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Mexico
Mexico is a vast country which encompasses everything from arid deserts to lush tropical rainforest, and its culture is equally diverse, influenced by the ancient Mayan and Aztec civilisations, the Spanish conquistadors and modern globalisation. The Yucatán Peninsula is home to idyllic white-sand beaches and a turquoise sea, picturesque haciendas and impressive Mayan ruins, the most famous of which has to be Chichén Itzá. The central highlands are dotted with colonial towns, indigenous churches and relics from the country's silver mining past. The sprawling metropolis of Mexico City is a chaotic, lively and colourful city, built by the Spanish on the site of the Aztec capital and still a city of contrasts.
Tijuana
Mexico Travel Tips
· Time: GMT 6. · Flying Time from UK: Approx. 11.5 hours. · Language: The official language is Spanish. English is spoken in most of the larger hotels and tourist areas. 66 regional Indian languages are still spoken. · Currency: Mexican Peso (MXN) £1 = MXN 22.17. · Visa Requirements: Visa not required by UK Citizens for tourist stays of up to 180 days. A blue tourist card needs to be filled in when flying in. · Festivals, Events & Busy Times: Numerous local events and festivals take place nationwide throughout the year in Mexico. Christmas, New Year and Easter are very busy for domestic travel, as well as the main national holiday period from July to August, so book well in advance for these periods. Week-long Carnival is a big festival in February or March, in the week before Ash Wednesday. The Dia de los Muertos, celebrated after All Saints Day on 2 November, is Mexico's most traditional and characteristic festival. On 12 December, the country's most religious icon is honoured on the Day of Our Lady. · Departure Tax: Approximately US$40 for international flights which are sometimes included in the price of the ticket. These taxes are subject to change and will be confirmed at time of booking. · Tourist Office: Contact the Mexico Tourism Board for more details: Wakefield House, 41 Trinity Square, London EC3N 4DJ. Tel: 00800 1111 2266 or www.visitmexico.com. For more useful information, see pages 88-89.
Los Mochis Los Paz Hermosillo Chihuahua Baja California
Copper Canyon
USA
MEXICO
Torreón Culiacán Monterrey
Gulf of Mexico
Los Cabos Zacatecas
Ciudad Victoria
Mérida Puerto Vallarta Manzanillo Guadalajara Toluca Mexico City
Chichèn Itzá
Cancún Tulum
Yucatán Peninsula Villahermosa
Acapulco
Oaxaca Tuxtla
BELIZE
Puerto Escondido
GUATEMALA
Mexico City
The modern-day metropolis of Mexico City was built on the site of the Aztec capital Tenochtitlán and the colonial cathedral is situated next to the ruins of its main temple. Surrounded by snow-capped volcanoes, the city has many attractions, including lively markets, colonial mansions, Mariachi bands and colourful murals, and a visit to the huge ceremonial site of Teotihuacan is a must.
Uxmal and Tulum are the best-preserved, but there are many smaller sites worth visiting, and the jungle-cloaked ruins of Palenque are possibly the finest of all the Mayan sites. The colonial cities of Mérida and Campeche are also highlights of a visit to the area.
Caribbean Coast
Stretching from Cancún to the border with Belize, the Yucatán's Caribbean coast offers an amazing variety of accommodation and activities, with white sand, palmfringed beaches, beautiful coral reefs and great watersports.
Yucatán Peninsula
The centre of the Mayan civilization, the Yucatán is best known for its ruined cities and temples. Chichén Itzá,
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