Mexico

Mexico

A country of jungles, deserts, volcanoes, canyons, pristine coastlines, music, art, gastronomy, living indigenous communities and the well-preserved, incredible remains of ancient cities; Mexico has so many attractions that it is difficult to know where to begin. Many don’t appreciate the sheer scale of the country: it occupies a land mass over 8 times the size of the UK, bordering the USA to its north and Guatemala and Belize to the south, and its history spans over 13,000 years.

The Yucatán Peninsula has long appealed to travellers, with its imposing Maya pyramids buried deep in the jungle. Chichén Itzá is one of the most important Maya centres in the region. Recognised as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, its imposing structures, carvings, and cosmology technology are well-preserved and insightful, offering a fascinating glimpse into the sophistication of the Maya civilisation.

More recent history has seen the establishment of destinations like Cancun and Playa del Carmen, which, despite only welcoming tourists over the last 50 years, have cemented their status as mainstream beach holiday destinations. The laid-back pace and white sand beaches which run for miles alongside the azure Caribbean Sea are a wonderful complement to Mexico’s more lively attractions. Those include Mexico City, the nation’s modern-day capital, which is home to around 20% of the nation’s 130 million-strong population. The city is an interesting blend of ancient, colonial and modern structures and cultures, each adding a layer to the city’s vibrancy and lively energy.

Other cities, like Merida, San Cristóbal de las Casas and Oaxaca are recognised for their colourful histories, warm hospitality and wonderful food, which has made Mexican cuisine one of the most popular in the world, incorporating ingredients which have been staples across the country for thousands of years, such as corn, beans, spicy chilli peppers, tomatoes and chocolate.

Direct flights connect the UK to both Cancun and Mexico City. The flight time takes, on average, around 12 hours. If flying indirectly, this tends to take between 15 and 18 hours, depending on layover location and time. Depending on the region and time of year, Mexico is between 5 and 8 hours behind the UK.

Our Mexico FAQs answer the most common queries we hear from customers considering a holiday to Argentina. If you are ready to explore our small group, great value tours of Mexico, you can do so here.