Mexico Travel Guide
Did you know?
In Mexico, off the coast of Cancun, deep in the Caribbean Sea, there is the largest underwater museum in the world. The exhibits that went to the bottom of the sea are sculptures by British artist Jason de Caires. Attractions can be admired by diving or swimming in a boat with a glass bottom.
How far is it?
1. The site uses the Great Circle method of calculating distances between two points on the Earth
2. To change the cities for comparison, change Your Country in settings
The distance between Mexico City (MX) and Washington D.C. (US) is 1885 miles
To calculate distance between your location and Mexico City click here
Country Comparison
Compare Mexico to any country in the world and see key differences between them side-by-side.
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Cities and Top Tourist Attractions
From historical cities to picturesque landmarks and fascinating places - don't miss out on these attractions when planning a visit to Mexico
| Miles | Mexico City | Guadalajara | Monterrey | Mérida | Oaxaca | Cancún | Puerto Vallarta | Mazatlan |
| Mexico City | - | 286 | 438 | 628 | 229 | 811 | 402 | 536 |
| Guadalajara | 286 | - | 396 | 887 | 501 | 1070 | 121 | 264 |
| Monterrey | 438 | 396 | - | 752 | 638 | 913 | 469 | 420 |
| Mérida | 628 | 887 | 752 | - | 537 | 184 | 1008 | 1086 |
| Oaxaca | 229 | 501 | 638 | 537 | - | 707 | 608 | 760 |
| Cancún | 811 | 1070 | 913 | 184 | 707 | - | 1192 | 1264 |
| Puerto Vallarta | 402 | 121 | 469 | 1008 | 608 | 1192 | - | 197 |
| Mazatlan | 536 | 264 | 420 | 1086 | 760 | 1264 | 197 | - |
A Brief History of Mexico
Important historical events that significantly shaped the nation's trajectory throughout the centuries
300 - 900 A.D.
Mayan classic eraThe "classical period" for the ancient Mayan, Zapotecan and Teotihuacán people. Temples are built at the Chichén Itzá and Uxmal.
1519 - 1521
Spanish conquest of the Aztec EmpireSpanish forces led by Hernando Cortés arrive and conquer Mexico.
1810 - 1821
Fight for independenceMexico fights for independence from Spain and wins it in 1821.
1836
Texas RevolutionTexas declares its independence from Mexico. Mexicans and Texans battle at the Alamo and San Jacinto.
1848
Mexican-American WarThe U.S. wins the Mexican-American War and gains Mexican territory. The land includes what are now Nevada and Utah, plus parts of Arizona, New Mexico, Wyoming and Colorado.
1862
Battle of PueblaThe Cinco de Mayo holiday honors this national army defeat of French invaders.
1910
Mexican RevolutionThe Mexican Revolution begins when citizens rise up against oppressive rulers. A new constitution is adopted in 1917.
1968
Olympic GamesMexico City hosts the first Olympic Games ever held in Latin America.
1985
An earthquakeAn earthquake of magnitude 8.1 strikes Mexico City. Nearly 10,000 people are killed.
1994
Violent rebellionA violent rebellion breaks out in Chiapas. Unrest continues today.
2000
President Vicente FoxVicente Fox is sworn in as the first president elected who did not belong to the ruling party.
2006
700-mile fence between Mexico and the U.S.U.S. President George W. Bush signs a law that authorizes the building of a 700-mile fence between Mexico and the U.S. in order to help stop illegal immigration.
2007
Huge floodsMore than 500,000 people are left homeless after heavy rains cause flooding in the southern state of Tabasco.
2012
President Enrique Peña NietoEnrique Peña Nieto wins the presidential election and takes office on December 1.
Best Ways to Experience Mexico
- Cuisine
- Art
- Animals
Practical Information for Travelers
- Budget
- Currency
- Vaccinations
- Visa
- Electricity
Determine the expenses for your travel or vacation budget, as well as the expenditures associated with residing in another country
MoreBackpacker's budget
Daily budget for one person, assuming that two people travel in a standard close to 1 star (hostels, public transport). When traveling alone, the cost may be slightly higher (hotel room) or the same (dormitory accommodation).from
Tourist's budget
Daily budget for one person, assuming that two people travel (they share the cost of a hotel room, taxis, etc.) to a standard close to 3 stars. Costs for a solo traveler will be higher.from
Currency
MoreMexican Peso (MXN)
- EUR
- GBP
- MXN
- USD
- EUR
- GBP
- MXN
- USD
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Vaccinations
MoreAll travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccinations may also be required in Mexico.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
Some travelers
Vaccinations and medications that may be recommended under certain conditions, depending on where you will be, the length of your stay and the nature of your stay.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a disease caused by the hepatitis B virus.Infection occurs through contact of injured skin or mucous membranes with virus-infected blood or other secretions (e.g. during sexual contact, through contaminated needles or as a result of medical procedures).Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Avoid sharing body fluids
- Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment
With or without a visa?
Visa requirements for citizens of
- United States
visiting 
Mexico for tourism
A visa is not required.
- Allowed stay: 180 days
- Visitors must obtain a Forma Migratoria Multiple. There is no charge for a tourist FMM for stays of less than 7 days when entering by land. For visitors staying more than 7 days and entering by land the cost is MXN$575. An FMM is required for all visitors entering via air, regardless of length of stay, and the cost is included in the traveler's airfare and remitted by the airline.
- Passport Card or Enhanced Drivers License valid for Land and Sea Travel
Electricity
127V (60 Hz)
In Mexico the standard voltage is 127V and the frequency is 60 Hz. Type A, B sockets are used.
Click on the socket icon to see more information
Type A
Type BFacts and Figures
Fundamental socio-economic statistical data pertaining to the country
Population | 143 / 231 Ranking | 128 932 753 mestizo (Amerindian-Spanish) 60%, Amerindian or predominantly Amerindian 30%, white 9% |
Area | 144 / 232 Ranking | 758.4 thous. mi² It is approximately 21% of the territory of United States. |
Life expectancy | 139 / 221 Ranking | 76.9 Life expectancy expressed in years.men 74.2women 79.9 |
Median age | 139 / 222 Ranking | 29.3 Average age of population expressed in years.men 28.2women 30.4 |
Population growth | 138 / 224 Ranking | 1.04% The difference between live births and deaths. A negative value means natural loss. |
Literacy | 131 / 210 Ranking | 95.2% Ability to read, write and count.men 96.1%women 94.5% |
GDP | 122 / 194 Ranking | 18 794 INT$ GDP per capita is gross domestic product converted to international dollars (Int$) using purchasing power parity rates and divided by total population. |
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