Best of Mexico

The ancient Aztec city of Tenochtilan, rising at an altitude of 2,250 m in the proximity of the volcanoes Popocatepetl and Ixtacihuatl, is now a 20-million-inhabitant metropolis: a crucial spot for understanding Mexico’s past as well as its future. Its historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit Zócalo, the “Constitution Square” – the third largest square in the world after Tienanmen and the Red Square. Zócalo is overlooked by the Cathedral, Mexico’s largest religious building, and by the National Palace, the seat of the presidential offices. The Palace will be seen from outside only. After that, visit the remains of the Templo Mayor – the great Aztect pyramid.

Departure from Tuxtla Gutiérrez, the capital city of the state of Chiapas, heading towards San Cristobal, it is recommended to make a stop and visit the Sumidero Canyon. This natural wonder, carved by the Grijalva River, features towering cliffs and lush vegetation. You'll pass through the charming village of Chiapa de Corzo, known for its colonial architecture and vibrant atmosphere. You'll arrive in San Cristóbal de las Casas, a beautiful colonial city nestled in the highlands of Chiapas. The city is made up of cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and indigenous markets full of handicrafts. If time allows, visiting the indigenous communities of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantán is recommended. These villages offer insight into traditional Mayan culture, with opportunities to observe rituals, visit local markets, and admire textile craftsmanship. San Cristobal de Las Casas è una città situata nella regione montuosa dello stato di Chiapas, nel sud del Messico. La città si trova a un'altitudine di circa 2200 metri sul livello del mare, il che la rende più fresca rispetto ad altre città messicane situate a quote inferiori. La città ha una ricca storia culturale, essendo stata fondata dai colonizzatori spagnoli nel 1528. La città ha subito molte trasformazioni nel corso dei secoli, diventando un importante centro religioso e culturale. Oggi, San Cristobal de Las Casas è famosa per le sue strade acciottolate, le case coloniali dipinte di colori vivaci e la vivace cultura indigena che vi si respira. La città è un importante centro turistico, con molti visitatori che vengono a esplorare le antiche rovine maya vicine, i parchi nazionali e le riserve naturali. La città ospita anche molti musei e gallerie d'arte, tra cui il Museo del Jade, che espone una vasta collezione di oggetti di giada precolombiana. La città è anche famosa per i suoi mercati artigianali, dove è possibile acquistare tessuti, abbigliamento e oggetti d'arte realizzati a mano dai popoli indigeni della regione. In sintesi, San Cristobal de Las Casas è una città affascinante e vibrante, che combina la storia coloniale spagnola con la cultura e la tradizione degli antichi popoli indigeni del Messico.

From San Cristóbal de las Casas, a charming colonial city surrounded by mountains, the journey begins heading northeast through the Sierra Madre mountains. Along the way, you pass through picturesque indigenous villages and vast expanses of tropical vegetation. Continuing eastward, the road descends through the mountains into the jungle, until reaching Palenque, famous for its ancient Maya ruins nestled in the rainforest. Along the route, you can make stops to visit minor archaeological sites or to admire spectacular waterfalls and breathtaking natural landscapes that characterize the region. Finally, upon arriving in Palenque, visitors can explore the well-preserved Maya ruins and immerse themselves in the history and culture of this ancient civilization. Palenque, at the heart of the forest, is considered the most beautiful Maya city state of the Archaic period. Excavation brought to light just a minor portion of this huge site; however, the magnificence of what has been dug out will inevitably leave the beholder speechless, awestruck at the splendour of this ancient religious and military centre. The civilisation of Palenque was outstandingly advanced in terms of architecture and engineering, and its artistic refinement was unmatched in the Pre-Columbian world. One example of this are the grave goods of Pakal, discovered in the Temple of the Inscriptions. Palenque is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The route from Palenque to Campeche crosses a region of great natural beauty and rich history in the state of Chiapas and the Yucatán Peninsula. From Palenque, famous for its jungle-immersed Maya ruins, the journey proceeds northwest through breathtaking tropical landscapes and picturesque rural villages. Continuing northwest, the landscape opens up to the plains of the Yucatán, with its stretches of tropical vegetation and coastal marshes. Along the way, one can stop in cities like Campeche, known for its charming historic center, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, visitors can stroll along the ancient city walls, admire the colonial architecture, and savor the local cuisine in the traditional restaurants of the main square. Campeche – whose name is derived from the Maya name of “Ah-Kin-Pech”, “the place of snakes and ticks” – is a colonial seaside town, with matte-painted houses and massive walls built around the port: in the 17th century it used to be a sitting target to French, Dutch and English pirates. Its historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The journey from Campeche to Mérida offers an experience through the Yucatán region, characterized by a rich history, culture, and natural beauty. From Campeche, a colonial city rich in charm and historical heritage, you head towards Mérida, the lively capital of Yucatán. The route traverses varied landscapes, from ancient Maya ruins to lush tropical forests, with picturesque villages along the way. Along the route, you can make a stop at Uxmal, one of the most important archaeological sites in the region, to explore the majestic pyramids and complex Maya temples. Arriving in Mérida, you immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of the city, with its streets lined with pastel-colored colonial buildings, bustling squares, and traditional markets. Mérida is renowned for its cuisine, so be sure to sample local delicacies like cochinita pibil and pollo pibil. During the journey from Campeche to Mérida, you may come across a variety of attractions, including crystalline cenotes, historic haciendas, and traditional Maya communities. The capital of the Yucatán, Merida is a colonial town, full of pleasant parks and humming streets, and lively with its several open air concerts and its rich craft market. Stop off at the main square, overlooked by the Cathedral, the Government Palace, the Palacio Municipal, and the Casa de Montejo.

La Riviera Maya è una striscia costiera di circa 130 chilometri situata sulla costa caraibica dello Yucatan, nel Messico orientale. La regione è famosa per le sue bellissime spiagge di sabbia bianca e le acque cristalline del Mar dei Caraibi, che la rendono una popolare destinazione turistica per le vacanze al mare. Oltre alle attività in spiaggia, la Riviera Maya offre numerose attrazioni culturali e naturali, tra cui antiche rovine maya, parchi tematici, cenote (pozzi naturali), parchi naturali e riserve della biosfera. Alcune delle attrazioni più famose della Riviera Maya includono le rovine maya di Tulum e Chichén Itzá, la riserva della biosfera di Sian Ka'an e il parco tematico di Xcaret.