Holidays in Mexico

Places of Interest

Chichen Itza is the most popular of the Mayan ruins in Mexico. Over 1500 years old the famous site is shrouded in myth and legend. The ancient city covers four square miles and amongst its sites is the Kukulcan Pyramid, the Temple of the Warriors, the ball court and sacrificial pits. A holiday in Mexico is not complete without a visit to this ancient cultural site.

The resort of Tulum is situated on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula and is famous for its ancient Mayan ruins which are perched on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Combine your sight-seeing with a visit to Xel-Ha, a protected eco park with a beautiful natural aquarium. Go diving or snorkelling in the creeks, lagoons and ancient caves.

Activities

Xcaret is a fantastic eco-park with a difference, set in the forest with a jungle and Mayan theme. You can swim or snorkel in the underground river and caves, see baby turtles or wander through the ‘jungle’ where you’ll see exotic birds and big cats. Dolphin swims are also available to make this an unforgettable experience.

A safari adventure awaits you in the ancient Mayan site of Coba, hidden deep in the jungle. Visit the Coba ruins which features the tallest pyramid in the Yucatan Peninsula and take in the sites of a local Mayan village as the locals go about their everyday lives. Explore the ancient Mayan caves and take a dip in the natural underground pool.

For further ideas to make your trip unique call our friendly knowledgable travel experts who are happy to tailor the perfect trip to suit you.

Local Customs

Mexico does not have an official religion but the majority of Mexicans are Roman Catholic.

If a restaurant does not include a tip in the bill it is customary to leave around 15% for good service. You should tip waiters in a bar $1-$2 and the same for hotel porters. Most taxi fares will include the tip so it’s not necessary to give extra.

Food & Drink

There are several options in the major resorts from international fine-dining to fast food outlets, typical Mexican eateries and seafood restaurants.

For a taste of typical Mexican food try the local restaurants in downtown Cancun. Serving spicy delights in corn or flour tortillas with salsa and guacamole or Mexico’s national dish, Mole Poblano, made from turkey or chicken, you must experience a true taste of Mexico.

Wash it all down with a refreshing Margarita cocktail or a shot of tequila!

Nightlife

Famous for its nightlife Cancun is colourful and lively and packed with bars and clubs.Coco Bongo is one its most famous clubs and the nightly show with its amazing acrobats, pop impersonators and jam-packed dance floor is not to be missed! Casinos, karaoke and cabaret bars also line the streets of downtown Cancun so there literally is something for everyone!

Playa del Carmen’s main strip, Fifth Avenue, has several hip, funky bars and clubs. Most hotels have an evening entertainment programme with live shows and discos.

Shopping

Most of the larger coastal resorts have up-market shopping malls.

Cancun is famous for its American style air-conditioned malls with international brands and designer boutiques. There are over 2000 shops in the Cancun Hotel Zone and downtown so you can shop till you drop! For shopping with a difference visit the La Isla Shopping Village which has shops, restaurants, theme-park rides, a dolphin show and cinema.

Fifth Avenue in Playa del Carmen has designer boutiques and souvenir shops.

Good local buys include silverware, ceramics, wood carvings, leather and silk fabrics.

Currency

The currency is the Mexican Peso but the US Dollar is widely accepted.

Language

Spanish is the official language but English is widely spoken.

Flight time

Approximately 10 ½ hours

Time difference

GMT -6 hours

Transfer Times

30 minutes to 1 hour & 30 minutes depending on resort.

Health & Visa Information

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