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Home » North America » Mexico

Mexico Travel Guide

This Mexico travel guide will help you plan your next vacation.

Mexico is vibrant and colourful.

What draws us to Mexico are those stories we heard as a kid of Cortés, the Aztecs, and the Maya and wanting to see and explore the ruins myself. Beyond sites like Tulum and Chichén Itzá, Mexico has so much to offer including the pristine beaches of the Gulf coast and Yucatán Peninsula, the charming streets of Guanajuato, and Oaxaca’s mountain cloud forests.

best hostels in tulum
Notable Places

Discover Mexico

Use the map to start exploring, we recommend you start with our 48-hours in Guanajuato itinerary to start your trip.

Explore in 48-hours

Quick Guide to Mexico

  • Currency: Mexican Peso (MXN)
  • Language: Spanish
  • Emergency Number: 911
  • Tipping: 10–15% in restaurants; small tips for porters, guides, and drivers are appreciated.
  • Fun Fact #1: Mexico is home to 35 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including ancient ruins, colonial cities, and natural wonders.
  • Fun Fact #2: Mexico is home to the world’s largest pyramid (the Great Pyramid of Cholula) and the largest coral reef in the Northern Hemisphere. 
  • Fun Fact #3: These iconic Mexican spirits are produced from agave plants and are a major part of the country’s cultural identity. 

Where to Stay in Mexico

Accommodation options range from luxury beach resorts in Cancún and Los Cabos to boutique hotels in colonial towns like San Miguel de Allende, and budget-friendly hostels in Mexico City. Rural haciendas and eco-lodges offer unique cultural and nature-based stays.

Start by planning out where you would like to visit and then search for accommodation in those areas. We use Booking.com for all our hotel stays, many hotels have pay later offers and you can build up your Genius level to get discounts on your stays. 

CHECK BOOKING.COM

48 hours guanajuato itinerary featured aerial view over city

48 Hours In Guanajuato Itinerary In Mexico

Mexico
Although easily passed up by most travelers coming to Mexico, Guanajuato is one city that shouldn’t be missed. With…
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Mexico
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How to Get Around Mexico

Domestic flights are ideal for covering long distances between regions. Buses are reliable, comfortable, and a budget-friendly way to travel between cities. In urban areas, rideshare apps like Uber operate in many places, but official taxis are safer when pre-booked. Renting a car is popular for exploring the Yucatán Peninsula, Baja California, or off-the-beaten-path destinations.

SEARCH FOR A RENTAL CAR

Must-Visit Places in Mexico

  • Mexico City: Zócalo, Frida Kahlo Museum, Teotihuacán pyramids
  • Yucatán Peninsula: Chichén Itzá, Tulum, cenotes, Playa del Carmen
  • Oaxaca: Colorful markets, Monte Albán ruins, traditional mezcal distilleries
  • Baja California: Whale watching, beaches, Valle de Guadalupe wine region
  • San Miguel de Allende: Charming colonial streets, artisan shops, vibrant art scene
Stay Connected

Don’t waste time hunting for SIM cards or stressing about roaming. With an eSIM, you can get connected as soon as you land and stay online wherever your adventures take you.

🔗 Check out our guide to the cheapest eSIMs for international travel.

Find the cheapest eSIM

Mexican Food to Try

Mexican cuisine is rich, diverse, and recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. Don’t miss:

  • Tacos al Pastor: Marinated pork with pineapple, served on corn tortillas
  • Tamales: Corn dough filled with meats, cheeses, or vegetables, wrapped in husks and steamed
  • Mole: Complex sauce made from chilies, spices, and sometimes chocolate, often served over chicken
  • Chiles en Nogada: Stuffed poblano peppers topped with walnut sauce and pomegranate seeds
  • Elote: Grilled corn on the cob, slathered with mayo, cheese, and chili powder

Top 5 Things To Bring On Every Trip

  1. Travel Insurance: Protect yourself against unforeseen events like trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.
  2. Power Bank: Keep your devices charged on the go, ensuring you stay connected and capture every moment.
  3. Universal Travel Adapter: A must-have for international travelers to plug in and power up devices in different countries.
  4. Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated while reducing plastic waste; many destinations have refill stations available.
  5. Packing Cubes: Organize your luggage efficiently, making it easier to find items and maximize space.

Top Day Tours to Discover Mexico

  • Sian Ka’an Reserve: Drift through this UNESCO-listed biosphere aboard ancient Maya canals linking mangroves, jungles, lagoons, and the Caribbean. Navigate diverse ecosystems, spot manatees, crocodiles, and birds, swim in crystalline channels, explore hidden Maya ruins like Muyil, and savor authentic Mayan cuisine, all while supporting conservation-focused community tourism.
  • Teotihuacan, Tlatelolco & Basilica of Guadalupe: Delve into Mexico’s layered heritage, traverse the ‘Plaza of Three Cultures’ at Tlatelolco where pre-Hispanic ruins, colonial churches, and modern architecture converge. Visit the awe-inspiring Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the world’s most-visited Marian shrine, then climb the Pyramid of the Sun in Teotihuacan’s ‘City of the Gods’, a powerful immersion in spirituality, history, and monumental beauty.
  • Rio Lagartos & Las Coloradas: Take a day to the dramatic shores north of Riviera Maya for flamingo-filled mangrove cruises through the Ría Lagartos UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, home to thousands of pink Caribbean flamingos, crocodiles, and rich birdlife. Then, marvel at the surreal pink-hued salt lakes of Las Coloradas under vast tropical skies.
  • Chichen Itza, Cenote & Valladolid: Get away from Cancun for the day to explore local ancient sites and natural beauty. Explore the awe-inspiring Temple of Kukulcán at Chichén Itzá, take a refreshing swim in a sacred cenote once central to Mayan rituals, savor authentic Yucatecan cuisine, and stroll through the charming colonial town of Valladolid.

Latest in Mexico

48 hours guanajuato itinerary featured aerial view over city

48 Hours In Guanajuato Itinerary In Mexico

Mexico
Although easily passed up by most travelers coming to Mexico, Guanajuato is one city that shouldn't be missed. With...
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Ancient ruins, turquoise waters washing up onto white sand beaches, and mysterious freshwater cenotes. There's something magical about Tulum....
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