Mexico: Central Mexico & the Yucatan Peninsula

Puebla, a city nestled in the heart of Mexico, is a captivating blend of colonial charm, vibrant culture, and rich history. Known as the "City of Angels," Puebla's well-preserved historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site, filled with stunning baroque architecture, colorful tiled buildings, and bustling markets. The majestic Puebla Cathedral, with its soaring bell towers and intricate façade, stands as a symbol of the city’s colonial grandeur. Nearby, the Rosary Chapel in the Church of Santo Domingo dazzles with its gilded altars, elaborate stuccoes, and a riot of colors that create an atmosphere of opulence and reverence.

Puebla is also a haven for food lovers, celebrated as the birthplace of some of Mexico’s most iconic dishes. The city is famed for its mole poblano, a rich, complex sauce made from over 20 ingredients, including chocolate and a blend of spices. It’s often served over chicken or turkey and is a must-try for any visitor. Other culinary delights include chiles en nogada, a seasonal dish of stuffed chilies covered in walnut sauce, pomegranate seeds, and parsley, representing the colors of the Mexican flag. The bustling Mercado de Sabores Poblanos offers a feast for the senses, where you can sample these traditional dishes and immerse yourself in Puebla’s vibrant gastronomic scene.

Beyond its historical and culinary allure, Puebla offers visitors a chance to explore its contemporary arts and culture. The Amparo Museum, housed in a colonial-era building, features an impressive collection of pre-Hispanic artifacts and modern art that reflects Mexico's diverse heritage. Meanwhile, the nearby Barrio del Artista (Artist’s Quarter) is an inviting neighborhood where local painters, sculptors, and musicians showcase their talents in open-air studios and charming galleries. Wander through its cobblestone streets, admire the street art, or even take a workshop to learn about traditional Mexican crafts.

A fun fact about Puebla is that it is home to the world's largest pyramid by base area, the Great Pyramid of Cholula. Though it resembles a hill covered in vegetation, the pyramid conceals a vast network of tunnels and chambers underneath. At its summit stands the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios, a picturesque church offering sweeping views of the city and the backdrop of the Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl volcanoes. Whether you are drawn by Puebla’s history, architecture, or culinary delights, this city promises an enriching experience that captures the essence of Mexico.

Tulum, a jewel of the Riviera Maya, is a blend of ancient history, vibrant culture, and pristine natural beauty. Perched on a cliff overlooking the turquoise Caribbean Sea, the Tulum Ruins stand as one of the last cities built and inhabited by the Maya civilization. The well-preserved El Castillo, Temple of the Frescoes, and Temple of the Descending God offer insight into the architectural prowess and spiritual life of the ancient Maya. A visit to Tulum wouldn't be complete without taking a dip in the waters below the ruins, where the beach is often cited as one of the most beautiful in the world.

Beyond its historical significance, Tulum has emerged as a bohemian paradise for eco-conscious travelers and adventure enthusiasts. The town’s boutique hotels and eco-friendly resorts are nestled in the jungle or perched on the beach, offering yoga retreats, organic cuisine, and wellness experiences that embody the area's laid-back vibe. Visitors can explore the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to mangroves, coral reefs, and diverse wildlife, including dolphins and manatees. Kayaking through lagoons, birdwatching, or snorkeling in the crystal-clear cenotes provides an immersive experience in one of the planet’s most biodiverse regions.

Tulum also caters to the more adventurous spirit. The Gran Cenote and Dos Ojos Cenote are world-renowned diving and snorkeling spots that draw visitors into an ethereal underworld of stalactites, stalagmites, and freshwater caves. For those who prefer to stay above ground, the nearby Coba archaeological site offers a climb to the top of the Nohoch Mul pyramid, the highest in the Yucatán Peninsula. From here, visitors are treated to sweeping views of the jungle canopy, with Tulum's turquoise waters glimmering in the distance.

Fun fact: Tulum is one of the few places in the world where visitors can swim in a cenote, explore ancient ruins, and relax on a white-sand beach all in one day. This unique blend of natural wonders and cultural treasures makes Tulum an irresistible destination for travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation.

Tulum, a jewel of the Riviera Maya, is a blend of ancient history, vibrant culture, and pristine natural beauty. Perched on a cliff overlooking the turquoise Caribbean Sea, the Tulum Ruins stand as one of the last cities built and inhabited by the Maya civilization. The well-preserved El Castillo, Temple of the Frescoes, and Temple of the Descending God offer insight into the architectural prowess and spiritual life of the ancient Maya. A visit to Tulum wouldn't be complete without taking a dip in the waters below the ruins, where the beach is often cited as one of the most beautiful in the world.

Beyond its historical significance, Tulum has emerged as a bohemian paradise for eco-conscious travelers and adventure enthusiasts. The town’s boutique hotels and eco-friendly resorts are nestled in the jungle or perched on the beach, offering yoga retreats, organic cuisine, and wellness experiences that embody the area's laid-back vibe. Visitors can explore the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to mangroves, coral reefs, and diverse wildlife, including dolphins and manatees. Kayaking through lagoons, birdwatching, or snorkeling in the crystal-clear cenotes provides an immersive experience in one of the planet’s most biodiverse regions.

Tulum also caters to the more adventurous spirit. The Gran Cenote and Dos Ojos Cenote are world-renowned diving and snorkeling spots that draw visitors into an ethereal underworld of stalactites, stalagmites, and freshwater caves. For those who prefer to stay above ground, the nearby Coba archaeological site offers a climb to the top of the Nohoch Mul pyramid, the highest in the Yucatán Peninsula. From here, visitors are treated to sweeping views of the jungle canopy, with Tulum's turquoise waters glimmering in the distance.

Fun fact: Tulum is one of the few places in the world where visitors can swim in a cenote, explore ancient ruins, and relax on a white-sand beach all in one day. This unique blend of natural wonders and cultural treasures makes Tulum an irresistible destination for travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation.

Tulum, a jewel of the Riviera Maya, is a blend of ancient history, vibrant culture, and pristine natural beauty. Perched on a cliff overlooking the turquoise Caribbean Sea, the Tulum Ruins stand as one of the last cities built and inhabited by the Maya civilization. The well-preserved El Castillo, Temple of the Frescoes, and Temple of the Descending God offer insight into the architectural prowess and spiritual life of the ancient Maya. A visit to Tulum wouldn't be complete without taking a dip in the waters below the ruins, where the beach is often cited as one of the most beautiful in the world.

Beyond its historical significance, Tulum has emerged as a bohemian paradise for eco-conscious travelers and adventure enthusiasts. The town’s boutique hotels and eco-friendly resorts are nestled in the jungle or perched on the beach, offering yoga retreats, organic cuisine, and wellness experiences that embody the area's laid-back vibe. Visitors can explore the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to mangroves, coral reefs, and diverse wildlife, including dolphins and manatees. Kayaking through lagoons, birdwatching, or snorkeling in the crystal-clear cenotes provides an immersive experience in one of the planet’s most biodiverse regions.

Tulum also caters to the more adventurous spirit. The Gran Cenote and Dos Ojos Cenote are world-renowned diving and snorkeling spots that draw visitors into an ethereal underworld of stalactites, stalagmites, and freshwater caves. For those who prefer to stay above ground, the nearby Coba archaeological site offers a climb to the top of the Nohoch Mul pyramid, the highest in the Yucatán Peninsula. From here, visitors are treated to sweeping views of the jungle canopy, with Tulum's turquoise waters glimmering in the distance.

Fun fact: Tulum is one of the few places in the world where visitors can swim in a cenote, explore ancient ruins, and relax on a white-sand beach all in one day. This unique blend of natural wonders and cultural treasures makes Tulum an irresistible destination for travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation.