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.
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).
Mexico travel facts
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Where to go in Mexico
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.
Puebla
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.
Tulum
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.
Oaxaca
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.
Veracruz
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.
Cancún
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
Best time to go to Mexico
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.
How to get to 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.
How to get around 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.
Best places to visit in Mexico
Itineraries for Mexico
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.
Meet your Mexico local travel expert
![Mayan Heritage Tour in Yucatan](https://d1bv4heaa2n05k.cloudfront.net/user-images/1674223548759/darren-lawrence-K4BsLPTjKJA-unsplash_listing_1674223557914.jpeg)
9 days / from1670 USD
Mayan Heritage Tour in Yucatan
Yucatán is calling you, and this trip is the way to do it; go into the jungle and know it like no one else has ever known it; enjoy incredible food, beautiful sunsets, and the warmth of its communities that will do everything possible to offer you a dream experience. Are you ready?
view tour ⤍![Culture & Jungle in Chiapas](https://d1bv4heaa2n05k.cloudfront.net/user-images/1674470213053/Screen-Shot-2023-01-23-at-18.36.44_listing_1674470226966.jpeg)
11 days / from2415 USD
Culture & Jungle in Chiapas
Get ready for an adventure through Chiapas with hosts who are prepared to welcome you and discover the natural beauty of canyons, waterfalls, lakes, and rivers! The magnificent archaeological sites will amaze you as well as the charming towns.
view tour ⤍![Authentic and unique Mexico City](https://d1bv4heaa2n05k.cloudfront.net/user-images/1674217981013/david-carballar-FZU-vIW-lk8-unsplash_listing_1674217988989.jpeg)
7 days / from925 USD
Authentic and unique Mexico City
Mexico City seems to have it all - over 50 museums, a beautiful historic city center, an extensive city park with a majestic castle, upscale neighborhoods like La Condesa or La Roma, bohemian Coyoacan and mouth-watering cuisine. This trip shows you the best of this mega city.
view tour ⤍![Oaxacan Coast Adventure](https://d1bv4heaa2n05k.cloudfront.net/user-images/1674466925925/beach-zipolite-oaxaca-mexico-shutterstock-641076484_listing_1674466935609.jpeg)
10 days / from1695 USD
Oaxacan Coast Adventure
Adventure awaits you on this trip to the Oaxacan coast, a place as spectacular as the activities you will do. From a boat trip to the beautiful bays of Huatulco to a warm horseback ride on the seashore in Puerto Escondido. Enjoy freedom of traveling with your own rental car.
view tour ⤍![Taste of Mexico](https://d1bv4heaa2n05k.cloudfront.net/user-images/1674464640591/roberto-carlos-roman-don-TS-g-856-CA-unsplash_listing_1674464651210.jpeg)
9 days / from1475 USD
Taste of Mexico
Discover the most unique places in Mexico City before heading out to Puebla and Oaxaca, tasting the best Mexico has to offer: mole poblano, chocolate, a corn workshop - this is a hands-on tour, showing the variety Mexico has to offer, both in food and culture wise.
view tour ⤍![Small Group Tour: Yucatán Off the Beaten Path](https://d1bv4heaa2n05k.cloudfront.net/user-images/1695481440338/jorge-zapata-jy4BfK3MczM-unsplash_listing_1695481460001.jpeg)
8 days / from2230 USD
Small Group Tour: Yucatán Off the Beaten Path
This is a trip immersed in Maya culture, considering visits to essential places, accommodations in different Maya communities, and cultural and outdoor sports activities. Trip starts February 1st & April 29, 2024 - prefer to do this trip in private? Send us a request for individual pricing.
view tour ⤍![Mayan Heritage on the Yucatan Peninsula](https://d1bv4heaa2n05k.cloudfront.net/user-images/1696414356011/cenote-cristalino-shutterstock-1466172629_listing_1696414367008.jpeg)
9 days / from3035 USD
Mayan Heritage on the Yucatan Peninsula
Embark on a Yucatan self-drive adventure, blending renowned treasures like Tulum and Chichen Itza with hidden gems. Wander off the beaten track to discover local communities, engaging in community-based experiences. Delve into Mayan culture, sample authentic cuisine, and explore the region.
view tour ⤍![Immersive Mexico City](https://d1bv4heaa2n05k.cloudfront.net/user-images/1696408426594/mexico-city-palacio-bellas-artes-shutterstock-573127864_listing_1696408441330.jpeg)
7 days / from1800 USD
Immersive Mexico City
Discover the vibrant heart of Mexico City in 7 unforgettable days. A stroll through historic downtown, explore colorful markets, and savor delicious street food. Day trips to Teotihuacan's ancient pyramids and Chapultepec Park's museums offer cultural enrichment.
view tour ⤍![Flavours of Central Mexico](https://d1bv4heaa2n05k.cloudfront.net/user-images/1696412382239/menu-acapulco-bw53DWzM8RI-unsplash_listing_1696412393834.jpeg)
10 days / from3275 USD
Flavours of Central Mexico
Start in Mexico City, exploring its rich history and vibrant markets. Journey to Cholula to uncover ancient pyramids and partake in cooking classes. Conclude in Oaxaca, where you'll dive deep into local markets and culinary traditions, forging unforgettable memories.
view tour ⤍![Authentic Mexico City & Yucatan Peninsula](https://d1bv4heaa2n05k.cloudfront.net/user-images/1702636932471/felipe-torres-O-11LZwm5gc-unsplash_listing_1702636943096.jpeg)
12 days / from3140 USD
Authentic Mexico City & Yucatan Peninsula
Start your trip in fascinating Mexico City - special views guaranteed during your hot air balloon ride over Teotihuacan. Continue to the Yucatan Peninsula with Merida, Valladolid, the famous Chichen Itza site and then to the dreamy beaches of Puerto Morelos. This trip has it all.
view tour ⤍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.
- Mexico City
Soak up the museums, murals and markets of the nation’s crazy, high-octane capital, leaving a couple of days for Cholula and Teotihuacán.
- Oaxaca
Head to Mexico’s most enticing state, its capital the best place to sample mole, mescal and indigenous crafts.
- Zapotec and Mixtec heartlandAfter the obligatory visit to Monte Albán, spend two to three days exploring the indigenous markets and lesser-known ruins around Oaxaca.
- San Cristóbal de las Casas
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.
- Palenque
Heading north, these are some of the grandest jungle-smothered Maya ruins in the country, all easily accessible.
- Yaxchilan and Bonampak
From Palenque you can strike out into the Lacandón Maya heartland and these more isolated, romantic ruins.
- Cozumel
Hit the Caribbean coast for the spectacular diving from this offshore island.
- Playa del Carmen and Tulum
Back on the Yucatán mainland enjoy the balmy beaches and nightlife of the Riviera Maya.
- Chichén Itzá and cenotes
End your trip by soaking up Mexico’s most magical Maya ruins followed by a dip in the cooling waters of a giant sinkhole.
Accommodation in Mexico
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 and drink in Mexico
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.
Activities 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.
Mariachi
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
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.
Travel visa requirements 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
Mexico’s magnificent markets
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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