Mexico
Visitors of Mexico will find traces of a magnificent past and an abundance of places of historical interest throughout the country. In the land known as Mesoamerica, major cultures developed over three thousand years ago and were defeated by the Spaniards leaving us only mere remnants of the splendor they achieved. A fascinating overview of the country is indeed possible through its architecture, with pre-Hispanic temples and cities, colonial churches and monasteries, palaces, in styles ranging from medieval and gothic through renaissance to mudéjar and baroque.
Because of these cultures, one of the country’s main attractions are its handicrafts, which vary considerably from region to region, from earthenware crockery in Michoacán and ponchos and animal figures in Oaxaca to silverwork in Taxco. Glass, leather, wood, wrought iron, straw, silver and a large number of local produce, have all contributed to making Mexico famous throughout the world for craftwork.
lthough the beautiful beaches along the Mexican coast attract all those wanting to enjoy the sea, the landscape of Mexico changes greatly from region to region and often even within a single region, offering something for everyone. The country offers an incredible blend of white sands with seas ranging from the turquoise of the Caribbean to the deep blue of the Sea of Cortés; tall, craggy mountains that create impressive landscapes, picturesque villages steeped in tradition; monumental remains of the ancient cultures that peopled the territory; a rich cuisine that varies throughout the country; colonial and contemporary architecture in all the medium-sized and large cities and above all, warm, hospitable people.
Major tourist beach resorts, such as Cancún, Acapulco, Mazatlán, Puerto Vallarta, Bahías de Huatulco, Ixtapa, Los Cabos and Veracruz also offer extensive shorelines and all kinds of water sports or just heavenly relaxing and sunbathing along with a variety of nightlife and great cuisine. But one does not need to stop there.
In Mexico every town and city offers very comfortable and quite inexpensive accommodation, delicious food in famous restaurants or at inexpensive market stalls and a wide range of possible transport within the country. Anywhere in the country, from the most isolated village to large cities and vacation centers, you will find people eager to help you enjoy the beauty of the country and partake of their peace and tranquillity.
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When to go
Mexico is enjoyable year-round, but October to May is generally the most pleasant time to visit. The May-September period can be hot and humid, particularly in the south, and inland temperatures can approach freezing during December-February. Facilities are often heavily booked during Semana Santa (the week before Easter) and Christmas/New Year, the peak domestic travel periods.
Mexico's climate has something for everyone: it's hot and humid along the coastal plains, and drier and more temperate at higher elevations inland (Guadalajara or Mexico City, for example). Try to avoid Mexico's southern coast between July and September - the resorts are decidedly soggy and jam-packed, as July-August is also the peak holiday months for foreign visitors.
| FACTS FOR THE TRAVELLER |
| Full country name: |
Estados Unidos Méxicanos |
| Area: |
1,958,200 sq km (758,866 sq mi) |
| Population: |
100,350,000 (growth rate 1.53%) |
| Capital city: |
Mexico City (22 million people) |
| People: |
Approximately 60% mestizo (mixed European and Amerindian descent) and 30% Amerindian (indígena - including Nahua, Maya, Zapotecs, Mixtecs, Totonacs, and Tarascos or Purépecha) |
| Language: |
Spanish and 59 indigenous languages |
| Religion: |
90% Roman Catholic, 6% Protestant |
| Government: |
Federal republic |
| Visae & Health: |
For information on Visae and health requirements, please call your nearest consulate and appropriate health authorities. |
| Electricity: |
110V, 60Hz |
| Weights & measures: |
Metric |
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