Mexico

The journey from Merida to the Caribbean island of Holbox took the whole day. Five hours by bus to Chiquila, a brief stop for lunch was long enough, and then a half hour ferry ride to reach Holbox.

Chichen Itza has a great collection of ancient temples, palaces, platforms and statues which have been painstakingly restored.

While Mexico holds many truly amazing ancient archeological sites, for me Uxmal is the one that has made the biggest impact. As you move around the site, it’s treasures reveal themselves one at a time.

The UNESCO site of Monte Alban is a short ride from Oaxaca. It was established 2500 years ago on a prominent hill by the people of the Oaxaca Valley, known as the “Zapotecs”.

Oaxaca (pronounced Wa Haka) is a six-hour bus ride from Mexico City. After leaving the capital, the road begins to take you through rolling countryside. A few of the mountain peaks are still snowy even in the summer.

Xochicalco was built in the 7th century, soon after the fall of Teotihuacan. It was founded by the Olmeca-Xicalancas from the faraway state of Campeche, which is closer to major Mayan sites.

The pyramids of Teotihuacan are among the largest in Mesoamerica. They are beautifully preserved and a sight to behold. Teotihuacan is only a couple of hours from Mexico City, and deserves at least a full day to explore it.

Mexico City is the capital and largest city in Mexico. It is also the oldest capital city in the Americas. It lies at 2240 metres above sea level. The city’s name is derived from its founders, the Mexica, who are more commonly known as the Aztecs.

In the the summer of 2021, as the world began to peek out from behind closed doors, Mexico was one of the few destinations that had made entry and travel easy.