In This Issue:
Mexico

Most of us know a little about Mexico's fabulous beach resorts like Cancun and Los Cabos, and who doesn't dream about sipping a margarita while watching blue waves lap against white sand beaches? But, something you may not know is that Mexico is home to 31 United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Sites - more than any other country in the Americas! The country also boasts 110,000 monuments, 30,000 archaeological sites, 62 ethnic groups and one of the five richest cuisines in the world.

The country's capital, Mexico City, is a great central point to experience the country's history, culture and cuisine, especially during this year's 200th anniversary of Mexican Independence. But if you're in the mood for fun in the sun, some of Mexico's must-visit resort towns include Cancun, Riviera Maya, Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, Mazatlan, Huatulco and Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo. The exact site upon which the great Aztec civilization flourished, is a remarkable showcase of 3,000 years of cultural achievement. It is one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities and now one of its largest, with a metropolitan area population approaching 23 million. The city has five Aztec temples, the largest cathedral on the continent and eleven ecological parks. Mexico City is also home to several commemorative locations that mark the 200th anniversary of Mexican Independence such as the Palacio Nacional (National Palace), which houses murals by famed artist Diego Rivera, depicting important moments in Mexico's rich history. The National Palace also houses the bones of 13 founding fathers and one founding mother in honour of the bicentennial celebrations. Other preparations in the country's capital include a commemorative arch on Paseo de la Reforma, which will join El Angel de la Independencia in observing Mexico's fight for independence.

Cancun

Cancun is one of the most popular and important tourist destinations in all of Mexico and the world. Located in the state of Quintana Roo in the Yucatan Peninsula region, its superb Caribbean location makes it the perfect place for everything from ecotourism, snorkelling, horseback riding and fishing, to golf, scuba diving, surfing and sailing. Extreme sports are also a major part of the excitement found in Cancun - the city boasts one of the highest bungee jumps in Mexico - the Regio bungee - with a height of 70 metres. You'll also find plenty of time to relax and enjoy the fine services offered in the hotel zone. Along the hotel strip, which spans more than 30 km, you'll find everything from villas and five-star hotels to exclusive resorts and spas.

Riviera Maya

Riviera Maya has become one of the fastest growing tourist destinations over the last decade. Here you can relax or enjoy recreational activities at luxurious resorts nestled in the jungle. Situated on the coastline of the Yucatan Peninsula in the state of Quintana Roo, the posh hotels offer exclusive golf courses, spas and white-sand beaches, such as El Secreto and El Paraiso, where you can bask in the sun and indulge in all kinds of water sports. For example, you can scuba dive off the coast at a depth of more than 10 meters, as you take in the spectacular sights of the Great Meso-American Barrier Reef.

Puerto Vallarta

Nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Madre mountain range is Puerto Vallarta, a colonial town offering a mixture of modern conveniences and traditional Mexican flavour. Puerto Vallarta is the perfect place to enjoy luxurious hotels, golf courses, art exhibits, exclusive stores, cultural events, sport fishing, gourmet restaurants and a modern marina. Without a doubt, one of the strongest draws of Puerto Vallarta is the beauty of its colonial streets, which are a perfect blend of old and new. Although there are numerous sights to see, one should not miss out on Playa Mismaloya, which gained fame after director John Huston filmed 'The Night of the Iguana' there in 1963.

Los Cabos

Los Cabos is one of Mexico's most beautiful and exclusive destinations. During the winter months, travellers can admire one of the most beautiful natural phenomena to occur on Mexico's coasts: the courtship, mating and birth process of the gray whale. During peak summer months, Magdalena Bay is perfect for scuba diving, kayaking and sport fishing. Magdalena Bay is also a great place to enjoy a romantic getaway as you gaze out onto El Arco, a rocky arch formation, which is considered a Los Cabos landmark. Los Cabos unites together the waters of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez. UNESCO declared 244 islands and the protected areas of the Sea of Cortez a World Heritage Site.

Mazatlan

Known as the Pearl of the Pacific because of its beautiful beaches and its abundant marine life, Mazatlan has become an important site for international fishing tournaments. One of the most important ports on the Pacific coast, Mazatlan is located in the southern region of the state of Sinaloa. This destination combines traditional architecture in its Historic Centre, known as Old Mazatlan, with modern hotels and restaurants in the Zona Dorada, a 9 km strip with beautiful beaches such as Playa Norte, Playa Gaviotas and Playa Venados. These areas are ideal for surfing, diving and sailfish or marlin fishing. In Old Mazatlan, you can visit The Cathedral of Immaculate Conception and walk down beautiful streets lined with 19th-century architecture.

Huatulco

Located 275 km from Oaxaca and 50 minutes by plane, from Mexico City, Huatulco has nine bays, which are protected areas, and 36 beaches, which are part of the Bahías de Huatulco National Park. Most of the beaches have calm blue-green waters, such as those in Tangolunda Bay, where you'll find top-notch hotel resorts, excellent plazas and one of the best golf courses on the Pacific coast. Another popular beach destination is the Santa Cruz Bay, considered one of the most important ecological reserves due to its coral reefs.

Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo

Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo is a natural paradise on the Pacific coast that has diverse beaches and a well-developed tourism infrastructure. You can enjoy gorgeous beaches like La Ropa and Playa Linda, which have small waves, making them ideal places for windsurfing and relaxing. Nearby, you can go scuba diving along coral reefs. At this destination you can also go fishing for sailfish, which is fairly abundant in these waters. Golf is also a top recreational activity for visitors to Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo. With a handful of outstanding courses designed by the best golf course architects in the world, one has a wide variety of options for all skill levels and budgets.

From all-inclusive packages to off-the-beaten path adventures, an experienced Flight Centre travel consultant can help you plan your next amazing trip to Mexico. Call today at 1-866-317-4794.

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