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Touring Mexico: Bustling Cities, Ancient Ruins, Beautiful Beaches, And Pristine Coral Reefs

Accordion Content

Overview

Introduction

With twenty-six UNESCO declared world heritage sites, charming colonial towns and dozens of thrilling cities, there's plenty to explore in this country of 109 million. Outside the cities, stunning beaches along thousands of miles of two major coastlines, mangrove swamps and swimming holes provide all you need for a relaxing, romantic or adventurous vacation in Mexico. The scuba diving, especially along Chinchorro Banks, boasts phenomenal views of the world’s second largest coral reef, while other locales are winter homes of migratory marine mammals.

Geography

Mexico is a federal republic made up of thirty-one states and the federal district of Mexico City.  In total, it occupies 756,066 square miles of the North American landscape. The country shares a border with the United States of America to the north, and Belize and Guatemala to the south. Mexico is lined on its sides by expanses of water, namely the Gulf of Mexico to the east and the Pacific Ocean and Gulf of California on the west.  Mexico has varied climate zones, offering a home to plant and animal life that combines North American species as well as other tropical exotic species. Monkeys, jaguars, anteater, parrots and tapirs can all be found in the Southern forests of Mexico. Pumas and coyotes can be spotted in the more mountainous areas, while snakes, armadillos and rabbits are common desert dwellers.

History

The history of Mexico stretches back tens of thousands of years, when ice age nomadic tribes first entered the region.  The rise of empires such as the Aztecs and the Mayans and other regional tribes began to decline after the Spanish Conquest in the 16th century, and colonization followed until Mexico’s independence in the early 1800’s.  Today, there is no official religion in Mexico but the overwhelming majority of Mexicans practice Roman Catholicism. The shrine of the Virgin of Guadeloupe in Mexico City is a site of pilgrimage for visitors to Mexico every year. 

Economy

Mexico is abundant in natural resources and is the world’s top producer of silver.  Mexico also produces a host of other metals, such as copper and zinc. Mexico’s history has been turbulent, but in recent years its economy has been relatively stable.  Tourism is a significant industry, and the country welcomes about 22 million tourists annually.

Location:
  • North America
  • Mexico
Keywords: diving guides, north america dive travel, mexico dive travel, mexico diving Author:
Melissa Gwaldis
Related Tags: Diving Guides