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An image of Chichen Itza.

Mexico -Leisure (AL 1 - 10) A 7 day all-inclusive resort stay in Gulf of Mexico.

 

 

A sense of Mexico

Mexico is known for its white sand, turquoise waters, pleasant and warm weather, Mayan architecture and Mexican cuisine.

It is not uncommon to associate Mexico with drug cartels, gang wars, tourist traps and deaths, and so on, however as a traveller, you can exercise caution and avoid those areas. Always check the travel advisories (USA Mexican Advisory) before travelling to a new destination. Mexico is a huge country and there are variations in terms of weather, things to see, risks, and other health concerns. Mexico City is the capital of Mexico and it is one of the most densely populated areas in the country.

Guided tours are the recommended option to consider if you wish to explore the remote areas and if you are visiting Mexico for the first time.

Our observations and tips from our trips to Mexico

  • December – April  is the best time to visit Mexico, with little to no rain, giving perfect beach weather. Late May/June – November is their Hurricane season, with lots of rain and also very hot temperatures.

  • Travel between the U.S. and Mexico is easy and affordable. Mexico offers exemptions visas to 65 countries (this includes citizens of the USA, UK, Ireland and Canada). Their Electronic Authorisation System (EAS) is an online system, which allows citizens of the eligible countries travelling by air to obtain an electronic authorisation to travel to Mexico for tourism,  business purposes or transit  without a consular visa and it is valid for 30 days.

  • Mexico uses 110 volts voltage electrical power supply. Their charging plugs are the US and Canada style – 2 flat pin plug type.

  • The currency of Mexico is the Mexican Pesos, although, US Dollars are widely accepted in their resorts, tour agencies, restaurants, etc. ATM machines are available in most locations. Credit cards are accepted in stores, hotels, bars, and restaurants.

  • In the Riviera Maya resorts of Cancun (tourist zones) do not expect to save a lot of money if you are planning to make purchases or hit fine dining places. Our recommendation is to book an all-inclusive resort with airport transfers and meals all included. You save on food and most restaurants on-site provide Mexican and international cuisines. This is not a super budget option – but a common way to vacation in Mexico – with great accommodation, unlimited food, and access to a pool and private beach.

  • Mexicans speak Spanish and you will find it useful if you learn a few words/phrases to communicate with them. In resort areas, you’ll find most people speak some English, but you might encounter people in certain areas with no English.

  • Organised tour operators and hosts will ensure they pick up and drop off from your resort or hotel to sightseeing areas, making exploration safe, affordable and timely.

  • You cannot drink Mexican water. Avoid drinking tap water in Mexico in any area. Restaurants in Mexico, especially in high tourist zones like Cancun, Mexico City, or Riviera Maya, will offer bottled water or filtered water.

  • To and from airports, it is wise to book airport transfers that work out safer and cheaper when travelling.

  • With regards to Zika virus, Mexico is currently listed at alert level 2 which means that travellers should practice enhanced mosquito-bite precautions, particularly at-risk groups like pregnant women or couples planning a pregnancy

  • Most Latin and Central American dishes are hot and spicy. You can also easily find baked goods in most hotels and resorts in Mexico that are a good alternative if you want to steer clear of spices, oil, salsa and tacos.

  • Indigenous Mexicans are small in height. Even a small European will feel tall in comparison.

A vacation visiting the tourist attractions of Yucatan,  Mexico.

 

Link to still image montage of Mexico visit:-

To view the video select:-   https://youtu.be/3p7DS6-x3fE

 

Link to short Instagram Mexican video:-

To view the video select:- https://www.instagram.com/p/CIwHtq-lBv4/

An image of Le Blanc beach.

Mexico

We have visited Mexico three times over the last 10 year period.

The most popular areas in Mexico due to massive coastline, beaches, and great resorts are found on the corridor from Cancun to Tulum also called the Rivera Maya – it is located on the Yucatan. Here are some of the places to visit in the Yucatan area.

  • Mayan Ruins in Yucatan – Chichen Itza, Coba, Ek Balam.

  • Playa del Carmen – One of the most popular holiday options in Mexico. Playa del Carmen is a safe traveller’s paradise, close to the ruins, great all-inclusive resorts, fine dining, and shopping. Playa Del Carmen is Cancun’s little sister and while it’s still quite westernised it’s worth stopping there for a few good nights out, some great shopping. We stayed in The Royal Hotel.

  • Tulum – Mexican tourist organisations are slowly welcoming tourists to visit Tulum for a Mexico vacation rather than just visiting the ruins.

  • Merida – The largest city in the Yucatan. You can also take a day trip to Merida from Playa del Carmen.

  • Cancun – The most popular holiday location in Mexico. While here we stayed in Le Blanc resort, which is a beautiful adults only beach front resort. On our second family vacation we stayed in the Occidental Tuscancun Hotel.

 

Sense of Mexico

The official currency of Mexico is the Pesos, however, the US dollar is also welcomed.

Mexico is often in the news headlines for drug-related violence. However, what many people don’t realise is that the majority of violence occurs far from where travellers visit.

We found that in Mexico, when they say *The locals are very friendly’, it isn’t just tourism propaganda - it’s the truth.

 

Recommendations for Mexico

There is no language barrier, if you speak only English. All the younger generation and the majority of older people can converse quite happily in English. So it lends itself to undertaking trips that can be self-guided tours, however, organised tours are the safest option.

Things to do:-

  • Chichen Itza, one of the best places to visit in Cancun is a large Mayan UNESCO world heritage archaeological site. As the political and economic epicentre of the Maya lowlands, Chichen Itza contains the preserved ruins of temples, pyramids, and stone buildings with over 1,000 years in history. The highlight of the site is El Castillo, a 98-foot tall pyramid that was once used as a temple.. It is also one of the modern seven wonders of the world. Here you will find the Temple Of Warriors, Grand Ball Court from El Castillo, Venus Platform, Kukulcan pyramid almost 100 feet high, and the El Caracol observatory.

  • Travel 700 years back in time and visit the rocky ruins of Tulum. Located just a two-hour drive from Cancun, the Tulum Ruins sit on the edge of the coast in Tulum – one of Mexico’s most famous port cities. Tulum is located only 90 minutes from Cancun  and offers cenotes (natural pools set in limestone caves), well-preserved ruins, and amazing beaches. If you are a good swimmer, scuba diver or snorkeller you will enjoy your visit to the cenotes. As you descend into the cave, you’ll be submerged in an emerald green pool surrounding by lush ivy and limestone cliffs. Luckily, Cancun and the surrounding Yucatan are scattered with dozens of these magical cenotes and there are over 6000 cenotes throughout Mexico.

  • Xcaret Park is a theme park and spending time here is one of the best things to do in Cancun with kids. It is located in Riviera Maya. It is a perfect place for snorkelling or if you want to swim with dolphins this is the place for you. It is located 45 miles from Cancun International airport. Xcaret has a lot to offer, be it, Jaguar island or coral reef aquarium, Mesoamerican ball game. You can also explore underground rivers or take an equestrian tour. The park also has spas and restaurants.

  • Cancun boasts MUSA, the “underwater museum”. It lies 20 feet below the ocean’s surface . There are over five hundred incredible sculptures positioned on the seabed. You can go snorkelling, diving or see them through a glass-bottomed boat.

  • Located south of Cancun, Akumal is known for its pristine beaches and sea turtles. Akumal Bay is teeming with friendly turtles, and the protected, shallow waters make it an ideal spot for swimming with them.

 

 

Our must see recommendation for a trip to Mexico:-

(1) Our visit to Chichen Itza was one of the highlights of our entire Mexican trip. 

(2) Our second choice would be a visit to any of its white sand beaches to experience the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico. A most memorable event was releasing baby turtles into the sea at sunset while staying in Le Blanc.

(3) Our third choice would be our interactions with the Mexican people we met on our travels. 

 

 

“You should travel away from home, to really appreciate the value of what you have at home, on your return.”

 

“Happiness is found in the journey and rarely in the destination, alone.”

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