“All good stories start in cantinas.”
As the thirteenth largest country in the world and home to over 126 million people, Mexico is one of the most diverse and culturally vibrant destinations on the planet. Credited as one of the six cradles of civilisation, Mexico has been a home for humans since at least 8,000 BCE, and its history is filled with intertwined cultures and ethnic groups that have helped influence its remarkable diversity to this day. It has the most UNESCO Heritage Sites in the Americas, helping to make it the 7th most visited country in the world. If you’re looking for some inspiration for your next trip, why not check out these awesome Mexico books at What We Reading?
Lonely Planet Mexico – Lonely Planet
Lonely Planet is the world’s leading travel publisher, and their complete guide to Mexico provides everything a traveller needs to navigate this magical country. Complete with colourful maps, high-quality images and all the essential information such as phone numbers, reviews, websites, and hours of operation are all bundled into this guidebook to give travellers the most up-to-date guide on the country.
From Oaxaca City’s fiestas to the ancient Mayan surroundings of Palenque, Lonely Planet Mexico takes readers to the beating heart of Mexico.
Eyewitness Mexico – DK Eyewitness
Whether it’s the stunning natural landscapes, the pristine beaches or the exuberance of its urban jungles, Mexico attracts tourists from all four corners of the globe. DK Eyewitness presents its newest travel guide to Mexico, showcasing the country’s allure in order to captivate a fresh wave of explorers.
Within this up-to-date guide, readers will discover comprehensive maps, guided tours, useful tips, genuine reviews, and expert recommendations, all geared towards ensuring a highly rewarding journey throughout Mexico.
Bad Karma – Paul Wilson
During the summer of 1978, a young and adventurous twenty-one-year-old named Paul Wilson set off on a journey across Mexico accompanied by two local icons. Little did he know that their ultimate destination would be situated right in the heart of drug cartel territory.
Bad Karma: The True Story of a Mexico Trip from Hell is Wilson’s captivating travel memoir, recounting an unbelievable tale that some might consider too implausible even for a work of fiction. Throughout his journey across the country, Wilson uncovers one of his travel companions is a cad, the other a convicted killer on the run and, to prove his worth to the group, will have to rob a local supermarket.
The Move To Mexico Bible – Beverley Wood And Sonia Diaz
Regularly updated and refreshed to provide as up-to-date information as possible, The Move to Mexico Bible is the ultimate resource for those looking to kickstart a new life in the Central American state.
Taking readers across 33 different cities across the country that have proven popular with ex-pats and nomads, authors Beverley Wood and Sonia Diaz illuminate the sheer variety across Mexico. From visa applications to hiring domestic workers, and financial qualifications to bringing pets and owning property, it is the ultimate guidebook for relocating to Mexico.
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Mexico City – Jim Johnston
Mexico City has rightfully earned a reputation as one of the liveliest destinations on the planet. Built on the ancient ruins of Tenochtitlan, it covers an area of 1,485 km² and has become world-renowned for its colonial architecture, vibrant nightlife and distinctive cultural heritage.
And his Mexico book, Mexico City: An Opinionated Guide for the Curious Traveler, resident Jim Johnston takes readers through one of the oldest cities in the Americas and guides them through how to best make the most of a stay there.
Jungle Of Stone – William Carlsen
William Carlsen’s Jungle of Stone: The True Story of Two Men, Their Extraordinary Journey, and the Discovery of the Lost Civilization of the Maya introduces readers to the tumultuous tale of American diplomat John Lloyd Stephens and British artist Frederick Catherwood.
Already known for their adventures across the likes of Greece, Egypt and the Middle East, in 1839, the two men embarked on a trek across Honduras, Guatemala, and Mexico that would forever alter the Western understanding of American history. Battling disease as well as the relentless terrains of the region, this is the jaw-dropping discovery of how the Ancient Maya were uncovered.
On The Plain Of Snakes – Paul Theroux
On The Plain Of Snakes: A Mexican Journey is a travel memoir from legendary writer Paul Theroux. In it, readers follow Theroux as he drives across the entire US-Mexican Border and then the back roads of Chiapas and Oaxaca to discover the complex and hidden parts of Mexico never shown in the mainstream headlines.
Theroux presents a more personalised approach to highlighting the beauty of Mexico, stopping to talk to locals to understand the decision between a life south of the border and risking a new one north of it. And yet, it is also a celebration of Mexican culture, with Theroux immersing himself in some of the most touching and quirky routines enjoyed across the country.
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Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
