Elite Traveler January-February 2016

EXPLORE MEXICO

Mexico has the cultural clout of Argentina, the indigenous energy of Peru, the fashion and flair of Colombia and the economic vigor of the US. Arguably, it is the most exciting destination in the Americas. In recent years, its mega-capital, Mexico City (known as Distrito Federal or DF by locals), has become safer and far more stylish. Vibrant gastronomy scenes are flourishing in Condesa and Polanco and the once dead quiet Downtown has been repurposed as a cool place to live following investment from billionaire Carlos Slim and his pals. But Mexico is also massive. It is 2,709 miles by road, from Cancún in the Yucatán peninsula to Tijuana on the Californian border. That’s why you should plan any travel itinerary with care so you don’t spend more time in the air than on the ground. The most obvious place to start is with the out-there experiences: Day of the Dead festivals, mescal hangovers, manic mariachi bands. But there are breathtaking landscapes too, from the mountains of Chiapas to the photogenic deserts of Chihuahua to the beaches of Baja California. And then there is the pre-Columbian history. The Aztecs in the central plains and the Mayans on the Yucatán peninsula evolved into sophisticated civilizations – their pyramids, tombs, halls, walls and ball-playing courts form the essential stops in any serious Mexican itinerary. But what truly differentiates this country from any of its neighbors is the raw pride and energy of its people. From Cancún to the capital, from Baja to the Silver Cities of the center, you will encounter superlative art, contemporary cuisine, awesome architecture and the clashing, dizzying colors of scores of native and mestizo communities – and along with all that, an unfailingly warm welcome.

From left: The heart of Guanajuato, known as one of the Silver Cities; driving through the extraordinary countryside of Yucatán

ONTHE ROAD So you’re planning a road trip throughMexico. You have a) a weekend, b) one week, or c) longer.Where on earth do you begin? Do you visit the densely-forestedmountains? Explore the deserts of Chihuahua? Soak up the festival culture in the cities or retreat to the Pacific coast?We sent ChrisMoss to find the best routes, however long your stay