Viva México Lindo!
Mexico is truly one of the most interesting places in Latin America to visit. The land is beautiful, the culture is fascinating, and its history is impressive.
Mexico is the eighth largest nation in the world, and the third largest in Latin America (only Brazil and Argentina are larger). The country is surrounded by the United States to the north, Guatemala and Belize to the south, the Caribbean to the east, and the Pacific to the west. Mexico is a beautiful country made up of diverse climates and terrain. To the north, lie the great Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts. Running through the centre of Mexico rise the majestic mountains that make up the Sierra Madres. Lying between the two cordilleras of the Sierra Madres is the vast area commonly referred to as the Altiplano. The Altiplano covers roughly 40% of Mexico's land surface; after Tibet and Bolivia it's the third highest inhabited plateau in the world.
The
historical and cultural centre of the country is the capital, Mexico City.
The city in terms of size alone is incredible. With well over 20 million
inhabitants, it is the second largest city in the world. Throughout Mexico
City you will find Aztec pyramids, colonial buildings, excellent museums,
art, modern high-rises, international business, high fashion, world class
restaurants, and much more.
If you are short on
time, you should start your tour of Mexico City and its surrounding areas by
visiting the National Museum of Anthropology, the Zocalo, and the pyramids
at Teotihuacan (one of the most important archaeological sites in
Mesoamerica).
From a cultural
perspective, Mexico is extremely diverse. Each part of Mexico has a
distinctive flavour which is a reflection of the indigenous cultures of the
area and of Spanish influence. Finally, no matter where
you travel in Mexico, the terrain and climate is different. In the central
valleys rise immense volcanoes which hiking enthusiasts regularly climb. In
the Baja, the fishing is excellent, and the land is mountainous and rugged.
To the south, travellers can sit and relax in the sun on tropical beaches in
sleepy little places like Puerto Escondido. For those who wish to see a
tropical forest firsthand, the Yucatan will be an unforgettable experience.
Check out these useful links:
Mexican Embassy in UK | Mexican Tourism Secretary | Mexico City Official Site
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Spanish Arriba!