Mexico United Mexican States. What language is spoken in Mexico? Official language of Mexico

United Mexican States.

The name of the country comes from the name of the capital, which originates from the name of the supreme god of the Aztecs - Mexitli.

Mexico Square. 1964 400 km2.

Population of Mexico. 101879 thousand people

Location of Mexico. Mexico is a state in . In the north and east it borders on the United States of America, in the south - with and. Washed in the east Gulf of Mexico and , in the west - . The state also owns several offshore islands.

Administrative division Mexico. The state is a federation of 31 states and a capital city.

Mexico's form of government. Republic with a federal state structure.

Head of State of Mexico. President elected for a term of 5 years.

Supreme legislature of Mexico. Bicameral National Congress - Senate and Chamber of Deputies.

Supreme executive body of Mexico. Government.

Big cities Mexico. Guadalajara, Monterrey, Puebla, Ciudad Juarez, Leon, Tijuana.

Official language Mexico. Spanish.

Mexico is a country about which few people know anything interesting. Most of the inhabitants of the planet know this state as the place where such masterpieces of cinema as "Wild Rose", "Just Maria", "The Rich Also Cry" and other soap operas that won the hearts of millions of inhabitants of the post-Soviet territories in the nineties were born. Meanwhile, Mexico is a beautiful land, with an ancient and magical history, amazing sights inherited from the Mayan prophets and unsurpassed nature that has been formed over the centuries.

The earliest civilizations

The area of Mexico is 1,972,550 km2. In addition, its territories include approximately 6,000 km 2 of islands located in the Pacific Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Mexican and Naturally, not all of these lands immediately belonged to the country. They were conquered, given away, returned back, and so it lasted until the state known to modern man was formed. The excavations of 1947, carried out in Tepespan and other possessions of the country, proved that no less than 22 thousand years ago, the first person appeared on the territory of this part of America. By the fifth or sixth century BC, the first settled civilizations were formed here. They cultivated legumes, pumpkins and maize.

Historians know several ancient cultures of Mexico. One of them is the Olmecs, who inhabited the modern area of Mexico somewhere from the 12th to the 5th century BC. e. The centers of this civilization were mainly in Tres Zapotes, Cerro de las Mesas and La Venta. Today it is the states of Tabasco, Guerrero and Veracruz. The Olmecs had a fairly strong influence on civilizations that arose a little later. Their prosperity dates back to the 4th-9th centuries AD. Today these cultures are considered classical. These include the civilization of Teotihuacan, the Zapotecs, the Totonacs, and, of course, the Maya.

The arrival of the Spaniards

Mexican lands were famous for their extraordinary wealth. The Spanish conquistadors heard about their treasures. In 1511, a Spanish ship was wrecked near Eto and was the first meeting between the peoples who inhabited Central America, and Europeans. Jeronimo de Aguilar is the man who managed to survive that catastrophe. He stayed with the Maya. Jeronimo mastered the language of this people, and eight years later he became an interpreter on an expedition led by Hernan Cortes.

Mexico is a country that in 1517 simultaneously accounts for both its exploration and conquest. Diego Velazquez, the governor of Cuba, sent several expeditions here. The first of these was led in 1517 by Francisco Hernandez de Córdoba, the second was led by Juan de Grijalva in 1518. The last one took place in 1519. Its head was Hernan Cortes. It was he who conquered the empire that belonged to the Aztecs, and became the governor of those territories that he managed to subordinate to his laws.

Landmarks of Mexico

Mexico is a state that has experienced much suffering in its lifetime. And the witnesses of all these tests are, of course, the sights of the country. There are very, very many of them here. visit all these Amazing places pretty hard. But there are some special exhibits that you just need to see with your own eyes. One of these is This giant reached a height of 5636 meters and is considered the highest Mexican peak. Orizaba is mostly referred to as a mountain, but in fact it is not. After all, this is a real volcano. On the border of the XVI-XVII centuries, the largest number of eruptions occurred. During this time, there were already seven powerful explosions. After one of them in 1687, Orizaba fell asleep. The Aztecs called it Zitlatepetl - a mountain that strives for the stars.

You should also visit Fort San Diego. It is a pentagonal building, shaped like a star. It is located in Acapulco. The fort was built to protect merchant ships and the city from pirates from Holland and England. San Diego was built in the 17th century. This is the only historical landmark in Acapulco that has survived to this day.

Formation of the Mexican capital

The capital of Mexico is called Mexico City. But the city did not always bear such a name. It used to be called Tenochtitlan. The city was founded in 1325 by the Aztecs. There is a legend according to which Huitzilopochtli - the god of the sun - ordered the Indians to come here. He told the Aztecs to settle in the place where they would meet with a proud eagle who would sit on a tall cactus and hold a snake in its beak. The Indians searched for such a territory for a long time, but nevertheless found it and founded a settlement there. So on west bank Lake Texcoco appeared Tenochtitlan. Later it became the capital of the Aztec empire.

The capital of Mexico is an indescribable beauty. The first Europeans, who were struck by the magnificence of Tenochtitlan, called it the Venice of the Aztecs. This unsurpassed city existed for almost two hundred years. It was conquered by the Spaniards, so it was badly destroyed. In 1521, on the site of the ruins, a new town- Mexico City.

City of contrasts

The capital of Mexico is a city full of contrasts. He either likes at first sight, or causes irritation and a burning desire to leave him immediately and go somewhere a little quieter. Unparalleled museums and buildings border the neighborhoods of the poor, while ancient churches and fragrant parks, synonymous with the word "peace", border on noisy and busy streets. In short, Mexico City is multifaceted locality, it is special, unpredictable and bewitching, as, in principle, the country itself.

Museums in Mexico City

Metropolitan museums are one of the main attractions of the city. Mexico, the capital of Mexico City in particular, is simply oversaturated with them. The most beautiful and impressive institutions are located here. First of all, I would like to mention the City Museum of Mexico City. It is housed in a baroque palace. was built in the XVIII century and belonged to the county family of Santiago de Calimaya, who was a descendant of the famous conquistador Cortes. The museum in this house was opened only in 1964. There are 26 rooms here, showing the history of the development of the capital of Mexico from the time of the Aztecs to the present day.

No less famous is the house-museum of Leon Trotsky. In it, the great publicist lived the last few months of his existence, and here he was killed in 1940. The capital of Mexico is the city that provided political shelter to the famous revolutionary in 1937. On August 20, 1990, the house-museum was officially opened. Here is a public library, which carefully stores the works of Trotsky, some of his documents.

Palaces of Mexico City

Among all the attractions of this city, I would like to note the palaces, which are majestically located in their honorable territories. The capital of Mexico (photo can be seen in our article) boasts the Chapultepec Palace. This famous castle in all North America. Emperors, presidents and governors of the country once stayed here. The palace is located on the hill of the same name, the height of which reaches 2325 meters above sea level. King Bernard de Galvesa initiated the founding of the castle. Today, numerous excursions are held here, which are liked by all visitors without exception.

Castle fine arts- Another attraction that won the hearts of many travelers. This Opera theatre, and it is located in the heart of Mexico City. The building is the largest building on the planet, for the construction of which Carrara marble was used. The domes of this masterpiece of architecture are finished with Italian marble. A interior theater created by Federico Mariscal.

latin american tower

As mentioned above, the country of Mexico (whose capital is Mexico City) is a state full of contrasts. But besides them, it is also filled with paradoxes. One of these is the Latin American tower - a 183-meter building located in the center of the capital. This building is located in a seismic zone, but this did not prevent it from successfully surviving several powerful earthquakes.

The tower has 44 floors. And the building was created not so long ago, in 1956. Today it is used as an office center. You can move from floor to floor on a high-speed elevator, of which, by the way, there are two: one takes you to the 37th tier in just half a minute, and the other already reaches the 42nd floor, where there is a cafe and an observation deck.

The day of the Dead

No, no, do not be afraid, this is traditional. Just if you are lucky enough to visit the country when it takes place, be sure to visit it. The country of Mexico (the capital in particular) celebrates this day on the first and second of November. These events are an occasion for the whole family and friends to gather to pray and remember those who are no longer around. Not a single bank operates in the country during the celebrations. So, people go to cemeteries, where they want to spend a little time with the souls of the dead. They build altars on the graves, on which they display photographs, favorite drinks and dishes, memorabilia of the one who rests in the earth.

The skull is the main symbol of this holiday. People who celebrate the Day of the Dead cover their faces with masks, wear skeleton costumes, make skulls out of chocolate or sugar, and write their names on the forehead of a kind of dessert. Perhaps for us it is somewhat wild, but there it is in the order of things. Sweet skulls are presented as a souvenir to both the living and the dead. The capital of Mexico is called Mexico City, and in the first two days of November it can be called a dead city.

You will be interested

Mexico - amazing country, and the capital of Mexico is generally something unique. And there are things that will surprise every person for whom this region is even the smallest interest. So, here are some fun facts about this state:

Every year it is visited by 20 million people.
Brazil - Mexico - a football match held between these states in the summer of 2014. The game ended with the score 0:0.
The pyramid called Chichen Itza, which is one of the seven wonders of the world, is located in Mexico.
uses 80 varieties of pepper.

Instead of a conclusion

It is Mexico that is the birthplace of everyone's favorite chocolate. And also this the only country Latin America, in which Olympic Games. So pack your bags an amusing trip is waiting for you!

Useful data for tourists about Mexico, cities and resorts of the country. As well as information about the population, currency of Mexico, cuisine, features of visa and customs restrictions Mexico.

Geography of Mexico

United Mexican States - a state in North America, bordering the United States in the north, Belize and Guatemala in the southeast, washed by the waters of the Gulf of California (Pacific Ocean), the Gulf of Mexico and caribbean.

Mexico owns a number of islands in the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean.

Most of the country is occupied by the ridges of the Mexican Highlands, the Sierra Madre and the Transverse Volcanic Sierra with many active volcanoes (about 350), including the highest point of the country - Orizaba (5700 m.), Popocatepetl - (5452 m.), etc. Volcanic activity quite high, earthquakes are also frequent.

State

State structure

Federal Republic. The head of state is the president. Legislature- Bicameral National Congress (Senate and Chamber of Deputies).

Language

Official language: Spanish

Local ethnic groups speak their native languages (Nahuatl, Maya, Otomi, Zapotec, etc.). Widely spread English language.

Religion

Catholics (89%), Protestants (6%).

Currency

International name: MXP

The Mexican peso is equal to 100 centavos (cents). In circulation there are banknotes of 500, 200, 100, 50, 20 and 10 pesos and coins of 50, 20, 10 and 5 centavos.

Currency exchange can be done at banks, large hotels, airports (usually the best rate) or specialized exchange offices casas de cambio. Often there are difficulties with the exchange of shabby banknotes or banknotes of the old series.

Most hotels, restaurants, shops and travel agencies credit cards of the world's leading systems and travelers checks (preferably in US dollars) are accepted for payment. IN resort areas extensive network of ATMs.

US dollars are also accepted almost everywhere (the exchange rate is not the most profitable). When exchanging, care should be taken - there are attempts to shortchange.

History of Mexico

The appearance of man in Mexican lands dates back to the 20th millennium BC and is caused by the constant migration of the population. In the 10th century, the Mayan people came from the north to the Yucatan Peninsula, colliding here with the already existing more ancient civilization of city-states.

Another people, the Aztecs, founded Tenochtitlan (Mexico City) at the beginning of the 2nd millennium AD, and in the 15th century they already controlled the entire territory of Central Mexico. Irrigation was widely used in their economy, they owned weaving and pottery. The city of Tenochtitlan in the 15th-16th centuries became one of the largest cities peace. It numbered up to 300 thousand inhabitants and 65 thousand houses, was equipped with a complex system of dams and canals that ensured its water supply. The Aztecs, who owned a huge Mexican territory, laid the foundations here state organization, and the city of Tenochtitlan was the capital of the Aztec state. The Aztec leader had at least a hundred thousand troops, which, however, did not know firearms and horses. According to their worldview, the Aztecs were pagans and brought human sacrifices to the gods.

The further development of these centers of statehood was stopped by the invasion in 1517 of the Spanish conquerors. They captured the capital of the Aztecs, killed the Aztec emperor Montezuma, took possession of his golden treasures and, in the end, established Spanish rule and established Christianity (Catholicism) throughout the country. As a result, very original ancient American civilizations were destroyed and then forgotten.

By the end of the 16th century, the conquest of the Mexican plateau was completed. On the occupied lands, the vice-kingdom of New Spain was formed, transferring all power to the feudal landowners who arrived here. Numerous attempts by the Indians in the 17th-18th centuries to free themselves from the colonialists did not lead to success. The power of the metropolis was able to collapse only at the beginning of the 19th century, thanks to the weakening of Spain caused by the Napoleonic conquest. And although two uprisings that unfolded in 1810-1813 were suppressed, Mexico gained independence in 1821. In 1823, a republic was established in the country, declaring equal rights for all before the law.

The economic backwardness of the young state, its advantageous strategic position and aggravated internal instability turned the eyes of the United States here. In 1845 they annexed Texas, and the next year opened a series wars of conquest, capturing half of the Mexican lands by 1854. The unsatisfactory actions of the government led to a social explosion, which in 1857 turned into civil war. By 1867 fighting stopped. It was chiefly the republican-landlord circles that gained a foothold in power. The feudal vestiges they conserved became the cause of the revolution of 1910-1917. Her victory weakened the position of the landowners and strengthened the political role of the industrialists. The danger of a Japanese invasion forced the cabinet of ministers in 1941 to declare war on the fascist bloc. In the post-war period, progressive democratic reforms were somewhat delayed, but nevertheless contributed to further development this Latin American state.

Popular Attractions

Mexico Tourism

Where to stay

Mexico being the cradle ancient civilizations Maya and Aztecs, a country of outlandish nature with many paradise and hospitable residents, has long won the love of tourists from all over the world. Thousands of kilometers of wonderful sea coast, rainforests, a large number of architectural monuments create all conditions for active and family vacation.

In addition to a huge number of attractions, Mexico has a fairly high level of service and developed tourism infrastructure. Here you will find any accommodation, depending on your financial capabilities. The range of hotels in Mexico is diverse and has a standard five-star classification, which is strictly controlled at the state level.

Hotels in the country, the level of which is two stars, include responsive staff, excellent service, private pools. Hotels, the level of which starts from three stars, offer vacationers 24-hour room service, their own bars and restaurants, white sandy beaches With clear water, picturesque pools, Jacuzzi with waterfalls, saunas. For lovers active rest you will have the opportunity to go windsurfing, diving, yachting and other entertainment.

In addition to these hotels in Mexico, there are hotels of the Granturismo category, which are separate complexes that have everything you need for a comfortable stay - from their own shops to helipads. Another category of such hotels is Special, which, in addition to a set of services of Granturismo class complexes, offer their guests some exclusive service, for example, a free diving tour to your own island.

For admirers cheap travel in Mexico, small family and budget hotels offer their services, hunting lodges, hostels with inexpensive spacious rooms and good Mexican cuisine.

Mexican cuisine is famous for its culinary traditions worldwide. Some dishes may seem a little spicy at first, but you will still appreciate their taste. Usually, National dishes are not complete without at least one of three typical ingredients: tortillas (corn tortillas), beans and hot chili peppers....

Tips

It is customary to leave in restaurants, bars, porters, taxi drivers, etc. - 10% of the total bill.

Visa

Office Hours

Banks are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays(some bank branches are even open until 24:00 or until 1:00 am), and from 9:00 to 14:00 on Saturday. Sunday is a day off. Some bank branches in resort areas are also open from 16:00 to 18:00, on Saturday - from 10:00 to 13:30 and from 16:00 to 18:00, and on Sunday - from 10:00 to 13:30.

Shops are usually open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., with a traditional siesta break from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., the day off is Sunday.

Day off in museums, districts archaeological sites and in theaters, usually on Monday.

Purchases

VAT (IVA) is 15% and is usually included in all prices and invoices, but in some expensive hotels prices are given excluding tax. VAT is also charged on telephone conversations, With rent for housing, etc.

Medicine

No special vaccinations are required, but it is recommended to carry out prophylaxis against malaria, vaccination against hepatitis A and B, as well as an international medical insurance.

Medical service paid and quite expensive. The purchase of some drugs is possible only with a doctor's prescription, so the necessary long-term drugs should be brought with you (with mandatory documentary evidence of the indication for their use).

Safety

In Mexico, there is a high level of crime, in the first place - pickpocketing and robbery. It is recommended to travel by car, bus and train only during the day. Taxis are recommended only from official stations ("sitios"), otherwise the chance of becoming a victim of a robbery is quite high. It is recommended to order a taxi by phone, be sure to get the car number and taxi driver's license number from the dispatcher. At Mexico City Airport, only yellow airport taxis (with airport symbols on the door) should be hired, after paying for the call in advance at the appropriate "Transportacion Terrestre" kiosk in the airport lobby.

Try to drive on toll roads ("cuota") - they are safer. It is also recommended to avoid solo trips in provincial areas, and often use hitchhiking. There are known cases of extortion of money by people in uniform.

Emergency Phones

Police, ambulance, fire brigade and other emergencies - 06.

Questions and opinions about Mexico

Question answer

Tijuana - Q&A

Puebla - Q&A

Question answer

- country in North America. In the north and east it borders with the United States of America, in the south - with Belize and Guatemala. In the east it is washed by the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, in the west - Pacific Ocean. The state also owns several offshore islands.

The name of the country comes from the name of the capital, which originates from the name of the supreme god of the Aztecs - Mexitli.

Official name: United Mexican States

Capital: mexico city

The area of the land: 1.95 million sq. km

Total population: 112.5 million people

Administrative division: The state is a federation of 31 states and the capital federal district.

Form of government: Republic with a federal state structure.

Head of State: President elected for a term of 5 years.

Composition of the population: 60% - mestizos, 30% - Indians, 10% - descendants of Europeans.

Official language: spanish, in resort areas widely spoken English, French and German languages, in the province they are practically not used. In addition, local ethnic groups speak their native languages (Nahuatl, Maya, Otomi, Zapotec, Mixteca, Totonac, Tarascos, Purepecha, and others - about 59 local dialects in total).

Religion: 89% are Catholics, 10% are Protestants.

Internet domain: .mx

Mains voltage: ~127 V, 60 Hz

Phone country code: +52

Country barcode: 750

Climate

In the north of Mexico the climate is subtropical, in the rest of the country - tropical. The coastal plains are humid and hot. In the Acapulco area pacific coast daytime temperatures throughout the year do not fall below +30 degrees, and nighttime temperatures range from 21 to 24 degrees Celsius. On the Caribbean coast - a little cooler. In the winter months, during the day, the air warms up to +24 degrees, and in the summer - up to +31, at night, about 19 degrees of heat is noted in winter, and 25 degrees of heat in summer.

In the central highlands of Mexico maximum temperatures are observed in April and May - +27 degrees, and at night in the same months the air cools down to +11..+13 degrees. In winter, daytime air temperatures rise to +21 degrees, at night there is about 7 degrees of heat.

In Mexico, altitudinal zonality is well expressed - at altitudes in the northern part of the country in winter time temperatures can drop below 0 degrees. During the dry and humid periods, temperatures differ little, but the amount of precipitation and air humidity vary widely.

The rainy season lasts from May to October, at which time powerful tropical cyclones often occur. The north of the country is considered the driest region - about 250 mm of precipitation falls here per year. The largest number rainfall is recorded in southern regions- up to 1,500 mm, and in the summer during the wet season, about 300-400 mm per month may fall.

Water temperature on the Pacific coast in summer time rises to +27 degrees, and on average for the year it is + 25 degrees. The waters of the Caribbean Sea are a little warmer - in summer the water temperature here is + 29 degrees.

Geography

Mexico is located in the south of North America. It is washed by the waters of the Pacific and Atlantic Ocean. total area countries - 1.96 million square meters. km, which includes a number of islands. Most of it is occupied by the Mexican Highlands with average heights of about 2000 m. The highlands are surrounded by mountain ranges.

There are 350 active volcanoes in Mexico, among them - highest point country - Orizaba (5700 m). Near the capital of the country - Mexico City - there are 2 active volcano- Popocatepetl and Istaxihuatl. In the north of the country there is a desert zone, and in the south - tropical rainforests. coastal regions west and east are occupied by sandy plains.

The Yucatan Peninsula is also flat, with average heights of 30 m. major river Mexico - Rio Bravo del Norte, better known as the Rio Grande. It runs along the US-Mexico border. In the west of the country is the most large lake countries - Napala.

Flora and fauna

Vegetable world

In the mountains in the north of the country grow coniferous forests, in the arid regions of the south - cacti, yucca, agave and mesquite, and in humid regions - tropical forests of palm trees, rubber trees and olive trees.

Animal world

IN northern regions there are wild cats, prairie dog, kangaroo rat, coyotes, puma, pronghorn antelope. In mixed forests - black bear, lynx. rich animal world southern part: monkeys, jaguar, tapir, ocelots, peccaries, anteater, marsupial opossum, tree porcupine.

The world of birds is diverse - hummingbirds, parrots, toucans, umbrella birds, vultures. Reptiles are plentiful: iguanas, basilisk, poisonous gila, turtles, snakes, lizards.

In the seas washing Mexico, shrimp, lobsters, crabs and oysters are fished. There are seals on the coast. A large number of various kinds birds.

Attractions

splendid nature, beautiful beaches and snow volcanoes richest history with archaeological sites of the Aztecs, Mayans, colonial palaces, many paradises that attract tourists with the warmth of gentle waves and the hospitality of the inhabitants, and all this splendor at relatively low prices for goods and services, especially in the provinces - all this is modern Mexico.

The true monuments of antiquity in Mexico are the Mayan pyramids. There are a lot of them in the country, but only a few are available for visiting, since many pyramids are buried under a layer of earth or covered with dense tropical vegetation, so at first glance they are just green hills.

The most famous and most ancient structures are the pyramids of Teotihuacan, where two well-preserved largest pyramids- The Sun (225 m at the base and 65 m in height) and the Moon (about 150 m at the base and 42 m in height), as well as the temple of the most "popular" of the Mayan gods - Quetzalcoatl. The structures are located in the same way as the three stars in Orion's Belt, i.e., exactly the same as the three great pyramids in Giza).

The pyramid in Cholula is the largest in the world, in volume it surpassed the pyramid of Cheops (now most of pyramids destroyed).

Another impressive group of pyramids - Mitle and Monte Alban - is located near the city of Oaxaca, and the oldest pyramidal structures in the capital of the Toltecs - Tula, are surrounded by strange multi-ton stone heads mysterious creatures.

And places like Chichen Itza, Palenque, Tahin, Tikal, Xcaret, Shel-Ha, Mayapan, Mitla and Uxmal are simply priceless monuments of ancient civilizations.

Tourists are also expected by first-class resorts of the country Cancun, Playa de Carmen, Acapulco, Puerto Vallarta, Cozumel, Mazatlán, Huatulco and others.

Banks and currency

new peso ( international designation- MXP), equal to 100 centavos (cents). In 1993, the denomination of banknotes was carried out - 1000 "old" pesos corresponds to 1 "new" peso. In circulation there are banknotes of 500, 200, 100, 50, 20 and 10 pesos and coins of 50, 20, 10 and 5 centavos. New money differs from old money in size and appearance. Prices in new pesos are marked with NP$. The "$" sign is used for both the peso and the US dollar (US$ or USD only).

Currency exchange can be done at banks, large hotels, airports (usually the best rate) or specialized exchange offices "casas de cambio". Often there are difficulties with the exchange of shabby banknotes or banknotes of the old series.

Most hotels, restaurants, shops and travel agencies accept world leading credit cards and travelers checks (preferably in US dollars). The resort areas have a well-developed network of ATMs.

US dollars are also accepted almost everywhere (the exchange rate is not the most profitable). When exchanging, care should be taken - there are attempts to shortchange.

Banks are open from 9.00 to 17.00 on weekdays (some bank branches are open even until 24.00 or 01.00), and from 9.00 to 14.00 on Saturday. Sunday is a day off. Some bank branches in resort areas are also open from 16.00 to 18.00, on Saturday - from 10.00 to 13.30 and from 16.00 to 18.00, and also on Sunday - from 10.00 to 13.30.

Useful information for tourists

We recommend light clothing made from natural fabrics, sportswear for excursions, a hat and dark glasses, as well as sunscreen. In most hotels, women prefer cocktail dresses, while men prefer trousers and a shirt. For tourists visiting Mexico City, a light jumper or jacket is required in case of chilly evenings.

Traditional souvenirs - various products silverware, handmade carpets and fabrics, ponchos and sarape capes, sombreros, leather products, masks and figures made of wood, ceramics, obsidian and onyx products.

Tips are usually 10% of the billed price. It is customary to tip in a restaurant (up to 15%), a porter (in the amount of 1-2 US dollars), a driver and a guide for the tour.

It's been almost a year since our trip to North America and today we decided to brush up on that trip by compiling 50 facts about Mexico based on our experience. We do not pretend to be objective - this is only our vision of the country.

1. Burritos and tacos- This is a national and very popular food here, based on cakes made from corn, wheat and even cactus flour. The second component is meat, chicken or vegetables and, of course, beans or beans, all seasoned with hot chili sauce.

2. Fresh juices, as well as various soft drinks sold on every corner, very cheap, but be careful - ice is generously put there or diluted with water of unknown origin

3. Fruit on the streets sold already peeled and cut, in plastic bags. Before selling, they are offered to be sprinkled with chili powder and sugar on top - for those who like it hot

4. homemade ice cream, which can be found on sale, is sold without packaging, and what seems like chocolate chips may turn out to be chili peppers. Even when buying ice cream, you need to clarify - "but spicy pliz" =)

5. Tequila(full name Santiago de Tequila) is the name of the Mexican city in which the main production of the drink of the same name is located.

6. blue agave- This is the plant from which Tequila is made, contrary to popular belief that it is made from cacti. The blue agave belongs to the asparagus family and looks like a small bush with thorns, which is probably why the stereotype about cacti appeared.

7. Tequilero That's what a tequila specialist is called.

8. Popular local sweets: pastille from apple and other fruits - in the form of toffee and in the form of cubes; coconut candied in lime; sweet beans with chili peppers in the form of chuchkhela.

9. Boiled corn is also a popular delicacy here - you can buy the cob whole or already peeled in a glass. The seller, in addition to corn, adds salt and mayonnaise to the glass, sprinkles it with cheese and squeezes lime juice onto all this mess. And for the cob and for the cup the price is the same - a little more than a dollar.

10. Corn here, in general, a universal product - it is eaten raw, boiled and grilled, it is used to make cakes, stew, yogurt and even corn ice cream with pieces of corn.

16. Underwater Museum with four hundred sculptures located at a depth of about 2 to 10 meters is close. It will surely appeal to divers who are bored with tropical fish and coral reefs.

17. Beaches Cancun and Tulum are in the top ten the best beaches world according to TripAdvisor.

18. cenotes are natural wells small lakes, which the Mayans used as sources of water and places for sacrifices, they are sure to please snorkelers. Most of the cenotes are located in caves with many bizarre stalactites and stalagmites. The water there is crystal clear and pleasantly cool, good for relaxing from the heat outside.

19. iguanas different colors and sizes are very common in

20. In official taxis in the glass must hang a state license with a photo of the driver. To avoid misunderstandings, it is recommended to check the photo with the one who is driving.

21. Taxi in Mexico City different security classes. The safer - the more expensive, but in general it is quite cheap. For 3-4 people, it is often more profitable to take a taxi than to use public transport

22. Cost of local calls from a pay phone does not depend on the duration of the call. For example, it will cost 3 pesos (25 cents)

23. mexico city located in the mountains, at an altitude of 2240 m, so if you are flying from the coast or flat parts, get ready to put on a sweater or jacket at the exit from the airport. During the day it is warm here, and in the morning and in the evening it is quite cool.