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Mexico came under Spanish rule for three centuries before achieving independence early in the 19th century. The people are a mix of European and Amerindian descent with almost 60 different indigenous peoples still surviving in the country, mainly due to their isolated locations
The climate ranges from tropical to desert. Temperatures are hot and often humid along the coastal plains with drier and cooler conditions at higher places inland. October to May is a pleasant time to visit.
A mix of modern and traditional, busy industrialised cities, sleepy little towns, fancy tourist resorts and deserted beaches, tropical rainforests, desert landscapes, snow-capped volcanoes, Mayan villages and many archaeological sites, Mexico has it all.
Mexico City
Mexico City is the 3 rd largest city in the world after Tokyo and NewYork. With a population of 16 million in the metropolitan area, this city has all the facilities as well as problems of a city of its size. The largest street in the world, Insurgentes, stretches for over 16 miles. E ach of the principal areas of Mexico City contains archeological sites, buildings from the Viceroyalty, from the 19th Century, and of more contemporary design, and outstanding museums and cultural centers. The roots of Mexico's capital lie in the so-called Historic Centre, an area that occupies the original core of the city which the Aztecs set out like a celestial map, aligned according to the four cardinal points. The Spanish then retraced the area in a checkerboard pattern, and it was subsequently rebuilt and modernized. This area is lively and best viewed on foot, starting with Mexico's Cathedral. The enormous number of interesting activities that take place in Mexico City provide an opportunity to participate in traditional celebrations , shows, and sporting events. City museums offer exhibits unique in the world. The Bosque de Chapultepec is Mexico City's largest park and houses museums, lakes, a zoo and the official residence of the president. A wealth of nightclubs, bars, restaurants and discotheques of every description exist to satisfy the needs of any visitor.
Teotihuacan, 50km from Mexico City was Mexico's biggest ancient city and the capital of the country's largest pre-Hispanic empire, boasting 200,000 inhabitants at its peak in the 6th century. It is a complex of ruins so huge and varied that it looks spectacular even from the air. A visit is probably one of the most worthwhile stops in Mexico. Built mostly between AD 150 and 600, the ruins were already ancient by the time the Aztecs came to power and took over the site. The Pyramid of the Sun, the largest monument and the tallest pyramid in Mexico can be climbed for a view of the surrounding ruins. These include the smaller Pyramid of the Moon, the Palace of Quetzalpapalotl, the Temple of Quetzalcoatl and the Palace of Tepantitla - which features the remains of a famous brightly colored mural. Countless other buildings and monuments line the 5km long Calzada de los Muertos (Avenue of the Dead) that runs the length of the site. The excellent museum includes ceramics and stone monuments as well as several mural reconstructions.
Guadalajara is the country's second largest city with a vibrant culture, fine museums and galleries, handsome historic buildings, exciting nightlife and good places to stay and eat. Mariachi music, tequila, broad-brimmed sombrero hats and the Mexican Hat Dance all supposedly originated here.
Tijuana, near the border with California, has a wealth of shops, two bullrings, all categories of hotels and good nightlife. The Tijuana Cultural Center, a multimillion-dollar showcase displaying exhibits about Mexico's people, events and culture, is well worth a visit. The center's Museum of the Californias provides a great overview of the Baja California peninsula
Acapulco is a seaside city that never sleeps, playground to not only the rich and famous visitor but also to more normal residents of Mexico City and Guadalajara. Apart from the beach, Tijuana has marvelous restaurants of every nationality, wild discos, romantic piano bars, in fact everything a revelling nighthawk could possibly want.
Cancun is the top resort in Mexico. It is no wonder with beautiful beaches, perfect blue waters and wonderful climate. Quite a built up resort with lots of hotels and high-rise apartments, this may not be ‘old Mexico' but it is ideal for the holidaymaker looking for sun sea and sand. Close by is the island of Cozumel, a perfect place for diving and snorkeling.
Sierra Tarahumara or Copper Canyon is a series of very deep canyons carved into the Sierra Madre Mountains in Northwestern Mexico. The best way to see it is by train, starting at Chihuahua and going right through the mountains to the sea. The scenery is spectacular and the little towns along the way are worth a visit. Tours allow for hiking, horse riding and rafting.
Costa Maya stretches from Punta Herrero south to the Belize border and the region has lovely beaches, small seaside towns and traditional architecture. Costa Maya is also close to the Maya ruins at Kohunlich, which are deep in the forest about 64 km from Chetumal. Scientists believe more than 500 burial mounds in the area have yet to be uncovered. To learn more about the history of the ruins, visitors can visit the Museum of Maya Culture in Chetumal. Bacalar, which is just north of Chetumal, is a good base for sailing, fishing and bird watching. Scuba divers can also take a two-hour boat trip to Chinchorro Bank, which is the largest coral atoll in the Americas. Dotted with shipwrecks, the reef is a favorite with experienced divers.
The Yucatán Peninsula is the home of the Maya. Yucatán has archaeological sites galore, colonial cities, tropical forests, fabulous snorkeling, seaside resorts, quiet coastlines and lively nightlife. The region's famous Mayan sites are particularly impressive at Uxmal and Chichén Itzá.
Oaxaca, the loveliest state capital in Mexico, has ancient ruins, colonial architecture, distinctive food, one of the country's largest Indian markets and friendly, relaxed people. The Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca contains among its notable exhibits pieces of jewelry from some of the area's ancient tombs.
La Paz, the capital of Baja California Sur, lies near the southeastern tip of the peninsula. It has great diving and snorkeling and some of the best fishing around. La Paz also hosts a lively and popular Carnaval celebration each year just before Ash Wednesday. The cathedral and the Museum of Anthropology are noteworthy.
Puerta Vallarta is a growing city with style. The city has whitewashed walls and terra-cotta-tiled roofs and sits along Banderas Bay, with the ornate crown of the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe serving as a focal point. The lush, green foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountains are a beautiful and dramatic backdrop. Artists, architects and chefs live here in plenty and the restaurants, galleries and shops are some of the best in the country.