From a vibrant culture to stunning beaches, thick rainforests to deep canyons, artists to natural resources; the country of Mexico has one too many things to be known for.
Interesting Facts:
1. While a significant population of the world speaks Spanish, the Spanish spoken is said to be unique with slangs that are completely its own. And Mexico is also the world’s largest Spanish speaking population.
2. While pop culture has widely showcased the presence of Mexicans in USA, interestingly Americans also constitute for the biggest immigrant population within Mexico!
3. The Aztec era here saw an annual sacrifice of 1% of the population to appease the gods. Ermmm.
4. Mexican food is exceedingly popular. Tacos, tortillas, quesadillas, nachos, etc. are quite the rage and popularly eaten around the world today. In fact, UNESCO actually classified it as an irreplaceable part of the cultural heritage of humanity!
5. In 1539, the first printing press of North America was set up in Mexico City. Then in 1551, the first university of North America was also opened here, the National University of Mexico.
6. The day of the Three Kings is observed on the 6th of January which can be said to observe a relatively bigger celebration than Christmas in Mexico. For instance, children get presents on this day while they might or might not on Christmas. The day celebrates the revelation of God incarnate as Jesus Christ.
7. Mexico City is built over the ruins of the Aztec city, Tenochtitlan. The Aztecs built an intricate system of dikes and canals in order to prevent flood control. However, the Spanish didn’t follow in suit so today Mexico City sinks 6-8 inches per year!
8. In the Pacific Belt, there is the “Ring of Fire” which is recorded to have 80% of the world’s volcanic eruptions and 90% of the earthquakes. It runs through 15 countries including Mexico. The rare volcanic rabbit can be found there. Mexico itself is home to the world’s smallest volcano, Cuexcomate.
9. The world’s largest pyramid is also found in Mexico, The Great Pyramid of Cholula which has a size of 1476×1476 ft and a height of 217 ft.
10. Inventions such as the colour television, the first form of birth control and even Caesar salad all occurred in Mexico!
11. Yucatan is a Mexican state and folklore has it that it can to be named as a result of confusion! Explorers had asked a local about the name of the peninsula, to which the local responded “Yucatan” which actually meant “I don’t understand” but was misunderstood to be the name itself. Oops.
12 .Mexican corn comes with 59 varieties! Now that’s :p
13. In fact, chocolate also originally comes from Mexico. The Aztecs incidentally regarded hot chocolate to be sacred. I agree! ?
14. The Day of the Dead is a celebration wherein the lives of the lost are celebrated and eventually mourned. The celebration is an elaborate affair which sees people coming out all dressed up and participating. It eventually ends with mourning the dead too.
15. The country has the longest average working hours in the world! Estimated to be 43 hours per week or 2,255 hours on an average per year.
16. Annually a volleyball match is held between the Naco residents from both Mexico and USA. A friendly neighbourhood cross-border match anyone?!
17. Artists in the country can actually pay their taxes with their artwork! Someone grab me a paint brush and a plane ticket.
18. Liquor lovers shall thank Mexico because it is not only the hoe from where tequila and mezcal hail but also the largest exporter of beer. Salud!
Author’s Recommendations:
1. Chichen Itza is one of the 7 wonders in the world! It is a pyramid traced to the Mayan Empire and when in Mexico you can strike one of the wonders of the world from your bucket list.
2. You’ve surely heard of the Grand Canyon? Well, Mexico has something bigger and deeper to offer, the Barrancas del Cobre! The area has remote mountains, valleys and rivers for one to hike around and explore.
3. The country is known to have some of the biggest contributions to the world of art. So, if you’re looking to get your art on, head to ‘Blue House’ in Colonia del Carmen and Museo Dolores Olmedo. The infamous artist Frida Kahlo’s works can be witnessed here up close and personal.
4. For the Mayan era’s mysteries go greet our friend Yucatan. And if ancient ruins delight you and catch the curiosity of your mind then Mitla and Teotihuacan would make for interesting visits too.
5. Baja California has been referred to as the “world’s aquarium”. For a chance to spot blue whales, sperm whales, fin whales, dolphins, humpbacks and possibly orcas, this is your pick. A place as blessed with marine life as this one, is also incredibly picturesque giving you a chance to see some of Mexico’s best.
6. Chiapas makes for an interesting visit because it has so much to offer from the historical experiences at Mayan sites, the chance of river rafting, dense rainforests, Spanish towns full of colour, gushing waterfalls and some of the most ideal bird watching spots.
7. If your adventurous self is looking to throw on those trekking shoes, then make way to Sierra Norte Mountains with its trails taking you through throngs of trees and greenery.
8. Chapultapec Castle is a chance for you to delve into an altogether different side of Mexico, one that will resemble the likes of Europe with its murals, manicured gardens and royal rooms.
9. Hierve el Agua is a mineral rich waterfall beseeching you to take a dip in its salty and gorgeously blue-green waters. Imagine a natural infinity pool overlooking the mountains!
10.Limestone ground collapses to create natural sinkholes, i.e., cenotes. Curious enough to swim in one? Well, your wanderer’s soul can satisfy the urge by swimming in some Mexican cenotes. Yucatan has some of the best ones to offer.
How to Reach:
This makes for a long journey with one or more layovers in France, Dubai, Barcelona or Toronto.
For Visa:
For visa kindly refer to the following page on our website:
