You don’t need piles of pesos for a lavish honeymoon in Mexico. All you need is a bikini fit for a Bond girl, a taste for margaritas and a hammock for two.
Despite what you see on the TV, there is more to a Mexico than sombreros, moustaches and cactuses. Bordering America, this vast country is a treasure chest of adventures and activities – a Mexico honeymoon is perfect for adventurous newlyweds.
Imagine hiking through mountain villages in search of local handicrafts, toasting the swaggering cliff divers of Acapulco or sipping lime-infused Coronas after a hard day’s snorkelling.
A honeymoon in Mexico
Mexico City was originally built by the Aztecs on an island in the centre of a volcanic lake. Since the arrival of the Spanish, the lake has been drained, filled in and a European city built on top of the ancient one.
Mexico is a place of contrasts. From any given vantage point you might see a futuristic 1950s-style skyscraper, an old Spanish colonial building and the Aztec sunstone which has been recently excavated from under the main plaza.
Muralists are greatly respected in Mexico and you will see wall after wall of the distinctive art form. Those with a passion for Diego Rivera’s revolutionary art will be delighted to learn most Mexican museums and galleries are free on Sundays.
Mexico City’s largest park, Bosque de Chapultepec, features lakes, hills, countless world-class museums and the presidential residence. The park attracts thousands of people, especially on weekends when families come to picnic, relax in the woods and visit the museums. It is a relaxing way to spend a day away from the crowds of the city.
Take the time to visit the Mexican ballet, a grand spectacle where no expense is spared in the name of entertainment.
Where to stay
Despite its reputation as a big city, you will find many intimate, luxury hacienda-style hotels. There are some lovely ones near the central Zócalo (plaza) – one of the largest plazas in the world. A massive flag in the centre is raised and lowered every day and an entertaining sight is the procession of soldiers marching out of the Presidential Palace.
La Casona is a beautiful 19th century boutique hotel situated within walking distance from the city centre. It contains all the luxury amenities you’ll need after a wedding and the long flight over, while retaining the atmosphere and charm of a heritage-listed building.
Taxco
Taxco (pronounced ‘Tass-co’) only 160 kilometres south west of the capital, is probably one of the most romantic honeymoon destinations in Mexico. Newlyweds will delight in exploring the maze of cobbled streets and whitewash terracotta-roofed buildings in this hilly silver-smithing village.
Things to do
It wouldn’t be a holiday without shopping. Opportunities for fantastic shopping occur on every street corner in Mexico and nowhere is that more accessible than in Taxco. Unlike other developing nations, Mexican traders will not hassle aggressively when bargaining. Mexicans themselves are active consumers of local handicrafts, which also ensures the quality is high.
In such a modernised country, it’s refreshing to see some residents of Taxco wearing their traditional woven and embroidered costumes, which are made locally. Other than silver, terrific gifts include skillfully painted papier-mache boxes and delicate hand-woven woollen wraps.
Food and drink
After rummaging all day for the finest silver work, relax with a margarita – a drink invented to make tequila more palatable to foreigners. If cocktails are not to your taste, there is always an icy cold Corona or two.
Mexican street food is another experience not to be missed. The back streets are full of lively night markets selling everything from limes and tomatoes to fried grasshoppers and fruit salad, with an optional side of chilli.
A meal at one of Mexico’s many open-air restaurants, known as comedores, is a good way to sample authentic food. If you find it too spicy, Western-style burgers and pizzas are available everywhere. Antonito’s or ‘little whims’ are entree-size snacks, which can be bought on any street corner to fill you up. Sample the huevos rancheros in the morning for eggs with a chilli jolt.
Fun in Acapulco
When your bags are overflowing with exotic handicrafts, it’s time to wind down and head for the outstanding beaches. Your only worry at this stage is deciding which one to visit first!
Elvis’ kitsch adventures in Fun in Acapulco are not far from the real thing. If balmy waters and endless seafood spreads served in giant clamshells are your thing then head straight for Old Acapulco, where the famous song, The Girl From Ipanema pulsates from every bar. Unwind on a hired lounge on the beach with a cabana boy to fetch your drinks.
The indisputable highlight of Acapulco is the cliff divers, or clavadistas who, for the past 70 years have been plummeting from the high rocky cliffs for the benefit of startled onlookers. These bronzed, barrel-chested men put on a terrific show, and pray flamboyantly from little tents before plunging more than 35 metres to a narrow gap below. For a few dollars you can view their antics over a beer or, if you want to make a night of it, the famous Hotel La Perla offers a dinner-and-show package for quite a few more dollars.
Looking for the perfect honeymoon package? Find it on the Bride Directory.