Mexico
Want to visit a nation that is the most populous Spanish-speaking country in the world? Interested in checking out a place that has stunning beaches, ancient ruins, stunning mountains, and is home to approximately 10% of the world's biodiversity? If any or all of those things sound good to you then head to Mexico.
Situated on the southern border or the United States and to the north of Central America, Mexico is a wonderful country to visit. Whether you elect to endure the megalopolis that is Mexico City, sit on the beach in Cancun or get lost paddling a kayak in Baja California, Mexico is a country that offers untold beauty and hospitality.
The land of sharp contrasts offers something for all tastes. The south's hot and humid climate in the summer, drier and more temperate at higher elevations inland (Guadalajara or Mexico City, for example) and almost freezing temperatures inland from December to February gives a wide range of weather. Geography and tastes are varied - coastal resorts, soaring mountains, deep canyons, rocky deserts, tropical forests.
The days of Mexico being a super cheap destination are gone, but the country still offers great value. If your standards aren't high, you can live, eat and travel on a cheap budget with relative ease. If you are more concerned about comfort than saving money, Mexico offers some fine upscale accommodations that will leave you breathless.
No country is perfect, of course. Mexico does have its share of crime in its big cities, breathing the thin, polluted air in Mexico City will leave your lungs hurting, and the situation in Chiapas remains a problem. Don't let these things scare you away from visiting and by all means get off the beaten tourist path and visit small town Mexico. You will not be disappointed.
WHAT TO DO
The giant capital of Mexico City is one of the finest colonial destinations in Latin America. The Centro Historico district is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as the most popular place to stay for budget travelers. Tijuana is a classic border town just south of San Diego. People flood into the city every day for bargains on crafts and jewelry, and the nightlife can be wild and unpredictable.
Cancun is the largest beach resort on the Caribbean side. The city didn't even exist until it was purpose-built starting in 1970 and now it's a popular Spring Break spot for Americans, but also popular all winter as well. Puerto Vallarta, Acapulco, Mazatlan, and Cabo San Lucas are the main Pacific resorts and popular among cruise ship passengers as well.
GETTING THERE
There are many large airports in Mexico and the distances between cities are great. You should either fly into Mexico City or get a flight into Cancun if you are headed for that resort of the ancient Aztec ruins of the area. You can also fly into all the Pacific resorts from Los Angeles and other major nearby cities.
WHERE TO STAY
Obviously there are countless hotels in Mexico, and they come in all price ranges. There are loads of international-quality chains in Mexico City and the resort areas, and budget hotels throughout the country as well. There are quite a few hostels in Mexico, mostly in the capital, but there are a few in other cities as well. Cities with no hostels tend to have cheap hotels so the entire country is budget-friendly.
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