hotels4u mexico travel guide

7/30/2019 Hotels4U Mexico Travel Guide

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AT A GLANCE

Mexico has become one of the most popular destinations for

British holidaymakers in recent years. With its white sandy

beaches and stylish accommodation, the country is a haven for

luxury and relaxation. The warm climate means that Mexico is

a fantastic place to visit at any time of year, perfect for families

and couples alike.

WHEN TO GO

There really is no bad time to visit Mexico. Different times of the year appeal to different people

though so its always good to know what the weather will be like and which events and festivals will

be taking place. Beach resorts in the country are at their hottest between June and September,

while it is slightly cooler between October and May. The famous Day of the Dead Festival - where

Mexicans celebrate their deceased loved ones - takes place from October 31st to November 2nd.

Weather

Spring: The weather begins to heat up after a mild wintermaking it a great time to travel

Summer: Scorching temperatures can reach over 30, butits also rainy season between May and October with

tropical storms and thunderstorms likely

Autumn: The best and most popular time to visit withwarm temperatures, yet not too hot to feel

uncomfortable

Winter: Inland temperatures can reach freezing betweenDecember and February, however coastal regions are still pleasant

Image: Sunshine by Grand Velas Riviera Maya


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THINGS TO DO

Mexico is home to some of the most famous attractions in the world so there are plenty of things to

do if youre looking for a bit more than just lounging around on the gorgeous beaches all day. From

archaeological sites to fascinating museums, here are some of the must-see attractions in the

country.

Attractions

Chichen Itza: A breathtaking pyramid with Mayanarchitecture that is one of the New Seven Wonders of

the World

Xcaret Ecological Park: Located in the Riviera Maya, thisrecreational park offers various attractions with an array

of nature to discover

Tulum: An archaeological site situated on the cliffsoverlooking the Yucatn Peninsula

Xel-H Water Park: A fantastic water park andnatural aquarium with activities such as snorkelling and

swimming with dolphins

Coba: The site of a large ruined city located aroundtwo lagoons with an ancient pyramid

Teotihuacan: Just 30 miles northeast of MexicoCity, various pyramidal structures dominant the landscape

here

Museo Soumaya: A museum in Mexico City holding art,historical documents and religious relics

Museo Nacional de Arte: Dedicated to fine art in Mexico,this national art museum can be found in Mexico City

Ik Kil: A spectacular cenote (sink hole) located in theYucatn Peninsula open to the public for swimming
http://www.chichenitza.com/http://www.chichenitza.com/http://www.xcaret.com/http://www.xcaret.com/http://tulum.com/http://tulum.com/http://www.xelha.com/http://www.xelha.com/http://gomexico.about.com/od/ancientsites/a/coba-ruins.htmhttp://gomexico.about.com/od/ancientsites/a/coba-ruins.htmhttp://whc.unesco.org/en/list/414http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/414http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Museo_Soumayahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Museo_Soumayahttp://traveldk.com/mexico-city/dk/highlight/museo-nacional-de-artehttp://traveldk.com/mexico-city/dk/highlight/museo-nacional-de-artehttp://www.chanatrek.com/chichen-itza-pyramids-cenote-ik-kil-piste/http://www.chanatrek.com/chichen-itza-pyramids-cenote-ik-kil-piste/http://www.chanatrek.com/chichen-itza-pyramids-cenote-ik-kil-piste/http://traveldk.com/mexico-city/dk/highlight/museo-nacional-de-artehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Museo_Soumayahttp://whc.unesco.org/en/list/414http://gomexico.about.com/od/ancientsites/a/coba-ruins.htmhttp://www.xelha.com/http://tulum.com/http://www.xcaret.com/http://www.chichenitza.com/


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Nightlife

Some of the best areas for nightlife in the world can be found in Mexicos main resorts of Cancun

and Mexico City. Whatever type of music youre into, youll be able to choose from a range of

laidback beach bars and dynamic nightclubs.

Cancun: If you want to party hard long into the earlyhours of the morning, Cancun is the place to go. In fact,some places dont even open until around 10:30pm. The

main nightclubs include Coco Bongo, Congo Bar and Dady

Rock, while there is also an array of bars and live music

for every taste.

Mexico City: Home to a diverse mix of bars, clubs andrestaurants, there is a lively night scene in Mexico City. Music in the main clubs such as Bulldog

Cafe ranges from rock and pop to electronic, with many places staying open all night. For live

music, the Blu Bar is a great option with jazz and soul on the menu.

Playa del Carmen: A varied mix of nightlife can be found in Playa del Carmen. Many of the barsare on the beach and open air so youll be able to dance the night away whilst looking up at the

stars. Other bars have outdoor seating, while the fire shows on the beach are not to be missed.

Day Trips Around Mexico

Dont just stick to your hotels for the duration of your holiday in Mexico. Whichever resort youre

staying in, youll be able to embark on a number of day trips to explore even more of this

magnificent country. Weve picked out some of the best:

Cozumel: The largest island in the Mexican Caribbean, and just ashort ferry ride from Playa del Carmen. The clear waters here

make it an excellent location for scuba diving and snorkelling,

while there are many species of birds and small animals to

discover, as well as the Chankanaab National Park - a botanical

garden featuring tropical plants.

Isla Mujeres: This 5 mile long island is the perfect place to

relax and unwind in breathtaking surroundings. The Turtle

Farm, Isla Contoy and Garrafon Park are some of the mainattractions here, while there are plenty of options for

snorkelling. A ferry to Isla Mujeres from Cancun takes around

20 minutes.
http://cancun.travel/en/things-to-do/nightlife/http://cancun.travel/en/things-to-do/nightlife/http://matadornetwork.com/nights/top-10-nightlife-spots-in-mexico-city/http://matadornetwork.com/nights/top-10-nightlife-spots-in-mexico-city/http://www.playamayanews.com/bars_and_nightlife.htmlhttp://www.playamayanews.com/bars_and_nightlife.htmlhttp://www.cozumel.travel/http://www.cozumel.travel/http://www.isla-mujeres.net/home.htmhttp://www.isla-mujeres.net/home.htmhttp://www.isla-mujeres.net/home.htmhttp://www.cozumel.travel/http://www.playamayanews.com/bars_and_nightlife.htmlhttp://matadornetwork.com/nights/top-10-nightlife-spots-in-mexico-city/http://cancun.travel/en/things-to-do/nightlife/


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Sian Kaan Ecological Reserve: Sian Kaan is one of Mexicos

largest protected areas with around 1.3 million acres of

unspoiled natural beauty. Situated south of Tulum, visitors can

explore unexcavated Mayan ruins, freshwater canals and

lagoons.

Akumal: Located around 60 miles south of Cancun, Akumal is a

fishing village which is great for water sports such as

windsurfing or diving. The village is also home to the

Ecological Centre with an array of local flora and fauna, while

many seafood restaurants line the beach.

Images: Chichen Itza by Celso Flores / Tulum by Pete Sulick / Teotihuacan by Owen Prior / Drinking in Cancun by Ewen Roberts /

Snorkelling in Cozumel by Julie Falk / Turtle Farm at Isla Mujeres by Alaskan Dude / Sian Kaan Ecological Reserve by Claire Dancer /

Akumal Dive Center by Bettyx1138

SHOPPING

From jewellery stands in the street to huge, modern shopping

centres, there is a shopping experience for everyone in Mexico.

The major resorts and cities in the country are home to some of

the worlds most famous fashion brands, while markets are a

great place for anyone looking to soak up the vibrantatmosphere and grab a bargain or two.

Shopping Centres:

La Isla Shopping Village: Home to 150 stores, this shopping and entertainment centre is thefinest place to shop in Cancun

Kukulcan Plaza:Cancuns most luxurious shopping centre featuring an array of shops sellingeverything from extravagant jewellery to designer clothes

Sanborns: A huge department store in Mexico City with various shops selling jewellery, toys,books, make-up and much more

Centro Sante Fe: Home to over 300 shops, this is the largest shopping centre in Mexico andeven has its own cinema

Markets:

Bazar Sbado: Open every Saturday in Mexico City, this market sells a variety of traditionalMexican crafts

San Juan Market: A popular food market in Mexico City, famous for selling exotic meats such aslion, ostrich and deer

Coral Negro: Located in the heart of Cancun, all kind of souvenirs and handicrafts can be foundhere

Image: Cancun Jewellery by Apium on Flickr
http://www.cesiak.org/http://www.cesiak.org/http://akumal.com/http://akumal.com/http://cancun.travel/en/things-to-do/shopping/la-isla-shopping-village/http://cancun.travel/en/things-to-do/shopping/la-isla-shopping-village/http://www.kukulcanplaza.com/http://www.kukulcanplaza.com/http://www.sanborns.com.mx/Paginas/Inicio.aspxhttp://www.sanborns.com.mx/Paginas/Inicio.aspxhttp://www.centrosantafe.com.mx/http://www.centrosantafe.com.mx/http://www.centrosantafe.com.mx/http://www.sanborns.com.mx/Paginas/Inicio.aspxhttp://www.kukulcanplaza.com/http://cancun.travel/en/things-to-do/shopping/la-isla-shopping-village/http://akumal.com/http://www.cesiak.org/


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FOOD & DRINK

Mexican food in England is all about nachos and burritos, but

traditional cuisine in Mexico offers so much more than that. The

key ingredients in many dishes include corn, rice and beans,

which are joined by meat, vegetables and of courses spices.Tamales - meat wrapped in banana leaves - are a popular street

food, while chilaquiles are a delightful breakfast treat with

sliced onion, white cheese, sour cream and sizzling green or red

sauce. Of course, no visit to Mexico is complete without

sampling a glass or two of tequila.

Popular Mexico Hotspots:

Cancun: A huge variety of food can be found here from French and Italian to Chinese and American

cuisine. Tasty fusions between Mexican fare and French and Italian cooking have been created in

many of the finest restaurants. A variety of top-notch places to eat are located in the Hotel Zone or

the Downtown Cancun areas that are popular with both tourists and locals alike.

Mexico City: Over 36,000 restaurants can be found in Mexico City so theres certainly something to

suit everyone here. From high-end cuisine to scrumptious street food including tortillas and tacos, if

you love your food, youll definitely love Mexico City. The majority of the top restaurants can be

found in Polanco, Santa Fe and Las Lomas towards the centre of the city.

Playa del Carmen: Top-quality Italian restaurants can be found on almost every street in this popular

resort, as well as in many of the hotels. Authentic Mexican cuisine from empanadas to tacos can be

found in the Grand Velas Resort, while The Tides is also a popular hotspot for Mexican food lovers.

Image: Tamales by Daniel Rincon

CULTURE & ETIQUETTE

The family is at the heart of social structure in Mexico and many

families are quite large. Males in the country are incredibly

macho with many men displaying machismo on a daily basis.

Festivals are also very important in Mexico including The Day of

the Dead and their version of Independence Day.

Useful Phrases

Quiero ver la carta - I would like to see the menu Ando perdido - I am lost No entiendo - I dont understand

Dos and Donts

DO buy bottled water as tap water in Mexico is not safe to drink DONT wear expensive jewellery or take large sums of money out with you DONT leave valuables unattended and always keep things like money and passports locked

in the hotel safe

DO book trips to explore as much of the country as possible, but always check that placesare safe to travel to


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DO sample some of the authentic Mexican street food such as fruta con chile - mango withchilli powder and sauce

Tipping

Tipping is expected on many occasions in Mexico so its always handy to keep a few small

denominations of currency in your wallet. Many people who work in the services industry rely ontips to earn a decent wage to live on. Tipping 10-20% of the total of a bill in a restaurant is

customary, while hotel maids, drivers and tour guides always appreciate a few pesos.

Image: Day of the Dead in Mexico City by Tristan Higbee

TRANSPORT

Anyone staying in an all-inclusive resort probably wont need to use any public transport during their

holiday. There are a few options available however, if you want to travel a bit further afield. Its not

recommended to use city buses as these are often very busy and cramped.

Getting Around

Taxi: A quick and affordable way to get around, taxis inMexico are bright green.

Metro(Mexico City only): An efficient way to travel fromone end of the city to the other - avoid travelling during

rush hour though!

Airports: The main airports in the country areCancunInternational AirportandMexico City International

Airport.

Fare Information

Taxis: Some taxis have a meter but most journeys within a city cost between $2 and $5. Itsalways best to check with the driver before getting in though.

Metro: As one of the cheapest systems in the world, a ticket from one station to another costsjust 3 pesos. A smart card called Tarjeta DF can also be topped up if youre planning on making

several journeys.

Image: Mexico Taxi by Alfredo Gayou

HEALTH & SAFETY

British Embassy Mexico City- UK in Mexico

Emergency number: 066

USEFUL ARTICLES ABOUT MEXICO:

Mexperience -When to go to Mexico

Go Mexico Guide -3 Must See Summer Festivals in Mexico

Good Food in Mexico City

Winnipeg Free Press -Top 5 Attractions in Mexicos Riviera Maya
http://mexicometro.org/http://mexicometro.org/http://www.cancun-airport.com/index.htmhttp://www.cancun-airport.com/index.htmhttp://www.cancun-airport.com/index.htmhttp://www.cancun-airport.com/index.htmhttp://www.aicm.com.mx/home_en.phphttp://www.aicm.com.mx/home_en.phphttp://www.aicm.com.mx/home_en.phphttp://www.aicm.com.mx/home_en.phphttp://ukinmexico.fco.gov.uk/en/http://ukinmexico.fco.gov.uk/en/http://www.mexperience.com/guide/essentials/when-to-go-to-mexico.phphttp://www.mexperience.com/guide/essentials/when-to-go-to-mexico.phphttp://www.mexperience.com/guide/essentials/when-to-go-to-mexico.phphttp://www.gomexicoguide.com/2012/04/summer-festivals-mexico/http://www.gomexicoguide.com/2012/04/summer-festivals-mexico/http://www.gomexicoguide.com/2012/04/summer-festivals-mexico/http://goodfoodmexicocity.blogspot.co.uk/http://goodfoodmexicocity.blogspot.co.uk/http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/travel/top-5-attractions-in-mexicos-riviera-maya-134524343.htmlhttp://www.winnipegfreepress.com/travel/top-5-attractions-in-mexicos-riviera-maya-134524343.htmlhttp://www.winnipegfreepress.com/travel/top-5-attractions-in-mexicos-riviera-maya-134524343.htmlhttp://www.winnipegfreepress.com/travel/top-5-attractions-in-mexicos-riviera-maya-134524343.htmlhttp://goodfoodmexicocity.blogspot.co.uk/http://www.gomexicoguide.com/2012/04/summer-festivals-mexico/http://www.mexperience.com/guide/essentials/when-to-go-to-mexico.phphttp://ukinmexico.fco.gov.uk/en/http://www.aicm.com.mx/home_en.phphttp://www.aicm.com.mx/home_en.phphttp://www.cancun-airport.com/index.htmhttp://www.cancun-airport.com/index.htmhttp://mexicometro.org/


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All About Playa -17 Souvenirs You Must Buy in Mexico
http://allaboutplaya.blogspot.co.uk/2011/02/17-souvenirs-you-must-buy-in-mexico.htmlhttp://allaboutplaya.blogspot.co.uk/2011/02/17-souvenirs-you-must-buy-in-mexico.htmlhttp://allaboutplaya.blogspot.co.uk/2011/02/17-souvenirs-you-must-buy-in-mexico.htmlhttp://allaboutplaya.blogspot.co.uk/2011/02/17-souvenirs-you-must-buy-in-mexico.html

hotels4u mexico travel guide

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