Plan a trip to magical Mexico đ˛đ˝
Whoâs ready for the bright colors, incredible cultures, varied landscapes, and unforgettable flavors of Mexico? We are! And you will be too after reading this article because weâre going to show you a glimpse of what makes Mexico so magical, as well as provide you with a list of destinations so you can start planning an unforgettable Mexican adventure!
Mexico has been a popular vacation spot throughout the decades, especially for those of us in the U.S. In fact, the U.S. and Mexico border is one of the busiest international borders in the world! But there are also plenty of flights to this fabulous and fabled country, and by the end of this, we guarantee youâll want to book one of our local photographers to capture your Mexican travel memories and share even more of this special country with you!
What youâll discover
Letâs start with some of the amazing experiences youâll discover when you visit Mexico, officially called Los Estados Ănidos Mexicanos or the United Mexican States, a place of ancient civilizations, off-the-charts nature, and an intoxicating blend of past and present.
Volcanoes, islands, and rich biodiversity
Because Mexico is the 7th largest country in the world and spans a significant area between the Equator and the Arctic Circle, it has an extremely biodiverse ecosystem, a huge variety of plant and animal life, and as many beautiful landscapes as there are Diego Rivera paintings.
Whether itâs vast deserts in the north, lush rainforests in the south, or 42 active volcanoes throughout the country, Mexico has it and on an epic scale. The country even boasts its own massive canyons and the largest underwater cave system in the world. It has 5,800 miles of stunning coastline and beaches, along with 1,365 tropical islands.
And amidst this wide-ranging landscape, youâll find an incredible variety of mammals and reptiles. There are jaguars and pumas, quetzal birds and monkeys! Iguanas and lizards will keep you company as you sunbathe, while whales and manatees will swim with you off the shores.
đ˛đ˝ Interesting facts
The national flower is the dahlia. The national symbol is the golden eagle (most recognizable with a snake hanging from its mouth in the center of the Mexican flag). And while the national dog is the hairless Xoloitzcuintli, it is the Chihuahua that is descended from the techichi dogs of Mexicoâs ancient Toltec civilization.
A mix of cultures
The ancient cultures and civilizations of Mexico are many and legendary. There are the Olmec, Zapotec, Maya, Toltec, and Aztec, each leaving ruins, culture, and bloodlines as the foundation of the modern country we find today.
Many who travel to Mexico hope to touch these ancient civilizations, and they arenât disappointed. With almost 30,000 archaeological sites throughout Mexico, 187 official sites relating to the Maya and Aztec, wherever you decide to travel in this vast country, youâll have the opportunity to explore these sites and ancient civilizations, from Puerto Vallarta to the Mayan Riviera, Mexico City to Chichen Itza, just to name a few.
In 1519, Spanish explorers and conquistadors arrived, bringing their own culture and influences, so that today we find a blend of native and foreign, ancient and colonial, and a people who are mestizos, or a mix of Spanish and indigenous heritage.
Those visitors wishing to wander the cobbled lanes, see the buildings of colonial cities and experience the historic churches will find themselves spoiled for choice, from Puebla to Guanajuato, Oaxaca to Merida.
đ˛đ˝ Interesting fact
The largest pyramid in the world is actually in Mexico! While many think of the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt, it is in fact, the Great Pyramid of Cholula, an Aztec temple in Puebla, Mexico, that rises 180 feet up and measures 1,480 square feet at its base.
Photo by: Maria Jose in Mexico City
A heritage of food
As with any country, food is definitely a part of its culture, but Mexican food, beloved around the world, is extra special. First, it is one of only three national cuisines to be placed on UNESCOâs Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Second, it is Mexico and its history that has given us such culinary miracles as chocolate, domesticated popcorn, chilies, and vanilla.
Depending on which part of the country you visit youâll encounter regional specialties, but hereâs a list of dishes to keep in your pocket and try when you get the chance:
Chilaquiles (for breakfast!)
Pozole (a pre-Hispanic soup)
Tacos al pastor (tacos âin the style of the shepherdââ)
Elote (street corn on the cob)
Mole (a sauce made of 20+ ingredients!)
Guacamole (originated with the Aztecs)
Tamales (a staple of the ancient civilizations)
đ˛đ˝ Interesting fact
It was the ancient civilizations of Mexico that paved the path to our present-day obsession with chocolate, cultivating cacao trees 3,000 years ago and using cacao beans as currency. The word chocolate comes from the Aztec word, xocolatl, combining xoco (bitter) and atl (water). This references the liquid hot chocolate beverage they made and drank to their gods.
Top destinations and more
There is lots more to discover in Mexico, so letâs talk about where youâll discover it!
There are 32 states (including Mexico City), each with its own personality and allure. Whether youâre after one city to settle into and make your own for a while or a whole region to explore, we hope this list will get you inspired to start planning your trip!
Mexico City
The capital of Mexico dates back 700 years and stands at the center of what was once the Aztec Empire. Itâs the perfect place to enjoy world-class museums, marvel at the colonial architecture, and take day trips to national parks and archeological sites. Sit in the main square, or ZĂłcalo, and immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and flavors of Mexico.
Baja California Peninsula
Popular with everyone from college kids to retirees, the Baja California Peninsula is renowned for those two cities on its southern tip: Cabo San Lucas and Los Cabos, simply called âCabo.â This is the destination for luxury resorts, golfing, spas, and nonstop beach life. There is also an old-style, laid back Baja to discover in Cabo Pulmo, on the east coast, where you can dive the only noteworthy reef on the west coast of North America.
Copper Canyon
Copper Canyon in the state of Chihuahua is actually larger and deeper than the Grand Canyon! One of the best ways to visit is on a four-hour scenic rail trip on the Ferrocarril Chihuahua PacĂfico. Stay at lodges and hotels along the canyon to go hiking, horseback riding, or mountain biking through this natural wonder of forests, valleys, and villages.
Photo by: Maria Jose in Mexico City
The Pacific Coast
This stretch of coast is linked by famous resort destinations like MazatlĂĄn, Puerto Vallarta, and Acapulco places where you can relax by the pool or turquoise ocean, walk along palm-lined promenades, and indulge in luxury. Interspersed amongst the headliners, are sleepy spots like the former fishing village of Zihuatanejo and the mangrove town of Ixtapa. Just north of Puerto Vallarta, find Riviera Nayarit, a hidden gem of five-star experiences in an overgrown jungle.
Guadalajara
Guadalajara is the capital of the state of Jalisco and almost as large as Mexico City. It shows off Mexicoâs mix of colonial and native influences with avenues and plazas, beautiful old buildings and churches, mariachi music, and rodeos (or charreadas). As big as it is, it is still perfect to explore on foot and will immerse you in the kaleidoscope of music, flavors, and traditions that are Mexico.
San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato
These two cities are located north of Mexico City and are both designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites for their beautiful colonial buildings, winding lanes, plazas, and churches. Guanajuato includes an underground of subterranean streets that was once a river and museums with pre-Columbian exhibits, while San Miguel offers endless music, parades, and fireworks, as well as folk art and handicrafts from all over the country
Morelia
Another colonial city with a downtown UNESCO World Heritage Site, Morelia is a stunning, historical destination that immerses you in Mexicoâs past while offering all the enjoyments of today such as cafes, restaurants, and shopping. Sit in the wondrous Plaza de Armas, stroll through gardens, relax beside fountains, and explore the Morelia Cathedral.
Oaxaca
As we move south we come to the colorful buildings and old-world charms of Oaxaca, the capital of Oaxaca state and another UNESCO World Heritage Site that has remained free from modern development. The city provides another example of the blend of native and Spanish cultures, as well as a perfect home base for visiting the Zapotec capital of Monte Alban, sipping mezcal in nearby villages, and taking day trips to stunning beaches.
YucatĂĄn Peninsula and Maya Riviera
This peninsula juts into the Caribbean Sea and offers coastlines of sandy beaches and a string of resort destinations like Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Cozumel, and CancĂşn, offering hidden cenotes, Mayan ruins, and nonstop nightlife. Travel inland to visit the famous ruins of Chichen Itza and the colonial city of MĂŠrida. If youâre looking for the same ocean views but a more laid-back vibe, head south to the less-developed Costa Maya.