A Historical and Cultural Perspective of Mexico

Date :
4 – 18 February 2017
Time :
10:00 – 12:00
Limit :
18
Enquiries :
Linda Chan at [email protected]

The first people to settle in Mexico came from Asia around ten millennia ago. Ancient civilizations which inhabited this region excelled in art, architecture, mathematics and astronomy. Arriving by sea in 1519, the Spaniards destroyed the pre-Colombian population and established the colony of New Spain. Napoleon’s invasion and occupation of Spain in 1808 led to the outbreak of revolts across the New World. The Mexican revolution in 1810 marked the beginning of a long struggle against the Spanish that ended 300 years of colonial rule. When the War of Independence ended in 1821, the republican insurgents established the first Mexican Republic and started to cultivate a unique Mexican identity as a mestizo nation incorporating the cultural traditions of the indigenous with those of European ancestry. Once regarded by many as a Third World nation, Mexico today, with a population of over 122 million, is the 11th largest economy in the world. Mexico City has a cosmopolitan vibe that extends from its thriving contemporary art scene to trendy restaurants and designer boutiques. It is one of the most important economic hubs in Latin America.

Mexico’s geographic and cultural diversity makes it a fascinating country — from the charming colonial towns of Guanajuato and San Miguel de Allende in the central highlands to Mesoamerican ruins located in tropical rainforests, from Baroque Catholic churches to sacred Olmec, Aztec and Maya temples; from fortified towns on the Yucatan Peninsula to archaeological sites on the Caribbean coast; from the art and architecture of ancient civilizations to world-class museums in the vibrant capital, Mexico City.

This tour will take us through visually stunning landscapes and locations across Mexico — in cities and villages, on mountains and rivers, in tropical jungle and white powder beaches. Nothing reveals the soul of a people more than their culture. Journey to Mexico to experience the cuisine, tequila, music, dance, art and traditions of this amazing country!