Attractions of Mexico

Mexico City

Mexico City, known locally as Distrito Federal of DF, is the country's capital and one of the world's largest and most densely populated cities. Home to over 18 million people, it is a bustling and chaotic city that mixes ancient Aztec ruins, colonial architecture and a vibrant and modern culture. The city was built by the Spanish on the foundations of the great Aztec capital Tenochtitlan. The ruins of the Aztec Templo Mayor, dating from the 14th and 15th centuries, can be seen today near the city's main square, the Zocalo. The vast Zocalo is also home to the city's magnificent cathedral and the 16th century Palacio National, with its stunning Baroque architecture and murals of Diego Rivera. The National Museum of Anthropology is another of the city's must-sees with its excellent collection of exhibits of Mexico's pre-Hispanic cultures which include Olmec carvings, Toltec heads and an impressive ethnology display. The city also offers opportunities to experience Mexico's diverse sporting culture, which includes bullfighting, football at one of the city's many stadia and the unique Mexican wrestling spectacle of Lucha Libre.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Historic Centre of Mexico City and Xochimilco

Archaeological Site of Teotihuacan

The holy city of Teotihuacan ('the place where the gods were created') is situated 48 km north-east of Mexico City and is one of the oldest archaeological sites in Mexico as well as one of the most spectacular in the country and even the world. It was built between the 1st and 7th centuries AD and is thought to be Mexico's largest ancient city and capital to the biggest pre-Hispanic empire. At its peak it was home to over 100,000 people but had been abandoned long before the Spanish invasion which saved it from destruction. Teotihuacan contains two huge and spectacular pyramids, the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon, the former of which is the third largest in the world after Cheops in Egypt and the overgrown Cholula near Mexico City. You can climb up part of the Pyramid of the Moon to get a great vista down the eerily-named Avenue of the Dead, lined with numerous smaller structures. The climb up the full 250 steps of the Pyramid of the Sun gives a superb panoramic view of the whole site and surrounding countryside.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan

Central University City Campus of the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM)

The buildings of the Central University City Campus of the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) were built from 1949 to 1952 by more than 60 architects, engineers and artists which together constitute one of the most significant modernist ensembles in Latin America. The most iconic building on campus is the Biblioteca Central which is covered with the tiled murals of Juan O'Gorman representing modern and historic Mexico.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Central University City Campus of the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM)

Historic Town of Puebla

One of the most charming of all of Mexico's colonial towns, Puebla is located 100km east of Mexico City at the foot of the Popocatepetl volcano. The first Spanish city not built on the ruins of an Amerindian settlement, Puebla was also the site of the victory of General Zaragoza over the French in 1862 with the city subsequently renamed Puebla de Zaragoza. Puebla's historic centre contains numerous impressive colonial buildings including the Cathedral Santo Domingo and the Archbishop's Palace. Many of its houses are covered in blue and white tiles known as azulejos. Puebla is also the birthplace of the famous Mexican dish mole poblano (chocolate and chilli sauce) and a great place to try it.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Historic Centre of Puebla

The town of Morelia (originally called Valladolid but changed to honour Jose Maria Morelia, a leading figure in the 19th century independence struggle) was founded by the Spanish in the 16th century. Its colonial character has been well preserved with over 200 historical buildings, built in characteristic pink stone, which combine Renaissance, Baroque and neoclassical elements with influences from Mesoamerican experience.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Historic Centre of Morelia

Tlacotalpan is a Spanish colonial river port founded in the 16th century on the Gulf of Mexico coast. It prospered economically in the 19th century as the conduit for products from Oaxaca and Puebla to be shipped to New Orleans, Havana and Europe. The architecture and layout of the town has been well preserved, characterised by wide streets and colonnaded colourful houses amidst many green spaces.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Historic Monuments Zone of Tlacotalpan

Historic Town of Guanajuato

Guanajuato was founded in the 16th century as a base from which to mine the rich silver deposits nearby. It became the world's largest silver extracting centre in the 18th century and the prosperity of the town was evidenced in the town's beautiful Baroque architecture. The town grew spontaneously with the development of the mines, so lacks the standard grid pattern of Spanish colonial towns. The town's historic centre is filled with beautiful plazas and winding alleys, home to grandiose mansions and impressive churches such as La Compañía and La Valenciana, some of the best examples of Baroque architecture in Latin America. The legacy of the mines is seen in the town's subterranean streets and the 'Boca del Inferno' mineshaft which descends 600 metres.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Historic Town of Guanajuato and Adjacent Mines

Historic Town of Querétaro

The historic town of Querétaro is unusual in Mexico for having retained the narrow, twisting alleyways of the Indian quarters with the geometric street plan of the Spanish and the European conquerors lived peacefully here with the Otomi, the Tarasco and the Chichimeca. The town is renowned for its many ornate Baroque buildings, both religious and secular, dating from the 17th to the 19th centuries. Querétaro has also born witness to some of the key events in Mexico's recent history. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hildalgo was signed here in 1848, ending the Mexican-American War and ceding almost half of Mexico's territory to the US. The Teatro de la Republica witnessed the trial of Emperor Maximilian in 1867 (later executed just outside the town) and the signing of the 1917 constitution by all the revolutionary groups.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Historic Monuments Zone of Querétaro

Historic Town of San Miguel de Allende

The town of San Miguel was first established in the 16th century and reached its height in the 18th century with the construction of many outstanding religious and secular buildings in the Mexican Baroque style. The 18th century Jesuit sanctuary situated 14km outside of the town is also a masterpiece of Baroque architecture and contains excellent oil paintings by Rodriguez Juárez and mural paintings by Miguel Antonio Martínez de Pocasangre. The town's location meant it was a melting pot where Spaniards, Creoles and Amerindians exchanged cultural influences. It was also the birthplace of General Ignacio Allende and renamed San Miguel de Allende in his honour.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Protective town of San Miguel and the Sanctuary of Jesús Nazareno de Atotonilco

Zacatecas was founded by the Spanish in 1546 after the discovery of a rich silver lode and gained in prosperity over the following centuries. The town is located in a dramatic setting on the steep slopes of a narrow valley and is renowned for its historic buildings. The 18th century cathedral is a richly decorated Baroque structure with both European and indigenous decorative elements while the Jesuit Church of Santo Domingo has a more understated beauty and now hosts a Fine Arts Museum.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Historic Centre of Zacatecas

Camino Real de Tierra Adentro, also known as the Royal Inland Road or the Silver Route, is a route that extends for 2,600km from Mexico City to Texas and New Mexico in the USA. It was a trade route for silver extracted from Zacatecas, Guanajuato and San Luis Potosí as well as mercury imported from Europe from the mid-16th to the 19th centuries and includes some 55 separate sites and five world heritage sites.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Camino Real de Tierra Adentro

El Tajin was occupied between 800 and 1200 and became the most important centre in the region following the fall of the Teotihuacan Empire. Located on the Gulf of Mexico coast in the present-day state of Veracruz, El Tajin has a unique architecture characterised by elaborate carved reliefs on the columns and frieze. Its 'Pyramid of the Niches' is one of the masterpieces of Mesoamerican architecture, both for its structure and astronomical significance.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: El Tajin, Pre-Hispanic City

The political, religious and cultural centre of Xochicalco was formed in the period between 650 and 900 following the break-up of the great city states of Teotihuacan, Monte Alban, Palenque and Tikal and represents a fusion of cultural influences from these different regions. The city was built on a series of natural hills with pyramidal structures and platforms linked by a complex series of staircases, terraces and ramps. The ruins are very well preserved providing an important insight into this period.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Archaeological Monuments Zone of Xochicalco

The Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve is a 563 square kilometre protected area located within rugged forested mountains 100km northeast of Mexico City. It is the site of one of the most extraordinary animal migrations in the world, when each year up to one billion monarch butterflies return from northern breeding areas to overwinter here. Of the 14 overwintering colonies in this region, 8 are protected by the reserve. The massive numbers of butterflies turn the trees orange, bend branches and fill the sky when they take flight. Their eight month migration north in spring takes them as far as eastern Canada during which time four successive generations are born and die.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve

The house and studio designed by the architect Luis Barragán in 1948 is an outstanding example of his work in the post World War II period. The concrete building has a ground floor, two upper storeys and small garden totalling 1,161 square metres and his style of integrating modern and traditional elements has been very influential in subsequent design.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Luis Barragán House and Studio

Hospicio Cabañas, Guadalajara

The Hospicio Cabañas in Guadalajara was built at the beginning of the 19th century to provide care and shelter for the disadvantaged – orphans, old people, the handicapped and chronic invalids. This complex, created by Manuel Tolsa, incorporates several unusual features based on its function and is notable for the harmonious relationship between the open and built spaces, the simplicity of its design, and its size. In the 1930s the great Mexican muralist José Clemente Orozco decorated the chapel with some superb murals, considered now masterpieces of Mexican art.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Hospicio Cabañas, Guadalajara

Agave Landscape and Ancient Industrial Facilities of Tequila

The Agave landscape is a 347 square kilometre area in eastern Mexico used to grow blue agave which has been used for at least 2,000 years to make fermented drinks and tequila since the 16th century. The site includes tequila distilleries in Tequila, Arenal, and Amatitan and is a testament to agave culture which is part of the Mexican national identity as well as Teuchitlan cultures which shaped the Tequila area from AD 200-900 and used the plant to manufacture a range of basic necessities. A fun, if touristy, way to experience this region is by taking the Tequila Express train from Guadalajara to Amatitlán, enjoying tequilas and mariachi bands on board.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Agave Landscape and Ancient Industrial Facilities of Tequila

These 14 monasteries were some of the 300 or so built in the 16th century by Spanish missionaries charged with converting the native population to Christianity. The monasteries were all built to a similar plan and served as models for missions established throughout the region.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Earliest th-Century Monasteries on the Slopes of Popocatepetl

Five Franciscan missions were built in the mid-18th century in the Sierra Gorda as part of the last phase of the conversion to Christianity of the interior of Mexico. The missions included the rural settlements of the native population that grew around them, while the richly decorated church facades represent joint creative efforts between the missionaries and the native Indios.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Franciscan Missions in the Sierra Gorda of Querétaro

Historic Town of Oaxaca

The city of Oaxaca is an attractive, laid back colonial town that has excellent shopping opportunities for Mexican handicrafts and is a base for exploring the nearby Zapotec ruins at Monte Alban. The historic part of the city is centred around the Zocalo, or main plaza, a pedestrianised area with trees and colonnaded buildings containing many bars and restaurants, providing a lively atmosphere at night with street vendors, entertainers and musicians. There are a number of impressive churches in the town such as the cathedral, the church of La Soledad and the church of Santo Domingo.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Historic Centre of Oaxaca and Archaeological Site of Monte Albán

Archaeological Site of Monte Albán

The archaeological site at Monte Alban was created by the Zapotec civilisation between 200BC and 900AD and is the most complete Zapotec site in Mexico today. It is an extraordinary site in a spectacular setting, located on a purposefully flattened and sculptured hilltop overlooking the valley of Oaxaca some 400 metres below. The remains of numerous pyramids and temples surround the huge central plaza, in addition to the pelota (ball court) and many bas reliefs with hieroglyphic inscriptions. The site shows influences from other civilisations, including Teotihuacan to the north and the Mayans to the south. The Regional Museum in Oaxaca contains many treasures found at Monte Alban.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Historic Centre of Oaxaca and Archaeological Site of Monte Albán

The prehistoric caves of Yagul and Mitla in central Oaxaca provide archaeological and rock-art evidence for the progress of nomadic hunter-gathers to incipient farmers that mastered the domestication of plants, allowing for the rise of Mesoamerican civilisations.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Prehistoric Caves of Yagul and Mitla in the Central Valley of Oaxaca

The rock paintings of the Sierra de San Francisco in Baja California was composed between 100BC and 1300AD by a people who have since disappeared. The paintings depict human figures, animals and the relationships between the people and their environment and represent one of the most outstanding collections of rock art in the world which has been remarkably well preserved due to the site's inaccessibility and the dry climate.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Rock Paintings of the Sierra de San Francisco

The whale sanctuary of El Vizcaino is located on the Pacific coast of central Baja California. The coastal lagoons of Ojo de Liebre and San Ignacio are important reproduction and wintering sites for the grey whale, harbour seal, California sea lion, northern elephant-seal and blue whale. The ecosystems here are also important refuges for wintering wildfowl and a habitat for some 20 threatened animal species including four species of endangered marine turtle. The whale watching season is between late December and mid March and tours from La Paz offer the chance to see the 18 metre grey whale with its newborn offspring.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Whale Sanctuary of El Vizcaino

This site is located in the Gulf of California between Baja and the Mexican mainland and comprises 244 islands, islets and coastal areas. The area is a natural laboratory for speciation and oceanographic processes. Species diversity is enormous with almost 700 vascular plant species, almost 900 fish species, 39% of the world’s total number of species of marine mammals and a third of the world’s marine cetacean species. The site is one of exceptional beauty with rugged islands, high cliffs and sandy beaches. The clear water and diversity of marine life make the region an excellent spot for diving.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Islands and Protected Areas of the Gulf of California

Mayan City of Palenque

One of the most picturesque and impressive of all the Mayan sites, Palenque is one of Mexico's prime attractions. Several spectacular structures are set in a beautiful location deep in the rainforest of southern Mexico. Rediscovered in the 19th century, only a fraction of the site has been studied and excavated and its possible to walk through the jungle trees over the crumbling remains of other buildings and wonder what remains to be discovered. Palenque flourished as a Mayan city state for 600 years between the 4th and 10th centuries but reached it height during the reigns of Pakal and Chan-Bahlum in the 7th century when its most impressive buildings were constructed. Central to Palenque are the various buildings of the Palacio, built on an artificial mound, and including the four-storey renovated watchtower, unique in Mayan architecture. The Temple of the Inscriptions is perhaps the most impressive structure, a 25 metre high pyramid which contains inscriptions detailing Palenque's history and was the site where the burial tomb of Pakal and his jade death mask was found. Unfortunately its not permitted to climb the Temple, but the nearby Temple of the Cross can be climbed to give super panoramic vistas of the entire site.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque

Agua Azul and Misol Ha Waterfalls

Close to Palenque are the beautiful waterfalls of Agua Azul and Misol Ha. At Agua Azul ('Blue Water') the water is blue/turquoise die to high mineral content and flows over a series of natural volcanic ash dams creating some wonderful pools for bathing. Misol Ha is a stunning 30 metre high cascades that falls into a circular pool that's also a excellent spot for swimming.

San Cristobal de las Casas

San Cristobal de las Casas is probably the most charming and picturesque colonial town in Mexico. Set amidst the mountains of the state of Chiapas, San Cristobal combines beautiful colonial architecture with a strong Indian culture from Chiapas's many indigenous groups. The atmospheric town is perfect for laid back exploring of its old churches, plazas and side streets filled with great restaurants and bars and its colourful market. It's also a good base to see nearby attractions including the Sumidero Canyon and traditional Mayan villages.

Sumidero Canyon

The Sumidero Canyon is a spectacular gorge 41km long and up 1,000 metres deep formed by the Rio Grijalva. The best way to experience the canyon is by boat ride through the narrow gorge between kilometre high vertical cliff faces. You're likely to spot crocodiles and other wildlife on the banks of the river. In the 16th century 1000 Chiapa Indians committed suicide by jumping off these cliffs to avoid capture and submission to Spanish rule.

Mayan Villages of Chamula and Zinacantan

The villages close to San Cristobal are those of the Tzotzil and Tzeltal Mayan Indian groups, where they retain many of their unique and colourful traditions. Each group is easily distinguished by their distinctive dress. The village of Chamula, inhabited by the Tzotzil people, is renowned for its colourful market and fascinating church. The beliefs here combine facets of Catholicism with traditional beliefs which include sacrifices of chickens and drinking carbonated cola drinks in the belief that burping expels evil spirits. The village of Zinacantan is famed for its flower growing and textile production using the traditional strap-back loom weaving process.

Mayan City of Chichen-Itza

Chichen-Itza is one of the most extraordinary archaeological sites in the world and was recently named one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. It represents two major periods of pre-Hispanic Mesoamerican civilisations - a Mayan site from the Classical period between the 5th and 10th centuries and a second settlement after the Toltec invasion with major construction between the 10th and 13th centuries. The latter represented a fusion between Mayan and Toltec cultures and represents some of the most important monuments at Chichen-Itza. The most remarkable structure is the El Castillo or the Pyramid of Kulkulkan, a stone representation of the Mayan calendar. The 25 metre high pyramid has 365 steps and at equinox a shadow of the serpent is cast down the pyramid connecting their heads at the foot to their tails at the top. Surrounding El Castillo are the Great Ball Court, the Temple of the Warriors, the Group of the Thousand Columns and the Observatory. Chichen Itza is the most visited historical site in Mexico and can get very crowded but the wealth of its attractions make it an essential visit.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Pre-Hispanic City of Chichen-Itza

Historic Town of Merida

Merida is the capital of the state of Yucatan and known as the 'White City'. Merida was founded in 1542 and built partly on the ruins of a Mayan settlement. It grew prosperous and developed as a very attractive colonial city filled with Spanish-Moorish architecture and still maintains that elegance today amongst its plazas, churches and mansions. The city's cathedral, the Cathedral of San Idelfonso, is the oldest in Latin America.

Mayan City of Uxmal

The ruins at Uxmal represent the pinnacle of late-Mayan architecture, design and layout. The buildings here date from 700-1000 AD when Uxmal had approximately 25,000 inhabitants and their layout reveal a detailed knowledge of astronomy. The Piramide del Adivino dominates the site, a spectacular structure with many symbolic motifs and sculptures depicting Chaac, the god of rain. Other buildings of note include the Nunnery Quadrangle, Governor's Palace and the Great Pyramid, which can be climbed to get a superb panoramic views of the whole site. A nightly light and sound show speculates on the decline of the city due to drought with the residents appealing to Chaac to save them. Close to Uxmal are three smaller sites with their own unique features. The Palace of Masks at Kabah has 260 images of Chaac, the Gran Palacio at Sayil is an elegant three-storey structure while Labna has a rare arch connecting two groups of buildings.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Pre-Hispanic Town of Uxmal

Campeche is a harbour town located on the Gulf of Mexico coast of the Yucatan peninsula. Founded by the Spanish in the 16th century, it was surrounded by outer walls and fortifications to protect the town from attack from English and Dutch buccaneers and pirates. Many of these fortifications survive today, in addition to almost 1,000 buildings of historic value in the old town. These include the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, the Toro Theatre and the municipal archives but its the brightly coloured buildings and clean streets of the town that are its most attractive features.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Historic Fortified Town of Campeche

Mayan City of Calakmul

The Mayan city of Calakmul is located within the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve in central Yucatan peninsula. One of the most ancient of the Mayan sites that had continuous occupation for over 1,200 years, Calakmul has a series of well-preserved monuments shedding much light on Mayan culture. Its name translates as the 'city of two adjacent pyramids' and Structures I and II dominate the site. Perhaps the most noteworthy elements however are the 120 stelae found here which are inscribed with sculpture and reliefs detailing the history and daily life of the city.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Ancient Maya City of Calakmul, Campeche

Sian Ka'an

Meaning 'Origin of the Sky' in the Mayan language, Sian Ka'an is the world's second largest biosphere reserve after the Amazon. Covering over 5,000 km², the reserve contains tropical forests, mangroves, marshes, coastal dunes and a large marine section intersected by a barrier reef. It is home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna, with 1,200 plant species, 300 bird species and over 100 mammals including jaguar, puma, ocelot, spider and howler monkeys, kinkajou, collared anteater and Caribbean manatee.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Sian Ka'an

Mayan City of Tulum

The Mayan city of Tulum is located in a dramatic and beautiful setting on the eastern coast of the Yucatan peninsula overlooking the sandy beaches and turquoise waters of the Caribbean. Dating to the 12th century, Tulum was a late period settlement displaying both Mayan and Toltec influences. The city was guarded by thick city walls and a watchtower which demonstrate the growing emnity between Mayan states at this time. Many of the towns temples such as the Temple of the Frescoes are dedicated to the Falling God or Setting Sun.

Copper Canyon

The Copper Canyon, or Barranca del Cobre, is located in the Sierra Madre Mountains in the state of Chihuahua in northern Mexico. Dwarfing the more famous Grand Canyon of Arizona in both length and depth, it is over 50km long and consists of a series of gorges which are up to 2,000 metres deep. The canyons form a breathtaking spectacle with some of the most impressive being Urique, Batopilas, Sinforosa and Cobre. The Copper Canyon can be explored on its famous railway (see separate entry) or by exploring on foot from some of the towns and villages on route. Creel is a popular town from which to explore the canyons and some spectacular rock formations and waterfalls nearby. Dividadero and Cerocahui provide probably the best single viewpoints into Urique Canyon where you can stand right on the edge of the precipice and stare up to 2,000 metres into the valley below.

El Chepe - Copper Canyon Railway

The Ferrocarril Chihuahua al Pacifico, or El Chepe for short, is one of the world's most spectacular rail journeys. Connecting Chihuahua in north-central Mexico to Los Mochis on the Pacific coast, the railway runs for 655km south-west through the Sierra Madre Mountains and skirting the spectacular Copper Canyon (Barranca del Cobre). The railroad was originally conceived to establish the shortest rail link between Kansas City and a Pacific port, but delays in construction meant it took almost 100 years to complete. Today it is the only functioning railway left in Mexico but has become a major tourist attraction. Leaving Chihuahua, the train gradually ascends through the territories of the Mennonites and Tarahumara Indians before reaching the high point after Creel. At Divisadero, the train stops for 15 minutes to allow passengers to walk to the edge of the Urique Canyon, one of the most spectacular of the canyons with a breathtaking view 1200 metres to the valley below. The Copper Canyon is larger and sometimes deeper than its famous northern neighbour, the Grand Canyon, being 50km long and up to 2,000 metres deep. After Divisadero, the train rides along the most spectacular part of the railway, gradually descending for 100km passing over and through the majority of the 39 bridges and 86 tunnels constructed for the track, including a 180 degree turn within a mountain tunnel that descends 100 feet. In this section, the journey is best experienced leaning out the doors at the end of each carriage and soaking up the wind-swept vistas as the train clings to the cliff edges. Returning to lower altitudes, its worth disembarking at El Fuerte, a sleepy and attractive colonial town, rather than going all the way to Los Mochis after dark. The total journey takes 13 hours, but can be broken up at a number of stops along the way to further explore the canyons.

Paquimé, Casas Grandes was a settlement in northern Mexico that reached its height in the 14th and 15th centuries and was a key point of cultural contact between the Pueblo culture of the south-western United States and the more advanced civilisations of Mesoamerica. The site has buildings with over 2,000 rooms built predominantly from adobe that at its height housed 10,000 people. The presence of features such as ball courts, sophisticated water distribution systems and platform mounds is evidence of influence from Mesoamerica.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Archeological Zone of Paquimé, Casas Grandes

This biosphere reserve comprises the dormant volcanic Pinacate Shield of black and red lava flows and the Gran Altar Desert with its islands of linear, star and dome sand dunes that can reach a height of 200 metres. The reserve is home to distinct plant and wildlife species including endemic freshwater fish species and the endemic Sonoran Pronghorn, found only in northwestern Sonora and in southwestern Arizona. The site is also notable for the ten enormous, deep and almost perfectly circular craters formed by a combination of eruptions and collapses.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: El Pinacate and Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve