Mexico is an outstanding country for trekking and walking. There are trails all over the country for any level of ability, from high altitude mountaineering peaks to low-level routes for people of all ages. But walking-wise, Mexico’s real catch are its magnificent volcanic mountain ranges, where relatively high summits can be reached with, given much of Mexico’s high average elevation, surprisingly little effort.
Starting at the sharp end, a major lure for those wanting to push themselves (or get ready to really push themselves elsewhere in the world) are Mexico’s really high points. A very popular itinerary is to climb the three highest: The Pico de Orizaba (5,636m) which is in fact the third highest mountain in North America, the notorious Popocatepetl (5,426m) and Volcano Ixtaccihuatl (5,226m), all of which are located close to Mexico City in the Cordilliera Neovolcanica, which literally means ‘new volcano mountains’. Sadly this has to be taken into account before climbing these peaks: all are still considered actively volcanic, especially Popocatepetl, which is currently closed and is in one of its restless cycles. The other two make for a fine trip, however, and are an excellent (if very high) introduction to high altitude mountaineering: they are often used as warm-ups for Everest. Orizaba is particularly striking, and a massive tick. You don’t need a permit and there are several good huts on the mountain. The volcanoes are usually climbed in expeditions from the interesting towns of Amecameca and Tlachichuca, and are close enough to the pyramids of Teotihuacan for a visit on the way back to Mexico City. For both mountains you need to take your time acclimatising, working your way up to the base camps slowly and allowing your body to adjust. Mountaineering experience on snow and ice is required, but go with a guided group and they are good mountains on which to learn the skills required.
For something a bit more moderate, Ajusco (3,930m) is a volcano on the edge of Mexico city, which makes for an excellent climb for those unwilling to push above 4,000m, and is interesting in that the summit is home to a pre-Hispanic altar and pyramid. While it sounds high, it is actually takes only a few hours to climb, as Mexico City actually sits at 2500m – so simply by being in the city you are over halfway up the mountain. Ajusco lies in the Parque Nacional de San Nicolas, and all routes to the top are clearly marked.
For something further down the altitude scale, Parque Nacional Lagunas Zempoala, in Morelos, a A National Park in the mountains above Cuernavaca. Here three crater lakes sit at around 2,900m, and offer some beautiful scenic trails, from clifftop walks to forest strolls. Likewise, Parque Nacional La Malinche, which is home to the 4,461m volcano of the same name, amongst many other ecologically significant and beautiful environments in which to walk. The park and volcano are named for the Indian lover and interpreter of Cortés. For the ascent about three to four hours is needed, for the descent about two hours. A second route up the volcano from San Miguel Canoa is considerably longer and should only be attempted by experienced mountaineers.
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Home to the Maya, the Zapotecs and the Olmecs, Mexico has long lured lovers of mystical ancient history. Entire, unique cultures often grew from cities and fostered quite delineated ways of life. The three places you want to scratch on your tablet for the purposes of exploring this are Calakmul, on the rainforested Yucatan Peninsula, a city deep in the jungle which is still being uncovered; El Tajín, born from Veracruz culture, where you can view carvings of human sacrifice; and most impressively, the famous city of Teotihuacán, which was at its height (around 150AD) one of the largest cities in the world. Here you can see the world's third-largest pyramid, the 70m (230ft), 248-stepped Pyramid of the Sun, as well as the Pyramid of the Moon, flanked by the 12 temple platforms of the Plaza de la Luna. Nearby are the beautifully frescoed Palace of the Quetzal Butterfly, the Jaguar Palace and the Temple of the Plumed Conch Shells.
For more active pursuits, Mexico is a fine destination for cyclists, and a great opportunity to see a very different side of Mexico. Biking the Transpeninsular Highway in Baja California is thought to be one of the greatest cycle adventures you can have. From Tijuana you enter a world of barren desert, coyotes, cacti, murderous heat, Jesuit missions, and a dose of bracing Pacific coast air. It’s a fine (potentially month-long route, if you follow it all the way to La Paz) adventure indeed.
While you’re on the West Coast, try a spot of sea kayaking in the Sea of Cortez, where the launches are easy and exploration possibilities amongst the hundreds of islands, inlets, camp-friendly white-sand beaches and estuaries are endless. Mexico is also pretty much the caving capital of the world. Most daring is cave diving in tropical-coloured, weird fish-filled ‘cenotes’ (freshwater flooded limestone caves) which are often dark and filled with ghostly, intricate stalactites, though there are opportunities to see astonishing subterranean caverns at whatever level of daring you feel is appropriate, mostly in the south of the country.
Scuba Diving at Palancar Reef off the Carribbean Coast is thought to be second only to the Great Barrier Reef in its richness of colour and life, and is a lot more accessible, located just off the popular island of Cozumel.
Major calendar events
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Puebla’s Battle
May 5th
Celebrated in Puebla, it's a celebration of the defeat of the mighty French forces by a smaller, poorly armed group of Mexican soldiers at Puebla in 1862. Much colour, alcohol and flag-waving
Independence day
September 16th
Nationwide celebration to mark Mexico’s independence from Spanish rule.
Dia de los Muertos
November 2nd
Literally meaning ‘Day of the Dead’, this is a festival which honours the family dead. Though a reverant festival, the use of skeletons and skulls in the celebration gives it a decidedly macabre feel.