Fiestas, tacos and tropical beaches
Welcome to Mexico
Mexico is one of the countries that has something for everyone. With a landscape of stunning beaches, endless deserts, dense forests, and high mountain peaks, every nature lover can find something to love. The festivals and traditions are charming and exciting; the cuisine is legendary and rich in diverse flavours.
Travel tip
A vibrant culture
Mexican culture is colourful, musical, and beautiful. The Mexican Day of the Dead is one of the world’s most exciting festivals, with parades, street food, dancing, costumes, and people remembering their lost loved ones in the happiest celebration of life you’re ever likely to see. The culture has brought us amazing foods and a blend of Spanish colonial and indigenous architecture that forms one of the more aesthetically unique and exciting nations in the world.
Glorious beaches
People travel from the world over to experience the beaches of Mexico. Beaches like the white sandy ones at Isla Mujeres and the resort town of Playa del Carmen or Tulum are some of the best in the world (and I don’t say that lightly, they’re really amazing).
Mayan Temples
The local Mayan culture can still be seen in the historic remains of its temples, like the ones at Palenque or Chichen Itza, the iconic location of the Mayan temple pyramids. These ruins are still in perfect condition, as though they were still in use today. Seeing them for yourself is a must if you’re visiting.
Amazing surfing
Even people who live in California skip their own beaches for a chance to surf, swim, relax, and scuba dive off the coast of Mexico. Surfing is one of the best opportunities you’ll have for big waves, crisp warm seas, long white beaches and amazing views as you ride the waves. And it’s one of the best reasons to visit the coastal towns.
Amazing experiences in Mexico
Palenque
Mystical Mayan ruins
Caribbean sea
The most beautiful beaches in the world
Sumidero Canyon
Perfect day trip from San Cristóbal de las Casas
Teotihuacán Pyramids
Once Mesoamerica’s greatest city
Best sights in Mexico
Mexico City (capital)
Mexico City is one of the world’s largest and most densely populated cities. It’s an incredibly exciting, busy, and diverse place full of fantastic restaurants and museums.
Isla Mujeres (1.629 km from Mexico City)
This Mexican island is famous for its long strips of white sandy beaches, which make for the perfect spots to go snorkelling and scuba diving from. And swim with whale sharks.
Playa del Carmen (1.593 km from Mexico City)
This incredible beach resort town is like something from a storybook of perfect beach holidays. Palm trees line the beaches; on the boulevards close by are cocktail bars and clubs.
Oaxaca (462 km from Mexico City)
Oaxaca is famous for its Spanish colonial architecture, making for some beautiful and colourful vibrancy in the heart of the country. A historical and vibrant place for a holiday.
Guanajuato (358 km from Mexico City)
This labyrinth of a city is defined by narrow cobbled streets which wind and criss-cross. Guanajuato is a thrilling place to explore full of colonial buildings and some romantic bars and restaurants.
Puebla (135 km from Mexico City)
If you love traditional Mexican food (and who doesn’t), there isn’t a better city to visit. Puebla is most famous for its cuisine with lots of fantastic restaurants and bars to choose from during your stay.
Where to g
How to get around
I always use Rome2Rio for finding transportation. This site/app is so easy to use. It quickly comes up with a variety of transport options to suit your time and budget. All costs are shown, even taxis.
Map of Mexico
North America (Mexico)
Best time to visit
November is hurricane season in Mexico, so the one month to avoid is November. After that, the dry season kicks in and lasts from December to April. That’s the best time to visit Mexico.
After the dry season, it’s still fine but expect more humidity and rainfall in the summer months.
Practical info
- Language: Spanish
- Currency: Peso
- Plugs: Mexico uses US plugs with a slightly higher voltage of 127V, but US appliances will still work. If you’re coming from elsewhere, definitely pick up a universal adapter)
- Population: 129 million
- Important telephone numbers: 911 for all emergencies
- Visa: US, EU, and Canadian citizens don’t require a visa to visit and can stay for up to 180 days
Rough Budget
- Hotel: $30-100
- Food: $10-25
- Activities: e.g. $80 for a shipwreck snorkelling tour in Cancun
- Transportation: $2-10 for a bus
Spanish Phrases
- Hello: Hola
- Thank you: Gracias
- Yes: Si
- No: No
- Bye: Adios
- Cheers: Salud
