From all the countries born during the prodigious iberian adventure, Mexico is doubtless the one who exercises on the European imagination the strongest fascination.
The major part of Mexico is an immense high tray surrounded with mountain ranges which fall towards narrow coastal plains in the West and in the East.
Two main mountain ranges, western sierra Madre and oriental sierra Madre, join in the southeast where they form the sierra Madre of the South, a labyrinth of volcanic mountains where rise the highest summits of Mexico (Pico Orizaba, 5 610 m). The country counts numerous active volcanoes (Popocatépetl, Paricutín, Chichinal, Nevado, Colima).
With a surface of 2 million kilometres square and 11 000km of coasts bathed by 5 seas and oceans, United States of Mexico possess an imense territory in climates, landscapes, cultures and traditions very varied.
The national currency is the Peso ( MXP) however the USD is part of the Mexican everyday life. Under the influence of the native languages, Spanish spoken in Mexico grew rich of numerous linguistic particularism. The main native language is the nahuatl, the former language of the Aztecs whereas the Mayan is spoken in Chiapas and in the Peninsula of Yucatan.
Regarding the climate, the north part of the country possess very warm summers ( with cool nights) and cold winters. The climate is moderated in Meseta Central with cool nights.
Tropical, wet and warm on the maritime facades, below the Tropic of Cancer the rainy season, non-existent on the north trays, extends from June till September (showers of short duration generally at the end of the day). Concerning Yucatan and Quintana Roo, the climate is there rather tropical, warm and wetter with an almost daily period of sunshine and the annual average of the temperature is 27 degrees. Possibility of hurricane to September or October.
The Mexican gastronomy is very diversified according to regions, its base stays the “tortilla” or pancake of wheat / corn. The inescapable dishes among others are the guacamole, the quesadillas, the chicken, the hot peppers and the preparation of beams( Ex: Crema de frijoles).
Among these ingredients, let us remind that the humanity is indebted in Mexico of the use of beans, potatoes, some corn, zucchini, tomato, cocoa, the avocado, diverse fruits such as papaya, guaba, the vanilla and the strong hot peppers.
Let us clarify that the tap water of Mexico is not drinkable.
Concerning the uses, the tip entered the customs.
Concerning the electric voltage, Mexico uses 110 volts and the time difference is as following : - 7 hours with regard to UK and in winter: - 6 hours.
The calendar of the Mexican festivities which for the most part are religious is the following
: the épiphanie.
In the middle of February
: the carnival is effervescent in Veracruz and Mérida.
: the Mexicans celebrate Easter and the Holy Week; it is doubtless the best respected tradition.
For the religious lovers, it is a period of punishment and prayers.
In May 15th
: Saint-Iisidore: fields are blessed and animals are crowned with flowers.
: the festival of the Independence which is the national festival. November 1st and 2nd: All Saints' Day, all the population comes to honour the memory with old in the streets and the cemeteries illuminated from thousands with candles. The population takes care, eats, drinks, laughs and cries over the tombs of the late ones.
: Celebrates of the virgin of Guadaloupe: this procession gives place to the greatest pilgrimage of the country where culminate the folk and religious demonstrations on the square of the Basilic of Guadalupe in Mexico City
The Yucatan Peninsula is located at the south-east of the Mexican Republic and is composed of the states of Yucatan, Campeche and of Quintana Roo enjoying a hot and wet climate. Its geographical situation makes of it the door of entry of the Mayan World (International airport of Cancun & Mérida). These principal urban centres are well served by correct road networks. In comparison with the vastness of Mexico, the Yucatan Peninsula allows reasonable ways to visit around the archeological sites, urban and éco tourist For example Playa del Carmen is 67km from Cancun, Chichen Itza 175km from Cancun.
You will be able to visit its colonial capital, Mérida; to twalk through Paseo Montejo, to admire the architectural beauty of its palates, its colonial heritage of the 19th century which made "White City" one of the most visited destinations of Mexico. Close to the city you will discover certain Hacienderos fields of sisal plants, converted today into luxurious hotels having restaurants, spas and museum. You can choose to visit the town of Valladolid, the gastronomical capital whose surroundings are strewn with "cenotes" (lakes connected to each other in an underground way), favourable with the bathe or speleology. In Yucatan, you will also see natural wonders like Celestún, which is inhabited by pink hundreds of Flemish, and also Río Lagartos.
In conclusion, the Yucatan Peninsula since always proud of its preserved Maya heritage will become a world which will surely enchant any traveller willing to combine tradition and modernism, ideal caribean and softness of Mexican life, gastronomy and eco tourism while benefitting from hotel infrastructures of very first plan.
Anecdote : at the time of the conquista, the Spaniards asked the Mayas natives where they were, their answer was Yucatan i.e. in language Maya "We don’t understand what you say" since this time a whole area bears this name
The unavoidable aspects of the Yucatan
- colonial cities
- archeological sites
- seaside resorts
- leisures and activities
- relaxation and well being