Mexico

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Means of transport recommended in town

Recommendation

Traffic circulation in Mexico City is very heavy as well as in the other major cities, especially in the downtown areas.  There is a lot of road work as well.  The use of seat belts is mandatory.
It is recommended to use public transportation, but the conditions of city buses are not too good and these are driven recklessly.
The subway, called Metro, circulates all over the city and it is very inexpensive.
Taxis are available in all major avenues, however, it is better to use authorized taxis (a directory can be found in:  taxis ) which will guarantee a safe ride and rapid access at a fair price.  Currently, there is also a suburban train which connects the main cities in the state of Mexico with the capital (D.F.), and in only 15 minutes travels 20 km.

Maps of urban networks

Maporama
Mapblast
UT Library on line

Transportation from Airport to City Centre:

Airport	Distance	Taxi	Bus	Train	Car rental
Mexico City Intl (MEX)	12 km / 7 miles	USD 17-25 / 45 min	USD 0.20 / 40 min		Available
Guadalajara (GDL)	17 km / 12 miles	USD 12-18	USD 10 / 35 min		Available

Means of transport recommended in the rest of the country

Recommendation

The bus is the most popular type of transportation to travel around the Mexican territory.  Prices are inexpensive and the conditions are, in general, good.

 

There are 57 international airports in the country which allow traveling in a short time.  Fifteen companies manage the airlines market.  They offer several itineraries and frequent  flight connections in between the capital and the major cities.  In the last few years, airlines companies called  "low cost" have integrated the market, increasing the use of airplane transportation in the country.  The fares can be high if the reservations are not booked in advance.

Rail companies

Ferromex

Airlines

You can consult the list of airlines banned within the EU. Look also the rating of the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Traveling by yourself

Recommendation

Roads are asphalted, well kept and functional in most parts of the country.  The toll highways guarantee safety.
International insurances are not valid, therefore it is necessary to obtain auto insurance in Mexico.
In Mexico City, an alternating traffic system has been established in order to fight environmental pollution (it is based on the vehicle plate's number).  Vehicles with a foreign plate cannot circulate on Fridays.

Road maps

Guide to Roji-Mexico, Guadalajara and Monterrey
Travel by Mexico - Road maps
Road map - Ministry of Tourism

Find an itinerary

Map24

Different forms of tourism

Historical

In Mexico City and its surroundings:  The  Templo Mayor , the historic city center district,& The Museum of Anthropology and History, the pyramids of Teotihuacán, Taxco, Morelia, Tula. In the center of the country: Guanajuato, Guadalajara,San Miguel de Allende, Querétaro In the south of Mexico: Palenque and Chichen Itzá, la Riviera Maya.

Cultural

The Metropolitan Cathedral, Coyoacán, Xochimilco, Craftsmanship in Morelia, Gastronomy in Puebla,Ruta del Tequila en Jalisco, Festival of the Guelaguetza, Oaxaca, Contemporary architecture in Tijuana

Nature

La Peña de Bernal, Querétaro;; El Chico National Park, Hidalgo; , Michoacán;Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl Volcanoes, The Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary, Michoacán; Ecotourism, Yucatán,Kayak, Veracruz.

Religious

The Metropolitan Cathedral, The Basilica of Oulr Lady of Guadalupe, The Sanctuary of Christ the King, Cerro del Cubilete.

Thermal

Baja California, Hidalgo,  Chihuahua.

Beach

Mexico has many beaches on the Pacific and the Atlantic oceans' coasts. For further information, visit the website of the Mexican Ministry of Tourism.

Winter sports

No tourist activities have been developed for this type of sport.

Outdoor activities

Diving, camping, canoeing, fishing, surfing... Mexico offers an endless list of activities. Consult the website VISIT MEXICO

Shopping

In the Mexican state capitals, there are shopping centers, markets and stores where one can obtain  folkloric and odd articles.

Tourism organizations

Ministry of Tourism

Health and safety

Health precautions

A certificate of vaccination against yellow fever is required for travelers aged six months or older if they are arriving from an infected area.
There is a high risk related to the  geographical altitude and air pollution in the Mexico City area.
It is advised not to drink tap water.  Avoid consuming ice creams and sherbets, as well as ice cubes.
In order to prevent gastrointestinal diseases, very common in tourists, it is advised to avoid consuming high risk foods, reheated meals, seafood and fish, undercooked meats and raw vegetables, as well as fruits with their peel.

International hospitals

Centro Médico ABC    Hospital Angeles   Clínica Londres  Médica Sur

 

 

For further information on sanitary conditions

Enjoy Mexico
Center for control and prevention of diseases
Health and prevention information from the WHO

For further information on safety conditions

Information about Mexico - US Department of State

Time difference and climate

Time and time difference

It is %T:%M %A in Mexico City (GMT-6 in winter, GMT-5 in summer)
It is %T:%M %A in Culiacán (GMT-7 in winter, GMT-6 in summer)
It is %T:%M %A in Tijuana (GMT-8 in winter, GMT-7 in summer)

Summer time period

Summer season is  from April to October.