Punta Mita

Destination Spotlight: Mexico

cancus-01-sp-2010-04-21

Mexico has long been a traveler’s favorite hot spot due to the sheer number of different things to do, see and eat. Whether you are making a day trip through San Diego to Tijuana or plan to fly directly to the coastal paradise of Cancun, the possibilities for your Mexican adventure are endless.

No matter what your interest, Mexico has many stunning destinations that are sure to please every taste and budget. Due to its perfect coastal climate, the beaches in Mexico are a top pick for sun lovers and sporting types, with snorkeling, surfing and parasailing always on offer. Clear and temperate ocean water makes scuba diving among the wildlife of the country’s many reefs a truly magical experience. Swimming with the dolphins in Punta Mita is also not to be missed!

If sea life isn’t your thing, Mexico also has many ancient ruins to explore. Among the top places to visit archeological sites in Mexico are Quintana, Chiapas and the Yucatan peninsula. For a special treat, check out Teotihuacan right outside Mexico city; its Pyramid of the Sun is one of the largest in the world.

Riviera Maya, or the Mayan Riviera, in Quintana Roo on the Yucatan Peninsula is known for its vast number of all-inclusive resorts and smaller boutique hotels. A top draw in this area continues to be the Belize Barrier Reef, a perfect spot for underwater exploring.

Given its location in Central America there is really no “best” time to travel to Mexico, at least in terms of weather. If the beach is your destination, you’ll find tropical breezes almost every day of the year. However, weather isn’t always everything. Like most vacation destinations, crowded conditions do not make for the most pleasant experience so it’s best to stay away from Mexico during the major Christian holidays and Spring Break. If crowds are your thing, though, be sure to visit during one of the popular festival periods, such as Day of the Dead or Fiestas de Octubre in Guadalajara, where you can listen to mariachi bands and drink tequila until the cows come home.

And what vacation would be complete without a sampling of the local fare? Mexican food is famous all over the world and thousands flock to the source each year just to eat, drink and be merry. Things like peppers, beans and corn form the base of a wide variety of European-inspired dishes, and don’t forget to wash it all down with an ice cold Mexican cerveza, or beer.

Whether you are a beach bum, sea creature or history buff, you’ll always find something to do. Vamanos a Mexico!