Mexico, officially the United Mexican States, is a fascinating country in North America, lying between the United States of America to the north, and Guatemala and Belize to the southeast.
Its extensive coastlines of more than 10 000 km include the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Mexico has pleasant and warm weather, unique food, art and archaeology, pyramids, museums, haciendas, superb architecture and 21st century cities, weather from snow mountains in the Sierras, to rainy jungles in the Southeast and desert in the Northwest, numerous golf courses, excellent fishing, and world-class destinations like Acapulco, Cancun, Cozumel, Los Cabos, and Mazatlan. Mexico is ranked as the 7th major destination for foreign visitors, according to the World Trade Organization.
Climate
The climate varies dramatically across Mexico's vast landscape. In the northernmost area of the Baja Peninsula, on the Pacific coast, the climate is Mediterranean, whereas the climate is arid on the other side of the peninsula, facing the Sea of Cortez. As you go south on the Baja Peninsula, the climate changes to become a subtropical sub-arid/semi-arid climate, until La Paz and Cabo, which has a unique tropical desert climate. The northern area of Mexico tends to be mountainous and chilly, and the lower areas have an arid climate. A tropical climate prevails from around the Tampico area down to Cancun, as well as the adjacent side on the Pacific.
World Heritage Cities in México
Morelia, World Heritage City
The most visited destination without a beach in Mexico. The city of Morelia has 113,000 historical monuments, both, civil and religious, which place it as a leader in architectural beauty in the Mexican Republic.
Mexico City, World Heritage City
Seat of the executive federal power of the Mexican Republic, the Federal District is one of the oldest cities in America. It was recognized as Heritage City in 1987 due to its Historic Center and its Xochimilco National Park.
Guanajuato, World Heritage City
One of the most important cities during the viceroyalty, Guanajuato played a major role in the Mexican War of Independence. The city is spread over the hills surrounding it, from where you will be able to see its cobbled streets, gardens, squares and colorful façades, all of which combine the pre-Hispanic culture with the Spanish culture.
Cuisine
Mexico is famed for its gastronomy. But beyond the tacos and guacamole of world renown, there are rich and various culinary traditions spanning the whole country. The tastes, smells and textures of traditional Mexican ingredients are an assault on the senses, especially the more exotic items such as maguey worms, ants and fried grasshoppers. But the subtle blend of flavors in dishes such as mole and traditional Mexican salsas are sure to delight the palates of even the most conservative diners.
On coming to Mexico, a taste of the regional cuisines of Yucatan and Oaxaca is a must. The gastronomy of Oaxaca is one of the most famous in Mexico, including its famous mole, tlayudas (long pizza-like tortillas with a variety of traditional toppings) and chapulines (grasshoppers) for the more adventurous. The Yucatecan cuisine offers fewer extremes, but can be relied upon for taste every time. Try the classic dish of cochinita pibil ('pibil' pork), a tasty sauce of pork, orange, red onion and a traditional annatto sauce, slow cooked in an oven just below.
Beaches
Mexico is blessed with coastline on both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, boasting around 450 beaches and diverse marine landscapes. Going to the beach in Mexico means many things: from surfing and sailing, to relaxing under the shade of a palm tree. Of course, the climate and scenery vary dramatically depending where you are in the country, giving visitors to Mexico's coastline the chance to craft their own itineraries and write their own 'story' of the Mexican beach, be it the classic Caribbean honeymoon, a relaxed family vacation or a high-adrenaline watersports adventure.
Four destinations stand out above the many others available to the traveler. Los Cabos is a luxury tourist resort at the meeting of the desert and the Sea of Cortes; clean-cut, modern facilities are balanced with a traditional Mexican atmosphere. The island of Cancun, now joined to the mainland by a long avenue, boasts some of Mexico's most charming beaches coupled with some of the finest multinational hotels. The Mayan Riviera, arguably the jewel in the crown of Mexico's coastline, is dotted with waterholes, lagoons and stunning archaeological zones, and offers a variety of accommodation from world class hotels to rustic beach huts.
