Mexico

Land of Ancient Civilizations and Vibrant Culture

Current Local Time

Mexico Flag
Time Zone
America/Mexico_City (CST/CDT)
UTC/GMT -6 hours (UTC-5 during Daylight Saving)

Current Weather in Mexico City

22°C
Sunny
Feels like: 20°C
Wind: 8 km/h NE
Humidity: 45%
Visibility: 16 km
Tomorrow
24°C / 12°C
Mostly Sunny
Day After
21°C / 14°C
Partly Cloudy
Sunrise
7:05 AM
Sunset
6:20 PM
Pressure
1018 hPa
UV Index
8 (Very High)

Country Information

Capital
Mexico City
Population
128.5 million (2023 est.)
Area
1.96 million km² (13th largest)
Government
Federal presidential republic
President
Andrés Manuel López Obrador (since 2018)
Currency
Mexican peso ($, MXN)
GDP
$1.46 trillion (2023 est.)
Calling Code
+52
Driving Side
Right
Official Language
Spanish (de facto)
Time Zones
4 (Pacific to Southeast)

Major States & Cities

Mexico has 32 federal entities (31 states + capital).

Mexico City
Capital
Jalisco
Guadalajara
Nuevo León
Monterrey
Quintana Roo
Cancún
Baja California
Tijuana
Yucatán
Mérida

Must-Visit Landmarks

Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza

Iconic Mayan ruins with the famous El Castillo pyramid, one of the New Seven Wonders.

Yucatán
Teotihuacan

Teotihuacan

Ancient city with Pyramid of the Sun and Moon, once largest city in pre-Columbian Americas.

State of Mexico
Tulum

Tulum

Stunning Mayan ruins overlooking turquoise Caribbean waters.

Quintana Roo
Zócalo

Zócalo

Mexico City's main square with Metropolitan Cathedral and National Palace.

Mexico City
Palacio de Bellas Artes

Palacio de Bellas Artes

Stunning cultural center with art nouveau and art deco architecture.

Mexico City
Copper Canyon

Copper Canyon

Spectacular canyon system larger and deeper than the Grand Canyon.

Chihuahua

Brief History of Mexico

Pre-1500s

Ancient Civilizations

Olmec, Maya, Toltec, and Aztec civilizations flourish with advanced cities.

1519-1521

Spanish Conquest

Hernán Cortés conquers the Aztec Empire, establishing New Spain.

1810-1821

War of Independence

Mexico gains independence from Spain after 11-year war.

1846-1848

Mexican-American War

Mexico loses nearly half its territory to the United States.

1910-1920

Mexican Revolution

Major armed struggle leading to political and social reforms.

1994

NAFTA

North American Free Trade Agreement comes into effect.

Travel Tips for Visitors

Visa Requirements

Many nationalities can visit visa-free for up to 180 days. FMM tourist card required for all visitors.

Currency & Payments

Mexican peso (MXN). US dollars accepted in tourist areas. Credit cards widely accepted but carry cash.

Transportation

Extensive bus network (ADO, ETN), domestic flights, metro in Mexico City, and taxis/Uber in cities.

Cultural Etiquette

Greet with handshake or kiss on cheek. Tipping 10-15% expected. Bargaining common in markets.

Best Times to Visit

Nov-Apr: Dry season, pleasant temperatures
May-Oct: Rainy season, lush landscapes
Dec-Feb: Whale watching season
Sep-Oct: Day of the Dead celebrations

Mexican Cuisine

Try tacos al pastor, mole, chilaquiles, pozole, tamales, enchiladas, and drink tequila, mezcal, or horchata.

Famous Festivals

Day of the Dead (Nov 1-2), Independence Day (Sep 16), Guelaguetza (Jul), Carnival (Feb/Mar), Cinco de Mayo (May 5).

Safety Tips

Stick to tourist areas, avoid traveling at night, don't display valuables, drink bottled water, emergency number: 911.