Mexico
By Absolute
Travel to Mexico with Absolute Latin America
Due to its diversity, Mexico has everything a traveler could ask for: from sunny beaches to business centers; from archaeological zones to untouched nature and adventure trails; from luxury spa resorts to magnificent golf courses. Travel to Mexico and you will discover your ideal vacation has been waiting for you all this time!
Travel to Mexico a destination with a mix of the modern and the traditional. The eclectic bustle of Mexico City is a stark contrast to the languid pace of life in the southern jungles. Visit the infamous ruins of Chichen Itza and Palenque, widely considered the most important archaeological sites of Mayan culture. Further to the south, sun worshippers will love relaxing on the stunning Caribbean beaches of the Riviera Maya.
Mexicans are not shy when throwing a party! You may like to time your Mexico tour with one of the many colorful festivals celebrated throughout the year. Nature-lovers may want time their Mexico tour to coincide seasonal migrations of monarch butterfly, sea turtle, pink flamingo and grey whale – to name but a few!
Ask our travel consultants about the incredible variety of destinations in Mexico.
Country Guide
Capital: Mexico D.F.
Language: Spanish, various Mayan, Nahuatl, and other regional indigenous languages.
oltage: AC electricity is provided at 127 volts +/- 10%.
HISTORY
The age of the City is paradoxical if the reference is Tenochtitlan’s foundation, in the middle of the 14th century, being lthat way it turns out to be a young city in comparison with the Europeans, it is not yet 700 years. And if we refer to its historical nature, as a built-up of numerous Cities – State, then it has more than two thousand years, because the first one was born about the year 200 A.C., in Cuicuilco, today an archaeological zone buried to the south of the metropolis.
Of the Pre-Hispanic Cities only vestiges remain. Tenochtitlan died and the Hispanic was born one since 1522. In the Historic Center and in some ancient neighborhoods, as San Ángel and Coyoacán, there are numerous colonial buildings, mainly of the 17th century. The Pre-Hispanic capital The foundation of the City about 1325, has its origin in the legend of the Eagle and the Serpent, (current national shield), according to the prediction of the mexican priest Tenoch, his people had to settle in the place that indicates them an augury, Huitzilopochitli turned into eagle, would descend from the sky to settle on the Great Tree of the World (a prickly pear), where he would fight against a being of the land whom he would devour.
During 200 years of the pre-Hispanic period of the City, the Aztecs managed to control the whole central region of the country and to extend their trade with almost all Middle America. Towards 1519 such was the size and power of Tenochtitlan, that when in 1521 it was conquered by Hernán Cortés, he had to attack with 500 Spanish and more than 100 thousand indigenous warriors from the tributary people of the Aztec empire, who allied with the Europeans when they supposed that way they would be free, when actually they were resigning their destination and affecting in the collapse of the Pre-Hispanic Mexico that by then was lodging only in the Great Tenochtitlan more than 250 thousand inhabitants, comparable only with Barcelona, which by that moment was the biggest European city.
The Colonial Capital After the conquest, the former domain of Coyoacán, allied of Cortés, turned into the first city council of New Spain.The friars demolished temples and buildings, the indigenous population was expelled towards the periphery. The Major Temple, was the most lasting construction due to the extreme difficulty of its demolition. It is said that such continuance determine that the name of the city was Mexico, since the natives when indicating towards the former temple they said “Meshico” because it was precisely the place of Mexi, their tutelary god. In 1522 Cortés ordered the appearance of the new City, with a reticulated Renaissance cut, where it was the beginning to a fight of styles between the Spanish Gothic and a new renaissance which promoting the opening of windows and a plentiful decoration of its walls.
GETTING TO MEXICO
There are several kinds of taxis in Mexico City, the most common of which are 2- or 4-door models painted green. The most representative of these is the VW bug, called a vocho in Mexico City slang. It’s important before boarding that you verify the vehicle’s license plates start with an L or an S; otherwise, don’t get in. The surest thing to do is to call an authorized taxi stand (sitio autorizado) because the drivers that work for them know the city quite well and will get you where you’re going more quickly.
VISAS
The following documentation is required for visitors to enter Mexico: · Photo ID (Driver’s license) · Visa (if required) · Passport · Tourist card. This document is perforated into two parts and is authorization on the part of the Mexican government to visit Mexico, issued without cost.
Typically, airlines make this form available at flight check-in. Tourist cards are good for up to 180 days. · Be aware that with the signing of the NAFTA agreement, the Mexican government requires business travelers request a document called an F.M.N. in lieu of the regular tourist card. The F.M.N. can be acquired in any Mexican consulate free of charge. · Are acquired in Mexican consulates and embassies. · Are valid for 90 days. · May be renewed if necessary They are required of residents from particular countries. United States and Canadian visitors do not need a visa, however, proof of citizenship is required (a valid passport, an expired passport no more than five years old, or a birth certificate.
Tourist cards are valid for up to 180 days and can be acquired from airlines or at the border upon the presentation of proof of citizenship. MONEY Currency exchange The peso is the currency of Mexico. While most businesses will accept foreign currency, especially US dollars, using pesos is your best bet. Foreign currency can be exchanged at one of many exchange houses. Credit cards are widely accepted, with Visa, MasterCard, and American Express being the most popular.
TAXES
Since june 2008 tourist can ask tax refunds if they want, when they bought mexican products in Mexico more than 200 pesos, less than 3000 pesos, some products and brands participate. You need to include in the invoice your name, and country only. Then ask refund in advance to next companies : The next 4 companies offer the service of refound in Mexico. Global Refund Group, Premier Tax Free,Yvesam Retornos Mundiales Travelers must be at the airport two hours before departure. There is a departure tax of US$26.00. There is a 13% sales tax at hotels, restaurants and most service industries, and an additional 3% tourist tax at hotels.
HEALTH & VACCINATIONS
All travelers should visit a doctor 4-8 weeks before departure, since most vaccines don’t provide immunity until at least two weeks after they’re given. Don’t forget to take your vaccination certificate with you. Vaccine recommendations: Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG) Recommended for all unvaccinated people traveling to or working in countries with an intermediate or high level of hepatitis A virus infection.
Typhoid Recommended for all unvaccinated people traveling to Mexico and Central America, especially if staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where exposure might occur through food or water. Rabies Recommended for travelers spending a lot of time outdoors, especially in rural areas, involved in activities such as bicycling, camping, or hiking. Areas of Mexico with Malaria: Present in Chiapas; rural areas in the states of Nayarit, Oaxaca, and Sinaloa; and in an area between 24°N and 28°N latitude, and 106°W and 110°W longitude, which lies in parts of Sonora, Chihuahua, and Durango.
TRANSPORT
There are almost infinite options for getting around in Mexico City. While its public transportation system can be complicated, some of its options offer top–level services, such as the subway system, known as the Metro, which is one of the world’s largest, most efficient and most economical. Annually, the Metro transports more than 416,995,974 passengers to 175 stations along eleven lines that practically link the entire city.
Other options such as trolleybuses, the Metrobus and light rail (known as the tren ligero) help reduce air pollution. Rental Car Rental cars are available from the major rental companies. To rent you must be at least 25 years of age, have a valid driver’s license and a major credit card. Buses Mexico has a vast inter-city bus system that offers inexpensive, timely and convenient transportation.
There are two grades of buses: First Class, with air conditioning and possibly a TV, and a stewardess serving soft drinks and snacks. And Second Class- with no frills. As Second Class costs slightly less than First Class, we recommend you go with First Class. Within the metropolitan centers buses offer the natives their primary means of transportation. For the tourist these can be a bit daunting at first, but when viewed with fun and adventure in mind, they can certainly add color and memories to your vacation. Train Train travel can be safer and more enjoyable than a trip by bus, but considerably more expensive. As with bus service, we recommend you pay for the highest class of travel available.
Taxis: there are several kinds of taxis in Mexico City, the most common of which are 2- or 4-door models painted green. The most representative of these is the VW bug, called a vocho in Mexico City slang. It’s important before boarding that you verify the vehicle’s license plates start with an L or an S; otherwise, don’t get in. The surest thing to do is to call an authorized taxi stand (sitio autorizado) because the drivers that work for them know the city quite well and will get you where you’re going more quickly. In Mexico City you should avoid hailing cabs in the street.
Ask your hotel to call a cab for you. They will take note of the number of the taxi and the driver’s name. At the airport and bus stations in Mexico City and other major cities there are official taxis (Taxis Autorizados) that you should take.
CLOTHES YOU SHOULD BRING
Walking Shoes -Swim Suits – Casual Dress Clothes for Nightlife and Fine Dining – Sunglasses & Hat. If you try to explore the rainforest you need to wear long shirts against mosquitos, comfortable boots.
SAFETY
Mexico is a nation of centuries-old civilization and the vast majority of its more than 100 million inhabitants are cordial and hospitable, regardless of their socioeconomic status. Nevertheless, in a city such as this, as in any other large city worldwide, the unexpected can occur anywhere and at any time. So it never hurts to be familiar with the basic facts of the safety systems in the place you’re visiting.
In order to increase your chances of having a safe and pleasant stay, follow these tips for Mexico travel safety. Dont carry your valuables with you. You can reduce the chance that you will become a victim of crime by carrying only a small amount of cash with you and leaving expensive jewelry or electronic devices in your hotel room safe or at home. Don’t put your wallet in your back pocket or the outside pocket of a bag.
Travel in groups of two or more if possible, especially at night. Order a taxi in advanced by phone instead of flagging one down on the street, negotiate the price ahead of time should the cab driver not be using a taximeter. Be wary of bus transportation- only use buses in the daytime, and make sure to use first-class conveyances, they have a lower rate of crime than second and third-rate.
WEATHER
The climate is temperate in winter, hot and dry in April and May. The rainy season begins in May and ends around October, consisting generally of sunny mornings followed by cloudy, rainy afternoons. Mornings and nights can be cold, especially in winter, with an average temperature of 16 degrees C (61 degrees F).
Gallery
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