Mexico

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 southeast.

Facts Mexico

  • Mexico is rich in natural diversity, including deserts, rainforests, mountains, coasts and lakes.
  • Popocatépetl and Citlaltépetl (Pico de Orizaba) 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.

Sights Mexico

  • Teotihuacán – The ancient city of Teotihuacán is located around 50 kilometers northeast 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 and Moon.
  • 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).
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 Square, the impressive Metropolitana Cathedral, the National Museum of Anthropology, the Frida Kahlo Museum and the vibrant La Condesa district.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Travel time Mexico

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

Mexico City and central highlands

The climate in Mexico City (Ciudad de México) and the surrounding area is temperate with mild temperatures all year round. The best time to visit is usually the dry season from November to April, when the temperatures are pleasant and it rarely rains. In winter it can get chilly, especially at night.

Baja California and northern desert areas

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.

Caribbean coast and Riviera Maya

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.

Pacific coast

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.

Yucatán

The Yucatán Peninsula with places like Cancún and Tulum has a subtropical climate with warm temperatures all year round. The best time to visit is the dry season from November to April. The summer months can be very hot and humid, with the possibility of hurricanes towards the end of the summer.

Events Mexico

January 1: Año Nuevo (New Year)
January 6: Día de Reyes (Three Wise Men)
February 5: Día de la Constitución (Constitution Day) – Public holiday in honor of Mexico’s 1917 constitution
March: Natalicio de Benito Juárez – Birth of Benito Juárez on March 21, 1806, one of Mexico’s most important presidents
March/April: Semana Santa (Easter week)

Jueves Santo (Maundy Thursday)
Viernes Santo (Good Friday)
Sábado Santo (Holy Saturday)
Domingo de Resurrección (Easter Sunday)

May 1: Día del Trabajo (Labor Day)
May 5: Batalla de Puebla – Commemoration of the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862
September 16: Día de la Independencia (Independence Day) – Independence from Spain in 1810
November: Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)
November: Día de la Revolución (Revolution Day) – Commemoration of the Mexican Revolution of 1910
December 12: Día de la Virgen de Guadalupe – Apparition of the Virgin Mary in Guadalupe in 1531
December 25: Navidad (Christmas)
December 31: Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve)

Holbox

Quintana Roo