Mexico Specialist Oliver
Mexico has so much to offer to virtually every type of traveller. Bustling metropolises, a rich and varied history, powder white beaches, steamy jungles and world-famous food. As I have a Mexican wife, I would have to say that I love the people the most. They are warm and welcoming, fun and friendly and they love to show you a good time.
The first time I visited was in 2010 for my now sister-in-law’s wedding. Aside from dancing the night away at the wedding (which was in an historic hacienda), we visited the ruins and white sand beaches of Tulum, some of the gorgeous colonial towns like San Miguel de Allende as well as the wild and jungle-clad beaches of the Pacific coast. I was in love!
In total, over 7 months in the last 10 years.
A very tough question. How do you compare the solitude of a wild and deserted beach on the Pacific coast with the frenetic energy of Mexico City? I love the jungle-clad ruins at Yaxchillan in Chiapas. Only accessible by boat and being taken over by the jungle, climbing one of the pyramids to be greeted by a howler monkey is quite unforgettable.
Do I have to choose just one? On an ATV and on horseback, riding around the stunning Hacienda San Antonio in the shadows of a volcano in Colima. Or waking up on the Pacific coast, eating breakfast while five humpback whales frolicked a few hundred feet away, slapping their fins and breaching out of the calm waters of the bay.
Don’t try to do too much at once. Give enough time to enjoy each destination without rushing around. You can always go back!
Although San Miguel de Allende is a beautiful town and is much-loved by US travellers, for somewhere less affected by international tourism but still equally pretty, head to Guanajuato, a colourful small former silver mining city about an hour west of San Miguel de Allende. The network of narrow streets, alleyways and tunnels are great to explore and due to a large student population, it is a buzzy place.
There are too many options to single out just one! Each region specializes in different arts and crafts. The Huichol indigenous group of western Mexico specialize in beaded art, there is black pottery from Oaxaca and Talavera tiles from Puebla. The Saturday market in San Angel, a neighbourhood in southern Mexico City has the best selection of arts and handicrafts from across the country and is also a great place to have breakfast in the city.
Eating ceviche and tostadas in San Juan de Alima on the Michoacan coast, watching the rollers come in off the Pacific. My mother-in-law’s Tortas Ahogadas (a Guadalajara specialty of pulled pork drowned in tomato salsa) are also high on my list of favourites.
Cochinita Pibil – slow roasted pork dish from the Yucatan Peninsula. Fantastic in tacos with red onion.
La Huasteca Potosina – a region in San Luis Potosi state, north of Mexico City, which is home to gorgeous waterfalls, canyons and the surrealist gardens of Edward James. Little known to non-Mexicans.
Mexico City – always changing, always buzzy and always lots of fun!
Mexico is perfect for honeymooners and families alike. There are so many romantic destinations and hotels, secluded beaches and great restaurants for couples but as with much of Latin America, Mexicans value the family above all else so they love children and welcome them with open arms. There are plenty of options for families from the many beaches to family friendly haciendas and for the older children, plenty of soft adventure from snorkelling and diving to biking and kayaking.
Monday – Friday : 9am to 6pm
Original Travel
111 Upper Richmond Rd
London SW15 2TL
Tel: 020 7978 7333
Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
