Language
Knowledge of Spanish is not necessary; a translator is always on hand. If you speak a little Spanish it will enhance your visit. Mexicans are extremely hospitable and patient.
Documentation/Passport & Mexican Travel Visa
Citizens traveling to Mexico are required to carry a current passport, valid for three months after your re-entry to the U.S. or your following destination. It is your responsibility to obtain proper documentation. Participants must contact your embassy, consulate or national airline of the country you are traveling to for entry requirements.
Most travelers need a Mexican Visa to travel in Mexico. Confirm these conditions with your embassy. This document, called Forma Migratoria Múltiple will be given to you on the airplane as you fly into Mexico and stamped as you go through customs. Keep this visa safe. If you lose it you will be fined and possibly delayed as you leave the country.
Cash & Money Exchange
We recommend bringing an ATM or debit card for accessing money. ATM machines are ample and modern and available in most of the towns we stay in. You may also bring cash or travelers’ cheques to exchange for pesos at banks or exchange houses, but there will be limited access to these. Most places won’t accept credit cards for purchases, though you can use them at an ATM machine or bank to get cash if you know your pin. Non-Mexican pesos are not accepted for purchases in southern Mexico and personal cheques are worthless here.
Dress and Behaviour
Some of the villages and homes we will be visiting are very traditional. Though there are no taboos, it is respectful to dress conservatively. Shorts, short dresses, sleeveless shirts, tank tops, and tight-fitting clothing are not recommended in the villages. Dress in larger cities or in coastal towns is less conservative. A sun hat is highly recommended.
To promote your personal safety, we recommend mantaining a low profile, aside dressing discreetly, not wearing jewelry, expensive equipment, travelling with limited amount of cash, etc. Consumption of alcohol should be in compliance with local regulations, remembering that alcohol consumption in public should be responsible and moderate to avoid vulnerability or unsafe situations. We strongly advise not to bring into the country, consume or purchase any drugs.
Extra Time
During your we will be seeing and doing things that tourists never get to do, but you might also want to take some time to do what tourists do: see the ruins and golden churches, wander the museums, galleries, and markets, stroll aimlessly in the amazing central park, head for the quiet Pacific coast…we highly recommend making the most of your trip and scheduling some extra time here before or after your tour.
Health Concerns
Please read the U.S.A. Center for Disease Control or your national Health Department recommendations for travel in Mexico and consider consulting your doctor about your specific needs.
The most common health issue in Mexico for tourists is traveler’s diarrhea caused by microbes our guts are not accustomed to. Washing hands before meals is an excellent preventative measure and it is a good idea to bring hand wipes or no-water soap. We generally have pure water available in the van and bottled water is readily available in stores. Dehydration is a common problem with diarrhea. Gatorade is a decent rehydration drink and is available in Mexico. For a better quality rehydrant consider traveling with powdered Hydralite or equivalent
If you are taking prescription medicine, bring your own supply, including a copy of your prescription. Bring an extra pair of glasses if you use them.
In case of accident, injury, illness or theft, you may want to consider taking out travelers insurance if your policy doesn’t cover such things.
Medical Requirements
Good physical and mental health are essential for the enjoyment of these rural workshops and trips. You may travel in rugged areas removed from modern medical facilities. Good physical conditioning is recommended as preparation for all trips. By forwarding the deposit and signed Reservation Form, the passenger certifies that he/she does not have any physical or other condition of disability that would create a hazard for him/herself or other passengers. It is essential that any participant with a medical condition requiring regular treatment or which may be affected by moderate physical activity, high altitude, heat, cold, humidity, dust, other natural phenomena, unsanitary conditions or particular foods, notifies CADA FOUNDATION and the trip leaders, in writing, in advance of travel.
CADA FOUNDATION assumes no liability for medical care nor for special dietary requirements. Participants may be required to furnish a doctor’s statement of good health. The judgment of CADA FOUNDATION or the local operator or guide shall make the ultimate determination of an individual trip participant’s fitness to embark upon or to continue a trip.
Medical circumstances will not be considered as exceptions to our cancellation policy. All participants must be covered by a current medical insurance policy applicable for overseas travel for the duration of their trip, under their responsibility. Proof of coverage may be required.
Contact Information
All participants must fill out the participation form, which includes personal contact information of two persons who should be notified in case of emergency, including basical healthcare information: blood type information and specific medicine allergies (for instance: aspirin, penicillin, etc), medications, health condition.
