Estados Unidos Mexicanos is commonly known by westerners as Mexico. Just like the United States of America, the country is divided into states, 31 to be exact. Each state has its own laws, police, and regulations. Mexico is usually thought to be a part of Latin America however that’s not the case. It’s actually part of North America alongside Canada and the Caribbean Islands. The capital, Mexico City, is one of the most important cities for culture and finance in the Americas.
Mexico is located in the middle of the Circum-Pacific Belt, also known as the Ring Of Fire. The Ring Of Fire is where the majority of the world’s earthquakes occur. Cuexcomate is the world’s smallest volcano standing at 43 feet tall in the city of Puebla. Locals describe it as a small hill!
When thinking of ancient pyramids you immediately think of Egypt, right? And a lot of people believe the Pyramids of Giza are the biggest in the world - but they would be wrong. The largest pyramid is the Great Pyramid of Cholula, which is located in Mexico and is also the largest monument ever constructed in the world. Tuck that tit-bit of information away for your next trivia night!
So, when is the best time to travel to Mexico? This is an easy question to answer as Mexico has a Dry Season from December to April and a Wet Season from May until October. Obviously, the dry months are the best time to visit with daytime temperatures up in the high 20sC. On average, the hottest month is April and for those who love to chase the sun, there’s plenty of it at that time of year.
Let’s speak strictly surfing in Mexico. If you are an expert surfer the locals recommend Boca de Pascuales, Troncones, Zipolite and Ensenda as they are renowned for their huge waves, hard-breaking barrels, and perfect point breaks. If you’re more on the beginner side of things and are just looking for a good paddle and to master some small waves Puerto Escondido or Sayulita is for you. Intermediate surfers keen to shred a few should head to Barra De Nexpa, San Blas, and Todos Santos.
Mexico has beautiful places to kayak, including Baja California, Puerto Vallarta, Mulege, and Lagos de Montebello. For a more rapid heart pumping white water rafting experience, you must go to Veracruz and Oaxaca. As well as surfing, kayaking and rafting you can see wildlife everywhere. For example, it’s very common through the months of December to March to spot whales. Sea turtles can be seen all year round. And on land, the forests and lagoons are teeming with birdlife including flamingos.
Soccer. One word that means a whole lot to Mexicans. It is practically their second religion behind the Catholic Church. Soccer is by far the most popular sport played, watched and admired in Mexico. They have produced multiple high-class professional teams over the years starting from 1943. The Mexican National Football Team has played in 15 Fifa World Cups and has hosted the Fifa World Cup twice in 1970 and 1986. Mexico City alone is large enough that it has three soccer teams in the top league. The teams are Cruz Azul, Club America, and Pumas. Believe us when we tell you that you should definitely take the time to watch a soccer match while exploring this extraordinary country.
Shopping in Mexico is sectioned in items and objects. Mexico City is the place to go if you are looking for boutique fashion, flea and food markets. In San Miguel de Allende you are able to find folk art from places all over the country. Guadalajara is the best place for purchasing of ceramics, furniture, and glassware. Taxco is one of the top places to find silverware and jewellery. If you are after woollen crafts and textiles head over to San Cristobal de las Casas. And last but not least Leon is where you need to be when looking for shoes, belts and bags.
Known for the number of churches (365), Puebla is a great place to experience another side of Mexico. But it's also the place to be if you love Mexican food. Locals and tourists can't get enough of its delicious cuisine. Ask anyone and they'll tell you one of the most popular dishes that everyone should try is mole poblano (made with numerous ingredients including chiles, meat, chocolate, cinnamon and garlic). While exploring Puebla be sure to catch the sunset from the hilltops with a picnic hamper stocked with pre-dinner goodies to keep you going.
Worldwide, Mexican food is a go-to favourite. And if you think travelling to Mexico the chance to eat heaps of Mexican food, you're in for a surprise, well partly. You see the fact is burritos, nachos, tacos, and all the Mexican we know and love is really only eaten in northern Mexico. Authentic Mexican food is not spicy or hot, it is actually quite sour due to the use of lemons and limes.
If it’s nightlife that you’re after, Callejon de Los Sapos is the place to dance, eat and drink and party on to live music.
Cancun is on the top of the list for spring breakers looking for an escape from everyday life. It has beautiful beaches that offer snorkelling, diving, swimming, and jet skiing adventures. With high-end resorts overlooking the beach and plenty of beach bars to choose from, it’s the perfect place to play beach bum for a few lazy days.
Cabo San Lucas is another home to luxurious hotels and high-end golf courses. This is also a great place to PARTY! And like Cancun, it is known for its beaches, water activities and of course its nightlife.
Puerto Vallarta has exquisite beaches and places to soak up the sunshine, but it is also it famous for being one of the best places for watching whales playing in the ocean whether you are on the beach or on a boat tour. Puerto Vallarta has several iconic landmarks such as Los Arcos and the Church of Our Lady Guadalupe. And when you're sightseeing adventures are done, you can find plenty of entertainment and fun in the bars where you can taste different types of tequila, and even make your own from samples!
Mexico caters for every type of traveller. It is a perfect place to relax, enjoy the nightlife and experience brilliant surf, wildlife encounters and a tonne of outdoor activities. If you take one thing away from this article it's that we recommend you get along to a soccer match while you’re there - there’s nothing like being part of that electrifying atmosphere.
