Mexico - Connection in Mexico.

I am looking at heading down to Lima in Feb. One of the routings from YVR is YVR-MEX-LIM. Has anyone transferred in Mexico? Is the airport fairly well run? Easy to navigate? And is there much to do on a layover of 2~5 hours?

This route sounds good as we wouldn't have to clear US customs in Miami/Atlanta or Houston.

Thanks

I haven't done an international to international connection at MEX but I've been through the airport countless times both as a destination and for transfering to domestic connections.

The main (original) terminal is essentially divided into two sections - international and national flights. There is also a new satellite terminal which is connected to the main terminal by a skybus. I haven't been out to the satellite terminal yet.

If you decide to go landside you will need to clear Mexican immigration & customs. Not a big deal unless the lines are long. There is a better selection of restaurants and shops landside than airside, at least in the main terminal. Allow time to clear security if you do choose to go landside.

There are ATMs and money exchange booths throughout the airport if you decide that you need pesos.

There isn't much to see/do outside the airport; the surrounding neighborhood is dicey in places so don't go walking around over there. If you have several hours to kill you could take the Metro (subway) from the airport to the Zocalo and explore the Centro Historico part of Mexico City.

Flying Delta CUN-MEX-ATL we had real trouble finding the right gate at MEX. After we did it was changed and no general English announcement was made. New gate was not posted until the very last minute. So be careful.

What carrier(s) are you flying? Depending on that, it may be easy, or a pain in the butt. In any case you'll have to clear Mexican immigration.

Btw, there is no 'satellite' terminal in MEX. T2 is a complete not-so-new-anymore terminal on its own.