially in the high land areas do not like having their photos taken so please be sensitive to this.
Tipping
Tipping for good service is an accepted fact. It is common to be expected to tip the service you receive whilst eating in a restaurant also. A tip of around 10% is acceptable for good service.
Money
The currency in Mexico is the peso. The sign $' in Mexico generally refers to the peso so prices quoted in US dollars should be written US$5 to avoid confusion. Credit cards are accepted in most places but having a supply of local currency in more rural areas is a good idea. Pesos can be bought in the UK. Alternatively US dollars are the easiest currency to change once in Mexico.
Under The Skin
Read
'Frida: A Biography of Frida Kahlo' by Hayden Herrera. A fantastic read, evocative and emotional with larger than life characters.
Listen
Los Lobos are a popular group but traditional music really depends on the part of the country you're in. The north is famous for its 'ranchero' music, popular amongst Mexico's cowboy population. Salsa and cumbia are also widely listened to.
Watch
'Y tu Mama Tambien' is a bittersweet road-movie with some stunning scenery.
Eat
You'll have to look hard to find a chilli con carne which is really a western dish but keep an eye out for Puebla's famous molé sauce made with chocolate and chillis as well as the many varieties of egg dishes which are so popular for breakfast.
Drink
Tequila and margaritas.
Word
Orale! (Wow!).
Trademarks
Beach, colonial cities, ancient civilisations.
Hammocks especially in the Yucatan, silver around the Taxco area, handicrafts and weavings from all over the country.
