Itineraries in Mexico

Planning a trip to Mexico ?

Mexico has been becoming more and more popular for a few years … but still has hidden gems for you to discover.

Nature, parties and festivals, the country of Guacamole has many différents aspects to discover … And the best way to do so is to go see it for yourself !  The country has a very diverse culture, a beautiful heritage, many Maya monuments as well as an rich wildlife and flora. The Mexican landscape perfectly blends forests, waterfalls and endless beaches.
Dive deep into Mexican history, sombrero on your head, and go explore the many archeological Aztec sites. Don’t forget to take the time to relax and sunbath on a beach and be sure to taste the delicious authentic Mexican food.

Ready for adventure ? Let’s go !

What to see in Mexico ?

What to do in Mexico ?

Live the Mexican way of life

• Cancún is not only a place to relax and unwind. There is also an outstanding underwater museum called MUSA where you will discover hundreds of sculptures.
• Explore Cañón del Sumidero National Park on a motor boat.
• Admire the largest archeological site of Mexico, Teotihuacan.
• Relax on one of the most beautiful beaches in Tulum.
• Observe sea lions and other wild animals in La Paz.
• Have some traditional Mexican food in the streets of Mexico City.

But wait for it … Mexicans also know how to celebrate !

There are many national holidays and festivals all year long :

• In January celebrate the Three Kings day and give children gifts (kind of a second Christmas, lucky aren’t they ?).
• February is full of celebrations : el Dia de la Candelaria, the beginning of the  Carnaval, grey whale observation.
• Meet famous movie stars at the Mexico International Film Festival during the month of March.
• During this same month, take part in the American Spring Break and party all day long !
• In April, religion is key during : la Semana Santa.
• Experience local traditions during the May ferias, across the whole country.
• Go surfing on some of the most beautiful surf spots in June.
• Mexican summer = music festivals … and rain.
• In Mexico, celebrate Independence Day on the 16th of September.
• In October is celebrated a key event : la Feria del Café y del Huipil.
• In November, be sure to celebrate the Day of the Dead. Mexicans traditionally celebrate their deceased loved ones.
• On the 24th of December, go to a midnight mass and celebrate Christmas.

Languages in Mexico

We speak Mexican !

Well not really, because you know … Mexican is not a language ! But Spanish is, so for thés who took Spanish in high school it’s finally time to put it to use !

But if you skipped Spanish classes or took french, don’t worry English is also widely spoken.

Spanish 101 : 

• Hello : Buenos días/Buenas noches/Holá (In the morning/In the afternoon/Hi)
• Goodbye : Adiós
• Please : Por favor
• Thank you : Gracias
• Sorry : Lo siento/Perdón/Disculpa
• Yes : Sí
• No : No

Official currency in Mexico

Money, money, money

The official currency is the Mexican Peso (MXN). Better get a money converter on your phone so you can manage your expenses more easily.

If you need to exchange some money, you will find many exchange offices in big cities. You can also exchange your money in Mexican banks. Credit/debit card are not usually accepted, so be sure to have cash at all times.
Be sure to warn your bank that you are traveling so that they won’t block your card for suspect abroad transactions.

Traveling in Mexico

Is the steering wheel on the left or right ?

You could rent a car to get around Mexico and have more independence but using the bus is highly recommended.
If you want to rent a car, you will need to be at least 21 years old and have had your diver’s licence for over a year. You will be asked to show a valid diver’s licence, passport and credit/debit card.
If you are younger than 25 years old, some companies might make you pay a “young driver” ‘s fee.

If you were wondering what side the steering wheel is on, it’s on the left side and Mexican drive on the right side of the road. Be careful when driving, Mexicans are not known for being the best drivers.

Overall cost of a trip to Mexico

Thanks for all the information but how much will this actually cost ?

Transportation

• Flights : 3 Mexican airlines have domestic flights, Aeromexico, Mexicana et Aviacsa (from 1145 to 3440 MXN).
• Busses : ticket prices fluctuate. They start at 9 MXN / km.
• Car rentals : start at 530 MXN/day with unlimited mileage, basic insurance and taxes.
• Gas is around 17 MXN/liter.

Accommodation

• On average, expect around 690 MXN/night, depending on when you are going (peak/low season).

Eating

• Expect around 90 MXN for an cheaper meal and between 230 and 345 MXN for an average meal. A soda is on average 4.5 MXN and water 8 MXN.

If you plan on staying longer than 6 months, you will need a VISA. They start at 3050 MXN.

Useful contact information in Mexico

If you need to join / go to you embassy while in Mexico, go to this website for the address, phone number, email address  and website : https://embassy.goabroad.com/embassies-in/mexico

In case of emergency, call : 108 (firefighters, police, medical assistance)

Book your trip to Mexico

Here are different platforms to book your trip from.

Flights

• https://aeromexico.com/fr-fr

Busses

• http://www.etn.com.mx/
• http://www.estrellablanca.com.mx/
• http://www.primeraplus.com.mx/

Car rentals :

https://www.Hertz.com

Practical information in Mexico

Tips to travelers

• Always keep your passport and FMM form on you in case you need to prove you are allowed to be in Mexico.
• During rain season, wear long sleeved shirts and pants or you could get eaten up by mosquitos.
• Beware of sunburns, always apply sunscreen !
• It is advised not to eat citrus or seafood if you are not sure how they were prepared.
• Do not drink tap water, always drink bottled water.