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Famous Places in Mexico

By Amy Lambert

Mexico is a diverse country that offers beautiful natural sites, ancient historic remains and many modern attractions too. Many of its towns and cities are well known tourist destinations across the world.

The most famous place in Mexico would have to be its capital, Mexico City. The city is situated in the Valley of Mexico, which is still 2240m above sea level, giving it a very unique location which has been the home of several different civilizations. The history of the city truly began in the 13^th century when the Atzecs developed the ancient city of Tenochtitlan, the remains of which are now a popular tourist attraction. Later, when the Spaniards arrived, they destroyed most of the Aztec construction in order to build their new colonial capital, which would rule over a vast area, extending much further than modern day Mexico. The violence and destruction of the Mexican war of independence in the 19^th century also left a mark on the city, as has the modern infrastructure that has been built in the last few decades in order to keep up with Mexico City´s growing economy and high tourist demand. With around 20 million inhabitants in its greater area, it is now one of the most populated cities in the world.

One of the most appealing assets of Mexico City is perhaps the way in which all aspects of the country´s history are found in harmony side by side, such as the modern skyscrapers, the colonial buildings and the remains of ancient civilizations. One of its most popular features to visit is the Zócalo main square, which is surrounded by the National Palace and the cathedral and always offers traditional entertainment such as mariachi music.

As well as the Aztec cities, the remains of the ancient Mayan civilization are also world famous. Some of the buildings date back to over 3000 years ago, making them a particularly stunning attraction. The Mayan site of Chichen Itza, in Yucatan, was built from the 7^th century onwards is one of the most famous sites. It comprises large pyramids that were once places of worship for the Mayans, as well as other buildings and monuments that served other purposes.

One of the reasons why this site receives so many tourists each year is its proximity to popular holiday destinations such as the coastal town of Cancun. Cancun is also one of Mexico´s most famous places but less for its history and more for its great beaches, wide range of hotel complexes and exciting nightlife that keeps tourists come back year after year. It is one of the favorite Spring Break destinations for college students and is also an ideal spot for water sports and snorkeling. An equally popular holiday spot is Acapulco, on the South East coast, which also boasts pretty much everything a holiday maker could want! However, the coasts of Mexico also have some beautiful natural features, one of the most well known being Los Cabos and its magnificent naturally eroded stone arch, right on the end of the Baja California Peninsula.

After Mexico City, Mexico´s second most important town is Guadalajara, in the state of Jalisco. Guadalajara is famous for its colonial buildings, such as its magnificent cathedral, which was completed in the early 17^th century. However, it also a modern feel to it and being very strong economically, is one of the business centers of Mexico.

Nearby is Tequila, where the world famous liquor is traditionally produced, and the beautiful Lake Chapala, where many rich businessmen from the city choose to live.

The old port town of Veracruz was also built by the Spanish colonizers, after Hernán Cortés and his men arrived in 1519, on the hunt for gold. To this day the town has a culture that combines indigenous, Spanish, African and Caribbean influences and is the largest and arguably the most important port in Mexico.

The list of famous places in Mexico goes on much further! More and more of the country´s assets are recognized every year, making it a growing tourist destination for visitors from around the world.

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