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Mexico

7

Reasons To
Visit Mexico

  • Ancient civilizations

    Mexico is an historian’s paradise with an abundance of ancient sites 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 cities were teeming with life, the setting of these magnificent ruins 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.

    Ancient civilizations

  • Beaches

    Mexico’s Mayan Riviera is famous for its white sand beaches and turquoise sea, perfect for relaxing, and we have some wonderful hideaways to recommend. The Pacific coast and the Baja peninsula are also well-known for their beaches, rolling surf and dramatic coastline. Less visited by the British, we have researched a fantastic selection of hotels here from boutique, activity based, friendly eco-lodge or plush resort-style.

    Beaches

  • Colonial history

    You will find some of the best preserved examples of colonial history throughout many of Mexico’s cities. They not only retain some beautiful classic architecture but something of their historical soul which has been incorporated into modern bustling lives. They are a delight to simply wander round, or to shop, browse markets, sit in cafes, absorb local life and visit museums.

    Colonial history

  • Day of the Dead

    On the 1st of November, Mexico celebrates its 'Day of the Dead', a colourful synergy 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 experiencing this tradition in the colonial towns and it's well worth timing your visit to coincide with these festivities.

    Day of the Dead

  • Food

    Mexican food varies tremendously by region due to climate, geography and the degree of Spanish influence. Absolutely delicious, it suits all tastes, from fresh ceviche to sizzling steak to the more traditional tortillas, frijoles (beans) and guacamole. For the more adventurous, dishes such as spicy mole sauce (a combination of chocolate and chilli) or Chiles Rellenos (chillis stuffed with meat) work perfectly. All washed down with a swift tequila or an ice-cold Corona!

    Food

  • Local culture

    Whether it be visiting the colourful market towns around Oaxaca, the bustling colonial cities, the Indian highland villages of Chiapas or the harsh mountain communities of the Tarahumara around the Copper Canyon you will experience a diverse range of fascinating cultures during a trip to Mexico.

    Local culture

  • Whale watching

    The Sea of Cortez and Baja California is fast becoming known as 'Mexico's Galapagos'. Best experienced by a wilderness focused adventure cruise this remarkable area is prolific with whales and dolphins and other wildlife during November-April.

    Whale watching

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Excursions in Mexico: Chichén Itzá Excursion

The famous Mayan pyramids of Chichén Itzá are over 1500 years old. The name Chichén Itzá is a Mayan word: CHI (mouth) CHEN (well) and ITZA (of the witch water). Some say this is because people were often thrown into the nearby cenote as sacrifices, and those who survived were believed to be seers.

El Castillo, Chichen Itza ruins
Ball hoop, Chichen ItzaEl Castillo, Chichen Itza ruinsChichen Itza, MexicoChichen Itza, MexicoChichen Itza, MexicoThe largest Mayan Ball Court ever uncovered, Chichen ItzaChichén ItzáChichen Itza ball court and Templo del BarbadoChichen Itza Platform of SkullsChichen Itza, Platform of SkullsChichen ItzaThe Observatory, Chichen ItzaChichén ItzáEl Carocol, Chichen ItzaChichen Itza Group of the Thousand Columns

Chichén Itzá Excursion

Chichén Itzá, Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico
  • Culture & History

The famous Mayan pyramids of Chichén Itzá are over 1500 years old. The name Chichén Itzá is a Mayan word: CHI (mouth) CHEN (well) and ITZA (of the witch water). Some say this is because people were often thrown into the nearby cenote as sacrifices, and those who survived were believed to be seers.

The site is divided into three sections. The northern group of structures is distinctly Toltec in style. The central group appears to be from the early period. The southern group is known as "The Old Chichén".

You will find the largest ball court in Mesoamerica, measuring 168 metres in length and 70 metres in width, where Mayan men played a game called pok ta pok. Anthropologists believe that the object of the game was to hurl a ball through a ring that was mounted on a wall, seven metres above the ground. Each team had six field players who would attempt to pass the ball - using any body part except their hands - to their captain who would attempt the shot using a racket of sorts. The captain of the team that made the first successful shot was then decapitated as a sacrifice to the gods. This was seen as an honour and guaranteed entrance into heaven.

At Chichén Itzá you can also visit the spectacular Cenote Sagrado, a large sinkhole that measures 60 metres in diameter. All sorts of treasures have been found here including rings, necklaces, gold and jade objects, as well as the bones of young women that were thrown into the water as an offering to Chaac, the Mayan rain god.

Other countries in Central America, Mexico & Cuba:
BelizeCosta RicaCubaGuatemalaHondurasNicaraguaPanama

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