I'm going to Mexico!

[KissMeKate]

I have been all over this country and into Canada, but have yet to venture far enough to use my passport. I have a once-in-a-lifetime to join a group for a 9 day pilgrimage to Mexico, mainly staying & hiking near and in Chichen Itza.

I have always been facinated by the Mayan culture and besides Machu Picchu, Chichen Itza has been a big draw for me.

I'm looking for (helpful) suggestions on travel tips, extra vaccinations, what to bring/not bring, how not to get ripped off, what to look for for good bargains, customs, etc. This group has huge spiritual and political connections, so I'm figuring we'll be able to go where other groups can't.

It's a short notice trip, so I have about 2 weeks to get my act together before getting on the plane.

[WenchLadyKate]

Electrical stuff. Make sure they have the same type of outlets and make sure you have an adapter if they don't. I'm sure there's probably info online.

[Artemisia]

Tell some vendors you're from Canada instead of the US. For some reason, Canadians get a discount. Spanish speaking Canadians get even more of a discount.

If you're up to date on your vaccinations you don't need anything special. Always good to call your doctor and ask.
Sunblock and a plastic rain poncho 'specially when hiking.
You want "agua sin gas".
If you take a cab, haggle your round trip cost before you get in the cab.
If you get a chance, don't miss Tulum.
If you like the beach don't miss Isla Mujeres.
If you have it, don't forget your wench t-shirt.

[Ravin' Raven]

If you get a chance, don't miss Tulum.

Seconded and thirded....Amazing and awe inspiring....Of course I had a young woman's spirit come home with me......I drew a picture of her and wrote a poem she told me.....VERY spiritual place....

[Artemisia]

Seconded and thirded....Amazing and awe inspiring....Of course I had a young woman's spirit come home with me......I drew a picture of her and wrote a poem she told me.....VERY spiritual place....

Just one step down (only because of it's size) from Machu Picchu if you ask me.

When you sit close to the cliff with the temples around you and you look out to sea.....

[Pathos]

Speaking of Machu Picchu...I'm going there in November.

Apart from a one-day trip to Canada and a one-day trip to Mexico it'll be my first real trip outta' the country as well.

Hooray for passports!!!

[Ravin' Raven]

Just one step down (only because of it's size) from Machu Picchu if you ask me.

When you sit close to the cliff with the temples around you and you look out to sea.....

Exactly. My "friend" drowned. I never knew if it was her choice or someone else's choice.....very strong presence up there where you can look over that little crescent of beach....

[Artemisia]

Speaking of Machu Picchu...I'm going there in November.

Apart from a one-day trip to Canada and a one-day trip to Mexico it'll be my first real trip outta' the country as well.

Hooray for passports!!!

FUCK YEA!

Try to do the hike from Km 109 instead of the train.
Take a poncho. Buy a hiking stick.
Drink chicha, eat a llama, suck the eyeballs out of a coo-ee (guinea pig), chew on coca leaves and have a pisco sour.

When you're looking at the Old Mountain you'll thank goodness that the Spanish never found it.

[KissMeKate]

Plugs for the gadgets - hadn't thought of that, thanks!
Sunblock - check
Sunhat - check
Bug repellant - check
Vaccinations - mostly check
Wench shirt - check
Don't drink the water - check
Guinea pig - not unless forced. a) I raised them as pets, b) I have a recognizable food issue - I don't like to recognize my food
Folding hiking stick and really good shoes - check

I don't have the full itinerary yet. Am hoping to get the travel packet very soon.

[Artemisia]

(Tip hat Phee)

Oh Pathos.....
http://wench.org/forums/showpost.php...2&postcount=47
A photo opportunity, juz sayin'...