1. Mexico. It conjures up images of pristine
beaches, sizzling fajitas, pulsating nightlife
and jungle-clad Mayan ruins. On the
Caribbean coast, you'll find smooth white
sands, swaying palms worthy of a Bounty
ad, and heaps of shops and bars to keep you
entertained. Meanwhile, on the Pacific
shore, you can expect an altogether more
authentic feel… think gnarly waves,
arresting coastlines, spicy street food and a
rainforest backdrop. Whichever side you
choose, your senses will take a hefty hit.
Learn more about this captivating
country using this helpful guide!

2. With famous clubs like Coco Bongo in Cancun attracting more than 3,000 revellers a night,
and comedians and entertainers
performing at The Palm Cabaret
and Bar in Puerto Vallarta,
the nightlife in Mexico is unlike
anything you've experienced
before.
Click the following links for more
information on making the most of
nightlife in Mexico:
Nightlife in Cancun
Nightlife in Puerto Vallarta

3. Mexico serves up some fantastic outdoor experiences. Listen to the rushing rivers
as you spend 8 hours rafting an 18-
kilometre stretch of the Santo
Domingo River in Oaxaca, or
take up to 4 days exploring the
Jatate River in Chiap
See more river action in Mexico here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=X5c-xlgC9KE

4. You'll hear people in Mexico speaking indigenous languages like Nahuatl and Yukatec Maya. It's
estimated that 1.5 million Nahua people in Central Mexico speak in their
native tongue. What's more, around
1.2 million people in Campeche, Tabasco,
Chiapas, and Quintana Roo converse in
their own version of the Maya
language.
For more about the indigenous languages of Mexico
see this YouTube video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=
player_embedded&v=fUxyeVn5tQk

5. Agua fresca is a
refreshing drink found
in many South
American countries – it
combines water,
sugar, and any number
of fruits, seeds,
flowers or cereals. It
comes in loads of
flavours and is a big
hit in Mexico.
Agua Fresca Recipes

6. Carnitas is a delicious
and traditional way of
cooking pork. Typically, it
uses pork shoulder
and is generously
seasoned before being
braised. It’s then
shredded, and roasted or
fried before being added
to tacos, burritos or
tortas.
Click this link to find out more about where to enjoy such delights: Restaurants in Puerto Vallarta

7. We all have Mexico to thank for
discovering chocolate. Cacao
has been cultivated in the region for
thousands of years. It was originally
made into a drink, with Europeans first
enjoying it when they arrived in the
16th century. And it kind of caught on.

8. Guacamole is one of the best-known Mexican dishes – it was first devoured way back when by
the Aztecs. The base of guacamole is avocados, and the addition of sea salt, tomato, garlic,
lime, jalapenos and cilantro will wake up tastebuds you never knew you had.
See this video for more about the flavours of Mexico:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=i5lnQLsNqJk

9. Mole is a common name for a bunch of
sauces frequently found in traditional
Mexican cuisine. Lots of different
regions lay claim to these sauces,
which always have the one common
ingredient of chilli peppers. The
most popular version is mole
poblano, served over meat.
Click here for more Mole Recipes

10. Feel like you're spinning back in time with a
trip to the ancient city of Yaxchilan.
You can visit the Great Acropolis,
Small Acropolis and Great Plaza.
You can also tour Chichen Itza, the
massive Mayan pyramid just a couple
of hours from Cancun, which draws over a
million visitors a year

11. Typically associated with Mexico, piñatas are
used to celebrate a variety of events. The
papier-mâché creations are usually filled with
treats and broken open as part of the festivities,
by way of a blind-folded party-goer and a sturdy
stick.
Click here for more information on Mexican tradition:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=8PRlX8z0CZ4

12. You can experience the 180-kilometre-wide Chicxulub Crater on the Caribbean
coast, said to be the centre of impact of the asteroid that spelt the end of the dinosaurs.
Explore the underground river and whiz
along the highest zip line in Latin
America – 45 metres above ground…
don’t look down – at Xplor Park in
the Riviera Maya.

13. Did you know the world’s second largest coral reef is in Mexico? Take a dive in the
Mesoamerican Barrier Reef and you’re bound to spot sea turtles, manatee,
toadfish, the American crocodile, and
over 65 species of coral. Or you can visit Los
Arcos National Marine Park on the
Pacific coast to snorkel, scuba and
swim.
Find out more about snorkelling in Mexico here:
Snorkelling Los Arcos Tour

14. Whale watching in the Sea of Cortez – also called the
Gulf of California – is the stuff of bucket lists. Spend a day
witnessing the whales in their own watery backyard from
December to March, when you’re most likely to spot
them. You can tick off fin, humpback, killer,
sperm and the mammoth blue whale, as well
as manta rays and leatherback sea turtles.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Sp1kDw2o4qs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=WJ41pzZ63CI

15. You can’t visit Mexico without seeing some of the incredible Mayan ruins, like
Ixcateopan, the final resting place of Aztec ruler Cuauhtemoc, in Taxco. Easily accessible
from Puerto Vallarta on the Pacific
coast, it’s a place to put high up on your to-do
list.
See this link for more about the Highlights of Taxco

16. Make sure you get out in the fresh air and spot some
of the more unusual characters living in Mexico.
Cozumel raccoon, Mexican parrotlet,
tropical ground squirrel and Chiapas
catfish – a world away from the wildlife in your local
park.

17. Check out Mexico’s amazing markets, like
Mercado 23 in Cancun – here you’ll find anything
from fresh veg and cheeses, to piñatas
in the form of Justin Bieber. It’s an authentic
market so you’ll get to shop just as the locals do.
It’s definitely worth a visit if you’re staying in
Playa del Carmen.

18. You're never far from good
fodder in Mexico. Whether you
plump for cheesy
quesadillas, fresh fish, or a
zesty hit of lime with your
cerveza, the tangy
aromas will have you running
back for seconds.

19. You’ve probably heard of the famous ‘Day of the Dead’ celebration in November – if not,
it’s not as gruesome as it sounds. Families gather together to
remember and celebrate those who have passed away. One of
the most delicious scents of the 3-day festival is
that of Pan de Muerto being prepared. These delicious
rolls are baked and dipped in sugar. You’ll be powerless to
resist.
For more about the wonderful aromas and traditions of Mexico view this
video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=CZw-WiWDVOA
If this guide has got you thinking about taking a holiday to Mexico, check out the latest
flights to Cancun.