Mexico is the fifth largest country in the Western Hemisphere and is rich in natural resources such as petroleum and natural gas. Mexico's efforts to develop and modernize its economy-one of the 15 largest in the world-have been slowed by the nation's rugged terrain, limited farmland, a rapidly growing population, and a series of economic crises. The nation's capital, Mexico City, is one of the largest cities in the world. In Latin America, only Brazil has a larger population than Mexico.
Mexico's lush jungles, golden beaches, and romantic deserts entice visitors year-round. Temperatures fluctuate widely throughout the country. Winters tend to be mild while summers vary from warm to excruciatingly hot. Exceptions to the rule of infernally hot summers are high altitude regions such as the Valley of Mexico and the Oaxaca Valley, which remain spring-like in any month. Rainfall, like temperature, varies greatly between the temperate north and the tropical south.
Mexico is a traveler's paradise, crammed with a multitude of opposing identities: desert landscapes, snow-capped volcanoes, ancient ruins, industrialised cities, time-warped colonial towns, glitzy resorts, lonely beaches and an outstanding collection of flora and fauna. The bursting metropolis of Mexico City is only a one-hour flight from the tropical rainforests and Mayan villages of Chiapas.
Mexico City
Mexico City, the capital city of Mexico, has a long and fascinating past. Many of the area's pre-colonial capitals were based here, the last being the Aztec, Tenochtitlan, which in the 14th-century was the largest city in the Western Hemisphere. Today, Mexico City is a massive urban settlement of people, noise, entertainment, business and contrast.
Mexico City's premier cultural event takes place in March when the plazas, palaces, halls and theaters around Mexico City are taken over by the Festival del Centro Histórico, a three-week festival of the arts. The Festival del Centro Histórico is a celebration of classical music, popular music, dance, art, theater and many cultural events.
Los Cabos
The two coastal towns of Los Cabos (The Capes) and the touristy corridor that runs between them have evolved from sleepy villages into Mexico's most popular resort. Both San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas offer a striking landscape of mountains and a sunny dry climate. Endless cactus deserts, white-sand beaches, and clear sapphire seas create a spectacular setting.
Los Cabos has special appeal for sports enthusiasts. The area is one of Mexico's top golf resorts, boasting some beautiful championship courses, and has long been known for excellent sport fishing. Hiking, diving, and whale watching are also popular.
Puerto Vallarta
Over 2 million tourists visit Puerto Vallarta annually, making this resort town the second most visited destination in Mexico. Although Puerto Vallarta is best known for its beaches, it offers an extremely wide variety of other attractions. The town has a pleasant climate, great scenic beauty, world-class accommodations, numerous quality restaurants, excellent shopping, a vibrant nightlife and many opportunities to engage in several watersports activities and sightseeing excursions.
One of the best activities is to take a walking tour through the cobblestone streets of Puerto Vallarta. You will see many charming colonial buildings, white-stucco houses with red-tile Spanish roofs and a gorgeous variety of flowers and fauna. The architecture is quite interesting, particularly the Church of Guadalupe with its red brick bell tower topped by a crown. This church is Puerto Vallarta's signature landmark.
