Have a question about our tours? Check our FAQs below or contact us if your question is not listed.

General FAQ  |  Travel Documents  |  Payments, Cancellations, and Extra Expenses  |  Trip Protection (Insurance)  |  Money Exchange  |  Optional Tours  |  Cell Phones, Calling Cards, Wi-Fi, and Drones  |  Climate  | Spanish  |  My Flights  |  Other Important Information  |  Liability/Responsibility  |  Health

Q. When should I sign up?
A. The sooner, the better because many tours fill up quickly.

Q. How do I sign up for a trip?
A. Call us at 602.938.0951, email at info@acloserlooktours.com, or sign up through our website.

Q. May I stay longer at the destination or arrive before the trip starts?
A. Yes. Passengers may fly out early or return late. We can book any additional pre or port nights for you, just request them in advance to make sure the hotel has the ability.

Q. How much baggage may I take?
A. You are allowed to bring one bag per person and a small carry-on to place under your seat.

Q. How much walking is there on your tours?
A. Each tour is different, but travelers can walk as much or as little as they please. If an activity or walk to an attraction is too strenuous, you can opt out and find a comfortable place to wait for the others.

Q. What happens if you have to cancel a tour?
A. A Closer Look Tours will refund all amounts paid, less any cancellation fee (see cancelation rules and fees) & deposit. However, your deposit can be applied to a future tour. We strongly suggest getting a Travel Protection Policy to cover for any additional charges such as air tickets, etc.

Q. I can’t find a roommate. Can you find one for me?
A. No. Unfortunately, for legal reasons we cannot find a roommate.

Q. I belong to an organization that is interested in planning a trip for its members. Can you help us put the trip together?
A. Of course we can! That is our business. Contact us at 602.938-0951 or email: info@acloserlooktours.com to discuss your group’s interests. Minimum of 10 passengers please.

Q. Do you give out our names or information to other organizations?
A. No! Under no circumstances do we give your name or information to any entity, except when required to do so by law.

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Q: Do I need a passport to travel to Mexico?
A: Yes, any non-Mexican citizen needs a valid passport to travel to Mexico by air or land. Passport expiration must be at least 6 months after the final day of travel. 

IMPORTANT: Passengers who are not U.S. citizens must check the respective consulate or visa agency to determine what personal identification is required.

Q. What travel documents do I need?
A. Passport. We will provide any additional documentation for entry into Mexico.

Q. What is an FMM tourist permit?
A. The FMM, Forma Migratoria Multiple, is a tourist permit or tourist card that allows citizens from the U.S. and Canada (as well as from other countries that are listed here) to travel in Mexico. While often called a Mexican “visa,” the FMM is not a visa and is completely different from the Mexican visa that is required for citizens of specific countries listed here. U.S. and Canadian citizens do not need a visa to travel in Mexico, but they do need an FMM tourist permit.

Q. What if I’m entering Mexico by airplane?
A. If you are flying to Mexico on a commercial flight from the U.S., the airline will charge the fee in the price of the ticket. No paperwork is needed in most airports anymore, however you need to clear immigration and customs. Sometimes they will stamp your passport or they will give you a receipt that you have to return when you exit. If there is any paperwork that needs to be filled it will be provided by flight attendants or at the airport of arrival.

Q. Do I need any other documents for a child under 18 years of age traveling to Mexico?
A. The US Embassy recommends all minors traveling without both parents carry a notarized consent letter at all times in the event immigration officials request one.

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Q. What forms of payments does A Closer Look Tours accept?
A. Payment may be made by cash, check, wire, or by Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover.

Q. How much do I have to pay as a deposit?
A. A $200 USD non refundable deposit per person is required at booking. Should you need to cancel your deposit can be applied to a future tour.

Q. Where do I mail a check?
A. Check payments should be made payable to A Closer Look Tours and mailed to:
21448 N 75th Ave, Suite #9
Glendale, AZ 85308

Q. How do I make a payment online?
A. You may complete an online payment by clicking here. Follow the onscreen instructions. Under “Description” please place the tour code and your last name.

Q. When is my final payment due?
A. In general, final payment is due 45 days prior to departure.

Q. What is your cancellation and refund policy?
A. See below:

• 45 days prior to departure – full refund (less $200 of deposit per person) *see deposit information for more details.
• Between 44 days and 72 hours prior to departure – 50% penalty
• Less than 72 hours to departure – 100% penalty
• No refunds for any unused portion of the tour.

Q. Are the gratuities included on the tour pricing?
A. All gratuities are included with the exception of the tour manager and driver. The gratuities for the tour manager and driver is ultimately left up to your discretion, but here are some guidelines:

• Tour Guide: $8 -$10 per person / per day
• Driver: $4 – $6 per person / per day

Q. How much do I need to budget?
A. To plan a budget you need to review your tour, make sure how many meals are included and how many meals are on your own. Also, plan on money for transportation in case you want to go on your own to a specific place. Don’t forget to budget for any extra expenses like souvenirs, etc.

Q. How do I know what meals are included?
A. Some tours include more meals than others. We use a code in the tour description for included meals: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, and D=Dinner. If these letters appear to the right in the heading of the daily tour description, the corresponding meal is included that day.

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Q. Why should a guest purchase Travel Protection?
A. Since many months could pass between the time a guest books their trip and the time of travel, unexpected events could happen to the guest, a family member or traveling companion
which could prevent them from going and cause financial loss. Travel Protection helps protect the guest’s tour cost before their trip and during the tour. Travel Insurance can help with cancellations, postponement, disruption protection, and medical coverage; therefore, we strongly recommend purchasing coverage.

For additional information and to purchase travel insurance, please click on the Travelex logo at the bottom of this webpage. It links to a custom page that provides our negotiated rates for trip insurance.

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Q: Where can I exchange money for my trip?
A: See below for more information:

• For tours starting by land in Arizona or San Diego: we will make a stop at a money exchange outlet as soon as we cross the border into Mexico. You can also use any ATM machine in Mexico to get some Mexican pesos; however, check with your bank for any additional cost involved in using this service. Also, there are not many ATM machines available during this type of tour.
• For tours starting by flying into Mexico City, Guadalajara, Oaxaca, or Cancun: you can exchange money at the airport (the money exchange places are normally located after you pass customs but before you exit the international arrivals area). You can also use any ATM machine to get some mexican pesos; however, check with your bank for any additional cost involved in using this service.
  Credit cards and US currency are accepted at some tourist establishments, however, USD are not accepted in most businesses outside tourist shops, e.g. convenient stores, pharmacies, & supermarkets.
• US coins are not accepted in Mexico. Currency in small denominations is recommended (change in route is not readily available).
  While it is not required, it may be helpful to convert up to $100 USD into pesos for shopping or in case a vendor’s credit card machine is not working. Based on experience we recommend to exchange around $100 USD for the Copper Canyon tour, and for other tours we recommend to exchange around $120 USD. Take in consideration that you don’t have all meals included in some of the tours and that you may want to buy things to remember your trip and take back home with you. Any left over pesos can be given to the Tour Manager or driver as gratuities.
  

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Q: What are optional sightseeing tours?
A. Optional tours are offered to travelers interested in additional sightseeing, meals, or activities to supplement the included components of our tours. You may choose to participate in some, all or none of the optional tours which are priced individually. Complete descriptions and prices are listed with each program on our website as not every tour offers optional tours.

Q. When can I add optional tours?
A. Optional tours are available for purchase any time.

Q. Can I purchase optional tours locally?
A. Yes, when traveling on an escorted tour, optional tours may be purchased locally from the Tour Manager.

Q. Can I add optional tours for only select individuals on my reservation?
A. Yes, you can add optionals for anyone at any time

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Q: Should I take my cellphone with me?
A: You may wish to carry a cell phone while traveling. However, check with your cell phone provider if your phone will work in the destinations(s) you are visiting and for further details. Additionally, if your phone can connect to Wi-Fi you may be able to make voice and video calls free of charge. Alternatively, you may investigate renting a cell phone before you leave or buying an inexpensive phone locally. When calling the U.S. from a foreign country, you may also use a prepaid calling card. Many carriers offer daily & weekly international plans. Call your provider for assistance.

Q: How can I make a call
A: When dialing a number from one country to another, you should proceed as follows: dial your country’s Exit Code (often indicated with a “+” sign), then the destination Country Code, then the Phone Number.
Example:
From USA or your US cell phone to Mexico City: 011-52-55-555-5555
From MEX to the US: 001-602-938-0330

Q: Is there Wi-Fi access?
A: Wi-Fi access has improved. Free or inexpensive Wi-Fi internet is accessible at coffee shops, airports, restaurants, libraries, and some trains and buses. Wi-Fi access in hotels often involves a fee, determined by the property. Signal strength is subject to local conditions and not guaranteed. Please note that Wi-Fi can be extremely slow, unreliable, and sometimes nonexistent in developing countries or, on moving conveyances such as buses or trains.

Q: Can I take a drone and use it during my tour?
A: Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) or “drone” technology has quickly become affordable and is increasingly popular with recreational users. While some countries have clear, established drone laws, others do not, or existing regulations are undergoing review and change. Travelers who wish to bring a drone on their trip are responsible to research and abide by the laws and regulations of the countries they are visiting, as well as to check with their airline(s) regarding their rules for transporting drones. Please note that tours are unable to extend the length of scheduled visits and stops to accommodate use of drones.

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Q: What will the weather be like on my trip?
A: Mexico has two main seasons; The rainy season is from June to October, and the dry season is from November to May. The climate changes greatly depending on latitude and altitude. The weather in Mexico is varied in its geography, which includes tropical forests, arid deserts, fertile valleys, and snow-covered mountains. While the Copper Canyon region is warm year-round, it can be quite cool, especially in the evening. The highland regions range from alpine to temperate, while the canyon valleys are considered subtropical. It is suggested that you research your specific destination(s) on-line before departure.

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Q: Do I need to learn Spanish?
A: For the most part you can get by speaking English in Mexico. However, if you’re heading off the typical tourist track, bear in mind that it will be harder to find locals who speak English. Some towns in central and southern Mexico don’t have many people that speak English.
One thing we would recommend is that you download the Google Translate app before you leave. Not only will it help you translate everything you need to know on the go, but it also has a live translation feature that is exceptionally helpful in restaurants. It works by turning on your phone’s camera and then when you hold it over any words, it translates into English for you on the screen. Additionally, your Tour Manager is bilingual & can provide assistance whenever necessary.

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Q: Why is it important that I give my name as it appears on my passport when booking air?
A: Due to increased travel security around the world, it is now more important than ever that your airline ticket matches your first and last name exactly as it reads on your passport.

NOTE: For international flights, please forward your flight itinerary at least 30 days before departure, in order for us to arrange your pick up and drop off at the airport. You do not need to email a copy of your passport. It is your responsibility to make sure that all flights you purchase coincide with the trip itinerary.

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Q: What other information do I need to know?
A: Here are some points to take in consideration:

• Seat rotation will be scheduled for your convenience. Purified drinking water is available at all hotels and restaurants. The coach will carry water and we can also purchase it on the route. Ice cubes provided are safe!
• During the warmer months, at sea level, we suggest that you have insect repellent available.
• Electric current is the same as in the USA.
• Most hotels do not provide safe deposit boxes. You may want to leave all jewelry and valuables at home.
• Hair dryers are available at most hotels. If there is not one in your room, the front desk can provide one.
• Tax free USA Customs allowance per person is: 1 liter of liquor, $400.00 in purchases and no more than $10,000.00 in currency. Plants, fruits, and perishable foods cannot be imported.
• Weapons & ammunition are prohibited in Mexico.
• If traveling by air, bring a change of clothes in your carry-on bag in the event that your luggage is delayed or lost.
• We suggest that you make photocopies of passport, visas, personal Id and any other important travel documents and pack them separately from the originals. You can also make a digital copy with your camera or cell phone. If you lose the originals while traveling, you’ll have copies for easier reporting and replacement.
• Due to security reasons, many museums have restrictions on the size of bags that can be taken inside; and backpacks, carry-on bags or large purses may not be permitted. It is recommended to bring a small shoulder bag or purse to use in these situations instead.
• Museum and archeological sites might have restrictions on use of cameras and video cameras.

Q: What items should I pack?
A: Here are some suggestions for you:

• Casual clothing that can be mixed and layered.
• Comfortable walking shoes.
• Hat and sunscreen.
• Cash and credit cards (only those needed).
• Medicine and spare prescriptions (for any controlled substances please bring a copy of the doctor’s prescription). Pack a list of medications including dosage and generic names,
• You may consider bringing a small supply of over the counter medications for headaches and/or anti-diarrhea pills.
• Extra glasses and/or contacts.
• Book, word search, and/or crossword puzzle.
• Pen.
• Ear plugs and sleep mask.
• Warm jacket or shell for the coach and higher elevations.
• An alarm clock, small flashlight, and a washcloth (not provided in some hotels) are also useful.
• Toiletries and tissues. We suggest that you place liquid containers into ziploc bags to catch any leaks.
• Charges for devices (cell phones, tablets, etc).
• Camera
• Binoculars

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A Closer Look Tours reserves the right to cancel any tours prior to departure in which case, full refund on monies received will constitute full settlement to passengers. A Closer Look Tours also reserves the right to decline, to accept, or retain any passenger as a member of a tour. The acceptance of any service or the purchase of any ticket shall be deemed acceptance of and consent by the tour member to these conditions. A Closer Look Tours reserves the right to substitute comparable hotels if necessary.

These paragraphs define our responsibilities with respect to all of our tours/trips. Please read this carefully: Payment of your deposit &/or full trip payment represents your acceptance of the following terms and conditions.

A Closer Look Tours gives notice that services provided in connection with its itineraries, including transportation, hotels, restaurants, and other services are purchased from various independent suppliers who are not affiliated with A Closer Look Tours in any way. Although it endeavors to choose the best suppliers available, A Closer Look Tours has no right to control their operations and therefore makes these travel arrangements upon the express condition that A Closer Look Tours and its own agents and employees, shall not be liable for any delay, mishap, inconvenience, expense, irregularity, bodily injury or death to person, or damage to property occasioned through the conduct or default of any company or individual engaged in providing these services. Each of these passenger conveyance companies, tour companies, hotels, restaurants, etc. is subject to the laws of the state or country where the service is provided. 

Clients hereby waives any and all claims against A Closer Look Tours and its agents or contractors, domestic and overseas, arising from any death, injury, loss, damage, accident, delay, irregularity or expense to person or property occurred from the use of any vehicle or service, strikes, war, weather, sickness, quarantine, government restrictions or regulations, or arising from any act of omission of any ship, airline, railroad, bus company, hotel or any other service or transporting company, firm, individual or agency.

A Closer Look Tours reserves the right to take photographic and film records of any of our organized tours/trips and may use such records for our own promotional and/or commercial use.

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All travelers should familiarize themselves with local conditions, such as high altitude or required immunizations, which could affect their health.  We recommend you consult with your personal healthcare provider, the Center for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) and/or the World Health Organization (http://www.who.int/en/) for their recommendations.

There are several easy steps you can take to stay healthy while traveling which may help prevent contracting an illness while away from home.

• Watch what you eat. Try new foods in modest quantities, and depending upon your destination, you may want to avoid street foods, salad bars, raw vegetables and fruit, unless they have thick peels like bananas or grapefruit.
• Stay hydrated. Drink bottled water and avoid consuming ice cubes made with tap water.
• If you have allergies to foods, medications, or insect bites, or have any other unique medical issues, consider a medical alert bracelet and/or a physician’s note detailing required treatment should you become ill. It will be really helpful if you can have this note in Spanish just in case you don’t have anyone that speaks English close by.
• Wash your hands regularly and carry hand sanitizer.
• Where appropriate sunscreen and insect repellent.
• You may also want to bring a small first-aid kit with bandaids, antibiotic cream, pain killers, bug bite cream, digestive aids like antidiarrheal or anti-bloat medications, antacids, and cold medicine. This is in addition to any prescription medications which should be adequate for the entire trip. Keep in mind that medical prescriptions can’t be filled in Mexico.
• One thing to keep in mind, though, is that mosquitoes can be a real risk in Mexico, in both urban and rural areas, especially during the wet season. Whether it’s dengue or zika, look up whether either disease is flying rampant through where you’ll be visiting, and if so, take precautions against getting bitten. Travelers are encouraged to bring insect repellent.
• About the Zika Virus – The Zika Virus is a mosquito-borne virus mostly found in areas of Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South AmericA: According to the CDC, most cases of Zika are mild. However, there is a potential link between this virus and a brain defect called microcephaly which affects unborn babies and may pose a potential risk to pregnant women.
• Excellent health facilities are available in Mexico City and other major cities. Ambulance services are widely available, but training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards. Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi to a health provider. Mexican facilities often require payment “up front” before providing medical care, and most hospitals in Mexico do not accept U.S. health insurance. A list of doctors and hospitals is available on the U.S. Embassy or consulate website.
• Exercise caution when purchasing medication. Pharmaceuticals, both over the counter and requiring prescription in the U.S., are often readily available for purchase with little controls. Counterfeit medication is common in certain parts of Mexico and may prove to be ineffective, the wrong strength, or contain dangerous ingredients. Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments.
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration are responsible for rules governing the transport of medication back to the United States. Medications purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back to the U.S. Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States. Please visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration websites for more information. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging along with your doctor’s prescription.
• For a list of controlled substances in Mexico, visit the COFEPRIS website and the Mexican Drug Schedule. U.S. citizens should carry a copy of their prescription or doctor’s letter, but it is still possible that they may be subject to arrest for arriving in Mexico with substances on these lists. Note that a medicine considered “over the counter” in the United States may be a controlled substance in Mexico. For example, pseudoephedrine, the active ingredient in Sudafed, is considered a controlled substance in Mexico. For more information about obtaining a permit to import medicine into Mexico, contact the Embassy of Mexico in Washington, D.C.
• Altitude: Many cities in Mexico, such as Mexico City, are at high altitude, which can lead to altitude illness. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Travel to High Altitudes.
• Air Quality: Air pollution is a significant problem in several major cities in Mexico. Consider the impact seasonal smog and heavy particulate pollution may have on you and consult your doctor before traveling if necessary.
• Water Quality: In many areas in Mexico, tap water is not potable. Bottled water and beverages are safe.

Q: Do I need shots?
A: You don’t need to specifically get any vaccinations before heading to Mexico. You could see your doctor beforehand to see if they recommend getting anything specific, but for the most part, most tourists don’t bother with anything.

Q: I require oxygen. Can I travel?
A: A Closer Look Tours does not have any restrictions against oxygen. For tours that include flying, we recommend that you check with the airline regarding their restrictions and/or charges. Also, take into consideration that you may not be able to find another oxygen tank to replace an empty one.

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