Mexico- How to get around within the country

Welcome to Mexico… now how do I get around?

Getting around town by taxi is the preferred method of transportation in Mexico. Traveling within the town or on short trips generally has low, set fares as they are pre-determined by zones. Even the costs of trips to nearby cities are generally low, costing an average of $15-$20. Speak with your hotel staff as many resorts have a service or can help advise you of the best transportation method. Also, the government fails to enforce taxi regulations and there are many “illegal” taxi services. Don’t be surprised if your driver looks young, this is common practice in Mexico. Drivers can be as young as 15 years old, with parental permission of course! The legal driving age is 18… You also might be surprised to know that passengers can drink in the vehicle, however, the driver is not allowed. Rightfully so!

The bus is another popular transportation method used in Mexico. The bus system is not regulated by safety and will squeeze as many people in the bus as possible, so forget breathing room or personal space. In fact, during rush hours, people will be hanging out of the front and back of the bus! The fair is inexpensive and is sure to give you a taste of the “real” Mexican life. Because of these close quarters for travel, watch out for pick-pockets.

Lastly, walking. If you are in walking distance of attractions then walking can be a good option. Be aware that drivers do not always obey the set speed limits and rarely respect the pedestrian right of way rule. Have a careful eye out for the reckless drivers and make sure all cars are stopped before crossing. Additionally, the sidewalks may not be in the best condition. Tree roots and other obstacles may make you walk a little uneasy. It is not recommended for people in wheelchairs.

Whatever your transportation needs, Mexico is relatively easy to get around and has many options for tourists. Checking with the hotel staff is advised as they may have a service they provide to guests.

Mexico: How do you get there?

Getting there by air:
From the United States and Europe there is no shortage of flights to Mexico, with over a dozen major carriers servicing the country. In addition, the two international Mexican airlines, AeroMexico and Mexicana, have flights from a number of American cities. Although there are non-stops offered by many of the companies, the majority of flights headed to Mexico pass through southern hubs in Miami, Houston, Dallas, or Los Angeles.

Airlines servicing Mexico from the United States include Aeromexico, American Airlines, Continental, Delta, Mexicana, Northwest, United, and USAir. From Europe, visitors can fly Aeromexico, British Airways, Continental, American Airlines, KLM, Air France, Delta, United, Lufthansa, and Iberia.

Getting there by car:
From the U.S., there are several major highways that lead into Mexico through border checkpoints.

Getting there by water:
Main ports: Acapulco, Cabo San Lucas(www.apibcs.com), Cozumel(www.apiqroo.com.mx), Manzanillo, Mazatlán, Puerto Vallarta(www.apivta.com), Tampico(www.puertodetampico.com.mx)and Zihuatanejo/Ixtapa.

Regular passenger ships run from the USA and South America. A huge number of companies operate cruise services to Mexico. There are also riverboat services from Flores and Tikal (Guatemala) to Palenque, Chiapas in Mexico; enquire locally for details.

Getting there by rail:
Amtrak provides railway connections to various points along the Mexican border from cities in the USA or Canada (tel: +1 800 872 7245, in the USA; www.amtrak.com). In Mexico, federal subsidies to the intercity passenger services were removed in 2000 and almost all long-distance passenger services were discontinued.

To get into Mexico by train, the only option is on luxurious private services like the Sierra Madre Express (tel: +1 520 747 0346 or 800 666 0346, in the USA) operating between Tuscon, Arizona and Mexico's Copper Canyon. Tickets available through specialist agents. Mexlist (www.mexlist.com) maintains a list of similar luxury services, most of which have pullman sleepers, restaurant cars, lounge observation and club cars.

Be sure to have all the necessary legal documents to minimize travel issues and set-backs.

Swine Flu update here.

Traveling to Mexico?

For the month of May we were going to explore Mexico and what makes it a great place to visit, however, the current outbreak of Swine Flu and CDC recommendations not to travel there have made it a little too risky.

So, if you WERE planning to travel to Mexico you probably are not any longer. That doesn't mean we can't bring Mexico to you!

So get ready for some fun... and you don't even have to worry about getting sunburned!