Mexico
Mexico: Various travel information

How do you get to Mexico?
The vast majority of visitors to Mexico who come from Europe certainly travel
to the country by plane. But some also use a visit to the USA to make a detour
to Mexico, which can be done by rental car, bus or even by plane. And some ports
are also called by cruise ships
Mexico City is used by all major European airlines - such
as For example from Frankfurt with Lufthansa, via Amsterdam with KLM, via Paris
with Air France or via London with British Airways.
The airport is located in the city and has a metro connection and also a bus
connection to some nearby cities in the country such as Cuernavaca. There is no
bus connection to the center, only a taxi service. It takes about 30 minutes to
get to the center.
Cancún, the airport of Cancún, is 15 km outside the city
and is served by the German charter airlines (Britannia, Condor and LTU). There
is a bus that goes to the center and the hotel zone. There is also an hourly bus
service to Playa del Carmen.
Acapulcos, the airport is east of the city, there is a
shuttle transport into the city. Acapulco is served by the charter companies.
Puerto Vallarta, the airport is 7 km outside the city and is
served by the charter companies mentioned above.
Transport to the city is provided by a colectivo at fixed prices.
Travel in the country
Flight connections
There are flight connections to every major city,
which regional airlines fly to several times a day.
Mexicana de Aviación
www.mexicana.com
Aeromexico
www.aeromexico.com
Aerocaribe
www.aerocaribe.com
Rail
Mexico has a poor rail network, it has a passenger service that is less
than half the price of bus tickets, but it is always several hours Expect
delays. Traveling by train can only partially be recommended for the north of
Mexico.
bus
The bus system in Mexico is very well developed, every city is served
by at least one bus company. There are different classes, the servicio ejecutivo
luxury version with hostess), the 1st class and the 2nd class. The 1st class and
servicio ejecutivo have the comfort of a coach and go directly to the
destination, while the 2nd class buses are less convenient and are sometimes
even discarded school buses. These buses also stop at every village. Every city
has one or more bus stations where you can see the departure times, which are
usually adhered to on time.
You can inquire about the timetable via the toll-free number 01-800-702-8000
(Spanish). Due to the great distances in Mexico, travel times of 8-12 hours are
not uncommon.
city traffic
Mexico City, Guadelajara, and Monterrey have metro and city buses;
every other city has buses that rarely run on a schedule. In some cities there
are colectivos, minibuses or large cars that travel a certain route and
passengers can get on or off at any desired point along the way.
Roads
Mexico's highways and country roads are in very good condition and
connect the whole country. Some highways require a high toll (cuota). Many
places ensure traffic calming, you should take the warning signs seriously; high
concrete walls (topes) ensure that the traffic restrictions to be observed are
observed.
There are three types of gasoline in Mexico:
Nova,Magna sin and Plus (lead-free).
Important addresses and telephone numbers
Asociación Mexicana Automovilista (AMA): Ave. Chapultepec 276
06 700 México DF
Tel. 528 58 11, 519 34 36
Police: (Policía Judicial): 08
Accident rescue (Cruz Verde): 06
Emergency number: Red Cross (Cruz Roja): 557 57 57-60
Emergency numbers of the ADAC: International Emergency Call Center
in Munich, Tel. (98 49) 89/22 22 22
The 'Infotur Help-Line' of the tourism authority offers
help in emergencies around the clock; in Mexico City Tel. 250 01 23, from
outside 915/250 01 23; Free call from all over the country: Tel. 918 00/903 92.
Taxis
They are very inexpensive, the fare according to the taximeter or
negotiate beforehand.
Rental cars
A large number of the popular rental car companies can be found in all
tourist centers and major cities, but they are not a cheap alternative to public
transport. Minimum age to book in Mexico is 25 years.
Ferry
connections Ferry connections exist between the Baja
California peninsula and ports on the Mexican west coast: from La Paz to
Topolobampo (Los Mochis) and Mazatlán, from Cabo San Lucas to Puerto Vallarta
and from Santa Rosalía to Guaymas. On the Caribbean coast, ferries run from
Punta Sam, Puerto Juárez and Cancún to Isla Mujeres and from Puerto Morelos and
Playa del Carmen to Cozumel Island.
Traffic rules
Right-hand traffic prevails in Mexico.
In order to avoid trouble with the police or even the courts, one should
strictly adhere to the traffic regulations in force in the country. The maximum
speeds shown can of course be reduced or increased by traffic signs. Regardless
of the information provided here, it is advisable to obtain detailed information
from the ADAC, the AvD or the traffic clubs in the country concerned.
Maximum speeds
In addition to the general speed limits shown, the speed limits
indicated by signs must be strictly observed.
- Urban: in built-up areas there is a speed limit of 40 km/h.
- Country roads: on country roads there is a speed limit of 70-90 km/h.
- Motorways: there is a speed limit of 100-110 km/h on motorways.
The roundabout always has the right of way.
Blood
alcohol limit In Mexico there is a blood alcohol limit of 0.4 parts per
thousand for drivers of motor vehicles.
International license plate
According to
Abbreviationfinder,
the international license plate of Mexico is:
Tourist office
Mexican Tourist Office in Germany
Klingelhöferstrasse 3
10785 Berlin
Tel.: 0049 - (0) 30 - 263 97 94 0
www.visitmexico.com/de/
E-Mail: [email protected]
The aztecs
Myth of origin
The Aztecs lived in Central America in what is now Mexico between the 14th
and 16th centuries. According to legend, they came to Lake Texcoco in Mexico
around 1325 from a place called Aztlán. Their leader was their god
Huitzilopochtli.
Where this place Aztlán is supposed to have been is hotly debated among
scientists. Some even consider it a mythical place that never existed in
reality.
When they arrived at Lake Texcoco, an eagle - standing on a cactus - appeared
to them with a snake in its beak to eat. According to a prophecy, this was a
sign to settle here. Around the year 1370 they founded the city of Tenochtitlán,
their future capital. Nowadays the capital of the country "Mexico City" is
located here on the remains of the old city. The eagle on the cactus with the
snake is depicted on the Mexican flag. The end of the Aztec Empire came with the
Spaniards and the conquest of their capital Tenochtitlán and the captive name of
Montezuma II (1465-1520).
It was tragic for the existence of the Aztecs that they initially regarded
the relatively few Spaniards under their leader Hernán Cortés (1485-1547) as
gods and welcomed them. King Moctezuma II (1465-1520), who came to power in
1502, played an important role in this and accepted the fact that the Spanish
settled in Moctezuma II in 1519 and made him a puppet. But as a result a
rebellion broke out in the city, in the course of which Moctezuma was killed and
the Spaniards were driven out of the city with great losses. His successor was
King Cuitláuac (d. 1520), who died of smallpox. His successor was King
Cuauhtémoc (1495-1525).
But not least because of the gold and other riches of the city, they came back a
few months later - with reinforcements from Spain. With the help of the
neighboring Indian tribes, who were hostile to the Aztecs, they were able to
conquer the city on August 13, 1521 and capture the last Aztec king Cuauhtémoc.
The previous siege of the city lasted several months. The Indians were
particularly troubled by the smallpox introduced, against which they had
absolutely no immune defense. In addition, the war technique of the Spaniards
was far superior to them.
Not long after the city was conquered, the former city, which once had around
100,000 residents, was reduced to rubble and ashes. Cuauhtémoc, the last Aztec
ruler, was executed in 1525
After that, the Spaniards set about rebuilding the city and allowing the
previous residents to return to the city. From the ruins of the palace of
Moctezuma, the palace of the Spanish viceroys emerged and the cathedral was
built on the site in front of the "Templo Mayor".
In 1535 the new "Viceroyalty of New Spain" came into being - with the former
city of Tenochtitlan, renamed "Ciudad de México" (Mexico City), as the
capital. That was the final end of the Aztec Empire.
The Mayans
History of the Mayans
Early pre-classical period
The beginnings of the Maya date back to 3000 BC. BC, with the time from 3000 to
900 BC. BC as early pre-classical Mayan culture. During this time, they
established the first settlements in the Belize region. From here they emigrated
towards the Gulf of Mexico, where they established more settlements.
Middle and Late Preclassic
Between 900 BC Until 400 BC In the middle pre-classical period, southern and
northeastern Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras and Belize were settled across the
board. A brisk trade between the settlement areas begins.
The period from AD 400. up to 250 BC is called the late pre-classical
period. During this period there was a strong population growth with the result
that there were metropolitan areas with urban character. - In addition, a ruling
elite developed. The population grew, so that large centers and a ruling elite
formed.
Early Classical
The period of the early classical period lies between 250 and 600 AD. The
decisive factor for this period is the large and costly conflict between the
cities of Calakmul and Tikal.
Late Classic
In the late Classic period between AD 600 and AD 900, important city-states were
formed, each with its own ruler. This period was a heyday in the fields of
handicrafts, construction, trade, hunting and art and culture. Their cities
contained more than 10,000 residents in some cases, including Tikal, Bonampak,
Calakmul, Yaxchilán, Piedras Negras and Naranjo. Another achievement of the
Mayan culture was the highly developed written language, which consisted of more
than 800 characters. I
post-classic
The post-classical period spans around AD 900. until about the time of the
Spaniards. After that there was practically no Mayan empire. Nevertheless, 6
million members of this people still live in the "Maya area" today.
Many conurbations, for example in the central lowlands, that emerged in the late
Classical era either lost their importance or almost completely disappeared in
the post-classical period. The reasons for these breakdowns are still not fully
understood. Drought and/or natural disasters, wars or epidemics may have
occurred. But in the post-classical period, new larger centers emerged with
Tulum, Chichén Itzá, Cobá, Ek Balam, Uxmal and Mayapán.
Time of the Spaniards and after
After a series of unsuccessful wars, the Spaniards established three
cities in the Mayan area in 1544 and began to Christianize the Mayans, sometimes
with unheard of brutality. One of the consequences of this was the destruction
of numerous religious and cultural symbols of the Mayans. A few decades later,
the Spaniards ruled the entire Maya area. But before that, most regions had been
almost depopulated by the wars and epidemics brought in by the Spaniards. It is
worth noting that there was a rebellion of the descendants of the Maya around
the middle of the 19th century. They fought against the oppression by the white
rulers in the so-called caste war. As a result, they built the "Temple of the
Oracle" in their capital, Chan Santa Cruz, around 1850.
Today there are still around 6 million people who are considered descendants of
the Mayas and who in many cases still feel connected to the old traditions and
are increasingly living them again.
Note
The most important places of worship of the Mayas - such as their pyramids, can
be found at Goruma here >>>
Mayan religion
Religion played a major role with the Mayans, as with most people of the
time. However, there was no monotheism, so there was only one god, but there
were many gods who were held responsible for the weather, the harvest, diseases
or even death.
As is often the case in other cultures, the gods were asked for advice with the
help of priests before important decisions or events were made. As with the
Greeks, for example, the gods had many human characteristics and were even given
a human appearance. The worldview of the Maya religion can be compared to a
tree, with the people forming the middle of the tree, the tree branches carrying
the sky and the roots making their way into the realm of the dead. Over the tree
trunk the souls into heaven or into the realm of the dead.
In the Maya religion, offerings and human blood played an important role, with
the blood being the seat of the soul. However, people were sacrificed in the
process. They were ritually killed by drowning, hanging, stoning, poisoning or
mutilation. There is also evidence that the victims' chests were opened and then
their hearts ripped out.
Mayan script
In the meantime, around 800 characters of the Maya script are known, the
decoding of which took many decades and was not successful until the second half
of the 20th century.
Unfortunately, after the conquest of America by the Spanish conquistadors in
the 16th century, numerous Mayan writings were destroyed by the Spanish. For
example, in 1562 the Spanish bishop Diego de Landa had many cultural assets of
the earlier high culture destroyed in his conversion frenzy, including
monuments, images and scrolls. Fortunately, four Mayan manuscripts, the
so-called Codices, survived the orgies of destruction.
The Codices
These manuscripts (codices) are named after the cities in which they are kept
today. However, only the Codex Dresden is accessible to the public:
- Codex Dresden
It comprises 39 pages written on both sides and is like a kind of fold-out
album, which nowadays can be viewed as two strips, each about 1.80 m
long. The manuscript was created between 1200 and 1250 and is in the "Book
Museum of the Saxon State and University Library" in Dresden,
- Codex Grolier (in Mexico)
It comprises 11 pages depicting the course of Venus. However, its
authenticity is highly controversial. Many scientists consider the
handwriting to be a forgery. This manuscript was discovered in 1970 and is
in the "National Museum of Anthropology" in Mexico City
- Codex Madrid
This codex is a folding book with 112 pages, which when opened is around
6.82 m long. The repository is the "Museo del Americas" in Madrid.
- Codex Paris (Codex Peresianus)
With a length of around 1.45 m - with 22 pages - this Codex is the shortest
of the surviving Maya manuscripts. Its origin is estimated to have been
between 1300 and 1500 AD. dated. It is kept in the "Bibliotèque nationale"
in Paris.
Mayan Calendar
Preliminary remark
For many years, many people have been looking forward to December 21, 2012, as
the Mayan calendar ends on this day. Some believed that on that day the world
would end. Some hoped to be rescued by aliens by means of spaceships and people
gathered in some places to celebrate this day, for example in the French town of
Bugarach near the mythical mountain Pic de Bugarach or on the Yacatan peninsula
in front of de Kukultán- Step pyramid.
The calendar system
The Mayans used three interconnected systems to calculate time, which count and
add up the days. This is done with the help of the Tzolkin calendar, the civil
Haab calendar and the so-called long count. Ultimately, the calendar system was
a counter consisting of three cogs. The beginning of the census began -
according to our calendar - on August 13th, 3,114 BC.
Haab calendar
The Haab calendar - also known as the solar calendar - comprised 365 days and is
surprisingly close to today's annual calendar. It was realized by means of a
toothed ring that had a total of 365 teeth.
Tzolkin Calendar
This calendar comprised 260 days and was used to determine religious ceremonies,
celebrations and fortune telling. It was realized by means of a second smaller
gear rim, which had a total of 20 teeth and was rotated by the teeth of the
large gear rim. If the large sprocket has rotated once, the smaller one has
rotated around 18.25 times.
Calendar
round Mathematically, the cycle of both calendars, i.e. the time after the same
state is reached again, can be calculated from the smallest common multiple of
365 and 260. The result is the number of 18,980 days = 52 solar years. In order
to know a specific date exactly, the Mayans mostly used the information from
both calendars. From the combination of both calendars, however, only periods of
52 years can be determined.
Long counting
With the help of the Haab and Tzolkin calendars, days can only be determined
exactly over a period of 52 years. A third counting system was introduced in
order to be able to determine days exactly over much longer periods of time. the
so-called long count. Here, too, it was a matter of counting days. This extended
counting method made it possible to clearly define and determine every day
within 1,872,000 days - around 5,125 years. This made it possible to precisely
determine the time of longer historical periods and, above all, astronomical
observations.
Mexico: entry and exit requirements
Formalities and visas
Citizens from Germany, Austria and Switzerland need a passport with a
validity of at least six months. The visa in the form of a tourist card is
issued for up to 90 days. The tourist card is available free of charge from
airlines and Mexican consulates. This card must be presented again when leaving
the country.
Importing and exporting foreign currency
There are no special regulations for importing foreign currency.
Import and export of goods
duty-free upon entry
20 packets of cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 g tobacco
3 liters of wine or other spirits
The import of fruits and plants is prohibited.
Export
The export of gold (except gold jewelry), antiques, archaeological finds and
cacti is prohibited.
Mexico: Travel Medicine, Vaccinations, and Warnings
Infectious diseases
In Mexico, the following infectious diseases, which are not or less common in
Germany or Central and Northern Europe, are to be expected:
- Malaria: There is a risk of malaria infection in the
country all year round, with the exception of large cities and seaside
tourist resorts. Even at altitudes above approx. 1,500 m the risk is very
low. Less than 1% of the infections occur with the very dangerous malaria
tropica, the rest with malaria tertiana.
- Amoebic dysentery
- Bacterial agitation
- Chagas disease
- Cholera - but there is only a risk of infection for
travelers who come into contact with polluted water or contaminated food.
- Dengue fever disease
- Intestinal infections from contaminated food or water,
including amoeba, lamblia, salmonella, shigella and worm infestation, as
well as all kinds of viruses and bacteria
- Filariasis
- Hepatitis A and B
- Kala Azar disease
- Leishmaniasis Disease
- Polio, polio
- Swine flu (there were numerous infections in April
2009)
- rabies
- Typhoid - however, there is only a risk of infection
for travelers who come into contact with polluted water or contaminated
food.
- West Nile Fever
Recommended vaccinations
when traveling to Mexico, the following vaccinations recommended:
- Cholera - but only among travelers who can come into
contact with polluted water or contaminated food.
- Diphtheria - a vaccination against diphtheria should
always exist, also in the home country.
- Hepatitis A and B
- Polio, polio - vaccination against polio should always
exist, also in the home country.
- Tetanus - a vaccination against tetanus should always
exist, also in the home country.
- Rabies - but only for high-risk travelers who can come
into contact with the vector animals.
- Typhoid - but only for travelers who can come into
contact with polluted water or contaminated food.
Vaccination requirements There are no vaccination regulations when
entering or staying in the country.
Malaria prophylaxis
When traveling to the country, especially when traveling outside of the
areas mentioned above, it is strongly advised to undergo malaria
prophylaxis. However, if the side effects seem questionable to you, you should
at least have a "stand-by preparation" with you.
Current warnings
Foreign Office of the Federal Republic of Germany
Citizens' Service
Tel.:0049 - (0) 30 - 5000 - 2000
www.auswaertiges-amt.de/de
Currency, shopping
Local currency
The national currency of Mexico is the
Mexican Peso = 100 Centavos.
Country-specific goods, souvenirs
Mexico has a diverse range of offers. The best known is probably the tequila (an
agave brandy), which comes from the north. Tequila is available in many designs
and in all price ranges. An agave brandy, the Mexcal with the famous worm in the
bottle, also comes from the state of Oaxaca. We recommend the silver work from
Taxco, which is available throughout the country. In the south of the country
there are many colorful indigenous markets that offer beautiful woven, leather
and ceramic work. The best place to buy beautiful hammocks is in Mérida. The
famous Panama hats are also made there.
Mexico: Diplomatic missions, tourist office
Visit Countryaah for a full list of Mexico embassies and consulates in each
country around the world.

Representations of Mexico in Germany
The Mexican embassy is only a few meters away from the German headquarters of
the CDU on one side and the Nordic embassies on the other. The embassies of
Bahrain, Luxembourg, Malta and Monaco are located in a building right next to
the CDU building - and thus close to the Mexican embassy. The Malaysian embassy
is also in the immediate vicinity.
Embassy of the United Mexican States in Berlin
Klingelhöferstrasse 3
10785 Berlin
Tel: 0049 - (0) 30 - 269 32 30
Email: [email protected]
Web: http://portal.sre.gob.mx/alemania/
Consulate General of the United Mexican States in Frankfurt
Taunusanlage 21
60325 Frankfurt am Main
Tel: 0049 - (0) 69 - 29 98 750
Email: [email protected]
Honorary Consul in Bremen
Kap-Horn-Str. 18
28237 Bremen
Tel: 0049 - (0) 421 - 6101-212
Email: [email protected]
Honorary Consul in Hamburg
Kleine Reichenstrasse 1
20457 Hamburg
Tel: 0049 - (0) 40 - 3250-8867
Email: [email protected]
Honorary Consul in Hanover
Landschaftstrasse 6
30159 Hanover
Tel: 0049 - (0) 511- 328188
Email: info @ consulmex- haj.de
You can find further honorary consulates in: Düsseldorf and Munich.
German representations in Mexico
Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Mexico City
Horacio No. 1506, Col. Los Morales Sección Alameda, Deleg. Miguel Hidalgo
11530 México DF
Tel: 0052 - 55 - 283 22 00
Fax: 0052 - 55 - 281 25 88
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.mexiko.diplo.de
Honorary Consulate of the Federal Republic of Germany in Acapulco
Antón de Alaminos No. 26, Casa Tres Fuentes, Col. Costa Azul
39850 Acapulco/Gro.
Tel: 0052 - 744 - 484 18 60
0052 - 744 - 484 96 80
Email: [email protected]
Honorary Consulate of the Federal Republic of
Germany in Cancun
Punta Conoco No. 36, SM 24
77509 Cancun, Quintana Roo.
Tel: 0052 - 998 - 884 53 33/15 98/18 98
Email: [email protected]
Honorary Consulate of the Federal Republic of Germany in Chihuahua
Ave. del Campestre No. 175, Club Campestre
31238 Chihuahua/Chih.
Tel: 0052 - 614 - 411 27 62
Email: [email protected]
You can find other honorary consulates in: Guadalajara, Monterrey, Mérida,
Puebla, Querétaro, Tampico, Tijuana and Veracruz.
Austrian representations in Mexico
Austrian Embassy in Mexico
Sierra Tarahumara 420
Colonia Lomas de Chapultepec
11000 Mexico, DF
Tel: 0052 - (0) 55 - 52 51 16 06
Email: [email protected]
www.aussenministerium.at/mexiko
www.embajadadeaustria. com.mx
The Austrian embassy in Mexico is still responsible for:
- Belize
- Costa Rica
- El Salvador
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- Nicaragua
Honorary Consulate in Cancun
Calle Punta Conoco No. 36 SM 24
77500 Cancun
Tel: 0052 - 998 - 884 1598
Email: [email protected]
Honorary Consulate in Guadalajara
Montevideo 2695, Col. Providencia
CP 44630 Guadalajara, Jalisco
Tel: 0052 - 33 - 36 42 83 40
E-Mail: [email protected]
Honorary Consulate in Monterrey
Ave. Ricardo Margaín No. 260, Colonia Valle del Campestre
Garza García, Nuevo León
CP 66265, Torre Villacero, Segundo Piso
Tel: 0052 - 81 - 81 52 50 68
Email: [email protected]
Honorary Consulate in Merida
Av. Colon No. 501-C, Desp. A-309/310
97000 Mérida, Yucatan
Tel: 0052 - 999 - 925 63 86
Email: [email protected]
Honorary Consulate in Tijuana
Ave. Revolución 1641, Zona Centro CP
22000 Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico
Tel: 0052 - 664 - 638 66 16
Email: [email protected]
Representations of Mexico in Austria
Embassy of the United Mexican States in Vienna
Operngasse 21
1040 Vienna
Tel: 0043 - (0) 1- 310 73 83/-86
Email: [email protected]
Honorary Consulate in Wattens
Blattenwaldweg 8
6112 Wattens
Tel: 0043 - (0) 5224 - 58 77 12
Swiss representations in Mexico
Embassy of Switzerland in Mexico City
Torre Optima (piso 11), Paseo de las Palmas 405,
Col. Lomas de Chapultepec
11000 México DF
Tel: 0052 - 55- 91 78 43 70
E-Mail: [email protected] ch
Web: www.eda.admin.ch/mexico
The Swiss embassy in Mexico is still responsible for Belize
Consulate of Switzerland in Cancun
Av. Coba No. 12, local 214
Edif. Vénus, SM5, MZ1
77500 Cancún, Q.Roo
Tel: 0052 - 99 - 88 84 84 46
Email: [email protected]
Swiss Consulate in Guadalajara
Calle # 5 s/n (al lado del # 131)
Col. Seattle
45150 Zapopan CP, Jal.
Tel: 0052 - 33 - 38 33 41 22
E-Mail: [email protected]
Consulate of Switzerland in Monterrey
Blv. Diaz Ordaz 250 Ote.
Col. Santa Maria
64650 Monterrey, NL
Tel: 0052 - 81 - 83 35 38 90
0052 - 81 - 82 18 33 60
E-Mail: [email protected]
Representations of Mexico in Switzerland
Embassy of the United Mexican States in Bern
Weltpoststrasse 20
3015 Bern
Tel: 0041 - (0) 31 - 357 47 47
Fax: 0041 - (0) 31 - 357 47 49-
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.sre.gob.mx/suiza /
Mexican Consulate
Aeschenvorstadt 21
4051 Bâle
Tel: 0041 - (0) 61 - 283 06 30
Email: [email protected]
Mexican Consulate
Rue de Candolle 16
1205 Geneva
Tel: 0041 - (0) 22 - 328 39 20
Email: consulatdegenè[email protected]
Mexican Consulate
Höschgasse 28
8008 Zurich
Tel: 0041 - (0) 44 - 253 64 02
Web: aprahnakora.ch
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