Mexico

With a Native American heritage and a distinct Spanish flavor, Mexico is vibrant, colorful and unique. Its varied terrain ranges from cactus-studded deserts to white sandy beaches and blue waters, tropical rainforest and jungle-clad hills to steep rocky canyons and narrow gorges, and from snow-capped volcano peaks to bustling cities.

Since the height of Mayan and Aztec civilizations, Mexico has suffered the destructive force of the Conquistadors, European colonial rule, civil and territorial wars, rebellions, dictatorships, recessions and earthquakes. Yet its people remain warm and friendly, much of the countryside remains unspoiled by development, and its cities display a unique style of architecture. The extraordinary history is reflected in the ancient Mayan temples strewn across the jungles and ruins of Aztec civilizations, rural indigenous villages, Spanish colonial cities and silver mining towns, and traditional Mexican ports.

Buildings display a unique combination of colonial and pagan architecture, blending together Art Nouveau, Baroque, Art Deco and Native American design into the structure of their churches and public structures. The country's culture displays a similar blend of the traditional and modern, where pagan meets Christian in a series of festivals, or fiestas throughout the year.

Besides a combination of unique culture and fascinating cities, Mexico also boasts several hundred miles of coastline extending down through both the Pacific and the Caribbean, which has branded the country as a popular summer retreat destination. Beach resort cities such as Acapulco, Cancun and those of the Baja California peninsula are accepted vacation havens. The countryside is also rich in archaeological treasures with pyramids, ruins of ancient cities and great stone carvings of ancient gods standing as testament to a country once ruled by the Aztecs and Mayans.

Basics

Time: Mexico spans four different time zones: GMT -6, -7 and -8 with daylight saving, and GMT -7 all year round in the state of Sonora.
Electricity: 130 volts, 60Hz. Two-pin flat blade attachment plugs are standard.
Money: Mexican currency is the New Peso (MXN) divided into 100 centavos. Credit cards are widely accepted, particularly Visa, MasterCard and American Express. Travelers cheques are generally accepted, and are best taken in US Dollars. ATMs are available in most cities and towns and are the most convenient way to get money, but for safety reasons they should only be used during business hours. Although most businesses will accept foreign currency it is best to use pesos. Foreign currency can be exchanged at one of many casas de cambio (exchange houses), which have longer hours and offer a quicker service than the banks.

 

Note: This is not updated daily and should be used as a guide only.

Language: Spanish is the official language. Some English is spoken in tourist regions.
Entry Requirements for Americans: United States passport holders must have a valid passport. A visa is not required for stays of up to 180 days, if holding a Tourist Card/FMT form issued free of charge by airlines. From 23 January 2007 all US citizens traveling to and from Mexico by air will require a passport; by 1 January 2008 the requirement will be extended to include all land and sea border crossings as well.
Entry Requirements for UK nationals: British passport holders must have a passport valid for at least six months from date of entry. A visa is not required for stays of up to 180 days, if in possession of a Tourist Card/FMT form and holding a passport endorsed British Citizen. If the passport is endorsed British National (Overseas) the visa exemption is for a maximum of 90 days. Travelers must have a return or onward ticket (unless a British Citizen with a Tourist Card or visa), as well as necessary documents for further travel, and sufficient funds.
Entry Requirements for Canadians: Canadian passport holders must have a valid passport, or other proof of citizenship, such as an original birth certificate, and an official photo ID (driver's license is acceptable), plus marriage certificate if your name has changed. A visa is not required for stays of up to 180 days if in possession of a Tourist Card/FMT form issued free of charge by airlines. Travelers are required to have the necessary documents for further travel, and sufficient funds.
Entry Requirements for Australians: Australian passport holders must have a valid passport. A visa is not required for stays of up to 180 days if in possession of a Tourist Card/FMT form issued free by airlines. Travelers are required to have tickets and documents for a return or onward journey, and sufficient funds.
Entry Requirements for South Africans: South African passport holders require a passport valid for at least one year. A visa is required for both tourists and business travelers, but there is no charge for a visa. Travelers are required to have tickets and documents for a return or onward journey, and sufficient funds.
Entry Requirements for Irish nationals: Irish nationals must have a valid passport. A visa is not required for stays of up to 180 days if in possession of a Tourist Card/FMT form issued free by airlines. Travelers are required to have tickets and documents for a return or onward journey, and sufficient funds.
Passport/Visa Note: All visitors must hold a tourist card (FMT form), which is issued free of charge and obtainable from airlines, Mexican Consulates, Mexican international airports and border crossing points.
Health: Those entering Mexico from an infected area require a yellow fever certificate. There are no vaccination requirements for visitors to Mexico, however visitors should take medical advice if traveling outside the major tourist areas. Immunization against hepatitis A and typhoid is generally recommended. A malaria risk exists in some rural areas, but not on the Pacific and Gulf coasts, and the dengue fever mosquito occurs. Other risks include dysentery and diarrhea diseases, and sensible precautions regarding food and water are strongly advised, visitors are advised to be cautious of street food and stick to bottled water. Medical facilities are very good, but medical insurance is recommended.
Tipping: Tips are expected in Mexico by almost all services; waiters and bar staff should be tipped 10 to 15% if a service charge hasn't already been added to the bill. The American custom of tipping 15 to 20% is practiced at international resorts, including those in Los Cabos. Taxi drivers are not usually tipped unless they have helped with luggage.
Safety: There is a risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks in public places. Crime is high in Mexico, especially in Mexico City, where robberies and muggings are prevalent. Travelers should avoid displays of wealth and be particularly vigilant on public transport, at stations and tourist sites. Only use authorized taxi services. All bus travel should be in daylight hours and if possible it is advisable to travel first class. Women traveling on their own should be alert, especially in tourist areas; a number of serious sexual assaults have occurred in Cancun recently. Visitors drawing money from cash machines or exchanging money at bureau de change should do so in daylight hours and be especially vigilant on leaving. Visitors are advised to be wary of people presenting themselves as police officers attempting to fine or arrest them for no apparent reason, leading to theft or assault; if in doubt ask for identification, and, if possible to make a note of the officer's name, badge number and patrol number. The practice is most common in Cancun where increasing numbers of motorists in rental cars have been stopped and threatened with imprisonment if an immediate fine is not paid. Hurricanes may affect the coastal areas between June and November. Demonstrations relating to the contested July 2006 elections have led to severe disruption in Mexico City; visitors should avoid all such demonstrations, which have the potential to become violent. In Oaxaca, southern Mexico, an ongoing protest against the governor has resulted in violent demonstrations leading to several deaths and injuries; protests have also been aimed at the tourist industry. The situation remains tense, and there is a possibility of further violence. Protest action is expected to continue for the time being, and leaders have stated that attacks will only end with the Governor's resignation. Shops and banks are currently closed and public transport has been severely disrupted.
Business: Business in Mexico tends to be conducted formally, particularly in initial meetings. Face-to-face contact is important in order to build a good working relationship. Dress tends to be formal with suits and ties the norm, though it can be more relaxed in hotter areas. It is always important to be punctual, although your counterpart might be late. Greetings are polite and formal, using surnames and titles unless otherwise indicated. A handshake is standard, though follow your host's lead - if pulled forward, or your host leans forward, put your left arm around his back and pat firmly (known as abrazo). Business cards are usually exchanged and it can be helpful to have them printed in English on one side and Spanish on the other. English is used in a business context, but an attempt at speaking Spanish will be highly appreciated. Women should be aware that business is Mexico is very male dominated. Business hours can vary, though usually from 9am to 5pm, often closing at lunchtime for an hour.
Communications: The international access code for Mexico is +52. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 001 for North America). City/area codes are in use, e.g. (0)55 for Mexico City, (0)744 for Acapulco and (0)998 for Cancun. Some US long-distance phone companies have access numbers which can be dialed in order to use your phone card - calls are usually cheaper than direct-dialed calls from a hotel room. If calling internationally from a phone booth only use the official TelMex phone booths, as all others charge very high fees. GSM 1900 mobile networks cover most of the country. Internet access is widely available in most of the country, especially in tourist-orientated areas.
Duty Free: Travelers to Mexico over 18 years do not have to pay duty on 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g pipe tobacco; 3 liters wine or other alcoholic beverages; perfume, eau-de-cologne or lotions for personal use; a video camera and one standard camera. Non-residents are allowed to bring in 12 rolls of film or video cassettes, and goods to the value of US$300 without incurring duty fees. Prohibited goods include fresh food products and the import of canned food. The export of archaeological artifacts is strictly forbidden.
 

Activities

Diving

The island of Cozumel offers the best diving in Mexico and is ranked as one of the top five diving spots in the world. There are exciting reef drop-offs, coral gardens, caves and plenty of marine life, and the snorkeling is also renowned. The region around Playa del Carmen also offers excellent reef diving and snorkeling and some of the best cave diving in the limestone caverns along the coast. The Great Maya Reef is a chain of shallow patches that stretches all along the Yucatan coastline and is home to hundreds of species of fish and sea turtles. The Sea of Cortez, or Gulf of California, to the east of the Baja California Peninsula does not offer the visibility or warm waters to match destinations in the Caribbean, but its nutrient rich waters support a huge variety of marine life and divers are likely to come into contact with some of the bigger residents of the underwater world such as schools of hammerhead sharks, giant manta rays, whale sharks, marlin and whales. El Bajo is considered the best site in the gulf, while the beautiful Ballandra Bay is great for snorkeling.

Whale watching

The west coast of Mexico's Baja California peninsula is regarded as having some of the best whale-watching venues in the world. Every year between December and March thousands of California Gray whales migrate to the protected waters and warm lagoons to mate and calve. Three lagoons on the Pacific Coast that offer the best location for watching Gray Whales are Magdalena Bay, San Ignacio Lagoon and Scammon's Lagoon, which sees the largest number of these mammals each year. The lagoons are protected marine parks where whale watching is controlled and allowed only in boats operated by trained guides. Humpback and Blue whales breed in the Sea of Cortez, and Bahia de los Angeles is the centre for whale-watching expeditions in the area. Although whales can be sighted from shore, particularly from the Cabo San Lucas at the southern tip of the peninsula, boat cruises are the most popular way to see them and take passengers to where they can be observed up close.

 

Baja California

Baja California is a long finger peninsula running parallel to the west coast of the Mexican mainland, separated by the Gulf of California or Sea of Cortez. It is divided into two states, Baja California Norte in the north and the southern region of Baja California Sur, and extends from Tijuana on the American border down to Cabo San Lucas at the peninsula's tip. Baja is one of the least humid places on earth with an intensely dry climate. It is a diverse geographical area providing remarkable contrasts. This is a wildly beautiful place of unusual scenery and dramatic color changes, of exquisitely azure bays and miles of fine white beaches, rocky cliffs and deserts, giving way to dry mountainous slopes covered in a stunning display of cactus plants. The interior is harsh and undeveloped, while the coast is dotted with attractive resorts and modern towns. The protected gulf is home to more endemic species than anywhere else in the world; the warm waters are rich in marine life, and the protected waters on the Pacific coast are an important breeding ground for whales. Most resort tour operators arrange whale-watching trips from January to March. A journey down the trans-peninsula highway conveys many surprises, from the bulging and frenetic activity of the modern city of Tijuana, with its tacky souvenir shops and thriving gambling scene, to the oasis town of San Ignacio, a beautiful respite from the hot Vizcaíno Desert on its fringes, with some extraordinary cave paintings nearby. From the peaceful laid-back village of Mulegé to the tranquil port of La Paz, with a colonial centre and spectacular sunsets, and the charming traditional Mexican town of Todos Santos in the south, there are a great variety of places to explore and enjoy. The Baja Peninsula also boasts the best seafood and wine in Mexico.

 

Yucatán Peninsula

The Yucatán is quite different from the rest of Mexico; a distinct change in the landscape, people and architecture as one crosses into the remoteness of the Mayan realm. The atmosphere is more relaxed and tranquil, and the legacy of an ancient people is evident in the scattering of ruins within the encroaching jungle. It is an area famed for its white sand beaches, magnificent off-shore coral reefs and diving opportunities on the Caribbean coast, as well as the for the region's splendid ruins: the extraordinary Mayan temples and ceremonial centers of an ancient kingdom. The peninsula is an area of great diversity, from tropical jungle and rainforest, flat and hot countryside dotted with Mayan villages, a superb coastline with popular resorts and islands, numerous archaeological sites, and colonial towns. Once distant and inaccessible, tourism has made determined advances especially around the major places of interest, to the Mayan sites of Chichén Itzá and Uxmal, and along the most visited stretch of the coast incorporating the 'party resort' of Cancún and the islands of Cozumel and Isla Mujeres. These resorts and islands have become highly sought-after package tour destinations with renowned vacation facilities. The traditions, religious beliefs and ancient customs of today's Mayan culture are a natural part of the Yucatán's character, but large-scale tourism development has shifted many of the Mayan people to unwanted areas where they live in small settlements, scratching out an existence from their crops, and relying on the brazen publicity of the tourist brochures to endear them and their handicrafts to the tourist trade.

 

San Cristóbal de las Casas

The colonial village of San Cristóbal de las Casas is the jewel in the centre of the cool Chiapas highlands, nestled in a valley and surrounded by forests and hills. It is at the centre of many traditional Mayan villages, and it is the indigenous soul of the town, coexisting harmoniously with its colonial charm, that makes it such an enchanting place to visit. The town was originally designed as a Spanish stronghold against the surrounding indigenous communities. It is a town of cobbled lanes and long rambling streets that undulate with the hilly terrain, squat whitewashed houses with red tiled roofs, flower-filled patios, wrought iron balconies, shady plazas, ornate facades and lavish churches. The main plaza was the Spanish centre of town and today it is the best place to sit and watch the town life happen. The cathedral dominates the northern side and its steps are always busy with playful ragged children, arriving and departing worshippers, resting passers by and vendors. North of the plaza the daily market is a fascinating bustle of indigenous life, a trading space for local produce and household goods. The streets and plazas are filled with the vibrancy of people from the surrounding villages who give the town its character and dominate its trade. The region is known for its colorful handicrafts, traditional markets, fascinating local fiestas, legends and mystical ceremonies that are influenced by the Mayan ancient traditions and way of life. Each barrio or neighborhood of the city has a distinctive identity, rooted in the old custom of trade, with candle making, carpentry or blacksmith shops the predominant feature in each. San Cristóbal is an invigorating, yet peaceful town, a good base to enjoy the graceful colonial atmosphere and to explore the highland region and the outlying Indian villages. The grand Mayan site at Palenque can be visited from here, as well as Agua Azul, a dazzling series of waterfalls and turquoise pools that are one of Mexico's natural wonders.

 

Puerto Costa Maya

Mexico's newest port, Puerto Costa Maya, is the first port on Mexico's Caribbean Coast to have been built exclusively for cruise ships and cruise-based travelers. Situated on the Yucatan Peninsula near the fishing village of Majahual, Costa Maya is the fastest growing cruise port in the Caribbean that consists of three grand pavilions in the style of ancient Maya. The commercial, cultural and entertainment centre offers dining, shopping and recreational facilities, a swimming pool and swim-up bar, local performances in the amphitheatre, as well as art and craft galleries showcasing the region's local artists and their art. The infrastructure has been carefully designed to meet the special needs of cruise ship passengers. Beyond the pavilions, Costa Maya provides access to undeveloped areas of coastline, colorful reefs and shipwrecks for diving and snorkeling, and exploration of ancient Mayan sites. Tour operators offer dune buggy tours, Mayan sites like Kohunlich and Dzibanche, and kayak adventures. Free shuttles transport passengers regularly between the pier complex and their ships.

 

La Paz

La Paz is the laid back capital of Baja California Sur, known for its stunning sunsets and beaches. The city is a perfect base from which to explore the magical surrounding landscape. Although it has excellent beaches, it is not known specifically as a beach resort, but is a tranquil Mexican port with a colonial town atmosphere. It is a 'real' city where locals go about their daily business among the tourist shops, fancy restaurants and tour operators. The most romantic feature in the city is the waterfront promenade, or malecón, around which the city life revolves, which stretches for several kilometers along sandy beaches. Much of the dining and nightlife is along the walkway and it is the best place to catch one of the city's famously spectacular sunsets. It is the eco-tourism capital of the country, surrounded by desert and situated in a large bay on the Sea of Cortez, with a variety of outdoor tour guides offering excellent trips. The region has astonishing plant and animal life, varied geology of the inland deserts, mountains and oases, and the Sierra de la Laguna Biosphere Reserve nearby. Beautiful unspoiled offshore islands offer naturalist hiking, as well as amazing diving and snorkeling from pristine beaches with hammerhead sharks, dolphins, sea lions and the gigantic whale sharks. The islands are the destination of kayakers, sailors and boat cruises, and the bay is a popular yachting stopover. La Paz is a fisherman's paradise and its international fishing competitions are world famous. To the north of the city, along the Pichilingue Peninsula, are some magnificent beaches, backed by mangroves and the cactus-studded mountains of the desert. Besides the eco-tourist activities on offer, the city boasts plentiful shopping, a varied nightlife, excellent fish and seafood, and comfortable accommodation, offering visitors everything they need for a relaxing and stimulating vacation.

 

Mazatlan

Mazatlán is the most important port on the Pacific coast of Mexico. It is also the shrimp capital of the world, with the largest fleet of commercial shrimp vessels in Latin America. This attractive city also has the reputation of being one of Mexico's premier beach resorts. The contrast between commercial port and tourist resort is extremely well balanced, combining world-renowned deep sea fishing, miles of beaches, excellent seafood, water activities and a choice of accommodation to suit all tastes. Fondly called the 'Pearl of the Pacific', Mazatlán boasts Mexico's longest and prettiest waterfront promenade, or malecon. This is the city's defining characteristic, and much of the city life can be viewed from here. The colonial old town centre is the heart of Mazatlán, where the busy main plaza, alongside the 19th-century cathedral with its blue and gold motifs, and the open-air market are a hive of activity. The city emanates a combination of laid-back seaside charm and affordable luxury, its beaches lined with bars and outdoor cafes and the sky above filled with colorful parasail's. Sunbathers and hawkers compete for space on the city beaches, and fishing vessels and jet skis circulate in the bay.

 

Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is situated in the Bahia de Banderas, a 14-mile (22km) long bay lined with long stretches of sandy beaches. It is the second largest resort on the Pacific coast after Acapulco, but despite its resort status it has managed to maintain its own character. Its charm is due to a comfortable blend of cosmopolitan first worldliness and the colonial features of its historic old town. The graceful centre is embellished with quaint cobblestone streets that are lined with delightful white adobe houses, flower-filled wrought-iron balconies and red tiled roofs, making this one of Mexico's most picturesque coastal cities. Luxury hotels, restaurants, bars, and shopping centers have spread out along the coast on either side of the original town, allowing Puerto Vallarta to grow without sacrificing its colonial charms. It is unrivalled as a city boasting the services offered by a cosmopolitan hub alongside the simpler pleasures of a Mexican village. Outdoor recreation is limitless, especially the diversity of water sports available, including diving and snorkeling, while whales and dolphins inhabit the bay and can often be seen on organized boat trips.

 

Cozumel

The island of Cozumel is Mexico's largest island, and is located 12 miles (19km) off the Caribbean coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, opposite the resort Playa del Carmen. It has exceptional coral gardens and spectacular reef drop-offs offering legendary snorkeling and the best diving in Mexico, ranking as one of the top five dive destinations in the world. The west coast of the island is where the majority of development has taken place and is where the town of San Miguel is situated. Due to the island's popularity with wealthy day visitors from the passing cruise ships, the town is packed with pricey shops, restaurants and bars, as well as the dozens of dive shops. Cozumel is a favorite destination for divers and non-divers alike, offering some good beaches, crystal clear water and plenty of sunshine. Its ease of access to the mainland also makes day excursions to some of the popular Mayan sites, like Chichén Itzá, possible.

 

Airports

Mexico City International Airport (MEX)

Location: The airport is situated six miles (10km) east of Mexico City. Time: Local time is GMT –6 (GMT –5 between the first Sunday in April and the second last Saturday in October). Contacts: Tel: +52 (0)5571 3600 Transfer to the city: There is a Metro service from the airport to downtown Mexico City. Taxis are regulated and passengers can pay in advance at the taxi counter in Arrivals. There are also suburban bus services. Some hotels offer a pick-up service, however it is worth checking their charge as it's generally cheaper to take a taxi. Car rental: Car rental companies include Avis, Budget, Hertz and National. However driving in Mexico City is not recommended for first-time visitors. Facilities: Facilities at the airport include ATMs, banks, bureau de change, business facilities, a post office, restaurants, shops, hotel reservations and tourist information. There are facilities for disabled travelers; those with special needs should contact their airline in advance. Parking: The airport has four well-maintained and organized parking lots with a capacity for almost 5,000 vehicles. Departure tax: US$18 to US$29. Website: www.aeropuertosmexico.com/Ingles

Cancun International Airport (CUN)

Location: The airport is situated nine miles (17km) southwest of the hotel and resort area in Cancun. Time: GMT –6 (GMT –5 between the first Sunday in April and the second last Saturday in October). Contacts: Tel: +52 (0)9848 7200 or 9886 0028. Transfer between terminals: A shuttle bus connects the terminals. Transfer to the city: Both taxis and colectivos can be used to get to the town. Colectivos are small buses that provide a door-to-door service; the driver will usually wait until it is full before leaving. Car rental: Car rental companies include Avis, Budget, Hertz, Thrifty and National. Facilities: Cancun airport has all the appurtenances one would expect at one of the world's mega-airports. Facilities include ATMs, bureau de change, business facilities, restaurants, shops, a beauty salon and tourist information. There are facilities for disabled passengers but those with special needs are advised to contact their airline in advance. Parking: Parking is available. Departure tax: US$18 to US$29. Website: www.cancun-airport.com

 

Climate

The coast and lowlands are hot and humid all year. The interior highlands are milder and drier, but can become freezing between December and February. Rainfall is scarce throughout most of the country.