Mexico Tourist Attractions

A surrealist country par excellence, that is what the French poet Andre Breton called the country that we know as the land of ancient civilizations, popular resorts, tequila, sombrero and of course the discoverer of chocolate. Mexico has a pull over most people unrivaled by any other country for the simple reason that it has something for every visitor. The World Tourism Organization has gone on record saying that Mexico has one of the largest tourism industries in the world. There are many tourist attractions that contribute to the popularity of this country amongst tourists, including the nightlife, the beaches and the historical significance that it enjoys.

Popular Tourist Attractions in Mexico

Mexico City
As the capital of Mexico, Mexico City is one of the main tourist attractions in Mexico. This popularity can be contributed to its Meso-American history and also to the several tourist attractions in the city like the Pyramid of the Sun and the Moon, El Palenque and El Zocalo, which is among the largest public plazas in the world and of course, the Plaza de toros Mexico, which is the largest bullring in the world. Mexico City is also home to the Mexican National Palace and the Metropolitan Cathedral. The National Museum of Anthropology and History is world famous and is known to be one of the best museums in the world.

Oaxaca
Oaxaca is one of the most culturally rich cities in Mexico and should be high up on the list of must see destinations for any tourist who wants to experience and get an insight into Mexican culture. With museums, beautiful architecture and many charming restaurants, Oaxaca is the perfect choice for anyone who wants to experience the artistic side of the country. Many archaeological sites and traditional villages surround this city, which also has many trails for climbing, hiking, trekking, and other such activities for tourists with an adventurous streak. Several tour operators in Oaxaca also run rural tourism programs for those who want experience traditional village life.

Tijuana
Situated on the U.S. - Mexico border near the city of San Diego, California, Tijuana is one of the most popular tourist spots. The biggest attractions for tourists are the many bars and dance clubs that are present in the city, which is the reason for almost 300,000 visitors entering the city from the U.S. every day. Also the city has a lower drinking age (18 as compared to 21 in the United States), which makes it a preferred weekend destination for many students. Tijuana is also home to Zona Norta, an area where legal brothels are run, which contributes heavily to the economy of the city.

Guadalajara
With many relics that are indicative of the rich Mexican history, Guadalajara is a treat for any tourist who is a history fanatic. With museums, colonial sites and beautiful plazas, it is a charming city that has given Mexico some of its most famous exports including tequila and mariachi music. The Zona Rosa, Minerva, Chapultepac and Centro Historico are some of the most popular tourist attractions in Mexico and not just Guadalajara. Another thing of great repute in the city is the variety of Mexican foods available here. From street food to five star dining rooms, Gudalajara caters to every taste and every pocket.

Cancun
On an average, almost four million tourists visit Cancun, Mexico every year, to visit the Nichupte Lagoon famous for water sports and also to enter Riviera Maya, which is home to several archaeological sites including Coba and Tulum. Cancun is home to several remains of the Mayan culture like El Rey and El Meco, which are popular tourist attractions. El Meco is situated just outside the city limits.

Chiapas
Chiapas is undoubtedly one of the top tourist attractions in Mexico, thanks to it being home to Palenque, the site of temples covered by foliage deep in the jungles. The area is home to the best examples of Mayan architecture in the country. Chiapas has remnants of this ancient civilization and the Spanish rule that has made it culturally rich. It is a haven for nature lovers and ecological activities enthusiasts. Despite the revenue flowing in from tourism and its richness in natural resources like oil and gas, there are several communities that still live according to traditional culture without running water and electricity.

Ensenada
The location of Ensenada being just about some 110 kilometers from United States, contributes to it being one of the most popular tourist attractions. Tourists from the United States can opt for short cruise trips for Mexico vacations on the weekend. It is also home to one of the largest geysers in the world. It is also a favorite spot for surfing and windsurfing. There are several sightseeing tours that are available during the gray whale's migration period in between December to May. The Wine Harvest Festival is also a huge draw for tourists. Ensenada is also site for one of the largest carnivals in the country.

Acapulco
Acapulco is one of the main tourist attractions in Mexico and a popular coastal tourist site. Famous for its nightlife, beaches and deep sea fishing sites, Acapulco was for a long time the vacation spot of choice for most Hollywood stars. One of the most popular attractions in Acapulco are the La Quebrada Cliff Divers, young divers who would compete with each other to see who could dive from the highest point in to the sea. While in earlier days, these divers were amateurs, today professional divers perform these feats. Acapulco is also famous for its many historic buildings like the San Diego fort, Dolores Olmedo House which has murals by Diego Rivera, Casa de la Mascara, or the House of Masks and many such interesting tourist attractions.

This was a brief overview of the many tourist attractions that you could make a list of, if you are planning a trip to the country bordering United States. It is a country that gives fantasy a new name, representing thoughts and dreams in a weird colorful way, juxtaposing the old and the new, the traditional and modern all in one go. But with all its weirdness, it never ceases to be wonderful and forever magnetic in its attraction.