Mexico, officially the United Mexican States, is a country in North America, bordering the United States to the north, Guatemala and Belize to the south. Mexico is washed by waters of the Pacific Ocean to the west, by the Caribbean Sea to the south and by the Gulf of Mexico to the east. The United Mexican States is a federal constitutional republic consisting of 31 states and one federal district around the capital – Mexico City. The official language is Spanish.

Most part of Mexico’s territory features tropical climate. In the north climate is subtropical and highly variable depending on the relief. Northwest part of the country has a dry continental climate.

More than half of the total territory of the state is occupied by sparsely populated dry plains surrounded by treeless hills: from the beaches of Baja California to the marshy areas and islands of the Gulf of Mexico.

There are two big mountain ranges in Mexico – Eastern and Western Sierra Madre. Between them the largest desert in North America – Chihuahua Desert stretches. In the coastal part of the peninsula there are the best beaches of Northern Mexico.

The national currency is the Peso. Dollars are accepted almost everywhere, but often at very bad rates. Currency exchange can be done in exchange offices, banks, major hotels or at the airport, where the rate is usually more profitable. Credit cards are also widely accepted and the ATM network in the country is well developed.

Mexico is an ideal destination for those who seek for amazing history, beautiful and diverse nature, monuments of ancient civilizations, mild climate, colourful festivals, delicious cuisine and atmosphere of endless holidays.
In this country you can enjoy incredible metropolitan areas and modern hotels with high quality service, as well as archaeological remains of ancient Indian cultures.

You will undoubtedly like the beaches of the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Here you can find the Great Pyramid of Cholula, also called Tlachihualtepetl – the world’s largest pyramid. Its construction began in the 3rd century BC.

Nature enthusiasts will be glad to visit the wonderful National Park Xel-Ha, which is an aquarium, located in a cave, through which underground rivers go. The colours of the exotic marine world that can be seen in details in the perfectly clean water really impress.

In Cancun you can visit the underwater national parks of Contoy, Chakaban lagoon and a famous crocodile park "Krokotaun."
Acapulco awaits those who enjoy vibrant night life – in this port city there are a lot of casinos, shows and restaurants.
And, of course, connoisseurs of history should not miss the chance to see the ruins of Chichen-Itza, whose main pyramid – Kukulkan – is the most famous tourist symbol of Mexico, comparable only with Big Ben, or the Eiffel Tower. Other most popular attractions include the Plaza of thousand columns and the Round Tower Observatory.

Airports

Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX), Mexico City

Cancún International Airport (CUN), Cancun

Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport (GDL), Guadalajara

General Mariano Escobedo International Airport (MTY), Monterrey

Tijuana International Airport (TIJ), Tijuana

Los Cabos International Airport (SJD), San José del Cabo

Lic. Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR), Puerto Vallarta

Diving in Mexico

A long coastline on the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean, comfortable climate and abundant sea life make Mexico one of the most popular diving destinations.

The coastal areas of Riviera Maya and Costa Maya are said to be the best dive areas in Mexico. Here you can enjoy warm and tranquil waters of the Caribbean Sea perfect for both beginning and advanced divers. Many divers are attracted by Cancun Underwater Museum, where you can enjoy fancy underwater landscape and swim with dolphins, nurse sharks, sea turtles and other reef fish.

Near Cozumel, which is a part of the Great Maya Barrier Reef, you can explore plenty of reefs, caverns, caves and tunnels.

Off the coast of Costa Maya, near Belize border, you will find Banco Chinchorro, a pristine coral atoll that boasts high underwater visibility, lots of various marine critters and a picturesque reef.

In gorgeous waters of the Pacific Ocean you can take a boat trip for offshore scuba. One of the most popular diving places here is Islas Marias, off Puerto Vallarta. Off Socorro Island you can meet sharks, huge manta rays and humpback whales. Off Guadalupe you can take up white shark cage diving.

Those who are fond of wreck-diving can explore such famous wrecks as the Maria Elena and the El Rielero, located off the port of Veracruz in the Gulf of Mexico.

Any diver visiting Mexico gets impressed by the Cenotes – unique sinkholes in a system of caves that run under the Yucatan Peninsula. The most famous cenotes are Dos Ojos, located to the north of Tulum and cenote Chac Mol.
While diving in a huge cave system you will see huge stalactites and stalagmites, enjoy stunning light effects and travel under the roots of a tropical forest in the crystal clear water. The water temperature in almost all cenotes is 24-25 ° C, diving there suits even beginners.