Mexico
Places to stay
One&Only Palmilla, Los Cabos,
Set on the tip of Mexico's Baja peninsula, One&Only Palmilla is luxury at its finest. First, there's the emphasis on individual service that makes this big resort feel like a boutique hotel.
Esperanza, an Auberge Resort, Los Cabos,
Set at the very tip of the Baja Peninsula, just a few miles from Cabo San Lucas, Esperanza commands views of both the Sea of Cortez and Punta Ballena.
Four Seasons Hotel
Only a world-class hotel like the Four Seasons could make Mexico City, a hectic metropolis of 21 million, feel relaxing. Its colonial-hacienda architecture, Mexican gardens (with tropical-fruit trees, orchids, and chirping caged canaries), and courtyard dining.
Words and phrases to Know
Good morning. Buenos días.
Good afternoon. Buenas tardes.
Good evening. (greeting) Buenas noches.
Hello, my name is John. Hola, me llamo Juan.
What is your name? ¿Cómo se llama usted?
How are you? ¿Cómo está usted?
I am fine. Estoy bien.
Nice to meet you. Mucho gusto.
Goodbye. Adiós.
I am lost. Where is the restroom? Estoy perdido. ¿Dónde está el baño?
Excuse me. Con permiso. or Perdónamekohn
Please. Por favor.
Thank you. Gracías.
I'm sorry. Lo siento.
Bless you. Salud.
You are welcome (it was nothing). De nada.
How much does it cost? ¿Cuánto cuesta?
How many are there? ¿Cuántos hay?
There are many. Hay muchos.eye
Do you want to buy this? ¿Quiere comprar o usted?
What time is it? ¿Qué hora es?
How do you say maybe in Spanish? ¿Cómo se dice maybe en Español?
Yes. Sí.
No. No.
I do not understand. Yo no comprendo.
Would you speak slower, please. Por favor, habla mas despacio,
Who? ¿Quièn?
Why? ¿Por què?
Good afternoon. Buenas tardes.
Good evening. (greeting) Buenas noches.
Hello, my name is John. Hola, me llamo Juan.
What is your name? ¿Cómo se llama usted?
How are you? ¿Cómo está usted?
I am fine. Estoy bien.
Nice to meet you. Mucho gusto.
Goodbye. Adiós.
I am lost. Where is the restroom? Estoy perdido. ¿Dónde está el baño?
Excuse me. Con permiso. or Perdónamekohn
Please. Por favor.
Thank you. Gracías.
I'm sorry. Lo siento.
Bless you. Salud.
You are welcome (it was nothing). De nada.
How much does it cost? ¿Cuánto cuesta?
How many are there? ¿Cuántos hay?
There are many. Hay muchos.eye
Do you want to buy this? ¿Quiere comprar o usted?
What time is it? ¿Qué hora es?
How do you say maybe in Spanish? ¿Cómo se dice maybe en Español?
Yes. Sí.
No. No.
I do not understand. Yo no comprendo.
Would you speak slower, please. Por favor, habla mas despacio,
Who? ¿Quièn?
Why? ¿Por què?
Fun Facts
The official name of for Mexico is the United Mexican States.
Mexico is the 11th most populated country in the world with around 117 million people.
Mexico is the 14th largest country by land area.
There are 31 states in Mexico as well as the capital city (Mexico City).
Mexico is home to over 30 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is a popular tourist destination.
Stone tools have been found in Mexico that suggest the existence of humans there around 23000 years ago.
The highest mountain in Mexico is Pico de Orizaba, a dormant volcano that reaches 5,636 metres (18,491 ft) above sea level.
The national symbol of Mexico is the golden eagle which features prominently on the coat of arms.
The main language spoken in Mexico is Spanish.
The largest source of immigration to the United States is from Mexico.
Mexican food is known for its range of flavors and spices. Popular dishes include tacos, burritos and enchiladas.
The most popular sport in Mexico is football (soccer).
Mexico hosted the Football World Cup in both 1970 and 1986.
Mexico City hosted the Summer Olympic Games in 1968.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Cancún
After you arrive, enjoy the remainder of the day with a swim in the Caribbean or a relaxing afternoon poolside.
Day 2: Ek Balam & Chichén Itzá
Get on the modern toll highway that heads toward Mérida and take the exit for Valladolid. Head north, away from the town, to visit the ruins of Ek Balam. Highlights include a sacred doorway richly decorated with vivid figures of gods and men. Then backtrack to Valladolid for lunch before driving the short distance to Chichén Itzá on the old federal highway. Just outside of town, stop to see the cenotes of Dzitnup and Sammulá. Farther on is the cave of Balankanché. When you get to Chichén, check into your hotel, and then go to the ruins later in the evening for the sound-and-light show.
Day 3: Continuing to Uxmal
Spend more time at the ruins of Chichén Itzá in the morning, then continue west on the toll highway toward Mérida, and turn off at Ticopó. Head south toward the town of Acanceh and Hwy. 18. Stop to see the small but interesting ruins in the middle of town, then proceed down Hwy. 18 to the ruins of Mayapán. Afterward, continue through Ticul to Santa Elena and Uxmal. Experience the sound-and-light show.
Day 4: Edzná
Visit Uxmal in the morning, then drive back toward Santa Elena and take Hwy. 261 south to Hopelchén and on to the impressive ruins of Edzná. Nearby is a fancy hacienda-turned-hotel called Uayamón, or drive into the town of Campeche and stay at more modest digs.
Days 5 & 6: Palenque, Bonampak & Yaxchilán
Stay on Hwy. 261 to Escárcega, then head west on Hwy. 186 toward Villahermosa, then south on Hwy. 199 to the town of Palenque, with its magnificent ruins. The next day, go to the ruins of Bonampak and Yaxchilán using one of the local tour operators.
Days 7 & 8: San Cristóbal de las Casas
Keep south on Hwy. 199 toward San Cristóbal. On the way, take a swimming break at Misol Ha, and visit the ruins of Toniná outside of the town of Ocosingo. From San Cristóbal, go with one of the local guides to see the present-day Maya communities of Chamula and Zinacantán. Spend some time enjoying the town.
Day 9: En Route to Calakmul
Retrace your steps to Escárcega and continue east on Hwy. 186. If there's time, visit the fascinating sculptures of Balamkú. Spend the night at one of the hotels in the vicinity of the turnoff for Calakmul, one of the prime city-states of the classic age of the Maya, and not often visited.
Day 10: Calakmul & Becán
Get to Calakmul early. Keep your eyes open for wildlife as you drive along a narrow jungle road. All the area surrounding the city is a wildlife preserve. For most of the city's history, Calakmul was the main rival to the city of Tikal, which is present-day Guatemala. It eventually defeated Tikal and subjugated it for a hundred years. Calakmul's Structure 2 is the highest Maya pyramid in Mexico. Afterward, continue east on Hwy. 186 to see the ruins of Becán, a large ceremonial center with tall temples. Also in the vicinity are Xpujil and Chicanná. Spend the night on the shores of Lake Bacalar, where you can cool off in its blue waters.
Days 11 & 12: Tulum
Drive north on Hwy. 307 to Tulum and settle into one of the small beach hotels there. In the morning, walk through the ruins and enjoy the lovely view of the coast.
Day 13: Back to Cancún
Drive back to Cancún. Depending on your schedule, you can enjoy some more beach time or simply head to the airport (25 min. south of Cancún) and depart.