Yucatan

The Yucatán enjoys a tropical climate year-round, but the best time to visit depends on your activities:

• November–April (Dry Season): Best for pleasant weather, beach trips, and exploring ruins.
• May–August (Hot & Humid Season): Ideal for cenote swimming, whale shark tours, and fewer crowds.
• September–October (Rainy Season): Great for budget travelers, but expect occasional storms.

• Chichén Itzá – A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
• Cenote Ik Kil – A stunning open-air cenote perfect for swimming and photography.
• Uxmal – A less crowded but equally impressive Mayan archaeological site.
• Mérida – The colonial capital of Yucatán, rich in history, culture, and local cuisine.
• Valladolid – A charming town known for its pastel-colored buildings and nearby cenotes.
• Río Lagartos & Las Coloradas – Famous for its pink salt lakes and flamingo colonies.
• Ek Balam – A hidden Mayan ruin with a climbable pyramid offering panoramic views.
• Izamal – Known as “The Yellow City” with a blend of colonial and Mayan history.
• Celestún Biosphere Reserve – A protected area home to thousands of flamingos and diverse wildlife.
• Progreso Beach – A relaxing beach destination with soft sand and a long pier.

• Cochinita Pibil – A slow-roasted pork dish marinated in citrus and achiote.
• Sopa de Lima – A refreshing lime soup with shredded chicken and crispy tortilla strips.
• Panuchos & Salbutes – Fried corn tortillas topped with beans, shredded turkey, and pickled onions.
• Papadzules – A Mayan-style enchilada filled with boiled eggs and covered in pumpkin seed sauce.
• Huevos Motuleños – A breakfast dish with eggs, tortillas, beans, and plantains.
• Poc Chuc – A grilled citrus-marinated pork dish served with pickled onions.
• Marquesitas – A crispy, rolled crepe filled with Nutella, cheese, or caramel.
• Tamales Yucatecos – Banana leaf-wrapped tamales stuffed with chicken or pork.
• Tikin Xic Fish – A grilled fish dish marinated in achiote and served with tortillas.
• Fresh Agua de Chaya – A refreshing Mayan drink made from chaya leaves, similar to spinach.

• Flights: Arrive at Mérida International Airport (MID) or Cancún International Airport (CUN).
• Car Rentals: The best way to explore cenotes, ruins, and small towns at your own pace.
• ADO Buses: Comfortable long-distance buses connecting Mérida, Valladolid, Chichén Itzá, and Cancún.
• Colectivos (Shared Vans): Budget-friendly transport for short trips between towns.
• Taxis & Rideshares: Available, but agree on the price before getting in—Uber is only available in some areas.
• Biking: Great for exploring colonial towns like Valladolid and Izamal.

• For U.S. travelers: No visa required for stays under 180 days, but a valid passport is necessary.
• For international travelers: Check Mexico’s visa requirements based on your nationality.
• Tourist Card (FMM): Required upon arrival—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.
• ATMs are widely available, but use bank ATMs to avoid high fees.
• Currency exchange is best done at the airport or in major cities like Mérida and Cancún.

• Spanish is the official language.
• Mayan is spoken in some rural areas.
• English is widely understood in tourist areas, but learning basic Spanish phrases is helpful.

• Greet people with a handshake or a kiss on the cheek (among locals).
• Tipping is expected (10-15% at restaurants, and for taxi drivers and tour guides).
• When visiting Mayan ruins, respect the sacred sites and do not climb restricted structures.
• Dress modestly when visiting churches and local markets.
• Haggling is common in markets, but always be respectful.

• Restaurants: 10–15% tip is standard for good service.
• Hotels: $2–5 per bag for bellhops, $2–5 per night for housekeeping.
• Taxis & Colectivos: No tip required, but rounding up is appreciated.
• Tour Guides & Excursions: $5–$20 per person, depending on the experience.

• For peak season (December–April): Book 3–6 months in advance for hotels and tours.
• For off-season (May–October): Booking a few weeks ahead is usually fine.
• For cenote tours and Chichén Itzá visits: Arrive early to avoid crowds.

• Mexico no longer requires COVID-19 testing for entry, but check for updates before travel.
• Some cenotes and ruins require an entrance fee—bring cash.
• Hurricane season runs from June to November—monitor weather reports.
• Avoid tap water—only drink bottled or purified water.

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