There are already quite a few guides to Mexico online that tell us about the charms of its resorts. However, there is a long list of things that anyone planning a trip to this part of the world should know. Sometimes these are matters that may save our lives or simply our good mood, and most often they are things that will make our stay easier. We invite you to take a brief look at some interesting facts about Mexico that may help some readers enjoy their South American holiday more fully.
What and for how much—in Mexico, you will not overpay
Let us start with the most important thing: money. Travelers experienced in South American journeys advise against buying pesos in Poland. Dollars are much better, because in Mexico they are the second currency accepted almost everywhere. Whether we want to have lunch in an elegant restaurant or pay for a local snack at a fast-food stand, the all-powerful dollar will help us settle any bill. Assuming that you have already paid for your hotel stay—for example, using an all-inclusive offer—you do not need to take more than 700 dollars with you. A thousand dollars would be enough to afford somewhat greater luxuries. Nevertheless, if you want to spend your time without constantly monitoring the balance of your holiday account, the aforementioned seven hundred will be sufficient. Eating in restaurants is not excessively expensive—you need at most 5 dollars to eat your fill. Local markets, meanwhile, offer local snacks such as tacos, costing around one dollar for three pieces. Travelers who have already visited Mexico also advise not being afraid of local public transportation. In particular, it usually takes less than a dollar to get from point A to point B. To complete the financial picture, regular visitors warn that photographing and filming historic sites may involve a fee. It is usually a little more than 2 dollars.
Mexico by plane? Of course!
You have arrived in Mexico, settled into your hotel, sunbathed on the beach, walked through your town from one end to the other—and at least you think you have—and you are still hungry for experiences. You want to see more, venture farther, and distances do not scare you. You are wondering about transportation. You can choose to rent a car or use one of the coach networks. Excellent—these are good options. However, we may surprise you by saying that an even better solution could be using an airline! That is right: you can confidently consider sightseeing in Mexico by plane. Mexico has an excellent domestic flight network, which is undoubtedly worth considering if you want to make the most of your stay. It is the most comfortable option, not particularly expensive, and above all the fastest. Only by plane will you be able to “check off” the greatest number of points on Mexico’s map. The Mexican airline InterJet tempts travelers with affordable prices while maintaining the standards to which pampered European residents are accustomed. Check the best holiday offers in Mexico at TUI travel agency: https://www.tui.pl/wypoczynek/meksyk/oferty-all-inclusive.
Mexican street food—nothing to fear!
When in Mexico, you must—and indeed cannot—resist the charms of its street food. It is even said that you will not get to know this country unless you set aside your prejudices and your diet, if you follow one, and try the street specialties. Importantly, most of these are dishes that are hard to find in seemingly civilized restaurants. So there are enchiladas fried on a huge pan—a flatbread with meat, onion, cheese and hot peppers; delicious tostadas with black-bean purée; rajas, or hot peppers in breadcrumbs; and ubiquitous tacos, small flatbreads with meat and vegetables—onion above all. This is Mexican street culinary art, and you will not pass it by indifferently. The aromas will lead you to it on their own. Many people will warn you about the sanitary conditions in which these dishes are prepared. However, all these stories should be treated with some reserve. You can just as easily suffer an upset stomach after a substantial feast in Kraków’s market square.
Tips are welcome!
When visiting Mexican establishments, do not be stingy! Here, giving tips is a custom worth following. It is not only because a properly rewarded waiter, driver or hotel bellhop will serve us better and will not spit in our drink or drive like a madman—tips are simply a very important part of the income of people providing services here. Mexicans know this perfectly well and do not spare their compatriots a few pesos. Be like the Mexicans! Leave a pleasant impression behind.
Rest like a Mexican
As in southern Europe, Mexico observes a siesta. Consequently, from 2 to 4 p.m., the streets and alleys virtually empty, and most shops, stores and cafés are firmly closed. You can use this “non-consumption” period for a leisurely walk, during which you can calmly reflect on the charms of the local architecture or nature. Another option is to follow the example of Mexicans and take a restorative nap. It will be just the thing before the wild holiday night begins!
Día de los Muertos—what is worth knowing
Mexico’s Day of the Dead has always captured the public imagination. This extraordinary day appears in films—including the latest installment of the James Bond adventures and the animated film “Coco”—literature, such as Malcolm Lowry’s “Under the Volcano,” and even pop music. It also inspires fashion, hence the popular patterns featuring colorful skulls found in chain stores around the world. This skeletal aesthetic, embodied by ubiquitous “Catrinas”—distinctive skulls decorated with colorful floral patterns—has become the hallmark of Día de los Muertos. Yet it is only a small part of a larger whole. Mexican Día de los Muertos is really an occasion for remembering the dead, similar to our November 1, with no talk of worship, magic or other such supernatural matters. People passionate about Mexican culture and history emphasize that the ubiquitous Catrinas have little in common with Santa Muerte, although the two are very often confused. The flower-covered, multicolored skull is really just a playful ornament, far removed from the solemnity of Santa Muerte. Catrina is an element of fun, a costume and a decoration, whereas Santa Muerte is a sacred figure taken very seriously in Mexico. Her true image, revered by local people, features a black hood and a scythe, not flowers and colorful ornamentation. It is said that pop culture is changing the Day of the Dead. With each passing year and every new film exploiting Día de los Muertos, Mexican celebrations undergo further transformations. Not long ago, the authorities of Mexico City decided to add elements from “Spectre”—the latest film to date about the adventures of Her Majesty’s most famous agent, James Bond—to the Day of the Dead parade. It is worth being aware of this and not confusing Catrina with Santa Muerte; doing so will certainly earn you the sympathy of the locals.
Mexican bazaars
Urban bazaars are places where you can feel the local atmosphere most intensely. The subject of Mexican bazaars is best explored by looking at the country’s capital, Mexico City. Let us start with La Merced, a market so vast and complex that, according to popular belief, it is not difficult to lose your bearings there. Regular visitors maintain that if you are looking for something in local shops but are met only with shrugs from the vendors, you will certainly find it at La Merced. You can get absolutely anything there, from exotic fruit, chili peppers, clothing and various equipment to goods and services that, for the sake of decency, we will not list here. Let us talk instead about local culinary delights. Many tourists visiting foreign countries expect to discover dishes that are impossible to find in European shops and establishments. While staying in Mexico City, such a person should visit Mercado San Juan, where, besides the strangest vegetables, fruits and other edible plants, they can sample grilled grasshoppers, grubs, snake meat or crocodile meat. It is an ideal place for brave seekers of culinary adventures. What kind of trip would it be without at least a few souvenirs? In search of local handicrafts, it is best to go to Ciudadela, where, seven days a week, almost half a thousand merchants from all the Mexican states—350 merchants from 32 states—sell handmade figurines, clothing and other souvenirs. Mercado de Sonora is a fascinating bazaar where you can buy everything associated with Santa Muerte, Our Lady of Guadalupe, the popular Catrina and more. It is a one-of-a-kind market specializing in local magic.
These are just a few interesting facts and good pieces of advice worth remembering when going on holiday to Mexico. Above all, however, let us bear in mind the importance of respecting the local community and the customs it observes. Our holiday will be much better if we adapt to local rules and exercise due caution. Have a pleasant Mexican holiday!