Q&A: Why Is Mexico So Freakin' Awesome?

Tulum, Mexico

Hey you -- yeah, you -- stop hogging the party punch and get over here. We want you to meet a friend of ours, and they just so happen to be freakin' awesome. Some notes before you go. Yes, we are aware: staggeringly gorgeous, but try not to trip over yourself. They're the modest type, so stare silently in awe and just soak in every last corner. From the old-world beauty and turquoise waters of its Mayan Riviera to the magnificent mountains of Monterrey, you could get lost for decades just trying to record every inch of greatness in its vast landscape. And speaking of old-world, we can't think of anyone who balances that charming tradition (see: monolithic step pyramids in Chichen Itza) with such sharp modern sensibilities (see: vibrance of modern Mexico City), retaining its heart and character despite having been through countless struggles over thousands of years. What's that? You're shy? Don't speak Spanish? Poor excuses, muchachos and muchachas. If you need any more convincing, we've got plenty of more reasons why you should meet Mexico -- we've rounded up the Web's top experts and travelers to give us the inside scoop on what makes this dazzling nation one of the world's most fulfilling trips. Now andale!

Our esteemed roundtable features Mexico experts from many backgrounds:

Bruce Poon Tip is the CEO of Gap Adventures, a massively successful travel company that serves more than 90,000 thrill-seekers each year with an emphasis on sustainable and authentic experiences. Check out his site here and follow him on Twitter @brucepoontip.

Stephanie Diehl is the owner of Travel Designed by Stephanie, which specializes in destination weddings and honeymoons, group trips and solo adventures. Follow her on Twitter @traveldesigned.

Jessica Lomelin was born in Cancun to a Mexican-American family and has traveled the country far and wide. She blogs here and tweets here.

JoAnn Miller has lived in Mexico for forty years and is a specialist in English as a second language. Follow her on Twitter @jabbusch.

1. Mexico has spectacular ancient ruins. Which ancient historical site awed you the most and why?

I think I have to say Tulum. First of all the first time I went to Tulum was 15 years ago and the area surrounding was very different back then. Playa del Carmen was a hidden gem and there was yet to be something called the Mayan Riviera! The spectacular thing about Tulum for me is its location. Overlooking the warm blue seas. The contract between the bright turquoise water with the ancient stone grey is spectacular. I also like to imagine the ancient Mayan people roaming the grounds and bathing in the warm waters. Kind of like a Mayan summer beach house!

-- Bruce Poon Tip

Being from the Yucatan, I'm going to have to say Tulum. It's an amazing area with such history, culture and breathtaking scenery. You can feel a spiritual presence and learn a tremendous amount of information. For the soul seekers, I recommend visiting during the solstice and equinox. Locals venture out to Tulum to celebrate the turning of the seasons and celebrate with the Mayan gods.

-- Jessica Lomelin

I think the smaller sites are often the best. Teotihuacan is too touristic now. It is nice to go once, but I'd really recommend: Monte Alban in Oaxaca (on a foggy day you feel like you are in a magical floating city), Cacaxtla in Puebla (for the murals, but it has been closed for the last few years for restauration) and Xochicalco in Morelos (the site of a prehispanic "astronomical convention" to regulate the calendar--it also has an observatory).

-- JoAnn Miller

2. We've heard there are beaches outside of Cancun. What beachside community do you consider the best in the country and why?

I have to say I am partial to Mazatlan. Not necessarily because of the water but more because of the community. It is a great place to roam the streets and very easy to get around. It is still very inexpensive and harks back to the days when Mexico really appealed to the original snow birders. It is just the right size with a enough tourist to give it a bit of structure but not too many that it loses its charm.

-- Bruce Poon Tip

The Riviera Maya has so many spectacular beaches. The beach at Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita is fantastic. It is part of a protected area near Puerto Morelos. The beaches of Tulum and Akumal are incredible as well. But the best beach in the entire Riviera Maya, in my opinion is Playa Maroma. The color of the water and the depth of the beach is like none other I have EVER seen.

-- Stephanie Diehl, Travel Designed

It's hard for me to share my secret gem, but I am in love with a small, bohemian beach town outside of Cancun called Akumal (pictured right). It's a small, small area that has one villa, one small grocery store and a handful of locally-owned restaurants. It's the type of place where you sit with your toes in the sand, enjoy the locals and a few families strolling around and indulge in your fish and ceviche that was just hand-picked from the ocean moments ago. They also have a lagoon that offers one of the most serene, picturesque snorkeling areas. While it's small, the quality of untouched terrain and schools of fish and natural sea life is hard to come by. You'll find the gate owner, who is around 75+ yrs old, and has been there for decades and decades. The village is very simple, untouched and serene. It's one of the few areas outside of Cancun that you can escape to and feel like you're in a whole other world.

-- Jessica Lomelin

3. What is the most treasured possession that you've purchased from Mexico, where did you get it? Is there a good story behind it?

I have so many souvenirs from Mexico, my husband says I could open a gift shop of my own!! Mexico is a country full of amazing artists and their works are in so many different mediums. There are works of art available in every price range.

I LOVE Oaxacan art the best. The fine details of the painted alebrijes (pictured left) and animals are really nice. I also love the black pottery, especially pieces that have cut out patterns so I can put a candle in them.

I have recently been turned on by Pineda Colvina silk designs and have started a new collection of those. I have a huichol pattern I am extremely fond of as well as a Diego Riviera and a Frida Kahlo. Those two I intend to frame.

Huichol art is fascinating as I cant imagine the patience it takes to place all those tiny beads in such intricate patterns.

There is also Talavera -- painted pottery. It can be found in two typical varieties. One in the traditional blue on white designs or brightly colored paints. The brightly colored are often of fruit or jalapeno designs. In Los Cabos I visited a gallery that featured something new to me, black on white designs, which were striking.

I also enjoy, but unfortunately don't own, Sergio Bustamante works. REALLY cool works of art.

Don't forget the silver, silver jewelry and table ware, silver trays, frames and boxes, silver EVERYTHING!! Pewter is also very affordable in Mexico as well and many fine pieces to be had.

On a more affordable level, I like nicely hand painted or handcrafted magnets. In Puerto Vallarta, near the Malecon there is a jewelry shop I love to visit that features miniature paintings that I adore.

-- Stephanie Diehl

4. I want to impress a friend with an expert-recommended, delicious dish. What menu item do you consider essential to a Mexico visit, and if possible, where would you buy it from?

I love the cream soups of Mexico. But something new to me is sangrita -- a sort of bloody mary mix that is a non alcoholic side drink to a glass of tequila. Each bartender in Mexico has their own special recipe.

-- Stephanie Diehl

Mexico's cuisine is too vast to cover in a few sentences. It really depends on the part of the country and the time of the year. Most dishes can be found in Mexico City, but they are better in their homeland: Puebla: mole poblano and chiles en nogada (Fonda de Santa Clara), Oaxaca: mole negro, rojo and amarillo, Michoacan: carnitas and pozole, Yucatan: queso relleno, cochinita.

-- JoAnn Miller

I would say a classic meal that you must order when on the coast is Ceviche (pictured right). It's a cocktail of fresh seafood topped with lime and salsa. It is unbelievably fresh and to die for! To eat like a local, you must eat at the taco stands and order the specialty's, whether its tacos al pastor or quesadillas con queso oaxaca. Finally, top it off with a glass of Jamaica or Horchata.

-- Jessica Lomelin

5. What Mexican city do you feel deserves far more tourism fanfare than it's been given? Why?

One of my favorite cities is 160 miles northwest of Mexico City, called Queretaro. It's very colonial and contains a beautiful mountainous landscape. You can visit the iglesias and stroll through the markets on cobble stone streets. The history and preserved culture makes you realize why Mexico is such a fascinating country.

-- Jessica Lomelin

Well to be honest the city I think that deserves more tourism fanfare is Mexico City. Too many people see it as a crowded unsafe place to visit. But Mexico City is fantastic and while you must be careful like any capital city in the world, it has so much to offer. So much culture, heritage and endless entertainment. There is fine food, wine, museums and outstanding nightlife. I think it is one of the most and underrated cities.

- Bruce Poon Tip


Many, many thanks to our experts, and let's hope their words inspire you to get to this wonderful country.