Adventure World

Mexico

Absolute variety and unique experiences are waiting for the traveller throughout Mexico. Situated just south of the United States, Mexico is sandwiched between crystal Caribbean waters and the Pacific Ocean. The contrast from time-warped colonial towns to bustling cities is just the beginning.

Explore ancient Mayan ruins in the Yucatan province, ride the train through the grand scale Copper Canyon and sun yourself on stunning beaches. Everything is a short flight from Mexico City, the major hub and the epicentre of the country.

Mexico has an incredible history dating from Pre-Columbian time through to Aztec, Mayan and Zapotec civilisations, all of whom have left behind magnificent temples and pyramids as well as great tales of revolutions and uprising.

The people of Mexico are passionate and friendly, giving cause for many celebrations and festivals throughout the year. For the traveller Mexico holds inexhaustible fascination in its cultures, cuisine, handicrafts, art and history.

Top Highlights

Mexico City: One of the world’s most populous cities with an estimated population of 20 million, spread across more than 2000 sq km of a single valley. The historic heart of the city is a wide plaza known as El Zocalo and is surrounded by the Presidential Palace, the city’s cathedral and the excavated site of the Templo Mayor, the main temple of Aztec Tenochtitlan.

The Zona Rosa is a popular suburb and the centre of many international hotels, upmarket shops and restaurants.

Highlights: Chapultepec Park, a large expanse of greenery and lakes and site of many of the city’s museums including the Museo Nacional de Antropologia, a treasure house of Mexican archaeological marvels; the ancient waterways and floating gardens of Xochimilco; and the spectacular show of the Ballet Folklorico de Mexico in the beautiful Palacio de Bellas Artes.

Taxco: The old silver-mining town of Taxco, is one of the picturesque places in Mexico. Clinging to a steep hillside, Taxco is symbolised by its narrow cobblestone streets, colonial buildings and more than 300 silver shops which sell handmade jewellery. Taxco is an ideal overnight stop between Mexico City and Acapulco.

Acapulco: The original beach resort of Mexico, Acapulco rose to fame as a jet set resort in the 1950’s. Symbolised by the cliff divers who gracefully swan-dive into the La Quebrada chasm, Acapulco comprises three main areas; Acapulco Nautico (the old part of the city), Acapulco Dorado (the original beach resort) and Acapulco Diamante (a luxury tourist development that stretches over 10km of beach to the south).

Puerto Vallarta: Puerto Vallarta lies between green palm-covered mountains and the sparkling blue Bay of Flags. There is a wide range of hotels but Puerto Vallarta has also retained its colonial heritage with its cobble-stoned streets and white adobe buildings with red tile roofs. This resort has something for everyone, idyllic white sand beaches, water sports, horse riding, art galleries, abundant restaurants and active nightlife.

Mazatlan: Mexico’s principal port and one of its prime Pacific resorts. Affectionately known as the “Pearl of the Pacific”, Mazatlan is famous for its beaches and sport fishing. Old Mazatlan has a colonial feel while the new area has a 17km beachside boulevard where you will find most of the hotels and restaurants.

Oaxaca: A beautiful and artistic city well regarded for the handicrafts produced in the area. The city was built by the Spanish and its narrow streets are liberally sprinkled with lovely colonial style buildings. Nearby Oaxaca is the very important archaeological site of Monte Alban - the Zapotec capital set on a flattened hilltop with spectacular views of the area.

Cancun: Mexico’s largest resort attracts some 2 millions visitors a year. Originally an island, Cancun was linked to the mainland by two causeways in the 1970’s. The main boulevard, Kukulcan, runs the length of the island and is the site of the many international hotels of Cancun. Cancun’s 23km long white sand beach is lapped by the Caribbean whilst the other side of the island is a sheltered lagoon ideal for water sports.

Playa del Carmen: For decades, was a simple fishing village that people passed through on their way to catch the ferry to the island of Cozumel. But after the development of Cancun, its beautiful beaches and colourful reefs have seen it transformed into a very popular resort with a relaxed attitude and lively nightlife. Most of the town’s accommodation and restaurants are stylish European-owned and managed giving Cozumel a very cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Cozumel: Mexico’s largest island is 70km south of Cancun and has been a favourite for divers since 1961. No fewer that 100 world-class dive sites have been identified within 5km of Cozumel and no less than a dozen of them are shallow enough for snorkelling.

Fact Sheet

• Country Dialling Code: + 52
• When to Go: Mexico is a large country and its varied topography means there are great variations in climate. Generally the coastal parts of Mexico have warm and humid weather all year. Inland, at higher elevations, such as in Guadalajara and Mexico City, the climate is dry and temperate. The hottest months are June to September.
• Clothing: Casual clothing and beachwear are acceptable at beach resorts at all times. In smaller inland towns, dress is more conservative.
• Food & Water: Every region of Mexico has its own dishes. International cuisine is available at most hotels in the larger cities, and at most restaurants. Imported spirits are expensive; local spirits probably give better value for money. The best buys are rum and gin.
• National specialities:
  • Turkey mole, a sauce containing a score of ingredients, including several sorts of chilli, tomatoes, peanuts, chocolate, almonds, onions and garlic.
  • Guacamole incorporates avocados, red peppers, onions and tomatoes.
  • Tortillas (pancakes made with maize).
  • Enchiladas and tacos (maize pancakes served with pork, chicken, vegetables or cheese and chilli).
  • There are a wide variety of exotic fruits such as papayas, mangoes, guavas, zapotes (brown fruit resembling an avocado), pineapples and tunas (juicy prickly pears, fruit of the cactus).
• Currency: All spending money should be taken in US dollars. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops.
• Tipping: Tipping is a way of life in Central America and if you are provided with a service satisfactorily you should leave a tip.
• Language: Spanish is the local language and a phrase book can prove invaluable.
• Email: Internet access is widely available in Mexico - hotels tend to charge more than Internet cafés.
• Electricity: Mexico has the same as the USA and Canada - 110v - 60 cycles. Although most plugs are the same as in the USA a travel adaptor is recommended as some older buildings do have a different type.
• Shopping Hints: Shopping in Mexico varies greatly. The coastal beach resorts will generally have American style malls with international brand name shops. Outside of the main cities and resorts you will find excellent handicraft bargains. Taxco is renowned for its silver jewellery and handicrafts but particular attention needs to be paid to the quality which can vary considerably.