All sights of Mexico

The ancient Aztec city of Tenochtilan, rising at an altitude of 2,250 m in the proximity of the volcanoes Popocatepetl and Ixtacihuatl, is now a 20-million-inhabitant metropolis: a crucial spot for understanding Mexico’s past as well as its future. Its historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit Zócalo, the “Constitution Square” – the third largest square in the world after Tienanmen and the Red Square. Zócalo is overlooked by the Cathedral, Mexico’s largest religious building, and by the National Palace, the seat of the presidential offices. The Palace will be seen from outside only. After that, visit the remains of the Templo Mayor – the great Aztect pyramid.

Oaxaca è una città situata nella regione sud-occidentale del Messico, ed è la capitale dello stato di Oaxaca. È nota per la sua cultura vibrante, la sua architettura coloniale spagnola, la sua deliziosa cucina messicana e i suoi mercati artigianali. La città è circondata da montagne e colline, e ospita numerosi siti storici e culturali, tra cui il Templo de Santo Domingo, un'imponente chiesa barocca del 16° secolo, e il mercato di Benito Juárez, un mercato colorato e animato dove è possibile acquistare una vasta gamma di prodotti locali. Oaxaca è anche famosa per la sua arte tradizionale e l'artigianato, tra cui tessuti, ceramiche, gioielli e sculture in legno. La città è stata designata dall'UNESCO come Patrimonio dell'Umanità per la sua architettura coloniale spagnola e la sua cultura indigena. In sintesi, Oaxaca è una città affascinante e culturalmente ricca che offre ai visitatori un'esperienza autentica del Messico.

Departure from Tuxtla Gutiérrez, the capital city of the state of Chiapas, heading towards San Cristobal, it is recommended to make a stop and visit the Sumidero Canyon. This natural wonder, carved by the Grijalva River, features towering cliffs and lush vegetation. You'll pass through the charming village of Chiapa de Corzo, known for its colonial architecture and vibrant atmosphere. You'll arrive in San Cristóbal de las Casas, a beautiful colonial city nestled in the highlands of Chiapas. The city is made up of cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and indigenous markets full of handicrafts. If time allows, visiting the indigenous communities of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantán is recommended. These villages offer insight into traditional Mayan culture, with opportunities to observe rituals, visit local markets, and admire textile craftsmanship. San Cristobal de Las Casas è una città situata nella regione montuosa dello stato di Chiapas, nel sud del Messico. La città si trova a un'altitudine di circa 2200 metri sul livello del mare, il che la rende più fresca rispetto ad altre città messicane situate a quote inferiori. La città ha una ricca storia culturale, essendo stata fondata dai colonizzatori spagnoli nel 1528. La città ha subito molte trasformazioni nel corso dei secoli, diventando un importante centro religioso e culturale. Oggi, San Cristobal de Las Casas è famosa per le sue strade acciottolate, le case coloniali dipinte di colori vivaci e la vivace cultura indigena che vi si respira. La città è un importante centro turistico, con molti visitatori che vengono a esplorare le antiche rovine maya vicine, i parchi nazionali e le riserve naturali. La città ospita anche molti musei e gallerie d'arte, tra cui il Museo del Jade, che espone una vasta collezione di oggetti di giada precolombiana. La città è anche famosa per i suoi mercati artigianali, dove è possibile acquistare tessuti, abbigliamento e oggetti d'arte realizzati a mano dai popoli indigeni della regione. In sintesi, San Cristobal de Las Casas è una città affascinante e vibrante, che combina la storia coloniale spagnola con la cultura e la tradizione degli antichi popoli indigeni del Messico.

From San Cristóbal de las Casas, a charming colonial city surrounded by mountains and rainforests, you'll stop at the spectacular Agua Azul Waterfalls, where turquoise waters crash over limestone rocks, creating breathtaking natural pools. Continuing on to Palenque, famous for its ancient Mayan ruins, for a unique experience that will transport us back in time. Palenque, at the heart of the forest, is considered the most beautiful Maya city state of the Archaic period. Excavation brought to light just a minor portion of this huge site; however, the magnificence of what has been dug out will inevitably leave the beholder speechless, awestruck at the splendour of this ancient religious and military centre. The civilisation of Palenque was outstandingly advanced in terms of architecture and engineering, and its artistic refinement was unmatched in the Pre-Columbian world. One example of this are the grave goods of Pakal, discovered in the Temple of the Inscriptions. Palenque is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The route from Palenque to Campeche crosses a region of great natural beauty and rich history in the state of Chiapas and the Yucatán Peninsula. From Palenque, famous for its jungle-immersed Maya ruins, the journey proceeds northwest through breathtaking tropical landscapes and picturesque rural villages. Continuing northwest, the landscape opens up to the plains of the Yucatán, with its stretches of tropical vegetation and coastal marshes. Along the way, one can stop in cities like Campeche, known for its charming historic center, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, visitors can stroll along the ancient city walls, admire the colonial architecture, and savor the local cuisine in the traditional restaurants of the main square. Campeche – whose name is derived from the Maya name of “Ah-Kin-Pech”, “the place of snakes and ticks” – is a colonial seaside town, with matte-painted houses and massive walls built around the port: in the 17th century it used to be a sitting target to French, Dutch and English pirates. Its historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The journey from Campeche to Mérida offers an experience through the Yucatán region, characterized by a rich history, culture, and natural beauty. From Campeche, a colonial city rich in charm and historical heritage, you head towards Mérida, the lively capital of Yucatán. The route traverses varied landscapes, from ancient Maya ruins to lush tropical forests, with picturesque villages along the way. Along the route, you can make a stop at Uxmal, one of the most important archaeological sites in the region, to explore the majestic pyramids and complex Maya temples. Arriving in Mérida, you immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of the city, with its streets lined with pastel-colored colonial buildings, bustling squares, and traditional markets. Mérida is renowned for its cuisine, so be sure to sample local delicacies like cochinita pibil and pollo pibil. During the journey from Campeche to Mérida, you may come across a variety of attractions, including crystalline cenotes, historic haciendas, and traditional Maya communities. The capital of the Yucatán, Merida is a colonial town, full of pleasant parks and humming streets, and lively with its several open air concerts and its rich craft market. Stop off at the main square, overlooked by the Cathedral, the Government Palace, the Palacio Municipal, and the Casa de Montejo.

Starting from Mérida, the lively and colorful capital of Yucatán, travelers immerse themselves in streets lined with colonial buildings and bustling markets. The road to Cancún crosses breathtaking landscapes, including rainforests, cenotes, and ancient Mayan ruins. Along the way, you can make stops in charming colonial towns like Valladolid, where you can explore the ancient ruins of Chichén Itzá, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Continuing towards Cancún, you arrive on the Caribbean coast, where white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters welcome visitors to a tropical paradise. Cancún is famous for its vibrant nightlife, luxury resorts, and numerous water activities available along the coast. Cancun è una splendida località turistica situata sulla costa caraibica del Messico. Con le sue lunghe spiagge di sabbia bianca, le acque cristalline del Mar dei Caraibi e il clima caldo e soleggiato tutto l'anno, Cancun è diventata una destinazione molto popolare per le vacanze al mare. Oltre alle attività in spiaggia, Cancun offre anche una vasta gamma di attrazioni, tra cui antiche rovine Maya, parchi tematici, negozi di lusso e vita notturna animata.