Has always been on my bucket list! Did not disappoint.
Culture Holidays in Mexico
Mexico Culture Holidays
Top Things to Do on Cultural Holidays in Mexico
Visit Chichen Itza: One of the most significant archaeological sites in the country, Chichen Itza is located in Yucatan and is a must-see for anyone on Mexico cultural holidays. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is also one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, dating back to 600 AD. The site is home to 26 extraordinary Mayan ruins that are split into two parts: Chichen Itza and Old Chichen, each as impressive as the other. If you’re not sure which Mayan ruin to visit first, the Chichen Itza Pyramid or El Castillo are good places to start. But there are plenty more sights to see, including the Observatory, The Temple of the Warriors, El Caracol and the Mayan Ball Game. The site is utterly enthralling and gives you a deeper insight into the history of the Mayans.
Explore San Cristobel: This colonial highland city wrapped inside ancient pine forest and traditional villages is a jumble of cobbled streets, colourful plazas and centuries-old buildings with red tiled roofs and whitewashed exteriors. As well as boasting a majestic mountain backdrop, San Cristobel is firmly rooted in the country’s indigenous culture and is a great place to scratch beneath the surface of Mexico. Its fusion of ancient customs and modern luxuries adds to its charms. The vibrant cafes are great for mixing with the local Tzotzil people and trying some authentic dishes, or perhaps wander through the streets and admire the old colonial houses.
Attend the Day of the Dead Festival: This is one of Mexico’s most famous festivals, which takes place every year to celebrate the passing of friends and family. The streets, homes and cemeteries in Oaxaca are filled with people remembering their lost loved ones. The Mexicans believe that death should be celebrated rather than mourned and they certainly know how to celebrate in style. You’ll see people of all different cultures gathering in nearby villages and market squares to perform spiritual rituals and traditions. In the evening, the streets are filled with carnivals and parties, with people dressed in spooky costumes.
As well as being immersed in the party atmosphere, you can learn about the local cuisine and sample foods such as enchiladas, almond stew or stuffed chillies. Enjoying lunch at the home of one of the local families is a great privilege and you’ll see their ‘shrine for the dead’ and learn about their heritage first hand.
Take a Tour of Mexico City: The beating heart of Mexico, Mexico City is a potent cocktail of historical sites, floating gardens and modern-day culture. The famous Plaza de la Constitución, Templo Mayor and the Baroque Cathedral Metropolitana hark back to when it was the Aztec capital, yet today it’s a cosmopolitan hub where travellers from around the globe come to get their fix of Mexican culture. A tour of the city guides you through the Zócalo and ancient streets to some of the most significant landmarks such as the Palacio de Bellas Artes, before visiting the Palacio Nacional and the Museum of Anthropology and History.
Maureen Forbes Iceland Explorer
Anne Edwards Cape Town & the Garden RouteThis tour was well paced and a great introduction to South Africa, especially for travelers who enjoy exploring the world and finding the unexpected. One of the biggest surprises was the food. The cuisine was so unique and, as our guide advised us, plentiful. Paired with excellent South African wine, you are completely spoiled. Don’t hesitate to try new things such as Bobotie or ostrich.
All of the areas we visited were beautiful. I particularly loved Hermanus with its charming vibe and a spectacular whale watch, and I will dream of Tsitsikamma for a long time. Gazing into tide pools and spotting a beautiful octopus was incredible. Of course, a big part of Africa is the wildlife and this tour gives you plenty of exposure to many of the animals you hope to see. The elephants at Addo felt like something out of a movie. Cape Town is also fascinating. I had no idea the Cape of Good Hope was so vast. The beauty cannot be surpassed. We were lucky enough to have a perfect view at the top of Table Mountain, as well. The people are incredibly kind and friendly wherever you go and it we enjoyed experiencing the mixture of cultures.
The accommodations on this tour vary, but we enjoyed them all. The guesthouse in De Rust was so special as the hosts cooked incredible meals for us each night and treated us like special friends.
All in all, the time in South Africa was something I will never forget. The people, the scenery, the animals, the food…all of it was so much more than what I expected.
Catryn Scantlebury Walking in the AzoresVisiting the Azores was honestly unforgettable. The scenery was next-level — black volcanic ash, vibrant green forests, and bright hydrangeas everywhere in July. We saw so many whales and dolphins, all really close to shore because the sea gets so deep so quickly – it’s one of the best places in the world for year-round sightings. And hopping between the islands (they’re only about an hour apart by ferry!) felt like discovering hidden pockets of history — each one had its own personality. We even saw a pod of whales during one of the crossings!
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