Mexico (officially known as the United Mexican States) is a truly fascinating country bordered by the USA to the north and Guatemala and Belize to the south. According to the statistics collected by the World Tourism Organization, Mexico is one of the most popular holiday destinations for foreign visitors from all over the world. In 2016 the country was stated to be the 8th most frequently visited country in the world. A year later, Mexico ranked the 22nd most frequently visited country in the world and 3rd most frequently visited country in Latin America.
When it comes down to the tourists visiting the country, those residing in Canada and the USA that rank the first. The 2nd place goes to the tourists residing in Europe and Asia. As a rule, the biggest number of tourists come to spend a holiday in Mexico during December and mid-summer season.
Now, we get to the most interesting part. What it is that makes Mexico so attractive from the point of view of an average tourist? Apart from cultural festivals and beach resorts, there is a number of places to visit and explore:
- Copper Canyon is one of the must-visit places for those seeking unique adventures. This is the place where you can take a mountain rail ride, hike or try horseback riding. There is a number of attractions to see, like the Sierra Madre and the Chihuahuan desert of Mexico. If you’re up to taking a trip in order to get to magnificent places of interest, you’ll definitely like the Copper Canyon.
- Chichen Itza – a Mayan city that is included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered to be one of the new Severn Wonders of the World.
- Coba – one more Mayan city located around 2 lagoons.
- Templo Mayor – the place where one can see the ruins of Tenochtitlan Aztec pyramids.
- Palenque – a Mayan city that’s well-known for the largest tract of rainforest in Mexico.
Cancun
Cancun is the city in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. A visit to Cancun is your chance to go on a journey back to the time of Mayan civilization. El Templo del Alcaran (or the temple of scorpion) is the place worth visiting for everyone, whether you’re just a tourist or a passionate traveler aiming to see as many unique and unusual places as possible. Xcaret is a truly marvelous eco-archeological park where you can walk and enjoy nature around you. One more place to come to is the Interactive Aquarium of Cancun, a small but modern aquarium that allows one to discover the wonders of the underwater world. Besides, you can swim with dolphins (if that’s the thing you always wanted to experience). Museo Maya de Cancun is a big, modern structure that opened it doors to the visitors in 2012. You definitely won’t regret taking a walk to the top level since there is a nice view of the surrounding areas to enjoy. The Riviera Maya MUSA Museo Subacuatico de Arte is a modern underwater museum located in the waters surrounding Isla Mujeres and Punta Nizuc. The museum was built with the view of demonstrating the interaction between art and environmental science.
Acapulco
Acapulco is the oldest coastal tourist destination as well as the major seaport in the state of Guerrero on the Pacific coast of Mexico. The city is located on the distance of 380 (south) from Mexico. Acapulco is well-known for its beach resort that became popular back in 1950. It was exactly the time when Hollywood stars and millionaires started to visit it in big numbers. Nowadays Acapulco still stays popular among travelers. Every year it welcomes those who want to enjoy the natural beauty of the area, lie on golden sand and swim in the warm sea. Whether you’re on a short trip or staying for a while, your vacation in Acapulco is bound to be
unforgettable. So what are the things to see and do in the city? Let’s find out:
- Cliff Divers at La Quebrada. This one is a must-see for everyone coming to Acapulco. You can go there during the day or at night to see divers launching themselves into the ocean from the height of 100 feet. There is also a great view of the open ocean to enjoy.
- Visit plays Condesa, the most popular beach of Acapulco where you can indulge in water sports and chill out in one of the nightclubs.
- Have a walk along La Costera. While walking the road you’ll see lots of nightclubs, restaurants and shopping malls. The road is considered to be the beating heart of the city where all action is.
- Explore Zocalo, the main square of Acapulco. Zocalo is the heart of Old Acapulco. This is the square where one can feel the spirit of an old Mexican town.
- San Diego Fort. The fort was built back in the 17th century and reconstructed later in 1778 due to the damage caused by the earthquake. Nowadays, the fort serves as the Historic Museum of Acapulco that has 12 exhibition halls. The museum allows one to learn more about the earliest inhabitants, the role of the city in trade with Asia and the forts role in Mexico’s War of Independence.