Holidays in Mexico

Kicking back and relaxing on the beach is what a holiday in Mexico is all about. For the more active, there's waterbased activities including scuba diving, snorkelling or big game fishing for barracuda and tuna to experience. Visit the turtle farm at Isla Mujeres. Step back in time and explore the ancient Mayan ruins in Chichen Itza, its most famous being the Kukulcan Pyramid. Enjoy the stalactite and stalagmitefilled caves of Aktun Chen. Experience the relaxing natural wonders at XelHa from a hammock or for the more active enjoy snorkelling in the lazy river, cliff jumping, rope swinging and jungle trekking. Xcaret, a Mayanthemed park with spellbinding show and pageants and charming Vallaloid, with it lovely plaza, churches and traditional Mayan flavour, are also worth a visit. Top of your shopping list should be some Mexican silver and local handicrafts such as glassware and pottery.

Mexico comes alive after dark. Downtown Cancun offers a vibrant nightlife including the infamous Coco Bongos nightclub with its live acts including acrobats, impersonators and DJs. Playa del Carmen offers a mix of live music bars and clubs catering for all tastes from Jazz to Salsa.

Due to its international population, Cancun and the larger resorts have restaurants offering French, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Mexican and American cuisine. Typical Mexican fare includes burritos (stuffed and rolled tortillas), empanadas (stuffed pastries) and quesadillas (tortillas with cheese). For meatlovers theres albondigas (meatballs in broth) and carne asada (grilled meat). Fish specialities include ceviche (raw fish marinated in lemon) and pescado a la veracruzana (fish in a spicy tomato sauce). To accompany your meal, sample the national drink Tequila, best enjoyed on its own or in a Margarita.