Mexico stretches between the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. Travel to Mexico to experience a nation rich in history, tradition, culture, and natural beauty. Many Mexican destinations share their natural, architectural and gastronomical richness. Beaches, colonial cities and archaeological sites are just an example of the diverse destinations found within Mexico. Rappelling, water rafting, mountain climbing or fishing are some of the activities that complement the experience of visiting indigenous communities, museums, galleries or enjoying the regional traditions. Fabulous Mayan ruins, the arid Yucatan Peninsula, the playground of Cancun, exotic Acapulco and unique La Paz are some of the highlights of a trip to Mexico. Read on for other ideas.
Cool Cities
Mexico City
Mexico City is one of the cultural centres in the world, boasting more museums than any other city. It comes third in number of theatres in the world. After the Mexican Revolution, an avant-garde artistic movement began in Mexico: muralism. Many works are displayed in buildings in the city, most notably at the National Palace and the Palacio de Bellas Artes.
Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta was a thriving Mexican village long before it became an international destination. It’s popular with travellers because of the climate, scenery, tropical beaches, and rich cultural history. Located on the Pacific Coast of Mexico it is a mystic city that harbors tradition in its plazas, its streets, its people - a city that expresses the colour of its culture and natural beauty.
Acapulco
Best known as one of Mexico’s oldest and most well-known beach resorts; it was famous in the 1950s as a getaway for Hollywood stars and millionaires. Acapulco is still famous for its nightlife and still attracts many visitors. The resort area is divided into two: North of the bay is the "traditional" area and the south end is dominated by newer luxury high rise hotels.
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Chitchen Itza
Chichén Itzá is the largest of the archaeological cities of the pre-Columbian Maya civilization in the Yucatan Peninsula. It is one of Mexico's most visited destinations. Granted World Heritage Site status in 1988 by UNESCO World Heritage Site and was selected as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. It was a centre of pilgrimage for the ancient Maya for over 1,000 years.
Zocalo
The Zocalo is the main plaza or square in the heart of the historic centre of Mexico City. The plaza used to be known simply as the "Main Square" today its formal name is Plaza de la Constitution).[It has been a gathering place for Mexicans since Aztec times, having been the site of Mexican ceremonies, royal proclamations, military parades and Independence ceremonies.
Teotihuacan
Teotihuacan, known as the City of the Gods, an archaeological site 40 km northeast of Mexico City is home to some of the largest ancient pyramids in the world. Teotihuacan was the largest Pre-Columbian city in the Americas, reaching a total population of 150,000 at its height. Construction of Teotihuacán commenced around 300 BC, with the Pyramid of the Sun built by 150 BC.
Natural Landscapes
Copper Canyon
Copper Canyon is a group of six distinct canyons in the Sierra Madre in the southwest of the state of Chihuahua. The overall canyon system is larger and parts are deeper than the Grand Canyon in neighbouring Arizona. All six river canyons merge into the Rio Fuerte and empty into the Sea of Cortez. The walls are a copper/green colour where the name originates.
Riviera Maya
Riviera Maya parallels the Caribbean coastline on the Yucatan Peninsula.It is known for its large scale all-inclusive resorts and a historical tourism base of smaller boutique hotels as well as the many fine-dining restaurants on or near the beaches. Luxury travel companies have been instrumental in increasing luxury villa rentals and yacht charters in the area.
Yucatan Peninsular
The Yucatan Peninsula is incredibly bio-diverse. Sian Ka'an - Maya for "Where the Sky is Born" - is one of the best habitats on the peninsula find wildlife. It covers over 1.6 million acres and encompasses part of the Mesoamerican Reef, the second largest barrier reef in the world. Home to all five wild cats found in the peninsula: Margay, Ocelot, Jaguarundi, Jaguar, and Puma.
Go Local
Beach-side restaurant
From virgin beaches to modern resorts, and whether you want to stay in a five star hotel or would just like to find a quiet place to hang your hammock, Mexico has some of the finest beaches in the world. What better way to take time out from your travels and spend a lazy afternoon at a beachside restaurant watching the world goes by as you sip on Tequila, or two.
Festival of the Dead
Day of the Dead is celebrated throughout Mexico. The holiday focuses on gathering to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died. Traditions include building private altars honouring the deceased using sugar skulls, marigold petals (flowers of the dead), and favourite foods and beverages and visiting graves with these as gifts.
The local cantina
Rudimentary bars with a few tables and chairs, the cantina's golden age was in the 1940s and 50s, at time when no Mexican film was complete without the hero drowning his sorrows in their shadowy embrace. Typically, cantinas have simple décor, ageing waiters in formal uniforms and mariachi minstrels roaming around the tables.
Treasures of the Past
Chichen Itza
On a limestone plateau lays the relic of Chichen Itza, once one of the most powerful cities of the Maya. Chichen Itza was one of the greatest Mayan centres of the Yucatan Peninsula. Throughout its nearly 1,000 year’s history, different peoples have left their mark on this city. The Maya and Toltec vision of the universe is revealed in their artistic works and stone monuments.
Palenque
Palenque was a Maya city state in southern Mexico in the 7th century. After its decline it was absorbed into the jungle, but has been excavated and restored. It contains some of the finest Maya architecture, sculpture and bas-relief carvings. The discovered area is estimated less than 10% of the total city area is explored, leaving more than a thousand structures still covered by jungle.
Uxmal
Uxmal most represents Maya Architecture at its best. Although a great deal of work has been carried out at Uxmal not a lot is known about the city. Founded around 500 AD most of its development occurred between 700 - 1000 AD when it became a thriving city and a religious centre with great ceremonial significance. The layout of the buildings suggests knowledge of astronomy.
Arts and Culture
Palacio de Bellas Artes
The Palacio de Bellas Artes, Mexico City is the most important cultural centre in Mexico. The exterior of the building is primarily Neoclassical and Art Noveau and the interior is Art Deco. The building is best known for its murals by Diego Rivera and its many exhibitions and theatrical performances, including the Ballet Folklorico de Mexico and the National Symphonic Orchestra.
Mariachi band
The only thing more Mexican than tequila is the mariachi and it seems a shame to have one without the other. Mariachi goes beyond music; it is the sum of a cultural revolution expressed through a group of musicians, dressed in popular clothing which encompasses the essence of Mexico and its people. It is something cultural, spiritual and traditional that is unique to this country.
Mexican public art
Born and raised in Mexico, Diego Rivera travelled to Europe His close examination of the Renaissance frescoes of Italy cultivated a strong conviction in public art, which he creatively connected to the Mexican revolutionary spirit. Rivera took his art to the public spaces, opted for larger than life sizes because he meant for his art to be seen in streets and alleys, in public squares.
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