All sights in Mexico

Google Sightseeing takes you on tour of the world as seen from satellite, using the free Google Earth program, or Google Maps in your web browser. Each weekday your guides James and Alex present new weird and wonderful sights as suggested by readers.

The editors: James & Alex

DUMAC?

Posted by James Turnbull, Tuesday, 1st May 2007

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In the comments of this morning’s Underwater Explosion post reader Julian found this great large type.

Apparently made of trees planted in the water, the word may well be “DUMAC” or Ducks Unlimited de México.

Despite the title, Ducks Unlimited aren’t about promoting a world overrun with an unlimited number of Ducks. They are in fact a pro-hunting organisation, who’ve been accused of breeding ducks just to shoot them.

Thanks: Julian & EAF

Underwater Explosion?

Posted by James Turnbull, Tuesday, 1st May 2007

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Could these be the waves from an underwater explosion? Found in a lagoon in Acapulco, the circular waves could be caused by any number of different events.

However, the waves are about 8m peak to peak, and still can be clearly seen 400m to the South East, implying that this is more than simply someone jumping in the water!

On the Google Earth forum it has been suggested this may be the result of a small earthquake, or perhaps an underwater explosion to remove reef rock below.

I think the explosion idea holds more weight, but it still seems unlikely. Is there anyone more qualified on such matters who can answer either way? Or at least someone out there with a wild conspiracy theory? ;-)

Thanks: Panarimi

Helicopter Downwash

Posted by Alex Turnbull, Tuesday, 14th November 2006

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Please note that some or all of the objects mentioned in this post are no longer visible on Google Earth or Google Maps.

Check out this incredible image of a helicopter skimming the surface of the pacific, several miles off the coast of Baja California Norte, Mexico. How cool is the disturbance in the water from the helicopter’s downwash!

Whale and Calf

Posted by Alex Turnbull, Tuesday, 3rd October 2006

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On the shores of the San Ignacio Lagoon in South Baja California, Mexico, we find a fittingly enormous geoglyph of a female gray whale and her calf.

The San Ignacio Lagoon is part of the Vizcaíno Biosphere Reserve which is Mexico’s most recent wildlife refuge. This giant drawing is probably part of the Whale Sanctuary of El Vizcaíno, where Grey Whales and many other species live and breed, undisturbed and in a protected environment.

Thanks to Julio Izquierdo.

Mexico City Megapost

Posted by , Sunday, 29th January 2006

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Mexico City is the capital city of Mexico and the second largest “Megacity” in the world after the Tokyo area. After centuries of pre-Columbian civilization, Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés first arrived in the area of Mexico City in 1519. He didn’t conquer the city until 1521, after a 79-day siege that destroyed most of the ancient Aztec city. In 1525 the rebuilt city served as the capital of “New Spain” and the political and cultural center of Mexico. The importance of the city was such that the colonies of Cuba, Florida, and the Philippines were administered from it. In the following centuries there were many different governments, rulers and revolutions for Mexico City leading to an extremely varied architectural and cultural style.

Chapultepec Castle

This castle which roughly translates as “Castle of Chapultepec” or “Chapultepec Palace” is a palace built on top of Chapultepec Hill, in the middle of Chapultepec Park. The palace has had many uses has been used during its history, including Military Academy, Imperial and Presidential residence, observatory and museum. It currently houses the Mexican National Museum of History.

mexico city

Thank cacafuego

Strange Colours

I’m guessing that this is some sort of image processing bug. As it crops up again, here and here. Anyone got any ideas?

mexico city

Thanks Carlos & Scott

Estadio Azteca

The Estadio Azteca or “Aztec Stadium” was the location of two FIFA World Cup finals in 1970 and 1986 and the only stadium to host 2 world cups. Opened in 1966, it is one of the largest stadiums in the world with a capacity of 114,600. In 1986 it hosted the quarter-final between Argentina and England in which Diego Maradona scored the so called “Hand of God” goal.

mexico city

Thanks Carlotto, Eitan Nudel, cacafuego, redstar1, David Barrera, Monasteria, Arturo Hernández & Rod Farley

Big Spiral

I have no idea what this is. Looks like some sort of land-based sculpture.

mexico city

Thanks Larry PDX, Paul Overbeek & Dave

El Zócalo

El Zócalo is a large square officially called “Plaza de la Constitución”. The square is surrounded by a Spanish-era Cathedral, the modern “Palacio Nacional” and some ancient Aztec temple ruins which were disovered during building works.

mexico city

Thanks Eitan Nudel

Heroico Colegio Militar

This is the “Heroico Colegio Militar” Mexico’s answer to the USA’s West Point military academy.

It has some interesting architecture, a huge parade ground and check out the size of the flag and the shadow.

mexico city

Thank cacafuego

Olympic Stadium

The University Olympic Stadium or “Estadio Olímpico Universitario” is a stadium that was built in 1952 and at that time was the largest stadium in Mexico. It has a capacity of nearly 73,000 seats. The stadium hosted the 1968 Olympic Games and was the location for the track & field competitions, football matches, the marathon and the opening & closing ceremonies. It is now the home stadium of the university american football and soccer teams “Pumas de la UNAM” and “Pumas de la Universidad”.

mexico city

Thanks Maite & Elguero