Travel Guide to Mexico

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Location
The Yucatan Peninsula is on Mexico’s East Coast. The state of Quintana Roo covers a large section of the peninsula, with Cancun sitting on the tip of Mexico’s most easterly point and the island of Cozumel just off its shores. The strip of coast running along the edge of Quintana Roo forms the Mayan Riviera and Caribbean Coast, lined with some of the world’s most exotic and stunning white-sand beaches.

Shopping
Cancun is a hub of entertainment and shopping with numerous malls and stores selling all manner of goods from imported designer items to jewellery to local arts and crafts. Cozumel’s most concentrated shopping area is at the Plaza del Sol, which stretches from the waterfront to the centre of the town. Mayan handicrafts are available everywhere from big department stores to street vendors and markets. Crafts include glass-blown ornaments, embroidery and weaving, hand-painted batiks, ceramics, leather goods, lace and linen items, Yucatan hammocks, woodwork and artwork.

Geography
Mexico has a varied landscape of mountainous terrain, volcanoes, deserts and beautiful coastline. Bustling cities are separated by tracts of desert wilderness. Cancun, on the most easterly tip of Mexico, is bordered on either side by a lagoon and divided into two zones, the commercial zone, which houses the residential and shopping areas, and the hotel zone, which caters for the tourist influx to the area. Cozumel, an island off Mexico’s east coast, and the Mayan Riviera harbour vast swathes of sandy beaches, tropical foliage and beautiful waterways.

History
The Yucatan Peninsula has been home to the Mayan population for centuries. Numerous ancient artefacts have been uncovered here and the current Mayan population are thought to be very similar in their way of life, culture and customs to their ancient ancestors. Between 300AD and 900AD, the Mayan culture had already developed into a thriving civilisation with a complex calendar derived from the sun and moon movements, accurate mathematical and scientific breakthroughs, highly detailed perspective art and long distance sea trading. The real reason for the breakdown of the Mayan civilisation is unknown but when Mexico was discovered and colonised by the Spanish, the Mayan civilisation had already broken down from one large community into a collection of tribes. The tribes, although splintered, repelled the Spanish and fought against colonisation. During the 19th century Castle Wars, the Mayan peoples resumed control of the peninsula, albeit briefly. The remaining Mayan population thrived in the Quintana Roo area, living in rural isolation and taking no part in the rules of the Spanish and later Mexican governments. The Quintana Roo area was given ‘state’ status in 1974 after increasing numbers of travellers began visiting the region for its beautiful beaches, excellent coral reefs and pleasant climate. New towns and modern facilities were constructed and the Mayan population remain there, amongst the now bustling and world-renowned holiday resort.

Climate

Basic Information

Language
Spanish is the official language but English is spoken in establishments catering for tourists.

Currency
New Peso is divided into 100 centavo. Coins from 5, 10, 20 and 50 centavos, to 1, 2, 5, 10 and 20 pesos. Notes from 20, 50, 100 and 200 to 500 pesos. In Cancun and Cozumel, US dollars are also accepted in most hotels and restaurants. All major credit cards are accepted. ATM machines are available.

Electricity
110 volts AC 60 Hz. Plugs should have two flat pins.

Banks
Opening hours Mon-Fri 09.00 a.m. – 15.00 p.m. or 16.00 p.m. Some banks open Saturday afternoons but hours vary.

Driving
Driving is on the right.

Time difference
GMT – 6 hours

Tipping and local customs
15-20% is generally expected in hotels, restaurants and cafes where service is not included on the bill.

Water
Bottled mineral water is recommended.

Tourist information
www.mexonline.com
www.go2mexico.com
www.visitmexico.com

What makes it so special?
Stunning swathes of beach and clear blue seas on the shores of Cozumel and the Caribbean Coast. The abundance of watersports on offer including world-class scuba diving and some of the best snorkelling sites in the world. The lively and varied nightlife, bars and entertainment in Cancun. The fantastic Mayan archaeological heritage, culture and historical sites. Perfect year round weather.

Where to visit?
In Cancun, aside from the many bars, restaurants and entertainment centres the glorious white beach at Playa Chemuyil is a must as are the fantastic snorkelling opportunities around the caverns and coves of the natural aquarium at Xel-Ha. The Mayan Riviera offers a great base from which to explore one of the many local Mayan archaeological sites, particularly Uxmal and Chichen Itza, while Akumal is renowned for being the best spot on the coast for windsurfing and diving. On the island of Cozumel, head to Chankanaab Park for underwater adventures: swim with dolphins, see sunken ships and visit the museum of marine life. The beach at Playa San Juan is the best area of the island for snorkelling and windsurfing.

Most popular tours

· Uxmal, Chichen Itza, Tulum or Rey Mayan archaeological sites
· Snorkelling and scuba diving trips
· Boat trips to Contoy Island ecological reserve
· Xel-Ha natural aquarium and snorkelling site
· Chankanaab Park
· Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve