Mexico is intriguing — from its modern beach resorts to its ancient Mayan and Aztec ruins. It captures the interest of novices and discriminating travelers.
Within Mexico’s boundaries are opportunities to bask on the beaches of three coastlines, hike the trails of inland forests, walk along cobblestone streets past ancient architecture, glimpse the relics of life in Mexico during the Mayan and Aztec empire periods, see snow on mountains and volcanic peaks and haggle with vendors in the bustle of its capital’s 18 million-plus metropolitan population.
Located in south-central Mexico is Mexico City, the largest city in the world.
‘Foreign, fascinating’
“Magazine ads usually tout Mexico’s paradisiacal beach resorts and ancient ruins, but cosmopolitan, historic Mexico City is a vital destination in itself,” writes Fodor.com.
Mexico City, at 675 years old, is the oldest city in North America. Very modern in many respects, it has made its entry into the new millennium with a hand reaching back to pull its Aztec heritage along. The city is a cosmopolitan business, art and culinary center. There is Alameda, a center of activity since Aztec times and Zona Rosa, a chic shopping neighborhood.
Mexico City’s elevation of 7,556 feet means chilly mornings, mild daytimes for seeing the sights and cool evenings for enjoying restaurants and shows.
The city’s virtual guide at www.mexicocity.com.mx gives lots of practical information about health, money exchange and security while visiting Mexico City.
“It is quite amazing that, in spite of the city’s size, many attractive areas can be toured on foot, affording pleasant and rewarding moments,” says the guide.
“Colorful markets emerge from the gray urban backdrop, and ethereal monuments and stately mansions loom above street corner taco stands and dirty streets. Be prepared for a city that has brought together native Indian hustle and bustle and European nostalgia, garnished with highly spiced local dishes, mariachis and a pulsating tropical beat.”
About two hours from Mexico City is Cholula, where the world’s largest pyramid, covering 46 acres, sits proudly.
It is a reminder of the ancient civilizations that were active in the country at the time of the Spanish conquest in 1521.
Chiapas, in extreme southern Mexico, is home to a royal burial ground at the ancient city of Palenque; Bonampak is famous for murals that show 2,000-years-ago court life, battles and religious ceremonies; and Yaxchilan overlooks the Usumacinta River deep in the Lacandon rain forest.
Ancient civilizations
The Maya forged a civilization thousands of years ago building sprawling cities, creating an extensive trade network and making advancements in the arts and sciences far ahead of their contemporaries.
But mysteriously, their culture went into decline and their cities were abandoned.
“The areas the Maya ruled — Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, El Salvador and the five Mexican states of Chiapas, Tabasco, Yucatan, Quintana Roo and Campeche — are collectively referred to as the Mundo Maya in Spanish, or Maya World,” the “Travel Guide to Mexico” states.
In Mexico, one can see millions of monarch butterflies like carpet in a forest, gray whales or spider monkeys, according to the Mexican Association of Ecological and Adventure Tourism.
“Travelers Guide to Mexico” cites Mexico as one of the world’s five richest countries in terms of biological diversity. Only Brazil, Colombia and Thailand boast a greater variety of plants and animals.
Among Mexico’s wildlife treasures are the jaguar, quetzal bird and Kemp’s ridley sea turtle.
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