Welcome to Mexico's cities!
Mexico City
The longest continuously-inhabited city in the Western Hemisphere, Mexico City sits atop the lake basin where the Mexica Indians founded their empire in 1325 and were defeated by the Spanish under Hernan Cortes two centuries later. The immense, volcano-dotted valley in which Mexico City sits harbors a population approaching 23 million. The traveler can spend two weeks in the city and still not experience all the major attractions it has to offer.
The architects that arrived from Europe during the colonial period applied and shared their knowledge of baroque, neoclassic and other styles of art that were combined with the indigenous styles to create an architecture that is quite unique in all the world. Works such as the Metropolitan Cathedral, palaces, mansions and an endless number of sober, sumptuous churches adorn the central area of the city now called the Historic Center; these extraordinary types of buildings can also be seen in some of the picturesque towns and villages such as Coyoacán, San Ángel, Tlalpan and Xochimilco that used to be the outskirts of the city but have now become incorporated into the built up areas; in spite of this, they still maintain their provincial atmosphere. Later, after Mexico became an independent country, new districts of the city were built in a French style and in the art deco and colonial Californian styles.
There are also plenty of possibilities for those who want to leave the city and enjoy archeological sites and nature. You can visit Teotihuacan ("The city where the gods are born") 50 km northeast of Mexico City and become fascinated with the pyramids of the sun and moon, visit the volcanic mountains in the south of the city or the mountain valleys to the west.
Monterrey
Monterrey is a modern city with a sophisticated urban layout and numerous recreational attractions. As the capital of the state of Nuevo Leon, the city offers rich cultural, historical and entertainment options, all set in an exciting metropolis bordered by the beautiful distinctive landmark of the Cerro de la Silla mountain range.
Monterrey is a city noted for its historical progress, particularly from the end of the 19th century onwards, when it spearheaded the country’s industrial development. The city´s tradition is expressed in its unusual contrasts of colonial architecture with contemporary buildings. Places like the Macroplaza and its surroundings are some of the most visited parts of the city, showcasing stunning civil and religious buildings such as the Cathedral, the Chapel of Sweet Names, the Casino, the City Theater, the Central Library, the State Congress, the City Hall and various interesting museums.
The area surrounding Monterrey provides several opportunities for ecotourism and adventure tourism. Grottoes, cascades, dams, canyons, mountains and fascinating villages are just some of the attractions available in the city´s outskirts. For a prehistoric ride and a thrilling rock climb, the cave paintings on the rock walls of the Cañón Huasteco, less than 6 miles south of Monterrey, the Sierra de las Mitras and the 2,290 foot-high walls of Cañon Portrero Chico are ideal for expert climbers.
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