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Last Updated: Sep 14th, 2008 - 22:35:57 |
Going on holiday to Mexico has always had its plus points - fine weather, exciting culture, great food and drink and plenty of fun to be had.
It could become an even more enjoyable experience soon, with the country's authorities contemplating scrapping value-added tax for tourists.
The bill has been passed from the Latin American country's lower house of Congress to the Senate for review. The federal Tourism Department is keen on the measure, already widespread in Europe, which would see tourists refunded the 15 per cent of tax from July next year.
It would apply to those arriving by air and sea on products bought in Mexico valuing more than about £65, and taken away.
Of course, there already exist many reasons to visit such a wonderful country, not least the chance to enjoy some sizzling sun. The climate is generally at its best between October and May, when there is very little rainfall and humidity is at its lowest.
In terms of the tourist high season, Christmas through to Easter is the busiest time, and tourist areas can get hectic. As a result, late autumn is an ideal time to go and if you happen to be around on November 1st and 2nd, then you will get to see the incredible celebrations for the Day of the Dead, a truly once in a lifetime experience.
You won't have trouble getting around language-wise, even if your Spanish isn't up to scratch. English is spoken more or less everywhere, especially in the more tourist-orientated areas of the country.
And where better place to visit than the world's third largest city, Mexico City. The city and its surrounding area is home to an estimated 30 million people. It if often referred to itself as simply Mexico, or the Distrito Federal and is a breathtaking and sprawling metropolis like no other.
To the south of Mexico City can be found many volcanoes, one of which, Popocatepetl erupted in 1997, and an exclusion zone is still enforced. Just to the east is the country's highest peak, the Volcan Pico de Orizaba at a towering 5,760m.
In fact, the geography of Mexico is quite astonishing in its variation, ranging from deserts and volcanoes to jungles and swamplands. The north border that neighbours the US is arid, and as you move south, the Sierra Madre Occidental and the Sierra Madre Oriental dominate the landscape. Beautiful coastline can be found to the east, with the Gulf of Mexico, and to the west, with the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean.
The border with Guatemala to the south boasts more lush scenery, stretching down to the Yucatan peninsula, which is well known for its wonderful waters and coral reefs.
Situated on the tip of the Yucatan peninsula is the popular tourist destination of Cancun. The beaches there are simply stunning, while the white sands and the clear and enticing waters are postcard perfect. Naturally for such a holiday hotspot, there can be found a wide range of restaurants and a thriving night life - all in all, a holiday experience that attracts more than two million visitors a year.
There are some excellent hotels in Cancun. Some of the most popular are the Moon Palace hotel, the Riu Yucatan hotel and the Blue Bay Getaway hotel
While the Caribbean sea to the north is rougher, to the west the sea is calmer, as it is protected by the Isla Mujeres, while further south, between the island and the mainland is the Nichupte Lagoon, ideal for water sports.
Downtown Cancun, where the locals live, is more traditional Mexico, with markets stalls replacing malls, and outdoor cafes more the norm than restaurants. For those wanting to see more than just the 'hotel zone', then there is plenty to explore.
Just a few hours from Cancun, and for those who really want to delve into the culture of Mexico, a trip to Chichen Itza is highly recommended. Here you will find the impressive Mayan ruins, and the inspiring Pyramid of Kukulkan, also known as El Castillo. Climbing to the top also offers some memorable views.
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