Frequently Asked Questions

What if I have to change or cancel my trip? We understand things happen in life and sometimes you have to cancel or change your plans. We want to make things as easy as possible.  Below is a timeline of options for refund or future trip credit, based on your cancellation date. If you have any questions please call: 505.225.2142

More than 90 Days to Departure
REFUND: After $100 Cancellations fee, 100% of deposit refunded.
CREDIT:  100% of deposit towards future trip.

61 – 90 Days to Departure
REFUND: 75% of trip price refunded.
CREDIT:  90% of trip price towards future trip.

31 – 60 days to Departure
REFUND: 50% of trip price refunded.
CREDIT:  65% of trip price towards future trip.

30 Days or Less to Departure
REFUND: NO REFUNDS
CREDIT:  25% of trip price towards future trip.

Do I need my passport to travel? Yes. As of January 2007, all United States citizens are required to have a valid passport to travel to Mexico. Check your passport’s expiration date before you reserve your tour; for most destinations it must be valid for 6 months beyond your return date.

“All citizens, regardless of age, entering the U.S. by air must present a U.S. passport book. A passport card is not acceptable for entry to the US by air. U.S. legal permanent residents in possession of their I-551 Permanent Resident card may enter the United States from Mexico by land, air, or sea.”

For more details on obtaining or renewing a passport, please visit the U.S. Department of State at www.travel.state.gov. For information on Mexico, see https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country/mexico.html

We advise that your passport be valid for 6 months from the end date of your trip.

What is a the Official Entry Immigration Form (FMM)?  Where do I get it? What is it for? ALL foreign citizens traveling to Mexico MUST fill out an Official Entry Immigration Form (FMM) prior to their arrival to Mexico. This form is in two parts: an Entry Form and an Exit Form. When you pass through customs, the immigration officer will keep the ENTRY form. You must keep the Exit Form with you throughout your time in Mexico. When you check in for your return flight, you must present the Exit Form along with your passport.

Most, but not all, airlines hand these out on board. However, you can fill out the FMM online and print your Official Entry Tourist Card.​ To fill this out online, go to: https://www.mexicotouristcard.com/.

Do I need travel insurance? You must have comprehensive travel insurance, providing coverage against personal accident, death, medical expenses, emergency repatriation and personal liability, with a minimum coverage of US$200,000. We also strongly recommend it covers cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Often your home insurance will cover travel. Check with your insurance agent to about these details.

What is the exchange rate? The exchange rate for the US Dollar (USD) to the Mexican Peso (MXN) fluctuates, but is now around 1 USD = 18 MXN. See current rate here https://themoneyconverter.com/USD/MXN.aspx

How do I get money in Mexico? Do I need traveler’s checks?  Most banks and casas de cambio change cash and traveler’s checks. I usually use my debit card to withdraw money at an ATM. It is safe and easy to use the ATM. Be sure you have your debit card. Some vendors accept credit cards, but not all.

How much can I expect to spend on meals each day? Lunch: $6-8; Dinner: $10-12

Here is an article on food in Mexico, http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/mexico-city-food-scene and one about prices. https://www.expatistan.com/cost-of-living/mexico-city?currency=USD

Should I tip the tour directors and bus driver? At the end of the trip, we will give you an opportunity to tip the directors and bus driver. Suggested amount for the bus driver is 150 pesos ($8) each. Suggested amount for the tour directors is 300 pesos ($16) each.

Should I have a gift for the curandera or Temazcal leader? Before we meet with the curandera or leave for the Temazcal, we will let you know the customary tip or gift. Consider setting aside $10 for each.

How much do I tip at restaurants?  We suggest tipping 15% in restaurants. Here is a great article on tipping in Mexico: https://www.mexperience.com/lifestyle/mexico-essentials/practical-information/#Tips

Do I tip the housekeeper in the hotel?  We suggest tipping the housekeeper 20 pesos per night (about $1). Leave the money on the bed or side table, preferably in an envelope.

Can I plug in my cell phone? The electrical current in Mexico is the same voltage. You might bring a 3-2 prong adapter as there are not many 3 prong plugs. I often bring a surge protector for my computer.

Can I drink the water? Generally, most tourists from the US do not drink the tap water but use it to brush their teeth. In large hotels and better restaurants, the ice (and often the water) will have been filtered already before it comes to your table. It is always good to bring medication (such as Lomotil) for emergencies. Here is a USA today on water in Mexico: http://www.10best.com/interests/foodie/10best-things-to-know-about-drinking-the-water-in-mexico/

And here is an article about the move Mexico is making toward better tap water: http://www.latintimes.com/water-mexico-safe-drink-tourists-told-drink-mexico-city-147764

What is the altitude of Mexico City? Mexico City is at 7382’ (2000 meters). Be sure and pace yourself and drink lots of water. If you are sensitive to altitude, you might consider bring Emergen-C packets.

Is Mexico City Safe? Especially in the Historic District (where we will be staying), Mexico City feels safe. However just like any large city, such as Los Angeles or New York, you need to be alert and aware of your surroundings. Just remember that statistically, traffic accidents are more lethal than street crime. Be on your guard in the airport and bus station. We suggest that you not wear expensive jewelry.

Can I take a taxi in Mexico City? Though I have never encountered problems with a taxi, it is best-practice to check that it has actual taxi license plates (the numbers are preceded with the letters A or B). Check that the number on the license plate matches the number painted on the bodywork. Inside the cab, look for the postcard sized identification placard and make sure the photo matches that of the driver.

What is the weather like in Mexico City in June? The day time temperatures are in the upper 70’s, and the nighttime temps are in the upper 50’s. Summer is monsoon season, so there is often rain in the afternoons and evenings. See this link for more details: https://weatherspark.com/averages/32574/6/Mexico-City-Distrito-Federal

What clothing do I need for a Temazcal? For the Temazcal, we suggest bringing sandals (flip flops), bathing suit or white clothes to wear in the temazcal, and a towel or sarong.

What clothing do I bring for everyday wear? Be sure and pack a light rain jacket (possibly with hood) in case of rain. Lightweight skirts or pants are helpful if you want to protect from the sun, or shorts if you want more sun. Bring lightweight long sleeve shirts if you want to protect from the sun, or short sleeve shirts if you want more sun. Sturdy walking shoes are highly recommended (you might consider bringing 2 pair, as one might get wet).

What else should I bring? We suggest bringing a sun hat (there is no shade protection at Teotihuacan); a day pack, sunscreen, possibly an umbrella (for rain or sun), and a journal or blank book and a pen (pens in Mexico are not as good).

What is the weather like in Puebla/Cholula in November?  The day temperatures are in the low 80’s, and the nighttime temps are in the mid 40’s. Rain is possible but not likely. See this link for more details: https://weatherspark.com/averages/32582/11/Puebla-Mexico

What clothing do I bring for everyday wear? Be sure and pack a warmish jacket. Medium weight skirts or pants are helpful if you want to protect from the sun, or shorts if you want more sun. Bring long sleeve shirts if you want to protect from the sun, or short sleeve shirts if you want more sun. Sturdy walking shoes are highly recommended).

What clothing do I need for a Temazcal? For the Temazcal, we suggest bringing sandals (flip flops), bathing suit or white clothes to wear in the temazcal, and a towel or sarong.

What else should I bring? We suggest bringing a day pack, sunscreen and a journal or blank book and a pen (pens in Mexico are not as good).

What is the weather like in December? The weather is temperate, with highs in the mid to upper 80’s, lows in the mid 60’s. Rain is unlikely; however, it will be humid, averaging 60% humidity.

Suitcase limitations for this trip: We will be traveling in vans and buses. Please pack as lightly as possible. We suggest 1 medium suitcase or duffel bag per person.

What clothing do I need for a Temazcal and rituals? For the Temazcal, bring sandals (flip flops), bathing suit or shorts and a top to wear in the Temazcal, and a towel or sarong. We suggest wearing cottons as opposed to lycra. If possible, bring a white dress, skirt, or pants for our rituals on Isla Mujeres. Bring a small item to place on the altars we will make throughout the journey. Bring your Jade Oracle deck too! We will be doing divination throughout the tour.

What clothing do I bring for everyday wear? Lightweight skirts or pants are helpful if you want to protect from the sun, or shorts if you want more sun. Bring lightweight long sleeve shirts if you want to protect from the sun, or short sleeve shirts if you want more sun. Sturdy walking shoes or sandals are highly recommended, such as Keen’s. Bring a bathing suit (swimming in the cenotes and the ocean!) and sandals or flip flops.

What else should I bring? We suggest bringing a sun hat, a day pack, a water bottle, suntan lotion and possibly an umbrella (for rain or sun). Bring natural bug repellant, such as Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE). When we swim in the cenotes, we cannot enter if we have any chemicals or perfumes. We cannot wear suntan lotion on the days we will be at the cenotes. Bring a journal or blank book and a pen.