Mexico
Best Friends: Gladys(1990) and Hana of the Multiple Projects(1999)
Mexico's landscape and its people reflect the country's extraordinary history - part Indian, part Spanish. One look at this country is enough to remind visitors that there is nothing new about the so-called `New World'. Despite the considerable colonial legacy and rampant modernization, there are still over 50 distinct indigenous peoples, each with their own language, maintaining vestiges of their traditional lifestyles.
Mexico's climate varies according to its topography. It's hot and humid along the coastal plains on both sides of the country, but inland, at higher elevations, such as in Guadalajara or Mexico City, the climate is much drier and more temperate. The hot, wet season is May to October, with the hottest and wettest months falling between June and September over most of the country. The low-lying coastal areas receive more rainfall than elevated inland regions. December to February are generally the coolest months, when north winds can make inland northern Mexico decidedly chilly, with temperatures sometimes approaching freezing.
Around Mexico City Only 50km (31mi) northeast of the city center lie the ruins of Mexico's biggest ancient city, Teotihuacán, which probably boasted 200,000 inhabitants at its peak in the 6th century. Teotihuacán was the capital of Mexico's first great civilization, and the remains testify to its pre-eminence. Travelers who can avoid the touts will be in awe of the Avenue of the Dead, the 70m (230ft) high Pyramid of the Sun, the Pyramid of the Moon and the Palace of the Quetzal Butterfly. Tula, the probable capital of the Toltec civilization, is 65km (40mi) north of Mexico City. The site is best known for its fearsome 4m (13ft) high stone warriors.
The Yucatán Peninsula When you cross the Río Usumacinta into Yucatán, you are crossing into the realm of the Maya. Heirs to a glorious and often violent history, the Maya live today where their ancestors lived a millennium ago. Yucatán has surprising diversity: archaeological sites galore, colonial cities, seaside resorts and quiet coastlines populated mostly by tropical birds. There are impressive Mayan sites near Mérida at Uxmal and Chichén Itzá. The coastal state of Quintana Roo, with its islands and white-sand beaches, attracts sun-loving tourists.
The beaches along the Yucatán coast between Cancún and Tulum are some of the most beautiful in the world. Xcaret has both tumbledown Mayan ruins and a beautiful inlet or caleta, filled with tropical marine life. Bring your snorkel. A few meters inland is the cenote, a limpid pool in a limestone cave, which is also an excellent place for a swim. Yal-Ku Lagoon, one of the best spots for snorkeling, is not even signposted; you may have the beautiful crystal-clear waters to yourself.
Basaseachic Falls The 245m (800ft) high Basaseachic Falls are the second-highest waterfalls in the world (the biggest drop is at Angel Falls in Venezuela). Located 140km (87mi) northwest of Creel, it's worth the one-hour drive and every footstep of the almost one-hour hike to reach the falls. Creel is also a good base for reaching the smaller Cascada Cusárare, 22km (14mi) south of the town.
Hints from Piero: Don't miss Acapulco with his nice beaches and his Cliff Divers which are unique in the globe. When I was there with Mr. Andrea Bolognesi, there was a disco built along a cliff with a stunning view on the Acapulco Bay. Yucatan is touristy but deserve a visit. Baja california is also intersting but too hot and dry.