Mexico

Home to some of the most stunning landscapes and ancient structures in the world, Mexico is a beautiful country located on the southern part of North America, sharing its northern border with the United States. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a relaxing vacation on the beach or visit the ancient pyramids, Mexico has everything needed for a vacation to remember.

Language: Spanish
Currency: Peso
Government: Federal Presidential Constitutional Republic

DID YOU KNOW?

• The border between Mexico and the United States is the second longest border in the world, second only to the border between the United States and Canada.
• Mexico is located in the “Ring of Fire,” which is one of the most dangerous active volcanic and earthquake zones.
• Mexico is responsible for bringing corn, chilies and chocolate to the world.
• The national sport of Mexico is bullfighting; however, the most popular sport is actually football (North American soccer).

CLIMATE

The Mexican climate is divided by the 24th parallel. South of the parallel, the temperatures remain consistent throughout the year with an average temperature of between 24 to 28 degrees Celsius. Winter and summer are, for the most part, the same and only differ in temperature by about 5 degrees. The area surrounding Baja is at risk of serious hurricanes during summer and fall months. The Northern part of Mexico is mainly a dry desert-like climate with sporadic rain and some parts experiencing temperatures upwards of 50 degrees Celsius.

• Winter: December–March
• Dry Season: April–June
• Hurricane Season/Summer: June–November

HISTORY

Human life in Mexico dates back as far as 21,000 BCE, making it one of the oldest civilizations in the world. The early civilizations of Mexico are significant contributors of inventions and advancements in areas such as architecture, mathematics, astronomy, medicine and theology although the Ancient Aztecs were known for practicing human sacrifice on a large scale. Mexico as we know it today was established in 1823 and Guadalupe Victoria became the first president of the new country. The year 1911 marked the beginning of the Mexican Revolution which then re-ignited the civil war. That war lasted six years, until 1917 when a new constitution was drawn up. It was estimated that the war killed upwards of 900,000 people.

MUST SEE

ACAPULCO
Coming to the forefront of tourism in the 1950’s, Acapulco is the original Mexican resort town. This place is enjoyed for its picturesque beaches and party atmosphere and vibe. It remains a popular destination for American college students looking for some spring break fun.

CHICHEN ITZA 
This is the largest of the Mayan cities and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. The most famous landmark here is the pyramid of El Castillo. This temple is of astronomical significance as each face of the pyramid has a stairway with 91 steps which, together with the common step at the top, add up to 365, the number of days in a year.

TEOTIHUACAN
This ancient Mexican city is the home of the largest pyramid in all of Mexico, The Pyramid of the Sun which was built around 100 AD. The smaller and slightly newer Pyramid of the Moon was finished in 450 AD and is also located here. A mere 31 miles northeast of Mexico City, Teotihuacan can be reached by bus or taxi

LOS CABOS
Known for its white sandy beaches and classy resorts, bars and restaurants and its spring break mega destination Cabo San Lucas, Los Cabos is a major player in the Mexican tourism industry. It is known for being one of the best sport fishing locations in the world. If you are lucky during the winter months, you can even go whale watching in the Pacific Ocean.

PALENQUE
Palenque is smaller than most of the other Mayan cities, but don’t let that fool you. It contains some of the best architecture and sculptures the Maya ever produced. The bulk of them dating from between 600 AD to 800 AD including the Temple of Inscriptions, the only pyramid built as a funerary monument.

http://www.travelandescape.ca/escapes/mexico/