Help me plan a Mexico Christmas Trip

November 9, 2006 8:57 PM

Help me plan my Xmas trip to Mexico!

I've decided to take a trip around Dec. 23 to around January 2 to probably the area of Guanajato and San Miguel de Allende with my mom (early 60's, anglo if that matters). My guidebook lacks some essential details. What is the nearest airport or best form of transport to/from (should we fly into Mexico City and take a 4 hr. bus, or would there be a simpler route?) What are essential sightseeing spots? Any suggested accomodations/itineraries? What is the weather gonna be like? Security issues? I would like this to be a very full cultural and sociable experience for my mom, as she seems pretty depressed lately; she's always had a curious mind and I think this experience should be emotionally healthful for her. We'll be travelling from Texas. Thanks in advance!
btw, I don't have a valid passport; I've heard through the grapevine that US citizens will need one when traveling to Mexico on or after Jan. 1, 2007. I realize I still need to get a tourist visa if i'm staying there longer than 72 hours, but will not having a passport jack me up coming back over the border after that deadline? anyone know? Thanks!

posted by theperfectcrime to Travel & Transportation around Mexico (5 answers total)

You should get a passport. You can have the application expedited.

There are several decent internal Mexican airlines. You can probably find a flight to Guanajuato (BJX) from Mexico City or even direct flights from Houston.
posted by Pollomacho at 9:22 PM on November 9, 2006

Guanajuato is an incredibly beautiful and interesting city. As long as your mom likes to walk and can walk up steep hills, it's a great place. San Miguel de Allende is more tourist-infested but also very beautiful, just many more norteamericanos than you'll find in Guanajuato. Another lovely city in that part of Mexico to consider is Queretaro, which is about 35 minutes by air from Mexico City. On the plane you'll be given a form to fill out. When you enter Mexico, they'll take one half of it and give you back the other half. Don't lose that other half; it's your visa. If you lose it, it's just a huge pain to replace. If you return by Jan. 1, you shouldn't have a problem without a passport but if you can get one expedited (you just have to pay more), I'd probably recommend that you do it.
posted by lois1950 at 11:33 PM on November 9, 2006

Okay, probably want to fly into Queretaro (QRO) on Continental Air from Houston. Christmas is the perfect time to be in San Miguel, a special time there. Churches (and there are lots) ring their bells on the hour, and the place is all dolled up with a huge xmas tree, pinatas, lights, etc, people are warm and so is the weather at that time. Four of us gringos were there for about 10 days, here's a few highlights:
Booked rooms at Casa Carmen, nice place and home-cooked meals. They have a driver come meet you at the airport. Their site: http://infosma.mexican-gold.com/casacarmen/
- Take a walking guided tour of San Miguel. Sign up is just outside Parroquia Church.
- At Instituto Allende (the art school) you can sign up for a bus tour of the surrounding towns (book a day or two in advance). The trip takes all day. I'm not one for bus tours but this thing turned out to be fantastic.
- Just take a book to a shady benchseat in the center plaza (El Jardin) and soak in the atmosphere.
- Lots of great restaurants to choose from.
- Take a taxi to Pozos, a small ghost town just outside of San Miguel. Some good contemporary art is happening, and one fantastic restaurant (Cafe Des Artistes).
- Go to the botanical gardens if you need some time to be in nature.
I'm sure whatever you do, it will be fun and festive.
posted by artdrectr at 12:02 AM on November 10, 2006

Get a passport. Do not pass go. Do not collect $200. Get your picture taken this weekend, put your hands on your birth certificate, and visit your local passport application acceptance location on Monday.

All Americans leaving or entering the country by air after January 8, 2007 must have one[cite], but those who enter the country without one shortly before the deadline will certainly face significant scrutiny at the border (as a birth certificate is much easier to forge than a passport, and the loophole is about to close). Scrutiny from DHS/Border Control is not something that you want... trust me. Taking the time to get a passport now will save you time in the future.

Your tourist visa/card will be issued as you're entering Mexico. You don't have to do anything beforehand if you're staying for less than six months. It'll cost about $20, which is almost always included in your airfare.

I don't know anything about Guanajuato, but San Miguel de Allende is a neat little historic town that's got a good mix of tourists, expats and locals. The weather is just about perfect year-round (though it can get very chilly at night, bring a sweater). Security wise, it's probably safer than many parts of Texas, the great majority of locals are honest, hardworking, friendly, proud individuals, the expats are mostly well-heeled retirees, and the tourists are scared of the police.

Be aware that San Miguel is at a similar elevation as Denver, 5500+ feet. Your body will take some time to adjust. Drink a lot of water and take it very easy your first couple of days, especially if you feel headachy. I've found that instant miso soup helps with this, too, but there's no scientific reason why that would be better than water. And bring sunscreen... not only are you in Mexico, but you're a mile closer to the sun.

Aeromexico and Continental both serve Queretaro airport (code: QRO) which is fairly close to San Miguel. Aeromexico is as good or better than any American carrier (so is Mexicana)

Here's a page that has transportation options from several airports to San Miguel. While the Mexican bus system is actually quite efficient, it's probably not the kind of thing I'd take my mother on immediately after an international flight.

And have a great trip!
posted by toxic at 12:37 AM on November 10, 2006

You might have noticed that the US, and particularly Texas, are not exactly being all hugs and kisses with Mexico on the subject of coming and going these days, and these kinds of things do influence the mood of immigration officials. Spend the money on the expedited passport. If you're flying into a tourist area, you probably won't get more than a cranky eyeball, but I wouldn't push it that close to the deadline.
posted by Lyn Never at 6:28 AM on November 10, 2006