Mexico and Central America

Colonial Cities

Guanajuato, Queretaro, San Miguel de Allende, Patzcuaro, Morelia. Celebrated for their importance in Mexicos war of independence from Spain.

Mexico City

*The Capital* is one of the worlds largest cities. Border cities include: Tijuana, Mexicali, Nogales, Ciudad Juarez. Weather: Built in an earthquake zone with high altitudes. Although Mexico City is in the tropics, the high altitude gives it a mild climate. Nights are cool throughout the year. The city covers the dry lake bed. Declared The most polluted city on the planet The city's historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the city are Ancient Ruins: the huge pyramids at Teotihuacan built by the Aztec.

Other Places to Visit (5 regions)

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Cuernavaca

2 hours south of Mexico City "City of Eternal Spring" for its warm, sunny climate Tourist attractions include the Palace of Hernan Cortes and spa resorts

The Yucatan

Cancun- emerged from its jungle seclusion. It is Mexicos and one of the worlds most popular resorts. Hotel zone is on the barrier island, connected by bridges to the mainland. Riviera Maya- once a commercial and religious hub for the ancient Maya. Easy access to archaeological sites. Visitors swim with dolphins, lie on beach, and visit ancient Mayan Ruins. Xel-Ha National Park features caves and coves along the shore Cozumel- Mexico's largest inhabited island. 33 miles long. Spectacular reef system called Palancar Reef. Very popular cruise ship port Other Attractions- Tulum is the only city built on the sea. beautiful view of the caribbean. Chichen Itza is the best known, best preserved, and biggest of the Mayan ruins. Merida is the capital of the state.

Southern Mexico: Oaxaca

In Southern Mexico. It is known as Jade City due to the green color in the stone used to build many of its buildings Culturally diverse city whose pre-Hispanic roots are seen in its architecture and crafts 9 miles from Oaxaca is another of Mexicos famous ancient ruins: Monte Alban

Central America: Belize

Mexico and Guatemala border the tiny country of Belize. It is about the size of Massachusetts. The Spanish ignored Belize, so shipwrecked British sailors took over in 1638. It became an independent country in 1981 Belmopan and Belize City- Belmopan became *The Capital* after a hurricane ruined the original capital, Belize city. Barrier Reef and the Cayes- Belizes main tourist attraction. The worlds 2nd longest barrier reef Northern Belize- La Ruta Maya begins north of Belize city. National symbol of Belize was found here.

Guadalajara

Mexico's second largest city Agricultural and industrial center of the western highlands. Most Mexican culture began in this region. Includes a 16th Century Cathedral Hundreds of family-run operations produce pottery, crafts, wooden objects, glassware etc. Home of the sombreros Tequilla was invented here.

Puebla

Mexicos 4th largest city towering volcanos. famous for its tile work and pottery "talavera" - hand painted ceramics Showplace of Spanish colonial architecture and Catholic churches 365

Copper Canyon

Not very glamourous, very rugged. Offers a different kind of beauty Series of gorges that flow into 6 canyons, was formed by rivers draining the western side. Name came from copper-green color of lichens on the canyons walls Canyon system is 4 times larger than the Grand Canyon Tourists travel by train to see into the Canyon

Baja California

Only towns are Ensenada and La Paz. Ensenada is a popular destination for Californians 2 Towns make up "Los Cabos"- Cabo St. Lucas (lively) and San Jose del Cabo (slow). Offers excellent fishing, diving, whale watching, and beautiful resorts. Mexicos largest concentration of golf courses.

Taxco

known as the Silver City Founded by Cortes to exploit Indian Silver mines Popular tourist attraction Huge caves are located here called Grutas de Cacahuamilpa

The Pacific Coast

very popular for shopping, water sports, and nightlife. Mazatlan- is the northernmost resort in the area known as the Mexican Riviera. Known for its beaches, hotels, and accommodates large cruise ships. Spring break attraction Puerto Vallarta- has luxury hotels and fine beaches, one of Mexicos top golf destinations Manzanillo- named after the tree that grows there, was once a center of pirate activity. Now a busy tourist port Acapulco- Queen of Mexican Resorts, best known of the many beautiful west coast resorts.