Best for mid-life adventurers
The Mayan and Aztec world
We hear a lot about Mexico’s northern neighbour, but for a holiday it’s wisest to look south. The Mayan and Aztec and lesser-known Zapotec sites are fascinating in their own right, and also make for great stepping stones on an exploratory tour of the colonial heritage, landscapes, markets, pueblos and cuisines of Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras.
Book it: Jules Verne (020 3131 5187, vjv.com) has a 19-night “Mysteries of the Maya and Aztecs” escorted group tour (6-22 people) from Mexico City to Honduras. From £3,195, including B&B accommodation, two lunches, excursions, a Shaman ceremony, and flights. Departs 7 November 2022 and 16 January, 13 February, 6 March and 6 November 2023.
Best for beach bums
Cancún
Want to keep it simple? Then fly direct into Cancún and stay put. That way you can either lie back and think of gloomy England, or sultry Mexico, while doing nothing more energetic than wandering over to the infinity pool or down to the beach for a chilled margarita. Playa Mujeres is half an hour from the airport and from Cancún’s buzzing “Centro”, and is known for being a bit more high-end than other stretches of the white-sand strand. You can arrange whale shark swimming trips, visits to Mayan sites, boat trips to nearby Isla Mujeres and golfing outings (Greg Norman designed the local 18-hole course) at reception, and either eat in or take off on short recces to sample the fare elsewhere.
Book it: Virgin Holidays (0344 472 9646, virginholidays.co.uk) has 10-night all-inclusive stays at Dreams Playa Mujeres, from £1,701 per person. Flights from Manchester included.
