Mexico is one of the world’s greatest civilisations. It’s home to the Aztecs and Mayans and has pyramids to rival Egypt’s. It also has volcanoes, cenotes, beaches, wildlife and amazing food. If you’re trip savvy, it’s a great place to visit on your gap year.
Here’s our pros and cons:
Pros:
Mexico has the greatest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Americas with 35 diverse sites. This includes 27 cultural sites and 6 natural sites featuring Mayan and Aztec pyramids and Spanish Colonial architecture.
The country has two coasts – the Pacific and the Caribbean – home to incredible sandy beaches, tropical reefs and whales.
Mexico has astonishing natural attractions from volcanoes and cenotes to jungles and canyons.
It’s home to a good healthcare system.
The food is inventive and incredible.
Mexico has a low cost of living.
Cons:
It’s a large, wide country. So it can take time to get around, if you don’t concentrate on a few areas, or take internal flights.
Mexico has significant crime rates including robbery, assault and vehicle hijacking, especially in Mexico City. You need to use common sense at all times.
We suggest checking with your accommodation what areas are no go. Avoid hailing a cab in all locations and avoid remote roads.
Drug related violence and turf wars are on the increase in certain areas: the Northern States and Baja California in particular, but you are at risk in many states.
Research your destination carefully, monitor local advice and check ahead with the FCO.
Air pollution is high in cities.
Many visitors suffer from altitude sickness in Mexico City.
The water supply can be variable.
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