Mexico is also known as the United Mexican States is one of the countries located in the southern portion of North America. It is also located next to the United States, and they are bordering to each other on the north side. On their south and west, they are bordering to the Pacific Ocean. While on the southeast, Mexico is bordering Guatemala, Belize and the Caribbean Sea. On the east, the country is bordering to the Gulf of Mexico. Mexico has the size up to 2,000,000 square kilometres making it the fifth largest country in the Americas. Its largest city and also happens to be their capital is the Mexico City. The country uses the currency Peso (MXN) and is within the time zone of UTC -8.

Mexico is made of 1,972,550 km2 making it the 13th largest country in the world by the total area. The majority of the northern, as well as the centre of Mexico, are located on the high altitudes. Many parts of Mexico are dry with sporadic rainfall while the lower parts of Mexico have a more gradual rainfall.

The official language used in Mexico is Spanish. Due to this, it is the most populous Hispanophone country. As for their written form, the country would use the Spanish Royal Academy as their guideline for spelling. There are more than 50 linguistic groups and more than 300 indigenous languages reported in Mexico. Although bordering to America, there are only 5% of the population that are proficient in English. French is also another language that is widely thought in the country.

Mexican culinary are influenced by the Spanish seeing that they were colonised by them previously. The ingredient that is commonly found in the dishes is corn, pepper, vegetables, Calabasas, avocados, sweet potato and turkey.

How to Get There?

By Flight

The best way to get to Mexico from Singapore is by plane. The flight ticket price to Mexico is about SGD 3900 to SGD 4200 for two-way flights for each person depending on the travel dates. There is no flight to Mexico direct from Singapore. Many travellers would need to take a transit flight usually in Narita or San Francisco depending on the airline. Among airlines that travel to Mexico are Japan Airways, China Southern, Scoot, United and KLM. This is the price usually charged for those who will fly to the main city of Mexico City. As soon as tourists arrive at the airport, there are many available means of transport such as taxis, trains, and buses.

By Bus

Buses are one of the most widely used in Mexico especially when commuting long distances. The buses range from many kinds of network. It can either be a luxury bus or old school buses turned into long-distance buses. For those who wish to use buses for long distance, a high-class budget would allow more comfort. It is highly advisable to book the tickets before the journey if they are during the high season. If buying the ticket on the spot, one might face the risk of no ticket.

By Mototaxi

Similar to TukTuks in other parts of the world, Mexico also has a three-wheeled taxi with seats at the back of the driver. They are called moto taxi. They are mostly found in smaller towns and the outskirts of big cities. It is cheap and very convenient to get around. However, it is not very secured seeing that it is an open motor ride.

What to Do There?

Oaxaca

Oaxaca is the spiritual home of El Dia de Los Muertos or also known as the Day of the Dead. It falls on November 2, but the festival will last more than a week. Here in Oaxaca, it is the combination of Catholicism and the pre – Hispanic cultures. During this festival, the people would remember the lost loved ones including the children as well. However not just that, on the Day of the Dead it is used to celebrate life with music and dance. Oaxaca City’s main cemetery Panteon General would be decorated with colourful decorations. At night, the lively party will be held like carnival processions that pass through the streets. The people would be dressed up as skeletons. Oaxaca is also famous for its cuisine such as chocolate chilli sauce.

Teotihuacán Pyramids

Teotihuacan Pyramids is one of Mexico’s most significant and mysterious archaeological sites. It started back in the pre-hispanic time of Mexico. There is civilisation here back in the 6th century AD. Many would come here is to witness the Pyramid of the Sun. It is a pyramid that rises to 63 m. It has 243 steps which will have the most amazing view of the whole city. Tourists may explore the palaces that were once inhabited by the ancient priests and learned more about the ancient rituals and festivals that was held back in the day.

Cozumel

Mexico is famous for its beaches, and one of the famous places to visit for their underwater marine life would be Cozumel. There are unusual coral formations and fantastic diving spots. Many would come here to snorkel and dive at the reef that is surrounding Cozumel and also Bando Chinchorro. For those who wish to dive, there is a company called Aquaworld who will be able to assist in organising the trip. Other than that, tourists can also rent a scooter to explore their other parts of the island.

Mexico City

Mexico City is the capital of Mexico. There are many cultures and historical attractions here in the city. The main square in Mexico City is filled with a ceremonial centre of the Aztecs. There are many museums that displays relics of their previous ancient civilisations and one of the famous museums is the National Museum of Anthropology. There is also the Palacio National which is one of the famous buildings in Mexico. Besides that, there is also the Diego Rivera who is the mural that showcases the Mexican civilisation. Tourists can also spend their day here shopping, trying their local cuisines and go dancing at the local nightclubs.

Iztaccihuatl Volcano

Iztaccihuatl Volcano is the third highest mountain in Mexico. It is however no longer active therefore it is safe for those who wish to hike up. Another name given to this mountain is the Sleeping Lady. There is the route to go up the mountain. It is called the La Arista del Sol. The Volcano has a diverse flora and fauna present on the mountain. Some of them are evergreen oak, pine, alnus, puma, lynx, coati and many more. It is, however, advisable to hire a local guide to ensure the safety and to show the right path to go up the mountain.

Where to Stay?

Holiday Inn Express Mexico-Paseo De La Reforma

This hotel is located in Mexico City and is rated with 2.5 stars. This hotel is located nearby to the Benito Juarez International Airport with a distance of 9.42 kilometres. They have many room types at reasonable prices. They range between SGD 200 to SGD 300. The hotel also offers facilities such as meeting facilities, luggage storage, 24-hour receptionist, multilingual staff and laundry services. The hotel also has Wifi, newspapers in the lobby every morning, shuttle service to bring their guests to the local attractions, fitness centre and also restaurants.

Barceló México Reforma

This 4.5-star hotel is located in Mexico City, Mexico. The hotel has many facilities such as 24-hour receptionist, laundry service, multilingual staff, tour arrangement, babysitting service, meeting facilities, fitness centre and many more. The hotel also has a restaurant that will be able to provide food for their guests. They also offer a shuttle to go to the shopping mall near the hotel. Not to mention the hotel offers express check out. The guests at this hotel also can enjoy the spa, indoor pool, pool sun loungers, sauna room, steam room and also the TV lounge.

NH Collection Mexico City Airport T2

This hotel is very near to the airport with a distance of 1.89 kilometres only. It is suitable for those who have an early flight or arrives very late at night. Despite its location, this hotel still strives to provide the best facilities and services to their guests. The hotel has many room type that can accommodate their guests’ needs. The price starts from SGD 170+ for a room that is equipped with air conditioning, private bathroom, television, blackout drapes and many other facilities. The hotel also has wifi, tour arrangement service, fitness centre and their café to cater to their guests’ culinary needs.

Room Mate Valentina

Room Mate Valentina is rated 3.5 stars. The hotel aims to ensure their guests feel at ease while staying at this hotel as their rooms are cleaned, and toiletries are replenished daily. The hotel prohibits their guests from smoking to maintain the cleanliness of their hotel rooms. Other than that, the hotel has a 24-hour receptionist that will be able to help their guests at all times. They also have laundry service, multilingual staff, wifi and fitness centre.

OH Oriente Hotel - Adults Only

This is a 3-star hotel that is located in Estado de México, Mexico. It is a comfortable hotel that is clean and offers excellent service and facilities. Some of the facilities available are public TV lounge, wifi in all space and rooms, parking spaces, luggage storage, laundry service, 24-hour receptionist and not to mention a café that can serve breakfast to their guests.