Destination Mexico
A Mexico for everyone
Mexico has it all. Whether you want beaches or nightlife, rustic or modern, Aztec-ruin-adventure or all-inclusive, family-friendly or grownups only, there is a Mexico for everyone. One of the most popular getaway destinations these days is Mexico and with good reason! Mexico is a diverse country that offers something for everyone.
Fun facts about Mexico
Here are a few interesting facts about Mexico that you may not know:
- The word’s largest pyramid is found in Mexico, not in Egypt.According to the Guinness Book of Records, the Great Pyramid of Cholula in the Mexican state of Puebla has an estimated volume of 3.3 million m3, which is larger than the volume the Egyptian Great Pyramid of Giza at 2.6 million m3.
- Mexico City is sinking at a rate of up to 50 cm per year. The citywas built over the ruins of an Aztek city called Tenochtitlán, which was built on a lake. The lake was drained when the Spanish arrived leaving the clay beneath to compress and the land to depress, a process known as subsidence.
- The asteroid that killed the dinosaurs more than 66 million years ago struck of the coast of the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico.
- While most Mexicans speak Spanish, it is not the only official language. There are68 indigenous languages that are also recognized as official languages in Mexico.
- Chocolate originated in Mexico around 4,000 years ago where the first cacao plants were cultivated. The chocolate was consumed as a drink by the ancient Olmecs and Mayans.
Highlights of Mexico
There is no shortage of things to do in Mexico. Here are some attractions you may not want to miss.
Explore the cool waters of the cenotes
Cenotes are natural swimming holes formed in limestone rock. These subterranean clear, freshwater pools can be found throughout the Yucatan Peninsula. They were once used by the Mayans as sacred places for worship and sacrifice. These days they are frequently visited by locals and tourists to take a refreshing dip in the cool waters.
Discover the museums of Mexico City
To learn about Mexico’s rich history and culture, visit one of Mexico City’s 150 museums. Check out the Museo Nacional de Antropología which showcases the world’s largest collection of ancient Mexican artifacts. You can also visit the Casa Azul, also known as Blue House, to see a few of Frida Kahlo’s paintings hung in the home where she and her husband lived.
Wonder at the ancient ruins
Ancient ruins can be found throughout the country. The ancient city of Teotihuacán, 50km northeast of Mexico City, is home to the great Pyramid of the Sun which is the world’s third largest pyramid. There are several Mayan pyramids to visit in the Yucatan Peninsula, including Chichen Itza and the Tulum Ruins. There are more than 30 ancient pyramids to explore in Mexico.
Take in the flavours
Foodie enthusiasts will love the culinary delights that Mexico offers. Oaxaca is known for the best food in Mexico. It is the place of origin of mole, which is a rich sauce containing more than 30 ingredients, including dark chocolate. It is also home to tlayudas, which is a Mexican style pizza that is a popular street food. Oaxaca is also the capital of Mezcal, which is made from over 30 different types of agave and has a distinct smoky flavour from cooking the agave in a volcanic rock pit.
Relax at a beach resort
There is no shortage of pristine beaches in Mexico. The Yucatan Peninsula is one of Mexico’s most popular destinations for tourists, with white sandy beaches in Cancun and the Mayan Riviera. The perfect choice for a relaxing beach holiday, these destinations are complete with all the elements of a quintessential holiday.If you’re looking to escape the tourist crowds head to the beaches in Oaxaca to swim alongside the locals.
Are vaccines needed for travel to Mexico?
The short answer is yes! Travel to Mexico is not without health risks. You may be at risk for illnesses such as hepatitis A, typhoid, traveller’s diarrhea, zika, dengue or chikungunya. Vaccines recommended for your trip to Mexico will depend on your age, vaccine history, health history, and planned activities. Vaccines that may be recommended for your trip to Mexico include:
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
- Dukoral (Cholera and ETEC)
- Rabies
Routine vaccines that may also be recommended include:
- Tetanus/diphtheria (Td)
- Pertussis (whooping cough)
- Measles/mumps/rubella
- Varicella (chicken pox)
- Influenza
- Pneumococcal pneumonia
If you are planning a Mexican getaway be sure to book your pre-travel consultation at TravelSafe Clinic to receive up to date health advice, immunizations, and any travel prescriptions you may need. Simply call us or email us today to book your appointment.