Mexico Travel
A country of contradictions
To visiting "norteamericanos," Mexico used to be all about vacations in sunny Acapulco and to a lesser extent sampling the "vida loca" of Tijuana or historical sites of Mexico City. Then, resort developers discovered the pristine beaches of Cancun, Cozumel and Zihuatanejo, and tourism exploded. This Latin American country has been literally flooded with flocks of pasty-skinned "turistas" from the U.S., Canada and Europe.
Lost in all the hubbub is that Mexico is a country with a bumpy past, as well as diverse cultures, cities and geographical areas. On the flip side of all that beauty and mysticism, is Mexico's emerging reputation as a more dangerous place for tourists. If you're planning a trip, check travel advisories posted on government websites before booking- and daily up until your departure.
Despite a recent downturn in overall safety, Mexico is still a draw for the vacationer with keen passion for eclectic adventure. If you're lucky, you'll be able to sample food like manchamantales (or "tablecloth stainers") at El Refugio in Mexico City, stroll the "el melacon" in Mazatlan or take in the Days of the Dead festival in Oaxaca.
Fast Facts
Population: approximately 101,000,000
Capital: Mexico City
Languages: Spanish and Latin American Spanish
Currency: Mexican Peso
Travel Advisories: See U.S. government advisory
When To Go: Winter is your best bet
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