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MEXICO
General Information

With its unique mix of awe-inspiring archaeological sites, elegant colonial cities, stunning landscapes and idyllic beaches, together with its glorious climate, colourful festivals and a world-renowned cuisine, Mexico has something for everyone.

The breathtaking Pre-Columbian cities of the Aztec and Mayan civilisations bear comparison with major ancient attractions anywhere in the world.  At Teotihuacán, the mighty ‘Place of the Gods’ which was once the largest city in the Americas, you can climb to the top of the massive Pyramid of the Sun for a panoramic view over the extensive ruins; or you may wish to scramble inside the Temple of Inscriptions at Palenque for a glimpse of the tomb of the Mayan King Pakal with its marvellous symbolic carvings. Mexico boasts over 20 Unesco World Heritage Sites, more than any other country in Latin America, including superbly preserved colonial cities that recall its long association with Spain.

From the majestic peaks and volcanoes of the Sierra Madre to the tropical jungles of the Yucatan peninsula, Mexico’s contrasting natural habitats contain a wealth of flora and fauna to delight the naturalist, whilst the sophisticated beach resorts on the Pacific and Caribbean coasts offer the ultimate in entertainment and relaxation.

Mexico is the land of ‘fiesta’, and there is nearly always a colourful festival taking place, with dancing, fireworks and mariachi music. You will also want to sample the local cuisine, which imaginatively blends influences from the Old and New Worlds and is one of the world’s richest and most creative.

COLONIAL MEXICO

For almost 300 years the vast land of Mexico was ruled by the Spanish whose rich architectural legacy can be enjoyed in such magical cities as Morelia, a colonial gem, Oaxaca, located in a lush valley surrounded by the Sierra Madre mountains, and San Miguel de Allende, a haven for artists, musicians and writers.  With their narrow cobbled streets, flower-filled courtyards and balconies, and their numerous churches, convents, palaces and museums, Mexico’s colonial cities have an enduring appeal.

LAND OF THE MAYA

The brilliant yet mysterious Mayan civilisation flourished in the low-lying jungles of the Yucatan peninsula long before the arrival of the Spaniards.  This mighty empire has bequeathed to us massive stone-built cities of dramatic temples and pyramids whose intricately-carved hieroglyphs have yet to be fully deciphered by scholars.  There are hundreds of these cities dotted about the Yucatan.  Chichen Itza is the largest and best known with its ball-court, observatory and the spectacular stepped Pyramid of Kukulkán which dates from the 11th century and was built on the foundations of previous temples.  The awesome ruins of Uxmal (c. 600 to 900 AD) are dominated by the amazing Pyramid of the Soothsayer and contain some wonderful examples of filigree stone carving.  Further west, in the state of Chiapas, Palenque is for many visitors the most impressive of all Mayan cities, its imposing monuments set against a magnificent natural backdrop of emerald rainforest. 

STAY IN A HACIENDA

When visiting the Mayan cities of the Yucatán, why not choose as your base one of the excellent colonial haciendas that have been sensitively converted into atmospheric hotels?  Located away from the crowds, these often spacious country estates offer luxurious accommodation featuring original furniture and décor as well as activities such as horse riding.

COPPER CANYON

In the remote mountains of the northwest, home to the reclusive Tarahumara Indians, the Copper Canyon is perhaps Mexico’s most spectacular natural attraction.  Deeper than the Grand Canyon, this little known wonder is reached from the Pacific coast by a rail journey which incorporates some 86 tunnels and 37 bridges on its thrilling ascent from sea level to 2,300 metres.

Austral Tours Ltd: 20 Upper Tachbrook Street
London SW1V 1SH - United Kingdom
Tel. +44(0)20-7233 5384 / Fax +44(0)20-7233 5385
Email: info@latinamerica.co.uk

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