Mexico City Airport Question
 

I need to know whether there is a safe left luggage facility at the Mexico City Airport. We, three of us, will arrive around one in the afternoon with our carry-ons and would like to go straight to Teotihuacan Piramids, before checking in to a hotel in Zocalo area. Also, need to know what type of public transportation is avialable from airport to Teotihuacan, if not, how much a pre-paid taxi will cost? Thanks...

Yes there is luggage room in the national terminal where you can securely check your things. As far as transportation the only way I have been to Teotihuacan is via the metro. If you are comfortable with that (beware pickpocekts etc.) there is a stop at the far end of the national terminal. Go to indios verdes then ask around at the buses as you emerge from the metro,which one is going to Teotihucan. Otherwise I am not sure about transporation from the airport to Teotihuacan. One possibility would be to take a taxi to the bus tterminal (Tapo) I think then take a bus. Otherwise I am sure, if you want to pay the rate, you can ask at the taxi stand for them to get you a sitio taxi and a driver to take you out there. I am just guessing, but I would think this would cost $10.00-$20.00 u.s. per hour. Depending on traffic, you should be able to get there in an hour from the airport so if you moved fast you could probably do the whole thing in four hours. Mabye someone else out there has more information or other ideas-

Thanks a lot Dude... My choice will be to get a safe taxi, I guess by booking it from a taxi booth at the airport, if they have some sort of an hourly rate, provided it's in the range of $10-$20 per hour. Also in that case, will it be safe to keep our luggage in the taxi, while we tour the Pyramids?

If you take a sito I would think your things would be safe, but the bottom line is you just can't say. I assume you want to go to Teotihuacan from the airport to maximize you time in Mexico City. With all the logisitcs you have to work out you might be better off going to your hotel, have them call the sitio for you, then you can put everything in your room. When its all said and done this might be a lot easier and not much more time consuming.

Thanks once again Dude...It's a good advice. It's better to play it safe.

Four of us went to Teotihuacan from our hotel, Presidente Intercontinental, last week. We paid 1200 Pesos (about 120 US) plus tax to the hotel for a car with an English speaking driver and guide for 5 hrs. I believe that the going rate for a taxi from a hotel is 25 US an hour if you want it by the hour. I don't know how much it is for a Sitio taxi that you get at the Sitio station. Those cars are smaller, but would be adequate for 3 people. It was hot, so make sure that the taxi has AC and will use it. Taxi rates anyplace in MC are high.

If you take a taxi at the airport, make sure you pay the right fee, as it is per person. We were overcharged because we didn't know it.

A scam to be aware of at the Mexico City airport:

When I walked towards one of the sitio taxis outside the airport, a man grabbed my suitcase and put it into the taxi. I initially thought he was the taxi driver, but he wasn't. He then demanded I pay him for doing this "job". I wasn't prepared for this (I was not yet familiar with Mexican money), and he got angry I did not pay him enough.

Either keep a very tight grip on all your luggage, or be ready to pay someone to put the luggage into the taxicab.

That's exactly right -Hold on tight to your luggage. Don't be rushed. If someone touches your luggage, with or without your consent, he will expect a tip. Also, when you get back to the airport, men will be waiting to grab your luggage to bring it inside. Just wave them away. And it happens at all the airports.

This isn't just a Mexican thing either...it happens in many countries. No biggee, just be unequivocal when you say no.

Have fun!
Mark
www.tiogringo.com

One more rant about a baggage scam at MC airport.

When we rented a car at the airport taxi booth, the taxi driver (I made sure it was him) grabbed our luggage and wheeled it to the car. Rather than putting it in the car himself, he gave it to a waiting man who put it in and demanded a tip. If you don't want this, be sure to bring it to the car yourself, and watch out for the men hanging around nearby.

regarding the baggage handling scam:

Does this happen if you are catching a bus at the airport as well? I will be catching a bus at the airport to Cuernavaca. Should I load the bags myself? What about when arriving at a bus station in Mexico where the station employee pulls the bag out of the luggage compartment and hands it to you? Is he expecting a tip?

I carry my own bags and give them to the bus guys who put them under the bus. I don't tip them and I don't see Mexican folks tip them. If you want to give them 10 pesos or whatever you could. Also, I have had not had the problems mentioned above with the cabs. I just watch my stuff and firmly say !No gracias! when people hassle me to do things I am not interested in having them do. Just pretend you've been there a millon times, be firm, don't worry about it, and have fun on your trip.

Hey Dude - You didn't have the problem because you knew what to do. In the rush, some people may be overwhelmed and taken advantage of. ((E))