Travel Guide > North America > Mexico
Modern Mexican culture is the result of centuries of intermingling between the indigenous Amerindian cultures and Spanish culture. In the current day, these cultures have come together to create a modern nation with all the skyscrapers of other Western nations, but with traditional, centuries-old practices still carried on as if white man had never set foot in the New World. For travellers able to tear themselves away from Mexico's metropolitan hotspots and explore the countryside, an engaging insight into Amerindian culture is the reward. But tear themselves away they must, for Mexico's popular tourist spots are popular with very good reason. Whether it be the ancient ruins at Teotihua'an, Spanish colonial towns like Puebla, or the gorgeous seaside resort at Acapulco, Mexico's diversity delights visitors with its brilliant potential.
Mexico is divided into 31 states and 1 federal district (Mexico City).
The 31 states can be grouped into larger regions.
The central and southern parts of Mexico were home to the Aztec, Mayan and Olmec civilizations among others and numerous ruins from these civilizations can be visited.
Mexico's climate is divided by the Tropic of Cancer. North of it, the climate is temperate and experiences cooler months during winter. In this part of the country north of the 24th parallel, summers are hot and humid and winters are mild.
South of the 24th parallel, temperatures are fairly consistent year round and vary based on elevation. Areas up with elevations up to 1000 metres average between 24 °C and 28 °C. Many of Mexico's cities are located in the Valley of Mexico or adjacent valleys with altitudes above 2000 m. The climate at that altitude is more temperate averaging 16 °C to 18 °C throughout the year, with cool nights.
Most of Mexico experiences a rainy season during the summer. Regular rains are most likely from June to September. Mexico's northern regions have a dry climate, while the tropical lowlands in the south of Mexico have an average annual rainfall of 200 cm.
Basically, Mexico has two national airlines of importance. These are Mexicana and Aero Mexico. Main hub is Mexico City International Airport (MEX). Other important international airports are General Mariano Escobedo International Airport (MTY) near Monterrey, Cancún International Airport (CUN) and Guadalajara International Airport (GDL). Several North American and European airlines all have direct flights into one of these 4 international airports.
There are no international connections by train to and from Mexico
Mexico uses the New Peso (MXN). 1 Peso is made up of 100 centavos.
Notes come in denominations of ME$500, 200, 100, 50 and 20. Coins are in denominations of ME$20, 10, 5, 2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10 and 5 centavos.
This is version 15. Last edited at 11:12 on May 2, 08 by Peter (+5405). 24 articles link to this page.
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