Mexico Villa Holidays

Welcome to the Villa Holidays guide to Mexico villa holidays and planning your villa holiday to Mexico.

Introduction to Mexico

Mexico is a central American Republic, with the USA to the north, Guatemala and Belize to the southeast and water on both other sides. Its entire east and west coast front to the oceans – the Pacific to the west and the Caribbean Sea to the east, much appreciated for Mexico villa holidays.

It is the 11th most populace country in the world, with about 111million inhabitants, 19 million of whom live in the capital Mexico City.

Overview of Mexico

Mexico is dominated by its mountains. Four massive ranges cross it, two north to south and two east to west. Much of the country is high altitude, which has ensured that all the major cities and towns are in the plains and coastal areas.

The development of the coastal areas has been for the tourist trade for many years and is where most of the Mexico villa holidays centres are located.

Mexico is a very ancient country and many tourists travel specifically to visit the ancient sites. It was settled by a number of ancient tribes, such as the Olmec, Toltech, Maya and, most notably Aztec. Their temples and pyramids are found in many regions. They have also left many of their customs, though not, thankfully, that of human sacrifice.

Climate of Mexico

Mexico has two distinct climate regions – north and south. The north is temperate and considerably cooler in the winter months than the south. It is also dry, resulting in large areas of arid desert.

The south is tropical and the overall climate is exceedingly welcoming to visitors on their Mexico villa holidays. It has a consistent summer temperature of around 35-40ºC. The only variation is due to altitude, which can create noticeable temperature differences. As the tropical climate is also quite wet, this can produce considerable snow falls in the mountain ranges. At sea level visitors are subject to occasional tropical storms.

Best Areas for Villa Holidays in Mexico

The coastal areas and beaches of Mexico, on both coasts, are natural for the development of tourism. Initially, the western coast around Acapulco grew for the wealthy tourists of the early 20th century, and has remained relatively pricey. In more recent times, towns and villages on the east coast have grown to provide affordable Mexico villas for many tourists.

The Yucatan peninsula, jutting out into the Caribbean, has a wide choice of Mexico villas resorts. Yucatan, itself, Chiapas, Cancun and Quintana Rus all provide accommodation, sand, sea and facilities all year round. To combine fantastic beaches with ancient history, Tulum has some major Maya ruins.

The Caribbean Sea around the peninsula and at Cancun in particular, is a crystal blue invitation to swim, snorkel or dive. There are also facilities for kayaking and surfing. Alternatively, enjoy the gorgeous beaches that are quite literally strewn throughout this area.

Transport

Although Mexico has some 35 civil airports, most visitors arrive at Mexico City, Cancun, Guadalajara or Monterrey and these are the best bet for cheap flights to Mexico. For most British visitors arriving to enjoy their Mexico villa holidays, Cancun is their destination.

Mexico is well served by British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Delta and Air France, all of whom provide scheduled flights all year round. In addition, bargains are sometimes available from charter and holiday airlines during the summer; Monarch and Fly Thomascook are two providers of links to Cancun.

There is an extensive road and rail network covering much of Mexico. Unfortunately, the mountains tend to get in the way of distance travel and both facilities are not fully adequate as a result.

Travel is relatively easy from Mexico City to the other main plains cities, such as Guadalajara and Monterrey, with direct bus and train services. In the more local areas there are local bus companies which cover the Mexico villa holidays areas well.

Things to do in Mexico

  • Check out your Mexico villa holidays resort for a cultural music or dance festival – there will be one.
  • Join an ecotourism trip – in Mexico they are genuine and one sees wild areas which are really being preserved
  • Chill out on the beach of your choice.

Festivals and events in Mexico

There are a number of religious festivals during the year, based on the Catholic Christian calendar. Particularly notable are Easter, Corpus Christi (June) and All Saints (Nov.1st). Christmas Eve is a grand festival day and the partying actually begins nine days before.

All Saints is particularly important as it precedes the Day of the Dead, a specifically Mexican festival. On November 2nd, all the family predecessors are honoured. This is not in the least bit miserable, but actually rather jovial, with parades, music, and fancy dress. Family graves and vaults are decorated and small gifts of food and wine are left for the ancestors to enjoy.

Secular national holidays include Independence Day (Sept) and Columbus Day (Oct.). There is even a day to celebrate the nationalisation of the petroleum industry. Mexicans love a chance to party and Mexico villa holidays visitors will be welcome to join in.

Typical cost of living in Mexico

  • Bottle of beer .55p
  • Bottle of wine £5
  • Taco and drink snack £1
  • Family meal in middle-of-road restaurant £50-60

Useful tips when visiting Mexico

There may be local rules for drivers. Check if hiring a car. If a permit is needed, it will cost about £20.

Bottled water is usually advised when holidaying on Mexico.

Mexican Food and drink

  • Encillades: taco wraps with a variety of fillings and a spicy sauce
  • Mole: a rich sauce made with spices usually served over chicken
  • Poblana chillies stuffed with rice etc. They are very big and mild
  • Tequila

Mexico’s greatest gift to the world – chocolate.