Insider tips: Briar Walsh on Mexico

An evening view of Taxco, a city at the heart of Mexico's silver trade. Photo / <a href='https://www.123rf.com/profile_belikova'>belikova - 123RF</a>

Briar Walsh indulges her passion for Mexico and Mexican artisans, by visiting annually and bringing back to New Zealand a selection of handpicked artisan homeware.

1. BEST PLACE TO GET A COCKTAIL

The best margaritas ever are at Todos Santos Inn, Baja California — a wonderful historic hacienda in beautiful Baja.

2. BEST FISH TACOS

Marlin Tostadas, Lampuga Condesa, Mexico City. Melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

The Wings of Independence sculpture in Mexico City's Chapultepec Park. Photo / Getty Images

3. BEST PLACE FOR SHOPPING

It's enormous and Mexico City offers great variety from modern malls to artists' markets.

4. FUN THING TO DO

Cycling to the Tulum ruins archaeological site.

5. THE BEACH YOU HAVEN'T HEARD OF

La Pastora, Baja Sur. Fabulous surf and stunning sandy beach.

The rugged mountains of Mexico's Copper Canyon. Photo / <a href='https://www.123rf.com/profile_otto3'>otto3 - 123RF</a>

6. BEST ACCOMMODATION

Try The Red Tree House in Condesa, Mexico City. The best hospitality you could wish for plus a great breakfast to set you up for a day exploring Mexico City.

7. BEST JEWELLERY

Silver from Taxco, Guerrero, which has a long history beginning well before Spanish colonisation.

8. BEST SCENERY

Copper Canyon and the village of El Fuerte. Check this beautiful area by train or zip-rider.

9. BEST PHOTO OPS

Jorge Marin's Wings of Independence in Chapultepec Park, Mexico City. This incredible sculpture celebrates Mexican independence and encourages interaction.