Mexico - Prepare

Bring beachwear for the coasts, mosquito repellent for exploring jungle, and a cowboy hat for the northern desert.

In February, join in Carnaval with parades, parties and street dancing; and 40 days later, witness local religious fervour at its height during Semana Santa (Holy Week). Listen for the strumming at Guanajuato's International Guitar Festival of San Miguel de Allende in July, and Guadalajara's International Mariachi and Charro Festival in September. Eat sugar skeletons for November's Day of the Dead nationwide and watch pilgrims converge on the capital for the Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe in December.

New Year's Day, Constitution Day (5 Feb), Day of the Flag (24 Feb), Anniversary of Benito Juárez's birth (21Mar), Good Friday-Easter Sunday (Mar-Apr), Labour Day (1 May), Cinco de Mayo 1862 victory celebration (5 May), Independence Day (21 Sep), Revolution Day (20 Nov), Our Lady of Guadeloupe (12 Dec), Christmas Day (25 Dec).

Along the coasts on both sides of the country, Mexico's climate is warm and humid. Major inland cities at higher altitudes enjoy an almost idyllic climate, where temperatures remain mild throughout the year. May is hottest, but even then temperatures rarely top 27°C. Summer (Jun-Aug) is the wettest time of year, with humidity highest along the coasts. In the winter (Dec-Jan), temperatures in inland northern Mexico can occasionally plunge to freezing.

127V AC, 60 Hz, two-pin plugs are standard.

+52 (national).

Mexican Peso ($) is the currency.

GMT -6 (Central Standard Time).

Visit Mexico website

Mexicans' religious faith remains deep and sincere, especially away from the cities. You'll also find that levels of machismo and homophobia can be above the norm in the countryside. It is considered impolite to walk barefoot in somebody's home.