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Mexico Overview

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Walking Around Roma, Mexico City
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Built on the ruins of great civilizations, Mexico was born of radical revolution, solidified by the struggle for independence, and is now finding its place in a new era of democracy and global collaboration. Formerly the Aztec capital, Mexico City—one of the world’s largest cities—and the D.F. epitomizes the uniquely Mexican mix of past and present. Not far from the buzzing metropolis are sleepy pueblos where modern comforts are scarce and residents cling to their ancestral lands and languages. World-famous beach resorts are the playgrounds of the rich, while slums only a few blocks off the touristed path are home to campesinos, street vendors, and homeless children living in abject poverty.

This year we’ve expanded each of our nine regions—the Baja and Yucatán Peninsulas, the Northwest, the Northeast, the Central and South Pacific Coasts, Central Mexico, Mexico City, the Gulf Coast and Chiapas—adding hundreds of new listings and sights. Enjoy entirely fresh coverage on resort cities, beachside getaways, and archaeological wonders alike, including a completely revamped section on Mexico’s foremost natural wonder, Copper Canyon. Our team of intrepid adventurers have combed through every square inch of their routes—traversing miles of cobblestones and sand, spending countless hours in transit, and sampling thousands of tacos—while sniffing out the best bargains, cultural treasures, ecotourism, and adrenaline-pumping outdoor activities Mexico has to offer.

Whether you’re dreaming of a transformative experience immersed in Mexico’s national parks, colonial towns, and ancient ruins, or a tequila-soaked spring break, Let’s Go Mexico has got you covered from start to finish with quality, budget-friendly coverage. In resort cities and indigenous villages alike, we point you in the direction of the best hikes, hostels, and horchata Mexico has to offer—with the hottest nightlife to boot. Savor fiery salsas, succulent meats, and fresh coastal seafood. Marvel at colonial architecture and exotic museum collections. Relax on a sun-soaked Pacific beach. Revel in the eye-popping hues splashed over everything from clothing to churches. Refresh in a city plaza—cold local brew in hand—as roving mariachis serenade the streets. Discover Mexico.

Facts And Figures

  • Mexico, Defined: Náhuatl word meaning “Bellybutton of the World.”
  • Population: 108 million
  • Land Mass: 1,972,550 sq. km
  • Gdp Per Person: US$10,700
  • Annual Tortilla Consumption Per Person: 270 lbs.
  • Annual Beer Production: Over 6 million liters of brew—the world’s fifth largest exporter.
  • Regular Churchgoers: 45 million
  • Regular Soccer Fans: 31 million
  • Mexico City Metro: Built for 1968 Olympics, used daily by 9 million riders.
  • Chichén Itzá: Mayan city named one of the “New Seven Wonders of the World” in 2007.
  • Red Savina Habanero: World’s hottest pepper, measuring a scorching 577,000 Scoville units.

Essentials

  • Passport. Required for citizens of all countries. Note that a passport is required to return to the US from Mexico by air. This may be extended to land and sea re-entry in Jan. 2008 as well.
  • Tourist Card. Required for citizens of all countries who plan to venture past border towns and/or stay for more than 3 days. Available at airports and points of entry and can last anywhere from 30 to 180 days depending on country of origin. Included in price of plane ticket or $20 at the border.
  • Visa. Required for visitors from most countries outside of the Americas and Europe. Must be obtained through the Mexican consul before arrival.
  • Under 18? Any non-Mexican under the age of 18 departing Mexico must carry notarized written permission from any parent or guardian not traveling with the child.
  • Work Permit. Business visas and proof of employment required for all for­eigners planning to work in Mexico.
  • Recommended Vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid.
  • Other Health Concerns: Malaria pills are recommended for those traveling to malaria risk areas. If your regular medical insurance policy does not cover travel abroad, you may wish to purchase additional coverage.

  • When To Go
  • Mexico’s lush jungles, gleaming beaches, and textured highlands entice visitors year-round. Winters tend to be mild, while summers vary from warm to excruciatingly hot, as temperatures soar to ...more



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For 50 years, we have published the world’s favorite budget travel guides, written entirely by students and updated every year. With pen and notebook in hand and a few changes of underwear stuffed in our backpacks, we spend months roaming the globe in search of travel bargains.

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