Real Mexican cuisine is not the standard fare we are accustomed too. In fact it is much more refined, diverse and bold in flavour. It is a multicultural mix of a pre-Columbian heritage with added Spanish, French and North American influences. Specialties vary greatly between regions as well.

Some staple ingredients are chocolate, chiles, beans, corn, squash, tomatoes, chili peppers, avocado, papaya, guava and vanilla.

A hearty breakfast is preferred followed by a light lunch in the early afternoon. Dinner is usually served around 9pm. Traditional dishes include delicious seafood platters and fish, tamales, pozole (a moniny and pork soup), mole sauce, homemade breads and rolls and wonderful desserts such as flan, pastel de queso (Mexican cheese cake) and helado (ice cream).

To complete your culinary voyage one must enjoy a glass of the national spirit: Tequila!

The Mayans dominated the land for a long time and its influences are still present, as well as other groups such as the Toltecs. With the arrival of the Spanish, the colonial culture was blended in with local traditions. Religion is very present in everyday life and Mexican art can be found in the multitude of churches.

Mexican furniture is quite distinctive in design. Other forms of art include music, painting, poets and writers, folk art and sculptures. Many Mexican artist are internationally renown such as the Tijuana Brass band, the scientist Octavio Paz, the actor Salma Hayek, Carlos Fuentes the writer and Frida Kahlo the painter.

Mexico is bordered by Guatemala and Belize to the south and the United States to the north. The Sea of Cortes, the Pacific Ocean, the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico surround the country. Most of the country's landmass is the 'mesa central' or central plateau. Two main mountain chains are found: the Sierra Madre Oriental and the Sierra Madre Occidental. In the south one can find several volcanoes. Situated atop three of the large tectonic plates that constitute the earth's surface, Mexico is one of the most seismologically active regions on earth. The motion of these plates causes earthquakes and volcanic activity.

Human presence in Mexico has been shown to date back 40,000 years based upon ancient human footprints discovered in the Valley of Mexico. Previously hunter-gatherers, ancient Mexicans domesticated corn and initiated an agricultural revolution around 8,000 BC. Between 1800 and 300 BC, complex cultures began to form, such as the: Olmec, Izapa, Teotihuacan, Maya, Zapotec, Mixtec, Huastec, Tarascan, Toltec and Aztec.

Two of these cultures particularly stand out amongst common history facts. Around 300 B.C. the very well known Mayas populated the Yucatan peninsula and the Aztecs roamed central Mexico between the 14th and 16th centuries. It was during the strong Aztec rule that, in 1519, the Spanish discovered this land and soon invaded and conquered it.

This colonization gave birth to a Mestizo culture and to the colonial era mostly visible today in the splendid architecture. Three hundred years later the colony cried for independence in 1810. After years of battles over power struggles Mexico enjoyed a peaceful time from 1884 to 1910. But the 20th century brought a revolution. The second half of the century saw the beginning of modernization and industrialization of the country.

One of the great pleasures of this country is the geographical diversity. You can find virgin forests in the mountains, canyons, rivers, lakes, waterfalls, sinkholes, volcanoes, deserts and 9,000km of coastline dotted at times with spectacular mangroves. The deserts include 6,000 species of desert plant and cacti. In contrast you will find lush tropical rainforests with broadleaf vegetation, thick grasses and palms. About 30,000 species of flowering plants exist including 1,000 species of orchids.

Over 1,500 species of mammals, reptiles and amphibians are found. Bird species number in the thousand. Endangered sea turtles, dolphins, whales and monkeys breed and nest in Mexico. Every year you can witness the Monarch butterfly migration, they come in the millions.

Mexico counts many diving venues such as the Sea of Cortes and the Yucatan peninsula's east coast. There are over 50 public or resort golf courses, many of them in Los Cabos; in the vicinity of Manzanillo; in Cancun and the Mayan Riviera; and in and around Guadalajara and Acapulco. Tennis centers are popular as well. Water sports abound, especially in resorts. Even hunters and fishers will find something to their liking.

Mexican favourites include baseball, soccer, Jai Alai and bullfighting.

Although american dollars are preferred it is recommended that you use pesos. There are bank branches all over the country and ATMs can be found in many places.

To exchange you money look also for the 'Casa de Cambio'. Hotels usually exchange money but you may get a better rate at the money exchange office. All major credit cards are accepted.

Mexico has a varied climate depending on the regions. The rainy season runs from May through October with the west coast vulnerable to hurricanes in September and October. While the north western region of Mexico is arid, the climate of the south eastern coast is tropical due to surrounding warm waters. Higher elevations (the central plateau) enjoy spring like weather almost year round.

For average temperatures please refer to your destination of choice.

The country code for Mexico is 52.

Most resorts provide internet access and many internet cafes can be found.

There are no required vaccines to enter Mexico however precautions do need to be enforced. The most common illness is the traveler's diarrhea (turista), usually showing up on the third day. Drink bottled water and wash your hands often. Make sure your food is thoroughly cooked and avoid open-air stands.

The following vaccines are recommended for any tropical destination: hepatitis A and B, rabies, typhoid, tetanus and yellow fever.

January 1 - New Year's Day
February 5 - Constitution Day
March 21 - Anniversary of Benito Juarez's birth
March/April - Holy Thursday and Good Friday
May 1 - Labor Day
May 5 - Battle of Puebla
September 16 - Dia de la Independencia
November 20 - Dia de la Revolucion
December 25 - Dia de Navidad

Although one must be very careful in metropolitan areas such as Mexico City, the rest of the country is safer than one would expect. Nonetheless tourists are more likely targets in resort areas. Use common sense, take advantage of hotel safety deposit boxes and make sure to lock your hotel room and rental car.

Mexicans are wonderful artists and craftsmen. Market day is always a treat. Some of the best handicrafts can be found in the states of Oaxaca and Chiapas and in and around the cities of San Miguel de Allende, Taxco, Mexico City and Guadalajara. Best buys include ceramic, leather, textile, weaving and woodwork goods. Silver is worked extensively also. Other purchases include spices and of course Tequila.

A 16% tax (VAT), depending on the locality, is charged on all goods. The departure tax of around US$65, per person, is usually included on your plane ticket, please verify.

Tipping is customary for bellmen, doormen, porters, tour guides and washroom assistant. Tipping your maid daily or all in advance assures special attention. Also the 15% rule applies to restaurants.

Mexico counts several international airports, around 70 domestic airports and five ferry routes. You can explore the 48,000km of highways with a car rental or ride buses available to major destinations.

Most cities have excellent inner-city bus systems and taxi transportation. Mexico City also has an extensive subway system. Except for a few tourist oriented runs, train travel is not reliable.