Cancun and Riviera Maya Climate
In the continental region the climate is semi-tropical, with an average yearly temperature of 26 degrees Centigrade, which can rise to 35 degrees in summer. Average rainfall per year is 1400 mm. The highest temperatures and most abundant rains occur during the months of April and May, and from September through January. During the day, the climate is hot and light clothing is recommended. For trips into the jungle, you should wear pants, long-sleeved shirts and shoes or zapatillas and use insect repellent for mosquitoes. The temperature drops at night and a light sweater or bush jacket is suggested.

Attire
During any time of the year we recommend wearing casual, lightweight clothing, preferably light-colored and made from natural fibers. Use bathing suits and sandal-type shoes only on the beach and around the pool, and tennis shoes or other comfortable shoes to walk in the jungle or to visit archaeological zones, reserves or parks. Don't forget a casual but elegant outfit to dine in an exclusive restaurant.

During the winter months we suggest lightweight pants and a sweater.

We advise bringing sunglasses and using sunblock when on the beach or on a tour on the archaeological sites we recommend the use of insect repellent. Any necessary, forgotten or desired articles can be found easily. Nearly all hotels have stores selling clothes and all types of articles, as do Cancun's shopping centers and supermarkets.

Cars and Gasoline
Cars rental agencies can be found at the International Airport, in hotels and shopping centers. A credit card and valid driver's license are required. There are two types of unleaded gasoline: Magna and Premium (the latter is recommended, it has higher octane and is more efficient for new automobiles). Payment must be in cash at all gas stations; none accept credit cards.

Communications
Cancun has all the communication services of a modern and cosmopolitan city: widespread Internet access, local phone service by credit card or prepaid calling card and cellular phone rentals are all offered. Areas from Tulum, from the way that takes to the Sian Ka'an reserve, do not have telephone services, but a rented cell phone can always be of use if you so desire.

Money
The peso is Mexico's official currency exchange rate.

Its value is in constant flux due to its dependency on the American dollar. One American dollar is worth approximately 9.50 Mexican pesos. Mastercard, Visa and American Express are widely accepted without exception, as well as traveler's checks and dollars (only in bills).

Money exchange centers and banks to change any type of currency to Mexican pesos (advisable when carrying cash) are found in all areas

Drinking water
Water in the hotel zone is drinkable. It is extracted from below the ground and contains a high mineral content due to the Yucatan Peninsula's geological origin. This can cause gastrointestinal discomfort in some people. It is advisable to purchase bottled water, sold in all areas.

Because this is a tropical area, we caution against drinking water of unknown origins.

Kids
If you are traveling with small children you will find all the basic and necessary services for a pleasant stay. Cancun's supermarkets offer from baby accessories and food to toys. All cities are equipped with basic medical services and the majority of hotels provide entertainment for the little ones so you may rest, from a mini club for kids to activities for toddlers.

In addition, there are many tour options and entertainment for children and youths, such as aquatic activities, swimming with dolphins, visits to interesting and unique sites in Cancun and the Riviera Maya.

Language and Religion
Spanish is the official language, but everybody speaks English. In hotels and travel agencies you will find personnel who are fluent in other languages.

Natives speak the Maya language of their ancestors since the Yucatan Peninsula is the cradle of one of the greatest civilizations that existed in ancient Mesoamerica: the Maya. Important archeological zones have endured and are open to the public, as well as a great number of vestiges still hidden within the jungle waiting to be rescued.

Catholicism is the main religion practiced. Many hotels offer religious services on weekends. In small towns, ancient practices of the Maya religion are still carried out.

Medical Facilities
Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel and Isla Mujeres have all necessary medical facilities to cover any emergency and have pharmacies 24 hours stocked with all types of medications. Furthermore, private air transportation is available in case of an emergency requires to go to a more specialized medical center. In downtown Cancun are located four government clinics, and three private hospitals. Mexican Red Cross provides medical service and ambulance transportation.

Pets
Only cats and dogs may enter the country. Transportation requirements include a signed letter by a veterinarian listing vaccinations and indicating that the animal is in good health. In any case, we recommend leaving pets at home since most hotels are not equipped with services to accommodate them. The small hotels of the Riviera Maya may have options, but we suggest checking beforehand. There are special guidelines for dogs of handicapped people.

Safety
You and your family's safety are guaranteed when visiting Cancun or any other part of the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. Here, where tourism is the principal economic activity, special care is taken to ensure the well-being and peace of mind of visitors.

You may stroll calmly through the international airport, malls, streets, avenues and beaches. Authorized transportation is supervised, taxi drivers are friendly, service-oriented and their vehicles are safe.

In the hotel zone, wander worry-free at any time of day or night.

The highways toward Chichen Itza and Tulum are wide and secure, and are constantly monitored by the federal police and auxiliary services.

Nevertheless, like any other part of the world, use caution at night when in areas removed from public zones, being on the street in an altered state or inviting strangers into your car or hotel room. Watch important personal belongings and deposit valuables in the safety boxes in your hotel. Hotels provide very efficient security services.
Don't be alarmed by news that the media may divulge over occurrences in other parts of the country. Quintana Roo is a peaceful state and its northern zone opens its doors to you, offering our characteristically cheerful Mexican hospitality.

Shopping
Cancun is the commercial soul of the entire region. There are several shopping centers with clothing boutiques and leather goods, perfume shops, brand-name stores, tax-free jewelry shops and a number of souvenirs and handicraft stores with items from distinct regions of the country.
Downtown Cancun has colorful markets, department stores, modern supermarkets and discount shops. Shopping
Cancun malls offers all types of articles, a great variety of restaurants and lots of entertainment. You may stroll along the main commercial plazas of Cancun's hotel zone: Plaza Caracol, Plaza Forum, Plaza Flamingo and Plaza La Isla, walk down Tulum Avenue, the main street of downtown Cancun, or visit the traditional Mercado 28, where bargaining for the best price is customary.

Items imported from the United States can be purchased in international wholesale stores or in large supermarkets.

Basic articles can be found in the large hotels of the Riviera Maya. Playa del Carmen invites to walk by their Fifth Avenue and to cross the multitude of small stores that mainly offer beach clothes and exotic handcrafts.

The island of Cozumel also has shops with a nice selection of goods. Cozumel's fine jewelry stores, that comprise of the great network of jewel commerce of the Caribbean and world-wide famous.

Transportation
Local taxis will take passengers to any part of the city of Cancun, the Riviera Maya and even Merida.

In Cancun, Turicun and Autocar are public buses that follow routes from downtown through the entire hotel zone and back. They are practical and affordable, with frequent stops. Taxis are recommended downtown. They may be stopped from the street, are easily accessible (watch for rush hour) and inexpensive.

You can reach any part of the Riviera Maya in buses departing from the ADO terminals in Cancun and Playa del Carmen. These buses are a safe, practical and affordable means of transport.

If you decide against a tour, we recommend renting a car in order to travel at your leisure.

Tips
Cancun is a world-class tourist destination offering visitors some of the best service available. In the airports and hotels, a tip of one or two American dollars per suitcase carried is recommended.

Taxi drivers receive a tip only when they provide service in addition to transport. At bars or restaurants, a tip of 10 to 15 percent of the total value consumed is customary. Always verify that the tip is not included in the bill.

Tips within the hotels follow American customs and are always a sign of satisfaction during your stay.

The law
Mexico, including the three states of the Yucatan Peninsula considers the following items Federal offenses:

- Possession, transportation and sales of all drugs whether they be chemical or natural.
- Possession, transportation and sales of any type of archaeological relic or historical treasure.
- Sales or purchase of animal or plant species in danger of extinction; or derived products thereof; birds, lizards, marine turtles, monkeys, deer and others on a very long and stringently enforced list.
- Destruction, removal or mistreatment of any and all marine corals.