6 Best Sights in Mexico

Pancho Villa's definitive battle against dictator Victoriano Huerta occurred on this rugged hill, now a city landmark, in June 1914. The spacious Plaza de la Revolución, paved with three shades of pink Zacatecas stone, is crowned with huge statues of Mexican heroes. You can ride a zip line (MX$200 per person, or MX$300 for two) or have your photo taken dressed up like Pancho Villa (complete with antique rifle) and a soldadera (female soldier) companion, with outfits supplied by an enterprising young man. A walk up to the observatory gets you the best view of Zacatecas. Also on-site is the Sanctuario de la Virgen de Patrocinio, a chapel dedicated to the city's patron, and the Museo de la Toma de Zacatecas, which has a separate admission charge.

Some folks take a cab up and the cable car back down to the city; others enjoy taking the cable car up to the site and walking back down.

With all of its modern resort hotels, you might never guess that Acapulco was Mexico's most important port during colonial times. The city's fort was built in 1616 to protect its lucrative harbor and wealthy citizens from pirate attacks. Although it was badly damaged by an earthquake in 1776, it was entirely restored within seven years. Today the fort houses the excellent Museo Histórico de Acapulco (Acapulco History Museum), where bilingual videos and text explain exhibits tracing the city's history from the first pre-Hispanic settlements 3,000 years ago through the exploits of pirates like Sir Francis Drake, the era of the missionaries, and up to Mexico's independence from Spain in 1821. There are also displays of precious silks, Talavera tiles, exquisitely hand-tooled wooden furniture, and delicate china. A visit to the fort is a wonderful way to learn about and appreciate the history of this old port city.

This 17th-century stone fort was built by the Spaniards using stones from the nearby Maya pyramids. It was originally constructed as a haven against pirates and marauding bandits, then was transformed into a Maya stronghold during the Caste Wars. Today, the monolithic structure, which overlooks the enormous Laguna de Bacalar, houses government offices and a museum with exhibits on local history (ask for someone to bring a key if museum doors are locked).

During the viceregal era Veracruz was the only east coast port permitted to operate in New Spain and, therefore, was attacked by pirates. This unique coral-stone fort, the last land in Mexico to be held by the Spanish Royalists, is a monument to that era. The moats, ramparts, drawbridges, prison cells, and torture chambers create a miniature city. Fortification began in 1535 under the direction of Antonio de Mendoza, the first viceroy of New Spain. A few centuries later it was used as a prison, housing such prominent figures as Benito Juárez. After independence it was used in unsuccessful attempts to fight off invading French and Americans. You can explore the former dungeons, climb up on the ramparts, and wander across grassy patios. A tiny museum holds swords, pistols, and cannons, but signs are in Spanish only. Guides wander around in the site until about 3 pm—an English-speaking guide will charge around $25 per group. The fort is connected to the city center by a causeway; a taxi here should cost about $5.

A five-minute drive north of the Zócalo in an otherwise nondescript industrial area, you'll find this excellent museum inside the Zona Histórica de los Fuertes, an expansive park that commemorates the city's colorful military history, including the famous Battle of Puebla between France and the nascent Mexican Republic, in which the latter prevailed against what was considered to be far more formidable force. Unless you're a big history buff, you may not be familiar with this battle, but you probably recognize the date: May 5, 1862, or Cinco de Mayo, which though a popular holiday outside Mexico is a far less important date than that of Mexican Independence Day, on September 16. Nevertheless, the museum here inside this well-preserved fort is one of the more interesting, and underrated, ones in the city; it's filled with exhibits and artifacts that tell the story of this battle. Across the park, Museo del Fuerte de Guadalupe is interesting as well but not quite as comprehensive. It's worth a look, though, if you have time.

The Land Gate, where Old Campeche ends, is the only one of Campeche's four gates with its basic structure intact. The stone arch interrupts a stretch of the partially crenellated wall, 26 feet high and 10 feet thick, that once encircled the city. Walk the wall's full length to the Baluarte San Juan for excellent views of both the old and new cities. The staircase leads down to an old well, underground storage area, and dungeon. Thursday through Sunday at 8 pm, the gate is the site of a one-hour light show accompanied by music and dance.