Every single adventurer knows that one of their most important stops should be in Mexico. The thing is that Mexico is considered to be the homeland of one of the most outrageous and interesting tribes of Aztecs and Mayas.
Despite the fact that the country is now much more different in terms of political interests, the remains are not leaving a spot of wondering around where to go for witnessing colonial castles and of course the famous pyramids.
Beautiful nature, beautiful beaches and snow-capped volcanoes, rich history with the archaeological monuments of the Aztecs, Maya, colonial castles, lots of paradise, attracting tourists warm gentle waves and the cordiality of the people, and all this splendor at relatively low prices of products and services, especially in the provinces – all modern Mexico.
Pyramids
The true monuments of antiquity in Mexico are pyramids of the Maya. There are a lot of them in the country but only a few are available for visits, as many of the pyramids are buried under a layer of earth or covered with dense tropical vegetation, so that at first glance are simply green hills.
The best known and most ancient structures are the pyramids of Teotihuacan, where two of the largest pyramids are well-preserved – the Sun (225 m at the base and 65 meters in height) and Moon (about 150 m at the base and 42 meters high), as well as the temple the most “popular” of the gods of the Maya – Quetzalcoatl.
Buildings are the same as three stars in Orion’s belt, ie, exactly the same as the three great pyramids at Giza). Pyramid of Cholula – the largest in the world by volume, it surpassed the pyramid of Cheops (now a big part of the pyramid is destroyed). Another impressive group of pyramids – Mitla and Monte Alban – located near the city of Oaxaca, and the ancient pyramidal structures in the capital of the Toltec – Thule, surrounded by a strange multi-ton stone heads of mysterious creatures. And places such as Chichen Itza, Palenque, Tajin, Tikal, XCaret , Shel-Ha, Mayapan, Mitla and Uxmal, are simply priceless monuments of ancient civilizations.
Cities
Mexico City was founded in 1325 by the Aztecs are Indians. According to legend, the gods commanded the Aztecs to found the capital on an island in Lake Texcoco, where they see an eagle (the sacred bird of the Indians), who ate a snake sitting on a cactus. And now at this point the largest metropolis of the world stretches, as well as the oldest and fastest growing city in the New World. This is a true “outdoor museum” – there are more than 1,400 monuments and historical relics, 10 archaeological sites in the city, and around 8 universities, several academies, more than 80 museums, theaters, concert halls and exhibitions, more than 2 thousand restaurants, dozens of parks and recreation centers. And all this – the immense population density!
Teotihuacan (Tiahuanaco, a place where gods are born “) is 50 km. to the north-east of Mexico City, and is a place of worship of many peoples of Mesoamerica. It’s still unclear – when the first people started to settle the city and why it was abandoned, but its architectural monuments shake imagination. Temple of Quetzalcoatl and the 5-kilometer dead road (40 m wide), the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon, the Palace of Quetzal-Papalotlya Jaguars and the Palace, the ancient Church of the bird shells, Quetzal Butterfly Palace, Plaza de la Luna and residential complex with Tepantitla famous frescoes Paradise-of-Tlaloc – are only a small part of the local “treasure stories”, collected from the huge stone blocks and strictly subordinated to some unknown system. In the center of the archaeological site is a wonderful museum with an exhibition of rare archaeological objects and large-scale model of Teotihuacan.
Private Area attractions
Cancun underwater national parks Garrafon, Conte, Shel-Ha and Chankanab Lagoon, as well as “alligator park Krokotaun “- a buffer zone around where live in and breed Yucatan crocodiles, pink flamingos and many other species of animals and birds. Nichupte lagoon hosts the new water park, “ Wet-and-Wild “, which collects the latest water attractions. And almost anywhere around Cancun one can swim in the boat, as well as do any kinds of water sports or diving. Golf, tennis, fishing, casinos, shopping centers (all products except tobacco and alcohol, are not taxed), children’s park “Mexico Magika, lively nightlife and excellent cuisine of several hundred restaurants … In general, there is everything you could possibly imagine. Be sure to visit Villa del Palmar Cancun, known as one of the best luxury resorts in the area.
Xel-Ha (or Hel-Ha, 122 km. From Cancun) – National Park, which is a natural aquarium, arising naturally in a mountain cave, powered partly by sea and some fresh water from underground rivers. Its surprisingly clear and clear water allows you to see exotic fish of unusual colors, and lush vegetation striking range of shades.
Ecopark XCaret (Eshkaret) is located 72 km. from Cancun on the bay. It is a well-equipped recreation center with an abundance of tropical fauna, well-equipped beaches, zoo, water rides, underground rivers, an aquarium, caves, restaurants and bars, a small museum and many others. One of the main “highlights” of XCaret is butterflies pavilions- one of the best in the world.
The city-port of Acapulco – the famous “Night capital” of Mexico, a city of entertainment, shows, casinos and restaurants. The center of tourist life of Acapulco – Laguna Pie de la Cuesta with excellent beaches and restaurants on the northern outskirts of the city. Coastal waters of Acapulco are very rich in livestock. On the banks of the beautiful natural bay for more than 20 municipal beaches for every taste (all beaches are open and have free entrance). The best place for swimming – Beaches Caleta, P de la Cuesta and Kaletilya in the Old Acapulco, as well as a fashionable beach Kondeza. Here you can hire a boat for fishing or a glass bottom boat and go to the island resort of Rocket, where the vast zoo, or on a small peninsula de las Playas, to lay at the bottom of the altar of the Virgin of Guadalupe.
Mexican cuisine
Cuisine of Mexico is very original and unique that is explained by mixing culinary traditions of the Indian tribes of Mesoamerica, with the strong influence of Spanish and French recipes. The majority of traditional ingredients of local cuisine originally appeared in these places, and only then were blown all over the world, gaining popularity in other regions. At the heart of Mexican cuisine is a huge choice of local products: corn (maize), avocado, beans, squash, sweet and regular potatoes, tomatoes, cactus, chili pepper, pumpkin, meat, vanilla, peanuts (and its oil), cocoa, and many species of fish, fruits, herbs and spices.
The hot chili peppers – the card of Mexican cuisine, has more than 80 species. That’s why it makes hundreds of different varieties of sauces, stuffed, added to a variety of fresh salads, meat dishes, to fish, and, of course, to corn.
Assortment of vegetables used are also extremely diverse. In the first place, of course, beans – fresh and dried, fries and fresh, as a filler cakes, soups and as garnish – list all the dishes from them can be infinite. Also prepare dozens of dishes from a cactus “nopal” (use the leaves, flowers, fruits and seeds), agave, baked beans, avocado, guacamole (used as a snack or in main dishes), mushrooms, onions, tomatoes, etc. The most popular enjoys a kind of local fruit “Chayotes” consumed in the liver, stewed and cooked, in the casseroles, salads, garnishes, etc.
And finally let’s not forget about national drinks of “Tequila” and popular beer “Corona”.
Dear LK, there are a few misspelled words:
The correct names are:
Xel-Ha (instead of Shelha)
XCaret (instead of Eshcaret or Shcaret)
Thanks Alex for pointing the mistakes , I’ve already corrected them