Mexico is one of the largest countries on Earth. With 35 World Heritage sites and 10,000 km worth of beautiful beaches on both sides of the country, it is not hard to see why Mexico ranks among one of the world's most popular tourism destinations. Many visitors to Mexico never leave the beaches of the Yucatan Peninsula, Pacific Coast, and Baja California. It takes nearly 20 hours to reach Mexico City, the country's capital, from Bangkok as no non-stop flights travel the 15,734 km between the two cities.
Don’t MissMexico's climate is much more diverse than many visitors realise. Most of the country is warm throughout the year, but the Pacific Coast enjoys a Mediterranean climate, while the Gulf of Mexico is more tropical and humid and the southern Baja Peninsula has tropical desert climate. Mexico's mountainous north is one of the few parts of the country which is cold enough in winter for snow to fall. Mexico’s beach resorts are crowded during the March to April spring break season. Carnaval, which takes place between late February and early March, is another lively time of year.
Many tourists overlook Mexico City despite its massive size and 700-year-old history. A 1790 Piedra del Sol calendar stone and 16th century Xochipilli statue are a couple of the items on display at Mexico City's 23-hall National Museum of Anthropology complex. Mexico's present day capital and largest city stands 50 km south of the ancient city and archaelogical complex of Teotihuacan. The 1,000-year-old Mayan ceremonial city of Chichen Itza is 200 km west of the modern beach resort of Cancun.
Restaurants and BarsMexican food is one of the world's most popular international cuisines. Wheat or corn tortillas filled with meat, beans, other vegetables and strong spices are the main ingredients in tacos, enchiladas, burritos, and many more of Mexico's most famous foods. Acapulco may be known as 'the city that never sleeps,' but Cancun and Mexico City's Zona Rosa are the country's other wildest nightlife spots.
ActivitiesOaxaca has become one of Mexico's popular eco-tourism spots because of its cycling, hiking, and mountain climbing tours. Visitors can also watch for whales on the Baja California coast or see monarch butterflies migrate to Michoacan. Climbing the continent's third highest peak, the volcanic El Pico de Orizaba, or scuba diving beneath Nevado de Toluca's craters are a couple of Mexico's most thrilling outdoor pursuits. The country's 10,000 km coastline includes Puerto Escondido surfing, Cozumel snorkelling, and Great Maya Barrier Reef scuba diving.
ShoppingShoppers searching for cheap and authentic Mexican souvenirs should avoid hotel gift shops and department stores. The best bargains of all are found in smaller community markets and at roadside vendors, but Mexico City’s Mercado de Artesanias is one of the country's most massive craft centres. Puebla's Uriarte shop is the best place to find high quality ceramics and tiles, while Taxco is a hillside community famous for its silver.