MEXICO

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Mexico Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Plan Your Trip

I fell in love with Mexico when I was fifteen on a high school Spanish class field trip. Till this day I still can’t believe my parents let me to go. For one thing, I didn’t know any Spanish and second, it wasn’t even my high school. But I had friends going and someone dropped out last minute so they made arrangements for me to fill that spot. To say that trip changed me is an understatement. It changed everything. And the closest I can get to explaining it was beautifully expressed by the master chef and traveler himself — who also loved Mexico — it this quote:

Travel changes you. As you move through this life and this world you change things slightly, you leave marks behind, however slow. And in return, life and travel, leaves marks on you. Most of the time, those marks, on your body or on your heart, are beautiful. Often though, they hurt.

Anthony Bourdain

I don’t know if I left my mark on Mexico at fifteen but Mexico left its marks on me — in good ways and in ways that hurt my naïve heart. I returned home and never stopped thinking about Mexico. That first trip is the reason why I keep going back. I learned first hand that Mexico will take you in and if you treat her nice, she’ll treat you nice right back.

Mexico Basics

Language

Spanish is the most widely spoken language but Mexico also recognizes 68 other indigenous languages. English is common in most tourist areas.

Currency

Mexican Peso (MXN). Credit cards are accepted in bigger cities but cash is still king in many smaller areas — ATMs are widely available.

Tipping

Expected and appreciated. 10-15% at restaurants is standard. Tip hotel staff, drivers and tour guides in pesos when possible.

Electricity

Same plug type and voltage as the US (Type A/B, 120V). No adapter needed.

Entry Requirements

Valid passport required. US and Canadian citizens do not need a visa for stays under 180 days. Stays over 7 days require an FMM tourist card.

Water

To play it safe: stick to bottled or filtered water — most hotels and resorts provide it.

Where to Go in Mexico

Mexico is not one destination — it’s hundreds. How far you want to dive in is strictly up to you. Here’s a rough guide of what’s where and who it’s for.

The Beach Destinations

From the Pacific coast to the Caribbean side, Mexico’s beaches are as different as the people who visit them. The Pacific and Caribbean coasts feel like completely different countries and they kind of are. Even Baja is a different place.

Puerto Vallarta is colonial and charming with a real city behind the beach.

The Riviera Maya — Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum — is resort heavy and built for tourism, which isn’t a criticism, just a fact. They’re both great for first timers and all-inclusive travelers.

Mexico City

The city that started it all for me. Overwhelming, fascinating and unlike anywhere else on earth. Most people fly over it on the way to the beach. Don’t. Give it at least three days.

Read: Weekend in Mexico City

The Cultural Interior

Puebla, Guanajuato, Mérida — this is the Mexico that doesn’t make the resort brochures and it’s some of the best travel you’ll ever do. Food, art, colonial architecture and history that you’ve never heard..

Baja

Cabo gets all the attention but Baja is so much more than that. Two states, very different. Desert landscapes, whale watching in Magdalena Bay, wine country in Valle de Guadalupe and a pace that feels nothing like mainland Mexico. It its own trip and own place.

Baja California Sur: Things to Do

Off the Beaten Path

Campeche, Huatulco, Nayarit — the Mexico most tourists never see. I’ve been to some of these places and they’re worth the extra bus ride. If you’ve already done the obvious destinations, start here.

Types of Travel in Mexico

Mexico works for almost every travel style — you just have to know which version you’re booking.

All-inclusive resorts along the Riviera Maya are perfect for a first trip, a family vacation or when you just want everything handled. The Pacific coast is better for travelers who want a more classic Mexico experience. City travel in Mexico City or Oaxaca City for the curious and the adventurous. And if ruins and cenotes are on your list, the Yucatán Peninsula is in a category of its own.

When to Go to Mexico

Dry Season (November–April) — the sweet spot for most of Mexico. Best for the Pacific coast, Baja and the Yucatán. Temperatures are mild, rain is minimal and everything is open. Peak season means higher prices and more crowds at the popular spots — book ahead.

Rainy Season (May–October) — afternoons bring rain but mornings are often beautiful. Prices drop, crowds thin and the landscape turns green. A good time for Mexico City and the interior where the rain is more predictable. Not the best for beach trips unless you’re flexible.

Hurricane Season (June–November) — primarily affects the Caribbean side and the Pacific coast. Not a reason to avoid Mexico but worth understanding before you book. Travel insurance is especially important during these months.

Something to factor in. Mexico City has no bad time — spring is lovely and the crowds are manageable most of the year. I’ve even been in December and February and loved them both.

Planning Your Mexico Trip

Ready to start planning? Here are a few good places to start:

If you’d rather have help putting it all together, I’d love to plan it with you. Fill out this form and let’s get started.

Mexico Travel Guides

25+ of the Best Places To Visit in Mexico

Not all of Mexico is beaches — and this list proves it. Here are 25 of the best places to visit in Mexico from someone who has personally been to every single one.

7 Terrific Things To Do in Tepic, Nayarit

Tepic might not be on every traveler’s list, but that’s exactly what makes it worth exploring. You’ll find beautiful colors and architecture and a walkable downtown. This guide features some of the best things to do in Tepic

Puerto Vallarta Weather in August: What to Expect

Wondering about Puerto Vallarta weather in August? It’s the middle of rainy season and it’s hot but with a little bit of planning you can still have a great trip. Keep reading for what to expect and a few tips.

Is Mexico Safe? Advice From a Solo Female Traveler

Despite the fact that Mexico is one of the most popular destinations in the world the question is Mexico safe is what I’m asked about most often. Let’s take a look at some official data and talk about it.

5 Essential Apps for Traveling in Mexico

Traveling to Mexico can be challenging and leave you feeling a bit lost if you aren’t prepared. But with the right tools it’s no problem. In this article, I’m sharing my favorite 5 apps for traveling in Mexico that I use every time.

Traveling to Cabo San Lucas | Where to Stay + What to Eat

Cabo San Lucas is one of the most popular destinations in Mexico. With its gorgeous beaches and aquamarine waters, succulent food and seafood and water activities galore, you can see why travelers love it. Check out my top picks for where to stay, how to get around and the best tacos in CSL!

20 Exciting Things To Do in Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas offers a multitude of exciting activities for visitors to enjoy. From thrilling water sports to visiting iconic landmarks like the Arch of Cabo, there’s something for first timers, cruisers and repeat visitors. Read my list of things to do in Cabo San Lucas to help find the perfect activity.

How Do You Say Puerto Vallarta?

Puerto Vallarta is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches and friendly people but just exactly how do you say Puerto Vallarta? In this article, you’ll learn how to pronounce it the right way once and for all.

How to Spend 24 Hours in Guadalajara

Traveling through Guadalajara or have a layover there? You’d be surprised how much you can see a in a day with a walking tour, a couple of museums and of course a delicious torta ahogada – here’s how to spend 24 hours in Guadalajara and explore the historic center.

The Perfect Weekend in Mexico City: a 3 Day Itinerary

A weekend in Mexico City is plenty of time to experience the city’s history, culture and energy if you plan well. Explore historic sites and world-class museums, sample street food and wander green parks in the best city in the world! Here’s how.

7 Best Day Trips from Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is known for its stunning beaches and friendly people. However, sometimes it’s nice to venture outside the city and explore the surrounding areas. Luckily, there are many beautiful beaches just a short ride away. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best beach day trips from Puerto Vallarta.

Two Days in Sayulita: Sun + Sand + Seafood

Get ready for two-days of adventure in Sayulita. This cute surf town is the perfect escape to soak up some sun. With its quirky art scene, beautiful beaches and laid-back vibe, Sayulita is a destination that shouldn’t be missed.

México lindo y querido
Si muero lejos de ti
Que digan que estoy dormido
Y que me traigan aquíjorge negrete

Jose Negrete