The States of Mexico: A Guide
When thinking of places to visit, many Americans tend to overlook the beautiful, culturally rich vacation destination that's right next door. Mexico contains thirty-one states and one federal district, each with a unique regional character and culture. Almost all of Mexico's states make tourist resources available, but it's always a good idea to research the destination first, especially for a country with so many options available for sightseeing. Deciding ahead of time whether to focus on the artistic history of a town or the natural beauty of a specific region can transform a vacation from a hectic mess into an unforgettable adventure.
There are nine topographical regions in Mexico. The largest of these is the Mexican Plateau, which stretches from the United States border down to the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt in central Mexico. The other regions are the Sierra Madre Oriental, the Yucatán Peninsula, Baja California, the Southern Highlands, the Pacific Coastal Lowlands, the Gulf Coastal Plain, the Sierra Madre Occidental, and the Cordillera Neo-Volcánica. These regions each feature beautiful, unique landmarks, such as the Copper Canyon in Sierra Madre Occidental.
Mexico's states include Baja California Sur, Baja California, Sonora, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Durango, Sinaloa, Nuevo León, Tamaulipas, Zacatecas, Nayarit, San Luis Potosí, Aguascalientes, Jalisco, Tabasco, Querétaro, Hidalgo, Colima, Michoacán, México, Tlaxcala, Morelos, Guanajuato, Puebla, Guerrero, Veracruz, Campeche, Oaxaca, Yucatán, Quintana Roo, and Chiapas. The state of México is the most densely populated state, housing over 15 million people. Chihuahua is the largest state, claiming more square millage than the United Kingdom. By contrast, Mexico's smallest state, Tlaxcala, showcases the local agricultural, textile, and cultural value of the region.
Mexico's only district, the Federal District, occupies metropolitan Mexico City and serves as the country's capital. It hosts a treasure trove of museums, colorful murals, modern architecture, and historic sites. For those who prefer an outdoor excursion, there is the nearby ancient city of Teotihuacan. The religious complex reached its peak at approximately 100 B.C.E., and is best known for the twin Sun and Moon pyramids that still stand today.
For more information on Mexico, its states, regions, and popular vacation spots, check out the links listed below:
- States of Mexico: Vacation, Rentals, and History: There are many beautiful places to vacation in Mexico, but deciding which state to visit can be a daunting task. Learn more about the individual states of Mexico with the links provided here.
- Alphabetical Destinations: Travel, Explore, and Rent in Mexico: Reading about Mexico through travel journals can be a wonderful way to gain a greater appreciation of the country. This page has photos and personal commentary on a variety of cities in Mexico.
- Safety on a Mexico Vacation: Rentals, Hotels, Service Trips: Did you know that traveling in Mexico can be safer than visiting many cities in the U.S.? This page from Go Missions to Mexico has more information and links on tourist safety.
- 15 Cocktails Perfect for a Summer Vacation: A cool, refreshing cocktail can be a fantastic way to accent an afternoon on one of Mexico's many beaches. This infographic details the ingredients and glasses necessary for a variety of drinks.
- Vacation Rental Partners: Many resort chains partner with other companies to help expand location options for their guests. This list provides an example of the variety that can be found from only one resort company.
- Rocky Point Travel: Clear for Departure: Rocky Point is a short drive from Phoenix, Arizona, which makes it a popular vacation destination for Americans. Before departing on the road trip, make sure to check for any travel advisories to avoid congested roads or other hazards.
- Off to Mexico!: Spontaneous vacations can be fun, but a bit of careful research can help make the trip truly unforgettable. Take a look with this firsthand account of a trek through Mexico.
- Rocky Point: A Seaside Resort: The city of Rocky Point is located in the state of Sonora. This popular vacation spot is also called "Arizona's beach," due to its frequent visitation by residents of California and Arizona.
- Puerto Vallarta: A Favorite Vacation Spot: Some vacationers may want to spend time in a town that doesn't exclusively cater to tourists. Puerto Vallarta is a town that, while lovely to visit, retains its natural culture and charm.
- Spring Break Safety Tips: Mexico is a great place to spend spring break, thanks in part to the many pristine beaches that line each coast. This article is full of practical tips to stay safe while traveling during this busy time of year.
- Traveling to the U.S.: Before leaving to vacation in a foreign country, it's important to make sure all relevant legal documents are securely packed for the trip. Find out what documents are necessary for foreign nationals to vacation in the U.S. with this page from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.