Travel FAQ's

Information for Travel in Mexico

 
 
Reservations
How do I make a reservation?
What kind of deposit is required and when do I pay in full?
What is your cancellation policy?
Do you have any discounts?
 
Things to Know Before You Go
How do I get to the departure city of Veracruz?
Do I need a passport or visa?
Should I bring traveler's cheques? Cash?  Credit Cards?
How much money should I bring?
Do I have to know Spanish to survive?
Can I drink the water?
How do I keep in touch with my family and friends back home?
Do I need any special type of electrical adapters in order to use my electronic devices?
Is tipping included?
What type of ground transportation is used when traveling from one destination to another?
What is your policy regarding sustainable tourism?
 
Explore Tropical Veracruz, Mexico - 7 Day Trip
What is included in the trip fee?
What is not included in the trip fee?
What is the minimum and maximum group numbers?
What are the age restrictions on this trip?
Do I need to purchase travel related medical insurance?
What clothing should I pack?
 
Clouds to Coast 7 Day Veracruz Adventure
What is included in the trip fee?
What is not included in the trip fee?
What is the minimum and maximum number group numbers?
What are the age restrictions on this trip?
Do I need to purchase travel related medical insurance?
What clothing should I pack?
 
The Ultimate 12 Day Veracruz Action Adventure Vacation
What is included in the trip fee?
What is not included in the trip fee?
What is the minimum and maximum number group numbers?
What are the age restrictions on this trip?
Do I need to purchase travel related medical insurance?
What clothing should I pack?
 
Reservations
 
How do I make a reservation?
You can check upcoming tour dates, space availability, read our Terms and Conditions Policy, Liability Release Agreement, and make a reservation all from our website. Just click on the icon found by each trip description. You can also contact our office directly by phone to make a reservation. Thirdly, you can check with your local travel professional and ask about our trips.
 
What kind of deposit is required and when do I pay in full?
A deposit of $350 per person is due when you submit your reservation. Full payment is due 70 days prior to the first day of the trip. Payments made within 30 days of the first day of the trip need to be in the form of a certified check or credit card.
 
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellations will only be accepted in writing. Cancellation fees will be applied based on the date that the written cancellation is received.
70 or more days prior to the first day of the trip: $350 per person (trip deposit)
30 to 69 days prior to the first day of the trip: 50% of the trip cost
Less than 30 days prior to the first day of the trip: Trip cost whether paid in full or not
 
Do you have any discounts?
Yes!  If book a trip with 10 or more of your friends and family, you will get one trip FREE. In addition, sometimes we have last minute specials on our trips. Please consult our website for more information on these last minute deals or better yet, sign up for our Discover Veracruz E-News to receive the latest up-to-date specials.
 
 
 
Things to Know Before You Go
 
How do I get to the city of Veracruz?
Most airlines from the U.S. will take you to Mexico City first and then you can change planes (approx. 50 minute flight) to go to the city of Veracruz. The international airport in Veracruz is called, Las Bajadas Airport (VER). Currently, Continental Airlines has direct flights from Houston, Texas and American Airlines also has direct flights to the city of Veracruz from the Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport.
 
There is first class bus service from the Mexico City Airport direct/non-stop to the city of Veracruz. The travel time is approximately 5 hours. This scenic route will take you through Mexico City, the surrounding countryside, up and over the Sierra Madre Oriental Mountains, and then down to the tropical lowlands toward Veracruz. The bus company is called, ADO and has a reservation office on the first floor of Terminal 1 at the Mexico City International Airport.
 
Do I need a passport or visa?
United States citizens do not need a visa. You do need a passport which is valid for at least six months from the return date. If you need to obtain or renew your passport, please allow enough time for it to be processed and sent to you. Non-US citizens, please check with your local Mexican Consulate for any further restrictions and requirements.
 
Should I bring Traveler's Cheques?  Cash?  Credit Cards?
When you arrive in Mexico, we recommend that you exchange some of your currency to Mexican  pesos. ATM machines are just about everywhere. We recommend using these machines to traveler's cheques. Most banks in Mexico will cash traveler's cheques, however, sometimes the lines to the bank tellers are so long, you may not want to spend your vacation time waiting in line to cash them. In addition, many small shop owners and restaurants will not accept traveler's cheques and/or credit cards. We recommend you use ATM machines and Mexican currency.
A tip on exchanging currency: Please be advised that slightly torn notes, notes that have been heavily marked, or are faded, may be difficult to exchange. It is best to bring notes in good condition.
 
How much money should I bring?
Most of your expenses for your trip are covered in the trip fee. However, there may be some meals which are not included. Bring enough to cover your meals, airport transfers, items you may want to purchase, person items, and gratuities. Again, please remember, there are still many places in Veracruz that do not accept credit cards.
 
Do I have to know Spanish to survive?
It is always good to know some basics words. On all of our tours, there will be an English-Spanish speaking trip leader with you each day on your vacation. He/she will do any necessary translating for the group.
 
Can I drink the water?
As a precaution, drinking the water directly from faucets is not advisable. Your trip leader will provide purified drinking water for you each day of your trip.
 
How do I keep in touch with my family and friends back home?
Internet centers can be found in most of the places you will visit. There will also be places to access wireless internet connections. Mexican phone cards can be purchased while in route and used in the local public pay phones. However, you may pay $1 US or more per minute when calling out of Mexico. If someone needs to contact you in an emergency while on one of our trips, we suggest they call our US office and leave a message. That message will be relayed to you as soon as possible. Unless they speak Spanish, it is probably not a good idea for your family or friends to try to phone the accommodations en route directly. In many cases, the receptionists do not speak English.
 
Do I need any special type of electrical adapters in order to use my electronic devices?
Mexico uses 110 volt, 60 cycle electricity, the same as the United States. Plugs are typically the 2 pronged flat type so US travelers will not need a converter or adaptor. However, some of the outlets in Mexico still do not have 3 holes.  So if your device has a third prong, bring a 3 prong to 2 prong adaptor. Please make sure the 2 prongs on your adaptor are of the same size. 
 
Is tipping included?
The word TIP means, "To Insure Promptness." Tipping is not included in the tour price except for meals listed on the itinerary. Tipping is entirely at your discretion. If you felt someone did a "great job," went out of their way to be helpful, and/or did something special for you . . . then we would suggest you can show your appreciation with a tip. Your guides can give you recommendations on an amount which is appropriate. They are there to assist you throughout your entire trip. 
 
What type of ground transportation is used when traveling from one destination to another?
During our trips, you may find yourself in a suburban, a van, a car, bus, and/or even in the back of a pickup truck sitting on padded seats. It is all part of the adventure!
 
What is your policy regarding sustainable tourism?
Our guides and clients are encouraged to adhere to the principles of responsible tourism, including respect for the areas we visit, the native people we encounter, and the animals and plant life we share the area with. We work with local trip providers and purchase local products/services whenever possible.
 
 
 
 Explore Tropical Veracruz - 7 Day Trip
 
Explore Tropical Veracruz (7 Days) - Trip Fee Includes:
-  Airport, accommodations, or bus station pickup in the city of Veracruz on Day 1
-  6 nights of accommodations
-  All ground transportation except transportation to the Veracruz airport on Day 7
-  All entrance fees & tours per itinerary
-  Local bilingual (English/Spanish) guide each day
-  Purified drinking water each day
-  5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 3 dinners
 
 Explore Tropical Veracruz (7 Day) - Trip Fee Does Not Include:
-  Airfare, bus, car, and/or other transportation costs incurred to arrive at the departure city of Veracruz on Day 1
-  Meals not listed in trip itinerary
-  Alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, and juices consumed during the included lunches and dinners   
-  Transportation from your accommodations in the city of Veracruz to the Veracruz airport on Day 7
-  Tips and gratuities
-  Travel insurance
  
Explore Tropical Veracruz (7 Day) - What is the minimum & maximum group numbers?
Minimum: 2 adults
Maximum: 14
(Larger groups can be accommodated. Please contact us for more details).
 
Explore Tropical Veracruz (7 Day) - Are there any age restrictions?
This trip is geared for all ages.  Couples, groups, seniors, solo travelers, and families with children are all welcome on this trip. There are no upper age limits on this trip. However, you should be in good health and have a reasonably good level of general fitness. Please study the itinerary to understand the varies activities you will be participating in during this trip. For more information on Medical Fitness and Age, please refer to our Terms and Conditions policies, point #8.  Any client over the age of 65 or with preexisting medical conditions must complete a medical certificate.
Medical Statement Form (PDF)
 
Explore Tropical Veracruz (7 Day) - Do I need to purchase travel related medical insurance?
Yes, it is compulsory that all clients have personal travel related medical insurance. Discover Veracruz Tours assumes no financial responsibility for personal injury, emergency evacuation, or equipment lost or damaged in any way. For complete details, please see point #15 in our Terms and Conditions form. To obtain this insurance, please speak with your travel agent, insurance agent, or go online. Traveguard.com and InsureMyTrip.com are just two of the many insurance companies found on the internet.
If you are concerned about the possibility of having to cancel, we strongly suggest you purchase trip cancellation insurance to protect your vacation investment.
 
Explore Tropical Veracruz (7 Day) - What clothing and personal items should I pack?
We always recommend packing as light as possible.
Passport (with photo copies)
Pen for filling out customs and immigration forms
Airline tickets (with photo copies)
Cash and Credit/Debit Card
Camera with extra batteries & memory cards
Small flashlight
Fanny pack or small back pack for day trips
Rain poncho
Hat (to protect your head from the sun)
Shorts
Swim suit
Long pants
Short sleeve shirts/T-shirts
Long sleeve shirt (protection from the sun and the occasional chilly evenings)
Light jacket (with "Global Warming?/Cooling?" - you may need it for January - March travel)
Water shoes or waterproof sandals
Sturdy walking and/or hiking shoes
Quick drying towel
Sunglasses
Glasses strap that floats (when wearing prescription glasses or sunglasses in or near water)
Toiletries
Watch/alarm clock
First aid kit - lip balm, aspirin, Band Aides, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar for mild diarrhea, sunblock, any prescription drugs you may be taking
 
 
Clouds to Coast 7 Day Veracruz Adventure Trip
 
Clouds to Coast 7 Day Veracruz Adventure Trip - Trip Fee Includes:
-  Airport, accommodations, or bus station pickup in the city of Veracruz on Day 1
-  6 nights of accommodations
-  All ground transportation except transportation to the Veracruz airport on Day 7
-  All entrance fees & tours per itinerary
-  Local bilingual (English/Spanish) guide each day
-  Purified drinking water each day
-  5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners
 
 Clouds to Coast 7 Day Veracruz Adventure Trip - Trip Fee Does Not Include:
-  Airfare, bus, car, and/or other transportation costs incurred to arrive at the departure city of Veracruz on Day 1
-  Meals not listed in trip itinerary
-  Alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, and juices consumed during the included lunches and dinners   
-  Transportation from your accommodations in the city of Veracruz to the Veracruz airport on Day 7
-  Tips and gratuities
-  Travel insurance
  
Clouds to Coast 7 Day Veracruz Adventure Trip - What is the minimum & maximum group numbers?
Minimum: 2 adults
Maximum: 14
 
Clouds to Coast 7 Day Veracruz Adventure Trip - Are there any age restrictions?
To travel independently, you must be at least 18 years of age. The minimum age for this trip is 12 when accompanied by an adult. There are no upper age limits on this trip. However, you should be in good health and have a reasonably good level of general fitness. Please study the itinerary to understand the varies activities you will be participating in during this trip. For more information on Medical Fitness and Age, please refer to our Terms and Conditions policies, point #8.  Any client over the age of 65 or with preexisting medical conditions must complete a medical certificate.
Medical Statement Form (PDF)
 
Clouds to Coast 7 Day Veracruz Adventure Trip - Do I need to purchase travel related medical insurance?
Yes, it is compulsory that all clients have personal travel related medical insurance. Discover Veracruz Tours assumes no financial responsibility for personal injury, emergency evacuation, or equipment lost or damaged in any way. For complete details, please see point #15 in our Terms and Conditions form. To obtain this insurance, please speak with your travel agent, insurance agent, or go online. Traveguard.com and InsureMyTrip.com are just two of the many insurance companies found on the internet.
If you are concerned about the possibility of having to cancel, we strongly suggest you purchase trip cancellation insurance to protect your vacation investment.
 
 Clouds to Coast 7 Day Veracruz Adventure Trip - What clothing should I pack?
We always recommend packing as light as possible.
Passport (with photo copies)
Travel Insurance - optional (with photo copies)
Airline tickets (with photo copies)
Cash and Credit/Debit Card
Camera and extra batteries
Small flashlight
Fanny pack or small back pack for day trips
Rain poncho
Hat (to protect your head from the sun)
Shorts
Swim suit
Long pants
Short sleeve shirts/T-shirts
Long sleeve shirt (protection from the sun and the occasional chilly evenings)
Fleece top (the upper altitudes may get chilly)
Windbreaker shell
Water shoes or waterproof sandals
Sturdy walking and/or hiking shoes
Quick drying towel
Sunglasses
Glasses strap that floats (when wearing prescription glasses or sunglasses in or near water)
Toiletries
Watch/alarm clock
First aid kit - lip balm, aspirin, Band Aides, anti-histamine, insect repellent, Imodium or similar for mild diarrhea, sunblock, any prescription drugs you may be taking
 
Additional items For the Pico de Orizaba Mountain Bike Descent
Fleece hat to go under the bike helmet
Synthetic "hiking" socks work best
Long underwear (might need it in the upper attitudes for the mountain biking)
Any additional mountain biking gear you deem necessary
Note: dual suspension mountain bike, bike helmet, and gloves will be provided
 
 
 
The Ultimate 12 Day Veracruz Action Adventure Vacation
 
The Ultimate 12 Day Veracruz Action Adventure Vacation - Trip Fee Includes:
-  Airport, accommodations, or bus station pickup in the city of Veracruz on Day 1
-  11 nights of accommodations
-  All ground transportation except transportation to the Veracruz airport on Day 7
-  All entrance fees & tours per itinerary
-  Local bilingual (English/Spanish) guide each day
-  Purified drinking water each day
-  10 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners
 
 The Ultimate 12 Day Veracruz Action Adventure Vacation - Trip Fee Does Not Include:
-  Airfare, bus, car, and/or other transportation costs incurred to arrive at the departure city of Veracruz on Day 1
-  Meals not listed in trip itinerary
-  Alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, and juices consumed during the included lunches and dinners   
-  Transportation from your accommodations in the city of Veracruz to the Veracruz airport on Day 12
-  Tips and gratuities
-  Travel insurance
  
The Ultimate 12 Day Veracruz Action Adventure Vacation - What is the minimum & maximum group numbers?
Minimum: 2 adults
Maximum: 14
 
The Ultimate 12 Day Veracruz Action Adventure Vacation - Are there any age restrictions?
To travel independently, you must be at least 18 years of age. The minimum age for this trip is 12 when accompanied by an adult. There are no upper age limits on this trip. However, you should be in good health and have a reasonably good level of general fitness. Please study the itinerary to understand the varies activities you will be participating in during this trip. For more information on Medical Fitness and Age, please refer to our Terms and Conditions policies, point #8.  Any client over the age of 65 or with preexisting medical conditions must complete a medical certificate.
Medical Statement Form (PDF)
 

The Ultimate 12 Day Veracruz Action Adventure Vacation

  • Do I need to purchase travel related medical insurance?

    Yes, it is compulsory that all clients have personal travel related medical insurance. Discover Veracruz Tours assumes no financial responsibility for personal injury, emergency evacuation, or equipment lost or damaged in any way. For complete details, please see point #15 in our Terms and Conditions form. To obtain this insurance, please speak with your travel agent, insurance agent, or go online. Traveguard.com and InsureMyTrip.com are just two of the many insurance companies found on the internet.

    If you are concerned about the possibility of having to cancel, we strongly suggest you purchase trip cancellation insurance to protect your vacation investment.

The Ultimate 12 Day Veracruz Action Adventure Vacation - What clothing should I pack?

  • We always recommend packing as light as possible.
  • Passport (with photo copies)
  • Travel Insurance - optional (with photo copies)
  • Airline tickets (with photo copies)
  • Cash and Credit/Debit Card
  • Camera and extra batteries
  • Small flashlight
  • Fanny pack or small back pack for day trips
  • Rain poncho
  • Hat (to protect your head from the sun)
  • Shorts
  • Swim suit
  • Long pants
  • Short sleeve shirts/T-shirts
  • Long sleeve shirt (protection from the sun and the occasional chilly evenings)
  • Fleece top (the upper altitudes may get chilly)
  • Windbreaker shell
  • Water shoes or waterproof sandals
  • Sturdy walking and/or hiking shoes
  • Quick drying towel
  • Sunglasses
  • Glasses strap that floats (when wearing prescription glasses or sunglasses in or near water)
  • Toiletries
  • Watch/alarm clock
  • First aid kit - lip balm, aspirin, Band Aides, anti-histamine, insect repellent, Imodium or similar for mild diarrhea, sunblock, any prescription drugs you may be taking
  • Additional items For the Pico de Orizaba Mountain Bike Descent
  • Fleece hat to go under the bike helmet
  • Synthetic "hiking" socks work best
  • Long underwear (might need it in the upper attitudes for the mountain biking)
  • Any additional mountain biking gear you deem necessary
    Note:dual suspension mountain bike, bike helmet, and gloves will be provided