Mexico, officially called the United Mexican States (Estados Unidos Mexicanos) is a federal republic in North America. It is the 13th largest country in the world and the most populous Spanish-speaking country in the world.
Unfortunately, the country has gained a reputation from the media for being a "no-go zone" due to the drug wars that plague several regions of the country. But, we all know that the media could sometimes be untruthful on many things, so is Mexico really a highly dangerous country? A country that's not adequate for tourists? I don't think so. That is why I'm here to give you 10 reasons why Mexico is a country one must travel to.
1. It was the 10th most visited country in the world in 2014 and the most visited country in Latin America.
According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization, Mexico received 29.1 million tourists in 2014. That's a lot of foreigners traveling to the country! Tourism is a huge sector of the Mexican economy. The Mexican government invests millions of dollars annually to improve the conditions of the touristic sites of the country, making it an extremely adequate and safe country for travelers. Just think, if Mexico was really as unsafe as the media portrays it to be, why would so many foreigners travel to the country?
2. Diversity
Mexico is an extremely diverse country. The variety of people, food, culture, landscapes and climates is absolutely stunning.The diversity leaves you with a variety of things to see and do within every region, meaning it's a place you will never get bored! Therefore, do not expect the northern part of the country to be similar to the southern part.
Pico de Orizaba, Veracruz, Mexico
3. UNESCO Sites
Mexico has more than 43,000 archeological sites, and 31 have been declared World Heritage sites by UNESCO. If you're a fan of archeology, Mexico is the country to travel to!
El Castillo, Chichen-Itza, Mexico
4. Food!
Mexican cuisine is present globally, but there is nothing like eating real Mexican food from Mexico! It is rich in flavors, textures, meats, and spices and offers not only main dishes but a big range of snacks popularly called “antojitos.” You won’t sit at a restaurant table that doesn't have lime wedges and at least three hot sauces for you to season your food! Mexican cuisine is super tasty, and sometimes you do not need to eat at a restaurant to enjoy it, as street vending is also very popular. Sometimes the best tacos come from street vendors. Almost everything is sold through street vending—from full course meals to ice cream. You will not go hungry, trust me!
5. Culture
As previously mentioned, Mexico is an extremely diverse country thus making it a country full of culture. Mexico City is the city with the most museums in the world! But, culture is not just confined in museum galleries; you can feel it all around you. The architecture, the paintings on the walls, the food, the music, the people, etc. You do not need to spend money on the museums to actually experience and learn about Mexican culture; you experience it through your five senses.
Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
6. Friendly People
In general, Mexican people are very friendly and want to make you feel at home. They love foreigners! They are always ready to help if you're lost, and they are always willing to joke around and learn more about the culture and customs of your home country! Mexicans are also very "camera-friendly," and most do not mind you snapping a picture of them.
Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
7. Ecological Diversity
Mexico holds nine out of the 11 ecosystems in the world. The beach is just the beginning. It's easy to assume that all of Mexico is a Cancun with white beaches all across the coast, but in reality, the range of environments is stunning.The north offers expansive deserts. The vast central area of the country is mountainous (the capital, Mexico City, is at an elevation of 7,350 feet or 2,240 meters). One of the largest canyon systems in the world is in Mexico, along with enormous volcanoes, meandering caves, impressive waterfalls, and tumbling rivers.
Cañón del Sumidero, Chiapas, Mexico
8. Value
The U.S. Dollar could go a long way in Mexico, especially these days with the peso value being so low and the dollar so high. It's an extremely affordable country. If you'd like an all-inclusive trip, you can save a lot by looking on the Internet for Mexican vacation packages that include airfare, hotel accommodations, and meals. If you're more the backpacking type, you can save money on a Mexican vacation by staying at small inns in some of the rural cities/towns.
9. History
History in Mexico can step back to the days when the Mayans and Aztecs had their mighty empires. From the two great Mayan cities in the Yucatan peninsula to the European architecture in the urban parts; history is in your hands!
Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
10. Indigenous culture
Mexico's first residents were the Indigenous civilizations, and even though their mighty empires are now gone, their traditions still play a huge role in Mexican culture. Oaxaca and Chiapas are the states with the most indigenous culture. Usually, women create beautiful handmade items and sell them at local "mercados" (markets).
San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico
After all these reasons that I just gave on why you should travel to Mexico, I hope you realize that it is definitely worth the experience to travel to our southern neighbor! If you're worried about the crime, it usually sticks in the northern part of the country and is almost always directed towards members involved in drug trafficking. It is time to take out that assumption that Mexico is a no-go country. It is a charming place filled with people that will welcome you and make you feel at home! So, next time you have a long weekend or a vacation to plan, pack your bags and head to Mexico!
Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico
