Historic Centre Of Mexico City And Xochimilco

Mexico City is one of the largest and most populated cities in the entire world, the old Aztec capital, built by the Spanish in the 16th century. A cosmopolitan city with a rich culture with a buzzing downtown area with a deep history, and home to five Aztec temples and ruins, as well as pre-Hispanic and colonial-era architecture seen in its cathedrals, including one of the largest on the continent, and some fine 19th and 20th-century public buildings like the Palacio de las Bellas Artes. The city was included on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 1987 for its history, urban and rural structures that were evidence of its colonial past. Xochimilco, is located 17 miles south of the capital, home to the chinampas which are known as the “floating gardens”, a series of waterways and artificial islands built by the Aztecs.

The historic center is filled with busy streets, rich culture and history, and historic buildings that line the streets. Zocalo is the bustling city square in the heart of the city surrounded by several colonial buildings such as the Metropolitan Cathedral that took 300 years to build, the Palacio de Gobierno, and the magnificent Palacio de Bellas Artes. Calle Madero is lined with fantastic street food stalls and high-end restaurants.

Historic Centre Of Oaxaca And Monte Alban

The historic center of Oaxaca is an architectural masterpiece, along with the surrounding structures of Monte Alban with its pyramids, artificial mounds, terraces, canals, and dams carved out of the mountains. The city is filled with fantastic museums, great festivals, baroque churches, and ruins with a history dating back over 1,500 years. Recognized into the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Mexico in 1987 for the city’s Spanish colonial town planning and Spanish influences, and the ancient ruins of Monte Alban that was inhabited by Olmecs, Zapotecs, and Mixtecs over fifteen centuries. Oaxaca is known as the culinary capital of the country with bustling markets and fantastic restaurants serving up some of the tastiest food in the world.

Historic Centre Of Puebla

The historic center of Puebla was established in 1531, nestled at the foot of Popocatepetl volcano around 60 miles east of Mexico City. The charming city features colonial architecture and is known as “the city of angels” or Puebla de Los Angeles. The city combines the perfect blend of culture, tradition, and history with a selection of colorful buildings and stunning facades. Some of the historic buildings in the city include the 16th and 17th-century cathedral, old archbishop’s palace, and houses that are covered in azulejos (wall tiles), a fantastic fusion of American and European styles. The Barrio Barroco district is filled with an amalgam of new and old, and the many architectural styles that have influenced the city.

Pre-Hispanic City And National Park Of Palenque

The city of Palenque is a complex of Mayan ruins located in southern Mexico that was at its height during AD 500 and 700. The ruins here consist of magnificent stone temples, buildings with excellent craftsmanship, and well-preserved sculptural remains hidden away in the lush verdant rainforests of Chiapas. The ancient city is one of the best places to experience a glimpse of the creative genius of the Mayan civilization in all of Mexico, the beauty and nature, and pre-Hispanic architecture are beyond beautiful. The area of the city that was discovered is said to only be a fraction of the ancient city’s total area. The urban planning of the city and intricately adorned monuments make it one of the most significant human achievements in Central American history. There is a royal palace in the center of Palenque, which is one of the most complex and intricate buildings left from the Mayan Era. The site is smaller than others in the country but one of the most interesting for its vibrant architectural style. The city was originally called Lakamha and was abandoned before the Spanish conquest.

Pre-Hispanic City Of Teotihuacan

The pre-Hispanic city of Teotihuacan is considered a ‘holy city’ in Mexico, it is believed this is where the gods were created. Built during the 1st and 7th centuries AD the city is now abandoned and filled with mighty geometric pyramids that once held status as the largest city of the northern hemisphere. Teotihuacan literally means a ‘place where gods were born’ home to the infamous Pyramid of the Sun, Pyramid of the Moon, and the two-mile-long city street named The great Avenue of the Dead, lined with sacred monuments like the Temple of Quetzalcoatl (the Plumed Serpent). The city was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 and its most notable features are the gigantic monuments showcasing symbolic principles and geometric patterns. It was once one of the most powerful cultural centers in Mesoamerica. Situated only 31 miles from Mexico City, the structures and pyramids here are the largest ones from the Pre-Columbian era. During Teotihuacan’s pinnacle, the city was home to up to 100,000 inhabitants, its origins are a mystery but Mayan, Aztec, Mixtec, and Zapotec traces of civilization were found here.

Sian Ka’an

Sian Ka’an is a city located on the Yucatan Peninsula that was once inhabited by the Mayan people, it was included on the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 for its natural importance including its tropical rainforests, manglars, marshes, and marine zone. The city is considered a biosphere reserve that consists of mangroves, forests, and marshes and is home to over 300 species of birds, flora, and fauna which inhabit the area. The origin name of Sian Ka’an means origen del cielo in Spanish translates to “origin of the sky”.

Historic Town Of Guanajuato And Adjacent Mines

The charming colonial town of Guanajuato is an Old Spanish town in Mexico that was founded during the 16th century and was known as the largest silver extraction center in the world by the 18th century. It is an energetic city with unique landscapes, lined by cobblestone streets, and colorful houses that tumble down the mountainside. The town has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988 that features numerous historic sites, neoclassical and Baroque buildings, great dining and shopping opportunities. The town's development dates back to the mining rush that followed the discovery of silver in 1548. Explore the subterranean streets and La Boca del Infierno (Inferno’s or Hell’s mouth), an impressive mining pit with a depth of 0.37 miles is still intact.

Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza is a Pre-Columbian city located near Cancun that contains magnificent Mayan Ruins and historic archeological sites. Set on the Yucatan Peninsula the site is considered sacred by the Mayans and served as the center of the Mayan civilization during ancient times. One of the top attractions in the country, it was a sacred site for over 700 years. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988 and is the most famous of the great Mayan cities. The stone monuments and works of art by the Mayans found here are the purest example of a civilization that has now vanished, but once ruled this land. There are mighty pyramids, fascinating temples, and other great monuments that feature construction techniques used by the Mayans.

The city of Chichen Itza has a colorful history and the sacred Mayan city was one of the most important economic, political, and cultural centers in the Yucatan Peninsula centuries ago. There are great dining options in the city and plenty of nearby historical sites to explore along with an evening light show where the Great Pyramid of El Castillo is lit up in a vibrant display of lights and sound for a 30-minute show under the stars. Chichen Itza means “at the mouth of the well of the Itza”, The Itzas were a Mayan ethnic group and the “well” refers to the many cenotes in the area. The city appeared in the 5th century and was one of the largest Mayan cities in the country covering 2 square miles. The many buildings found in Chichen Itza hold great significance and El Castilo Pyramid is the most famous site here.

Historic Centre Of Morelia

The historic city of Morelia is the capital city of the state of Michoacan, set on the banks of the Rio Grande de Morelia between Mexico City and Guadalajara. The charming city exemplifies outstanding urban planning and showcases a fusion of Mesoamerican and Spanish Renaissance architecture. It was constructed during the 16th century and built on the hill slopes, there are over 200 historic buildings located within the historic center reflecting the history and architectural development within the city. The city has managed to retain the characteristics of a distinguished colonial town with numerous well preserved historic buildings dotted through the historic center including the glowing cathedral at the heart. The historical center with its colonial buildings built using the region’s iconic pink stone is simply charming featuring a unique architectural style that became known as Morelian Baroque. The city played a crucial role in the country’s fight against independence and has an eclectic history. Strolling through the historic center where the cathedral, the aqueduct, the government palace, the public library, the Palacio de Justicia, and the Conservatorio de las Rosas (an ancient convent) are all located.

Historic Centre Of Zacatecas

The historic center of Zacatecas is a sovereign state in North-Central Mexico founded in 1546 by Spanish people who discovered a rich silver lode in the area. A beautiful city characterized by beautiful pink quarry stone, built on the steep slopes of El Gillow and La Bufa Mountains with breathtaking views. The city reached its height of prosperity during the 17th century and is a unique city with extensive cultural backgrounds, architectural excellence, and vibrant culture. There are a host of historical buildings and structures including the Mala Noche (Bad Night Palace), an 18th-century pink stone walled cathedral with its soaring towers that dominates the town center, the beautiful Calderon Theatre, fantastic museums, large scenic parks, and a maze of streets and alleyways.

Historic Monuments Zone Of Queretaro

The charming old colonial town of Queretaro, formerly known as Santiago de Queretaro is located in central Mexico, easily accessible with San Miguel de Allende to the northwest and Mexico City to the southeast. The town is considered of important cultural value with its preserved geometric street plan that was introduced by the Spanish colonizers. The historic center was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996 and offers fantastic culture, great cuisine, excellent shopping opportunities, history, and lots of things to see and do. Structures in the historic center date back to the 17th and 18th centuries, there are many historical monuments dotted around the center and through the network of pre-Columbian alleyways, a testament to the relationship between the Spanish and natives at the time. There are cisterns and reservoirs that surround the town along with magnificent pillars and arches of the aqueducts towering 75 feet above the city streets.

Pre-Hispanic Town Of Uxmal

The Pre-Hispanic Town of Uxmal is another Mayan town located in the Yucatan peninsula included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Mexico in 1996. In AD 700 there were around 25,000 inhabitants in the town, the building layout during this time period exhibited knowledge of astronomy, which was way ahead during this time period. It is recognized as of the oldest Mayan cities of the classical era and considered to be one of the most important and oldest archaeological sites of the Maya culture. It was recognized by UNESCO for its significance and is the most notable place to visit with the region’s best architectural patterns. The town is made up of a complex of ceremonial ruins that features a huge array of symbolic motifs and sculptures, with a layout and architecture widely considered to be the pinnacle of Mayan culture. The major feature located in the historic center of the town is the towering 115 feet tall Pyramid of the Soothsayer, adorned by a blend of symbolic motifs and sculptures that depict Chaac, the Mayan rain deity.

The city is filled with magnificent buildings and monuments like the Piramide del Adivino (Pyramid of the Soothsayer) along with ceremonial sites that include Kahba, Labna, and Sayil, all high points of Mayan arts and architecture. The Mayan city flourished from the 6th to the 10the centuries, one of the most well preserved Mayan towns that have been extensively renovated. It was affected by the 900 AD general collapse and stayed a major city until the 14th century, Mayans abandoned the city around 1560. The town's architecture is typical of the Puuc style, featuring arched doorways and fortifications walls with many main buildings that still stand today including the three leveled Pyramid of the Magicians, the richly ornamented Nunnery Quadrangle, and the House of the Governor with its 24 rooms.

Historic Fortified Town Of Campeche

The walled harbor town city of Campeche is one of the best examples of the influence of the Spanish colonial period. A stunning colonial UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Mexican Yucatan Peninsula filled with history and culture mixing the best of Mexico and the Caribbean. The city conserves its colonial fortification system of ramparts and walls that were built to protect it from naval attacks. The outer walls were designed to defend the port against attacks from the sea. An authentic town and a shining example of a harbor town from the colonial period complete with pirates, beautiful mansions, and old-world forts to protect the damsel in distress. It is one of the prettiest cities in the Yucatan, a great place to explore known as the Rainbow City, it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999 due to the well-preserved buildings, forts, and walls. The Cathedral in Campeche is a beautiful Baroque church built between 1540 and 1760 featuring two well-kept old towers, bastions, seven strongholds (originally eight) connected to the ramparts for protective purposes since the city was invaded by pirates. A sunset walk along the Malecon is one of the best things to do in the city along the beautiful waterfront, a great spot for sunset, and a walk along Calle 59, alleged as the most colorful street in town.

Ancient Maya City And Protected Tropical Forests Of Calakmul, Campeche

The Ancient Maya City and protected tropical forest of Calakmul are located in Campeche, located in the southern area of the Yucatan peninsula in Mexico, nestled deep in the tropical rainforest of the Tierras Bajas. The UNESCO World Heritage Site was listed in 2002 and includes the central and southern part of the Yucatan Peninsula. The history of the area spans over 12 centuries, it has been well conserved and offers a vision of how the Mayans lived some 300 years ago. Calakmul is also home to an important biodiversity sanctuary, the third-largest in Mesoamerica, it is filled with imposing structures of this ancient city and its overall layout, characteristics of Maya cities that give a vivid picture of an ancient Maya capital. The commemorative stelae at Calakmul are outstanding examples of Maya art and throw light on the political and spiritual development of the city. A true hidden gem nestled in the verdant rainforests of Mexico, a large archeological site filled with impressive ruins and natural beauty in the center of the bio reserve, it once rivaled the ancient city of Tikal in Guatemala.

The Franciscan Missions in the Sierra Gorda Mountain Range

The Franciscan Missions in the Sierra Gorda Mountain Range in the state Queretaro in Mexico, formerly known as Santiago de Queretaro, a charming colonial town and emerging travel destination. A cultural site that was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Mexico in 2003, built during the 18th century, the Franciscan churches in Sierra Gorda were built during the last phase of Mexican evangelization by the Spanish. There are five missions in total included in the list located in the communities of Jalpan, Landa, and Arroyo Seco. These missions feature a Mestizo Baroque style facade featuring many influences from the Pame Indians who built these missions. The churches are one of the most outstanding characteristics of this historic town, they feature richly decorated facades that represent an example of the joint creative efforts of the missionaries and the native people. Santiago de Jalpan was the earliest built between 1751-58, Nuestra Senora de la Luz de Tancoyol, Santa Maria del agua de Landa, San Francisco del Valle de Tilaco, and the mission of San Miguel Conca.

Casa Luis Barragan

Casa Luis Barragan was built in 1948, the former residence of architect Luis Barragan, it represents one of the most internationally transcendent works of contemporary architecture. Located in Mexico City this unique house and studio is a concrete building with three stories and a small garden. Today it is owned by Fundacio de Arquitectura Tapatia and the government of Mexico City and has been converted into a museum showcasing the former resident's works of art, personal objects, and furniture. The house was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004, it is the only individual property in Latin America to have achieved such a distinct honor. The building's design reflects Barragan’s design style during the period after the Second World War, it remained his residence until his death in 1988. Converted into a museum in 1994 and tours are available by appointment only, there are mostly Mexican art collections that span from the 16th to 20th centuries along with works by Picasso, Diego Rivera, Jose Clemente Orozco, Jesus Reyes Ferreira, and Miguel Covarrubias. Barragan’s work integrated modern and traditional artistic and vernacular currents and elements into a new synthesis that greatly influenced especially the contemporary design of gardens, plazas, and landscapes.

Protective Town Of San Miguel De Allende And Sanctuary Of Jesus Nazareno De Atotonilco

The protective town of San Miguel De Allende and the Sanctuary of Jesus Nazareno de Atotonilco is among one of the most beautiful cities in Mexico featuring quaint cobblestone streets in the downtown area and the towering Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel Cathedral. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008 largely due to the Baroque architecture seen throughout the town. Jardin Allende is a large verdant park in the central square in the downtown area, Calle Hermanos Aldama is a picturesque street great for a photo op with colorful architecture, luxury boutique hotels, art galleries, patio restaurants, and fine shops line the streets. Other great landmarks in the city include the Biblioteca Publica, and the Instituto Allende. San Miquel de Allende Mercado de Artesanias is an Artisan Market great for buying unique souvenirs, and Mexican folk art from the locals. The fortified town was originally established during the 16th century with an aim to protect the Royal Route from inland, the town consists of various religious and civic buildings that feature various architectural styles like Mexican Baroque, neoclassical, and Baroque art influences.

The Camino Real de Tierra Adentro

The Camino Real de Tierra Adentro is a 1,600-mile trade route that runs from Mexico City to San Juan Pueblo, considered a national historic trail. 870 miles of the road are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2010, with 55 historical sites and cities that the route passes through considered to be culturally important as they help to promote, preserve, and educate bout the culture and history of both Mexico and the US. The road helped with the creation of social, cultural, political, and religious connections between the Spanish and native cultures. The route was actively used from the mid 16th to the 19th century to transport silver extracted from the mines of Zacatecas, Guanajuato, and San Luis Potosi. Camino Real de Tierra Adentro was the Royal Inland Road, also known as the Silver Route, it extends from Mexico City to Texas and New Mexico. It was the earliest Euro-American trade route in the United States, it stretched from the El Paso area in Texas, through Las Cruces, Socorro, Belen, Albuquerque, and Santa Fe to Ohkay Owingeh (San Juan Pueblo), the first Spanish capital in New Mexico.

The prehistoric Caves of Yagul and Mitla

The prehistoric Caves of Yagul and Mitla located in the Tlacolula valley in Oaxaca consists of two archeological sites that include a series of pre-historic caves and rock shelters. This area is where farming first appeared in North America, the sites are related to the Zapotec civilization, Guila Naquitz is one of the caves that still contains traces of hunter-gatherers dating back to 8000 to 6500 BC. The rock shelters and rock arts are important to archaeologists whose studies uncovered how the nomadic hunter-gatherers of prehistoric times progressed to become farmers. Curcurbitaceae seeds (wheat spikes) were discovered inside the caves that were believed to have been around 10,000 years old. The prehistoric caves contained human and architectural remains, Milta was the most important Zapotec city after the decline of the capital Monte Alban, it is famous for the Hall of Columns, a huge rectangular building that is carved with geometrical patterns. Yagul is a Zapotec city from the Postclassic period (800-1521), it used to be an independent city-state. Excavations in the area helped to understand this era and civilization better. There is a fortress, the ceremonial center with the Palace of Six Patios, and the ball court found here.

The Hospicio Cabanas

The Hospicio Cabanas are located in Guadalajara in the central region of western Mexico, built at the beginning of the 19th century that provided shelter for the disadvantaged; orphans, old people, handicapped, and chronic invalids. The Neoclassical complex is remarkable and of monumental size covering 2.34 hectares, it incorporates several unusual features designed specifically to meet the needs of its occupants, unique for its time. The Hospicio Cabanas is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is one of the oldest and largest hospital complexes in the Americas. The complex was designed by Manuel Tolsa, an architect, a simple design specifically in its dimensions and the harmony between the buildings and outdoor spaces. An overall layout is a rectangular form measuring 538 by 475 feet containing a series of single-story buildings that are laid out around a series of 23 courtyards which vary in size and characteristics.

The Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve

The Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve is located in the mountainous region northeast of Mexico City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008 and contains most of the over-wintering sites of the eastern population of the monarch butterfly. The reserve is nestled in the pine-oak forest region of Mexico’s Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt where millions of monarch butterflies arrive on an annual basis. The reserve’s mission is to protect the butterfly species that inhabit the area, it is also home to a variety of native species of plants and wildlife. The reserve covers up to 140,000 acres and was declared a Biosphere Reserve in 1980. Every autumn there are millions, perhaps a billion monarch butterflies from wide areas of North America return to this site and cluster on small areas of the reserve, coloring the trees orange and literally bending their branches under their collective weight. The butterflies begin an 8-month migration in the springtime which takes them all the way to Eastern Canada and back. The reserve is home to around 180 species of animals, not all of the reserve is open to the public to protect the safety of the butterflies and the other animals.

The Whale Sanctuary of El Vizcaino

The Whale Sanctuary of El Vizcaino is located in the central part of the peninsula of the Pacific Coast of Mexico’s Baja California containing some exceptionally interesting ecosystems. The coastal lagoons of Ojo de Liebre and San Ignacio and their surroundings, a complex mosaic of wetlands, marshes, halophytes, dunes, and desert habitats, as well as mangroves in the transition areas. These lagoons are recognized as the World’s most important place for reproduction and wintering sites for the once-endangered North Pacific Grey Whale, harbor seal, California sea lion, northern elephant seal, and blue whale, also home to four species of endangered marine turtles. The lagoons have been paramount in the remarkable recovery of this species after near-extinction, as a result of commercial whaling which once took place in these very lagoons. The whales migrate between the lagoons and the summer feeding grounds in the Chukchi, Beaufort, and Northwestern Bering Seas. This natural site is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Mexico in 1993. The California Gray Whale begins a 2-3 month migration in the fall traveling 4,970 - 6,835 mile trip south along the west coast of the United States and Mexico. After several weeks the return trip starts, a round trip of 9,941-13,670 miles, at an average speed of 6.21 mph, which is believed to be the longest yearly migration of any mammal in the world.

The Central University Campus of Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico

The Central University Campus of Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, also known as UNAM is the central university campus located in Mexico City. UNAM is an architectural masterpiece built and designed by more than 60 architects, engineers, and artists that were built between 1949-1952, a unique example of 20th-century modernist architecture. The campus features sports facilities such as the Olympic Stadium, Cultural Center, Central Library, and several museums, surrounded by vast open spaces, esplanades, and vibrant gardens. The university and campus were listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007. The university became one of the most significant icons of modern urbanism and architecture in Latin American, recognized at a universal level. The master plan for the construction of the campus was created by architects Mario Pani, and Enrique del Moral. Murals in the main campus were painted by Diego Rivera, and David Alfaro Siqueiros, some of the country’s most recognized artists.