Playful sandy beaches, bustling cities, endless sunshine, colourful fiestas and equally colourful people; Mexico offers all this and more to the avid traveler! The country boasts of 10,000km of coast and over 20 million foreign visitors every year. And it is not hard to imagine why. From sunny getaway beaches to beautiful towns teeming with colonial-era charm, Mexico is where imagination meets reality. And that is before you even try the Tequila! The country has a rich cultural heritage and a glorious and mystical history, thanks to the Aztecs and the Mayans and a touch of Spanish colonial influence. The country is hot, the food is hot, and so are the women, Salma Hayek everyone! Serene beach resorts to tantalizing chilli-laden food, the country is both vibrant and mellow. Mexico has something in store for everyone. And here are the top rated ‘tourist hotbeds’ that you should plan on visiting!
# CancúnBordering the Caribbean sea, Cancún is simply paradise! Pearly white beaches, seemingly endless sunshine, luxury resorts; Cancún has it all. the energetic nightlife will keep your feet stomping and heart throbbing! But it has much more to offer than its party-town reputation might suggest. People can leisurely enjoy the tropical Yucatán climate. Tours of the Museo Maya de Cancún and the Museo Sensorial del Tequila provide a nice change of pace from the bustling party atmosphere. You can also try out and get lost in the world’s largest underwater museum, Museo Subacuático de Arte’s, a spectacular collection of sculptures submerged at depths of up to eight meters. Chichén Itzá and Tulum being just a few hours away provide the opportunity to explore the regions many Mayan ruins.
# Chichén ItzáThis UNESCO World Heritage Site needs no introduction. The magnificent Mayan city stands testament to just how advanced the ancient civilization was. El Castillo, the massive step pyramid stands tall at the heart of the city. At 30 meters high, its the tallest structure at the site. It is Mexico’s most visited archaeological site, and probably the best restored too! The site’s numerous statues as well as structures like the Temple of Warriors and the Wall of Skulls are of great interest and fascinate many. When in Mexico on vacation, you just can’t miss out on this wondrous place!
# Puerto VallartaThe Pacific coastal city of Puerto Vallarta is another one of popular Mexican beach destinations. It boasts of scenic beachside promenades like El Malecón, where you can sip on some tequila while staring at awe-inspiring sculptures, and a robust nightlife! Travelers looking for adventure can indulge themselves in paragliding and jet-skiing, while the slow paced tourists can hit the cobblestone streets, passing through vibrant markets and the art galleries in El Centro.
# TeotihuacanAlso known as the ‘City of Gods’, this Mesoamerican city is located just about 30 miles northeast of Mexico City. The ancient metropolis comprises of numerous pyramids which were then later honored and used by the Aztecs. The Pyramid of the Sun is the largest, not only in Teotihuacan but in all of Mexico! The Teotihuacan empire vanished centuries ago but the wonders they built are still there for everyone to see.
# Cabo San LucasCabo San Lucas or just Cabo, is a resort city known for its white sandy beaches, sophisticated resorts and nightlife. At the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula, Cabo is a stretch of pristine beaches and clear waters, calling to water sports lovers. You can indulge in snorkeling, deep sea diving or fishing. From the serenity of the Sea of Cortez and Playa del Amor (Lover’s Beach) to the high waves of Zippers, beautiful Cabo has much to offer.