Cary & Mark’s guidebook

Either rent a car, or get here on an ADO or Mayab bus from Cancun, Playa or Tulum. We are 20 min by taxi from the Chetumal airport. If you come without a car, public transport is readily available. Taxis come to our door and take you anywhere for 150-200 pesos each way, or you can take a bus, van or taxi for less without door to door pickup.

Bacalar, 15 km north, is a delightful, community with many delightful restaurants, attracting international healers and adventurers. Chetumal 15 km south, the capital of our state, Quintana Roo, is on the border of Belize on the Bay of Chetumal. The Mercado Viejo in Chetumal, Centro is a fun place to shop. There are also Sam's, Walmart, Chedraui & Home Depot for the familiar. It is 26 pesos each taxi ride in Chet or Bacalar to get around town.

Keep visa (given upon entry) in Passport-notice how many days they gave you. Bring daypack or bag to carry personal items. Leave jewelry and fancy clothes at home. Most of the year we wear flip flops or sandals, shorts, sundress, sunshirt, sarong, hat, layers in case it cools off, casual, comfortable. If you can, leave computer at home; easier to travel with phone & tablet. Bring power cords, earbuds. Change dollars or currency for pesos. Let your bank know you will be traveling to Mexico. Put phone on travel plan. Unlocked phone can add a chip for about $10 per month calls to US, Mex, Canada.

You are coming to a poorer culture. Don't overdress. Be sure to tip in most situations 20-50 pesos is good depending on the bill (restaurants, tire change, service). Be kind, be friendly. Most people will be helpful and patient to understand what you need. If someone is selling trinkets, maybe help them out and get something. Enjoy the moments and look for ways to give back.

Public transportation is a great service here. Taxis, white collectivo vans, and Mayab bus will stop anywhere to pick you up if they have room. If you are return fare for the taxis, it costs less - 45 pesos per person. (Door to door service is a bit more, but sometimes worth it). There are set rates, so don't try to talk them down. Most nicer restaurants designed for tourists might cost $15-$20 for 2 people for a nice meal. Smaller, out of the way local places are good and cost less. If you are vegan or vegetarian, beware, most of the cheaper food will be cooked with pork fat or chicken.

Be sure to book your lodging ahead - as things book up. This region is a vacation place for families from Mexico, as well as travelers from the US, Canada and Europe. Summer is hot, so there is more availability. In the winter, things book up fast.

In the Yucatan, Mayan is a first language for many and Spanish second. So the Spanish is more simple than in nearby countries such as Costa Rica, or more urban areas of Mexico. A great way to learn/ practice your Spanish is with the App Duo Lingo (it has 50 languages), its fun, encouraging, is gamefied and is a great way to expand your vocabulary. Practice on your phone. Use Google Translate or similar and make yourself a list of phrases to help you get through your travel.: Where is the bathroom? Hi, how are you? Thank you! A ticket please. The bill please. Good morning, afternoon, evening