Residing in a world apart from our own, marine life has always been quite intriguing to us land-dwellers. All of the many sizes, shapes and colors of the different species of fish have been of great interest to us from the beginning of time. Whale Sharks are the largest existing fish and have been the object of fascination to thousands of divers all over the world, though many divers spend their entire lives trying to find one.

Whale Sharks are majestic creatures. These gentle giants swim with their enormous mouths open, gulping down plankton, small fish, squid and crustaceans along their way. They can open their mouths to up to five feet wide. They are the largest fish in the oceans and only a few whales are larger than them. They are cold blooded creatures and they breathe through their gills. Whale sharks can weigh over nine tons and grow up to 40 feet long. Amazingly, their skin can be over 4 inches thick! These fish have a two colored pattern of light spots and lines on a dark brown dorsal surface.

Whale sharks can be found all over the world. Popular destinations for travelers to dive with whale Sharks can be found in Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, South Africa, and Western Australia are a few countries divers go to find them. But they are easily spotted all over Central America. Cancun, Mexico, Belize and Honduras are just a few of the hot spots for spotting whale sharks.

Utila Island, off of Honduras, has been called the whale shark capital of the Carribean. Whale sharks have been seen there all year long. Though they can be spotted throughout the year, the best times to try to find them are March through April and August through September. A whale shark sighting usually involves finding just one, but it is possible to see five or more whale sharks in the waters around Utila.

Belize is one of the most popular spots in the Americas for whale shark sightings. Gladden Spit, located in the Belize Barrier Reef, is located 26 miles off the coast of Placencia. There are lots of whale sharks in this area during April and May, when schools of cubera snapper fish are actively spawning. Gladden Spit is a protected area. Rangers allow only six tour-operated boats at a time, making the experience much more intimate.

An important habitat for the whale shark is in the Gulf of Mexico. The major oil spill that resulted from the explosion of BP's Deepwater Horizon platform in 2010 in the Gulf still poses a critical threat to the whale sharks that reside in the region.

Whale sharks are harmless to humans. They are quite friendly and will often interact. They are very large creatures but are quite docile and serene. They will even allow swimmers to catch a ride with them, though this is discouraged by scientists, conservationists and researchers. Younger whale sharks can be especially playful.

It's vital for any diver lucky enough to encounter one of these animals to always treat them with respect. Whale sharks are an endangered species and it's imperative to their survival that they not be mishandled or harmed.

Almost a millennium before Columbus reached the New World, the Mayans were thriving on a limestone plateau on the northern Yucatan peninsula. The Chichen Itza ruins are surprisingly well-preserved and easy to reach from Mexico’s larger cities making this a ideal destination for travelers on low cost holidays. The remains of the theosophy of the Toltecs and Mayans display painstakingly artistic detail in stone.

Chichen Itza was built in around 600 A.D., and was initially intended primarily as a place of worship. In fact, it was the primary location of religious rites in the entire Yucatan. Its population reflected these spiritual origins. Chichen Itza’s population grew steadily until 800 A.D., when citizens abandoned all Mayan cities.

Two centuries later, different Mayan peoples resettled the city during the Mayan-Toltec era, and everyone moved west to Mayapan. No one knows why.

The ruined city’s favored deity is the plumed serpent Kukulkan, whose 78-foot high temple is the most famous in all of Chichen Itza. Unlike Egyptian pyramids, El Castillo (“castle”) has only four sides.

The entire structure serves as a solar calendar. On every day, the sun shades a different step of the stairway to the apex (91 in all). Among other functions, the pyramid was an aid in the timing of crop plantings.

Besides paying homage to Kukulkan, the temple was built to study the cosmos, as was the Platform of Venus. This spiritual structure was named one of the seven wonders of the modern world.

Chichen Itza features a sports field abutted by shrines at its borders. Still other shrines exist in honor of revered animals, like the jaguar and eagle. The upside is that the athletes were proficient. The downside is that the city’s Toltec influences dictated that losing teams were often sacrificed to the gods.

El Caracol (“conch shell), an astronomical observatory was built here, with windows set into a stone dome, an amazing architectural feat. When Mayans looked through specific windows on exact dates, they could observe designated celestial bodies.

Chichen Itza is easily reached from hotels in either Cancun or Merida, the closest city. It white limestone and prevalence of white buildings have earned the Yucatan’s capital the nickname of the White City.

Although it showcases modern fashion and a unique flair, Merida also reminds the Mexican traveller of Colonial days. The town is remarkably compact, and it is easy to see the sights on foot.

The six million modern Mayans, although racially diverse, continue to honor the old ways, as they:

• Grow the ancient foods of tomatoes, squash, corn, beans and chiles

• Practice herbal medicine and eschew Western techniques

• Favor Mayan dialects to speaking Spanish

• Celebrate a mixture of ancient Mayan religious beliefs and Catholicism

Nuevo Leon is one of 31 states that comprise the country of Mexico. Considered one of Mexico’s most industrialized regions, it boasts a quality of life similar to Slovakia, Croatia, and Poland. Nuevo Leon has the highest per capita GDP of any Mexican state. Its PPP of $26,658 far exceeds the national average of $14,119. Its capitol city of Monterey is the third largest metropolitan area in Mexico. The total population of Nuevo Leon is 4.1 million and almost 80 percent of the population lives within the Monterey Metropolitan Area.

Nuevo is located in the northeastern corner of Mexico. It is bordered by Tamaupulas to the north and east, San Luis Potosi to the south, and Cohuila to the west. It also shares a 9-mile border with the United States through Texas. Americans can enter Nuevo Leon by car and international flights are available to the capitol city of Monterey.

Alberto del Canto originally founded Nuevo Leon, but frequent raids by natives prevented any permanent settlements from being established. The Spanish King later launched an initiative to repopulate the area and Nuevo Leon became one of the Eastern Internal provinces of New Spain. The 19th century saw a population boom as European immigrants flooded the region to take advantage of land grants.

Grutas de Garcia
One of the most extensive cave systems in Mexico, visitors will be amazed at the extensive cave system as they trek through a mile long system of underground caverns and caves. The cave entrance is reached by the way of cable car.

Barrance de Potrillos
This is an excellent destination for the history and archaeology buff. Isolated from any populated area, this ancient site features magnificent stone carvings and archaeologically significant artifacts.

Cumbrance de Monterey
This is Mexico’s largest National Park. Filled with deep canyons and gorges, this park at the foot of the Sierra Madre Orientals is an excellent place to visit for those who love to hike and experience the natural wonders of Nuevo Leon’s arid landscape.

Matacanes
Extreme or Adventure travel is growing in popularity, and Matacanes is the perfect destination for the adventure traveler who likes a little danger along with their vacation. The area is filled with roaring rivers, majestic waterfalls, and deep underground caves. Tour companies are only too happy to arrange for all the necessary equipment and offer guided tours for adventure travelers.

Travelers to Mexico can visit the west coast state of Michoacán for a very unique experience. Many influences from the ancient Purépecha Empire can still be seen throughout many areas of the state. Much of the region also experiences pleasant weather throughout much of the year, making this a fantastic vacation spot.

Morelia serves as the state’s capital city, where many historical monuments and cathedrals can be seen. The city of Uruapan contains several quaint plazas. Visitors to Venustiano Carranza can to take a boat ride on Lake Chapala, which is the largest freshwater lake in Mexico. The city of Heroica Zitácuaro features the Presa del Bosque, a popular dam where many people go to swim and enjoy other leisurely activities.

There are many amazing sites to visit while touring the state of Michoacán. Here are some of the main places worth visiting:

• Maruata Beach – This coastal area is very popular with surfers. It is also one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Mexico.

• Morelia Cathedral – This historic masterpiece, which is located in the state’s capitol city of Morelia, took nearly 100 years to complete. The church also features a fireworks show and musical entertainment every Saturday night.

• Parícutin – Visitors can also attempt to climb this grand volcanic mountain. The volcano has experience many eruptions, with the last one occurring in the 1950s.

• Pátzcuaro Lake – This lake is surrounded by mountains and villages of Mexico’s indigenous population. Visitors can also explore the lake’s islands.

• Huandacareo – Influences of ancient history can be seen inside this famed archeological site near Lake Cuitzeo. The site, which dates back to around 1200 CE, is somewhat similar to Pompeii in Italy.

• Señor de La Piedad – This beautiful church can be found in the city of La Piedad de Cavadas. One of its main features is its large dome, which is likely the largest one in Mexico.

• Parque Nacional Eduardo Ruiz – Tourists can also venture to this serene nature spot found near the town of Tepalcatepec, where beautiful waterfalls and butterflies can be seen.

Tourists who travel to Michoacán can find many memorable and exciting places to visit. The state offers many wonderful sites of historical and cultural value. Michoacán is definitely one of the top states in Mexico worth visiting.

San Luis Potosi State has a number of beautiful and breathtaking natural wonders for visitors to explore. Travelers to San Luis Stae will find many cheap holidays available. There is an incredible cave in the city of Aquismon. The Cave of Swallows is a deep gap in the earth where thousands of birds call home. As these birds fly out of their underground home, the beating of their wings resonates through the air. The Cathedral Caves located in Rio Verde are also exquisite. The inside of the cave looks a lot like the inside of a church.

Cindad Valles, the second largest city in the state is home to the breathtaking Tamul Waterfall, which is the highest fall in San Luis Potosi. The waterfall is 105 meters high and 300 meters wide. The sound of the thundering water crashing to the riverbed below can be heard for miles around. Located close to the state’s capital, one will find the Media Luna Lagoon. This beautiful lagoon is home to a number of fish and plants. Visitors can explore the underwater world by diving or snorkeling. The surrounding park also has plenty of shops and restaurants.

San Luis Potosi, the state’s capital, has a variety of historical sites to visit including churches, museums and plazas. Some of the churches include the Cathedral Potosina, the Loreto Chapel and the Temple of de la Compania. Two of the plazas include the Plaza de los Fundadores and The Plaza Spain.

There are several interesting museums in the state capital. The Museum of the Mask has displays of paintings done by famous Italian artists. The Culture House has a wide variety of displays including archaeological pieces, paintings and crafts. Two other museums worth mentioning are the Regional Museum and the House of Manuel Othon.

Not too far away from the capital is the well known spa of Gogorron. Here guests can find a place of relaxation and healing. The resort has a restaurant, Roman baths and pools.

San Luis Potosi State is a beautiful place to find history, culture, nature and relaxation.

The Free and Sovereign State of Zacatecas is one of the thirty-one states that comprise the nation of Mexico. Located in the north-central region of Mexico, it is known for its large deposits of minerals as well as precious metal such as silver. Due to its fertile land and mineral deposits, Zacatecas has played a pivotal role throughout the history of Mexico. The largest city in Zacatecas is Fresnillo. The capital city is also named Zacatecas.

Getting To Zacatecas

There are direct flights available to the capital city of Zacatecas from Los Angeles, Houston, Denver and Chicago. However, most travelers will be flying into Mexico City before boarding a connecting flight to Zacatecas. Travelers that are traveling overland will find that there are busses to Zacatecas available at all major cities in Mexico.

Where to Stay in Zacatecas (city)

Most travelers will choose to use the city of Zacatecas as their staging ground. There is plenty to do within the city itself, and many accommodation options available for all travelers regardless of budget. There is a variety of hostels available for the budget traveler scattered throughout the city. Many of these hostels are family owned and include home-cooked meals along with the price of the room. For those with the means and the desire for a larger room with more amenities, the Quinta Real and the Maria Benita are excellent options.

What to See in Zacatecas

Cerro de la Bufa
La Bufa is a mountain in the very center of Zacatecas. Travelers flock to this landmark. The easiest way to reach the summit is via the Cable Car. Aside from the view, there are other reasons to travel to the summit of La Bufa. There is the Museum of the Fall of Zacatecas, a statue of Pancho Villa and his men, and the Chapel of our Lady of El Patrocinio.

The Centro Historico
A visit to the Historic District of Zacatecas is almost like taking a trip into the past. Most of the buildings that make up this district date to the 19th century of earlier. The whole district seems to be a historical exhibit, but these buildings are real. There are at least six museums, three monasteries, and a collection of 17th and 18th century churches scattered throughout the district. Tourists can spend days just exploring this one district.

Outside the City
There is no need to stay within the city of Zacatecas. There is plenty to see within an easy drive of the city’s borders. The Convent of Guadalupe and Juchilpa Canyon are two notable attractions that are nearby.

Pack your bags and get ready to travel to the breath-taking State of Mexico, also known as Estado de Mexico, in Spanish. The country of Mexico has 31 states. Mexico State is the most densely populated of those states, with a population of 15,175,862. It is located in the center of the country, just 39 miles from Mexico City. The Capitol City of Mexico State is Toluca de Lerdo, which has a population of approximately 747,512, and the most populous city in Mexico State is Ecatepec de Morelos, with a population of 1,655,015.

There is much to do, see and enjoy in Mexico State. You will find lakes, rivers, hot water springs, water falls, a water park, mountains, volcanoes, natural formations, archeological sites and golf courses. Whether you want to hike, do some rock climbing, sailing, kayaking or water skiing, or jump off of a cliff and paraglide over Mexico State's natural beauty, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Parque Acuatico Ixtapan, a water park located in Ixtapan de la Sal, and the largest water park in Latin America. It has 16 pools which includes a wave pool and four thermal springs. There is a water roller coaster, and water slides that are a 492 feet long. This water park offers a lagoon that offers both pedal and paddle boats, and a thermal pool located indoors. For the kids there is a pirate ship, tunnels, nets and more. Stop in at the spa for a relaxing massage, for a healing therapy and/or a beauty treatment.

In the valley between Mexico State's Capitol of Toluca and Tenango, lies an inactive volcano called Nevado de Toluca, also known as Xinantecatl, that is open to the public. This volcano is the fourth highest peak in Mexico, reaching an altitude of 2.914 miles above sea level. In the crater of the volcano are two lakes called, El Sol and La Luna: the Sun and the Moon.

San Miguel Ixtapan, located in Tejupilco, is just one of the archaeological sites you will find in Mexico State. Here you can view ancient, prehispanic ruins. There is also a museum on the site that has approximately 800 artifacts from that time period.

Another great place to visit is Valle de Bravo, also called Mexican Switzerland, which is a scenic mountain village, that is at an altitude of 6,200 feet. You will find a 8,402-acre lake for water skiing, swimming, boating, and fishing. The quaint, colonial village is lined with cobblestone streets, and it is the center of arts and crafts. Here you will find colorful pottery and fine lace made by the Mazahuas Indians.

Whatever your pleasure, you will find it in the heart of Mexico – Mexico State.