Mexico City is a more cultural place than it often appears at first glance and encompasses an interesting blend of old and new. Today, the city is home to ancient ruins and colonial architecture surrounded by modern high-rise buildings. Head to the main square which is known locally as the Plaza de la Constituciόn, or Zócalo – here, the Mexican flag flies proudly as it has done for centuries. The National Palace and streets filled with museums surround the main square, along with the ruins of the Templo Mayor; an Aztec pyramid.
Head to the floating gardens of Xochimilco (pronounced Soh-chee-mil-ko) in the southeastern part of the city to ride along the canals in colourfully painted gondola-like boats called ‘trajineras’. Visit during the weekend and join the local weekly street party with delicious food, drinks and lively mariachi music. The city is a fitting introduction to the complex layering of indigenous and Hispanic cultures in Mexico.
Located around 30 miles northeast of Mexico City sits the vast ancient Toltec city; Teotihuacán. It is one of the largest urban centres of the ancient world and constructed according to precise astronomical methods. The ancient city was abandoned centuries before the arrival of the Aztecs who named it Teotihuacán, meaning ‘birthplace of the gods.’ The city continues to fascinate modern archaeologists of today who are yet to unravel the ruins’ mystery.
The ancient city is home to the enormous Pyramid of the Moon and The Pyramid of the Sun which dominate the remains of the metropolis. We recommend visiting in the morning when the air is cooler and there are fewer visitors.
Baja California is one of the largest peninsulas on Earth which often experiences no rainfall for an entire year. This barren stretch of desert is not what entices visitors though; it’s the grey whales who come to calve in the warm waters of San Ignacio Lagoon, Magdalena Bay, and Scammon’s Lagoon from mid-January until early April. Grey whales are naturally curious and friendly, so when boats enter the waters they will happily swim close to investigate. Later in the season, they’ll be accompanied by their playful young.
Elsewhere in Baja California, you have the chance to see blue and humpback whales along with other wildlife such as sea lions, sting rays, dolphins and blue-footed boobies.
Known as the ‘white city’ because of the white limestone and paint used in its old centre, Mérida is the bustling capital of the Yucatán state. Although a modern city, it is steeped with culture and colonial heritage. Mérida is home to beautiful architecture including the San Ildefonso Cathedral, the oldest cathedral on the continent. The streets are filled with old mansions and many elegant 17th, 18th and 19th century buildings which have been converted into offices and quirky hotels.
While in Mérida you have the chance to take a cookery class with Michelin-star chef Christian Bravo. He will take you to the market to source the ingredients before creating your own authentic, modern Mexican cuisine. Mérida is also a good base to explore the Maya archaeological sites of Uxmal and Chichén Itzá.
In 1994, after a long regime of exploitation from the Spanish, several thousand native people occupied San Cristóbal. They were lightly armed and demanded an overhaul on their human rights. Today, San Cristóbal cleverly combines both the colonial era with its indigenous heritage. Here, you can visit the many museums to learn more about its interesting history and you’ll also have the opportunity to see how traditional Mexican serape are made by hand.
Outside of the main town sits San Juan Chamula in Chiapas which is a culturally rich highland village home to Tzotzil indigenous people. This area offers a fascinating insight into a primitive way of life, and allows you to explore the market where locals sell crafts, textiles and spices. A highlight for many travellers in this area is a visit to the small colourful church. Here you have the chance to witness a Mayan ceremony of worship. Inside the church the locals kneel on the ground in traditional clothing, chanting powerfully while surrounded by thousands of flickering candles.
