SIX OF THE BEST MEXICAN SUGGESTIONS
Whether your clients favour Mexico’s endless beaches or the relics of its fascinating history it’s a magical destination. Anna Maria Espsäter
chooses six of the best touring options
of the Yucatán Peninsula on Mexico’s Caribbean coast, has constantly diversified, turning itself into the country’s top beach destination. Recent attractions include the Museum of the Maya, opened in 2012. There’s also world-class dining, an annual wine and food festival in March and, best of all, Cancún is a year-round destination with guaranteed sunshine and few safety concerns. SELL IT: Funway Holidays has a seven-night stay at the Gran Caribe Real Cancún from £1049pp, including return flights with Virgin Atlantic and airport transfers. Departure September 10 2013.
funway4agents.co.uk
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miles) along the Mexican Caribbean coastline, south of Cancún and is home to a wide variety of holiday resorts, from larger-scale Playa del Carmen to smaller alternatives like Tulum and Akumal. There are plenty of all-inclusive and boutique hotels to choose from, with a sprinkling of budget options. The coast is popular for water sports like snorkelling, scuba diving, jet-skiing, kite-surfing and sailing. Swimming in cenotes – limestone sinkholes – is another unique experience and a visit to the beautifully situated Maya ruins at Tulum is a must. SELL IT: Kuoni has seven nights all-inclusive at Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Esmeralda from £1595pp for September and October departures. Accommodation in a luxury junior suite, flights and transfers included.
kuoni.co.uk
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RIVIERA MAYA The Riviera Maya stretches some 120 km (75
CANCÚN Since its creation 43 years ago, Cancún, on the tip
Chichén Itzá, one of Mexico’s most impressive archaeological sites, attracts over a million visitors a year. It’s well worth driving the few hours from Cancún, and braving the crowds to view this UNESCO World Heritage Site, recently voted one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. The Mayan ruins, some of which date back to the seventh century, are a perfect day-trip destination from Mérida or Cancún. It was one of the largest cities at the height of the Maya reign and there are numerous must-see buildings, including El Castillo, Las Monjas Complex and the Kukulcán pyramid. SELL IT: Imagine Latin America features a 10-day Yucatán Highlights tour taking in Chichén Itzá, other Maya sites and the Riviera Maya. From £1953 it includes accommodation, transfers and tours.
imaginelatinamerica.co.uk
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Mexico is blessed with a diverse number of ancient civilisations, many of whom have left behind a long- lasting legacy of fascinating historical sites. While some are off-the-beaten-track and still being excavated, others are within easy reach of major cities or well-known beach resorts. Teotihuacán, the main Aztec site, lies only an hour or so from modern day Mexico City, making it an easy day-trip. Further south, Zapotec ruins Monte Albán, dating back to 500 B.C., can be reached from the picturesque city of Oaxaca, while Chiapas and the Yucatán Peninsula are a veritable treasure trove of ancient ruins. SELL IT: Journey Latin America is featuring a new 15-day tour for 2013, Eagle Journey, taking in ancient ruins across Mexico from £3128pp including flights, accommodation, transport, meals and excursions.
journeylatinamerica.co.uk
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the best preserved in the Americas. The capital, Mexico City, has an interesting old town with an impressive zócalo (main square) and many smaller towns across the
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www.sellinglonghaul.com
COLONIAL GEMS Spanish colonial architecture in Mexico is some of
MORE ANCIENT CIVILISATIONS
CHICHÉN ITZÁ
country are replete with architectural gems from churches to palaces. Former silver-mining centres Taxco and Guanajuato have particularly fine buildings, framed by cobbled streets, while further south Oaxaca, Campeche and San Cristóbal de las Casas are home to many colourfully-painted colonial neighbourhoods with more quiet cobbled streets, convents and former noblemens’ houses. It’s possible to stay in some with several converted into boutique hotels. SELL IT: Cox & Kings has a 14-day escorted tour taking in several colonial cities from £2617pp, including flights with BA, transfers, excursions and accommodation with breakfast, and other meals as specified.
coxandkings.co.uk.
Mexico has a wide variety of natural landscapes to visit, from semi-desert in the north to lush jungles in the south. Some of the best natural wonders of this country are easily accessible: the Copper Canyon can be enjoyed by train, the railway running from Chihuahua inland to Los Mochis on the Pacific Coast, taking 15 hours and crossing some of the country’s most stunning mountain landscapes; Chiapas’ jungles can be trekked with a guide; the Sumidero Canyon can be explored by boat and the barrier reef near Riviera Maya is excellent for diving. This selection just scratches the surface of Mexico’s richly varied natural landscapes. SELL IT: Explore has a 15-day Contrasts of Mexico tour, taking in Oaxaca, the Sumidero Canyon and much more. Priced from £1995pp it includes flights, accommodation, transfers, tour leader, guides and some meals.
explore.co.uk
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NATURAL LANDSCAPES
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