"Wonders at every turn" Mexico by DSwede

I've been to Mexico several times, both before an after I was able to speak any Spanish at all. Now that I can, I must admit that my time is more enjoyable and I've had better times mingling with the locals and experiencing the culture and random corners.

Mexico is multifaceted. There's a little of everything, deserts to the north, great white sharks off the coasts of Isla Guadalupe, ancient ruins littered in the jungles, there's resorts along the Pacific coast, indigenous villages all over the hills...

The food too is rich and varied, more grilled and spicy in the north. More sauces and savory in the south. The people too are as varied as the landscapes, but in general they are all friendly. But even though they are friendly, you should still be cautious at night and in many neighborhoods.

Churches Galore

Akumal & Xel-ha - Fantastic Mayan ruins and crystal clear lagoons
Puerto Vallarta - Mountainous retreat on the Pacific Coast
Cancun - Tourist epicenter on the Yukitan
Tulum - Large Mayan ruins to the south of Cancun
Cozumel - The island sister to Cancun, a holiday destination
Madero - A working city with industrial complexes
Nuevo Larado - Border town to Texas
Tampico - Another working city on the central Gulf coast.

Relatively recently, I went swimming with the great white sharks outside of Ensenada, in the waters off of Isla Guadalupe.

Most recently, I was working for a few months in the Veracruz state, so had the opportunity to visit:
Coatzacoalcos - Coastal town more known for its chemical industry
Palenque - Impressive Mayan ruins in the mountains of Chiapas & the cascades of Misol Ha
Villahermosa - An oil and gas town on ancient Olmec soil
Agua Azul - Wide rolling cascades of blue water
La Venta - Ancient Olmec city in the plains of Veracruz state
Catazajá - Quiet rest stop east of Villahermosa
San Cristobal de las Casas - Picturesque old mountain village
Xalapa - Another old mountain town with some good character
Jalcomulco - Small village in Veracruz, good for rafting and hiking
Yaxchilan - Wonderful remote ruins on the river border of Guatemala
Bonampak - modest ruins with wonderful colored murals
Tuxtla Gutierrez - The big city hub of Chiapas
Comitan - Small old southern town and close to Cataratas de Chiflon
Catemaco - Mountain town on a lake, famous for witches
Minatitlan - First oil capital of Mexico
Oaxaca - Fresh air, good food and old history in the high mountains

Lots of Colors and VW's

(for more pictures, feel free to visit my Mexico Gallery. If you enjoy the pictures, please leave a comment.)

• Pros:Wonderful food and friendly people
• Cons:Petty theft and nightime safety are always a concern
• In a nutshell:A large and varied land, with a little of everything