Surrounded by three seas, boasting almost 10,000km of coastline and blessed with a fantastic climate, Mexico is one of the most attractive vacation destinations. It's paradise for almost everyone - sun worshipper, surfer, golfer, culture vulture, and party-goer.
Its capital, Mexico City, is a colourful, cultural centre that never seems to slow down. Its resorts are world famous. Cancun on the Caribbean Sea and Acapulco on the Pacific Coast are super resorts, drawing tourists to buy cheap airline tickets to Mexico from around the world. Puerto Vallarta, also on the Pacific, blends a stunning resort setting with an authentically Mexican character. The closest to the U.S., Mazatlan, is known for its laidback vibe and unparalled fishing.
The island of Cozumel is considered a top dive destination. Its neighbour on the coast of Quintana Roo, Playa del Carmen, is no slouch when it comes to diving either and is also a popular cruise-ship stopping point.
In the south, Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo is a perfect mix of a young resort town (Ixtapa) and an old fishing village (Zihuatanejo), while Los Cabos has become a magnet for A-list celebrities, who come to kick back on the Baja California Peninsula.
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Mexico City and the rest of Mexico’s higher, inland elevations are temperate and dry, but the coastal plains are hot and humid. Temperatures range between 21 and 32 C in the daytime. From May to October it’s hot and humid, especially on the coasts. It cools down a bit the rest of the year. Some inland areas can even reach freezing temperatures in the winter. The rainy season lasts from May through September, with some slight variations in different areas. Acapulco and Puerto Vallarta see most of their rain from June to October, while its mid-September through mid-November in Cancun. Rain usually falls more on the coast than the higher elevations. The hurricane season lasts from late September to early November in Puerto Vallarta and in from May through September in Cancun.
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Peak Season:
In general, the winter months are peak season. Late November to early June is when most visitors arrive on cheap flights to Mexico.
Off Season:
The rainy season is generally low season. It runs June to November.
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Most cheap flights to Mexico touch down in Mexico City International, it's the busiest airport by air traffic. The country has an extensive air network and flying is generally the quickest and most efficient way of getting around. From the airports there are several ways of getting "downtown" including airport transfers, authorised taxis, suburban vans, national buses, local buses and in Mexico City, Metro.
The road infrastructure has improved in recent years and the bus network is good. Car rental is an option. It's more expensive than in the U.S. but offers maximum independence. Remember to drive defensively. Hiring a driver is a less stressful option.
In the cities, there are local buses and micro buses as well as taxis. Mexico City has a good Metro system.
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- In Mexico City, do not miss Xochimilco, a village with canals and ancient floating gardens that dates back to pre-Aztec times. A popular pastime for families is to hire a boat for a floating canal party.
- Pack an extra bag on your cheap flights to Mexico City so you can snap up all the bargains you desire. All the smart, high-end stores are in Polanco. The city's markets offer cheaper buys. The Bazar Sabado (Saturdays) at the Plaza San Jacinto, San Angel, sells arts, crafts and paintings.
- One of Mexico's oldest traditions is the bullfight. If you're in Cancun on a Wednesday afternoon, visit the Plaza de Toros for the folkloric show and bullfight. The plaza also hosts a Mexican rodeo.
- Whale watchers head to Puerto Vallarta for the humpback calving season between mid-December and early April. April through December are good months to take dolphin-watching tours.
- In Playa del Carmen, Xcaret is an archaeological site, ecological park and resort often described as a Mayan Eco Disney World. There are several attractions including underground rivers, beach, inlets, butterfly pavilion, and the "Xcaret Mexico Espectacular".
- A great place to go sportsfishing is Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo on Mexico's Pacific Coast. The Pacific Sailfish is the most abundant species in these waters and is available year-round. Blue and Black Marlin swim through between January and July. Dorado or mahi-mahi and yellowfin tuna are make appearances.
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Mexico City International Airport (MEX) (website: www.aicm.com.mx) The airport is situated 10km east of Mexico City.
Cancun International Airport (CUN) (website: www.cancun-airport.com) is located in Cancun on the Caribbean Coast. It's about a 20-minute drive from the airport to the city centre.
Don Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport (GDL) (website: aeropuertosgap.com.mx) The airport is situated 16km south of Guadalajara.
General Mariano Escobedo International Airport (MTY) is located in Apodaca, Nuevo Leon, Monterrey.
General Abelardo L. Rodríguez International Airport (TIJ) (website: aeropuertosgap.com.mx) is in Tijuana.
General Juan N. Álvarez International Airport (ACA) The airport is situated 26km southeast of Acapulco.
Lic. Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) (website: aeropuertosgap.com.mx) is located in Puerto Vallarta.
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Everyone needs a valid passport or passport card to enter the country. No visa is required.
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Canadian citizens must have a valid passport. No visa is required for stays of 180 days or less.
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