Home to one of humankind’s greatest civilizations, Mexico has a cultural and artistic richness, of immense proportions. Also, the landscape of this marvelous country says a lot about its diversity and fascination too. Tropical forests, seaside resorts, volcanic landscapes, mountainous and arid lands, Mexico is a world its own, ancient and thoroughly modern, all at once.
The first time visitor to Mexico might be impressed with tasting specialties of Mexican cuisine, one good way to get in touch with local people and soak up their lifestyle, just for starters. Mexican food is very spicy and diet is based on tortillas topped with sauce and other ingredients. The accommodations in Mexico can be economical or luxuriant, according to your tastes. 5 star hotels, or hammock rentals on some beaches, being the opposite ends of the extreme.
Discovering Mexico
The Aztec and Mayan pre-Columbian civilizations left an indelible mark on this land. The ruins of temples scattered throughout the region, show the extent of their territory and their well-organized social structure, not to mention their ingenuity. This historical richness makes it worthwhile for tourists to visit archaeological sites that housed the ancient cultures (Olmec, Maya, Zapotec, Mixtec, Toltec and Aztec) and buildings dating from the colonial era too.
More wonderful even than discovering Mexico’s ancient wonders, the country’s people are a source of wonder too. Decended from the Spanish conquistadors and the aforementtioned indiginous peoples, the ethnic diversity here has produced a wonderfully kind and generous people. Visitors should not be decieved by border towns where commercialization has had so much influence, the real people of this country are ultra friendly and kind.
Beyond Mexico City
Mexico is at once a land on the Pacific Ocean, a Caribbean resort destination, and an arid plain stretching to the horizon of the Southern US. Baja to the Yukatan, you’ll find more fun and fascinating things to see and do here than you ever imagined. Dive, surf, or snorkel in Cozumel, enjoy backpacking in nature in the high Sierra Madres, explore the tropical rainforests, party down in Acapulco or Cancun, shop Mexico City’s chic designer boutiques, you see the mix we know. Flamingo birds, to Flamenco dancing, any dream of a Latin paradise you ever had, can be had here.
Wherever your destination in Mexico is, you’re best prepared if you consider a late breakfast, a siesta past noon, and partying all night long. What you’ve heard about the nightlife here is true. The sun burns hot-hot in the midday, generations have sought slumber and shelter from it, preferring to sip cervesa or nap, then dance and revel after sol goes down. Sit back, munch on Carne Asada (barbeque goat), try the local Pulque, even a drop or two of Azemuth (yep it’s legal here), or Negra Modelo for the soft hearted drinker – then gather in Mexico’s true treasure – then measure the quality of life here – the simple pleasures South of the border.
Budget for a week: The average of €1200
Tipping and taxes: Tipping is common as well as haggling on local markets.
Local currency: Peso
Official language: Spanish
Main cities: Mexico, Guadalajara, Cancun, Acapulco, Puerto Vallarta ...
Visa: the European Union and Canada citizens need a valid passport or an identity card in order to fill in a tourist card (6 months). Prepare about €20 for the administrative fee.
Health: Basically, there are no mandatory vaccinations. Keep up to date with your DTP hepatitis A vaccinations. Tap water is not drinkable in Mexico.
Main images courtesy: © Robert Crum - Fotolia.com; © Dmitry Rukhlenko - Fotolia.com; cincinnato
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Pick from among 19 holiday destinations in Mexico.
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Most popular holiday destinations in Mexico
Holiday destinations in regions of Mexico
If your destination is not listed, you will find a complete list of regions in Mexico in alphabetical order below.
