YUCATAN FAQ
These FAQ are geared towards the vacationer and quickly answers many questions. Links to more in-depth information also accompany some answers. This list is always growing based on questions we receive.
These FAQ are geared towards the vacationer and quickly answers many questions. Links to more in-depth information also accompany some answers. This list is always growing based on questions we receive.
If you plan to walk into the jungle make sure you know what you are doing. Carry a GPS and know how to use it. A compass will help the experienced explorer but if you just bought it and expect to enter the jungle and knock about then you may find yourself in deep trouble.
If you have to venture into the bush then please follow these instructions:
Although not typically an issue on most beaches know these tips.
If you get sucked out into the ocean by an undercurrent follow these instructions:
What you are doing is swimming out of the undertow and into the current that will more than likely push you back to shore. Remember, in saltwater you float so you can stay alive for any number of days. Unless you are on a secluded beach a boat will reach you in time to rescue you should you fail to not be able to swim out of the undertow.
Chitzen Itza is definitely the most popular Mayan ruin site. It is hard to say which is better as both are magnificent ruins to consider visiting. We have an in depth review of the two options to read – Coba vs Chichen Itza Tour.
All-inclusive means that you have already pre-paid all expenses including gratuities. However, if a maid, bartender, waiter, etc. goes out of their way to do something special for you, than yes, a tip should be given.
However…
If people insist upon routinely tipping, than why not offer to pay again for your meals, room, drinks, transfers, etc.? That wouldn’t make any sense either because you’ve already pre-paid those expenses.
In the majority of restaurants tips are shared between the entire staff. If you feel that you have received exceptional service from somebody then you can palm him or her a tip.
However…
The waiter cannot provide the great service without the help of a great team behind the scenes….. Shared tipping is common practice at many restaurants everywhere.
How much you tip is up to you. You can set a standard like this if you wish:
One dollar per person in your group (i.e. 3 people eating at the buffet = $3 tip, 2 people drinking at a bar = $2 tip).
One dollar per day per person for the maid. Five – twenty dollars on last day if service is exceptional.
One – five dollars for the taxi driver.
Five dollars for a tour operator/guide.
Pesos or US dollars are the currency used.
Read our blog Tipping in Mexico for more information.
DO NOT TIP WITH RIPPED OR TORN PESOS!
The general consensus among travelers is that vacationers generally buy travels insurance while backpackers do not.
Click here for more information about Travel Insurance
When you should have travel insurance:
During hurricane season.
Traveling with children or elderly.
If you have a close sick relative.
Reasons to have travel insurance:
If the price lowers you can get a refund [on some plans*].
Trip assurance.
Unexpected disasters.
Reimbursements for medical costs.
Peace of mind.
Some credit cards offer travel insurance for a nominal fee that can cover you up to a year and some cards cover any person’s trip if it is purchased on the card.
*Some insurance plans will reimburse you the difference in price if you find the same vacation for less.
Playa del Carmen is located on the Caribbean coast of Mexico in the Yucatan Peninsula. The “Yucatan” consists of three states. Playa del Carmen is in the state of Quintana Roo.
Playa del Carmen is about an hour south of Cancun by car or bus. The ferry to Cozumel is located in Playa del Carmen. Playacar is just south of Playa del Carmen.
The tourist zone in Playa del Carmen jostles with tourists of all ages right up until the shops and then restaurants close. After that things start to thin out quickly, after 1:00ish things simmer down considerably and only a few late night after hour clubs and cafes remain open. Even then police are present as well as local workers on late shifts and hotel security. With that being said, Playa del Carmen is typically very safe. We have not heard of any problems with tourists having issues with this.
No it is not necessary but it does help solidify an itinerary and usually saves money. There are lots of tour companies in Playa and every hotel will have one or more tour companies operating out of their lobby or for smaller hotels they can “recommend” a company for you and make arrangements.
Playa del Carmen is okay for beginners and children but the snorkeling is not good around any of Playa’s beaches. For great snorkeling you need to go up the highway a little or cross to Cozumel.
For more info see: Mayan Riviera Snorkeling Info
Colectivos are full size transportation vans. They drive up and down the highway between Playa and Tulum and Playa and Cancun. The vans have air-conditioning [always on full] and are usually in good shape.
For more info see: What is a Colectivo
No. According to some published guides there is allegedly a clothing optional beach at Punta Bete. This is not quite accurate and the police can arrest a woman for going topless on the beach if they wish. It is not common but it can occur. Even all-inclusive resort beaches are patrolled by federal military and police.
Yes, many jewelry stores exist on 5th ave and scattered throughout the town.
For more info see: Jewelry
The tourist zone is 5th avenue [which runs parallel to the beach] to the beach, with Playacar to the south end.
There is the Iglesia Presbyteriana on 20th Ave and 1st Street. The service begins at 11:30 am and lasts until about 1pm. They are in the process of building a new sanctuary. The service is in Spanish but the pastor does speak a little Spenglish. All are welcome!
Nuestra Senora del Carmen is on the corner of 15th Ave and Street 12. They tend to change the mass times but they are usually at 9am, 11am, and 8pm on Sundays.
In Playa del Carmen you can find dozens of Internet Cafes. There are quite a few right on 5th Avenue and many along the side streets.
Prices can change dramatically from one computer place to another. There are also Internet Laundromats, Internet Delis, Internet Pool-Halls and many small hotels and even hostels have a single computer with Internet access now.
Shark sightings are rare and shark attacks even rarer. You see much of the coral along the coast at Playa del Carmen has died off which does not attract reef fish, which the sharks feed on. Also fishing is permitted along the coast here so big fish that sharks prey on are not in abundance here either.
Due to the lack of prey and the large number of boats that cruise the waters sharks stay away from Playa del Carmen.
Most if not all 4-5 star hotels/resorts have an Internet room which is a room of computers with Internet access. Internet is usually NOT included in the hotel package and you must pay separate. Internet rooms at hotels are the most expensive access points.
In Cancun City you can find dozens of Internet Cafes. Where ever your hotel or hostel is there will be at least one Internet Cafe within a short walk. All you have to do is ask somebody at the front desk of the hotel or hostel.
Prices can change dramatically from one computer place to another. There are also Internet Laundromats, Internet Delis, Internet Pool-Halls and many small hotels and even hostels have a single computer with Internet access now.
There are numerous locations throughout the Yucatan Peninsula with world-class snorkeling. Depending on where you stay we encourage your choice based on proximity to your hotel/resort. Snorkeling in Cancun or Playa del Carmen is not great but nearby locations provide excellent opportunities. The best way to experience the best snorkeling is to participate in a local snorkeling tour. They are affordable and they know where to go!
The most popular are the following Mayan Ruin sites:
Chichen Itza is recommended as it has a large pyramid temple and the biggest ballcourt in Mesoamerica. Every resort will have a tour operator or be able to recommend one that can get you to Chichen Itza. There is a great bookstore there and a number of restaurants. Of all the Maya ruin sites Chichen Itza is the one that is the most touristy and popular.
For travelers that want to visit “less populated” ruins consider Coba and Ek Balam. Read our in-depth comparison of visiting Coba/Tulum vs Chichen Itza/Ek Balam.
Usually when people get sick in Mexico it is not from the water but from something they ate. The most likely items are cilantro (the curly herb like parsley) or lettuce. The Yucatan and Riviera Maya are exceptional at providing clean food and water compared to many other locations in Mexico. Even if you ask for “free” water most restaurants serve bottled water out of the large 5 gallon containers. If you are concerned just request a bottled water “botella de agua”.
Read our “Montezuma’s Revenge” blog for more information.
The only legal gambling in Mexico is sports betting, which has been growing. There are no legal casinos in Mexico. Some resorts do have Casino Nights, but you don’t play for money, you play for prizes. Some resorts have slot machines, but the prize is not cash. Your winnings are in the form of vouchers that are good only for stuff at “that” resort. Check the resort for details.
Tips and taxes are included in your all-inclusive vacation package. The staff will never hesitate, or gesture for a tip. However, tipping is still a personal thing. If you are accustomed to tipping, and you receive exceptional service and want to tip, then by all means do so. If you are staying at an all-inclusive for any length of time it is a good idea to tip the egg-lady at the buffet on your first day. She will remember you. In many
If you are staying at an all-inclusive for any length of time it is a good idea to tip the egg-lady at the buffet on your first day. She will remember you. In many resorts, the egg-lady is in charge of the breakfast.
For more information read our blog article about Tipping in Mexico.
Beach towels are available at every all-inclusive resort/hotel. Most will give you a towel card, which they take from you in exchange for the towel. When you return the towel, they return your towel card. If you don’t return the towel, you will not have your towel card when you check out, and you will be charged for the towel(s), usually $20 or more per towel. At check out you can either hand in your towel or towel-card.
If you are staying at a vacation rental most reputable properties include them as well but if this is a concern check with your facility before departure.
If the minor is traveling alone, he/she must also have a notarized letter signed by both parents or legal guardians, giving the minor permission to travel out of the country. If the minor is traveling with one parent, he/she must have a notarized letter signed by the parent or guardian not traveling, giving the minor permission to travel with the one parent or guardian. A custody document should be provided in the event a minor is in the custody of one parent. A death certificate should be provided if one parent is deceased.
There are snakes, tarantellas and scorpions. It is the black scorpion that is deadly and they are not found in the Yucatan. The tarantulas are not lethal unless you are allergic to its bite.
Tarantulas move slowly unless provoked, then they can move lightening fast.
In the water you have to be careful not to step on a sea urchin or stingray tail. Also watch out for jellyfish which move about slowly.
Our hotels are rated from 1 – 5 stars based on many factors. One star ratings would be the most basic motel while a five-star rating would be the most outstanding hotel/resort.
Our hotel portfolio comes directly from Expedia.com to provide the best prices and services to our guests. The rating system provides travelers an easy way to sort based on desires.
This all depends on the situation. In Cancun you can expect the flights to be on schedule unless there is a problem concerning the weather. If you miss your flight and it is your fault you may have to purchase a new ticket however if it the fault of a tour operator or airline then your chances of receiving a replacement ticket free of charge is greater.
Yes. Scuba diving is one of these most popular activities in this region and just about all dive shops offer certification classes.
Yes, however sightings are rare and shark attacks are rarer. The most common type are Whale Sharks but these are what bring many visitors to swim along with.
Think about a beach that is NOT nice white sand. If you are an avid snorkeler then this is the kind of beach you want. If you have children then this kind of beach is not recommended because of the coral.
Most of the Riviera Maya is maintained to promote daily beach visitors. These are the best options for lounging and swimming but may not be the best option for snorkeling and diving.
If your kids enjoy adventure and swimming then somewhere on the Mayan Riviera is best. You are close to Xel Ha, Xplor, Xcaret, and many other adventure activities to enjoy. There is also much more in this area for families to explore. Playa del Carmen can be a great choice as it is located close to many attractions and most of the town is easy to get around by foot. There are many hotel choices as well as vacation rentals that will provide ample room for families.
An up and coming destination is Isla Holbox. Kids will enjoy expansive beaches to play all day on with much less traffic for parents to worry about.
Hot and hotter…depending on the season you go. If you highly desire cold weather, traveling to the Yucatan is not for you. The winter season is much more pleasant than the summer when it comes to temperatures and for this reason, the winter attracts many more travelers.
It depends on where you stay. If you stay on the Mayan Riviera you can take the colectivo [bus] from Tulum to Playa CHEAP, which means you can visit a number of attractions. You simply walk out to the highway and wait for the colectivo. Doing this alone will save you transportation prices if that is a concern.
We suggest starting with our search form throughout the website and on many tours we will post discounts that may be available. Most of the time our prices are competitive but shop around to find the best prices for sure. We do our best to provide great prices on everything we offer but sometimes we are beaten out by companies like Groupon.
In fact, the Yucatan is officially a state. The landmass that juts out into the ocean is known as The Yucatan Peninsula. This peninsula is divided into the states of: Quintanna Roo, Yucatan, Campeche. At the bottom or southern most end you hit Belize and Guatemala. On the western edge of the southern border is the state of Chiapas.
If you are unsure of your status with a government issued permanent resident card we recommend visiting the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website for accurate answers.