Mexico travel guide

Mexico Tourism | Mexico Guide

You're Going to Love Mexico

From sandy beaches to deserts and bustling cities, Mexico will take you in and will delight you with its sunsets, tacos and not-to-miss fiestas.

What to do in Mexico

1. Visit Mexico City

A trip to Mexico needs to start in the capital, where you can marvel at the historic city center, hang out at Zocalo plaza, and pay a visit to famous artist Frida Kahlo's house, which has been turned into a museum.

2. Explore Mayan Ruins

Head to the Yucatan Peninsula where you can learn about the Mayas and visit some historical sites, such as the Mayan Port City of Tulum, Mayan cities Chichen Itza and Coba, and pyramid temple El Castillo.

3. Go For a Ride on El Chepe Train

The Ferrocarril Chihuahua Pacifico is a full day scenic tourist train ride that crosses over 400 mi, going through farmland, cacti hills, canyons and 37 bridges.

4. Enjoy Nature at Xcaret Park

Both kids and adults will love this park, which is not only about nature, but has an aquarium, a zoo, a museum and a cultural center to keep everyone entertained.

5. Relax on the Beach in Cancun

Cancun is where you will find some of the most renowned beaches in the world, such as Playa Del Carmen, which is also home to the Underwater Museum of Art, accessible by scuba diving.

1. Visit Mexico City

A trip to Mexico needs to start in the capital, where you can marvel at the historic city center, hang out at Zocalo plaza, and pay a visit to famous artist Frida Kahlo's house, which has been turned into a museum.

2. Explore Mayan Ruins

Head to the Yucatan Peninsula where you can learn about the Mayas and visit some historical sites, such as the Mayan Port City of Tulum, Mayan cities Chichen Itza and Coba, and pyramid temple El Castillo.

3. Go For a Ride on El Chepe Train

The Ferrocarril Chihuahua Pacifico is a full day scenic tourist train ride that crosses over 400 mi, going through farmland, cacti hills, canyons and 37 bridges.

4. Enjoy Nature at Xcaret Park

Both kids and adults will love this park, which is not only about nature, but has an aquarium, a zoo, a museum and a cultural center to keep everyone entertained.

5. Relax on the Beach in Cancun

Cancun is where you will find some of the most renowned beaches in the world, such as Playa Del Carmen, which is also home to the Underwater Museum of Art, accessible by scuba diving.

When to visit Mexico

Mexico in May
Estimated package price
$566
2 travelers
Flight to Mexico
3 nights at hotel
Mexico in May
Estimated package price
$566
2 travelers
Flight to Mexico
3 nights at hotel

The best time to go to Mexico is during its dry season, from December to April. This is also the high season, so you should book your vacation in advance if you want to visit around this time.

How to Get to Mexico

Entry Requirements

Citizens of a number of countries, including the USA, Australia, Canada and the EU, can enter Mexico visa-free. Citizens of other countries will need to apply for a visa with the consulate in their respective countries prior to arrival.

Plane

Mexico is connected through nonstop flights to a large number of countries, with the most frequent flights coming from the USA. The main local airline is Aeromexico, but there are a number of newer and smaller airlines, with Interjet and Volaris operating some international flights.

Car

Driving into Mexico is possible from the USA, Guatemala and Belize; however, a special permit needs to be requested from the Mexican consulate prior to entry, and in some cases, at the border checkpoints. In addition, you will need to apply for a tourist insurance policy for your vehicle.

Bus

There is a large number of buses that cross into Mexico from the USA, such as Greyhound, Omnibus Mexicanos, El Expresso and Turimex Internacional. The latter 3 are some of the many Mexican companies that offer more frequent services and better rates than their American counterparts. Companies such as ADO/OCC and Linea Dorada cross from Belize and Guatemala respectively.

Entry Requirements

Citizens of a number of countries, including the USA, Australia, Canada and the EU, can enter Mexico visa-free. Citizens of other countries will need to apply for a visa with the consulate in their respective countries prior to arrival.

Plane

Mexico is connected through nonstop flights to a large number of countries, with the most frequent flights coming from the USA. The main local airline is Aeromexico, but there are a number of newer and smaller airlines, with Interjet and Volaris operating some international flights.

Car

Driving into Mexico is possible from the USA, Guatemala and Belize; however, a special permit needs to be requested from the Mexican consulate prior to entry, and in some cases, at the border checkpoints. In addition, you will need to apply for a tourist insurance policy for your vehicle.

Bus

There is a large number of buses that cross into Mexico from the USA, such as Greyhound, Omnibus Mexicanos, El Expresso and Turimex Internacional. The latter 3 are some of the many Mexican companies that offer more frequent services and better rates than their American counterparts. Companies such as ADO/OCC and Linea Dorada cross from Belize and Guatemala respectively.

Popular airlines serving Mexico

Lufthansa
Good (4,666 reviews)
KLM
Good (849 reviews)
SWISS
Good (940 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,541 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,618 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (2,307 reviews)
Air France
Good (983 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,584 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (484 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,962 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (2,120 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,467 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,863 reviews)
Finnair
Good (871 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,176 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (923 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (833 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (5,654 reviews)
ITA Airways
Good (716 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (502 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Mexico

Aside from hotels, which are available throughout the country, Mexico is home to a large number of resorts that are popular among beachgoers, as well as hostels that offer more economic accommodation.

Where to stay in popular areas of Mexico

Most booked hotels in Mexico

Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun
5 stars
Excellent (9, 1787 reviews)
$460+
Hyatt Ziva Cancun
4 stars
Excellent (9, 673 reviews)
$645+
JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa
5 stars
Excellent (8.8, 653 reviews)
$335+
Secrets The Vine Cancun Adults Only
5 stars
Excellent (8.6, 541 reviews)
$432+
Intercontinental Presidente Cancun Resort
5 stars
Excellent (8.4, 1811 reviews)
$198+
Grand Park Royal Cancun
5 stars
Excellent (8.2, 2557 reviews)
$310+

How to Get Around Mexico

Public Transportation

Mexico City has a very good public transport system, which includes an underground metro system as well as buses. In the rest of the country, the main public transportation is in the form of buses.

Bus

There are well over 10 different local bus companies that transport passengers locally and regionally, each operating in a different part of the country. Bus fares are very affordable and cost approximately 10 MXN (0.50 USD) for a single short-distance trip.

Car

To rent a car, you must have had your driver's license for more than two years. If your license is not in English, you'll need an International Driver's Permit to accompany it.

Plane

Local travel by plane is not always convenient due to prices, but there are many airlines operating within the country, such as Aeromexico, Aeromar, Magnicharters and TAR, as well as low cost airlines Interjet, Volaris and VivaAerobus.

Public Transportation

Mexico City has a very good public transport system, which includes an underground metro system as well as buses. In the rest of the country, the main public transportation is in the form of buses.

Bus

There are well over 10 different local bus companies that transport passengers locally and regionally, each operating in a different part of the country. Bus fares are very affordable and cost approximately 10 MXN (0.50 USD) for a single short-distance trip.

Car

To rent a car, you must have had your driver's license for more than two years. If your license is not in English, you'll need an International Driver's Permit to accompany it.

Plane

Local travel by plane is not always convenient due to prices, but there are many airlines operating within the country, such as Aeromexico, Aeromar, Magnicharters and TAR, as well as low cost airlines Interjet, Volaris and VivaAerobus.

The Cost of Living in Mexico

An inexpensive meal costs around 100 MXN (5 USD), while transport will cost around 350 MXN (18 USD) per month. Credit and debit cards are accepted in the major establishments throughout the country; however, you will need cash if you're buying from smaller merchants.