Things You Need to Know Before Going to Punta Cana

It's hard to come up up with i reason why Mexico remains i of the most popular vacation destinations. Why? Because at that place are too many reasons to count. And while you've likely heard of the country's most famous spots — Cancun, Los Cabos, the Riviera Maya, and Mexico City — there is a lot more of United mexican states that begs to be explored. That's considering United mexican states is blessed with stunning beaches, amazing history, fascinating traditions, incredible food, and beautiful natural scenery that'south hard to frazzle in simply one trip. If all of this sounds overwhelming, don't worry. Oyster.com has been to Mexico so many times that we've figured out just how to have the perfect vacation there. From when to visit Mexico to the best things to eat and how to stay safe, read on for the 16 things that every traveler needs to know before going to United mexican states.

1. The history of Mexico goes back centuries, and yous can all the same meet it everywhere.

Mexican history began well before whatever Spaniards arrived, and thriving indigenous communities and kingdoms covered the mural for centuries. While that history is too long to detail hither, you tin can see remnants of information technology throughout the land. Almost famously, Mexico is dwelling to several stunning pyramids. Chichen Itza — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — is the virtually famous and is a popular solar day trip from Cancun and the Riviera Maya. Rivaling Chichen Itza are the amazing pyramids of Teotihuacan, situated about an 60 minutes north of Mexico City. There, you can climb atop the Pyramid of the Sun for astonishing views across the landscape all around. Other famous historical ruins are found in Tulum and Coba in the Yucatan, too as at Monte Alban in Oaxaca. In fact, without leaving Mexico Urban center y'all can see evidence of the region'south indigenous, aboriginal cultures at the Templo Mayor (atop which the massive Catedral Metropolitana was built).

Colonial relics grow throughout the state likewise. Mexico City's Centro is one of the largest expanses of colonial compages in the Americas, though smaller cities similar San Miguel de Allende, Oaxaca, Guanajuato, Puebla, and others provide a fascinating glimpse into the country's colonial history likewise.

2. Mexican food is incredibly diverse (and don't exist afraid of street food).

If you call up Mexican cuisine is limited to tacos, you'd be wrong. In fact, Mexican food comes in limitless regional and local variations. Yes, tacos are a staple almost anywhere you become, just fifty-fifty these come in a boundless array of styles, from the pita-like tacos al arabe of Puebla to warm-spice infused cochinita pibil tacos from the Yucatan.

Across tacos, you'll find an astonishing diverseness of other types of food to sample every bit well. You lot'd practise well to effort Oaxacan tlayudas — a chewy, grilled type of herb-infused quesadilla — or scope out the streetside tlacoyos that are popular in central Mexico, and consist or bluish-corn masa filled with beans and topped with fiery sauces, cheese, and nopales. There are also limitless regional variations on the famous Mexican torta, which — legend has information technology — originated in Puebla (and are most pop there as cemitas). That's to say null of the world-famous mole Poblano.

Ceviches and seafood are likewise plant almost everywhere, though are fundamentals in Yucateca and Baja cuisine. Proceed in mind that eating street food is generally safe, though if you want to exercise a chip of circumspection, make sure whatever you ingest is piping hot. If you're feeling specially adventurous, chapulines (roasted crickets) are a staple in many regional cuisines, and Mercado San Juan in Mexico Urban center is packed with all sorts of adventurous eating stalls. Hungover? Opt for chilaquiles (just trust us).

Mexico'due south high-terminate dining scene is booming also, ranging from globe-famous Pujol in Mexico City to spots like Arca or Hartwood in Tulum. Sweets are ubiquitous beyond the country, from the famous concha (a blazon of sweet bread) and seasonal pan de muerto to cinnamon-and-sugar covered churros, the whipped chocolate drinks of Oaxaca, the obleas of Puebla, and succulent gorditas de nata found in marketplace stalls effectually the country. For more info on food in United mexican states Urban center, cheque out our run-down here.

iii. Anybody wants to know, "Is Mexico safe?" The answer is complicated.

At that place is no denying information technology: Every bit of tardily 2019, Mexico was on track to have its most violent twelvemonth on tape (you lot can read our full breakdown on safety in Mexico hither). Much of this is fueled by corruption within local law enforcement agencies and violence associated with the drug trade. And the problem is growing. However, the vast majority of travelers visiting United mexican states are unlikely to encounter whatsoever such violence on their visits. Keep in mind that most areas of Mexico frequented past tourists — the Riviera Maya, Cancun, Mexico City, Oaxaca, Los Cabos, and Puerto Valllarta — are a critical role of the land'due south economy, and thus see an influx of federal resources devoted to prophylactic. Furthermore, these parts of Mexico have the aforementioned Level 2 advisory from the U.Southward. State Department as France, the U.K., and Federal republic of germany. Still, you should exercise some vigilance when traveling effectually the state by road or exploring a new city — y'all can run into our tips on staying safe in Mexico hither.

4. Credit cards are widely accepted in Mexico, only you should always carry pesos.

Even in the most remote corners of Mexico, y'all'll likely notice restaurants and shops that take most international credit cards. Be prepared to carry ID, though, as some cities and states are more than rigorous near verifying your identity than others. On a recent trip to Tulum, we had to show our passport or driver's license for many transactions completed past credit card. Yet, cash is still king in many arenas of Mexican daily life. That includes anything you plan on buying from local markets, whatsoever street food, many smaller restaurants, and even some smaller bazaar hotels. Keep in listen that net service isn't the most stable in some destinations (similar the remote corners of the Riviera Maya or coastal Oaxaca), and when it's down, paying past credit card won't be an option either.

5. The weather in Mexico varies by destination and time of year.

Let's put one myth to residuum: It's not hot and steamy everywhere in Mexico. In fact, some parts of this large nation tin get downright chilly at dark. It all comes downward to where you're planning on visiting and when. The Riviera Maya and Cancun are hot year-round, though nights during the wintertime months can mean that a long-sleeved shirt is in order. You'll find low humidity during the winter there, and loftier humidity in the summer months. On the southwestern coast, in Oaxaca, temperatures stay warm year round (even at dark). In Los Cabos, the air is drier all year, though it can be scorchingly hot during the summer months. Winter in Los Cabos sees hot days and cool nights. The country'southward interior is generally higher in altitude, which means altogether different types of weather. There, the temperatures are pretty consistent year-round, with highs in the 70s and 80s during the solar day, and nights that tin range from the 40s into the 60s from winter to summer. Proceed in listen that the entire land is essentially subject to a wet-dry cycle. Summer months come across high amounts of rainfall, while wintertime is significantly drier. Hurricanes are, of course, a risk from June through Nov forth both coasts.

6. English is widely spoken in Mexico's tourist areas, but Spanish will help.

There are some parts of Mexico where you might forget that you lot are, in fact, in Mexico. That'due south especially truthful in Cancun's Hotel Zone, Cabo San Lucas, and Puerto Vallarta, where you'll come across all of the familiar chain restaurants from back home. Nearly workers in the tourism industry throughout much of the land will be speak relatively good to excellent English. Nevertheless, if you'd like to become any season of the local culture, venture off the tourist rails, or desire to understand what yous're ordering in a local restaurant, knowing some Spanish volition come up in handy. It'due south also worth noting that there are many parts of Mexico where you'll hear indigenous languages, including Nahuatl and Mayan.

seven. What's the best time to go to Mexico? That depends.

We've already told you lot nearly the weather in United mexican states, but you'll demand to business relationship for other seasonal factors when planning to visit Mexico. Mexico celebrates several important holidays that tin impact travel. At the top of that list are the festivities effectually the Twenty-four hours of the Dead, or Dia de los Muertos. The towns and cities beyond the country — particularly the central and southern states — are decked out in marigolds, while families create cute ofrendas to honor their ancestors. Many towns besides agree parades and other festivities, and some businesses will be airtight. Dia de los Muertos is likewise a major tourist describe, and hotels and flights can be more expensive at that time of year.

Semana Santa — the week before Easter Sunday — is another major holiday in Mexico and is a elevation domestic travel time. Y'all'll find many of the country's beach destinations and towns are packed to the gills. Again, hotel prices will go up at this time of year (as will domestic flight prices). The summer months are big business organisation for domestic tourism as well, and hotels can exist fuller than y'all might expect in some of Mexico's beach destinations.

You'll likely find the best rates on flights and hotels in the shoulder season months. These are — generally speaking — Nov and December as well as late April into early June. Of form, check any local goings on before you book your ticket. For a more complete breakup on when to go to Mexico, check out our deep dive here.

8. You don't demand a visa to visit United mexican states, simply a passport is required.

Long gone are the days when Usa citizens could zip across our neighbors' edge with aught more than than a driver'southward license. At present, you lot'll demand a passport to enter Mexico. Given the reported backups in passport processing as of 2019, you should apply for yours as soon equally possible if you retrieve a trip to Mexico is in your future. Keep in mind that in that location are no tourist visa requirements for United states of america travelers visiting Mexico (for stays up to 180 days). The same holds true for business concern visas at the time of writing, though this may change as legislation is in Congress every bit of late 2019 that may modify U.S. business relationships with Mexico.

9. Mexico is home to Magic Towns, known as Pueblos Magicos.

Yous read that correctly. Magic Towns — or Pueblos Magicos — aren't as mystical every bit they sound, though. This designation is given by the Mexican regime to small cities and towns that have a lilliputian extra something special. Whether these towns take stunning settings like Tepotzlan, overlook multi-colored lagoons like Bacalar, are home to nesting sea turtles like Mazunte, or hold historic wonders like San Miguel de Allende, all offer a truly fascinating vantage on Mexico. Yous'd exist smart to add i or several of these towns to any itinerary. It's also worth checking out our favorite Pueblos Magicos hither.

ten. Mexico has several LGBT-friendly destinations.

As a securely Catholic country, United mexican states might not come to mind as the virtually gay-friendly place to visit. However, in that location are several destinations across the state where gay travelers will probable feel every bit comfortable every bit they might dorsum home. The most famous of these destinations is Puerto Vallarta, which has turned itself into something like the Burn down Island of United mexican states. Here, local and international gay travelers pack the beaches, hotels, bars, and nightclubs almost twelvemonth round. Mexico Urban center is as well home to a sizable and visible LGBT community, particularly in neighborhoods like Juarez, Zona Rosa, Condesa, Roma, Polanco, and fifty-fifty the historic Centro. In that location are numerous gay clubs and bars, several organizations working to advance LGBT rights, and queer art exhibitions galore. You'll frequently spot queer couples holding easily in public in Mexico City. Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and Zipolite also figure largely when it comes to LGBT-welcoming destinations in United mexican states.

xi. You might feel an earthquake in United mexican states.

In September 2017, United mexican states City was rocked by an earthquake that acquired significant harm throughout the metropolis and parts of several nearby states. The effect served as a reminder that Mexico sits on i of the nearly active fault lines in the world, and its entire western coast is part of the famous Ring of Burn. In fact, Popocatepetl — a towering stratovolcano that sits just outside of Mexico City — is incredibly active, and can frequently exist seen with a stream of smoke coming from its cone. Yous're nearly likely to experience temblors in the states of cardinal and southwestern United mexican states. Mexico City has an extensive network of early-warning alarms that audio in the event of an impending major quake, though less developed regions of Mexico don't have the aforementioned capabilities. It'south worth downloading an app similar Alerta Sismica, which can push button notifications to your phone in real time.

12. United mexican states is home to stunning natural landscapes.

Mexico has hundreds of astonishing biospheres, parks, and nature reserves — and all are worth a visit. In the Yucatan, you'll find vast stretches of jungle that are untouched, especially effectually the Sian Ka'an Biosphere just to the due south of Tulum. On the other side of the land, the two states that make up Baja California are home to El Vizacaino, one of the largest biospheres in the world, and beautiful reserves similar Isla Espirito Santo and Cabo Pulmo, near Los Cabos. Inland, Copper Coulee is a jaw-dropping natural landscape that'southward speedily developing as a tourist destination, as is Hierve al Agua in Oaxaca. Mexico is besides home to the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve in Michoacan, which is hosts millions of this species during the winter months.

13. United mexican states'due south all-inclusive resorts are some of the globe's all-time bargains…

United mexican states's spread-out scene beats well-nigh whatsoever other land in the globe. In terms of brand diversity, different settings, sizes, services, and cost points, everyone can find a fit hither. These incredibly pop resorts and hotels as well happen to line some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, especially in Cancun, Los Cabos, and the Riviera Maya. What's more than? Your money is likely to go farther at a Mexican all-inclusive resort than at like backdrop in Punta Cana and Jamaica — in fact, out of over threescore top winter destinations, Mexico is ranked twentieth in terms of affordability according to Oyster's own data. That'southward great because the perfect weather, beautiful beaches, and amazing food.

xiv. …Simply the country offers mode more than all-inclusive vacations.

While all-inclusive resorts tend to dominate the hotel scene in some regions of United mexican states, the vast majority of the country is far unlike. To the south of Cancun, Tulum and Bacalar are both bazaar-hotel-only destinations that are intentionally keeping development smaller scale. The same is true on Isla Holbox to the north of Cancun. Along the w coast, destinations similar Sayuilta and other towns of the Riviera Nayarit are as well habitation to charming bazaar hotels. Mexico City, of form, has its share of massive luxury hotels and chain properties, but you'll also detect incredible mannerly boutique properties — similar the Red Tree House in leafy, tranquil Condesa or Las Alcobas in Polanco— that will give you lot a more than local perspective on the place you're visiting.

fifteen. The day starts a picayune later than you might wait in Mexico.

If yous're waking upward in Mexico Metropolis — or anywhere in Mexico, really — you might not observe your favorite coffee shop or breakfast spot upward and running yet. In fact, these generally don't open up until 8 AM on the weekdays, and sometimes equally late as 9 AM on the weekends. You'll likely observe street vendors selling batches of sweet coffee, tamales, chilaquiles, and pan dulce up and running at earlier hours if you need your ready. But if you like an early start, information technology's all-time to take hold of some provisions the night before. It is worth noting all-inclusive resorts catering to international travelers often kickoff their breakfast service quite early.

16. Don't potable the water in United mexican states (just seek alternatives to bottled water).

It's near also much of a cliche to mention, but the tap h2o is not safe to drink in United mexican states. Locals and tourists akin consume billions of plastic bottles of water every year due to this problem. Why is that a big bargain? These plastic bottles often wind up in landfills, waterways, and oceans, and the international companies buying up Mexico's water reserves continue to deprive local communities of admission to clean drinking water. To assist gainsay these bug, see if your hotel offers a water-purifying station to refill your own portable water canteen as needed. Some resorts — similar the TRS Yucatan — have their own h2o-purification plants that make the tap water safe to consume as well. If you must opt for bottled water, buy the largest kind bachelor (these often come up in several-gallon jugs) and utilise that to refill your own water canteen every day.

Your Must-Stay Hotel Picks in United mexican states's Nearly Popular Regions:

Your All-Inclusive Resort in Cancun: Le Blanc Spa Resort Cancun

If you lot're looking for the all-time Cancun all-inclusive getaway money can buy, Le Blanc Spa Resort Cancun is your choice. Here, luxury services like butlers and fine dining come across an upbeat, merely refined, setting. Even better? The stunning spa, puddle, and beach views all make this a picture-perfect adults-but choice.

Your Luxury Hotel in the Riviera Maya: Rosewood Mayakoba

If you're searching for luxury in the Riviera Maya — whether traveling with your family or on a romantic couples getaway — information technology'southward hard to top the Rosewood Mayakoba. Gorgeous suites with private plunge pools seal the bargain here, though everything from dining to the beautiful beach make this a acme choice.

Your Adults-Only Hotel in Tulum: The Beach Tulum

Nifty on-site dining, dedicated beach seating for every individual room, free yoga, a squeamish pool, and charming style all make The Embankment Tulum a peachy adults-only option. Nosotros also dearest that every room looks onto the beach and includes either a hot tub or individual plunge pool.

Your Beachfront Hotel in Los Cabos: Chileno Bay Resort & Residences

Los Cabos isn't known for its swimmable beaches, simply Chileno Bay Resort & Residences sits right on one of the all-time swimming beaches in the region. And while that'southward all amazing, the sharp rooms, incredible dining options, loftier-tech kids' order, and great health programming all make this a great family or couples option.

Your Secluded Hotel in Riviera Nayarit: The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort

Puerto Vallarta tin can be a busy beach destination, so head to the Riviera Nayarit north of boondocks. There, the ultra-sectional St. Regis Punta Mita Resort sits inside of a gated community that's light years away from the real world. Handsome suites, a beautiful embankment, and incredible spa all round out the features here (of course, the St. Regis level of service comes standard equally well).

Your Boutique Hotel in United mexican states City: Las Alcobas

With its tony Polanco address, the pattern-savvy Las Alcobas continues to be ane of the most pop boutique hotels in all of Mexico Metropolis yr after year. The cute rooms are the star of the show, though you're virtually loftier-terminate shopping, dining, and nightlife here, as well as the famous National Museum of Anthropology.

Your Must-Bring United mexican states Toiletry: Sunscreen

Even in the cooler, high-distance regions of Mexico, the sun is not to be underestimated. Don't ruin your vacation with a bad fire. Be sure to pack along your favorite sunscreen and soap upwards liberally!

You'll Also Like:

• Is It Prophylactic to Travel to Mexico?
• The x Most Luxurious Beachfront Resorts in United mexican states
• Is This the Coolest Under-the-Radar Beach Destination in Mexico?

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Source: https://www.oyster.com/articles/10-things-every-traveler-should-know-before-going-to-mexico/

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