Mexico is a traveler's wonderland- a destination like no other, as its national tourist office rightly proclaims. Discerning traveler's, who look beyond the glitz and glamour of its fabulous beach resorts, would only be amazed to discover how much else the country has to offer. Beyond the beaches lie high plateaus and rugged mountain ranges, which are covered by tropical rainforests and jungles teeming with wildlife and wild flora. In some stretches the rain forests open up to ancient Mayan ruins and other archaeological treasures. Mexico is also a land of contrasts where the old and the new; the traditional and the modern vie with each other for a piece of the Latin American sky. Mexico's diverse regions and rich cultural diversity lends the country the color and charm that every traveler would therefore find hard to resist. A brief overview of some of Mexico's most famous destinations and tourist regions follows:
Chichen-Itza and Yucatan
One of Mexico's largest and most captivating archaeological sites, Chichen-Itza was recently declared as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World after a global poll to select the world's top wonders. Easily accessible from the resort town of Cancun, Chichen-Itza traces its origin to two ancient city sites – one ruled by the Mayas from the 6 th to the 10 th centuries A.D. and the other was ruled by a Toltec-Mayan civilization from the 11 th century A.D. The site is a good example of a combination of Mayan and Toltec elements and reflects the strong influence of the cultures of both these civilizations. Chichen-Itza's most famous structure is the central pyramid with 4 sides, 365 steps, 52 panels and 18 terraces. Chichen-Itza is truly a marvel to gaze at.
Acapulco
Mexico's most famous resort town, Acapulco evokes ones senses and excites some of the most basic instincts. No wonder this beach destination is a craze among Mexico's youth and scores of foreign traveler's. Acapulco is however not another beach destination but also offers opportunities for a host of water sports and adventure activities including banana boat rides, scuba diving, jet skiing, sport fishing, and bungee jumping. After nightfall the beachfront kicks up with rave parties and creatures of the night party till dawn in the numerous, pubs, nightclubs and discos spread allover town.
The Baja California Peninsula
The Baja California Peninsula is a region of breathtaking natural beauty. With the Pacific Ocean to its west and the Gulf of California to its east the region is famous for its spectacular desert and coastal landscapes. Also home to a number of national parks the area's forests, mountains and rich biodiversity is a huge attraction among ecotourism enthusiasts. Apart from its storehouse of natural wealth and beauty, the region is also famous for its cultural richness and nowhere can this be seen better than in the frontier town of Tijuna. The town is the venue for a number of cultural festivals including the International Dance Festival and the Opera Festival. Tijuna also has a vibrant nightlife complete with bars, discos, nightclubs and live shows. The Baja California region is also one of Mexico's famous wine growing regions where one can taste the finest of Mexican wines and enjoy its rich cuisine during food festivals like the Paella and Wine Fair, the Seafood and Fish Festival, the Tequila Festival and the Caesar salad Festival.
Chihuahua
Mexico's largest state, Chihuahua also lends its name to the world's smallest dog, which is found there. Chihuahua offers a blend of indigenous and colonial culture and is also a land of immense natural beauty, unspoilt national parks and ancient archaeological ruins. But the most famous attraction of the state is perhaps the Chihuahua-Pacific Railway, which follows the country's most scenic route connecting Los Mochis on the Pacific Coast with Chihuahua. This scenic rail journey also passes through the Barranca del Cobre or the Copper Canyon offering some of the most breathtaking views of a spectacular natural landscape.
Mexico City
Mexico's capital and the world's third largest metropolis, Mexico City is a microcosm of the country and its contrasts. The cityscape consists of both towering skyscrapers and shanty townships and urban slums. There are crowded streets with a teeming multitude of ordinary Mexicans as well as glitzy shopping complexes full of the bold and the beautiful of Mexico's elite. The city is dotted with elegant colonial houses as well as noisy nightclubs where hedonism flows throughout the night. Mexico city is the true epitome of the nation's heart and spirit.
Guadalajara
This sophisticated city offers a quiet break from the hustle and bustle and the heat and grime of Mexico City. In fact it allows one to enjoy the real Mexico – the Mexico of tequila, mariachi and rodeo. Guadalajara is a city of elegance, culture and tradition that is uniquely Mexican in its flavor and character. Guadalajara is also the perfect destination to explore Mexico's traditional crafts and vibrant culinary traditions.
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