Mexico Travel Guide

Beaches, ruins, natural vistas, eclectic cities; Mexico’s travel options will never run short. No matter what your travel style is, you’ll be able to find a little part of this gloriously diverse country that you’ll fall in love with. 

Mexico went through a bit of a makeover in recent years: with an infamous past of being a dangerous country, efforts to revamp this reputation has been successful. Mexico is hot on the tip of people’s tongues who are looking to embrace culture, nature and tantalising food; Mexico City is where you will see all of this wrapped up in one nice, neat parcel. Travellers with their finger on the pulse are unwrapping it, and there’s no reason why you couldn’t be too!

Mexico today, many people would argue, is a full package. It always has been. With pyramid-like structures like Chichen Itza and Coba, set in the heart of the jungle; Mexico’s pre-Hispanic history is the main draw for many. The Mayan Empire was based around its people, agriculture, and over 150 deities that led to astrological advancements that archaeologists are still learning about today. 

Between the complexes of the Mayan Empire, Mexico’s landscapes attract adventure-seekers like a moth to a flame. The Copper Canyon presents a chance to hop between Mexico’s Magic Towns while hiking a canyon that is longer and deeper than America’s Grand Canyon - it would be rude not to experience this to its fullest! 

To complete Mexico’s package, the finest beaches will take you on a coastal route from Baja California to the southeastern stretches of Quintana Roo. Powdery white sand and cobalt waters beckon your call; it’s just a matter of what one to choose first!

So before you go diving towards Yucatan, finish this guide, and you’ll see Mexico at its full potential.

Mexico is a vast country, so climates vary region to region. However, there are two seasons in Mexico: wet and dry. The wet season, which is roughly from May to November, brings rain, colder temperatures, hurricanes and occasional earthquakes. 

The dry season, from December to May, welcomes warm weather, sometimes scorching hot temperatures and the perfect conditions for enjoying Mexico’s stunning beaches. Depending on the temperatures you are used to, Mexico may be a little too hot, making January and February the perfect months to visit before the heatwave hits.

Whether trekking in the jungle, jumping into pools or ancient ruins are what you are looking for on your Mexico travels, you’ll find it here. You could tick all that off, and more in just one day. Here’s a summary of the very best things to do in Mexico;

Cenotes of Yucatan

Having once been seen as sacred wells to the Mayan people, the cenotes of the Yucatan Peninsula are a defining characteristic of the region. With thousands of them dotted across Yucatan, only the largest attract travellers to their waters while the other more remote cenotes remain playgrounds for local children, and some are still used for rituals. 

The cenotes are considered the gateway to the underworld, and in some ways, they are. Limestone sinkholes and huge cave tunnels systems have been formed by erosion over millennia, some of which are the biggest cave systems in the world; the cenotes are the result of the limestone bedrock collapsing, exposing a magical cavern with stunning turquoise waters. 

The most popular cenotes in Mexico are within close proximity to either Valladolid, Tulum or Cancun, as you will see in this 10-day Yucatan adventure. You can swim and relax in stunning locations such as X’keken, Samula, Yaxbacaltun or Gran Cenote –Tulum’s closest favourite– that offer a natural experience unlike anywhere else in the world!

Mexico City

A city that is on the tip of travellers and nomads tongues, Mexico City is on the rise. Having had a notorious reputation in the past, the city is shaking off its slandering and reinventing itself as an expat haven and favourite weekend escape for American travellers. 

Mexico City has always had the tools to be a travellers haven. It has a culinary undercurrent that has always had the potential to gain strength, a creative scene that flows effortlessly and the architecture and history of the oldest city in the Americas - it’s just taken a while to gain speed. 

Of all the things to do in Mexico City, the Centro Historico is where to start, as you will see in this 14-day colonial cities adventure tour. The only remains of the Aztec empire of Tenochtitlan, Temple Mayor helps you imagine what the city was once like before being introduced to Mexican art with no other than Frida Kahlo, at her museum. 

This only scratches the surface but gives you a good idea of the magic of this city.

Mayan Lands of Chichen Itza and Tulum

Of all of Mexico’s attractions, Chichen Itza is the crown jewel. Regarded as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Chichen Itza was a pre-Hispanic city that today offers us some of the best examples of the grandeur of Mayan and Toltec architecture; it was the epicentre of the Mayan Empire. 

Thought to date back to between 415 and 435 AD, Chichen Itza is evidence of a blend of architectural styles following the Mayan conquest of the Yucatan and the addition of Toltec warriors moving towards the south.

Sitting on the coast of the Yucatan, Tulum is a haven for beach lovers, creatives and those who like to live a simple life. The city has a spark to it that is ignited by its Caribbean coastal location. 

When you are not sunning yourself and enjoying tiki life Mexico-style, Tulum doubles up on interest as the Mayas only fortified port city, of which the ruins are perched on the edge of a cliff on the beach; this was the last inhabited area of the Mayan people and their only fortification. 

To get your fill of the history of the Mayan people and enjoy some beach time at the same time, you can go on a Chichen Itza tour from Tulum or Valladolid, as you’ll see in this 12-day Yucatan Peninsula road trip. You’ll finish the day by cooling down in the cenote that is thought to have been used to position it!

San Jose del Cabo and Baja California

Sitting on the southeastern tip of the Baja California peninsula, the stunning bays edging their way into the coastline find their way to a quiet oasis away from the clubs of Cabo San Lucas; the peaceful San Jose del Cabo. 

This laid-back town breathes the air of its Spanish colonial past which is overrun by the perfume of Mexican heritage. For years, this was the only town in the Bajo California peninsula, and you can feel it. However, they had a secret, and you’ll find it as you approach the palm-fringed bays and look out to the Sea of Cortez, this little town is a living paradise. 

No matter whether you are looking to go kayaking, scuba diving, snorkelling or just catch up on your book under a palm tree; this little town will pack a punch, as you will discover on this all-inclusive Cabo trip. 

When you are wrinkled from too much time in the water, you’ll have time to stroll around the charming streets of San Jose del Cabo, sample the diverse food scene and learn a little about the days of seafarers that gave this small town a multicultural edge.

Bus

Mexico is well served by private buses that are frequent, safe and efficient. When in Mexico’s cities, you’ll find that the public buses, which are called camiones, will get you from A to B like a local. For longer distances, there are two options: “directo” which, as the name suggests, has less stops for longer journeys.  

Fly

Mexico is big, so if you are short on time, plan your route via destinations with airports. With bus times between cities taking over 10 hours on average, if you don’t have a lot of time to see all that you want to, booking flights between your chosen destinations comes highly recommended. Domestic flights in Mexico come cheap out of season, so plan ahead and get the best deal!

Taxi

Taxi services in Mexico can be cheap and convenient if you know what to do! Try to get taxis away from major sightseeing spots and make sure to only get in a taxi with a meter. If in doubt, Uber also operates in 30 different cities.

Train

There are no train services to get you around the country, however, there are Metro lines in the major cities of Guadalajara, Mexico City and Monterey. 

The only train to cross a region in Mexico is in the Copper Canyon Express Train that takes you between the Magic towns of the area starting from Chihuahua. Regarded as an engineering achievement, this stunning railway line is an attraction in itself.

Find something unique with Mexico’s fantastic collection of accommodation options;

Haciendas and Eco-Lodges

If you are shopping for Mexico’s travel options with a luxury budget, then staying in a hacienda or eco-lodge is an essential experience. 

Haciendas are colonial mansions that were built by wealthy landowners, some of which conquistadors themselves, during Spanish America, the properties were used as a base for their workers who were often not permitted to leave. 

After independence, the haciendas were abandoned, and in Mexico’s case, abolished. They were then turned into personal homes or luxury accommodation that can be found just about anywhere. 

Amid the jungle and along the Caribbean coastline, Mexico has some of the most honourable eco-lodges in the Americas that are conducting some amazing projects. From composting to gardens, low-flow toilets and solar panels, no matter whether you want to spend your time in the Riviera Maya, Mexico City or Jalisco, you’ll find eco-lodges that really take care of their surroundings and leave nothing but footprints. 

Tulum

From hippy chic to glitz and glamour, Tulum is your ultimate beach location and with that comes the expected! 

With accommodation to suit all manner of budgets, Tulum’s beachfront locations come at a cost. Similarly, if you are looking for a remote jungle eco-lodge experience, you’ll also have to pay a little more. For budget travellers, you’ll find that Tulum’s low range accommodation can still impress; just be prepared for it to be on the highway that runs through the town. 

Mexico City

As a big city, there are a host of options for you to make the most of your time in Mexico City. While first-timers will revel in Roma, luxurious travellers will be in their prime in Poldara. Both of these areas are perfect for those looking to be within proximity to the fun activities in Mexico City. 

For those looking for a more authentic, traditional feel, Coyoacan is where the artistic, cultural side of the city comes alive with great food, music and galleries at every turn. Budget travellers and those looking to tick off the top sightseeing destinations in the city will look no further than Centro Historico. 

Cancun

A city that strikes a balance of stunning beaches, local atmosphere and eclectic nightlife, Cancun is a number one destination for a reason! 

First-timers will revel in the aptly named Zona Hotelera that offers all-inclusive experiences, beaches and nightlife. Those looking for a more local feel will be at home in the downtown area where budget accommodation, great food and laid back bars are a world away from the beachfront.

While you may have had your fair share of Tex-Mex cuisine, most of the dishes you eat in Mexican restaurants are found north of the border. Here’s our selection of must-eats while in Mexico;

Tortas and Pambazo

The best sandwiches you’ll find in Mexico, tortas and pambazo are quite similar; however, the latter typically comes with an extra kick. 

Tortas are crispy bread rolls packed full of your Mexican favourites; meats, fresh vegetables, refried beans and soft avocado. Served up at street stalls all over the country, each stall will do this in their own way, with a variety of ingredient selections to choose from.

Pambazo is the same idea, just this time, the bread is dipped in chilli sauce to change to add a little rich, smokey and spicy flavour. To balance it out, pambazos tend to have additions such as lettuce and potatoes as extra fillings - the perfect brunch!

Fajitas and Guacamole

Unless you’ve been hiding in a hole, you’ll have had your fair share of fajitas and guacamole in your lifetime. 

The two are very much staples around Mexico, bursting with flavour with flash fried, sizzling meats of shrimp balanced out with onion and peppers, the spice is soothed out by fresh vegetables and freshly made corn tortillas. 

Guacamole is the snack of all snacks. Helpings of guacamole are mixed together to create a creamy yet hearty dip that is served with corn chips. If you are lucky, you might even get some cheese in there. While in Mexico, you might find yourself wanting to eat this every day - don’t worry, you’re not alone!

Gorditas and Elote

Another two staples that are thickly spread across Mexico, gorditas are another filling street sandwich. The appropriately named “chubby one” is made up of two thick pancake-like slices filled with whatever you please: from helping of cheese to grilled meats, beans, salsa - whatever you want, it’ll be rammed into the bread to make a little fat snack!

If you are still hungry, the go-to snack of the Americas is corn. You’ll have the choice of eating corn, elote in Spanish, the healthy way, roasted or boiled, or the slightly more indulgent way with lashings of mayonnaise and sprinkled with cheese and chilli. 

Churros

Another dish of the Americas, churros are little doughy fingers that are best eaten piping hot, crispy and dipped in sugar. Classic dipping sauces with churros are caramel or chocolate or a combination of the two. This moreish dish is perfect as a snack or dessert if you can fit it in!

Carnavale - February

Celebrated across Catholic parts of the world, Carnavale is present in every country in the Americas, showering colour across the streets of the country, Carnevale is a chance to let loose in preparation for the 40 days of Lent. Carnevale lasts days. At times you may wonder how everyone has the energy, but this is a great time to get lost in the chaos and embrace Mexican culture. 

Day of the Dead - November

All Saints Day and the Day of the Dead follow each other on the first and second days of November. The Day of the Dead is a chance to spend time with loved one, dead and alive, as families visit the graveyards to be closer to their deceased at a time that we are spiritually closer to “the other world”. 

All Saints Day, which is before the Day of the Dead, celebrates patron saints and deceased infants. For this entire period, the streets of Mexico are awash with vibrant colours and skeleton props to welcome the spirits. 

Three Kings’ Day - January

Starting the year off with a bang, Three Kings’ Day celebrates the Epiphany on the 6th of January. Bringin the family together and feasting is an essential part of this holiday, as presents are exchange and a round cake, known as the King’s loaf sits in the centre of the table. You could see it as a Christmas after Christmas.

Currency: Even though many Mexico tourist destinations will take US dollars, in Mexico, the currency is Peso; at the time of writing, November 2020, 1 USD is equal to 20.01 Mexican Pesos.

Language: The main language of Mexico is Spanish, however, a considerable number of Mexican people speak another native language, with the most popular being Nahuatl.

Religion: Over 80% of the population of Mexico are Roman Catholic. 

Visa: Visas for less than 180 days can be obtained by over 67 countries, meaning there is little chance you will need a visa while in Mexico. Electronic visas can be obtained if you are not within these countries. 

Safety: Don’t buy into the myths of being kidnapped by the cartel, unless you approach them (if you can find them) they won’t approach you. Despite consistent news about the cartel, they operate far from areas that are frequented by foreigners. 

Do: Use a VPN, online safety is continuously being called to question with the rising number of hackers in Mexico, stay safe and hide your identity while online.

Don’t: Men, don’t enter a bathroom marked with an “M”, it’s actually for the ladies, mujeres.

Now you’ve seen just what Mexico is capable of, it’s time to get the ball rolling!

However, with so much to see and do, it’s difficult to know where to start - that’s where we come in! At Designer Journeys, we take your travel dreams and tailor-make a trip to match your budget, interests and travel style. With a host of Local Designers in Mexico who are experienced and love their country as much as we do, you’ll be packing your bags in no time! 

If you need a little inspiration, not to worry, our fully-customisable trips to Mexico cover all corners of the country!