Maya ruins, colonial old towns and beautiful beaches, Mexico will keep you on your toes. It would take multiple lifetimes to do Mexico’s queso-fuelled food scene, cactus-dotted vistas and crumbling Mayan ruins justice. There’s a lot to see and to eat, and there’s only so much space for tacos in the average human stomach.
Check out my top tips for going backpacking in Mexico, including tips for where to go, what to do, and how to save money.
Mexico Travel Resources
These are my favourite companies to use when I travel.
• Search cheap flights with Skyscanner.
• Find the best deals on hotels on Booking.com.
Mexico Facts
• Capital City: Mexico City
• Currency: Mexican Peso, MXN
• Language: Spanish
• Time Zone: -6 GMT, -7 GMT, -8 GMT
• Dialling Code: +52
Best Time to Go?
There isn’t a bad time to visit Mexico though be prepared for rather hot and humid weather from May to September. Head inland for cooler temperatures but pack layers if visiting between November and February – the north and centre can get a tad chilly. The hurricane season in Mexico normally runs from June to November and can affect both the Pacific and Atlantic coasts.
Getting There and Away
International flights arrive at Mexico City, Monterrey and Cancun airports and you can fly directly from most major US and European cities- be warned prices are considerably higher at Christmas and in July and August. If crossing overland from Belize, buses run on almost an hourly basis between Belize City and Chetumal. From Guatemala, a handful of bus companies offer services from Guatemala City and Tapachula, Chiapas.
Visas
Tourists visiting Mexico do not need a visa – only a tourist card which is obtained by completing an immigration form available at border crossings or onboard flights. However, if planning to do voluntary work, check with your nearest Mexican Embassy about which type of visa is needed.
Getting Around
The best way to get around is by bus. Mexico has a good road and bus network linking most major destinations and, depending on your budget, you can travel deluxe – complete with reclining seats, air con and snacks – first class, which offers adequate levels of comfort or the less glamorous second class. As an alternative take a Colectivo, a shared taxi, or minibus to shuttle between towns. Flying is also an option but can be quite costly.
Mexico Tours
• Browse small group adventure tours with G Adventures or Contiki.
Best Things to See and Do
Here are some of the most popular tourist attractions in Mexico:
Mexico City
Ask any Mexican and they’ll tell you (with zero bias, obviously) that Mexico City is the best city in the world. Bar none. And I can kind of see their point. It has the shopping, culture, nightlife, history, to match it with any other city. It’s also home to the largest museum in Latin America and one of the top restaurants in the world, Quintonil. Plus you’ve the ruins of the great Aztec empire, Tenochtitlán, just outside the city. Pro tip: allow more than a week to explore Mexico City. This ain’t no stopover jaunt.
Cancun
Once a small fishing village, Cancun has transformed into a popular party destination which is worth writing home about. With sizzling weather and white sandy beaches, the party scene in Cancun blends effortlessly from day to night. The strip has the main clubs, with countless to choose from depending on your music taste.
With a Caribbean flare, Cancun and nearby Playa del Carmen are the perfect places for combining a unique culture with the perfect party atmosphere, not to mention some of the most delicious food in the world! Both have beautiful beach fronts perfect to relax and soak up some sun, or take part in the many water based activities on offer such as snorkelling.
There are also some great day trips available include to the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza, a giant stone pyramid and excellent example of Mayan architecture. Check out this amazing Mexico and Belize itinerary I recommend if you have a few weeks to explore this region.
Manzanillo
Manzanillo is a Pacific Ocean port city and resort in the Mexican state of Colima and is home to some of the best beaches in the region like Playa La Audiencia.
Barra de Navidad
Barra de Navidad is Mexico’s best kept secret, a stunning hidden away little village about 45 minutes North of Manzanillo.
Puebla
Two hours from Mexico City is the site where the famous Cinco de Mayo battle took place. Puebla has a rich and varied history, which you’ll learn about while snacking on traditional dishes like mole, chiles en nogada, camotes, and cemitas. Two volcanos, Popocatépetl and Iztaccihuatl, serve as backdrop, and the city’s chock full of cool architecture, narrow laneways and colourful streets. In Valsequillo, there’s also a safari park, Africam Safari where you can check out wildlife from around the world.
Oaxaca
Oaxaca is the cultural mecca of Mexico and the day trip to two Mayan villages is a must, for it offers an incredible look into Mayan culture.
Visiting local families and sampling their freshly-made tortillas (cooked on a wood stove infront of you) and kicking a football around with the children allow an insight into a culture and a simple way of life where the family is one of the most important things.
The local markets offer fruit, veg and clothes, and the spiritual feeling one gets when stepping into a church where shaman is still practiced is overwhelming, no matter what your religion. You feel truly touched by an historical culture.
Chiapas
Lying on the southernmost part of Mexico’s border with Guatemala, Chiapas is blessed with natural beauties like El Cañon del Sumidero, La Selva Lacandona, Agua Azul (just jump on Google images). You’ll also find the underrated Mayan ruins of Bonampak, which don’t make it onto many travel itineraries. And not far from the capital city, Tuxtla Gutierrez, is our fav town in the whole country: San Cristobal de las Casas.
The Mayan Riviera
Heard of it? That’s cool – not many have. The riviera is where you come for beaches. Sugar-white, photoshopped ridiculous beaches. Beaches like Xpu Ha and Xcacel where the food is delicious and the landscape outrageous.
As with most of Mexico, you’ll find Mayan ruins strewn about almost everywhere, a blend of old and new, thriving Mayan communities that welcome travellers that are keen to learn about an ancient way of life.
If you’re in the mood for a road trip (and who isn’t?) load up the van and head south to the beaches of Bacalar, Sian Kaan, or Mahahual. They’re some of the best in the world.
Jalisco
How could you visit Mexico and not drop in on the birthplace of tequila?
The romantic Guadalajara, capital city of Jalisco, is obviously a must see, but close to the state’s capital is the stunning beach town of Puerto Vallarta, brimming with resorts, night life and finger-licking street markets. And yep, the tequila flows freely all night long.
Definitely one for the connoisseurs. Bucerias is also well worth a visit, this is a lesser known Mexican destination, but is well worth a visit if you are on Mexico’s Pacific Coast. Bucerias is a great day trip from Puerto Vallarta and if you are in this region you might want to also visit Sayulita, a relaxed hippy coastal town popular with surfers.
Morelos
Known as the City of the Eternal Spring, due to its mild weather, Morelos is pretty close to Mexico City. Cuernavaca, the capital, is known as the place where the rich and famous come to shop, and where million-dollar villas, swimming pools and tennis courts almost outnumber people.
Of course there’s a range of budget accomm too if all that’s a little outside your pay grade. And the scenery is stunning. Definitely make time for a hike up Tepozteco, a mountain with a pyramid top. You get a great view of the surrounding valley.
Yucatan
Of course I had to include Yucatan, the thrumming peninsula motor that drives most of Mexico’s tourism. One of the seven wonders of the world. Food here is amazing and you have to try the cochinita pibil, panuchos, papadzules and codzitos with tongue-searing habanero sauce.
You can wash it all down with horchata water. Nature lovers should head north to Valladolid or Holbox where you can see swim with whale sharks or watch flamingoes in their natural habitat.
Merida
The capital city of Yucatan, Merida, also known as the White City, is home to great Mayan ruins like Uxmal, and it’s only thirty minutes away from the grand-daddy of them all, Chichen Itza. Merida is the largest city of the Mexican State of Yucatan.
Yucatan Peninsula is now known for having the largest group of modern Maya. The Maya’s were first found by Europeans in 1511 when a group of Spanish shipwreck survivors arrived in Yucatan. The Maya is a Mesoamerican civilisation. It is most known for its fully developed written language of the pre-Colombian Americas. Merida is most popular for its Maya architecture.
A spectacle to see, architecture that spans from thousands of years, the Mayan style is unique, and an amazing experience for the tourist. For those interested, Mel Gibson’s 2006 film, Apocalypto depicts the last days of the Mayan civilisation.
The Climate in Merida is tropical and warm. In Yucatan the average highest temperature is 28 Celsius. The hottest months are June to August but the region is generally warm all year round making it a great winter getaway.
Guanajuato
Fittingly for the jewel city in the centre of Mexico, Guanajuato was founded by Spanish conquistadors who were mining for silver. The town has a well-preserved colonial vibe, complete with narrow cobbled lanes that draw you into the past.
Almost every corner is home to a legend or a haunted place with a story to tell – you really need a local guide to soak it all in properly. The mummies of Guanajuato is another popular drawcard for travellers, as well as the yearly El Festival Internacional Cervantino, Latin America’s most prestigious arts festival.
Acapulco
Acapulco is a major seaport in the state of Guerrero at Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. It used to be a getaway destination for many American celebrities, but now it caters more to the spring break crowd, both from the United States and from other countries. It is also a popular port of destination for many cruise lines.
Holiday goers to Acapulco can engage in various water sports such as jet skiing, parasailing, scuba diving, sailing and snorkeling. Climbing and cliff diving is also popular in Acapulco. The nightlife is also vibrant in Acapulco, with many dance clubs playing the latest dance tracks popular among Americans and among Hispanics. For the older set, there are ballrooms that specialize in dances like the salsa.
Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas is a small resort town located on the southernmost tip of the peninsula of Baja California. Its golden beaches, featured in the Brad Pitt movie Troy, and its close proximity to the southern counties of California in the United States have made Cabo San Lucas a popular destination among college students from San Diego and Orange County on their spring break.
Ensenada
Ensenada is another resort town located in Baja California. Located some 120 kilometers from the US border in California, it is a popular stop for short cruise trips coming from Los Angeles. Aside from its lovely beaches, Ensenada is also a favorite destination among surfers and windsurfers. Because gray whales migrate to Ensenada from Alaska during the winter season to bear young, whale watching is also a popular activity in Ensenada.
Monterrey
Monterrey is located in the northeastern Mexican state of Nuevo León, is a sprawling business and industrial center fringed by mountains.
Cenotes
From taking a hot air balloon over the huge pyramids at Teotihuacan to sampling the traditional mole poblano, Mexico is no stranger to bucket-list experiences. One of my favourite activities is to swim in the underground freshwater pools, otherwise known as cenotes.
Mexico Money Saving Tips
If you are watching the economy it is very easy to get depressed and not plan any trips. However, now is actually the time to travel, it is the time to see the world, to discover your inner backpacker and to explore cheap destinations like Mexico.
With that in mind I have already written lots of articles one my travel blog, but what about trying to travel on a budget as a tourist in Mexico? One of the first things visitors notice is that Mexico is not as cheap as they expected it to be. Prices in Mexico can easily be as expensive as any high-class resort or city in the US. Is it possible to travel in Mexico for cheap?
The answer: Yes!
You can travel in Mexico for $30 a day (including accommodations).
If you want to travel cheap, come with a friend so the cost of accommodations can be shared between the two of you. However, staying at the cheapest hotel in Mexico can ruin your vacation if it is not clean and comfortable.
Also if you on a tight budget you do not need a pool, spa, or other luxuries. Gorgeous and relaxing beaches are just minutes away no matter where you are, and there is tons to explore for fun.
It is very possible to travel in cheaply and these suggestions are focused on Mexico but you can take the principles and travel cheap anywhere in the world. Remember: Be smart, be safe, but most of all have fun!
Sample budget breakdown:
• Comfortable Rooming-$40-$50/day (traveling with friend cuts expense in half or staying in hostels)
• Food- $10-$15/day
• Transportation- $2-$10/day
• Activities and other expenses- $10/day
• Grand total: $62-$85 a day.
• With a friend: $42-$60 a day
Note this was written with the peso at 10/1. Now the peso is at around 14/1 for USD. That means the $45 a day just became about $27 a day!!
Food & Drink
When you’re not exploring Chichén Itza, swimming in a hidden cenote or sunbathing, I guarantee you’ll be eating your way around the country. Think tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, tostadas, the list goes on. Oaxaca is the gastronomy hotspot of Mexico, with an explosion of flavours, colours and tastes to suit everyone. Whether you are a meat lover, vegetarian, vegan or want to try the best local cheese in Mexico, this country truly has it all. To get up with local customs view my guide with information about including do I need to tip in Mexico.
Festivals
The Day of the Dead, or “Dia de los Muertos” in Mexico and among Mexican immigrants. It is a colorful and very unique holiday with indigenous roots. Modern Mexicans often pay tribute to their deceased relatives and ancestors on this date, and offerings (“ofertas”) are typically made. This is a fun holiday to experience for those studying Spanish in Mexico.
Often, families will clean and festoon the graves of their loved ones with flowers, food, toys, and even tequila! Some will construct shrines and memorials in their home, often with Catholic adornments like crucifixes or virgin Mary statuettes. Friends and family alike will recall fun stories and memories of their loved ones, and sometimes parades are held.
The Day of the Dead involves lots of colorful and fun yet symbolic imagery. Traditionally, Mexicans decorate or display skulls (“calaveras”), and “sugar skulls” are molded. The skull and skeleton are dark images of death brought to life with flowers, namely yellow marigolds, as a reminder that death is a natural part of life, and that the dead can be remembered fondly.
Vaccinations and Health
Malaria is common in rural parts of Mexico so if travelling to these areas protect yourself from insect bites and cover up where possible. Dengue Fever is also a problem so take the same precautions. Tetanus, diphtheria and Hepatitis A vaccinations are recommended. Steer clear of drinking tap water and ice in drinks – keep to boiled or bottled water at all times.
Crime and Safety
There are so many reasons to visit Mexico, but while this country may be well known for the beautiful and diverse locations, it is also known for the crime including drug wars. Whenever you plan to travel to Mexico you should also plan to take precautions to protect yourself but also realise that millions of tourists visit Mexico every year and very few encounter any problems.
One of the biggest dangers related to traveling in Mexico is the petty theft that typically occurs in the larger cities. Of course, it may not seem petty to you when someone sidles up next to you and either snatches your bag or picks your pocket.
To protect yourself from this common crime, it’s always a good idea to wear any valuable beneath your clothing, keep your jewelry to a minimum and never carry all your cash on you. This way, if you are a victim of crime you won’t be caught completely stranded.
Also keep in mind that you should photocopy your important documents and all credit cards just in case you are a victim of theft.
Mugging is not quite as common, but it definitely occurs as well. Remember that no matter what the mugger is trying to take from you, it’s not worth your life. Giving them what they want is always the best policy.
Some of the more high profile and publicized crimes in Mexico have been related to kidnappings of tourists. This is very rare and the best way you can protect yourself if travelling independently from becoming such a victim is to always be aware of your surroundings and try to avoid travel at night as much as possible. Also, stick to well traveled highways and avoid roads that are less well known.
In addition, some crimes have occurred inside taxis in Mexico have received a lot of press as well. While it can be difficult to discern which cab driver will harm you and which one won’t, the best course of action is to avoid any taxi cabs you may see cruising the streets and instead to use an official taxi service which can usually be arranged from your hotel.
When using your credit card or obtaining money from an ATM, it’s best to always be cautious. Never use an ATM that isn’t well lit or located in a secure location. Also, it’s best to avoid taking out money at night; when you are at your most vulnerable. Always make it a point to keep your credit card in site at all times and be on guard that it’s not swiped twice. This is an easy way for a less than honest vendor or employee to obtain your information, leaving you holding the bag for fraudulent charges.
Something else to consider is to always make it a practice to never accept any food or beverages from anyone that you do not know. Doing so can put at risk of being drugged; in which case you could easily become the victim of robbery, assault and worse. This is sometime to be cautious about in party hotspots like Cancun and Play del Carmen.
One of the safest ways to travel in Mexico is sticking to the main touristy areas, avoiding places with high crime rates and also booking a tour. On an organised small group tour you’ll get to travel with others, and get taken to the best locations with a Spanish speaking guide.