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Acapulco, Cancun, Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo. Yes, all of these places are in Mexico and are wonderful tourist destinations. But if you REALLY want to experience Mexico and all its charms, you'll need to venture inland. Mexico is a vast and diverse country with many ecosystems, ruins and cultures. It only takes a bit of research to discover that Mexico has so much more to offer than just nice beaches and seaside resorts.
El Rosario Monarch Butterfly Conservation Area: In the state of Michoacan, near the town of Angangueo, there exists one of the largest breeding areas in the world for monarch butterflies. Between the months of November and April there can be found between 35 and 100 million monarch butterflies that have made their way south for the winter. There is an audible sound in the air of millions of tiny wings flapping. The trees in the pine forest appear to be covered in a thick, orange moss. It's only on closer inspection that it becomes obvious that the moss is alive. It is best to get to El Rosario earlier in the day when the butterflies are still in the trees. Later on, as their wings thaw out after a cool night, they are more active and it becomes more difficult to avoid stepping on them while walking through the forest. There is a well marked trail that will wind through some of the thickest butterfly areas. A trained guide will discuss the life-cycle of the monarch and answer any questions you may have. It may be possible to hire an English speaking guide but it will cost significantly more money. The trip to El Rosario is a once in a lifetime experience that is well worth the extra effort it takes to get there.
Taxco (pronounced "TASS-co") is a favourite place of many a silver buff. It is nestled in the mountains, about 180 kilometres southeast of Mexico City. Taxco is a beautiful colonial city of white, arched buildings and terra cotta rooves. The federal government has declared it a historic monument and there is a law that decrees all new buildings must be built in the colonial style. It is picturesque unto itself, but it is also the silver mecca of Mexico. There are over three hundred silver dealers in the small city and each one offers something a little different. Hotels and restaurants are moderately priced and there is something to fit any budget. Mariachis wander the cobblestoned streets in full, sombreroed garb and colours from the dress of the handicraft peddlers assaults you from every angle.
There are a few language schools there for those that wish to stay a little longer, and not far outside the city are some beautiful caves known as Las Grutas de Cacahuamilpa. These caves are protected as a national park and are close enough to reach as a day trip from Taxco. They are beautifully formed with large, lit caverns. Even the most claustrophobic won't have a problem touring these caves
The State Of Chiapas: While some may be a little apprehensive about visiting Chiapas since the rebel uprising in January 1994, there has been little violence since. The state itself is amazingly diverse with mountains, a beautiful canyon and a fantastic jungle. Not to mention the colonial architecture and well preserved indigenous culture. On top of all this, Chiapas is also home to one of the most spectacular examples of ancient Mayan architecture: Palenque.
Probably the most interesting city in the state is San Cristobal de Las Casas which lies in the valley of Jovel. It is a beautiful pine-treed valley that is neither too hot nor too cold. The main plaza houses a lovely sixteenth century cathedral with an interesting interior redone in the baroque style in the seventeenth century. The main plaza boasts charming arched buildings with a treed central area for sitting and passing the day away.
The houses of San Cristobal are amazingly coloured. Each one seeming to be just slightly brighter than the one before it. The indigenous people in the outlying hills often come to town dressed in traditional attire. The medley of reds and yellows is a symphony for the eyes.
Besides offering almost limitless wanders through twisting cobblestoned streets, the villages in the outliying areas make interesting day trips. Probably the most curious is the village of Chamula with its multi-coloured church. The Mayans who live there practice an interesting religion that is a hybrid of Christianity and ancient Mayan ritual. The Chamulans, while poor, are very proud of their culture and will go to lengths to protect it.
Moving south through Chiapas will bring you to the Lacandon jungle. This jungle holds a small group of the most traditional Mayans left in the world. They still hunt, and sustain themselves with their own farms. It is difficult to enter their community for a visit, but there is a museum devoted to them in San Cristobal called Na-Bolom.
In the same jungle it is possible to visit one of the most spectacular Mayan sites that is still in existence. Palenque is quite possibly the brightest jewel in the Mayan ruin crown. Its vast area coupled with its jungle locale creates a magical aura that many visitors claim has a calming effect.
Palenque was a thriving Mayan centre for two hundred years, between 600AD and 800AD. The plazas and buildings seem to go on forever and are dotted with bas reliefs that explain in detail the life of the rulers who presided there. Thirty-four of the buildings have been fully excavated. Another four hundred odd buildings lay partially buried throughout the jungle. What has been excavated is a spectacular sight. The temple of inscriptions rises 23 metres above the ground and a staircase near the top will take you down into a crypt that once held an important Mayan ruler named Pakal. Imagine mossy stony ruins where you can almost see the old rulers and their subjects going about their business. All with a backdrop of lush, green rainforest. The smell of antiquity and the howler monkeys loudly staking their claims in the higher branches of ancient trees. Palenque will leave you with a feeling of serenity that is difficult to equal.
About 60 kilometres from the town of Palenque, there is a not to be missed sight. There is a river that winds through the hills and culminates in a series of waterfalls and pools that has the most vibrant turquoise colour imaginable. This remarkable scene is known as Agua Azul (this translates literally to Blue Water) and is easily accessible as a day trip from Palenque. It's a lovely place to spend a day and many of the locals hold a similar opinion. It is a great way to see how Mexicans relax.
Mexico is probably one of the most diverse and interesting countries in the Western Hemisphere and should be thought of as so much more than just a place to go to get a suntan in the winter months. The climate, the landscape, the culture and the wildlife make Mexico an ideal spot for an extended trip that promises to be full of adventure and once in a lifetime experiences.
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