México lindo y querido is a traditional Mexican song, written in the ranchero and mariachi style by Morelia-born Chucho Monge in 1921 and made famous by Jorge Negrete. It is one of the best-known Mexican songs in the Spanish speaking world, and among Mexicans it transmits a sense of loyalty and patriotism and a certain sense of nostalgia for the homeland.

But we’re not here to talk about this world-famous song, but rather to sing the praises of this country and show you just how lindo – beautiful – Mexico really is.

Mexico is a federal republic made up of 31 individual states and a Federal District (DF) – the capital.  Jalisco, Nayarit, Oaxaca, Chiapas, Quintana Roo, Yucatán, Baja California, and many more besides, … each state boasts its own variations in countless aspects, such as climate, culture, gastronomy, history, population and language.

Mexico is the destination you’re looking for if your interests lie in exploring colonial towns or in experiencing modernity with a capital M. Mexico is your destination if you fancy a culinary tour packed with flavours, have a love of spicy food and simply adore tequila. In Mexico you’ll find archaeological ruins that offer a fascinating insight into completely different worlds. You’ll see monuments, cathedrals, monasteries and magical towns. You’ll have the opportunity to swim with whale sharks and go diving in the depths of a sinkhole. In Mexico, the Day of the Dead celebrations are unlike anything you have ever experienced before. Just one sip of a Michelada and you’ll be hooked.  You’ll have the chance to attend an electronic music concert right in the heart of Playa del Carmen, or if you prefer, witness the ‘Mayan Crossing’ the re-enactment of one of the Mayans’ most beautiful rituals from Xcaret Beach to Cozumel. In Mexico you can bathe in the waters of the Caribbean or the Pacific Ocean, or watch the turtles laying their eggs on the beaches of Akumal Bay.  In Mexico you’ll discover natural wonders such as the Barranca del Cobre (Copper Canyon) in Chihuahua, the Sumidero Canyon in Chiapas or Xel-ha in Quintana Roo. Yet this is also a country of manmade marvels such as the Monte Albán archaeological site in Oaxaca, Chichén Itzá in Yucatán or Tulum  in Quintana Roo.

But more than anything else, in Mexico you’ll feel at home. The Mexicans are happy, outgoing people that are friendly and easy to talk to. They’ll always treat you with courtesy and respect, whilst at the same time transmitting the warmth that forms an innate part of their character, and you’ll end up making friends wherever you go.

“If you like the idea of lying on the beach all day, swimming in the warm waters of the Caribbean, being treated like a king or a queen whilst you admire the most breathtaking scenery you’ve ever seen…then you’ll love any of the fabulous resorts that  IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts has in this amazing country.”

Mexico is the first country in the world to have its traditional cuisine included on the UNESCO’s World Heritage List.  Yet it’s only fair to say that we’re talking about a vast gastronomic melting pot: Mexican cuisine is very varied and is closely linked to the geography, society, orography and biodiversity of this land… Mexico is made up of many states, each with its own unique features. For instance, Oaxaca has more than 500 municipalities, and in turn each one has its own special characteristics; in contrast, Baja California Sur (Lower South California) has just four municipalities, whilst Veracruz has 800 km of coastline so the cuisine of Tuxpan is completely different from that of Coatzacoalcos yet it shares similarities with the dishes served in the coast. In turn, the dishes prepared on the coast are distinctly different from those that can be found in the mountains – or to put it another way, there is a world of difference between the gastronomy of Córdoba and Xalapa.

Mexican food is rich in distinctive flavours and is heavily condimented, thanks to the delicious mix of African, Spanish, Asian and native styles. Although the dishes vary radically from region to region, they all share a series of common ingredients, namely corn, chillies and beans. The food is generally nutritious, economical and spicy, although the degree of spiciness varies according to the region. Tomato in all forms and varieties is also widely used.

Below is a list of just a few traditional Mexican dishes:

Tacos:  Corn tortillas filled with chicken and/or meat, red, green and yellow peppers, tomato and onion.

White Pozole: There is a red version (such as those made in Jalisco) and a green version (from the Michoacán Coast) of this soup that is made from a special type of corn known as cacahuazintle, to which pork or chicken meat is added as an extra ingredient.

Enchiladas: They are similar to tacos, but far spicier and have no cereals but lots of cheese.

Mole: Various Mexican varieties are named after this dish. The most traditional option is a sauce made from cocoa, various species of chillies, tomato, almonds, raisins, cinnamon, parsley and several other species.

Guacamole: This is a sauce made from avocado. There are numerous variations depending on the region, but the most common ingredients are avocado, onion, green chilli and a few drops of lemon juice, although many people also add roasted, sundried or fresh tomato.

What makes Mexican food original and unique is the wealth of flavours, colours, aromas and textures that appear each day at mealtimes, on the altars where they remember and pay tribute to their loved ones that have passed away, during religious and national celebrations and at family get-togethers. The quality of Mexican food is recognised around the world and ranks among the world’s top five, together with Chinese, Indian, Italian and Spanish cuisine.

So how about a dish of authentic enchiladas accompanied by a shot of tequila?

“Guests staying at any of IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts’ hotels in Mexico  will have the opportunity to enjoy traditional Mexican fare as they enjoy an unforgettable holiday experience.”