Mexico – Destination Guide

Mexico is a place where history is not tucked away in museums but woven into everyday life. Ancient civilisations, colonial legacies, and modern creativity sit side by side, shaping a country rich in colour, flavour, and ritual. From high-altitude cities alive with art and street food to jungle ruins, desert coastlines, and vibrant festivals, Mexico is immersive, soulful, and endlessly rewarding for travellers willing to engage with its depth.

🗺️ Regions to Explore

Mexico City

A vast and dynamic capital built atop ancient foundations, Mexico City is one of the world’s great cultural hubs, blending history, creativity, and a legendary food scene.

• Museum and gallery exploration
• Historic centre walking routes
• Street food and contemporary dining

Michoacán

Deeply traditional and closely tied to nature, Michoacán offers powerful cultural experiences shaped by Indigenous heritage and seasonal phenomena.

• Monarch butterfly migration sites
• Traditional villages and artisan crafts
• Day of the Dead celebrations

Yucatán Peninsula

Defined by Maya heritage and Caribbean coastline, the Yucatán combines archaeology, jungle landscapes, and relaxed beach culture.

• Ancient Maya ruins
• Cenote swimming and cave systems
• Coastal towns and reef access

Oaxaca

Creative, expressive, and proudly Indigenous, Oaxaca is a centre for traditional food, textiles, and ritual.

• Traditional markets and artisan workshops
• Mezcal producing regions
• Regional festivals and cuisine

Baja California

Where desert meets ocean, Baja California is dramatic and untamed, with a growing reputation for wine and slow coastal travel.

• Whale watching experiences
• Surf beaches and coastal drives
• Valle de Guadalupe wine region

✈️ Getting There

Mexico is well connected with direct and one stop international flights from North America, Europe, and Latin America.

Primary International Arrival Airports

• Benito Juárez International Airport, Mexico City (MEX)
• Cancún International Airport (CUN)
• Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport, Tulum (TQO)
• Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport, Guadalajara (GDL)
• Los Cabos International Airport (SJD)

Arrival transfers include authorised taxis, rideshare services in major cities, private transfers, domestic flights for long distances, and comfortable long distance buses connecting most regions.

🛏️ Where to Stay

Luxury

Mexico offers standout luxury accommodation ranging from urban design hotels to remote beach resorts.

• High end city hotels in Mexico City and Guadalajara
• Boutique beach resorts in Tulum and the Riviera Maya
• Vineyard lodges in Valle de Guadalupe

Mid Range

Comfortable and stylish options are widely available and often locally owned.

• Well located city hotels
• Beachfront properties outside major resort zones
• Hacienda style stays in colonial towns

Boutique or Budget

Ideal for travellers seeking character and value.

• Boutique guesthouses in Oaxaca and Mérida
• Small eco lodges in rural regions
• Budget hotels and hostels in major cities

🗓️ Best Time to Visit

Mexico is a year round destination, with conditions varying by region. November to April is generally the driest and most comfortable period across much of the country. May to October brings warmer temperatures and increased rainfall, particularly in the Yucatán Peninsula.

Peak season runs from December to April, while shoulder months such as May and November offer fewer crowds and good value. Seasonal highlights include monarch butterfly migration from November to March and Día de los Muertos in late October and early November.

💰 Money

• Local currency is the Mexican Peso (MXN)
• Credit cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas
• Cash is essential for markets, small towns, and tips
• ATMs are widely available
• Tipping is customary, usually 10 to 15 percent in restaurants

🍽️ Food and Drink

Food is central to Mexican culture, with each region offering its own flavours, techniques, and traditions shaped by history and geography.

• Tacos al pastor, tamales, and street corn
• Mole varieties and tlayudas
• Fresh seafood and ceviche
• Birria and slow cooked regional dishes
• Mezcal, tequila, aguas frescas, and hot chocolate

ℹ️ Practical Info

• Electricity uses type A and B plugs with 127V supply
• Tap water is not potable, bottled or filtered water is recommended
• Internet is reliable in cities and tourist regions
• Routine vaccinations should be up to date
• Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended

🗣️ Language

• Spanish is the official language
• English is commonly spoken in tourist regions and larger cities
• Basic Spanish phrases are appreciated and useful

📱 Connectivity

• WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafés, and restaurants
• Mobile coverage is strong in cities and tourist regions, more limited in remote areas
• Using an eSIM is our recommended choice while travelling anywhere in the world, and our recommended provider is Holafly. For more information on eSIMs, check out this blog.

🧳 Packing List

• Lightweight, breathable clothing
• Sun protection including hat and sunscreen
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Swimsuit and sandals
• Light jacket or sweater for evenings and higher elevations
• Insect repellent, particularly in tropical regions

🛂 Visa

• Many nationalities including the US, Canada, UK, EU, Australia, and New Zealand can enter visa free for tourism
• Typical permitted stay is up to 180 days
• Entry requirements can change and should be checked before travel
• Always check the Mexican government immigration website for the latest information

🛡️ Traveller Safety

• Mexico is generally safe for travellers using common sense precautions
• Stick to well travelled areas, particularly at night
• Use authorised taxis, rideshare services, or prearranged transfers
• Avoid displaying valuables in public
• Safety conditions can vary by region, so follow local advice

🤝 Local Customs and Etiquette

• Greetings are warm and polite, often involving a handshake
• Light cheek kisses are common in social settings
• Casual dress is widely accepted, with modest clothing recommended at religious sites
• Respect local traditions, festivals, and community norms

🌈 LGBTQIA+ Travelers

• Same sex relationships are legal nationwide
• Mexico is generally welcoming, especially in major cities and coastal destinations
• Mexico City, Puerto Vallarta, and the Riviera Maya have visible LGBTQIA+ communities
• Attitudes may be more conservative in rural areas, but travellers are typically treated with respect

Why Visit?

Whether you’re hiking through butterfly forests, wandering ancient ruins, or savoring tacos in a bustling market, Mexico is a destination that stays with you. With its warm hospitality, natural beauty, and rich traditions, there’s something magical waiting around every corner.