Region: Mexico

Mexico has a desert, a tropical forest, white beaches, mountains that are 6,000 meters high, and a sea and an ocean that are opposite each other.

Because of its beauty and the way its people enjoy life, Mexico is one of the most popular and well-known places to visit in the world.

Mexico’s size, approximately seven times that of Italy, offers a wide range of places to visit and diverse cultures.

Exploring Mexico’s North

If you go north, the Sonoran desert takes over, just like it does on the peninsula of Baja California. Baja California is a thin strip of land with mountains that are up to 2,000 m high and look out over the ocean, like the Sierra de San Francisco.

Cabo San Lucas and Whale Watching

The road leading to Cabo San Lucas offers a breathtaking view of the sunset. In the winter, whales can be spotted in the waters of the Pacific Ocean, making Baja California an excellent location for whale watching. On the other side of the gulf, the road from Los Mochis to Chihuahua, with its old train that traverses canyons between tall rock peaks, is a must-see.

Pacific Coast and Beach Towns

Traveling down the Pacific coast, you’ll encounter interesting beach towns like Mazalan, Puerto Vallarta with its white sand beaches, the bay of Manzanillo, and the famous Acapulco, known for its daring divers and scenic rock formations.

To delve into the heart of Mexico, crossing the Sierra Madre mountain range leads to the two most important cities in the country: Mexico City and Guadalajara.

Mexico City – The Vibrant Capital

Mexico City, with an estimated population of over 20 million, offers a bustling metropolis that includes its satellite cities. The city is known for its colonial neighborhoods, Aztec ruins of Tzompantli and the Templo Mayor, and the basilicas of Guadalupe and the Metropolitan Cathedral.

Located just 50 km from Mexico City, Teotihuacán houses impressive ruins such as the Pyramid of the Sun, the Pyramid of the Moon, the Quetzal, and the Valley of the Dead.

Exploring the Sierra Madre and Yucatán Peninsula

The Sierra Madre mountain range boasts volcanoes like Pico de Orizab, Popocatépetl, and Iztacchautl, all towering over 5,000m. Continuing along the Sierra, you’ll encounter two captivating places: Oaxaca, a lively colonial city, and Palenque, an archaeological site nestled in a lush tropical forest.

Heading from Palenque to the Yucatán Peninsula, you’ll discover enchanting beaches. Cancun, a synonym for Yucatán, offers beautiful coastal areas, though its rapid urbanization has posed challenges. Nonetheless, the peninsula provides an opportunity to enjoy the Caribbean Sea and explore Mayan ruins such as Xcaret and Mayapan.

Between Tulum and Xel Ha lies a stretch of coast with white beaches and some of the clearest seas in the world, ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Tips

Mexico cares about tourists and ensures their safety. Tourist resorts are generally safe, but caution is advised on isolated roads, especially at night. In cities like Mexico City, it’s important to watch personal belongings and avoid displaying valuable items. In interior villages, Mayan beliefs are strong, and photography may be restricted during sacred and secular ceremonies.

Practical Advice for Travelers

When visiting tropical countries like Mexico, it is recommended to drink bottled water and avoid consuming peeled fruit or raw vegetables from street vendors. Public transportation, particularly land-based options, may not be very modern. During heavy rain, secondary roads can become unpaved and impassable. However, these minor challenges are outweighed by the breathtaking scenery Mexico offers.