Mexico

Mexico is a country between the U.S. and Central America that’s known for its Pacific and Gulf of Mexico beaches and its diverse landscape of mountains, deserts and jungles. Ancient ruins such as Teotihuacán and the Mayan city of Chichén Itzá are scattered throughout the country, as are Spanish colonial-era towns. In capital Mexico City, upscale shops, renowned museums and gourmet restaurants cater to modern life.The Yucatán Peninsula features beach resorts in Cancún and along the Riviera Maya, a stretch of white sand bordering the Mesoamerican Reef, making it popular for diving and snorkeling. The peninsula is also home to Cobá and Tulum, Mayan archaeological sites. Nearby in the Caribbean Sea is the island of Cozumel, renowned for its scuba diving. Other major seaside resorts include Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta. In the south, the states of Oaxaca and Chiapas are home to indigenous cultures that have maintained their traditional food, customs and crafts such as pottery and weaving. Cancún is a Mexican city on the Yucatán Peninsula bordering the Caribbean Sea and is known for its beaches, numerous resorts and nightlife. It’s composed of 2 distinct areas the more traditional downtown area, El Centro, and Zona Hotelera, a long, beachfront strip of high-rise hotels, nightclubs, shops and restaurants. Cancun is also a famed destination for students during universities’ spring break period.The main commercial street of the Zona Hotelera, Boulevard Kukulcán, is also the site of El Rey, ancient Mayan ruins, and the sleek Museo Maya de Cancún, housing Mayan artifacts. Besides swimming, popular water activities include snorkeling and diving along the Mesoamerican Reef, or in one of the region’s many sinkholes, known as cenotes. Sailing and jet-skiing are common in the calm Nichupté Lagoon. Making frequent voyages offshore are deep-sea fishing charters and ferries to nearby Isla Mujeres island, home of Garrafón Natural Reef Park. South of the city are Xcaret, a Mayan-themed eco park, and the Xel-Há water park.