If Mexico was a book then it would be a leather bound, magical volume hidden in a secret panel at the bottom of an ancient desk. The sort that children’s stories are based all around and myths are written in. To me, there is nowhere in the world a lot more enchanting. I looked at guided tours when arranging my 1st Mexican adventure, hoping to pack as much into the two weeks as feasible. Jungle ruins, pyramids and antique Colonial towns would all be covered in my chosen tour. It was to be the most exciting two weeks of my life.
No volume of reading through and investigation quite ready me for the hustle and bustle of Mexico City, and I was pleased to be experiencing it with a group and educated guides. Our city tour was a whirlwind ride through the sights, sounds and colours of modern Mexican daily life as properly as a stroll through its incredible background. The National Museum of Anthropology was the highlight for me, introducing us to the ancient web sites and civilizations we have been to investigate later in the trip.

Aztec ruins don’t get any far more impressive than Teotihuacan, our following end on the tour. There we were dwarfed by the surrounding step pyramids, constructed all around 100BC. Climbing all seventy meters of the Pyramid of the Sun is nicely worth it for the views above the ruined city. A stroll down the central Avenue of the Dead is a possibility to stick to in the footsteps of ancient leaders and ceremonies. Astoundingly preserved murals and stonework decorate the ruins, giving glimpses into the splendour of the web site during its golden age. Challenging geometric concepts are obviously visible in the layout and development of the architecture.
Mexican cuisine is as wealthy and colourful as its history. Chili, oregano and cocoa flavour the a variety of moles (sauces) that are accompanied by soft tortillas or rice and beans. We were fortunate enough to sample the popular chocolate based mole in Puebla, its town of origin.
Oaxaca is one particular of the most stunning cities in Mexico, nestled between 3 central valleys and surrounded by ancient ruins. It is also the centre of contemporary Mexican art, and the streets are filled with galleries showcasing new and established talent.
A magic tree, the village of the dead and nearby artisans came just before the water bound leg of the journey. Our boat cruised along the Grijalva River through the Sumidero Canyon, delivering us at San Cristobal. From right here we explored classic Indian villages and seasoned the rural side of Mexico existence. We were also let in on the secrets of coffee, chocolate and spice growing.
Concealed in dense jungle, the mysterious ruins of Palenque had been the most magical on our tour. This was the Mexico I recalled from childhood historical past books and mythology. As soon as ruled by a dynasty of kings and queens, there is a thing deliciously atmospheric about this web site and its surroundings.
Uxmal and Chichen Itza, each spectacular Mayan sites, had been saved for the finale of the trip. The latter is certainly the most well-known, built up of pyramids, temples and tombs.