Mexico (México) , officially the United Mexican States, is a fascinating country in North America known for its rich culture, impressive history, breathtaking nature and vibrant society. It borders the USA to the north, the Pacific Ocean to the south and west, the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean to the east and Guatemala and Belize to the south-east.

Mexico is rich in natural diversity, including deserts, rainforests, mountains, coasts and lakes. Popocatépetl (5,462 m) and Citlaltépetl (Pico de Orizaba) (5,636 m) are the two highest mountains in the country, while the Yucatán Peninsula is known for its limestone formations and underwater caves.

Mexico City (Ciudad de México) is the capital and largest city in Mexico. With an estimated 20 million inhabitants in the metropolitan area, it is one of the most populous cities in the world.

With over 130 million inhabitants, Mexico is the most populous Spanish-speaking country in the world. Mexico is the fourteenth largest country in the world and covers an area of around 1.97 million square kilometers.

The official language of Mexico is Spanish. However, there are also a large number of indigenous languages spoken by the various indigenous population groups.

Mexico has a rich cultural history, ranging from the ancient civilizations of the Aztecs, Maya and Zapotecs to the Spanish colonial period and modern Mexican culture. Mexican culture is known for its art, music, literature, cuisine, festivals and traditions.

Mexico is a federal republican democracy divided into federal states. The President of Mexico is the head of state and head of government.

The country has the second largest economy in Latin America after Brazil and is a member of NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) and the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement).

The official currency of Mexico is the Mexican peso (MXN). Mexico is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world and attracts millions of tourists every year.

Copper Canyon (Barrancas del Cobre) – This canyon system in the state of Chihuahua is larger and deeper than the Grand Canyon and offers spectacular landscapes, hiking trails, train rides and opportunities for adventure sports.

Cabo San Lucas – Cabo San Lucas is a popular holiday resort on the southern tip of Baja California , known for its beaches, clear waters and the famous El Arco rock archive. In addition to the luxury resorts, Cabo is a paradise for water sports such as diving, snorkelling, deep-sea fishing and whale watching (especially from December to April).

Guadalajara – The city is the home of tequila and the mariachi and offers an authentic Mexican flair. Special sights include the Hospicio Cabañas (UNESCO World Heritage Site), the cathedral (Catedral de Guadalajara) and the village of Tequila around 50 kilometres outside the city with a large selection of tequila distilleries.

San Miguel de Allende – The colonial city in the central highlands of Mexico is famous for its colorful buildings, cobbled streets, artistic community, artisan markets and vibrant culture.

Teotihuacán – The ancient city of Teotihuacán is located around 50 kilometres north-east of Mexico City and is home to some of the most impressive pre-Columbian ruins in the Americas, including the famous Pyramids of the Sun (Pirámide del Sol) and the Moon (Pirámide de La Luna) .

Mexico City (Ciudad de México) – The Mexican capital is one of the largest and most fascinating metropolises in the world. Highlights include the historic Zócalo (Plaza de la Constitución) , the impressive Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana) , the National Museum of Anthropology (Museo Nacional de Antropología) , the Frida Kahlo Museum (Museo Frida Kahlo) and the vibrant neighbourhood of La Condesa (Colonia Condesa) .

Oaxaca – This charming colonial city in southern Mexico is known for its well-preserved historic buildings, its vibrant art scene, its rich indigenous culture and its delicious cuisine, including the famous Oaxaca cheese and mole sauce.

Puerto Escondido – Puerto Escondido is a lively seaside resort on the Pacific coast in the state of Oaxaca, known for its world-famous surf beaches and relaxed atmosphere.

Cancún – This popular tourist city on the coast of the Riviera Maya is known for its stunning beaches, luxurious resorts, vibrant nightlife and numerous water sports such as diving and snorkeling.

Riviera Maya – The islands of the Riviera Maya offer pure Caribbean flair and nature. Isla Holbox impresses with quiet beaches, flamingos and bioluminescent nights, while Isla Mujeres is known for its turquoise-coloured water, Playa Norte and the underwater museum MUSA (Museo Subacuático de Arte) . Cozumel is a paradise for divers with the Mesoamerican Reef and a colourful underwater world. Each island offers its own unique charm and special experiences.

Chichén Itzá – This archaeological site on the Yucatán Peninsula is one of the most important cities of the ancient Mayan civilization and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The most famous building is the imposing pyramid of Kukulcán (El Castillo) . During the solstice in March and September, the setting sun casts a play of light on the pyramid’s steps, creating the illusion of a snake that appears to be descending.

Tulum – The ruins of Tulum are another important archaeological site on the Yucatán Peninsula. They are located on a cliff directly above the Caribbean Sea and offer spectacular views and well-preserved Mayan structures.

Bacalar – Bacalar is known for the turquoise lagoon (Laguna Bacalar) of the ‘seven colours’, ideal for swimming, SUP and kayaking. The tranquil place offers natural beauty, the Cenote Azul and the historic fortress of San Felipe .

Palenque – The archaeological site in the state of Chiapas is known for its elaborate Mayan ruins, including temple pyramids, palaces and tombs. Located in the middle of the jungle, Palenque offers a fascinating mix of nature and history.

Sumidero Canyon (Cañón del Sumidero) – An impressive canyon with high rock faces and a rich flora and fauna. The Grijalva River flows through the gorge and a boat tour offers spectacular views of the surroundings, the large waterfalls and rare animal species.

The climate in Mexico varies greatly depending on the region and altitude, so there is no ideal travel time for the whole country.

Baja California and the northern landscapes have a dry desert climate with hot summers and mild winters. The best time to travel is in spring and fall, when the temperatures are pleasant and the desert landscapes are in bloom. Summers can be very hot, especially in July and August.

The Caribbean coast and the Riviera Maya have a tropical climate with warm temperatures all year round. The best time to visit is from December to April during the dry season, when the weather is pleasant and rainfall is low. The summer months can be hot and humid, with occasional rain showers and the possibility of cyclones towards the end of the summer.

The weather conditions on the Pacific coast are similar to those on the Caribbean coast, with a tropical climate and a distinct dry and rainy season. The best time to visit is also from December to April during the dry season. The summer months can be hot and humid.

All Saints’ Day (Día de los Santos) and the Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) are traditional Mexican festivals that take place on the 1st and 2nd of November every year. It is a colourful and joyful celebration in which the souls of the deceased are honoured and welcomed. Families erect altars (ofrendas) with photos, flowers, candles, food such as pan de muerto (soft, slightly sweet bread, often flavoured with orange blossom and aniseed) and personal items of the deceased to commemorate them. The celebration combines indigenous and Catholic customs and symbolises the close connection between life and death, whereby death is seen as part of the life cycle. In addition to many other places, the Day of the Dead is celebrated in a particularly impressive way in Oaxaca and with a gigantic parade in Mexico City (Ciudad de México) . La Catrina is an iconic skeleton figure with a large hat, created by the artist José Guadalupe Posada. It satirically symbolises the Mexican bourgeoisie and reminds us that death makes everyone the same.

Whale watching in Baja California is particularly possible from January to March, when grey whales in particular visit the lagoons of San Ignacio and Bahía Magdalena to give birth and raise their young. Humpback whales and blue whales are also sometimes spotted in the Gulf of California (Sea of Cortez) .

From June to September, Isla Holbox is known for swimming and snorkelling with whale sharks – gentle, huge sharks that feed on plankton in the warm waters. So they are not real whales, but it is a fascinating experience.