Getting Ready for Your Catholic Pilgrimage Tour to Mexico

Getting ready for physical activity:
Pilgrimages are oriented toward the spiritual and, by nature, engage the physical.  Increase the amount of time you spend walking and moving around on foot, if you’re mostly sedentary.  Take walks, get out in the sun and fresh air to accustom yourself to potentially longer days, and time on your feet during your pilgrimage.   During your tour, have bottled water and snacks along to ensure you have energy when you need it.

Many sidewalks and walkways in Mexico are paved with brick, cobblestone or flagstone.  Uneven surfaces are common, so plan to wear appropriate footwear.  Rubber, not leather soles will have better traction, especially during the winter, when rains make surfaces slick.

Climate:
Since Mexico City and Puebla, where our pilgrimages are conducted, are at an elevation of over 7,000 ft. the climate is different than most people expect.

Mexico City has a subtropical highland climate, with warm summers.  Mild winters, and an annual average temperature of 64°F. Seasonal variations in temperature are minimal, but, as is typical of high elevation cities, warm days may drop in temperature quickly when the sun sets.  May is the warmest month of the year.  January is the coldest, when night frost is possible. Average maximum temperatures of late spring and summer may reach the upper 70’s to 80°F, and the average low winter temperatures reach 45°F.

The majority of rain falls during the Summer months.

When the sun is shining, it can be intense, due to the elevation.  Bring a hat, especially during the sunniest months (February, March and April).

Money exchange:
The acceptance of debit and credit cards for small purchases like bottled water, or lunch at food stands and cafes is spotty.  It is a good idea to have cash on hand.  Some places will accept US dollars, and of course, Mexican pesos.

The dollar sign ($) is used to designate pesos in Mexico, which can be confusing.  If you’re uncertain, ask if prices are quoted in dollars or pesos.  Since the disparity of the value of the dollar to the peso is substantial, the price should let you know.  For example, a 25 dollar meal would convert to around 500 pesos.

Starting in 2010, the Mexican government capped the amount of dollars foreigners can exchange for pesos in Banks & Money Exchange shops to US $1,500. per month.  The cap will not affect cash withdrawn from ATM machines.  There is no cap on the amount that may be purchased with a credit or debit card.  The cap was imposed in order to curb money laundering.  There are abundant ATM machines in Mexico City that will dispense Pesos.  Signs reading “Cajero Permanente” may be seen identifying ATM locations.

It’s worthwhile to check with your credit card company to learn what their exchange rate is on purchases converted to Pesos is prior to your tour.  Let them know when you’ll be traveling so your card isn’t flagged for potential fraudulent use when charges from outside the USA start appearing.

Shopping in Mexico:
Shopping in Mexico is a different experience than being in the USA or Europe.  While there are malls and upscale venues, it is the traditional handcrafts and old world, open marketplaces that draw many curious shoppers to look.  Bargaining and haggling are common, and the sellers are motivated.  These places deal mostly in cash.

Of course, if you have time to check out a mall, they’ll transact with cash or credit cards.  Haggling is not common.

Electricity:
Mexico runs on 110/120 V current, which is the same as the USA.  The plugs and outlets are the same as are used in the USA as well.  Most hotels in Mexico have blow dryers in each room.

Public restrooms:
Public restrooms are not always stocked with toilet paper.  For your convenience, it’s a good practice to have some along if needed.

Cell phones:
Even though you’re not far from the USA, you are likely to incur big charges if you don’t let your carrier know you are heading out of the country.  Set up a text and call package for while you’re in Mexico.  If you don’t set up a plan including internet access, turn off cellular data in “settings”.  The difference between turning off cellular data and turning on airplane mode is that airplane mode doesn’t allow calls or texts to come through while turning off cellular data does.  When you’re hooked up to Wi-Fi is the only time you should access the internet or email.  Be informed of what you can and can’t do with your phone so you don’t incur expensive roaming charges.

Telephones:
Approximately two weeks prior to your departure to Mexico, we’ll send you a list of your hotels including their addresses and phone numbers where you may be reached.

To call Mexico from the USA, just follow these simple dialing directions:

First dial 011, the international access / U.S. exit code.

Next dial 52, the country code for

Dial the area code, which may be two or three digits

Finally, dial the telephone number (could be 7 or 8 digits).

USA embassy / consular services in Mexico:
U.S. Embassy Mexico City
Paseo de la Reforma 305
Colonia Cuauhtemoc
06500 Mexico, D.F.
Phone: (01-55) 5080-2000
Fax: ( 01-55 ) 5080-2005

Emergency:
The national emergency number (toll free from any phone) is 911, just like in the USA.

Have additional questions?
Please look at our Travel Info page.  Almost anything you want t know about traveling on a Pilgrimage Tour is covered there.