Top Tourism places of New Zealand

Aotearoa or the ground is lengthy white cloud as the Polynesians preferred to call it, is nothing but the beautiful island country of New Zealand. Its present and more urban friendly name has been derived from the Dutch explorer Tasman's mother country in Zeeland, a quaint province in Netherlands. If New Zealand's open character, where wildlife outnumbers human population, were not convincing enough, the tourist attractions in New Zealand would sure do the magic for you. Cities in New Zealand, urban in nature, come with the bonus of gorgeous natural surrounding and a plethora of activities to keep you busy through the whole trip. The national parks and islands, ocean and beaches, restaurants and bars, vineyards and harbors, colonial remains and modern architecture, festivals and museums are never to far from each other in this small but prettily beautiful country where much of the natural beauty is uncultivated and raw.The Tourist Information is given below....

1. Auckland:

Imagine an urban atmosphere where everyone lives within half an hour of beautiful beaches, walking trails and a dozen captivated holiday islands. Add a bright climate, a background rhythm of Polynesian culture and a passion for excellent food, wine and shopping - you’re beginning to get the picture of Auckland. In the Maori language, Auckland is known as Tamaki-Makau-Rau - ‘the maiden with a hundred suitors’. It earned this name because it was a region popular by many tribes.

2. Christchurch:

Christchurch is a grand place to live, work, visit and to do business! Christchurch is the second biggest city in New Zealand and has a successful business centre, some of the best air and sea links for international trade, world class spare time and sporting conveniences, a lively arts and entertainment scene, boutique shopping and easy access to beaches and mountains. Residents and visitors love the city's vibrant nightlife, award-winning restaurants and cafes, fashion precincts, heritage architecture and of course its gardens and wide open spaces for which the city is internationally renowned.

3. Dunedin:

Dunedin, in the Otego region, is New Zealand's oldest city. Dunedin is famous for its Victorian and Edwardian architecture and its close nearness to amazing wildlife. Dunedin has many tourist attractions and travel behavior with something to suit all ages, tastes and budgets. From adrenaline-pumping escapade to a relaxing day out, you need never be bored in Dunedin. Select tourist attractions and activities in Dunedin, New Zealand, from the list below. Otherwise select a different Dunedin area.

4. Kaikoura:

Don't be deceived, there's more to Kaikoura than marine life!!A goal for all seasons, Kaikoura offers behavior for everyone. Whether you enjoy just soaking up the surrounding beauty, walking the shores or more active pursuits, there's prosperity to see and do in Kaikoura on earth, by sea, or in the air! The natural attractiveness of the Kaikoura shoreline are set against the background of the rough snow capped Kaikoura mountain range. Kaikoura's seas are alive with a plenty of wildlife with the giant Sperm Whale, the playful Dusky Dolphins, and sleepy Fur Seals, sharks, fish, albatross & other bird life.

5. Milford Sound:

The beauty of this site draws thousands of visitors each day, with between 550,000 and 1 million visitors in total per year. This makes the sound one of New Zealand's most-visited tourist spots, and also the most well-known New Zealand tourist goal, even with its isolated location and the long journey from the nearest population centers. Almost all tourists going to the noise also take one of the ship tours which usually last between 1–2 hours. They are offered by several companies, departing from the Milford Sound Visitors' Centre. There is also the choice of extended overnight cruises on Milford Sound. Tramping, canoeing and some other water sports are also possible. A small number of companies also provide overnight vessel trips. There is otherwise only limited lodging at the sound and only a very less percentage of tourists stay more than the day.

6. Napier:

Napier, the most important city of the Hawke's Bay region, was razed by earthquake and flames in 1931. Napier has one of the biggest concentrations of Art Deco buildings in the world. Napier has many tourist attractions and travelactions with something to suit all ages, tastes and budgets. From adrenaline-pumping escapade to a relaxing day out, you need never be bored in Napier. Select tourist attractions and actions in Napier, Hawke's Bay, New Zealand, from the list below. Alternatively select a different Hawke's Bay area. Napier has four mobile container cranes and a wide variety of cargo handling tools to meet the special needs of different cargoes and products. Particular emphasis being on handling refrigerated cargo in both container and break bulk form. The Port offers a full range of worldwide shipping services including a number of weekly container services, complemented by excellent domestic transport systems.

7. Taranaki - New Plymouth:

The area around the bright city of New Plymouth, located in the Taranaki region, is famous for its black sand surfing beaches and wonderful parks and gardens. New Plymouth has many tourist attractions and travel actions with something to suit all ages, tastes and budgets. From escapade to a relaxing day out, you need never be bored in New Plymouth. Select tourist attractions and activities in New Plymouth, Taranaki, New Zealand, from the list below. Otherwise select a different Taranaki area. New Plymouth is a sunlit city located in the Taranaki region. New Plymouth is a well-liked tourist destination, recognized for its black sand surfing beaches and glorious parks and gardens.

8. Queenstown:

Enclosed by majestic mountains and nestled on the coast of crystal clear Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is New Zealand’s premier four season lake and alpine resort. Whatever you do, whatever your style, Queenstown will provide for your imagination, fuel your passions and revitalize your spirit. We hope you enjoy browsing to learn more about Queenstown and we look forward to seeing you soon. The colors, sights, scents and sounds of Queenstown reawaken the right mind as winter sheds its cloak to reveal warmer weather and longer days. Spring lasts for most of September, and depending on the season into early on October. Then it’s time to swap the skis or board for a mountain bike, golf clubs or hiking boots and explore Queenstown’s alpine area in all its spring glory.

9. Rotorua:

Journey to the heartland of Maori culture, to the center of New Zealand's impressive geothermal wonderland and discover the Spirits of Rotorua. Nestled beside the cerulean blue Lake Rotorua, the rural community of Rotorua is home to one of the most unique tourism sites in the world. Aside from the wonderful scenery of this volcanic-shaped wonderland, the 16 beautiful lakes in the region and the lush green of the abundant native flora, Rotorua is a geothermal paradise and the cultural heartland. With its richness in heritage and culture, the magnificent geothermal experience and the astonishing natural beauty of the landscape, Rotorua is a major center for tourism and there is an abundance of activities ranging from spiritually fulfilling to adrenaline charged action. Whatever your wish, be it tame or tempestuous, Rotorua will clean you away on a journey of discovery and wonder.

10. Taupo:

Lake Taupo was created by a volcanic burst so big the sun went hazy in China (relax, that was a few thousand years ago). Almost all over the place you look there's a volcano. Just a few minutes north of the Lake at Wairakei you'll find geothermal fields, boiling mud pools and steaming geysers. In Taupo itself, and at the little village of Tokaanu near Turangi, there are hot mineral springs that have been calming tired souls for centuries. And the prawn burgers at the world's only geothermal heated prawn farm will blow you away. Lake Taupo is a great vacation goal in both summer and winter. Trout fishing is a major attractions-it's now over 100 years since the first trout fry were released into the lake and today it is one of the last true wild trout fisheries in the world. Skiing and escapade actions are other reasons to visit. And when you're not on the lake or up a mountain, you'll find the Taupo town centre crammed with cafes and interesting shops. The nearby Huka Falls area is great for picnics and nature walks—or you could take a thrilling jet boat journey right to the foot of the thundering water.

11. Wanaka:

The rural community of Wanaka, New Zealand is in Central Otego, 120 kilometres north-west of Queenstown. Wanaka is located on Lake Wanaka, facing north, blessed with and without equal alpine panorama. The expansive open lake frontage supports thousands of summer holiday-makers, who enjoy swimming, boating, trout fishing and water-skiing. Mount Aspiring National Park, with its world-renowned climbing trails, has its headquarters in Wanaka. The Mount Cardrona and Treble Cone ski resorts lure domestic and international visitors during the winter months.
* Wanaka has a domestic airport with daily flights from Christchurch and connection flights from neighbouring Queenstown airport.

* Several touring routes go by Lake Wanaka, including State Highway 6 which runs down the West Coast and through to Queenstown and Fordland.

* Lake Wanaka is a huge bottom for South Island explorations. Drive to Christchurch via Mt Cook or down to Dunedin and Southland.

* From Lake Wanaka you can go after the Southern Scenic Route, around the Catlin’s Coast, to any Invercargill or Te Anau.

12. Wellington:

Our Wellington visualization balances a unique hometown, family environment with a beautiful natural atmosphere and recreational, cultural, and educational activities with conveniences for all ages. The Wellington City Council is working with Meridian Energy, Mitsubishi Motors, New Zealand Post Group and The Wellington Company to trial Mitsubishi iMiEVs in Wellington for the next two years. By the finish of the year eight iMiEVs will be powering around the streets of the Capital. The four-seater, battery-powered iMiEV has a range of up to 155km and zero drive-time emissions. The launch event, open to the public, will give an opportunity to photograph or film the vehicles in Civic Square from 12 noon to 2pm, with the formal launch ceremony at 12.30pm.Wellington Mayor Kerry Prendergast said that as 45% of journeys to work in Wellington are by car, truck or van, the opportunity to decrease vehicle emissions is great news for Wellington. “It’s unbelievable that Wellington is playing a leadership role in carrying out tests electric cars,” she says. The trial would demonstrate that electric cars are practical in Wellington and help identify any barriers to their widespread adoption, such as the need for charging stations.

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Top tourist places in Scotland

1. Aberdeen:

Aberdeen, Scotland's third-biggest city, whose name derive from the just a point of "aber" meaning "mouth" and the mixture of Dee and Don, has a rich cultural tradition plus modern facilities and a range of industries. The port is an important commercial and shopping center with many sights of interest and a number of well-tended parks and gardens. Visitors will find some 2mi/3km of sandy beach, the Beach spare time Center swimming pool with wave machine, superb golf courses, and performances of ballet, plays and opera in His Majesty's Theater, concerts by top-class orchestras in the Music Hall, experimental drama production in the Arts Center and Theater as well as a variety of arts festivals during the summer months. The silver-gray granite from nearby quarries gives the city a unique character, although the last quarry in Rubislaw was closed in 1971. St Machar's, the oldest granite cathedral in the world, was built with stone from Rubislaw. When the sun shines, the mica in the granite sparkles, hence "Silver City" has become a popular description for Aberdeen. "Flower City" refers to the splendid flower beds and displays, which have again and again brought the city achievement in the "Britain in Bloom" competition.

2. Ayr:

Ayr is not only a good shopping center but also a good base for exploring the Lowlands. It faces the island of Arran and is the most important town in the county of Ayrshire. Robert Burns described the local people as "honest men and bonnie lasses". A memorial at the station, Tam o'Shanter Inn is an examples of the Burns legacy in the Region. Devotees can even follow the Burns' Heritage Trail, a literary tour through southwest Scotland as far as Dumfries that takes in all the places connected with Burns. Ayr boasts an important race course, no fewer than three golf courses and a long sandy beach.

3. Dumfries:

The administrative center for the area, Dumfries (pop. 33,000) lies on the River Nith which flows into the Solway Firth a little further south. The town can look back over an exciting history. It obtained its charter as a "Royal Burgh" from Robert II in 1395. The old town hall in the middle of the market place was built in 1708 and the bridge, Now reserved for pedestrians, dates from 1208.

4. Dundee:

The fourth-largest city in Scotland spreads along the north bank of the Firth of Tay at the foot of Balgary Hill (480ft/145m) and Law (571ft/174m). Jute, jam and journalism were the three trades that for many years brought prosperity to the town. The jute factories and weaving mills have now closed (and also many of the Shipyards), most of the printing presses have gone and manufacture of the highly-prized jam has decline. Their spaces have been taken by service industries. Modern technology parks and a host of small and medium-sized companies working in synthetic fibers, biotechnology, accuracy engineering and instrument making are witness to how Dundee has adapted to a new post-industrial economic structure.

5. Edinburgh:

Edinburgh is the capital and cultural center of Scotland for over 500 years, occupies one of the most attractive locations. Sometimes described as the "Athens of the North", the celebrated festival city boasts Doric columns on Calton Hill, a wide choice of museums and art galleries as well as a host Of other historical gems. Edinburgh really consists of two cities. The castle, set on high basalt rock, dominates the densely populated old town, a labyrinth of narrow alleys, rows of houses and back yards. The famous "Royal Mile" relatives the castle with the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The Georgian new town, itself a masterwork of city planning from the 18th century, is characterized by grand squares, wide avenues and elegant facades.Edinburgh is now home to many prosperous service industries and the area around George Street is one of Europe's biggest investment centers.

6. Glasgow:

Glasgow sits astride the Clyde about 19mi/30km from where the river opens into the Firth of Clyde. In recent years Glasgow has undergone something of a transformation. Since the unsuccessful decline of the commercial navy and the dockyards, the pace of life has speedup as the successful post-industrial restructure has Brought a new culture and new service industries to the city. In the mid-80s the Exhibition and Conference Center opened its doors, neglected buildings by the banks of the Clyde were cleared to create plenty of green, open spaces and the old dockland sites on the opposite bank of the river were converted into residential quarters. Sandblasters cleaned up the sooty facades of the Victorian buildings in the heart of the city and shopping arcades, the glass-covered St Enoch shopping and entertainment center and the elegant Prince's Square were opened. Many new opportunities were formed for cultural events, so that now this working class metropolitan area seems to have effectively and in its own way met the two requirements of enlightened tourism: "real life" and "culture".

7. Inverness:

Inverness is the administrative center for the Highland region, which consists of the old counties of Inverness, Nairn, Ross and Cromarty, Sutherland and Caithness. The town has benefit from its sheltered position at the mouth of the Moray Firth and at the northeastern end of the Caledonian Canal in the sixth century. Inverness was the residence of Pictish kings and in 565 St Columba visited the town to pay his respects to Brude, king of the Picts. Given the town's favorable site at the gateway to the Northwest Highlands, Inverness has become a busy tourist midpoint and it makes a good starting point for excursion.

8. Isle of Mull:

The largely treeless island of Mull (pop. 2,400) is the third-biggest of the Hebridean islands. As a holiday target it offers extraordinary scenery, footpaths for walkers and sport and leisure services including golf, pony trekking and water sports. The south and east of the island are hilly with peaks of 3,000ft/915m. On the other hand the hills in the north are lower and the vegetation and wildlife are similar to those found on Skye. Hobbies & Activities category: Golf course; Swimming & water activities; Hiking opportunity; Natural area; National park; Resort or relaxation spot; Sports activity or museum.

9. Isle of Skye:

The biggest of the inner isles, Skye, was known to the Vikings as "Sküyo" ("cloud island"), while in Gaelic it became known as "Eilean Sgiathanach" ("winged island") because of the unequal coastline. Thanks to the existing weather conditions it was also termed "Eilean a Cheo" ("misty island"). The beautiful of Skye are its unspoiled natural atmosphere, the wild, romantic mountain scenery and the green valleys, caves and beautiful glens, magnificent waterfalls and sandy beaches. It events about 50mi/80km in length and between 4 and 15mi/6.4-40km in width with many inlets getting deep inland. To the south of the island lie the remains of primeval oak forests interspersed with birch, mountain ash, holly and hazel.

10. Loch Lomond:

Lomond is an excellent place to savor the romance of a Scottish castle, breathe in the lakeside air and enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities. The idyllic Loch Lomond northwest of Glasgow is Britain's largest lake and according to Walter Scott "The Queen of Scottish Lakes". While the plentiful stocks of trout, salmon and whitefish attract anglers from far afield, the many day-trippers, not to mention the watersports enthusiasts, walkers and those in search of rest and relaxation are drawn by the fantastic scenery around the lake. Boat trips on the "Maid of the Loch" give visitors a chance to admire the beauty of the lake and its surroundings. It is possible to climb Ben Lomond (3,192ft/973m) from Rowardennen and be thankful for the waters from a different angle as well as admire the views to the east. Loch Lomond is often the first stop for tourers heading north along the Western Highland Way which runs from Glasgow through the attractive Argyll countryside to Fort William. Cameron House at the south end of Loch.The wildlife includes otters, seals, salmon and trout and well over 200 different species of birds such as red-throated divers, corncrake, solan geese and a few pairs of golden eagles.

11. Perth:

When Sir Walter Scott wrote his novel "The Fair Maid of Perth" he put this pretty town 22mi/35km west of Dundee firmly on the map. Although comparatively few historic buildings from this former Scottish capital have survived, the town can claim to have been the scene of a number of main events in the history of Scotland.

12. St Andrews:

The small town of St Andrews, situated on the Fife peninsula about 12mi/20km southeast of Dundee, overlooks a lengthy sandy beach. For many sports enthusiasts, St Andrews is the home of golf. The Royal and Ancient Golf Club was found here in 1754 and since 1897 its members have been accepted internationally as golf's ruling Body. Every two years the famous "British Open" championship is held at one of St Andrews' five 18-hole course (there is one nine-hole course too). The little town also boasts various ancient buildings and what is thought to be Scotland's oldest university. The many student bars around College Street and Market Street contribute to the town's lively atmosphere.

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Top Best Attractive Places in Malaysia

Malaysia has a wide range of tourist attractions. The sheer diversity of tourism destinations is amazing. These include the high-tech city of Kuala Lumpur, tropical island of Langkawi, colonial hill stations of Genting and Cameron Highlands, numerous pristine beaches, National Parks, and the world's oldest tropical rainforests. Malaysia has the potential of catering to tourist of every hue and it truly lives up to its tag line of Malaysia Truly Asia.

1. Kuala Lumpur

To describe Kuala Lumpur is like opening a book that has various uninteresting chapters. Yes, this only global city of Malaysia appears happy with colors of modernization along with rich legacy. Though formally KL spans over an area of 244 sq kms, its plush precincts virtually get bigger to embrace the entire world. Kuala Lumpur is located at the confluence of Sungai Gombak and Sungai Klang, and probably, that's how it got its name, which literally means 'muddy confluence' in Malay language.

2. Kelantan

Kelantan-literally meaning "Land of Lightning"-is an agrarian state with lush paddy fields, rustic fishing villages and casuarinas-lined beaches. Situated in the northeast turn of the peninsula, the charms of Kelantan are found in the vitality of its culture and its remote, unsullied beauty. Kelantan offers plenty of opportunities for tourists such as river cruises, river rafting, bird watching and jungle trekking.

3. Malacca

Malacca is a quiet seaside city located on the West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia facing the Straits of Malacca, about 147 km from Kuala Lumpur. Malacca is a fantastic repository of its cultural heritage. Its colonial past is evident in its Portuguese architecture, where as on the streets, Chinese influence is most visible. Most of the businessmen here are Chinese. Over the centuries, the Chinese and local Malay cultures in Malacca intertwined, eventually producing a completely unique society-a mosaic of different cultures.

4. Negeri Sembilan

Negeri Sembilan literally means "Nine States". It is so called because it comprises a federation of nine states. Situated on the southwest corner of Peninsular Malaysia, Negeri Sembilan encompasses an area of 6,645 sq km and a 48 km long coastline.

5. Penang

Penang, literally meaning Island of Betel Nut, is famous for its natural scenic attractiveness. Also known as the 'Pearl of Orient', Penang entices visitors with its warm seas, golden beaches, lush greenery and delicious cuisine.

6. Perlis

Perlis is the smallest state in Malaysia. The state is famous for its serene unspoilt attractiveness, rustic rural scenes and verdant paddy fields. The expanse of verdant paddy fields makes the landscape appear like an enormous canvas of brilliant green or gold, depending on the season.

7. Sabah

Sabah is a tropical paradise placed at the northeast corner of Borneo. In ancient times it was known as the "Land below the Wind" because it lies below the typhoon belt. Sabah attracts visitors with its scenic beauty, rugged landscape and cultural diversity.

8. Sarawak

Sarawak-the biggest state of Malaysia-is better known as the land of fabled White Rajahs, the hornbill and the orangutan. Placed on the northwestern shore of the island of Borneo, Sarawak is a preferred tourist places for those seeking culture, nature and adventure tourism. The rainforests of Sarawak are home to the richest and most diverse ecosystem of the world.

9. Terengganu

Terengganu is one of the east coast states on Peninsular Malaysia. Terengganu is the repository of Malaysia's cultural heritage and is home to the lilting Gamelan and the mesmerizing "Ulek Mayang" dance. It is a serene state, with many small villages, quiet roads, and secluded islands and beaches.

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Well Known top tourist attractions in Canada

Are you scheduling to visit the great country of Canada but have no idea where to get started? Set your journey by including some of the most well-likedTourist attractions in the country, as measured by the number of visitors they receive each year. Each has something distinctive to offer tourists, whether you’re in the area for a few days or longer.

1. Niagara Falls – Ontario

The folks in the City of Niagara Falls in Ontario estimate that Niagara waterfall receives more than 12 million visitors every year. We truly weren’t surprised to find that it’s such a well-liked attraction – it’s one of the most famous in the United States as well. What we don’t do is attempt to decide which side – Canada or the US – gets more visitors.

2. Harbourfront Centre – Toronto

The waterfront in Toronto consists of 10 acres of pure beauty. Here you’ll find an amazing ice skating rink, a large boardwalk, and a number of great ships on display. One such ship, the 1812 War Privateer of the North Atlantic, allows visitors to come on board and look around. Approximately 12 million people visit the waterfront of Toronto annually.

3. Grandville Island – Vancouver, B.C:

Granville Island was once a major epicenter for those working in the slaughterhouse or saw milling industries. Over time the island changed and for the past 30+ years has drawn visitors to its progressively growing collection of artist studios, galleries, theaters, restaurants, and artisan shops. The island receives more than 10.5 million visitors each year and it is consider that only 29 percent of those visitors are British Columbia natives.

4. Stanley Park – Vancouver, B.C:

The 1,000 acre Stanley Park dishonesty within the city limits of Vancouver. Visitors come to walk among the cedars, hemlocks, and gardens or to watch their children in the playgrounds. There are even a few small restaurants scattered within the park grounds. More than 8 million people stroll the park grounds on an annual basis.

5. Vieux Port – Montreal

Vieux Port, also known as Old Port, draws nearly 6 million visitors each year. The riverfront is completely separate from the nearby Port of Montreal but has its own distinct and attractive allure. During the summer months there are circus shows and dances while during the winter months patrons stop by to see the Montreal High Lights Festival and fireworks shows.

6. Exhibition Place – Toronto

Exhibition Place is a large urban park spanning over 192 acres of land. The park sits on the seashore of Lake Ontario and frequently hosts special shows, including the Canadian National fair. The Canadian Bureau for the Advancement of Music calls Exhibition Place its home year round and is proud to cater to the 5.2 million visitors who flock to the park every year.

7. The Forks – Winnipeg

The Forks is another unbelievable park found at the point where the Red and Assiniboine rivers come together. The park has a lot of history, having once served as an Aboriginal settlement and then later as a major fur trading stop. Today the park draws more than 4 million annual visitors to its skateboarding park, plazas, and concerts.

8. Banff National Park – Alberta

Banff National Park was the first national park established in Canada. The park consists of 2,500 acres of land in the Canadian Rockies and frequently attracts nature lovers to its glaciers and meadows. There are two towns within the park: Banff and Lake Louise. Both are filled with galleries, museums, and cultural attractions designed to occupy visitors in between treks into the wilderness. Approximately 3.3 million people visit the park, to explore and to ski, each year.

9. Canada’s Wonderland – Maple, Ontario

Canada’s Wonderland is home to the largest wooden roller coaster subsistence in Canada. It’s also the location of the only “flying coaster” in the country – the Time Warp. More than 3.35 million people visit this incredibly fun theme park each year and, according to news sources, the park is still expanding.

10. Mont Royal Park – Montreal

Mont Royal Park is situated at the highest point in the city of Montreal. Within the park you’ll find a ski trail, an oratory, and a Roman Catholic Basilica – amongst many other attractions. The park, named for the city itself, captures the attention of more than 3 million visitors each year.

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Posted in: Canada Tourist places,Tourist Attraction places,Tourist places

Top Most Attractive Places in Mexico

Mexico is one of the most popular visitor places in the world and with good reason; it has a never ending list of wonderful sites, but which one to choose? This article will tell you the must see places in Mexico and why, so you have all the info you need to plan your journey.

1. Chiapas

If you had more than a few weeks to travel and you just went to Chiapas, you would not be able to see it all, Chiapas is full of interesting and beautiful placesso don't worry if you ignore some of them. San Cristóbal de las Casas is maybe one of the best known spots, full of very friendly peoples and regular souvenier markets, there is also a very attractive city centre with some elegant restaurants and shops lining the streets. Then you have Palenque and other archaelogical sites, once great cities inhabited by the advanced Maya civilization. If none of those interest you, perhaps you would enjoy the natural pleasures of the Canyon of Sumidero, where you follow a river along the bottom of a canyon or the impressive Waterfalls at Agua Azul and Misol Ha, then there's the fantastic lake complex at Los Lagos de Montebello. You can visit San Juan Chamula, marvel at the almost prehispanic religion that the locals still practice. The list goes on; I hope you can forgive the author if I leave out one or two things, in the interests of space.

2. The Copper Canyon

Very much of the hidden money in Mexico, the Copper valley is located in the northern Chihuahua state. Rather than one canyon, it is an enormous complex of caves, cliffs and valleys that together are larger than the Grand Canyon in the U.S. In the valleys below, there still live the Tarahumara indigenous peoples who continue to practice their traditional customs. At the top, you can get some extremely breathtaking views. You can walk along the side enjoying the view, though it stretches very far. In several places, there are look out posts, some have glass-bottom bridges so you can see all the way to the bottom, for the really courageous. The best place to get a view is El Divisadero, about an hours drive from Creel, which is the biggest town in the area. It's also possible to take a walk down to the bottom in some areas.

3. Yucatán

Like Chiapas, one could spend weeks, perhaps months here and not see all that it has to offer. Natural loveliness abounds with a number of cenotes (underground lake or water hole) very close to the capital, Mérida, there is also a number of national parks, perhaps the most imposing is Celestún, reknowned for it's abundance of flamingos. Yucatán, being on the Caribbean, has a large supply of hamacs and with all the fantastic beaches, you'd be forgiven for getting one and hanging it up between two trees. Progreso is perhaps the nicest beach and certainly the most accessible from Mérida, just 30 minutes away. Speaking of Mérida, the town itself is a jewel to explore with its beautiful colonial centre, along with the various other colonial towns in the area. Then there’s the ancient Maya ruin, including the modern wonder of the world, Chichén Itzá. This site is known best for its huge pyramid, known as 'El Castillo' and the giant ball court found just to the left of the entrance. But apart from Chichén, there is also, Uxmal, probably the best-preserved ancient city in the state, Dzibilchaltún, known for its 'doll house' (no dolls present, sorry) which every equinox, allows the sun to shine through the building, illuminating the central path of the city. Then there's Mayapan, where the word 'Maya' comes from, amongst many other beautiful ruins.

4. Isla Mujeres

Most people going to Mexico have plans to see Cancún. Cancún is very, very touristy and the area surrounding the beaches is like a region of any US city picked up and moved to the south of Mexico. It is of course good-looking, but if you want a really lonely, attractive place to go where the beaches are even better than in Cancún, go to Isla Mujeres, just a 30 minute boat ride away. When you get there, you can rent a golf cart and explore the island alone. All over the island are some of the most attractive, isolated beaches in the Caribbean. There is also a (very) small Mayan ruin and a small zoological garden, amongst other modest attractions.

5. Oaxaca

Oaxaca (pronounced Wahaca), a state bordering Chiapas, like its neighbour, has a lot in it for its size. The capital, also named Oaxaca, is a beautiful, colorful colonist city. Merely walking through the streets is happiness, marvelling at the buildings and decorations. Apart from that, it is one of the most cultural cities in Mexico with film showings, plays, poetry readings and more on all week. Outside the city, one could take a trip to Tule, wherein resides what is reputedly the widest tree in the world or to Puerto Escondido, the surfer's paradise. Also in Oaxaca are Monte Albán, Mitla and many more olden cities belonging to the Zapotec and Mixtec peoples, some of the most advanced in all of Mesoamerica. Like Chiapas, there is also plenty of natural attractiveness which waterfalls and streams practically anywhere you go.

6. El Tajín

One of the most imposing ancient ruins in Mexico, this is singled away because it is one of the most whole olden cities in the country. Located in northern Veracruz state, walking through this site will really give you a sense of what it was like to live there all those years ago. The main market square, the imposing 'Pyramid of Niches', the ball court, a number of former nobles' residence is all amazingly together. One can walk through the streets of the city and admire the buildings, getting a sense of how a local might have live there some thousand years ago or so.

7. Beaches of Baja California Sur

Los Cabos is the most excellent known and for good reason, it is a very attractive place. When you're there make confident to take a water taxi out to Los Arcos, where the Sea of Cortes and the Pacific Ocean meet, the guide will explain to you the images that sea-farers have found in the rocks there. Apart from Los Cabos, however, the beach in La Paz and those in the surrounding area are also well worth a look and are often better. In La Paz, the Malecón (board walk) stretches the length of the city centre, letting you see numerous sculptures, wee restaurants and straw umbrellas by the sea. The Topolote is much more isolated, if that's what you like, you're unlikely to have to fight for towel space and it's another amazing beach just minutes away from La Paz.

8. Tlacotalpan

Not the most well-known of sites in Mexico, indeed, you may not find this one some guide books, but Tlacotalpan is maybe the most beautiful town in Mexico. There is little righteousness a written description can give, but the houses are a multi-colored beauty, like from some fantasy novel, most have their own arches in front. At each interval, there is a lovely park or square, re-enforcing the beauty and a number of churches dot the town. Though it probably won't take more than a day to see, it would be recommended to stay much longer and enjoy the relaxed environment and talk to the friendly locals, while enjoying the striking colors, occupied anywhere else in the country.

9. Zacatecas

Zacatecas is placed in the centre north of Mexico; going to Zacatecas is like going back to the 16th Century when the Spanish first built the town if you ignore all the cars and modern amenities obviously. The town is very well preserved, retaining its colonial look with narrow streets, small buildings and colorful exteriors. The minster alone might be worth the visit, a wonder of Mexican baroque, the facade will most likely stop you in your tracks as you pass. But that's only one of a large number of fantastic buildings located in the centre. Then within and on the outer edge of the centre are a number of parks which you can saunter through or just spend a while relaxing. Once ready to move again, you can ascent the hill only to delve into the famous silver mine located there, once the heart of the Zacatecan economy, when you're finished, you can get the cable car across the city and see the town from above.

10. Mexico City

No trip to Mexico would be complete without a stop in the capital of the country and one of the biggest cities in the world. When you're there, the most important thing to see will be the Zócalo (Main Square) where you'll find the cathedral, the Palacio National (goverment buildings) and the Templo Mayor, the main temple of the Aztec city Tenochtitlán. Once you've enjoyed the sites, you can have a wander through the beautiful colonial streets that lie around the area, including churches, former colleges and the first printing press in the Americas. Afterwards you can take a stroll down to the Fine Arts museum and through the Alameda Central, where the Juarez monument is. Also in the city and considered 'must-sees' are the Chapultepec Park, which houses the National Museum of Anthropology (which takes a day to see in itself), situated at the end of Avenida de la Reforma. There's also Coyoacán where León Trotsky was murdered, there's some 5 or so museums dedicated to Diego Rivera or his contemporaries. Soccer fans will want to take a journey to the Estadio Azteca, the third largest stadium in the world, there's also Xochimilco, the last outstanding canal from the grand city of Tenochtitlán, and that's just the 'must-see'! If you have time after that, you should go to Teotihuacán, home of the impressive Sun and Moon Pyramids.

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