What's In This Article
WHAT TO EXPECT
Language: While Spanish is easily Mexico’s most spoken language, the country is also home to over 6 million indigenous language speakers. However, for every one language that remains fairly prevalent, such as Maya or Náhuatl, there are hundreds more that are dying out.
Currency: The Mexican peso (sign: $; code: MXN) is the currency of Mexico.
Credit Cards and ATMs: It is good to know that most ATMs in Mexico (and most of the world) only accept four (4) digit PINs, this includes debit cards and credit cards. If you do not have a four digit PIN number, it is advisable to speak with your bank before traveling.
Plugs: In Mexico the standard voltage is 127 V and the frequency is 60 Hz. You can use your electric appliances in Mexico, if the standard voltage in your country is in between 110 – 127 V (as is in the US, Canada and most South American countries).
When to Go: The best time to visit Mexico is during the dry season between December and April, when there is virtually no rain. The coolest months are between December and February, although temperatures can still reach averages of 28°C during the dry season. The wet season begins in the south in May and lasts until October.
WHERE TO STAY IN MEXICO
CANCUN
Cancun is a Paradise on Earth and the perfect place for a spoiled getaway if you love laying on superb beaches, partying, drinking until the sun rises and tasting an amazing gastronomy.
Here I’ll explain everything about the 3 best areas in Cancun and where to sleep!
First of all, which area should you choose?
1) Zona Hotelera is a long strip of beach and the place where you’ll find tons of all-inclusive luxurious hotels, and dining places.
2) Punta Cancun is the Northern part of Zona Hotelera and it’s more alive, the ideal spot for party animals, as there are tons of great clubs and bars here.
3) A bit to the West there’s El Centro (also known as Downtown Cancun) a residential area and the place where you’ll find more affordable accommodation options. Go there for an authentic atmosphere, traditional restaurants and charming streets.
Where to stay for beaches: Zona Hotelera
Where to stay for luxury: Zona Hotelera
Where to stay for all-inclusive hotels: Zona Hotelera
Best area for budget travelers: Cancun Downtown / El Centro
Where to stay for nightlife: Punta Cancun
Best for families: Costa Mujeres
CHICHEN-ITZA
There are some great hotels near Chichen Itza, and booking a spot in the heart of the action means you can be the first one through the gates in the morning and avoid the crowds:
Hotel & Bungalows Mayaland: beautiful property with outdoor pools, large rooms with private balconies and jacuzzis, and even has a private entrance to the ruins.
The Lodge at Chichen Itza: this bungalow-style lodge is steps away from the ruins and astronomical observatory – included breakfast, surrounding gardens and pools.
Hotel Oka’an: in the heart of the jungle, and its remote location gives a sense of serenity that guests love after a long day of exploring.
What hotels offer an especially good breakfast?
Which hotels are good for families?
What hotels are good for couples?
PLAYA DEL CARMEN
When you arrive, you will notice that many of the areas to stay in Playa del Carmen are connected by means of pedestrian pathways that will generally take you to the nearest beach. Here Best Areas to Stay in Playa del Carmen:
1) Centro – Downtown
The Centro district runs from the highway that connects Cancun with Tulum all the way to the beach, and it is neatly arranged into streets and avenues shaped around rectangular blocks.
2) Quinta Avenida
Fifth Avenue is a main pedestrian thoroughfare that runs about four kilometers from north to south.
3) Calle 12 – Nightlife District
If you are young and enjoy dancing as well as making new friends, you will probably like to stay close to some of the hottest nightlife spots in Mexico: Coco Bongo, Coco Maya, Mandala, and a few others.
4) Playacar Â
Playacar is where celebrities such as Kim Kardashian, Rashida Jones, April Lavigne, and Kate Hudson like to stay: the all-inclusive resorts of Playacar are truly all-inclusive and luxurious; they offer everything from kite surfing to tournament-grade golf courses, and from five-star private villas to private stretches of white sandy beaches.
5) MayakobaÂ
Highly recommended for ecotourists who are also looking for an upscale experience. Booking rooms in Mayakoba can sometimes be tricky because there are not many resorts. Pricing is comparable to Playacar, but considerably more than Centro.
S.DOMINGO
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