Mexico

Mexico enjoys a variety of climates, but the best time to visit depends on your activities:

• December–April (Dry Season & Peak Season): Best for beach vacations, exploring ruins, and festivals.
• May–September (Rainy Season & Shoulder Season): Ideal for fewer crowds and lush green landscapes.
• October–November (Fall & Festival Season): Great for Day of the Dead celebrations and budget-friendly travel.

• Chichén Itzá – One of the New Seven Wonders of the World and Mexico’s most famous Mayan pyramid.
• Tulum – A stunning beachfront archaeological site with breathtaking Caribbean views.
• Mexico City – A vibrant capital filled with museums, historic sites, and amazing street food.
• Teotihuacán – A massive ancient city with the Pyramid of the Sun and Pyramid of the Moon.
• Cancún & Riviera Maya – Famous for luxury resorts, turquoise waters, and nightlife.
• Oaxaca – A colonial city known for its indigenous culture, mezcal, and colorful markets.
• Cabo San Lucas – A luxury beach getaway with world-class resorts and stunning rock formations.
• Palenque – A jungle-covered Mayan city with breathtaking ruins.
• Copper Canyon – A grand canyon system bigger than the U.S. Grand Canyon.
• Isla Holbox – A secluded island paradise with whale sharks and bioluminescent waters.

• Tacos al Pastor – Marinated pork tacos with pineapple, onions, and cilantro.
• Chiles en Nogada – A stuffed poblano pepper dish with walnut sauce, traditionally served during Independence Day.
• Tamales – Corn dough stuffed with meats, cheeses, or chilies, wrapped in banana leaves or corn husks.
• Pozole – A hearty hominy soup with pork or chicken, served with lime, radish, and cabbage.
• Cochinita Pibil – A slow-roasted, citrus-marinated pork dish from Yucatán.
• Mole – A rich, complex sauce made from chilies, chocolate, and spices, often served over chicken.
• Tlayudas – A Oaxacan-style Mexican pizza with beans, cheese, and meat.
• Elote & Esquites – Grilled corn on the cob or in a cup, topped with mayo, cheese, and chili powder.
• Tequila & Mezcal – Mexico’s signature spirits, best enjoyed in Jalisco and Oaxaca.
• Churros & Mexican Hot Chocolate – A sweet treat paired with thick, spiced cocoa.

• Flights: Arrive at Mexico City (MEX), Cancún (CUN), Guadalajara (GDL), or other major airports.
• Car Rentals: Great for exploring the Yucatán Peninsula, Baja California, or smaller towns.
• Taxis & Rideshares: Uber and DiDi are available in major cities, but always confirm fares before taking a taxi.
• ADO Buses: A comfortable and affordable option for long-distance travel.
• Metro & Public Transit: Mexico City has an extensive metro system, but avoid rush hours.
• Colectivos (Shared Vans): A cheap and convenient way to travel between towns and beaches.

• For U.S. travelers: No visa required for stays up to 180 days, but a valid passport is necessary.
• For international travelers: Check Mexico’s visa requirements based on your nationality.
• FMM Tourist Card: Required upon entry—keep it safe, as you need it to exit the country.

• Currency: Mexican Peso (MXN).
• S. dollars are accepted in some tourist areas, but pesos are preferred.
• Credit cards are widely accepted, but carry cash for small businesses and local markets.
• ATMs are available nationwide, but use bank ATMs to avoid high fees.
• Currency exchange is available at airports, banks, and exchange offices.

• Spanish is the official language.
• English is widely spoken in tourist areas and resorts.
• Learning basic Spanish phrases is helpful when visiting local markets or rural areas.

• Mexicans are warm and polite—greet people with “Buenos días” (Good morning) or “Buenas tardes” (Good afternoon).
• Tipping is expected (10-15% at restaurants, and for taxi drivers and tour guides).
• Don’t flush toilet paper—many places have bins instead due to plumbing systems.
• Respect local customs and traditions—especially during religious festivals like Día de los Muertos.
• If invited to someone’s home, bring a small gift like wine or sweets.

• Restaurants: 10–15% tip is standard, but some places include a service charge.
• Bars: $1–2 per drink or 10–15% of the total bill.
• Hotels: $2–5 per bag for bellhops, $2–5 per night for housekeeping.
• Taxis: Tipping is appreciated but not required—rounding up is common.
• Tour Guides & Excursions: $10–20 per person for excellent service.

• For peak travel season (December–April): Book 6–12 months in advance for resorts and flights.
• For off-season travel (May–November): Booking a few weeks ahead is usually fine.
• For Chichén Itzá and other major sites: Arrive early or book a guided tour to avoid crowds.

• No COVID-19 test is required for entry, but check for updates before traveling.
• Some cenotes, ruins, and beaches require entrance fees—bring small cash for access.
• Mosquito repellent is recommended—especially in jungle areas and during the rainy season.

Contact us at 281-229-0862 or admin@pointmetoparadise.com