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Plan Your Trip to Mexico: Best of Mexico Tourism

By Management

Mexico

With 26 UNESCO-declared world heritage sites, charming colonial towns and dozens of thrilling cities, there's plenty to explore in this country of 109 million. Outside the cities, stunning Pacific beaches, stark deserts, mangrove swamps and swimming holes provide all you need for a relaxing, romantic or adventurous vacation. Captivating, cosmopolitan and chaotic Mexico City and the 32 states offer an incredible abundance of experiences, from laid-back and leisurely to upbeat to adrenalin-charging.

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Mexico travel advice

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These questions and answers were created by AI, using the most common questions travellers ask in the forums.

Public Transit Options

According to forum posts, within Cancun, travelers can use R1 and R2 local buses to travel through the Hotel Zone (HZ) and into downtown areas, with fares priced at 12 pesos. These buses are noted for being the cheapest mode of transportation in the area.

Ride-Sharing and Taxis

Some travelers mentioned that ride-sharing services like Uber face resistance from local taxi syndicates, which can lead to conflicts. Regular taxis, especially in the Hotel Zone, are described as expensive. Alternatives such as Cabify and Didi are also available but were not elaborated on in terms of pricing or availability.

Private Transfer Services

For direct airport transfers, forum users frequently recommend private transfer services such as Canada Transfers, USA Transfers, CARM, and Happy Shuttle. These services are said to provide reliable and safe transportation directly to hotels or resorts, although they are more expensive than public transit options.

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Popular Cities and Attractions

According to forum posts, popular travel destinations in Mexico include Mexico City, Guadalajara, Oaxaca, and Mérida. Mexico City is a common starting point, with travelers exploring its rich culture and history. Oaxaca is noted for its vibrant celebration of Día de los Muertos.

Colonial and Historical Interest

Some travelers have expressed interest in historical and colonial cities like San Cristóbal, Puebla, and Guanajuato. Mérida is highlighted for its proximity to Mayan ruins and cenotes, making it a good base for educational and cultural day trips.

Beach Destinations

For beach destinations, forum posts suggest Tulum and Playa del Carmen. These areas are appreciated for their beautiful beaches and resort amenities, alongside opportunities for visiting historical sites like Chichén Itzá.

Advice on Travel Planning

Travelers have suggested spreading visits over a few weeks to fully enjoy each location's unique offerings without rushing. Using cities like Mérida as a base for exploring surrounding attractions is also recommended for a more in-depth experience.

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Resort Recommendations

Some travelers recommended the Dreams Playa Mujeres and Barcelo Palace for families, highlighting their suitability for children with amenities like kids clubs and pools. Dreams Playa Mujeres was noted for its lazy river and preferred club access, while Barcelo Palace was praised for its amazing beach and extensive activities across five family-friendly properties.

Room Advice

According to forum posts, room configurations are important for families. The Finest Playa Mujeres offers swim-out rooms and a club level for a more premium experience, accommodating families with varying budgets and preferences.

Activities and Location

Travelers have called out the importance of choosing resorts with a range of activities suitable for children and teens, such as water parks and safe swimming beaches. Regions near Cancun and Playa del Carmen were frequently suggested due to their proximity to beaches, historical sites, and additional recreational activities like zip-lining and ATV rides.

Booking Tips

For many users, direct booking is advised over third-party sites to avoid issues with customer service, especially concerning potential changes in travel plans.

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Tourist Taxes Overview

According to forum posts, Mexico has several tourist taxes that visitors should be aware of. These include the Mexican Tourist Tax (Derecho de No Inmigrante or DNI), which is generally included in the airfare and listed on the airline's itemized receipt with a code reference of “UK”. The current amount for this tax is 717 pesos.

Airport and Departure Taxes

Travelers have noted that there is an International Airport Usage Tax for those departing Mexico via airports, also typically included in the airfare. This tax might be referred to as the Departure Tax and can vary by airport, with amounts roughly equivalent to about US$36.

State-Specific Tourist Tax

For visitors to the state of Quintana Roo, a separate tourist tax called Visitax was introduced effective April 1, 2021. This tax was set at 271 pesos per foreign visitor and is payable through the official website (www.visitax.gob.mx). Unlike the other taxes, Visitax is not included in the airfare and must be paid separately.

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Traditions Overview

According to forum posts, Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) in Mexico is a vibrant cultural festival that celebrates the lives of the deceased. It is marked with a plethora of activities, colorful decorations, and traditional practices that honor the dead.

Decorations and Festivities

Travelers have noted that Mexican towns are beautifully adorned with decorations during Dia de los Muertos. This includes elaborate altars (ofrendas) set up to honor deceased loved ones, streets lined with marigolds, and colorful papel picado banners. The festival atmosphere is both festive and respectful, blending joy with remembrance.

Cultural Significance

For many users, the cultural depth of Dia de los Muertos is a highlight. The celebration is rooted in indigenous traditions and has evolved to include elements from other cultures. It is a time for families to gather, remember their departed relatives, and enjoy the continuity of life.

Activities and Experiences

Some travelers mentioned specific activities such as those taking place during the festival, such as processions to cemeteries and the creation of altars in public squares. In places like Mexico City and Merida, large parades and public events, including the Paseo de las Animas in Merida, draw significant participation and showcase the rich cultural tapestry of the festival.

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Visa Requirements

Indian citizens typically require a visa to enter Mexico, unless they possess a valid United States visa or have permanent resident status in Canada, Japan, UK, or Schengen countries. In such cases, a visa is not necessary for travel to Mexico.

Passport Validity

To enter Mexico, travelers must ensure their passport is valid for the duration of their stay. There are no additional validity requirements beyond this period.

Immigration Forms

Previously, travelers needed an FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple) immigration form, but as of recent updates, this form is no longer required at airports. Instead, passports are now stamped directly by immigration officials.

Customs and Duty-Free Regulations

Travelers entering Mexico may need to fill out a customs form, depending on the airport. Duty-free allowances include up to 10 packs of cigarettes, 25 cigars, 200 grams of tobacco, three liters of alcoholic beverages, and six liters of wine per person over 18 years.

Covid-19 Measures

As per the latest guidelines, Mexico does not require a Covid-19 test, proof of vaccination, or quarantine upon arrival. However, travelers returning to countries like Canada must meet specific Covid-19 requirements, such as a PCR test.

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Excursions and Activities

According to forum posts, Playa del Carmen offers a variety of excursions and activities that cater to different interests. Travelers have called out exploring Mayan ruins, cenotes, and engaging in snorkeling as highlights. Some suggested destinations include Tulum and Chichen Itza.

Local Advice and Resources

Some travelers suggested using the specific Playa del Carmen forum on TripAdvisor for detailed advice and quicker responses. Additionally, ordering a map from Mapchick was recommended as an invaluable resource for first-time visitors to help in planning their activities and travel in the area.

Transportation and Safety

For transportation, users have discussed the availability of public transport and organized tours, especially for those who prefer not to drive. Concerns about safety while returning to resorts alone were also mentioned, but specific details on safety measures were not provided.

Accommodation and Authenticity

Forum posts have noted that areas like Playacar at the south end of Playa del Carmen are considered safe and offer a blend of residential comfort with easy access to tourist amenities like beaches, shops, and restaurants.

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Resort Amenities in Riviera Maya

According to forum posts, resorts in Riviera Maya offer a variety of amenities that cater to diverse interests and needs. Some travelers mentioned resorts with great pools, multiple dining options without the need for reservations, and excellent room service. Additionally, activities such as volleyball, pool games, and other competitions are available in some of the larger resorts.

Family and Child-Friendly Features

For families, resorts like the Barcelo Maya Palace are recommended, which is favored over more expensive options. The resort is described as being particularly family-friendly, offering activities and amenities that cater to children and adolescents, making it a preferred choice for travelers with family.

Accessibility and Additional Services

Travelers have also highlighted the ease of access to nearby attractions from resorts in Riviera Maya. For instance, some resorts are close to snorkeling sites, adventure parks, and have good connections to local transportation for exploring the region.

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Tripadvisor is not responsible for these answers or any opinions in them. Please read full forum posts for more details and information.