Mexico is an awesome place if you are looking for adventure and ancient history exploration. The annual Monarch butterfly migration is one of nature’s great spectacles and a top attraction for visitors to Mexico’s central highlands. Each year, millions of Monarch Butterflies make the journey from eastern Canada to the forests of western central Mexico, a journey that spans up to 3,000 miles. The Monarch butterflies spend their winter hibernation clustered in small areas of the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve in Michoacan, before they travel to the north again.

Another of Mexico’s increasingly popular beach destinations is the Pacific coastal city of Puerto Vallarta. Often shortened to just Vallarta, the city – many parts of which remain untouched by modern development – first appeared on the vacation radar in the 1960s as a playground for North America’s social elite and has since become extremely popular among foreigners looking for second homes in a warmer climate. Nowadays, the city is as likely to attract an older cruise ship audience looking to swim with the dolphins as it is younger travelers looking for adventure, found here in activities as diverse as paragliding and jet-skiing. For those who like vacationing at a little slower pace, the city also boasts many locations to shop for arts and crafts or to simply stroll along pleasant beachside promenades with their many green spaces and sculptures.

Isla Mujeres

A geographical hop, skip and jump from the battered tourist trail of Cancun, Isla Mujeres could not be further away in spirit and general atmosphere. The 30 minute boat ride from the hustle and bustle, over cool blue waters and under clear wispily clouded skies should be enough to bring you down to the pace of this sleepy little islandand you’ll be happy with the escape from Cancun I promise you that! With everything you need for an idealistic spell of beaches, books and cocktails, it is perfect place to take a beach breather if you’re mid backpack-tour or on a quick getaway. For those in need of a bit more activity, it is also and home to the quite remarkable Isla Mujeres turtle farm.

Playa Del Carmen, Mexico : Believe it or not, the best places to swim in Playa del Carmen aren’t in the ocean. Ask any local where to take a dip and you’re certain to get the same answer: visit a cenote.

What’s a cenote?

Well, I’m glad you asked. Cenotes are essentially underground swimming holes formed where limestone bedrock gives way to underground rivers and springs. There are thousands of them in the Yucatan peninsula and visiting one should be at the top of any list of things to do in Playa del Carmen.. More details about Hostel Playa del Carmen

Just outside of Tulum is Cenote Dos Ojos, one of the country’s largest underwater cave systems. The name means the cavern of two eyes, referring to the two sinkholes connected by a long passageway. The water in the caverns is filtered through limestone, making it exceptionally clear. As a result, Cenote Dos Ojos is wildly popular with both snorkelers and more serious scuba divers, some of whom head deep into the underwater cavern.