UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Mexico

Ancient Maya City of Calakmul, Campeche

Of the more than 800 places in the world that have been selected as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 26 locations are found in the country of Mexico. In the Americas, Mexico is ranked number one in countries with the most number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In the world, Mexico is ranked number eight.

The majority of these Mexican World Heritage Sites are found on mainland Mexico; other sites are found in the Yucatan Peninsula and the Baja Peninsula.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites are divided into four categories: natural, cultural, mixed properties and State Parties. In Mexico, there are currently 23 cultural and 3 natural World Heritage Sites.

Examples of Mexican cultural World Heritage Sites include various archaeological sites, such as Monte Alban and Xochicalco. Ancient cities are also included, such as Chichen Itza, Teotihuacan, Palenque and Uxmal. Historic locations are also on the list, such as Mexico City and Puebla. Other sites include various monuments, houses, monasteries and rock paintings.

Meanwhile, the three natural Mexican World Heritage Sites include the Sian Ka’an, the Whale Sanctuary of El Vizcaino, and the latest addition to the list, the Protected Areas of the Gulf of California.

Over 30 more sites are submitted to the tentative list of the World Heritage Sites. These include colleges and universities, ancient cities, churches and sacred places, museums, castles, caves, aqueducts, even railway stations.

UNESCO, or the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization, created the World Heritage List in 1972. The World Heritage Program promotes the protection and conservation of various sites with exceptional natural, historical or cultural value. The sites are preserved for the benefit of the future generations. Sites on the list can occasionally acquire funds for maintenance from the World Heritage Fund, if they pass the necessary criteria. The list of World Heritage Sites is updated yearly.