Mexico is considered one of the best countries for travel due to its diverse beaches, colonial cities, delicious food and unique cenotes, jungle and rich culture.
Mexico is much larger and more diverse than most travellers expect and also more affordable when compared to Europe or the US. We have loved travelling Mexico and have visited many of its ‘must see’ destinations with plans to keep exploring.
This is our ultimate Mexico planning resource, with everything you need to know to plan your trip and have the best time. It is the culmination of what we have learnt and experienced from our travels in Mexico and we hope it helps you plan the best possible experience whether it is your first trip to Mexico or you are heading to a new region.
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Table of Contents
Why Visit Mexico?
Mexico has so many reasons that it is a must visit destination for us. We love the incredible food culture, Mexicans love to eat and so do we! There are a huge variety of experiences you can have in Mexico, from exploring colonial towns and jungles to swimming in beautiful cenotes and beaches there is something for everyone.
Flights are easy in to and out of Mexico from most places in North America and in general it is a pretty affordable country to travel and get really good midrange quality, even luxury depending on the actual location. Mexico is set up with a strong tourism infrastructure, there are domesitc flights and excellent long haul buses everywhere.
Who Mexico Is Best For
Mexico is a perfect travel destination for:
- couples
- families
- solo travellers
- backpackers
- luxury travellers
- digital nomads
Mexico has something for everyones preferences:
- Beach lovers โ Riviera Maya
- Food lovers โ Oaxaca
- Culture โ Mexico City
- Surf towns โ Puerto Escondido & Sayulita
- Luxury โ Tulum & Los Cabos
Where is Mexico?
Mexico is a large country, much larger than most travellers expect. There are long distances between regions which means you would need either a domestic flight or long haul buses. This is why most travellers will focus on one region per trip. There are lots of different routes and regions to explore, we usually spend 2 weeks in Mexico at a time and explore a region in that time, such as the Yucatan Region, Quintana Roo or Riviera Nayarit.
Mexico Quick Travel Facts
These are the most important facts for Mexico to get you up to date and ready for travel:
- Currency – Mexican Peso ($,MXN).
- Language – Spanish (or Mexican Spanish) is spoken by 98% of the population although there are over 300 Indigenous language groups in Mexico.
- Best SIM cards – We use the SIM Local ESim and it worked perfectly for us.
- Power plugs – Type A & Type B plugs at 127V at 60Hz.
- Time zones – there are 4 time zones in Mexico – Southeast Zone (UTCโ5), Central Zone (UTCโ6), Pacific Zone (UTCโ7) and Northwest Zone (UTCโ8).
- Safety – Mexico is generally thought of as medium risk. There have been instances of concern however when we have travelled here we have never had a problem or been worried at all.
- Drinking water – we usually drink bottled or filtered water and also use it to brush our teeth. This is the recommended practice. We travel with this bottle which we love.
- Visa requirements – some countries such as Australia, the US, Canada, the UK, and the EU can visit for 180 days without a visa, although you do have to fill out a form on arrival and pay an immigration fee. It is best to check this information with Mexico Immigration online before planning your trip as it can change.
- Best airports – Mexico City (MEX) and Cancรบn (CUN) are the most globally connected. We have flown into both and also Puerto Vallarta (PVR) and all have been excellent.
Best Places to Visit in Mexico
Mexico has distinct regions and each offers completely different experiences from the food to the landscapes. The best destination for you will depend on your travel style. These are the main regions we have been to so far and others that are on our list and we can’t wait to explore.
Mexico City
We don’t usually love cities but Mexico City was such a surprise! We really loved this vibrant capital. It is the best destination for culture and food, especially in the Roma & Condesa areas. Full of museums and architecture, cool cafes and nightlife. The interesting history of Teotihuacan and incredible day trips out to ruins, pyramids and an ancient waterway town.
Tip – Our full Mexico City Guide has all the best things to do and itinerary so you can plan your trip and get an idea of what to expect here.
Oaxaca vs Mexico City
Oaxaca and Mexico City are often compared as they both have excellent food and cultural aspects. The main difference is in the size and pace, Oaxaca has a small town, romantic vibe full of vibrant markets and delicious Oaxacan dishes. Mexico City is a huge modern city full of museums and history with a very cool vibe and a diverse culinary landscape.
Tulum
Tulum is one of the most famous destinations in Mexico. We visited in 2023 but Mike actually went there years ago in 2005 when it was not the popular tourist destination it is now. It is the perfect place for couples, wellness travellers, luxury travellers and digital nomads. It is not ideal for budget backpackers or those seeking quiet travel. The beaches here are stunning, there are loads of beach clubs, ruins and cenotes to see here. Our Tulum guide shares everything you need to do while in Tulum, it is the perfect resource to plan your trip.
Tulum vs Sayulita
When we think about Tulum in comparison to Sayulita it is almost like Sayulita is a smaller Tulum. Both have a beach vibe but Tulum’s beach is crystal clear blue and a more perfect swimming beach whereas Sayulita’s beach has darker coloured water and is better for surfing. They both have an active nightlife scene and are a little more expensive than other locations in Mexico. Digital nomads love both of these towns as they are laid back and there are facilities in both although those in Tulum are more established and there is less interruption to wifi service. Check out our Sayulita guide to find out everything you need to know to go!
Bacalar
Bacalar was a total surprise favourite in Mexico for us. We came with no expectation and fell in love with this cute little town. Bacalar is a lagoon destination, that is perfect for slow travel with its relaxed atmosphere and community feel. There are lots of water activities from kayaking, sailing and lagoon tours but spending a day swimming in the fresh turquoise water is magic as well. Take a look at our Bacalar Guide to see everything we loved here,
Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is a beach city with great food and makes a perfect base to start your Riviera Nayarit travels. This is a bigger city with a strong tourist infrastructure. You can take day trips from here and are close to the Puerto Vallarta International Airport.
Sayulita
Sayulita is a little town full of bohemian vibes and surf culture, it is a very popular add to on a trip to Puerto Vallarta as it is only an hour away. There is a strong cafe and foodie scene here with great nightlife. It is best for those who want tourism infrastructure at a smaller level than Puerto Vallarta.
San Pancho
The younger sister and quieter alternative to Sayulita, San Pancho is growing in interest from travellers searching for a quiet, relaxed town to enjoy a slower pace of life. San Pancho has a bohemian community spirit and wellness focused boutique atmosphere that is popular with couples.
San Pancho vs Sayulita
Sayulita vs San Pancho is pretty simple, San Pancho attracts travellers wanting a quiet, slow travel experience. Sayulita is best for those who want to enjoy a great foodie scene, easy access to tours and nightlife.
Some destinations that are high on our list for our next Mexico trip are Oaxaca, Puerto Escondido, San Miguel de Allende and La Paz.
Best Mexico Itineraries
There are countless Mexico itineraries we could create but these are the ones we have done and recommend.
1 Week Mexico Itinerary
One week in Mexico is perfect for a first-time, taste test route. You can easily do:
- Mexico City
OR - Riviera Maya route
2 Week Mexico Itinerary
In two weeks you can really see one of the regions in Mexico:
- Mexico City
- Oaxaca
- Puerto Escondido
OR - Yucatรกn Peninsula loop
3 Week Mexico Itinerary
3 weeks in Mexico is perfect to really enjoy a route that takes you through a couple of regions:
- Multi-region route
- Internal flights
- Combining culture + beaches
Best Beaches in Mexico
The beaches in Mexico are famous, my favourites are those on the Caribbean side as the water is clear and blue. The beaches on the pacific side are a darker colour and a little better for surfing. Either way the beach towns are gorgeous. Currently our top beaches in Mexico are Tulum, Holbox and Mahaual for their clear blue water and white sands.
Best Cenotes, Ruins & Natural Wonders in Mexico
Cenotes
Natural Wonders
Mayan Ruins
Best Time to Visit Mexico
Yucatรกn Peninsula
The best time to visit the Yucatan Peninsula is during November to April, this is the dry season with less humid heat and calm seas.
Seaweed season runs through April through October. Avoiding this can be difficult however we found that it can come early and last for a long time. It primarily affects the Caribbean coast of Mexico, in our experience there are other beaches you can visit in Holbox that miss the seaweed and Tulum does a fantastic job of clearing up the seaweed.
Pacific Coast
The Pacific Coast experiences their dry season between December to April with temperatures around 27ยฐC.
Mexico City
Central Mexico expereinces the best weather November to April with near perfect weather in March-May. These months are excellent for exploring the city and nearby colonial towns.
Mexico Travel Budget
Budget Backpacker
In Mexico a budget backpacker could spend ~$30-$50 USD daily staying in dorms, eating street food and visiting free attractions, markets and using public transport.
Mid-Range Couple
We travel as a mid-range couple and usually spend about $100USD per person/per day when travelling. When booking we look for quality accommodation, good local food and group tours. We value real experiences and look for them over luxury.
Luxury Traveller
A luxury traveller could spend between $200-$600 USD per day staying in a luxury accommodation, eating at fine dining restaurants and private tours and transport.
How to Get Around Mexico
Mexico is really well connected and easy to get around. For very large distances across country domestic flights are essentail. You can rent a car and drive between shorter distances or utilise the ADO or long haul buses. I can’t stress enough how good the ADO buses are, they are so well organised and really cover a lot of ground. For some shorter distances you may take a colectivos which is a minibus that locals use to get around and there is usually Uber. Safety considerations for transport are important. Always buy your tickets from the official website or ticket office, wait for buses or Ubers in a public and well populated area. Keep an eye on your belongings and try to stay awake on long distance buses if you are along so you make sure to get off at your stop. You don’t technically need a car in Mexico unless you are staying remotely and want to be able to access a town easily. Driving can be an experience but if you take it carefully and keep an eye on the map and speed limit it should be fine.
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Mexico Travel Tips
These are our main travel tips for Mexico, they will help you be organised with what you need to know to go:
Safety Tips
The main things to be aware of with safety in Mexico are the many tourist scams that do the rounds such as fake taxis and selling fake tickets. Watch out for ATM safety, we always use an ATM inside a bank if possible so that if there is a problem we can go inside and sort it out with the staff (this has happened before). Before going to a region check out the areas to avoid in that location, there are always a couple parts of town you shouldn’t go as a tourist and making yourself aware of them is smart.
Money Tips
We usually use card in most places in Mexico such as hotels, restaurants, convenience stores and bus tickets like the ADO. We always have peso on us and use it for the small taco stands and street foods or local buses. Tipping is usually expected at restaurants and tours in high tourist towns like Tulum and Sayulita. In more local towns it is not expected at all. It really isn’t part of their culture but has been impacted by American tourism.
ATMs are plentiful in most cities however in smaller towns they can be difficult to find or trust to have money. Sayulita for example has a couple of ATMs that often run out of money. Money exchangers in Sayulita have terrible rates and if USD is accepted you will not get a good exchange when paying for things with it. For these types of towns we make sure to have enough peso on us so that we don’t need to worry.
Packing Tips
Mexico has a lot of natural beauty and they want to preserve it so reef-safe sunscreen is a must, I would also pack mosquito spray and lightweight clothing as it does get pretty hot during peak season.
Connectivity
We used to always buy SIM cards when we landing at the airport, however now we usually use eSIMs. This is the best and easiest option as they download simply and are so effective. We used SIM Local on our last trip in Mexico and it worked perfectly. There are some areas in Mexico where the Wifi provided by hotels wont be very strong or may cut out for periods. This wont be in the bigger cities in fact the only place we have noticed it was in Sayulita but to have your own data is the best option.
Health Tips
My top travel health tips for travel in Mexico would be to use bottled or filtered water to drink or brush your teeth. We carry this filter water bottle and it is excellent as it has a 2 stage process. Buying a large 5l-10l bottle of water and refilling from that cuts down on plastic waste or refilling from your hotels provided filtered water is great too. In terms of food safety we do try to judge the restaurants we eat at to see if they look clean and have good reviews. Check food is fully cooked, especially when eating at street stalls. Mexicans do love fresh food though so everything should really be made to order. We make sure we have travel insurance as well, there is nothing worse than being caught out needing it and not having it!
Best Mexico Food to Try
We LOVE Mexican food and getting to eat it in Mexico is a pleasure. These are some of our favourite dishes:
- Tacos al pastor (have to try in Mexico City)
- Cochinita pibil (eat it everywhere in the Yucatan)
- Mole (obsessed! Loved in Mexico City too)
- Tamales (found my favourites in Bacalar)
- Marquesitas (delicious dessert)
- Chilaquiles (such a great snack, loved these in Sayulita)
- Mezcal, Raicilla and Tequila (must visit this agave farm in Sayulita)
- Agua Fresca (so good, try with chia seeds)
Where to Stay in Mexico
Best Places in Mexico for Couples
Mexico has a lot of places that suit couple travellers however for a romantic getaway then Tulum, San Pancho, Bacalar or Sayulita are perfect! There are lots of romantic restaurants, boutique hotels, wellness opportunities, sunsets, beach clubs and a slower atmosphere that lends itself to couple travel.
Best Places in Mexico for Luxury Travel
Luxury travellers will love destinations like Tulum, Mexico City and Merida. These places are full of luxury resort options as well as private villas. The beach clubs and wellness retreats in Tulum are legendary and the fine dining of Mexico City is unparalleled. Merida is a lesser known destination for luxury travel but the stunning colonial stays, excellent dining and incredible private tours that are available from here are worth it.
Best Places in Mexico for Backpackers
It is easy to be a backpacker in Mexico, these locations have excellent dorms, street food and group tour options. Our top picks are Sayulita, Bacalar and Holbox. Each of these towns have a laid back and relaxed bohemian style that backpackers will love. The public transport is great, with a social atmosphere and hostels to choose from.
Best Places in Mexico for Digital Nomads
Digital Nomads love Merida, Tulum and Mexico City. They have great wifi and co-working spaces as well as apartment accommodation, expat communities, good infrastructure as well as lots to see in the surrounding areas.
Best Family Destinations in Mexico
Families love the readily available all inclusive resorts, attractions and facilities in Puerto Vallarta and the Riviera Maya. These are well travelled routes and destinations that are convenient and that families can feel safe in. They have quick airport access which is also a bonus.
Mexico Packing List
Mexico is a pretty relaxed destination, there aren’t too many places with strict dress codes. For beaches your usual beach travel essentials will suit, if you plan on doing a water day trip or beach days take a dry bag, they are life savers! As Mexico City is at a higher altitude make sure to pack something warmer, we wished we had some jeans here as most people wear long pants or jeans. If you are travelling in the rainy season bring a rain jacket and proper shoes. We always carry a day bag, this is our preferred option.
You will need a power pack to keep charge as the days will be filled with taking photos of the beautiful areas. I always pack a medical kit to be ready in case we need something, and we usually do!
Mistakes to Avoid When Travelling Mexico
Trying to See Too Much
Mexico is enormous, trying to fit everything in is a huge mistake! You want time to enjoy where you are not just race off to the next destination. Plan at least a couple of days in most locations and focus on just one region unless you have a longer time frame.
Underestimating Travel Times
Due to its large size travel times between destinations can be extensive. Utilise domestic flights to cut down on the travel time and ADO buses are excellent options for destinations around 5 hours max apart. Places like Isla Holbox have ferry connections you need to catch so keeping travel transit days or adding in the time you need to get around will impact how much you can realistically see in your planning. Our itineraries are all planned including these travel transit times.
Staying Only in Resorts
If you spend your whole vacation in resorts you will miss out on experiencing the local culture. Enjoy an all inclusive stay but swap out a couple of destinations for boutique stays where you will be more willing to get out and see what the town and culture has to offer.
Ignoring Weather Seasons
Mexico can get hit by a hurricane season as well as the sargassum seaweed season. Both can ruin your holiday so make sure you check what time of year you are travelling and what the best destination is for that time.
Drinking Tap Water
Don’t drink the tap water as a general rule. Use bottled or filtered/purified water to drink and brush your teeth. Yes we feel guilty every time we buy a bottle of water but sometimes it is the only safe option. We also travel with this refillable filer water bottle which we love and makes us feel safer when using filtered water from a hotel.
Carrying Too Much Cash
We try to limit our ATM use, we get out what we think we need and carry it in a couple of separate spots on us. We do use our card in most cities with no problem but keep an eye on your receipts and on your balance. Using a debit card that you can slowly transfer money into so that it can’t be taken should your card get skimmed etc. is a good idea. You don’t want to be obviuosly carrying a lot of cash and making yourself a target, hide most and just keep handy what you will need.
Not Booking Popular Destinations Early
Places like Isla Holbox and Tulum can book out really early, especially the most popular places to stay. Booking everything as early as possible is the best way to make sure you are happy with your budget and quality of accommodation and tours.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mexico Travel
Is Mexico safe for tourists?
In general yes, there have been some instances of concern but on the whole we have never really had to worry about travelling in Mexico.
Is Mexico expensive?
Mexico is quite affordable on the whole. There are some destinations like Tulum Sayulita where it can get pricer but there are always affordable options available.
What is the best month to visit Mexico?
For beach trips February is the perfect peak best weather month. November is the best shoulder season month that mixes good weather and lower crowds.
How many days do you need in Mexico?
As a minimum I would spend 1 week in Mexico but it is never enough and I could keep travelling here for longer! The most we have spent at one time is 4 weeks across a few regions and it was great!
Is Cancun or Puerto Vallarta better?
It would honestly depend on if you want to travel the Caribbean Coast or the Pacific Coast. If you want blue water and the Mayan Riveria vibe then Cancun. If you want to be on the Pacific Coast and a little more boho vibes I would go with Puerto Vallarta. Both towns have great tourism and digital nomad infrastructure and easy travel within. You can take great day trips from them and there are excellent resorts. They are both good hubs to see the region from.
Is Tulum worth visiting?
Yes Tulum is worth visiting but for how long will be the main thing to decide here. If you are luxury or high-midrange traveller, romantic couple trip you may want longer here. If you are on a budget or low-midrange then you might want a few days only. The beach is one of the nicest here and we loved the ruins as well.
Can you drink the water in Mexico?
No we do not recommend drinking the water in Mexico. We use this filtered bottle and fill it from bottled water or filtered water from our hotels to both drink and brush our teeth.
Do you need Spanish in Mexico?
Not at all, we don’t speak much Spanish at all and we can travel Mexico just fine. Use Google Translate and teach yourself some important greetings, questions and basic numbers and you will be fine.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Mexico
Mexico is far more diverse than most travellers expect, it is the perfect country for a slower pace of travel so you can absorb as much as possible. We love so many regions of Mexico however my absolute favourites are Riveria Maya and the Yuctan. The most important thing to do when visiting Mexico is to leave your resort and experience the culture, tradtional food and beatuiful landscapes. Mexico truly is oen of our favourite countries and we can’t wait to return to it.
If you love excellent food and flavours, jaw dropping scenery that leaves you silent and towns that are so full of charm you will dream of living there then you will love Mexico.
Plan your trip:
๐ Read next: Yucatan Peninsula Travel Guide and Itinerary
๐ Plan your trip: Mexico City Travel Guide
๐ Donโt miss: Riviera Nayarit Travel Guide and Itinerary
Want to see it all in action? Watch our full Mexico series on YouTube (subscribe to our channel to stay up to date with our travel guides) and follow along on Instagram @passport_nomads and @kelly___buckley for real-time travel tips, guides, and behind-the-scenes moments.
We hope this guide helped you plan an unforgettable trip.
