
Travel Guide
Mexico
Home to the oldest city in the Americas, Mexico is a country overflowing with tropical beaches, natural wonders and archaeological sites. Itโs also known for its vibrant culture, delicious food and talented artists, so whether you find yourself swimming in the coral reefs, exploring the jungle or enjoying a museum in the city, it will not disappoint. Itโs also one of the most diverse countries, with 68 recognized languages and 35 UNESCO World Heritage Sites that include Mayan temple ruins.
Founded in 1325 and called Tenochtitlรกn at the time, Mexico City was built on an ancient lake in the Valley of Mexico called Lake Texcoco. Signs of such waterways are still present at Xochimilco, an area south of the city known for its chinampas, or floating gardens. Another undeniable gem in Mexico is Oaxaca, the most ethnically and linguistically diverse state in Mรฉxico and an absolute gold mine for mezcal and local handicrafts. And of course, Mexicoโs sandy destinations of Cancรบn, Riviera Maya, Cozumel and Tulum are undeniable (Tulum, unseen).
The Atacama Desert is said to be one of the best places in the world for stargazing because of its extremely dry climate, high altitude, minimal light pollution and near absence of humidity, creating crystal clear skies with perfect visibility of stars and constellations.
In the heart of the Guatemalan jungle, surrounded by lush vegetation, lies the ruins of an ancient Mayan civilization, inhabited from the 6th century BC to the 10th century AD. The ceremonial center is home to massive temples, palaces and public squares accessed by ramps.
Antigua's surrounding villages honor a rich cultural heritage with production of macadamia nuts, local textiles and authentic Guatemalan fare.
Lake Atitlรกn's volcanic crater lake formed 84,000 years ago but today it's the livelihood for 12 Mayan villages producing all varieties of coffee, chocolate, honey and local produce like avocados.
A district of Mexico City, Xochimilco is known for its canals and chinampas, a farming system developed by the Aztecs to cultivate crops using the surrounding lakes. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Floating Gardens of Xochimilco harness unique agricultural techniques still in use today.
Founded in the early 16th century, Antigua is a small town surrounded by massive volcanoes and famed for its candy colored Spanish colonial buildings.
A short drive from Mexico City, Teotihuacรกn is known for its architecturally significant pyramids, including the Pyramid of the Sun and the Moon, which can be seen from heights above in hot air balloons during sunrise. The area is also famous for its well-preserved murals and fine obsidian tools.
At almost 8,000 feet above sea level, Machu Picchu is an Incan citadel high in the Andes Mountains in Peru. Set above the Urubamba River valley, the site was built in the 15th century and later abandoned. Even today, it carries an air of mystery with its exact purpose still debated.
Once capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco is famed for its rich history, culture and architecture. Cobblestone streets lead visitors to Plaza de Armas, alongside archaeological remains like the Twelve-Angled Stone. It's also the spot for freshwater trout ceviche and the perfect jumping off point for Sacred Valley and Rainbow Mountain.
Otavalo is a town in the Andean highlands of northern Ecuador. Itโs surrounded by volcanoes and famous for its indigenous peoples, the Otavalos, as well as the Otavalo Market, one of the largest outdoor markets in South America where youโll find handicrafts and Andean folk music.
A two hour drive from Cusco, Vinicunca, also called Mountain of Seven Colors, is a mountain in the Andes of Peru with an altitude of 16,522 feet above sea level and extremely harsh conditions. The seven colors come from mineral composition but are only visible during Augustsโs dry season.
When & How to Travel
Best Time of Year
Dry season (December to April)
Visa Requirements
Visa free up to 180 days (US, Canada, Japan, United Kingdom of Great Britain, Northern Ireland & Schengen countries); others apply for Mexican visa
Currency
Mexican Peso ($, MX$, Mex$)
Key Phrases
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Hola/Adiรณs
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Sรญ/No
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Por favor/Gracias
Uniquely divided into two parts: the Dutch side (Sint Maarten) and the French side (Saint Martin), the north part is known for its French culture, culinary scene and laid back atmosphere. It also home yo more secluded beaches, mountainous views and hilltop forts like Fort Louis in Marigot, the capital city.
With a gorgeous beach for every day of the year, tortoise sanctuaries and loads of succulent seafood, Antigua & Barbuda is truly a hidden gem. The island offers endless amounts of sunbathing, swimming and water sports but still feels quaint and untouched. It also has rich British history, including its role as a British naval headquarters and sugar colony.
Busting with idyllic beaches, parrot sanctuaries and wild zip lines, Sint Maarten is a Dutch territory and country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Part of the Leeward Islands in the Caribbean Sea, this little island is also home to Saint Martin in the north.
An island off the eastern coast of Puerto Rico, Vieques is a land of untouched beaches, roaming wild horses and spark-filled Bioluminescent Bay.
Located eight miles west of San Pedro de Atacama in northern Chileโs Atacama Desert lies el Valle de la Luna. Part of Los Flemencos National Reserve, the area was declared a Nature Sanctuary in 1982 for its natural environment and unique lunar landscape filled with stone and sand formations formed by wind and water.