Nature Wonders LAGUNAS DE MONTEBELLO Mexico

Along the border between Mexico and Guatemala in the southern state of Chiapas is a hidden and precious treasure, the Lagunas De Montebello where both in and out of the clear, glittering water of its various lakes is a unique and truly fascinating world.

Compared to the northern part of the country, the dense rain forests of Chiapas have remained free from human interference thus today its scenery and plant life have remained as they were many thousands of years ago.

Close to the park archaeologists discovered the ancient remains of the old Mayan town of
Chinkultic but over the years the encroaching jungle has covered the traces of this former
culture and almost erased it forever.

The water of the Bosque Azul is as mysterious as the nearby caves in which the daylight illuminates the darkness through narrow fissures. It is not known if these caves existed in Mayan times or if they had already been discovered by Prehistoric Man.

The Other side of Mexico

The Other Side of Mexico Filmed and produced by Fran & Brooke Reidelberger Scripted and narrated by Fran Reidelberger The central highlands from Mexico City to Colima are known to savvy travelers as the "Land of Eternal Spring". In this all new digital production, filmmakers Fran and Brooke Reidelberger explore this special part of our southern neighbor far from the daily headlines. Ancient Aztec ruins, colonial silver towns, modern retirement meccasfor adventurous gringos, colorful markets older than America, the real Tequila, arts and crafts, festivals, rodeos, "dancing" dogs, volcanoes, and butterfly heaven at 11,000 feet. All of this, plus the incredible people are part of "The Other Side of Mexico" Ÿ Ancient and modern sections of Mexico City -Aztec pyramids at Teotihuacán - Pátzcuaro and other Michoacán villages with their diverse arts and crafts, including copper, "catrina" dolls and wooden masks - the story of Christ's life on earth, hand painted on the ceiling of a tiny 16th Century church - Mexico's highest fresh water lake and the net fishermen of Janitzio Island - dance of "The Little Old Men" in the small village of Capacuaro - Highway 120 through the Sierra Gorda mountains, the beginning of the Mission Trail and a fanciful "garden" created by a mad Englishman - the artists of San Miguel de Allende and its large North American population - Guanajuato with its tunnels, trams and strolling troubadours. Guadalajara's modern facilities and mariachi bands - Mexico's largest fresh water lake, Lake Chapala, and the towns of Chapala, Ajijic and Jocotopec with their large number of North American retirees - the south side of Lake Chapala where acres of raspberries are cultivated and flocks of white pelicans spend the winter - the town of Tequila and the uniquely Mexican beverage of the same name - fourteen generations of knife makers in Sayula - a rollicking Mexican rodeo (not bullfighting!) - tranquil Colima with its active volcano - the winter home of millions of Monarch butterflies.

IMAX Mystery Of The Maya

MPE-DL-MAYA - IMAX - Mystery Of The Maya Witness the splendor of the Mayan civilization through the discovery of their pyramids, palaces and temples. Deep within the jungles of Mexico and Guatemala, and extending into the Yucatan Peninsula lie the fabled pyramids, temples and palaces of the Maya. While Europe still slumbered in the midst of the dark ages, these innovative people charted the heavens, evolved the only true writing system native to the Americas and made tremendous strides in the areas of mathematics and calendars. Without the advantage of metal tools, beasts of burden or even the wheel, they were able to construct vast cities with an amazing degree of architectural perfection and variety. Filmed on location at numerous sacred sites throughout Central America, including the ruins at Palenque, Tikal, Tulum, Chichen Itza, Copan and Uxmal, Mystery of the Maya explores the culture, science and history of these people.

Global Treasures Palenque Mexico

In the midst of a dense rainforest on the foothills of the Usumacinta Mountains is Palenque, one of the most popular archaeological sites in Mexico.

The monumental buildings of Palenque, such as the Temple Of The Cross, lay hidden in the rainforest for around 800 years until they were discovered in 1784. The monumental architectural character of this pyramid-like temple is typical of the ancient building style of the legendary Mayan people. In contrast to other Mayan towns in the central Mexican lowland, the buildings in Palenque are well built and decorated with bright stones. The colours of the surrounding rainforest are a picturesque setting for these splendid structures.

In 1952 a Mexican archaeologist discovered a deep shaft that led him to an underground crypt that contained the stone sarcophagus of King Pacal. The face of the sovereign was covered with a jade mask and many other jade figures surrounded his body. Today, the beautiful carved lid of the sarcophagus is on public view in the crypt.

Wide, raised steps lead to the most important construction area in Palenque, The Great Palace, that was built during the 7th and 8th centuries. The palace area was not just an embellishment as numerous living and bathing rooms attest to the fact that the daily life of the monarchy also took place here.

Palenque is one of the most beautiful Mayan towns in Mexico. In 1994, after discovering another sarcophagus, excavations were extended over the entire area. However, the disappearance of this fascinating culture still remains a mystery.

Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to future generations. our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage. Join us as we explore one of these protected monuments.

Global Treasures CHICHEN ITZA & TULUM, Mexico

CHICHEN ITZA & TULUM, Mexico

On the Mexican peninsula of YUCATAN, the Maya founded Chichen Itza, 'City of Pyramids', in the fifth century.


Relief-type pictures and sculptures describe the customs and gruesome rituals of this submerged yet advanced civilisation. Stone pillars and mosaic tiles show the highly-developed culture of the Maya people and complex images illustrate their advanced knowledge of astronomy, mathematics and architecture.

Here, the harmony of god-given life was maintained only by the strict fulfilment of all the divine commandments. This, however, called for many human sacrifices...

Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to future generations. our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage. Join us as we explore one of these protected monuments

TEOTIHUACAN Mexico

The ruins of the ancient Mexican capital, eotihuacan, remain a mystery to scientists to the present day.Little is known about the former historic rise and fall of this first major city on the American continent.During its heyday, Teotihuacan extended over an area of more than 20 square kilometres and ruled over a city-state that was larger than that of Ancient Rome.

It is believed that the origins of this impressive city date back as far as the 2nd century B.C.

Four large platforms surround the Citadel, the administrative centre of the city.On the opposite side is the magnificent and impressive Quetzalcoatl Temple, which is adorned with several reliefs.

The huge, towering Sun Pyramid is one of the main landmarks.Overawed by the magnificent structure, the Aztecs described it as, The place where one becomes god and it is indeed a magnificent and fascinating sight to behold.

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7 Days MEXICO

Mexico, land of the Maya and Aztec, temples and beaches and with a population of twenty-six million the bubbling metropolis of Mexico City is a maze of streets, flat roofs, skyscrapers and parks. Earthquakes, floods and civil wars created this 'City Of The Aztecs'. Templo Mayor, the main temple of the Aztecs, lies in the centre of the city, in the large main square, Zocalo. The magnificent Catedral Metropolitana with its massive dimensions and fine stone masonry dominates the square, with equal prominence being given to the Palacinio Nacional, governmental seat of the Mexican President. In 1519, when the Spanish conquerors reached Tenochtitlan, capital of the Azteckingdom, they discovered a lagoon paradise with floating gardens, Xochimilco, a labyrinth of lakes and canals, which today can be explored by boat. Known as the Pearl Of The Pacific, Acapulco is a world famous holiday resort of the rich and famous where luxury liners dock each day and endless golden sandsbeckon a swim under the Caribbean sun. Each evening, the famous cliff jumpers of Acapulco congregate when, from a height of 42 metres, they jump fearlessly from the top of the La Quebrada Cliff into the narrow bay below. In the legendary ruins of Palenque, numerous monuments of the Maya culture can be found such as a palace, and several pyramids and temples. From the air, there is a unique view of the lush growth of the impenetrable forests around Palenque, and of Mexico's most beautiful waterfalls of Agua Azul. Chichen Itza is thought to have been built by the Mayas around 450 AD and over 500 years later the fighting TOLTEKEN took over the deserted city, which led to two hundred years of prosperity. Located in the north, Tequila is situated at the foot of the likewise named volcano and is world famous because it is here that the Mexican national drink is produced. But Mexico is much more than a drink...it is a feast for all the senses!

Global Treasures - Uxmal - Mexico

Uxmal

Surrounded by Nature and located 80 km west of the Mexican city of Mérida is one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in Yucatán: Uxmal.

Legend has it that the 38 m. high Wizard Pyramid was given its name because it was believed that it had, in just one night, been built by a wizard. Uxmal is believed to be a classic example of Puuc architecture and is therefore an historic relic of ancient Mayan culture.

Little is known about the exact history of this city but it is thought that it flourished mainly between the 8th and 11th century. According to archaeologists, Uxmals most important buildings were built during this period.

Adjacent to the Wizard Pyramid is the Nuns Quadrangle, a rectangular building that was given its name by the Spanish. This building, with its large inner courtyard and tiny doorways, was mistakenly thought by the Spanish to have been modeled on a European convent. It was actually built during several different epochs.

The magnificent and elegant Governors Palace is decorated with an immense variety of stone mosaics and masks of the rain god, Chac, and architecturally is among the most beautiful of Mayan structures.

The old Mayan buildings merge harmoniously with the beautiful Mexican landscape and create an unforgettable impression of this unique cultural period of Latin Americas history.

Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to future generations. Our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage. Join us as we explore one of these protected monuments.

Dive Travel Great White Sharks Isla de Guadalupe, Mexico

Come with us aboard the luxury dive boat Solmar V as we leave the southern Baha Peninsula port of Ensenada, Mexico in route to Isla de Guadalupe, Mexico to dive in cages with the largest and most feared sharks known to man, the Apex predator, "The Great White Shark."

This island is one of the greatest places in the world to see these gigantic sharks up close and in the clearest possible waters with up to 150 feet of visibility. These magnificent creatures average 9 to 15 feet and weigh around 3,500 lbs, and are extraordinarily graceful as they swim around you in their natural habitat. Great Whites can range in size up to 25 feet and weigh as much as 7,000 lbs. (31/2 tons).

On this special 'Dive Travel' adventure, hear first hand the stories told by divemasters and boat crew who work with these gigantic creatures of the sea on a daily basis. Then, come with us on a topside tour of the island by boat. This island, formed by volcanic action, with its rough and rocky shore, is complete with its own food source of harbor seals, elephant seals and birds, which attract the Great Whites to the region.

Now sit back and watch this exciting adventure into the deep, blue waters of Isla de Guadalupe as we encounter our first Great White Shark!

Vista Point YUCATÁN Mexico

YUCATÁN

It is in Uxmal where historic Mexico is at its most beautiful and that our journey through the millennia begins, along the Yucatan Peninsula, land of Maya culture.

The Cuadrángulo De Los Monjas comprises four buildings with many entrances that lead into various small rooms, typical of Puuc architecture. The forty two metre high Fortune Teller Pyramid is situated in the centre of the complex and the main entrance to the Nuns' Quadrangle dates back to the 9th century and is flanked on both sides by columned halls.

Since the 10th century the remains of the Pre-Columbian architecture of Chichen Itza have combined two cultures, the Maya and the Toltecs. The total number of steps that lead up to the temple, including those on each of its four sides, number an amazing three hundred and sixty five - one for each day of the year! The facades of its buildings are adorned with mosaics. Geometrical ornaments alternate with images of numerous deities and the heads of fantastic animals.

Today, the Isla Del Cozumel, an island close to Yucatan, is the destination of luxurious cruise liners that lay anchor so that passengers can enjoy the local scenery. Whether feathered or scaled, the abundant variety of Yucatan's animal kingdom is a fascinating sight both above and below water. The turquoise coloured water of the bay makes it possible to view the seabed to a depth of thirty metres.

Women in traditional costume prepare tortillas: what Cortez once referred to as a 'corn pancake' is today an international favourite. Daily routine is just as it was hundreds of years ago and each season of the year determines the daily work of the rural population.

Ancient culture and snow white sandy beaches, this is the YUCATAN Peninsula!