Mexico, Federal republic in North America
Description
This country stretches across 1.9 million square kilometers (764,000 square miles) between the Pacific and the Caribbean, taking in desert plains, highland ranges, pine forests and tropical coastlines. The geographic spread creates different climate zones, from arid northern tablelands to humid rainforest pockets in the south.
History
Civilizations such as the Olmec, Maya and Aztec inhabited the region before Spanish conquistadors arrived in 1521. Colonial rule ended in 1821 with independence, which shaped a new state.
Culture
Corn, beans and chili form the backbone of the kitchen, while neighborhood tortillerías press fresh flatbread daily for street vendors and families. Taquerías and open-air markets showcase regional cooking, from mole to tamales, which travelers can taste firsthand.
Practical
The peso is the official currency, which visitors should obtain at exchange offices or banks, since many small shops do not accept foreign money. Higher elevations can make breathing harder, so travelers from lowlands may need time to adjust slowly.
Did you know?
The Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve draws millions of butterflies each winter, traveling 4,000 kilometers (2,500 miles) from Canada and the United States. The orange clouds blanket entire treetops in the mountain forests of Michoacán and Estado de México.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Mexico).
Mexico has beaches that stay away from the crowds of common tourist spots. They stretch from the sheltered bays of Quintana Roo, where sea turtles come to lay eggs, to the quiet coasts of Baja California Sur. These places keep their natural feel: clear waters, coral reefs filled with colorful fish,...
Chichen Itza
1423.8 km
Teotihuacan
549.5 km
Maya Ruins of Tulum
1552.6 km
Popocatépetl
623.9 km
Estadio Banorte
568 km
Great Pyramid of Cholula
640.2 km
Chapultepec Castle
555.1 km
Parícutin
464.4 km
Monte Albán
916.9 km
Palace of Fine arts
555.9 km
Cave of the Crystals
583.1 km
Bank of Mexico
556 km
Angel of Independence
555.2 km
Pyramid of the Sun
549.5 km
Palenque
1244.3 km
Estadio GNP Seguros
561.3 km
Aztec sun stone
554.2 km
Citlaltepetl
711.7 km
Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe
552.6 km
Templo Mayor
556.5 km
Senate of the Republic
555.3 km
Xochimilco
571.3 km
National Museum of Anthropology
554.3 km
Holy Infant of Atocha
97.8 km
Tajín Veracruz
596.5 km
Iztaccihuatl
608.4 km
Museo Soumaya
551.9 km
Mexican Stock Exchange
555.2 km
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes