Travel guide Mexico

It is from this plant that the two most emblematic drinks of Mexico are made: tequila, which is indisputable, and mezcal, which is becoming increasingly popular. The latter is distinguished by its distinctive smoky aroma. Agave thrives in arid regions, so much so that it is often mistaken for what it is not: a cactus!

At the origin of one of the greatest civilizations of the American continent, the Aztecs dominated the territory until the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century. It was on the ruins of the Aztec city of Tenochtitlán that the Spaniards founded their new capital, Mexico City, after having caused the fall of the Aztec Empire.

Mexico is a megadiverse country, containing up to 12% of the world's species. Large biosphere reserves have been created to preserve this incredible biodiversity. However, overexploitation of natural resources, rapid growth and tourism are increasingly threatening these fragile ecosystems.

This geological curiosity is found almost exclusively in the Yucatán Peninsula, which is home to thousands of them. The cenotes are natural wells created by the collapse of the limestone plate. Considered sacred places in Mayan times, today they are a delight for tourists, who flock from all over the world to bathe in them.

It is the most important holiday in the country, taking place on November¹ and 2 (although the date varies by region and community). Mexicans celebrate their dead by making altars with offerings of fruit and objects around photos of their deceased. Music, dances and shared meals punctuate the return of the dead among the living.

Frida Kahlo is not only known for her paintings that document her life and assert a certain Mexicanness, she is also a pop culture icon. Ahead of her time, this mixed-race woman with her flowery hair became the most important woman in Mexico, and a true feminist inspiration in the world.

Typical of Mexico, Lucha Libre is a type of wrestling that is halfway between a sport and a show. As tradition dictates, the luchadors wear masks when they fight in the ring. They play legendary characters and perform spectacular acrobatics. The fight is scripted but no less impressive.

The vast majority of the Mexican population has both European and indigenous blood. Spanish and indigenous populations rapidly mixed, giving rise to a great mosaic of populations. As most Mexicans are Mestizos, the concept of miscegenation is now at the heart of the Mexican national identity.

For many, Mexico means white sandy beaches bordered by translucent turquoise water... The country is bathed in the waters of the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of California to the west, and the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico to the east. Climate, sunshine, palm trees and palomas do the rest...

Mexico has a considerable cultural heritage, and much of it is in the form of pre-Hispanic ruins. Pyramids are often the centerpiece of these ancient cities that flourished hundreds, even thousands of years ago, from Chichén Itzá to Palenque to Monte Albán to Teotihuacán.

The waters off the coast of Mexico are home to a wide variety of marine life. In both east and west, diving sites are legion, and travelers have the chance to observe whales, dolphins, turtles, sharks, manta rays, sea lions and a multitude of colorful fish evolving within exceptional coral reefs.

Mexico's landscape is punctuated by numerous volcanoes, 48 of which are still active. Most of them reach an altitude of more than 4,500 metres. This is the case of Popocatépetl, in the agglomeration of Mexico City and Puebla, which has been erupting since 2004. Volcanic tremors are a constant threat to the country.