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TRAVEL TO MEXICO: Research your Mexico vacation travel plans with us!
Facts About Mexico
Southward from its 1,500-mile- (2,400-kilometer-) long border with the United States lies the Estados Unidos Mexicanos. A country with slightly
more than 750,000 square miles (1,940,000 square kilometers) in area, Mexico has a vast array of mineral resources, limited agricultural land, and
a rapidly growing population. These factors are the basis for many of the country's present problems as well as opportunities for future development.
Geologically, Mexico is located in one of the Earth's most dynamic areas. It is a part of the "Ring of Fire," a region around the Pacific Ocean
highlighted by active volcanism and frequent seismic activity. Within the context of plate tectonics, a theory developed to explain the creation of
major landform features around the world, Mexico is situated on the western, or leading, edge of the huge North American Plate. Its interaction with
the Pacific, Cocos, and Caribbean plates has given rise over geologic time to the Earth-building processes that created most of Mexico.
Mexico can be divided into eight major physiographic regions. The largest and most significant in terms of human habitation is the Mexican
Plateau. Extending from the isthmus of Tehuantepec northward to the United States border, the region consists of a central plateau and its dissected
borders. The central plateau tilts gently from north to south. At its northern end it is about 4,000 feet (1,200 meters) above sea level and rises to
more than 8,000 feet (2,400 meters) south of Mexico City. Throughout the plateau, somewhat flat basins are interrupted by mountainous outcrops.
Architecture occupies a significant position in the history of mankind. In Mexico, as in other countries, architecture is a reflection of its past. Thus, visitors will obtain a fascinating historical overview of the country through its pre-Hispanic temples and cities, colonial churches and monasteries, palaces and a wide range of civil and hydraulic architecture, in styles ranging from medieval and gothic through renaissance to mudéjar and baroque. Art nouveau, neo-Mexican, neoclassical and art deco were established between the 19th and early 20th centuries, leaving an indelible mark on many cities. Other styles that began in the 20th century eventually evolved into the restrained works of contemporary architecture. Here you will be able to see them first-hand, trace their development in time and discover a new world that is eclectic in each era and as a whole.
Popular Places to travel in Mexico:
- Mexico City: Mexico City is a place to love and loathe, with everything you'd expect to find in the world's third-largest metropolis
(only Tokyo and NYC are bigger).
- Acapulco: White-sand beaches, high-rise hotels, nightlife that glitters and the divers of La Quebrada - these are the postcard images
of Acapulco, the granddaddy of the Pacific coast's resort cities, where tourism has been the number-one industry since the 1950s. The Coyuca and Tres Picos lagoons located just outside Acapulco are full of mangroves trees and wildlife. The network of canals through the dense forest can be traversed in boats from which you can admire the wide variety.
- Baja California: With Tijuana as its frontier post, Baja is the epitome of 'south of the border'. The peninsula is renowned for its
long coastline of fine white beaches, peaceful bays and imposing cliffs, sharply contrasting with the harsh and undeveloped interior.
- Guadalajara: Many of the traditions considered characteristically 'Mexican' were created in Guadalajara, the country's second-largest city.
- Bacocho Beach: The soft waves and the blue-green water caress black rocks before breaking on the fine, gray-colored sand of this gently inclined beach that is bordered by palm trees and thorny underbrush. There are hotels, restaurants, and facilities for renting water sports equipment and horses.
- Akumal: Akumal is 36 km southwest of Playa del Carmen and consists of a beautiful bay whose fine, white-sanded beach runs parallel to a protective coral reef about 300 meters out to sea. The sea is many different tones of blue and is the ideal place to dive and watch the sea turtles that come here to lay their eggs in the summer.
- Amatenango del Valle: Village of potters and artisans that use pre-Hispanic techniques to mold clay which they then fire over open hearths. The colonial church overlooks the country house and its outbuildings. Located 36 km outside San Cristóbal de las Casas.
- Mazatlán: Many of the hotels in Mazatlán have discotheques where you can dance. A good example is the Sabalos Hotel that also has Joe’s Oyster Bar, situated under a palm hut next to the beach. There are also great places for having fun at Plaza Valentino’s, such as Bora Bora or Mikonos that have live or hi-tech music.
- Cancun: Cancún is within easy reach of nature reserves such as Contoy Island and Sian Ka’an. The Riviera Maya has parks such as Tres Ríos and Xpu-Há offering cycling, walks and rowing facilities. It also has eco-archaeological parks such as Xcaret and Xel-há with a wide range of attractions.
Incredible though it may seem, approximately 440 beaches have been identified along the Mexican coast where one can enjoy the sea, beaches and nature amid fabulous surroundings. The characteristics of the landscape sometimes change within a single region, depending on a number of factors, such as the terrain, the climate, the temperature of the water and its depth, but Mexico offers something for everyone along its extensive shoreline. Facilities for all kinds of water sports are available or you can just relax and sunbathe on the beach, and either stay at a luxury hotel or camp on unspoiled beaches. Major tourist resorts, such as Cancún, Acapulco, Mazatlán, Puerto Vallarta, Bahías de Huatulco, Ixtapa, Los Cabos and Veracruz also offer a variety of nightlife, Mexican and international cuisine and deluxe malls.
Although food is obviously an essential part of the cultural universe of any country, this is particularly true of Mexico. A tour of the gastronomic world of Mexico is both a fascinating and a delicious experience. You can either opt for the finest restaurants offering menus from all over the world or explore the flavor of genuine Mexican dishes. While maize, chili and beans constitute the staple Mexican diet, the diversity of products in every region, the indigenous gastronomic tradition and European influence turned Mexican cuisine into an extraordinary mosaic in which sauces, tacos, tamales, enchiladas, chilaquiles, pozole, menudo, mole, panuchos, fish, meat, seafood, enfrijoladas, soups, beef stews with potato and chile, sopes, picadas and quesadillas form part of an endless list that you will be able to sample during your tour of the country
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