The aquatic Xel-Ha Park in Quintana Roo, nestled within a nook of the Caribbean Sea is one of the top tourist attractions in Mexico, and no wonder. Visitors can swim among hundreds of species of fish and sea life, explore caves and pools or walk within the jungle-like foliage that flanks the waters. Simply magical.
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MEXICO
TRAVEL TO MEXICO
Mexico is a proper must-see travel destination combining history and a rich modern culture, with the food and partying up there with anywhere in the world. Still, there’s more to a trip to Mexico than tequila and Mariachi bands. The Aztec and Mayan ruins that dot the landscape are still truly awe-inspiring sights. Check out our travel guide for advice on how to tour Mexico like a boss.
FAST FACTS
Language: Spanish
Currency: Mexican peso
Electricity: 110v
Visas: Click here to see if you need a visa to enter Mexico.
Dialing Code: +52
Time Zone: (GMT-06:00)
Currency: Mexican peso
Electricity: 110v
Visas: Click here to see if you need a visa to enter Mexico.
Dialing Code: +52
Time Zone: (GMT-06:00)
ABOUT CONTIKI
From quick breaks to epic journeys, Contiki exists to connect young travellers with the time of their lives.
See more about Contiki
See more about Contiki
THINGS TO DO IN MEXICO
From epic mountains to buzzing Monterrey nightlife, white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, there’s a lot to see in Mexico. It’s hard to pack everything in to one trip, so here are our top recommendations.
THE LIFE AQUATIC AT XEL-HA PARK
ARCH OF CABO SAN LUCAS
This spectacular natural arch marks the point where the Pacific Ocean and Sea of Cortez meet, and can be reached by boat from Cabo harbour. Sail away from it all and enjoy one of the world’s most beautiful spots.
THE RUINS OF TULUM
Not far from Xel-Ha Park you’ll find the 13th century Mayan ruins of Tulum. This ancient coastal settlement was a centre of the jade and turquoise trade - until the Spanish turned up. These days, its relatively immaculate remains are a step back in time to Pre-Colombian Mexico. A definite on anyone’s Mexico travel 2015 list.
GO BACK IN TIME AT XPLOR ADVENTURE PARK
Preserved these days as a park open to visitors, the site is set within the vast footprint of an asteroid crater. Watery caves full of stalagmites and dinosaur fossils offer the ultimate trip back in time, while the addition of zip wires, amphibious vehicles and caving tours mean it has the market cornered in prehistoric extreme adventure.
A RIGHT ROYAL VISIT TO CHAPULTEPEC CASTLE
The only one of its kind in the whole of North America, this 18th century castle was home to Emperor Maximilian I. These days, the sprawling neo-classical building houses Mexico’s National Museum of History, while the beautiful surrounds of Chapultepec Park have been the location for several blockbuster films and. It’s open for tours for visitors who know what to see in Mexico City.
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TOP 5 FESTIVALS IN MEXICO
Boy, do these guys know how to celebrate. Dozens of religious and public holidays offer plenty of fiesta opportunities, and there’s a healthy contemporary arts scene too. We hope you’re ready to party… better pack that Alka Seltzer.
DAY OF THE DEAD
The legendary Día de Muertos celebration is a spectacularly colourful festival that has consistently been voted the best festival in the world. Fiestas are held countrywide, but if you want a memorable night out in Mexico City, the capital’s Day of the Dead celebrations is the Big Kahuna.
For more information on Day of the Dead, click here.
FIESTAS DE OCTUBRE
Head west to the Jalisco region for the most noted of the festivals in Guadalajara. A vibrant hub of contemporary arts, the city hosts a month-long roster of celebrations that features music from world class rock outfits, art exhibitions, food alongside much, much more.
For more information on the Fiestas de Octubre, click here.
MORELIA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
It might not be Cannes, but this top quality event showcases the best in Mexican film. Celebrated for the diversity of themes and subjects, this festival is a great glimpse into modern Mexico and it’s influence on contemporary international arts culture.
For more information on the Morelia International Film Festival, click here.
FESTIVAL INTERNACIONAL CERVANTINO
Named after the whimsical 17th century Spanish author, this October event is held in the hip colonial city of Guanajuato. Visitors to the area around this time can expect to get stuck into a wealth of dance, theatre, literature and visual art expos.
For more information on Festival Internacional Cervantino, click here.
For more information on Festival Internacional Cervantino, click here.
EL GRITO DE INDEPENDENCIA
Another essential date for your calendar, 16th September sees the entire country down tools amid ceremonial celebrations take mark Independence Day. It’s a cacophony of traditional Mexican food, music and fireworks to celebrate the beginnings of Mexico as we know it today, and the patriotic locals get well stuck in.
For more information on Independence Day celebrations, click here.
For more information on Independence Day celebrations, click here.
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TOP 5 MUSEUMS & GALLERIES IN MEXICO
With such a colourful and culturally dynamic history, Mexico is chock full of heritage centres and museums. We think these are the best of a great bunch.
MUSEO DOLORES OLMEDO
Dolores Olmedo’s home in Xochimlico in Mexico City was adapted into a museum after her death. An ardent collector of Mexican art – from oil paintings, to sculpture and even crockery – you know where to go in Mexico City for an authentic flavour of the country’s creativity.
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ANTHROPOLOGY
Even among the surplus of tourist attractions in Mexico City, this museum stands out. It is dedicated to Mexico’s pre-Colombian Mayan and Aztec heritage, with exhibits that tell the full story of these highly civilised ancient cultures.
For more information on the National Museum of Anthropology, click here.
CANCUN UNDERWATER MUSEUM
Four metres under the sea off the glistening coast of Cancun is an unusual place to find a mussum, but that’s where you’ll find 500 sculptures that are slowly evolving into a beautiful artificial reef. Grab a mask or your PADI qualification to get really up close and personal to this eerie and beautiful installation.
For more information on the Cancun Underwater Museum, click here.
MUSEO SOUMAYA
With the highest visitor attendance of all the attractions in Mexico City, Museo Soumaya is a true sight to behold. The extraordinary building in Plaza Carso looks like a ship’s funnel and houses around well over 60,000 works of international art.
For more information on the Museo Soumaya, click here.
MUSEO FRIDA KAHLO
Exploring Mexico’s art scene wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Casa Azul, the blue house where the legendary Mexican artist lived out her entire life. Now a museum featuring her work and day-to-day possessions, it’s a must on any what to do in Mexico City list.
For more information on the Museo Frida Kahlo, click here.
For more information on the Museo Frida Kahlo, click here.
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FOOD IN MEXICO
Mexico food is celebrated across the globe, but there’s nothing better than eating the real deal. Coming up with a list of the top five dishes to sample while enjoying your Mexico travel is a tricky call. But we’ve done it, along with a few of our favourite restaurants in Mexico.
TACOS ARABES
One of the biggest attractions in Puebla is the food. Try these ‘Arab tacos’, a famous Puebla food. Flour tortillas are stuffed with spiced rotisserie meat, like a kebab, and zinged up with limejuice and salsa. Delicious.
Best eaten at –Las Ranas, 2 Poniente # 102, Puebla
CHILAQUILES
Similar to nachos, chilaquiles are made with strips of corn tortilla, not chips. Meats add even more flavour to the delicious salsa, cheese and sour cream combo. A proper favourite food in Mexico.
Best eaten at –Eno, Francisco Petrarca 258, Esq. Horacio | Polanco, Mexico City
POZOLE
This traditional Mexican stew made from hominy corn is prepared in a variety of ways. Meat, such as chicken, is the usual ingredient but meat-free versions are widely available, making this tasty dish a great option for veggies.
Best eaten at –El Pozole de Moctezuma, Moctezuma 12-E, Colonia Guerrero, Mexico City
ELOTE
The essential in Mexico street food, this is corn on the cob like you’ve never had it before. It’s the perfect snack during your Mexico travel 2016 mission.
Best eaten at –You’ll find stalls and vendors all over Mexico – this is food on the go.
CHURROS
There’s no better way to satisfy your sweet tooth than a few of these delectable fried dough treats. Eat on their own as a dessert with melted chocolate, or dip one in your morning coffee for a satisfying pick-me-up.
Best eaten at – El Moro, Eje Central Lazaro Cardenas 42, Mexico City
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WHAT TO PACK
Natural fibre clothing - Synthetics are torture in the heat.
Diarrhoea tablets and rehydration salts - Pack these as a precaution. Mexican tap water can be iffy. Make sure you only drink bottled water and ask whether salads or ice cubes have been prepared using tap water – avoid if the answer is yes.
Camera - Photo opportunities and incredible sites are ten a penny.
Pre-paid currency card - Err on the side of caution. While Mexico is a safe place to visit, minimise the risk of having your cash stolen by not carrying large amounts.
Beachwear - With all of its coastal attractions, you may forget you ever wore jeans.
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