Mexico is one of the world's great travel destinations — impossibly diverse, deeply historical, extraordinarily beautiful and home to what many consider the world's greatest cuisine. From the ancient pyramids of Teotihuacan to the turquoise waters of the Caribbean coast, from the colonial silver cities of the highlands to the mezcal bars of Oaxaca, Mexico offers experiences that stay with you for a lifetime.
When to visit
November to April is the dry season and the best time to visit most of Mexico. The Pacific and Caribbean coasts are at their best.
December to March is peak season, particularly in beach resorts. Book accommodation well in advance.
May to October brings the wet season, with afternoon rain in most regions. Cheaper and less crowded, with lush landscapes.
Hurricane season (June to November) affects the Caribbean coast — Cancún and the Yucatán Peninsula are most at risk from August onwards.
Top destinations
Mexico City — One of the world's great megacities, more manageable and rewarding than its size suggests. The historic centre (Zócalo, Metropolitan Cathedral, Palacio de Bellas Artes), the floating gardens of Xochimilco, the bohemian neighbourhoods of Coyoacán and Roma, the extraordinary Museo Nacional de Antropología and the street food — particularly tacos de canasta and tlayudas — make Mexico City one of the most exciting cities on earth.
Oaxaca — The cultural and culinary heartland of Mexico. The state capital is a UNESCO World Heritage city of baroque churches and excellent mezcal bars. The surrounding villages produce world-class textiles, pottery and chocolate. The food — mole negro, tlayudas, chapulines (grasshoppers) — is remarkable.
Cancún and the Riviera Maya — The Caribbean coast offers turquoise water, white sand, excellent snorkelling in the world's second-largest coral reef, and the extraordinary Mayan ruins of Tulum and Chichén Itzá.
San Cristóbal de las Casas — A colonial highland city in Chiapas, surrounded by indigenous Maya communities, waterfalls and canyons. Cooler than the coast, deeply atmospheric.
Guanajuato — One of Mexico's most beautiful colonial cities, built in a ravine with coloured buildings cascading down the hillsides. The university town has a vibrant cultural life and is famous for its mummies.
Puerto Vallarta — A charming Pacific coast resort town that has maintained its Mexican character despite becoming a major tourist destination. The malecón, the old town (Zona Romántica) and the beaches north of the city are all excellent.
Copper Canyon (Barranca del Cobre) — Larger than the Grand Canyon, this network of canyons in Chihuahua is best explored on the legendary Chepe train.
Getting around
Domestic flights with Aeroméxico, VivaAerobus and Volaris connect major cities cheaply. ADO buses are comfortable, safe and connect most tourist destinations efficiently. Uber operates in most major cities and is reliable. Driving is possible but requires research — some areas have security concerns.
Food you must try
- Tacos al pastor — Spit-roasted pork marinated in dried chillies and pineapple, served in a small corn tortilla. Mexico's greatest street food.
- Mole negro — Oaxaca's extraordinary sauce of over 30 ingredients including dried chillies, chocolate and spices, slow-cooked for hours.
- Ceviche — Fresh seafood marinated in lime juice with chilli, coriander and red onion. Best on the coast.
- Chiles en nogada — Seasonal (August–September) stuffed peppers in walnut cream sauce with pomegranate seeds. A national dish.
- Tamales — Masa dough stuffed with meat or cheese, wrapped in corn husks and steamed.
- Mezcal — Mexico's smoky agave spirit. Try it neat in Oaxaca where it's produced.
Practical tips
- Water: Drink only bottled or purified water throughout Mexico.
- Safety: Research current conditions in specific areas before travel. Mexico City, Oaxaca, the Yucatán and the Pacific beach resorts are generally safe for tourists.
- Visas: Most nationalities receive a 180-day tourist permit on arrival.
- Currency: Mexican Peso (MXN). Card acceptance is growing but cash is often preferred.
- Altitude: Mexico City sits at 2,240 metres — take it easy on the first day.
Staying connected in Mexico
4G coverage is excellent in cities and tourist areas. Rural and remote areas can be patchy. Get an InstantESIMs Mexico eSIM before you fly — plans start from $2.
