Mexico vacation spots: Top 5
Jan 29In this exotic destination, the colonial history, the Mayan mysteries, the dreamlike shoreline, and the hustling towns together make up for the top Mexico vacation spots. And there is no doubt that you will have a variety of attractions and things to do. From the Mayan ruins to the shopping cities, all have their own charm and vibes. With 23 million visitors in 2008, it is no surprise that Mexico has grabbed the 10th position in the global list of most thronged destinations in the world. From December to summer, the Mexico vacation spots are very crowded. So, it is up to you for choosing the appropriate time. Here is my list of the top 5 Mexico vacation spots, which was really challenging for me to make. Mexico City This is the capital town that guarantees a leisure family vacation. From...
Calakmul: Largest Mayan ruins in lowlands
Dec 14Adorning the largest tropical biosphere reserve in the Mexico’s Campeche state, the Calakmul Mayan city is regarded as one of he strongest as well as largest ruins of the Mayan times in the lowlands of Mesoamerica. In the olden days, this city had played a vital role for some 1200 years and so today, one can spot a plethora of stunning structures that are still well preserved revealing a vivid life of those days. Initially named as Ox Te’ Tuun, the Calakmul ruins are scattered deep in the greater Petén Basin’s forest, which are at a distance of only 22 miles from the frontier of Guatemala. So, be ready to pull your hat from your cupboard, wear khaki attire, and go deep into the jungle as you protect yourself from the deadly boulders and cliches. ‘Calakmul’ itself refers to...
Dzibanche: Best Mayan ruins in Quintana Roo
Dec 09Nestled in the south of Quintana Roo in the Costa Maya, Dzibanche is considered as the most magnificent Mayan city whose ruins reflect some of the highest architectural styles as well as urban set up. An array of inscriptions found here indicates that this town must have been the dwelling of a powerful dynasty of the Mayan era. Inhabited first in 200 BC, Dzibanche only reached its peak of urban development in 220 A.D., which continued to spread its charm until 800 A.D and was finally abandoned in 1000. Even after this, farmers started to live occupying several plazas as well as structures for additional 200 years. Today, the old Mayan city of Dzibanche is flanked by varied wild vegetation, tropical forest, and so an assortment of birds giving out all sort of sounds. Among these, the most...
Coba Mayan ruins: Among the largest and beautiful
Dec 08The Coba Mayan ruins refer to a grand archaeological site accessible from Playa del Carmen in just two hours. Nestled close to Tulum, this one seems to be almost unexplored as much of it is yet to be excavated forming much mystery and unanswered questions just as the other Mayan sites. Considered as among the largest Mayan cities, the Coba Mayan site is thought to be a vital trade hub situated between the Caribbean and Chichen Itza in its olden days. Not only is the site beautiful, but also its surroundings are captivating. The entire area is flanked by four natural lakes, a peculiar arrangement not to be seen so frequently in the Yucatan. It is thought that the city has got its name from these lakes, which literally stands for ‘waters moved by wind’. The Coba Mayan site, although...
Teotihuacan pyramids of sun and moon
Dec 07Mexico is the state of many Aztec and Mayan sites, but Teotihuacan of the pre-Columbian era is the largest Mesoamerican town known to us until now. Adorning the Basin of Mexico at a distance of 25 miles, Teotihuacan is today a huge archaeological area that has already grabbed the honor of the World Heritage Site. Among all the structures excavated here, it is the Teotihuacan pyramids that pull a myriad of tourists here every year rendering Mexico an all-time hustling state. Besides these pyramids that have since several centuries forced the experts to travel from Egypt to Mexico, Teotihuacan is also the home of the Avenue of the Dead, dwelling sections, and colorful murals. It would surprise you that Teotihuacan is actually not the real name of this ancient city; in fact; nobody knows...
Xochicalco: An exciting archaeological tour in Mexico
Dec 06Mexico is the land of many pre-Columbian archaeological sites of which one is Xochicalco, but unfortunately very few know about this one. Fortunately, this time I was no longer a part of this category when my friend took me for the visit of this site. Pronounced as “sho-chee-cal-co” and literally meaning “in the house of flowers”; Xochicalco in Mexico attributes to one of the most interesting pre-Columbian archaeological sites. Nestled in the Morelos state’s western region at a distance of 38 km from Cuernavaca, the site is accessible by driving for 76 miles from the Mexico City. Talking about the history, the zenith of Xochicalco was only witnessed after the downfall of Teotihuacan. This statement makes sense as the experts are of the opinion that this ancient...
Monte Alban: The holy archaeological site in Mexico
Dec 02Nestled on a 400-m mountain over the Valley of Oaxaca, Monte Alban since long has been the sacred city of over 20,000 Zapotecs. Until now, this archaeological site is the most fascinating and widely exhumed ruin that forms only 10% of the actual site that is still to be uncovered. Talking about its too log history, Monte Alban was inhabited by the Zapotecs between 800 and 500 B.C and they started to monumentally level the mountain around 500 BC leading them to construct Monte Alban that was influenced by many cultures evident in its many sculptures. Among all the structures present here, the Great Plaza form the central place of the various structures on this mount. The northeast corner of this plaza holds the site’s entrance where there is also a site museum, a cafe, a shop offering...
Chapultepec castle: A national wonder of Mexico
Dec 01Also known as the Castillo de Chapultepec, the Chapultepec Castle is not just an architectural master piece, but is also a legendary monument because of its unique history. Nestled atop the Chapultepec Hill, this widely stretching castle adorns the Chapultepec Park at an altitude of 7628 feet. The term Chapultepec is derived from chapoltepec, a Náhuatl word, which stands for ‘at the grasshopper’s hill’. Used for several purposes in the past, the Chapultepec castle is currently utilized as the Mexican National Museum of History (Museo Nacional de Historia). The Chapultepec castle has been used as the European sovereign residence, Presidential home, military academy, and observatory. Talking about its unique historical facts, the citadel is the sole one in North America to be...
Mayan Palenque: Magnificent to the Core
Nov 23Palenque is not a word belonging to the Mayan language. In fact, it is the Spanish word for fence or palisade derived from the nearest town’s name. The original word could have been Na Chan Kan or ‘city of snakes’. Mayan Palenque is an ancient site. It reached its glory during the classic period of the Mayan dynasty, which lasted from AD 300 to AD 800. Mayan Palenque is one ruin that has been extensively covered. Mayan Palenque resembles a lost city. Mayan Palenque sits amidst jungles, rivers, and waterfalls in the state of Chiapas. It borders with the Lacondon Forest. When you visit Mayan Palenque, you will encounter native Indians selling bows and arrows that are handmade. These native inhabitants can be easily recognized by their white attire and long tresses. Keep aside four...
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