About Mexico...

For almost three thousand years, Aridoamerica and Mesoamerica were the site of several advanced Amerindian civilizations including the Olmecs, the Mayas and the Aztecs.

In 1519, the native civilizations were invaded by Spain; this was one of the most important conquest campaigns in America. Two years later in 1521, the Aztec capital and metropolis of Tenochtitlan was conquered by an alliance between Spanish and Tlaxcaltecs, who were the main enemies of the Aztecs. They set up a three-century colonial rule in Mexico. After the independence of the vice-royalty of New Spain, it was decided that the country was to be named after its capital, Mexico City. The city's original name was Mexico-Tenochtitlan, in reference to the name of the Nahua Aztec tribe, the Mexica.

On September 16, 1810, Priest Miguel Hidalgo in the small town of Dolores, Guanajuato state, declared independence from Spain. This was the catalyst for a long war that eventually led to recognized independence in 1821 and the creation of an ephemeral First Mexican Empire.

• The North of Mexico gets very cold during the winter and snow is frequent in northern towns. Summers get very hot with sudden violent storms in the afternoon.
• Central is semiarid in the Bajio region.
• The south and southeast regions have a subtropical climate with tropical rain forests.
• During hurricane season, hurricanes are common in the coastal cities specially those near the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico.

Travel to Mexico

• By plane - International flights fly into Mexico and is the most accessible way to arrive into Mexico
• By car - American automobile insurance is not accepted in Mexico, therefore the Department of Transportation advises travelling to Mexico by air, sea, or walking where possible.

Getting around Mexico

In most of the cities, location is very important as security changes from place to place. Areas close to downtown are safer to walk at night, especially on the "Plaza", "Zocalo" or "Jardin" (main square) and areas nearby. Stay in populated areas, avoid poor neighbourhoods, especially at night, and don't walk there at any time if you are alone.

In contrast, Mexican northern non-border cities are very safe; such as Monterrey, Saltillo, Chihuahua.

• Mexicans have a somewhat relaxed sense of time, so be patient with them. Don't lose your temper if they arrive 15 minutes later than scheduled.
• The overwhelming majority of the population is Roman Catholic, which results in many Mexicans being deeply religious and conservative in character. When entering churches, always take off any sunglasses, caps or hats. Wearing shorts is not a problem at all but it's suggested to tie a sweatshirt or sweater to your waist so to avoid showing too much skin, which could be disrespectful in such places.
• Respect Mexico's laws. Some foreigner's feel that Mexico is a place where laws can be broken and the police bribed at all times. While corruption may be common amongst Mexican police, it is extremely disrespectful for foreign nationals to behave in such a manner, and could be an excuse for the police to give you "a respect lesson".
• If invited into a home, don't go barefoot in the house at any time of day or night.