Tours Excursions Vallarta - 48320 Puerto Vallarta

Mexico is a popular vacation destination, especially for people in North America. Its extensive coastline, warm weather, excellent food, and numerous landmarks make this country unique, and you should definitely put it on your bucket list. But before you start planning a vacation to Mexico, it is important to know a few things that will help you get around while there. Below, you will find a few details that all people who plan on traveling to Mexico should know.

First of all, like many other countries, Mexico allows certain nationalities to travel to Mexico without a visa. The requirements are that they travel for business or tourism purposes and do not spend more than 180 days inside the country. The same nationalities can transit through Mexico without a visa if they do not stay for more than 30 days. At the moment, there are 69 nationalities that enjoy this privilege. The only document they are required to have is a valid passport.

Mexico also has an electronic visa system called SAE, which stands for Sistema de Autorización Electrónica. At the moment, only three nationalities can apply for a Mexico eVisa. So if you happen to be a citizen of Russia, Ukraine, or Turkey, you can apply for your Mexico visa online. However, this rule applies only if you travel by air. The eVisa is valid for 30 days from your date of arrival in Mexico, and it grants a single entry only.

All other nationalities that are neither visa exempt nor eligible for an electronic visa must pay a visit to the nearest Mexican embassy and submit a visa application there.

One thing that is worth mentioning is that all travelers entering Mexico must purchase a tourist card called a Forma Migratoria Multiple. However, if you enter Mexico by land, do not go farther than 20 kilometers from the border, and your stay does not exceed 72 hours, you are exempt from getting the tourist card. The Forma Migratoria Multiple is available online, and you must carry it with you at all times while in Mexico.

Moving on to more pleasant aspects regarding your trip to Mexico, let’s talk about things that you are going to enjoy. For one thing, Mexico has over 10 thousand kilometers of coastline. The Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea are to the east, while the Pacific Ocean is to the west. Consequently, there are plenty of beaches you can enjoy. Baja California is one of the most popular locations people visit, but so is Vallarta and Oaxaca. Cancun, Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, Acapulco, and Cabo San Lucas are just a few of many other destinations you will enjoy.

As far as what you can do in Mexico, the possibilities are endless. The water that surrounds Mexico is an infinite source of entertainment. One of the best things you can do is go sea kayaking in Baja California. There are several places where you can rent the equipment, and if you want someone to teach you how, you have that possibility as well. Snorkeling is best enjoyed in Baja California, Cancun, Cozumel, and Isla Mujeres, but there are countless other spots where the marine life is plentiful and colorful. Almost all tourist locations by the beach offer the opportunity to go scuba diving, but you should not miss out on scuba diving in the cenotes of the Yucatan peninsula.

Another excellent spot for scuba diving is Cancun; you should know that the place is legendary. Especially the Riviera Maya. The millions of reef fish provide you with more colors than the eye can process at any given time, you will see barracudas and jacks, and let’s not forget about the sea turtles that are literally everywhere.

Aside from the beaches, Mexico can offer other exciting experiences as well. If you are interested in the archaeological sites, we recommend Chichen Itza, Coba, Monte Alban, Tulum, Calakmul, and Palenque. The list goes on, but these are the most popular. If you want a view from above, you have the option of soaring in a hot air balloon over the Teotihuacan pyramids.

Mexico does not have an official language. In fact, there are 69 languages used in Mexico. The most commonly used, however, is Spanish. If you do not speak Spanish, you may be able to get around with English. It is quite common in tourist places and resorts. You may find people on the street that can understand and say a word or two. However, you should not expect officials or police officers to speak English. They rarely do. But, as we all know, Spanish is not such a difficult language to learn, and you should be fine with a pocket dictionary.

The food in Mexico is incredibly flavorful and diverse. However, keep in mind that Mexican food is not a single list of dishes that are commonly cooked in Mexico. It is more a melting pot of several regional cuisines. You will enjoy a different type of food in Northern Mexico than in the Southeastern region. While all dishes are objectively delicious, you cannot go to Mexico and not try their tamales, enchiladas, and tacos. It’s like going to Turkey and not trying a kebab.

Tap water in Mexico is supposedly potable, but we do not recommend it. You should buy bottled water. Some people go a little bit too far and say that the water is not even clean enough for brushing your teeth, but that is an exaggeration. Besides, all hotels provide a bottle of water per night.

As far as safety is concerned, you should know a few things about Mexico. For one, Mexico is known for violent crimes. People can get kidnapped for ransoms. You should always travel with someone at night and avoid dark streets. Mexico also has a series of drug-related issues. The cartels are at war with the government. However, most tourist destinations are not affected. As long as there is no border in the area you are going, you should be safe.

Healthwise, there is not much to worry about. However, we recommend that you always have some vinegar on you when you go to the beach just in case you are stung by a jellyfish. If you encounter a stingray and it stings you, know that hot water deactivates the poison, so pour water over the sting. As hot as you can bear. Other than that, make sure not to be caught by a riptide.

The bottom line is that Mexico provides some of the best sources of entertainment. Not to mention that their beaches can be incredibly relaxing. Sitting all day on the beach with a cold beer in your hand is something that we all need at some point or another. Your journey to Mexico starts by applying here.