Cancun, Mexico

By: Larry Greenlee

Senior Analyst
For: Ann Crippen
05/15/2015

The information contained in this report should be used as open source information and in
connection with other sources of information such as local contacts, organization experience and
up to date government alerts. Never take one source of information as an absolute. Always know
before you go.

Trip Reference Number: 207.ME20

Prepared by: Larry Greenlee
Date: 05/15/2015

General Information
Country Name: United Mexican States
Government: The federal government of Mexico is
a central government established by its constitution
to share sovereignty over the republic with the
governments of the 31 individual Mexican states
and one Federal District, and to represent such governments before international bodies
such as the United Nations. Similar to the federal government of the United States of
America, the Mexican federal government has three branches: executive, legislative,
and judicial. Cancn is a city in southeastern Mexico, located on the northeast coast of
the Yucatn Peninsula in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. It is an important
renowned tourist destination in Mexico, as well as being the seat of the municipality of
Benito Jurez. The city is located on the Caribbean Sea.
Terrain: Cancun is positioned on the northeastern edge of the Yucatan Peninsula,
fronted by the Caribbean Sea, and a bit further north, the Yucatan Channel that
separates Mexico from the island of Cuba. In addition to the mainland, the resort area of
Cancun is a long and narrow island lined with powdery white-sand beaches, connected
to the mainland, on both ends, by bridges. The somewhat shallow Nichupte Lagoon,
between Cancun Island and the mainland, is a wildlife refuge. Just to the west of
Cancun City, the northern portion of the Yucatan Peninsula is a low-lying jungle of sorts,
void of lakes and rivers. Swampy areas are common on the peninsula, as well as
countless sinkholes (underwater caves) called cenotes. The northern tip of the Gran
Arrecife Maya lies off the southern edge of the hotel zone. It is the largest coral reef in
the Western Hemisphere and one of the largest in the world.
Climate: Cancn has a tropical climate with few temperature differences between
seasons, but pronounced rainy seasons. The city is warm year-round, and moderated
by onshore trade winds, with an annual mean temperature of 80.8 F. Unlike inland
areas of the Yucatn Peninsula, sea breezes restrict high temperatures from reaching
95 F on most afternoons. Annual rainfall is around 52.8 inches, falling on 115 days per
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Trip Reference Number: 207.ME20

Prepared by: Larry Greenlee
Date: 05/15/2015

year. It is hottest from May to September, due to proximity to the Caribbean, and Gulf
humidity is high year round, especially so during hurricane season (from May to
November it averages close to 70% on rain free days). The hotel zone juts into the
Caribbean Sea, it is surrounded by ocean therefore daytime temperatures are slightly
lower and wind speeds are higher than at the airport located some distance inland,
which is the official meteorological station for Cancun.
Language: Several different languages are spoken in Mexico. The large majority of the
population is fluent in Spanish while some indigenous Mexicans are monolingual in
indigenous languages. Most Mexicans are monolingual Spanish-speakers. The
government of Mexico uses Spanish for most official purposes, but in terms of
legislation its status is not that of an official language. The Law of Linguistic Rights
establishes Spanish as one of the country's national languages, along with 68 distinct
indigenous languages.
Population: 45 years ago, before Mexico realized the need for tourism to develop and
sustain the economy; Cancun was a simple fishing village with a population of about
120 people. In 1970 after three years of study on the conditions, locations, and weather
of the area it was decided by the Mexican government and other private investors and a
computer to be the perfect location for a tourism center. It is viewed as a successful
model for urban development and economic planning. The population of Cancun today
sits at about 600,000 people. Most of the population is Mestizo (mixed race), but just
outside of the tourist setting there are many Mayans living in the jungle. In the entire
south east region of the jungles there are 4 million Mayan speaking people.
Religions: There is no official religion in Mexico, as the constitution guarantees
separation of church and state. However, more than nine-tenths of the population are at
least nominally affiliated with Roman Catholicism. Protestants account for a tiny but
rapidly growing segment of the population, and their missionaries have been especially
successful in converting the urban poor. A significant proportion of indigenous peoples
retain traditional religious beliefs and practices in addition to adhering to Roman
Catholicism. This syncretism is particularly visible in many village fiestas where
ancestors, mountain spirits, and other spiritual forces may be honored alongside
Catholic saints.
Culture: Due to its fairly recent establishment as a city and it primary purpose as a
tourist resort, Cancun has little true culture to call its own. However, it is surrounded by
the more ancient cultures of the Mayan people as well as that of the Mestizos. Mestizo
is a racial category used in Latin America to describe those with both Native American
and European Spanish ancestry. The word roughly translates from Spanish to English
as mixture. When the Spanish began to colonize Latin America, they created a social
class system for regulating their newly conquered territories. The Spanish used a racial
system to rank people in the New World. At the top of the social pyramid were white
Peninsulares, or Spaniards born in Spain, followed by white Criollos, or the children of
Spanish born in the New World. The Mestizo population were the next highest social
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Trip Reference Number: 207.ME20

Prepared by: Larry Greenlee
Date: 05/15/2015

class. These were the children of Spanish and Native Americans. Very quickly, the
Mestizo population became the numerical majority in Latin America.
The modern day Maya still live within the boundaries of their old empire in
Central America. The region that makes up this area now consists of the countries of
Belize, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, and five states in Mexico. Despite half a
millennium of European dominance in Mexico, much of the native and historical Maya
tradition has remained with its people. When the Spaniards arrived in Guatemala 500
years ago many of the indigenous people were living out in recesses in mountainous
areas. This kept them isolated from the many missionaries eager to convert them to
Catholicism and also allowed them to keep much of their own culture. Although the
culture could not help but be influenced by the invaders, it managed to keep many
traditional foundations. A very important part of this culture is associated with the Mayan
language. Many of the Maya today speak Spanish as a second language because of
contact through trade and tourism, but remain native dialect speakers. Again in religion,
the Maya have fought to keep much of their own tradition and blended it with Spanish
influences. The result is that the Maya have their own brand of Christianity which
consists of characteristics of old tribal religions and Roman Catholicism. Other things
have also remained the same. The majority (more than sixty percent) of the Mayan
people work in agriculture. The main crops are still beans and corn; the fields are still
prepared and cleared by cutting and burning as was done by the ancient Mayans so
long ago. Much of the traditional dress and weaving is also still established custom.

Weather Forecast

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Trip Reference Number: 207.ME20

Prepared by: Larry Greenlee
Date: 05/15/2015

Threats and Vulnerabilities

Threats

Natural- The primary natural threat to Cancun is from Hurricanes. The amounts and
intensities of hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico have been significantly down as
compared to seasonal averages in the past, but they remain a significant threat.
There are no Hurricanes or tropical storms projected during the time of this trip, but it
is wise to keep abreast of the local weather conditions. Earthquakes are also well
known in Cancun. It is more difficult to project these occurrences, and it is
recommended to have a plan in the event one does occur.

Criminal- Crime in Mexico continues to occur at a high rate and can be violent.
Street crime, ranging from pick-pocketing to armed robbery, is a serious problem in
most major cities to include Cancun. Rates of kidnappings and extortions in parts of
Mexico have risen sharply in recent years, driven largely by violence associated with
transnational criminal groups and increasingly smaller street gangs. The number of
kidnappings reported throughout Mexico is of particular concern. Both local and
expatriate communities have been victimized. Mexican government statistics
indicate that kidnappings increased 20 percent in 2013 compared to 2012. Another
study indicated that in 2013, only 1,698 kidnappings out of an estimated 131,946
were reported to police, who have been implicated in some of these incidents. One
hundred fifty kidnappings of U.S. citizens were reported to the U.S. Embassy and
consulates in Mexico in 2014. Cancun is not considered a high threat area for
kidnapping, and there are currently no specific travel threat advisories for Cancun or
Quintana Roo.

Healthcare- Adequate medical care is available in major cities, to include Cancun.

Excellent health facilities are available in Mexico City, if needed, but training and
availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards. Standards of
medical training, patient care, and business practices vary greatly among medical
facilities in beach resorts throughout Mexico. In recent years, some U.S. citizens
have complained that certain health-care facilities in beach resorts have taken
advantage of them by overcharging or providing unnecessary medical care. A
significant number of complaints have been lodged against some of the private
hospitals including complaints about price gouging and various unlawful and/or
unethical pricing schemes and collection measures. Additionally, U.S. citizens
should be aware that many Mexican facilities require payment up front prior to
performing a procedure. Hospitals in Mexico do not accept U.S. domestic health
insurance or Medicare/Medicaid and will expect payment via cash, credit, debit card,
or bank transfer.

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Trip Reference Number: 207.ME20

Prepared by: Larry Greenlee
Date: 05/15/2015

Transportation- U.S. driver's licenses are valid in Mexico. Mexican law requires
that only owners drive their vehicles, or that the owner be inside the vehicle. If not,
the vehicle may be seized by Mexican customs and will not be returned under any
circumstances. Traffic laws in Mexico are sporadically enforced and, therefore, often
ignored by drivers, creating dangerous conditions for drivers and pedestrians. Public
transportation in Cancun is generally safe, however some visitors equate the bus to
a ride at Six Flags due to excessive speed and maneuvers by the local drivers. In
recent years, moped rentals have become very widespread in Cancun and Cozumel,
and the number of serious moped accidents has risen accordingly. Most operators
carry no insurance and do not conduct safety checks. It is recommended to avoid
operators who do not provide a helmet with the rental. Some operators have been
known to demand fees many times in excess of damages caused to the vehicles,
even if renters have purchased insurance in advance.

Political- Demonstrations are common and occur in all parts of the country; however
Cancun is not considered a high threat area for this activity. Even demonstrations
intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.
Protesters in Mexico may block traffic on roads, including major thoroughfares, or
take control of toll booths on highways. Travelers are urged to avoid areas of
demonstrations, and to exercise caution if in the vicinity of any protests. Travelers
who encounter protesters demanding unofficial tolls are generally allowed to pass
upon payment.

Vulnerabilities

Health- Preexisting conditions that require ongoing care should be considered

before traveling to Mexico. Medications needed should be packed in original
containers from your U.S. medical facility and instructions listed for a longer period
of time than initially planned for.

Training- Training in dealing with a Crisis Situation, Blending In, Cultural Awareness
and First Aid is recommended for travelers going to Mexico. The greatest
vulnerability for travelers to high risk regions is a lack of training and situational
awareness.

Experience- The travelers on this trip do have the experience necessary to react in
an appropriate manner if confronted with a crisis. Traveling in a group also
decreases the risk level and traveling with personnel who have been to Mexico also
decreases risk. Training is still recommended and one should never rely on their
own experiences exclusively.

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Trip Reference Number: 207.ME20

Prepared by: Larry Greenlee
Date: 05/15/2015

Electronic Communications- Telephones are very reliable especially since TelMex

(the Mexican Ma Bell) started using fiber optics and began installing high tech
phones on every corner in Cancun. TelMex phones are recognizable for their white
booths and LADATEL logo. LADATEL are the electronic phone cards used in the
phones and are sold at corner stores and pharmacies in blocks of $30 Pesos, $50
Pesos, $100 Pesos, and $200 Pesos ($3, $5, $10, $20 respectively). The phones
are easy to use. When you pick up the handset, instructions show up on the
telephone screen. To change them to English, push the ABC button on the left hand
side of the dial pad. You may be tempted to use the red phones around town that
are so simple to use (just dial 0) but avoid the temptation as they charge exorbitant
rates. They are also subject to heavy scamming since they accept credit cards
numbers with no other identification. Mexico has embraced the Internet and it is on
par with U.S. standards in Cancun. There are internet cafs all over Cancun where
you can get online for as little as $3 per hour. (The more expensive places are found
in the Hotel Zone.) Many hotels offer complimentary internet service for guests but if
your hotel hasnt plugged in yet, Internet cafs are the best secondary choice.

Recent Significant Events

There are no recent significant events being reported in the news services for Cancun
or the Mexican State of Quintana Roo.

Cultural Etiquette

Use formal greetings when addressing Mexican locals for the first time. For
example, Senor or Senora plus last name.
A quick '!Buenos das!' when addressing shop clerks and waitresses shows
respect, proper etiquette and will garner better service.
When meeting a group of people its proper Mexican etiquette to greet each
individual and not use a general greeting for the whole lot.
Attempt to speak Spanish it will be much appreciated and endear you to
Mexicans.
Be prepared to wait! Mexico is slower and Mexicans enjoy siesta time (between 2
and 5 pm), a time for relaxation, not work.

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Trip Reference Number: 207.ME20

Prepared by: Larry Greenlee
Date: 05/15/2015

Mexican's typically arrive for social events an hour late if you expect punctuality
mention the time is 'a la gringa', or North American time.
Proper Mexican etiquette requires the common greeting of kissing between
women or between men and women, usually an air kiss on both cheeks.
A brisk, firm handshake is common Mexican etiquette between business and
male acquaintances.
The U.S. hand sign for 'ok' (a circle with your thumb and forefinger) is considered
vulgar in Mexican etiquette.
Men typically introduce themselves to women by winking or whistling known as
the 'piripo' (not normally meant to be derogatory).
Mexicans stand closer to one another than other North Americans do. Stepping
back may be considered insulting.

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Trip Reference Number: 207.ME20

Prepared by: Larry Greenlee
Date: 05/15/2015

Important Contact Information

MSS: 1-855-572-3156
Insurance: _________________
Local Contact: ______________
Local Emergency Numbers:

Police: 060
Traffic Police: 884-0710
Fire Dept: 884-1202
Ambulance: 884-1616

U.S. Embassy/Consulate Location and Contact Information

Address:
Cancun Conulate (An extension of the Consulate in Merida)
Blvd. Kukulcan Km 13 ZH, Torre La Europea, Despacho 301
Cancun, Quintana Roo C.P.77500

Phone: 52-998-883-0272
Fax: 52-998-883-1373
E-Mail: ConAgencyCancun@state.gov
Web Address: http://mexico.usembassy.gov/
To reach the U.S. Embassy in case of emergencies outside of our regular working
hours, please call: 01-55-5080-2000

Operational hours:

Monday - Friday: 8:30 am 4:30 pm

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Trip Reference Number: 207.ME20

Prepared by: Larry Greenlee
Date: 05/15/2015

This report has been classified as:

Confidential
Do Not Disseminate
Leave this report at home, minus the
emergency contact information
Disclaimer: The information contained in this report should be used as open source information
and in connection with other sources of information such as local contacts, organization
experience and up to date government alerts. Never take one source of information as an
absolute. Morton Security Solutions shall not be held liable for how the information contained in this

report is used by the cusomter or how it may affect actions taken or decisions made by the customer.
It is the cusomters responsibility to learn as much as possible about the risks of international travel
and to weigh those risks against the advantages, making a decision on whether to participate. Always
know before you go.

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