To enjoy the local gastronomy, the best option are the usual fondas mexicanas (inns), these little kitchens in the streets close to the commercial zones.
Yucatan, Cancun and Playa del Carmen, are one of the most demanded touristic places in Mexico not just by the Americans, but many Europeans.
The paradise beaches, the natural and historic richness, and the delicious Mexican gastronomy are the reason for many tourists around the world to visit Mexico, and if you are interested in travel to Mexico, here you have some tips to enjoy the cities.
Pay with cash and local money
Buy the souvenirs with cash its cheaper than pay with a card or another currency, thanks to this you will avoid the bank taxes and a type of change not so good for you. In addition, many establishments like inns, doesn’t have another way of payment.
Change your money in the downtown
Change your Euros or Dollars in a currency exchange house in the downtown, like the Fifth Avenue in Playa del Carmen or Tulum Avenue in Cancun, the competence in this area make that the commissions get to low. It will be cheaper than take the money out of the ATM (many of these hold the cards). You can use a digital tool like an app to know the real price of the Mexican peso and go to the currency exchange house that most suits you.
Negotiate the price its part of the Mexican culture
If you going to buy a product like a souvenir for friends or family, never accept the first price that the locals give you, this is because the always going to try to sell it more expensive just because you are a tourist. One more reason to learn Spanish while you’re in Mexico. In the “flea markets” in Cancun the bargaining it’s an always task.
Be careful when you take a taxi without taximeter. Ask first the price to your destination.
Compare and pay for the excursions in the place
The hotels and agencies from big cities offer tours to Chichen Itza, Tulum, Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, Holbox, etc. in a very expensive price. The advantage is that they pick you up in the hotel and they do almost everything for you. However, if you can arrive to the place of excursion by your own, you will see that excursions are 50 or 70 % cheaper than the ones in the agencies or hotels.
Visit Chichén Itza with time and with a guide
One of the top cities in Yucatan its Chichen Itza, the “mayan jewel”. The route take like 2 hours, but consider more for the other extra tasks like get the tickets, enjoy the place, take photos, eat, shopping, and more. Have in mind that Chichén Itzá closes at 17 h, so is not recommendable arrive after 13 hours.
Eat in an inn
To enjoy the gastronomical experience, your best option quality-price are the typical Mexican inns. This places to eat are a few steps from the commercial zones, in markets like 23 from Cancún or in the villages aside the highways, the best to eat and learn spanish or practice it.
Learn more vocabulary in our Spanish courses in Riviera Maya. The typical dishes are:
- Tacos
- Burritos
- Quesadillas
- Birria
- Chilaquiles
- Salbute
- Salpicón
- And more
There’s an entire world beyond resorts
Cancún and the Riviera Maya are known by the tourist for their hotel resorts, but actually there are many options for accommodation in the zone.
If you want to visit the Riviera Maya and explore all the culture around the city, visit alegrespanishschools.com and enjoy from the best places and the opportunity to learn Spanish while you stay in one of the most touristic places in Mexico.
Do you want to teach Spanish? Get more information about our Spanish teacher training course
If you prefer an English teacher training course, we also have options for you with our CELTA courses for beginners or advanced teachers and TKT.
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