Unique Places To Visit In Mexico
5 Places in Mexico you didn’t know exist…
For a place to have a rich history of culture, art, tradition, cuisine and architecture; Mexico is a country packed with vibrant cities.
Having recent statistics of about 13 million tourists and 35 UNESCO sites, Mexico is a destination that has something for everyone. At every turn in the country, you are greeted with cultural festivals, colonial cities, beach reserves and some fusion of European and Mesoamerican essence.
Reasons To Visit Mexico
i. Mexico has 27 UNESCO cultural sites; excluding its 6 natural sites. This makes it a fascinating destination for history, cultural and natural lovers.
ii. What drink comes to mind when you hear Mexico? Right, tequila. For some good reasons, this is where you find the world’s best. Tequila is also a town in Mexico’s Central Highlands; which is known for its lush agave plants.
iii. The wrestling culture
iv. The archaeological wonders
v. Snorkelling
Unique Cities To Visit In Mexico
1. Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1988. Chichen was founded around the 6th Common Era, presumably by the Mayan people of the Yucatan Peninsula. Chichen Itza was a large pre-Columbian city built by the Maya people of the Terminal Classic period.
The archaeological site is located in Tinum Municipality, Yucatan State, Mexico.
Here’s why it’s a must-see in Mexico:
i. Chichen Itza city occupies an area of 4 square miles.
ii. Chichen Itza attracts 1.4 million visitors every year.
iii. All buildings in Chichen Itza are built out of stones.
iv. Chichen Itza is built near natural sinkholes.
2. Izamal
Izamal is known as the “Hill City” because it has in its urban zone, several archaeological vestiges located on the hillside. Izamal is one of Mexico’s “magical towns” or “Pueblos Magicos” and is known for its bright yellow buildings.
Izamal was founded nearly 2000 years ago by the Maya. It’s believed that the town is named after the ancient Mayan god- Itzamna. Izamal is known as a town with three cultures because it holds the history of the ancient Maya people, along with the Spanish colonial history and today’s modern population.
Izamal may be the oldest colonial settlement in Yucatan state. Here’s why Izamal is a must-see:
i. You get to try some delicious and traditional Yucatecan cuisines.
ii. There’s a fascinating mix of cultures and traditions.
3. Tulum
Tulum is on the Yucatan Peninsula, in Mexico. It is one of the earliest resorts in Mexico, offering a place of worship and solitude for the Mayan kings, clergy and gods in early times.
Note that there are three (3) areas referred to as Tulum:
- Tulum Pueblo: This area is a destination for shopping, fruits, cafes(food and local flavours), booking tours, great restaurants and modest nightlife.
- Tulum Playa: This area embraces many of the fancier, ecological, boutiques and spa hotels. It also has a decent selection of excellent restaurants and nightlife spots. Most of these establishments are eco-friendly and do not provide electricity past midnight.
- Tulum Ruinas: This is the archaeological site where the Maya ruins of Tulum stand. Tulum is mostly known for its ruins, which strike an impressive image next to the sea.
Reasons Tulum is a must-see:
i. You get to explore the cenotes. Tulum is surrounded by cenotes or underwater sinkholes; attracting divers, swimmers and adventurers all year round.
ii. You also enjoy the incredible selection of fruits.
iii. You get to enjoy the spectacular wildlife. Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is a top ecotourism destination in the Mexican Caribbean and it is home to an amazing array of animals from iguanas, monkeys, sea turtles and jaguars.
4. Guadalajara
Tagged the second largest city in Mexico, Guadalajara is a go-to getaway spot if you want to know more about the Mexican culture.
Reasons why Guadalajara is a must-see:
i. The quality of museums in this part of the city is fantastic and more iconic.
ii. Guadalajara ha some of the best foods in Mexico.
iii. Mexico City may have pulque, but Guadalajara has tequila.
5. Oaxaca
Oaxaca is known for having one of the best Day of the Dead festivals in Mexico. This city is a traditional Mexican city and is one of over 35 UNESCO Heritage Site.
This city hosts a large indigenous culture, colourful festivals and delicious cuisines.
Reasons Oaxaca is a must-see:
i. You get to experience ancient Temazcal rituals.
ii. The city of Oaxaca is a splash of culture and craft.
iii. You get to have a taste of Caldo de Piedra (stone soup).
Mexico is definitely a beautiful and colourful country. Have you been to any of the cities? Let’s talk in the comments. How was the experience like?
