Before You Go…

Transcription

Before You Go…

Before You Go…
almanac
AREA
761,603 square miles (1,972,550 sq.km)
NUMBER OF STATES
31, plus a Federal District (D.F.)
CAPITAL
Mexico City (the Federal District or D.F.)
© 2010 Destinations Ventures, Ltd. All rights reserved.
POPULATION
111,211,789 million (July 2009 estimate); 12th
largest in the world. 1.16% annual growth
rate.
LARGEST CITIES
Mexico City (the Federal District), Guadalajara,
Monterrey, Puebla. 75% of population lives in
urban areas.
ETHNIC MAKE-UP
Mexico is a nation of mostly mestizos, a mixture of Native American and European peoples (about 60% of the total population);
Amerindians (or predominately) 30%; Caucasians 9%; others 1%.
LANGUAGE
Spanish; over 60 Native American languages
are spoken in certain regions of the country,
a variety surpassed only by India. English is
widely spoken in resort areas.
RELIGION
Predominantly Roman Catholic
POLITICAL SYSTEM
Mexico is a federal democratic republic.
Although its constitution allows multiple parties, until recently Mexico was a single-party
democracy. Serious political pluralism since
the 1980’s has seen the rise of at least two
additional political powers: the PAN and the
PRD. These parties now compete for state and
federal government positions with the once
unchallenged PRI party. The PAN won the
Presidential election in July, 2000, ending 71
years of uninterrupted PRI national rule. The
2006 election was hotly contested, with the
PAN again claiming victory for a second term.
BIODIVERSITY
With 30,000 plant species, nearly 1,000 bird
species, and 1,500 mammals, reptiles, and
amphibians, Mexico is among the world’s
most biodiverse nations. Mexico has at least
as many plant species as the continental
United States, and 15 percent more vertebrates. Scientists estimate that almost 15 percent of Mexico’s plant and animal species are
found nowhere else on earth.
CURRENCY: The Peso
THE ECONOMY
Mexico has a free market economy that
recently entered the trillion dollar class. It contains a mixture of modern and outmoded
industry and agriculture, increasingly dominated by the private sector. Recent administrations have expanded competition in seaports, railroads, telecommunications, electricity generation, natural gas distribution, and
airports. Per capita income is one-fourth that
of the US; income distribution remains highly
unequal. Trade with the US and Canada has
tripled since the implementation of NAFTA in
1994.
Despite early 2009 devaluation economic
hardship, Mexico’s economy remains quite
diverse and fundamentally sound. Mining,
manufacturing, petroleum (60 billion barrels
in reserves!), electronics, textiles and tourism
are all developed industries. (Mexico is the
world’s leading producer of silver, bismuth,
and celestite; second in flourspur; third in
graphite.)
In fact, Mexico produces more corn than
India, more beer than Australia, more steel
than Sweden, more glass than Austria, and
more oil than the United Arab Emirates. Paradoxically, Mexico has more millionaires than
Germany, yet half its population is supported
by traditional low technology industry and
agriculture.
By signing the North American Free Trade
Agreement (NAFTA), Mexico joined the U.S.
and Canada in forming the largest single market in the world: 8 million square miles, 380
million people, and $7 trillion in annual economic production.
MEXICO’S VISITORY INDUSTRY
Over 22.6 million overnight foreign tourists
visited Mexico in 2008, up from 21.3 million
in 2007. When you count all international visitors (including non-overnight border visits)
the number jumps to 91.4 million visitors in
2008. Mexico ranks 10th in the world in terms
of international overnight arrivals and 17th
worldwide in terms of tourism income (both
2007 figures).
International visitors spent $13.3 billion
US, compared to $12.9 billion US in 2007.
Average spending has climbed from $615 US
in 2002 to $761 in 2008. This reflects well for
Mexico’s future in attracting higher income
and luxury-oriented visitors.
Over 1.9 million direct jobs are created by
tourist activities in 2008, and tourism services
are well developed in most (though not all) of
Mexico’s 31 States.
2009 presented numerous challenges. A
worldwide recession, border violence attributed to the drug trade, and a global influenza outbreak had severe impact on tourism
arrivals, particularly in the second quarter. An
ambitious promotional campaign “Welcome
Back” was launched in June of 2009 to boost
international arrivals.
1-800-44 mexico | www.visitmexico.com
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climate
The physical diversity of Mexico is expressed in the country’s
varied climatic conditions. Among the reasons for such diversity
are latitude position (most of Mexico lies south of the Tropic of
Cancer), complicated terrain, varied altitudes (nearly half of the
country is over 5,000 feet above sea level!), and the influence of
adjacent seas and oceans.
Before you go…
climate zones
Most of the country is exceptionally dry, particularly in the
northern regions and the Baja Peninsula. Southern Mexico and
the Yucatán Peninsula experience pronounced rainfall, with
areas in Chiapas State tallying over 150 inches of annual precipitation!
As in most tropical regions, Mexico has two weather seasons:
rainy and dry. Generally, rainfall and temperatures rise from
June through October, leaving November–May as the more
temperate, drier season.
1 northern baja
Despite the desert landscape, this region resembles Southern California, with little rain, warm summers, and mild winters. The Sea of Cortés
side tends to be warmer than the Pacific side of the peninsula.
2 southern baja
average annual precipitation
This subtropical desert boasts over 350 days a year of sunshine, cool
winter evenings, low humidity and refreshing sea breezes. Summer
temperatures climb into the low 100’s, but are generally cooler on the
Pacific Ocean side.
3 northwest coast
This region is similar to Northern Baja, but with more rain and stronger
storm patterns.
4 west coast
Also known as the “Riviera,” this region has warm tropical weather year
round. The months of November through May are blessed with warm,
dry days and balmy evenings. The region has a pronounced rainy season (June-October) with heavy humidity, brief daily rain showers, and
warm temperatures.
5 central plateau
Due to higher elevations, this region has pleasant, spring-like conditions through much of the year. Rainfall is most pronounced June
through September. Cool and often cold evenings are common in
winter.
6 yucatan peninsula
In this region, coastal proximity largely determines temperature and
humidity. In summer, the Gulf and Caribbean coasts stay cooler due to
trade winds, while interior jungles are hot and humid. Rainfall occurs
from April–May and September–January, when temperatures soar into
the 90’s. September and October bring the chance of hurricanes and
sometimes prolonged cloudiness. Winters are very pleasant.
7 gulf coast
This region is muggy with severe summer temperatures. Rainfall increases significantly south of Tampico, where cold nortes (brisk northerly winds) often hit from
September through February.
Current readings and extended forecasts:
www.weather.com www.wunderground.com/global/MX.html
www.cnn.com/weather
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temperatures
(min/max)
& rainfall
Before you go…
3
geography
Before you go…
When asked by King Carlos V to describe the topography of Mexico, Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés wadded up a piece of
paper, and handed it to the King. Indeed, Mexico has an extremely
diverse and jumbled geography, encompassing nearly every geological formation found in the Western Hemisphere.
The country covers 761,603 square miles (1,972,552 sq.km.) one quarter the size of the continental U.S. Much of it is rugged
and mountainous. Sixty percent of the country’s landmass is the
“mesa central” or central plateau. This highland area is bordered
to the east and west by mountain ranges (Sierra Madre Oriental
and Sierra Madre Occidental, respectively), and to the south by a
row of towering, widely spaced volcanoes. The country stretches
across 17 degrees of latitude and 30 degrees of longitude.
Mexico has 8,300 miles of border, over 6,000 miles of coastline,
and is touched by four major bodies of water:
Z Pacific Ocean Z Sea of Cortés
Z Gulf of Mexico Z Caribbean Sea
landform regions
Mexico’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Mexico has an impressive collection of world caliber historic sites. In
terms of U.N. World Heritage Sites, Mexico ranks eighth in the world. In
2008 UNESCO designated its 29th World Heritage Site in Mexico. See
the following list and pages for more details.
Village of Tequila (Jalisco State)
Luis Barragán House and Studio (Mexico State)
Islands and protected areas of the Gulf of California
Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve (Quintana Roo State)
Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque (Chiapas State)
Historic center of Mexico City and Xochimilco (Federal District)
Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan (Mexico State)
Historic Center of Oaxaca and
Archaeological Site of Monte Alban (Oaxaca State)
Historic Center of Puebla (Puebla State)
Historic Town of Guanajuato and Adjacent Mines (Guanajuato State)
Pre-Hispanic City of Chichén Itzá (Yucatan State)
Historic Center of Morelia (Michoacan State)
Pre-Hispanic City of El Tajin (Veracruz State)
Whale Sanctuary of El Vizcaino (Baja California Sur State)
Historic Center of Zacatecas (Zacatecas State)
Rock Paintings of The Sierra de San Francisco (Baja Calif. Sur State)
Earliest 16th-Century Monasteries on the
slopes of Popocatépetl (Mexico State)
Pre-Hispanic Town of Uxmal (Yucatan State)
Historic Monuments of Queretaro (Queretaro State)
Hospicio Cabañas in Guadalajara (Jalisco State)
Historic Monuments Zone of Tlacotalpan (Veracruz State)
Archaeological Zone of Paquimé Casas Grandes (Chihuahua State)
Historic Fortified Town of Campeche (Campeche State)
Archaeological Monuments Zone of Xochicalco (Morelos State)
Ancient Maya City of Calakmul (Campeche State)
Historic Missions of the Sierra Gorda (Queretaro State)
UNAM University City Central Campus (Mexico City)
City of San Miguel de Allende (Guanajuato State)
Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve (Michoacan State)
Ancient Maya City of Calakmul, Campeche
Calakmul is one of the largest known Mayan sites, located in Campeche in
the Tierras Bajas jungles. It covers approximately 70 square kilometers, and
is estimated to have had a population of 50,000 in the height of its power.
The central urban core of Calakmul is delineated on the north by a substantial wall, probably for defense of the most important political structures and residences. www.campechetravel.com
Archeological Monuments Zone of Xochicalco, Cuernavaca, Morelos
Xochicalco (place of flowers) is one of the richest archaeological sites in
Mexico, developed from 650 to 900 A.D. between the destruction of
continues…
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Bahía
Kino
Rock Point/
Puerto Peñasco
a
Se
Los Mochis
Alamos
Guaymas
és
Loreto
M L
Hermosillo
Nogales
of
rt
Co
Divisadero
Ciudad
Juárez
R
Chihuahua
Torreón
Monterrey
Nuevo
Laredo
U N I T E D
Matamoros
S T A T E S
Tuxtla
Gutierrez
San
Cristóbal
de las Casas
D
Villahermosa
Campeche
U
P
Mérida
V
Cozumel
Isla
Mujeres
Caribbean
Sea
F
Playa
del
Carmen
Cancún
A M E R I C A
C E N T R A L
H
Progreso
P Pre-Hispanic Town of Uxmal
Q Hospicio Cabañas, Guadalajara
R Archaeological Zone of Paquime, Casas Grandes
S Historic Monuments Zone of Tlacotalpan
T Archaeological Monuments Zone of Xochicalco
U Historic Fortified Town of Campeche
V Ancient Mayan City of Calakmul, Campeche
W Franciscan Missions in the Sierra Gorda of
Queretaro
X Luis Barragan House and Studio
Y Islands and Protected Areas of Gulf of California
Z Agave Landscape and Ancient Industrial
Facilities of Tequila
1 Central University City Campus of the UNAM
2 Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve
3 Protective town of San Miguel and the Sanctuary of Jesus de Nazareno de Atotonilco
World Heritage Sites in Mexico
La Paz
A Historic Center of
Culiacán
Durango
Ciudad
Victoria
Mexico City and
Y
Xochimilco
Todos Santos
Mazatlán
B Historic Center of
Los Cabos
San
Zacatecas
Oaxaca and
Luis
K Potosí
Tampico
Archaeological site
of Monte Alban
Tepic
San Miguel de
J
Allende
C Historic Center of Puebla
W
Guanajuato
3
Querétaro
D Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of
G
Guadalajara
Puerto Vallarta
O
Palenque
Z Q
1 X Pachuca
Morelia
E Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan
Mexico
Jalapa
2 E A City
I Toluca
F Sian Ka’an
C Puebla
Veracruz
Colima
Cuernavaca T N
Manzanillo
G Historic Town of Guanajuato and adjacent mines
S Tlacotalpan
Cuautla
H Pre-Hispanic City of Chichen-Itza
Tehuacan
I Historic Center of Morelia
Huajuapán
Ixtapa
J Pre-Hispanic City of El Tajin
Zihuatanejo
Oaxaca
Taxco
B
K Historic Center of Zacatecas
Acapulco
L Rock Paintings of the Sierra de San Francisco
Tehuantepec
M Whale Sanctuary of Vizcaino
Puerto Escondido
Huatulco
N Earliest 16th Century Monasteries on the slopes of Popocatepetl
O Historic Monuments Zone of Queretaro
San
Felipe
Ensenada
Tijuana
World Heritage Sites in Mexico
Before you go…
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World Heritage Sites continues
Teotihuacan (Aztec) and the beginning of
Toltec civilization. Xochicalco was not only the
oldest known fortress in Middle America, but
also a well-fortified religious, political and
commercial center. www.morelostravel.com
Archeological Zone of Paquimé
Casas Grandes, Chihuahua
This ancient Indian settlement in Chihuahua
State was one of the most important cities in
northern Mexico between 900 and 1300 A.D. It
served as a major trade center, connecting
Mexico’s Toltec civilization with the PuebloOasis tribes of the American southwest.
www.visitmexico.com
Earliest 16th-Century Monasteries on the
Slopes of Popocatepetl
Cuernavaca, Morelos, Puebla
Fourteen Christian monasteries stand on the
slopes of the Popocatepetl, a dormant volcano
southeast of Mexico City. They are excellent
examples of the architectural style adopted by
the first missionaries– Franciscans, Dominicans
and Augustinians–who tried to convert the
native Indians to Christianity in the early 16th
century. www.morelostravel.com
El Tajin, Pre-Hispanic City, Veracruz
Located in the state of Veracruz, this jungle
city was a large, powerful and important ceremonial center. First construction likely began
here 2,000 years ago and the city reached its
peak from 600 to 900 A.D. Its niche pyramids
are unique in the Americas. Its architecture is
characterized by elaborate carved reliefs on
the columns and friezes. www.visitmexico.com
Franciscan Missions in the Sierra Gorda of
Querétaro, Querétaro
The five missions, a historical treasure littleknown among tourists, were built in the mid18th century and became an important reference for the continuation of the evangelization and colonization of California, Arizona
and Texas. Their richly decorated and colorful
facades are a unique example of the joint creative efforts of the missionaries and indigenous populations. www.venaqueretaro.com
Historic Centre of Oaxaca and
Archaeological Site of Monte Albán, Oaxaca
Once the center of the Mixtec and Zapotec
civilizations, Oaxaca is a combination of preconquest, colonial and modern influences.
Some of the many sites in the city’s historical
downtown include the main plaza, the government palace, the Cathedral of Oaxaca and
the city market, as well as some of Mexico’s
most ornately decorated churches. The area’s
history
Before you go…
Mexico remains a nation where the past plays
a prominent role in shaping the nation’s present day development. Mexico has a fascinating but often bewildering history. Its past differs from that of the U.S. and Canada in several respects, notably:
Z
When “discovered” in 1519, Mexico was
home to an estimated 10 million native inhabitants living in feudal but highly disciplined
and organized societies. These people could
not be ignored or simply swept aside, as was
done in North America, but rather became
the foundation upon which the Spanish conquerors built their colonial empire. Even today,
Mexico is rich in ethnic diversity, with nearly
15 million pure-blooded Native Americans,
speaking nearly fifty languages.
Z
Mexico endured 300 years of colonial
domination (1521-1821) by Spain, a nation
that itself was one of the least progressive in
Europe. Iberian institutions, political heritage,
and authoritarian traditions left an indelible
mark on Mexico.
Z
Rich in mineral resources and man
power, Mexico has historically been exploited
in one form or another by foreign powers. Its
abundant reserves of gold, silver, lead, petroleum, copper, and zinc are in sharp contrast
to its shortage of tillable, well-irrigated soil.
Sustained economic development has been
difficult to achieve and has generally been
distorted in favor of a small segment of the
country’s population.
Z
For the past 150 years, Mexico has been
overshadowed by its neighbor to the north.
The relationship has wavered between blatant intervention, to total ignorance, to a
growing sense of interdependence. Nowhere
in the world do two countries of such distinction share a common border. Proximity to the
U S. has generated a peculiar attitude towards
the U.S. Extensive “cultural borrowing” - American music, films, consumer products, and fashions - is mixed with staunch nationalism and
the desire to “protect” the motherland from
foreign economic and cultural domination.
The country’s history can loosely be broken
down as follows:
1 2 0 0 B. C . - 1 5 2 1 A . D.
the pre-hispanic era
Five major native civilizations, each occupying
a different period of history, have influenced
the history of Mexico.
OLMECS
The Olmecs, Mexico’s first established culture,
originated in the coastal states of Veracruz and
Tabasco. This was a particularly influential culture, since subsequent groups borrowed heavily from the Olmec’s religious, architectural and
artistic traditions. Despite the absence of stone
or rock for construction, they developed massive cities (La Venta, San Lorenzo, Tres Zapotes).
They also created an advanced calendar that
included the concept of the number zero. This
culture is particularly mysterious, since we know
little about its origin, political structure, or reason
for disappearance. The Olmec period is believed
to have been from 1200 B.C. until 200 B.C.
M AYA S
First appearing around 1200 B.C., this culture developed in three distinct periods, each
corresponding to a different region of Central America and Mexico. The Mayas are most
noted for their complex systems of mathematics and astrology, prolific city-building and
Baroque architecture. By 1400 A.D. the Mayan
state had splintered and almost disappeared,
leaving an incredible collection of ceremonial
centers and ancient cities.
Z APOTEC/MIX TEC
First appearing in the valley of Oaxaca around
900 B.C , the Zapotecs were great city builders and artisans who created extraordinary
temples, burial chambers, pottery, and metal
work. The Mixtec (pronounced “MEES-tec”)
culture conquered the Zapotecs and developed around the cities of Mitla and Yagul. They
revived Monte Albán, although it was only used
as a site for burial tombs. By the early 1400’s, the
Mixtecs became servants of the mighty Aztec
empire. These two cultures continue their existence today in the State of Oaxaca, inhabited by
nearly 2 million of their descendants.
T O LT E C S
These mighty warriors occupied the northern reaches of the Valley of Mexico from
around 950-1300 A.D. They built Tula, one
of Mexico’s most impressive cities, and were
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Before you go…
history, continues
master craftsmen who strongly influenced
later Mayan and Aztec cultures. This culture
is believed by some to have developed from
the magnificent Teotihuacán culture of Central Mexico.
AZTECS/MEXICA
This civilization dominated Mexico for nearly
200 years (1345–1521 A.D.) and was flourishing
when Spanish conquerors arrived in 1519. The
Aztecs used an elaborate system of taxing and
patronage to subjugate an enormous empire
that stretched well into Central America.
They were also master builders and imitators of
Mexico’s previous cultures. They borrowed heavily from their Olmec, Toltec, and Mayan predecessors to develop a complex linguistic, religious,
artistic, architectural and military heritage.
Their mighty empire came to a sudden and
tragic end in 1521, although much of its influence is still present today in the culture of the
central plateau region.
1521-1810
conquest and
spanish colonial domination
After the fall of the Aztec capital Tenochtitlán (Mexico City) in 1521, Spain embarked on
a period of exploration and conquest to consolidate its control of the rest of Mesoamerica.
(See MEXICO CITY section.) Millions of natives
fell victim to western disease, for which they
had no resistance.
Spain and the Catholic church imposed their
authority to create an extractive economy that
reflected many of the worst features of colonialism and religious authoritarianism (including the Inquisition). Spain and its European
creditors derived tremendous wealth from
Indian laborers, who worked on enormous agricultural estates and huge mining operations.
Colonial society was fashioned in a tight caste
system reminiscent of European feudalism.
1810-1860
independence and insurrection
Revolutions abroad (U.S., France) and the simmering conflict between criollos (Mexicanborn Spaniards) and peninsulares
(Spanish-born residents of Mexico) led to the
demise of Spanish political and economic domination of Mexico.
Following Napoleon’s conquest of the Iberian Peninsula in 1808, Spain could do little to
resist Mexico’s declaration of independence.
The criollo leaders sought greater economic
freedom and autonomy, but proposed little
in the way of structural reform. The fight for
independence began in 1810, lasted 11 years
and over 600,000 lives were lost.
Three hundred years of colonial domination
had ill-prepared the country for independence. In the scramble for economic gain,
political chaos prevailed and injustice against
the native and mestizo population grew.
Border conflicts with the U S. led to an invasion in 1847, and the signing of the Treaty of
Guadalupe-Hidalgo, in which Mexico surrendered over half of its territory (the States of
Texas, California, Colorado, Utah and Nevada)
for a mere $17 per square mile! In 1853 the
Gadsden Purchase yielded the U.S. another
30,000 sq.mi. of Mexico’s lands (southern New
Mexico and Arizona).
1860-1910
reform and stability
A conflict between liberals (urban intellectuals wanting a new nation modeled after the
United States) and Conservatives (landed aristocracy wanting an all-powerful church and
dictatorship) led to the Reform Laws of 1860.
The main target was the omnipotent Catholic Church.
In protest, conservatives rallied support from
their European allies and in 1861 French
troops arrived to install a new ruler: an Austrian Archduke, named Maximilian. His benevolent but ineffective rule ended with his execution in 1867.
Benito Juárez, a Zapotec Indian from Oaxaca
and promulgator of the Reform Laws, reassumed the presidency after the execution of
Maximilian. His four-year rule brought significant land reform and reduction of church
rights.
main attraction is the archaeological site of
Monte Albán, one of the most impressive burial
places in the Western Hemisphere.
www.visitmexico.com
Historic Centre of Mexico City
and Xochimilco
Mexico City, the exact site upon which the great
Aztec civilization flourished, is a remarkable showcase of 3,000 years of cultural achievement. It is
one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited
cities and now one of its largest cities, with a metropolitan area population approaching 23 million.
The city has five Aztec temples, the largest cathedral on the continent and 11 ecological parks.
Mexico City’s Zócalo is the third largest square in
the world and has witnessed a wealth of historical, religious and political development since the
14th century. Xochimilco, with a population of
300,000, is just south of Mexico City. It contains
historic buildings, a main plaza, bricked streets,
and an intricate network of canals and floating
plots of land whose origins date back to prehispanic times. Structures built during the colonial
era have been well-preserved.
www.mexicocity.gob.mx
Historic Centre of Morelia, Michoacán
Morelia, the capital city of Michoacán State, was
founded in 1541 and contains more than 200 historic buildings, including restored mansions and
churches. Its buildings are made mostly of pinkcolored stone with intricate facades. The city combines a blend of Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassical styles.
www.visitmexico.com
Historic Centre of Puebla, Puebla
The city of Puebla, founded in 1531, is one of
Mexico’s most culturally significant cities and
home to several important historical events. Capital of Puebla State, the city is home to beautiful
buildings in colonial, art deco and other styles
made of gray stone, red brick and tiles. The city is
known for its intricate hand-painted ceramics,
known as Talavera, as well as for its renowned cuisine. www.visitmexico.com
Historic Centre of Zacatecas, Zacatecas
Founded in 1546, this fabled silver city’s historic
town center houses magnificent churches, abandoned convents and breathtaking Baroque architecture. For centuries, the city served as the northern frontier of Spain’s New World empire. The
main attractions are the cathedral (built between
1707 and 1752), the Plaza de Armas (main square
dating to the 18th century), the Mina el Edem (an
ancient mine) and the Calderon Theater, with its
art nouveau facade. www.visitmexico.com
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Historic Fortified Town of Campeche,
Campeche
In colonial times, the port city of Campeche
was constantly under attack by European
pirates. The walls that were erected around
the entire city to protect the harbor from
invasion still stand today, offering the visitor
a stirring reminder of Mexican history. www.
campechetravel.com
Historic Monuments Zone of Querétaro,
Querétaro
Little has changed in Queretaro’s city center,
filled with colonial mansions and immaculate walkways. Founded in 1531, this colonial
city located in central Mexico is adorned
with inspiring architecture and retains its
original street patterns from the period of
native Indians and Spanish conquerors.
www.visitmexico.com
Historic Monuments Zone of Tlacotalpan,
Veracruz
This Spanish colonial river port city near
Mexico’s Gulf coast was founded in the 16th
century. With its wide streets and colorfully
painted houses, the city combines gardens,
ancient trees and Spanish and Caribbean
traditions of exceptional importance and
quality. www.visitmexico.com
Historic Town of Guanajuato and Adjacent Mines, Guanajuato
Located in central Mexico, Guanajuato,
which was founded by the Spanish in the
16th century, quickly became one of the
most important silver centers in the world.
For nearly 250 years, nearly one-third of the
world’s silver came from this city. The town
boasts baroque and neoclassical architecture as a result of its great wealth. One
example is La Valenciana, one of Mexico’s
most ornate churches, completed in 1788.
Another Baroque church is La Basilica, built
in the 17th century.
www.visitmexico.com
Hospicio Cabañas, Guadalajara
Completed in 1810 as a house of charity, it is
the city’s proudest cultural institute, with a
performing arts center, galleries and a
museum. It is noted for simplicity of design
and open spaces. The building’s main attraction is a chapel with a mural painted by the
great Mexican artist Jose Clemente Orozco
between 1936 and 1939. www.visitmexico.
com
Islands and Protected Areas of the
Gulf of California
Locations: Los Cabos, La Paz, Loreto, Mazatlán, Nuevo Vallarta, San Blas,
Rocky Point, San Felipe
History, continues
Before you go…
Following Juarez’s death in 1872, Porfirio Díaz
(also a native of Oaxaca and one of Juarez’s generals) named Sebastián Lerdo de Tejada to the
presidency. Four years later Díaz himself took
power and led Mexico through 34 years of stability and material progress. Extensive mining, railroad building, large-scale agriculture and foreign
investment transformed Mexico, but heightened
the country’s economic and political inequity.
1910-1945
Revolution And Reform
One of the few true revolutions of the twentieth century, this revolt was a reaction to Mexico’s
unbalanced prosperity and the pitiful living conditions of its masses.
The Revolution’s two original leaders, Zapata
and Madero, were seeking two different revolts:
Zapata an economic change; Madero a political
change. It started as a middle class revolt in 1910
and developed into a peasant-led battle over
land reform, universal suffrage, an end to foreign
economic control, and a complete separation of
church and state.
Millions of lives were lost as regional leaders battled for legitimacy and control. Finally, in 1917, a
liberal constitution was ratified - one that still governs the nation. In fact, the Mexican Constitution is
almost identical to that of the United States.
The next twenty years saw two leaders play significant and daring roles: Calles and Cardenas. Calles
brutalized the church, courted the U.S. and institutionalized the political gains of the Revolution
by forming the PRI, Mexico’s omnipotent political
party. Cardenas’ programs focused on economic
reform, including massive agrarian reform, and the
nationalization of the oil industry in 1938.
1945-PRESENT
The Modern Era
Significant material progress marked Mexican
development following World War II. The country’s infrastructure developed, and industrial/
manufacturing sectors expanded, as did agricultural production. However, several nagging
problems have shaped the country’s past twenty
years. These include rapid population growth,
massive internal migration from the countryside
to urban areas, a decline in agrarian output, for-
eign debt, and double digit inflation.
Landmark elections held on July 6, 1997 were
the first since major electoral reform was
implemented in August of 1996. The reforms
provide a new constitutional framework that
establishes unprecedented conditions to
guarantee transparent and equitable elections. No one party may now hold more than
60% of Chamber of Deputy seats. Thirty-two
of the 120 total Senatorial seats are assigned
proportionally in accordance with the vote
received nationally by each party. In addition,
Mexico’s Chamber of Deputies is no longer
controlled by the PRI, rather the majority of
seats are held by members of the PRD, PAN,
and several smaller parties.
For the first time since 1929, an opposition
party won the Mexican presidency in July,
2000. Vicente Fox, a former Coca Cola/Avon
Cosmetics executive and rancher from Guanajuato State, won the election on a platform
of judicial reform, economic expansion via
foreign investment, and a promise to reduce
bureaucratic inefficiency and corruption. His
election was a watershed moment in Mexico’s drive to institute political pluralism and
strengthen its shift from authoritarianism
toward a full democracy. Mexico remains the
most stable democracy in Latin America.
The 2006 election resulted in a hotly contested race between PAN and PRD opponents.
The PAN’s candidate, Felipe Calederón, was
declared winner after a judicial challenge.
In 2010, Mexico commemorated the bicentennial of its Independence movement and
the centennial of its Revolution with an extensive program of events. All Mexicans and foreign citizens alike were invited to participate
in these events to learn about and reflect on
Mexico’s past.
8
Before you go…
pre-columbian culture
Mexico is one of the most fertile regions
of the world for exploration into human
cultural evolution. Over 3,000 years of
achievement have left an indelible mark
on Mexico, punctuating the country
with astonishing examples of human
ingenuity and perseverance.
•
Perhaps no country on earth showcases its ancient treasures as attractively
as does Mexico. There are more than
200,000 known archaeological sites, of
which only a small percentage have been
fully excavated and studied. Dozens of
sites have been meticulously restored
and are easily accessible to visitors. Others lie buried or ensconced by dense
tropical jungle, providing visitors with
more adventurous,“Indiana Jones”–type
experiences.
•
By any measure, the native achievements of Mexico’s pre-Hispanic societies are remarkable. Common features
of pre-Hispanic Mesoamerican culture
include:
These traits define a truly advanced
culture, capable of producing writing,
great works of art, complex mathematics, calendrics and monumental architecture.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Truncated, stepped pyramids made
of carved stone
Ball courts
Steam baths
Elaborate burial chambers
Hieroglyphic writing
Positional numeration and
advanced mathematics
Intricate books folded screen-style
(or “codices”)
Use of a solar year of 18 months,
each with 20 days (plus five days at
the end of each year; totaling
365 days)
Use of a 52-year century
Highly developed astrological
knowledge
Masterful artistic expression in pottery, stone carving, weaving and
painting.
Referred to as the “world’s aquarium” by famous sea
explorer Jacques Cousteau, Mexico’s islands and protected areas in the Gulf of Baja California were declared a
World Heritage Site in the summer of 2005. Nestled
between the shores of the northwestern Mexican states
of Sinaloa, Sonora and the Baja California peninsula, the
244 islands, islets and coastal areas comprising the area,
have been called a natural laboratory for the investigation
of speciation. The rugged islands, with their high cliffs and
sandy beaches are also home to 695 vascular plant species, more than any other marine and insular property on
the World Heritage List. In addition, the aquatic paradise
contains 39% of the world’s total number of species of
marine mammals and a third of the world’s marine cetacean species.
www.discoverbajacalifornia.com
www. sinaloa-travel.com | www.vivalapaz.net
www.gotosonora.com | http://visitcabo.com
Luis Barragán House and Studio, Mexico Citiy
The house and studio were built in 1948 and are located
in a suburb of Mexico City called Tacubaya. Barragán
worked in the Second World-War era and his work exemplified a synthesis of modern and traditional artistic elements. The house is built from concrete and consists of a
ground floor, two upper stories and a small private garden. www.mexicocity.gob.mx
Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque,
Villahermosa, Tabasco; San Cristóbal de las Casas,
Chiapas
A prime example of a Mayan sanctuary of the classical
period, Palenque was at its height between 500 and 700
A.D., when its influence extended throughout the basin
of the Usumacinta River. The elegance and craftsmanship
of the buildings, as well as the lightness of the sculpted
reliefs with their Mayan mythological themes, attest to
the creative genius of this civilization. www.turismochiapas.gob.mx
Pre-Hispanic City of Chichén-Itzá, Yucatán
Chichén-Itzá is one of the largest and most impressive
archaeological sites in Mexico, located two hours by bus
from Cancun. It is two cities: one was ruled by the
Mayans from the 6th to the10th century A.D. and the
other was a Toltec-Mayan city that emerged in 1000 A.D.
The site combines Toltec and Mayan influences and is
ripe with cosmological symbolism. Its four sides contain
365 steps, 52 panels and 18 terraces (for the 18 months
of the religious year). The site also contains a cenote
(limestone sacred well or sinkhole) and an observatory.
www.mayayucatan.com
mesoamerican classical cultures
2 0 0 B. C . TO 9 0 0 A . D.
Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan, Mexico City,
Pachuca
The archaeological zone of Teotihuacan is one of the
country’s major tourist attractions. In the past it was one
of the largest and most complex metropoli in prehispanic Mexico. Its main structures include the Pyramid of
the Sun, the Pyramid of the Moon and the Temple of
Quetzalcoatl, as well as an on-site museum. The culture
9
Before you go…
pre-columbian culture,
continues
that produced this magnificent city originated in the first century A.D.,
reaching its peak between the 3rd and 4th centuries A.D., and subsequently declining until it was eventually abandoned.
www.visitmexico.com
Pre-Hispanic Town of Uxmal, Yucatán
Uxmal was one of the largest cities of the Yucatán Peninsula, and at its
height was home to about 25,000 Mayans. Like the other Puuc sites, it
flourished from 600-900 A.D. The name Uxmal means ‘thrice-built’ in
Mayan, referring to the construction of its highest structure, the Pyramid of the Magician. The Pyramid of the Soothsayer, as the Spaniards
called it, dominates the ceremonial center. Its rulers are said to have
presided over the nearby settlements of Kabah, Labná and Sayil, considered the pinnacle of Mayan art and architecture.
www.mayayucatan.com
Rock Paintings of the Sierra de San Francisco, Loreto, Baja Sur
These are some of the most mystifying and well-preserved rock paintings in the world. Dating to 100 B.C., the Sierra de San Francisco (in the
El Vizcaíno reserve on the Baja California Peninsula) was home to people who left behind a magical testimony on history, a unique outlook
on the relationship between mankind and the environment and a profound worldview. The drawings show human figures and many animal
species. www.loreto.com
Sian Ka’an, Quintana Roo
This 1.3-million acre ecological park of forests, lagoons, exotic marine
habitats and wetlands is located on the east coast of the Yucatan peninsula. The biosphere reserve contains tropical forests, mangroves and
marshes, as well as a large marine section intersected by a barrier reef.
Located just south of Tulum, Sian Ka’an’s complex hydrological system
also provides a habitat for an impressive variety of flora and a fauna.
www.rivieramaya.com
Whale Sanctuary of El Vizcaíno, Baja California
The waters of the Baja California Coast provide shelter for many different species. The fin whale, the humpback whale, the sei whale and the
blue whale journey to the Gulf of California every year to reproduce.
Out of the 45 marine mammals that coexist in Mexican waters, 38 permanently reside in the El Vizcaíno Biosphere Reserve. The gray whale
performs one of the longest migrations known, with its southern point
in this area. The mammal travels more than 5,000 miles from the Baja
California Peninsula to the Arctic Circle and feeds in the Chukchi and
Bering seas. The whales return annually to the lagoons of San Ignacio
and Ojo de Liebre to mate and bear offspring. As a result of protective
measures, approximately 900 calves are now born each year in Mexican
waters in the protection of El Vizcaíno Biosphere Reserve. Under these
conditions, the gray whale population has grown back to more than
27,000. www.vivalapaz.net www.visitcabo.com
Central University City Campus of the UNAM
Ciudad Universitaria (University City), Mexico, is UNAM’s main campus,
located in Coyoacán borough in the southern part of Mexico City.
Designed by architects Mario Pani and Enrique del Moral, it encloses
the Olympic Stadium, about 40 faculties and institutes, the Cultural Center, an ecological reserve, the Central Library, and a few museums. It was
built during the 1950s on an ancient solidified lava bed to replace the
scattered buildings in downtown Mexico City where classes were given.
It was completed in 1954. Two buildings are adorned by murals made
by famous Mexican muralists David Alfaro Siqueiros (Rectorate Tower) and Juan O’Gorman (Central Library). This
native american speech concentration
Mexico’s pre-Hispanic societies were constantly menaced by natural phenomena: earthquakes, famine, droughts, floods, and volcanic eruptions.
These conditions conspired to give the people of Mexico a unique view
of creation and life. Religion became the manifestation of each society’s
desire to give order and reason to natural occurrences they thought
otherwise unexplainable. Religion, in turn, spawned evocative and wondrous expressions in art and architecture that were developed to exalt the
natural world.
A rich pantheon of gods was created to serve as guides in every phase
of life. This collection of holy beings was crowded with deities for every
function, from the rising of the sun to the appearance of certain planets, to planting and sowing, to birth and death. All created things were
explained or rationalized by strict obedience to religious dogma.
These societies were largely theocratic in structure. Authority rested with
an elite class of high-priest rulers. Nonetheless, strong family and kinship
bonds constituted the basis of most cultures, as holds true even today.
THE PRE-COLUMBIAN cultures of Mexico are generally broken into the
following three periods:
PRE-CLASSIC
Dating from 2000 B.C. to 200 A.D.
Here the main patterns of Mexican civilization were formulated, including stone architecture, technology (weaving, pottery, stone, and woodcarving), social differentiation, hieroglyphic writing, calendrics, and the
establishment of trade and inter-regional commercial dealings.
Thanks to improved agricultural methods, rapid population growth was
possible, as rural villages turned into towns. Ceremonial centers began to
emerge which also served as trade and commercial centers.
10
Before you go…
last mural, recognized as the largest mural
in the world, covering all sides of the
Library, based on Aztec and Spanish
motifs and UNAM’s coat of arms, makes
the Central Library Ciudad Universitaria’s
most iconic building. www.unam.mx/EN
City of San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato
The city of San Miguel de Allende (Guanajuato State) acted as a melting pot
where Spaniards, Creoles and Amerindians exchanged cultural influences. It is an
exceptional example of the integration of
different architectural trends and styles
on the basis of a 16th century urban layout. The Sanctuary of Jesús Nazareno de
Atotonilco is an outstanding example of a
specific religious settlement, containing
exceptional decoration that makes it a
masterpiece of Mexican Baroque.
Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve,
Michoacán
The 56,259 biosphere lies within rugged
forested mountains about 100 km northwest of Mexico City. Every autumn, millions, perhaps a billion, butterflies from
wide areas of North America return to the
site and cluster on small areas of the forest reserve, coloring its trees orange and
literally bending their branches under
their collective weight. In the spring, these
butterflies begin an 8 month migration
that takes them all the way to Eastern
Canada and back, during which time four
successive generations are born and die.
How they find their way back to their
overwintering site remains a mystery.
pre-columbian culture,
The best examples of this period are found at
the sites of San Lorenzo, La Venta, Tres Zapotes
(State of Veracruz) and Cuicuilco (Mexico City).
CLASSIC
Dating from 200 to 900 A.D.
This period witnessed a transition from formative rural cultures towards more urbanized
centers of innovation and political influence.
This was a period of monumental architecture,
advanced urban planning, and awesome intellectual achievement.
It was also the “golden age” for artistic expression. Well-organized trade patterns and a
highly stratified, theocratic society gave rulers
large empires from which to extract resources
and labor.
The best examples of this
period are found at the sites
of Teotihuacán, Cholula (Central Plateau), El Tajín (State of
Veracruz), Monte Albán (Oaxaca), Calakmul (Campeche),
Palenque, Bonampak (Chiapas),
Dzibilchaltún, Labná, Kabah,
Sayil, Chichén Itzá, Uxmal (Yucatán Peninsula), and Xochicalco
(State of Morelos).
continues
in several important ceremonial centers
(Cholula, Chichén Itzá, Tenochtitlán), some
of which ceased to exist, while others flourished. As some cities fell into decline, there
were new centers nearby that rose to take
their places.
This period was dominated by the great
Aztec Empire, and a resurgence of the
Mayan civilization near Chichén Itzá and
Uxmal.
The best examples of this period are found
at the sites of Tula (State of Hidalgo), Tenayuca and Tenochtitlán (Central Plateau),
Yagul and Mitla (Oaxaca), Chichén Itzá,
Tulum and Cobá (Yucatán Peninsula).
native american influence
POST-CLASSIC
Dating from 900 to 1521 A.D.
The period was marked by the
evolution of many societies
from theocratic to militaristic
rule. There were great changes
did you know?
The National Institute of Anthropology and History (known as INAH for its
Spanish abbreviation) is the federal government bureau established in
1939 to guarantee the research, preservation, protection, and promotion
of the prehistoric, archaeological, anthropological, historical, and paleontological heritage of Mexico.
The INAH is responsible for over 110,000 historical monuments built
between the 16th and 19th centuries. It is also responsible for the 29,000
archaeological zones found all over the country. It is estimated that in
these 29,000 zones there are roughly 200,000 sites with archaeological
remains! Of these, 150 are open to the public.
A fundamental task of the bureau is scientific research. Over 400 academicians contribute in the areas of history, social anthropology, physical
anthropology, archaeology, linguistics, ethnohistory, architecture, heritage preservation, preservation, and restoration.
Mexico’s rich heritage is proudly preserved in its wealth of museums, historic and archaeological sites. The INAH invites you to experience their
world by visiting Mexico.
www.inah.gob.mx | www.ancientmexico.com
11
Before you go…
archaeological
sites
Archaeological sites are found predominantly in four cultural zones of
Mexico:
T O LT E C - T E O T I H U C A N AZTEC
Includes States of Mexico, Hidalgo,
Tlaxcala, Puebla, Morelos, and the
Federal District.
SITES: Teotihuacán, Tenochtitlán, Cuicuilco, Xochicalco,
Cholula, Cantona, Xochitecatl,
Cacaxtla, and Tula.
MIX TEC - Z APOTEC
Most of the State of Oaxaca
SITES: Monte Albán, Yagul, and
Mitla, Punta Celeste.
HUASTEC - OLMEC
archaeological regions
Includes States of Veracruz and
Tabasco.
SITES: El Tajín, El Pital, Zempoala,
La Mesa, La Venta, Comalcalco.
M AYA
Includes States of Chiapas,
Campeche, Yucatán and
Quintana Roo.
SITES: Palenque, Toniná,
Yaxchilán, Tulum, Xcaret,
Cobá, Chichén-Itzá, Izamal,
Dzibilchaltún, Uxmal, Kabah,
Edzná, Mayapán, Labná, Sayil,
Calakmul, Kohunlich.
mixtec-zapotec
toltec-teotihuacán-aztec
12
archaeological sites,
Before you go…
continues
WHEN VISITING archaeological sites, here are a few
important tips to maximize the experience:
ZTake into account the site’s natural setting and climate when deciding when to visit and what to
wear. The elements - harsh sun, humidity, insects,
and difficult terrain - can detract from your visit.
Wear comfortable shoes.
huastecolmec,
Veracruz
State
ZMost sites are open from 9am-5pm. Most are
open daily, although some close on Mondays.
ZEntry fees are quite reasonable. Rates vary from
10-45 pesos.* (Tourists no longer enter for free on
Sundays.)
ZMost sites do not allow tripod photography; flash
photography is forbidden. Many sites now restrict
visitors from climbing structures (i.e. Tulum, El
Tajín, Chichén Itzá).
maya,
Yucatán
Peninsula
ZEnglish speaking guides are normally available.
Prices are reasonable (set your price before the
tour begins).
ZTry to learn something about the site you are visiting. A little knowledge can turn “a pile of rocks”
into an ancient palace. If your itinerary involves
Mexico City, don’t miss a visit to the National
Museum of Anthropology (closed Mondays).
Museums are more crowded on Sundays when
entrance is free to Mexican nationals.
See www.ancientmexico.com for wonderful information on these Pre-Columbian civilizations.
These sites have excellent museums: Teotihuacán,
Palenque, Mitla, Monte Albán, Tenochtitlán, Xochicalco.
9.4 million people (3.2 million of whom are foreigners)
visit Mexico’s 153 archaeological sites in a typical year.
o
c
h
aa
maya,
Chiapas
State
* This fee helps support continued study and excavation of sites
throughout Mexico.
13
Before you go…
the travel decision
why go to mexico
Mexico offers a truly astonishing variety of
travel options. The attractions of the country
can be divided into four major themes. It is
very common (and desirable) to have several,
if not all, of these attractions combined into a
single vacation:
ZBeaches and Resorts
ZNative American Culture and
Archaeology
ZSpanish Colonial Era History and Architecture
ZNatural Scenery, Ecological
Treasures and Adventure Travel
To help chart a vacation that’s right on target,
see the guidelines below as well as the chosen destination chapter.
when to go
Mexico is a year-round visitor destination.
Take these factors into account when planning a visit.
W E AT H E R
Contrary to popular impressions about south
of the border travel, Mexico does not experience true “reverse” weather seasons from the
U.S. and Canada. Summers at Mexico’s beach
resorts are generally quite hot and humid,
while winter travelers to inland cities can
experience cool and even cold weather. Recommendation: Head to beach resorts
from November-April and inland cities from
May-October.
CROWDS
Both U.S. and Mexican holidays impact travel
flow to Mexico’s beach resorts. Thanksgiving,
Christmas and Easter (Semana Santa) are traditionally the busiest times for beach resorts. Recommendation: Skip these holidays and
travel in early December or early January- the
weather’s great and crowds are smaller.
PRICES
Mexico’s hoteliers generally work on two seasons: High (Dec.15 through Easter) and Low
(the rest of the year). Look for the best bargains in late spring, summer, and fall.
Recommendation: It is common for properties to offer low-season pricing for the first
three weeks of January (a traditionally slow
travel period). Enjoy the great weather at
reduced pricing!
how to get there
BY AIR
As of Jan. 2010, International air travel to
Mexico has seen significant recovery from
general cuts due to the slow economy and
the swine flu scare (April-May 2009). In addition to the major US & Canadian Carriers
(AA,AC,AS,CO,DL,FL,UA,US), now Spirit Airlines
and Jet Blue join Mexicana and Aeromexico.
BY SEA
Mexico is the number one cruise destination in the world offering service to 21 ports
from the Pacific to the Gulf of Mexico and the
Caribbean. Cruise ships also offer an excellent
way to see Mexico’s coastal resorts.
Basically, Mexico cruises can be broken into
two types…
ZTranscanal Cruises: usually begin and/
or end in Los Angeles and touch several
Mexican ports of call (usually Los Cabos,
Puerto Vallarta, or Zihuatanejo) en route
to Panama. All stop at Acapulco, the Mexican “cruise hub” of the Pacific.
ZMexico Cruises: normally seven-day
cruises begin in Los Angeles, San Diego,
or Acapulco. Common stops include Los
Cabos, Mazatlán, Puerto Vallarta, and
Zihuatanejo. The Sea of Cortés features
“naturalist” cruises.
The Yucatán peninsula ports of Cozumel and
Majauhal are Mexico’s most popular cruise
ports (over 2.5 million annual cruise visitors).
puerto maya port booming
The beautiful region of Costa Maya is
located about a four-hour drive south of Cancun, Mexico. Protected by the second largest
coral reef in the world, the area is home to
lovely beaches and spectacular Mayan ruins.
A large, privately owned cruise ship terminal
opened here in 2001 and rapidly became one
of the most active cruise ports in the Western
Caribbean. In 2004, one million passengers
arrived at the Costa Maya cruise terminal.
That number quickly doubled to two million
by March 2006. In 2007, Costa Maya was
named Seatrade Insider’s Port of the Year.
On August 21, 2007, powerful Hurricane
Dean struck a Category 5 blow that completely destroyed the port, pier, and the
nearby town of Mahahual. Frequent cruisers
were devastated by the news of Costa Maya’s
destruction. The port had long been a favorite with cruise passengers, partially due to the
variety of tours and the appeal of Mahahual’s
laid-back beach town vibe. Many wondered
whether the port – and the little town –
would ever return to prominence.
It took a little over a year for Costa Maya to
rebuild. Today, the port facility is bustling with
activity. The new longer pier, capable of docking even the largest cruise vessels, now can
accommodate more ships than it did before
Hurricane Dean struck. Royal Caribbean has
announced that its Oasis of the Seas will stop
at Costa Maya starting in May 2010.
For information on the port and the wide
variety of excursions available see
www.puertocostamaya.com.
BY GROUND
Following Mexican legislative changes,
escorted bus tours to Mexico have become
a more popular mode of entry into Mexico. In 1991 a mere 12,000 visitors arrived by
motor coach; in 2002 over 500,000 vacationers arrived by motor coach; today, the number
tops one million. The National Tour Association and its members have actively worked
with the Mexican government to streamline
motor coach arrivals. Several U.S. and Canadian operators now offer escorted motor
coach tours to Mexico.
14
Before you go…
mexico vacation planner
Acapulco
Cancún
Chihuahua State
Coahuila State
Copper Canyon
Cozumel
Cuernavaca/Morelos
Guadalajara/Chapala
Guanajuato
Guaymas
Hidalgo State
Huatulco
Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo
La Paz
Loreto
Los Cabos
Manzanillo
Mazatlán
Mérida
Mexico City
Michoacán State
Monterrey
Oaxaca City
Puerto Escondido
Puerto Vallarta
Riviera Maya
San Miguel de Allende
Sonora State
Tamaulipas State
Tampico
Taxco
Veracruz State
Zacatecas State
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© 2009 Destination Ventures Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
15
Before you go…
marketing tips
Mexico is an enormously diverse country
with infinite sales possibilities. This diversity can be a double-edged sword. Agents
sometimes shy away from selling Mexico
because they feel intimidated by Mexico’s
foreign language, diverse culture, and distinctive business environment.
Retail agents can no longer sit back and
wait for Mexico business to come to them.
Agencies must have the sales and customer service skills to close the sale and
keep customers coming back. Developing
and maintaining a Mexico revenue stream
first requires a strategy. Here are a few tips
on how to build your Mexico business.
1. Mexico’s visitor product is ever-changing. Keeping abreast of changes is
essential. Take advantage of several newsletters about Mexico (see Trip Resources)
and become an avid reader of trade publications that regularly feature Mexico,
i.e. Travel Agent, Recommend, Travel Age,
Travel Weekly, Travel Courier, Canadian
Traveler, Canadian Travel Press.
3. Become a specialist in a particular geographic area. There are many regions of Mexico
that have tremendous attractions. Become an
expert on one area. SOME IDEAS: Copper Canyon, Colonial Mexico, Mundo
Maya, the Yucatán Peninsula, Oaxaca, Chiapas, Baja California Sur.
4. Become a specialist in an area of personal
interest that can be tied to Mexico. Almost any
hobby or leisure activity can be found somewhere in Mexico. Think about combining activities (cooking and Spanish language instruction;
tennis and photography; archaeology and folk
art) to create a program of broader appeal.
SOME IDEAS:
Cooking schools, learning Spanish,
weddings, archaeology, soft adventure,
ecotourism, fishing, hunting, diving,
golf, tennis, photography, religion, arts
and crafts, museums, Native American
culture, and European architecture.
The list is almost endless.
5. Ally yourself and your agency with a select
group of major Mexico suppliers (hotel chains,
airlines, tour operators) and persistently seek
cooperative promotional support.
6. Promote yourself and your agency as
Mexico experts. There are numerous opportunities to spread the word about who you
are and why you’re special. Many are free of
charge, such as local radio talk shows and articles in local newspaper travel sections. Also,
consider doing a Mexico newsletter to current
clients, or developing a slide show for local
service clubs.
2. Remember, Mexico is much more
than a series of beach resorts. Visitors
to Mexico are diverse, as are their motives
for travel. On a typical international flight
to Mexico, you might encounter a Mexican family going to visit friends and family, an American business woman going
to a meeting in Mexico City, a father and
son returning to Mexico after working in
the States and students heading for studies abroad. Be open-minded about developing a strategy and a target audience.
The country literally offers something for
everyone.
16
Before you go…
Trip Planning Resources
The MTB offices offer a
wide range of services to
assist agents and consumers with information
about travel to Mexico. Agents are strongly
encouraged to contact their local office and
learn about upcoming promotional events
and resource materials.
usa
Illinois Office
Director: Rodrigo Esponda
225 N Michigan Ave. Ste 1850
Chicago, IL 60601
chicago@visitmexico.com
Tel. 312-228-0517 Fax 312-228-0515
Coverage: ND, SD, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MI, MN, MO, NE,
OH & WI.
Texas Office
Director: Martin Gonzalez
4507 San Jacinto Ste. 308
Houston, TX 77004
texas@visitmexico.com
Tel. 713-772-2581 Fax 713-772-6058
Coverage: AR, CO, LA, NM, OK & TX
canada
California Office
Director: Jorge Gamboa
1880 Century Park East Ste 511
Los Angeles, CA 90067
losangeles@visitmexico.com
Tel. 213-739-6336 Fax 310-282-9116
Coverage: AK, AZ, CA, HI, MT, NV, OR, UT, WA & WY
New York Office
Director: Gabriela Ibarra
400 Madison Avenue Ste 11C
New York, NY 10017
newyork@visitmexico.com
Tel. 212-308-2110 Fax 212-308-9060
Coverage: CT, DE, ME, MA, MD, NH, NJ, PA, RI, VT,
VA, & WV
Florida Office
Director: José Barquín
5975 Sunset Drive Ste 305
Miami, FL 33143
miami@visitmexico.com
Tel. 786-621-2909 Fax 786-621-2907
Coverage: AL, SC, NC, FL, GA, MS, TN & Pto. Rico
Quebec Office
Director: Manuel Montelongo
1 Place Ville-Marie, Suite 1931
Montréal, Quebec H3B 2C3
Email montreal@visitmexico.com
Tel (514) 871-1052 Fax (514) 871-3825
Coverage: Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick,
Newfoundland, P.E. Island, and Labrador
Ontario Office
Director: Guillermo Eguiarte
2 Bloor Street West, Suite 1502
Toronto, Ontario M4W 3E2
Email toronto@visitmexico.com
Tel 416-368-5875 Fax 416-368-8342
Coverage: Ontario, Manitoba and Nunavut
British Columbia Office
Director: Daniel Gutierrez
999 W Hastings, Suite 1110
Vancouver, British Columbia V6C 2W2
Email vancouver@visitmexico.com
Tel (604) 669-2845 Fax (604) 669-3498
Coverage: Provinces of British Columbia, Alberta,
Saskatchewan, Yukon, Northwest Territory
Lodging Reservations
HOTELS
Banyan Tree............................................ 800-591-0439
Barceló Hotels & Resorts................... 800-448-8355
Be Live Hotels......................................... 800-44BeLive
Best Western........................................... 800-528-1234
Blue Bay Resorts.................................... 800-BLUE BAY
Brisas Resorts......................................... 800-223-6800
Camino Real............................................ 800-7-CAMINO
Club Med................................................. 800-CLUB MED
Days Inn Int’l........................................... 800-325-2525
Dream Resorts/Secrets Resorts...... 866-2 DREAMS
Fairmont Hotels..................................... 800-223-1818
Fiesta Americana • One • Lat 19
• Fiesta Inn Hotels................................ 800-FIESTA1
Four Seasons.......................................... 800-332-3442
Gala Resorts............................................ 877-888 GALA
Hilton Hotels........................................... 800-HILTONS
Holiday Inn.............................................. 800-HOLIDAY
Hyatt International............................... 800-233-1234
Iberostar Hotels..................................... 888-923-2722
Karisma Resorts..................................... 866-KARISMA
Krystal Hotels......................................... 800-231-9860
Loew’s Rep. Int’l..................................... 800-235-6397
Luxe Worldwide.................................... 800-876-5278
Mandarin Oriental................................ 800-526-6566
Marriott.................................................... 800-831-1000
Mayaland Resorts................................. 800-235-4079
Mayan Palace Resorts......................... 800-99 MAYAN
Meliá Hotels............................................ 800-336-3542
Mexico Nikko Hotels........................... 800-NIKKO US
Occidental Hotels & Resorts (Allegro, Royal
Hideaway, Caribbean Village).......... 800-858-2258
Omni Hotels............................................ 800-THE OMNI
Palace Resorts (Cancún).................... 800-346-8225
Playa del Carmen Reservations...... 800-GO PLAYA
Presidente Inter-Continental........... 800-327-0200
Pueblo Bonito Resorts & Spas......... 800-990-8250
Radisson................................................... 800-777-7800
Ramada.................................................... 800-272-6232
Real Resorts............................................ 800-543-7556
Renaissance............................................ 800-228-9898
Ritz Carlton.............................................. 800-241-3333
Riu Hotels, Canada............................... 866 845-3765
Royal Solaris Resorts........................... 800-368-9779
Starwood Hotels & Resorts (Sheraton, Westin, W,
Luxury Collection)................................ 800-334-8484
Small Luxury Hotels............................. 800-525-4800
Trav America/Oasis Hotels................ 800-44-OASIS
Utell International................................ 800-44-UTELL
The Villa Group Resorts & Spas....... 866-625-4502
Vista Hotels............................................. 800-882-8215
Viva Wyndham Resorts...................... 800-898-9968
Westin Hotels......................................... 800-228-3000
CONDOS • VILL AS • HOMES
Creative Leisure..................................... 800-426-6367
Condo Concepts................................... 888-266-3653
Delfin Hotels & Resorts...................... 800-524-5104
Earth, Sea & Sky (Los Cabos)............ 800-PIK CABO
Global Home Network ...................... 800-528-3549
Hideaways International................... 800-843-4433
Prestige Villas......................................... 800-336-0080
Trading Places........................................ 800-365-9190
Vacation Club Rentals (Cancún)..... 800-8-CANCUN
HOSTELS
Hostelling International (HI), formerly called the
International Youth Hostel Federation, has begun
operations in Mexico. Over 40 HI hostels are now
open. More will almost certainly follow. They
generally offer a mixture of dormitories and
double rooms at prices ranging from $4 to $20US/
night/person. www.hostels.com/en/mx.html
Another: www.hostelworld.com
17
trip planning resources, continues
tour operators, u.s. & canada
Abercrombie & Kent Int’l
800-323-7308 • 630-954-2944
www.abercrombiekent.com
Colonial Cities, Mundo Maya
Acapulco Travel
888-380-6999
www.acatravel.com
Accent Travel Group
800-723-6623
www.accenttravelgroup.com
ACIS
800-888-ACIS
www.acis.com
Adventure Associates
888-532-8352 • 206-932-8352
Ecotours, Copper Canyon, Baja
www.adventureassociates.net
Adventure Tours USA
800-999-9046 • 214-360-5050
www.atusa.com
Beaches
Adventures by Disney
800-543-0865
http://abd.disney.co.com
Aeromexico Vacations
800-245-8585 • 414-934-3380
www.aeromexicovacations.com
Beaches, Inland/Colonial Cities
AFC Tours and Cruises
800-369-3693 • 858-481-8188
www.afctours.com
Beaches
Affordable Elegance Tours
202-842-3820
Alaska Airlines Vacations
800-468-2248
www.alaskaair.com
Beaches
Alken Tours
800-221-6686 • 718-856-7711
www.alkentours.com
Beaches
Ambassadair Travel
800-225-9919 • 317-282-8102
www.ambassadair.com
Beaches
American Airlines Vacations
800-321-2121
www.aavacations.com
Beaches
American Sightseeing
International
866-399-0899 • 416-736-4432
www.americansightseeing.org
Beaches, Inland Cities
Amerispan Unlimited
800-879-6640 • 215-751-1100
www.amerispan.com
Spanish Language Schools
Beach & Inland
Apple Vacations
800-800-0202 • 610-359-6500
www.applevacations.com
Beaches
Backroads
800-462-2848 • 510-527-1555
www.backroads.com
Baja
Baja Expeditions
800-843-6967 • 858-581-3311
www.bajaex.com
Baja
Baja Tours
800-467-3939
Baja Calif. Peninsula
www.bajatours.com
Best Catholic Pilgrimages/
Amazing Pilgrimages
800-908-BEST • 312-944-3958
www.bestcatholic.com
Mexico City, Beaches
Bianchi-Rossi Tours Inc.
800-875-4525 • 612-933-2455
www.brspringbreak.com
Beaches
Bixler Tours
800-325-5087
Beach Cruises
Brendan Worldwide Vacations
800-421-8446 • 818-428-6000
www.brendantours.com
Copper Canyon
Brennan Vacations
800-237-7249 • 206-622-9155
www.brennantours.com
Copper Canyon
Cajun Tours & Cruises
800-916-8687 • 985-872-6157
www.cajuntours.com
Beaches
The California Native
800-926-1140 • 310-642-1140
www.calnative.com
Copper Canyon, Baja, Yucatan
Caradonna Caribbean Tours
800-328-2288 • 407-774-9000
www.caradonna.com
Beaches
Caravan Tours
800-227-2826 • 312-321-9800
www.caravantours.com
Yucatán, Copper Canyon,
Colonial Cities
Caribbean Adventures/
World Dive Adventures
800-433-DIVE • 954-236-6611
www.worlddive.com
Beaches
Caribbean Tours Specialist
800-930-9021 • 516-334-6300
Beaches
Catholic Travel
301-530-8963
www.catholictraveloffice.com
Inland Cities
Classic Vacations
800-221-3949 • 408-287-4550
www.classicvacations.com
Beaches, Inland Cities, Luxury
Collette Vacations
800-340-5158 • 401-728-3805
www.collettevacations.com
Copper Canyon
Continental Airlines Vacations
800-634-5555
Beaches, Mexico City,
Guadalajara
Creative Leisure
800-413-1000 • 707-778-1800
www.creativeleisure.com
Beaches
Cultural Vacations
800-953-8111 • 407-788-8111
www.culturalvacations.com
Customized Tours
Dan Dipert Tours
800-433-5335 • 817-543-3720
www.dandipert.com
Copper Canyon
Detours
800-755-7754 • 303-874-8200
Delta Vacations
800-221-6666
www.deltavacations.com
Beaches
Earth Sea & Sky Tours
800-745-2226 • 831-688-5544
www.cabovillas.com
Los Cabos
Emerita Tours
800-432-1353 • 305-559-1211
Especially 4 U Tours
800-331-4968 • 480-985-4200
www.especially4utours.com
Baja, Copper Canyon
Exito Travel
800-655-4053 • 510-655-2154
www.wonderlink.com
Inland Cities
Explore Tours
800-523-7405 • 907-786-0192
www.exploretours.com
Beaches
Before you go…
Far & Wide Travel Corp.
800-511-1194 • 305-908-7555
www.farandwide.com
Far and Wide Regina Tours
800-228-4654 • 201-228-5650
www.farandwide.com
Far Horizons
800-552-4575 • 415-482-8400
www.farhorizon.com
Oaxaca, Mexico City, Yucatán,
Archaeological & Cultural Trips
Festival Tours
800-225-0117 • 407-850-0860
www.festivaltours.com
Inland Cities, Cancun
Frontiers International
800-245-1950 • 724-935-1577
www.frontierstrvl.com
Yucatán, Ecotours
Funjet Vacations/
Mark Travel Corp.
1-800-558-3060
www.funjet.com
Future Vacations
800-456-2323 • 954-522-1440
www.futurevacations.com
Beaches, Mexico City
Gadabout Tours
800-952-5068 • 760-325-5556
www.gadabouttours.com
Copper Canyon, Baja, San Felipe
GlobalQuest Journeys
800-221-3254 • 516-739-3690
www.globalquesttravel.com
Beaches
Go Classy Tours
800-329-8145 • 727-786-8145
www.goclassy.com
Beaches
GoGo Worldwide Vacations
1-800-229-4999 • 201-934-3500
www.gogowwv.com
Grand Circle Travel
800-321-2835 • 617-350-7500
Col Cities, Mexico City, Copper
Canyon. www.gct.com
Grand Union Tours
201-865-7554
www.granduniontours.com
Beaches, Colonial Cities
Jean Grimm Art & Culture Tours
888-783-1331 • 480-730-1764
www.mexicanarttours.com
Inland and Colonial Cities
GWV International
800-225-5498 • 781-449-5460
www.gwvtravel.com
Beaches
Happy Vacations
800-877-4277 • 831-461-0113
www.happyvacations.com
Beaches
Heavenly Int’l Tours
800-322-8622 • 414-352-6522
www.heavenlytours.com
Beaches
Holbrook Travel
800-451-7111 • 352-377-7111
www.holbrooktravel.com
Beaches
Horan & Assoc./
Tara Tours International
877-460-6960 • 312-263-4811
www.horantravel.com
Beaches
Hyatt Vacations
877-394-8433 • 630-271-6000
www.hyattvacations.com
Beaches
Into The Blue
800-6-GET-WET • 610-642-1920
www.intotheblue.com
Cozumel, Ecotours
Intra Tours
800-334-8069 • 713-952-0662
www.intratours.com
Colonial Cities, Beaches
Island Dreams Travel
800-346-6116 • 713-973-9300
www.islandream.com
Scuba Diving (only)/Cozumel
Island Destinations
888-454-4422 • 914-833-3300
www.idestin.com
Beaches
Island Resort Tours
800-251-1755 • 212-476-9400
www.islandresorttours.com
Beaches
Kraft Tours
918-627-9797
www.kraftours.com
Copper Canyon
Lambert Tours
800-676-9339 • 805-653-1911
www.lamberttours.com
Group, Colonial Cities, Copper
Canyon, Beaches
Latour/Isram World
800-825-825 • 212-370-6060
www.latours.com
Jody Lexow Yacht Charters
800-662-2628 • 401-849-1112
www.jodylexowyachtcharters.com
Beaches
LaTour Latin America
800-825-0825
www.latour.com
Lindblad Expeditions
800-EXPEDITION • 212-765-7740
www.expeditions.com
Baja, Copper Canyon
Magic Tours and Travel
800-883-6244 • 212-286-2200
www.magictours.com
Beaches
Maupintour
800-255-4266 • 785-331-1000
www.maupintour.com
Mexico City
Mayaland Tours
800-235-4079 • 52-98-872450
www.mayaland.com
Mundo Maya
Mayatour
800-392-6292 • 954-942-6262
www.mayatour.com
Mundo Maya
Mayflower Tours
800-323-7604 • 630-435-8500
www.mayflowertours.com
Copper Canyon
Mena Tours & Travel
800-937-6362 • 773-275-2125
www.menatours.net
Beaches
Mexico Accommodations
800-262-4500 • 619-275-4500
www.mcrx.com
Beaches (condos only)
Mexico Beach Hotels
800-733-8818 • 206-842-1800
www.mexico-beach-hotels.com
Beaches
Mexico Unlimited
800-255-8186 • 503-656-1355
www.mexicounlimited.com
Mila Tours
800-367-7378 • 847-249-2111
www.milatours.com
All of Mexico FIT’s
M.L.T. Vacations
800-362-3520 • 612-474-2540
www.worryfreevacations.com
Beaches
Nature Tours
800-444-3990 • 504-895-0092
www.naturetoursinc.com
Yucatán, Beaches
Navtec Expeditions
800-833-1278 • 435-259-7983
www.navtec.com
Baja, Ecotours
North Star Tour & Travel
800-937-8087 • 503-233-9961
50+ Seniors Group
Northwest Passage
800-732-7328 • 847-256-4409
www.nwpassage.com
Yucatan
Northwest World Vacations
800-727-1111 • 612-672-3111
www.nwaworldvacations.com
Beaches
Ocean Voyages
800-299-4444 • 415-332-4681
www.oceanvoyages.com
(Yacht Chartering)
Outwest Global Adventures
800-743-0458 • 406-446-1533
www.outwestadventures.com
Beaches
Pacific Escapes
800-777-7992
www.pacificescapes.com
Beaches, inland
Pacific Sea Fari Tours
619-226-8224
www.hmlanding.com
Baja
Pacific Sunspots Tours
800-663-0755 • 604-606-1750
www.pacificsunspots.com
Pan American Tours
800-351-1612 • 915-778-5395
www.panamericantours.com
Beaches, Inland Cities, Copper
Canyon
Pleasant Holidays
800-242-9244 • 818-991-3390
www.pleasantholidays.com
Beaches, Coastal Resorts
Pleasure Travel & Tours
800-500-9577 • 305-551-8049
www.pleasuretravel.net
Beaches
Poseidon Ventures Tours
800-854-9334 • 949-644-5344
www.poseidontours.com
Beaches
Presidential Kosher Holidays
800-950-1240 • 718-332-3900
www.passsovervacations.com
Inland Cities
Rascals in Paradise
800-U RASCAL • 415-921-7000
www.rascalsinparadise.com
Beaches
Royale Tours
877-276-9253 • 480-951-6090
www.royaletours.com
Beaches
S & S Tours
800-499-5685 • 520-803-1352
www.ss-tours.com
Copper Canyon, Beaches,
Inland Cities
Sanborn’s Viva Tours
800-395-8482 • 956-682-9872
www.sanborns.com
Copper Canyon, Colonial Cities
Scuba Voyages
800-544-7631 • 909-371-1831
www.scubavoyages.com
Cozumel, Diving
Search Beyond
800-800-9979 • 612-721-3409
www.searchbeyond.com
Beaches
Select Int’l Tours & Cruises
800-842-4842 • 908-412-0044
www.selectinternational.tv
Inland Cities
PARTIAL LIST
18
Before you go…
tour operators, u.s. & canada
Solar Tours
800-388-7652 • 202-861-5864
www.solartours.com
Copper Canyon, Beaches,
Inland Cities
SolSierra Destinations
800-400-3333
www.solsierra.com
Ecotours, Beaches
South American Fiesta/
Blue Planet Journeys
888-334-3782 • 770-321-6814
www.southamericanfiesta.com
South American Tours
800 263 5641 • 905 238-2999
www.southamericantours.com
Beaches, Inland & colonial cities
Sports Leisure Vacations
916-361-2051
www.sportsleisure.com
Sportours
800-660-2754 • 818-553-3333
www.sportours.com
Cozumel, Cabo San Lucas
Student City . com Inc.
800-446-8355 • 763-682-6011
www.sunbreaks.com
Beaches
Sun Splash Tours
800-648-4849 • 410-859-4200
www.sunsplashtours.com
Beaches
Sun Trips
800-786-8747 • 408-432-1101
www.suntrips.com
Beaches
Sunburst Holidays
800-SUNBURST • 212-567-2050
www.sunburstholidays.com
Beaches
Sunquest
800-786-7253 • 416-485-1700
www.sunquest.ca
Beaches
Suntrek Tours
800-SUNTREK • 707-523-1800
www.suntrek.com
Beaches
Surf Express
321-779-2124
www.surfex.com
Beaches
Synergy Tours
800-569-1797 • 480-994-4475
www.synergytours.com
Rocky Point
T.N.T.
800-262-0123 • 617-262-9200
www.tntvacations.com
Beaches
Tauck World Discovery
800-468-2825 • 203-226-6911
www.tauck.com
Copper Canyon
Tierra Mar Travel
800-525-5524 • 480-833-4997
www.elmar.com
Beaches
Toro Tours
800-246-9546
www.torotours.com
Beaches
Toto Tours
800-565-1241
www.tototours.com
Copper Canyon
Trading Places Int’l
800-365-9190 • 949-448-5155
www.tradingplaces.com
Beaches, Inland Cities, Golf Pkgs
Trafalgar Tours
800-648-1638 • 718-685-3000
www.trafalgartours.com
Copper Canyon
Trans Global Vacations
800-338-2160 • 952-948-8000
www.tgvacations.com
Beaches
Travel Bound
800-456-8656 • 212-334-1350
www.booktravelbound.com
Beaches
Travel Charter Int’l
800-521-5267
www.travelcharter.com
Travel Connection
800-862-0862 • 503-252-2700
www.travelconnection.com
Beaches
Travel Dynamics Int’l
Classical Cruises
800-257-5767 • 212-517-7555
www.classicalcruises.com
Beaches
The Travel Gallery
800-323-8308 • 773-763-6161
Beaches
Travel Impressions
800-284-0022
www.travelimpressions.com
Travel Plan Int’l
800-323-7600 • 630-573-1400
www.travelplansintl.com
Beaches
Trek America
800-221-0596 • 973-983-1144
www.trekamerica.com
Trilogy Tours
800-223-1847
www.trilogytours.com
Beaches
Tropical Travel
800-451-8017 • 281-367-3386
www.tropicaltravel.com
Beaches, Colonial Cities,
Mundo Maya, Copper Canyon
United Vacations
800-699-6122, 800-328-6877
www.unitedvacations.com
Mexico City
Unitours
800-777-7432 • 914-253-9446
www.unitours.com
Inland Cities
Universal Travel System
800-255-4338 • 310-393-0261
www.uts-travel.com
Beaches
US Airways Vacations
800-455-0123, 800-451-6767
www.usairwaysvacations.com
Beaches, Mexico City
Vacation Express
800-486-9777 • 404-321-7742
www.vacationexpress.net
Cancún, Cozumel, Riv. Maya
Vacation Travel Mart
800-288-1435 • 305-947-0777
www.vacmart.com
Vacations For Less
800-200-2423 • 323-655-8434
www.vacations4less.com
Beaches
Value Holidays
800-558-6850 • 626-241-6373
www.valhol.com
Beaches
VHR Worldwide
800-NEED-A-VILLA • 201-767-9393
www.vhrww.com
Beaches
World of Vacations
800-661-1312 • 416-620-8050
www.worldofvacations.com
Beaches
World Outdoors
800-488-8483 • 303-413-0938
www.theworldoutdoors.com
Baja, Copper Canyon
Wyder Tours
800-999-0367 • 305-373-8687
Ya’lla Tours
800-644-1595 • 503-977-3765
www.yallatours.com
Beaches
Your Man Tours
800-922-9000 • 610-649-3820
www.ymt.com
Beaches
Zapotec Tours
800-44 OAXACA • 773-506-2444
www.oaxacainfo.com
State of Oaxaca
CANADA
Air Canada Tower
888 247 2262 • 416 263 5342
www.aircanada.com
Beaches
Air Canada Vacations
877 752 7710 • 604 270 5788
www.aircanadavacations.com
Beaches (PVR, CUN, ZIH)
Air Transat Holidays
800 587 2672 • 604 688 3350
www.airtransat.com
Beaches/Inland on request
Alio
866 245 9041 • 416 924 8127
www.alio.ca
Beaches
Bust Loose Holidays
800 270 7606 • 403 243 3372
www.bustloose.com
Beaches (PVR, MZT, CUN)
Canandes Int’l Tours
800 361 6593 • 514 274 3400
www.canandestour.com
Beaches, Inland cities
Cruise Ship Centers Canada
866 681 7327 • 604 685 1445
www.cruiseshipcenters.ca
Cruises
Detours Excursion/Siesta Tours
877 733 8242 • 604 733 8242
Colonial cities, Yucatan
Exotic Destinations
877 698 6588 • 416 214-2235
Flex Tours
800 361 0620 • 514 931 0301
Beaches (PVR, CUN, CZM, ZIH,
Riviera Maya)
Fun Sun Vacations
800 938 6786 • 780 421 4300
www.funsunvacations.com
Beaches
Gendron Travel
800 561 8747 • 416 969 8747
GenX Tours
416 531 5225
MEX, GDL & MTY
Global Connections
866 382 7716 • 604 681 1221
www.global-connections.ca
Beaches, Inland & Colonial
cities.
Globespan
800 663 8614 • 604 879 6466
www.globespan.com
Air tickets
Golf Away Tours
888 824 4151 • 905 943 9770
www.golfawaytours.com
Golf
Golf Holidays
800 801 5833 • 514 876 8009
Golf
Golf Safaris
866 723 2747 • 250 889 4653
Golf (PVR, ACA, CZM)
Golf the World Vacations
888 879 7011 • 604 879 3770
www.golftheworldvacations.com
Golf (ACA)
Great Golf Vacations
800 991 4404 • 604 444 4404
Golf
Gryphon Golf Inc
877 479 7466 • 514 878 9634
www.gryphongolf.com
Golf (PVR, SJD, CZM)
Intair Transit
877 658 7020 • 514 286 9747
www.intair.com
Air Tickets
Itravel2000
800 859 2920 • 905 238 3399
www.itravel2000.com
Latin World Tours
416 535 9374
www.latinworldtours.com
Air tickets
Magic Tours & Travel, Ltd.
800 661 1206 • 403 237 7691
Beaches, Inland & Colonial cities,
Maxx Tours
866 696 6299 • 905 361 0670
Beaches, Colonial Cities.
Merit Travel Group
800 268 5940 • 416 364 3775
Golf
Mexi-can Holidays
604 685 3375
www.mexi-canholidays.com
Beaches, Colonial cities,
Monarch Butterflies
Mexico Travel Link
888 666 9044 • 604 454 9044
Sports pkgs
Moreno Travel
800 465 2853 • 416 252-5701
Beaches, Inland & Colonial cities.
Navigant International Canada
800 667 6989 • 604 669 6665
www.navigantvacations.ca
Beaches, Inland & Colonial cities,
Nolitours Vacances
800 363 3866 • 514 286 2665
www.nolitours.com
Beaches
North South Travel & Tour
800 665 1882 • 604 736 7447
www.northsouthtravel.com
Beaches
Pacific Sunspots Tours
800 663 0755 • 604 718 7807
www.pacificsunspots.com
Red Seal Vacations
800 668 4224 • 416 620 5999
www.redsealvacations.com
Renshaw Travel & Cruise Centre
800 745 7753 • 604 733 1010
www.renshawtravel.com
Beaches, Inland & Colonial cities
Senior Tours Canada
800 268 3492 • 416 322 1529
www.seniortourscanada.com
Monterrey, Villages
Signature Vacations
800 663 9757 • 604 688 1102
www.signature.ca
Beaches
Strider Golf Adventures
877 563 4653 • 403 238 4047
www.strider.ca
Golf (PVR, SJD)
Sunquest Vacations
800 268 8354 • 604 687 0380
www.sunquest.ca
Beaches
Total Vacations
800 769 4147 • 905 789 0759
www.totalvacations.ca
Beaches, Inland & Colonial cities
Tours Cure-Vac
800 772 0360 • 514 345 1154
www.tourscure-vac.com
Inland cities (Cultural tours)
Trek Holidays
800 661 7265
www.trektours.com
Small group adventure
specialists
PA RT I A L L I ST
19
Before you go…
information centers
MEXICO Specialist Programs.......................................800-599-6633
Mexico Tourism Fulfillment – US & Canada...........800-446-3942
Baja California (northern Baja)....................................800-962-2252
Ensenada, Baja.................................................................800 310-9687
La Paz Tourism...................................................................866-733-5272
Los Cabos........................................................................ 866-LOS CABOS
Puerto Vallarta...................................................................888-384-6822
Canadian Customs .........................................................800 461-9999
www.cra-arc.gc.ca
Citizenship & Immigration Canada......................... www.cic.gc.ca
U.S. Customs.......................................................................716-646-3400
www.customs.ustreas.gov
U.S. Bureau of Citizenship & Immigration..............800-375-5283
www.usimmigrationsupport.org
US Passports & Birth Certificate Information
www.usbirthcertificatebureau.com
health information
For information about outbreakds of infectious diseases
abroad, consult the World Health Organization’s website at
www.who.int/en
Further health information for travelers is available at
www.who.int/ith/en or www.cdc.gov/travel and at
www.mexico-update.com
dial up mexico
The rules for dialing phone numbers in Mexico from the
United States and Canada have recently changed as a 1 must be
dialed in front of all cellular phone numbers when calling from
out of the country. The process for dialing phone numbers from
the U.S. and Canada is fairly simple although phone numbers are
8 digits long for Mexico City, Monterrey and Guadalajara unlike
the 7 numbers in most other cities.
To dial from the U.S. or Canada to a landline in Mexico is: 011–
52 (country code) – (area code) – phone number. There are different area codes in each state similar to our system in the United
States. To dial from Mexico to the U.S. or Canada is: 001 – (area
code) – number.
Dialing a landline within Mexico would be: 01 – (area code) –
number. If in Mexico and calling from a landline to a Mexican cellular phone in the same city is: 044 – (area code) – phone number.
To a cellular phone in another city is: 045 – (area code) – phone
number. To a Nextel of the same city: phone number only, and to a
Nextel in another city is: 01 – area code – phone number.
mexican state tourism offices
AGUASCALIENTES:
AGUASCLAIENTES, AGS.
TEL. 449-15-11-55 FAX 449-16-03-47
evaldess@aguascalientes.gob.mx
BAJA CALIFORNIA: TIJUANA, B.C.
TEL 664-634-63-30 FAX 664-634-71-57
alemoreno@baja.gob.mx
BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR: LA PAZ, B.C.
TEL 612-124-01-03 FAX 612-124-07-22
turismo@gbcs.com.mx
CAMPECHE: CAMPECHE, CAMP.
TEL 981-816-67-67 FAX 981-816-67-67
COAHUILA: SALTILLO, COAH.
TEL 844-439-27-46 FAX 844-439-27-45
ietcoah@prodigy.net.mx
COLIMA: COLIMA. COL.
TEL 312-316 2000 FAX 312-312-83-60
mmadrid@col.gob.mx
CHIAPAS: TUXTLA, GUTIERREZ, CHIS.
TEL 961-602-52-99 FAX 961-602-52-98
st@turismochiapas.gob.mx
CHIHUAHUA: CHIHUAHUA, CHIH.
TEL 614-410-99-48 FAX 614-416-00-32
lmares@chihuahua.gob.mx
DISTRITO FEDERAL: MÉXICO, D.F.
TEL 55-52-86-90-77 FAX 55-52-86-90-22
jcampos@mexicocity.gob.mx
DURANGO; DURANGO, DGO.
TEL 618-811-11-07 FAX 618-811-96-77
turismor@prodigy.net.mx
GUANAJUATO: GUANAJUATO, GTO.
TEL 473-732-76-22 FAX 473-732-42-51
mruizv@guanajuato.gob.mx
GUERRERO: ACAPULCO, GRO.
TEL 744-484-24-23 FAX 744-481-11-60
ggomezm@sectur.guerrero.gov.mx
HIDALGO: PACHUCA, HGO.
TEL 771-718-39-37 FAX 771-718-46-05
turismo_hgo@hotmail.com
JALISCO: GUADALAJARA, JAL.
TEL 33-6-68-16-01 FAX 33-6-68-16-86
hgonzale@jalisco.gob.mx
ESTADO DE MÉXICO:
TOLUCA, EDO. DE MÉXICO
TEL 722-219-51-90 FAX 722-212-16-33
turismo@mail.edomex.gob.mx
MICHOACAN: MORELIA, MICH.
TEL 443-317-64-26 FAX 443-312-98-16
gfigeroa@michoacan.gob.mx
MORELOS: CUERNAVACA, MOR.
TEL 777-314-36-54 FAX 777-314-39-20
marcos.suarez@morelostravel.com
NAYARIT: TEPIC, NAY.
TEL 311-216-74-40 FAX 311-216-86-91
ernesto_@nayarit.gob.mx
NUEVO LEÓN: MONTERREY, N.L
TEL 81-345-68-05 FAX 81-304-11-69
omar.mohamed@nl.gob.mx
OAXACA: OAXACA, OAX.
TEL 951-514-05-70 FAX 951-516-15-00
sedetur1@oaxaca.gob.mx
PUEBLA: PUEBLA, PUE
TEL 222-246-12-85 FAX 222-242-31-61
secturep@infosel.net.mx
QUERÉTARO: QUERÉTARO, QRO.
TEL 442-238-50-73 FAX 442-238-51-49
turismo@queretaro.gob.mx
QUINTANA ROO:
CHETUMAL, QUINTANA ROO
TEL 983-835-08-60 FAX 983-835-08-80
asantos@qroo.gob.mx
SAN LUIS POTOSI:
SAN LUIS POTOSÍ, S.L.P.
TEL 444-812-23-57 FAX 444-812-99-06
turisslp@prodigy.net.mx
SINALOA: MAZATLÁN, SIN.
TEL 669-916-51-60 FAX 669-916-51-66
tursina@prodigy.net.mx
SONORA: HERMOSILLO, SON.
TEL 662-217-00-44 FAX 662-217-00-44
rrodriguez@sonoraturismo.gob.mx
TABASCO: VILLAHERMOSA, TAB
TEL 993-316-51-34 FAX 993-316-36-33
turismo@cedet.gob.mx
TAMAULIPAS:
CIUDAD VICTORIA, TAMPS.
TEL 834-315-61-36 FAX 834-315-61-37
alfonsosalazar@terra.com.mx
TLAXCALA: TLAXCALA, TLAX.
TEL 246-465-09-60 FAX 246-465-09-62
sturismo@tlaxcala.gov.mx
VERACRUZ: JALAPA, VER.
TEL 229-841-85-00 x. 4110
FAX 229-841-85-40
subtur@sedecover.gob.mx
YUCATÁN: MÉRIDA, YUC.
TEL 999-930-3760
FAX 999-930-3760 x 22042
carolina@mayayucatan.com
ZACATECAS: ZACATECAS, ZAC.
TEL 492-924-03-93 FAX 492-924-03-93
dirtur@prodigy.net.mx
20
Before you go…
mexico on the web
With the internet becoming an important
information outlet for agents, Mexico’s
presence on the web has grown rapidly.
Retail agents report that surfing the net is
becoming indispensable for destination
and supplier updates. Here are some sites
worth seeing.
GENER AL MEXICO
www.visitmexico.com
Site of the Mexican Tourism Board. Comprehensive
coverage of the entire country.
www.mexicopremiere.com
Great site for news updates, blogs, and a wide array
of quality reporting.
www.lonelyplanet.com
City-by-city review of Mexico destinations from the
publishers of excellent Lonely Planet Mexico Guide.
Though not as complete as guidebook, site has
color images, some off-the-beaten-track coverage,
and valuable “travelers reports” section with recent
comments from visitors.
www.mexonline.com
Complete resource center on Mexico. Travel coverage (in “Directory & Info Centers”) includes lodging
links.
www.planeta.com
An excellent site for eco-adventure options in Mexico and “academic” coverage of Mexican environmental issues. Index allows access to articles on
Mexico ecotourism and adventure travel experiences. Very insightful.
www.presidencia.gob.mx
Official site for the President of Mexico. Get to know
Mexico’s current leader.
www.mexconnect.com
Very helpful site features Travel, Living, & Business.
Fascinating articles updated monthly. Photo/Map
Gallery and state-by-state coverage from variety of
entertaining sources. Well-written, on-target commentary on Mexico travel topics. Back issues of
Lloyd Economic Reports.
www.virtualmex.com
A “Mexico Mall” with focus on travel, retirement, and
relocation services with lots of Mexico links.
www.lavitrina.com
Official site of the Mexican Cultural Institute in New
York. Calendar of events, current affairs, film & video
notes, articles, plus links to Mexican museums, travel
resources. Updated monthly and well worth a look.
www.mexicodesconocido.com
From the publishers of the excellent monthly magazine “Mexico Desconocido” (unknown Mexico).
Excellent search capabilities from archive of past
issues (English and Spanish). Now includes online
tour package sales.
www.mexperience.com
The definitive resource for creating your perfect
travel experience in Mexico. Travel planning info,
photos, and more.
www.peoplesguide.com
From the publishers of Peoples Guide to Mexico by
Carl Franz.
www.travelguidemexico.com
From the publishers of Travelers Guide to Mexico a top notch site!
www.gomexico.about.com
The “about.com” directory to many Mexican cities
and Latin American travel info.
www.differentworld.com
This exciting booking engine calls itself “the definitive guide to the best hotels in Mexico” and
includes booking engine, sights, history, climate,
travel tips, and “hideaways” information.
A R T, A R C H I T E C T U R E & D E C O R
www.diegorivera.com
Comprehensive site features artist’s life and work
with links to other Mexican artist sites (including
wife Frida Kahlo).
www.fridakahlo.it
Dedicated to Frida’s art and life.
www.mexicanstyle.com
A site containing “your source for the best in
authentic Mexican antique furniture & architectural
elements.” From the publishers of the award-winning New Haciendas book.
www.gobamba.com
An awesome site that functions as a “marketplace”
for Mexican arts and crafts (for sale
online). They represent over 1000 products for over 30 artisan suppliers.
www.tierrayfuego.com
Hand-made Mexican ceramic tile for
floors, walls, sinks, and murals.
G R O U N D T R AV E L
www.mexicomike.com
Spend some time with Mexico’s guru of ground
travel - Mike Nelson. He treks some 20,000 km per
year on Mexican highways and backroads. Good
spa coverage! Humorous and honest tidbits on
travel. Not to be missed!
www.sanbornsinsurance.com
Site offers an outstanding assortment of helpful trip
planning tools, including entry/customs info, on-line
auto insurance policy purchase, road conditions,
driving tips, and several useful links.
www.ontheroadin.com
Comprehensive RV and camping guide that covers
all the needed details. Includes detailed vehicle
importation info and loads of driving tips.
H O T E L I N F O R M AT I O N
www.allmexicohotels.com
Outstanding site created by the publishers of the
Mexican Hotel Guide “Directorio de Hoteles Mexico.” It contains a comprehensive list of properties
and their local phone contact information.
www.bedandbreakfast.com
Site contains links to B&B properties in over a dozen
Mexico states. Color photos, complete property
descriptions, and online booking engine.
www.hotelstravel.com
Search engine for links to Mexico hotel properties;
dozens of links to individual hotel sites and hotel
chain sites.
www.MexicoBoutiqueHotels.com
Site profiles over 45 super deluxe options across
Mexico, including beautiful photography and full
property descriptions. Online reservations available.
www.tripadvisor.com
Very helpful and current comments from hotel
guests all over Mexico.
21
Before you go…
mexico receptive tour operators
MEXICO CIT Y AND SURROUNDING AREA
AVIAMEX
Tel. (55) 5705-2072 Fax: (55) 5535-5715
e-mail: chuchoaviamex@prodigy.net.mx
Sr. Jesús Marín R. CEO
CONSEJEROS DE VIAJES MTA.
Tel: (55) 5525-7520, 34 Fax: (55) 5533-2319
e-mail: mtamex@terra.com.mx
Sr. Miguel Robledo, President
EUROVIP’S
Tel: (55) 5514- 0058 Fax: (55) 5514-4486
e-mail: eurovipsmex@terra.com.mx
Sr. Jorge Marcos Martínez, CEO
Srita. María Robles, Manager, Receptive Tourism
GREY LINE
Tel: (55) 5208-1163 Fax: (55) 5208-2838
e-mail: greyline@supernet.com.mx
Sr. Jesús Maldonado, CEO
JULIA TOURS
Tel: (55) 5525- 6382 Fax: (55) 5511-0121
e-mail: amayugo@juliatours.com.mx
juliat@juliatours.com.mx
Sr. Andrés Mayugo Ruiz de Azua, CEO
KETZALTOUR, S.A. DE C.V.
Tel: (55) 5553-4242 Fax: (55) 5553-1414
e-mail: renerdz@ketzaltour.com.mx
Ing. René L. Rodríguez, CEO
GO MÉXICO TOURS, S.A. DE C.V.
Tel: (55) 5563-4386 Fax: (55) 5563-6334
e-mail: bchenhalls@
gomexicogroupsincentives.com.mx
bchenhalls@mx.inter.net
Sra. Beatriz Chenhalls, CEO
UNION TOURS, S.A. DE C.V.
Tel: (55) 5566- 5504 Fax: (55) 5566- 5627
e-mail tratur@redinternet.com.mx
Lic. Juan Manuel García, CEO
VIAJES DE GALA, S.A. DE C.V.
Tel: (55) 5545-7761 Fax: (55) 5254-8949
e-mail: inform@vdegalatours.com.mx
Lic. Carlos A. Castellanos, President
KOMEX TOURS, S.A. DE C.V.
Tel: (55) 5272- 9913 Fax: (55) 5272-0648
e-mail: komex@data.net.mx
Sr. Hans Peter Holst, CEO
MEX-ATLANTICA RECEPTIVO, S.A. DE C.V.
Tel: (55) 5203- 8045 Fax: (55) 5203- 9860.
e-mail: jnagell@mex-atlanticatours.com.mx
Sra. Julieta Nagell, CEO
MÉXICO TOURING GROUND OPERATORS
Tel: (55) 5212- 0441 Fax: (55) 5553- 8774
e-mail: info@mexicotouring.com
Sr. Joaquín Caballero Robles, CEO
Sr. José Manuel González, General Manager
PERTOURS VIAJES Y TURISMO, S.A. DE C.V.
Tel: (55) 5512- 7210/ 7220 Fax: (55) 5512- 2606
e-mail: pertoursgerenciamexico@hotmail.com
Sra. Consuelo Pardo, General Manager
PETRA-MEX OPERADORA DE VIAJES EN MEXICO
Tel: (55) 5584 -9199 Fax: (55) 5264- 0861
e-mail: sordaz@petrabax.com.mx,
info@petrabax.com.mx
Sr. Sergio Ordaz, CEO
POLVANI TOURS
Tel: (55) 5535-7878 Fax: (55) 5535-7273
e-mail: polmex@avantel.net
Sr. Octavio Gutiérrez, General Manager
VIAJES MARSANS DE MEXICO, S.A. DE C.V.
Tel: (55) 5208- 2529 / 5208 -24 88
Fax: (55) 5514- 44 63
e-mail: direccion@turimex.com.mx
Sr. Ricardo San Germán, Dir., Domestic Tourism
Srita. Martha Ramírez, Mgr. Receptive Tourism
VIAJES IBEROAMERICA, S.A. DE C.V.
Tel. (55) 5525-0776 Fax: (55) 5525-2876
Email: viberoamex@mexis.com
Sr. Salvador Ten Jr. , CEO
A M I G , As s o c i ate M e m b e r
Independent Association of Mexico Tour Guides
Tel:/ fax: (55) 5675-1695
E-mail: amig.@hotmail.com
Sr. Efraín Salinas, President,
Tel. 044 55 2526-6630
Srita. Laura Gálvez Ortiz, Dir. De Finanzas
All are members of AMATUR - Asociación Mexicana
de Operadores Mayoristas de Turismo Receptivo.
Carlos J. Finlay No .10, Mexico City CP 06500
Tel/Fax: 011-52-555-705-2072
publications about mexico
MEXICAN GOVERNMENT
P U B L I C AT I O N S
S P E C I A L I Z E D P U B L I C AT I O N S
Traveler’s Guide to Mexico
An excellent full-color guidebook that offers conMexico Travel Hotline
This periodic newsletter is geared for travel profes- cise, thoughtful information on a comprehensive
sionals/media, and includes late-breaking tourism range of topics dealing with Mexico. Published
annually in Mexico City. At all Mexican resorts or
news items, features on Mexico events and destiorder online for $35US. Also published: Travel
nations, and an extensive calendar of upcoming
Mexico Newsletter (available free online).
events.
www.travelguidemexico.com
Tel. 1-800-44 MEXICO
Directorio de Hoteles Mexico
Color Promotional Brochures & Posters
Choose from a variety of topics such as golf, meet- This outstanding guide in Spanish & English contains a comprehensive list of Mexico properties
ings and conventions, and marinas. Destination
with local contact information.
brochures covering beach and inland areas are
www.zonaturistica.com
also available.
Tel. 1-800-44 MEXICO
VIDEOS ABOUT MEXICO*
Travel View International
A variety of 30-50 minute videos that range in
price from $12.95-19.95 + S/H (many are available
for rent at your local video store) on CUN/ZIH/
MID/PVR/MEX/BCS/ACA/LAP/SJD/ZLO/YUC.
www.travelvideo.com
Zapotec Tours
A 12 minute video on Oaxaca and Huatulco for
$4.95. Tel. 1-800-44 OAXACA
www.oaxacainfo.com/video.htm
Copper Canyon
An excellent 50-minute documentary covers the
entire route from El Fuerte to Creel. American Scenic Rail Journeys, 1997, $19.95 (plus $3.95 S&H).
Tel. 1-800-311-7467
Inside Mexico
A comprehensive source of articles and news
about Mexico as well as more than 25 Mexican
Videos in English and in Spanish, available for use
in the classroom and at home. Tel. (281) 362 8557
www.inside-mexico.com
*Almost all U S./Canadian video stores and libraries have
travel videos about Mexico.
22
cruise lines serving
mexico
MEXICO CRUISES
American Safari Cruises..888-862-8881
Celebrity Cruises................800-437-3111
Crystal Cruises.....................800-446-6620
Carnival Cruise Line..........800-327-9501
Lindblad Expeditions.......800-397-3348
Norwegian............................800-327-7030
Princess Cruises..................800-421-1700
Royal Caribbean.................800-327-6700
Special Expeditions..........800-762-0003
TRANSCANAL CRUISES
Holland America................800-426-0327
Seabourn..............................800-929-9595
Norwegian............................800-327-7030
motorcoach/rail tour
operators
All Aboard America !
TEL: 800-848-4728
FAX: 602-962-5727
www.allaboardamerica.com
Copper Canyon, Nogales, Rocky
Point, Algodones
Arizona Coach Tours
800-848-0369 • 520-791-0210
www.azcoachtours.com
Copper Canyon, Inland Cities,
Beaches
Canyon Travel
TEL: 800-843-1060
FAX: 830-885-2010
www.canyontravel.com
Copper Canyon & Colonial Cities
Globus & Cosmos
TEL: 800-282-2929
FAX: 626-449-8856
www.globusandcosmos.com
Yucatán, Colonial Cities, Copper
Canyon
Go With Jo
TEL: 800-999-1446
FAX: 956-421-5787
www.gowithjo.com
All major destinations
Mexico Adventures LTD
TEL: 800-206-8132
www.coppercanyon.com.mx
Sanborn’s Viva Tours
TEL: 800-395-8482
FAX: 956-682-0016
www.sanborns.com
Copper Canyon
Before you go…
books
T R AV E L & A D V E N T U R E
The Baja Handbook, Moon Publications
Best Places to Stay in Mexico, Bill
James & Cheryl Alters Jamison, 2000
Eyewitness Travel Guides, Mexico, DK
Publishing, Inc.
Fodor’s Mexico, Fodor’s Travel
Publications, 2006
Frommers 2006: Mexico, Lynne
Bairstow & David Baird
Ghost Rider: Travels on the Healing
Road, Neil Peart, paperback, June 2002
Hidden Mexico Adventurers: Guide to
the Beaches and Coasts, Rebecca
Bruns
Hot Springs & Spas of Mexico, Mike
Nelson, Road’s Scholar Press.
Incidents of Travel in Yucatán, John
Lloyd Stephens
Lonely Planet Mexico, John Noble et
al. (2004)
Mexico, A Travel Survival Kit, Lonely
Planet Publications
Mexico: Adventures in Nature, Ron
Mader
Mexico Handbook, Moon
Publications, 1999
Mexico’s Hidden Jewels, Mike Nelson,
Road’s Scholar Press
The People’s Guide to Mexico, Carl Franz
A Shopper’s Guide to Mexico: When,
What and How to Buy, James Norman
Survivors in Mexico, Rebecca West &
Bernard Schweizer (editors), April 2003
Traveler’s Guide to Mexico, Chris
Luhnow, ed.
Traveler’s Tales of Mexico, O’Reilly &
Assoc.
Yesterday’s Train: A Rail Odyssey
Through Mexican History, Terry
Pindell & Lourdes Ramirez Mallis
The Yucatán Handbook, Moon
Publications
Yucatán Healthy Traveler’s Handbook,
Med To Go (2005)
HISTORY
History of Mexico, Henry B. Parks
Discovery and Conquest of Mexico,
Bernal Diaz del Castillo
The Course of Mexican History,
Michael C. Meyer and Wm. L. Sherman
A Short History of Mexico, J. Patrick
McHenry
Cortés and Moctezuma, Maurice Collins
La Capital: The Biography of Mexico
City, Jonathan Kandell
Conquest: Montezuma, Cortés and the
Fall of Old Mexico, Hugh Thomas
The Ancient Kingdom of Mexico, Nigel
Davies
Mexico Before Cortez: Art, History,
Legend, translated by W. Barnstone
The Broken Spears: The Aztec Account
of the Conquest of Mexico, Miguel
Leon-Portilla
Gina Hyams, paperback,  Dec. 2001
The New Hacienda, Karen Witynski
& Joe P. Carr, paperback, March 2003
Traditional Mexican Style Exteriors,
Donna McMenamin,  Nov. 2002
M E X I C A N C U LT U R E &
PEOPLE
(fiction)
Aztec, Gary Jennings
The Underdogs, Mariano Azuela
Idols Behind Altars, Anita Brenner
Like Water for Chocolate, Laura
Esquivel
Rain of Gold, Victor Villaseñor
Where the Air is Clear, Carlos
ANTHROPOLOGY/
Fuentes
ARCHAEOLOGY
The Plumed Serpent, D.H. Lawrence
The Heart of the Sky: Travels Among
Pedro Páramo, Juan Rulfo
the Maya, Peter Canby
Mornings in Mexico, D.H. Lawrence
Handbook of Middle American Indians, The Old Gringo, Carlos Fuentes
Robert Wauchope
Stones for Ibarra, Harriet Doerr
A Guide to Ancient Mexican Ruins, C.
The Treasure of the Sierra Madre, B.
Bruce Hunter
Traven
Under the Volcano, Malcolm Lowry
ART AND ARCHITECTURE
Lost Cities of the Mayas: The Life, Art
and Discoveries of Frederick Catherwood, Fabio Bourbon,  January 2000
Maya Art and Architecture, Mary Ellen
Miller, paperback, October 1999
Mexican Art and Architecture, Roger E.
Hernandez (Editor), Anna Carew-Miller,
2002
Mexican Tiles: Style, Color, Design,
Masako Takahashi, Tony Cohan
(Introduction), paperback,  May 2000
Mexican Color, Elena Poniatowska,
Amanda Holmes (Photographer),
September 1998
Mexican Country Style, Karen Witynski
& Joe P. Carr, paperback, March 2003
Mexican Muralists: Orozco, Rivera,
Siqueiros, Desmond Rochfort,
paperback, March 1998
Mexican Folk Art: From Oaxacan Artist
Families, Arden Rothstein & Anya
Rothstein, June 2002
Mexicasa: The Enchanting Inns and
Haciendas of Mexico, Melba Levick,
M E X I C A N C U LT U R E
(non-fiction)
Bordering On Chaos, Andres
Openheimer
Continental Shift, William J. Orme
Distant Neighbors, Alan Riding
Labyrinth of Solitude, Octavio Paz
Mexican Shock, Jorge Cantañeda
The Mexicans: A Sense of Culture,
Floyd Merrell, 2003
Mexico, Michael D. Coe
A New Time for Mexico, Carlos Fuentes
On Mexican Time: A New Life in San
Miguel, Tony Cohan
Reader’s Companion to Mexico,
Alan RyanTepoztlán, Robert Redfield
There’s a Word for it in Mexico: The
Complete Guide to Mexican
Thought & Culture, Boyce Lafeyette
de Mente
The Tree Is Older Than You Are: A
Bilingual Gathering of Poems &
Stories from Mexico, Naomi Shihab
Nye, paperback, March 1998
23
Before you go…
feature films
The films listed below should be viewed
more for their setting, than for story content
or portrayals of Mexico’s culture and people.
Most should be available at your local video
store.
F I L M S A B O U T O R S E T I N M E X I CO
10: Dudley Moore, Julie Andrews and Bo Derek.
Against All Odds: Rachel Ward in Cozumel and
the Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá. Chased by Jeff
Bridges and James Woods.
Born in East L.A.: Cheech Marin struggles to
get back to L.A. when deported to Tijuana as a
suspected illegal alien.
Captain from Castille: Stars Cesar Romero as
Hernan Cortés, with Tyronne Power and Jean
Peters.
Fun in Acapulco: Elvis Presley dives off the cliffs
at La Quebrada in Acapulco.
Juarez: Paul Muni as Benito Juárez with Bette
Davis as Carlota.
Kill Bill: Quenton Tarentino’s action flick shot
near Careyes, north of Manzanillo.
Like Water for Chocolate: a popular international smash from Laura Esquivel’s best seller.
El Mariachi: Outstanding low budget flick set in
dusty northern Mexico.
The Mexican: Julia Roberts and Brad Pit get
chased around Real de Catorce.
Nacho Libre: shot on location in Oaxaca, this
Jack Black film of 2006 portrays the wild world
of Mexican wrestling.
The Net: Supposedly in Cancún…NOT!
Night of the Iguana: Ava Gardner and Richard
Burton romp in Puerto Vallarta; directed by
John Huston.
Old Gringo: Carlos Fuentes’ novel was filmed in
beautiful Zacatecas.
Once Upon a Time in Mexico: Filmed in San
Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato and featuring an impressive list of actors, this film is the
sequel to Desperado and El Mariachi.
Puerto Vallarta Squeeze: Harvey Keitel in a
film based on a novel by Robert James Waller.
Shot in PV.
Pancho Villa, Starring Himself: shot in Guanajuato State, starring Antonio Banderas, the
film is about the famous revolutionary’s attempt
to raise funds for his movement by inviting Hollywood producers to film him and his troops in
action.
The Real Cancún: Teen “reality” movie shot during a rowdy spring break.
Revenge: Puerto Vallarta and Durango are the
setting of this violent Kevin Costner/Anthony
Quinn film.
Treasure of the Sierra Madre: Bogie and John
Huston in steamy Tampico.
Under the Volcano: Albert Finney drinks his way
through 1930’s Cuernavaca.
Villa Rides: Yul Brenner (with hair) as Pancho
Villa, with Charles Bronson and Robert Mitchum.
Viva Zapata: Marlon Brando’s portrayal of Emiliano Zapata.
When a Man Loves a Woman: Romantic vacation scenes shot at Zihuatanejo’s La Casa Que
Canta.
Zorro: Antonio Banderas as the legendary
swordsman. Shot near Guaymas/San Carlos.
MEXICO SET TINGS
DEPICTING OTHER AREAS
African Queen: Portions were filmed outside
Acapulco at Coyuca Lagoon.
Beverly Hills Chihuahua: A true travel fest of
Mexican destination with colorful animated characters.
Clear and Present Danger: Tom Clancy’s best
seller was filmed in the Mexican States of Veracruz and Morelos.
Herbie Goes Bananas: The Walt Disney production of the lovable Volkswagen was filmed in
Puerto Vallarta.
The Juror: Shot partly at the Hacienda Cocoyoc
near Cuernavaca.
Medicine Man: Supposedly in the Amazon,
much of the setting was in Veracruz.
El Norte: Guatemalan refugees try to find a better life in the United States.
Predator: Arnie chases a cosmic monster outside Puerto Vallarta.
Romancing the Stone: Filmed in Veracruz City
and surrounding countryside.
Titanic: Filmed near Rosarito Beach where a
scale model of the ship met its doom.
Troy: Brad Pitt attacks the sand dunes of Los
Cabos.
The Internet Movie Database (imdb.
com) lists more then 12,000 films recorded
in the 32 states of Mexico going back to
the 1940’s. The cultivation of Mexico as an
exotic destination full of adventure, love,
and history has made it a must-visit for
movie fans over the world.
One of the main attractions for cinema
history fanatics is the opportunity to visit
movie sets of their favorite films. In the rugged Colonial city of Durango, visitors can
return to the “Old West” as this city was the
location of many Westerns and was often
home to John Wayne and Paul Newman.
With the boom of Mexican cinema around
the world, Mexican directors and actors
gaining power in Hollywood, and stars like
Jenifer Aniston and Mel Gibson proclaiming their love for Mexico, it is certain that
Mexico will continue to be a fixture on the
big screen.
movies filmed in Mexico (recent)
Recent popular features from the U.S.
which have enjoyed Mexico’s scenery
include The Matador, Jarhead, Troy, Kill Bill,
Collateral Damage, Master and Commander, Frida, Titanic, and Zorro 2.
24
entry, inspection & return
Before you go…
•
•
•
Visitors need two items to
enter Mexico:
1. A Tourist Card or F.M.N.
2. A Valid Proof of Citizenship
(Passport for U.S. Citizens required as of
Jan. 1, 2007. This includes cruisers.)
tourist card
This two part document is your “permission”
from the Mexican government to visit Mexico. It is available free of charge. The airlines
always have an ample supply upon check-in.
(Mexico Tourism Board offices are no longer
providing these forms to agents.) Or, if all else
fails, you can obtain one in Mexican Immigration upon arrival. Here are a few words of
advice about tourist cards:
Z Do not lose or deface the bottom portion returned to you after the immigration inspection. It must be returned to
Mexican Immigration upon departure.
TIP: Write down your tourist card number
and keep it with your travel documents.
If the card is lost, having the number will
help greatly.
Z Keep your tourist card and travel documents in a secure place. Do not carry
them with you everywhere you go, unless
traveling extensively from your point of
arrival.
Report of Birth (Form FS-240) or Certification
Z You can ask to have your card validated
for more time (up to 180 days) than you’ll of Birth (Form DS-1350 or FS-545).
actually need.
Z If you claim citizenship through naturalization, you may use your Certificate of
proof of citizenship
Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship
Note: information regarding entry requirements is
or laminated Naturalization card. Note:
subject to change without notice, and should be
reconfirmed with the airline being used for internaSome airlines/charter companies may
tional travel.
still accept the Notarized Affidavit of Citizenship or possibly a Voters Registration
U.S. CITIZENS
Card. Check with the airline your clients
Starting Jan. 1, 2007, U.S. citizens must use a
are flying for details, or check the airline
valid passport for entry into Mexico beyond
information in your CRS.
the border zone. You can now apply for a U.S.
passport online at www.travel.state.gov, or
CANADIAN CITIZENS
you can pay an expediting agent service and Canadian versions of the above documents
get a passport within 24 hours at
are acceptable; notarized affidavits must be
www.urgentpassport.com.
executed in Canada. The “Canadian Landed
Brides will have an easier time if tickets are
issued in their maiden name to match their
documents. For U.S. airport security purposes
the name on the driver’s license and the
name on the ticket must match. A birth certificate may be useful in this situation.
Natural U.S. Citizens born outside the
United States may use a Certificate of Citizenship, a Report of Birth Abroad, a Consular
Immigrant” card is acceptable as well.
MEXICAN CITIZENS
Here the rules are a little more lenient,
although Mexican nationals must have some
official document proving Mexican birth.
For one-way travel any one of the following is
accepted:
• Passport: may be expired
• Birth Certificate (Acta de Nacimiento)
Consular registration form (Matrícula
Consular)
Military Service Card (Cartilla Militar)
Voter’s Registration Card (Cédula de
Empadronamiento)
For round-trip travel Mexican nationals must
have all three of the following:
• Valid Passport or valid Matrícula
Consular
• Alien Registration Card or U.S. Visa
• A Military Service Card if traveler is 18
years of age or older.
If none of the above are available, refer the
customer to the nearest Mexican Consulate where they can obtain a “presunción de
nacionalidad.” Traveler must provide two
passport size pictures to obtain the document. Remember, alien residents must have
proof of U S. residency to return to the States.
O T H E R N AT I O N A L I T I E S
Citizens of countries other than the US, Canada, or Mexico will need a valid passport
from their country of origin. In addition
they may need a visa to enter Mexico even if
they are legal US or Canadian residents. Contact the airlines serving Mexico or the Mexican Consulate for more details or specific situations.
FOR STUDENT VISAS contact the Mexican
Consulate in your area. (See listings at the end
of this section.)
MINORS
Any person under 18 years of age is considered a minor for travel purposes. Very strict
regulations govern international travel by
minors into Mexico. Every minor must have
a tourist card, proof of citizenship and sometimes other documents listed below.
Z Minors traveling with both legal parents
or guardians: Nothing else is needed.
Z Minors traveling unaccompanied or
with anyone other than their legal
parents or guardians: They must obtain
an original notarized letter of permission
signed by both parents.
Z Minors traveling with only one parent:
They must have notarized written permission from the other parent.
Z In the case of deceased or divorced
parents: Legal proof must be carried to
accept just one signature on the letter.
This proof (death certificate, proof of sole
custody etc.) can also be shown to a
notary who can then notarize an
Affidavit of Sole Custody form. (See
sample on the following pages.) If only
the mother’s name appears on the birth
certificate, permission from the father is
not required.
25
entry, inspection & return,
entering mexico
Next stop is at Customs (Aduana). Mexico has
instituted a European-style customs inspection system, with a twist. Here’s the way it
works:
1.
2.
Visitors complete a customs declaration
form (see sample on next pages).
Visitors choose to either declare or not
declare that they are importing items
beyond their allowance.
• Those declaring items have their
belongings searched, and duty is
collected.
• Those not declaring items are asked
to push a button on a street traffic
light that is mounted on a post inside
the customs area. A green light allows
customs declaration form
continues
you to pass without inspection. A red
light will signal an inspection. In the
event that items are found that were
not declared, heavy fines and penalties apply. Note: Mexico is phasing out
this system for a more conventional
inspection routine at many airports.
EXCEPTION: Mexican children often have a
stamp on their passports that reads, “El titular del
presente pasaporte viaja de conformidad con El
Articulo 421 del Codigo Civil Vigente.” This allows
the child to travel with only one parent and without a notarized statement.
Your first stop is at Mexican Immigration
(Migración) where proof of citizenship is
inspected, and tourist cards are validated.
DON’T LOSE YOUR TOURIST CARD!
Before you go…
You are allowed to bring in any of the following up to a value of $300US if traveling by air
and up to $50 if traveling by car:
• personal items, e.g. clothing, footwear,
toiletries, all in reasonable quantities
according to trip duration
• books and magazines
• medicine for personal use, with medical prescription in the case of psychotropic substances
• used or second-hand sporting equipment
• one portable TV, one portable type-
writer, one VCR, one laptop or “notebook” style computer, one portable
printer
• up to 20 CD’s and 5 DVD’s
• a musical instrument
• fishing equipment and two tennis rackets
• three liters of alcohol or wine, if carrier
is over 18 years old
• 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars, if carrier is
over 18 years old
• one movie camera and one regular
camera, and up to 12 rolls of film, or up
to 12 video cassettes
returning to the u.s.
•
•
You are allowed to enter free of duty
any purchases with a combined value
of up to $800 when you have been
out of the US for at least 48 hours. This
allowance may be claimed every 30
days. (This amount excludes Mexican
handicrafts since they are duty free.)
Note: It is not legal to bring Cuban
cigars into the U.S.
One litre of alcohol is allowed into the
U S. duty free. In some U.S. states, additional bottles may be brought in if duty
is paid, and the traveler is at least 21.
returning to canada
Residents, temporary residents, and former
residents of Canada returning to live in Canada can claim goods free of duty under one
of the following exemptions:
Min. Absence from
Canada-7 days: . ....................exemption $500
Min. Absence from
Canada-48 hours:..................exemption $200
Min. Absence from
Canada-24 hours:..................exemption $ 50
•
Canadian limitations: 50 cigars, 200 cigarettes, 14 ounces (400 grams) of tobacco,
and 40 ounces (1.1 liters) of wine or
liquor or 300 ounces (8.5 liters) of beer or
ale. All exemptions are individual.
For detailed information concerning specific
duty rates and prohibited articles, consult
Canadian Customs before leaving on your trip,
(613) 993-0534. Note: Be cautious of endangered species by-products that you may be
unknowingly bringing back to the U.S. or Canada. Most common items include turtle products and alligator bags.
mexican
consulate offices
U.S. & CANADA
ARIZONA
CALIFORNIA
COLORADO
FLORIDA
GEORGIA
ILLINOIS
LOUISIANA
MASSACHUSETTS
MICHIGAN
NEW MEXICO
NEW YORK
NORTH CAROLINA
OREGON
PENNSYLVANIA
TEXAS
UTAH
VIRGINIA
WASHINGTON
WASHINGTON D.C.
PUERTO RICO
Nogales................520/287-2521
Phoenix................602/242-7398
Tucson...................520/882-5595
Calexico................760/357-3863
Fresno...................559/233-3065
Los Angeles........213/351-6800
Oxnard..................805/483-4684
Sacramento........916/441-3287
San Bernardino.909/889-9836
San Diego............619/231-8414
San Francisco.....415/392-5554
San Jose...............408/294-3415
Santa Ana............714/835-3069
Denver..................303/331-1110
Miami....................786/268-4900
Atlanta..................404/266-2233
Chicago......312/855-1380x219
New Orleans.......504/522-3596
Boston...................617/426-8782
Detroit...................313/964-4515
Albuquerque......505/247-2147
New York..............212/217-6400
Charlotte..............704/394-2190
Raleigh..................919/754-0046
Portland................503/274-1442
Philadelphia........215/922-4262
Austin....................512/478-2866
Dallas.....................214/252-9250
Del Rio...................830/774-5031
Eagle Pass............830/773-9255
El Paso...................915/533-3644
Fort Worth...........817/870-2270
Houston...............713/271-6800
Laredo...................956/723-6360
McAllen................956/686-0243
San Antonio........210/227-9145
Salt Lake City......801/521-8502
Norfolk..................757/461-4553
Seattle..................206/448-6819
................................202/736-1000
Hato Rey..............787/764-0258
CANADA
Montréal..............514/288-2502
Toronto................416/368-2875
Vancouver...........604/684-3547
26
Parental Consent for Unaccompanied Minor
We, the undersigned _______________________________________________ do hereby give permission to our
son/daughter ____________________________________ to travel alone to Mexico for a period not to exceed _______ days.
Subscribed and sworn to before me this _____ day of_______ 20___.
_______________________________________________________
(Notary Signature)
Notary Public in and for the County of _________________________
and the Province of _________________________________________
Affidavit of Sole Custody
I, ___________________________________________ (widowed)(divorced) do hereby swear that I have sole and legal custody
of______________________________________. As such I have the right to take my child (children) into Mexico and
back into the United States.
_______________________________________________________
(Notary Signature)
and the State of __________________________________________
Affidavit of Other Parental Consent
I, the undersigned,____________________________________________________________
do hereby authorize my (husband/wife) _________________________________________________________
to travel with our (child/children) ______________________________________________________________ to Mexico.
_______________________________________________________
(Notary Signature)
and the Province of _________________________________________
Note: Samples of these affidavits are provided for your convenience. They may be copied and notarized as needed.
27
holidays & fiestas
Mexico’s fiestas, festivals and regional fairs
are feasts for the senses, as well as an integral part of Mexican culture. There are over
5,000 celebrations each year in Mexico.
Some are traditional nationwide events, others are regional, and some are spontaneous
and change with the demands of increasing
tourism numbers. © 2010 Destinations Ventures, Ltd. All rights reserved.
Whether the reason be religious, patriotic or
personal (such as birthdays and weddings),
these celebrations are important to all Mexicans and serve to unite this diverse country. Don’t miss the chance to get involved.
Be sure to see the list of Regional Events in
each destination section.
traditional
national events
january
New Years (Año Nuevo), Jan 1:
major celebrations throughout the country;
agricultural and livestock fairs are held in
the provinces.
Feast of Epiphany (also known as Three Kings Day - Día de Reyes), Jan 6: traditional
Catholic holiday and time for gift giving to
children. At many parties a ring-shaped
cake with a miniature doll is baked and
served; the one getting a slice with the doll
must throw another party on February 2,
Candlemas Day.
Feast of San Antonio Abad, Jan 17 domesticated animals honored throughout Mexico.
Pets and livestock are adorned and blessed
in local churches.
february
Candlemas Day, Feb 2: fiestas, parades, bullfights and lantern-decorated streets.
Constitution Day (Día de la Constitución), Feb
5: Commemorates the Constitutions of
1857 and 1917, by which Mexico is now
governed.
Pre-Lenten Carnival, Feb 20-24: Celebrations:
music, dancing, and parades in many seaside towns. Veracruz and Mazatlán have the
biggest bashes, but there are also lively celebrations in Acapulco, Cozumel, Ensenada,
La Paz, and Mérida.
Flag Day, 24: nationwide parades and
speeches.
Before you go…
regional events
january
Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala: Dec. 30 to Jan. 6
The Walking Cane Fair. Called the Feria del
Bastón, this fair has a market that showcases and
has for sale the colorful walking canes that are
made in nearby Tizatlan.
San Juan Chamula: Jan. 1
This New Year’s celebration also includes Chiapas
the change in tribal governors and Chamula
Indian traditional dances.
Merida, Yucatan, Jan. 5-22.
Merida International Art Festival. In celebration of the city’s founding more than 464 years
ago, this annual festival features music, dance,
poetry readings, and photography exhibitions as
well as films and exhibits of local and international artists. www.merida.gob.mx/festival
Tizimin, Yucatán: Jan. 2 to 6
The Fair of the Three Kings, celebrating the
three wise men who brought gifts to Christ’s
birth. This event also includes a cattle fair and
Jaranas, a dance of the Yucatán.
León, Guanajuato, Jan.14 –Feb. 8.
León State Fair. This annual fair has features like
an International Circus, traditional Palenques, Dolphin exhibitions, concerts, dance, food, activities.
www.ferialeon.org
Chiapa de Corzo, Chiapas, Jan. 15-23.
St. Sebastian Fiesta. This fiesta is famous for its
“Parachicos” tour, which features a dancing procession from San Jacinto church through Santo
Domingo church back and forward, ending in a
delectable food festival featuring traditional dishes
such as “Pepita con Tasajo” made of beef in a creamy
pumpkin seed sauce. On the night of the 21st, a traditional nautical battle takes place on the Grijalva
River which concludes in a spectacle of fireworks.
Taxco, Jan 18
Feast of Santa Prisca.This silver-making capital
celebrates its patroness day with dancing and
celebrations throughout the day.
Oaxaca City, Oaxaca, Jan. 28.
Rural Tourism Fair. An annual event co-created
by Amigos del Sol and Planeta.com. This
alternative to traditional mass tourism allows
travelers to visit rural areas. Options include
hiking and biking, visiting community museums
and buying crafts. www.planeta.com
Alamos, Sonora: January 20-30
For ten days at the end of January, the sleepy
town of Alamos, Sonora, wakes up to the lilting
strains of guitars, the pounding rhythms of rock
bands and the echoing arias of opera stars, all
part of the Dr. Alfonso Ortiz Tirado Cultural
Festival. Visitors come to listen to music, view
and buy the works of local and national artists,
and eat good food. By its end, some 25,000
people have viewed exhibits of paintings,
photography and folk art from throughout
Mexico, and enjoyed the performances of soloists,
pianists, choirs and classical musicians.
february
San Blas, Nayarit: Feb. 1 to 3
The Blessing of the Sea Festival includes
regional dancing and horse racing events.
march
Taxco, Guerrero: Mar 6
Day of Our Lord of Xalpa. Local Indian dances
performed include Los Tlacololeros, Santiagos,
Diablos and Pescaderos.
Lake Catemaco, Veracruz, Mar. 15
Annual witches conference (known as Brujas)
Tonalá, Jalisco: Mar. 18 to Apr. 4
Ceramics Fair, arts and handicrafts.
Chichen Itzá, Quintana Roo, Mar 21-22
Spring Equinox at Chichén Itzá: From the
pyramid of Kulkulcan, also known as El Castillo,
from 12 noon to 5:00pm the sun casts an eerie
shadow darkening all but one bright zig zag strip
on the outside wall of the north staircase giving
the appearance of a serpent slithering down the
steps. This also takes place on Sept. 21-22 on the
Fall equinox. Book early - thousands come to see
this event.
Guelatao, Oaxaca: Mar 21
Celebration commemorating President Benito
Juárez, who was from Oaxaca.
april
Cuernavaca, Morelos: Apr. 1 to 7
Flower Fair with exhibits and competitions in
floriculture and gardening. The fair is highlighted
with sound and light shows and the appearance
of popular entertainers.
Uruapan, Michoacán:
Palm Sunday celebration with a big crafts display
and market.
Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas: Apr 20 to 26
Fiesta of St. Mark the Evangelist. A regional
commercial, industrial and agricultural exposition,
plus handcrafts.
Aguascalientes, Late April - Early May
San Marcos Fair, Probably the most lively and
largest of all of Mexico’s provincial fairs. Festivities
last 22 days and include bull fights, rodeo,
mariachis, exhibitions, markets, singing, dancing
and a large parade on St. Mark’s Day, April 25
Acapulco, Guerrero, late April:
Tianguis, Mexico’s annual tradeshows for the
travel industry takes place in Acapulco each year.
Hundreds of exhibitors, Mexican shopping area,
dancers, FAM tours and seminars offer agents a
chance to learn more about Mexico. Call your
local MTB office.
28
holidays & fiestas,
Before you go…
continues
regional events
may
Morelia, Michoacán: May 1 to 9
The Michoacán State Fair with everything a
state fair should have.
Tepic, Nayarit: May 3 to 15
Fiesta of St. Isador the Farmer. A commercial
and cultural fair that includes the blessing of
seeds, animals, and water. june
Tlaquepaque, Jalisco, June 14
Ceramic Fair and Fiesta (Memascalcingo): This
pottery center located on the outskirts of
Guadalajara offers craft demonstrations,
competitions, and parades.
july
Acotopan, Hidalgo, July 8
Barbecue Fair: Held on the day celebrating the
anniversary of the founding of the city, the annual
fair features a barbacoa contest that awards the
best tasting recipe for this regional specialty
made of pit roasted mutton wrapped in maguey
leaves. There are also charreadas (Mexican style
rodeos), concerts and cockfights.
Acapulco, Guerrero, early July
Acapulco Black Film Festival: Call 1-800 44
Mexico.
Catemaco, Veracruz: July 15
Day of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Religious
festival showcasing native costumes.
Oaxaca, July 20 & 27
Guelaguetza: Oaxaca celebrates Lunes del Cerro,
on a hill overlooking the Oaxaca Valley.
Delegations from Oaxaca’s seven indigenous
regions dress in traditional costumes and sing
and dance in the city amphitheater. Reservations
must be made in advance.
Santiago Tuxtla, Veracruz: July 25
Day of St. James the Apostle demonstrating
the Liseres, Negritos, and other local Indian
dances.
august
San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Aug. 1-15
International Chamber Music Festival:
Celebrating 25 years in this lovely colonial town,
this classical music festival features awardwinning international ensembles and guest
musicians playing in idyllic garden settings or
stately church atriums.
www.sanmiguelguide.com
Mexico City, D.F.: August 2
Cuauhtémoc Day. Celebrating the last Aztec
emperor, with dances and ceremonies at
Cuauhtémoc Circle.
traditional national events continues
Huamantla, Tlaxcala: August 5 to 20
Celebration for the Day of the Virgin of Charity
and Assumption Day. Flowers and sawdust
adorn the streets for processions and for the
running of bulls as is done in Pamplona, Spain. A
fair, Indian dances, and marketplace.
september
Zacatecas, Zacatecas: Sep. 1 to 16
The National Fair. Showcasing agriculture, art
exhibitions, bullfighters, handicrafts, livestock and
various sports.
Guadalajara, Jalisco, Sept. 1-15
Mariachi Festival
Dolores Hidalgo, Querétaro: Sep 10 to 17
Independence Day fair and regional
exhibition. “El Grito de Dolores” (the Cry of
Dolores) is performed at midnight on September
15. There is live television coverage of the Mexico
City ceremony.
Chichén Itzá, Quintana Roo, Sept. 21-22
Fall Equinox at Chichén Itzá: From the pyramid
of Kulkulcan, also known as El Castillo, from 12
noon-5pm the sun casts an eerie shadow
darkening all but one bright zig zag strip on the
outside wall of the north staircase giving the
appearance of a serpent slithering down the
steps. This also takes place on the Spring equinox.
Book early - thousands come to see this event.
october
Pachuca, Hildalgo: Oct.1 to 19
The Hidalgo State Fair.
Guadalajara, Jalisco, Oct. 1-31
October Festival: This month-long event attracts
visitors and performers from all over the world for
a wide range of musical, cultural and artistic
events and handicrafts exhibits.
Guanajuato, GTO, Oct. 14-Nov 1
Cervantes Festival: held for 18 days in honor of
the Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes
Participants include local estudiantinas (strolling
minstrels), symphony orchestras, soloists, opera,
jazz and rock groups and dance companies,
experimental theater groups and outstanding
new films. www.festivalcervantino.gob.mx
november
Guaymas, Sonora: All month.
Shrimp Festival. Gastronomic sampling of a
variety of shrimp. Various cultural events, music
and dances around San Carlos. www.go2sancarlos.org.
San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato: All month.
Jazz Festival. Many international recognized
teachers of Jazz interpret majestic melodies for all
audiences.
www.guanajuato-travel.com
march
Birthday of Benito Juárez, Mar 21: Mexico’s
most revered political figure and former
president is saluted throughout Mexico,
particularly in his home state of Oaxaca.
april
Holy Week (Semana Santa), March 28-April
14, 2010: Begins on Palm Sunday and is
Mexico’s biggest holiday. Although every
area will celebrate, especially impressive are:
Mexico City’s Passion Play in Ixtapalapa; the
Procession of Silence in San Luis Potosí and
San Miguel de Allende; Taxco’s candlelight
processions; and those in Atlixco, Catemaco,
Cusárare, San Ignacio Arareco, Jerez,
Huajicori, Mesa del Nayar, Ocoyoacac,
Pátzcuaro, Purísima de Bustos, Querétaro,
San Pedrito, Santa Teresa, Temascaldingo,
Tzintzuntzán, and Zinacantán.
may
Labor Day, May 1: a legal holiday featuring
lots of parades and “worker propaganda.”
Almost everything is closed.
Holy Cross Day (Día de la Santa Cruz),
May 3: Across the country see unfinished
buildings supporting decorated crosses
placed by construction workers, followed
by picnics and fireworks.
Cinco de Mayo, May 5: Commemorates a
great Mexican military defeat of the French
army in the Battle of Puebla in 1862.
Mother’s Day (Día de las Madres), May 10:
Mother’s Day is always May 10 in Mexico.
Feast of San Isidro, May 15: The patron saint
of rain, agricultural workers and livestock is
celebrated.
june
Navy Day, June 1: observed throughout
Mexican ports with civic ceremonies,
parades, fishing tournaments, and sailing
competitions. Especially colorful in the
northern Pacific port of Topolobampo, the
state of Sinaloa and the Caribbean resort
of Playa del Carmen in the Riviera Maya.
Saint John the Baptist Day (Día de San
Juan Bautista), June 24: celebrated with
popular fairs, religious festivities and practical jokes associated with dunking.
St. Peter and St. Paul Day, June 29: Local
festivals honor the saints. Celebrations in
many indigenous communities including
San Juan Chamula, Chiapas, Purépero,
Michoacán and Zaachila, Oaxaca. In Mexcaltitan, Nayarit shrimpers hold a regatta to
celebrate season opening.
29
holidays & fiestas,
continues
traditional national events continues
july
Feast Day of our Lady of Carmen, July 16: Pilgrims
in traditional dress converge on Catemanco, Veracruz to honor their patron saint. Ciudad del Carmen,
Campeche holds a livestock fair, sports and boating
events. In the San Ángel section of Mexico City
there is a popular fair and its annual flower show.
september
Before you go…
Presidential “State of the Nation” Address
(Informe Presidencial), Sept. 1: the president of Mexico delivers his annual State of the Nation Address to
Congress; a legal holiday for government workers.
Mexican Independence Day, Sept. 15-16: Celebrations of Mexico’s independence declaration from
Spain in 1810. “El Grito,” a reenactment of Father
Hidalgo’s call for his countrymen to join the uprising, is performed at 11pm, the night of the 15th, in
most town squares. The president presides at the
ceremony in Mexico City’s Constitution Square. Virtually the whole country is closed for these two
days.
october
Día de la Raza (Columbus Day), Oct. 12: celebrations marking the fusion of Mexico’s native and
European races.
november
Día de los Muertos (All Saints Day), Nov 1-2: Perhaps Mexico’s most peculiar holiday, this day marks
Mexico’s unique Indian-Christian tribute to death.
Celebrations include sugar skulls and skeletons, toy
coffins, processions to graveyards, and elaborately
decorated altars and tombstones. The holiday is
used to recall fond memories of the dearly
departed. Oaxaca and Pátzcuaro have especially
colorful celebrations.
Revolution Day, Nov. 20: Celebration of the beginning of Mexico’s ten-year civil war (1910-20), a conflict in which millions of Mexicans lost their lives.
december
Feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe, Dec 12: The
patroness of Mexico is honored in this, Mexico’s
most religious holiday. Pilgrims from around the
country converge at the Basílica shrine in Mexico
City, home to the revered shroud which displays a
mysterious imprint of the saint’s likeness.
Posadas, Dec 16-24: processions and parties reenacting Joseph and Mary’s journey to Bethlehem; lots of
music and piñata breaking.
Navidad (Christmas), Dec 25: a special family celebration, usually spent at home.
regional events continues
San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato: All month.
Wool and Brass Fair. One of the most important handicraft expositions in the State, offering
an extensive range of products including role maché, tin plating, pewter, wickerwork, and
carved wood. www.guanajuato-travel.com
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, All month
Fiesta del Mar: Activities include art festivals, sports competitions, and food festivals ending
with fireworks on the 30th.
Parras, Coahuila, First week.
Candy and Nut Festival. Parras is known for its milk candies, nuts, preserves, fruit liquors, and
more. In this festival, sweets lovers unite to devise the largest nut candy in the worldregistered in the Guinness book of records! www.parrascoahuila.com.mx
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Nov. 3-4.
Vallarta Gulf Cup. The annual Puerto Vallarta golf tournament welcomes amateur golfers
from Mexico, the USA and Canada. These three countries compete for cash prizes and the
Swing Vallarta trophy at three different Vallarta courses, the Jack Nicklaus- and Weiskopfdesigned Vista Vallarta courses and the Mayan Palace Country Club. www.vallartagolf.com.
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Nov. 12-22.
International Gourmet Festival. More than twenty local restaurants, as well as the finest
international culinary professionals, demonstrate their unique cuisine. www.festivalgourmet.com
Baja California, mid November
SCORE Baja 1000: the off-road race commonly known as the Baja Mil. Ensenada, Baja
California to Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur; annual event.
Taxco, Guerrero, Nov. 29-Dec. 6
National Silver Fair: Mexico’s best silversmiths compete for prizes against some of the
world’s finest artisans. A market, concerts, dances and fireworks complete the festivities.
december
San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas. Dec. 10-22
Fiesta of the Virgin of Guadalupe. Tzotzil and Tzeltal Indians in procession, Marimba music,
and horse parades.
Campeche, Campeche, All month.
Campeche Historical Festival. Includes great concerts, popular arts, gastronomical
expositions and more.
Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas, Dec. 1-15.
Chiapas Fair. Chiapas’ most important fair includes bullfights, horse races, motocross,
cockfighting, cultural and sporting events, crafts, agricultural expositions, and more.
Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Dec. 2-3.
Grand Pacific Marathon. Runners from around the world over participate in this challenging
race that takes place in the “Pearl of the Pacific” and features miles and miles of beautiful
scenery. www.maraton.org.
Alcoman, Estado de Mexico, Dec. 16-23.
Posada and Piñata Fair. An annual celebration near Mexico City of the Posadas procession.
Among the piñatas on display are those made from clay, traditional models with seven points
that symbolize the seven deadly sins, and those made from cardboard with popular children’s
designs. Workshops in piñata-making.
Oaxaca, Oaxaca State, Dec. 23.
Festival of the Radishes. Local artisans and sculptors set up stalls around the main square to
display their elaborate pieces of art—made entirely from radishes! The local crop is used for
creating nativity scenes and famous Mexican figures. Balloons and birds crafted from local
flowers add even more color.
Oaxaca, Oaxaca State, Dec. 24.
Las Calendas. The districts of Oaxaca City prepare floats and costumes for processions held
throughout the city. The parades feature marmotas (translucent paper spheres lit from within
and carried aloft on poles) and giant paper maché people, whose arms flop around as the
person hidden inside dances.
30
Before you go…
getting acclimated
apparel
Casual dress is appropriate for nearly all occasions in Mexico. However, Mexico has some
particular customs regarding appropriate
dress for certain situations:
Z Swimming suits (particularly for women)
are not to be worn away from swimming
pools and beach areas.
Z Flashy or suggestive clothing is inappropriate in smaller resorts and inland cities.
Z In bigger cities, evening attire tends to be
more dressy, while casual dress is generally appropriate for beach resort dining.
For nightclubs men are asked to wear
long pants and no open-toed shoes.
Z The ever popular guayabera shirt is
appropriate for men at almost any occasion.
Seasonal temperature changes should be
taken into account. Remember that nearly
half of Mexico is at an elevation of over 5,000
feet. Inland cities (including the Colonial Circle, Guadalajara, Mexico City, Zacatecas) have
cool evenings almost year-round. During the
summer “rainy season,” temperatures at many
inland cities can be cool during daytime hours
as well (60’s and low 70’s).
TIP: Keep your travel documents, valuables, and
cash packed separately from checked luggage.
time zones
time zones
NOTE: In April, 1996 Mexico began using the “Daylight Savings” adjustment.
Z Most of Mexico is on Central Standard or Central Daylight time.
Z The state of Baja California (includes the city of Tijuana) is on Pacific Daylight or
Pacific Standard time.
Z Baja California Sur (includes the cities of Los Cabos, La Paz and Loreto) plus the
don’t forget to
pack…
states of Sonora, Sinaloa (includes the city of Mazatlán), Chihuahua, and Nayarit
are on Mountain Standard or Mountain Daylight.
Sunglasses & Suntan Lotion & a Hat
Extra Eyeglasses Or Contacts
Comfortable Shoes
One Dollar Bills (For Tipping)
Travel Documents
Prescription Medication
Insect Repellent
Small Flashlight & Extra Batteries
A Good Book
Camera and Film & Extra Batteries
Your Spirit of Adventure and
Sense Of Humor!
31
Before you go…
staying healthy
The health concerns of international vacationers are becoming an increasingly important issue for retail agents counseling overseas travelers. Mexico is no exception. In fact
a 2004 Travel Weekly survey revealed that
“health issues” were cited as an obstacle by
75% of those agents surveyed. The next highest concern (“cost”) was cited by only 13%
of those surveyed. To sell Mexico effectively,
a strategy for dealing with health issues is
advisable. Here are some suggestions and
advice you can share with your clients.
The vast majority of Mexico visitors don’t
become ill during their stay. When there is
a problem (intestinal illness, or “turista”), it
is often caused by a combination of factors
which may alter your body’s normal functions.
Consider the fact that in Mexico your eating
(and drinking!) habits are often radically different than what you are used to back home.
There are also altitude, climate, and time zone
changes to disrupt your digestive system
from its normal routine.
A very simple way to ruin a Mexico vacation is
to become paranoid about getting sick. Use
common sense, and follow these guidelines:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Always wash your hands before eating.
Avoid eating from open-air food stands.
Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids and
don’t become dehydrated!
Drink bottled water.
Take Pepto Bismol, acidophilus tablets,
or fresh yogurt throughout your stay.
Take it easy the first few days.
Take a siesta each afternoon.
Ease into local eating and drinking habits.
Respect the almighty Tequila God (take it
easy with the “poppers”).
Statistics show that for some reason, most
people who become ill in Mexico do so on
the third day of their visit. If you have a problem, Mexico has pharmacies (farmacias)
which dispense prescription drugs (often
without prescriptions) at a fraction of their
cost back home. Note that many drugs are
sold without the customary warnings as to
side effects. Purchase name brand medications from international manufacturers. Use
caution when taking or recommending any
anti-diarrheal drugs. (Have your clients consult
their physician before taking any prescription
drugs.)
Or go the natural route with té de manzanilla
(chamomile tea), lots of rest, and good old
chicken soup, known as consomé de pollo.
Currently no vaccinations are needed to enter
Mexico from the U S. or Canada. Contact the
U.S. Center for Disease Control at (404) 3324559 for periodic updates (24-hr recording) or
go to www.cdc.gov/travel, then select Central
America and Mexico region.
MEDICAL EMERGENCIES
Your clients should check with their insurance
carrier before heading to Mexico. Their policy
just might cover them while in Mexico. Always
encourage clients to purchase travel medical
insurance offered with their travel package.
physicians who are specialists in emergency medicine. The staff provides total quality care supported
by the latest in technology.
Tel. 1-800-815-1921
www.amerimed-hospitals.com
Global Life Flight............................... 1-888-554-9729
MedJet Assistance........................1-800-963-3538
An annual membership program travel for business
or pleasure.
Critical Air Medicine
001-800-010-0268 (From Mexico)
1-800-247-8326 (From U.S. )
Medical emergency flights out of Mexico. T R AV E L A S S I S TA N C E
Safemex Travel Assistance .........1-866-SafeMex
Offers packages of emergency travel assistance services -- including Roadside, Legal, Medical and
Insurance. A network of service providers operates
24-hours, 365 days throughout Mexico.
www.safemex.com
COMPREHENSIVE MEDICAL INSURANCE
Med Travel/ E.J. Phelps.................. (619) 231-1643
Global Care............................................. 800-779-1017
Med To Go Mexico
Produces a comprehensive directory with detailed
coverage of local doctors and medical facilities. An
excellent newsletter is also available. 1-866-MED TO
GO | www.medtogo.com
In the event of a major medical emergency, jet
evacuation services and hospital care is available.
Air Ambulance
America of Mexico.........................(001) 800-222-3564
(From Mexico)
AmeriMed
An American owned and operated hospital has
facilities in Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas, and
Cancún (2) with several more locations planned to
open in the near future. They offer a full range of
emergency and routine services including air evacuation within Mexico and to the U.S. Their facilities
are staffed 24 hours a day with bilingual, in-house
32
Before you go…
doing business in mexico
In the years since NAFTA was approved, there
have been significant changes in Mexico’s
role for North American businesses. U.S.-Mexico bilateral trade jumped from $28 billion in
1986 to over $230 billion in 2008. Mexico is
now ranked 8th among world export leaders
- a jump from 26th in 1993! Coinciding with
this jump in trade is a steady increase in business travel. In fact, of the approximately seven
million U.S. international business travelers,
about 10% (700,000) are heading to Mexico.
The economy remains fundamentally sound
since 1997. (See Economics pg 1.)
Many travel agents have seen an increase in
the number of business travelers to Mexico in
the last few years. This number will continue
to rise dramatically, affording agents a new
“niche” market for profitable sales to Mexico.
Following are some tips to help you and your
customers do business “a la Mexicana.”
S A L U TAT I O N S &
INTRODUCTIONS
Each morning, a handshake and personal
greeting is appropriate. Also a friendly inquiry
about family is common courtesy.
If your Mexican customer/associate has a
degree, it is a nice touch to use that title
when greeting the person. Common titles:
Licenciado/a -holder of a Bachelors degree in
everything except engineering; Ingeniero/a
-holder of an engineering degree. Don’t be
surprised if after establishing even a brief
relationship with your Mexican client, you are
welcomed (male/male) with an abrazo–a full
embrace with two pats on the back. Women
greet one another (and men often greet
women) by a feigned kiss on the side of the
cheek.
TIME
While many cultures have no tolerance for
lateness in business or social situations, it is
common in Mexico. In fact, for social occasions, arriving half an hour later than the
stated time is usually acceptable. Contrary to
the U.S., only the arrival time is noted on invitations. It may be insulting to your guest to
list a departure time.
BUSINESS ETIQUETTE
Display respect for Mexican colleagues in
public. Avoid confrontations in front of others. When someone sneezes, it’s appropriate
to acknowledge it by saying “Salud!” (To Your
Health!).
In the Mexican culture, family is given priority. When making “small talk” to establish rapport at the start of a meeting, inquire about
the person’s family members, especially if you
have met them. Weather and fashion are also
appropriate topics, as is discussion in praise of
Mexico’s cultural and natural beauty.
B O DY L A N G UAG E
As in many Hispanic countries, it is common
for Mexicans to communicate closer than
one arm’s length from each other. Contrary to
the U S./Canada (especially in light of sexual
harassment suits), a tap on the arm or a pat on
the back is commonplace, and a very acceptable gesture of friendliness.
GIFT GIVING
If you are invited to dinner at the home of
a customer or associate, bring a gift. Send
a thank you note after visiting an associate’s
home to show your appreciation and gratitude.
P R E PA R E , P E R S I S T
A N D H AV E PAT I E N C E
When thinking about doing business in Mexico, remember these three words: preparation,
patience, and persistence.
“Getting into international business is a total
mind-set change,” says Robin Gray, Vice-President, Trade, for Royal Bank of Canada. “You have
to get under the skin of the country to do business there.”
Ten other recommendations by Gray:
Z DO as much homework about Mexico as
you can before making contacts or traveling there. Preliminary information on different market sectors is available from a
variety of Canadian and Mexican government, business and banking sources in
U S. These sources can also help you draft
a preliminary list of contacts in Mexico
and match you up with Mexican business
people who have or are looking for com-
plementary skills. Also, read trade journals, consult the databases at your local
library or university, and ask your business contacts about their experiences in
Mexico.
Z DO leave your ignorance and prejudices
about Mexico at home. Mexico is a developing country, not a backward country or
one large beach. First-time business visitors are usually surprised by the country’s
diversity and the sophistication of the
market, technology access and business
professionals.
Z DO accept that there are differences in
the way things are done in Mexico and
be prepared to acquire a sensitivity to
Mexican cultural attitudes and customs.
Make serious efforts to learn to speak
Spanish-keep working on it and trying!
Z DO remember that Mexicans are status
conscious and pay a lot of attention to
hierarchies of power and the way people
dress. Professional titles such as ingeniero
and licenciado are important in Mexico,
even though business is often conducted
in such informal settings as restaurants.
Z DO be creative when dealing with adversity. Make sure you get the right counsel.
Bankers and Accountants in Mexico are
key resources along with trade officers at
the [U.S. or] Canadian Embassy in Mexico.
When in doubt about anything, ask!
Z DON’T even consider trying to establish
business contacts in Mexico on the basis
of a telephone call or fax messages. While
business can be done over the phone
with people you don’t know at home,
Mexicans won’t take you seriously as a
partner, supplier or purchaser unless they
meet with you several times in person.
Z DON’T think you can make key contacts
or conclude deals within a few days,
especially on a first venture into Mexico.
Getting to know the people you may
work for or with and convincing them of
33
Before you go…
doing business in mexico,
the value of your participation takes time;
it should be considered as part of a longterm marketing strategy.
Z DON’T forget to keep tracking contacts or
leads. There is a lot of wining and dining
in Mexico. People like to name drop, and
can promise you the world while they are
leading you down the garden path. There
are people who deliver on their promises
but always check, double check and triple
check.
Z DON’T listen to just one piece of advice.
Talk to foreign bankers and Mexican
bankers, listen to what people in the
Mexican government and U. S./Canadian
Embassies in Mexico tell you. Then start
balancing what different people have
told you. Sift out who you want to maintain contacts with and this will provide
the basis for an ongoing information network.
Resources for business travelers and companies doing business in Mexico are quite extensive. Next is a sampling of helpful resources
and services.
continues
books & magazines
Good Neighbors: Communicating with the
Mexicans, John C. Condon, Intercultural Press, Inc.,
1989.
Management in Two Cultures: Bridging the Gap
Between U.S and Mexican Managers, Eva S. Kras,
Intercultural Press, Inc., 1995.
Doing Business in Mexico, Christopher Engholm,
Prentice Hall, 1997.
Business in Mexico, Candice Bancroft McKinnis
and Arthur A. Natella, Jr., Hawthorn Press, 1997.
Opportunity in Mexico: A Small Business Guide,
John L. Manzella, Free Trade Consultants, 1992.
Available free by calling AT&T Customer Service.
The Guide to Mexico for Business, American
Chamber of Commerce of Mexico; 5-724-3800 (in
Mexico City). $37.50
Strategies for Business in Mexico, Louis E.V.
Nevaer, 1-800-225-5800. $62.95
The Challenge of Living and Working in Mexico,
Dr. Marc I. Ehrlich, 732-617-1639. $20
International Living Newsletter, 800-851-7100;
monthly, $89/year.
Mexico Weekly Fax Bulletin, 202-298-7936. Weekly
synopsis of business news. $465/year.
seminars
Seminars on “Integrating the Foreign Executive
into the Mexican Work Environment” by Dr. Marc
I. Ehrlich. 52-555-251-2516 (in Mexico City)
agencies
Embassy of Mexico in the U.S.
202-728-1600
www.embassyofmexico.org
Embassy of the U.S. in Mexico, Mexico City
Tel. 52-55-5209-9100 Fax. 52-55-5511-9980
Embassy of Canada in Mexico, Mexico City
Tel. 52-55-5724-7900 Fax. 52-55-5724-7982
BANCOMEXT
Trade Commission Office of Mexico. New York
Tel. (212) 826-2939 Fax. (212) 826-2979
www.bancomext.com
Mexican Investment Board, Mexico City
52-55-5202-7804
U.S./Mexico Chamber of Commerce
www.usmcoc.org
Mexico City World Trade Center
52-55-5488-2256 www.exposwtc.com
American Chamber of Commerce of Mexico,
Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey
52-55-5141-3888 www.amcham.com.mx
Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Mexico City
52-55-5580-4143 www.canchammx.com
For relocation assistance in Mexico
Cultural Awareness International, Inc.
2626 Cole, Ste 710
Dallas, Texas 75204
Tel. (214) 691-4113 • Fax: (214) 691-4128
Email: cai@culturalawareness.com
www.culturalawareness.com
34

Before You Go…

Transcription

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