Built on the ruins of the ancient city of Tenochtitlan, Mexico City (the capital of Mexico) is a place of immense cultural heritage and colonial history. The splendid Baroque churches and palaces built during Spanish colonization still stand today and have become hot tourist attractions. Mexico City has much to offer you, from its colonial architecture to spectacular artworks, museums, large gardens, and delicious Mexican cuisine.
Before you travel to Mexico City, be sure to purchase travel insurance. They can protect you from financial loss caused by a medical emergency or a travel mishap. This way, you can travel and enjoy Mexico City with peace of mind.
Trip Cancellation Insurance for Travelers in Mexico City - FAQs
Travelers tend to pre-book their trip to prevent last-minute hassles, but when something unexpected comes up, they find themselves having to cancel. Hotels and airlines are known to charge hefty cancellation fees when you cancel the booking. To protect your future plans against uncertainty, be sure to buy travel insurance with trip cancellation coverage.
Why should I get trip cancellation insurance for my Mexico City trip?
Trip cancellation insurance can reimburse you up to the full cost of your prepaid, non-refundable trip expenses if you have to cancel your trip for a reason covered by the policy. You can review the policy's certificate wording before purchase for an explicit list of cancellation reasons eligible for benefits. The reasons vary depending on the plan. However, the most common and likely reasons for cancellation—like getting sick before the trip, an immediate family member passing away, a work emergency, or weather-related cancellations or delays—are usually covered under most standard plans.
What should I look for in my Mexico City trip cancellation insurance?
In addition to trip cancellation coverage, travel insurance also offers benefits like:
- Trip interruption coverage for a covered reason
- Trip delay coverage
- Baggage loss coverage
- Missed connection coverage
Buy a travel insurance plan that can cover the cancellation charges for you. This helps you plan your trip without worrying about the financial setbacks of trip cancellation. Again, be sure to read your policy's fine print before purchase to understand its terms and conditions.
Top Tourist Destinations in Mexico City
Zócalo
Zócalo, or the Plaza de la Constitutión, is the birthplace of the country's constitution. The square is a centerpiece of public gatherings. Zócalo is the perfect place to begin your tour of this historic city. You'll find three of the city's most-visited tourist attractions here: The National Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Templo Mayor are located within walking distance.
Museo Nacional De Antropologia
Also known as the National Museum of Anthropology, it houses a wide range of exhibits displaying the history of Mexico. Here, you'll find an impressive collection of pre-Columbian material and old manuscripts. The museum also offers breathtaking views of the city.
Bosque De Chapultepec
Spreading over an area of 1,600 acres, Bosque De Chapultepec (or Chapultepec Forest) is Mexico City's largest park. Take a stroll through the garden. The park also features a large lake where you can rent paddle boats or rowboats. With fun activities, including concerts and theatrical performances, the park is a perfect place for a respite from the busy and crowded city.
Templo Mayor
Templo Mayor is just a three-minute walk from Zócalo. It's the home to the ruins of the Great Temple of Tenochtitlan. The religious site was discovered buried under the Metropolitan Cathedral in the 1970s. Templo Mayor houses pyramids, platforms, and temples dedicated to the gods of war and rain. The adjoining museum displays more than 7,000 artifacts excavated from the site.
Xochimilco
With long stretches of picturesque canals and floating gardens, this place has garnered a reputation as the "Venice of the New World". You can step on the trajineras, or colorful open-air boats, and take a trip down the waterways to wildlife reserves and floating gardens. You'll also find restaurants and souvenir stores along the water's edge.
Key Guidelines for Travelers in Mexico City
Getting Around the City
Driving by yourself in Mexico City isn't a good idea. The streets are congested, and parking is expensive most places. You also might not be familiar with the rules of the road in this foreign country. So, the best way to get around the city is via Uber or a taxi. Prefer Uber over other private cab companies. Traveling via metro is another good option. It's pocket-friendly and quick. You can also take a double-decker tourist bus, called turibus, which also offers commentary on various sites of the city.
Weather Conditions
The best time to visit Mexico City is between March and May, when the weather is pleasant. Most of the rainfall in the city occurs between June and September. The months between May and October are warm and wet, while the dry season persists between November and April. During winter (November to April) the temperature can drop below 10°C (50°F). So pack a light jacket if you're traveling to Mexico City during winter.
Safety Concerns
The crimes in Mexico make headlines in the news frequently. But Mexico City isn't as dangerous as you might think. You can have a pleasant experience during your travel if you take precautions and follow safety advice. Here are a few tips which will help you ensure your safety when you're traveling in Mexico City:
- Travel only in official and registered taxis. Taxi scams are common in the city. Don't agree with the first price you're offered. Offer half and negotiate from there.
- Avoid using public transport at night.
- Some areas of the city are considered dangerous. Avoid areas around La Lagunilla, Mercado Merced, and Doctores. Always stick to well-lit areas after dark.
- Mexico City is a haven for street food. You can't resist the cuisines while you're touring the city, but you should always choose wisely if you don't want to fall ill.
- Avoid drinking tap water. Carry bottled water with you, and stay hydrated during the day.
Medical Concerns
Mexico City is located 2,200 meters (about 7,200 feet) above sea level. Some travelers might have trouble breathing due to the high altitude. Air quality in the city is very poor. When the pollution is worst, travel with a mask and try to stick to indoor activities. Another common medical concern is an upset stomach. When dining outside or indulging in street food, only eat food which is served hot.
Before You Travel to Mexico City: Do This
Pack a light jacket, as nights can get chilly in Mexico City. Also, pack mosquito repellent spray.
Have emergency contacts at hand. You can never anticipate trouble. Here are a few important contact telephone numbers:
- Police: 9-1-1
- Ambulance: 0-6-6
Buy travel insurance coverage suitable for you and your travel companions. Enter some basic information about your trip and travelers, compare your options, and select the plan that best meets your own personal needs. With solid insurance, you can travel and enjoy what Mexico City has to offer with peace of mind.