Lina & David Stock at the Barcelo Maya Grand Resort in Cancun, Mexico
beach in Cancun Mexico
Aztec performance in Mexico City

Ultimate MEXICO Travel Guide

Mexico is a country located in North AmericaWhile most people think of drug cartels and Caribbean beaches when they think of this country, it actually has so much more to offer. It’s literally one of our favorite countries in the world and this Mexico travel guide is going to show you why.

Mexico City (Distrito Federal – D.F) is the capital of this country known for vibrant culture, great food, mayan/aztec ruins and tequila!

Words cannot really express how much we adore Mexico as a destination. From the powder-white beaches of the Yucatan to the cultural history of its great capital, Mexico is a wonder for all types of travelers and despite the travel warnings for the border areas, most of Mexico is perfectly safe for tourists and travelers.

It’s a country that will always hold a special place to us because it is the very first country we ever visited together!

MEXICO TRAVEL: QUICK TIPS

mexico
  • Do you need a visa? US Citizens get a free 180 day Visa on Arrival
  • Currency: Mexican Peso (MXP)
  • Climate: Depending on the area, Tropical & humid or arid & dry
  • Primary Religion: Christianity, Catholic
  • Local Languages: Spanish, English is widely spoken in tourist areas. Learn Spanish today with Rosetta Stone.
  • Etiquette Tips: Dress modestly, women should wear long pants and shirts with long sleeves to avoid unwanted attention, do not raise your voice or make public scenes, do not buy drugs
  • WIFI: Available in most, if not all, accommodation throughout the state. Many restaurants and tourist offices offer free WIFI too.
  • SIM Cards: If you have an unlocked phone, it is possible to pick up a local SIM card at most Mexico airports on arrival. This will enable you to have data like you would at home. Another alternative is a universal SIM card that works in multiple countries.
  • Travel Insurance: With all travel, we highly recommend you take out a travel insurance policy when you book your trip. This will cover your trip in case of any unforeseen events happen.

Don’t Visit MEXICO Without:

UNIVERSAL TRAVEL ADAPTER

GET A GUIDEBOOK

REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE

MEXICO BUCKET LIST

MORE THINGS TO TRY IN MEXICO

There is no shortage of great things to do in Mexico during your visit and the biggest problem you’ll face is fitting them all into your itinerary.

Each city has it’s own offering and unique things to check out during a visit, so be sure to look at our city guides once you decide where you’re itinerary will take you.

SWIM WITH WHALE SHARKS IN CANCUN:  While there are plenty of places to swim with whale sharks in the world, Mexico is one of the best from a conservation standpoint. Every year they migrate off the shores of Isla Holbox, making access possible from Cancun and the Riviera Maya.

GET LOCAL IN COMALA: Get into the roots of Mexico as a country and head for some smaller towns that are off the beaten path, such as Colima and Comala. These towns feature old-style Spanish architecture, leftover from the colonizing years. But they are only Spanish in architecture as Mexican culture emanates from every corner. Discovering places like Comala is one of our favorite things to do in Mexico.

VISIT A SEA TURTLE HATCHERY IN MANZANILLO: If you’ve ever wanted to learn about sea turtle conservation and visit a place that does things right, then heading to the hatchery in Manzanillo is a worthwhile trip. The hatchery protects miles of beach on the Pacific Ocean where large populations of sea turtles return annually to lay eggs.

WATCH GREY WHALES IN MAGDALENA BAY: One of the best whale watching experiences in the world can be found in the sleepy coastal area of Magdalena Bay on the Pacific side of the Baja Peninsula. It is here that migrant grey whales come annually to calf in the shallow protected waters. This makes the watching spectacular.

TAKE A KAYAK TRIP AROUND ISLA ESPIRITU SANTO: An UNESCO World Heritage Site, Isla Espiritu Santo is one of Mexico’s most precious gems. Located in the Sea of Cortez and accessible from the Baja Peninsula, the best way to explore this island is by kayak. With its designation, it is operated as a national park, with designated camping areas that can be used by registered companies. Circumnavigating the island takes 9 days, but it is possible to book shorter trips fro kayaking in Mexico too.

GO DEEP SEA FISHING IN COZUMEL: Due to the location of the open waters of the Caribbean, the channel between Cozumel and the Yucatan and the Great Mayan Reef, the waters off the coast of Cozumel are some of the best in the Caribbean for deep-sea fishing. Charter a boat and head out for a day you won’t soon forget.

SEE ALL THE MAYAN RUINS IN THE YUCATAN: Serving as the home to the indigenous Mayan population, the Yucatan Peninsula is a living history capsule of a lost civilization. Extensive road systems, cities and pyramids continue to stand today in ruins at sites such as Chitzen Itza, Tulum and Coba all across the area. Rent a car and head off into the jungles to learn more about the Mayans and see their impressive architecture.

ATTEND THE BALLET FOLKLORICO: Performed on a weekly schedule at the Ballet de Bella Artes in the heart of the historical downtown of Mexico City is the wildly entertaining Ballet Folklorico. This show presents the history of Mexico through performance and music. If that isn’t enough, one of the last remaining Tiffany stage curtains exists on the stage. That alone is worth the visit.

FIND ALL THE DIEGO RIVERA MURALS IN MEXICO CITY: One of the most famous painters of all time and the husband of the famed Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera has left his mark all over the sprawling metropolis of Mexico City. You can find his famous pieces while touring many of the other sites, but also in random places as well. If you love history and art, set yourself on a mission to find them all.

SCUBA DIVE OR SNORKEL ON THE GREAT MAYAN REEF: The second largest reef system in the world, the Great Mayan Reef, starts off the tip of the Yucatan Peninsula and runs all the way to South America. This means you have direct access for both snorkeling and scuba diving trips from Cancun, Playa del Carmen and the rest of the Riviera Maya during a visit. Don’t hesitate, it’s a wonderful way to spend a day.

CELEBRATE DIA DE MUERTOS IN OAXACA: While you will find celebrations for the Day of the Dead happening all across Mexico, with the biggest being in Mexico City, it is in Oaxaca that you’ll get to the roots of the famed holiday. Celebrated annually on November 1 & 2, this day is a celebration of all of your loved ones that have passed on. The Mexican heritage celebrates with lavish costumes and skeleton-esque face paintings. It’s a sight to behold and one of the best festivals in the world to attend.


FOODIE BUCKET LIST

Mexican food is well renowned across the world, and no travel to Mexico is complete without plenty of time spent eating.

Remember though, that burritos and fajitas are not real Mexican food, but Tex-Mex, although you can find this type of food anywhere that you can’t find tourists.

Locals will eat TacosTortas (sandwiches), Quesadillas and many more delights. You can find soups such as Pozole, plenty of beans and rice, and of course, a lot of Mole sauce and chiles.

Each region has its own specialties, so be open-minded when it comes to trying new Mexican food.

MEXICAN FESTIVALS

Mexico is a country that seems to constantly be celebrating something. Every week of the year, perhaps even every day, there’s a Fiesta in at least one town or city somewhere in Mexico.

SAINT DAY: Every Barrio has its own Saint Day, and these are lively and vibrant celebrations, which can involve everything from fireworks and free food to bulls charging down the streets.

FIESTAS: The biggest fiestas are found around Easter, with Semana Santa being the most important religious festival of the year, followed of course by Christmas, and the day that celebrates the Guadalupe Virgin.

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS: Another famous event that’s a must-see in Mexico, is the Day of the Dead. Held at the end of October this important event is a celebration of life and death when locals remember the deceased and dress in macabre costumes.

DISCOVER THE BEST OF MEXICO!

POPULAR REGIONS IN MEXICO

MEXICO TRAVEL BUDGET

Setting a budget for travel to Mexico is highly dependent on your travel style. It is possible to visit just about anywhere in Mexico on any budget and still have a great trip. That said, you can make your trip as basic or as luxurious as you desire.

To help you set your budget, we’ve included some base range price estimations for travel within Mexico. Of course, keep in mind that prices can fluctuate based on seasons, availability and festivals.

ACCOMMODATION: Costs can be relatively inexpensive throughout Mexico and there is a huge range of options. If you’re looking for resorts and all-inclusive hotels, then head to Cancun. Travel in low season and you can find a bargain. In cities such as Mexico City, you can find great hotels in Central locations for USD 20 per person per night, and hostels for half that price.

ATTRACTIONS: Costs vary, but in touristy destinations, they aren’t as cheap as you might be expecting. For instance, scuba diving in Cancun can cost as much as 100 USD a dive (compare this to Roatan, in the Caribbean, where you can dive for 20 USD a tank). Guided tours are also relatively expensive given the low cost of living and you can expect to pay around USD 100 per person for a day tour, or even a food tour in Mexico City. Museums are generally cheap though, except the most famous sights such as Chichen Itza or the Frida Kahlo House.

TRANSPORTATION: Mexico is a big country, but well connected by buses and flights. Flights can often cost less than long-distance buses if booked in advance. A flight from Cancun to Mexico City can be as little as 40 USD if booked ahead of time, whereas a bus will cost 100 USD and take 20 hours. On shorter routes, buses are great value though. Cancun to Merida, a four-hour journey, will cost around 20 USD on a first-class bus. Public transport in cities is incredibly cheap, and the Mexico City metro only costs 20 cents per ride, for instance.

FOOD: Food is also inexpensive, especially if you’re willing to eat like the locals. You can pick up street food like a Torta or a plate of Tacos for around 1 USD while a Corona beer is also only going to set you back a dollar. Sit-down restaurants are more expensive, but still, great value compared to other countries such as the USA. You can expect to pay 10 USD per person for a meal, including a drink or two.

BUDGET


25 USD PER DAY

Stick to hostels, public transport, eat street tacos and only enjoy only a few free to cheap activities and museums.

MID-RANGE


50 USD PER DAY

Stay in a private hotel room or vacation rental. Eat both street food and restaurant food, lots of museums, attractions and day trips.

LUXURY


200 USD + PER DAY

Staying in high-end resorts in Cancun. Restaurant meals or all-inclusive. Lots of cocktails, lots of activities and tours.

WHERE TO STAY IN MEXICO

Below you will find some of the places we have stayed during our travels in Mexico. These are individual properties that we enjoyed and would recommend to other travelers.

For more specific advice, check out Best Area to Stay in Mexico City – Best Hotels & Travel Tips

HOW TO GET AROUND IN MEXICO

Don’t underestimate the sheer size of Mexico when you’re planning your Mexico travel itinerary. Don’t try and plan too much, as it can take time to travel between regions.

For shorter journeys, you can take collectivos or local minibusses and share taxis. In many cities, you can now use Uber, although not everywhere.

FLIGHTS: The easiest way to travel long distances is to fly. Regional airlines such as Volaris and Interjet offer cheap deals and cover most of the country. Travel time between Cancun and Mexico City is 2 hours when flying, and between Mexico City and Chihuahua is also 2 hours.

BUS: The bus network is extensive and efficient, with different classes ranging from third class local buses through to first-class luxury buses. On the coast, you may néed to take boats and ferries, from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel Island, for instance.

CAR RENTAL: It is common to rent a car in well-developed tourist places, such as the Yucatan or Cozumel. This can make it easier to explore the many towns and cenotes that dot the area. Outside of here, however, it is not as commonplace. Check out Discover Rental Cars for great deals.

TRAIN: There is only one passenger train route, the Copper Canyon train in the north, so overland travel will be by bus.

CRUISING: Visiting Mexico by cruise is popular, although it limits your exploration to the coast. This said, most major cruise companies make stops at Cozumel, the Riviera Maya, Puerto Vallarta, Acapulco and Cabo. So it can be a good way to see a lot of Mexico’s most famous cities. You can also take a small ship adventure cruise in the Sea of Cortez.

TOP MEXICO TOURS

WHEN TO VISIT MEXICO

Mexico’s climate can vary dramatically depending on where you are in the country. The north is arid, dry and sweltering hot, the central highlands are at altitude and cool through much of the year, while the south is tropical and home to humid jungles.

Generally speaking, the high season falls between November and March. This is winter, and it’s when the country is driest.

Low season is from April through to October, when it can be incredibly hot and rainy and when there’s a danger of hurricanes hitting the coast, particularly the Caribbean.

Winter is usually the best time to visit Mexico, as this is when the weather is cooler and there’s little chance of rain. This is also when you’ll be paying the highest prices, as winter is the busiest time of year, especially over the December holidays.

For more information, check out the Best Time to Visit Mexico: Month by Month Breakdown

PACK LIKE A PRO FOR YOUR TRIP!

SAFETY IN MEXICO

Mexico never makes the news for good reasons, and the country does have huge problems with Cartels, corruption and violence.

Thankfully though, none of this is going to affect the savvy traveler. In tourist hotspots such as Cancun, you’re safe from any violence, although be wary of your belongings. Be careful at night, and avoid going out alone.

Some areas should be avoided though, or traveled through with caution. These include Acapulco and the border cities with the USA such as Juarez.

Where you can, take first-class buses as these won’t stop and they have extra security. Equally, don’t jump into taxis on the street, use Uber or other ride-sharing apps, or order a secure taxi inside the bus station, hotel, or airport.

As with any destination, we recommend learning and adhering to certain safety practices when you travel. Be sure to read our personal travel safety tips, compiled from our travels across 7 continents.

MEXICO TRAVEL: BOOKING RESOURCES

  • SkyscannerA fantastic flight search engine that searches a lot of different airlines, including many of the budget carriers that larger sites miss. Every single flight search we do starts here.
  • Hotel Seach Engine – Our custom-built hotel search engine allows you to search hotels all over the world and compare prices before booking. It pulls the best prices from all the major online travel agents, such as Expedia, Priceline, Booking, etc. to one place.
  • Discover Car Hire – Allows you to search car rentals across multiple rental agencies worldwide.
  • Viator – The best trips are made up of multiple smaller tours to really dig in and get to know the places you are visiting. Our preferred place to book day tours, day trips and shorter multi-day tours is Viator.
  • G Adventures – If you want to do a group tour around Mexico, go with G Adventures. They offer great small group tours that use local operators and leave a small environmental footprint. If you go on a tour with anyone, go with them.
  • World Nomads – We don’t travel without insurance and you shouldn’t either!

MEXICO TRAVEL GUIDE: RELATED ARTICLES

Looking for more info? Check out all the articles we’ve written on travel to Mexico and start planning your dream trip.

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