Visit Mexico in 2023: Part 3

Embark on a virtual journey to Mexico in 2023 with the third installment of our series, exploring captivating destinations and cultural wonders. For those in Houston seeking immersive experiences, our guide offers insights perfect for complementing Houston Spanish language learning. Discover why this exploration of Mexico in 2023 is an ideal opportunity to learn in Spanish language Houston style, and find the perfect Houston Spanish class near me to enhance your cultural understanding. In this edition we will see the last part of the places you should visit in Mexico this 2023. Take note and plan your next vacation.

 

11. REAL DE CATORCE, SAN LUIS POTOSI

In a long forgetten place in the middle of the Potosino highlands sits this former silver mining town. With a semi-desert climate surrounded by hills, you will see silent alleys and buildings reminiscent of what life was like in the town at the end of 18th century.. You can visit different places, see the unique architecture, and explore the surroundings on horseback or in the famous Willys (all-terrain vehicles, predicesors of the Jeep). While there, you can go into the town and wind your way through gaps and rough roads, crossing semi-desert plains and experience elevations that are close to 3 thousand meters high. You will also discover other small towns and places full of history, legend, and tradition.

 

 

12. ISLA MUJERES, QUINTANA ROO, AQUATIC MUSEUM

In an area close to the well-known Isla Mujeres, near Cancun, in the waters of the Caribbean Sea sits an underwater art museum (MUSA) with incredible sculptures. Sitting at a depth of 30 feet, it is one of the most unique aquatic galleries in the world.

To get there, it is necessary to use snorkeling or diving equipment and you will go down to a maximum depth of 32 feet. Here you will find several galleries with many pieces. In the “Manchones” gallery you can see sculptures made of a special concrete that facilitates the creation and growth of coral. Some of the main artists who exhibit their work here are Jason de Caires Taylor, Karen Salinas, Rodrigo Quiñones and Salvador Quiroz. Currently, there are more than 500 sculptures submerged in the museum.

 

 

13. TEOTIHUACAN, STATE OF MEXICO

In the center of the country sits one of the largest archaeological zones visited by locals and foreigners. The name “Teotihuacan” means “City of the Dead”. This is a very important place during the spring solstice where thousands of people come to recharge their energy by climbing to the top of the pyramids of the sun and the moon. Teotihuacan is one of the few archaeological zones in the country that allows visitors to climb its main buildings.

The tour is long because not only do you go up and down the pyramids, but you will also see the different and interesting points of the city. In its entirety and counting the rescued spaces, Teotihuacan is about 264 hectares in size. While there, be sure to walk “The road of the dead”, which is the main avenue of the city that connects with other buildings and the two main pyramids. “The Pyramid of the Sun” has a height of 214 feet and the “Pyramid of the Moon” is 141 feet. You can also visit the temple of the feathered serpent, or as it’s also called, temple of “Quetzalcoatl”, the “Palace of Quetzalpapálotl”, where mural paintings are preserved, its sculpture garden and its two site museums. In the surrounding areas, you will find places to take a break and taste food from the region. The grotto restaurant “Restaurante la gruta”, is located inside a very large cave.

During the year, other events are held here, such as hot air balloon festivals, where it is possible to see the archaeological zone from above.

 

 

14. PALENQUE, CHIAPAS

In the southeast of Mexico, in the middle of the Chiapas jungle, you will find the archaeological zone of “Palenque”. In the surroundings you can see waterfalls, lagoons and experience the flora and fauna of the region. Such is the importance of this archaeological site that it has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987.

In Spanish, Palenque means “place surrounded by a wooden fence or stakes.” This city is believed to have been founded around 100 B.C. and its development lasted almost a thousand years, after which it was abandoned forever. The buildings in the archaeological complex are from the Classic Period, that is, from 400 to 700 A.D. Among these are the “Palace” with its tower and the “Temple of the Inscriptions”, including the tomb of the famous “King Pakal”. Palenque was one of the most notable cities in the Mayan world in its time, on a par with Calakmul and Tikal.

A few miles away from the archaeological zone is the town that bears the same name, Palenque. Here you can find places to stay and eat. The jungle landscapes transport you to times of Mayan splendor. If you stay on the outskirts of town, you will find hotels and cabins that at night will give you a completely different view of the jungle landscape.

 

 

15. PAPANTLA, VERACRUZ

Another site in the jungle is “Papantla”. This place located near the Gulf of Mexico and is in the north of the state of Veracruz. It offers views full of flora and fauna between mountains, where the roofs with red and orange tiles stand out. It was founded around the year 1200 by indigenous people from “Tuzapan”, heirs of the “Olmecs”, who came to dominate the extensive region where the “Totonac” culture flourished. They are the creators of the imposing city of “El Tajín”, whose name means “City of Thunder.” Papantla is famous for several things such as its flyers that bear the same name as the city, a spectacle that can be seen in almost all the archaeological zones of the country, its vanilla, which was taken to Europe when the Spanish arrived and became very popular, and the archaeological zone of Tajín.

The Tajín had its period of greatest splendor between the 6th and 7th centuries, when its inhabitants, true masters in the art of architecture, built its main buildings. One that  stands out is the “The Pyramid of the Niches”, There is also Building 5 and  other numerous buildings where ball games were played throughout the length and breadth of the ceremonial center.

 

 

If you've been inspired by the allure of Mexico and yearn to delve deeper into its language and culture, there's no better way than to sign up for online Spanish language classes. Whether you dream of exploring ancient ruins, conversing with locals, or simply enhancing your travel experience, mastering Spanish opens doors to endless opportunities. Sign up for Houston Spanish language learning and embark on your journey to fluency.