Mexico / United Mexican States / Estados Unidos Mexicanos – Let’s explore here

Mexico is the 13th largest country in the world, about eight times the size of the UK. Its northern border with the USA is 5,000km long, and its coastline is 9,330km long. Its population is the tenth largest in the world, almost twice that of the UK, at almost 130 million (2023). The capital, Mexico City is home to almost 22 million.

Mexico one of the world’s six cradles of civilization. It has been home to many civilisations, including the Olmec, Maya, Zapotec, Teotihuacan, and the Aztecs.

There are four mountain ranges in Mexico. From north to south are the Sierra Madre Oriental and Sierra Madre Occidental. From east to west at the center, the country is crossed by the Sierra Nevada volcanic belt. Running along the South is the Sierra Madre del Sur range. The Chicxulub crater, which famously wiped out the dinosaurs, sits underneath the Yucatán Peninsula. The highest point in Mexico is Pico de Orizaba, at 18,491 ft (5,636 m) above sea level.

What currency do they use in Mexico?

In Mexico they use the Mexican Peso. The US dollar is also accepted in tourist areas. Cash is widely used. The use of credit / debit cards is widely accepted in tourist areas, although not in rural areas. Traveller’s cheques are not accepted in the main. There are ATMs in tourist areas, although not all accept foreign issued cards.

You should make yourself aware of the amount that your bank charges you for using credit and debit cards abroad. Often credit cards are cheaper for purchasing items directly, and for withdrawing cash from ATMs.

What language do they speak in Mexico?

They speak Spanish and 68 other official indigenous languages in Mexico. The most commonly used indigenous language is Nahuatl.

What time zone is Mexico in?

Remember, when you’re planning your next trip to take a look at what time zone it’s in.

Do I need a visa to visit Mexico?

We’ve created a dedicated, more comprehensive page on visas, which you should find helpful. Check it out!

What’s it like to drive in Mexico?

We’ve also created a dedicated page to driving abroad, which you might find helpful 🙂

Is wild camping legal in Mexico?

Yes, wild camping is fine in Mexico, although make sure the land is not private or being used for the cultivation of drugs, or in one of the more dangerous cartel-controlled areas.

If you’ve got some awesome pictures, or some useful info that you’d like to share, let us know! 

And don’t forget to check out all the other pictures!