Over twenty million people visit Mexico each year, ranking it as the #1 destination in Latin America and one of the top ten destinations in the world for tourists.
Many people are drawn to Mexico for its natural beauty. Bordered by the cobalt blue Pacific Ocean to the west, and by the Gulf of Mexico and the turquoise Caribbean Sea to the east, Mexico has almost 6,200 miles (10,000 kilometers) of coastline, which makes for an abundance of beaches. The interior geography is also dramatic; one can find deserts, mountains, canyons, savannahs, jungles, and rainforests. Living in these different landscapes are over 200,000 different species of plants and animals, making Mexico the fourth most biodiverse country in the world.
Of course, Mexico wouldn’t be what it is without its people. The indigenous Aztecs, Mayans, and Olmecs (whose ruins can still be seen around the country) mixed with the Spanish over the course of three hundred years to produce a colorful, unique culture – a fusion of the pre-Columbian and the European. Take Mexico’s famous cuisine, for example. When most of us think of Mexican food, the first thing that comes to mind is probably the taco. Even the taco as we know it today is a mix of the indigenous (Mexico’s natives came up with the tortilla thousands of years ago), and the European (the Spanish introduced beef, chicken, pork, and cheese to Mexico in the 1500s).
Mexico offers a limitless variety of things to do during your trip, no matter what kind of traveler you are. For shoppers, there are many traditional products to look for, such as tequila, silver, and folk art. If you like to party, Mexico’s nightlife is legendary, especially in the coastal resort towns. If you’re looking for culture, there’s no shortage of the arts, and it seems that there’s always another festive holiday just around the corner. Given the country’s natural beauty, activities are endless, from surfing to golf to whale watching. And let’s not forget the reason so many people are drawn to Mexico in the first place – the beaches!
Whatever your pace, Mexico can accommodate that, too. Most people are looking to slow down and relax, which is easy to do in Mexico’s sleepy colonial pueblos and beachside villages. But if you’re looking for more action, there’s always the cosmopolitan Guadalajara, not to mention Mexico City, one of the biggest cities in the world.
Getting to Mexico is easy. Flying is a convenient option – Mexico ranks #3 in the world for number of airports, behind only the U.S. and Brazil. The country’s largest international airports are in Mexico City, Cancún, Guadalajara, Monterrey, Tijuana, Acapulco, and Puerto Vallarta, although many more exist. Another popular choice is to see Mexico by cruise ship. There are over a dozen ports for cruise ships in the country. Cruises usually tour either the west coast (these are usually called “Mexican Riviera” cruises) or the east coast (“Caribbean cruises”). Some of the most popular stops on the west coast are Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán, and Acapulco. Cozumel and Costa Maya are the two most frequented stops on the east.
The next time you’re thinking about a vacation, consider Mexico. No matter what your interests and budget, Mexico can give you the experience of a lifetime.
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