RV Vacations & Camping
Ideas
A QUICK OVERVIEW OF MEXICO
by Orson Johnson
A country of great diversity, Mexico is the
traveler's paradise. A unique mix of cultures means that Mexico can cater for
all tastes. From deserts to volcanoes, ancient ruins to modern resorts, Mexico
has something for every tourist.
Mexico is full of history, as befits a country
that was once ruled by the passionate and warlike Aztecs, one of the most
advanced civilizations in the western hemisphere. Their capital, in Modern-day
Mexico City, was full of massive stone pyramids and temples, the remnants of
which lay under the modern city. The colonization of Mexico by the Spaniards
provided a great deal of colonial architecture, and the violent centuries that
followed provided the continent with one of it's strongest independence
movements, which can be found by visiting the Centro Historico and Coyoacan.
Although the Aztecs were wiped out as a political
group, their descendents still live in Mexico City, and the ancient culture
exists in events such as the Day of the Dead, feast-day of dead souls which
falls at the beginning of November. Many people are fascinated by this festival,
and anyone with an interest in the native culture should certainly visit Mexico
in time for this celebration.
As well as ancient history, Mexico also provides
some of the most interesting modern resorts. Mexico City itself provides many
modern entertainments, which considering its size (it is the third largest city
in the world, with a population of 22 million), including art galleries and
restaurants.
Baja California can offer some of the most
exciting holidays in Mexico, with kayaking, diving, and whale watching in the
Sea of Cortez, as well as the possibility of guided RV tours of the area, aerial
tours of the Copper Canyon (a canyon four times larger than the Grand Canyon),
which can also be accessed by the famous 'train ride in the sky', a mysterious
and inspiring place.
Even if you wish to do nothing besides go sailing
or fishing Baja California can cater for your desires. Cancun, as well as
offering kayaking and diving, also has facilities for golfing. It is here that
you can see the famous bullfights once a week, and cockfighting and dancing can
also be found at the Plaza de Toros Cancun.
Anyone interested in adventure holidays will like
to know that Actun Chen, the famous cave system full of stalactites and
stalagmites and natural stone formations. Beyond the caves is jungle, 988 acres
of wildlife trails and tropical vegetation. Not too far from Cancun is the Tres
Rios, which boasts snorkeling in its section of the Great Mayan Reef. For those
who want a more relaxed experience, Guadalajara is noted for its cultural arts,
such as the Degallado
Theater, and the mural by Jose Clemente Orozco
(part of the 1920's Mexican mural movement) which is at the Cabanas Cultural
Institute. The city has many interesting museums, as well as a fantastic
selection of resorts, all part of a city which has become more business
orientated If you are looking for beaches, Mexico boasts some world-class white
sands, with surfing, fishing and clear waters, plus parts of the Great Mayan
Reef just a few feet from the shore.
Some of Puerto Vallarta's beaches are only
accessible via boat trips, and the Isla Contoy (reached by boat from Isla
Mujeres) has a fantastic, almost uninhabited beach, and Los Cabos' rocky beaches
are great for laying back and catching the sun. If you want beaches with
exclusivity, there are some private beaches at the Costa Alegre, which also
boasts exclusive resorts; while Punta Allen's low-cost hotels are some of the
best getaway locations in the country.
Of course, Mexico is not just about history and
beaches. Mexico City has a fantastic nightlife, as you might imagine from the
mix of Latin, Cuban and alternative music clubs in the city. It also boasts
trendy nightclubs and an area nicknamed the 'Soho of Mexico City'. Other places,
such as Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta, also have sophisticated nightlife. Son
Cristobal has a music scene that is fun and exciting, while not taking too much
out of your budget. It is the ideal place for people who want to spend their
nights barhopping, and everything is in walking - or staggering - distance).
It would not be fair to talk about Mexico's
nightlife without mentioning Cabo San Lucas; the capital of Baja California for
an after-dark scene, casual bars line the main streets, as well as the beach
front. A rowdy, lawless feel makes this the nightlife for the adventurous.
Mexico is so full of different aspects that at times it can seem surreal; you
can walk the paths of the ancient Americans in the morning, surf or laze on the
beach in the afternoons, and go out clubbing at night, and usually all these
things are within the same city. Lively and fascinating, this country is a
must-see for both the adventurer and the sun worshipper alike.
About the Author
Orson Johnson writes for
Holiday Velvet, a website providing
listings for bed and breakfasts, villas, hotels and
Apartments in
Venice