Mexico is situated in North America, being the northernmost country of Latin America, bordering the US to the north and Guatemala and Belize to the southeast. It also has maritime boundaries to the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Pacific. Mexico is one of the largest countries in the world and the tenth most populous, with over 130 million citizens. Its capital, Mexico City, is one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. Visiting the country is a feast for the senses, offering a diverse range of travel experiences.
From historical sites to relaxing beaches and from bustling cities to remote hiking trails, there’s something for everybody in Mexico. If you are planning to have a trip to the country and aren’t sure which areas should be on your itinerary, here are a few to consider.
Nevado de Toluca National Park
If you’re a fan of the great outdoors and are looking forward to having an adventure, you must definitely consider this national park. It was decreed in 1936 as a means of protecting the Nevado de Toluca volcano, Mexico’s fourth-highest peak, which nearly covers the park’s entire surface. The spot is approximately 100 km west of Mexico City. However, be sure to dress warmly, as it is typically cold year-round, with frost and snow being common regardless of the month. The park offers access to a wide range of recreational facilities, including hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.
If you’re a fan of picnics and camping, there are many areas where you can relax. If you want to try scuba diving, you will have to obtain official permission from the Mexican state parks agency. Since the area is so stunningly beautiful and you will find yourself surrounded by pristine wilderness from all sides, you should definitely consider taking some pictures as well. On the Holafly website, you can get access to unlimited data and reliable internet, so that you can share these stunning sights with everyone back home.
The flora and fauna at Nevado de Toluca are unique and adapted to the alpine climate, which is why the area is protected. Remember to be careful and respectful to avoid doing any damage.
Tepoztlán
Tepoztlán is a town in Morelos, at the heart of the Tepoztlán Valley. It has been a popular tourist destination for years, with people coming to see the ruins of the El Tepozteco temple, located at the summit of Tepozteco Mountain. The temple was dedicated to Tepoztēcatl, the Aztec god of pulque, a traditional alcoholic beverage created from fermented agave sap. Two fallen stones adorned with glyphs were found in the temple, one bearing the name of Ahuitzotl, the eighth Aztec ruler, while the other was inscribed with the calendrical date “10 rabbit”. The benches were most likely built by the Triple Alliance (an alliance between three Nahua city-states), leading historians to believe they were built after 1452, the year Tepoztlán was conquered.
If you enjoy sampling local cuisines and don’t shy away from local flavors, you must definitely try out some of the local ice cream, which is unlike anything you’ve ever had before. There are hundreds of varieties to choose from, ranging from the classics like chocolate, vanilla, mint, and mango, to rum, lime, pecans, passion fruit, figs, and even some spicy ice creams. Mexico is one of the birthplaces of chocolate, but the ancient people used to combine it with dried chilli instead of milk and sugar, making it the traditional recipe.
The Historic center of Mexico City
Mexico City is one of the most incredible places in the world, and having it on your itinerary is pretty much a must. The Centro Histórico is the area that you must definitely visit due to its massive cultural importance. What is now the historic downtown is roughly the same space that the ancient Aztec city of Tenochtitlan used to occupy. Unfortunately, very little remains of the ancient cities, as most of the old buildings were demolished and the materials used to build the modern city are now gone.
Lake Xochimilco, originally part of the larger Lake Texcoco, was transformed by the Aztecs in the 13th and 14th centuries, when causeways and chinampas —artificial islands used for agriculture —were integrated, creating the landscape people see today. The location is a World Heritage site due to the ancient remnants it contains. The lake is also the last remaining habitat of the axolotl, which has been impacted by growing urbanization and water pollution. If you wish, you can also donate to local organizations to support the species and its ecosystem.
Guanajuato
Guanajuato is a municipality situated in the center of Mexico, in a narrow valley, which makes all of its streets winding and charming. You will have to walk through the majority of them as cars cannot pass through, and there are also several sets of stairs up the mountainside. There are also many thoroughfares that are at least partially underground. The city was named a World Heritage Site in 1988. One of the mines located in the town, Mina de La Valenciana, which began extracting silver in the 16th century during the European colonization period, accounted for roughly two-thirds of the global silver production at the time.
Guanajuato is also home to the Mummy Museum, which contains naturally mummified bodies discovered between the mid-19th and 20th centuries. Guanajuato is also the site of the first battle of the Mexican War of Independence, known as the Capture of the Alhóndiga de Granaditas.
Guadalajara
Guadalajara is the capital and most populous city of Jalisco, a state located in the West of the country. If you love food and want to try something new, this is the place to find it. Like in all of Mexico, Guadalajara’s cuisine is a mix of both native, pre-Hispanic influences and Spanish additions. Tamales, pozole, sopes, tacos, menudo, frijoles charros, and enchiladas are all popular in the region, but you can find specific dishes as well.
Torta ahogada is a traditional recipe from Jalisco, a sandwich that is essentially submerged in a sauce made from vinegar, dried chilli peppers, and cumin. Another well-known meal is birria, a dish made with goat, lamb, or beef that has been marinated in vinegar, dried chilli, garlic, and several other herbs and spices.
If you’ve been thinking about visiting Mexico for your next trip, you should know that there’ll be no shortage of things you can do or try. In fact, Mexico will provide you with so many opportunities that you’ll definitely want to start planning your next trip as soon as possible.