If you are preparing to travel to Mexico for the first time, the following are a few things you may want to know.
You will want to research the areas you plan to go and select your clothing accordingly. Cancun airport, for example, is often sweltering - so if you are traveling from the UK during winter, you may want to leave your coat at home rather than have to schlep it all over the countryside. However, if you plan to travel around in Oaxaca or in Guatemala, you will probably want to have a set of light clothes for the hot afternoons, and warm clothes for the chilly evenings. Always pack long-sleeved shirts and trousers for mosquito protection - the warm beach fronts are often some of the worst places for the bloodsuckers. Keep in mind that summer clothing and sandals are always easy to come by, so when in doubt, leave it out rather than over-pack. In the end, whatever you do pack, make sure it is comfortable. Most restaurants, even four-star ones, are casual about dress, so worrying about bringing any sort of formal wear is unnecessary.
Brides will have an easier time if tickets are issued in their maiden name to match their documents. For U.S. airport security purposes the name on the driver's license and the name on the ticket must match. Women traveling with tickets in their married name whose driver's license (or state issued ID) is in their married name, but who are using a birth certificate as proof of citizenship will be fine as long as the first name and date of birth on their driver's license and their birth certificate match. Natural U.S. Citizens born outside the United States may use a Certificate of Citizenship, a Report of Birth Abroad, a Consular Report of Birth (Form FS-240) or Certification of Birth (Form DS-1350 or FS-545).
U.S. Naturalization: If you claim citizenship through naturalization you may use your Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship or laminated Naturalization card. Note: Some airlines/charter companies may still accept the Notarized Affidavit of Citizenship or possibly a Voters Registration Card.
Canadian versions of the above documents are acceptable; notarized affidavits must be executed in Canada . The "Canadian Identification Card" is an acceptable proof of citizenship document as well.
Any person under 18 years of age is considered a minor for travel purposes. Very strict regulations govern international travel by minors into Mexico. Every minor must have a tourist card, proof of citizenship and sometimes other documents listed below.
EXCEPTION: Mexican children often have a stamp on their passports that reads, "El titular del presente pasaporte viaja de conformidad con El Articulo 421 del Codigo Civil Vigente." This allows the child to travel with only one parent and without a notarized statement.
Most foreign citizens traveling to Mexico from the U.S. need a valid passport and U.S. "Alien Registration" card only. Contact the airlines serving Mexico or the Mexican Consulate for more details or specific situations.
You will receive two forms to fill out before you can enter Mexico. These are normally distributed by the airlines either at the ticket counter or while in transit. I know every airline representative will appreciate this next tip: Bring a ball point pen, preferably black. Don't expect to borrow one. With more than 200 fellow passengers there are never enough to go around. The first form is your temporary visa. The form has recently changed and may not be exactly as shown here. They are in several languages, you'll need one per person. Familiarize yourself with this one to avoid embarrassing mistakes later. Upon arrival at the airport you will first go through Customs, which is a simple review of your documentation and warm greeting from the Mexican Government Official. These are nice people, really! Save the stamped copy of which you will receive to exit the country.
Your tourist card will be endorsed for a 30 day stay. If planning to stay more than a couple weeks, be sure to ask for the maximum entry of 180 days. Applying for a longer stay can be a hassle once in Mexico. Play it safe!
The second form is for Hacienda which sounds like a nice house to visit, but is actually the Customs and Taxation arm of the government. You will need one of these forms per family. After passing through Immigrations, go to the baggage area and collect your bags then proceed to the exit. Depending on your destination and size of the airport some of the following may differ. Hand the form to the Customs Agent and push the button on the 'traffic light'. Yes, that's right, a traffic light. It is set up to randomly turn green for Go or red for Stop and Inspect. I've never seen it turn yellow, but you may. If you do get a red light, they will kindly ask to see the contents of your bags. I don't think it need be said here, but I will: Don't be so foolish as to bring something illegal into Mexico. You know what I mean!
Your first stop is at Mexican Immigration (Migración) where proof of citizenship is inspected, and tourist cards are validated. DON'T LOSE YOUR TOURIST CARD!
Next stop is at Customs (Aduana). Mexico has instituted a European-style customs inspection system, with a twist. Here's the way it works:
You are allowed to bring in any of the following:
If you are driving into Mexico, check with your auto insurance carrier. Most companies exclude coverage in a foreign country. If you are involved in a traffic accident:
The travel industry designates several business seasons during the year, High, Swing or Low. If you are coming from the Northern Climes, you probably consider winter the only time to visit. However, persons from others areas of North America, Europe and including the Mexican nationals find the rest of the year equally enjoyable. They also find it quite a bit more affordable. Take advantage of these somewhat arbitrary dates and save yourself some money. The difference between a High Season vacation and a Swing or Low, may be as little as one day and it could save you hundreds of dollars. Other vacationers just prefer the country when there are fewer tourists.
You are allowed to enter free of duty any purchases with a combined value of up to USD $400.00 For Canada the amount is CD $500.00 IF travelers have been outside of Canada at least seven days. This allowance may be claimed every 30 days. With a verbal declaration a returning Canadian resident can claim duty-free entry for articles (excluding tobacco products or alcoholic beverages) that do not exceed a total value of CD $20.00 upon return from each trip of more than 24 hours. For the U.S. this limit does not include items listed on the Generalized System of Preferences List (G.S.P.), which are allowed in duty free.
Contact the U.S. Treasury Department for a detailed list (Dept. of the Treasury, U.S. Customs Service, Washington, D.C. 20229).
If you are planning on renting a car in Mexico, make sure you do your due diligence and make sure you shop around as car rental fees and conditions do vary from agency to agency. While it may be convenient to pick up your rental car directly at the airport of your arrival, oftentimes car rental companies conveniently stationed at the airport pay hefty rental fees to maintain a fleet at the airport's premises. Those fees are passed on to the renter. Check to see if there are nearby car rental agencies with better prices that also offer free shuttle services to their location. While car rental agencies located directly in the town or city of where you may be traveling may be even less expensive, you need to evaluate whether the savings counter balances the inconvenience not to mention bus or taxi fare of getting there in the first place. Make sure that if you do decide to rent a vehicle for your trip to Mexico that you make reservations prior to your departure, otherwise, you will not only risk paying last-minute surcharges but might also possibly end up with no card, period.
Hitting the byways in a foreign land might sound challenging to some, but to many its their favorite means of getting involved. Especially if you live in the southern reaches of the US, driving deep into Mexico is less than 48 hours away. Gasoline is available at stations throughout Mexico. It is sold in liters (3.78 liters = 1 gallon). Magna Sin (green pumps) is unleaded. Prices are about the same as in the U.S. Only cash is accepted and there is no self service (tips are customary for gasoline attendants). Most stations close by 10 PM.
The highway systems between major cities is modern and similar to the freeways further North. What makes them unique is their dependence on toll funding rather than taxation to pay the development cost. So, you should expect to 'pay as you go'. Have a hefty handful of small bills available so you'll encounter no problems with making change.
Auto insurance is a MUST, whether you are driving a rental car or your own. Don't expect your hometown agent to supply you with a policy that will be valid in Mexico. Most insurance companies explicitly exclude foreign countries from their coverage. If you have a question, contact your carrier. You will find insurance vendors on both sides of the border crossings. A better idea is to set up your insurance before you go. You might also find that it can be considerably cheaper to do it this way.
Major highways are patrolled by Los Angeles Verdes (Green Angels). These government-operated pickup trucks are driven by mechanics . To date, Mexico is the only country with this service. It's free, except for parts and gas!
Mexico has a vast inter-city bus system that offers inexpensive, timely and convenient transportation. There are two grades of buses: First Class, with air conditioning and possibly a TV, and a stewardess serving soft drinks and snacks. And Second Class- with no frills. As Second Class costs slightly less than First Class, we recommend you go with First Class.
Within the metropolitan centers buses offer the natives their primary means of transportation. For the tourist these can be a bit daunting at first, but when viewed with fun and adventure in mind, they can certainly add color and memories to your vacation.
Train travel can be safer and more enjoyable than a trip by bus, but considerably more expensive. As with bus service, we recommend you pay for the highest class of travel available. Primera Especial class is recommended for day trips and the top-of-the-line Pullman compartments for overnight travel. Pullman service offers sleeping compartments suitable for one (camarin) or two (alcoba). Each converts to a comfortable sitting room during the day.
Mexico's hotels range from luxury spas to rustic cabanas and giant resorts. Almost all hotels in the country are classified according to a stars and diamonds system and receive their rating from an organization known as the Calidad Mexicana Certificada. Standards range from five-star diamond, given to only the most exclusive hotels to one star which is given to hotels offering only the very basics.
Five-star diamond hotels feature large, impeccably decorated rooms that are fully serviced on a regular basis and a long list of on-site amenities that usually include spa treatments, watersports and a variety of bars and restaurants. Hotels of this caliber adhere to strict international standards. A good example of a five-star diamond rated hotel in Mexico would be the Ritz Carlton in Cancun. Expect to pay $300 plus for rooms in hotels given this rating.
Ritz Carlton in Cancun. Expect to pay $300 plus for rooms in hotels given this rating. Five-star hotels offer similar facilities to five-star diamond hotels but simply lack the additional extras. Linen may not be quite as luxurious and the mint may be missing from your pillow at night. Other factors that may decrease a hotel's rating from five-star diamond to five-star include set room service hours and fewer restaurants and bars. Hotels of this caliber are still pricey, although rates are usually closer to the $250 mark than anything else.
Four-star hotels are less luxuriant and more economical although they still offer incredibly high standards of service and good amenities. By comparison, two and three-star hotels only need to adhere to a minimum standard of service. You can rest assured in all cases that your room will be clean and comfortable and in the case of two and three star hotels also reasonably large and airy. Linen will be changed on a daily basis and your bathroom will be cleaned daily. Rooms in three and four-star hotels usually cost between $80 and $200, while rooms in two star hotels go for between $30 and $100 per room per day. When it comes to one-star hotels you can usually pick up a room for $35 per night or less. A good example of a one-star hotel would be the clean and friendly Hotel Carmelina in Isla Mujeres.
Factors that are known to increase room prices include sea views, air conditioning, twin beds and in the case of hotels situated right on the beachfront, what floor rooms are located on. Rooms located on the ground storey usually feature direct access to the beach via patios and are therefore more expensive. The best way to find and book hotels is online, as many offer discounts and special packages on their websites. Alternatively, you can usually dial the hotel directly and make a booking. This is usually more expensive, but carries the advantage of enabling you to enquire about discounts you are entitled to as a member of associations such as the AAA and frequent flyer clubs.
Real de Asientos, one of Mexico's famous "magic towns" in the state of Aguascalientes, awaits you with its wonderful colonial treasures, including stunning architecture and magnificent works of art whose history spans more than five centuries.
This extraordinary tour in Aguascalientes will give you peek into the art of bullfighting, a deep rooted tradition in this beautiful city of central Mexico.
Los Cabos (or the Capes) is a fascinating destination, where you will find an array of activities to carry out, you'll discover exotic landscapes, or why not do some shopping, and enjoy exquisite gourmet cuisine.
Come to explore La Paz, capital city of Baja California, a place where you will enjoy beautiful beaches, walk along its sea front built 20 years ago, or why not discover an interesting Museum of Music, a Serpentarium, and a Silver Mine called The Triumph.
We invite you to explore the famous archeological site of Edzna, full of stunning Mayan architectural treasures. The site is located 37 miles from the city of Campeche and 47 miles from the city of Champoton.
On this tour you can visit the forts of San José el Alto and Nuestra Señora de la Soledad, the Church of San Francisco and San Roman, the picturesque historic downtown, the Cathedral, the Museum of Weapons and the famous "Puerta de Tierra" (the old city's entrance gate).
You will discover natural formations like the "Christmas Tree", along with the wildlife that inhabits the canyon. Your journey will last around two hours, until you arrive at the Chicoasen Dam, a hydroelectric dam that generates electricity for almost a third of Mexico.
This tour allows you to discover the spectacular Palenque Archeological Site, named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO due to its immense historic and cultural richness. You can start this tour departing from San Cristobal de las Casas, also you can visit Agua Azul Cascades, a beautiful natural attraction. Apart from being astonished by the beautiful hues of blue in the water, here you will have the possibility to have breakfast and enjoy delicious regional dishes.
Take an adventure into a fascinating environment where you'll experience extraordinary views of the forest, the evergreen mountains and the immense cliffs. Embrace the culture of one of the most traditional ethnic groups of Mexico, the Tarahumara, on this unforgettable trip through the Copper Canyon.
Join us on the adventure of discovering the amazing Paquime ruins, a pre-Columbian city with important traces of an ancient culture. This fascinating site has been named a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO.
The valley of Cuatrociénegas, in central Coahuila, México has the greatest number of endemic species of any place in North America (Stein et al, 2000). With its high biodiversity and more than 70 endemic species, this approximately 1000 square km desert valley that lies about 270 km SSE of Big Bend National Park, Texas ranks near the Galapagos Islands in terms of the world's unique ecosystems.
It is ideal to go on these excursions guided by the local experts and on docile horses. If you are going on a short excursion, it is not necessary that you can ride. A quick theoretical chat with the guide will be enough for you to get used to the reins.
On this interesting tour, visit the capital of the state of Colima and all the main attractions. See important buildings and landmarks, such as the Ave Maria Cathedral, (Hail Mary Cathedral), City Hall, and all the museums in town
Located on Mexico's east coast, Manzanillo is one of the country's most important ports. It is a vibrant town with lots of things to do and see. Your first stop on this tour should be the lookout point, called "El Mirador de Las Hadas", in the Santiago Peninsula. It's a really great spot to photograph some of the most striking panoramic views of Manzanillo Bay.
Spend pleasant moments knowing a little more about Mexican culture and history with this tour, which includes the main points of the historic center of the city of Durango. During this excursion, you will visit the Catedral Basilica Menor, one of the most beautiful architectural works in northern Mexico, with its baroque style and rich iconography, and the Ricardo Castro Theater, carved in stone and main cultural and artistic site in Durango.
During this tour you will visit the Ojuela Bridge, an engineering marvel designed by Santiago Minguin. A bridge that later served as a model for the construction of the Golden Gate of San Francisco. It is located near the town of Mapimí and is made of wood and steel. It measures 318 meters long and connects a ghost town to an abandoned mine.
It was a natural lake formation within the Valley of Mexico. The Aztecs built the city of Tenochtitlan on an island in the lake. The Spaniards built Mexico City over Tenochtitlan. Efforts to control flooding led to most of the lake being drained, leaving a much smaller Lake Texcoco west of the city, surrounded by salt marsh.
Valle de Bravo is a picturesque town located in the southeastern part of Toluca. It's the perfect place for a weekend getaway since it's relatively close to Mexico City, only 100 miles away.
Explore the charming city of Guanajuato on a marvelous guided tour of the most interesting attractions. Known for its beautiful colonial architecture, Guanajuato captivates visitors with its lovely cobblestone streets and old legends that will definitely capture your imagination. On this tour, you'll visit the Museum of the Mummies, home to 150 years of history.
When visiting Guanajuato you have to attend one of the classic Callejoneadas, which are tours through the picturesque streets and alleyways of the city. On these witty tours you'll be accompanied by musical groups called Estudiantinas, who liven up the nights with their youthful charm.
We'll take you to explore the most picturesque and traditional areas in downtown Acapulco, with the opportunity of enjoying a city tour and the world-famous divers of La Quebrada spectacle, or the alternative of this stroll but visiting the San Diego Fort. This attraction starts, in both services, at the Main Street and heartbeat of Acapulco: the Costera Miguel Aleman Avenue that is Acapulco's tourist corridor, where you'll find an array of colorful restaurants, bars and handicraft
Mexican Pacific Coast is renowned as a privileged spot for practicing sport fishing and a paradise for fishing lovers. During all year you will find magnificent species such as: Sailfish, Wahoo, Roosterfish, Pacific Blue Marlin, Black Marlin, Yellow Fin Tuna, and Barracuda.
This handsome, sprawling cultural center is an oasis of calm at Pachuca's bustling heart. Formerly the Convento de San Francisco, the complex includes two museums and a gallery, a theater, a library and several lovely plazas. It's worth looking into the impressive Parroquia de San Francisco as well.
An easy and very lovely day trip from Pachuca takes you to the charming, old mining village Mineral del Chico, located inside El Chico National Park - a reserve since 1898. The views are wonderful, the air is fresh and the mountains have some great hiking, espectacular rock formations and beautiful waterfalls, making this a popular weekend retreat.
The very special blue agave plant is an important product that is grown in the State of Jalisco, used as the base ingredient of tequila, a renowned Mexican drink. All of the landscapes and villages form a part of a World Heritage site, added to the list by the UNESCO in 2006.
Caletas is considered one of the most beautiful places in Puerto Vallarta, a natural tropical getaway only accessible by sea surrounded by lush jungle and spectacular secluded virgin beaches, representing truly natural paradises of unique beauty.
Come to enjoy and admire the most beautiful folkloric show in Mexico City, with more than 40 years of prestige and success: the Mexican Folkloric Ballet. This spectacular show recreates Mexican culture and essences as well as different classic and modern dancing techniques.
Mexico City is a dynamic, cosmopolitan metropolis and the most ancient in the Americas. It is surrounded by the volcanoes Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl and features 2 areas declared World Heritage Sites by the UNESCO: the Historic Center and the Xochimilco Ecological Park.
Morelia is one of the most important and beautiful cities in Mexico because of its invaluable cultural and historical heritage. It is considered the ideological birthplace of the Independence movement and hosts important cultural events, like the Morelia International Film Festival. The historic centre is declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Visit the second largest city of the state of Michoacan, Uruapan. Explore the cultural and natural attractions of the Purepecha plateau. The tour starts at the Barranca del Cupatitzio National Park, also known as Eduardo Ruiz Park. We will visit the Devil's Knee, where the Cupatitzio River springs from the ground. As the river flows through the park, it forms a series of fountains and waterfalls until it reaches the ravine and the impressive cascade of Tzaráracua
capital of the State of Morelos, Mexico. Located only 45 minutes from Mexico City, it's known as "The City of Eternal Spring" for its excellent climate, with an annual average of 68ºF. We invite you to explore the city's historic center, full of culture, beautiful traditional Mexican architecture and restaurants offering delicious regional dishes. The Palace of Cortes, the Borda Gardens, the Robert Brady Museum and the beautiful Cathedral are places worth
Come visit the ruins of the ancient city of Xochicalco, which means "in the place of the house of flowers" in the Nahuatl language. Xochicalco was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and is located about 24 miles southwest of the city of Cuernavaca. Don't miss out on this unique journey of discovery through the ancient ruins!
The small and colorful City of Palm Trees preserves, as many other Mexican cities, the colonial central plaza with the most important historical buildings as Catedral de la Purísima Concepción, Palacio de Gobierno and Palacio Municipal located around the Plaza de Armas. Beautiful parks like Juan Escutia, Alameda and Loma are the ideal place for enjoying a sunny day surrounded by jacaranda, ash trees, pines and of course, palm trees.
The Islas Marías ("Mary Islands") are an archipelago of four islands that belong to Mexico. They are located in the Pacific Ocean, some 100 km (60 miles) off the coast of the state of Nayarit. They are part of the municipality (municipio) of San Blas, Nayarit. As of 2006, the islands are still being used as a penal colony, containing the Islas Marias Federal Prison.
On your next trip to Monterrey don't miss the opportunity of visiting the Cola de Caballo Park, a beautiful place where you can explore walking, and where you will admire the incredible cascades falling from the Oriental Sierra Madre, located at Villa de Santiago. They receive their name for being similar to a ponytail and it is possible to observe this very impressive waterfall from the viewpoints situated inside the park.
The first stage of this adventure consists of a visit to Boca de Potrerillos, the natural pass to the Potrerillos Canyon. It is flanked by two mountainous formations, on the walls of which you'll find thousands of petroglyphs of animals, plants, human figures and other symbols, presumably drawn by the ancient inhabitants of the area.
Come to the city of Oaxaca and get immersed in its culture, which is among the most beautiful in all of Mexico. This tour will take you to important places of the city, starting and ending in your own hotel so take advantage of every minute or your trip. You will access the Museo de las Culturas (Culture Museum), which has interesting show rooms, such as the archaeological, the ethnic and the religious art, all of which are a true pleasure to admire, especially with the explanation of a guide.
Your journey begins with a visit to the legendary tree known as Tule, which is a giant cypress with a diameter of 45 feet. This tree, with its enormous trunk, has the record of being the widest in the world.
This attractive guided tour offers two options to explore the city of Puebla. During the first option you will visit the magnificent historic center of Puebla, where you can admire the cathedral with its spectacular Baroque architecture, the beautiful buildings of Rosario's Chapel and the city hall, along with the Candy Street (Calle de los Dulces), the Sapos and Artist neighborhoods, as well as the picturesque El Parian Handicrafts Market.
This is a tour that explores several places to learn and to admire more about the beauties and attractions in the state of Puebla. The Cholula, Puebla and Talavera Factory offers two options, depending on your interests.
If you enjoy learning about the history of the destinations you visit, then this is a great opportunity for you to see some of the historical sites of Queretaro, the city where the fight for Mexican Independence began.
Night of Legends is a tour where you will visit six wonderful old mansions. Through interesting narratives, you will hear some of the most frightful legends of these enigmatic mansions, located in the colonial city of Queretaro.
Known as "nature's sacred paradise", Xcaret is one of the world's most famous eco-archaeological parks. Here, you will find archaeological ruins, a dolphin show, horses, a farm with tropical birds, butterflies, bat caves and a stunning beach.
Enjoy a fantastic day at one of Cozumel's top attractions, Grand Beach Park, where you can enjoy a host of water activities and convenient services for a fun-filled day.
A lot of people come to Real de Catorce for health reasons. At almost 9,000 feet (2,700 m) the city is an excellent training ground for bicyclists and runners. Real de Catorce was named a "Magic Town" in 2001. Several major commercial motion pictures have been filmed in Real including Bandidas (featuring Salma Hayek and Penelope Cruz), The Mexican (featuring Brad Pitt and Julia Roberts), and some scenes of The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (featuring Humphrey Bogart).
From the town of Tanchanchin, the Tamul Waterfall is about two hours by boat. With a 105-meter (344-foot) drop, it is the highest waterfall in the state of San Luis Potosi and one of the most beautiful in Mexico, for its height and its famously crystalline torquoise water. Formed by the waters of the Gallinas River at its confluence with the Tampaon, Tamul Falls cascade into the Tampaon River.
Mazatlán is renowned between fishermen as one of the biggest fish trap in the world, as it is located where the Pacific Ocean meets with the Sea of Cortez and water temperatures as well as currents bring swordfish, marlin, flying fish and tuna all year long, creating an impressive fish bank.
El Quelite is one of those beautiful Mexican towns where it feels like you've gone back in time. This peaceful place, located only 25 miles from downtown Mazatlan, maintains its traditional charm. The first thing you'll notice when you arrive to El Quelite are its colorful colonial-style houses with red roof tiles.
Rocky Point is a newly-discovered paradise for tourists to Sonora. During the early 1930′s, it became known as a refuge of fishermen and people seeking adventure. The beauty of this place is unique. Its solid rock formation of volcanic origin (La Choya) has become the symbol of locals. Rocky Point has an average temperature of 35° C in the summer and 18°C during the winter, making it the perfect spot to enjoy the sea, sun, beaches, bays and inlets.
Guaymas holds one of Mexico's major Carnival celebrations, and is one of the oldest in the country. The annual event begins on the Thursday before Ash Wednesday and ends at the stroke midnight of the beginning of Lent. Events are held in several locations with a number of events, such as the yearly parade, extending over multiple days.
Real de Asientos, one of Mexico's famous "magic towns" in the state of Aguascalientes, awaits you with its wonderful colonial treasures, including stunning architecture and magnificent works of art whose history spans more than five centuries.
TIf you wish to take a closer look at the Mayan culture and explore the lush jungle of Chiapas, the Palenque and Agua Azul Waterfalls tour is an adventure that cannot be missed. This tour allows you to discover the spectacular Palenque Archeological Site, named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO due to its immense historic and cultural richness.
Is the main city in the Mexican state of Tamaulipas. It is the nation's chief economic powerhouse on the Gulf of Mexico. Economic development during the 1920s made the city a pioneer in the aviation and soda industries. Oil is the chief export, but the city also is a major exporter of silver, copper, and lumber, together with wool, hemp, and other agricultural products.
There are still a few beaches in the Gulf of Mexico where you can find a lot of well-preserved shells, this tour takes you to that place. After the way by road, a small boat ride takes you directly to the site. This journey to collect shells will be rewarded with a typical Mexican food served on the beach.
The site is fully covered by a metal structure, which has protected its impressive murals, keeping them in a very good condition. These murals represent rich pre-Hispanic cultural. In addition, the Museum of Cacaxtla has an interesting collection of pottery, clay, bone and obsidian pieces, as well as reproductions of the structures and interpretations of the murals.
Learn some interesting facts about the history and the wonders of this well preserved archaeological site. Tlaxcala was the main settlement of the Olmec civilization around the years 650 and 900. Recent studies, however, suggest that the city was founded in the year 300 B.C.
Discover the beauty of the Port of Veracruz with this exciting tour that fuses history, culture, natural attractions and colonial buildings. The activity starts in San Juan de Ulua, one of the greatest, most antique forts in the Americas.
This stunning archaeological site has a contemporary museum and it is surrounded by lush tropical landscape joined to a delicious vanilla aroma coming from the vanilla's trees. Enjoy the fabulous "Voladores de Papantla" (the Flyers of Papantla), a traditional dance where the "flyers", wearing brightly colored traditional clothing, tie a rope around their waists or ankles and from the top of a tall post, rhythmically descend in slow circles to the ground.
If you want to explore the Mayan World, the Puuc Route is a "must" in case you visit Yucatan. Add an incredible touch of culture, adventure and Mexican flavor to your vacation. During your stay in Cancun or the Riviera Maya, take some time to visit one of the most amazing archeological sites in Mexico: Chichen Itza.
Uxmal, the city that has been built three times, lies majestic surrounded by nature, witness of the Mayan's lifestyle at its peak. It is 38 miles away from Merida and it is considered one of the most representative Mayan site in the Puuc area, name given to describe the architectural style of the region.
Visit the most popular attractions in Zacatecas when you join this wonderful tour. You'll get to visit the chapel of the Patrocinio Virgin and the "Cerro de la Bufa", where you can learn some interesting facts about the Mexican Revolution.
If you love archaeological sites, you'll want to take this opportunity to visit La Quemada, which was once a strategic economical and cultural trading site of Mesoamerica. La Quemada features various architectural structures that you can admire and learn about as you study the history of the site. This archaeological site also features an interactive museum.
Take advantage of this fantastic opportunity to see the Sea of Cortez merge with the Pacific Ocean, with the famous Arch of Los Cabos and a colony of sea lions providing a memorable backdrop.
Naturally, the Beaches are the biggest draw in Cancun with their soft, white sand and their warm, brilliant turquoise blue water.
Puerto Vallarta offers without doubt a number of attractions, we can find from tours, cultural landmarks, to beautiful beaches throughout the Banderas Bay, that the visitors can enjoy.
It is a friendly place where tourists and locals can have a good time together. As soon as you go inside, you feel that you were taken back to the '80s.
The nightlife in Cancún is active and loud. You'll find discos and bars with all types of music. Most have an all you can drink cover charge. In Cancun, things get going after 10:30pm and often stay rockin' until sunrise, so be prepared to have the time of your life!
As the sun goes down, Acapulco's nights come alive. Acapulco's nightlife is legendary, with an endless array of clubs, bars and discotheques for all music preferences and for all ages you will never have the time of visiting them all.
Mexico City's nightlife is as lively and varied as everything else the city has to offer. All tastes are catered for, from gentle supper clubs with floorshows and loud, brash nightclubs to ritzy piano bars, rustic antros (or disco-bars) and bars specializing in traditional Mexican music.
Monterrey nightlife is lively, plentiful and features a lot diversity that should satisfy the desires of the most seasoned fun seekers.
Sitting in bathtub warm water in the middle of the desert looking at the surrounding mountains under a deep blue sky is a delightful experience. We are in the Cuatro Ciénegas Nature Preserve just outside the town of Cuatro Ciénegas, northwest of Monclova in the state of Coahuila.
The volcanoes in Puebla's surrounding areas provide the perfect settings for mountain climbing. Once you've climbed to the top of these mountains, your perspective of the city will never be the same. During the climb, you can breathe fresh air and enjoy excellent lodging facilities surrounded by beautiful trees and ravines..
Within its green areas can be found grills for a picnic. There are viewpoints with amazing views to the forest and the lake. The heart of the park is its impressive and beautiful waterfall, which by its form and drop gave the impression of observing a white, large and abundant horse tail.
A desert whose immensity borders mountains that look like craters, where an abundance of aereolites are scattered around it, just like the memory of a test missile that fell in its arid territory, make the mysterious Zone of Silence in the north of Mexico a sidereal scene.
Mexico's beautiful handicrafts and folk art are the result of skill and knowledge that have been passed down through generations. Many visitors to Mexico end up with bags twice as heavy on their return trip because they just couldn't resist the temptation to purchase lots of handicrafts!n
The modern section of the city offers an excellent selection of stores where the visitor can find a great variety of clothing, footwear, accessories and gifts: a virtual shopper's paradise. This is a city with all the services available to satisfy even the most demanding visitor.
Monterrey shopping features modern commercial centers, crowded by locals that wish to buy the most fashionable item, handcrafts brought from all regions of Mexico, or furnishings for their houses, clear indicators of the area's prosperous economy and the people's strong purchasing power.
If shopping is your favorite pastime then Mexico City will be a paradise for you. Enormous shopping malls, such as Centro Santa Fe, Perisur, Pabellon Polanco and Interlomas, are considered some of the best in the world. Each has clothing stores, department stores, coffee shops, furniture stores and bookstores.
Most people who travel to Mexico have a wonderful time and don't encounter any problems. However, as in other tourist destinations throughout the world, crime is a fact of life, and as a tourist you may be targeted for theft. In order to increase your chances of having a safe and pleasant vacation, follow these tips for Mexico travel safety.
In Mexico City you should avoid hailing cabs in the street. Ask your hotel to call a cab for you. They will take note of the number of the taxi and the driver's name. At the airport and bus stations in Mexico City and other major cities there are official taxis (Taxis Autorizados) that you should take.
MasterCard, Visa and American Express cards are generally accepted by businesses catering to tourists, such as car rental agencies, airlines, some bus lines and higher-end hotels, shops and restaurants. (Credit companies add a surcharge of around 5% for foreign transactions.) At humbler establishments you'll need pesos to make purchases.
Note: The $1,000 and $500 notes can be difficult to change and are sometimes not accepted.
Local currency and foreign currency may be imported and exported up to the equivalent of US$10,000; larger amounts must be declared.
ATMs and credit cards mean traveller's checks are less necessary as a means of carrying money than they used to be and not necessarily recommended. However, traveller's cheques issued by well-known brands can be cashed in exchange houses. Traveller's cheques in Pounds Sterling and Euros are now as readily accepted as those in US Dollars.
The only hard & fast rule about tipping is that there is no hard & fast rule. You shouldn't feel obligated to tip in every circumstance or to always tip a certain amount. Tipping is common in the United States, it is almost second-nature... In some European countries, it is not so common or customary to tip people for services. In Mexico, not only is tipping customary, it is expected in return for a good service rendered. Most people working in the tourism / service sectors in Mexico rely on your tips to supplement their basic pay (which sometimes may only be $5 or $10 a day) and they give good service to prove that it makes a significant difference to them! Remember that the term "tip" means to ensure prompt service.
Whether you're snorkeling in Cozumel or horseback riding on one of Mexico's sublime beaches, you should make sure you can use your cell phone in an emergency.
