Mexico Tours & Vacation packages | Guided trips to Mexico with Ada Tours

Highlights

The nature beauty of Tulum that contrasts with its rich Mayan ruins
- The incredible beaches of Cancun with its lively resorts
- The Capital Mexico City and its cosmopolitan excitement combined with a return to the past of Teotihuacán archaeological site

Geography

Mexico comprises most of southern North America, including the Yucatán Peninsula. Geopolitically, however, Mexico is not commonly considered a Central American country. Mexico's is a very large country and hs some small islands in the Pacific Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of California. On its north, Mexico shares a border with the United States. On its south, Mexico shares the border with Guatemala and Belize.

Language

The government recognizes 62 indigenous Amerindian languages as national languages, but the official national language is Spanish.

Money

The currency used in Mexico is the Mexican peso, 1 USD is about 19.2 Mexcian Pesos (March 2019)

Climate

The country has temperate and tropical zones. In the north there are cooler temperatures during the winter months. It is hot and humid during the summer, from 20°C to 24°C, because of more moderate conditions during the winter. In the South, temperatures are fairly constant year round, between 24°C and 28°C. Temperatures here remain high throughout the year, with only a 5°C difference between winter and summer temperatures.

Gastronomy

You should really try the Mexican cuisine, it is centered around three national staples: tortillas, beans and chili peppers. Tortillas are thin round patties of pressed corn or wheat-flour dough cooked on griddles. Beans (frijoles) are eaten boiled, fried or refried, in soups, on tortillas or with just about anything. Apart from an astonishing array of freshly squeezed fruit juices, Mexico is also famous for its alcoholic beverages, tequila in particular.

History

Between the third and sixth century the Empire of the Toltecs was established in the area that is now Mexico. After that the country was also inhabited by the Empire of the Aztecs. In 1822 Mexico becomes independent as the Mexican Empire, also including the Central-American states of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua as well as large parts of what is now the United States. But in the upcoming yeasr Mexico loses northern territories to the United States. Therefore without a doubt we can say that mexico has a very rich and long histiry, which most definitely left behind many interesting places, festivities, customs and things to explore and experience.

Religion

Mexico is predominantly Roman Catholic. While most indigenous Mexicans are Catholic, some combine Catholic practices with native traditions, which results in an interesting belief with many amazing traditions. All these mixed religions make sure mexico is a diverse and interesting country to explore.

Culture

Mexicans have had a talent for art and colour since pre-Hispanic times. Today, Mexico is covered with galleries of contemporary and historic art, which are a highlight of the country for many visitors. Mexican creativity is also expressed through the country's vibrant folk-art tradition. Notable examples of pre-Hispanic art include the Olmecs' monumental stone heads, the early Paradise of Tláloc murals at Teotihuacán and the Mayan murals at Bonampak in Chiapas. The influence of indigenous artisans can be seen in the elaborate altarpieces and sculpted walls and ceilings that decorate the country's many churches.

Mexico's ancient civilizations produced some of the most spectacular, eye-pleasing architecture ever built. Sites such as Teotihuacán, Monte Albán, Chichén Itzá and Uxmal are fairly intact examples of pre-Hispanic cities, with their ceremonial centers, pyramids, temples and ball courts.

Music

The music of Mexico is extraordinarily diverse and features a wide range of different musical styles. Many traditional Mexican songs are well-known worldwide. The best-known Mexican genre by far is ranchera, interpreted by a band of mariachis. Another important music style is the traditional "norteño," or Northern tunes, which has been the basis for the development of more popular genres such as banda music.

Southern Mexican folk music is centered around marimba, which remains popular in Chiapas and Oaxaca. In Yucatán the traditional Jarana music and dance is popular, as well as the Yucatan's most beloved music genre: the trova, which developed from Caribbean, Colombian and Mayan roots.

Wildlife

For the nature lover, mexico is the place to be. Mexico has over thirty thousand flowering plants of which the cactus is the plant which most people associate with Mexico.
For the Marine lover there is also much to see. Whales, mackerel, sardine, barracuda, swordfish, shark and turtles are a few of the creatures which live in the surrounding seas.
If you prefer to stay on land, animal you may encounter are wolves, lynx, bears, jaguars, pumas, ocelots, tapirs, monkeys, crocodiles, lizards, snakes, iguanas and the axolotl.
Mexico is home to over one thousand species of birds such as parrots, macaws, toucans, flamingoes and humming birds. The quetzal was prized for its beautiful feathers used in Indian ceremonial dress. Nowadays the quetzal is rare.