Mexico

As one of the most bio-diverse countries in the world, Mexico is a great destination for the ecologically aware traveller. Most Mexico adventure travel itineraries will include the Mayan and Aztec sites of temples and ruined cities, which invite those interested in architectural and cultural history, while the landscape of coasts, deserts and mountains opens up many possibilities for outdoor activities in Mexico often favoured by extreme sports enthusiasts. If you like the sound of the above, then your stay will need to be a long one.

Mexico is bordered by the United States (US) to the north, and Guatemala and Belize to the south. There is 10,000km of coastline provided by the Pacific Ocean and Gulf of California to the west, and the Gulf of Mexico to the east. The Mexican Plateau dominates the interior of the country and is enclosed by two mountain ranges, which are an extension of the Rocky Mountains; the Sierra Madre Oriental (east) and the Sierra Madre Occidental (west) – these run parallel to each other from north to south. A third mountain range provides for even more outdoor activities in Mexico: the Sierra Madre del Sur, joins the two larger ranges at the southern tip of the country – the lowlands at the foot of these ranges merge into the coast.

The Sonoran Desert spreads from the US into the northwestern states of Mexico. Desert then becomes forest, as the altitude increases towards the east in the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range. There are two major rivers providing outdoor activities in Mexico away from the coast, and both originate in Colorado. The Rio Grande flows south, sticking to the U.S/Mexican border until it enters the Gulf of Mexico, and the Colorado River, which runs south-east towards the Gulf of California.

Central Mexico is higher and has a more stable temperate climate. In contrast, the coast has a tropical climate experiencing hotter and wetter conditions. July and August are peak tourist seasons, although humidity rises in June and stays high until October. Between November and January, the higher areas of the country experience much cooler temperatures.

With a high population density and multi-billion dollar tourist industry, Mexico has large cities and many international airports. The major urban areas from where you might start any Mexico adventure travel holiday are Mexico City (MexicoÍs capital), Guadalajara, Toluca, Puebla – all found in valleys between the mountain ranges; Cancun (on the Yucatan Peninsula), Monterrey (northern Mexico), Acapulco (on the south-west coast) and Oaxaca (in the south).

Must-see locations for outdoor activities in Mexico include the Cloud Forest at Oaxaca, made of pine trees and oak trees, and home to jaguars, pumas and countless species of butterflies. There are many Mayan ruins in Mexico: a particular site of architectural preservation is the Mayan Palace and temples at Palenque in the lower regions of the Tumbala mountains, which look out over marshy plains. The Unesco world heritage site at El Zocalo is the second largest city square in the world; the paved plaza has a long history dating back to the time of the Aztecs. Mexico is also known for its many volcanoes. Pico de Orizaba is the highest peak and is currently dormant, with its last eruption in the late 1600’s. Popocatepetl is the second highest, but is active. Views of the volcano are as equally inspiring from far away, as they are up close.

Mexico, at first, looks as though it is a country of extremes, with deserts, high volcanic peaks and sandy coastal plains. On closer inspection, however, there is much more to this country. Its location on the Tropic of Cancer, and being flanked by two bodies of warm water have created a climate that supports an abundance of wildlife and diversity of flora. Thanks to its popularity Mexico adventure travel holidays attract millions of tourists on sporting activities as well as beach breaks. But with local communities having so much pride in their surroundings, these natural environments are not being spoiled and remain fascinating places to visit.

Multi-activity tours are an action-packed way of trying many sports on one holiday. Whether it is kayaking through Sian Ka’an’s biosphere, rappelling caves, cycling through Mayan reserves, learning Spanish or walking through jungles; there are outdoor activities in Mexico for everyone. Mexico also has a slower, but by no means less exciting pace of life, that enjoyed by its deep-sea fishermen and sailors.

In Mexico adventure travel is the best way to discover the best of this country. As well as traditional overland tours, there is also the option to view the country’s amazing natural environments from above, at one of its hand gliding spots.