Note: Travel to any
destination may be adversely affected by conditions including (but not limited)
to security, entry and exit requirements, health conditions, local laws and
culture, natural disasters and climate. Regardless of your destination,
check your local travel advisory board or department for travel advice
about that location when planning your trip and again shortly before you leave.
What to Eat:
For truly authentic Mexican fare, you should stop at any of the taquerias in the local towns. Don't hesitate to try Mayan dishes at some of restaurants
including lima sopa (lime-chicken soup) or poc chuc (char-grilled pork marinated in sour orange). Chili peppers rule in this area, so try some hot salsas
and the aguachile (a very spicy ceviche typically made with shrimp.)
What to Drink:
Montejo is the beer brewed in Yucatan and you’ll find lots of it along with all the other great Mexican beers. Tequila flows in the bars as shots, in
margaritas or mixed into other cocktails. Try Xtabentun – a famous alcohol of the Mayan lands that is made from honey and anise – often mixed into an
after- dinner coffee.
Top Adventures/Shopping/Culture:
In Playa del Carmen, you’ll find bars, restaurants, shopping and nightlife on the pedestrian street of Avenida Quinta.
Customs and Culture:
The resorts and tourist areas are all about fun, but abide by the rules and regulations when visiting archaeological sites.
Top Festivals/Events:
Cinco de Mayo; Day of the Dead celebration in November; and Viva Mexico in September, which celebrates Mexican culture.
Electricity and Internet:
Electricity in Mexico is 120 volts, 60 cycles. Internet is widely available.
Drink the water?
Bottle water is recommended.
Language:
Spanish, but English is widely spoken.
When to go:
Although you can dive year-round, hurricane season runs from July to November.
Marine Life Seasons:
Green, hawksbill, and loggerhead turtles nest on beaches of the Mayan Riviera from May through September.
When to Get the Best Deals
:
During the rainy season, July to November.
What to Pack:
3/2 mm wetsuit, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, sturdy shoes if you decide to hike the Mayan ruins nearby, such as Tulum or Chichen Itza, and booties for
getting around the cenotes. DAN Card.
Water Temperatures
:
Seasonal averages: 25°C/78°F in winter and 28°C/84°F in summer.
Air Temperatures:
Seasonal averages: 17-27°C/63-82°F in winter and 24-34°C/76-93°F in summer.
Currency:
Mexican Peso. Credit cards are widely accepted at resorts and tourist areas.
Visa/Passport Requirements:
Valid passport; check with local immigration office for visa requirements.
Departure Tax:
It’s included in the airfare.
Immunizations:
None required.