travel guide mexico

Mexico Travel Guide

Last Updated: May 2, 2024

While most people visit Mexico for its big tourist centers like Tulum , Cabo, Cancun , or Cozumel, there’s a lot more to the country than just its luxurious resorts.

Now, I’ll be honest: I was late to visiting Mexico.

But when I did, I fell in love with it. Mexico is an incredible destination with a rich history, amazing food, and friendly people.

It’s an awesome country to backpack around, drive through, or just vacation in. There’s a ton of stuff to do here, and the locals are some of the friendliest people on the planet.

From Mayan ruins to pristine beaches to Mexico City’s art and food and Oaxaca’s mezcal scene, Mexico has it all.

And the food? World-class. Gorge yourself on delicious tacos, tostadas, tamales, sopas, seafood, and mole (to name a few items from Mexico’s very long list of traditional dishes).

I could go on forever as to why I love this country. Whatever amount of time you’re planning to visit is not enough — you’ll always leave wanting more.

This Mexico travel guide will help you get out of the touristy towns, explore the country, and fall in love with what you discover!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Mexico

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in mexico.

1. Explore Oaxaca

Located in a valley surrounded by craggy mountains in southwestern Mexico, Oaxaca and its surrounds have been inhabited for thousands of years by indigenous Zapotec and Mixtec peoples. A city of colorful buildings, scenic rooftop restaurants and bars, street art, historic Spanish colonial churches, cobblestone streets, and many parks, it’s a center for heritage tourism. It’s also one of the gastronomic hotbeds of Mexico as well as the hub of mezcal production too. With fascinating museums, bustling markets, historic buildings, delicious food and much more, there really is something for everyone in Oaxaca . I loved my time there ! You must visit!

2. Tour Mexico City

Found in the Valley of Mexico at an altitude of around 2,225 meters (7,300 feet), Mexico City is a sprawling, chaotic, messy city in the best way possible. Originally built over a lake, it has some 150 world-class museums, sprawling markets, tons of historic buildings, city squares, and more. In the historic center, you can visit the impressive main square (the only one bigger in the world is Red Square in Moscow). To the south of the city there’s a network of beautiful canals, and Teotihuacan, the City of the Gods, is just a 45-minute drive away. The city also has an incredible foodie scene and is fast becoming one of the centers of gastronomy in the world.

3. Relax on the Pacific Coast

Vacation spots like Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, and Sayulita on Mexico’s Pacific Coast offer just as many epic beaches and resort properties as the Caribbean Coast. Go to Puerto Vallarta or Los Cabos to hang out on the pristine white sandy beaches, or head to Sayulita to check out the busy surf scene. Surf and enjoy watersports, visit historical monuments, and check out all the local art by day. By night, you can indulge in sunset cocktails, enjoy fresh shrimp tacos or seafood skewers, and salsa the evening away.

4. See the Mayan Ruins

Mexico is filled with ruins. You have Chichén Itzá, which dates back to 550 CE and is one of the largest (and most popular) Mayan sites in Mexico for its enormous Kukulkan Pyramid (which is considered one of the new Wonders of the World). Other ruins worth visiting are the Tulum Archaeological Zone, the Palenque Archaeological Zone, the Calakmul ruins (which are inside the huge Calakmul Biosphere Reserve), the ruins at Ek Balam, and so many more! Admission is 571 MXN for the Wonder of the World Chichén Itzá while the rest cost anywhere from 80-500 MXN.

5. Visit a volcano

Other things to see and do in mexico, 1. wander through mexico city’s chapultepec park.

Chapultepec is one of the largest city parks in the world, spanning over 1,700 acres. It encompasses the Mexico City Zoo, La Feria amusement park, and the Museum of Anthropology, which houses a vast collection of sculptures, jewels, and artifacts from ancient Mexican civilizations. The museum costs 85 MXN, as does the Chapultepec Castillo (Castle) which houses the National History Museum. You can also rent a rowboat or paddle boat and go out on Chapultepec Lake for 60 MXN. Entry to the park itself is free.

2. Visit the markets

Just about every town in Mexico has a busy, diverse market where you can enjoy traditional food, pick up some bargain items, and purchase souvenirs. Two of the best are the Mercado Ciudadela in Mexico City (for handmade textiles and artwork), and Oaxaca’s Mercado Benito Juárez (for local foods like fresh ground coffee beans, juices, and grasshopper tacos). If you’re in Merida, check out Mercado Santa Ana for their Yucatecan cuisine, like cochito horneado , a marinated pork dish that is slow-cooked in underground pits, or head to El Mercado Lucas de Galvez for their specialty seafood cocktails (the locals swear by it to cure your hangover).

3. Explore Zócalo (Plaza de la Constitución)

Zócalo is the main plaza in the heart of Mexico City. It dates back to the Aztecs, encompassing both the Templo Mayor (an ancient Aztec temple) and the Palacio Nacional (a colonial palace with offices of Mexico’s president). Situated just off the Zócalo is La Catedral Metropolitana, a magnificent cathedral with a gold altar. It’s a perfect example of Spanish colonial architecture.

4. Go diving

The seas surrounding Mexico have some of the world’s best diving spots thanks to their diverse marine life, large coral reefs (including the second largest reef system in the world, the Great Maya Barrier Reef), and excellent visibility. The Gulf of Mexico is home to five different species of sea turtles, blue whales, lemon sharks, and dolphins, and so much more! Aside from diving, the waters are popular for snorkeling, sports fishing, waterboarding, surfing, and more or less any other watersports. A two-tank dive starts at 2,800 MXN. Some of the best places to dive in Mexico are Discovery Bay, Cenote Dos Ojos, Revillagigedo Islands, and Isla Mujeres.

5. Relax in Cancún

Depending on what you’re looking to do, Cancún can offer you a crazy-fun party in the sun or some quiet and hidden local markets and restaurants. You have spas, resorts, and picturesque beaches as well as Mayan ruins, archaeological sites, and little nearby villages. There’s a ton to see and do here if you leave the resorts!

6. Get lost in Guadalajara

Guadalajara is the second-largest city in Mexico and is known for its tequila and mariachi. It’s chock full of museums, such as Cabañas (a UNESCO building with incredible murals), MUSA (paintings & sculptures by local artists), and the Páramo Galeria (contemporary art); nightlife venues, and a labyrinth of old colonial streets. Visit the Hospicio Cabañas, a hospital built in the 19th century, and then spend some time at the Guadalajara Cathedral. The cathedral’s Gothic interior features artworks from famous Mexican artists like Murillo (a Baroque painter).

7. See Teotihuacan

The Aztec empire left an enormous mark on Mexico. Don’t miss the awe-inspiring Aztec pyramids at Teotihuacan, located 48 kilometers (30 miles) outside of Mexico City. Teotihuacan was founded as early as 400 BCE, but its biggest structures weren’t completed until around 300 BCE. Its three giant pyramids are known as the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of Moon, and the Temple of the Feathered Serpent, and they dominate the landscape. If you’re going to visit just one Aztec site, this is it. It’s unsheltered here, so bring sunscreen and a hat. Admission is 85 MXN. Full-day guided tours from Mexico City cost 880 MXN.

8. Visit the bizarre Island of Dolls

Known as “La Isla de la Muñecas” in Spanish, this is perhaps one of the creepiest tourist attractions in the world. Decades ago, a hermit named Don Julian Santana moved here, learned a girl drowned in the nearby lake, and started collecting and hanging dolls all over the island to please the drowned girl’s spirit. It’s creepy. Like beyond creepy. You’ll have to hire a boat from Xochimilco to get there but it’s worth it!

9. Honor the Day of the Dead

Yearly on November 1st and 2nd, Mexico celebrates a major festival: Día de Los Muertos. The festival is a vibrant and lively affair with celebrations for those who are gone but not forgotten, including parades and elaborate and colorful costumes. Families also commemorate their dead relatives by setting up ofrendas , or altars, with pictures of the deceased, candles, yellow marigold petals, and food. This meant to encourage the deceased to cross back over into the land of the living and join in the celebrations. Oaxaca or Mexico City are the two best places to experience this celebration.

10. Visit the UNAM Botanical Garden

If you need to escape the hustle and bustle of Mexico City for a little while, the Botanical Garden at the National Autonomous University of Mexico is the perfect place. Keeping with the Aztec traditions of having gardens for both medicinal and ornamental purposes, there is also an added focus on conservation and environmental education here. Built on top of and around lava formations from the eruption of the volcano Xitle (which happened over 2,000 years ago), visitors can explore the naturally formed grottoes, ponds, and waterfalls. This garden has the most diverse cactus collection in the world (800 different kinds!), and ponds full of koi and turtles, an orchidarium, and a medicinal garden. Admission is free.

11. Relax on Isla Holbox

Holbox is an island located off Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula and is home to white sand beaches and crystalline waters. It is a relaxing, slow-paced island that’s easy to get stuck on. One day can easily turn into a week. It’s an island paradise where you can relax in a hammock on the beach, hike in the jungles, swim, dive, snorkel, and everything in between! While it used to be a hidden gem, it’s slowly becoming more and more popular (and developed). Be sure to see bioluminescent waters here. From Cancún, you can get to the ferry port at Chiquilá in around two hours by bus. The ferry takes 25 minutes and costs 220 MXN. If you just want to visit for the day, full-day tours from Cancún/Playa del Carmen cost 3,000 MXN.

12. Visit Mérida

Mérida is one of my favorite places in all of Mexico. It is a safe and wonderful city filled with history, cool mezcal bars, and some of the best food in the country. Some of my favorite places to eat and drink in town are La Chaya Maya Casona, Acervo Mezcalero, La Negrita Cantina, and Café Créme. Also, don’t miss the nearby Uxmal ruins, which are just one-hour away. There are also some cool museums here, like the Folk Art Museum of Yucatan, the Yucatan Music Museum, and the City Museum (which has all kinds of Mayan artifacts). For accommodation suggestions, check out this post on where to stay in Merida .

13. Enjoy San Cristóbal de las Casas’ architecture

San Cristóbal is a highland town known for its charming colonial architecture. There are narrow cobblestone streets, local craft markets, and the entire area is enveloped in pine forests. Don’t miss the town’s 16th-century cathedral, and if you want to get out and explore the nearby nature, take a boat tour of the Cañón de Sumidero. You’ll see tons of birds, monkeys, and crocodiles. For a view of the town and surrounding area, visit the Guadalupe Church to enjoy the view from the roof. Free Walking San Cristóbal offers daily tours if you want a guide to show you the highlights.

14. Sample the Cenotes of Yucatan

Cenotes are natural sinkholes that are full of groundwater. They were used by the Mayans as sources for freshwater, however, today they are popular swimming holes for locals and tourists alike (you can even scuba dive in some). There are tons of them all around the Yucatan Peninsula. Some are completely exposed, some are walled in by cliffs, and some are covered entirely by caves. Calavera, Cristalino, Casa Cenote, Yaxmuul, Choo-Ha, and Escondido Cenote are some of the most popular cenotes in the region. If you’d rather do a tour, you can join a cenote tour for around 1,350 MXN.

15. Visit Sayulita

Located on the Pacific coast, Sayulita is a hip beach town with a lively community of expats and surfers. The town has a laid-back vibe owing to the sizable surfing and yoga community. It’s a great place to surf and there are plenty of yoga retreats available here. You can also take a jungle trek, go zip lining, ride ATVs along the coast, and simply soak up the sun on the beach. It’s the perfect place to chill for a few days. Canopy tours start at 1,800 MXN.

16. Explore Campeche

Campeche is located just south of Merida on the Yucatan. It’s home to UNESCO World Heritage colonial architecture, including fortified walls and over 2,000 historic buildings. Visit the Museo De La Arquitectura Maya for Mayan history and antiquities, see the Mayan ruins at Edzná (which is just 45 minutes away and sees very few tourists), and wander the old city wall to take in the view.

  For information on specific cities in Mexico, check out these guides:

• Cancún Travel Guide
• Mexico City Travel Guide
• Oaxaca Travel Guide

Mexico Travel Costs

Accommodation – In Mexico, hostels start at 250 MXN per night for a dorm bed, but average closer to 300 MXN. Private hostel rooms cost anything from 600-1,900 MXN per night. Prices are usually a bit lower in the low-season or shoulder-season. Free Wi-Fi and free breakfast are both common, as are self-catering facilities.

For those traveling with a tent, a basic plot for two people without electricity costs around 200 MXN per night.

For budget hotels, expect to pay 700 MXN for a basic room in a two-star hotel. These two-star rooms typically include an en-suite bathroom and free Wi-Fi, but not always air conditioning.

Airbnb is also an option in Mexico, with private rooms starting around 300 MXN but averaging much more (usually between 600-1,200 MXN). Entire homes and apartments average around 1,000-1,800 MXN although you can find them for as little as 600 MXN if you book early.

Food – You’ll find a lot of rice, beans, fruits, and veggies like tomatoes, corn, avocado, and peppers in Mexican cuisine, which is a mix of Mayan, Aztec, and Spanish traditions. Typical Mexican dishes include tacos, mole (a sauce with lots of ingredients, often including chocolate), salsa, enchiladas, tamales (stuffed corn pockets), pozole (hominy stew topped with onion, avocado, and chili), and guacamole.

Street stalls and markets are the best way to go for authentic and inexpensive food. Tacos, quesadilla, sopas, tortas, and other street foods are generally 15-45 MXN. Sometimes, you’ll find tacos for as cheap as 10 MXN. In Mexico, street food is the best — and most affordable — option.

A meal at a local Mexican restaurant serving traditional cuisine costs around 150 MXN. Look for the ones filled with locals as that is generally a sign that the food is really good. Expect to pay around 300 MXN for a multi-course meal in a mid-range restaurant.

A beer is about 20 MXN in the street but double that at a restaurant, while a cocktail shouldn’t cost more than 80 MXN in most places. A combo meal at McDonald’s costs around 120 MXN and a cappuccino costs around 50 MXN.

Tap water is not safe to drink in Mexico. If you’re buying bottles of water, expect to pay 15 MXN (less if you buy in bulk but a more environmentally friendly (and cheaper) solution is to bring a portable water purifier ( LifeStraw makes a good one.

If you plan to cook your meals, expect to pay between 750 MXN per week for groceries including rice, vegetables, chicken, and beans.

Backpacking Mexico Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Mexico, expect to spend around 800 MXN per day. This budget gets you a hostel dorm, street food and self-cooked meals, public transportation, and a few attractions (such as museums and galleries) each day. If you plan on eating out more or drinking, you’ll need to add another 100 MXN per day.

On a mid-range budget of about 1,800 MXN per day, you can stay in a private hostel room or Airbnb, eat out at restaurants serving cheap traditional cuisine for every meal, visit more attractions, enjoy a few drinks, and take the occasional taxi to get around.

On a “luxury” budget of 3,600 MXN or more per day, you can stay at a hotel, eat out for all your meals, enjoy plenty of drinks, take taxis everywhere or rent a car, and do some guided trips and tours. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in MXN.

Mexico Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Mexico is incredibly budget-friendly. Unless you’re splurging on food or resorts, it’s really easy to visit on a budget. That said, it never hurts to save more money! Here are some ways to save in Mexico:

• Shop at the markets for food – Mexico’s markets are a great place to eat inexpensively and stock up on food for day trips. Most towns have a local market selling fresh fruits, veggies, and other goods for cheap.
• Eat street food – Street food is the best food in the country — and the cheapest. Stick to street stalls to save money and enjoy the country’s best eats.
• Take a free walking tour – Many cities have free walking tours that give you a solid introduction to the main sights. Both Mexico City and Oaxaca have excellent free tours — just be sure to tip your guide!
• Travel off-season – By traveling between late April and early December, you can pick up bargain accommodation, food and travel rates as this is low season.
• Venture inland – Mexico’s coasts are the most famous, most touristy parts of the country, but the interior has an amazing amount to offer. Prices are cheaper, and you’ll be more likely to meet some locals if you head away from the coast.
• Stay with a local – Use Couchsurfing to stay with locals and connect with people who can share their insider tips and advice. Just make sure to send your requests early.
• Embrace “comida corrida” – This hearty mid-day meal option is usually available between 2pm-4pm and is often quite affordable. It’s a set menu, but it’s much cheaper than most lunch or dinner options. If you plan on eating out on a budget, aim for places that offer comida corrida.
• Drink less – Alcohol is cheap in Mexico, but it’s definitely more expensive at bars and clubs. Try to buy your alcohol from a local store instead of drinking at the bar if you’re on a budget.
• Skip the taxis – Taxis are overpriced and not always safe. Skip them. If you do need a taxi, don’t just hail one on the street. Head into a nearby hotel/hostel and ask them to call one for you. Only get in taxis that use a meter.
• Being a water filter – Since the tap water here isn’t safe to drink and single-use plastic is bad for the environment, bring a water bottle with a built-in filter. LifeStraw makes reusable bottles with a built-in filter so you can ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Mexico

Hostels are plentiful in most of Mexico’s cities. Here are some of my favorite places to stay in Mexico:

• Suites DF Hostel (Mexico City)
• Mexico City Hostel (Mexico City)
• Hostel Ka’beh Cancún (Cancún)
• Mama’s Home (Tulum)
• Gran Hostal (Playa del Carmen)
• Casa Angel Youth Hostel (Oaxaca)

How to Get Around Mexico

Public transportation – Public buses (also known as camiones ) are the most common way to get around in cities and towns (and to nearby villages). These buses are also the cheapest, costing no more than a few pesos per journey. In some cities, smaller microbuses have replaced the older buses, but the cost is still the same.

Mexico City and Guadalajara have subway systems. One-way tickets for the subway and the bus system are around 5 MXN. In Mexico City, you’ll have to buy a rechargeable Metro Card at any of the Metro stations for 15 MXN, and you can use the card for the Metro, Metrobús, Light Rail, Ecobici, Trolleybus, RTP buses, and on Cablebús.

Bus – Most of Mexico is served by buses. On longer journeys, make sure to take an express bus (called a “directo”) if you can as they are much faster and stop less. A bus from Puerto Vallarta to Guadalajara (5.5 hours) costs around 585 MXN. A bus from Cancún to Mexico City (27 hours) costs around 1,800 MXN. A bus from Puebla to Mexico City (2 hours) costs around 200 MXN.

Some of the biggest and most reliable bus companies include:

• Primera Plus
• Estrella de Oro
• Omnibuses de Mexico
• ETN (Enlaces Terrestres Nacionales)

Most cities have a central bus terminal from where all long-distance buses depart. You can show up to buy your ticket, or research routes and ticket prices via each company’s website.

To find bus routes and prices, use BusBud .

Train – There are virtually no passenger train services remaining in Mexico. For long-distance travel, you’ll need to fly or take the bus.

Flying – For long journeys, consider flying. The route from Cancún to Mexico City by bus takes 27 hours and costs around 1,800 MXN but a flight starts around 470 MXN and only takes two hours. A one-way fare from Mexico City to Guadalajara is about 525 MXN. Even a four-hour flight from coast to coast from Cancún to Puerto Vallarta is just 1,200 MXN one-way.

Aeroméxico is the biggest airline in Mexico, but low-cost carriers are becoming more popular. These include:

• VivaAerobus

Car rentals – Car rentals are surprisingly affordable in Mexico. You can find week-long rentals for around 3,000 MXN. Renters must be 21 years of age and have had their license for at least two years. Some companies require renters to be over 25 and it’s best to carry an International Driving Permit (IDP). Avoid driving at night, when crimes against drivers are more likely to occur. Also, don’t leave any valuables in your vehicle overnight as break-ins can occur.

For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars .

When to Go to Mexico

Summer (June to October) is the rainy season in Mexico, but this is mostly just in the center of the country. You can expect it to rain each day heavily, but the downpour is usually short. It hardly ever rains in the northern part of the country, and humidity is thick in the south and along the coastal areas. Temperatures during this time hover somewhere between 26-32°C (79-90°F).

September to the middle of October is hurricane season and is not a good time to visit.

December to the end of April (winter) is the busiest tourist season as temperatures are hot, but the coastal areas provide plenty of relief for vacationers. This is the best time to visit if you’re looking to take advantage of Mexico’s tropical environment. It’s the dry season, so you’ll experience very little rain. You can expect big crowds as people flock to the resort areas around Cancún and Puerto Vallarta.

The average daily temperature during this time is 28°C (82°F). But if you’re in the mountains, pack lots of layers! It can get frigid, especially in the evenings.

How to Stay Safe in Mexico

The media (especially the American media) likes to paint Mexico as a dangerous place to visit but the reality is far more complex. While petty theft is very common in Mexico, most of the serious conflicts occur between the authorities and Mexican drug cartels. The people who tend to be involved in major incidents are usually doing drugs or taking part in sex tourism. Avoid those, and you’ll drastically increase your chances of staying safe.

Moreover, where you are greatly influences how safe you are. Yucatan and Oaxaca are incredibly safe states to visit while states near the US border are less so and more likely to experience violence and crime.

Officials looking for bribes are pretty common in Quintana Roo, as is drug-related violence due to tourists looking for drugs there. States near the southern border can also be sketchy and it’s wiser to keep an eye out on your stuff there though violent crime is pretty uncommon.

So don’t believe the media that “Mexico is unsafe.” Mexico is like any big country – some parts are safe, and some parts aren’t. Use some common sense when you travel: don’t flash your money, avoid wearing expensive watches or jewelry, don’t walk along drunk at night, make copies of your passport and official documents, and tell people where you are regularly.

Another important safety tip to keep in mind is about the water. While Mexico’s water purification and treatment systems have improved, it still is not safe to drink ordinary tap water when visiting. Luckily, bottled water is available everywhere. Bringing water filter like LifeStraw is advised as it has a built-in filter so your water is always clean and safe.

Keep an eye out for common scams against tourists , such as fake ATMs, taxis that don’t use a meter, and questionable tour operators.

The emergency services number in Mexico is 911. However, if that doesn’t work (since it isn’t in use in every region of Mexico), try 066.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past.

Mexico Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Mexico Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Mexico and continue planning your trip:

The 20 Best Things to Do in Mexico City

The 5 Best Hotels in Oaxaca

Where to Stay in Oaxaca: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

How to Spend 5 Days in Oaxaca

The 15 Best Things to Do in Oaxaca

Is Tulum Safe?

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The home of tacos, Aztecs, sombreros and tequila, almost everyone on the planet knows something about Mexico. Yet there’s a lot more to this country beyond the stereotypes. One of the world’s great civilizations, Mexico travel offers a tantalizing blend of Mesoamerican cultures, Spanish traditions and contemporary arts.

Mexico travel facts

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• How to get to Mexico

How to get around Mexico

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Its landscapes range from the shimmering blue coastline of Baja California and the cactus-strewn deserts of the north, to the Maya villages and palm-smothered beaches of the south. You can climb volcanoes, watch whales and tour agave farms. And sprinkled throughout you’ll find richly adorned colonial churches, giant pyramids and a sophisticated cuisine. Read our Mexico guide for everything you need to know before you go.

• Population: 122 million.
• Origins: Over 80 per cent of the population is mestizo, combining in themselves European and indigenous traditions with, to a greater or lesser extent, a veneer of urban sophistication.
• Size: 1.96 million sq km.
• Exports: Mexico is the home of chocolate (from the Náhuatl “ xocolatl ”), chillies and maize (corn), though it exports more tomatoes than any other crop (also derived from the Náhuatl word “ tomatl ”).
• Dog’s life: The Chihuahua is officially the world’s smallest breed of dog and really is named after the Mexican state of Chihuahua .
• Films: The opening scenes of Bond movie Spectre closed down central Mexico City’s Zócalo for 10 days and involved 1500 extras (mostly dressed as Day of the Dead revellers).
• Artistic heritage: Mexico lays claim to a range of home-spun talent, including Pancho Villa, Salma Hayek and Frida Kahlo.
• Culinary critters: Bugs have been culinary delicacies in Mexico since Aztec times, with some of the most popular cocopaches (a type of cockroach), chicatanas (flying ants) and escamoles (ant larvae and pupae).

Every trip to Mexico is unique and that's why it's essential to stay protected. With our go-to travel insurance provider, Heymondo , you get great value and 24/7 support wherever you are.

This incredibly diverse country stretches from the deserts and canyons of the north to the grand colonial cities of the centre and the Maya ruins, beaches and jungles of the south. Given the vast breadth of Mexico, it’s more sensible and rewarding to concentrate on one or two sections of the country when planning your travel. Here are some of the best places to visit in Mexico:

Mexico City

Mexico City , though a nightmare of urban sprawl, is totally fascinating, and the capital of the nation in every way – artistic, political, cultural. It is one of the world’s mega-cities, with over 25 million people occupying a shallow mountain bowl at over 2400m above sea level. Spreading out beyond the federal district which is supposed to contain it, the city is at once edgy and yet laid-back at the same time. Around the city lie the chief relics of the pre-Hispanic cultures of central Mexico: the massive pyramids of Teotihuacán and the main Toltec site at Tula.

East of Mexico City is the elegant city of Puebla , known for its colonial architecture and fine cuisine. The republic’s fifth-largest city is an easy 40-minute trip from Tlaxcala or a couple of hours by bus from Mexico City, with glorious views of snow-capped Popocatépetl and Ixtaccíhuatl on the way. Puebla has a remarkable concentration of sights, including a fabulous cathedral, a “hidden” convent, museums and grand mansions, while the mountainous surrounding country is in places startlingly beautiful.

To visitors, Tulum can mean several things. First, it’s one of the most picturesque of all the ancient Maya sites, poised on 15m-high cliffs above the Caribbean. Tulum also refers to a stretch of white beach, with turquoise water and candlelit cabañas. Finally, it’s a booming town (often called Tulum Pueblo to distinguish it from the beach) that has evolved from roadside waystation to real population centre with a thriving tourism core.

The state of Oaxaca is one of the most enticing places to visit in Mexico. The state capital, cosmopolitan yet utterly Mexican, encapsulates much of what the region has to offer. Nowhere else in the country are the fiestas so exuberant, the markets so colourful or the old languages still so widely spoken. There are indigenous traditions in the villages that long predate the Spanish Conquest; yet the city can also offer sophisticated modern dining, great accommodation and wild nightlife.

Acapulco and Pacific Coast

The journey north from Acapulco to Puerto Vallarta, some 800km along the Pacific coast, is defined by languid beach life at its finest. There’s history here, to be sure, but it’s the buttery sands studded with palms, the makeshift bars on the beach, lagoons and torpid villages that dominate. Separating these stretches of wild, untouched coastline are some of the most popular and enjoyable resorts in Mexico.

Few tourists venture over to the Gulf coast, despite the attractions of Veracruz and its mysterious ruins. A pity, as for music and general bonhomie, the city’s central plaza is one of the finest places to visit in Mexico. The fertile, tropical coastal plain gave rise to the earliest Mexican civilizations: Olmec culture thrived in southern Veracruz from 1200 BC, while Classic Veracruz flourished between 250 and 900 AD at centres such as El Tajín. Today, Huastec and Totonac culture remains strong in the north.

Independent travellers often find the glitz of Mexico’s mammoth resort city off-putting. Certainly, all the concrete can be a downer. But a night spent in Cancún doesn’t have to be wasted, so long as you appreciate the energetic city as a successful frontier experiment, rather than lament its lack of history. A closer look reveals hidden beach bars and inexpensive taco stands frequented by friendly cancunenses .

Playa del Carmen

Once a soporific fishing village where travellers camped out en route to Isla Cozumel, Playa del Carmen is now a hot spot with pretensions of being the next Miami Beach. Mexico City’s elite pop in to “Playa”, as do day-trippers from Cancún and passengers from cruise ships docked on Cozumel. The quieter north side is relatively cosmopolitan and calm, and the nightlife, in particular, has a hip edge.

Guadalajara

Mexico’s second city, easy-going Guadalajara is packed with elegant buildings and vibrant little squares. One thing no visitor should miss is hearing mariachi in its home town, specifically at the Plaza de Los Mariachis. Outside the city, the land is spectacularly green and mountainous, studded with volcanoes and lakes, most famously Laguna de Chapala.

Baja California

Graced with tantalizing desert landscapes, lush oases and rich marine life, Baja California is one of the most compelling places to visit in Mexico. Its human history is no less enticing, with a legacy of remote cave paintings, crumbling Spanish missions and fabulous seafood. Among the most magical sights in Baja is the annual grey whale migration from December to April. Spot the magnificent creatures at the Laguna Ojo de Liebre, just off Guerrero Negro, or the lagoon near San Ignacio.

Yucatán Peninsula

In the Yucatán, traditional indigenous life sits side by side with massive tourist attractions such as the great ruins of Chichén Itzá and the super-resort of Cancún. Once the province of Maya rebels and palm-plantation owners, the Caribbean coast is now the so-called Riviera Maya, which includes the towns of Playa del Carmen and Tulum. But beyond these big centres, you’ll discover underground springs known as cenotes to the north, along with flocks of flamingo and sea turtles along the coast.

Chichén Itzá

Chichén Itzá is the most famous, the most extensively restored and by far the most visited of all Maya sites. It lies conveniently along the main highway from Mérida to Cancún , a little more than 200km from the Caribbean coast. Arrive early to wander in relative peace around the extraordinary ruins, with its vertiginous temple, Chac-mool figures and dramatic, snail-shaped observatory.

North Mexico

Rich in legends of the country’s revolutionary past, Mexico’s north has a modern history dominated by its relationship with the neighbouring United States. Though the region is far less visited than the southern states, cross-border trade – as much about the movement of people as goods – means it’s one of the most dynamic parts of Mexico. It’s not all business, though. Rugged and untamed, the north is home to deserts, mountains, seedy frontier towns, archeological remains and modern cities, as well as a rich ranching culture.

Discover more places in Mexico

• The north Travel Guide
• Copper Canyon and Around Travel Guide
• Oaxaca Travel Guide
• The Bajío Travel Guide
• The Yucatán Travel Guide
• Veracruz Travel Guide
• Chiapas Travel Guide

Mexico is a year-round destination, with most visitors sticking on the whole to the highlands in summer and the coasts in winter. June to October is generally the rainy season, though the intensity of rainfall varies from place to place. Late winter is the traditional tourist season; December through to April the busiest months. November is probably the best time to visit Mexico, with the rains over, the land still fresh and the peak season not yet begun.

Read our guide on the best time to visit Mexico .

It is possible to travel to Mexico overland from the US via train, bus or car, though be prepared for long and often uncomfortable journeys. It is much quicker and easier to get to Mexico by plane. There are plenty of direct and connecting flights from major cities in North America into Mexico City and other popular resorts. Canada is not as well connected as the US, though Air Canada and Aeroméxico serve Mexico City. Several direct flights run to Mexico City and Cancún from London , Birmingham and Manchester , though you will have to change planes if you fly from anywhere else in the UK or Ireland. The same applies to passengers flying to Mexico from Australia, New Zealand or South Africa. Read our full guide on how to get to Mexico .

Bear in mind Mexico is a large country, and journeys between key destinations can be very long. Although public transport is frequent and reasonably efficient everywhere, taking an internal flight at least once may be worthwhile for the time it saves. If you’re travelling around Mexico on a budget, buses are your best bet. Only a couple of tourist train routes exist: the Copper Canyon railway in Chihuahua and the Tequila Express from Guadalajara. Ferries connect Baja California with the Pacific mainland, and smaller boats serve islands off the coasts. Driving in Mexico requires care, but renting a car is often an extremely good way of quickly seeing a small area that would otherwise take days to explore using public transport. Read more travel advice on how to travel around Mexico .

• Cenotes of Yucatán . Vast sun-lit caverns filled with water, the cenotes of northern Yucatán are magical places for a refreshing dip. X’keken and Samula are two of the best.
• Acapulco’s cliff divers . Watch the clavadistas plunge into the sea from precipitous cliffs.
• Chichén Itzá . The most famous of the Maya cities, the sprawling ruins and complex carvings will take a couple of days to explore.
• Tulum . This important Maya spiritual and cultural centre is one of the most picturesque, with a spectacular beach.
• Tequila . Visit the town that gave birth to Mexico’s favourite tipple, surrounded by fields of blue agave, and enjoy tours of local distilleries.
• Baja Whale watching . From December to April, thousands of grey whales come to mate in the lagoons of Guerrero Negro and San Ignacio.
• Real de Catorce . This picturesque ghost-town once thrived on the wealth of its silver mines. Huichol pilgrims visit the nearby desert in search of peyote.
• Museo Frida Kahlo . Politics, art and national identity combine at the home of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera.
• Diving . The pristine islands and shimmering reefs just off the Pacific Coast are prime diving destinations.
• Lago de Pátzcuaro . Most famous for its Day of the Dead celebrations, this enchanting lake is a worthy destination year-round.
• Oaxaca markets . Any market in Mexico is a feast for the senses, but Oaxaca’s are especially vibrant, with everything from fresh produce to some of the country’s most imaginative textiles.
• Street eats . Sample tortas and tacos at street food stalls and stands clustered along the pavements of Mexico City .
• Xochimilco . Take in the carnival atmosphere and colours while being punted around the canals and serenaded by mariachi bands at the Mexico City suburb of Xochimilco.
• Driving Hwy-1 . One of the world’s greatest road journeys, driving from the US border to the southern tip of Baja California takes you through deserts, isolated mountain ranges and tropical beach towns.
• Lucha libre in Mexico City . Watched masked heroes and villains partake in fantastical wrestling ( lucha libre ) competitions, held in over a dozen venues throughout the capital.

We’ve expanded our Mexico travel guide to include an example of our Tailor-Made Trips service. These Mexico itineraries will take you to every corner of the country – and you’ll learn plenty about Mexico no matter where you want to go or what you want to do. You’re unlikely to complete the list, but it will give you a flavour of how to travel around Mexico and a deeper insight into the country’s natural and historic wonders. Below is a sample itinerary, ideal for the first-time visitor to Mexico, but you can see all our itineraries here .

Travel ideas for Mexico, created by local experts

17 days  / from 1590 USD

The Magic of the Yucatan and Mexico City

Explore the magic of the Yucatan Peninsula: from colonial towns like Merida to Archaeological sites like Uxmal and Calakmul, close to the Guatemala border, to beaches in Bacalar and Tulum, this itinerary shows you the real Yucatan before heading out to explore Mexico City.

15 days  / from 1430 USD

Mexico City, Oaxaca & the Yucatan

Explore Central Mexico with its ever-busy capital Mexico City, visiting Teotihuacan and the famous museums in the city. Further on to Oaxaca City, the gateway to the Archaeological Site Monte Alban. Afterwards, continue to the white beaches of the Yucatan: Cancun and Isla Holbox await.

18 days  / from 1735 USD

Fascinating Mexico: From Guanajuato to the Yucatan

Discover Mexico from fascinating San Miguel de Allende over busy Mexico City all the way to the Yucatan Peninsula. This itinerary combines public transportation with domestic flights to ensure you can make the most of discovering fascinating Mexico within two weeks.

18 days  / from 2190 USD

Marvelous Mexico: From Yucatan to Mexico City

Your trip starts on the wonderful coast of Yucatan, exploring the beaches and archaeological highlights like Chichen Itza and Tulum. From there on continue the exploration to Palenque and Oaxaca before taking a flight to Mexico City - 3 days in the capital await your discovery.

10 days  / from 2147 USD

Mexico's Highlands and Coast

Discover Mexico City's historic highlights and the wonders of sites like Teotihuacan, Campeche and Palenque before you jet off to the Central HIghlands. Discover archeological ruins and traditional tribal villages, then fall for the charms of Mexico's old colonial cities and glitzy Caribbean coast.

7 days  / from 1499 USD

Mexico's Mayan Trail

Follow the Mayan Trail around Mexico on this archaeological adventure. Begin your journey with a refreshing taste of sea and salt air in the Yucatán Peninsula on one of Playa del Carmen's gorgeous Caribbean beaches before heading off to discover magical Mayan ruins and glorious colonial towns.

Itinerary 1: Classic Mexico

This three-week tour focuses on the southern and central parts of the country, traditionally the most popular targets for independent travellers.

Soak up the museums, murals and markets of the nation’s crazy, high-octane capital, leaving a couple of days for Cholula and Teotihuacán.

Head to Mexico’s most enticing state, its capital the best place to sample mole, mescal and indigenous crafts.

• Zapotec and Mixtec heartland After the obligatory visit to Monte Albán, spend two to three days exploring the indigenous markets and lesser-known ruins around Oaxaca .

Heading east into Chiapas this colonial city is worth at least two days, plus a day or two to take in the remarkable Maya villages nearby.

Heading north, these are some of the grandest jungle-smothered Maya ruins in the country, all easily accessible.

From Palenque you can strike out into the Lacandón Maya heartland and these more isolated, romantic ruins.

Hit the Caribbean coast for the spectacular diving from this offshore island.

Back on the Yucatán mainland enjoy the balmy beaches and nightlife of the Riviera Maya.

End your trip by soaking up Mexico’s most magical Maya ruins followed by a dip in the cooling waters of a giant sinkhole.

Finding accommodation in Mexico is rarely difficult. In areas that are not overly touristy, the inexpensive places to stay are usually concentrated around the main plaza (the zócalo). Others tend to be near the market, train station or bus station. In bigger cities, you’ll find the cheaper accommodation clustered in a relatively small area. The more modern and expensive places often lie on the outskirts of towns, accessible only by car or taxi. The only times you’re likely to have problems finding somewhere to stay for your Mexico trip are in coastal resorts over the peak Christmas season, at Easter, on Mexican holidays and almost anywhere during a local fiesta, when it’s well worth trying to reserve ahead.

Food in Mexico bears very little resemblance to the concoctions served in “Mexican” restaurants in other parts of the world – you certainly won’t find chile con carne outside the tourist spots. Nor, as a rule, is it especially spicy. The basic Mexican diet is essentially one of corn (maíz as a crop, elote when eaten), supplemented by beans and chiles. These three things appear in an almost infinite variety of guises. Traditionally, lunch is the main meal of the day, taken around 2pm or later. Eating a large meal at lunch time is a money-saver – almost every restaurant serves a cut-price comida corrida (daily-changing set meal).

As delicious as most Mexican cuisine is, there are some slightly more unusual additions , like corn smut fungus, or huitlacoche (“sleeping excrement”). Yum!

A great deal of coffee is produced in Mexico, and you’ll be served superb coffee in the growing areas, especially Veracruz , as well as in the traditional coffeehouses in the capital. On any visit to Mexico, you have to try the country’s most famous spirit, tequila, distilled from the cactus-like agave plant in Jalisco and usually taken with lime and salt.

Read our full guide to food and drink in Mexico .

Visit Mexico and you’ll be rewarded with long-standing cultural traditions, such as the popular spectator sports of bullfighting and lucha libre (masked wrestling). For action, the pristine coastline offers sea-based adventures galore, from surfing on the Pacific coast to snorkelling and diving offshore islands.

Football and Baseball

Mexico’s chief spectator sport is soccer ( fútbol ). Mexican teams have not been notably successful on the international stage, but going to a game can still be a thrilling experience. The capital and Guadalajara are the best places to see a match. Baseball ( béisbol ) is also popular, as is American football (especially on TV). Jai alai (also known as frontón , or pelota vasca ) is Basque handball, common in big cities and played at a very high speed with a small hard ball and curved scoop attached to the hand; it’s a big gambling game.

Rodeos and bullfights

Mexican rodeos (charreadas), mainly seen in the north of the country, are as spectacular for their style and costume as they are for the events. Bullfights remain an obsession, with every city home to a bullring – Mexico City’s Plaza México is the world’s largest. The country’s toreros are said to be the world’s most reckless, much in demand in Spain.

Lucha libre

Masked wrestling (lucha libre) is very popular in Mexico, too. During this curious sport, the participants, Batman-like, are out of the game for good should their mask be removed and their secret identity revealed.

Originating in Mexico, mariachi bands comprise a mix of violinists, trumpeters and guitarists, headed up by a vocalist. You’ll find mariachi played the length and breadth of the country but most notably in Mexico City’s Plaza Garibaldi. Here, bands compete for your attention in a frenzy of music and singing.

Diving, snorkelling and surfing

Diving and snorkelling are big on the Caribbean coast, with world-famous dive sites at Cozumel and on the reefs further south. Over on the Pacific coast is something of a centre for surfing, despite few facilities as yet, though you can rent surfboards in major tourist centres such as Acapulco and Mazatlán . Nonetheless, plenty of Californian surfers follow the weather south over the winter, crowding the waves at Baja California, Oaxaca and Lázaro Cárdenas in Michoacán .

Travel advice for Mexico

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Mexico

• Visa and entry requirements Mexico
• Crime and personal safety tips Mexico
• Eating and drinking in Mexico
• Getting around Mexico: Transportation Tips
• Travel Tips Mexico for planning and on the go
• Best time to visit Mexico

Despite soaring crime rates and dismal-sounding statistics, you are unlikely to run into trouble in Mexico if you stick to well-travelled paths. Even in Mexico City, which has a dangerous reputation , the threat is not that much greater than in many large North American and European cities. Obviously there are areas in cities where you wander alone, or at night, at your peril; the best precaution is common sense.

Some basic Mexico travel tips include avoid hailing a cab in the street in Mexico City (phone for a radio cab instead); don’t leave cash or cameras in hotel rooms (use the safe), and never leave valuables visible in your car. Drug offences are the most common cause of serious trouble between tourists and the authorities, and if you’re caught with quantities reckoned to be for distribution you can wave goodbye to daylight for a long time.

Read our guide for more travel advice for Mexico.

Citizens of the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and most EU countries do not need visas to enter Mexico as tourists for less than 180 days. Other Europeans can stay for ninety days. Non-US citizens travelling via the US, however, may need a US visa, even if they will only be in the country in transit. Citizens of the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and most Western European countries can enter under the Visa Waiver Program . South African citizens need to obtain a visa. Visit the website of the US embassy in your country of residence for further details.

Read our Mexico guide for more information on entry requirements .

Top image: The Zocalo in Mexico City with the cathedral © dubassy/Shutterstock

The colour and bustle of Mexico’s markets is hard to beat. Even if you’ve no intention of buying, half an hour is always well spent meandering through narrow aisles surrounded by heaps of perfectly ripe fruit and stacks of nopal cactus leaves (though stay away from the meat sections if you’re at all squeamish). In small villages, like those around Oaxaca, inhabitants still recognize one day of the week as the traditional market day.

Towns of any size will have a market, usually daily, an important centre of local life and source of cheap eats (San Cristóbal de las Casas and Papantla are good examples), while in the cities, each barrio has its own vibrant mercado: among the best are Mexico City’s La Merced and the arts and crafts-oriented Ciudadela. Markets in San Miguel Allende are also better known for arts and crafts, as are Oaxaca’s city mercados . Toluca is the mother of them all, Mexico’s largest market held every Friday.

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written by Andy Turner

updated 06.06.2024

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Mexico City

A high-octane megalopolis boasting old-school cantinas, intriguing museums, inspired dining and boating along ancient canals, Mexico City is the sun in the Mexican solar system.

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The Ultimate Mexico Travel Guide: What To See and Insider Tips for Your Trip

Planning a trip to Mexico? You’ll love it. From the best time to visit to unmissable places to see and insider tips – here’s your step-by-step Mexico travel guide.

Get ready people, this is about to get real. 

So you’re planning your Mexico travels and you want the full lowdown before you go. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. 

I just came back from another trip to Mexico and (surprise, surprise), I loved it. Throughout the course of five weeks, I criss-crossed my way up the country from Tulum up to Mexico City and back down again. 

But this isn’t about me, it’s about you. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about Mexico – from cool places to see, to handy travel tips, you are going to be planning your Mexico trip like a pro. 

Mexico is a huge and intoxicating country that draws many people to its sandy beaches, Mayan ruins, stunning landmarks and party towns.

It would be a real shame if you thought that Mexico ended there though. When it comes to landscapes, food or the sheer number of activities, Mexico is pretty much guaranteed to make you fall in love with it. 

From the vibrant and sometimes overwhelming capital city to pristine surfing villages on the western Pacific coast to the ancient Mayan ruins amongst lush jungles and picturesque colonial towns, Mexico is a destination that exceeds so many expectations. 

But first… watch my practical AF video!

How to Plan a Trip to Mexico: Before You Go

Best time to visit .

Mexico is a huge country and the weather affects different parts of the country at different times of the year.

However, high season generally runs between December to April with the driest and most pleasant weather across most of the country. It can be extremely crowded though, especially around Christmas and Easter holidays with transport and accommodation filling up fast.

The wet season in the south and the hurricane season for the Caribbean coast runs sometime between May to October, depending on the specific region. September tends to be peak hurricane season with heavy rains and storms across the coastal areas. However, the north remains relatively dry with little rain all year round.

Arguably, the best month to explore Mexico is November. The rains have generally all but stopped in the south, the landscapes are nice and green, and the crowds are yet to arrive for December.

Read Next: The Best Time to Visit Mexico

Handy Resources for Getting To Mexico

To help plan your trips to Mexico, these resources and websites will help you with logistics and getting decent prices.

• Skyscanner is one of the best resources for finding the perfect flight at good prices, you can also search for an entire month to see when the cheapest dates are to fly for a particular city or country.
• Google Maps is a map app that allows you to download countries for offline use and is one of the best all round navigation apps. You can also pin and save locations, allowing you to plan where you want to go and what you want to see, as well as accommodation options and restaurants. 
• Uber is also a handy app to have downloaded on your phone in Mexico as you’ll be able to use it in most tourist-oriented towns and large cities. It will minimise the language barrier and reduce the haggling required when dealing with taxi drivers. That said, Uber isn’t available everywhere in Mexico, particularly areas like Tulum. 
• Booking an all-inclusive tour with companies like Intrepid Travel or G Adventures eliminates many of the hassles of planning a trip and logistical challenges compared to doing it independently, and means you’ll get to meet new people on the tour too. Although, of course, it reduces some of your freedom. 

Where to Stay 

Finding accommodation is not difficult in Mexico as in most of the tourist-oriented towns and cities you’ll be able to book your room or bed online through Booking.com or a similar platform. 

You should have plenty of options to choose from when it comes to mid-range hotels and budget hostels, and comparing prices and reviews online is always a good idea before settling on your choice.

Other options for accommodation include Airbnb , where you can often get whole apartments or self-catering homes for not too much more than a hotel room.  Mexico City in particular has a great choice of Airbnbs.

Plum Guide is another excellent site for finding brilliant apartment rentals in Mexico. They curate their properties so that only the very best make it onto the site – quality is guaranteed.

Couchsurfing is a popular alternative for those on a budget as it allows you to stay for free in someone’s home. It’s a great way to meet locals and even if you don’t want to stay at their place, you can use the app to arrange local meetups if you prefer to just have an authentic guide for the day.

Packing for Your Mexico Trip

Deciding what to wear in Mexico , it’s almost a given that packing a swimsuit is a must for any trip to Mexico, with most travellers hitting at least one of the coastal towns on either side of the country at some point on their trip. 

If your trip to Mexico coincides with any part of the rainy season and you plan on heading to the south, then a rain jacket , at the very least, will be essential.

A pair of good walking sandals or shoes are always a good idea, especially if you plan on exploring the cities on foot or hitting some of the canyons in the north. 

Combination locks of different sizes are also a smart addition to your luggage so you can easily lock your valuables away in hotel or hostel lockers and keep your bags secure on public transport.

A money bel t to hold your cash concealed on you while you’re walking around the cities are will help keep your cash safe from pickpockets.

You could also get a sim card for Mexico to make sure you have a good connection for internet data and calls.

Watch my Mexico Packing Tips Video

Travel Insurance 

My number one tip for how to visit Mexico (or anywhere else for that matter) is travel insurance. 

Guys, as someone who has travelled for years as part of this job, I can tell you that things can and do go wrong. 

It’s important to organise and pay for travel insurance before you depart on your trip. This will cover you for illness, injury, theft and cancellations if you pay for full comprehensive cover. 

Alpha Travel Insurance and The Post Office both offer comprehensive coverage. 

If you plan on hiring a car o r motorcycle, it’s also important to make sure that you take out insurance to cover it. 

In Mexico, it’s typically required that you must have Mexican car insurance through the rental company on top of your own insurance. It is often included in the price but do ask as you want to be sure it’s fully comprehensive insurance. 

Suggested Guidebooks to Explore Mexico

Lonely Planet and Rough Guides both have a Mexico country guidebook and are widely considered the best in the travel guidebook business. 

E-books are also available from both companies if you want to be able to carry it with you on your trip without adding weight to your luggage. I’m not personally a huge fan of e-book guidebooks as they’re difficult to navigate while you’re on the road, but I know others who swear by them. 

Mexico Visitor Guide: What to Do During Your Mexico Trip

Top 10 things to do in mexico, mexico city.

Mexico City is a mega-urban sprawl, which can sometimes be overwhelming, but is undoubtedly the capital of the country, both culturally and politically.

Visit the ancient Templo Mayor, hang out at Frida Kahlo’s old house and eat all the ridiculously good street food you can get your hands on. 

One of the main tourist towns on the Caribbean coast and a Mexican honeymoon escape , Tulum has incredibly situated Maya ruins and beautiful white sand beaches to match.

Dive into the crystal-clear cenotes, party all night on the beach and hike to hidden lakes in one of Mexico’s coolest spots. 

Read Next: Tulum – Mexico’s Laid-Back Paradise

Visit the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza 

The famous and most visited Mayan ruins in Mexico, Chichen Itza is regarded as one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. The incredible pyramid-style temple is the main attraction, but the complex needs at least half a day to do it justice.

I love Merida with its colourful buildings and AMAZING food scene. The vibrant capital of Yucatan state with a rich colonial and Mayan heritage, this city is the perfect base for exploring the incredible surrounding landscapes.

It’s also firmly on the tourist trail but is less upmarket and more laidback than Tulum.

Read next: It’s Time to Discover Merida

 Oaxaca 

Oaxaca city is an important cultural hub of Mexico and the gateway for exploring the diverse Oaxaca state. It’s also a foodie’s paradise known for its legendary sauces (moles).

It’s also one of the best places to experience the famous Day of the Dead festival. 

Guadalajara

The second largest city in the country and more laidback than Mexico City, Guadalajara has stunning buildings and vibrant public squares.

It is also known as the home of tequila and mariachi, traditional Mexican music, making a visit there a rich cultural experience.

 Honour the Day of the Dead

The national and annual Dia de Muertos is one of the most fascinating festivals in all of the Americas. It is widely celebrated in the central and south regions of the country as a day when family members can reunite and celebrate with deceased relatives.

Costumes, rituals and parades are just some of what you can witness at this festival, held in November each year.

 Los Cabos

Situated at the southern tip of Baja California Sur, Los Cabos is one of the fastest growing tourist and resort areas in the country. But don’t let that put you off, because the surrounding area has a variety of landscapes to get lost in, including desert, beaches and mountains.

 Puerto Vallarta

One of Mexico’s nicest resort towns, Puerto Vallarta sits on the Pacific coast with jungle-strewn mountains as its backdrop. It’s most famous for its nightlife and outdoor activities. There’s no wonder millions of visitors pass through every year.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the prettiest cities in the country, Guanajuato is a former silver mining town during the Spanish era. Its colourful, colonial buildings is what draws most tourists to its picturesque streets

Suggested Mexico Trip Itineraries 

Covering everything in one trip to Mexico is difficult to do unless you have months up your sleeve to do so. The country is vast and some of the main cities are quite spread apart from each other. 

From the arid deserts and astounding canyons in the north to the dense jungles and white sand beaches in the south, it’s best to pick one region or just a few Mexico highlights to cover to ensure you don’t rush through in a whirlwind.

Most travellers begin their trips to Mexico in Mexico City, the main international transport hub and where most major airlines service.

Mexico City, Oaxaca and The Yucatan: Mexico Highlights 

This suggested itinerary covers the capital city, the Caribbean coastline, the most popular tourist attractions as well as Mayan ruins and is a sort-of all-round highlights trip. It’s pretty much the itinerary I followed on my recent Mexico road trip and I’d highly recommend it for getting to see a broad variety of destinations in the course of a couple of weeks. 

Two or three weeks would be enough time to cover the classic highlights of:

·      Mexico City

·      Oaxaca City

·      Merida

·      Chichen Itza 

·      Tulum

The Pacific Coast 

This second itinerary in our Mexico travel guide covers the capital city and further west towards more colonial and historical areas as well as a popular resort town on the Pacific coast.

This two-week trip itinerary would include:

·      Mexico City 

·      Guanajuato

·      Guadalajara

·      Puerto Vallarta

Read More: 2 Week Mexico Itinerary – Planning the Perfect Mexico Road Trip

Hidden Mexico – Mexico Off the Beaten Path

Mexico has plenty of tourist-oriented and overly popular places to visit which are mostly on the two southern coastlines of the country. However, the huge, vast country also has plenty of places that are underappreciated and see far less visitors.

Places that are not often included in Mexico travel guides include:

 Puebla 

This is a town two hours south of Mexico City and is full of historical sights such as the nearby Great Pyramids of Cholula (larger than the ones in Egypt), old plazas and cathedrals.

 Copper Canyon

Located in the middle of the Tarahumara Mountains, the Copper Canyon is an enormous and heart stopping natural sight. It’s situated in the north of the country in Chihuahua and despite its beauty, you’ll likely not see another gringo during your time there.

 Sayulita

A low-key, bohemian surfing town just 40 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta is starting to make a name for itself as a quiet alternative to the flashy resort areas, but it still flies under the radar. It’s the perfect place to learn how to surf in the soft waves in the bay.

Not too far from Mexico City, Taxco is a charming colonial town that’s known for its silver mining and production. But there’s more to Taxco than just silver (though paying a visit to the town’s main silver market is a must).

For breathtaking views of Taxco and its surroundings, take a ride on the cable car that runs between Taxco and Monte Taxco. Oh, and while you’re in town, make sure you try the town’s famous dish, pozole de guerrero – a hearty soup made with pork, hominy and chili peppers.

Lake Bacalar

This is a long and narrow lake in the state of Quintana Roo, known for its striking shades of blue that change throughout the day. There are also some interesting Mayan ruins in the surrounding jungle, and you can spend your time kayaking and diving in the turquoise water.

How to See the Best of Mexico for Free 

Couchsurfing is one of the best ways to get the best out of Mexico for free. In a sort-of cultural exchange whereby you stay in someone’s home free of cost, you are able to be immersed in the life of a local and see the side of Mexico that few travellers see when they stay at hotels. Quite often, hosts can also provide insider tips and act as informal guides in a city. 

Of course, the level of comfort and privacy in Couchsurfing varies and it’s not for everyone, but for those on a tight budget it can be a great way to see the country.

Visiting Mexico would not quite be the same without going to at least one local market , and the best part about them is that they are free to enter and can offer hours of entertainment and cultural immersion. 

I also highly recommend taking advantage of the free walking tours in every city. Although a tip is strongly encouraged (and expected – you’ll look very stingy if you refuse), this is a great way to explore the city without splurging. And you’ll also get to see all the best bits with the help of a handy guide.

Mexico City for Free

Mexico City in particular has many markets to choose from such as the century old Mercado Coyoacan for virtually anything you can think of, the Sonora Market for witchy handicrafts and crystals and Mercado de San Juan for all the food and fresh produce.

Mexico City also has plenty of sights and activities that won’t cost you a single peso. Some of the best free things to do in the city include:

·      Chapultepec Zoo

·      National Palace

·      Metropolitan Cathedral in the city centre

·      Many of the top museums also offer free entry on Sunday

Dishes to Try When Visiting Mexico

Mexican food in Mexico is almost nothing like what you’ll find in takeaway places in your own country and a hundred times better. The top dishes you need to try include:

Tacos – whether from a street cart or at a bar, they’re a favourite snack and some regions have their speciality like fish tacos on the coastal areas.

Molé – Molé basically means sauce, but it’s so much more than that. Visit Oaxaca, the land of the seven moles, and discover the rich flavours and family traditions that create these complex dishes. I tried a five-year old molé in the world-famous Pujol restaurant in Mexico City and it was like a party in my mouth. Drool.

Quesadillas – a corn tortilla folded over a filling with cheese and grilled until melted, often served with multiple sauces.

Tamales – a dough known as masa filled with beans and cheese and steamed in a corn husk or banana leaf.

Churros – the perfect Mexican dessert of deep-fried dough covered in cinnamon and sometimes even dipped in chocolate. 

Top Drinks in Mexico

Coffee – Mexico is one of the world’s largest producers of coffee and stopping in a traditional coffeehouse in Mexico City is a top foodie experience. 

Tequila – The real drink people recognise Mexico for, however, is tequila , distilled from the blue agave plant and usually taken with lime and salt.

Mezcal – Or plump for a taste of mezcal, tequila’s lesser-known (well outside of Mexico anyway) cousin – smoky and delicious, you’re sure to want to bring a bottle or two home with you. 

Tejate – A traditional zapateco drink made from maize, flor de cacao, mamey seeds and more – it’s earthy, delicious and filling, and the perfect taste of pre-Hispanic Mexico. Find it in and around the state of Oaxaca.

Mexico Travel Guide: Things to Know Before You Go to Mexico

Tips for travelling to mexico.

•  Learn some basic Spanish before you go, as it will help considerably with getting around and communicating with people, although most people in the popular destinations will speak decent English.
•  Leave expensive valuables at home and don’t flash them around the streets, as pickpocketing and petty theft does occur in the major cities and tourist towns.
• When you enter Mexico either through the airport or a land border, you’ll be given a tourist card, which is a part of the immigration form you filled out. You need to keep this and hand it over when you leave the country again.

Tipping in Mexico

Tipping is relatively common across the country and is a good way to show appreciation for good service. Wages are modest in hospitality and tourism and so tipping around 10-15% of the bill is generally considered a decent amount.

Interesting Facts You Should Know Before Visiting Mexico

• 85% of Mexico’s population is Roman Catholic.
• Mexico City is the fifth largest metropolitan area in the world, with over 21 million people living in the greater area.
• The government recognises 68 official indigenous languages across the country and there is likely up to 200 other variations. 
• Mexico is home to the third highest mountain in North America, Pico de Orizaba at 5636m.
• Mexico has 34 listed UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 

Handy Phrases for Travelling to Mexico

“Hola” (pronounced o-la) – Hello 

“Gracias” – Thank you

“Cuanto cuesta?” – How much?

“Donde está…?” – Where is…?

“Lo siento” – I’m sorry

“No hablo español. Habla usted inglés?” – I don’t speak Spanish. Do you speak English?

“Dónde está el baño?” – Where is the bathroom?

“Salud!” – Cheers

Time Zones 

There are four different time zones across the country but most of the regions use Central Standard Time. The far west uses the Pacific Time Zone and Mountain Time Zone and the far east uses Eastern Time Zone.

Electricity + Adapters

The plug you’ll find most is Type A, which has two flat parallel pins and is mostly used in North America and Japan. Occasionally, you’ll come across Type B, which is the same, just with an extra pin for grounding, but Type A will fit as well so is the best one to carry with you.

You should get any of the routine vaccines such as measles, typhoid, and Hepatitis A and B, if you aren’t covered already.

Other health concerns lie mostly with malaria and dengue fever which are spread through mosquito bites. 

Only some areas of Mexico are at a high risk for these diseases and you should check with your doctor about where you plan on visiting in Mexico to see if malaria medication is recommended. 

Otherwise, it’s best to try and prevent mosquito bites yourself by covering your arms and legs and using repellent.

As a general rule, you shouldn’t drink tap water in Mexico because of the risk of contamination with bacteria and viruses. You can rely on bottled water, or a more sustainable approach would be to bring along a purifier such as LifeStraw or SteriPEN to filter and sterilise your own water from the tap.

Generally, the best option for moving between cities is the efficient bus network that is surprisingly comfortable and affordable too. They can vary in quality from luxury coaches to rundown school buses, and what you pay is what you get so if you’re planning on a long-haul journey it’s better to pay for a higher class. 

If you have less time or a higher budget, then domestic flights can be convenient and fast, and they operate between over 60 cities. Prices can vary though depending on the airline and it’s best to book in advance.

Check flights on Skyscanner

Hire a Car 

If you want to explore the country at your own pace, then renting a car or motorcycle can be affordable and convenient, especially for places off the beaten path.

Check car hire prices on Rentalcars.com

Mexico has for a long time been associated with drug-related violence and crime and there are certainly pockets of the country where this occurs. However, most of the crime happens away from the tourist trail and foreign tourists are rarely the target for any kind of organised crime activity.

That said, petty theft and pickpocketing does happen in the larger cities like Mexico City, and it pays to be cautious of your valuables when out exploring and especially at night. 

It’s also important to be aware of the areas in the country where crime rates and instability are higher, like Acapulco City or near the US border region, to steer clear of potential hotspots.

Costs and Budgeting

Mexico is a relatively budget-friendly and good-value country to visit. Although not as cheap as countries further south in Central America, it’s certainly more affordable than its North American neighbour. 

A budget traveller can expect to spend around £30/ US$50 per day with a dormitory bed, street food, local transportation and some attraction fees. 

A more mid-range, average traveller would spend between £50-90/ US$80-120 per day with a hotel room, three meals at a local restaurant, public transport and some taxis and most attraction fees.

Travelling in low season and away from the more famous coastline will bring costs down. 

There we are. The ultimate Mexico travel guide. You know that I’m all about the practical AF details when it comes to planning your travels and I hope this has given you a good steer on everything you need to know before you visit Mexico. 

All that’s left for me to say is I hope you have a brilliant trip! 

Read More Mexico Travel Tips 

• 2 Weeks on the Road in Mexico
• Why You’ll Fall in Love with Merida – Capital of the Yucatan
• Cool + Alternative Places to Visit in Tulum
• When to Visit Mexico

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I’m Julianna Barnaby - a professional travel writer and geek extraordinaire. I started The Discoveries Of to help you to discover the best of new destinations from around the world.

Discovering new places is a thrill - whether it’s close to home, a new country or continent, I write to help you explore more and explore differently.

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