Below is my reply to your "Must-Try Activities."
What are the activities everyone must try at least once in Mexico?
Most foreign nationals who call México “home” have at least a passing interest it the country’s ancient cultures and civilizations. México boasts 29,000 archaeological sites, over 150 of which are open to the public. Many of these sites are designated UNESCO World Patrimony sites, meaning that they are recognized as sites that bear clues to mankind’s origins and evolution.
One activity or undertaking is to visit as many of these sites as is reasonable possible. Although they are all worth visiting, a few stand out. These are the largest, most visited and most impressive sites in the country, ones that every foreign national should visit. All but one of these ancient cities reached its peak between 200 and 900 A.D. The exception is Chichén Itzá, which rose to prominence later.
The civilizations that were found in ancient México were located in the area known as “Mesoamerica.” Mesoamerica is located in the territory of the southern half of present-day México, Guatemala, El Salvador, Belize and western Honduras and Nicaragua. In some cases it also includes Costa Rica.
The Pre-Hispanic city of Teotihuacán was one of the largest urban centers of the ancient world. At its peak it had a population of over 100,000 and was situated in a valley rich in natural resources, Teotihuacán was the seat of power of one of the most influential Mesoamerican societies. Located not far from México City, it is visited by almost 2 million people each year.
The second most visited and one of the most famous of México’s archeological sites is Chichén Itzá. It was a Mayan city located in what is now the state of Yucatán and is situated roughly half-way between Merida and Cancun. The main temple, El Castillo, is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. According to Travel & Leisure magazine 1.4 million tourists visit it every year.
Tulum, with roughly 1.1 million visitors each year it is not far behind Chichén Itzá in popularity. A short distance from Cancun, Tulum has the most attractive setting of all México’s archeological sites. Once guarded by Mayan warriors, Tulum’s 700-year-old El Castillo temple was the first sign of civilization that the Spanish explorers came across in México.
Another Mayan city situated half-way between Chitchén Itzá and Tulum, is Cobá. It garners less than half of the annual visitors as does is neighbors. Cobá is an extensive complex of Maya ruins settled between 100 B.C. and 100 A.D. Cobá is rivaled in size only by Chichén Itzá, which was an enemy city for many centuries. The site has several large pyramids, including Nohoch Mul, which is the tallest pyramid in the Yucatán peninsula.
Monte Albán is a large archaeological site located near the city of Oaxaca. It was the capital of the Zapotec civilization from 500 BC to 800 AD. The site is located on a flattened mountaintop offering sweeping views of the surrounding valley. In 1987, Monte Albán was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The archeological sites mention here are only five of the more popular ones. There are literally hundreds more. If a foreign national wants to learn about the history of México, there is no better way than visiting its many archeological sites.
What are the activities that one should partake in if they want to discover the local culture?
Many popular activities come to mind. However, one that too many foreign nationals overlook is “Street Food.” “Street Food” is often defined as local, authentic culinary experiences. Although the food of all countries is a great introduction to the country’s history, people and culture, street food draws you in not only to the flavors of local food, but equally important is the culture from which it emanates.
Most of the best street food is found in out of the way places, away from the tourist spots and well-traveled neighborhoods. Seeking out street foods will take the dedicated to locations they probably would never have gone. Finding a city’s best street food is a great way to engage ordinary local people whose paths one would otherwise never cross. It is an ideal method to practice the local language or dialect or expand one’s vocabulary and learn new idioms.
When one is on a quest to find excellent street food, they get the chance to expand their culinary horizons. They often discover a food they cannot identify and frequently are told it comes from a part of the animal they have not eaten before. Because of the unique setting, it is usually impossible to say “no” to the new experience and most frequently the visitor finds that their concern was unfounded.
This unique activity will teach the foreign national about Tlayuda, Guajolota, Tacos de Mariscos, Huitlacoche, and Camotes, just to name a few. Forbes magazine has reported that over fifty percent of the Mexican population eats street food at least weekly. Ask locals or foreign nationals who have lived in México for years for recommendations. Or, just look for an out of the way food stand that is surrounded by locals and join in. In is something every foreign national should try at least once. But, when one does, it will not be their last.
Any anecdote to share about any of the activities listed above?
I have had the good fortune to visit a number of México’s archeological sites. I have never been disappointed and have always learned something interesting and important about the country I now call “home.” I have many more on my list to visit.
In Mazatlán we have a restaurant that periodically does a “Taco Tour.” The participants are taken to out of the way food stands and introduced to the foods the locals eat on a daily basis. Not only is it educational, it is fun. Now whenever I have guests in town I always take them on the “Taco Tour.” In most cases when they return they want to go to one or more of the food stands they were introduced to on their “Taco Tour.”
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