Must See Aztec Ruins in Mexico
Explore the fascinating history and culture of Mexico’s Aztec civilization, which once held the most powerful Mesoamerican Empire that spanned more than 80,000 square miles through Mexico’s central and southern valleys. The Aztec kingdom rose in the 13th century and by 1519, more than 15 million indigenous people worshipped the Emperor Moctezuma II in the empire’s capital stronghold of Tenochtitlan.
Today, vacationers can take a step back in time by visiting some of Mexico’s spectacular Aztec ruins, renowned for their impressive pyramids and abundance of pre-Columbian artifacts. Discover the advanced scientific and technological skills of this Nahuatl speaking civilization by touring one of these archeological sites.
Teotihuacan
Situated less than 35 miles northeast of Mexico City, the vast ruins of Teotihuacan were thought to have been built around 100 BC. Today, this holy Aztec city contains some of the most architecturally significant pyramids constructed in the pre-Columbian Americas. If you only have time to visit one ancient ruin in Mexico, the massive monuments and richly appointed structures of Teotihuacan will not disappoint. This sprawling complex, which at its peak was the most powerful cultural center in all of Mesoamerica, contains sacred sites including the Pyramid of the Sun and Moon and the Avenue of the Dead – all built according to specific geometric patterns. It is worth noting that the Pyramid of the Sun, which towers more than 75 meters, is the world’s third largest pyramid (following those in Egypt). Several tour operators in Mexico City offer guided day trips to this otherworldly ruin, which can also be explored on your own.
Tenochtitlan
The Aztec city of Tenochtitlan was built on an island on the western shore of Lake Texcoco. Founded in in 1345 CE, it was the religious center and later became the capital city for the ever-expanding Aztec Empire until its destruction by the Spanish conquistadors in 1521. Today, the remains of Tenochtitlan and the ancient lake bed lie beneath modern-day Mexico City. In the late 1970’s archeologists excavated a gigantic pyramid, named the Temple Mayor, near Zocalo Square. Over the years, some of the most beautiful artifacts and ancient pieces of Aztec art have been unearthed in these ruins, which can be seen at the Templo Mayor museum in Mexico City.
Calixtlahuaca
The Aztec ruins of Calixtlahuaca are modest in size, yet offer wonderful insight into the life and culture of this ancient civilization. Situated about two kilometers from Toluca, just west of Mexico City, this city has a number of well-preserved temples, pyramids and monuments that are dispersed across three small areas. Originally called “Matlatzinco,” this settlement was at one time a powerful capital in the Toluca Valley. Visitors can explore the city’s residential dwellings and housing compounds, a distinctive circular temple, altars and palace remains. Because Calixtlahuaca is off the beaten path, there are fewer tourist crowds.
Aztec Ruins of Mexico Resources:
- USAToday, Ancient Aztec Sites in Mexico http://traveltips.usatoday.com/ancient-aztec-sites-mexico-101488.html
- EscapeHere, Mexico’s 10 Must-See Ancient Ruins Sites http://www.escapehere.com/destination/mexicos-10-must-see-ancient-ruins-sites/
- TheCultureTrip, A Guide To Mexico’s Aztec Ruins https://theculturetrip.com/north-america/mexico/articles/a-guide-to-mexicos-aztec-ruins/
Delve into Mexico’s rich culinary heritage as you travel to some of the country’s most renowned gastronomic regions. Ideal for gourmands of all ages, food tours offer a deeper understanding of the ancestral customs and age-old techniques used in authentic Mexican cuisine. Go off the tourist trail as you learn about Mexico’s diverse and fascinating cultures through its mouthwatering moles, artisanal mezcals and flavorful dishes that go beyond tacos and guacamole.
Mexico is a vast country that boasts some of the world’s most spectacular scenery, whether you’re a beach lover or prefer cool mountain climes. Owing to its sheer size and geographic diversity, visitors will encounter different microclimates and weather patterns from coast to coast, which should be taken into consideration when planning a family vacation or romantic escape.
Every year, thousands of tourists head to Mexico for some of the world’s best deep sea fishing. More than 600 species, including big trophies like black marlin, populate the country’s beautiful fishing grounds. Whether you’re a casual angler or a die-hard enthusiast, Mexico’s 6,000 plus miles of coastline offer plenty of dream locations to cast a line. Here are some of the top destinations for amazing sportfishing.
Recently named “the best international destination for family travel,” Mexico continues to lure tourists from far and wide, thanks to its fascinating culture, stunning beaches and great value for money. There’s good reason to have an upbeat outlook on Mexico tourism: recent figures from the Mexican Tourism Board show that a record-setting 35 million international tourists visited the country in 2016, marking a 9 percent jump over the previous year. To put these numbers into perspective, the average tourism growth rate is just 3.9 percent, according to World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
Dreams do come true – for margarita lovers, that is! Imagine a man-made cloud that rains drops of premium tequila – on command no less. To experience this boozy delight, you’ll need to head to Berlin, where this amazing art installation is currently on exhibit. The tequila cloud was the genius idea of the Mexico Tourism Board, which teamed up with creative ad agency LAPIZ, to entice more German tourists south of the American border.
Whether you’re into DJ talent, swanky rooftop lounges, or strobe lights and disco balls, 
Planning a scuba diving vacation to Mexico? This diverse country is literally brimming with exciting dive sites, from thrilling Cenotes (massive sinkholes) and living reefs to shipwrecks and manta ray cleaning stations. Whether you’re exploring the magical seascapes around the Riviera Maya or the caverns and tunnels of Cozumel, there are diving opportunities for all skill levels and interests.
Cancun is often the first destination that comes to mind when planning a solo getaway to America’s southern neighbor. This dynamic city is located on the Yucatan Peninsula and, as you might expect, it’s famous for its beaches and nightclubs. Cancun receives a few million visitors each year. In fact, the city’s hotel occupancy rate was 82 percent during 2015, which beat other top resort towns like Acapulco and Los Cabos. Working with a vacation rental company can give you access to top accommodations around the city, despite this competition. Scheduling your vacation is an important factor to consider, since Cancun is the destination of choice for college students on spring break.
Whether you’re a sun worshipper, thrill-seeker or an outdoor enthusiast,