Mexico

Jellybaby1

There haven't been any posts here on Mexico for a while. Any up to date information visitors should know about, innoculations required, visas, etc. Arriving Cancun and travelling onto Mexico city and just touring around.

Tombo2000

Jellybaby1 wrote: »

There haven't been any posts here on Mexico for a while. Any up to date information visitors should know about, innoculations required, visas, etc. Arriving Cancun and travelling onto Mexico city and just touring around.

Are you only looking for up to date information?

I doubt if there is anything new on the subject of innoculations.....dont see why they would change...

I was there ten years ago, but I doubt the set up is vastly different......

Anyway, I was in Cancun, around Yucatan.......Merida, Playa Del Carmen, Tulum.....and in Mexico City and in a town called Guanajuato north of Mexico city.

I'd consider a stop in Merida, nice town.

Jellybaby1

Thanks for the info. I got different views regarding what innoculations to get, some friends say I don't need to get them all but I was doubting that advice, hence my question here.

solerina

I am considering holiday destinations for next summer, I am considering a holiday in central/south america, I have been to Peru and Brazil (a small bit of Brazil). The holiday would be for about 3 weeks, would it be possible to see a bit of Mexico and maybe Guatamala / Belize in that time frame (I know I wouldnt see a huge amount of anywhere but as long as I was travelling about and seeing new stuff (with a few beaches along the way) I would be happy enough....Thanks

Tombo2000

solerina wrote: »

I am considering holiday destinations for next summer, I am considering a holiday in central/south america, I have been to Peru and Brazil (a small bit of Brazil). The holiday would be for about 3 weeks, would it be possible to see a bit of Mexico and maybe Guatamala / Belize in that time frame (I know I wouldnt see a huge amount of anywhere but as long as I was travelling about and seeing new stuff (with a few beaches along the way) I would be happy enough....Thanks

Personally I would say the best way to do this, if it doesnt cost an arm and a leg, would be to fly into Mexico City and fly out of Guatemala city (or possibly book a one way from Guatemala City to mexico city that allows you make your return flight home from mexico city).

It would be too much trouble to fly into Mexico, go down to Guatemala and then make your way back up to Mexico.

Alternatively you could fly into Cancun and make your way to Guatemala.

I think some tour operators fly into Cancun.

I think you could do quite a bit in three weeks either flying into Cancun or Mexico city and heading down to Guatemala City.

For example, flying into Cancun, you could spend a few nights in Tulum, then Palenque, then San Cristobal, then down to maybe Lago Atitlan in Guatemala and then Antigua.

Guatamala City has not much of interest. Either does Cancun....if I flew into Cancun I would go directly from the airport to Playa Del Carmen or Tulum (both beach towns).

Mexico City does have a lot to see; has one of the best museums in the world in my view. However if you flew in there I dont think you could take in Yucatan and Guatemala. As such, from Mexico City you might go south to Oaxaca and find some beaches close to there before heading to Guatemala. Also, on this route you would miss the ruins at Palenque, but could possibly go to Tikal ruins in Guatemala which are supposed to be equally impressive.

If you were willing to take overnight buses that would help; say from Yucatan Coast to Palenque.

Caveat is that I was there in 2000.

Tombo2000

Jellybaby1 wrote: »

Thanks for the info. I got different views regarding what innoculations to get, some friends say I don't need to get them all but I was doubting that advice, hence my question here.

There is a Medical Centre at the back of the Stephens Green centre; not sure what its called, Clarendon Medical Centre maybe. Anyway they can tell you all the innoculations you need for Mexico. Thats the simplest way. if you not in Dublin maybe you could ring and ask them, and a local GP could do the innoculations for you.

DonJose

I lived in Mexico for 6 years and will be returning to live there again this summer. You don't need any innoculations. You most likely will get an upset tummy no matter how careful you are with food and drink so bring some anti diarrhea tablets like imodium. Theres a lot of good info in Tombo2000's post, he covered most of the "to see" places. If you are looking for an overlooked resort town, theres a gem of a seaside resort on the pacific called Huatulco in Oaxaca. Mexico has a great coach/bus network so don't be afraid to use it, most of the buses are modern with a/c and toilets, see link below.

http://www.ado.com.mx

Tombo2000

DonJose wrote: »

I lived in Mexico for 6 years and will be returning to live there again this summer. You don't need any innoculations. You most likely will get an upset tummy no matter how careful you are with food and drink so bring some anti diarrhea tablets like imodium. Theres a lot of good info in Tombo2000's post, he covered most of the "to see" places. If you are looking for an overlooked resort town, theres a gem of a seaside resort on the pacific called Huatulco in Oaxaca. Mexico has a great coach/bus network so don't be afraid to use it, most of the buses are modern with a/c and toilets, see link below.

http://www.ado.com.mx

DonJose, I was only there 6 weeks, you were there 6 years so i would bow to yor knowledge on the subject of Mexico.

What would be your top places to recommend in the country as a whole.

For example I know the silver towns north of Mexico city are very nice, I spent a week in Guanajuato and really enjoyed it. Where do you recommend?

On the subject of innoculations, you dont need them but i would have thought certain ones would be advisable.....for sure a Tetanus shot, and possibly for Hepatitis and Diptheria.......personally I'd take medical advice on this subject.

Jellybaby1

Thank you for all the great information and advice, very much appreciated. I think along with the Hep. and Tet. the rabies jab would be another good one to get too I think as I'm told it's still in the country.

Tombo2000

Jellybaby1 wrote: »

Thank you for all the great information and advice, very much appreciated. I think along with the Hep. and Tet. the rabies jab would be another good one to get too I think as I'm told it's still in the country.

I believe Rabies you need a lot more than a jab.....i think the innoculation is very heavy going and most people avoid it.
Again, take medical advice.

M5

Suggest

Oaxaca and Monte Alban
Poza Rica (El tanjin)
Puebla
Guanajato
Querataro
San Miguel

Avoid Acapulco

All bar Oaxaca within 4 hours of Mexico city, Oaxaca about 6 iirc

didnt have any tummy issues while i was there. We even got food from street vendors a couple of times. I guess we were lucky

bamboozle

solerina wrote: »

I am considering holiday destinations for next summer, I am considering a holiday in central/south america, I have been to Peru and Brazil (a small bit of Brazil). The holiday would be for about 3 weeks, would it be possible to see a bit of Mexico and maybe Guatamala / Belize in that time frame (I know I wouldnt see a huge amount of anywhere but as long as I was travelling about and seeing new stuff (with a few beaches along the way) I would be happy enough....Thanks

i'd avoid Belize unless you plan on going to the islands off it, Mexico is nice, cancun, isla mujerea, yukutan peninsula, Guatemala is a cracking spot, Guatemala city itself is a dangerous place, Antiga about 40 mins from guatemala is a stunning colonial city, great spot and great place to travel to lake atitlan from. Lake Atitlan is one of the nicest places i've ever been.

Costa Rica is worth checking out also, but its a fair bit pricier than Mexico or Guatemala.

Davebehan

Has anyone been to Mexico in June? Looking to do 3 weeks from the start of June, hoping to hit Cancun and head to Tulum, what will the weather be like?

M5

Davebehan wrote: »

Has anyone been to Mexico in June? Looking to do 3 weeks from the start of June, hoping to hit Cancun and head to Tulum, what will the weather be like?

Cancun will be hot (30'c+) and humid,

http://www.wunderground.com/history/airport/MMUN/2012/6/16/MonthlyHistory.html#calendar

bear in mind the weather in the countries central plateaux is usually cool and wet during the summer months! Yucatan should be fine though

PureCosmic

I grew up in Mexico, I love my country and I hope you do too when you decide to visit. I try to get there at least once a year.

You don't need any inoculations, but I agree with DonJose that you will probably get a sore tummy at least once. Different spices and ways of preparing food, although all lovely, yum!

You may hear lots of horror stories and see all these stereotypes in films, but Mexico is actually a lovely country where most people are warm, friendly and peaceful.

Every state has its own charm, so it really depends where you want to do and go. Some people don't realise how big the country is, here is a map that compares it with Europe, it's fun

Several of my Irish friends have visited Mexico with me, away from touristy places and loved every bit of it.

Safe trip

5lamps

Hi

I am looking at traveling to Mexico in Sept/October but I believe that is the rainy season. Looking at doing the below trip with Gap Adventure

Mexico

Day 1 Playa del Carmen

Arrive at any time.

Day 2 Playa del Carmen

Option to visit Mayan ruins of Tulum or lounge on the Mayan Riviera beaches.
Day 3-4 Mérida/Chichén Itzá

Orientation walk in Mérida. Option to visit Chichén Itzá en route, and from Merida, option to visit Mayan ruins of Uxmal or swim in three cenotes (underground pools).
Day 5-6 Palenque

Option to visit ruins of Palenque, set deep in the jungle.
Day 7-9 San Cristóbal de las Casas

Enjoy an orientation walk around town. Option to visit nearby indigenous Mayan villages to see unique day-to-day life or journey to beautiful Sumidero Canyon for a relaxing boat ride.
Day 10-11 Oaxaca

Enjoy an orientation walk around town. Option to travel to nearby artisan communities or visit the Zapotec ruins of Monte Albán.
Day 12 Puebla

Orientation walk around town. Option to sample the delicious Mole Poblano sauce or explore the city by foot viewing the old buildings covered in hand-painted tiles for which the city is famous.
Day 13-14 Mexico City

Option to visit Aztec ruins of Teotihuacan or explore bustling Mexico City. By night, option to witness a high-flying "lucha libra" (Mexican wrestling) match.
Day 15 Mexico City

Depart at any time

Has anyone been to Mexico around Sept/October and is the hurricanes that bad? Not going for sun and sand just for an adventure

Thanks

Some_randomer

Ok here's my tuppence worth. I was there in 2009 from mid February to mid March.

- Flew into Mexico city and stayed 2 nights there
- Got an internal flight to Puerto Escondido on the south coast. This is a lovely surf town and I spent a great week there. If you want to try surfing avoid the main beach and go right down the end which is over a mile away. There the waves are a lot calmer and you can hire surf gear.
- Spent over a week on a bus making my way to Playa del Carmen, stopping at Palenque and San Cristobal along the way.
- Arrived in Playa del Carmen and stayed 4 - 5 nights. Nice but gets a bit of the US spring break crowd.
- Got a minibus to Cancun and promptly drove straight through it and got on a boat to Isle Mujeres. This a gorgeous little island less than an hour off the coast, very laid back and reasonably priced. It's possible to get a boat to Cancun if you want to party there for a night and get the first boat back to the island the next morning. Spent the last of my 4 weeks on isle Mujeres before flying home from Cancun.

5lamps

Thanks for that

Anyone been to Mexico in either Sept of October. What was the weather like?