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Mexico (Estados Unidos Méxicanos)
By Jessica Lloyd
 Introduction
Mexico was an advanced civilization before the arrival of the
Spanish and achieved independence early in the
19th century. Under Spanish rule much of the wealth was stolen but
the Spanish influence is strongly represented in the
architecture and today
Mexico is a democratic country playing economic catch-up with the
developed world and is
making an impressive recovery.
For the visitor Mexico is a popular destination where you can take
day trips from the USA border cities, yet
Mexico City (the capital city) in
central Mexico is the most popular destination and the largest city
in the world.
A traveller's paradise, Mexico is crammed with desert landscapes,
high mountains, exotic beaches and something for everyone.
The North of Mexico has
the great Chihuahua Desert, the Sierra Madre Occidental and
Sierra Madre Oriental mountain ranges and the area around Durango is
where many cowboy movies have been made.
Central Mexico has the snow-capped volcanoes of Popocatepetl and
Iztaccíhuatl and is where you will find Mexico City which serves to
access the country. The Yucatan Peninsula has amazing archeological
sites, ruins of the one great Mayan Empire as well as modern Mayan
villages renowned for
their exquisite hand crafts.
Mexico borders the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of
Mexico, between Belize and the US and borders the North Pacific
Ocean, between Guatemala and the USA with easy access from
neighboring countries, Europe and Asia.
Language and Money
Here they speak Spanish, with a Mexican twist (Areba! Areba! Undele!
Undele!) It would benefit you greatly to learn a small amount of
Spanish before you arrive here, because without it you will be
preyed upon by over eager and opportunist goods sellers - you will
lose money if you can't negotiate. Plus, its always appreciated by
the people when an effort is made to communicate. The currency is
Pesos, with one US dollar being equal to around 10 pesos. The
exchange rate is normally favourable unless you happen to be
arriving with Brazilian reais. There are coins for up to twenty
pesos, then notes. Everything is very cheap here, so go to town!
Mexicans are beautiful and kind people, with their dark hair and
eyes and wide smiles. Enjoy!
Mexico Accommodation
Note: Crime in Mexico is a problem particularly in
Mexico City. Violent crime and, more specifically and
sexual crimes against women are increasing as in most countries and commonly reported
crimes involve theft such as pick pocketing, purse snatching, armed
hold ups, credit-card fraud and ATM robberies and even kidnappings
targeting travellers in the Nuevo Laredo region of northern Mexico
so travellers should be extra vigilant.
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