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Historic Mexico: Mayans and Much More

There’s never been a more historic time to visit Mexico, with a new leader (President Vincent Fox) and a new energy about the future. However, there’s also a new energy about Mexico’s past, with record numbers of visitors coming to Mexico to explore its unique history and culture. In fact, more people visited Mexico last year than any time in the country’s history.

“We expect these record-breaking numbers to continue and are proud to be a part of this historical moment in Mexico’s tourism history,” says Javier Vega, General Director of the newly-formed Mexico Tourist Board. The group is dedicated to positioning Mexico as a complete travel destination and increasing the country’s tourism presence internationally by promoting special sectors like history.

“Whatever your travel needs and desires may be, Mexico has developed infrastructure, diverse product, and exceptional service to meet and exceed them,” says the MTB’s Patricia Echenique. For travelers interested in history, Mexico definitely exceeds expectations.

LIVING HISTORY

Mexico visitors will quickly see that this is a nation where the past plays a significant role in the present and future. It is also a past that differs greatly from the rest of North America and one that is generally easy and enjoyable to explore. Just get on a plane headed south and you’re likely to land in a different century.

When Mexico was “discovered” in 1519, the country was already home to around 10 million natives living in civilized societies. These original Native Americans became the backbone of the Spanish colonial empire that was to follow. In fact, about 15 million citizens today are pure-blooded Native Americans.

The pre-Hispanic era (about 1200 B.C. to 1521 A.D.) was one of the richest periods in the Western Hemisphere, with five major cultures playing a major part in Mexico’s history. The Olmecs were the first civilization, with later cultures borrowing heavily from their religion, architecture, and art. The famed Mayans were generally next, with an incredible array of ancient cities and ceremony cities that still draw crowds today.

The Zapotec/Mixtec and Toltecs drew from the others, with the Toltecs building Tula, one of the country’s most famous pre-Spanish city. Finally, the Aztecs dominated Mexico until the Spanish arrived, with a large and organized empire that stretched down into Central America. All of these cultures left behind ruins that Mexico has preserved for all to explore.

Mexico faced Spanish rule until 1821, with the conquerors leaving an indelible stamp on the culture of the country. Many cities and historic sites derive from this period. However, after an 11-year fight and more than 600,000 deaths, Mexico gained independence. The next two centuries have brought many economic and political changes, as well as the Revolution that led to a constitution still in force today (modeled after the U.S. Constitution).

Of course, the Mayan ruins, the Colonial cities, and many other draws dominate the historic landscape of the country. However, outside virtually every city and village, history awaits wandering (and wondering) travelers. It’s just a matter of heading south of the border and saying ‘si’ to the friendly locals and record number of (smart) visitors choosing Mexico as a ‘bueno’ historic destination.

For further information about Mexico tourism, call (800) 4-4-MEXICO or visit their website at www.visitmexico.com.

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Record numbers of visitors are saying ‘si’ to Mexico’s many offerings, with special interests like history leading the way. While the country can boast more visitors than ever, it can rarely feel crowded, thanks to its sheer size and geographical and cultural diversity. All those visitors can’t be wrong.

International travel to Mexico registered record numbers in 2000, with the country welcoming about 20 million foreign visitors for the year. This virtually doubled the approximate 10 million visitors in 1999.

This is due in part to the formation of the new Mexico Tourism Board (MTB), a unique public and private partnership formed by the country’s tourism industry and state and federal governments. Formed to promote travel throughout Mexico, a new ad campaign (“Discover the Many Moods of Mexico”) has brought the country to the forefront of travelers minds and plans, whether they’re interested in history or other aspects of Mexico.