Incredible though it may seem, approximately 440 beaches have been identified along the Mexican coast where one can enjoy the sea, beaches and nature amid fabulous surroundings. The characteristics of the landscape sometimes change within a single region, depending on a number of factors, such as the terrain, the climate, the temperature of the water and its depth, but Mexico offers something for everyone along its extensive shoreline. Facilities for all kinds of water sports are available or you can just relax and sunbathe on the beach, and either stay at a luxury hotel or camp on unspoiled beaches. Major tourist resorts, such as Cancún, Acapulco, Mazatlán, Puerto Vallarta, Bahías de Huatulco, Ixtapa, Los Cabos and Veracruz also offer a variety of nightlife, Mexican and international cuisine and deluxe malls.
Its natural conditions, geographical location and biological diversity make Mexico an ideal place for ecotourism. There are several sites throughout the country with the perfect landscape, climate, flora and fauna for this while simply visiting them is a fascinating experience in itself, since Mexico boasts the world’s sixth largest range of biodiversity. Moreover, the tourist infrastructure created over the past few years has been specially designed to enhance visitors’ comfort and safety. Thus, in many regions of Mexico, you will be able to come into contact with nature by using the services created by various firms to provide accommodation and guides for visitors. There are approximately six major ecotourism circuits in Mexico: the Baja California Peninsula and Sea of Cortés, the Sierra Madre Occidental and the northeast; the central region; the south and southeast and the north and northeast.
One of Mexico’s main tourist attractions is its nightlife, which lets you relax and forget about the stresses and strains of city life and work. Most of Mexico’s tourist resorts offer a wide range of facilities such as bars, cabarets, discotheques and dance halls. There is something for everyone, from popular discotheques to exclusive nightclubs where you and your partner or friends can spend an unforgettable evening. In addition to the recommendations on this page, we suggest you try the nightclubs yourself.
Anyone who has been to Mexico will know that it is an ideal place for shopping. Visitors will find everything from duty-free shops in airports and elsewhere to tianguis or open-air markets reminiscent of the ancient world. Fine watches, jewelry and the latest fashions are available at malls and department stores while original craftwork can be purchased at any of the many street markets. Thus, visitors will be able to buy delicate ceramics, silverwork from Taxco, a blue shawl from San Luis, woven blankets from Saltillo, pots from Paquimé, Talavera work from Puebla, black pottery from Oaxaca, dinnerware from Tlaquepaque, masks from Guerrero, lacquerwork from Olinalá or guitars from Paracho. The variety of wonderful handicrafts available ensures that visitors rarely go home empty-handed.
All over the world, extreme sports have become increasingly popular, particularly among young people. In addition to skill, though, they require specialists and firms responsible for guiding and looking after these intrepid outdoor enthusiasts. Several states in Mexico are already equipped with the necessary facilities for practicing extreme sports, and visitors touring the country know that all kinds of sports are available, from hang-gliding, rafting, rappelling, and speleology to mountain biking. It is important to realize that taking part in these sports requires experience and skill, in addition to the assistance of trainers and emergency services, meaning that tourists must also take extreme measures to avoid life-threatening accidents.
Many tourists are attracted to Mexico by its water sports, particularly diving, sailing, surfing and sport fishing. In all of these activities, it offers a wide range of alternatives for both beginners and experts. Each site tends to specialize in a particular sport, meaning that Cozumel is ideal for diving, Puerto Escondido is recommended for surfing, while the Sea of Cortés is the best choice for sports fishing. However, most major resorts on the Mexican coast offer a wide range of water sports for tourists in general. |
| Climate |
Almost two thirds of the country has a warm temperate climate whilst other parts have a tropical climate where temperatures are governed by altitude. The coastal and lowland areas are hot and humid while the central plateau region has a temperate climate. The highlands tend to be fairly mild but can experience sharp drops in temperature at night. Rainfall varies greatly from region to region. Only the Sierra Madre Oriental, the Isthmus of Tehuantepec and the state of Chiapas in the far south receive any appreciable amount of rain during the year with the wet season running between Jun-Oct. All other areas have rainless seasons. Some snow in the north in winter. Dry season runs from Nov-May |
| Local Time |
Baja Calif Sur, Nayarit, Sinaloa & Chihuahua:
From 31 Oct 04 to 3 Apr 05 GMT -7
From 3 Apr 05 to 30 Oct 05 GMT -6
Baja Calif Norte:
From 31 Oct 04 to 3 Apr 05 GMT -8
From 3 Apr 05 to 30 Oct 05 GMT -7
Rest of Mexico:
From 31 Oct 04 to 3 Apr 05 GMT -6
From 3 Apr 05 to 30 Oct 05 GMT -5
Sonora: GMT -7 |
| Customs |
Import
Allowances
For persons of 18 years of age or older:
a) 20 cigarettes packs or 25 cigars or 200gr of tobacco
b) 3 lit of wine, beer or spirits
c) A reasonable quantity of perfume & eau de cologne
d) Various objects with a value up to USD 300 or equivalent
Currency
For persons of 18 years of age or older:
a) 20 cigarettes packs or 25 cigars or 200gr of tobacco
b) 3 lit of wine, beer or spirits
c) A reasonable quantity of perfume & eau de cologne
d) Various objects with a value up to USD 300 or equivalent |
| Passport & Visa |
The following details relate to holders of adult normal passports (requirements for children may be different), if any other type of passport or travel document is held, entry requirements should be checked with the relevant embassy or consulate
Required, but NOT by the following:
1) Citizens of Canada, Mexico & United States holding proof of citizenship e.g. birth certificate, naturalisation certificate, voter's registration certificate
2) Holders of a `Documento de Identidad y Viaje' issued in Mexico to stateless persons resident in Mexico
3) Holders of a `Certificado a Peticion de Partes' issued by Mexican consulates to stateless persons resident in the US
Passports must be valid for 6 months from date of entry
The following DO NOT require a visa:
1) Nationals of Mexico
2) Holders of Blue Tourist Cards & customs form issued by authorised airlines operating into Mexico or at point of entry as follows:
a) For tourist stays up to 180 days to:
a1) British nationals
a2) Nationals of Andorra, Argentina, Belgium, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Ireland Rep, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, San Marino, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United States & Uruguay
b) For stays up to 90 days to nationals of Australia, Austria, Czech Rep, France, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Korea (South), Monaco, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia & South Africa
c) For stays up to 30 days to nationals of Venezuela |
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