Mexico
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Mexico Holidays
Mexico is one of those countries that needs little introduction. It's the kind of destination adventurers and relaxation seekers alike dream of. With white sand beaches, Mayan ruins, rainforests and cocktail-filled nights, action-packed doesn't even begin to describe the holidays here.
Adventure awaits
To travel to Mexico is to travel to a land of adventure. It's where ancient Mayan ruins and towering temples dominate the skyline, where beaches look more like clouds and jungles are crisscrossed with ziplines whisking explorers through the treetops. It's where your days can be as lazy as you like, with beachy siestas in the morning and wild fiestas in the night.
The climate in Mexico is round-the-clock gorgeous, so there's never an excuse to stay inside all day. There are coral reefs to explore, ruins to marvel at, empanadas to devour and a whole lot of tequila to glug. It's safe to say All Inclusive trips to Mexico are in a category all of their own, getting you up close and personal with beautiful nature and lively entertainment.
Where to stay in Mexico
With its fantastic beaches, an underwater sculpture museum and brilliant hotels, Cancun just keeps on rolling out its delights. This is a resort that's truly extraordinary. It has jungles, Mayan remains and some of the best shopping opportunities in Mexico. As if that weren't enough, the nightlife is pretty spectacular too.
Set on a stunning beach within easy reach of Mayan ruins and home to a fantastically eclectic range of culinary experiences, the resort of Playa del Carmen has an abundance of treats in store. If you still have time after the watersports and clubbing, there's masses of shopping opportunities.
With luxury to the forefont, the luscious resort of Playacar is the place to come for a touch of class and elegance. Anyone looking for affordable luxury in a fantastic setting, complete with upscale restaurants and beautiful beaches, will relish the delights to be found in this special destination.
Facing the Pacific, Puerto Vallarta has its own unique character and charm. It has everything you'd expect of a modern tourism hotspot, yet hasn't sacrificed its charm and character to become one. Make sure you visit the historic town centre, with its cobbled streets and talented local artists, before relaxing on the beach or going for a dive in the deep.
With its blend of ancient Mayan cultural heritage, spiritual yoga retreats and a permanently sunny shoreline, it's little wonder that Riviera Maya attracts flocks of tourists every year. Here you'll find All Inclusive resorts that bring Latin flavours and stylish living to your slice of paradise.
Quick Tips
- Roman Catholic
- Mexican Peso
- Spanish
- Approx 113,500,000
- GMT -6
Eye candy
Mexico might be known for more than its beaches, but they're a handy luxury when holidaying in this part of the Americas. And with summer in Mexico offering a stunning climate – not to mention the winter sunshine too – the beaches here are easy to enjoy. From Cancun to Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Maya, the shores here are laden with soft white sands exuding Caribbean vibes.
The beauty isn't limited to just the coast. Outdoor adventures in Mexico are set against the backdrop of jungles, rainforests, caves, mountains and ruins that define what it means to be 'ancient'. There's much to enjoy underwater, too – on the island of Cozumel you can suit up in snorkelling gear and explore the world's second largest coral reef and sunken statues alongside giant sea turtles. Boat cruises leave from Cancun and Riviera Maya, so even your travel time is a sightseeing expedition.
Temples, ziplines and snorkelling
Mexico's lush terrain begs for holidaymakers to unleash their inner adventurers – once you've pried yourself away from the beach, you can zipline high above the treetops, dune buggy through the jungle or kayak along the coast.
And then there are the ancient ruins. Mexico is home to more World Heritage Sites than historical superpowers Greece and Egypt. Mexico is the cradle of the Mayan civilisation, whose 3,000 years of existence are still on display in the cities of Tulum, Coba and Chichen Itza.
Chichen Itza is where you'll find the Kukulkan Pyramid – you'll recognise its flat top instantly – one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Tulum is located at the bottom of the Riviera Maya, and combines Mayan ruins with a scenic beach. That just means you've got a day of relaxation and culture all wrapped into one.
Tequila!
It's no secret that Mexico has been known to host a fiesta or two along its coastlines. The country is a hotspot for American spring-breakers in search of a wild night, though the bars and restaurants here also play host to more laid-back evenings too.
The tequila is free flowing in Cancun - Mexico's party central. Here, you'll find DJ-driven clubs and beach parties, along with some of the country's most famous bars. Puerto Vallarta and Playa del Carmen are also top contenders for their nightlife scenes, though you won't have trouble taking things slow if partying until sunrise doesn't suit your holiday mood.
Many of the bars and restaurants around Mexico come to life with live music, whose mariachi crooners and salsa dancers keep things easy-going on warm nights.
Playacar comes packed with adults-only accommodations, which means the evening agenda here revolves around chilled out entertainment and cool glasses of sangria.
Calling all carnivores
Take our word for it – holidays in Mexico are worth it for the food alone. With succulent grilled meats spiced to perfection and peppered in the restaurants' colourful decoration, there's nothing quite like dining in this corner of the world.
The streets of Mexico are paved with everything from vendors filling the air with the scent of freshly cooked tamales, to locals flattening tortillas and baking them on stovetops right before your eyes. You'll also find a healthy dose of home in the form of international eats – from takeaway options to romantic nights on outdoor terraces, Mexico is a versatile destination that'll have even the most homesick holidaymaker covered.
Retail heaven
From high-end boutiques to traditional market stalls, Mexico shopping opportunities come in every shade on the retail spectrum. At the centre of Playa del Carmen are street performers and musicians entertaining shoppers browsing souvenir stalls for colourful ponchos and Cuban cigars - though most towns will have flea markets of their own, where you'll find handmade jewellery and handbags.
Cancun, Puerto Vallarta and Playacar are where the ritzy goods await. Designer brands and high-end boutiques pave the way along some of these streets, along with Playa del Carmen's 5th Avenue.