Where is Mexico?

Mexico is located on the North American continent. The country has 130 million inhabitants. Mexico's capital city is Mexico City with over 22 million inhabitants.

What is the currency of Mexico?

The Mexican currency is the Peso. The symbol for the Mexican peso is $ or MX$ or MN$. 1 peso is 100 centavos.

Best time to visit?

Mexico is a wonderful travel destination all year round. Summers can get very hot though, the most popular season is the North American winter between November and February when most tourist regions, the Baja California beaches and the sites of the ancient ruins can get rather busy.

Which language do people speak in Mexico?

Spanish is the official and most common language. Mexico is the country with the most Spanish speakers in the world. There are more than 60 indigenous languages spoken, especially in the rural areas. English is widely understood.

Do you need a visa for Mexico?

Visitors from the USA and Canada can get a tourist visa at the border. Most passport holders who already hold a valid multiple entry visa to the USA, Canada, UK, Japan or have a valid Schengen Visa do not need a visa for Mexico. Otherwise the Mexico visa has to be applied for before travels. Your passport must be valid for six months after entry in Mexico. More Mexico Visa information here.

How much does a trip to Mexico cost?

Mexico travel costs vary widely depending on your style of travel. In general prices are much lower than in the USA or the UK. The resort towns and tourist locations usually have adjusted higher price levels than in rural areas. If you visit the market you can haggle, however, please keep in mind that the vendors often have to support their community. 

Mexico City

The capital city is the largest Spanish speaking city in the world and the oldest city in North America. The historic city houses also many wonderful museums such as history museum in the Chapultepec Castle and the National Museum Anthropology which provide insights into the country's history. 

Colourful Puebla

This forth largest city of Mexico is located in the central highlands. The city is known for the colourful houses and colonial buildings. There are many talented artists in the city which is also famous for pottery and colourful tiles. 

Puerto Vallerta

This popular beachside resort offers palm fringed beaches and boat tours to the beautiful Marieta islands where there is a famous hidden beach (Playa del Amor) and an abundance of wildlife so sea turtles or dolphins can be regularly spotted.

Chichen Itza

The famous ancient Mayan ruins are located close to Merida on the Yucatan peninsula. Chichen Itza which was from 900 - 1050 CE a powerful capital of the Maya civilisation, is one of the "New Seven Wonders of the World".

Playa del Carmen

This resort town is very popular with families. The town in the centre of the popular Riviera Maya, which covers the coastal strip between Cancun and Tulum. Playa del Carmen is quieter than Cancun and the Los Fundadores Park is popular with families.

Tulum

The jewel on the Yucatan peninsula is situated along the Caribbean coastline. The ruins of the ancient Mayan port can still be visited and the white beaches are great for swimming and snorkelling.

Baja California

The peninsula to the west of mainland Mexico is called Baja California. This peninsula is the largest peninsula in the world. Over 120 species of cactus are growing there.

Fascinating Volcanos

The volcano Popocatépetl which is close to the capital city is still active. The Nahuatl name means 'Smoking Mountain'. The highest peak in Mexico is the Pico de Orizaba and is the third highest in Northern America.

Tacos - Must-try Mexican food

The typical Mexican tacos are made with soft corn tortillas and are filled with shredded meats, diced onions, tomatoes and a very spicy sauce. But there are many different tacos such as asador or al pastor, they are also made with shrimps or fish depending on the region. Read more here.

Out and About

Aguascalientes in northern Mexico is often referred to as the cleanest city in Latin America. The city which is located 1,800m/5,905 ft above sea level and has more than 1 million inhabitants. Aguascalientes boats Mexicos largest festival, the San Marcos fair in April/May. Recently the city is adorned by pretty street art.

Swim in a cenote

Cenotes are limestone sinkholes that are filled with groundwater, and regularly topped-up as well with rainwater. The natural pools make for  swimming in clear water, but the water can be up to 100m/330ft deep! One of the best swimming holes for children on the Yucatan island is the Cenote Azul (Blue Cenote)

Souvenirs

Local hand-made crafts such as Mayan wooden masks, Mexican pottery and colourful blankets are popular souvenirs to take home. Mexican food items such as chocolates, spices and sauces are great gifts as well. Or how about buying a typical Mexican molinillo? The wooden whisk is a useful kitchen utensil and is used to make frothy Mexican hot chocolate.

Fascinating Mexico

In her essay 'My Country Mexico' a Mexican student Fabiana tells us what makes her country so special and here she shares her insights about Mexico. Read here what she likes best about Mexico.