Mexico - Travel Guide - Tourist Info for Mexican states

Geographical position and Climate of Mexico

Mexico is located in the southern portion of North America. It is bordered to the north by the United States; to the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; to the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and to the east by the Gulf of Mexico. The country spans a vast area that includes diverse landscapes such as mountains, deserts, and tropical forests.

The climate in Mexico varies significantly across its different regions due to its large size and varied topography. Here are some of the climate zones found in Mexico:

Tropical Climate: Found in the southeastern areas, including the Yucatán Peninsula, with hot and humid conditions year-round and a rainy season typically from May to October.
Desert Climate: Present in the northern regions, like the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts, characterized by very low rainfall and extreme temperature variations between day and night.
Temperate Climate: Occurs in the Mexican Plateau and highland areas, including Mexico City, with milder temperatures and a distinct wet and dry season.
Mediterranean Climate: Experienced in some parts of Baja California and the northwestern coast, with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
Oceanic Climate: Found in higher elevations, such as the mountainous regions, where temperatures are cooler throughout the year and precipitation is more evenly distributed.

Overall, Mexico’s climate is as diverse as its geography, ranging from arid to tropical, and accommodating a wide variety of flora and fauna.

Brief History of Mexico

Mexico’s history is a rich tapestry woven from ancient civilizations, colonial conquests, and the struggle for independence and reform. Here’s a brief overview:

Pre-Columbian Era:

Before the arrival of Europeans, Mexico was home to advanced Mesoamerican civilizations such as the Olmecs, Maya, Teotihuacanos, Toltecs, Zapotecs, Mixtecs, and Aztecs. These cultures made significant advancements in mathematics, astronomy, architecture, and agriculture.

Spanish Conquest:

In 1519, Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés arrived and eventually overthrew the Aztec Empire, led by Montezuma II. This marked the beginning of three centuries of Spanish colonial rule.

Colonial Period:

During this time, Mexico was known as “New Spain” and was a hub for Spanish wealth in the Americas due to its abundant resources. The colonial era saw the mixing of Indigenous and Spanish cultures, but also oppression and exploitation of the native population.

Independence:

The early 19th century was marked by social and political unrest, leading to the Mexican War of Independence. In 1821, Mexico achieved independence from Spain under the leadership of Agustín de Iturbide, becoming the First Mexican Empire.

19th Century:

The newly independent Mexico faced internal conflicts between conservatives and liberals, as well as territorial losses to the United States, including Texas and what is now the American Southwest after the Mexican-American War (1846-1848).

The Reform and French Intervention:

The mid-19th century Reform period, led by President Benito Juárez, aimed at modernizing the country and reducing the power of the Catholic Church. This period included the French intervention in Mexico and the brief reign of Emperor Maximilian I, supported by France.

Porfiriato:

The late 19th and early 20th centuries were dominated by the dictatorship of Porfirio Díaz, who modernized Mexico but also suppressed dissent and widened the gap between rich and poor.

Mexican Revolution:

In 1910, dissatisfaction with the Díaz regime sparked the Mexican Revolution, a complex and bloody conflict that resulted in significant social and political changes, including land reforms and the establishment of a constitutional republic.

20th Century to Present:

Throughout the 20th century, Mexico underwent industrialization, urbanization, and cultural revolutions. The Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) dominated politics for much of the century. Recent decades have seen democratization, economic reforms, and challenges such as drug-related violence and migration issues.

Today, Mexico is a federation comprising 31 states and Mexico City, one of the most populous cities in the world. It is a country with a dynamic economy, a rich cultural heritage, and an influential role in regional and international affairs.

Religion

The predominant religion in Mexico is Roman Catholicism. The country has a deeply rooted Catholic tradition that dates back to the Spanish conquest in the early 16th century when Catholicism was introduced to the indigenous populations. Over the centuries, Catholicism has become intertwined with Mexican culture, influencing holidays, celebrations, and daily life.

Language

Spanish is the official language of Mexico and the most widely spoken. Mexico is also home to a rich diversity of indigenous languages, such as Nahuatl, Maya, and Mixtec, among others, which are recognized as national languages within the Mexican territory. The country’s government actively promotes bilingual and intercultural education, especially in regions with significant indigenous populations.

Mexico map and flag

Mexican States you can find on this page

Before you visit Mexico

Travel to Mexico

Traveling to Mexico typically involves the following options:

By Air: The most common and fastest way to reach Mexico is by flying. Mexico has numerous international airports with Mexico City’s Aeropuerto Internacional Benito Juárez being the busiest. Other major airports include Cancún, Guadalajara, Monterrey, and Tijuana.
By Land: Visitors from the United States can enter Mexico by car or bus through various border crossings. The most frequented borders are at Tijuana, Ciudad Juárez, and Nuevo Laredo.
By Sea: Cruise ships regularly dock at Mexican ports along the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, such as Cozumel, Cabo San Lucas, and Puerto Vallarta.

Before traveling, it’s important to check visa requirements, as some travelers may need to obtain a tourist visa or a tourist card (FMM – Forma Migratoria Múltiple). It’s also advisable to have valid travel insurance and to be aware of any travel advisories.

Visas for Mexico

Tourist Visa (FMM): Many visitors entering Mexico for tourism, business, or transit purposes for less than 180 days do not require a visa but must obtain a Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM), which is a tourist card.
Visa Requirements: Nationals from countries without a visa exemption agreement with Mexico need to apply for a visa at a Mexican consulate or embassy prior to their travel.
Temporary Resident Visa: For stays longer than 180 days. Such as for work or study, individuals must apply for a Temporary Resident Visa.
Permanent Resident Visa: Those seeking to reside in Mexico indefinitely can apply for a Permanent Resident Visa, subject to meeting certain requirements like family ties or financial independence.

Travelers should check the most current visa requirements and exemptions with the nearest Mexican embassy or consulate as regulations can change.

Best time to visit Mexico

The ideal time to visit Mexico is during the dry season, which runs from December to April. During these months, you can expect less rainfall and more pleasant temperatures throughout most of the country. This period also coincides with peak tourist season, so while the weather is favorable, popular destinations may be crowded, and prices could be higher.

For those looking to avoid the crowds and possibly find better deals. The shoulder seasons — late April to early June and September to November — might be a good choice, though there’s a higher chance of rain, especially in the late summer and fall due to the hurricane season.

If you’re interested in specific events or festivals, plan your visit accordingly:

Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead): Late October to early November
Whale Watching Season: December to March
Guelaguetza Festival in Oaxaca: July

Important Information

Capital – Mexico City

Territory – 1,972,550 km²

Currency – Mexican peso

Time Zone – UTC-8 to -5

Population – 129,875,529

Demonym – Mexican