Congratulations, You're In Mexico!
You’ve crossed the Gulf of Mexico (forever in our hearts) and touched down in Cancun! Now what?
Unfortunately, the next 15 minutes or so will most likely be the most stressful part of your trip. Fortunately, an average of 7,486 people land in Cancun every single day, and you’ll basically just be following the crowd until you make it outside to sweet, sweet freedom. To help you on your path, we’ve compiled a helpful guide to keep things moving smoothly and to help you avoid the most costly margarita in all of Mexico. Last time we flew into Mexico (and documented the process), we flew into Terminal 4 and for this trip basically everyone will be flying into Terminal 3, so our photos aren’t quite accurate, but the process and signage are identical!
Customs
For the majority of you travelling without children, customs at the Cancun airport is a breeze. US (and Australian!) passports can be scanned at the E-Gates allowing you to pass through customs without needing to speak a word of Spanish to border officials. Just scan your passport, step through the gate for a facial scan, and you’ll be on your way.
Those of you with children will have to do things the old fashioned way, unfortunately!
Luggage and Declarations
Once you pass through customs, it’s time to collect your luggage. No surprises here! Once you have it, proceed down this hall through the glass double doors at the end (no need to go right into the self-declaration area unless you’re bringing something crazy along).
For our smoking friends, this is the only point at which you will be asked about vapes, and only if you are selected for a random baggage search. If you bring one along, it’s recommended that you keep it on your person as they generally only look at your bags. If they find one, you will be asked to throw it away.
Once you’ve made it through the doors at the end, you’re officially in Mexico!
The Shark Tank
From here, your only goal is to get outside. You’ll need to walk down a long tunnel with people selling timeshares, tours, shuttles, taxes, and anything else you can think of, and you don’t want any of it. Your best bet is to proceed through with purpose and keep following signage towards outdoors. If ANYBODY inside says that they’re your shuttle driver or anything like that, just keep walking…they’re not there for you!
CATCHING YOUR SHUTTLE:
Go Outside!
You did it! Once you pass through the doors to outside things get much, much easier. You’re going to see a wall of people holding signs and offering taxes, but you can go ahead and ignore them. If you’re taking a shuttle, head to the shuttle meeting point (below) and look for a driver holding either our wedding logo (at the top of this page) or a sign that says “Wert/Miskell Wedding”.
The shuttles will have beer, soda, and water on board for your enjoyment, but there is also a minimart outside each terminal with if you need a snack while you wait.
Finding The Shuttle
Almost everybody is landing in Terminal 3 (Delta, United, and American all use this terminal). Your meeting point is on the side of the Margaritaville, which is right outside when you exit.
Many of you are sharing a shuttle with guests arriving on an earlier or later flight. We’ll be sending out emails individually with who will be in your shuttle…please don’t leave anybody behind!
This is your chance for the most expensive margarita in Mexico! Reports vary, but it will run you something like $45. Our recommendation? Hold out just a little bit longer.
You've Arrived!
Enjoy the ride! Vehicles aren’t allowed to drive on Avenida Quinta, so you’ll most likely be dropped off around the corner. Casa Central and Maya Bric are located across the street from each other on Quinta between Calle 8 and 10. Los Itzaes is on 10 Avenida between Calle 6 and 8. If you’re at all confused about where you are, Playa is laid out on a grid with Avenidas running roughly North and South and Calles running East and West (even numbers only).
IF YOU'RE TAKING THE BUS
Ticket Time!
So you think you’re a tough guy, eh? Just gonna take the bus like one of the locals? Thanks for that! We promise it’s easy and tourist friendly (the stop you want is literally called ADO Playa del Carmen Terminal Turística).
Right before you get to the exit doors, you’ll see an ADO ticket counter like the one above. Just tell the nice person at the counter that you’d like 2 tickets to Playa Del Carmen and they’ll put you on the next bus. They usually take credit card, but we will try to connect with you before you leave to get you some pesos just in case (or there’s an ATM in the same area).
Catching the Bus
Head outside and go alllllll the way to the right. Your ticket will have a platform number on it and you’ll see a bunch of other tourists standing around waiting for the bus (though some will be headed elsewhere…the driver will check your ticket before you board).
They’ll stash your luggage under the bus for you to retrieve when you get to PDC (which is always a little chaotic). The ride is about an hour, air conditioned, and they’re usually playing movies in Spanish. Enjoy!
Walking to the Hotel
You can get a taxi at the bus station if you’re so inclined, but it’s a quick and easy walk. Head down Quinta Avenida (it’s pedestrian only and suitcase friendly) to the north. If you don’t have cell service, just make sure the ocean is on your right and you’ll know you’re going the right way.
Playa is laid out on a grid with Avenidas running roughty North and South and Calles running East and West (even numbers only). You’ll be starting at the intersection of what is effectively Calle 0 and Casa Central is on Quinta Avenida between Calle 8 and 10.