Mexico Pictures

Can you say “tequila”? How about “tortilla”? Though located on the North American continent, Mexico is a Spanish speaking country and you’ll need to learn a few Spanish words to get around. Brush up on your high school Spanish; they appreciate it when you try to speak their language.

Officially known as the United Mexican States, the country of Mexico is comprised of 32 states, each with its own unique tourist offerings and activities. Tourism is the country’s third most important source of revenue. There are so many things to see and do in Mexico that it’s very hard to know where to start. Perhaps the best way would be to go by theme.

For beach lovers, Mexico is bordered by the Pacific Ocean on the west, and the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico on the east. Three major bodies of water, this means a lot of beach land! The best beaches are undeniably in the Quintana Roo Coast, the Isle of Yelapa, El Eden, Banderas Bay, and Pie de la Cuesta. Mexican beach resorts offer a lot of sun, shimmering turquoise waters, fine restaurants, several hotels, a whole lot of shopping, and don’t forget, a sultry, steamy nightlife!

With over 180 golf courses, most of which were designed by such golf hall of famers as Jack Nicklaus and Robert Trent Jones, Mexico is a premiere golfing spot. Los Cobos with its scenic backdrop of ocean tranquillity has one of the best fifteen courses in the world. There are several other places that offer great places to play golf such as Puerto Vallarta, Huatulco, and Nuevo Vallarta.

If history and archaeology is your thing, then Central Mexico and the Yucatan Peninsula are the best places to go. Explore the numerous Mayan archaeological zones of Teotihuacan, Xochicalco, Cacaxtla, Tula, Edzna, and Calakmul. Visit the historic fortified city of Campeche, a Wold Heritage site, and Chichen Itza and Uxmal and many, many more.

For eco-tourists, Veracruz, Chiapas, and Tabasco are rich in natural resources, as well as tradition and culture. Natural wonders such as the Parque Chachalacas , the Cascada Salto de Eyipantla (waterfall) and El Pico de Orizaba (the country’s highest peak) are found in Veracruz. Tabasco boasts of the Yumka and Kolem Jaa ecological parks and the caves of las Grutas de Cocona.

The Lacandona jungle, the Agua Azul Falls, and the Sumidero Canyon are all in Chiapas, along with the magic Mayan ruins in the cities of Palenque, San Cristobal de las Casas, and Tapachula.Art lovers and connoisseurs will recognize the names Frida Kahlo, Rufino Tamayo, Diego Rivera, and Francisco Toledo as some of the world-class painters to come from Mexico.

The country has galleries, museums, and art academies that showcase the arts and crafts of its local artists. Speaking of crafts, Mexicans are known for their crafts that date back to pre-colonial times. Ceramics, textiles, wood sculpture and carvings, baskets, and fine jewellery in all shapes, colors, and sizes are produced in the millions each year by its highly creative and artistic residents.

Don’t forget the cuisine! Mexican cooking is an adventure in itself and something this country is famous for. For authentic Mexican cuisine, go to the Mayan Riviera for a taste of cochita pibil, papadzules, and chocolomo. Be prepared for really hot and spicy offerings such as enchiladas, hot tamales, and chiles en nogada. A mixture of Mayan and Spanish cooking, Mexican food is really something you wouldn’t want to miss!

Try the ancient beverage known throughout the world as Tequila. Made from the fermented juice of the agave plant, Tequila is Mexico’s most famous drink.

The state of Jalisco has been declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage precisely because of its production of Tequila. If you want to taste authentic Tequila, this is the place to get it.

Mexico is truly a unique country. The mixture of ancient Mayan traditions and Hispanic influences has created a culture that is uniquely and unmistakably Mexican. To discard the country as just another Spanish speaking country would do it a great injustice. Mexico has many things to offer visitors, and it would be a shame not to try and sample even just a bit of what makes this country what it is.