Mexico Travel Guide

Caribbean coasts, cenotes, volcano valleys & vibrant cities

💸 40–60 €/day

🗓️ 3–6 weeks

👣 Solo, couples & groups

🌮 World-class food

Preview

Loading gallery...

Overview

Safety

Mexico is a country of contrast: warm people & vast variety, with some regions needing awareness. Yucatán, Oaxaca, Baja feel relaxed; in big cities stick to known areas, use Uber at night & basic travel sense.

Best seasons

Year‑round travel works; climates differ:

Yucatán / Caribbean: Dry Dec–Apr; rainy May–Oct (short bursts).
Central highlands (CDMX, Oaxaca): Mild; nicest Nov–May.
Pacific coast: Nov–Apr prime; wet season hotter & humid.

Money Language

Peso (MXN). Cards common in cities; cash for markets & street food. ATMs widespread. Spanish is the language—basic phrases (Hola, Gracias) win hearts; tourism zones speak English widely.

Visa

Many nationalities receive up to 180 days on arrival (FMM form). Often no onward ticket check but be prepared.

180 days: Long for a tourist stay; plan ahead.
Extension: Possible but bureaucracy heavy—better plan within initial allowance.

Longer stays?

Digital nomads & students: investigate temporal resident options early.

Note: Rules evolve—verify via embassy before travel.

SIM & Internet

Coverage good; Telcel, AT&T, Movistar main players.

Costs:

3–5 GB often under €15.
Unlimited ~€25–30 / 30 days.

Tip: eSIM (Airalo/Holafly) easy pre-arrival.

Transport

Travel is straightforward: long buses, cheap domestic flights, colectivos & rental cars.

Planners:

Book flights/buses early Dec–Apr (high season).

Flexible:

Colectivos everywhere—cheap, frequent, authentic.

Airports & flights

MEX, CUN, GDL major gateways. Volaris, Viva Aerobus, Aeroméxico: many routes €30–60 saving time on long stretches.

Buses & colectivos

ADO long distance: Comfortable, safe, covers south incl. night routes.
Colectivos: Fixed-route vans—cheap & fast.
City buses: Ultra cheap, chaotic, fun.

Local movement

Uber / Taxi: Reliable in big cities.
Car rental: Perfect for Yucatán, Baja, remote loops.
Bikes / scooters: Handy in beach towns like Tulum, Holbox.

Top Destinations

Yucatán Peninsula – beaches, cenotes & Maya heritage

Classic first-timer Mexico. The peninsula offers islands, ruins & turquoise water.

Cancún → Playa del Carmen → Tulum: Playa balanced; Tulum = ruins + wellness.
Holbox & Bacalar: Car‑free chill & seven‑color lagoon escape.
Chichén Itzá: Unmissable UNESCO pyramid complex.

Oaxaca – culture & cuisine

Oaxaca = colonial color, markets & mezcal. Side trips: Monte Albán & Hierve el Agua.

Mexico City (CDMX) – megacity energy

CDMX hip barrios (Condesa/Roma), vast Zócalo, iconic Frida Kahlo Museum & endless tacos.

Underwater

2nd largest reef

The Mesoamerican Reef = drift dives & marine life. Cozumel famous walls.

Cenotes

Limestone sinkholes with crystal water—snorkel, cavern & cave dives. Icons: Dos Ojos, Gran Cenote.

Whale sharks

Jun–Sep: tours from Isla Mujeres & Holbox.

Food & Drinks

Culinary powerhouse

UNESCO cuisine—layers & regional depth.

Tacos al Pastor: Iconic street staple.
Mole: Complex sauce—Oaxaca star.
Fresh ceviche: Coastal bliss.
Drinks: Agua de Jamaica, craft beer, tequila & mezcal.

Culture

Etiquette

Greetings: Buenos días & a smile.
Patience: Flexible time culture.
Bargaining: Markets only & friendly.

Apps

Uber / DiDi: Safe city rides.
ChatGPT: Translation & menu decoding.
ADO: South bus network.

Summary

Mexico blends Caribbean dreamscapes, cenotes, ruins, food artistry & megacity culture. A destination that hooks first-timers & depth-seekers alike.

Not just a trip—an atmosphere.