Mexico is too big for a single trip. Too rich, too diverse, too alive. Here are the pieces I brought back.<\/em><\/p>\n Mexico is a world city of 22 million inhabitants. Chaotic, fascinating, inexhaustible. Z\u00f3calo<\/strong> (Constitution Plaza) is one of the largest plazas in the world \u2014 a baroque cathedral, the National Palace with Diego Rivera's frescoes, and the ruins of the Aztec Templo Mayor. Three civilizations at a single glance.<\/p>\n The National Museum of Anthropology<\/strong> In Chapultepec Park is the most beautiful museum in Latin America. The Aztec Sun Stone, the Mayan rooms, the Olmec treasures \u2014 it takes a full day. Free on Sundays.<\/p>\n Neighborhoods make up the city Coyoac\u00e1n<\/strong> (Frida Kahlo's house), Roma-Condesa<\/strong> (cafes, galleries, Art Deco architecture), Xochimilco<\/strong> (Pre-Hispanic canals by trajinera). Mexico isn't a stopover\u2014it's a destination in its own right.<\/p>\n Oaxaca<\/strong> is the city I recommend to anyone who doesn't know Mexico. Extraordinary cuisine (moles, tlayudas, mezcal), vibrant crafts, spectacular markets. The Benito Ju\u00e1rez Market<\/strong> and the November 20th Market<\/strong> are gastronomic cathedrals.<\/p>\n At 30 minutes, Monte Alb\u00e1n<\/strong> control the valley \u2014 UNESCO-listed Zapotec site, pyramids on a mountain ridge at 2,000 m altitude. One of the most beautiful archaeological sites on the continent.<\/p>\n The Sierra Norte<\/strong> North of the city offers Mexico's best community ecotourism trails \u2014 the Pueblos Mancomunados, a network of Zapotec villages that manage their forests and welcome hikers. Rustic cabins, marked trails, local guides.<\/p>\n The Yucatan<\/strong> is the classic gateway to tourist Mexico\u2014but there are two Yucatans. That of the resorts of Cancun and the Riviera Maya. And that of the interior: Merida<\/strong> (the white city, elegant and gastronomic), Valladolid<\/strong> (colonial and accessible), the cenotes<\/strong> (natural springs with crystalline fresh water, there are more than 6,000).<\/p>\n Chichen Itza<\/strong> is the star \u2014 Kukulkan Pyramid, a wonder of the world, 2 million visitors per year. Arrive at opening or visit Uxmal<\/strong> Instead: fewer people, sumptuous Puuc architecture.<\/p>\n The Caribbean coast of Tulum<\/strong> \u00e0 Bacalar<\/strong> (The Lagoon of Seven Colors) offers the seaside. But it was the Yucat\u00e1n interior that left its mark on me\u2014the converted henequen haciendas, the living Mayan villages, the dry jungle.<\/p>\n The Chiapas<\/strong> is the southernmost state of Mexico\u2014mountains, Lacandon jungle, indigenous communities. San Crist\u00f3bal de las Casas<\/strong> It's the base: colonial city at an altitude of 2,200 m, indigenous market, Tzotzil and Tzeltal crafts.<\/p>\n The Blue Water Waterfalls<\/strong> and the Mayan city of Palenque<\/strong> (buried in the tropical jungle) are the two highlights. Palenque is smaller than Chich\u00e9n Itz\u00e1 but infinitely more atmospheric \u2014 the mist, the forest, the howler monkeys.<\/p>\n The Sumidero Canyon<\/strong> (1,000 m gorges) are explored by motorboat from Chiapa de Corzo. Impressive and accessible.<\/p>\n The Mexican Pacific is the antithesis of the Yucat\u00e1n. Less touristy, wilder. Puerto Escondido<\/strong> (Oaxaca) is the Mexican capital of surfing, with Zicatela beach and its monster wave, but also protected beaches for families. Puerto Vallarta<\/strong> (Jalisco) combines a charming town with access to the wild beaches of Banderas Bay.<\/p>\n Between the two, the coast of Mazunte<\/strong> and Zipolite<\/strong> Keep a bohemian and naturalist spirit. It's the Mexico of the eternal siesta.<\/p>\n For practical information, consult our Mexico Practical Guide<\/a>. For the itineraries, our Mexico Travel Guide<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\nMexico: the world capital<\/h2>\n
Oaxaca: Culture Concentrated<\/h2>\n
The Yucatan Peninsula: Between Mayan Ruins and the Caribbean<\/h2>\n
Chiapas: Deep Mexico<\/h2>\n
The Pacific Coast: From Puerto Escondido to Puerto Vallarta<\/h2>\n
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