Travel guides / North America / Mexico add to favourites site map print

Mexico travel guide

Mexico - beach

Meet Mexico Mexico weather report Getting into Mexico From the Mexican kitchen From the Mexican bar Currency in Mexico Major airports in Mexico Examples of food and drink spend Things to have at hand in Mexico Did you know?

Meet Mexico

Gazing upon the majesty of the ancient Maya pyramids while giant iguanas sunbathe around you, lounging on a white sandy beach when spider monkeys come up to greet you, and taking a bike ride pedalled by a Mayan who speaks nothing but his native language – this is the beauty that is Mexico.

It is a country of history, tradition, and great civilisations like the Mayas, Olmecs, Toltecs, and Aztecs, whose mythical beliefs and miraculous works are, to some extent, shrouded in mystery. Having been conquered by Spain in 1519, its native people interspersed with their new arrivals – born was a hybrid of Spanish and Native Indian culture, whose indigenous influence brings a touch of magic to the modern day Mexican experience.

And a modern place it is; the myth of its classification as a third world country must be shattered here and now. Mexico’s standard of hospitality, service, and thriving art scene, are anything but third world. Having given birth to artists like Frida Kahlo, whose bold self-portraits were painted in bursting colour, it’s no wonder the country’s new breed of artists like Gabriel Orozco and Maurizio Cattelan have found acclaim in creating even more daring imagery.

Though Mexico is technically part of North America, you’d never know it. It is the largest Spanish speaking country in the world – that’s right, even bigger than Spain itself – and its home cuisine and customs are unique unto themselves. Festivals like the Semana Santa (Holy Week before Easter) are celebrated in exuberance with parades, mounds of food, music and dance – and stand as a testament to these unique traditions.

Mexicans even celebrate death via a distinct festival known as The Day of the Dead. Morbid though it may sound, it is anything but. Tombstones, which are already decorated in bright, exhilarating colour, are drenched with festivity, candles, and masses of paraders who come baring food, gifts, and altars of respect and celebration.

Blissfully wedged between the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific Ocean, its white sandy beaches are a sight for sore eyes. Turquoise blue waters glisten as jungles of trees strung with hammocks nestle peacefully in the background. Beneath the sea lies a paradise of marine life fit for the most avid divers and snorkelers. In fact, destinations like Cozumel and Cabo San Lucas are hailed among the world’s best diving locations, not to mention their resort and spa offerings for those sunbathers among us.

For those who prefer a city adventure, Mexico City is high up on the ‘must see’ list. Though it has the drawbacks of a high crime rate, pollution, and political corruption; it more than makes up for those in charm, nightlife, restaurants, museums, and historical sites. Above it stand two impressive volcanoes of such tremendous height, they are sprinkled with snow. Meanwhile, the Bellas Artes Museum and National Museum of Anthropology, present works of artists old and new along with the artefacts of civilisations past. And nearby in Teotihuacan, sits an archaeological site, which is home to the Pyramid of the Sun – the world’s third largest pyramid – surrounded by ancient temples, palaces, and impeccably well preserved murals.

So whether you desire to climb a pyramid followed by sipping tequila (then nibble on the worm festering inside the bottle), or have a mojito as you lounge by the sea – whatever your tastebuds command, whether it be food, fun, or fiesta, you will find it all and more in this beautiful, unforgettable land.

What are you waiting for? As the Mexicans would say – andale, andale – go visit!

Mexico is the largest Spanish speaking country in the world.

Mexico weather report

Although it is often perceived as a hot and sunny location all year round, this is not quite true. Mexico enjoys a good spectrum of temperatures depending on the destination and time of year.

Land locked locales like Mexico City sit at high altitudes, so summer temperatures hover around the 30 degree mark remaining dry, while winter can mean a near freezing drop.

Seaside areas like Acapulco and Cancun tend to heat up with humidity and high temperatures during the summer, but are rainy from June through October for Acapulco, and from September through mid-November for Cancun.

In general, daytime temperatures for the beach front regions simmer between the 20 and 30 degree mark. High season for tourism in these areas runs from July to September, while off peak runs from October onwards. The latter offers a more peaceful holiday atmosphere, with fewer crowds, more pleasant temperatures, and significantly lower prices.

Those heading to Puerto Vallarta should keep in mind that it experiences its hurricane season between late September and the early part of November, so do check the weather report prior to booking flights.

For the latest weather info use the Pampo weather forecast tool.

Getting into Mexico

Citizens of the USA, Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, European Union, New Zealand, South Africa, and Israel do not require a visit to enter Mexico. However, they will require the FMT visitor’s permit, which is free and can be obtained via the airline they’re travelling with. A valid passport is also required.

The ten new EU member countries including Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Malta, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Estonia, Cyprus, and the Czech Republic should check with the Mexican Consulate within their country of residence to find out if any visa application is required, and if so, what is the process of application.

All other passports not mentioned above should also check with their local Mexican Consulate or Embassy for information on any visa or other requirements relating to entry into the country.

From the Mexican kitchen

Mexico’s cuisine is as colourful as its art and is famous for the variation of fresh ingredients infused with spices and flavours that are often unique to the country.

Common features include corn and corn flour based breads, chilli, herbs, tomatoes, avocadoes, garlic, and onions. However, this doesn’t begin to cover the realm of delectable items offered at a Mexican table. Here are but a few of the delightful offerings that will make your mouth water:

Tacos: Served crispy or soft and stuffed with meats, vegetables, beans, or cheese

Enchilladas: Similar to tacos, but served soft and wrapped around stuffings of either meat, vegetables, beans, or cheese

Guacamole: Vibrant green coloured dip made from avocadoes, goes beautifully with nachos or even vegetables like carrots

Rice: Whether its red, green, or infused with meat or vegetables, rice is one of Mexico’s staple accompaniments to almost any meal

Refried beans: Also an accompaniment to many a traditional meal

Salsa: Meaning ‘sauce’ is generally served as a dip or accompaniment to another dish. It is normally comprised of a tomato base containing chilli, onions, and coriander

Mole: A spectacular dish comprising a thick, savoury chocolate sauce fused with spices and chilli, poured over chicken or turkey – it may sound odd, but it is mouth wateringly delicious!

Pollo Pibil: A chicken dish made with orange marinade and then barbequed using banana leaves

Ceviche: Shavings of raw fish drenched in a marinade of lime juice – refreshing and delicious!

From the Mexican bar

Tequila: A a popular, agave based spirit, and depending on the bottle you buy, you may find more than liquid inside the bottle as some brands like to include a worm, and some people like to eat the worm!

Cecrveza: Mexican beer is famous around the world, some of the best include Corona, Sol, Dos Equis

Agua Fresca: Specialty to Mexico, fresh fruit beverage, most common flavours include strawberry, melon, and watermelon

Atole: Mexican corn-starch based hot drink

Daiquiri: Thick, smooth, refreshing fruit based drink of any variation of fruit mixed with rum and sugar – it’s served ice cold, and is perfect for sipping at the beach!

Mojito: A tequila based drink infused with club soda, lemon and lime wedges, mint leaves, and agave nectar

Original Marguarita: Alcoholic beverage comprising tequila, controy, lime juice, blended together with ice and served in a salt rimmed glass – careful people, this one is lethal, so sip slowly!

Pina Colada: Refreshing alcoholic cocktail of rum, pineapple and coconut juices, blended together with ice

Currency in Mexico

Mexico’s currency is known as the Mexican Peso, which is symbolised by the $ sign. So as not to confuse it with the US Dollar, it is often presented as the MX$ or as $5 MN.

One Peso is made up of 100 Mexican cents. There are four kinds of cent coins, which come in 5, 10, 20, and 50 denominations. Meanwhile, there are also Peso coins, which come in 1, 2, 5, and 10 peso denominations.

Bank notes come in 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1000 denominations, and there are six kinds of notes in total.

For the up to date currency conversion please use the Pampo exchange rates calculator.

Major airports in Mexico

Cheap flights to Mexico land at all major airports including:

Benito Juarez International (Mexico City International Airport) (MEX)

La Paz International Airport (LTO)

San Jose del Cabo International Airport (SJD)

Juan Alvarez International Airport (ACA)

Guadalajara International Airport (GDL)

Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR)

Oaxaca International (OAX)

Cozumel International Airport (CZM)

Cancun International (CUN)

Tijuana Abelardo L. Rodriguez International (TIJ)

Examples of food and drink spend

Beer in Mexico can cost from £0.44 to £1.22