Visiting the United States of Mexico

The country is a household name, thanks to Mr. Trump and Netflix. Well, sadly both of them highlight the place in not a positive way,  marred by a reputation for dangerous immigrants and drug wars. We get to see what the western media prints and not the ground reality.Don’t believe the hype.  Of course, Mexico has its problems, but not usually in places frequented by backpackers or tourists, so the risk for visitors to Mexico is minimal.While backpacking in Mexico I found the people to be friendly and kind, the food to be delicious, and the scenery, culture and history utterly mind-blowing.

Backpacking Mexico  is an adventure, so hold on to your hats!

Americans, Australians, Canadians, European and British nationals as well as other country nationals holding valid US/Canada/Euro Visa  do not require a visa to enter Mexico as tourists, visitors in transit or business visitors. Tourists and business visitors can stay in Mexico for up to 180 days.  Be sure to check with the Mexican consulate in your area for the exact requirements and processes to apply for a visa if your country requires one. 

The currency is PESO, but in some touristy places, USD is accepted and here selling price of USD is more than buying price. So, if you have any USD left post trip, you can earn some money :)

Telcel, AT&T and Movistar are major prepaid sim cards for tourist. Would recommend Telcel for their network coverage and omnipresence. 

I flew into Mexico City and flew out from Cancun. 

MEXICO CITY

But for Paris, Mexico City has the reputation of having highest number of museums for any city in the world and the Mexican culture is truly fascinating.  There are a large number of pre-Columbian indigenous groups who lived and thrived in Mexico, leaving behind mind-blowing pyramids and ruins to explore. There are tons of things to do in Mexico City, from incredible museums to ancient pyramids.  Puebla is a popular trip from Mexico City, where you’ll find the largest pyramid in the world, now buried beneath a hill.  Another popular trip is Climbing a Pyramid at Teotihuacan. 

Stay : Stayed at a beautiful boutique hostel Casa Pepe. Walkable distance to important sights in downtown.

To read more about  sightseeing, check the below posts,

Mexico City Day 1 {Relax, Town walk through}

Mexico City Day 2 {Walking Tour}

Mexico City Day 3 {Volcano Hike Tour}

Mexico City Day 4 {Teotihuacan Tour}

CANCUN

Cancun is kind of like Mexico for the masses. Most of the tourists travel to Mexico only for Cancun as its one of the most important resort destinations in Mexico. Its also famously called Miami of Mexico. Its known around the world for its spectacular turquoise blue waters and magnificent natural wonders.  It is also famous as a party destination with nightclubs, a gleaming Hotel Zone and plenty of bars.

There is more to Cancun though. Being located close to coral reefs, jungles, and ancient Maya ruins (Chichen Itza), there are actually tons of things to do in Cancun.

Cancun’s long, narrow land mass is divided into two distinct regions, and nearby Isla Mujeres is just a short distance away by boat.

The Hotel Zone - Accessed via Boulevard Kukulcan, which is the city’s main thoroughfare, Cancun’s Hotel Zone features large resorts, smaller, more intimate hotels, and a variety of attractions. Beaches including Playa Delfines, Playa Marlin, Playa Tortugas, and Playa Langosta are easy to access by bus as well as by foot. 

Downtown - The island’s downtown area is smaller and quieter than the Hotel Zone, making it the ideal destination for visitors who want to enjoy a slightly scaled back experience. 

For first timer's its recommended to stay in the Hotel Zone

Stay : I stayed at Selina Hotel Zone for 3 days.

Here is the rundown of my activities whilst at Cancun,

Cancun Day 1 {Relax, Town Walkthrough}

Cancun Day 2 {Chichen Itza}

Cancun Day 3 {Tulum, Cenote}

Epilogue:

• Despite its reputation, I found Mexico to be very safe.  There are areas where drug-related gang violence is common, but this is rarely in areas where tourists and backpackers travel.
• The major tourist destinations like Mexico City, Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Los Cabos and Puerta Vallarta have a high police presence to deter criminals and to keep any problems to a minimum
• When backpacking around Mexico, only use official taxi companies or Uber to get around the cities. 
• There are vegan restaurants in Mexico City in Roma and Condesa part of the town.
• English is not spoken widely. Few Spanish sentences will help you at restaurants and to get directions
• Subway in Mexico City is cheap. The metro card can be recharged at 7-eleven stores which are omnipresent
• Frida-Khalo museum entrance might need advance booking as its one of the major attractions in Mexico City
• Booking day trips in advance is not needed. 
• USD is accepted in some tourist places. But you get good offers in PESO. 
• The traffic is mad in peak hours in Mexico City. Plan your travel accordingly.
• Dont leave Mexico without trying Tacos , Churros, Tequila and Chocolate :-)