Third International Barcode of Life Conference

Travel Information

GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION

Mexico City serves as the capital city of Mexico, and lies across the Tropic of Cancer. It was originally built by the Aztecs in what is called now the Valley of Mexico with a magnificent backdrop of two volcanoes: Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl. The valley is a basin that is enclosed by mountain barriers in all directions but has an opening on the northern part.

Like most cosmopolitan cities, Mexico City offers a wide variety of cultural events, shopping areas and tourist attractions. During your stay, visit the museums to see some amazing collections that depict the evolution of Mexico’s art and history, from the pre-Hispanic era to present day.

WEATHER

Because of the high altitude (over 7000 feet) the city enjoys a relatively mild climate all year. Summer and winter both are generally mild, but the evenings can get cool enough to require a jacket all year long.

ACTIVITIES

México City is the cultural center of México and is home to a seemingly endless array of cultural activities. Known as the City of Palaces, in Mexico City you’ll see diverse colonial and modern architecture.

The Zócalo (main square) and historic center are not to be missed and are a good starting place for deciding your itinerary, as there are plenty of things to do and see in a relatively small area. Chapultepec Park, (the world's largest park within a city) is home to many attractions and should be on your must do list, especially if you have any youngsters with you.

Nightlife in the capital provides an enormous variety of entertainment. Ballet, opera, folkloric shows and theatre compete with rock concerts, bars and nightclubs featuring all kinds of live music. Live Cuban music and the tropical salsa clubs always seem to be a big draw, for locals as well as visitors.

Clothing: In Mexico City, people dress formal. For business, receptions and in good restaurants jacket and tie may be required. Please note that some top restaurants do not allow kids under 10 years old.

Long distance calls from Mexico to any other country can be made without problem. International telephone calls from public phones are generally possible. Mobile phones from most countries should work. There are rental mobile phones available

Money exchange: The Mexican currency is called Peso ($) with bills of 1,000, 500, 200, $100, 50 and 20 and coins of 10, 5, 2, 1, 0.50, 0.20, 0.10 and 0.05. Credit cards (Eurocard/Mastercard, Visa, American Express) are also widely accepted. It is recommended to exchange currency upon arrival at the airport in Mexico City to avoid costly and inconvenient exchange practices in the city itself, especially outside of popular tourist destinations. The exchange rate is about $13.50 MP per $1.00 USD.

Photo & Film: Material for your camera, batteries and film can be obtained everywhere. Taking pictures inside of museums is generally allowed but only without flash and tripod. The fee for taking video film is approximately US$6.00. At all major archaeological sites a fee of approx. US$4.00 will be levied per camera at the entrance.

Public transportation services: Mexico City has a wide range of transportation options including subway, buses and taxis. For security reasons we recommend you to use hotel taxis only.

Security: In Mexico, as in most large cities, you should take some precautions. We recommend the use the safety deposit box in the hotel for your values and to not expose them publicly. At airports, bus terminals and hotel lobbies you should keep an eye on your luggage. Also be careful of vendors and "Official Tourist Guides" on the street, approaching you to sell their services (excursions, jewellery, time-share, etc.). In order to avoid any problems we strongly recommend purchasing services and/or merchandising only from authorized dealers and stores.

Shopping: This city offers its visitors one of the ultimate shopping experiences available anywhere in the world. For tourists that are seeking the upscale shops and malls, your choices are easy. Visit Polanco, especially the areas of Presidente Masaryk, Centro Santa Fe and Zona Rosa. Centro Coyoacán and Perisur, which are both located in the southern part of the city, are also very popular. The colonial neighborhood of San Angel, also in the southern part of the city, offers its famous "Bazar Sábado" which means Saturday Bazaar. Here you will find three different market places every Saturday, an outdoor crafts market, an arts market and a separate market selling high-end articles.

Language: Spanish is the official language in Mexico, but in Mexico City the large majority of tourist services speak English.

Electricity: The electricity standard in Mexico is 110 volts AC, the same as in the United States and Canada. Even though many places have three-pronged polarized outlets, it is recommendable that you bring an adapter.

FOOD AND DRINK

México City is home to some of the world's great restaurants. You have your choice of traditional Mexican restaurants, seafood specialists, Spanish, French, Chinese, Argentinean and Italian cuisines. You will find some of the world's greatest steak houses and also some of the best tacos. The quality of meals is incredibly high. Along with all of this great food comes some of the most impeccable service you're likely to experience...anywhere. México City can be one of the world’s truly great dining experiences. Breakfast is generally served between 7 and 10 a.m., lunch time is between 2 and 4 p.m. and for dinner you will be in time between 8 and 10 p.m.

The most famous alcoholic beverage is called Tequila, usually drunken with salt and lemon, as Margarita cocktail or together with spicy Sangrita. The light Mexican beers are superb, the locally distilled rum is also very good and a bargain. Furthermore, you will find coffee liquor and good national wines, which are currently rather inexpensive. Bars start opening at about 10 p.m. in tourist areas and remain open till 2 or 3h in the morning. Many bars and night clubs in hotels offer live entertainment and shows.

Most hotels and restaurants provide bottled drinking water as far as they have not their own purified water systems. Water from other sources should be restrained. It is recommended to avoid drinks with ice cubes, which is without risk at good restaurants and hotels.

Tipping: In restaurants and bars a tip of 10-15% of the consumption is usually left on the table.