TRAVEL
INSTRUCTIONS
Airline Reservations
Visas and
Passports
Shots and Pills
What to Bring
Carry-on
Mexico City Airport
Huatulco
La Crucecita
Meeting Time
Currency
Reading
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 | Traveling Instructions and
Information
Get a printer friendly PDF copy of these instructions
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  Besides the great rivers, stunning scenery and friendly people, another great reason to paddle in Mexico is the short flight and flexible itinerary.
Flights from LA to Mexico City usually cost under $400. The flight time is just over three hours, 30 minutes. The leg to Huatulco is around $150 and takes about 50 minutes.
Flying: Make your flight reservations now. We have been finding great fares to Mexico with Vista World Travel. The usual itinerary is to fly via Mexico City to Huatulco (HUX). Call Gene, Ranae or Maureen at Vista World (800) 880-8068.
Passports and Identification: US citizens traveling in Mexico need a valid drivers' license and a notarized copy of their birth certificate. You will be issued a tourist card when you land at Mexico City or Huatulco (Don't loose it). If you have a passport bring it. Citizens of other countries need to check with the Mexican Embassy regarding travel requirements.
Mexico City: The Mexico City airport is a mess.
Let a porter carry your bags. Give him your bags, show him your tickets
and he should take care of you. A buck a bag is fine. Top
Changing Currency: It's a good idea to have
some travel cash with you. Shop for a good exchange rate in the Mexico
City airport. Avoid the exchange at LAX. Request small bills. 10//036 USD
$1.00 = $NP ~ 11) You shouldn't need more than $100. You can get crisp
new pesos from your checking accounts using the ATMs in Mexico. You need
to know your PIN. Top
What to bring: Experience has shown us it's best if you bring
your own paddling accessories: helmet, lifejacket, sprayskirt and
paddle. You know they fit, what condition they are in and, most of all,
your own gear is simply comfortable.
| Carabiners (2)
Camara and
film
Emergency cash (USD $~100)
Flash light
* Helmet
Insect
repellent
Jacket (warm)
* Life jacket
Light
pants & shirt
*Paddle
| Paddle jacket: short and long
sleeve
Passport / Photo ID
Polypro pants
Polypro
sweater
Rain gear
River shoes
Sandals & shoes
Shorts/swimsuit
Sleeping bag/pad
* Sprayskirt,
LC |
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Throw bag
Towel
T
shirts
Visor/hat
Water bottle
Water proof dry-bag (small)
*
These can be rented in advance. |
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Carry-on: It hasn't been a problem . .
. but, just in case your luggage is lost in transit, it's a good idea
to make sure you carry on the essential paddling items: shorts,
lifevest, sprayskirt and helmet. Don't forget your toothbrush! Top
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Shots and
pills: Check with your local health district. The usual
recommendations are for a tetinus booster and a Gamma Gobulin shot to
prevent hepitus. Bring some band-aids, cortisone creme and any other
personal medications. If you have any health complications, please let
us know. Make sure your health insurance covers you in Mexico.
Center for Disease Control Travel
Information Page
International Association for Medical Assistance to Travellers
Missed connections and other problems: Don't panic! Usually
everything works out. If you miss a flight or have any problems, call
our US and Mexican phones and inform us of your new arrival time. If you
don't get through to one of us, leave a message on the USA number and the
Mexico voice mail. Then get on the next plane and on your way. Top
Important Numbers:
Agua Azul USA: 208-863-1100
Agua Azul Oaxaca 044-958-589-1718
aguaazul@aguaazul.com
Huatulco Airport: Take a shuttle to La Crucecita. Show the driver this address: Conjunto Beta Centauro, frente de Plaza Madero.
Go to the parking lot in back and to the pool section.
Top
In La Crucecita: Look around, but
leave a note if you go for a stroll. Top
Meeting Time: Top be announced. Top
When
Travelling: Carry this sheet with you! Don't bring too much. You're
only going to be gone a week. Enjoy your travels. Don't stress over
connections. The porters, sidewalk superintendents and taxi drivers
aren't trying to rob you. They are trying to see if you know the value
of a dollar. It's more than you think. Minimum daily wage is around USD
$8. If you can find a job. Top
Recommended Reading: "Spanish - English
Dictionary." University of Chicago. This is the one. Don't be fooled by
expensive imitations. Read the description of the Spanish language.
"Madrigal's Magic Key to Spanish." Margarita Madrigal. A unique and
effective approach to learning Spanish. "Distant Neighbors." Alan
Riding. A great look at Mexican culture, corruption and our intertwined
destinies. "The Conquest of New Spain." Bernal Diaz. A soldier's
fascinating account of Cortez's conquest of the Aztecs. "Idaho the
Whitewater State." Grant Amaral. Another shameless self-promotion. Top
U.S. State
Department Travel Warnings and Consular Information
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