Isolation Escapism – Mexico

Whilst we cannot physically transport you to our destinations themselves at present, we would like to offer you a little virtual escapism. We do hope that they will be a welcome distraction as we sit out these extraordinary times, and act as an inspiration for your next adventure.

In our sixteenth Isolation Escape we invite you to travel with us through the lively country of Mexico. Known for its food and drink culture, Mexico is also famous for its mystical Mayan temples, beautiful yet eerie cenotes, the music of the mariachi bands, it’s fantastic beach destinations and the elaborately celebrated ‘day of the dead’.

Landing in Cancun we whizz away from the crowded resort filled stretch of coast line in favour of the Yucatan Peninsula’s quieter, unspoilt shores and fascinating interior. Splitting the Gulf of Mexico from the Caribbean Sea, Yucatan encompasses three Mexican states as well as portions of Belize and Guatemala.  By venturing further from the crowds you are rewarded a small number of isolated exclusive hotels and private houses perched on soft white sands gently lapped by crystal clear waters.  Heading inland underground river systems give way to dramatic cenotes (flooded sinkholes) and a plethora of ancient Mayan ruins including Chichen Itza and Uxmal await. The area’s biodiversity should also not go unmentioned with an interior jungle brimming with flora and fauna and noticeably diverse bird life.

The country’s high altitude capital is our next stop. Mexico City was built on the site of the ancient Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan. Today the densely populated metropolis is still known for the Templo Mayor (an Aztec  temple from the 13C) as well as variety of other historical influences such as the Spanish baroque Catedral Metropolitana de México, the Palacio Nacional, housing historic murals by Diego Rivera, which perches on the edge of the city’s central attraction, Plaza de la Constitución, the vast main square, affectionately known as the Zócalo. Spreading through the city, colonial streets twist round glistening skyscrapers, frenetic markets serve up the best tacos you’ll ever taste and the ruins of the Aztec and Mayan empires beg for exploration.

In need of some calm to temper the energy of the capital, our next stop in Mexico is the Central Highlands and in particular the cobbled streets of the perfectly preserved colonial towns of San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato. With a heavy Catholic influence, impressive cathedrals dominate the skyline while on foot, leafy plazas and colourful architecture create an intricate web of pretty avenues leading to the homes of some of Mexico’s most notable authors, artists and their galleries. We must not forget Tequila, the home of the county’s signature spirit, where you can try your hand at blending the infamous tipple which is made from the blue agave plant.

Our final stop in Mexico takes us west to the shores of the pacific. Not always easy to access, occasionally requiring a private charter, this dramatic coast line is famous for its incredibly seafood, serene secluded bays and rolling waves attracting surfers from all four corners of the planet. A number of fashionable towns cater to those searching for a little more energy and interaction while the whale watching on the Baja peninsula is second to none.  Inland, tropical forests wrap around the mountains, ideal for a day’s exploration if you tear yourself away from the relaxing sounds of the ocean.

If you’d like to start planning a holiday to the vibrant country of Mexico while waiting for this storm to pass, please drop us a line and we’ll be delighted to send you further information on this melting pot of history and festivity.