Travels with Bob

Despite negative headlines and overblown warnings about Mexico tourism in recent years, the country remains one of the top 10 most visited countries in the world by tourists and vacationers. In short, it may be time to visit or revisit Mexico to experience everything the country has to offer, especially since it’s close to home for most  Americans.

Mexico’s Chichen Itza ruins, recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

With a 5,787-mile-long coastline encompassing the Pacific Ocean, Sea of Cortez, Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, the country offers a stunning array of incomparable all-inclusive resorts providing outstanding beach resort vacations and opportunities to explore the cultural heritage of this diverse country.

Mexico 111 cities and towns including10 World Heritage towns and 34 sites recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. These destinations include Campeche, Guanajuato, Morelia, Oaxaca, Puebla, Querétaro among others; and don’t overlook the national capital of Mexico City where you can visit the only royal castle in North America. The capital also offers the world’s second largest number of museums behind only London.

In addition, the country encompasses 187 archaeological sites open to the public, including the magnificent Chichen Itza on the Yucatan peninsula, recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Mexico’s 32 states embrace diverse cultures of 68 indigenous groups with 68 original languages spoken and 364 variations. It also has eight intangible cultural heritage of humanity designations including traditional Mexican cuisine, Day of the Dead, Charreria and Mariachi music, and offers 12 products with protected designations of origin.

Furthermore, Mexico’s 181 protected natural areas — about 13 percent of the country’s territory – give Mexico the second largest variety of ecosystems in the world. And don’t overlook the reef off the east coast between the mainland and Cozumel for diving vacations.

Mexico’s diverse and dynamic destinations offer many reasons for travelers interested in culture, history and adventure to visit now and again.