|
|
Ixtapa Transportation
BY AIR
If you come by plane, you will arrive to a modern airport facility only 15 minutes from Ixtapa.
TIP: If you're coming from abroad in a non-stop flight, please be sure to have your "Tourist Card" and "Custom Declaration" forms ready and signed before you deplane to avoid delays. Also, upon departing from the official area please keep your "Tourist Card" in a safe place; a new law states that if you loose it, you must pay approx. US$30.00 for a replacement card (it is not longer free).
TIP: The Official Customs have a traffic light for inspections. It's a random system; the percentage of red lights (that will motive a luggage revision regardless of immigration status) is approximately of 20% (two of every ten passengers) during off season and 10% (one of every ten passengers) in high season. Families traveling together are considered as one.
TIP: Import allowances are more relaxed for tourists than for locals but for your information in case you get a red light, our law states that articles are tax-free up to US$300.00 per person/pax. Some restrictions do apply as in the case of Cigarettes and Cigars, 20 packs or cigars per pax; Liquor and Wine, 2 bottles per pax (excess items may be subject to duty). Also, for most food items, especially for plants, fruits and seeds (fresh or packed). No problems with fishing gear, golf clubs, surfing boards, photographic and video equipment for personal use. Hunting fire arms require a previous permit from the Mexican Consulate in your country.
Ground Transportation (Airport-Hotel)
Ground transportation from Airport to Town is available through the Official Airport Transportation Companies with exclusive (private) or share services.
Exclusive service in Chevrolet-Suburban up to 8 persons, around US$40.00; Exclusive car up to 4 persons, about US$22.00; Shared service supplied with bus or car (according to demand), approx. US$6.00 per person. Rates are higher for points outside the main areas of Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo; for example to Club Med and Melia Azul.
TIP: If you're coming on your own, in front of you (back wall) after you leave the Custom's Terminal, you will find the Official Airport Transportation counters (be sure its says GROUND TRANSPORTATION because other counters are time-share companies, please read TIP below). You can purchase your tickets with Mexican, American or Canadian currencies. If you are coming on a package, tour, group, etc., please look for the persons holding a sign related to you; they will advise you of your transportation arrangements.
TIP: Be careful in readily accepting some of the so-called "free transportation" to town; usually these are time-share salesmen that will later demand you the transportation fee if you don't stay in one of their properties or sales sections.
TIP: Be advised that some drivers may recommend other property than the one your are planning to use for lodging. Please use your own judgment, the driver may be doing this because he gets a commission, not because you will get a better deal.
TIP: You'll also find Rent-a-Car agencies at the airport. You may rent a car there or reserve one in advance through your local agency and pick-it-up here.
TIP: At airport, we suggest to tip the porters US$1.00 per big bag.
BY LAND
If you prefer by land, you can do it in your own or rented vehicle. If it's going to be your first time, it's wise to seek advise from very reliable sources for the best and safest routes to our destination. During the daylight hours, the "Angeles Verdes" (Green Angels) offer FREE motorist assistance; it's a service of the Secretaria de Turismo (Federal Tourist Bureau).
TIP: It's highly recommended that the highway portions from Acapulco, Lazaro Cardenas or Toluca to our destination, must be done during the daylight hours only because there are no road help services at night and gas stations on the route may be closed.
IMPORTANT: In the portion Ciudad Altamirano to Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo of the road coming from Toluca, there are no gas stations and lacks surveillance by the Federal Highway Patrol. NOT RECOMMENDED, use other routes.
Bus services provided by:
- ESTRELLA BLANCA (Ejecutivo & Futura classes)
- ESTRELLA DE ORO (Diamante class)
- ZINANCATEPEC (Economy class only)
Elite services mentioned above, includes: luxury bus with air conditioner, a non-stop or one-stop run, movies and refreshments on board. Approx. 9 hours from Mexico City, US$50.00, day and night services. Approx. 4 to 4.5 hours from Acapulco, US$15.00, day services (outgoing services from our destination, early mornings and evenings for luxury class).
Other bus services (Plus class, First Class, Economy class, etc), are considerably cheaper and slower too, due to many stops on the way (many departures and arrivals during the day). Mexico City, US$30.00 to US$40.00; Acapulco, US$7.00 to US$12.00.
TIPS FOR YOUR TRIP HOME
VERY IMPORTANT: Tight security measures have been implemented in our airport due to the incidents is U.S.A. (9-11) but air traffic is normal. As of January 2002 and to comply with F.A.A. new security recommendations, passengers for International flights are required to check-in 2 to 3 hours before scheduled departure; for National flights 1 to 2 hours. If you don't abide by this requirement, you won't be allow to board the aircraft. Remember that F.A.A. Regulations prohibits to carry on board: any type of explosive material, fuels, matches, solvents and acids, spray cans, knifes, scissors, corkscrews, ice-picks, any type of cutting object, wet-cell batteries, etc. Items that might represent a hazardous threat to the flight security, WILL BE CONFISCATED (they will not be carried by the airline, those items will stay behind). If you have any doubts, please check with the airline or its representatives.
TIP: Before you leave our towns on your way to the airport for your trip back home, exchange your Mexican Pesos (M.N.) to your country currency. We do not have a Bank or Money Exchange House at the Airport presently.
TIP: It is wise to re-confirm your airline reservations at least 24 hours before your return date for all international flights. Don't forget to return your "Tourist Card" to the airline's employee at tickets counter.
|
|
