Frequently asked questions
Answers to the questions people ask before joining Mexico Trek, from applying to what to pack. Anything not answered here: write to outreach@mxtrek.com.
Travel and logistics
When is the application deadline?
Applications are open until December 2026, or until all places are filled — whichever comes first. Spots are limited and reviewed on a rolling basis, so we encourage you to apply as early as possible.
How do I apply for the Trek?
You apply directly on this site — go to mxtrek.com/apply and complete the application there. Applications are reviewed by the Organizing Committee and you will be notified by email whether you have been accepted. Once accepted you will be asked to pay a US$600.00 deposit (non-refundable but transferable) to secure your spot.
When does the Trek start and end?
The adventure officially begins on Sunday, March 14, in the vibrant heart of Mexico City—but the magic starts a day earlier. We invite trekkers to arrive before Saturday, March 13, for our beloved Day 0 tradition: a full day of unforgettable optional experiences, from wandering through Frida Kahlo iconic Blue House, to savoring the colors and flavors of Coyoacán lively market, and capping the evening with the electric thrill of Lucha Libre, Mexico world-famous wrestling spectacle. Both the Day 0 activities and your hotel stay for Saturday night are fully included, but we encourage trekkers to get the Friday night (March 12) add-on to fully enjoy Day 0. The journey concludes on Sunday, March 21, in Oaxaca City. Please note that the hotel night for March 21 is not included.
What is the cost of the Trek and what is included?
The all-inclusive experience covers accommodation for 8 hotel nights, meals and beverages included in each activity (alcohol where indicated by organizers), domestic flights between the trip cities, ground transportation from the hotel to each activity, unique local experiences, 24/7 staff services during the Trek, and all tips and taxes fully covered. The Trek does not include your international flights to arrive to Mexico City or to return to the US from Mexico. Thanks to our generous sponsors, every participant receives a subsidy, and the amounts below are the FINAL price you pay — the subsidy is already deducted, nothing further is added. The earlier you commit, the larger the subsidy and the less you pay: US$1,699.00 final price for early-bird spots (after a US$1,000.00 subsidy, to reward early adopters), US$1,849.00 final price for the next batch (after a US$850.00 subsidy), and US$1,999.00 final price for the last batch (after a US$700.00 subsidy). To secure your spot, simply submit your application now, and if approved, you will be asked for a US$600 deposit (non-refundable but transferable).
Can I bring my Significant Other (SO) or kids to the Trek?
Significant others are welcome on the trip and each year represent a significant share of the Trek participants. You just need to declare that you intend to bring your SO to the Trek, and if your application is accepted your SO will also receive the same subsidy and pay the same price as any other participant. Kids cannot join the Trek under any circumstance. Every participant, significant others included, must be at least 18 years old by the start of the Trek, and there are no exceptions. This policy is in place given the dynamic schedule and to ensure that everyone feels comfortable throughout the program. Some activities may include the option of alcohol, and the legal age of adulthood in Mexico is 18.
Do I need a visa to travel to Mexico?
All foreign visitors, regardless of their nationality, traveling to Mexico for tourism, are exempt from presenting a Mexican visa as long as they have a valid visa issued by the US.
What do I need to get back into the US?
If you are an international student with a valid US visa, you will just need to ensure to have your I20 up to date. You will have to present your passport and I20 upon your return to the US.
Are there vegetarian and vegan options for meals during the trip?
All the trip meals are included and there will be vegetarian options for participants. At this time, we are unfortunately unable to guarantee vegan options, as not all restaurants and food providers in Mexico are able to accommodate the specific requirements of a fully vegan diet.
What is the currency and should I bring cash?
The currency is the Mexican peso (MXN). Most places accept credit cards, but bring some cash for tips, street vendors, and small establishments.
How can I get a telephone number in Mexico?
You can get a SIM card at the airport or any convenience store (e.g., Oxxo, Seven Eleven). Remember to download WhatsApp as it will be the communication channel we will use.
What should I pack for the trip?
Pack comfortable walking shoes, lightweight clothing, sunscreen, and a light jacket for air-conditioned spaces. Formal attire is required for business meetings and dinners.
If I want to order a Taxi which company should I use?
We recommend you to use Uber or DiDi exclusively for transportation. Airport taxis are also effective, but we advise against hailing street taxis.
Embassy and consulates
- U.S. Embassy, Mexico City — Consular services moved here in November 2025, from Paseo de la Reforma. The consular entrance is at the corner of Calzada Legaria and Avenida Casa de la Moneda. This number also answers emergencies, 24 hours.. Address: Presa Angostura 225, Col. Irrigación, Miguel Hidalgo, 11500 Ciudad de México. Phone: +52 55 2579 2000. Email: Mexico.ACS@gdit-gss.com. Website: mx.usembassy.gov
- U.S. Consular Agency, Oaxaca — Emergency services for U.S. citizens. The nearest office to Oaxaca City and Puerto Escondido. The phone is the Mission's emergency line, answered 24 hours.. Address: Macedonio Alcalá 407, Office 20, 68000 Oaxaca, Oaxaca. Phone: +52 55 2579 2000. Email: Mexico.ACS@gdit-gss.com. Website: mx.usembassy.gov/consular-agencies
- U.S. Consulate General, Mérida — Its district is Yucatán, Campeche and Quintana Roo. In a new building next to The Harbor mall since May 2025.. Address: Calle 60, Av. Prolongación Paseo de Montejo No. 01, Col. Vía Montejo, 97204 Mérida, Yucatán. Phone: +52 999 689 0660. Email: Mexico.ACS@gdit-gss.com. Website: mx.usembassy.gov
- U.S. Consular Agency, Cancún — Emergency services for U.S. citizens in Quintana Roo. The phone is the Mission's emergency line, answered 24 hours.. Address: Blvd. Kukulcán Km 13 ZH, Torre La Europea, Despacho 301, 77500 Cancún, Quintana Roo. Phone: +52 55 2579 2000. Email: Mexico.ACS@gdit-gss.com. Website: mx.usembassy.gov/consular-agencies
- U.S. Consular Agency, Playa del Carmen — Emergency services for U.S. citizens in Quintana Roo. The phone is the Mission's emergency line, answered 24 hours.. Address: Plaza Progreso, Local 33, Carretera Federal Puerto Juárez–Chetumal, Mz. 293 Lt. 1, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo. Phone: +52 55 2579 2000. Email: Mexico.ACS@gdit-gss.com. Website: mx.usembassy.gov/consular-agencies
Recommendations
- Frida Kahlo Museum — Casa Azul in Coyoacán
- Pujol Restaurant — World-renowned Mexican cuisine
- Historic Center — Zócalo and Cathedral
Useful Spanish phrases
- Good morning — Buenos días
- Good afternoon — Buenas tardes
- Good evening — Buenas noches
- Hello, how are you? — Hola, ¿cómo está?
- Please — Por favor
- Thank you very much — Muchas gracias
- You're welcome — De nada
- Excuse me (to get past someone) — Con permiso
- Sorry — Disculpe
- Do you speak English? — ¿Habla inglés?
- I don't understand — No entiendo
- Sorry, what was that? — ¿Mande?
- Could you speak more slowly? — ¿Puede hablar más despacio?
- My name is... — Me llamo...
- What is your name? — ¿Cómo se llama?
- Nice to meet you — Mucho gusto
- Where are you from? — ¿De dónde es?
- I am from... — Soy de...
- I am a graduate student — Soy estudiante de posgrado
- I am here with a group from my university — Vengo con un grupo de mi universidad
- It is my first time in Mexico — Es mi primera vez en México
- I love Mexico — Me encanta México
- Cheers! — ¡Salud!
- See you later — Hasta luego
- Where is...? — ¿Dónde está...?
- Where is the bathroom? — ¿Dónde está el baño?
- How do I get to the hotel? — ¿Cómo llego al hotel?
- Is it far? — ¿Está lejos?
- To the right — A la derecha
- To the left — A la izquierda
- Straight ahead — Todo derecho
- I am looking for this address — Busco esta dirección
- How long does it take? — ¿Cuánto se tarda?
- You can drop me here, thank you — Aquí está bien, gracias
- What time do we leave? — ¿A qué hora salimos?
- I got lost — Me perdí
- A table for two, please — Una mesa para dos, por favor
- Could I see the menu, please? — ¿Me trae el menú, por favor?
- What do you recommend? — ¿Qué me recomienda?
- Is it spicy? — ¿Pica?
- Not spicy, please — Sin picante, por favor
- I don't eat meat — No como carne
- I am allergic to... — Tengo alergia a...
- A bottle of water, please — Una botella de agua, por favor
- A beer, please — Una cerveza, por favor
- Enjoy your meal — ¡Provecho!
- It was delicious — Estuvo delicioso
- The check, please — La cuenta, por favor
- How much is it? — ¿Cuánto cuesta?
- Do you take cards? — ¿Aceptan tarjeta?
- Cash only? — ¿Solo efectivo?
- Where is there an ATM? — ¿Dónde hay un cajero?
- It is very expensive — Está muy caro
- Is that your best price? — ¿Es lo menos?
- I'll take it — Me lo llevo
- I am just looking, thank you — Solo estoy viendo, gracias
- Could I have a receipt, please? — ¿Me da un recibo, por favor?
- Keep the change — Quédese con el cambio
- Help! — ¡Ayuda!
- Can you help me? — ¿Me puede ayudar?
- I don't feel well — No me siento bien
- I need a doctor — Necesito un doctor
- Is there a pharmacy nearby? — ¿Hay una farmacia cerca?
- Call an ambulance — Llame a una ambulancia
- Call the police — Llame a la policía
- I lost my passport — Perdí mi pasaporte
- I lost my phone — Perdí mi celular
- I need to call my embassy — Necesito llamar a mi embajada