Mexico wants you to know there’s more to see beyond its beaches
Enriching cultural, culinary, and outstanding outdoor experiences await outside the coasts
On a recent visit to Calgary, Mexico’s Secretary of Tourism Miguel Torruco invited Canadians to explore the vast destinations the country offers besides its recognized shores.
“Mexico is not just beaches,” Torruco said. “It has a whole range of activities for travellers — great attractions, unmatched handicrafts, vibrant traditions, and of course, a unique gastronomy.”
He’s not wrong. About 12 per cent of the world’s biodiversity is in Mexico, and the country has the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites — 35 — in Latin America.
UNESCO has already recognized Mexican gastronomy, alongside Japanese, Middle Eastern, and French cuisine, as an intangible cultural heritage.
From mesmerizing museums and exquisite cuisine to breathtaking views, there is something for every taste in Mexico. Here are some recommendations:
Oaxaca
With 16 ethnic groups, Oaxaca is the Mexican state with the greatest cultural diversity.
Its cuisine is a mix of pre-Hispanic and European gastronomy. Its most famous dish is Mole, which has seven variations. When it comes to drinks, the must-tries in Oaxaca are mezcal, tejate, and the foamy hot chocolate.
Oaxacan art is also filled with colours, textures, vibrancy, and diversity.
Its handicrafts include alebrijes — regional woodcarving traditions — black, red, and green pottery, tinwork, gold jewelry, rugs, and textiles — whose creation processes date back many generations.
When visiting Oaxaca, travellers shouldn’t miss Hierve el Agua hot springs and thermal pools and Monte Alban — Oaxaca’s most famous archeological site, also declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Colima
A smaller state on Mexico’s central Pacific coast, Colima prides itself on its sea and mountains.
With different hikes for all skill levels such as Parque Laguna Maria and the famous Parque Nacional Nevado de Colima, nature lovers can witness the diversity of Mexican landscapes.
Throughout the year, Colima also has different festivals such as the culinary Feria del Ponche, Pan y Café in April to the All Saints Festival from October to November.
Other outstanding recommendations for explorers and coffee lovers are the Salt and Coffee routes.
Sonora
Located in the Northwest, this Mexican state has a rich cowboy culture but is most famous for its desert.
In fact, in 2022, the Great Sonoran Desert Marathon was launched in Puerto Peñasco. In this race, runners can choose to tackle between 10 to 75 kilometers and experience three different ecosystems. Back on its second edition this October, this marathon is one of the most extreme routes with the most biodiversity in North America.
Yucatán Peninsula
This area is composed of the three Mexican states of Yucatán, Quintana Roo, and Campeche. While it is comprised of tropical beaches, it is also the home of the Mayan population and rich in Mayan history and culture as well as archeological sites such as the famous ancient Mayan city of Chichén Itzá.
Whether you’re looking to go on a culinary exploration, a nature trip or immerse yourself in Mexican culture, always remember to respect and be kind to the people who welcome you into their country.
Westjet, Air Canada, AeroMexico and Sunwing offer flights to Mexico ranging from $500 to $1,700. May and April are the low season and November through February is the high season.
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