Mexico City Travel Tips

We’re thrilled to have you visit the city we now call “home”. Here are some travel considerations to make your trip enjoyable and comfortable.

• ☀ Weather: Mexico City is located at 7,350 feet (2,240 m) - higher than Denver, CO. The weather is sunny and dry with highs during the day around 77°F (25°C) and lows around 50°F (10°C)

• 👕 Clothing: Since Mexico is “high and dry,” you will feel much cooler than you might expect. We highly suggest a light jacket / shawl for the evenings. Men traditionally wear long pants (trousers) - shorts are typically only worn by tourists.

• 💵 Currency: Mexico uses the Peso, which can be exchanged at the airport upon arrival or withdrawn from any ATM using your debit card. You should carry some cash ($500-$1,000 MXN, approx $25-50 USD) for eating at the local markets, buying a water from a street vendor, or purchasing crafts at the artisanal markets. Most sit-down restaurants accept credit card - with or without PIN.

• 💲 Tipping: Tipping in Mexico is important and expected. Whether it is $5 MXN (approx $0.25 USD) for a street musician, or a percent of the bill for service in a restaurant. For dining, 10% of the bill should be added for “good” service, and 15% for “excellent” service. Tips can be paid in cash or added to your credit card but you MUST tell the waiter what percent to add before charging your card. You cannot add tip to a credit card after the card is charged. Simply say “más diez” to add 10%, or “más quince” for 15%.

• 💻 Internet connectivity: You can find free Wifi throughout the city, in hotels, and most restaurants. However, we highly recommend you purchase a tourist SIM card upon arrival (at the airport, 7-Eleven, or OXXO), or enable your domestic plan for global or North America roaming, as connectivity is essential for ordering Uber - your main mode of transportation between venues.

• 💼 What to pack: Event attire ranges from very casual (boat and bus tours) to very formal (black tie wedding reception). During the day most people will feel comfortable in casual attire (t-shirt and pants, long dress), keeping in mind it gets very chilly at night. Sunscreen is important given the altitude.

• 🔋 Chargers / converters: Just like the US and Canada, Mexico uses Type A and B plugs and operates on 127V supply voltage and 60Hz

• 🦺 Safety: Mexico City in general is very safe - especially the neighborhoods of Condesa, Roma, Juarez and Polanco. However, like any big city, you should be aware of your surroundings and don’t venture into areas which don’t “feel safe”. Do NOT bring or wear expensive jewelry or watches, and be mindful of your mobile phone - do not leave it laying on the table during a meal, for example.

• 💧 Drinking tap water: When the municipal water leaves the treatment plant it meets all global safety standards. However, the deteriorating distribution system of old pipes makes it a risk and we suggest drinking bottled water only (brushing your teeth, showering, washing dishes, etc. is all perfectly fine with tap water).

• 🌮 Eating street food: We encourage you to try the wonderful street food Mexico has to offer - but again use common sense. Go to a street vendor who looks busy, who is cooking on high heat, and whose products look fresh. Avoid uncooked greens (like lettuce / salad) from street vendors. Pack Imodium / Ciprofloxacin if you have a weak or sensitive stomach. This can also be purchased at a local pharmacy.

• 🚨 Emergency numbers: Emergency services can be accessed by dialing 911. The US Embassy is +52 (55) 5080-2000

Celebrating in the Time of COVID-19 

The safety of our family and friends is paramount, and we understand there is a risk associated with travel and social activity during these unprecedented times. We’ve taken every precaution and established several safeguards to put the well-being of our guests first. Here are some of the safety measures in place for the festivities:

• All venues are outdoors and/or have circulating fresh air, and are exclusive to our use for the wedding

• All supporting staff, drivers, waiters, and coordinators are required to wear face masks and shields

• We will provide hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, and temperature checks at all venues

• All surfaces and high-traffic areas will be disinfected prior to arrival and throughout the festivities

• We will have professional medical personnel and an ambulance on-site during the wedding reception

All guests are requested to be vaccinated in advance for COVID-19. If your current country or situation does not grant you access to a vaccine in time for the wedding, we will provide rapid antigen tests and request you take one before social events.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the health and safety of the event, please reach out at hello@kindallanddamon.com

Flights to MEX

We recommend guests arrive by Thursday April 7, 2022 to make the most of the celebratory weekend.

NOTE: Easter week is immediately following the wedding - many guests may choose to extend their stay and take advantage of the spring break.

Airport Code: MEX (Benito Juárez International Airport)

Major Carriers: All major airlines operate routes to Mexico City

Arrival / Departure Dates: Arrive by April 7, 2022, depart after April 10, 2022

Where to Book: We recommend Kayak, Google Flights, or SkyScanner to find the best rates.

Transfer to Hotels

Uber is extremely safe, convenient, and affordable and should cost around $8.00 USD ($160 MXN) for the ~25 minute trip to the major accommodation locations (Condesa, Roma, Juarez or Polanco).
Your US or International Uber account will work without issue - you simply need data (a roaming cellular plan) to request the ride.

Passport Information for International Travelers

18 Week Processing Time: The US State Department estimates +18 weeks (almost 4.5 months) routine processing time to renew or issue a new US Passport. Please do not wait to apply or renew your passport.

6 Month Validity: Mexico, like most countries requires a minimum of 6 months validity on your passport when you enter the country. Please be sure your passport expires after mid-October 2022.

Tourist Visas: Most visitors do not require a visa and can enter Mexico for up to 180 days. These include visitors from the Schengen Area, UK, USA, Canada or Japan. Other countries may require a visa - please check to see if you require a visa

Accommodation

GROUP RATES ARE AVAILABLE AT these Official HOTEL options.
JUST MENTION OUR NAMES.

Official Hotels

Official wedding event transportation will pick up / drop off from official hotels. If you choose to not stay at an “official” hotel don’t worry - you can still take organized transport but it will be your responsibility to get to The Four Seasons (by walking, Uber, etc) to take advantage of organized transport.

Airbnb & Unofficial Hotels

If you choose to stay in a non-official hotel, you must meet at the Four Seasons (designated pick-up / drop-off location) to use our special wedding transportation, or take an Uber to each event location.

Premium Alternative: Sofitel - The newest luxury hotel with incredible views and ultra-modern rooms.

Mid-Range Alternative: Presidente Intercontinental - Located in Polanco, this large hotel offers premium accommodation at an affordable price.

Budget Alternative: City Express Plus - Convenient location, an easy walk to the pick-up point(s).

Airbnb:

Airbnb is a popular choice and a wonderful way to experience some of the charming neighborhoods of Mexico City. Some considerations when choosing an Airbnb:

• Location: We recommend finding an apartment or house in the neighborhoods of Condesa, Roma Norte, Juarez (Zona Rosa) or Polanco. We do NOT recommend staying in the Historic City Center by the wedding venue.

• Transportation: All group transportation will originate and drop off at the Four Seasons, Marriott and Holiday Inn Express hotels along Reforma - it is your responsibility to get to one of these hotels if you choose to use group transport

• Timing: Ensure you pay special attention to check-in / check-out times, key collection, and other considerations which may impact your ability to participate in some activities

Welcome to Foodie Paradise

With over 15,000 restaurants, Mexico City has something for everyone. From farm-fresh produce, fresh-caught costal seafood, to rare indigenous spices, Mexican cuisine will surprise and delight.

“I think it's the most undervalued, underappreciated world cuisine with tremendous, tremendous potential. These are in many cases really complex, wonderful sauces; particularly from Oaxaca, for instance, that date back from before Europe." - Anthony Bourdain

Indulge:

• Lorea – Michelin-trained Mexican chef offers 12 course tasting menu which rivals Pujol for half the cost

• Pujol - Perhaps the most famous restaurant in Mexico City - Chef’s Table famous

• Quintonil - Famed chef who departed Pujol to start his own

• Maximo Bistro - An Anthony Bourdain favorite

• Sud 777 – Ranked 16th best restaurant in Latin America

• Elly's - Bauhaus style restaurant in a 1930's home with seasonal plates to share. Very, very hip

• Sepia - Incredible architecture meets chic terrace with fresh black truffle on everything

• Fónico - Modern, dark, and outstanding service / menu / décor

• Migrante - Stylish and inventive modern Mexican cuisine

• Blanco Colima - Fancy, brilliant cocktails in a gorgeous mansion home

• Casa Virginia – French-trained celebrity chef Monica Patina serves classics in an old mansion home

¡Viva México!

• La Capital - Lovely cantina-style restaurant with outstanding service and high-quality food

• Nudo Negro - Edgy take on modern Mexican cuisine

• Cantina Riviera Sur - Modern take on a classic Mexican Cantina

• La Docena – Upscale fresh seafood

• Meroma – Wonderful architecture and artful Mexican plates

• Lampuga - Highbrow seafood restaurant - only the Polanco location exists today

• Temporal - Seasonal restaurant with local fare and nice ambiance

• Pasillo de Humo - Oaxacan food and mezcals

• Masala & Maiz - Indian fusión – a funky take on Mexican-Indian cuisine

Casual:

• Fonda Fina - A classy but relaxed take on traditional Mexican cuisine

• Broka Bistrot - Nice food in a lovely mansion home with good service

• Campobaja - Delicious seafood on a hip outdoor terrace

• Palmares Azotea - Wonderful open rooftop for brunch or a cocktail

• Huset - Beautiful garden and ambiance in the heart of Roma

• Primos - World class service and an upscale take on delicious Mexican favorites

 Oh, the Places You’ll Go…

Mexico is the sixth most visited country in the world, welcoming over 40 million visitors each year. This is for good cause, as Mexico offers some of the most stunning vistas, rich culture, captivating history, and unbeatable cuisine. If you’d like to extend your trip to visit Mexico City and some of the surrounding areas, this is what we recommend.

Top Attractions

• Centro Histórico - contains the Zocalo, Templo Mayor, Cathedral, Bellas Artes, and many more

• Chapultepec Park - visit the castle and try a paddle boat in the lagoon

• Arena Mexico - See a lucha libre wrestling match in this famed hall (Tuesdays and Fridays)

• La Ciudadela Artisanal Market - incredible selection of handmade goods from across Mexico

• Ballet Folklorico - Famous dance performance in Bellas Artes with performances on Wednesdays

• Revolution Monument - Built between 1910-1938, the history and views are a worthy trip

Museums

• Anthropology Museum - easily the most impressive museum in Mexico city. To see all the exhibits, you need multiple days

• Museo Tamayo - contemporary art museum next to the Anthropology museum

• Museo de Arte Popular - incredible museum filled with folk art and some impressive alebrijes

• Dolores Olmedo - for those who love the art of Diego Rivera and Freida Kahlo, this museum should be your top pick

• Frida Kahlo Home - honestly, just a house but people love it. It is imperative you get your tickets in advance - all entries are assigned a time.

• Museo Soumaya - a free museum owned by billionaire Carlos Slim in the Polanco neighborhood. The building itself is the star attraction

• Museo Jumex - Damien Hirst, Andy Warhol, Gabriel Orozco, Jeff Koons, and Marcel Duchamp all have art in this impressive museum

Neighborhoods:

• Coyoacán - the charming home of Frida Kahlo always surprises and delights with its cobblestoned streets and gorgeous central square

• La Roma - just as seducing as the acclaimed movie, Roma is an artsy neighborhood filled with boutique shops, breweries, cafes and is perfect for walking

• La Condesa - the elegant sister of La Roma, Condesa is filled with airy cafes, lush tree-lines streets, and home to the famous Calle Amsterdam fill of shops and restaurants

• Polanco - the “Beverly Hills” of Mexico City, this neighborhood is all about luxury. Shop at Gucci, Prada, Hermes, or pick up a Ferrari - Polanco has it at a whole new level

• San Angel - deep in the south of the city, this stunning oasis is home to “Bazaar Sabado” a famed Saturday market not to be missed

Outside the City:

• Pyramids of Teotihuacan - constructed in 200 AD, these incredible pyramids are the largest in Mesoamerica. Take a hot air balloon ride for the full experience https://flyingpictures.mx/en/

• Hike Nevado de Toluca - a stratovolcano which will literally take your breath away at 15,350 ft (4,680 m)

• Visit the Monarch butterfly reserves of Michoacán where you can see the annual migration of millions of butterflies

Markets:

• Mercado Jamaica - awe inspiring flower market where three dozen roses are sold for less than $4 USD

• Mercado San Juan - try exotic meats (including lion and zebra) in this famous market

• Mercado Coyoacán - famous tostadas and maybe the best chicharron in the city

• Mercado Medellín - an easy and accessible market in the charming Roma neighborhood