From stunning pristine beaches to ancient archaeological sites and delicious cuisine Mexico offers a cultural exposition like no other country. Add some salsa and guacamole to sample and you have a vacation like no other.
If you are a culture buff keen on visiting Latin-America from the US, the key is to board a cruise from Fort Lauderdale or Tampa in Florida to Mexico’s sun-drenched Caribbean coast where history and rich culture beckons you.
Here are a few ways to make the most of your trip to the country’s magical coastline and embrace the vibrant culture of the country.
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Learn some Spanish
While English is commonly spoken and widely understood in the whole of Mexico, learning a few phrases in Spanish will not only endear yourself to the locals, but enhance your overall holiday experience as well.
Simple phrases such as ‘ buenos dias’ meaning good morning and ‘hola’ meaning hi or hello can come in very handy when ordering food like tacos or ceviche in a local restaurant.
Go with the local pace
Not only the coastal towns but most of Mexico itself moves at a slow pace. In fact, the country is known for its relaxed atmosphere, so when visiting the coastline, simply soak up the sun and blend with the locals by sharing a cerveza with them and engaging them with light-hearted banter.
Respect local customs
Much of Mexico’s culture revolves around the church, religious values as well as the concept of family inclusiveness. Beyond the cities the families are large and very conscious of their responsibilities. Making a visitor feel at home is a large part of their values and customs.
It is therefore important to respect local customs. If invited for a meal, do not leave right away after a meal. As a guest you are expected to sit and converse for a while before leaving and after saying a thorough good bye to everyone.
Enjoy the rich and varied cuisine
The Mexican cuisine is spicy and colorful and has made a name for itself worldwide. If you travel around the country as a visitor, you can savor the regional variety, right from Italian to Japanese dishes. For example, the Pacific Coast uses its plentiful resources of fish, while the Yucatan features delicious dishes with Maya roots.
Besides eating out, you can gain an insight on Mexican food on food tours and through cookery classes. Cancun and Cozumel are among the popular destinations that offer cookery classes that provide their own culinary inspiration.
Experience the chocolate culture
The chocolate culture in Mexico goes back 4,000 years and even today in Mexico you will find chocolate in a number of forms as a common treat. In Olemic language, chocolate was called “cacao” and remnants of drinks and jars can be seen on the ancient glyph carvings.
While the Mayans fermented the cacao and drank it with corn and honey, the Aztecs enjoyed it cold and bitter, often frothing like beer or champagne during their religious festivals,