Discovering Mexico with Great Rail Journeys
This proud country has a rich and varied history, with proof of
civilization that dates back to 5,000BC. Mexico is famed for
numerous things in its past. Not least of which include the mighty
Maya and Aztec history, resulting in the incredible architectural
sites of Chichen Itza, an enormous Mayan Pyramid and even the
capital, Mexico City, once known as Tenochtitlan, which served as
the centre of the Aztec empire.
From there came the Spanish conquest, the most famous campaign
being led by Hernán Cortés, which lead to the downfall of the Aztec
empire. From the 16th century, Mexico was a Spanish
colony, eventually becoming independent in 1821 after 11 years of
war.
Mexico is a large country which is divided by the Tropic of
Cancer, meaning that climates in the country can vary from
temperate to tropical, and there are usually two seasons - a wet
season lasting from June to mid-October, and a dry season running
from mid-October to May.
The country therefore has an incredible variety of flora and
fauna, coming 4th in the world for biodiversity.
Mexico has a large number of major cities, including Guadalajara,
Monterrey and Tijuana. The capital, Mexico City, contains a
population of around 9 million people.
