Mexico

Mexico is one incredibly diverse country with everything from towering mountains shrouded in snow, fun-filled cities to steamy jungles, palm-fringed beaches, and ancient ruins. Add to that some of the finest dining and delicious street snacks; guaranteed chilli is added, and will get the sweat pouring - enhancing your adventure. 

Famous for festivals, bars, clubs, live music and nightlife, Mexico is a fun-filled, culturally dynamic and an action packed, thriving destination.

Step away from the tourist hot spots and the massive-modern-throbbing metropolis of Mexico City and the diversity continues. For the best of Mexico, it's all about planning what you want to do and experience. Play and get a tan in Cancun, Playa del Carmen or Tulum one of Mexico's most stunning beaches. Or maybe Mahahual, a beach town on the border of Belize with its laid-back, bohemian charm. Bacalar sits beside the second largest lake in Mexico of the same name. The water changes colour throughout the day through spectrums of green and blue, which gives it the nickname: Lake of Seven Colours. 

Central Mexico is the cultural hub to capitals like the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan. The archaeological zone of Tula is the most important of the Tolteca culture. Pyramids towering above the ground, such as the impressive Burnt Palace, the Coatepantli, and the majestic caryatids or atlantes hand-carved in Basaltic stone. Venture south to the less-visited and picture-perfect beach of Quintana Roo. In the north, the forested mountains of the Sierra Norte just beyond Oaxaca beckon for hikers and nature lovers. 

Surfers and divers are not left disappointed with impressive breaks. Mexico is home to the Great Maya Barrier Reef, also known as Mesoamerican Reef - the second largest reef system in the world and the largest in the western hemisphere. Within this paradise, live over 500 fish species and 60 types of coral. 

Back on land, wander the markets in towns big and small for fresh food, a souvenir to take home, or enjoy some time meeting and talking with the friendly locals.

One of the best festivals to plan your stay around is the 'Day of the Dead' held during the end of October and beginning of November. Every town and city has a multi-coloured parade with the celebrations honouring those that have passed before, it's loud, vibrant, and a fun 2500-year-old celebration of life and death.

The Best Time to Visit Mexico

There is no wrong time to visit Mexico. However, September is when temperatures cool and the rain eases, leaving lush greenery and fewer crowds. This can mean lower prices for accommodation in tourist precincts. Remember, this is a big country with a wide range of climatic zones, so planning around the activities or festivals is paramount. Beach time is usually all year round, the rainy season in the south and towards Central Mexico often falls in the summer while to the north with the United States border and Baja California Peninsula, it can be years between rains.

Is Mexico safe?

Nowhere is 100% safe, and yes, there are problems in Mexico. Cartels do exist primarily in the regions around the central northern border and states of Guerrero and Michoacan on the Pacific coast but also elsewhere. The probability is you are not going to the major troublesome areas. Our advice: don't drive alone along deserted roadways at night, sleep in your car, or try to score any drugs. Same as in any country around the world. Always travel safely.