ISAKOS: 2019 Congress in Cancun, Mexico
ISAKOS

Hotels & Tours

 

Official Congress Hotels

View the Official ISAKOS Congress Hotels and exclusive ISAKOS Congress attendee rates. Please read all disclaimers and general information prior to booking.

The Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach, the Krystal Cancun, the Reflect Krystal Grand Cancun, the BeachScape Kin Ha, and the Presidente Intercontinental Cancun Resort are within walking distance of the Congress venue. The ALOFT is directly attached to the convention center.

Please be sure to use a secure Wi-Fi connection when booking your accommodations. It is not recommended to use a public Wi-Fi connection, or to book on a mobile device (e.g. a smartphone or tablet). Always notify your bank or credit union in advance of international travel, to avoid any declined transactions or service interruptions.

Tax Exemption for Foreign Participants

The ISAKOS Congress Official Hotels are eligible for the Mexican zero-tax program for foreign attendants, meaning they are exempt from the 16% Value Added Tax (IVA in Spanish). Applies only to accommodations at a Congress Official Hotel from May 8-16, 2019.

To obtain this benefit, you must fulfill the following requirements upon hotel check-in:

  1. Present the migratory document (FMT in Spanish) that was issued and stamped by Mexican Immigration Authorities upon entering Mexico
  2. Present your Passport
  3. Pay with a credit card issued abroad (Cash payments do not qualify for tax exemption)

Tour Opportunities

Explore all that Cancun has to offer!

ISAKOS has arranged for Congress attendees and their guests to have the opportunity to register for day tours in Cancun and the surrounding areas. Please note, tour logistics and specifics are subject to change.

Airport Transfers available! Use the Tours link to book an airport-to-hotel transfer through Intermeeting. If you do not opt to book an airport transfer, it is recommended that registrants book transportation in advance through their hotel.

Important Note: Unsold tours will be shared with other attendees, not associated with the Congress. Tour prices are quoted in $ USD, per person (additional taxes and fees may apply).

International Airport

Cancun International Airport
Carretera Cancun-Chetumal Km 22,
77565 Cancun, Q.R., Mexico
Airport Code: CUN

The Cancun International Airport is approximately 30-40 minutes from the Cancun International Convention Center. The airport is located in Cancun, Quintana Roo, on the Caribbean coast of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. It is Mexico's second busiest airport, after Mexico City International Airport, but the biggest for international passengers.

Customs Procedures at Cancun Airport

During inbound flights, you will receive a Customs form. After passing through Immigration, collect your bags and proceed to the exit. Hand the form to the Customs agent and press the Customs button. A green light means “proceed” and a red light means “inspection”.

You are not allowed to bring food, fruits and/or products that are not “company” packed and sealed. Food or products needed for special dietary restrictions or for medical reasons are allowed. You are also permitted to bring medicine for the duration of your stay in Mexico. If you are bringing an uncommon quantity of medicine, please bring a doctor’s prescription as supporting proof of your personal need.

Immigration Procedure

At arrival to any airport in Mexico, the Immigration authority will issue an individual form to each passenger. It is important to keep this form, as you will need to show it along with your passport at the hotel reception desk in order to avoid paying a 16% Value Added Tax in lodging services. This exemption is only for non-Mexican citizens attending the Congress.

Airport Transfers

Use the below link to book an airport-to-hotel transfer through Intermeeting. If you do not opt to book an airport transfer, it is recommended that registrants book transportation in advance through their hotel.

Discounted Airfare Offers

ISAKOS has partnered with various airlines to offer you discounted airfare for the 2019 ISAKOS Congress.

Entry Into Mexico

Upon arrival in Mexico, you will need to provide a current passport plus a visitor’s permit, also known as the FMM “Forma Migratoria Multiple”. This form is provided free of charge by your travel agent, airline or at point-of-entry. Passport holders from countries on Mexico’s “No Visa Required” list do not need to apply for visa to visit Mexico. The Immigration officer may ask you to provide proof of the necessary economic means and/or a return ticket to your country. Immigration will check your documents and stamp and process the form, handing you back the right-hand portion, which you must keep and surrender when you leave Mexico. This form will also need to be presented at your hotel reception desk (see Immigration Procedure above). If you lose this form, you will have to go to the Immigration desk at the airport and may have to pay a fine for another one.

*Information provided on this webpage regarding visas and passports, is supplied as a courtesy. ISAKOS is NOT responsible for any errors, changes or omissions in the information listed above. Please contact your consulate when planning your travel.

Mexico Visa Policy permits citizens of the countries listed below to travel to Mexico without a visa (FMTTV):
Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Ireland, Island, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Uruguay, USA, Venezuela

The citizens of Russia, Ukraine and Turkey, do not have to apply for a visa for a travel period not exceeding 180 days, but can obtain an electronic authorization free of charge at the following website.

Proof of Travel Documents

The immigration authority may request the foreign person to verify the reason for their trip, by means of any of the following documents:

  • Hotel reservation, return tickets (itinerary), tour tickets (itinerary).
  • A mandate letter in Spanish language of the parent company, subsidiary or foreign subsidiary that indicates that the foreign person is employed by it and that the payment of the services it will provide in the national territory will be paid by the same.
  • Copy of the technology transfer contract, patents and trademarks, purchase and sale of machinery and equipment, technical training of personnel, or any other related to the production process of a company established in Mexico or linking to the foreign party with the Mexican party, or proof of appointment by the shareholders’ meeting of companies legally established in Mexico.
  • Letter from an organization or public or private institution inviting the foreign person to participate in any unpaid activity in the national territory, state the purpose of the visit and the estimated time of stay. In the event that the organization or institution pays the expenses of travel and permanence of the foreign person in the national territory, a responsive letter must be attached.
  • Letter of invitation or acceptance from an institution belonging to the National Educational System to carry out courses, studies or research or training projects for a maximum period of one hundred and eighty days.

Travel Advisory

ISAKOS would like to remind all conference attendees that it is your responsibility to exercise increased caution when traveling abroad. As a first step in planning any trip, please check the Travel Advisories issued by your home country for your destination. For example, you may access the U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs Travel Advisories.

Conditions can change rapidly and at any time. Be sure to note country-specific details that could affect your travel, including entry/exit requirements, local laws and customs, required vaccinations, health conditions, transportation information, and other travel tips. In general, please be vigilant whenever leaving a hotel. Be aware of your surroundings, particularly in crowded public areas, at large events, and when using public transportation (including taxis). ISAKOS encourages all attendees to travel with increased caution and to always exercise good, common sense.

Tips to Ensure Safety

  • Avoid hailing cabs on the street. Instead, ask your hotel to arrange a taxi.
  • Exercise caution when venturing outside popular tourist and hotel zones.
  • Avoid displaying signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
  • Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
  • Stay up-to-date with the latest travel warnings issued by your local Travel Advisory Department.

Travelers should make sure they are up-to-date on routine vaccines. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests most travelers get vaccinated for Hepatitis A and Typhoid 4-6 weeks before traveling to Mexico. Always consult your physician before traveling overseas.

Guest Assist - Tourist Assistance Program

Guest Assist is a tourist assistance program that provides visitors to Quintana Roo with information and guidance--for those who find themselves in emergency situations where their wellbeing or belongings are affected. This service is available through the Guest Assist mobile app, website, and phone lines.

Welcome to Cancun!

 

Cancun is located in southeastern Mexico, on the northeast coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. Cancun is surrounded by the breathtaking Caribbean Sea, soft coral sands, and the striking shade of turquoise that reflects from its crystal-clear waters. The mystical ruins take you on an incredible journey back to the Mayan civilization. The archaeological zone of El Rey or El Templo del Alacrán (the Temple of the Scorpion) will amaze you. If you are into nature, you’ll love Xel-Ha, a local natural aquarium. Visiting the Secret River will take you closer to the Xibalbá, the Mayan underworld, while Xcaret, the most important eco-archaeological park in the country, will offer its lush jungle charm. It is easy to see why Cancun is such an attractive and popular destination. From Cancun’s trendy nightlife, to its underwater museum, Cancun has something for tourists of all ages.

Cancun Travel Tips

Ground Transportation - Buses & Taxis

Buses

Buses are the least expensive way to get around Cancún. Buses have routes from the Hotel Zone to almost anywhere in the surrounding areas (Mexican coins only).

  • R1 — R2 — R15 — R27 all travel within the Hotel Zone. These routes will take you to the Congress venue.
  • There is also the Bus One (white bus), which is the only bus with air conditioning, traveling in the Hotel Zone.
  • R2 — R15 go to Walmart and the Market 28 in Downtown Cancun.
  • R1 takes you to Puerto Juarez where you can catch the ferry to Isla Mujeres.
  • R27 takes you to Plaza Las Americas.

Taxis

You can take a taxi to almost anywhere in Cancun. The only restriction is that taxis are not allowed to collect from the airport. The airport has its own taxi system.
Taxi fares are set by how many zones you travel through. It is best to agree to the rate before you start your journey.

Climate

Cancún has a tropical climate, with few temperature differences between seasons, but pronounced rainy and dry seasons. The city is hot year-round, and moderated by onshore trade winds, with an annual mean temperature of 27.1 °C (80.8 °F). Unlike inland areas of the Yucatán Peninsula, sea breezes restrict high temperatures from reaching 35 °C (95 °F) on most afternoons. Annual rainfall is around 1,340 millimeters (52.8 in), falling on 115 days per year.

It is drier and becomes hotter in March and April. It is hottest from May to September, and due to proximity to the Caribbean and Gulf, humidity is high year round. The hotel zone juts into the Caribbean Sea and is surrounded by ocean—therefore daytime temperatures are around 1-2C less and wind speeds are higher than at the inland airport.

Electrical Outlets

In Mexico the power sockets are of type A and B. It is recommend to bring 3-to-2 prong adapters in case type B sockets are not available. Three prong outlets are not readily available. The electricity standard is 110 volt AC, the same as in the US and Canada. The larger hotels have converters for most 220-volt devices.

Currency

In Cancun, the official currency is the Mexican Peso. But along the Mexican Caribbean coastline you can use US$ as well. Bills of US$100 are difficult to change though.

Official Tourism Links