Fruit and Vegetable Market

• Mexico is a country in North America, lying between the United States of America to the north, and Guatemala and Belize to the southeast
• Its extensive coastlines include the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west
• Mexico’s terrain includes mountains, low coastal plains, high plateaus, temperate plains with grasslands and Mezquite trees in the northeast, desert and mountains in the northwest, tropical rainforests in the south, and coniferous and deciduous forests in the central part of the country.
• Mexico uses the 24-hour clock system for time keeping.
• Mexico City is the capital of the Republic, and one of the three largest cities in the world.
• Although there is no official language by law, Spanish is used by virtually the whole population and all public communications are conducted in the language. Bilingual signs in Spanish and English might be available in popular tourist destinations.
• About 60% of the modern Mexican population is mestizo (Indian-Spanish), 30% is Indian or predominately Indian, 9% is Caucasian, and 1% is other.
• Traditional Mexican food can often be very spicy; if you are not used to peppers, always ask if your food includes it. “(¿Esto tiene chile? Es picante?).”
• Tap water is potable, but generally not recommended for drinking.

HISTORY

• The Olmec civilization prospered between 1200 BCE and 400 BCE.
• After the Olmec started to lose power, the Teotihuacan gained authority and ruled from 150 AD to 650 AD.
• The Teotihuacan built a new economic and political Mexico.
• By 500 AD, Teotihuacan had developed into one of the largest cities in the world.
• The Toltec era began its stature as a political and cultural command during the 700 AD. It continued to expand its political power.
• In 1519, Tenochititlan, the Mexican capital and future site of modern Mexico City, was the largest capital in the world with a total population of more than 360,000.
• The capital city of Tenochititlan was occupied by Spain in 1521.
• The Spanish regime lasted for almost more than 300 years.
• Mexico achieved its sovereignty through the Treaty of Cordoba which was signed in August 24, 1821.

FACTS

Tulum Beach

• Mexico introduced chocolate, corn, and chilies to the world.
• Mexico is home to a very rare rabbit called the volcano rabbit which lives near Mexican volcanoes.
• The first printing press in North America was used in Mexico City in 1539.
• The National University of Mexico was founded in 1551 by Charles V of Spain and is the oldest university in North America.
• The border between Mexico and the United States is the second largest border in the world
• Mexican children do not receive presents on Christmas Day. They receive gifts on January 6, the day on which Mexicans celebrate the arrival of the Three Wise Men.
• Mexico is located in the “Ring of Fire,” one of the earth’s most violent earthquake and volcano zones.
• Mexico City is built over the ruins of a great Aztec city, Tenochtitlán. Because it is built on a lake, Mexico is sinking at a rate of 6 to 8 inches a year as pumps draw water out for the city’s growing population.
• One unusual Mayan weapon was a “hornet bomb,” which was an actual hornet’s nest thrown at enemies during battle.
• Spanish conquerors brought bullfighting to Mexico, which is now the national sport of Mexico.
• While bullfighting is Mexico’s national sport, fútbol (soccer in the U.S.) is currently more popular.

Chichen Itza

• You can expect to pay 50-150 MXN for a night in a dorm, often including breakfast.
• Subway – 3 MXN
• Bus fare – 2-7 MXN
• 10 mile taxi ride – 4-5 US
• Lunch/Dinner – 60-80 MXN
• Upscale dinner – 90-200 MXN
• Happy meal – 40 MXN
• Breakfast entrees 35-55 MXN
• Teotihuacan Aztec Ruins – 55 MXN entrance fee
• Templo Mayor Museum – 45 MXN
• Chichen Itza – Mayan Ruins –Admission charge to the ruins is around 10 US . The evening sound and light show costs around 4 US (add another 3 US for headphones if you want to listen to the commentary in English).

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Mayan Ruins on Beach

• Location is very important as security changes from place to place.
• Areas close to downtown (centro) are safer to walk at night, especially on the “Plaza”, “Zocalo” or “Jardin” (Main Square) and areas nearby.
• Stay in populated areas, avoid poor neighborhoods, especially at night, and don’t walk there at any time if you are alone.
• Some Mexican northern and border cities such as Tijuana, Nogales, Nuevo Laredo, Chihuahua, Culiacán, Durango, and Juárez can be dangerous in some areas for somebody who is unaware, especially at night.
• Most crime in the northern cities is related to the drug trade and/or police corruption.

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Riviera Maya

• Mexico uses the metric system for all measurements. All weather forecasts will be in Celsius (°C).
• In general the climate of Mexico is tropical to temperate, varying according to altitude, winds and the Pacific Ocean currents.
• The Yucatan Peninsula and low-lying areas of the south enjoy a hot, humid tropical climate
• Weather in the higher altitudes is temperate.
• Coastal areas receive rainfall, but most of the country is dry.
• The wettest time of year throughout Mexico is from June to September, when there will typically be an hour or two of rain per day.
• The east and west coast of Mexico are at risk of hurricanes during summer and autumn.

Best time to visit:

Mexico is a great destination to visit throughout the year. On the high central plateau, the weather is mild year-round and often glorious, with a combination of abundant sunshine and cool breezes. Temperatures drop, though, from November to February when it’s best to pack a sweater or jacket. In general, altitude is a determining factor, with cooler temperatures at higher elevations (Mexico City, Puebla, San Cristóbal de las Casas) and warmer weather as you descend (Guadalajara, Cuernavaca, Oaxaca).

October and November is perhaps the best time to visit, after the rains have ended and everything is still green. Early spring tends to be hotter and dustier.

Required clothing:

This varies from area to area. Natural fibers are best in the heat, but have a sweater on hand as the nights are generally cooler. A sun hat will help to avoid dehydration. In the mountains, heavier clothing will be required.

Sumidero Canyon

Copper Canyon

• A network of canyons which together are several times larger than the Grand Canyon
• The most popular way to explore the Copper Canyon is on the “Chihuahua al Pacifico” Railway
• The track passes over 37 bridges and through 86 tunnels, rising as high as 2,400 meter (7,900 feet) above sea level featuring spectacular views of the canyons below

Chichen Itza

• Majestic Mayan city, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988 and recently voted as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World
• It is a large pre-Columbian archaeological site built by the Maya civilization located in the northern center of the Yucatán Peninsula, in the Yucatán state, present-day Mexico

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Teotihuacan

• Enormous site with several large pyramids
• Apart from the pyramidal structures, Teotihuacan is also known for its large residential complexes, the Avenue of the Dead, and numerous colorful, well-preserved murals
• Teotihuacan produced a thin orange pottery style that spread through Mesoamerica
• The city was thought to have been established around 100 BCE and continued to be built until about 250 CE

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Acapulco

• The original Mexican resort town which came into prominence by the 1950s as a getaway for Hollywood stars and millionaires
• It remains a popular tourist destination especially among Mexicans and as a spring break destination among US college students
• Here you can watch the cliff divers perform their impressive jumps into ocean

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Guanajuato

• Nestled in the mountains of the Sierra de Guanajuato lies the beautiful colonial city of Guanajuato
• The city was founded in 1554 next to one of the richest silver mining areas of Mexico
• The 16th-century mining boom led to the construction of beautiful haciendas and fine colonial buildings.

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Los Cabos

• A lively 20 mile beach area at the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula
• Los Cabos is a great destination for water sport enthusiasts with some of the best all-around sport fishing in the world
• In the winter, whales can be observed in the Pacific ocean

Tulum

• Located on the east coast of the Yucatán Peninsula
• It once served as the major port of the Mayan city of Coba
• Tulum was built around 1200 AD
• The tropical beach backdrop makes this a stunning top attraction which should not be missed

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Communication Etiquette:
• Family is the center of the social structure
– Extended family is just as valued as direct family
• When greeting in a social setting
– Women pat each other on the right forearm or shoulder
– Men will shake hands
– Wait until invited to use first names
• Arriving late to a dinner is expected
– Arriving on time is considered inappropriate

Business Etiquette:
• In Mexico business is generally in a Hierarchy
– They place great emphasis on the Hierarchy
– They are very aware of how each person fit into the company
• A first impression is very important
– You will be judged by who introduces you
– It is important to have an upper level executive with you
• They value relationships
– Trustworthiness
– Expect small talk
– And personal questions
• During negotiation have an executive
– If you don’t speak Spanish it is good to hire an interpreter
– Negotiation will take a few meetings to come to an agreement
– Will have fair amount of haggling
– Do not include an attorney
• Dress is as it is in Europe
– Men – conservative dark suits
– Women – Business suits or conservative dresses
• Business cards are exchanged during introduction
– Everyone in the meeting will exchange cards