Essentials

Banks and Currency Exchange

Foreigners may not exchange more than $1,500 U.S. dollars (cash) per person, per month into Mexican pesos. Mexican travelers are also limited to $1,500 U.S.D. cash per person, per month, with the added restriction of no more than $300 U.S.D. cash per day. Most banks along Carretera 307 have ATMs where you can withdraw local currency, or you can pay for services with a debit or credit card without restrictions. There's no limit to the number of purchases or the amount of each individual transaction. We recommend having Mexican pesos on hand, especially if you intend to use public transportation, leave tips, or pay cash during your trip.

Tours

Contacts

Alltournative. Alltournative offers eco-friendly adventures for travelers of all ages and fitness levels. Carretera 307, Km 287, near Playacar, Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, 77710. 984/803-9999; 877/437-4990 from US. www.alltournative.com.

Hilario Hiler. Hilario Hiler, who is fluent in Spanish, Mayan and English, customizes tours of Mayan villages, ruins, and the jungle. La Jolla, Casa Nai Na, 3rd fl., Akumal, Quintana Roo, 77710. 984/875-9066. hilariohilergmail.com.

Maya Sites Travel Services. Maya Sites Travel Services uses archaeologists and other experts to lead inexpensive tours of Maya archaeological sites. 505/255-2279; 877/620-8715 in US. www.mayasites.com.

Playa Maya News (www.playamayanews.com.)

Sac-Be (www.sac-be.com.)

Yucatan Today (Calle 39 #483, Mérida, Yucatán. 999/927-8531. www.yucatantoday.com.)