Overview
Mexico is a land of contrasts, with
desert-like expanses and big industrial cities growing at an exponential rate, wilderness
and carefully laid-out areas, modern facilities and impressive archaeological sites. In
short, Mexico is an enchanting, multifaceted country with a lot to
offer.
Mexico City, the nation's capital, is one of
the most populated cities in the world, with approximately 20 million people huddled in a
high valley 2,240 m (7,350 feet) above sea level. It's a fascinating place, what with its
many historic and cultural treasures, great vitality and charming
districts.
In the heart of the sprawling metropolis,
facing the Plaza de la Constitución (more commonly known as "El Zócalo"), stands the
Catedral Metropolitana, the largest cathedral in the Americas. A monumental structure
built over the course of 250 years, from the 16th century onward, it's a mishmash of
architectural influences with 14 side chapels of various styles. On the east side of the
Zócalo, the Palacio Nacional, built from red tezontle (volcanic rock), has been the seat
of the federal government since the late 17th century. After entering the imposing
building through the courtyard, you can admire the spectacular revolutionary murals of
famous Mexican painter Diego Rivera, which adorn the national palace's grand
staircase.
A few blocks west is the Palacio de Bellas
Artes, a gorgeous, typically Art Deco performing arts venue. A little farther along lies
Parque Alameda, one of Mexico's most pleasant parks, laid out in a simple geometrical
pattern. About 2 km (1.25 mi) farther west, past the Paseo de la Reforma -- a major,
intermittently elegant boulevard -- is the Zona Rosa, a very touristy district with scores
of hotels, restaurants, shops and nightclubs. The Paseo de la Reforma then leads through
the Bosque de Chapultepec, a huge park with woods, lakes, a zoo, botanical gardens and a
handful of museums.
If you only visit one museum
during your stay in Mexico, be sure to make it the Museo Nacional de Antropología (which
is closed on Mondays, as most museums in Mexico). The absolutely wonderful national museum
of anthropology houses a large collection of priceless archaeological treasures uncovered
in Mexico.
Where on earth
The southernmost country in North America, Mexico
features a vast and often mountainous terrain that covers almost 2,000,000 km² (770,000 sq
mi), more than three times the size of France. The country has a population of about 95 million.
Excursions
Resorts