Mexico

Mexico is a country of extraordinary contrasts — ancient pyramids rising from jungle canopies, crystal-clear cenotes hidden beneath the Yucatan limestone, and the dramatic Copper Canyon system that dwarfs the Grand Canyon. Combined with one of the world’s great cuisines and a depth of cultural heritage few countries can match, Mexico delivers unforgettable active holidays.

The Yucatan Peninsula is a treasure trove for history and adventure. Explore the towering pyramid of Kukulkan at Chichen Itza, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, then swim in sacred cenotes — natural sinkholes filled with crystalline turquoise water. The lesser-visited ruins of Calakmul, deep in the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, offer a Tikal-like experience without the crowds, surrounded by jungle alive with spider monkeys and toucans.

In the north, the Copper Canyon (Barranca del Cobre) is a network of six interconnected canyons that collectively are larger and deeper than the Grand Canyon. Trek along rim trails, ride the spectacular Chepe railway through the Sierra Madre, and encounter the Raramuri (Tarahumara) indigenous people, famous as the world’s greatest long-distance runners.

Mexico is a year-round destination, though the Yucatan is at its best from November to April. British passport holders can visit visa-free for up to 180 days. The currency is the Mexican peso. Direct flights from London to Mexico City and Cancun make access straightforward.