Highlights of Central America Explorer

Below are some of the major travel highlights for Central America Explorer. For more in-depth attractions of each country on this route, click on the country names below or select a route to see the highlights on this section of the journey. Click on the icons below to focus on specific types of features (click again to return to all).

In-depth highlights: Belize, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama


Natural	History	Wildlife	Trekking	Cities	Religious Monument	Boat Journey	Rail Journey	Diving	Cultural	Adrenaline	UNESCO WHS

Cultural attractions of Mexico City - Panama

Mexico City
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

Mexico City

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

San Cristobal de las Casas
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.

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.

Lake Atitlan
Lake Atitlan Lake Atitlan, located in the Guatemalan highlands at 1,585 metres, has been described by the writer Aldous Huxley as 'the most beautiful lake in the world'. The lake, 20km long by 15km wide and reaching depths of 325 metres, is surrounded by the majestic volcanic peaks of Toliman, Atitlan and San Pedro, making for a spectacular sight during daylight and at sunset. The surrounding villages and towns, including Panajachel, Santa Catarina, San Juan La Laguna and Santiago Atitlan, are populated by native Mayan peoples who maintain many of their traditional practises, costumes and beliefs. A boat ride can take you to various villages to learn about the lives of these indigenous people, with the shrine to the Mayan god Maximon in Santiago being particularly popular.

Lake Atitlan

Lake Atitlan

Lake Atitlan, located in the Guatemalan highlands at 1,585 metres, has been described by the writer Aldous Huxley as 'the most beautiful lake in the world'. The lake, 20km long by 15km wide and reaching depths of 325 metres, is surrounded by the majestic volcanic peaks of Toliman, Atitlan and San Pedro, making for a spectacular sight during daylight and at sunset. The surrounding villages and towns, including Panajachel, Santa Catarina, San Juan La Laguna and Santiago Atitlan, are populated by native Mayan peoples who maintain many of their traditional practises, costumes and beliefs. A boat ride can take you to various villages to learn about the lives of these indigenous people, with the shrine to the Mayan god Maximon in Santiago being particularly popular.