Latitude 19 26N   Longitude 99 7W                                  

By: T360 Travel Group Staff

Mexico covers a surface of 761 thousand square miles. At present time it has a population of approximately 100 million people. The country is bordered in the south by Guatemala and Belize and in the north by the United States of America. It is surrounded by 4 coasts: The Sea of Cortes, the Pacific Ocean, the Caribbean Sea and the Golf of Mexico.

Mexico is a diverse country and a millennial culture with the Olmecan tribe being the first civilization that appeared around 1500 years BC. Mexico is rich in traditions, history, art and religion offering a complete tourist infrastructure that guarantees a comfortable and secure stay of those visiting its different destinations. Mexico has everything!

Any person traveling to Mexico from another country should keep in mind that customs and values in Mexico may not be exactly the same as they are at home. If you understand the differences between cultures and treat people with respect, you will ensure a great vacation surrounded by some of the kindest and most pleasant people in the world

Due to the value that Mexicans place on the family, there are many family oriented restaurants throughout Mexico. Unlike some upscale restaurants in the United States and Europe which tend to frown on young children, many fancy restaurants in Mexico welcome families with children. If you'll be traveling with young children, don't hesitate to take them to a nice restaurant

Greetings are more formal in Mexico than in the United States. If you're a man, use a handshake when greeting other men, or when greeting a woman for the first time. If the woman is a friend or acquaintance, a kiss on the cheek is customary. If you're a woman, a handshake will do for first meetings of both men and women, but with friends and acquaintances, both men and women, a handshake and a kiss on the cheek. It may feel awkward at first, but remember that it seems perfectly natural to the Mexican people

Mexico is made up of several different regions, each with its own type of seasonal weather, climate, altitude and terrain dictating what you will need to be prepared and comfortable. Generally, rains fall and temperatures rise from June through October, leaving November through May as the more temperate, drier season.

In your quest for a good time on your vacation, your eating and drinking habits are often radically different than what you're used to back home. In addition, climate and altitude changes can throw your system off. To ensure you enjoy your vacation to its fullest, consider the following: Be sure to drink lots of fluids; especially the day before arriving.

Try not to go overboard your first night. Give your body a chance to acclimate. Drink only distilled or bottled water.

When buying fresh fruits and vegetables, be sure to wash them with distilled or bottled water before eating; peel them if possible.

The Mexican economy operates on the rise and fall of the Peso. While most businesses will accept foreign currency, especially US dollars, using pesos is your best bet. Foreign currency can be exchanged at one of many casas de cambio (exchange houses).

Mexico City, called D. F. (for Distrito Federal; Federal District) or simply Mexico, is the capital, seat of government and the center of commerce, finance and the arts; in addition to being the largest city in the world.

Visitors to Mexico City will find a cosmopolitan city struggling with the effects of expansion and growth. Pegged at 2% growth per year, the population of Mexico is continually outpacing the efforts of government to provide services. That said, travelers will still find a pleasant, enjoyable and historic city lying beneath the surface

This expansive city of 20 million and over a mile high is built on the ruins of Tenochtitlan, the ancient Aztec capital. Reminders of past civilization pervade the city, particularly at the Templo Mayor excavation and Anthropological Museum at Chapultepec Park. Fine shops can be found in profusion in the Zona Rosa