Traveling to Mexico

A month in Mexico over the holidays was exactly what I needed in late 2020. From the Mayan ruins of the Yucatán Peninsula to the beaches of the Pacific coast, Mexico proved to be far more diverse and fascinating than I expected.

Mexico has 130 million people, making it the most populous Spanish-speaking country in the world. It's home to 35 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, ancient civilizations predating the Spanish by millennia, and one of the world's great cuisines. Fun fact: Mexico City was built on the ruins of the Aztec capital Tenochtitlán, which was constructed on an island in Lake Texcoco.

What I Experienced

The Yucatán Peninsula was my focus. Chichén Itzá is as impressive as its reputation suggests - the Kukulcán pyramid's acoustic and astronomical precision is mind-blowing. But I actually preferred Uxmal, which is less crowded and equally spectacular. The cenotes throughout the region - natural sinkholes filled with crystal-clear water - became my favorite swimming spots.

The drone captured Mexico from coast to coast. Over Cancún, the narrow hotel zone appears as a ribbon of resorts between the turquoise Caribbean and the calm green waters of Nichupté Lagoon. Along the Riviera Maya, dense jungle meets the sea in endless shades of blue and green. And at Land's End in Cabo San Lucas, the famous El Arco rock formation rises dramatically from crystal-clear waters where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific.

Tulum combines Mayan history with Caribbean beaches. The clifftop ruins overlooking the turquoise sea make for incredible photos, though the crowds can be intense. The town itself has become a trendy destination, which has its pros and cons.

Mexico City surprised me. The historic center around the Zócalo, the murals of Diego Rivera, the museums, the food scene - it deserves far more than the brief time I spent there. The street tacos were some of the best food I had anywhere in the country.

Practical Notes

• Mexican Peso is the currency (very favorable exchange rate for USD/EUR)
• Rent a car for the Yucatán - public transport between sites is limited
• Street food is generally safe and incredible - follow the crowds
• Book cenotes early in the morning to avoid crowds
• December-January is peak season but weather is perfect

Mexico exceeded expectations. A month barely scratched the surface - I could easily spend more time here. The combination of history, beaches, food, and culture is hard to beat.

These high-resolution aerial panoramas of Mexico are available for purchase with commercial license - perfect for resort marketing, travel websites, or tropical wall art.