Famed in faraway Mexico for tequila, sombrero hats and lush Caribbean beaches, what else can this Latin American country with a turbulent history of Russian travelers be attracted to? If you are looking for an answer to the question of what to see in Mexico, pay attention to our rating of the most interesting places on the map of the country.
TOP 15 sights of Mexico
Chichen Itza
The center of Mayan civilization, whose photos were included in all tourist avenues, Chichen Itza is one of the most visited sites in the entire Western Hemisphere. UNESCO declared the ancient city part of the World Heritage List.
In Chichen Itza, undoubtedly worthy of attention:
- The pyramid of Kukulkan, declared one of the new seven wonders of the world. Its height is impressive - 30 meters! Each stone facet of the pyramid consists of 9 levels, and in total there are 365 steps in the structure - according to the number of days in a year.
- The temple of warriors with the figure of the idol of Chaka-Mool at the top.
- A group of a thousand columns.
- Large field for playing ball. Its length is over 130 meters.
- Ancient observatory Karakol.
The entrance ticket to Chichen Itza costs $ 12. You can get from Cancun by intercity bus. Choose ADO for your trip.
Tulum
The pre-Columbian city of the Mayan civilization, located closest to all the famous beach resorts on the Yucatan Peninsula, is the magnificent Tulum. Its peculiarity is that the ruins are located right on the shores of the Caribbean Sea, and the photos of Tulum look especially advantageous. Steep cliffs drop into the water, but at the foot of Tulum you will find a small white beach where you can swim and sunbathe after your excursion. You can get to the beach only from the territory of the museum complex.
You can see the ruins of Tulum from 8.00. The entrance ticket is about $ 4. The best time to visit is early in the morning.
Teotihuacan
One of the most mysterious historical sites in the country is located 40 km northeast of Mexico City. The age of the settlement of the ancient Aztecs, the name of which is translated as "the place where the gods touch the earth", is almost 2000 years.
The most famous buildings of Teotihuacan are considered the pyramids of the Sun and the Moon. You can climb to the very top of the first and to the middle of the second. Be careful! Old-timers assure that tourists sometimes disappear at the tops of the pyramids!
The complex is open from 7.00, the ticket price is $ 3.5.
You can get to the ancient city from Mexico City North Bus Station. The first flight is at 7.00. The fare is $ 2.5.
Uxmal
One of the most beautiful pyramids in Mexico is located in the ancient city of Uxmal. It has a rounded shape and is called the Wizard's pyramid. There is a legend that a certain magician built it in just one night. The Ruler's Palace in Uxmal, richly decorated with a frieze of 20 thousand mosaic plates, is also considered the pearl of the Puuk architectural style.
The complex is located in the northwestern part of the Yucatan Peninsula. It is convenient to get there by regular bus from the city of Merida. The cost of an entrance ticket to Uxmal is $ 11.5.
Palenque
The ruins of the ancient Mayan city of Palenque in the Mexican jungle are famous for the Temple of the Inscriptions. A tombstone with bas-reliefs was found here, depicting either a Mayan god, or an astronaut in a spacesuit, controlling an alien aircraft.
From Palenque to the ruins, minibuses will help you get there. Nearby, in the jungle, you will find beautiful waterfalls and natural bodies of water, formed by the river and known as the "Queen's Baths".
Frida Kahlo House Museum
The famous Mexican artist, who is fondly called simply Frida here, has lived in Mexico City all her life. In the house where she was born, a museum is opened, which has become a place of pilgrimage for Frida's fans.
The bright blue house was once home to many famous people and bohemians. Trotsky lived here for a time, and the collection of archaeological rarities of the Kalo Rivera family impress those interested in the ancient history of Mexico.
Frida's House Museum can be found at Londres 247, Col. Del Carmen. The nearest metro station in Mexico City is Coyoacan. The cheapest tickets are available on weekdays - from $ 6, 5. The museum is closed on Monday.
Puebla
Mexican Puebla is often called the city of angels by locals. Puebla is located in a valley surrounded by four volcanoes and in this sense the city looks absolutely unique. The most beautiful views of the mountains will be shown to you during a sightseeing tour on a double-decker tourist bus.
In Puebla, the following are definitely worth seeing:
- The second largest cathedral in the country, consecrated in 1649. Famous for its marble columns and carved choir benches.
- A Baroque masterpiece of the Rosario Chapel in the Church of Santa Domingo.
- Monastery of Santa Rosa, where the signature Pueblo meat sauce, made with chocolate and pepper, was born. A very dubious pleasure from the point of view of a European.
- The central square of El Zocalo is cozy and very beautiful.
In Puebla, you will find Talavera ceramics that can beautify any interior. This is a great souvenir option for friends who are bored at home.
Koba
Another ancient Mayan city is hidden 40 km northwest of Tulum in the jungle of Yucatan. The main attraction of Coba is the El Castillo pyramid with a height of 42 meters. You can climb 120 steps to the pyramid. The buildings in Kobe date back to the period from the 3rd to the 9th century and are considered one of the oldest in the Yucatan.
You can get to Koba by minibus from Tulum. Bicycles are rented at the entrance to the complex - the distances on this site are quite impressive for walking.
Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Legend has it that at this place a Mexican peasant saw the image of the Virgin Mary. Today, the basilica in the capital of Mexico is the most visited religious shrine in the country. The main attraction of the temple is the cloak of that very Juan Diego, with which the peasant covered the roses that appeared at the place where the Virgin Mary descended. The cape, woven of grass, has been kept in the temple for five hundred years, and the image of the Virgin that appeared on it was applied without the help of paint or brushes.
The Basilica is located near La Villa Basilica metro station. The temple is open daily from 6.00.
Mexico City Cathedral
The construction of the magnificent temple in honor of the Most Holy Theotokos began in 1573. Today, the 70-meter towers of the cathedral are visible from afar, and the ringing of its three dozen bells attracts thousands of tourists to Zocalo Square every day. The columns, vaults and altars of the temple are decorated with gold, ivory and marble, and the largest organs of the 18th century in Latin America participate in services every day.
The Mexico City Cathedral is located in the city's main square. It is open daily from 8.00.
Copper canyon
The name of this natural Mexican celebrity was given by the slopes overgrown with moss. They resemble an old copper plate covered with patina.
It is difficult to list all the sights of the Copper Canyon. You can make a trail to the highest waterfalls of the country Basaseachi and Piedra Volodai or admire the most beautiful valleys. Your attention will be presented to the settlement of the indigenous inhabitants of these places, the Tarahumara Indians. Climbers will be able to test their strength on the steep cliffs, and horse riding enthusiasts can take a horse ride along the picturesque trails on the slopes and the bottom of the canyon.
Travel to Copper Canyon by train from the capital. The city closest to the sights of the canyon is called Creel.
National Museum of Anthropology
A unique collection of archaeological artifacts dating back to the pre-Columbian era is kept at the National Museum of Anthropology. One of the symbols of the museum is a seven-meter stone monolith depicting the rain god Tlaloc. Another decoration of the exposition is the Stone of the Sun, known to Europeans as the Aztec Calendar. Found at the end of the 18th century, it laid the foundation for the collection, and in 1790 the museum was opened.
Separate rooms are dedicated to the culture of the Maya, Toltecs, Aztecs and the history of Teotihuacan. Among the rarities are the giant Olmec stone heads found in the Tabasco jungle.
The museum is located in Chapultepec Park. The nearest metro is Auditorio. The exposition is open every day except Monday from 10.00.
Cenotes
Amazing natural formations, cenotes literally dotted the entire Yucatan Peninsula, making it look like a cheese head. Cenotes in Mexico are called karst sinkholes filled with fresh water. Often these lakes are located in underground caves and daylight enters there through tiny natural windows in the "ceiling".
Some of the cenotes are equipped for swimming and swimming in the clear cool water after a tour of the hot ruins is a special pleasure.
The popular with tourists cenote Ik-Kil is located near Chichen Itza. Its depth is about 45 meters, and the walls of the cave rise 25 meters. You can swim from 9.00, an adult ticket will cost about $ 4.
Shkaret
The Xcaret Eco-Archaeological Park is 6 km from Playa del Carmen. Here you will find attractions and entertainment for tourists of all ages. The Park presents the ruins of Mayan cities, the estates of the Spanish conquerors, museums and theaters, souvenir shops and cafes with a national Mexican menu. Nature lovers will love the orchid garden, jaguar island and snorkeling with dolphins and manta rays.
In Xkaret, you can easily spend a whole day and come back again and again. The ticket price is about $ 100. You can save money by buying it cheaper on the park's website.
Yellow city
This is the name of Isamal, in which almost all buildings are painted yellow. The main attraction of the city is the Monastery of St. Antonio of Padua, whose courtyard is so huge that it is second only to the Vatican in size. And on the territory of Isamal there are 7 Mayan pyramids, which you can climb for free.
