Mexico Travel Guides

Mexico is filled with places to visit for every type of trip. From beautiful white sand beaches to rugged mountains to bustling cities, Mexico has it all. Some of the most popular destinations in Mexico include:

• Mexico City – One of the five largest metro areas in the world, Mexico City is home to incredible dining, nightlife, museums, parks, and tons of fun things to do.
• Tulum – Sure, it’s a little touristy (maybe too touristy), but there is no denying that Tulum has some of the best beaches – and luxury hotels – in the world.
• Playa del Carmen – The digital nomad capital of the Yucatan, Playa del Carmen is a great base for exploring the many beaches, cenotes, and attractions around the peninsula.
• Valladolid – Our favorite little town in Mexico. Home to some of the best cenotes in the country, plus very near to the famous ruins at Chichen Itza.
• Puerto Vallarta – The most popular of the Pacific Coast Mexican destinations, Puerto Vallarta offers a stunning scene where mountains melt into the sea.
• Cozumel – A quieter island (at least when cruise ships aren’t docked) just off the Caribbean coast. Come to snorkel or dive the world’s second biggest barrier reef.
• Guanajuato – One of the most colorful cities you’ll ever visit.
• San Miguel de Allende – A historic desert town that has become a haven for artists.
• Oaxaca – The perfect place to go for mezcal, food, and history.
• Cabo San Lucas – Located on the tip of the Baja Peninsula, this Pacific Coast destination offers incredible diving.
• El Cuyo – A hidden gem on the Gulf Coast. This tiny fishing village sports incredible white san beaches. Like Holbox because it became popular!

👉 Read the full list of best places to visit in Mexico.

🗓️ Best Time to Visit

December to April is typically high season for Mexico. In most of the country, these months correspond to drier and cooler weather. But Mexico has a wide variety of regions, altitudes, and climates, so it is possible to find somewhere to go in Mexico year-round.

👉 Read our full guide to the best times to visit Mexico.

⚠️ Safety

Despite what you may have heard, Mexico is generally safe destination for tourists. Just know have been some recent high profile safety issues in Playa del Carmen and in Tulum where tourists got caught in cartel crossfire. Practice common sense and caution, make sure you have travel insurance for Mexico, and check the latest US State Department travel advisories for your destination.

👉 Tips & Things to Know

• 🚻 – Restrooms Marked “M” are for Women – A door marked “m” means the restroom is for mujeres (women). Men use restrooms with a C (caballeros) or H (hombres).
• 🚗 – Mexico Drives on the Left – Like the United States, Mexico drives on the left and passes on the right.
• 🧻 – Toilet Paper Goes in the Bin – Most places in Mexico do not have pipes that can handle flushing toilet paper. Instead, you’ll find a bin to put it in.
• 🚘 – Watch Out for Car Rental Scams – A common one is to sell Mexico car rentals at too-good-to-be-true prices (sometimes even $1/day) and then upcharge for “mandatory” and very expensive insurance.
• 💵 – Always Pay with Pesos – In tourist areas, you’ll find that US dollars are often accepted. But the exchange rate is terrible compared to paying with the local currency.

👉 See all Mexico travel tips.

🧳 What to Pack

• ⛱️ Quick Drying Towel – Whether you’re on the beach, in a cenote, or a hotel pool, it’s always handy to have your own towel around.
• 🦺 – Travel Insurance – Traveling is risky, especially these days. Be sure to get travel insurance covering Mexico to protect your trip.
• 🌞 – Sunscreen – The sun does not kid around in Mexico. You’ll get burned quickly unless you bring sunscreen. If snorkeling, make sure it is reef safe.
• 💊 – Travel Medicine – Montezuma’s revenge is a real thing. Bringing along a handful of basic medications will come in handy when needed.
• 💧 – Water Bottle – The water is definitely not safe to drink in Mexico. You can buy plastic bottles, but to help the environment and save case, pack your own.

👉 See full Mexico packing list.

🤓 Facts & Info

• Population – 129 million
• Capital – Mexico City
• Currency – Peso (1 usd = 20 pesos)
• Language – Spanish
• Plugs – Type A or B, 120V / 60Hz

💵 Budgeting & Money

Mexico is, generally speaking, a relatively affordable travel destination. Although prices can spike in popular tourist areas like Tulum and Puerto Vallarta, particularly during peak times, overall Mexico is very affordable. Credit cards are generally accepted in tourist areas, though many places still only take cash. ATMs are widely available.