Travel destinations in Mexico pack a punch when it comes to discovery; the Yucatan Peninsula’s miles of coast and Mayan ruins, Baja’s marine reserves, Oaxaca’s culture, the rainforests of Chiapas, and the stunning scenery of Copper Canyon gives travelers plenty of options for their time away from home.
Yucatan Peninsula
The sweeping beaches, welcoming clear waters, exotic islands, colonial cities, and Mayan ruins of the Yucatan Peninsula welcome those seeking relaxed adventures from all over the world every year.
Built on top of a Mayan city after the Spanish conquest, Merida is the capital of the Yucatan region of Mexico where the different people and cultures of the region come together. Colonial churches, plazas, and bustling markets dot the city, while restaurants serve a sampling of Mayan fusion dishes that make spending an afternoon or evening here a pleasure.
Chichen Itza is an ancient Mayan city and was once a thriving center of activity for the Yucatan region. The complex’s centerpiece is the Temple of Kukulkan, a pyramid with 365 steps on four sides that is a brilliant example of the Mayan people’s calendar and their ability to predict events like eclipses. The site is still an active archeological dig and new discoveries are made each year that give new insights into the age-old culture.
Coba is located between two lakes and was once the seat of power in the region before the rival people of Chichen Itza defeated it. Today it is overgrown with forests between pyramids and mounds that have been untouched since the city was abandoned in 1550 with the arrival of the Spanish.
A walled city and fortress high on a cliff above the Caribbean Sea, Tulum was a Mayan seaport for ships returning from other parts of the continent. Inside the walls are remains of temples and pyramids as well as mounds that have yet to reveal their secrets about the people and culture from this region.
With a staggering variety of flora and fauna within tropical rainforests, mangroves, and marine areas, Mexico’s 1.3 million acres protected reserve is a natural paradise. Touring the waterways brings discoveries of the many creatures that call this area home, including spider monkeys and over three hundred species of birds.
Chiapas
The Chiapas region of Mexico envelops coastal lowlands, mountain highlands, and fertile rainforests that hide ancient Maya ruins.
The Lacandona Rainforest is an area with over 100 million acres of forest; it is one of the last remaining protected rainforests in the country. Those who venture here have the chance to stop at far off waterfalls and hike under the jungle canopy in search of eagles, red macaws, and monkeys while learning about the indigenous people that call the area home.
The Montebello Lakes in the south of Mexico on the border of Guatemala is a chain of 50 bodies of water surrounded by pine forests that draw hikers from colder climates in search of natural adventures.
The Yaxchilan ruins on the shores of the Usumacinta River in the Chiapas region were once a bustling Mayan city with a central temple complex, ball courts, and palaces. The site features relief carvings depicting life in the city throughout the grounds that have given scholars a new perspective about life during Mayan times.
Baja
The Baja peninsula is the second-longest peninsula in the world and home to pristine national parks, uninhabited islands, and sun-swept beaches where surfing, snorkeling, and relaxing are a welcome relief during the chill of winter.
Ilsa Espiritu Santo is a UNESCO world heritage site that is often said to be the most beautiful in the Sea of Cortez. Uninhabited, there are many bays and beaches where snorkeling, swimming, and diving are favored activities, as is hiking on trails that explore the inland of the island.
Another uninhabited island where active endeavors in nature take center stage- Isla San Francisco brings people to the Sea of Cortez for kayaking, snorkeling, and hiking.
Amid mountains, a desert, and the sea, Cabo Pulmo National Park is a 17,571-acre marine park where whale sharks, dolphins, humpback whales, and tortoises are just a few of the creatures that are often seen in the clear waters.
Oaxaca
Oaxaca’s mountains, culture, art, and food stands out for those who travel here. Tours give insight into the people and culture of the present while exploring ancient religious and political ruins reveals the depth of history of the region.
Built by the Spanish in 1529, Oaxaca City is a one-of-a-kind city with colonial buildings, grand plazas, a thriving culture, and some of the best food in the country.
Mitla and Monte Alban in the Oaxaca Valley are two important Zapotec sites- Mitla being a major religious center and Monte Alban being a political seat. Located on the valley floor, Malta's elaborate stonework differs from the other sites from the same period in the region, while the grandeur of the site is modest when compared to the Monte Alban.
Sitting high up on a cliff overlooking Oaxaca City, the valley below and mountains in the distance, Monte Alban has been inhabited for over a thousand years by a succession of people. Today, temples, terraces, a ball court, an observatory, and palaces remain as reminders of the glory of the former capital.
The culture of Oaxaca and its artisans go hand in hand, each small village produces a specialty; from pottery, to brightly colored wooden animals, to textiles with intricate designs. Traditional methods are still employed using techniques that go back before the Mayan people.
Copper Canyon in the north-central Sierra Tarahumara Mountains is a series of gorges, which when combined, are larger than the Grand Canyon. Hiking treks, ziplining adventures, and train rides through the region reveal the beauty of the area: ripe with scenic vistas, small villages, and waterfalls that are picturesq.
For more information about planning an adventure in Mexico and the different destinations and activities that you can visit and participate in,
contact one of our travel experts.
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