Considering the Weather when Traveling to Mexico

When traveling to Mexico, you must take into consideration the weather condition of the month or season you are planning your trip. This will ensure you that you will enjoy each day you’ll be in the country and not just stay indoors when in times of bad weather. Mexico unlike others perceived it to be is not an all sunny country, it is not always hot and in fact weather varies on each places.

Weather in Mexico is determined by the countries latitude and altitude. Being a country of terrains, weather varies in the different places. The country has numbers of tropical forests, valleys, deserts and mountains. That explains the different weather experienced in each part of Mexico. In general, Mexico’s coast climate is fairly pleasant all year round and only few have rainy weather, other times dry. In Mexico City, you may have days and nights.

Two Main Seasons

There are two main seasons in Mexico namely the Dry and Wet seasons. Rainy season is experienced during the month of May to September or can extend up to the month of October. You’ll experienced larger amounts of rainfall in these times and the rest of the remaining months will be fairly dry with few and lesser chances of rain. However, visiting Mexico during the rainy season can also be enjoyable. Rainy days provide more water for plants in the rainforests thus giving you lush green environment compared to when it is the dry season.

Hurricane Season

One thing you don’t want to experience during your vacation is natural calamities. This will not ruin your vacation but as well harm you if worse calamities occur during your trip. June to November is the hurricane season in Mexico. You have to check on weather bulletin for further reports if there are upcoming hurricanes or other natural calamities.

It is important that climate is one among the top consideration in planning your trip to Mexico. A lot of activities will be done when you are in vacation at a weather fair for travel. Getting around and travelling around the famous places and landmarks is more enjoyable on a sunny and fair weather. However, there are still good thing to see during the rainy season, those luscious green plants especially in the middle of the rainforests.

Facts about Your Rainforest

Coined as the Earth’s lungs but in reverse, rainforest “inhales” a large quantity of the earth’s carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is a poisonous gas emitted by mammals.  We can attribute the clean air we breathe now with the rainforests.  As a matter of fact, tropical rainforests are the biggest terrestrial source of the air that we breathe.

Only 2 percent of the Earth is composed of rainforest yet it houses almost two third of all living species in the planet.  Also almost half of the medicinal compounds used by modern day medicines are found or made out of plants that can only be found in the rainforest. 

The biggest rainforests can be found in South America, at the Amazon Basin. In parts of Central America, Hawaii and Mexico, you will see smaller rainforests as well as in the islands of the Caribbean and the Pacific.  These rainforests has an average temperature of 80 degrees Fahrenheit and has rainfall of 160 to 400 inches in a year. This kind of condition makes the growing of plants abundant in the enclosure. 

Due to geographical location, the rainforest has become a better breeding ground and habitat for animals in the latter years. Before this day and age, animals are well protected by human hunting  and all human acts that can harm or lessen the number of different species of animals. There are nearly 50 to 70 million different life forms found in the rainforests back then.

Now, due to human acts and natural calamities, these life forms are gradually decreasing their number and some, nearing its extinction. Moreover, the rainforest itself is slowly destructed and we’re losing more and more of these natural habitat for animals as the years pass. There a study done by the Rainforest Action Network that an acre and a half of the rainforest is lost every day.  And if this rate continues, it is said that we can lose half of the remaining rainforest by the year 2025.

Here are some comparison and data as well comparing the loss of rainforests today and in the latter years:

Every second we lose an area the size of two football fields.

Every minute we lose an area 29 times the size of the Pentagon.

Every hour we lose an area 684 times larger than the New Orleans Superdome.

Every day we lose an area larger than all five boroughs of New York City.

Every week we lose an area twice the size of Rhode Island.

Every month we lose an area the size of Belize.

Every year we lose an area more than twice the size of Florida.

With these data, we can say that if we don’t act now in the conservation of our rainforest, we could not only lose the terrestrial formation but the living species like the flora and he animals that live in it as well.

The Endangered Animals of Mexican Rainforest

Mexico houses 10% of the world’s total land species in the world. In fact, the country is considered to be one of the five most biologically diverse places in the world. But due to destructive human activities, most of these species are near to extinction. To be exact, thirty species of animals are already classified to be extinct.

MONKEYS

First among the extinct animals is the mantled howler monkey which is known for its loud roars in communicating with one another. It lives in the Southern part of the country. Second is the Guatemalan black howler, which lives in the lowland rainforests.

CATS

The endangered Mexican jaguar, their largest cat weighs up to 250 pounds. Rainforests in lowlands remain as its primary habitat where it hunts other prey animals. Another extinct cat is the Mexican bobcat. Apparently, their jaguar is also near threatened status. Hunting, though strictly prohibited is the major cause of its extinction.

BIRDS

Among the roster of large and powerful eagles in the world is Mexico’s Harpy Eagle which lives in tropical rainforests. It is now endangered due to destruction of their natural habitat and also because of hunting. The hummingbird known for its reddish-brown crown is also an extinct specie of birds in Mexico. Last on the list is the short-crested coquette, a tiny hummingbird.

AQUATIC

Extinct species under this group include the Coahuilan box turtle and Vaquita. Vaquita is a porpoise found in the gulf of Mexico and travels by groups. On the other hand, the box turtle lives in shallow marshes of Coahuila.

MEXICAN WOLF

This small subspecies of gray wolf is the most extinct animal in the planet. Having a sad history of habitat destruction and poaching, this animal had been declared endangered in 1973. At present, the government is doing efforts on its reintroduction campaign.

RODENTS

Large species of rodents comprise Mexico’s list of endangered animals. The coasts have been developed as tourist attractions that lead to deterioration of their natural habitat. A dozen endemic rodent species  are now to extinction. Among the group are San Quintin kangaroo rat, San Martin Island woodrat, and island jackrabbit species.

Animals of Mexican Rainforest

In the previous articles, I have mentioned about the wide array of animals you can see in the Rainforest of Mexico. This time, I will list some of these animals so you can have a checklist of sort  to look at when you decide to travel the beautiful Mexican rainforest.

The Rainforest in Mexico is teeming with mammals, both wild and tamed. You will see them walk around with no harm of hunting them by those hunters because it is a protected environment.

The gentle mammal, the White tail Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) can be seen in the area. The “Ceh” as commonly called by the locals are can be seen commonly at dawn and at twilight wherein they roaming around or resting on bushes, shrubs or places where there are water spots. 

An ant eater called the Northern tamandua (Tamandua Mexicana) can also be spotted. It can grow upto5 feet and can weigh more than 8 pounds. This animal has long snout with no teeth. The Northern tamandua is a nocturnal mammal that has light yellow graying white fur, long tail and big claws which helps them go branch to branch in search of termites, insects and ants for food. 

You can see a mammal that jumps from tree to tree in search of fruits as their food. This is the Kinkajou (Potos flavus). This mammal commonly called “mico” is a nocturnal animal, very likable and can be made as pet but it is better to see them in their natural habitat and have them multiply.

Long-tail weasel (Mustela frenata) also known as “Sabin” has a long and slim body , shinny  brown red fur and a pointed snout. A nocturnal ground dweller but also active at daytime catching prey on trees. This mammal eats reptiles and rodents.

Striped hog nosed skunk (Conepatus semiestriatus) or "Pai och" as what the locals call it is a skunk seen in rainforest and the grass area. This rare species of skunks are ground dwellers but can hardly be seen at daytime. They hunt for insects during the night but they can also fruits and lizards. 

“Uech“ as what the locals call it is a nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcintus) is also a nocturnal animal. A small mammal with long ossified armor that covers its entire upper body. This armadillo can be found to be of brown or dark gray in color.

Some other mammals can be found around Mexico’s rainforest. It is an interesting and educational trip as you are enjoying the beauty of nature together with the range of animals living freely and roaming around the vast Mexican rainforest.

Places You Must See When You Visit Mexico

Why Mexico?

First and foremost, with its size of about 1,964,375 sq. km, surely it would be interesting for everyone to tour on its vast area knowing that it is one of the fast growing countries when we speak of economy. Second, there are many places that you must see in Mexico – its beaches, natural wonders, cuisines and historical sites. There would be no spare time when you visit this spectacular country. We listed some of top visited destinations in Mexico to guide you through your travel.

MEXICO CITY. This must be the first thing you should see if you’re looking for a night life that rocks. Being the largest city and capital of Mexico, it houses most of the country’s beautiful spots. In fact, Plaza Garibaldi is considered as the Times Square in New York. Notice that its two tourist destinations, the Historic Centre (Centro Historico) and the "floating gardens" of Xochimilco are declared by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. Not to mention its over 21 million population that will definitely make your tour really exciting.

PUERTO VALLARTA. Puerto Vallarta is a Mexican resort city situated in the state of Jalisco. Its name is derived from the state’s former governor, Ignacio Vallarta. It is the 5th largest city in the country. Your heart will be captured with the color-filled sunsets along the bay of Banderas. What makes it a popular destination for tourists are its one-of-a-kind beaches, variety of outdoor activities offered, wildlife, and sumptuous food. Travelers claim Puerto Vallarta as top of their favorite sites in Mexico.

OAXACA. Officially, Free and Sovereign State of Oaxaca has organized local forms of governance. This state is best known for its indigenous people and culture. It is also a top spot for food buddies and for those who want to travel back to history. The area comprises of mountains, jungles, and beaches that makes it a true embodiment of the essence of the country.

ISLA MUJERES. Its name is a Spanish term for Island of Women. It is a small island found in the Caribbean Sea. In fact, the ports up to the main beaches are just footsteps away. There are plenty of spaces to do shopping, eat, or take a siesta. One interesting thing about this place is the romantic tale about a pirate who fell in love with a woman and loved her for his entire life.

TULUM. Tulum is a site of pre-Columbian walled city. It is formerly known by the name Zama, meaning City of the Dawn because it faces sunrise. The main attraction here is the tropical beach environment, which is one of the earliest resorts in Mexico. Its tourist destinations are divided into four areas: the archeological site, the pueblo or town, the hotel zone and the biosphere reserve of Sian Ka'an. Everyone can enjoy its amazing amenities while having the access to many other fantastic places in Yucatan.

Uncover the Beauty of Mexico’s Rainforest

Mexico is situated in the Northern part of America, having a unique geographical landscape that makes it one of the most diverse countries in the world. Having a lot to offer top the locals and tourist alike, Mexico has wide array of rivers, forests, deserts, mountains and volcanoes that what makes it to be one of the most travelled places in the world.

Among those landscapes, Mexico’s rainforest is one of the most sought after wonders in the country. Travelers are fond of visiting their rainforest that guards wide species of animals; tame and wild, birds of all sorts of colors and sizes, and plants ranging from bushes to trees.

Rainforest is defined as a dense rainforest that has 200cm of rain a year. They are found in the tropical region like in Mexico and grow variety of plants, vegetation, and houses animals and many species of insects. It is a sight to see if you visit the country for they say a tropical rainforest holds 50 to 90 percent of species of animals and plants. That is like being inside a book of different species of living creatures. Tropical rainforest also has canopy trees which is used for canopy tours that makes adventure in the rainforest more enjoyable. You can experience the beauty of the rainforest and enjoy the fun of having a canopy tour while learning about plants and wildlife. That’s a treat rolled in two!

Mexico’s rainforest starts around Mexico city and stretch towards the Gulf of Mexico up to the state of Chiapas. Being a rainforest, they only have short dry season and experience rain almost throughout the rest of the year. You will find moist forests in the Gulf of Mexico and in southern Mexico in the Yucatan Peninsula.  The country has a constant temperature the whole year that makes it more favorable for travel in almost any time of the year. Rainfall ranges from 500 mm to 3,000 mm falling towards the coast.

If you visit Mexico’s rainforest, your eyes will feast on over 2,000 plant species, birds of all forms that is about 200 of them, and animals ranging from mammals, amphibians and reptiles. It is important to take a hold of these creatures for they may not be the same number as time progress due to natural and manmade threats to the rainforest.

Take a tour now and experience the beauty of Mexico’s rainforest. Look for a company that can offer you canopy tour so to make the most of your rainforest adventure.

Hop in to an Adventure in Mexico

Mexico has a lot to offer to their visitors from foreign countries. Get a taste of its rich culture and the picturesque beauty of their tourist destinations. Having been one of the 18 megadiverse countries of the world, Mexico boast a large number of species of animals in their forests tamed and wild alike. The government is taking action in the preservation of this biodiversity by enforcing laws to protect the wild.

But there are more to discover in Mexico other than the nature which speaks how rich their biodiversity is. There are other adventures you can experience in this beautiful country; the structures, marine animals and even the friendly locals. If you choose to travel on this side of the world, you have to plan on the list of places and things you have to do to make sure you that when you leave you can say that you make the most out of your Mexican vacation.

Soak on the Beach of Mexico

Mexico has a large array of beach destinations you can go to.  With 7500 miles coastline, you’ll find a number of resorts along the coast. Find beautiful beaches in the resorts of Acapulco, Cancun and the Mayan Riviera. Relax and enjoy the cool breeze on the shore, dine, watch the sunset and just hang on a hammock. If you want you can also discover other hidden resorts that are not so populated thus making your stay more peaceful and personal with nature.

Travel Back in Time with the Archeological Sites

Engage in a guided tour as you discover the rich culture of Mexico. National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) oversees all of Mexico's archaeological sites. Take a travel in time as you experience Mexico’s ancient civilization by taking a walk on the ruins and structures that talks about their past heritage defining their future culture.

The best time for you to take the tour is in the morning or in the early afternoon thus making you avoid the heat on the later time of the day. Make sure you wear comfortable clothes, pout on sunblock and other protection against the sun. I advise you visit Teotihuacan, and see the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon.

Eco Adventure

Take an adventure on the wild; see the wide species of animals and plants and the aquatic animals. Enjoy nature on a diversified environment as you are taken aback on the beauty of nature. For eco trips, you can visit the Riviera Maya,, and see mangroves and lagoons. You can also take an adventure on their underground caves, do snorkeling, and swim with the dolphins. Riviera Maya has a long day of activity waiting for you. It has a diverse environment perfect for tourist who wants to take on an adventure.

Enjoy Mexican Food and Drinks

After a long day of fun and walk, it’s no way that you won’t look for some place to eat and Mexico has good foods that can satisfy your palette. With restaurants and food stalls along the roads and the different popular places, you will not get hungry even. Indulge on the rich flavors of their food from Desayuno to Comida and Cena.