World Heritage Sites in Mexico

The Agave Region is one of the most important cultural landscapes in Mexico, not only for the importance of the natural landscape that it offers but also for the cultural tradition that has been kept for several centuries and from which has arisen one of the main icons that identify this country: the tequila.

The Alto Golfo de California and El Pinacate Biosphere Reserve comprise the Pinacate area, Gran Desierto de Altar and Bahía Adair on the Gulf of California’s border in northeastern Mexico. Geological volcanic formations and the diversity of plant associations create its unique landscape.

The Aqueduct of Padre Tembleque Hydraulic System, located in the Central Mexican Plateau, encompasses a water catchment area, springs, canals, distribution tanks and arcaded aqueduct bridges. It incorporates the highest single-level arcade ever built in an aqueduct.

Xochicalco is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a fortified political, religious and commercial center from the troubled period of 650 to 900 A.D. that followed the breakup of the great Mesoamerican states such as Teotihuacán, Monte Albán, Palenque and Tikal.

Located in the eastern Pacific Ocean, the Archipiélago de Revillagigedo is made up of four remote islands and their surrounding waters. Part of a submerged volcanic mountain range, the islands provide critical habitat for a range of wildlife and are of particular importance for seabirds.

The Calakmul archaeological site in Campeche, Mexico, is both a World Heritage site and a Biosphere Reserve. The largest forest mass in Mexico and the second largest remnant forest left in Latin America is the heartland of the area where the Maya civilization reached its climax.

Camino Real de Tierra Adentro was the Royal Inland Road, also known as the Silver Route, which constitutes a part of the Spanish Intercontinental Royal Route from Mexico City to Santa Fe. The route was actively used as a trade route for 300 years, from the mid-16th to the 19th centuries.

Paquimé, Casas Grandes played a key role in trade and cultural contacts between the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, and the more advanced civilizations of Mesoamerica. The archaeological zone is distinguished by its impressive buildings in earthen architecture.

Centro Histórico, the historic center of Mexico City, is the heart of the Mexican capital. Focused on the Zócalo and extending in all directions, historic landmarks include the National Palace, Metropolitan Cathedral and Palace of Fine Arts. Built on the site of a pre-Columbian town, Xochimilco is famous for its floating gardens.

Ciudad Universitaria, the main campus of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) is located in Mexico City. It encloses the Olympic Stadium, about 40 faculties and institutes, the Cultural Center, an ecological reserve, the Central Library and various museums.