To many Canadians, Mexico is known for its beautiful beaches, delicious cuisine, and all-inclusive resorts.
Recently, Tourism Mexico has begun to encourage adventure and history tourism. It’s definitely an easy target for Mexico, as it has adventure and history bursting at the seams, waiting to be discovered.
Mexico is home to 47,000 archaeological sites. Many being Maya World sites, these sites have received worldwide recognition and have finally become more accessible to Canadians thanks to Aeromexico flying direct from Vancouver or Calgary to Mexico City. Huatulco is also in close proximity to many interesting sites and is easily accessible through multiple airline providers from Calgary or Vancouver.
Places to go, things to see
Merida
Merida is located in the Yucatan; it’s built upon T’ho which is an ancient Mayan City. Here you will find many historical sites including Plaza Dela Independencia and Government Palace.
Close by is Uxmal, one of the most important Mayan archaeological sites in all of Mexico. The buildings on this site are praised for their size and decoration. Because of its significance, it has been deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was built in phases and possesses influences from regions across Mexico. Visitors are allowed to climb the pyramids at this site.
Chiapas
Chiapas is home to Palenque which was a Mayan city state in the 7th century. This site is very interesting, rich with scriptures and carvings. Located in the jungle, it’s believed that there is much more of this site to uncover in the future. Today the site is a picturesque spot to explore with the temple standing at 75ft tall.
Campeche
Campeche is within the beautiful, biodiverse jungle reserve; it’s home to Calakmul a Mayan Archeological site. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was once the largest and most powerful ancient cities in the Maya Lowland.
As this site is deep in the jungle, it’s common to spot wildlife. 230 bird species and 86 mammal species have been recorded at this location.
Oaxaca
Oaxaca is easily accessed from Huatulco. It is famed for its beautiful beaches, surf, and surf culture. Beyond the beach, there is much to explore. Oaxaca is home to Monte Alban a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Monte Alban stands at 1,300 feet above sea level. It was inhabited for 1,500 years by people’s Olmecs, Zapotecs, and Mixtecs. Its known for its unique dimensions and artistic style. The views possible from this site are simply supernatural.
A different perspective on Mexican travel
Mexico is now opened up to Canadians like never before, with easy, direct flights into various cities.
This gives us the opportunity to look at travelling to Mexico in a new light. On your next beach vacation why not add a little bit of adventure and seek some of the less travelled Maya World Sites?
Many of us have been to Chichen Itza, Tulum, and Teotihuacan but, there are many more archaeological sites (46,997 to be exact) that can be explored and added to your Mexico itinerary.