A fusion of Spanish and traditional culture, Mexico draws the largest number of travellers of all the Latin American countries. With rugged coastlines to plush Caribbean resorts and ruins of ancient civilisations it’s easy to see why. From whale watching and snorkelling off the coast of Baja California to following in the footsteps of the Mayan empire at Tulum, there’s something to tickle everyone’s fancy.
Best Mexico Gap Year Programs
Sea Turtle Conservation in Mexico
• 2-12 weeks
• Price from £3,445
TEFL Course in Puerto Vallarta
• 4 weeks
• $1499
Mexico – Yucatán Experience
• 11 days
• Price from £1,276
Mexico Coast to Coast Tour
• 22 days
• Price from £2,273
Mayan Discovery
• 15 days, 3 countries
• Price from £1,049
Caribbean Encounter
• 10 days, 3 countries
• Price from £1,972
Epic Centra America Tour
• 45 days, 7 countries
• Price from £3,329
Mexico Gap Year Ideas
You can find tours, volunteering, interning, teaching, studying, white water rafting, scuba diving, surfing, horse riding and mountain biking in numerous places. Start planning a gap year to Mexico today.
Don’t leave Mexico without…
Ogling age-old civilisations
Mexico is a temple-hoppers dream. From the giant Aztec pyramids of Teotihuacán to the hilltop Zapotec town of Monte Alban and the crumbling Mayan edifices of Palenque you’re likely to be popping back a few thousand years every few days. Mexico is famous for its pre-hispanic architecture of massive stone temples dedicated to the sun and moon. There are artisan markets selling woven fabrics, ceramics, metalwork and carvings.
Riding the train through the Copper Canyon
It’s one of the great train journeys of the world and one that winds through the Sierra Madre mountain range and a series of deep, awe-inspiring canyons. Start in Chihuahua City and end at Los Mochis.
Hanging with Zapatista rebels
Deep in Chiapas lies the colonial highland town of San Cristóbal De Las Casas, where the indigenous Zapatista rebellion exploded in the 1990s. Things have mellowed since then, and now you’re more likely to bump into artistic dreamers than gun-wielding revolutionaries.
Going loco in Acapulco
Yes, it’s touristy, but there’s a reason people head here – margaritas maravillosas, cliff-jumping clavadistas and a faded 50s glory that makes you sing Sinatra after one too many mezcals.
Falling for Frida
A trip to Frida Kahlo’s La Casa Azul in Mexico City will transport you into the colourful life the artist shared with husband Diego Rivera. There’s the feeling that their presence looms large – helped by his enormous dungarees hanging on a peg.
Mexico Travel Tips
Safety
Street crime in Mexico is a pretty serious problem. Pickpockets and scam artists operate in all major cities and tourist areas so keep an eye on your bags at all times. If travelling alone, avoid taking a bus late at night and keep to daylight hours. Drug offences are treated harshly so steer clear of illegal substances during your stay.
How do I fit in?
Mexicans are friendly and share a self-deprecating sense of humour, so have a little fun. Be wary of a few traditions though: women walk on the inside of the men on a pavement (unless they’re touting for work) and Mexican machismo lives on.
Can I bend the rules?
Don’t bother trying. Even if you don’t, you’re likely to be ‘fined’ by the police. Low salaries and high levels of corruption mean they’ll accept the burger in your hand as a bribe.
Will I find myself?
It’s not all tequila and tacos. Immerse yourself in Frida, Diego and Octavio Paz and you’ll find deeper passion for Mexican culture.
Which animals want me for lunch?
Cockroaches are the biggest annoyance in Mexico. If you were to lie still for long enough they’d probably drag you off for tea. Other wildlife includes too-cute geckos and scorpions that sting but look cool.
Can I drink the water?
Not unless you want to practise your Aztec two-step – that’s the dance you’ll be doing on your way to the loo.
