Mexico

Mexico

Mexico

Modernity and Tradition Combined in One Destination

Mexico is a country of superlatives. Everything is a little bigger, wider and higher. With almost 2 million km², Mexico is the 14th biggest country in international comparison. With a population of almost 125 million people, it is the most populated country in Latin America after Brazil and the 11th in the world. The capital Mexico City is home to over 21 million people in the metropolitan area, which makes it the third largest city in the world.

Geographically Mexico belongs to the North American continent, but culturally and historically it belongs to Latin America. Mexico borders the United States in the north and Guatemala and Belize in the south. To the east you can find the Caribbean Sea and to the west the Pacific Ocean.

With over 200,000 different species, Mexico is a country with great biodiversity, and they do a lot to protect it.

Tourism is very important in Mexico, the country is a popular travel destination to enjoy sun and life, especially among its northern neighbours from the USA. That is why you can find a well-developed tourism infrastructure in many places. The climate varies from tropical to Mediterranean to desert-like climate - in other words, pleasant conditions all year round in comparison to the northern hemisphere.

These are Mexico´s must-sees:

  • Acapulco: Brave (or crazy? See for yourself!) people jump from high cliffs into the Pacific Ocean – really stunning and a great option for breath-taking photos! Moreover, there are always parties going on at night.
  • Yucatán and the Caribbean coast await you with numerous dream beaches! The coastal sections of the Riviera Maya around Playa del Carmen near Cancún are considered the most beautiful beaches in the world by many and nightlife is definitely great here!
  • Depending on where you are in Mexico, you should visit at least one of the two archaeological sites, Chichen Itza or Teotihuacán. Old temples, step pyramids and stone inscriptions give an impression of the history of a proud culture. Both places are World Heritage Sites.
  • Guadalajara, THE cultural center of western Mexico and home of the Mariachi - did you know that Mariachi music is on the list of intagible world cultural heritage?
  • Mexico City offers an incredible number of museums, galleries, colonial architecture and other attractions. Don't be put off by the size - the must-sees are almost all within walking distance of each other in the historic center. There is a reason that the old part of the town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Guanajuato is a beautifully preserved colonial town with winding, colorful streets, ideal for architecture fans. The World Heritage Site was once one of Mexico's famous silver cities.
  • The Barranca del Cobre ("Copper Canyon") - the “Mexican Grand Canyon” in Chihuahua can be passed through via a spectacular train ride.
  • No place, but a “must-do”: the Mexican food. Forget everything you know about tacos and try out local food off from the touristy restaurants. You'll be amazed!

And your hosts? The Mexicans enjoy life to full extend, but they respect religious values very much. Family life and family cohesion are also very important.

Mexico's major cities combine modernity with characteristics from the times of the Maya and Aztecs. Even today there are still large Mayan communities who hold onto the traditions and rituals of their ancestors. Mexican culture reflects a unique fusion of European-American, indigenous and Caribbean influences. This “felicitous mix” developed a strong Mexican identity and great national pride.

One symbol of this is the Mariachi music, which represents the typical Mexican cliché – the musicians are very popular within and outside of Mexico, probably for this very reason.

Mexico really has a special charm to visitors from all over the world. In terms of landscape and culture, the country has so many different facets, that it is impossible to get to know everything on a single trip. But you have to start somewhere!