More than a Beach

Posted by TravelKorner on March 8, 2014 in Destination Mexico, English | Leave a comment

Covering 756,000 square miles, Mexico offers everything to make a trip an adventure rather than a mindless beach holiday. Brave a climb up to the snow that covers one of the highest peaks on the continent or throw youseld into exploring a deep chasm filled with birds, ride incredible rapids or try something on the easy side such as an unforgettable walk among migrating butterflies to encounters with turtles ready to spawn on a beach or take a train ride with views of bottomless canyons, visit indigenous communities, sample the flavors of every corner of Mexico and make this an unforgettable trip.

Here’s our top 8 experiences in Mexico:

1. COPPER CANYON IN CHIHUAHUA

Marvel at the breathtaking landscape aboard one of the last remaining passenger trains in Mexico that travels along the edge of a deep canyon. Stop at Divisadero to run the zip line in the Barrancas del Cobre Adventure Park. Then, explore the trails, go horseback riding or descend the impressive slopes by mountain bike. You can also immerse yourself in the Baseachi and Cusarare waterfalls before camping at Lake Arareko. Are you ready to descend 4,500 feet, and then climb back up? Watch the Raramuri ultra-marathon, a 65-mile excursion along the Sinforosa, the imposing cliffs of the region. For more information on other adventures and accommodations in Copper Canyon visit http://www.mexicoscoppercanyon.com

2. THE SEA OF CORTÉS

Remote, eternal and surprising: where land, sea and sky meet. You can be in the water, up close, with magnificent whales beneath the waves and among millions of forms of underwater life. You can also go sea kayaking or play any extreme sport you could imagine and experience that adrenaline rush that you simply must feel. There are also real family adventures, even for the smallest explorers. http://www.kayakbaja.com

3. PEAK TO RAPIDS IN VERACRUZ

If you like adventure, you will not want to miss the Pico de Orizaba – the highest volcano in Mexico and the third highest mountain in North America. To discover a little more of the mountainous landscapes of the state of Veracruz, venture into the deepest caves in the country and, if you are a brave traveler, go down into any of their challenging canyons and enjoy rappelling down their waterfalls. Then you can descend the Pescados, Actopan and Filobobos rivers in kayak or on a raft. Walk along majestic trails with your camera capturing a great variety of endemic birds and, once you get your breath back, we suggest one of the specialties of the state: a great cup of coffee. For more advice on tour here visit http://www.discoververacruztours.com

4. THE PRIME VAL JUNGLE OF CHIAPAS

In the Arco del Tiempo eco-tourism area (designated a unesco World Heritage site), you can explore 150-foot deep canyons or take a raft along the Rio La Venta to a jungle camp. Visit Lacandona indigenous settlements to learn about how life is surrounded by wonderful and impressive nature. And look to the skies to see the bright feathers of the birds, such as the scarlet macaw. It is definitely not about simple bird-watching. For more information on touring here visit http://www.lacantours.com/en

5. THE MONARCHS OF MEXICO

You cannot claim to know Mother Earth if you have not witnessed the millions of monarch butterflies that congregate in Ocampo and Angangueo: a phenomenal sea of black and orange that has transformed the lives of many people. Jump into the saddle and ride the Don Vasco Route on horseback on trails dating back to the 16th century, toward remote lakes and waterfalls. Once in Zirahuén, change to a kayak, a raft or a bicycle to experience an unforgettable wild lakeshore adventure. For information on a butterfly tour visit http://www.nathab.com/central-america/monarch-butterfly-tour

6. PUERTO ESCONDIDO, OAXACA

Surf in the sea like never before and submerge yourself into a relaxed pace, like being in another world. In Puerto Escondido, whose cosmopolitanism and relaxed atmosphere make it more fashionable than ever, discover beaches perfect for dominating the crests. On Zicatela, start your quest for waves at dawn and take a break on a perfect beach with the best seafood. A short distance away, in Mazunte, find protected turtles or camp at the Lagunas de Chacahua halfway along a beautiful beach in a completely natural setting. Or go to Huatulco, a privileged eco-tourism destination, which holds the EarthCheck Gold certificate as a sustainable destination. Visit http://visitapuerto.com for more info on tours in this region.

7. A HIGH POINT IN NUEVO LEÓN

Climb to heights of up to 1830 feet along the gray limestone faces of El Potrero Chico, one of the best climbing destinations in the world, for the best experience, guaranteed. At the wonderful Cañón Matacanes you can rappel down 90 feet or may take a dizzying 40-foot free-fall plunge. Don’t miss the spectacular Chipitin waterfall. Never has being exhausted been so satisfying. For info on climbing  check out http://www.elpotrerochicoguides.com

8. BIKING, CLIMBING OR RAPPELLING IN SIERRA GORDA OF QUERÉTARO

Travel along old roads that will lead you to missions and pre-Hispanic remains in one of the most beautiful and spectacular corners of Mexico. Ride bikes along mountain trails until you reach panoramas in which the sky and the earth merge together. Then head for Peña de Bernal – a monolith as impressive as that of Gibraltar or the Sugarloaf – where you can rappel or climb its 900-foot, 10-million year-old faces. It is the rustic Mexico only known by the most intrepid adventurers. To find your adventure here visit http://adventurehuntersmexico.com/destinations/magical-pena-de-bernal

INFO BOX:

For more information on adventures in Mexico visit the Asociación Mexicana de Turismo de Aventura y Ecoturismo’s website www.amtave.org