Mexico boasts some of Central America's finest beaches, some of the most luxurious resorts, a rich culture and spectacular historical sites. Off the eastern Caribbean coast the sun-drenched Yucatán Peninsula is dotted with ancient Mayan sites such as ChichenItza.and Tulum, situated on a low cliff besides the Caribbean Sea.
Less well known is Mexico's Baja California encloses the Sea of Cortez (aka the Gulf of California). In the 40's John Steinbeck wrote of his time collecting marine specimens here and on first sight little has changed.
Diving Mexico
Off the eastern Caribbean coast the sun-drenched Yucatán Peninsula is dotted with ancient Mayan sites such as ChichenItza. Off shore the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef stretches from Isla Contoy down to Belize and the Bay Islands of Honduras beyond. In land there is world-class cavern and cave diving in the cenotes.
Diving Baja california is possible from Los Cabos but best done from La Paz. Accessed by liveaboard, some 250 miles off Baja California’s southern tip, are the Islas de Revillagigedo, a group of uninhabited volcanic islands the largest being Socorro Island.
Mexico's climate is divided by the Tropic of Cancer. North of it, the climate is temperate and experiences cooler months during winter. In this part of the country, summers are hot and humid and winters are mild. In the south, temperatures are fairly consistent year round and vary based on elevation. Areas up with elevations up to 1,000 metres average between 24 °C and 28 °C. Many of Mexico's cities are located in the Valley of Mexico or adjacent valleys with altitudes above 2,000 metres. The climate at that altitude is more temperate averaging 16 °C to 18 °C throughout the year, with cool nights.
Most of Mexico experiences a rainy season during the summer. Regular rains are most likely from June to September. Mexico's northern regions have a dry climate, while the tropical lowlands in the south of Mexico have an average annual rainfall of 200 cm.
Diving Seasons In Mexico
When planning your trip, we recommend that you find out about the weather in the state you will be visiting, in order to know what clothes to pack. Many people assume that the climate is always warm in Mexico; but the reality is that it may vary greatly from one destination to the next.
The weather in Mexico is as varied as its geography: there are tropical forests, arid desserts, fertile valleys and snow covered mountain peaks. The coasts are generally warm throughout the year, although it is very rainy during some months. In Mexico City, the weather is quite pleasant, neither too hot nor too cold. In the central highlands, the weather is cool, as well as in the mountainous areas. In some northern states, such as Monterrey and Chihuahua, it is very hot in summer and extremely cold in winter. Before traveling to Mexican beaches, make sure it is not hurricane season.
The Entry Requirement
According to Mexican government regulations, as of March, 2010, all U.S. citizens must show a valid passport, book or card, to enter Mexican territory, by any means of transportation, beyond the border zone (20 kilometers, 13 miles, from the border); no exceptions are made for children. No visa or tourist card is required for stays of less than 72 hours within the border zone.
When traveling beyond the border zone, or when entering the country by air, U.S. citizens are required to pay a fee to obtain a tourist card (FM-T), which is available at border crossings, Mexican tourist offices and airports, within the border zone. Major airlines will provide this form during your trip. You must include the following information on the form: numbers of days you will be in the country, passport number, destination, city of origin and other related information.
To enter Mexico, all tourists need to have a permit called Customs Form for Tourists, which is valid for 180 days. This document is available at airline offices, travel agencies or Mexican ports of entry. Each passenger must be provided with one.
History And Culture
Mexico is one of the countries with the largest cultural tourism in the world. This country’s cultural, geographical and historical wealth can only be appreciated through its tourist destinations, its cuisine, its architecture, its traditions and everything that constitutes the being of a people.
Learn about the vast range of archaeological sites around the country. Marvel at Tulum, ChichenItza, Palenque or Monte Alban, some of these sites have been named World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Enjoy the handicrafts produced in some of Mexico’s cities, where the creation processes have not changed for centuries, and are handed down from one generation to the next. Admire the black clay object made in Oaxaca, the musical instruments made in Paracho, Michoacan, the leather goods manufactured in Guanajuato and the colorful handicrafts made by indigenous people like the Huichol Indians.
Travel Health For Mexico
Do ask your travel health expert (e.g. GP, practice nurse or travel clinic) to provide you with up to date information and vaccines to ensure your travels are safe and enjoyable.
Entry Requirements For Mexico
According to Mexican government regulations, as of March, 2010, all U.S. citizens must show a valid passport, book or card, to enter Mexican territory, by any means of transportation, beyond the border zone (20 kilometers, 13 miles, from the border); no exceptions are made for children. No visa or tourist card is required for stays of less than 72 hours within the border zone.
When traveling beyond the border zone, or when entering the country by air, U.S. citizens are required to pay a fee to obtain a tourist card (FM-T), which is available at border crossings, Mexican tourist offices and airports, within the border zone. Major airlines will provide this form during your trip. You must include the following information on the form: numbers of days you will be in the country, passport number, destination, city of origin and other related information.
To enter Mexico, all tourists need to have a permit called Customs Form for Tourists, which is valid for 180 days. This document is available at airline offices, travel agencies or Mexican ports of entry. Each passenger must be provided with one.
Mexico Travel Money
-Currency exchange offices: You will usually find a currency exchange counter at international airports throughout Mexico; these can be identified by the “Exchange” sign. You will have to show your passport in order to be able to exchange money. The exchange rate is usual shown as “buy” or “purchase”, which shows how many pesos you will receive for each dollar.
- Banks: Not all banks provide the service of exchanging pesos and dollars, and some require you to have an account with them. Ask someone at your hotel to tell you about the location of the nearest bank where tourists can exchange their currency. You will also need a valid U.S. passport to make the exchange.
- Automated Teller Machine: One of the most convenient ways to buy pesos is by using an ATM. You will often receive better exchange rates, even though you have to pay a service fee, as with most ATMs outside your bank network. Please do not accept any help from people who are not bank employees.
- Credit card: If you have a credit card, you will find that it provides one of the best exchange rates. Although you will not receive pesos directly, your monthly balance usually shows the exchange rate you received on purchases made with the credit card.
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