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travel-blog-incitysearch · 3 years

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Mexico

Mexico is a colorful mix of Spanish, Indian and Caribbean cultures. Rest on the best beaches of Cancun and Riviera Maya, ancient monuments of mysterious civilizations and diving on the island of Cozumel, tequila, good food and fiery disco - all about Mexico: tours, prices, hotels. Imagine standing in a tropical rainforest, watching the Mayan hieroglyphs on the walls of the Palenque temples to the cries of colorful parrots. Or paddling out into the surf with your surfboard, the surf lapping great turquoise waves and the bright white beaches behind you. Or scuba dive into an underwater cave surrounded by fish, as if painted in bright gouache. Or you can dance till sunrise and fall in the world's best discos Acapulco! And in between - try to try at least part of the 300 local varieties of tequila - and without all the fancy salt and limes, but as the hardcore Mexican farmers - with tomato juice, generously seasoned with chilies. Which, in case the pepper isn't enough - snack on any of the local treats that make your mouth burn. That's what Mexico is all about - the colors, the other sensations and tastes here are remarkable, juicy, pure, just enough time to enjoy. Perhaps the only drawback of tours to Mexico - a long flight. Otherwise, the country is perfect.

Resorts and Regions of Mexico

Photo by nextvoyage on Pixabay The capital, Mexico City, is one of the largest cities in the world, surrounded by volcanoes and impregnable mountains. The old Aztec city, once a beauty on the ground, wiped out by Spanish colonizers, but the ruins of Tenochtitlan and the halls of Templo Mayor still hold secrets covered with the dust of centuries. The modern center of Mexico City is the baroque Plaza de la Constitución, Alameda Park, Paseo de la Reforma Avenue, Garibaldi Square and other spectacular locations. But the outskirts of Mexico City, especially the infamous Tepito neighborhood, are not the best place for idle strolls. Guadalajara, which is second in size only to the capital, is called the "City of Roses" for its abundance of beautiful gardens and parks. That's why the canons of mariachi music, Mexico's main sound symbol, were born here. Sightseeing is concentrated in the Center, expensive hotels and restaurants are in the western neighborhoods, and the most unique souvenir shops are in the suburbs of Tlaquepaque and Tonala. Monterrey - a big economic center, which imitates the U.S.: live here not poorly, modern craftsmanship is valued more than ethnicity. Colorful Spanish architecture can be admired only in the fashionable Pink Territory, but the surrounding nature - mountains, deserts and canyons - above all praise. Puebla huddles between four volcanoes, the highest of which reaches 5747 m. Impressive cathedrals, museums, markets - there is plenty to see in the UNESCO-protected city. Merida is the heart of the Yucatan Peninsula, the starting point of fascinating trips to ancient Mayan cities and the shores of the Gulf of Mexico. The most popular resorts on the Caribbean coast are Cancun with gorgeous beaches, shopping centers and spa centers, and the Riviera Maya with perfect conditions for home holidays. On the Pacific coast tourists are attracted by bustling Acapulco with nightclubs, restaurants and casinos, elite Los Cabos with unsurpassed opportunities for outdoor activities, and comfortable Puerto Vallarta with developed authentic building and beach infrastructure.

Climate

The climate is subtropical in the north and tropical in the south. In the resort coastal areas (Acapulco, Cancun) the temperature is +26 ° C in winter and +35 ° C in summer. The country distinguishes between dry (November-April) and wet (June-September) seasons, which differ not by temperature but by the amount of precipitation and especially by humidity. August through early October is considered a time when hurricanes are likely to strike. Also, Mexico is characterized by high altitude temperature differences: while on the coast of the summer heat, in the highland towns of Maya is very cool - about +15 ° C. In addition, the country is sometimes shaken by hurricanes, their impact is more susceptible to the Caribbean coast.

Customs and Visa

It is possible to get an electronic Mexican visa. To do this you need to fill out a special form on the website of the National University of Migration and pick up a document with a unique code that must be printed out and give the company, taking a ticket for a flight to Mexico. Medical insurance is not required at the border crossing, but you do not need to fly into the country without it. Importation of foreign currency is not limited (declaration required), export and import of local currency - no more than 5000 MXN. When entering Mexico, you must fill out a customs declaration form, which lists all the necessary items brought into the country. For personal use can bring no more than 400 cigarettes or 25 cigars or 200 grams of tobacco, 3 liters of spirits or wine, one camera, one camera and gifts not exceeding 300 USD. Prices on the page are for October 2018. Medications must be accompanied by medical records or prescriptions verifying their necessity. Pets need a veterinary certificate of international example, drawn up a maximum of 5 days before arrival in Mexico, dogs and cats - also documents on vaccination against rabies. Importation of fruits, vegetables and products from them, plants, cuttings and seeds, flowers, meat products, pornographic editions and psychotropic substances is forbidden. Local currency in the equivalent of more than 10,000 USD, antiques, precious metals, archaeological treasures, drugs, weapons, birds and rare animals as well as their stuffed animals and skins cannot be taken out of the country. There are no restrictions on the export of alcohol and tobacco. Through an ergonomic service can pick up travel insurance in Mexico with the right parameters (including coverage for covid, zero deductible, etc.) and at the lowest price. Tax free Making a single purchase of 1200 MXN and more (cash is limited to 3000 MXN, bank card is not limited), you can save up to 15% of VAT. To do this you need to take a Tax Back receipt at the cash register or a special counter in the store, enter your personal data and show your passport, a copy of your immigration card, cash voucher and boarding pass to the customs officer at the airport. If the total value of the items purchased exceeds 5,000 MXN, they may be "insistently asked" to be inspected. The due amount is refunded at Tax Back offices: half in cash, the other half by transfer to a bank card.

Transport

Photo by crispy-fotografie on Pixabay Mexico has an extensive network of domestic air travel. Not only the huge cities are connected by regular flights: popular resorts take up to 7 flights a day from Mexico City. "Aeromexico delivers from the capital to Cancun for 1480-4050 MXN in a single finish (travel time just over 2 hours), to Acapulco for 1161-4843 MXN (1 hour), to Monterrey for 2240-2500 MXN (1.5 hours). Mexican railroads are less convenient for travelers. There are, in fact, a couple of tourist trains that run, for example, from Mexico City on the Chihuahua-Los Mochis line in the northwest (on the carrier's website in English) or from Cancun deep into the Yucatan Peninsula to the Mayan cities, but the tickets are very expensive: from MXN 3300 in economy class. But the country has excellent intercity bus service. Transportation is clean and ergonomic and runs on schedule. In addition, in many regions of Mexico is almost the only way to get anywhere. A distinction is made between luxury buses (carrier ADO), first class and simple buses. Each region and destination is "patronized" by a private company. The fare depends on the distance, speed and comfort level: for example, a trip from Guadalajara to Acapulco costs from 1300 MXN in economy class to 1500 MXN in the premium cabin. Air conditioning, in most cases, is available in all buses.

Public transport in cities

Municipal buses (fare approximately 4 MXN) operate in all major cities and are a fairly ergonomic (although often crowded) mode of transportation. Tickets can be purchased at special kiosks or from the driver. Mexico City has a subway consisting of 12 lines, the fare is 5 MXN and tickets are sold at each station. Another means of transportation in the capital is the metrobus: 4 lines that connect the center with the outskirts. The price of a ticket is 10 MXN top-up card and each trip costs 5 MXN. The Tren Ligero fast trains (4 MXN) and trolleybuses (2-5 MXN) are also popular. During kids and rush hours, women ride the subway in special cars, separate from men. In all tourist areas there are shuttle buses - "peseros". The fare depends on the length of the trip, with an average fare of 5-10 MXN. In Cancun and Acapulco, public transportation is excellent. There are buses going both ways almost all day with 2 to 3 60 second intervals, and the fare is 15 MXN. There is also a bus line between the cities of San Jose del Cabo and San Lucas (tickets are 65 MXN). In the cities of Mexico, it is possible to travel by cab. The standard taxi fare is about 10-20 MXN per pickup plus 7 MXN for any kilometer, at night fares increase by 10%. Some cars do not have meters, so the price should be negotiated in advance. Those wishing to take a cab for the whole day enjoyment will cost 1,000-1,500 MXN.

Communications and Wi-Fi

The most famous mobile operators are Telcel, AT&T and Movistar. It is possible to connect at the providers' offices, prepaid SIM cards cost from 50 MXN, recharge cards of 100-500 MXN are sold in supermarkets, newsstands and gas stations. Telcel subscribers talk to Russia costs from 20 MXN per 60 seconds. International calls are also made from pay phones installed throughout Mexico that accept cards of 20-100 MXN. Free Wi-Fi is available in some hotels, cafes and restaurants, and occasionally in parks and other public places. Access points for Telcel subscribers are widespread: by entering a password and your login, you can use the Internet without restrictions. Internet cafes are available in both metropolitan areas and remote regions, the connection is 30-40 MXN per hour.

Hotels in Mexico

Photo by Engin_Akyurt on Pixabay Mexican hotel classification is not much different from the standard international: the "stars" are assigned by the same rules, but with the institutions of luxury it is a little more complicated. Apart from the usual 4-5*, there are luxury hotels with a mark Gran Turismo and hotels of special, the highest category. The first do every whim of the expensive guests: restaurants, stores, spas, golf courses - on the huge territories there is everything you need. Others place their bets on exclusivity: a personal island for diving or a mini-reserve - the most ambitious ideas are in the fight for guests. The Mexican electricity grid voltage - 110 V, for sockets with flat sockets need adapters. In Mexico City, a bed in a hostel costs from 105 MXN, a double room in the "three" - from 250 MXN, in an ergonomic "five" - from 1100 MXN per day. In the resort of Cancun is possible to rent an apartment for 400 MXN, a double room in a 4 * hotel for 550 MXN or a villa with a pool for 1500 MXN, that if money is tight - limited to a bed in a hostel for 190 MXN per day. Any second, upbeat Acapulco invites you to "triplexes" for 450-500 MXN, beachfront resort hotels for 1000-3000 MXN and luxury vacation homes for 800-30 000 MXN per night. Money The financial unit of the country is the Mexican peso (MXN). 1 peso has 100 centavos. Current exchange rate: 1 MXN = 3.63 RUB (1 USD = 19.87 MXN, 1 EUR = 24.04 MXN). It is possible to exchange currency upon arrival at the airport (we do not recommend doing so as the exchange rate is more often poor) or on the spot: at banks, hotels and special exchange offices with a sign "Casa de Cambio". With a successful carrying of U.S. dollars U.S.: the exchange rate is adequate, and in some restaurants, stores and hotels they may also pay directly (without losing vigilance at the same time: the locals are eager to inflate the rate, in another case, and even cheated a tourist). It is better to have change in your pocket all the time: the change from large bills in public transport, cabs and private shops will not wait. The unspoken prize for attentive service in the catering industry is 10-15% of the bill. Standard tips for porters, drivers and maids are MXN 20-38. In cities and resorts rather a lot of ATMs, credit cards of the main payment systems are everywhere, as well as traveler's checks (mainly in U.S. dollars). Unfortunately, fraud with credit cards is not uncommon, so before the trip is worth insuring the card against damage. The banks are open from Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 17:00 (there are branches till midnight), on Saturdays till 14:00 (in some places till 16:00). Sundays are mostly days off, but some branches in the resort areas are open till dawn.

Safety

Photo by Holgi on Pixabay No special vaccinations are needed when you visit Mexico, although prior vaccinations are possible for hepatitis and malaria prevention. In the country, you should use reasonable precautions: eat warm food, pasteurized milk, and bottled or boiled water. In crowded places you should be worried about thieves, and to move around the city to use only officially registered cab (green cars are less reliable). To make women and children as safe as possible in metropolitan areas created the work of "pink cab": at the wheel - only women, in the cabin - emergency call button rescuers, men are forbidden to enter. Not far from shopping malls and hotels there are special tourist cabs whose drivers speak English and enjoy doing mini-excursions on the road. Tourists are advised to travel by car, bus and train only during the day, and avoid the provincial areas. There is no need to take pictures of the locals without their permission: the native Mexicans honestly believe that in the picture remains a part of the human soul. Despite the fact that, if you pour a little coin in the appreciation, the belief could easily shake. Nature is not without its dangers: the searing tropical sun, high pollution and seismic activity in the air. Smoking is not allowed in public places: the fine is 1,500-2,700 MXN. Despite the government's best efforts, the drug mafia is thriving in the country. The northern border states cause the most trouble: they regularly ship illicit substances into the United States. Ciudad Juarez in Chihuahua is surely one of the most criminal cities in the world: fights, shootings, kidnappings and other detective stories are everyday routine here. But in the southern states (Guerrero, Yucatán, Campeche, etc.) and popular resorts there is virtually nothing to worry about.

Beaches of Mexico

Photo by PublicDomainPictures on Pixabay Mexican beaches are beautiful: soft sand of all kinds of shades, photogenic palm trees, the gentle waters of the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean - a dream come true. One of the most popular resorts - Cancun, whose coast is divided into long and small parts. The first is known for excellent conditions and clean sea for surfing, the second is perfect for home recreation: nearby Isla Mujeres reliably protects against waves (by the way, on the "island of ladies" is only possible to swim in the crowded Playa Norte). Pearl Beach is known for its perfect cleanliness, Playa Linda - a wide palette of sports activities. The best beach in the Yucatan Peninsula is Tulum with its rich and delightful scenery of underwater world, inexpensive to the naked eye. The main resorts of the Riviera Maya - Playa del Carmen, equally beloved by wealthy tourists and dishevelled youth, and the island of Cosumel with a narrow but very beautiful coastal strip (on Paradise Beach - children's play areas, on Palancar - the actual restaurant), a huge national park and coral reef. In Acapulco on the shores of the Pacific Ocean, the beaches of Caleta, Caletilla and Pi de la Cuesta are notable. Excellently equipped Condesa is beloved by the LGBT community, and wild Revolcadero by desperate surfers. Los Cabos is a paradise for lovers: you can reach Playa del Amor only by boat, and there you can enjoy the views of rocks and caves, the variety of coastal fauna and the pleasant company of each other. Puerto Vallarta's most famous beaches are Los Muertos with its extraordinary sunsets, La Manzanilla and Destiladeras with its developed infrastructure and Conchas Chinas with its pristine nature.

Diving

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jimjotravels · 7 years

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Three days in La Playita, Baja Sur

At the fisherman’s terminal around noon, we watched the local pangas arrive with happy sport fisherman and the morning’s catch of literally cartloads of tuna and other fish. Jo got a few photos at the fish cleaning station. Clearly, many visitors come to this location for the fishing. The modern marina is also filled with a number of large scuba diving excursion vessels 60 to 100 feet in length. The Sea of Cortez was termed “the aquarium of the world” by Jacque Cousteau some years ago, and still is considered among the best diving sites in the world. We hope to do some snorkeling soon.

Divers and fisherman have been coming to this simple fishing village for decades. But the last 30 years have brought huge changes as tourists and expat money has flooded in bringing fancy resorts, condos, traffic and commercial chaos to the formerly sleepy towns of San Jose Del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas. Luckily, through the efforts of a few expats, conservation organizations and concerned locals, La Playita itself and the estuary has been protected from development to some degree.

Our host, Osa, originally from Sweden, has been a longtime community activist, partnering with Greenpeace and others to raise money and raise consciousness about the need to protect both the village and the local sea life that is so vital to everyone’s survival and well-being. To our delight, this village is still recognizable as a living community and not over-run by tourists.

My first impression is that in Mexico it takes many, many, dogs to make a proper village, and of course, many young families. We see mothers escorting their small children to the local escuela as the morning school bell rings. We see kids showing off on skate boards, everyone smiling and greeting each other with a wave or a honk as they go about daily life. No fear here! A nice vibe to start our trip. Our mini resort of six palapa roofed casitas fits right into this happy little residential neighborhood.

And finally, a word or two about Osa, the creator of the “mini resort” of El Delfin Blanco. In her own words, she came to La Playita about 30 years ago, a little before the large-scale development began here. Her motorhome got stuck in the sand and she never left. She bought a little piece of land and started clearing desert scrub to begin building her casitas. Over the years she managed her lodging business, married a Mexican (we think), raised 3 children, and became a community/environmental activist. The village of La Playita and her “mini-resort” is her life. After 30 years, she still appears to love it. Osa truly lives her dream. When Jo commented on how much work it must be, she simply shrugged and said with a smile, “it is my life”.

Osa transformed her little patch of desert scrub with water and love creating a simple yet spare retreat. The lodging is in small casitas, some of which have roof top views of the water, sunrises and sunsets, and all have palapa thatched porches for shade in the heat of the day. The grounds are graced with palms, mango and guavas. In the grassy central area of the compound, a small fountain bubbles and breakfast is served in a shaded outdoor cooking area. You can BBQ your own fish there, if you wish. Not at all fancy, the place is a little weathered looking but true to Osa’s “eco” vision of a simple, clean, low-impact living space. We were charmed.

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