Cabo San Lucas, on the Baja Peninsula, is located at the bay where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific ocean. This area has just recently become popular with tourists, so it offers a quieter and friendlier atmosphere than other more touristy areas of Mexico. There are many different types of hotels at Cabo San Lucas from its small and intimate hotels to all-inclusive beach resorts.

There are many things for travelers to do in Cabo San Lucas including golf, water sports, and sightseeing. Sportfishing is popular in the area and marlin is the main reason many sport fishers find themselves in the area. Tourists can find sport fishing lessons as many companies will take tourists out and teach them the tricks of the trade. Cabo San Lucas is also a great tourist location for families as it offers amazing beaches where children can play in the sand or go swimming. Those interested in scuba diving, parasailing, or surfing will also find that these activities are popular in the area. There are also many guides who are willing to teach tourists how to do water sports. Many of them have their own boat and will take tourists either in large groups or in smaller intimate groups. This is not only a fun way to learn something new, but is also a great way to meet new people. May it be diving, playing outdoor sports, or simply relaxing in the beach, you’ll never run out of things to do at Cabo San Lucas resorts.

There are many sights that make this area a great place for photo opportunities and sightseeing. Cabo San Lucas is famous for its natural stone formation, known as El Arco, which is located at Land’s End. Many tourists also take photos of sunsets in Cabo San Lucas and some of the more picturesque areas of the town itself. Cabo San Lucas is also known for its seafood which attracts many seafood lovers from more landlocked areas.

Mexico has a deep history which has allowed its to cultivate a rich culture that has survived over several centuries. There are many things that make Mexico’s culture much different than many world cultures as well as cultures of neighboring countries. The culture within Mexico can also differ quite a bit depending on the region.

Because of Spanish control of Mexico, the main language of Mexico is Spanish. Mexican Spanish and Spain Spanish actually differ quite a bit. Those who learn Spanish in high schools in the United States usually learn Mexican Spanish over Spain Spanish. Luckily, the forms of the language are similar enough for people from Spain and Mexico to understand each other. There are also over 100 other languages spoken in Mexico which include Maya and Nahuatl.

The family is very important for Mexicans. Outside of the larger cities, families can get quite large. Extended family is often as important as immediate family, which give families a more communal feel and provides stability. In the case that travelers are invited to a Mexican home, it is important to know proper Mexican etiquette. It is appropriate for visitors to bring a gift, but it’s a good idea to stay away from flowers unless the traveler knows what different flowers mean (marigolds are bad luck, red flowers have negative implications, etc.) It’s considered impolite to arrive at a dinner party less than 30 minutes late. Arriving early or on time is considered rude. The amount of food left on the plate actually is considered a part of etiquette and this differs from country to country. In some countries it’s considered impolite to leave any food on the plate which may signify that the person did not enjoy the meal. In Mexico it is considered impolite for a person to eat all the food on their plate which may signify that the person did not receive enough food.

Acapulco, a major sea port on the Pacific coast of Mexico, is an increasingly popular travel destination. Once a place that has lost major popularity with tourists, Acapulco is climbing back up as a major tourist attraction in Mexico. Major hotels in Acapulco have been updated and much has been done about the pollution and sewer system in Acapulco. Acapulco is a great place for tourists who wish to get off the beaten path as it isn’t as touristy as places like Cancun and Cozumel.

Those who are adventurous can try cliff diving of of La Quebrada. The activity of jumping of this cliff into the swirling water below has been popular since the mid 1930s. Jumpers have to be wary of the strong current and tide below, however. There is a water park called CICI right by the main beach which is a must visit for travelers with children. The area also offers many water sports. Isla de la Roqueta is a small island off of Acapulco that travelers can get to by ferry. Fishing, snorkeling, and diving are popular here as well as swimming as the island is surrounded by shallower water than that of Acapulco.

Acapulco’s town square, Zócalo, allows tourists to see more culture than town squares of most other Mexican tourist cities. The cathedral is located in this area as well as many small shops and restaurants. Those wishing to get away from the tourist scene in Acapulco can visit the nearby town of Puerto Marquez, which is quieter and friendlier. It’s a good idea for travelers here to know some, even if just a little, Spanish as Puerto Marquez isn’t really a tourist area thus far less locals speak English. Puerto Marquez is a great place for travellers to experience Mexican food at its finest. The food and lodging here is also cheaper here than Acapulco.

The Yucatan peninsula is known for its beaches, but known more so for the Mayan ruins which dot the area. These ruins give tourists the chance to touch the same structures that those in an ancient civilization did. They also give visitors the chance to learn how those living in this ancient civilization lived.

At one time, Mayapan, located just 25 miles from Merida, was the political and cultural capital of the Yucatan peninsula for the Mayans. The area, which is approximately two and a half square miles, now contains over 4000 structures. A large part of the archaeological site is surrounded by a large stone wall which was used as a defensive structure by the Mayans.

Chichen Itza, is located in the center of the Yucatan peninsula and was constructed before 600 AD. The area contains beautiful columns, stone walls, temples, and even ball court which was used by the Mayans to play Mesoamerican ballgame. The Great Ball Court, which is located here, is one of the most impressive examples of Mayan ball courts that still exist. There are no above ground rives in the area, but the Yucatan is famous for its underground rivers. The landscape nearby is dotted with ceynotes which are large, natural sinkholes that area caused by these underground rivers. One of the most popular ceynotes of the area is the Seynote Sagrado (or Sacred Ceynote.) The Seynote Segrado was used to make sacrifices to the god of water by the Mayans when there was a drought.

Another great set of Mayan ruins on the Yucatan are the ruins of Tulum. The ruins of Tulum are the only ruins in Mexico which are right on the ocean. The main temple sits on a rock formation over the ocean. The beach below offers swimmers the chance to look up at the ruins of Tulum while enjoying the warm ocean water.

Morelia, which is the capital of the Mexican state of Michoacan, is a colonial style city that is regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in Mexico. This city is not popular with tourists for some reason, giving those few tourists who do travel through it the chance to experience a wonderful place in Mexico without being “another tourist.” Although this isn’t a location on the traditional tourist track, many people here speak both Spanish and English. This is because Morelia is a large college town and many students have learned English as a part of their studies. Morelia is full of parks, cute shops, nice weather, and beautiful architecture. Besides being a large college town, it is also the capital of the State making it a center of governmental importance.

Great sites in Morelia include the baroque style cathedral that dominates the downtown area. The cathedral shows a great example of flying buttresses and tiled cupolas. The “Day of the Dead” celebration takes place here each November, so it’s important for those traveling to note this ahead of time if they wish to take part or to avoid the crowds and go elsewhere. The “Day of the Dead” festival cannot be missed, however. Another architectural feat that cannot be missed is the aqueduct. The aqueduct runs down the Avenida Acueducto. Built in the 17th century, this huge aqueduct brought water to Morelia in the city’s youth. The Santuario de Guadalupe, adorned in pink and white with gold trim work, is considered one of the most beautiful churches in Mexico. It also contains many oil paintings which cannot be missed. Casa de Artesanias, located on the Plaza San Francisco, is a great place for those looking to buy art and any wares. The art here can be purchased cheaper than other more touristy places in Mexico and is usually more authentic.

It’s important for anyone traveling Mexico to try “real” Mexican food. Oddly enough, the Mexican food that is common in the US is not quite an accurate representation of true Mexican food. The kind of Mexican food that Americans often eat actually originates from New Mexico, which was once a part of Mexico, and it often gets mistaken for Mexican food as a whole. Most Americans are unaware that most of the food served at their local restaurant is more American and less Mexican than they think. Also, in some “authentic” Mexican restaurants, many key sauces such as mole are replaces with tomato based sauces. Many who have tried much of the cuisine that really exists in Mexico say that American Mexican food and real Mexican food differ as much as American Chinese food and real Chinese food. Many Mexicans who have tried the American version of Mexican food have described it as unfamiliar. Sure, travelers can get burritos, tacos, and salsa in Mexico, but this is not what Mexican food is all about.

Mexican food varies by region because of the variance of flora and fauna in the different regions and because of different influences and cultures. Many regions have Spanish influence and some regions even have some middle eastern influence in the food. The northern areas of Mexico are known for dishes containing ostrich, beef, and goat. In Southeastern Mexico, many of the dishes are spicy and often contain chicken. Because of its geographical location fish and other seafood are also highly popular here. In the west of Mexico and the Oaxacan region, many dishes are very spicy. The Yucatan area is known for using less hot spices in their food and, instead, using more sweet spices such as sugar in their food. Central Mexico, because of its geographic location, has a mixture of the types of foods from other areas in Mexico.

Anyone traveling to Mexico will likely have some tequila at one point on their trip as this is the national drink of Mexico. However, many people do not know much about tequila — where it comes from or how it’s made. Tequila, made from the agave plant, was first developed by the Spanish near Tequila, Mexico. The Toltec Indians would make candy from the plants’ sugars. The Spanish saw this and decided to use the plants’ sugars to make alcohol. This led to the creation of the drink. The first tequila factory was opened in 1600. For many years, the Toltec Indians tried to get the town of Tequila back in many uprisings which started in 1541, but they didn’t succeed until 1810 about 270 years later.

Tourists who visit this region are greeting by an expanse of blue agave leaves. Many distilleries in the area give tours and allow tourists to try the drink. Those tourists who are lucky enough to visit during harvest season may catch a glimpse of the agave plants being harvested and prepared for tequila making. To do this, workers remove the leaves from the plant to leave behind the large agave pinas which are then processed. The juice from the creamy, white core of the agave plant is the juice used to make tequila. The average worker can only harvest about 200 plants a day as the process is tedious and the weather is often hot. One plant can make about five bottles of tequila. Because most agave is grown in this area and because of the agave plant’s size, not as much tequila is made as one would think. Anyone traveling to Mexico will likely have some tequila at one point on their trip as this is the national drink of Mexico. Whether traveling, playing online casino games, or dancing, Tequila is an all time favorite. The supply of tequila is limited leading to the high cost of tequila on the international market. The amount of tequila actually made doesn’t meet the demand which makes the drink even more special.

Mexicans are proud people with a rich heritage. They are also a very friendly and warm people, but as with any culture, care should be taken to prevent offending anyone. There are many Mexican rules of etiquette that are very similar to American etiquette and many that differ.

Unlike most countries, it is actually considered impolite to come early or on time when visiting a Mexican in their home. It is considered polite to arrive 15 minutes to half an hour late. It is polite for those entering a church to take of their hat and sunglasses. While many tourists may get caught up in the touring and photography of different churches, it is important for them to realize these are actually place where people still worship and this must be respected.

Mexico has its share of problems, like any country. Many of these issues are tender subjects to Mexicans. While many may be willing to complain about a political issue, travelers must be aware that it’s similar to the idea of one complaining about a relative of the theirs to another relative which is fine until a non-relative starts complaining. It’s okay to talk about politics, but care must be taken not to offend those living in Mexico.

America is a melting pot so different people going to Mexico will experience different “words” to describe them. Many of these terms are actually just words and do not mean offense. For example, a Caucasian person may be referred to as a gringo which is not an insult. An Asian person may be referred to as a chino and those from African descent may be referred to as negro or negra. These are simply words and aren’t used as an insult or are hateful words… just description words.

Many of those who have learned Spanish may have heard the word “estúpido.” This doesn’t just mean “stupid,” it is actually an insult. Although many estúpido jokes may have been made in high school Spanish class along with many other choice words, it is generally not acceptable to use it in Mexico.

Thousands of travelers each year find themselves in the beautiful Riviera Maya region. There are many things to do here and there is something for almost anyone. Riviera Maya, located in the Yucatan, has a myriad of activities for the young and old alike.

For those interested in seeing historical sites, the Tulum ruins are nearby. These ruins are the only ruins by the sea in Mexico and is considered one of the most beautiful things about Riviera Maya. At Tulum, one can see more than sixty structures. By the main temple, there is a small beach where travelers can swim and look up at the ruins. Cobá is a great place for visiters walk among many Mayan architectural wonders such as temples and other structures reaching up from the jungle floor.

Riviera Maya is also a great place for those who enjoy water sports. Snorkeling and scuba diving is highly popular here as the region has a sprawling underwater ecosystem. Xel-Ha is the best place in the area to explore underwater life. The area is surrounded by underwater caves, rocky coastlines, and thick jungles. The beaches at Akumal offer silky white beaches perfect for swimming.

For those who enjoy a little excitement, there is much to be done at Xcaret, which is a theme park that allows visitors to swim with dolphins, walk jungle trails, learn about Yucatan ecology, and swim at the beach. The park also allows visitors to floats down one of two rivers in the area. Akun Chen gives visitors the chance to explore caves and subterranean rivers flow through many of the area’s caves.

Travelers who prefer to just relax often enjoy many of the areas spas. Many of these spas give personalized treatments in a relaxing environment. This is a treat for not only the sense of touch, but the sense of smell as well. Many of the area spas offer treatments such as clay massages, crystal therapy, and even henna tattoos.

Playa Del Carmen, or Playa as many call it, is a beautiful beachside city located in Yucatan. It is best reached by flying into Cancun and taking the short drive to Playa. Playa Del Carmen, once a small Mexican fishing village, has been growing at the rate of 25%+ per year. This account for many of the tourist attractions and lively activities that the area now offers.

5th Avenue, which runs along the ocean in Playa Del Carmen, has a myriad of hotels, restaurants, and rentals. There are also many stores along 5th avenue where tourists can find clothing, local crafts, rum, and even Cuban cigars. The many bars and clubs along 5th also give Play its party atmosphere which brings tourists in droves.

Playa Del Carmen is also known, obviously, for its beaches. The sand here is white and clean and the water is blue. The local beach crew also cleans any seaweed or garbage out of the water to keep the area nice for tourists. Water sports such as diving and snorkeling are popular here as there is a small coral reef nearby. Fishing is also highly popular in the area. There are many boating companies that will take tourists out for the water activities.

Those who wish to enjoy Playa Del Carmen, but wish to stay off the beaten path, there are many unique non-touristy stores as travelers get further inland away from the beach scene. The prices of things also get much cheaper as many tourists tend to stay near their resorts. By leaving the tourist areas, travelers can save a lot of money when purchasing things like clothing an souvenirs. The crafts made away from the tourist locales give visitors a look at things made more from the heart and less mass-produced. Also, travelers also get a better look at “real” Mexico as they get further away from the tourist attractions.