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MEXICO
Mexico is one of the top travel destinations in the world. It's also the country with the most Spanish speakers in the world.
NEARBY DESTINATIONS
Cancún
Cancún is a Mexican city known for its beaches, numerous resorts, and nightlife. It’s divided into two different areas. The first is called El Centro, a more traditional downtown area. The second, the Zona Hotelera (or “Hotel Zone”) which is a long, beachfront strip of high-rise hotels, nightclubs, shops, and restaurants. Besides swimming, if you enjoy history, there’s a site called El Rey where you can explore the ancient Mayan ruins. There are also museums with Mayan artifacts. Some other popular activities include snorkeling and diving along the Mesoamerican Reef, or in one of the region’s many sinkholes, known as cenotes. Sailing and jet-skiing are common in the calm Nichupté Lagoon. There’s also deep-sea fishing charters and ferries to nearby Isla Mujeres island. Many travelers also enjoy Xcaret, a Mayan-themed eco-park, and the Xel-Há water park.
Cozumel
Cozumel’s clear water helps sunlight penetrate the depths of its ocean waters allowing coral to grow deeper and be more protected. The island sits on a 600-mile coral reef system, the second largest in the world! Hence, that’ why it’s popular for snorkeling adventures and scuba diving. At Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park, there are diving spots around a section of the Mesoamerican Reef and the Museo Subacuático de Arte’s submerged sculptures. Chankanaab is an eco-park surrounding a lagoon with underwater caverns, home to dolphins, manatees, and sea turtles. Mayan archaeological sites include San Gervasio and El Cedral. The Parque Punta Sur is an ecological reserve where you can take a glimpse of the crocodiles, especially near the Celarain Lighthouse. Visitors can also go fishing for blue and white marlin, sailfish, and swordfish on deep-sea charter tours off-island.
Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is known for its beaches, water sports, and nightlife scene. It’s home to the Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe church. There are plenty of shops, restaurants, and bars. At El Malecón beachside there are contemporary sculptures, bars, lounges, and nightclubs. In-town beaches include Playa Camarones and Playa Los Muertos. They both feature hotel resorts and water sports. Sandy stretches are located at the Bahía de Banderas (Bay of Flags). Snorkeling is great at the Playa Mismaloya. Love to surf? Punta de Mita is a popular spot. Whale-watching and scuba diving are offshore at Islas Marietas. Enjoy fishing charters for marlin and tuna. There’s also an abundance of golf courses all around.