Television has shaped the image of Mexico as a very poor country where drug cartels are constantly at odds with each other. But in reality this is not the case at all. Every year, more than 20 million foreign tourists come to this country to see the unique monuments and pyramids of the Mayan and Aztec Indians, ancient Spanish forts, colonial palaces, try unforgettable Mexican cuisine, and, of course, relax at Mexican beach resorts, among which “shine” » Acapulco and Cancun.
Geography Mexico
Mexico is located in the south of North America. Mexico borders the United States in the north, and Guatemala and Belize in the southeast. In the southeast the country is washed by the Caribbean Sea, in the east by the waters of the Gulf of Mexico, and in the south and west by the waters of the Pacific Ocean.
Mexico includes several islands in the Pacific Ocean, including the Revilla Gijedo Island group and Guadalupe Island. The total area of this state, including the islands, is 1,972,550 square meters. km., and the total length of the state border is 4,353 km.
The Sierra Madre Occidental and Sierra Madre Oriental mountain ranges stretch from north to south through Mexico; they are located between the Mexican Highlands. The south is dominated by the Sierra Madre Sur mountain system. The highest local peak is Mount Orizaba, whose height reaches 5,700 meters.
Mexico has quite high seismic activity. In addition, there are many volcanoes, some of which are still active (such as Colima and Paricutin).
The largest Mexican rivers are the Usumacinta (560 km), Grijalva (480 km), Papaloapan (534 km), and Coatzacoalcos (282 km).
Capital of Mexico
Mexico City is the capital of Mexico. More than 9 million people now live in this city. Historians say that Mexico City was founded by the Aztec Indians in 1325.
Official language
Mexico has one official language - Spanish.
Religion
More than 82% of residents are Catholics, about 9% are Protestants.
State structure
According to the current Constitution, Mexico is a presidential republic in which the head of state is the President (he is elected by popular vote for a 6-year term).
The bicameral Mexican parliament is called the Congress, it consists of the Senate (128 senators, elected for 6 years) and the Chamber of Deputies (500 deputies, elected for 3 years).
The main political parties are the Institutional Revolutionary Party, the National Action Party, the Democratic Revolution Party, the Green Party and the Labor Party.
Administratively, Mexico is divided into 31 states and one federal district with its center in Mexico City.
Climate and weather
The climate is tropical and temperate, depending on the region and altitude relative to sea level. On the Yucatan Peninsula, the average annual air temperature is +26-30C.
The rainy season lasts from May to October. The rest of the year it also rains, but much less frequently. In general, you can vacation in Mexico all year round, but it depends on the destinations where tourists want to go (some destinations are better to choose in certain months).
Average air temperature in Cancun (Caribbean coast):
- January – +23C
- February - +23C
- March - +25C
- April - +26C
- May - +27C
- June - +28C
- July - +28C
- August – +28C
- September - +28C
- October - +27C
- November - +25C
- December - +24C
Seas and oceans of Mexico
In the southeast the country is washed by the Caribbean Sea, and in the south and west by the waters of the Pacific Ocean. The total length of the coastline is 9,330 km.
Average sea temperature off the coast of Cancun (Caribbean coast):
- January – +26C
- February - +26C
- March - +26C
- April - +27С
- May - +28C
- June - +29C
- July - +29C
- August – +29C
- September - +29C
- October - +29C
- November - +28C
- December - +27C
Rivers and lakes
Several fairly large rivers flow through Mexico - Usumacinta (560 km), Grijalva (480 km), Papaloapan (534 km), Coatzacoalcos (282 km). In the state of Guadalajara, at an altitude of 1,524 meters above sea level, there is a freshwater lake, Chapala, with an area of 1,100 square meters. km, the largest in this country.
History of Mexico
People settled in the territory of modern Mexico several thousand years ago. In the early centuries of our century, several Indian tribes lived there, including the famous Mayans, who created hieroglyphic writing, a calendar and the grandiose pyramids. Around the 12th century, the Aztecs appeared there.
At the beginning of the 16th century, Spanish conquistadors led by Hernandez de Cordoba, Juan de Grijalva and Hernan Cortez arrived in Mexico. After some time, Mexico became part of the Viceroyalty of New Spain, and remained a Spanish colony until 1821.
In 1823, after a long war of independence, the Republic of Mexico was proclaimed. Throughout the 19th century, bloody wars took place on the territory of this country, as a result of which the Mexican states of Texas, New Mexico, and Upper California were ceded to the United States.
The beginning of the 20th century was not without wars for Mexico. From 1910 to 1917, the civil war continued there. As a result, the dictatorship of Porfirio Diaz was overthrown and a Constitution was adopted, guaranteeing the separation of church and state, agrarian reform, the creation of trade unions, etc.
Since the 1950s, Mexico, which has very large oil reserves, has experienced economic recovery. In the mid-1980s, oil prices fall and an economic and political crisis begins in Mexico. Now this country is still experiencing economic problems, but the situation is quite stable.
Culture
The culture of Mexico was formed on the basis of the traditions of the Indians, and then it was strongly influenced by the Spaniards. Every Mexican city or town has its own festival in honor of a saint.
At the end of February, Mexico City hosts a grandiose Carnival, which usually lasts 5 days. Throughout these 5 days, colorful processions with music and dancing take place through the streets of the Mexican capital.
On December 12, Mexico City and some other Mexican cities celebrate the Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe, with a lot of different events. On this day, colorful performances take place in the capital's Basilica de Guadalupe square.
September 16 marks the most revered national Mexican holiday - Independence Day.
Kitchen
Mexican cuisine is famous all over the world. The main foods are corn, beans, rice and vegetables. Important ingredients for preparing Mexican dishes are spices and hot chili peppers.
The diet of the Mayan Indians once upon a time consisted mainly of corn and some vegetables; spices, herbs and chilies were used in preparing dishes. After the Spaniards arrived in Mexico, the Indians' diet was replenished with animal meat and fish. Thanks to the fusion of the culinary traditions of the Indians and Spaniards, modern Mexican cuisine was formed.
In the south of the country, dishes are spicier than in the north. By the way, in the south, tourists are usually offered chicken as a meat dish, while beef is more common in the north. In general, each region or city has its own special dish - “cochinita pibil” (Yucatan) and “huevos rancheros” (Sonora).
We recommend that tourists first ask what a particular dish is made from, because... some of them may seem very exotic to Europeans. For example, you may be served “Chapulines” (fried grasshoppers) for lunch.
- "Guacamole" - sauce with fried tortilla pieces;
- “Tacos Tortillas” - tortillas with different fillings (most often meat filling);
- “Pozole” - chicken or pork soup with corn and spices;
- "Carnitas" - fried pork;
- “Chilaquiles” - fried potatoes with tomatoes;
- "Sopes" - a cornmeal patty with chicken, cheese and hot sauce;
- “Tostados” - tortilla with chicken, beans, tomatoes, onions, cream, cheese and hot sauce;
- "Huachinango" - perch;
- "Ceviche" - raw fish with lime juice (added to salad).
- Pollo Pibil is charcoal-braised chicken marinated in spices and wrapped in banana leaves.
Traditional alcoholic drinks are beer, tequila, tepache (made from pineapple), tuba (fermented coconut palm juice) and pulque (fermented agave juice with a strength of 5-8°).
Sights of Mexico
Mexico now has several thousand archaeological, historical and architectural sites. The most famous of them are, of course, the pyramids of the Mayans and Aztecs. But this country also has many medieval Spanish forts, churches and palaces. The top ten best Mexican attractions, in our opinion, include the following:
- Pyramid of the Sun
- Pyramid of the Moon
- Pyramid at Cholula
- Pyramids of Mitla and Monte Alban
- Mayan city of Chichen Itza
- Cathedral in Mexico City
- Palace of Cortez in Mexico City
- National Palace in Mexico City
- Mayan city of Uxmal
- Mayan city of Palenque
Cities and resorts
The largest cities are Tijuana, Puebla, Ecatepec de Morelos, Leon, Ciudad Juarez, Monterrey, Zapopan, and, of course, Mexico City.
Tourists come to Mexico mainly for a beach holiday, although, of course, there are many historical attractions left over from the pre-Columbian era. The most popular Mexican beach resorts are Acapulco, Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Cozumel, Los Cabos, Mazatlan, Costa Maya and Zihuatanejo. Acapulco and Cancun are extremely popular among foreigners.
The best Mexican beaches, in our opinion, include the following:
- Cancun
- Playa del Carmen
- Puerto Vallarta
- Los Cabos
- Tulum
- Mazatlan
- Cozumel
- Huatulco
Souvenirs/shopping
Souvenirs in Mexico (“reminder”) are probably best purchased at roadside stands and rural markets. Tourists buy in this country ceramics, a Piñata toy (an ancient Aztec game), dresses, blouses, handmade blankets and carpets, leather goods (purses, wallets, belts, sandals), silver and coral items, cigars, chocolate, vanilla, various Mexican sauces, and, of course, tequila.
Office hours
Banks:
Mon-Fri: 09:00-17:00
Some banks are also open on Sundays.
The shops:
Mon-Sat: 09:30-20:00
Supermarkets in Mexico City are open 7 days a week, with some operating 24 hours a day.
Visa
Ukrainians need a visa to visit Mexico.
Currency
is the fifth largest country in the Americas and the thirteenth largest in the world. Its territory, home to more than 113 million people, is equal to almost two million square kilometers. Mexico has the eleventh largest resident population in the world, first among Spanish-speaking countries and second in Latin America. Mexico is a federation of thirty-one states and federal districts. But what do these dry numbers mean?! For now - nothing! Because Mexico is a country of mysteries that have no answers yet. Therefore, it attracts the traveler with magical names - Chichen Itza, Teotihuacan. El Tajin, Montezuma, Cortez, Mayans, Aztecs.
Area: 1,972,550 km²
Population: 116,220,947 people
Capital: Mexico City
Mexico, or the United States of Mexico (the country's official name) is a federal constitutional republic in North America.
Currency: Mexican Peso. The designation is identical to the American dollar, but with one $ line. American dollars are accepted in any store at the exchange rate. Exchange rate: 1 usd = 12.5 pesos. But hotels set their own exchange limits. There are limits on currency exchange at exchange offices and banks.
Official language: Spanish
Religion: Roman Catholicism (main)
Electricity: 120 volts, 60 hertz (US standard - flat plug, adapter required)
Time: compared to Moscow, most of Mexico lives 9 hours later (i.e. Moscow time minus 9 hours). In northwestern Mexico, the difference with Moscow is minus 10 hours.
Geographical position
Mexico borders the United States to the north; the southern and western border runs along the Pacific Ocean; in the southeast, Mexico borders Guatemala, Belize and the Caribbean Sea; in the east - with the Gulf of Mexico.Population
Mexico is ethnically diverse. Local peoples and European immigrants are united by a single national identity, which was formed on the basis of a synthesis of European culture with the cultures of indigenous peoples. The majority of Mexicans are mestizo, of mixed biological origin (64.9%). The indigenous population is determined by linguistic criteria. Mexico has 62 languages spoken by 10.1 million people, or 9.8% of the total population. In general, together with the Indians who no longer speak their languages, the indigenous population in Mexico reaches 30%. There is a group of European peoples in Mexico, which are called Creoles (5%). They live in the northeast, northwest and in the state of Jalisco. The first wave of Europeans were descendants of Spanish colonizers, the second came from Italy, Great Britain, Ireland and Germany during the Second Mexican Empire in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Before World War II, Croats, Armenians, Greeks, Germans, Poles, Romanians, Russians and Ashkenazi Jews fled to Mexico, as well as Spaniards who fled their homeland during the 1937 civil war.
African Americans also live in Mexico, their number is only 2%.
Visiting seasons
The Tropic of Cancer, or Tropic of Cancer, divides Mexico into temperate and tropical zones. North of the 24th parallel, the country experiences cool winter temperatures. South of the twenty-fourth parallel, the air temperature is constant all year round and varies only due to the altitudinal zone. It can be said that Mexico presents one of the most diverse weather systems in the world.Throughout Mexico there is a wet season, which lasts from June to September, and a dry season, from November to April. Therefore, the best time to visit Mexico is from November to April. But when visiting the country in winter, you need to know that in the north, in the mountains, the temperature drops to sub-zero levels.
In summer, at the height of the beach season, the water temperature on the Pacific coast rises to +25-27 degrees. The Caribbean semi-enclosed sea, which belongs to the Atlantic Ocean basin, is much warmer. The water temperature here in summer rises to +29 degrees.
Air travel to Mexico
All scheduled flights to Mexico have transit stops in Europe or the United States of America. Flights to Mexico City are carried out by the main European air carriers: Spanish Iberia, French Air France, German Lufthansa, Dutch KLM.The non-stop flight Moscow-Cancun-Moscow is operated by the Russian companies Aeroflot and Transaero. Regular flights to Cancun from Frankfurt and Amsterdam are also operated by Condor (in alliance with Lufthansa) and Martinair (in alliance with KLM).
Mexico: upcoming tours
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| Mexico |
Description of the country
Mexico has a rich historical heritage. It invites tourists to immerse themselves in the times of the ancient civilizations of the Mayans and Aztecs, enjoy the beauty of colonial architecture and the majesty of modern buildings. The contrast can also be seen in the nature of the country. It has everything - volcanoes, deserts, sandy beaches and coral reefs. Who hasn’t dreamed of visiting a Mexican carnival full of passions and trying tequila? And all this in a year-round summer. Today Mexico is a unique and vibrant interweaving of past and present. This land amazingly combines dense impenetrable jungle, wide plains, fabulous mountains and volcanoes, fantastic landscapes and graceful pyramids. This country of proud and open people, bright colors and rich history will undoubtedly amaze and captivate you with its sincere hospitality.
Geography
MEXICO (Mexico, Mejico), United Mexican States (Estado Unido Mexicanos), a state in the south of North America. It also owns islands in the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of California. Mexico is shaped like a loop, stretched from northwest to southeast, narrowing closer to the Isthmus of Tehuantepec and expanding again in Yucatan. Area 1958.2 thousand km2. The capital of Mexico is Mexico City. Large cities: Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey, Puebla, Ciudad Juarez, Leon, Tijuana.
Mexico is a mountainous country. Two mountain ranges in the north and south of the country frame a group of broad plateaus in central Mexico known as the Altiplano Central. In the south, the Sierra Madre del Sur mountains stretch across the states of Guerrero and Oaxaca to the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. From the isthmus, a narrow line of lowlands runs along the Pacific coast to Guatemala. Beyond these lowlands are the Chiapas highlands, which transition into hot tropical rainforests that also extend into Guatemala. The plains and lowlands of the Yucatan Peninsula are covered with tropical savannas.
The western mountain range, the Sierra Madre Occidental, and the eastern, the Sierra Madre Oriental, meet in the southeastern region of La Junta and form the Sierra Madre del San, a labyrinth of volcanoes that include Mexico's highest peaks (up to 5,700 meters). In the southeast of the country is the Yucatan Peninsula, which is flat with an average height of 20 to 30 meters. The main “water arteries” are the Rio Grande or Rio Bravo del Norte, Balsas Panuco, Grijalva, Usumacinta and Conilos rivers.
The largest lake in Mexico is Chapala.
Time
It is 9 hours behind Moscow. From the first Sunday in April to October - summer time. Pacific coast - at 11 o'clock.
Climate
Subtropical in the north, tropical in the south. In the area of the Mexican Highlands it is usually much cooler (from +2 C in winter to +15 C in summer) than on the coast, where the air temperature does not drop below +20 C even in winter. In the northern part of the country and in mountainous areas, little snow falls in winter. In coastal resort areas (Acapulco, Cancun), temperatures range from +22 C in winter to +35 C in summer. Due to the features of the relief, altitudinal zonation is clearly expressed. Usually there are dry (November-April) and wet (June-September) seasons, which differ slightly in temperature, but due to the influence of tropical cyclones, they vary greatly in the amount of precipitation, and especially in air humidity. Total precipitation ranges from 100 to 3000 mm. in year. The Gulf Coast receives much more rain than the country's Pacific shores, so some resorts require some acclimatization due to the high humidity. Powerful tropical cyclones are frequent. Mexico is rich in volcanoes. And in this regard, there are many different balneological centers in the country.
Language
Official language: Spanish. Mayan, Nahuatl, etc. dialects are also common. Naturally, they all speak the languages of their ancestors, but they also use Spanish. English is widely spoken.
Religion
Christianity is the dominant religion of Mexico (97% of the country's population consider themselves Catholics). 3% of Mexicans adhere to the most diverse forms of Protestantism. There are small but quite prosperous communities of Baha'is and Jews.
Population
The population of Mexico is 106,202,903 (2004), with an average population density of about 54 people per km2. More than half of the country's inhabitants (55%) are Spanish-Indian mestizos, Indians - 29%, Europeans - about 15%. Birth rate - 26.64 newborns per 1,000 people (1995). Mortality - 4.64 deaths per 1,000 people (infant mortality rate - 26 deaths per 1,000 births). Average life expectancy in Mexico: men - 70 years, women - 77 years (1995). The working-age population is 26,200,000 people, of which 32% are employed in the service sector, 26% in agriculture, and 11% in industry (1990).
Electricity
120 volts, 60 hertz (American standard - flat plug, adapter required).
Emergency numbers
Police, ambulance, fire brigade and other emergencies - 06.
Connection
International telephone calls can be made from hotels, specialized call centers and from the post office. Most street pay phones work with cards and a call from them is much cheaper than from a hotel, especially since in many hotels you have to pay even for the call that did not result in a connection with the subscriber. Telephone rates are quite high (an additional 49% tax applies). To call to Mexico you need to dial 8 - 10 - 52 -<код города> - <номер вызываемого абонента>.
Currency exchange
Banks are open from 9.00 to 17.00 on weekdays (some bank branches are open even until 24.00 or 01.00), and from 9.00 to 14.00 on Saturdays. Sunday is a day off. Some bank branches in resort areas are also open from 16.00 to 18.00, on Saturday - from 10.00 to 13.30 and from 16.00 to 18.00, and on Sunday - from 10.00 to 13.30. Currency exchange can be done in banks, large hotels, airports (usually the best rate) or specialized exchange offices "casas de cambio". Difficulties often arise with the exchange of tattered banknotes or banknotes of old series. Most hotels, restaurants, shops and travel agencies accept leading credit cards and traveler's checks (preferably in US dollars). A network of ATMs is widely developed in resort areas. US dollars are also accepted almost everywhere (the exchange rate is not the most favorable).
Visa
Consular fee
The consular fee for a tourist visa is $36, business and visitor visas are $134. The fee is paid at the consular department after receiving permission to enter, when submitting your passport for a visa. Payment is made in rubles.
Visa validity periods
The standard validity period for a tourist visa is 5 and 10 years. The length of stay in the country is determined by the Mexican Migration Service and can range from 14 to 90 days.
Visa processing times
The appointment date at the consulate is set on the second or third day from the date of sending the electronic visa request. Visa processing takes 2-3 days.
Customs regulations
The import and export of foreign currency is not limited (declaration is required), national currency - up to the equivalent of $10 thousand. Persons over 18 years of age are allowed duty-free import of up to 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars, or 250 g of tobacco; up to 3 liters of spirits or wine; a reasonable amount of perfume, 1 video camera, 1 photo camera and 12 films (video cassettes) for them, as well as gifts and other goods worth no more than $300. Additional goods valued at $500 or less may also be imported duty-free, but will need to be proven to be non-commercial. When entering Mexico, you must fill out a customs declaration, which must list all valuable items that are imported into the country. The import of fruits, vegetables and products made from them, plants, cuttings and plant seeds (the latter are permitted for import only on the basis of a special license from the Ministry of Agriculture), soil, flowers, fresh meat and meat products (the import of canned meat, with the exception of pork, is permitted) is prohibited. , medicines without documentary evidence of the need for their use (a prescription or medical card is required), psychotropic substances and pornographic publications, archaeological values, antiques, precious metals, rare animals and birds, as well as their skins and stuffed animals.
Holidays and non-working days
January 1 - New Year
February 5 - Constitution Day
February 24 - Flag Day
March 21 is the birthday of the country's national hero Benito Juarez
April 21 - Good Friday
March-April - Easter
April 30 - Children's Day
May 1 - Labor Day
May 5 - Anniversary of the Battle of Pueblo in 1862 (Indian holiday)
September 16 - Independence Day (1810)
October 12 - Discovery Day of America, "Dia de la Rasa"
November 20 - Revolution Day
December 8 - Day of the Immaculate Conception
December 12 - Day of the Virgin Mary of Guadalupe
December 25 - Christmas
Transport
Transport in Mexico, as in the United States, is predominantly automobile (bus). Although local airlines are also quite developed.
The country's largest airport, Benito Juarez, is located in Mexico City and receives and dispatches many flights within the country. At the same time, the flight time to the main cities of Mexico is as follows: 1 hour 15 minutes to Monterrey, 2 hours 15 minutes to Cancun, 50 minutes to Guadalajara and about 1 hour to Acapulco. There are buses to many cities within the country. You can buy a ticket for first class buses, luxury class buses, as well as regular buses. The country also has a developed railway network. But for some reason Mexicans prefer to use either buses or planes.
You will be transported to the California Peninsula by ferry. In cities there are all types of public transport - buses, in the capital - metro. You can also get within the city by minibuses (pesero in Spanish) that run along a specific route. The price of travel on buses and minibuses depends on the distance you are traveling. In Mexico City you can also use the metro. It has 9 lines. The metro covers the entire city, there are also lines to the airport and the train station. The metro operates daily from 5-00 in the morning until 0-30. On Saturdays - from 6-00 to 1-30, and on holidays and Sundays from 7-00 to 0-30. Metro trains run frequently - every 1-2 minutes. The price of travel in the Mexican metro is low - only 1 peso. While in Mexico City, you can also use the services of a taxi, calling it by phone. The cost will be approximately 20 cents per kilometer (at night - about 30 cents). It must be said that most taxis are not equipped with meters, so when boarding, immediately agree on the price. Better yet, call a specialized taxi for tourists (from the hotel) - here the tariff is stable, and you can communicate in English.
Tips
It is customary to leave it in restaurants, bars, porters, taxi drivers, etc. - 10% of the total bill.
The shops
Stores in Mexico are open every day from 9-00 to 18-00. Near hotels, shops are open longer - until 22-00, also every day, including Sunday.
City shops have lunch breaks from 13:00 to 16:00, and are closed on Sundays. Payment by credit cards is possible. VAT (IVA) in Mexico is 15%. By law, it must be included in the price, but in some expensive hotels prices are quoted without tax.
National cuisine
Mexican cuisine is famous for its culinary traditions all over the world. You may find some dishes a little spicy at first, but you will still appreciate their taste. As a rule, national dishes are not complete without at least one of three typical components: tortillas (corn tortillas), beans and hot chili peppers. The appetizers are genius, just like everything simple. Actually, most popular snacks - nachos, quesadillas, tacos, tostados, chimichangas - are the same unleavened corn tortillas (not only from corn, but also from wheat “imported” by the Spaniards) with fillings from corn, beans, peppers, cheeses, meats minced meat with tomatoes, for example, picadillo. Stews with seafood, legumes, and spices are common. Salt, chili and tortillas must be on the table. Hot dishes are prepared from several types of meat; goulash olla podrida, fried beef ribbons with a bean side dish, carne asado, and even the famous chili con carne, the preparation of which is held in real championships, are popular. Again, hot flatbreads with fillings: reminiscent of our dumplings or empanadas, which were once a simple omelette, and then turned into a kind of enchiladas rolls, thick, like packs on the back of a donkey, burritos. Well, for lovers of antiquity - aromatic tamales, steamed pieces of corn dough, wrapped in a leaf of corn on the cob and topped with a sauce of your choice. The most famous Mexican dessert is the sweet royal bread Rosca de Reyes, the center of which is filled with dried fruit, and a doll is placed inside, symbolizing the Christ Child and the onset of the fiesta.
Attractions
The true ancient monuments and attractions in Mexico are pyramids. There are many of them in the country, but only a few are available for viewing. Many of the pyramids are buried under cultural layers and covered with dense tropical vegetation, so that they are just green hills. Most pyramids are multi-layered structures: the oldest is located inside, and above it there are several later superstructures and facings. The most famous and probably the most ancient are the pyramids of Teotihuacan.
Teotihuacan(Teotihuacan, "place where the gods are born") is 50 km away. northeast of Mexico City, and is a cult place for many peoples of “Mesoamerica.” It is still unclear when the first people began to settle here and why the city was abandoned, but its architectural monuments are amazing. Temple of Quetzalcoatl and the 5-kilometer Road of the Dead (40 m wide), the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon, the Palace of Quetzal-Papalotl and the Palace of the Jaguars, the ancient Temple of the Feathered Shells, the Quetzal Butterfly Palace, the Plaza de la Luna and the Tepantitla residential complex with the famous frescoes of Paradise of Tlaloc - this is just a small part of the local “treasures of history”, assembled from huge stone blocks and strictly subordinated to some unknown system. In the center of the archaeological zone there is a wonderful museum with an exhibition of rare archaeological objects and a scale model of Teotihuacan.
Another impressive group of pyramids are the Pyramids Mitla and Monte Albana, which is located near the city of Oaxaca. The ancient Zapotec cities developed especially magnificently in the 4th-7th centuries, but by 1400 the former capital of the Zapotecs, Monte Albana, had turned into a huge cemetery with very rich burials. The treasures discovered already in the 20th century in burial No. 7 are one of the richest archaeological finds in the world. Some of these treasures - Aztec gold jewelry depicting the god of death, the sun, the ball game and others, are on display in a museum in Oaxaca, 100 km from the Mexican capital. Today this pyramid is a hill overgrown with forest, on top of which stands a Catholic church. In this way, the Spaniards indicated their superiority over the ancient Indian civilization.
The city center is El Zocalo Square(Constitution Square, the second largest in the world), surrounded by the miraculously preserved buildings of the Aztec Tenochtitlan (Templo Mayor) and buildings of the colonial era, including the largest Catholic cathedral in Latin America, the Metropolitan Cathedral (1563-1667) and the Palace of Cortes. Also interesting is the Square of Three Cultures in the center of Mexico City, where there is a unique archaeological zone with the stone foundations of ancient Aztec buildings, above which rises the Catholic Cathedral, which, in turn, is adjacent to modern residential buildings bordering the square.
Uxmal("built three times") - an important Mayan ceremonial center in Yucatan. The local historical monuments are simply countless - the Great Pyramid (100 m long and 70 m wide with a height of more than 30 m), the Wizard's Pyramid ("house of the dwarf") 38 m high, the perfectly preserved building of the ruler's palace with its famous "double-headed throne" Jaguar", Temple of the Phalluses, House of Turtles, Ball Court, Nuns' Quadrangle and Pyramid of the Old Witch. In the evenings, the colors of a light and sound show spill over the forested ruins of the great city, giving this place an absolutely fantastic look.
Definitely worth a visit National Palace, decorated with the famous frescoes of Diego Rivera, Garibaldi Square and the world's largest bullring, as well as Alameda Park and the nearby Palacio de Bella Art (Palace of Fine Arts), which contains the best works of Mexican culture, or the Xochimilco canals on the outskirts Mexico City, where people still live the same way they did 500 years ago. Don't forget to go to the Basilica of the patroness of Mexico - Our Lady of Guadalupe, where a huge religious procession is held on her feast day (December 12), visit the first European quarter of the capital - Coyoacan, or walk along Paseo de la Reforma (Reforma Avenue) - copies Parisian Champs Elysees (and by the way - also full of shops and restaurants) with colorful buildings of the late 19th century. and numerous fountains.
In the very center of this giant "anthill" is a pedestrian enclave and nightlife area - Zone Rose, with many shops, shops, restaurants and cafes - "cantina". You can take a break from the bustle of the city in the parks of Pedregal, Alameda, Bosc de Chapultepec ("grasshopper hill", the largest park in Mexico City) with the presidential palace Castillo de Chapultepec, where the country's largest National Anthropological Museum is located (there is a good zoo nearby) , or the forested area of La Marquez on the outskirts of the city, which is also famous for its large number of restaurants, cafes and attractions. But huge Mexico City, despite all its attractions, is not very suitable for relaxation, so it is better to head straight to its famous suburbs.
Resorts
City and port of Acapulco on the Pacific coast of Mexico, a modern highway connects with Mexico City. Acapulco has a beautiful natural bay. It was founded in the 16th century and during the colonial era it was an important transit point on the “Asian Road” - a trade route from Spain to the countries of Southeast Asia. Acapulco is one of the best seaside climatic resorts in the Western Hemisphere. There is an airport, a shopping center, and a yacht club here. Dozens of fashionable multi-storey hotels are built along the coast on the beaches of Condeza, which are especially actively filled at the height of the tourist season. There are hundreds of thousands of tourists here. Unlike temperate countries, the best time to holiday in Mexico is the end of December and all of January, when the country’s coasts experience dry, warm weather with temperatures of 25-30 °C, moderated by sea breezes. The best place for swimming is the beaches of Caleta in the Old Acapulco area. Here you can rent a boat and go to Roqueta Island, where jaguars and tigers, giraffes and armadillos live in special pens. The coastal waters of Acapulco are very rich in wildlife. Barracuda, tuna, seuk, dorado, striped marlin and Pacific sailfish can all be seen when local fishermen's boats come ashore at midday. But fishing also promises good luck for vacationers. Local instructors guarantee fishing masters a “large fish”, which, by Acapulco standards, can be 2-2.5 m. Acapulco also offers a breathtaking spectacle - professional divers jumping from 20- and 35-meter cliffs into a narrow bay where the depth is not exceeds 3.5 m. The resort has many bars and restaurants offering exquisite seafood delicacies. There is also a cabaret called La Jacaranda. 
Cancun- one of the most famous resorts on the Gulf Coast, located on the Yucatan Peninsula. It is built on a long and narrow 25-kilometer sand spit, which faces the Caribbean Sea on one side and the lagoon that has formed between the spit and the shore on the other. It is famous for its endless beaches with white sand, crystal clear sea water and proximity to the architectural monuments of the Mayan civilization. This is the most visited and popular resort in Mexico. The predominant nationality of tourists at the resort are Americans. The coastline of the Cancun resort from a bird's eye view resembles the number "7", dividing the resort into two parts: "short" and "long". The short part is characterized by calm seas, since it is closed from the ocean by the island of Isla Mujeres. But there are some disadvantages here - the presence of algae in the water, which clog the beach and make the sea not so clear. In addition, in this part of the beach area there is a port, which also has a bad effect on the cleanliness of the water. The advantages of staying in hotels in this part of the resort are the proximity to entertainment venues and the city center. The city is 10 minutes from here by bus (runs with very short breaks). The main feature of the “long part” is the constant waves, since they do not encounter any obstacles on their way from the open ocean. But at the same time, you can not only splash around in the sea, but also feel the healing power of a water massage - no worse than in a jacuzzi. The water in this part of the resort is crystal clear, and since there are no algae, the beach is in perfect condition. The seabed is sandy, but the sand does not rise when entering the water. The downside of the “long part” is that this beach is located further from the city, 15-20 minutes by bus. Cancun has a very mild maritime climate, slightly dependent on the time of year. Average daily temperature in (in degrees Celsius, maximum/minimum): January - 27/19, February - 27/20, March - 28/21, April - 29/22, May - 31/25, June - 31/25, July - 32/26, August - 32/25, September - 31/24, October - 30/23, November - 28/22, December - 27/21.
Los Cabos- a new expensive and prestigious resort located in the south of the California peninsula. The Los Cabos resort area stretches along the sea for almost 40 km between the cities of San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez. Los Cabos has luxurious hotels, surrounded by greenery, and behind the hotels, where the resort area ends, there is a desert and colorful dunes, alien landscapes that are very enlivened by a variety of cacti. One of the main natural attractions of this place is the rock "El Arco" - a giant rock in the shape of an arch. There are endless white sandy beaches along the coastline here.
Puerto Vallarta Resort is located on the Pacific coast in the largest bay of Mexico - Banderas. This bay is bordered by mountains. The city itself has a colonial feel - the cobbled streets are lined with white houses with red tiled roofs. There are several beach areas on the coast. Playa de Oro is known for its good conditions for water sports. In the north of the resort there are the best places for windsurfing. But the most popular place is Playa de los Muertos. This beach is surrounded by restaurants and shops.
Cozumel Island is the largest Caribbean island in Mexico, which is located 19 km off the coast of the state of Quintana Roo. The area of the island is 647 km². The climate here is warm and humid, with heavy rainfall in summer and an average temperature of +26ºС. The island is surrounded by lush vegetation, mostly jungle, and is surrounded by a rocky coastline, white beaches, lagoons and mangroves. Also close to the island is a group of coral reefs that are part of the world's second largest coral system. In addition, the island is home to two major marine sanctuaries: Cozumel National Reef Marine Park and Chankanaab Nature Park, which were created to protect areas of great marine diversity and attract researchers and biologists from around the world. There are excellent spots for scuba diving and nature walks.
- country in North America. It borders on the north and east with the United States of America, and on the south with Belize and Guatemala. In the east it is washed by the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, in the west - by the Pacific Ocean. The state also owns several offshore islands.
The name of the country comes from the name of the capital, which originates from the name of the supreme god of the Aztecs - Mexitli.
Official name: Mexican United States
Capital: Mexico City
The area of the land: 1.95 million sq. km
Total Population: 112.5 million people
Administrative division: The state is a federation of 31 states and the federal capital district.
Form of government: A republic with a federal government structure.
Head of State: President, elected for a term of 5 years.
Population composition: 60% are mestizos, 30% are Indians, 10% are descendants of Europeans.
Official language: Spanish; English, French and German are widely spoken in resort areas; they are practically not used in the provinces. In addition, local ethnic groups speak their native languages (Nahuatl, Mayan, Otomi, Zapoteca, Mixteca, Totonac, Tarascos, Purépecha, etc. - about 59 local dialects in total).
Religion: 89% are Catholics, 10% are Protestants.
Internet domain: .mx
Mains voltage: ~127 V, 60 Hz
Country dialing code: +52
Country barcode: 750
Climate
In northern Mexico the climate is subtropical, in the rest of the country it is tropical. The coastal plains are humid and hot. In the Acapulco area on the Pacific coast, daytime temperatures throughout the year do not fall below +30 degrees, and night temperatures range from 21 to 24 degrees Celsius. On the Caribbean coast it is a little cooler. In the winter months, during the day the air warms up to +24 degrees, and in the summer - up to +31, while at night in winter it is about 19 degrees Celsius, and in summer - 25 degrees Celsius.
In the central highlands of Mexico, maximum temperatures are observed in April and May - +27 degrees, and at night in these same months the air cools to +11..+13 degrees. In winter, daytime air temperatures rise to +21 degrees, with night temperatures reaching about 7 degrees.
Mexico has a well-defined altitudinal zone - at altitudes in the northern part of the country in winter, temperatures can drop below 0 degrees. During the dry and wet periods, temperatures differ little, but the amount of precipitation and air humidity vary widely.
The rainy season lasts from May to October, during which time powerful tropical cyclones often occur. The north of the country is considered the driest region - about 250 mm of precipitation falls here per year. The greatest amount of precipitation is observed in the southern regions - up to 1,500 mm, and in the summer during the wet season about 300-400 mm can fall per month.
The water temperature on the Pacific coast in the summer rises to +27 degrees, and on average for the year it is + 25 degrees. The waters of the Caribbean Sea are slightly warmer - in the summer the water temperature here is + 29 degrees.
Geography
Mexico is located in the south of North America. It is washed by the waters of the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. The total area of the country is 1.96 million square meters. km, which includes a number of islands. Most of it is occupied by the Mexican Highlands with average altitudes of about 2000 m. The Highlands are surrounded by mountain ranges.
There are 350 active volcanoes in Mexico, among which is the highest point in the country - Orizaba (5700 m). Near the capital of the country - Mexico City - there are 2 active volcanoes - Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl. There is a desert zone in the north of the country, and tropical rainforests in the south. The coastal areas of the west and east are occupied by sandy plains.
The Yucatan Peninsula is also flat, with average heights of 30 m. The largest river in Mexico is the Rio Bravo del Norte, better known as the Rio Grande. It flows along the US-Mexico border. In the west of the country there is the largest lake in the country - Napala.
Flora and fauna
Vegetable world
The mountains in the north of the country are home to coniferous forests, the arid areas of the south are home to cacti, yucca, agave and mesquite, and the humid areas are home to tropical forests of palms, rubber and olive trees.
Animal world
The northern regions are inhabited by wild cats, prairie dogs, kangaroo rats, coyotes, pumas, and pronghorn antelope. In mixed forests - black bear and lynx. The fauna of the southern part is rich: monkeys, jaguar, tapir, ocelots, peccaries, anteater, marsupial possum, tree porcupine.
The world of birds is diverse - hummingbirds, parrots, toucans, umbrella birds, vultures. Reptiles are abundant: iguanas, basilisks, poisonous serpentines, turtles, snakes, lizards.
In the seas surrounding Mexico, shrimp, lobsters, crabs and oysters are fished. There are seals on the coast. A large number of different species of birds.
Attractions
Magnificent nature, beautiful beaches and snow-capped volcanoes, a rich history with archaeological sites of the Aztecs, Mayans, colonial palaces, many paradises that attract tourists with the warmth of gentle waves and the hospitality of the inhabitants, and all this splendor at relatively low prices for goods and services, especially in the provinces - all this is modern Mexico.
The true monuments of antiquity in Mexico are the Mayan pyramids. There are quite a lot of them in the country, but only a few are accessible to visit, since many of the pyramids are buried under a layer of earth or covered with dense tropical vegetation, so that at first glance they look like just green hills.
The most famous and most ancient structures are the pyramids of Teotihuacan, where the two largest pyramids - the Sun (225 m at the base and 65 m in height) and the Moon (about 150 m at the base and 42 m in height) - are well preserved, as well as the temple the most “popular” of the Mayan gods - Quetzalcoatl. The structures are located in the same way as the three stars in Orion’s Belt, i.e. absolutely the same as the three great pyramids at Giza).
The pyramid in Cholula is the largest in the world; it was larger in volume than the Cheops pyramid (now most of the pyramid has been destroyed).
Another impressive group of pyramids - Mitle and Monte Albana - is located near the city of Oaxaca, and the oldest pyramidal structures in the Toltec capital - Tula, are surrounded by strange multi-ton stone heads of mysterious creatures.
And places like Chichen Itza, Palenque, Tajin, Tikal, Xcaret, Shel Ha, Mayapan, Mitla and Uxmal are simply priceless monuments of ancient civilizations.
Tourists can also expect first-class resorts in the country: Cancun, Playa de Carmen, Acapulco, Puerto Vallarta, Cozumel, Mazatlan, Huatulco, etc.
Banks and currency
New peso (international symbol - MXP), equal to 100 centavos (cents). In 1993, the denomination of banknotes was carried out - 1000 “old” pesos correspond to 1 “new” peso. In circulation there are banknotes in denominations of 500, 200, 100, 50, 20 and 10 pesos and coins in 50, 20, 10 and 5 centavos. New money differs from old money in size and appearance. Prices in new pesos are indicated by NP$. The "$" sign is used for both pesos and US dollars (US$ or USD only).
Currency exchange can be done in banks, large hotels, airports (usually the best rate) or specialized exchange offices "casas de cambio". Difficulties often arise with exchanging worn-out banknotes or banknotes of old series.
Most hotels, restaurants, shops and travel agencies accept leading credit cards and traveler's checks (preferably in US dollars). A network of ATMs is widely developed in resort areas.
US dollars are also accepted almost everywhere (the exchange rate is not the most favorable). When exchanging, you should be careful - there may be attempts to cheat.
Banks are open from 9.00 to 17.00 on weekdays (some bank branches are open even until 24.00 or 01.00), and from 9.00 to 14.00 on Saturdays. Sunday is a day off. Some bank branches in resort areas are also open from 16.00 to 18.00, on Saturday - from 10.00 to 13.30 and from 16.00 to 18.00, and on Sunday - from 10.00 to 13.30.
Useful information for tourists
We recommend light clothing made from natural fabrics, sportswear for excursions, a hat and sunglasses, as well as sunscreen. Most hotels prefer a cocktail dress for women and trousers and a shirt for men. For tourists visiting Mexico City, a light jumper or jacket is a must for those chilly evenings.
Traditional souvenirs include a variety of silver items, handmade carpets and fabrics, ponchos and sarape capes, sombreros, leather goods, masks and wooden figures, ceramics, items made of obsidian and onyx.
Tips are usually 10% of the price shown on the bill. It is customary to tip the restaurant (up to 15%), the porter (in the amount of 1-2 US dollars), the driver and the guide for the excursion.
Almost a year has passed since our trip to North America and today we decided to refresh our memory of this trip by compiling 50 facts about Mexico based on our impressions. We do not pretend to be objective - this is exclusively our vision of the country.
1. Burritos and tacos- This is a national and very popular food here, based on flatbreads made from corn, wheat and even cactus flour. The second component is meat, chicken or vegetables and definitely beans or beans, all seasoned with hot chili sauce.
2. Fresh juices, as well as various soft drinks sold on every corner, very cheap, but be careful - ice is generously put in there or diluted with water of unknown origin 
3. Fruit on the streets They are sold already peeled and cut, in plastic bags. Before selling, they are offered to be sprinkled with chili powder and sugar on top - for those who like it hotter
4. Homemade ice cream, which can be found on sale, is sold without packaging, and what appears to be chocolate chips may turn out to be chili peppers. Even when buying ice cream, you need to clarify - “but spicy please” =)
5. Tequila(full name Santiago de Tequila) is the name of the Mexican city in which the main production of the drink of the same name is located.
6. Blue agave- this is the plant from which Tequila is made, contrary to popular belief that it is made from cacti. Blue agave belongs to the asparagus family and looks like a small bush with thorns, which is probably why the stereotype about cacti appeared.
7. Tequilero- this is the name of a tequila specialist.
8. Popular local sweets: marshmallow from apple and other fruits - in the form of toffee and in the form of cubes; lime candied coconut; sweet beans with chili peppers in the form of chuchkhela.
9. Boiled corn It is also a popular delicacy here - you can buy the cob whole or already peeled in a glass. The seller, in addition to corn, adds salt and mayonnaise to the glass, sprinkles it with cheese and squeezes lime juice onto the whole mixture. The price for both the cob and the glass is the same - a little more than a dollar.
10. Corn Here it is generally a universal product - it is eaten raw, boiled and grilled, it is used to make flatbreads, stew, yogurt and even corn ice cream with pieces of corn.
16. Underwater Museum with four hundred sculptures located at a depth of about 2 to 10 meters is located nearby. It will certainly appeal to divers who are bored with tropical fish and coral reefs.
17. Beaches Cancun and Tulum are ranked among the top ten beaches in the world according to TripAdvisor.
18. Cenotes- these are natural wells or small lakes that the Mayan Indians used as sources of water and places for sacrifices; they will definitely appeal to snorkeling enthusiasts. Most cenotes are located in caves with many bizarre stalactites and stalagmites. The water there is crystal clear and pleasantly cool, good for relaxing from the heat outside.
19. Iguanas different colors and sizes are very often found in 
20. In official taxis There must be a state license with a photograph of the driver hanging on the glass. To avoid misunderstandings, it is recommended to check the photo with the person driving.
21. Taxi in Mexico City varies according to safety classes. The safer it is, the more expensive it is, but in general it is quite cheap. For 3-4 people, it is often more profitable to take a taxi than to go by public transport 
22. Local call costs from a pay phone does not depend on the duration of the conversation. For example, it will cost 3 pesos (25 cents) 
23. Mexico City located in the mountains, at an altitude of 2240 m, so if you are flying from the coast or lowland parts, be prepared to wear a sweater or jacket when leaving the airport. It is warm here during the day, but quite cool in the morning and evening.