Travel Advise

Cancun, the island of Cozumel, Isla Mujeres and the Riviera Maya, including Playa del Carmen, are found on the northern coast of the state of Quintana Roo, in southeastern Mexico. It has a subtropical climate with summer rains and temperatures ranging between 97 degrees F (in summer) and 54 degrees F (in winter). Vegetation is subtropical jungle with coastal mangroves. The world's second largest coral reef faces the coast.
Due to Cancun's rapid growth and dynamism, it is the most important city in the Mexican Caribbean. Cancun is divided into two parts: downtown and the hotel zone. The International Airport is found 11miles south of Cancun. All the services of a megalopolis may be found here.

The population is primarily composed of people born in other parts of the Yucatan Peninsula, distinct parts of the country and foreigners, who have been arriving since tourist development began in Cancun in 1971.

Facing Playa del Carmen is the island of Cozumel. Access is available by plane from Cancun's airport, by cargo boat or ferry carrying automobiles from Puerto Morelos, or by passenger ferry or speedboats from Playa del Carmen.

To reach Isla Mujeres, an island facing Cancun, depart from El Embarcadero (Cancun's hotel zone), from Puerto Juarez by skiff or passenger boat or from Punta Sam by cargo boat or car ferry.

The Riviera Maya lies between Tulum and Cancun. Small settlements for tourist development laborers can be found here, along with large hotels, rustic lodging and aquatic, natural and cultural sites of interest.

Playa del Carmen is the Riviera Maya's most important city. It is 37 miles south from Cancun by highway and offers all basic services.

During any time of the year we recommend wearing casual, lightweight clothing, preferably light-colored and made from natural fibers. Use bathing suits and sandal-type shoes only on the beach and around the pool, and tennis shoes or other comfortable shoes to walk in the jungle or to visit archaeological zones, reserves or parks. Don't forget a casual but elegant outfit to dine in an exclusive restaurant.
During the winter months we suggest lightweight pants and a sweater.

We advise bringing sunglasses and using sun block when on the beach or on a tour on the archaeological sites. The use of insect repellent is also recommended. Any necessary, forgotten or desired articles can be found easily. Nearly all hotels have stores selling clothes and all types of articles, as do Cancun's shopping centers and supermarkets.

Car rental agencies can be found at the International Airport, in hotels and shopping centers. A credit card and valid driver's license are required. There are two types of unleaded gasoline: Magna and Premium (the latter is recommended, it has higher octane and is more efficient for new automobiles). Payment must be in cash at all gas stations; none accept credit cards.

Cancun has all the communication services of a modern and cosmopolitan city: widespread Internet access, local phone service by credit card or prepaid calling card and cellular phone rentals are all offered. Areas around Tulum and through the Sian Ka'an reserve, do not have telephone services, but a rented cell phone can always be of use if you so desire.

Water in the hotel zone is drinkable. It is extracted from below the ground and contains a high mineral content due to the Yucatan Peninsula's geological origin. This can cause gastrointestinal discomfort in some people. It is advisable to purchase bottled water, sold in all areas.
Because this is a tropical area, be careful on drinking water of unknown origins.

Cancun and the Riviera Maya are located in the northern part of the eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula (Mexico) maps, bordering the Caribbean Sea. The climate is subtropical with summer rains. It is blessed by a moderate temperature over 70 degrees F; in the cooler months the temperature hits a low of 64 degrees F. The dominant warm winds flow from the southeast and blow most of the year. Months from November to February are frequently accompanied by the colder winds from the north and occasional heavy rains. Tropical showers, intense but brief, are common in the summer which leave the environment humid and warm.
Hurricane and tropical storm season runs from July until September. Even though impact has been minor during the last 25 years, in case of a hurricane threat, adequate contingency measures are established. Tourists are the first protected and evacuated. Necessary information is provided around the clock and adequate measures are taken with sufficient anticipation.

The zone is comprised of secondary jungle, arising after various changes in the original jungle throughout hundreds of years. Trees lose their leaves during the dry season, which is why a distinction is drawn between seasons with very verdant vegetation and others with vegetation that appears dry.

All of the Yucatan Peninsula is of a calcareous geological origin meaning it was formed by calcium carbonate salts. Its white-colored subsoil is very permeable and the rocks are easily dissolved by rainwater, allowing the formation of underground rivers. An extensive underground network has been formed throughout the centuries; it is an aquatic city that can be visited in parts either snorkeling or diving. Swimming in the caverns among stalactite and stalagmite forests is an undeniably unique experience offered in this region rich in natural wonders. "Cenotes" are the entrance to this mysterious world. They appear when the top of a cavern falls in, revealing the subterranean river's crystalline waters. Some say that these natural freshwater pools in the middle of the jungle are fountains of eternal youth.

Regarding the local fauna, placid iguanas are without a doubt the main hosts, since they are found from the doors of the hotels to the gardens and the golf courses, in the archeological zones and all over the Riviera Maya. Always have your camera in hand. The rest of the wildlife is not as easy to observe, nevertheless, crocodiles are commonly seen in Cancun's hotel zone. If you chose to explore the jungle on one of Playa del Carmen's ecological tours, you may be lucky enough to stumble upon a family of raccoons, spider monkeys, wild boar or deer. Likewise, you can visit one of the nurseries, farms or small zoos found in the Riviera Maya.

When you visit an archeological zone, it is preferable not to stray off of the main roads in order to avoid an unfavorable encounter with one of the region's snakes. There are three particularly poisonous species; nevertheless, like all wild animals facing the presence of a human, they will be the first to flee.

Aquatic life is very diverse and abundant and the coral reefs that run the length of a great part of the Caribbean coast are the principal habitat of these marine species. When submerging yourself in the sea or lagoons in Cancun, Cozumel, Isla Mujeres or Sian Ka'an, you will have a chance to discover wonderful worlds, home to colorful tropical fish, rays, dolphins, sea turtles, sharks and many more species.

If you are traveling with small children you will find all the basic and necessary services for a pleasant stay. Cancun's supermarkets offer from baby accessories and food to toys. All cities are equipped with basic medical services and the majority of hotels provide entertainment for the little ones so you may rest, from a mini club for kids to activities for toddlers.
In addition, there are many tour options and entertainment for children and youths, such as aquatic activities, swimming with dolphins, visits to interesting and unique sites in Cancun and the Riviera Maya.

Spanish is the official language, but everybody speaks English. In hotels and travel agencies you will find personnel fluent in other languages.
Natives speak the Maya language of their ancestors since the Yucatan Peninsula is the cradle of one of the greatest civilizations that existed in ancient Mesoamerica: the Maya. Important archeological zones have endured and are open to the public, as well as a great number of vestiges still hidden within the jungle waiting to be rescued.

Catholicism is the main religion practiced. Many hotels offer religious services on weekends. In small towns, ancient practices of the Maya religion are still carried out.

Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel and Isla Mujeres have all necessary medical facilities to cover any emergency and have pharmacies open 24 hours stocked with all types of medications. Furthermore, private air transportation is available in case an emergency requires to go to a more specialized medical center. In downtown Cancun there are four government clinics and five private hospitals. Mexican Red Cross provides medical service and ambulance transportation.
All services are offered in Merida's hospitals (state of Yucatan) only 35 minutes from Cancun by plane.

The peso is Mexico's official currency.
Its value is in constant flux due to its dependency on the American dollar. One American dollar is worth approximately 10.50 Mexican pesos. Master card, Visa and American Express are widely accepted as well as traveler's checks and dollars (only in bills).

Money exchange centers and banks to change any type of currency to Mexican pesos (advisable when carrying cash) are found in all areas.

Only cats and dogs may enter the country. Transportation requirements include a signed letter by a veterinarian listing vaccinations and indicating that the animal is in good health. In any case, we recommend leaving pets at home since most hotels are not equipped with services to accommodate them. The small hotels of the Riviera Maya may have options, but we suggest checking beforehand. There are special guidelines for handicapped people with dogs .

• Breakfast 7AM to 11AM
• Lunch 1PM to 4PM (by custom, Mexico prefers to start lunch between 2 and 3PM)
• Dinner 7PM to 11PM (Mexico prefers to ‘dine out’ from 8PM to 10PM)
The majority of restaurants and hotels prepare a Sunday Brunch, combining their breakfast and lunch menus in a sumptuous buffet. A la cart service is also available.

You and your family's safety are guaranteed when visiting Cancun or any other part of the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. Here, where tourism is the principal economic activity, special care is taken to ensure the well-being and peace of mind of visitors.
You may stroll calmly through the international airport, malls, streets, avenues and beaches. Authorized transportation is supervised, taxi drivers are friendly, service-oriented and their vehicles are safe.

In the hotel zone, wander worry-free at any time of day or night.

The highways toward Chichen Itza and Tulum are wide and secure, and are constantly monitored by the federal police and auxiliary services.

Nevertheless, like any other part of the world, use caution at night when in areas removed from public zones, being on the street in an altered state or inviting strangers into your car or hotel room. Watch important personal belongings and deposit valuables in the safety boxes in your hotel. Hotels provide very efficient security services.

Quintana Roo is a peaceful state and its northern zone opens its doors to you, offering our characteristically cheerful Mexican hospitality.

Cancun is the commercial soul of the entire region. There are several shopping centers with clothing boutiques and leather goods, perfume shops, brand-name stores, tax-free jewelry shops and a number of souvenirs and handicraft stores with items from distinct regions of the country.
Downtown Cancun has colorful markets, department stores, modern supermarkets and discount shops.
Cancun malls offers all types of articles, a great variety of restaurants and lots of entertainment. You may stroll along the main commercial plazas of Cancun's hotel zone: Plaza Caracol, Plaza Forum, Plaza Flamingo and Plaza La Isla, walk down Tulum Avenue, the main street of downtown Cancun, or visit the traditional Mercado 28, where bargaining for the best price is customary.
Items imported from the United States can be purchased in international wholesale stores or in large supermarkets.

Basic articles can be found in the large hotels of the Riviera Maya. Playa del Carmen invites to walk by their Fifth Avenue and to cross the multitude of small stores that mainly offer beach clothes and exotic handcrafts.

The island of Cozumel also has shops with a nice selection of goods. Cozumel's fine jewelry stores, comprise the world-wide famous network of jewel commerce of the Caribbean.

Mexico, including the three states of the Yucatan Peninsula considers the following items Federal offenses:
• Possession, transportation and sales of all drugs whether they be chemical or natural.
• Possession, transportation and sales of any type of archaeological relic or historical treasure.
• Sales or purchase of animal or plant species in danger of extinction; or derived products thereof; birds, lizards, marine turtles, monkeys, deer and others on a very long and stringently enforced list.
• Destruction, removal or mistreatment of any and all marine corals.

Cancun is a world-class tourist destination offering visitors some of the best service available. In the airports and hotels, a tip of one or two American dollars per suitcase carried is recommended.
Taxi drivers receive a tip only when they provide service in addition to transport. At bars or restaurants, a tip of 10 to 15 percent of the total value consumed is customary. Always verify that the tip is not included in the bill.

Tips within the hotels follow American customs and are always a sign of satisfaction during your stay.

Local taxis will take passengers to any part of the city of Cancun, the Riviera Maya and even Merida.
In Cancun, Turicun and Autocar are public buses that follow routes from downtown through the entire hotel zone and back. They are practical and affordable, with frequent stops. Taxis are recommended downtown. They may be stopped from the street, are easily accessible (watch for rush hour) and inexpensive.

You can reach any part of the Riviera Maya in buses departing from the ADO terminals in Cancun and Playa del Carmen. These buses are a safe, practical and affordable mean of transport.

If you decide against a tour, we recommend renting a car in order to travel at your leisure.

-Government office hours are generally from 9AM to 2PM , closing for lunch and reopening from 5PM to 8PM.

-Banking hours vary with each institution, but most open at 9AM.

-Shopping centers get started at 10AM and usually close at 10PM, Monday through Sunday.