Mexico is a large North American country located directly below the United States, which borders it to the north. To the South and West, and Mexico is bordered by the Pacific Ocean, and to the southeast by Guatemala, Belize and the Caribbean Sea. With an area of 1.9 million square kilometers, Mexico is the fifth-largest country in the Americas. It has a population of 118, 395, 054 – making it the most populated Spanish-speaking country in the World.
From a cycling standpoint, Mexico is a great place to ride your bike! From it’s capital of Mexico City, to the ancient Mayan and Aztec ruins in places like Coba, and to the magnificent Pacific Coast, where trails outline white sandy beaches overlooking a glorious sea of blue. The city of Tecate is home to an annual bike race – from the city to Ensenada. The event attracts thousands of competitive cyclists from Mexico and the United States. Many Mexican cities offer terrific paved roads, although congestion is sometimes a problem.
Popular Bike Tour Destinations In Mexico
Mexico City is the Mexican capital and is a cultural, architectural and tourism hub. The city was once the capital of a vast empire, belonging to the pre-Hispanics, and afterwards the Spanish Empire. However, the city still maintains South America’s Aztec roots, with many museums displaying Aztec art and sculptures. Much of the city is flat and paved, so alongside all the culture and history, Mexico City is the perfect place to begin your bike tour!
The Sierra Norte is a heavily wooded area in Mexico’s central north-west. The heavy woodland makes this place perfect for mountain bikers! The Sierra Norte has seventy thousand acres to explore, including many ancient footpaths and dirt trails. Although you definitely keep in touch with nature, there are a number of small communities, where Mexico’s indigenous people live. The terrain on the Sierra Norte varies from exhilarating downhill dashes, to punishing climbs up steep inclines.
The Baja Norte is Mexico’s northern and western-most state. It’s right on the Pacific Coast, the rolling hills provide challenges, although mountain bikes aren’t necessary here – road and touring bikes are the order of the day. There are many rolling hills along the more coastal regions of Baja Norte – the state capital of Mexicali is also a thriving metropolitan area, although it is perhaps best to head out of Mexicali and get in touch with nature. Sprawling, vast lands of desert-esque landscape are also common, but these are home to cacti – something found in not many other places around the world.
The Riviera Maya is located on Mexico’s Caribbean coast, and provides a terrific place for a bike tour – right down the coast! Several trips run from the exotic jungles down the length of the coast, criss-crossing beautiful nature and stunning Caribbean coastline with throwbacks to the ancient Mayan civilization, as you come across old thatched-roof housing, typical of the Ancient Mayans. The route is very flat, and that – coupled with the history and beauty of the Riviera, makes it one of Mexico’s finest cycling locations.
Valle de Guadalupe is Mexico’s wine country. Stretching for miles and miles, all that you see are vineyards. This region is best explored by either touring or mountain bike, due to the rugged terrain and dirt tracks. It is also quite steep in places and requiring some effort to climb, but you’re rewarded with a sumptuous glass of Mexican wine for your efforts.
Bike through the Riviera Maya! Explore the Mayan Civilization in the Caribbean, go from the jungle to the thatched roof villages of the contemporary Mayan World. [/one_third] [one_third]
Explore the beauty of the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico! By biking from its jungle to the Caribbean on a 7 day biking holiday you will discover all it has to offer. [/one_third] [one_third_last]
Ride through the mountains east of San Diego to Tecate; Enjoy the old-world charm of Tecate; Get our first taste of excellent Mexican cuisine.
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Facts About Mexico
Mexico is the country that introduced chocolate, corn and chillies to the world.
Mexico City is the oldest city in North America, and is also it’s highest city.
The Chichen Itza Pyramid was recently named of the new Seven Wonders of the World. It’s located in Yacutan, in Mexico’s north.
Mexico is home to fifty species of birds. These can be found mainly in the Sierra Norte wilderness.
Living near Mexico’s volcanoes, there can be found a unique and rare species of rabbit – volcano rabbits. These rabbits, as the name implies live near volcanoes.
The world’s smallest dog – the Chihuahua – is named after a state in Mexico.
Mexico’s national sport – bullfighting, was brought to the country by Spanish conquistadors. Plaza Mexico is the country’s largest bullring, and bull fights take place between November and April.
Mexico is a melting pot of ancient civilizations. These include the Mayans, Aztecs, Incas, French, Spanish, Italian, Olmec Zapotec and Toltec.
During the 1913 Mexican military coup, lead by General Victoriana Huerta (known as “the Jackal”), power was very briefly passed to the country’s foreign minister Pedro Lascurain. His reign in power lasted just under an hour. This is recorded as the world’s shortest Presidency.
Mexico is the birthplace of Carlos Slim Helu – the world’s second richest man, his wealth is said to be around $70 billion US Dollars.
The National University of Mexico is South America’s oldest university. It was founded in 1551 by Charles V – a holy Roman Emperor.