Population: 104 million
Major Airports: Juarez International Airport, Mexico City - MEX, Cancun International Airport – CUN, Puerto Vallarta Ordaz – PVR, Guadalajara Don Miguel Hidalgo International Airport - GDL, General Rafael Bueina International Airport, Mazatlan - MZT, Cozumel Municipal – CZM.
Currency: Peso - MXN ($1 US = $11.17 MEX)
Language: Spanish
Documents: Bring either a U.S. passport or a certified copy of a birth certificate and photo identification.
When to Go: This is a year round destination, but to provide a few parameters, the rainy season is from May to November, you will be fairly safe from the rain in mid-November to May. Mid-summer is tourist season and whenever demand is high expect to pay more for hotel accommodations, but this could be avoided if you plan ahead of time. However, restaurants frequented by tourist will still remain expensive. Cabo and Cancun are top Spring Break destinations so expect a good party scene at this time and if your not the college crowd or not in to the party scene, you’ll want to stay away.
Getting There: It’s most convenient to arrive by air and a majority of flights will arrive in Mexico City. It is also common for flights arriving from the US to arrive in Acapulco, Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, Guadalajara and Cancun.
Getting Around: If you are planning to visit several cities in Mexico do so via air. Although Mexico does offer first-class buses that are spacious, the service is professional, it is safe and is on schedule. There are also second-class buses for those on a budget, but they can be slower and less comfortable. Local buses and Micros (white and green mini buses) are available, but ride at your own risk as they are not safe as they are not regulated and people get packed in, but they are extremely cheap. Taxis are available and do use only official taxis that are link to “Sitio” as they have been several reports of taxi related crimes. Driving in Mexico can be challenging, it is safe, but be alert and it requires numerous documentations that can be provided by the rental car company.
