What do you recommend for a trip to Mexico/Central America?

Mexico City is in the middle of the country, if you see other places will you be driving, flying, by bus? How much time do you have? Cuernavaca is very close to Mexico City, you can definitely do a day trip there while visiting, but I am sure your friend will take you around or recommend areas in and near Mexico City.

Body armor. buy it, take it, wear it, while in Mexico. Mexico City has the worlds worst air polluntion on the planet, so plan accordingly if you have respiratory problems.

Costa Rica would be a lovely addition. Great things to see and do, very safe and friendly people.

Time really isn’t an issue, I can stay for an extra week, extra two weeks, whatever. We will not be driving, are there good buses and trains in Central America?

Good call, @janbb. I do have a place to stay in CR, but the airfare from mexico city is equal to my airfare just getting to mexico. maybe there’s a train

Interestingly, I recently asked my husband if their were trains across Mexico (he is from Mexico City) and he had no idea. He grew up with the mindset that public transportation was for the poor. But, I googled and found this which is interesting.

Years ago I took a bus in Mexico from Cancun to Chichenitza. I would guess bus service is better now. Still it wasn’t that bad for a few hours. The first class you had a seat, second class was pot luck. But, that was from one tourist spot to another. From Mexico City it might be less appealing? Your friend should know. Or, he might have no idea like my husband. :)

I know many people who like Costa Rica. Or, what about Belize? I worked with someone who grew up there. If you don’t speak Spanish that can be a nice break in a language you are familiar. Although, many people in Mexico will speak English.

I actually like Cancun for a little beach, air conditioned sand that is never hot on your feet, and playa del Carmen just south of Cancun is less touristy feeling. Cabo is supposed to be great on the Pacific, and also Puerto Vallarta I hear is very nice to visit, less touristy than Cancun. If you like ruins and history there is a lot of that. As I mentioned above Chichenitza has Mayan Ruins. In Mexico City there is a large museum, I think it is called the Archeological museum? Not sure? Here is a website for Mexican tourism Mexico has everything from rock climbing, rafting, beach, city. Not sure what appeals to you.

I personally would be afraid to drive. The police force is corrupt in most of those countries. In the beach resorts in Mexico the local bus system is the best way to go and taxis.