Mexico

Fiestas, Frida and Maya mystery

By Susannah Rigg

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Steamy jungles, hectic cities, mysterious archeology, and more than 10,000km of coastline, Mexico is a feverish dream that delivers vivid experience after experience.

Head to Oaxaca’s cloud forests, explore the Yucatán’s Maya temples, pristine beaches and icy-blue cenotes, or simply gorge yourself on regional Mexican food.

Whichever Mexican adventure you choose, you can be assured of a warm welcome from Los Mexicanos—and probably an invite to a fiesta or four.

Mexico travel guides

Guide

Mexico’s Best Maya Ruins

Susannah Rigg

The Maya world was vast, spanning from southern Mexico all the way to El Salvador and northern Honduras.

Guide

Visiting Chichén Itzá

Susannah Rigg

One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, this Maya city was at its height in the 10th century, when it commanded a vast area of what is now the Yucatan Peninsula. Chichén Itzá’s ceremonial, cultural and administrative centre sprawls out over 2.

Guide

Visiting The Ruins At Tulum

Susannah Rigg

Located 80 miles south of Cancun and set against a stunning backdrop of the Caribbean sea, Tulum is one of Mexico’s most photogenic archaeological sites.The city saw its peak later than Chichén Itzá, between the 13th and 15th centuries, and was an important trading point for jade and turquoise.

Guide

Visiting The Ruins At Ek Balam

Susannah Rigg

Those who prefer to explore archaeological sites without the crowds—or those looking for an alternative site to Chichén Itzá—should make time to visit Ek Balam. Here, unlike at some of the more popular sites in the region, you are allowed to climb the pyramids and get up close and personal with the structures while taking in the impressive views from the top.

Guide

Visiting The Ruins At Uxmal

Susannah Rigg

Known for its rotund structures, the World Heritage site of Uxmal is steeped in myths and legends.Take for example the 130ft high Pyramid of the Magician, which greets you at the site’s entrance.

Guide

Visiting The Ruins At Cobá

Susannah Rigg

This ancient city, which saw its peak between 200 and 600 BCE (before Chichén Itzá became more powerful), is so large that it is best explored by bike or tricycle taxi. You will cycle down road networks called Sacbes, created by the Maya to reach different parts of this vast city, visiting well-preserved ball courts and large glyphs that remain in place.

Guide

Visiting The Ruins At Palenque

Susannah Rigg

Located in the tropical lowlands of Mexico’s southern state of Chiapas, Palenque was an important seat of power during the Classic Maya period, seeing its peak between 226-799 C.E.

Guide

Mexico's Lesser-Known Maya Sites

Susannah Rigg

There are around 70 Maya sites open to the public, the majority of which are all but ignored by the mainstream tour buses. For those with longer to spend, or a deeper interest in the region's archaeology, here are a handful of Mexico's lesser-visited Maya sites.