Adventure FAQs

What should I know before travelling in Mexico?

Mexico is an exciting, vibrant and diverse destination, and travelling here is all part of the adventure. We’ve designed this itinerary to immerse you in the country’s rich culture, colourful neighbourhoods and incredible food, while balancing guided experiences with time to explore independently.

As with many destinations, local standards can differ from what you may be used to at home. Public toilets don’t always provide toilet paper, so your Pack Leader will keep tissues available in the vehicle throughout the trip. We’d also recommend carrying a small pack of tissues with you each day, just in case.

To help you stay hydrated, your Pack Leader will also have drinking water available in the vehicle throughout the journey. We recommend bringing a reusable water bottle so you can easily refill it before heading off on your next adventure.

Some of the hotels we’ve chosen are located right in the heart of each destination, giving you the best opportunity to explore the local neighbourhoods on foot and make the most of your free time. As is common with some older, characterful properties, sound insulation can vary and the walls may be thinner than in more modern hotels. If you’re a light sleeper, we’d recommend packing a pair of earplugs to help ensure a comfortable night’s sleep.

Are flights included?

Flights to and from your destination aren’t included in the trip price – you’ll need to book these independently. You’ll find recommended arrival and departure airports, along with suggested timings, in the FAQs below.

Which airport should I fly into and out of? Plus airport code

Fly into Mexico City International Airport (MEX), and out of either Puerto Escondido International Airport (PXM) or Bahias De Huatulco International Airport (HUX) – just bear in mind that HUX is much further from where your trip will end.

What time should my flight arrive (in time for the welcome meeting)?

Please try to land by 5pm in order to make it in time for your welcome meeting.

What time should my flight depart on the last day?

Check out is at 12pm. There are no activities planned for the last day, so leave any time you wish. If you’re flying back from Puerto Escondido International Airport (PXM), your final hotel is about 15 minutes away; if you’re flying back from Bahias De Huatulco International Airport (HUX), the journey time is around two hours. Your Pack Leader can help you book your transfers the night before if needed.

Are airport transfers included?

If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure, or you’ve booked yourself a pre-night at the same hotel the adventure starts from, your airport arrival transfer will be included. Arrival transfers are private to Flash Pack and in groups depending on flight times, so you may have to wait in the airport for a short while.

However, if you’ve booked alternative pre-trip accommodation or are arriving by another mode of transport, you’ll have to arrange your own arrival transfer. 

Please also note: in order to secure your place on the private transfer, you’ll need to provide your flight details to our Customer Experience team no later than 30 days prior to your adventure’s departure date. You’ll get automated email reminders about this, but the team won’t be chasing you. That’s why it’s key to get this information over in good time. If the details are provided later than 30 days pre-departure, you’ll have to arrange your own arrival transfer.

Departure transfers are not included due to travellers leaving at varying times. That said, your Pack Leader will happily help arrange departure transfers for you if required. Please budget for this extra cost accordingly.

Do I need a visa?

Up-to-date visa and entry information can be found using our official partner, Sherpa, who can help you arrange a visa if needed.

You can also find essential travel advice – including security and local laws, as well as passport and visa information – on the government website of your home country:

• UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
• US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
• Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.
• Residents of other countries: refer to the travel advice provided by your own government or local consulate.

Please be aware that passport and visa requirements can change before departure, so it’s important to stay updated with the latest information.

What vaccinations and medication will I need?

While we are not medical professionals and cannot offer personalised medical advice, we want to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable adventure. Here are some tips to help you prepare.

1. Consult with a healthcare professional

We recommend scheduling an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure. This will give you ample time to receive any necessary vaccines or medications.

2. Up-to-date medical advice

• UK residents: visit the NHS Fit For Travel website for the latest medical advice.
• US residents: check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for specialised health information.
• Australian residents: refer to the Smart Traveler Health website for current medical advice.

3. Government travel advice

• UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
• US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
• Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.

4. Medication tips

If you take prescription medication, ensure you bring enough to last the entire adventure, plus a few extra days in case of travel delays. Carry a copy of your prescription with you in case you need to visit a clinic while abroad.

We hope this information will help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure.

Are tips included?

Please note that tips are not included in the cost of this adventure. Suggested amounts per person are:

• Pack Leader: 5 USD per day
• Drivers: 4 USD per day
• Local tips: your Pack Leader will be able to advise on how much to tip local guides, restaurants, etc. Some Pack Leaders will collect a tipping kitty at the welcome meeting to take care of local tips.

However, all tips are at your discretion depending on what you feel comfortable with.

What fitness levels do I need for this adventure?

There will be quite a lot of walking on city tours, but overall this adventure does not require a high level of physical fitness. Flashpackers should, however, be comfortable biking in an urban environment. The route we follow is designed to reduce traffic exposure, using bike lanes, parks, and low-traffic streets where possible. Some shared roads are used, and road safety is fully covered in the briefing.

We recommend having a read through of the itinerary above, and getting in touch if you have specific questions on fitness.

Is there a weight limit for any of the activities?

Please note a weight limit of 120kg/265lb for the horse riding activity on Day 7.

There is also a weight limit of 110kg/240lb for the standard pricing of the optional hot air balloon experience on Day 4 (you can view the price at checkout). If you exceed this limit, an additional charge will apply – please contact us if you’d like to discuss this further.

How much should I budget per day for extras?

We recommend budgeting around USD 30-60 per day for meals not included, drinks, tips and personal expenses, depending on your individual spending habits.

Will the itinerary change?

Please be aware that the itinerary, activities and hotels are subject to change. These changes can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control. From time to time we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh.

Can we guarantee whale sightings?

Whales are migratory animals, so sightings can never be guaranteed. For the best chance of spotting them, we recommend travelling between October and April when conditions are most favourable.

Our expert guides maximise your chances, but even without a sighting, the time on the water and coastal scenery still make for a memorable experience.