Destination of the month
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Mexico
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Mexico is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and for good reason – the art, culture, history, food, diversity, beaches, shopping and nightlife are just a little of what this diversity and culturally rich country has to offer.
From the sprawling metropolis that is Mexico city, (easily one of the biggest cities in the world) to the amazing azure blue of Caribbean at the beaches in Cancun and the ancient Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza, Mexico has a huge mix and variety of experiences with a little something special for everyone.
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Cancun
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Even Mexicans agree – Cancun is about as good a beach you will get in Mexico – if not, the world. The white sandy beaches combine with the intense azure blue of the Caribbean to create simply stunning beaches while the nightlife, shopping and vibe of the resort town all add up to create one of the world’s most legendary party spots.
Like Ixtapa on the Pacific West Coast, it was decided in the 1960’s that Cancun was to become a major tourist resort and the developers chose well – in the 40 or so years since development began, the city has grown to become home to over 600,000 people and has solidified itself as one of the most sought after vacation destinations in the world.
Roughly 4 million people travel to Cancun every year and with good reason – not only are the beaches spectacular, but the year-round warm weather together with easy access to Mayan ruins like Chichen Itza and Isla Mujeres make Cancun the hub for exploring the surrounding Yucatan region.
As well as being one of the most upmarket resorts in Mexico, Cancun offers a very familiar North American feel as foreign investment in the resort area has been huge. Authentic Mexican food and wares are on offer along side the more familiar offerings found in places like the USA and Canada.
Water sports and activities abound for the more adventurous while other prefer to kick back, relax on the beach and take in amazing ocean vistas or stroll through the local markets.
After the sun goes down, the nightlife heats up and every night is Saturday night with what is easily the most famous nightlife in Mexico. Travelers from all over the world flock to the beach side bars and clubs for a taste of this legendary scene.
The Mexican jungle along with zip line tours are nearby while if you want to get wet you can swim with dolphins, snorkel through underground caves and even Snuba (yes, Snuba, not Scuba) dive in the super-clear waters of the Caribbean.
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Chichen Itza
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Chichen Itza is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. The site is on the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico and as well as being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it has also been voted one of the 7 Wonders of the Word.
Although the most famous structure of the site is a Mayan pyramid, the whole area displays a wide variety of building styles, temples, palaces and architecture from the regions past. Residing amongst what is essentially a desert environment, Chichen Itza exists where it does because of natural sinkholes that gave its ancient inhabitants access to underground water.
The city emerged as a major Mayan settlement around 600 AD and continued to be a major city for at least another 400 years before its eventual decline.
Dominating the site is the main step pyramid of Chichen Itza – the Temple of Kukulkan – also known as The Castle (or El Castillo). The pyramid was built somewhere between the 11th and 13th Centuries and has 365 stairs representing the 365 days of the year while there are also many other amazing design features of this structure that highlight the advanced state of the Mayan civilization.
The site is also home to the Temple of the Warriors, games arenas, temples, observatories and many other wonders of the ancient Mayan people.
People travel to Mexico just to experience this ancient wonder and Contiki Tours in Mexico include a guided tour of the ruins of Chichen Itza.
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Click here to check out which Contiki tours go to Ibiza.
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Content provided by Contiki Holidays.
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