Teotihuacan

An archaeological site located on the central plateau, northeast of the city of Mexico. The name of the city comes from the Nahuatl language and can be translated as: "a place where people become gods". According to legend, it was built by giants who were to live before the appearance of people and were destroyed by a great catastrophe. The center was built along the Avenue of the Dead. The alley, about 40m wide and over 2 km long, stretched from the Pyramid of the Moon to the Citadel. Numerous temples and the Pyramid of the Sun were situated along it. Two pyramids: the Pyramid of the Sun, with a base length of 225 x 207 m and a height of 65 m, and the Pyramid of the Moon, 150m × 120m x 43m,  are the oldest buildings of this complex.

Guadalupe

Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared to, Aztek, Saint Juan Diego on the Tepeyac hill. As they were announcing, on the last day of the apparitions on December 12, 1531, a painting of the Mother of God, Guadalupe, was created on the Indian garment. This is the oldest Marian apparition officially recognized by the Catholic Church. Since 1999, the Virgin of Guadalupe has been venerated as Patron of the Americas. The liturgical memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Guadalupe falls on December 12. The name Our Lady of Guadalupe is probably derived from the term coatlaxopueh, which in nahuatl means "someone who stumbles with a serpent".

Mexico City

It is the administrative, financial, and cultural center of Mexico. You can love the capital or hate it. Although it is difficult to breathe here at an altitude of 2240 m and communication is  paradoxically chaotic, Mexico City attracts like a magnet. The giant cities population of  25 million has caused it to be called Zona Metropolitana. The Federal District is a separate administrative entity with a different status than the other 31 states. In 1521 Hernan Cortes conquered the then Tenochtitlan, inflicting a collapse of pre-Columbian culture.

Xocimilco

This is one of the most interesting attractions of Mexico City. Residents sail on canals in flowered boats called trajineras and live among chinampas covered with corn and flowers. This is Mexico's favorite place to celebrate life among family and friends. 4 meters long piles repelled from the bottom are equipped with a table and benches. On board you can enjoy a meal and relax to the rhythms of mariachis and marimba. In 1987, the area of ​​chinampas plots in Xochimilco was added on the UNESCO World Heritage List along with the historic center of Mexico. At least two times there was a threat that Xochimilco would be removed from the UNESCO list due to the destruction of the chinampas zone and the threat to the entire region, which has been caused by the urbanization of the capital of Mexico.

Taxco

It is a symbol of the colonial wealth of Mexico. This city of silver impresses with its architecture in an extraordinary mountain scenery. Traveling in taxi-hummonks along steep and narrow streets to the cities viewpoint is a must-see attraction for those who like adrenaline. Above the city is  the Church of St. Splashing and Saint Sebastian, founded by the richest man of the era Jose de La Borda in 1758. The owner of the legendary mine "gave back to God what God had given him before."

Cholula

15 kilometers from Puebla on a 65-meter hill, there is the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Conquistador Hernan Cortes brought a temple on the ruins of the pyramid at this place, with a diameter of almost 500m. It is considered the largest construction of this type in the world. This is an expression of the infamous triumph of the New World conquerors over the pre-Columbian people.

Puebla

Puebla was founded in 1531 by the Archbishop of Santo Domingo Toribio Benavente as Puebla de los Ángeles, the city of angels and churches. According to legend, angles descended from heaven to designate the shape of the city. In 1832, it was temporarily the capital of the Republic of Mexico. In 1847,  it was occupied by American troops. In 1862, on the 5th of May in the battle of the city, the army of General Ignacy Zaragoza defeated the French. This is why in most Mexican cities there is a street battle on May 5, to give the winner a honor. Mexicans like to focus on what is positive, forgetting about less glorious history, such as the city being occupied by the French from 1863-1867.In 1987, the historical center of Puebla was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. In the center of the city a cathedral from the XVI-XVIII century dominates  with the highest belfry in Mexico (69 m). The church of Santo Domingo, with a facade of gray-green onyx with purple plaster, with the Rosary chapel (1650-1690), is an outstanding monument of baroque ornamental art. Moreover, Puebla is famous for its beautiful talavera, decorative, and colorful ceramic tiles. It was said that Moctezuma himself ruled the Aztecs on plates of Puebla. The recipe for a national dish of Mexico, a chicken in a chocolate mole sauce, comes from Puebla.

Acapulco

The legendary holiday resort in the state of Guerrero, south of Mexico City, is a pearl of the Pacific. The name Acapulco comes from Nahuatl Aca-pōl-co and means "where the reeds were destroyed". The name "de Juárez" was added to the official name in 1885 to commemorate Benito Juárez, the former beloved president of Mexico (1806-1872).

In the 1950s, Acapulco became a fashionable place for millionaires and Hollywood stars such as Elizabeth Taylor, Frank Sinatra, Eddie Fisher, and Brigitte Bardot. The Hollywood film "Fun in Acapulco" from 1963, starring Elvis Presley, takes place in Acapulco. Although, the pictures for the film took place in the USA. Another enigmatic attraction in Acapulco are jumpers who, from the rock of La Quebrada, cast dangerous dips into the water from a height of forty meters. Tradition began in the thirties, when young people casually competed with each other to see who could jump from the highest point to the sea.

Monte Albán

Monte Albán is a former Mesoamerica cultural center located on the Mexican Upland in Oaxaca, Mexico. The creation of the center is connected with the Olmec art. The oldest temples come from this period. The plinths are decorated with hieroglyphs and bas-reliefs depicting "dancers". These are the images of people in unusual poses, with their eyes closed. According to archaeologists, they depict imagines of  ritual dance or offerings to the gods. With the arrival of Zapotecs to these areas, another period begins in the development of Monte Albán.

Oaxaca

Oaxaca is inhabited by over 3 million people, mainly descendants of Zapotec and Mixtec Indians. The capital of this state is the city with the same name. The cathedral of the Ascension from 1535, the main post office, and the former government palace also attract attention. The Old Town together with Monte Albán is on the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage List. Oaxaca delights with local handicrafts and the richness of flavors. A few of those flavors are cheese, corn tamales, chocolate mole sauces, and grasshoppers. Oaxaca gold is called mezcal, also known as  moonshine, which rushes in every self-respecting farm.

Mitla

The city was founded around 500 by Zapoteków near Monte Albán on the Oaxaca Upland. The largest development of this city is dated to the time when the city of Monte Albán was deserted, from about 700 - 900. The remains of Mesoamerican art are the ruins of the palace built by the Zapotecs. The palace is decorated with geometric ornaments of various types. Meanders, diamonds, zigzags, and  braids are a few of those types. The buildings were placed on low platforms located around three interconnected square yards. In the 10th century, the fall of Mitla began. At the end of the 15th century, Mitla was captured by the Aztecs. During the colonial period, a church was built on one of the platforms. In 2010, the ruins of Mitli were added to  the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Tehuantepec

An isthmus located in the south of Mexico between the bay of Campeche (part of the Gulf of Mexico) in the north and the bay of Tehuantepec (part of the Pacific Ocean) in the south.The name comes from the city of Santo Domingo Tehuantepec, Oaxaca; it derives from Nahuatl meaningtecuani-tepec, or "jaguar hill". Through the painter Frida Kahlo, the entire world has been able to see traditional dresses from Tehuana.

Zinacantan

In this pueblo it is worth being  invited by Tzotzil Indians to their homes. You will have the delight of watching the baking of  corn pancakes and the art of weaving.

Sumidero Canyon

Located approximately 40 km to the capital of the Mexican state of Chiapas on the Grijalva River,  its walls reach up to 1200 m in height. The southern entrance to the canyon begins near the city of Chiapa de Corzo. The north ends with a dam and a retention reservoir of the Manuel Moreno Torres hydroelectric power station, also known as Chicoasén. The river Grijalva flows further through the state of Tabasco and flows into the Gulf of Mexico. The canyon is the result of a tectonic fault that originated in the Pleistocene, about 30 million years ago. It is one of the most important tourist attractions in the state of Chiapas. The canyon area is protected and has been known as Sumidero Canyon National Park since 1980.

San Juan Chamula

An unusual Indian village where religious syncretism is visible at every step. The most precious experience is a visit to the local church of St. John the Baptist, where the Tzotzil Indians pray eagerly while making gifts. The smell of burned candles and incense as well as the sight of needles scattered on the floor and fresh flowers inside the church will be remembered forever. In the middle of the church it is forbidden to take pictures.

San Cristobal de Las Casas

Majań - the Spanish, cultural capital of Chiapas state, inscribed on the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage List. This is one of the most beautiful cities in Mexico. Tourists are enchanted by the climatic, cobbled, and narrow streets where colonial buildings rise. The first bishop was in the sixteenth century. The famous charismatic Indian apostle, Bartolome de las Casas, author of "The Relation of the Extermination of Indians." Cathedral of St. Krzysztof is standing in the heart of the city where  residents often  gather around.

Palenque

The most famous archaeological zone in Chiapas state. Hidden like a pearl in a tropical forest, Palenque is arguably  one of the most beautiful Mayan cities in the world. Most of the famous buildings were created during the reign of Pakala the Great.  One of the most important is the Templo de las Inscripciones (Temple of the Inscription) in which Alberto Ruz Lhuillier in 1952 made a sensational discovery of the tomb of Pakala the Great with masks and jade ornaments.

Yaxcilian

Yaxchilan is a mysterious ancient Mayan city located on the banks of the Usumacinta River in Chiapas, Mexico. In the late Classic period, Yaxchilan was one of the most powerful states, competing only with Piedras Negras. It dominated smaller places like Bonampak, and even for some time Tikal in present Guatemala. It  was also a rival of Palenque, with whom Yaxchilan fought in 654.

This place is especially known for well-preserved carved stone lintels set above the doors of the main buildings. These lintels, together with steles erected in front of the main buildings, contain hieroglyphic texts describing the dynastic history of the city.

Campeche

A picturesque tropical colonial town. Among the streets, Calle 12 is distinguished  with historic buildings as well as nice pubs and bars. It is best to visit them on foot from the sea gate towards Puerta de Tierra. The city has pirate traditions. Fortifications of San Jose and San Miguel and where the Archaeological Museum operates are worth visiting.

Uxmal

Ancient Mayan city lying on the hills. "Three times built" from the 6th to the 10th centuries,  it impresses with architectural richness ( Pucc and Chenes). Uxmal is considered greatest and most beautiful in the northern region of Campeche. The Pyramid, Quadrilateral, Mniszek, and the Governor's Palace are examples of the richness of the Mayan Baroque.

Celestun

Celestún is located in the Ria Celestún biosphere reserve. Going boating during a water safari is a must. Among mangrove tunnels and crystal clear water sources, you can find crocodile habitats and carmine flamingoes. To the north of Celestún there are miles of pristine beaches famous for their shells.

Merida

The capital city of Yucatan is a gem of colonial architecture. Historic residences formed from  the turn of the 19th and 20th century an era known as the Sisal boom.  Some of those historic residencies consist of palaces, universities, and hotels. In front of the cathedral, you will enjoy going for a ride on the traditional Montejo avenue modeled after the Paris arteries. Worth visiting is the Canton Palace with the Museum of Anthropology and the History of Yucatan. The city has more than one million inhabitants making  it the largest in the state of Yucatan.

Chichen Itza

Chichen itza is an ancient Mayan city present on the list of the Seven New Wonders of the World. This city has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1988. The Mysterious Pyramid of Cuckoo - Feathered Serpent is an architectural calendar that dominates the city. Its 30 meters Pyramid is the most famous building of Mesoamerica. Other landmarks worth  seeing are the huge Pelota Playground, the Skull Altar, the Jaguars' Platform, the Temple of Warriors, the Palace of the Thousand Columns, the Holy Cenote, and the Astronomical Observatory.

Rio Lagartos

Within 60,000 hectares, Río Lagartos is composed of  forests, dunes, mangroves, deltas,  and 60 km of beaches. On the initiative of the Mexican authorities in 1979, the Biosphere Reserve Río Lagartos was created. The reserve also includes fishing villages: Río Lagartos, San Felipe, Las Colorados and El Cuyo. There are over 380 species of birds, 59 species of mammals, 80 species of reptiles, 99 species of fish, and 16 species of amphibians which makes Río Lagartos a place of incredible biodiversity.

Xolbox

Holbox Island is separated from the mainland by the lagoon, which is home to various species of birds, including pelicans and flamingos. The population of the island is just  2000 people. The island itself is small with a length of 12 kilometers and  width of only 1.5 km. The economy is based mainly on fisheries. Tourists visiting the Island of Holbox mainly come to watch the whale sharks that can be found in the Caribbean Sea from May to mid-September. There are practically no cars here, and the main means of transport for residents are golf carts and mopeds.

Cancún

Cancun is a lively holiday resort. It is famous for its beautiful beaches, numerous resorts and nightclubs. It consists of two separate areas: El Centro the more traditional city center and Zona Hotelera, the long coastal promenade of hotels with the Kukułkanska Boulevard. The name of the city most probably comes from "Kaan Kuum" which in Maya means "Snake Socket". Population br. is 831,505.

Isla Mujeres

Wyspa Kobiet owes its name to the clay figurines that the Spaniard Fernando Hernandez de Cordoba saw when arriving to the island in 1517 from Cuba. The length of the island is 8 km, and the width varies from 200m to approximately  1km. It is located by a 20-minute ferry ride east of Cancún. On its territory was the important sanctuary of the goddess Ixchel, goddess of fertility and patron of women. Wyspa Kobiet boasts excellent white and sandy beaches, the most beautiful of which is Playa Norte.

Puerto Morelos

Puerto Morelos nosi imię Jose Maria Morelos, jednego z liderów ruchu niepodległościowego w 1811 roku. Jest to małe miasteczko rybackie w połowie drogi od Cancún do Playa del Carmen. Wieś oddzielona jest od głównej drogi pełnym krokodylowym lasem namorzynowym. Latarnia morska, przechylona przez huragan Beulah w 1967 roku, jest symbolem miasta. Puerto Morelos posiada jeden z najlepiej zachowanych fragmentów pięknej rafy koralowej i plaż z białym piaskiem, dzięki czemu jest świetnym miejscem do nurkowania. Populacja br. wynosi 11 000

Cozumel

Cozumel in the Maya language means the Island of Swallow. Located about 20 kilometers east of the shores of the Yucatan Peninsula, Cozumel  is a Mexican island in the Caribbean Sea.  Administratively, it is one of the ten municipalities of the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. Cozumel is a tourist resort popular among diving enthusiasts. The main city on the island is San Miguel de Cozumel. In 2016, a biosphere reserve was created here. The island is 48 km long and 16 km wide. The vast majority of permanent residents live in San Miguel.  The rest of the island is a flat lowland with dense vegetation. The island is inhabited by 95,758 people from 2018.

Playa del Carmen

This is the second-known holiday resort after Cancún. The city is growing at a dizzying pace. Before it was called Playa del Carmen it was known as Xaman Ha, which means "Water of the North". It was one of the first settlements of the Spanish Conquistadores at the beginning of the 16th century.  The city was named Playa del Carmen after its conquest due to  the founding of the Virgen del Carmen chapel after the conquest. The main tourist attraction of the city is Quinta Avenida. Along the boulevard there are well-known boutiques and the best restaurants. The city lies on the beach itself. Famous residents are: Barry Shulman World Champion in Poker, artist David Guetta, and fashion designer Tory Burch. Population br. is 232 499

Tulum

The original name of the city was Zama, meaning Dawn. The sun's rays in the morning light up one of the most beautiful archeological zones of Mexico located on steep cliffs. Tulum offers spectacular views of the turquoise Caribbean Sea and beaches. The city functioned and was enchanted with power, performing port and ceremonial functions until the 18th century, the time of the Conquistadores. Today, Tulum is divided into a small town (Pueblo Tulum), an archaeological zone, and a hotel zone. It will delight people who love nature and peace. Population br. is 27,274

Coba

An ancient city hidden in a tropical forest, Coba in the Maya language means water moved by the wind. The most important buildings include: the Church, the Temple, the Pelota Playground, the Observatory, and the Great Pyramid. The Great Pyramid is 42m high,  the highest on the Yucatan Peninsula, which can be climbed. Coba occupies an area of ​​over 70km².  It was the largest and longest-running City of the State in the region from 100 BC to 1000 AD and was never found by Conquistadores. The town is surrounded by lagoons, cenotes and ponds in which crocodiles live. In the dense tropical forest, you can often find monkeys.

Chetumal

As the state capital of Quintana Roo, the atmosphere of this border port city prevails.  To the southern city in Subteniente Lopez there is a border crossing to Belize and then to Guatemala. In the place of "red trees" as the city’s name translates there are many places worth visiting.  Among the top is The Museum of Mayan Culture which consist of authentic sculptures and reproduction exhibits within eight halls. The artifacts are among the best equipped in this region. Population br. is 190 409

Valladoid

Valladolid is one of the 111 cities classified as Pueblo Mágico, which means more or less the same as the Magic City in Spanish. Pueblo Mágico is the official title given to the Mexican government for attractive tourist destinations. The colonial pearl seduces with the heart of the city - zocalo. Afternoon walks among pastel houses and romantic benches will awaken your imagination. An additional attraction is the fact that Valladolid was a movie plan for more than one Mexican soap opera. Population br. is 55,579

Grutas Tolantongo

The main attraction of the Hidalgo caves are thermal waters. These are two caves at the closed end of the canyon, from which a small volcanic river flows, which flows down the bottom of the canyon. A small 15 meter deep cave is located above the grotto, where hot water will be felt by those who venture inside.

In Nahuatl, Tonaltonko means "A home where you feel warm." In her book "Lo que el viento nos dejo: hojas de terruno hidalguense", journalist Enrique Rivas Paniagua gives the Tolantongo etymology a very deep picture: "... neighboring cities call them Tonaltongo (origin Tonaltonko), ... but in 1975, when this eden was discovered and promoted by the magazine "Mexico Desconocido", the name was incorrectly written and so it officially received the name Tolantongo. "