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¡Viva Mexico!
Experience the "New" Mexico
By Heather Whipps
Much more than just sand and palm trees, travelers are beginning to recognize the country of Mexico for its incredible cultural and natural richness, too, which is palpable and distinct no matter where you go. From visiting the ruins of ancient civilizations to combing the shores for whales, filling your itinerary in Mexico won’t be tough—but narrowing down the choices could be.
To help, we’ve compiled a few of our favorite beyond-the-beach experiences in Mexico. We invite you to pick and choose and create a holiday that’s all your own:
 
See the Ruins near Akumal
The jungle interior that lines Mexico’s Riviera Maya is punctuated with ruins leftover by the ancient Maya, who lived in this part of the world almost two thousand years ago. A stay in Akumal, also known for its ultra-clear lagoons and scuba diving, wouldn’t be complete without a stop in either Coba or Tulum. Further afoot are the impressive ruins of Chichen Itza—an entire Mayan city boasting several pyramids dedicated to the heavens.
Villa: Villa Gauguin
Search for Gray Whales in Los Cabos
Cabo San Lucas has a party-town reputation and, while it does throw a good shindig, there’s more to this Baja area than the nightlife. Much more, in fact, in the form of the massive gray whales who migrate and mate by the peninsula every year during the winter months. Tours that venture out in whale-friendly waters are numerous and always an experience to remember.
Villa: Villa Patrizia
Biking in Costa Careyes
The twisty-turvy hills along the Pacific coast of Costa Careyes are laced not only with villas, but miles of trails perfect for mountain biking. Much of the area, famously, is also a protected natural biosphere and is home to many species of birds and other animals, including the panther. Shaded by palm groves and serenaded by the birds, you won’t even realize what a workout you’re getting!
Villa: Playa Jaibas
Craft Shopping in Ixtapa
Little arts and craft stores are everywhere in Mexico, but there’s just something about picking up authentic Mexican wares from a place that has managed to retain a lot of authenticity about it too. Ixtapa has plenty of tourists, but you’re more likely to get a sense of real Mexico here than in some other better-known destinations. Celebrate the trip with traditional crafts like pottery, wood carvings and textiles.
Villa: La Casa del Sol
Scuba Dive in Cozumel
Ok, so this one does involve some beach and sea …but it’s not what you’d think. The scuba diving around Cozumel rivals anything in the world, with an underwater fairytale of reefs, wrecks and wildlife just waiting to be explored. Visibility is 200 feet or more and dive experts abound. Jacques Cousteau documented Cozumel’s sub-sea level beauty in a 1961 film, but we think you should see it for yourself.
Villa: Villa Eden
Bonus Cabo Experience
If you visit Chichen Itza, be sure to find and learn a bit about the ball-game playing field. This ancient Mayan team sport—a bit like soccer—was a matter of life and death, with members of the losing team sometimes sacrificed to the Gods. |
For more information on these or other luxury villas in Mexico and the Caribbean, please contact us:
Call 1-877-953-7400 or E-mail
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