The land south of the border is home to some of the most diverse cities and cultures in North America. Mexico is the fifth-largest country in the Americas and the 14th largest country in the world. Thanks to the more than 20 million tourists booking flights to Mexico every year, the country enjoys a stable economy and financial peace of mind. In fact, the World Tourism Organization listed Mexico as one of the largest tourism industries in the world. No matter where one travels in Mexico – from Cancun to Tijuana – tourists are greeted by friendly faces.
Nearly 100 million people call Mexico home – 22 million of them live in Mexico City, the capital of Mexico – but even with the vast amounts of people residing here there is one innate quality: in Mexico, everybody takes life a little bit easier. Those who fly to Mexico regularly will agree that once you’re here it’s inevitable not to slow down. So before boarding the flight to Mexico, take a deep breath and relax. Once the flight to Mexico lands, grab a cerveza and join the festivities. You’re in Mexico…sit back and smile.
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Mexico’s coastal plains are hot and humid, but the higher inland elevations, such as Mexico City, are more temperate and drier. Mexico’s average daytime temperatures range from the 70s to 90s (Fahrenheit). The hottest and most humid time of the year is May to October, especially on the coasts. October to April are cooler, and inland temperatures can approach freezing in winter.The rainy season is usually May through September, but varies: it’s June to October in Puerto Vallarta and Acapulco, and mid-September through mid-November in Cancun. The coastal areas typically get more rain than the higher elevations. Puerto Vallarta’s hurricane season runs from late September to early November, and Cancun can get tropical storms May through September.
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Peak Season:
Southern-coast resorts are packed with tourists between July and September, especially since July and August are the peak holiday months for foreign visitors and native Mexicans. Semana Santa (the week before Easter) and Christmas week are also very busy. Flights to Mexico and hotels in the area may be expensive.
Off Season:
Right after the rainy season is a good time to take a flight to Mexico - smaller crowds, cheap flights to Mexico and discounted hotel rates are commonly found. The hills and mountains are green from the rain however, it can still be very humid in Puerto Vallarta.
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For getting around on your own, walking or renting a car or moped are popular options.
Mexico has more 20 airports, which makes getting from one part of the country to another easy. Domestic Mexico flights are cheap and reliable.
Mexican cities and resorts typically have public transportation and taxis. Check before you go to find out what is best at your destination. For example: Cancun has a popular city-bus system. There are also private buses, but they charge far more than the city buses. Puerto Vallarta’s city buses are easy to use, inexpensive, and can take you to most locations. However, stay away from buses named Rambo, Terminator, etc. They don’t always stop for pedestrians, and they frequently have accidents that result in fatalities. In Cozumel getting to some of the hotels and the beaches requires transportation. Cozumel has a strong cabbies’ union and the fares are set (there’s no bargaining). Mexico City has an extensive public transportation system, lots of taxis, and a problem with crime.
The following chart gives approximate journey times from Mexico City (in hours and minutes) to other major cities and towns in Mexico.
| | Air | Road |
|---|
| Acapulco | 0.35 | 3.30 |
|---|
| Cancún | 2.20 | 30.00 |
|---|
| Chihuahua | 2.20 | 34.00 |
|---|
| Puerto Vallarta | 1.55 | 14.00 |
|---|
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- With the clear water and white-sand beaches of the Caribbean, Cancun is Mexico’s most popular tourist destination. A gracious host to visitors, Cancun offers extensive water activities — snorkeling, scuba diving, parachuting, jet skiing — as well as spas, shopping, dining, and dancing all night. The outlying areas also offer attractions from Mayan ruins to ecological theme parks.
- On the Pacific coast, Acapulco is one of Mexico’s best-known resorts and, with its recent major revamping, is again a very popular resort. A party town, Acapulco goes nonstop and is a playground day and night. Days can be spent jet skiing, water skiing, playing golf or tennis, or lazing on the beach before partying all night.
- Also on the Pacific coast, Puerto Vallarta has miles of beaches, cliffs, and the Sierra Madres as a backdrop. You won’t be bored here: stroll the cobblestone streets, shops, and galleries; dine in one of over 200 restaurants; try mountain biking, whale-watching, or sea kayaking. Puerta Vallarta is hard to leave, as its American, European, and Canadian residents can attest.
- Cozumel is one of the top diving locations in the world. Surrounded by more than 25 reef formations, there’s diving for all levels of experience. White, sandy beaches line both sides of the island with gentle waves on the leeward (western) side and huge crashing waves on the windward (eastern) side. The waterfront area is well populated with shops, and San Miguel the only town.
- Mexico City is one of the largest, most complex cities in the world. The architecture reflects the city’s cultural history, from pre-Hispanic remains to modern skyscrapers. As an urban playground, Mexico City offers trendy restaurants and nightlife, excellent museums, and the central square’s cobblestone, tree-lined streets. The city also has its share of crime — be cautious and stay alert.
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All visitors must hold a tourist card (FMT form), which is issued free of charge and obtainable from airlines, Mexican Consulates, Mexican international airports and border crossing points.
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United States citizens must have a valid passport, or other proof of citizenship, such as an original birth certificate with a raised seal accompanied by an official photo ID (e.g. driver's license), plus marriage certificate if your name has changed. A visa is not required for stays of up to 180 days, if holding a Tourist Card/FMT form issued free of charge by airlines. Since December, 31 2006, all U.S. citizens traveling to and from Mexico by sea or air will require a passport; by December 31, 2007, the requirement will be extended to include all land border crossings as well.
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