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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: San Cristóbal Walking Tour

Cathedral de San Cristobal, San Cristobal de las Casas
San Cristobal de las Casas, market displaysCathedral de San Cristobal, San Cristobal de las CasasCathedral de San Cristobal, San Cristobal de las CasasSanto Domingo Church and Ex-Convent, San Cristobal de las CasasSan Cristobal de las CasasSan Cristobal de las Casas, farmers marketSan Cristobal de las CasasSan Cristobal de las Casas, marketSan Cristobal de las Casas, chillies and lime at a marketSan Cristobal de las Casas, market displaySan Cristobal de las Casas, multicoloured beans at the farmers marketSan Cristobal de las Casas, street scenesCalle 20 De NoviembreSan Cristobal de las CasasSan Cristobal de las Casas, market

San Cristóbal Walking Tour

San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico
  • Culture & History

San Cristóbal de las Casas has a well established colonial centre with wonderful examples of 16th century architecture which your guide will help you to explore on foot.

You begin at the Plaza 31 de Marzo (the main Plaza) at the centre of the colonial city. On the north side of the plaza is San Cristóbal's Cathedral, noted for its elaborate gold leaf interior and altar, and distinctly indigenous flavour. To the west is the Palacio Municpal, a 19th century neo-classic building with interior courtyard. To the south is the square's oldest structure, the Casa de Diego Mazariegos (now the Santa Clara Hotel). This is one of Mexico's finest examples of 16th century Plateresque styling.

Heading south is the Templo del Carmen church which dates back to 1597, and was formerly part of a nunnery. This mustard coloured church has an archway crossing the road and was once the gateway to the city, next door is the Instituto de Bellas Artes (Institute of Fine Arts), which hosts art exhibitions and other art fairs.

You also visit San Cristóbal's most beautiful church, the Templo y Ex-Convento de Santo Domingo which was completed around 1560 and is situated north of the main Plaza on Avenida 20 de Noviembre. Its baroque facade is of soft pink-coloured stone, while the interior is exuberantly decorated with gilt retablos. The attached Dominican monastery houses a good museum that deals mostly with the history of San Cristóbal (signs in Spanish only) and an excellent shop (Sna Jolobil) with the region's best display of hand-woven textiles.

If you are interested in buying arts, crafts and textiles created locally, including replicas of the local dress worn by surrounding villagers, then you will be taken to visit the Tienda de los Artesanos de Chiapas (Chiapas' Artisans Shop). Alternatively you may wish to browse through the colourful eight-block-long mercado. It is best visited in the morning or on Saturdays. The tour will take between 2-3 hours.

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

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