by Rhonda Allen

Created on: June 28, 2009   Last Updated: July 11, 2009

Disney's version of Mexico is located at the left side entrance of the World Showcase at Disney's EPCOT park. This stunning mix of history, art, music, and food can really allow visitors to suspend disbelief and truly imagine themselves to be deep in the tropical Mexican countryside.

The centerpiece of the Mexico pavilion is the grand pyramid that casts it's impressive shadow over the walkways and out into the water in front of the World Showcase. The pyramid, which was designed to replicate the Aztec Temple of Quetzalcoatl at Teotihuacan, is the hub for most of the activities in this particular showcase country. Inside the pyramid, vendors in a traditional Mexican marketplace sell arts and crafts and traditional items in front of a modern Mexican restaurant that sits on the banks of Disney's very own river, just in front of a magnificant volcano.

Before heading inside, however, explorers should make sure to detour to the right of the pyramid and follow the semi-circular path through Disney Mexico's jungle garden. Avid botanists, or even folks who just love to look at pretty scenery, will enjoy a walk through the slightly shaded pathways. Along the trail, specimens from orchid trees to Mexican fan palms, have been transplanted and carefully groomed by Disney horticulturists to help visitors feel as though they've truly escaped their real lives and ended up in a distant jungle.

Across the way from the pyramid sits the Cantina de San Angel. The Cantina is designed to represent the desert regions of Mexico, and the central horticultural feature of the design is an amazing 250-year-old Yucca tree. The Cantina serves fast and inexpensive Mexican meals ranging from tacos and taco salads to quesadillas and the sugary dessert known as churros.

After exploring the grounds around the Mexican pavilion, visitors can make their way into the slightly dark and cool interior portion of the Aztec Pyramid. The front area of the pyramid is dedicated to a display of Oaxacan woodcarving. These beautiful examples of artisan crafted wooden artwork are carved into the shape of humans, animals, and fanciful multi-colored beasts.

Deeper in the pyramid, beyond the traditional portico, is a plaza filled with shopping and cultural exploration opportunities. Just before you get to the newly redesigned river ride, Gran Fiesta Tour, you can find the Casa Mexicana. This recreated Mexican home, inhabited by the Pakatilchi family, offers a wonderful glimpse into the life of

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