Mexico holidays

What you can find in Mexico that you won't find anywhere else?

Mexico is a Central American luxury holiday hotspot with a little something for everyone; it is cloaked in jungle, ancient Mayan ruins, temples, tropical beaches, bustling cities, volcanic mountains, deserts and crystal clear waters.

The Yucatan Peninsula is perfect for those looking to combine hedonism and history, with swathes of white sand, turquoise Caribbean waters and ancient Mayan ruins peppered along the Riviera Maya coastline. The diving is also fantastic in this part of Mexico, either alongside the Lighthouse Reef (the world's second longest) or in collapsed limestone caves known as cenotes.

As well as picturesque colonial towns and the vast and vibrant metropolis of Mexico City, the states of Oaxaca and Chiapas offer one of the most culturally diverse experiences a luxury holiday in Mexico can produce. Located between the Caribbean and Pacific coasts and to the south of Mexico City, Oaxaca is undoubtedly Mexico's creative hub and Chiapas is brimming with archaeological and natural wonders.

The inner cowboy/girl in you may enjoy venturing to the plunging canyons of Northern Mexico to explore Copper Canyon, which is four times the size of the Grand Canyon and no less stunning. This is a real adventure playground for hiking, zip lining and biking. A Copper Canyon tour would also combine perfectly with a jaunt to the beaches of the Baja Peninsula.

Which experiences is Mexico best for?

Home to baroque gems, a strong cultural heritage and no fewer than forty UNESCO-listed landmarks, Mexico offers a plethora of experiences. Dig deep and you can discover lost cities built by pre-Columbian civilisations, and meet their descendants who frequent the highland markets. Mexico holidays allow you to explore myriad landscapes (and their flora and fauna) from Baja California’s cactus-studded deserts to the smoking Popocatepetl volcano. These and other landscapes create a platform for exploration; witness the great butterfly migration - a true wildlife phenomenon - and encounter exotic creatures such as the quetzal – a strikingly-coloured bird treasured by the Aztecs. Meanwhile, wherever you go fiesta is never far away with sultry salsa, roaming mariachi bands and delicious tequila to hand.

What are the best ways to discover Mexico?:

Nine days in the Yucatan Peninsula is a good length of time to explore both Mexico’s ancient Mayan culture and its picturesque beaches. Those feeling a little more adventurous should consider hiring a car for a 12 to 15-day road trip combining Mexico and neighbouring Guatemala (although in Guatemala we recommend a driver and a guide). Or why not make the most of your trip by stopping in the United States from where you can detour to Belize, Costa Rica, Panama and Nicaragua, all exceptional destinations in their own right.

Who is Mexico best for?

Fans of archaeology can soak up the legacy of the ancient civilisations that dot Mexico’s landscapes. The Yucatan is perfect for nature lovers who can enjoy 4x4 rides, rafting and boating in this tropical idyll. Further north, the contrasting landscapes are perfect for adventures in the country’s deep canyons and vast deserts. Charming haciendas and postcard-worthy beaches make for a romantic retreat while children will no doubt enjoy climbing pyramids, meeting wildlife and playing pirate in the Caribbean Sea.

Special things to do in Mexico:

- Relaxing in a private villa or on a beach at the edge of the Tulum ruins
- Stay in a colonial hacienda
- Go whale watching and swim with sea lions in Baja California
- Get close to whale sharks in Isla Holbox