Vacation Spots in Mexico

As its multi-billion-dollar tourism industry indicates, Mexico offers each person whatever kind of vacation they desire. One has to decide if it is leisure and luxury they seek or untamed adventure. Better still, the trip could be mixed up and a bit of both could be experienced. The following are some of the best vacation spots in Mexico, so try to fit them into your travel itinerary.

Mexico City
Mexico City is the capital of Mexico, and is a crowded, noisy, chaotic place. While exercising a little bit of caution, one can immerse themselves in the melting pot of experiences the city has to offer. Art museums exhibiting the works of artist extraordinaire Frida Kahlo, exotic culinary experiences and masked wrestling matches form the surreal tapestry of Mexico City. To truly soak in Mexico City, one must get lost in the bustle of the Zócalo (great central plaza), view the superb murals in the Bellas Artes performing arts hall by Diego Rivera, David Alfaro Siqueiros and José Clemente Orozco, and visit the National Museum of Anthropology in Chapultepec Park. A stroll through certain neighborhoods such as Coyoacán, will transport you back to the colonial era, with its elegant private homes and cobbled streets will only add to your experience.

Copper Canyon
A must see for every tourist is the Barranca del Cobre or the Copper Canyon. This magnificent natural phenomenon is a series of more than 20 spectacular canyons that altogether comprise a region that’s four times larger than the Grand Canyon in Arizona. The best way to witness these gorges is to travel right up, over and through some of the steepest areas on the Ferrocarril Chihuahua Pacífico (Chihuahua-Pacific Railway, also known as the Copper Canyon Railway), which takes passengers on a scenic journey over 655 km of some of the most breathtaking views.

Pyramids of Teotihuaćan
The pyramids of Teotihuaćan civilization leave every visitor awestruck. 50 km northeast of Mexico City, set in a mountain-ringed offshoot of the Valle de México, Teotihuacán is known for its two vast pyramids - Pirámide del Sol and Pirámide de la Luna. They leave one wondering at the ability of an ancient civilization to carry out such mammoth construction marvels sans technology. Teotihuacán was Mexico’s biggest ancient city and the capital of what was possibly Mexico’s largest pre-Hispanic empire. While the crowds here can be daunting, it is definitely worth the visit.

Oaxaca
Oaxaca is one of Mexico’s most authentic and vibrant cities. Amongst the lesser frequented vacation spots, this colonial city with a lovely tree-shaded central square, El Zócalo, offers you culture and tranquility. An exquisite range of crafts and some exciting contemporary art are the products of the creative residents of Oaxaca. The state’s deep-rooted indigenous traditions serve are inspiration to artists and artisans alike, as they are bathed in its bright southern light. Oaxaca has lovely inns and hotels, beautiful museums and superb architecture, as well as delicious local cuisine. The city is surrounded by fascinating archaeological sites. Its laid back pace frequently erupts into lively fiestas, and there are events taking place in the streets or plazas almost everyday.

Remnants of the Maya civilization exist all over Mexico, and several of the sites are worth a visit. Among your options are Tulum Ruins in Quintana Roo, Chichén-Itzá located 75 miles from Mérida, Mayapan in Yucatan and Palenque in Chiapas. Visiting one or more of these sites are an indulgence you must allow yourself into. You wont regret it!

Many tourists head to Mexico for its pristine beaches, turquoise blue waters, surfing and snorkeling playgrounds and glitzy night life. Cabo San Lucas has beaches that offer jet-skis, banana boats, parasailing, snorkeling, kite sailing, diving and horseback riding and clubs for wild experiences. Cancun is considered the party capital of Mexico, drawing troves of spring breakers. Acapulco, with its stunning beaches and a 24-hour nightlife, was Mexico’s original party town. At one time Acapulco was the playground for the rich and famous including Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Elizabeth Taylor and Judy Garland.

People seeking a fresh novel vacation in Mexico should explore activity-based tourism, community tourism or ecotourism (the type that helps conserve local environments). However, for every vacationer, a word of caution: drug-related violence exists throughout Mexico. Before planning a trip to Mexico check the latest government warnings issued and exercise caution once there.