A melting pot of Indigenous, pre-Hispanic traditions and colonial heritage, featuring a seemingly endless array of museums and historical sites, as well as a multitude of bustling cities: stretching from the vast Pacific coast to the Caribbean beaches, Mexico is the fusion of a country rich in culture with almost unending natural landscapes, where locals will greet you with enthusiasm. Starting from the end of October, it becomes the ideal destination for families, for culture seekers, golfers, divers, hikers or sun worshippers.
“Baja California”
On the Pacific coast, experience the power of the Ocean, or lose yourself in the desert landscapes, dotted with cacti. The natural beauty of Baja California will seduce you with the diversity of its fauna, which is accessible to all, and of its flora, bordering the Sea of Cortez. From December to April, you can witness the migration of the ever-graceful humpback whales to warmer waters, and also spot grey whales giving birth to their young. Los Cabos is a breath of fresh air, compared to the East Coast.
“The world’s aquarium”
The activities on offer include spotting giant sea turtles, diving with playful sea lions, and snorkelling among the reefs, teeming with colourful fishes. Famously described by Jacques Cousteau as the “world’s aquarium”, this region has many hidden gems, where you will be sure to find a little corner of paradise.
To travel back in time, stay at one of the first Spanish missions, converted into a luxury hotel, and set off to discover the cave paintings dating back to pre-Colombian civilisations.
Viceroy Los Cabos
A hotel:
Viceroy Los Cabos is an architectural icon, hyper modern and ultra-luxurious. All clean lines, deep shadows and ‘floating boxes’, the spaces are reflected back as watery mirages. The hotel contributes to the protection of the environment by using products designed to be environmentally sustainable. Single-use items are biodegradable and made from recycled materials. The local farm, Cabo Organics, supplies many items on the menu, to the delight of food lovers.
The most traditional holiday in the country, celebrated between the end of October and the beginning of November, brings people together to honour their dead.
A mixture of Latin rituals and Hispanic religion and culture, this holiday is a joyful celebration. It’s a time of cheerful contemplation for families, and not a spooky spectacle, as is the case with Halloween in English-speaking countries. This annual homage, the holiest in the country, showcases several customs, such as the preparation of colourful sugar skulls or of pan de muerto – the bread of the dead – a soft bread coated with crystallised sugar and decorated with bone-shaped pieces of dough.
A riot of colours spills out into the streets and shops of Mexico, in the form of flowers, glittering candles and bright garlands. Music takes centre stage in the commemorations of the Dead, and so does Catrina with her famous make-up: the most iconic figure of the festivities, Catrina is an elegantly dressed skeleton who parodies Mexican high society.
And as no celebration would be complete without a feast, families lay out the favourite dishes of their deceased loved ones, to draw them back to earth and keep their memory alive.
Travelling at this time of year will allow you to immerse yourself fully in a sensory experience, to participate in the celebrations and admire the representative altars created especially for the occasion.
This homage to the dearly departed has been recognised by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity. You will be encouraged to enjoy life and start viewing death differently.
A hotel:
The Andaz Mayakoba is located at the heart of the Riviera Maya, between the mangroves and the ocean. This exclusive, serene haven, where nature meets innovation, is respectful of environmental and sustainability standards. Travellers are spoiled here by the local flavours and range of cultural activities on offer. The hotel is involved in running a sanctuary for sea turtles, to ensure their protection during nesting periods.
When to go there
Best time :
November to June
Directs flights from:
Milan, Paris, Bruxelles
Approximate flight duration :
12h
Length advised :
10 to 14 days
