Suzanne Barbezat

Oaxaca, in southern Mexico, is known for its colorful festivals, exquisite handicrafts, fascinating ancient sites, and stunning colonial architecture. It’s also the best place to try the country’s renowned mezcal, a distillate made from the agave plant.

Mexico is one of the best countries in the world for street food. You’ll find different specialties depending on the destination, but a few staples are found throughout the country, and some are worth traveling to try in their place of origin. These are some of the street foods you shouldn't miss on a trip to Mexico.

The Maya civilization was one of the major civilizations to develop in ancient Mesoamerica. It is noted for its elaborate writing, numerical and calendar systems, as well as its impressive art and architecture.

Mention the words “Mexican food” and many people automatically think “tacos,” but that doesn’t begin to do justice to the depth and breadth of what authentic Mexican food encompasses. Mexican cuisine is incredibly rich and varied, and each region has its particular ingredients, techniques, and signature dishes. Let’s take a tour around Mexico to learn about the diversity of this UNESCO-listed cuisine.

Puerto Vallarta is a beach destination with an abundance of attractions. Its superb location on the lovely Banderas Bay makes for fantastic beaches, picturesque landscapes and spectacular sunset; its active arts community ensures there’s interesting art almost everywhere you look, and the city’s thriving world-class gourmet scene means that all your meals here can be stellar.

It’s impossible to run out of things to do in Mexico City, but visitors looking for a change of scenery and pace will find that the capital’s surrounding areas are just as full of possibilities.

Located at the very tip of the Baja California Peninsula, Los Cabos is one of Mexico’s most popular beach destinations. Here, mountains, desert, and sea come together to provide stunning natural scenery. You’ll also find top-notch resorts, fantastic food, and both a hopping party scene and a thriving cultural scene.

Oaxaca is a vibrant colonial city with rich indigenous roots. It has bustling marketplaces, lively fiestas, and wonderful folk art traditions.

Where to experience living Maya culture and explore ancient archaeological sites around modern Mexico

The term Mesoamerica is derived from Greek and means "Middle America." It refers to a geographical and cultural area that extends from central Mexico down through Central America, including the territory which is now made up of the countries of Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador.

A showcase for diversity

With only 48 hours to spend in Puerto Vallarta, you’ll want to make the most of every minute. Take some time to explore the different areas of town, enjoy the beaches and sunsets, and, since this is one of Mexico’s principal foodie destinations, sample some of the wonderful cuisine.

Ancient sites that are full of mystery, places that witnessed the clash of beliefs and customs of Europeans with the indigenous peoples, or locations of military conflict that changed the course of history... there’s no better way to learn than by visiting some of the settings of these significant events.

Oaxaca is one of Mexico's foremost food destinations. The state's great cultural and biological diversity means that there is a wide range of ingredients and methods of preparation, many of these dating back to pre-Hispanic times.

For a day trip or as a destination in itself, Isla Mujeres is the perfect island getaway from Cancun