Mexico, a vast and diverse Latin American country, is rich in history, culture and tradition. Its people are proud and passionate about everything from their colourful festivals and regional cuisines to their love of football. Though still marked by wide economic inequality, Mexico continues to evolve as a dynamic and increasingly popular destination, with travellers drawn to its remarkable landscapes, archaeological sites and vibrant cities.
Modern Mexican society, particularly in the major cities, has developed a cosmopolitan energy reflected in its thriving dining scene, arts, music and contemporary culture. Travel throughout the country is relatively straightforward, with well-developed domestic flights and extensive bus and road networks connecting its many regions.
In Baja California, on Mexico’s northwestern peninsula, the landscapes are dramatically different from the rest of the country. Here vast desert landscapes meet the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez, creating one of the world’s most spectacular marine environments. Baja is renowned for its wildlife encounters, particularly whale watching in the Pacific lagoons, as well as sea kayaking, snorkelling and exploring remote desert coastlines. The region offers a quieter, more adventurous side of Mexico, far removed from the busy resort areas found elsewhere in the country.
Located between latitudes 14° and 33°N, and longitudes 86° and 119°W in the southern portion of North America and with a total area of 1,972,550 Km2, Mexico is the world’s 14th largest country. Mexico is crossed from north to south by two mountain ranges known as Sierra Madre Oriental and Sierra Madre Occidental, which are the extension of the Rocky Mountains from northern North America. From east to west at the centre, the country is crossed by the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt also known as the Sierra Nevada. A fourth mountain range, the Sierra Madre del Sur, runs from Michoacán to Oaxaca. As such, the majority of the Mexican central and northern territories are located at high altitudes, and the highest elevations are found at the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt: Pico de Orizaba (5,700 m or 18,701 ft), Popocatépetl (5,462 m or 17,920 ft) and Iztaccihuatl (5,286 m or 17,343 ft) and the Nevado de Toluca (4,577 m or 15,016 ft). Three major urban agglomerations are located in the valleys between these four elevations: Toluca, Greater Mexico City and Puebla.
Three parties have historically been the dominant parties in Mexican politics: the National Action Party (a conservative party founded in 1939 and belonging to the Christian Democrat Organization of America), the Institutional Revolutionary Party (a centre-left party and member of Socialist International that was founded in 1929 to unite all the factions of the Mexican Revolution and held an almost hegemonic power in Mexican politics since then) and the Party of the Democratic Revolution (a left-wing party, founded in 1989 as the successor of the coalition of socialists and liberal parties).
Mexico has traditionally been among the most visited countries in the world according to the World Tourism Organization and it is the most visited country in the Americas after the United States. The most notable attractions are the Mesoamerican ruins, cultural festivals, colonial cities, nature reserves and the beach resorts. The nation’s wide range of climates, from temperate to tropical, and unique culture – a fusion of the European and the Mesoamerican – make Mexico an attractive destination. The peak tourism seasons in the country are during December and the mid-Summer, with brief surges during the week before Easter and Spring break, when many of the beach resort sites become popular destinations for college students from the United States.
The main language spoken in Mexico is Spanish. Another 68 indigenous languages are spoken.
83% Roman Catholics, 10% Protestant & Evangelical, 5% No Religion, 2% Other Religion
Mexico can be visited year-round, although the most favourable months across much of the country are generally November to April, when conditions are typically drier and temperatures more comfortable for exploring cities, cultural sites and coastlines. In Baja California, this period is particularly pleasant for exploring the desert landscapes and Pacific coastline, and it also coincides with the whale watching season in the Pacific lagoons. The warmer months from May to October bring higher temperatures and occasional tropical storms in some regions, particularly later in the summer.
“Mexico is such a vast country that it almost feels like several different countries. One of my favourite areas, with three time zones and a name that sounds American, is Baja California. The landscape here is surreal and beautiful, with impossibly tall, cartoon-like cacti dotting a desert that drops down to the Sea of Cortez—a natural aquarium alive with whale sharks, mobula rays, sea lions, sea turtles, and countless tropical fish. On the Pacific coast, lagoons host grey whales that arrive early in the year to calve. There’s so much to Mexico, but for natural beauty, you can’t beat Baja.”
Whatever you want from your trip, our team of experts are ready to help.
These are trips which are perfectly created, organised, and lead specifically for you. If you are considering one of our wildlife, multi-activity adventures, small group trips or family holiday adventures then we would be delighted to design a tailormade itinerary, to meet your interests, travel dates and accommodation requirements. Just get in touch!
Learn MoreWe operate small group holidays for a maximum of 8-12 persons. As well as multi-activity trips we offer trekking trips, kayaking, rafting, wildlife, cycling and photography. These small group trips make ideal holidays for singles and couples, particularly for those wishing to visit Madagascar, the Galapagos islands, explore Borneo or kayak the Komodo Dragon islands, Indonesia.
Learn MoreWe are delighted to offer a number of specialist trips, depending on your interests. We organise a number of specialist holidays such as family adventure holidays that can be designed to meet the requirements for children of certain ages. We also design unique and interesting luxury holidays and honeymoon trips as well trips for celebrating special events and anniversaries.
Learn MoreUK citizens are among those who do not need a visa to enter Mexico; however you will need a tourist permit. These are referred to as ‘Forma Migratoria Múltiple’ (FMM) and are easily obtained on arrival. You will need to complete an immigration form either on the flight or on arrival. The FMM’s fee is included in your airfare.
Immigration officials may also ask to see proof of your departure plans before allowing you entry to Mexico, so have details available. Currently there are no specific absent parent authorisation requirements; however single parents may be asked to show evidence of their relationship with the child (birth or adoption certificates, divorce or marriage certificates, or a Parental Responsibility Order) and asked why they are travelling with the child.
Please note, if your flights transit a country, you will also need to check if an additional visa is
required as a number of countries now require a transit visa
The local currency is the Mexican Nuevo Peso, known colloquially as ‘Peso’. US dollars (USD) are widely accepted but it is a good idea to have Peso as well. We recommend that you take USD rather than Sterling as it’s easier to change into local currency. Debit and credit cards are widely accepted for payment and can be used in ATMs. It’s not usually possible to exchange cash at hotel receptions only at banks and bureaux de change. For your convenience we have partnered up with a currency exchange company that offer you next day delivery on any currency orders. Please note not all currencies are available. Order details along with any terms and conditions can be found at https://ttngtravel.money/pioneerexpeditions
Adequate travel insurance is mandatory for everyone who participates in a Pioneer Expedition; this will need to cover you for emergency medical evacuation. The sooner you book your insurance the sooner you are covered if you have to cancel your trip due to personal or family illness
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