Travel guide to Mexico

Travelling around Mexico unlocks a vibrant world of chilli-infused cuisine, breathtaking coastlines and cosmopolitan culture. Go to Tulum Ruins, one of the most visited archaeological areas in Mexico. Or if white, sandy beaches are more your thing, you can spot manta rays gliding through the waters of Parque Nacional Isla Contoy.

Discover the very best this Latin American gem has to offer in this comprehensive Mexico travel guide.

Mexico is a Latin American country on the continent of North America. To the north of Mexico are southern US states of California, Texas Arizona and New Mexico. To the south of Mexico are the Central American countries of Guatemala and Belize. The variety of surrounding countries and states means Mexico is a wonderfully diverse place to visit. It’s a land of extremes, where high mountains, deep canyons and dense rainforests meet colonial cities and seaside villages.

Even the coastlines offer two different experiences. The Caribbean side beckons with powder-sand beaches and exotic marine life, while the Pacific wows with dramatic cliffs and golden beaches.

Mexico City

Culture and art collide in Mexico City – the capital of Mexico and birthplace of artist Frida Kahlo. Art is at the epicentre, with world-class museums and breathtaking street art splashed across the city. 

Mexico City sits south of central Mexico and is the largest city on the continent of North America, according to World Population Review data. So, it had to feature in our travel guide of Mexico. It’s known for exceptional food, vibrant culture and iconic sights – including Palacio Nacional and Templo Mayor.  

Yucatán Peninsula 

If it’s Caribbean beaches you’re after, look no further. The Yucatán Peninsula curves out from the southeastern part of Mexico like the bottom of the letter C to form the Gulf of Mexico. On the other side is the Caribbean Sea. Naturally, it offers miles of stunning beaches as well as an irresistible concoction of cyan-blue waters, Maya ruins, and colonial cities. 

Snorkel with turtles, swim in cenotes and explore ancient archaeological treasures, like Chichen Itza and its pyramid temple – a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988. 

Pacific Coast

The Pacific Coast on the western side of Mexico, which runs from Tijuana in the north to Oaxaca in the south, beckons holidaymakers seeking sand, surf and sunsets. The coastline teems with colourful resorts overlooking stunning bays. There are long-established resort cities, such as Puerto Vallarta, in Jalisco State, and – of course – Acapulco, where they go loco. 

But there’s also a more laidback and free-spirited side to discover. The magic of the Pacific Coast is wildly diverse. Each region offers something different – from surf town Sayulita, nestled between mountains and beach, an hour away from Puerto Vallarta, to the jungle-fringed shores of Puerto Escondido, close to Oaxaca in the south.  

Puebla

Puebla City is around 80 miles southeast of Mexico City, with the two-hour drive taking in parts of the Sierra Madre Oriental mountain range and the Sierra Nevada volcanic belt. 

When you arrive at Puebla City, you’ll find it’s a haven for architecture lovers. Famous for its beautiful baroque centre, it boasts more than 1,000 colonial-era buildings and 70 churches tiled in blue and white. Experience the vibrant art and culture and meander through one of the biggest antique markets in Mexico. 

Cuisine is at the heart of Puebla – it’s even the birthplace of popular savoury dish ‘mole’, a rich, creamy sauce with a sumptuous medley of ingredients including chili and chocolate.

Mexico boasts a treasure trove of attractions – from spending time in the glorious blue waters to exploring magnificent cultural artifacts. 

Here are some of the top attractions to add to your Mexico travel itinerary:

Tulum Ruins

Tulum, translating to “wall” in Yucatec Maya, is a well-loved archaeological zone surrounded by stone walls. First inhabited in 564, Tulum, on the coastline of the Yucatan Peninsula, became an important port town between 1200 and 1521, when it controlled maritime sales along the coast to Belize, according to this Lonely Planet guide. 

Even more impressive – it’s located on a cliff with a 360-degree view of the azure Caribbean Sea. So, once you’ve had your fill of history, cool off in the beautiful azure waters at one of the two beaches close by.

Chichén Itzá

One of the world’s most-recognisable historic sights, the City of Chichén-Itzá, in the Yucatan Peninsula, dates back almost 1,500 years. At its centre sits the iconic step-pyramid El Castillo, or Temple of Kukulcan. El Castillo, with its four sides, each containing a stairway of 91 steps, was built by the Mayan people between the 9th and 12 centuries CE. It was scientifically engineered to show light and shadow as a serpent against its sides on the spring and autumn equinoxes.  

A long-held UNESCO World Heritage site, Chichen Itza is recognised as one of the ‘most important examples of the Mayan-Toltec civilization’. It’s also one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. 

Parque Nacional Isla Contoy

The national park on Isla Contoy, a tiny island 40km off the coast of Cancún, is a haven of beauty and wildlife. White sand beaches, crystal waters and majestic manta rays await at this island paradise. 

Essential to the ecosystem of seabirds, the mangroves and lagoons shelter over 170 different bird species. The island’s waters mark the start of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, which extends 700 miles down the coast to the Honduras Bay Islands. 

Jardín Botánico de Vallarta

Mix things up and swap beaches for tropical highlands. The Jardín Botánico de Vallarta, or the Vallarta Botanical Gardens, is around one hour’s drive from the resort city of Vallarta along the Pacific coast.  

These non-profit tranquil gardens are home to one of the country’s biggest orchid collections, including Mexican vanilla, and an incredible variety of plants and birds. And on your way back, check out the stunning Sierra Madre Mountains and the beaches of Vallarta. 
 

If we’ve inspired your wanderlust and your bucket-list is brimming with ideas, it’s time to home in on the details you need to know when travelling to Mexico. Take a look at when to travel, what currency to take, and accommodation options:

Best time to visit Mexico 

While there are popular seasons, there’s never a bad time to visit Mexico. The country is so vast, the climate can vary depending on where you visit. There are two clear seasons though – dry and wet.

For sunny, beach-basking days, travel between November and April. Coastal areas are warm and dry with temperatures reaching around 28˚C. If you’re in the mood to party, Spring Break in Cancún is between March and April. Or if you’d rather a more relaxing vacation, try the start and end of the wet season – May and November.

In the wet season, from May to October, temperatures are high but interjected with big rainstorms. These tend to happen in the afternoon, and only for short bursts. There are chances of hurricanes from June to November, but these are most likely from September and October.

North Mexico is the dryest area, but temperatures can drop during winter.

Booking flights and accommodation 

If you’re travelling from the UK, you can expect flights to take around 10 hours. As this is long haul, you can expect higher prices, so it can be worth booking in advance and keeping an eye on the prices.

Accommodation in Mexico can be as luxurious or budget-friendly as you like. From hostels and homestays that allow you to experience more of the local flavour to lavish mountain retreats where you can relax in sumptuous style. Or choose one of the many resorts dotted along the coast and enjoy breathtaking views while sipping a margarita. 

Getting around Mexico  

There are many forms of transport in Mexico. If you’re short on time, domestic flights could come in handy. Over 60 Mexican cities have airports, so it may prove a convenient way to travel on your Mexico trip.

Local buses, called camiones, are usually the most affordable way to travel around Mexico. There are also colectivos, combis or minibuses, which can be ideal for short city trips. 

There is only one passenger train line – the Ferrocarril Chihuahua Pacífico – but it’s an incredibly scenic journey that travels from Los Mochis to Chihuahua through the Sierra Madre mountains.
Taxis are also common in cities and can be more economical than you may expect. There are also car hire options available at a higher fee.

7-day Mexico itinerary

Mexico is vast and overflowing with diverse treasures to explore. If you only have a week to experience this eclectic country, we recommend sticking to one region.

For this itinerary, we focused on the Yucatán Peninsula region, for the perfect fusion of history and cultural significance with the breathtaking Caribbean coast.

Here’s a brief 7-day itinerary to inspire your wanderlust: 

• Day 1 – Fly into Cancún International Airport and travel to Playa del Carmen.
• Day 2 – Relax, explore colourful murals, bask on the beautiful beaches and swim in freshwater cenotes.
• Day 3 – Head south down the coast to Tulum Ruins. Explore the history of the archaeological zone before taking a refreshing dip  in the azure waters to cool off.
• Day 4 – Travel to Chichén Itzá, one of the most significant landmarks in the country, and feast your eyes on the archaeological city.
• Day 5 – Head to Cancún to enjoy powder-sand beaches. You could even scuba dive or snorkel at MUSA – the Underwater Museum of Art.
• Day 6 – For your second day in the area, stray from the beaten track by taking a day trip to Isla Contoy National Park, for untouched natural beauty and diverse wildlife.
• Day 7 – Transfer back to Cancún International Airport and make your way home.
   

The currency in Mexico is Mexican peso. One peso is made up of 100 centavos. 

While cards are accepted in most large stores, hotels and restaurants, cash is often the most practical choice in Mexico. It’s important to have cash for things like taxis, markets, archaeological sites and public transport.

It’s handy to have a mixture of cash and card so you’re covered for any adventure. 

With a Sainsbury’s Bank Travel Money Card, you can load up to 22 currencies. Perfect if you decide to extend your Mexico travel elsewhere.

It’s easy to get wrapped up in the excitement of planning a trip. Ensure you’re covered for any mishaps while you’re away with Sainsbury’s Bank Travel Insurance. Choose a policy that works for you, from single-trip or multi-trip to extended trip cover.

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