🇲🇽 Mexico

Mexico is a vibrant tapestry of indigenous civilizations, Spanish colonial heritage, and modern innovation. Mexican culture revolves around family ('familia es todo'), celebration, and profound respect for traditions. The concepts of 'mañana' (tomorrow/later) reflects relaxed time attitudes, while 'confianza' (trust) builds deep personal relationships. Food, music, and festivals are central to Mexican identity and community bonding.

Meal Times: Comida (main meal) at 2-4 PM, dinner late at 8-10 PM. Personal Space: Mexicans stand closer and are more tactile - expect warm greetings. Time Flexibility: 'Mexican time' means relaxed schedules, especially social events. Tipping: 10-15% in restaurants, round up for small services. Religious Respect: Guadalupe Virgin is sacred - show reverence at religious sites.

Mexican society deeply values family relationships, with extended families staying closely connected. 'Respeto' (respect) for elders and authority is paramount. Indigenous cultures (Aztec, Maya, Zapotec) influence modern Mexican identity through food, art, and spiritual practices. Machismo exists but is evolving. Celebrations are elaborate affairs - Day of the Dead, quinceañeras, and patron saint festivals bring communities together for days of festivity.

Dry Season (Nov-Apr): Perfect weather, clear skies, peak tourist season, temperatures 20-30°C. Wet Season (May-Oct): Afternoon thunderstorms, lush landscapes, hurricane risk on coasts, 25-35°C+. Shoulder Seasons: May and October offer good weather with fewer crowds. Climate varies dramatically - tropical coasts, temperate highlands, desert north. Day of the Dead (Nov 1-2) magical time to visit.

ADO Buses: Comfortable long-distance buses, book online for best prices. Colectivos: Shared vans for local routes - authentic and cheap. Metro: Mexico City has extensive, efficient subway system. Uber/Taxi: Available in cities, negotiate taxi prices beforehand. Car Rental: Good for exploring, toll roads (cuotas) faster than free roads (libres), watch for speed bumps (topes).

Budget Travel (MXN $400-800/day): Hostels/posadas MXN $150-400, street food/comedores MXN $50-150, local buses MXN $20-100, free plazas and beaches. Mid-Range (MXN $800-1500/day): Hotels MXN $400-800, restaurant meals MXN $150-400, attractions MXN $50-200, some taxis. Luxury (MXN $1500+/day): Boutique hotels MXN $800-3000+, fine dining MXN $400-1000+, private tours, cenote experiences. Incredible value for authentic experiences.

Spanish with distinct Mexican accent and expressions. Essential phrases: 'Por favor' (please), 'Gracias' (thank you), '¿Habla inglés?' (Do you speak English?), 'Disculpe' (excuse me), 'Qué padre' (how cool - Mexican slang). English limited outside tourist areas. Indigenous languages like Nahuatl and Maya still spoken. Learning basic Spanish greatly enhances the experience.

Mexico safety varies by region - tourist areas generally safe, research current conditions. Avoid displaying valuables, don't drink tap water, be cautious with street food initially. Drug cartel areas exist but rarely affect tourists following common sense. Don't photograph military/police. Emergency numbers: 911. Travel insurance essential. Pharmacies (farmacias) abundant for basic health needs.

Mexican Peso (MXN/$) is the currency. US Dollars accepted in tourist areas but pay in pesos for better rates. ATMs widely available. Typical costs: Street tacos MXN $8-15 each, Comida corrida MXN $60-120, Local bus MXN $8-15, Mid-range hotel MXN $400-800/night. Tipping: 10-15% restaurants, MXN $20-50 for hotel staff, round up for small services.