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Mexico has a visual appeal second to none,
with its brilliant, crystal clear aquamarine Caribbean Sea,
its massive Aztec pyramids, Mayan temples and baroque cathedrals,
to its huge canyons and dense jungles that evoke a sense of
ancient mysticism and eeriness.
It is a country that has everything for the traveller, whether
you are a history buff, or simply enjoy the bustle of modern
life.
Dive in the fantastic waters off the Yucatan coast,
or see the marine wonders of Baja California. Ride
hard with the Charros, join in colourful fiestas, or sample
the delicious foods of the markets. Or you can even just hang
out and enjoy the highlife in Acapulco.
With 30 states and a myriad of languages, cultures and cuisine
to explore, Mexico lets your senses guide you. |
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Cash
The Mexico unit of currency is the Mexican Peso (MEXP).
$1.00 USD = 9. MEXP
£1.00 GBP = 13 MEXP
Rate vary daily so check with your local currency exchange
bureau for up to date information.
US dollars are accepted in the border towns of Mexico and
the US. Most places accept travellers cheques, though beware
of being short changed at all times! Credit card and ATM fraud
is also rife.
Lower and middle range hotels in Mexico are inexpensive compared
to America and Europe, though be aware that it is still geared
towards a tourist economy. You may find it hard to get single
rooms, or they may be at 80% the price of doubles. Casas
de Huespedes are usually the cheapest place to stay -
but they are often dirty and have poor plumbing.
For those of you on a shoestring budget, expect to pay around
$30 a day. For those with more money to spend, plan around
$85. Baja California, Monterrey and the Yucatán
Peninsula's Caribbean coast are more expensive than rural
areas.
People
Mexico is home to the most populous city in the world,
Mexico City, and has an astounding 100 million people,
2/3 of whom are under 30.
Approximately 60% of Mexicans are Mestizos - mixed
European and Amerindian descent-and 30% are descendants of
ancient indigenous cultures including Maya. Catholicism,
imposed by the Spanish colonizers is the country's domininant
religion, with 90% of Mexico Roman Catholic, 6% Protestant
and the rest of tribal religions.
Travel
Mexico is an immense country, so plan a long trip if you want
to see it all. Internal flights are frequent, economical
and reliable among the larger cities and towns, though most
aren't direct and have to route through Mexico City. A MexiPlan
ticket, covering 5 zones of the country, is eligible to those
arriving on transatlantic flights and are valid for 3-90 days
- though they must be purchased before arrival in Mexico.
These are available through Mexicana and AeroMexico,
Mexico's two major carriers.
Travelling by bus is convenient, largely reliable
and often very comfortable, services generally being organised
and prompt. Since the train industry was privatised
a few years back, travelling by rail has become nearly impossible,
with literally only one or two services running.
Food
Be prepared to tantalise your tastebuds with the wonderful
culinary delights Mexico has to offer the adventurous traveller.
Sample staples like tortillas, beans and chili peppers
- found in all shapes and sizes, and in most dishes. Delicious
too are the Antojitos - literally 'little whimsies'
- the hundreds of treats that characterise Mexican street
foods. Mexico is also famous for its alcoholic beverages -
mezcal and tequila in particular. Home of chocolate,
vanilla and exquisitely shaped confectionery, the country
is truly a sweet lover's delight. Or you can really test your
limits by ordering a snack of chapulines - fried grasshoppers
to the uneducated! Be aware of the drinking water though,
and stick to bottled.
Language
The official language of Mexico is Spanish and, outside
of the main tourist areas, travelling without a basic knowledge
of the language is a hinderance, as most locals don't speak
English. There are over 50 indigenous languages in Mexico,
among them Zapotec, Nahuatal, Maya and Mixtec,
spoken by over 7% of the population.
Climate
The best time to go to Mexico is between October and April
when there is virtually no rain. The rainy season can last
from May up until September. This is also the hurricane season
in the Caribbean, so avoid the Yucatan and Gulf States then.
August is holiday time for Mexicans and accommodation can
be scarce, so it's a good idea to book well in advance. Likewise,
Easter and November are times when room availability may be
low. December to February are generally the coolest months,
with temperatures around 66F (18C), while May averages 79F
(26C).
Dress
Be sure to pack light waterproofs for rain, and also sturdy
shoes, a hat, sandals, sunglasses and sunblock for the beaches.
Earplugs are also handy for long bus journeys! Casual clothes
are adequate, though men may sometimes need to wear a tie
and jacket for restaurants and women should cover their legs
when entering one of Mexico's many Catholic churches.
Health
Mexico poses risks of cholera, dengue fever, hepatitis,
malaria, polio, rabies, tetanus, typhoid, but if you stick
to the major tourist resorts then jabs are not necessary.
Air pollution in Mexico City is extremely high between December
and May, often so bad it shuts down schools and workplaces.
A vaccination certificate is necessary for those coming from
countries where yellow fever is present. Otherwise
no vaccinations are necessary for entry into Mexico. Make
sure all polio and tetanus vaccinations are
up to date, and those travelling to the remote south may want
to get hepatitis A/B and typhoid immunisations.
Visas
A passport is necessary, though US and Canadian citizens need
only show a birth or naturalisation certificate to enter.
Citizens of many countries - including the USA, Canada, Australia,
New Zealand and virtually all Western European countries -
do not require visas to enter Mexico as tourists. However,
they must obtain a Mexican government tourist card - tarjeta
de turista - available from embassies, border crossings,
and usually on your flight. Beware that unless you have multiple
entry marked on your visa, you won't be able to leave and
re-enter Mexico. |
