A day of fun in Mexico

Hollywood movies give the impression that Mexico is populated by men with bushy moustaches wearing sombreros. But Mexico has a lot more to offer than clichés.

Catholic Mexicans

History is made visible in Mexico. Most Mexican cities feature Mayan and Aztec ruins. One hour from the capital, the ancient city of Teotihuacan is worth a visit. After the Mayan and Aztec eras, Mexico was occupied by the Spanish for 300 years, up until the 1800s. As a result, most Mexicans are Catholics. Mexico boasts some stunning Spanish architecture. The cities of Morelia and Guanajuato are UNESCO World Heritage Cities. Morelia is a calm town with lovely two-story Spanish-style houses made from local stone, a stunning cathedral and a verdant square. The towns of Guanajuato and Dolores Hidalgo are synonymous with the struggle to liberate Mexico from the Spaniards. Guanajuato became wealthy during the Spanish occupation due to its rich veins of silver. The magnificent Teatro Juarez and subterranean main street are of particular note.

Meksika'nın birçok şehri ve bölgesi Aztek ve Maya uygarlıklarının tarihi eserleri ve antik şehirleriyle dolu. Başkente bir saat mesafedeki Teotihuacan antik Aztek şehri, buna hoş bir örnek. Aztek ve Maya devirlerinden sonra Meksika, 300 yıl kadar süreyle, 1800'lü yıllara kadar İspanyol sömürgesi altında yaşamış. Meksikalılar bu dönemde İspanya kilisesinin kampanyası sonucu çoğunlukla katolik dinine bağlanmışlar. Michoacan eyaletindeki Morelia ve Guanajuato eyaletindeki aynı adlı kasaba, sömürge devrinin özelliklerini ve mimarisini öyle güzel korumuşlar ki, UNESCO bu iki kasabayı tarihi koruma alanı ilan etmiş. Son derece şık ve kırmızı kadifeler ve oymalarla kaplı Teatro Juarez tiyatrosu ve yeraltındaki eski madenlerden yapılmış sokakları bu dönemlerden örnekler.

A warm welcome

Mexico's glorious history is equalled by its natural beauty. With its blue waters and sandy beaches, the resort of Cancun on the southern Yucatan peninsula is the most popular summer destination. Once a sleepy resort, its beach is now lined with 5-star hotels. Tourists spend the day sun tanning or sightseeing. The nearby Mayan cities of Tulum and Chitchen-Itza are worth seeing. At night, tourists head to the bars. Senor Frog is a particular favourite. Other popular summer resorts include Acapulco, Puerto Vallarta and Los Cabos.The Mexican cuisine is as hot and spicy as its nightlife. Try mole, a special sauce made of 40 different spices. The most popular dishes are tacos, enchiladas, pollo con mole and tamales. In some regions, live insects, crickets and worms are eaten!

Meksika'nın tarihi gibi, deniz tatili imkanları da son derece zengin ve çekici. Meksika'nın en popüler tatil yeri Cancun! Meksika'nın güneyindeki Yukatan yarımadasındaki bu kasaba, lüks ve eğlenceyi bir kumsalda birleştirmiş. Tulum ve Chitchen-Itza Maya antik şehirleri gerçekten görülmeye değer. Akşamları ise bütün barlar doluveriyor. Özellikle Senor Frog (Bay Kurbağa) denilen bar, önündeki uzun sıralarla ünlü. Acapulco, Puerto Vallarta ve Los Cabos Meksika'nın diğer meşhur sahil tatil merkezleri arasında.

A picnic on the river

Mexicans love the good life. They are artistic people who enjoy drinking, eating, dancing and music. Here, it isn't considered rude to be late. In fact, being late is the norm! We have Mexico to thank for Mariachi and Salsa music and dancing. Mexico also has beautiful local crafts and has produced many famous artists. The famous Mexican painter Diego Rivera was born in Guanajuato. His works capture the independent, colourful spirit and troubled history of the country. Don't leave the capital without having had a picnic on the Xochimilco River. Sip a bottle of Corona beer and munch on some spicy treats as you float down the river accompanied by Mariachi musicians.

Meksikalı içmeyi ve eğlenmeyi seven, misafirperver, sanatkar, neşeli ve biraz da vurdum duymaz. Meksikalı'nın renkli karakteri el sanatlarında, ülke sanatçılarının resimlerindeki canlı renklerde ve Mariachi (Mariyaçi) ya da Salsa denilen hareketli Latin müzikleri ve danslarında dışarı yansıyor. Diego'nun resimleri sanki bir tabloda Meksika'yı özetliyor, canlı renkleri ve konularıyla bağımsız ve renkli karakterini ve zorlu tarihini anlatıyordu.

Mexico Guide

Climate: Mexico has a temperate climate. Even in winter, the temperature never falls below 5-6 Celsius in Central Mexico. Even if its hits 30 degrees, the low humidity makes it bearable. It rains every day in June and July. In Cancun, it is 25 degrees year round.

Visas: Turkish citizens need a visa. Ankara Embassy Tel: 0312-441 94 24. Istanbul Honorary Consulate Tel: 0212-227 35 00.

Language: A dialect of Spanish with its own accent. Currency 1 USD varies between 10-11 Mexican pesos.

How to get there: The easiest way to travel is with KLM. KLM flies daily from Istanbul to Mexico via Amsterdam. The return fare is 814 USD+120 USD (tax). Tel: 0212-230 03 11. Paragon Tourism organises private tours. Tel: 0212-227 35 00. www.paragontur.com.tr

Where to stay: In the capital city, the Four Seasons, Nikko and Presidente Intercontinental (all from 160 USD) are in the chic shopping district of Colonia Polanco. In Guanajuato, the Posada Carmina (100-115 USD) and Casa de Don Quixote (60 USD) are comfortable hotels near the city centre. The best and most expensive hotels in Morelia are the Hotel Virrey de Mendoza (70-170 USD) and Hotel Villa Montana (250 USD) with its stunning bird's eye view of the city.

Where to eat: Guanajuato: Truco 7 is very reasonably priced and offers a number of prix fix menus at lunchtime. Morelia: Cenaduria Lupita has an open buffet that features a variety of local specialities in a comfortable atmosphere. La Casa del Portal is located in the town square and is decorated with handcrafts and antiques. Cancun: Tequilaria is the perfect place to try different kinds of tequila.

What to buy: Mexico is famous for its handcrafts and tequila. Don Julio, Corralejo and Tequila Herradura are the best brand names for tequila. Alebrije are carved and hand painted depictions of whimsical creatures inspired by dreams and Latin American folklore. The state of Michoacan is known for its painted masks and ceramic figures. You can find plenty of inexpensive copper and silver items.