Travel to Mexico

Our Mexico destination guide aims to give you all the information you need to have an amazing experience in this amazing country. Find affordable travel and backpacking ideas with advice for amazing things to do and how you can be more than just your average traveller. You can also get recommendations for places to stay and how visit Mexico on a budget. 

Get inspired to visit Mexico today!

At a Glance:

  • Currency: Mexican Peso (MXN) £1 = 20MXN / $1 = 12MXN (approx)
  • Capital: Mexico City (9,000,000 population)
  • Area: 2,000,000 sq km 
  • Population: 108,000,000 
  • Language: Predominantly Spanish, whilst also some Mayan and over 50 local languages
  • International Calling Code +52

 

Top Reasons to Visit Mexico

There are so many reasons why you might want to travel to Mexico, here are some:

  • History, culture and facsinating cities
  • So many different places and experiences available for all interests
  • A warm climate
  • Beautiful beaches, some of the best in the region
  • Great value for money - there is something for everyone from budget backpackers to luxury travellers
  • Tasty food
  • Friendly people
  • Ancient ruins
  • Modern facilities and incredible resorts

 

How to Get to Mexico

Airlines which fly to Mexico from the United Kingdom include: 

  • Aeromexico, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Thomas Cook Airlines, TUI, 

Other airlines flying to Mexico from international destinations include:

  • American Airlines, Air Canada, Air Europa, Air France, Air New Zealand, Air Transat, Alitalia, Avianca, China Southern, Delta, eurowings, Hainan Airlines, Iberia, KLM, LATAM, Lufthansa, SWISS, United & WestJet.

You can also enter Mexico via bus via the USA, Guatemala and Belize. 

To get the best deals on flights to Mexico book in advance and also travel out of the busy summer season (June to September). We recommend searching flights on Skyscanner which is the best comparison website.

 

Visa & Entry Requirements

You will not need to apply for a visa prior to arriving in Mexico if you are a British Citizen and the tourist visa they grant you on arrival means you can stay and travel in Mexico for upto 180 days. Also unlike other countries you do not need to provide proof of funds in your bank account or show an outbound ticket.

 

Weather & Best Time to Visit

Mexico enjoys a warm climate nearly all year round and there is no best time to visit. From December to April there is less rain which can make sightseeing and visiting more enjoyable. The coolest months to visit Mexico are from December to February which is a lot more pleasant from summer if you are not a big fan of the heat.

 

Accommodation

There are lots of options when it comes to places to stay in Mexico including hotels, large resorts, hostels, villas, apartments and AirBnB. 

Mexico is a cheap country, a dorm bed costs around £5 ($10) although in more popular destinations you could pay more around £10 ($15) per night. You can stay in a private room in a guesthouse or a hotel for around £15 - £25 ($20 - $30) per night. Prices in hotspots like Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Mexico City will be higher than other areas of the country.

If you are looking for somewhere cheap to stay in Mexico, use Hostelbookers or Booking.com to search for budget accommodation and book well in advance to get the best prices.

 

Best Places to Visit in Mexico

Mexico is a large country and there are so many different places to visit. Here are some places you might want to add to your itinerary:

Cancun
Cancun is famous for beaches and resorts but there is a lot more to this region than just sunbathing. You could take day trips sightseeing in the Cancun area which is well worth it to see ruins and temples. Other options include doing adventure sports, taking the boat to Isla Murejes, visit the sculpture park at Punta Sur, check out the El Rey Ruins, or head to Playa Delfines and the Cancun museum.  If you visit the Old Town of Cacnun you will get an authentic experience away from the huge tourists resorts there are local parks and tasty places to eat. Lots of stalls, music etc going so that was cool.

Merida
Merida is a 4 hour bus journey from Cancun and is a colonial city which is sometimes described as the most beautiful city in Mexico. Merida certainly won't disappoint and there are lots of plazas, churches and historical buildings to see. There are plaques to explain the significance of buildings and sites which is good for foreign tourists. Everything can also be seen on foot, there is even a free historical walking tour. You could also check out the nearby ruins of Dzilchultum or visit Izamel, a nearby town which has various churches, ruins and colourful buildings. 

Valladoilid
Valladolid is like a smaller version of Merida with scenic streets and buildings. Valladolid is home to the largest privately owned collection of Mexican folk art. The house where you can see it took 10 years to renovate and you will be in total awe. This might even turn out to be on the most unexpected highlights of your trip.

Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza is one of the most iconic Mexican destinations and are some of the best Mayan ruins in the world. Chichen Itza is a spectacular temple which has recently been re-built and modernised, there are lots of ruins on this site but aim to arrive early as it get very touristy. Chichen Itza is one of the new wonders of the world and its easy to see why it was given this status. You can spend hours here and take a million photos! 

Playa del Carmen
Playa Del Carmen is one of the most popular destinations for international travellers due to the amazing beaches, day trips and resorts here. Playa del Carmen is very touristy and not for anyone seeking the authentic Mexican experience. Expect spectacular beaches and Western fast food joints and a Cinemex where it's only £2 for a ticket! There are lots of places to buy souvenirs on 5th avenue and also a stunning beach and great nightlife.

Tulum
Further down the coast from Playa Del Carmen and Cancun is Tulum which is a popular tour stop off point on the East Coast. The ruins here are very special because although quite small, they are right on the coast with a stunning beach below. 

Mexico City
Expect a buslting city with temples, museums and lots of bars, restaurants, cafes and shops to walk around. This city is a lot safer and more interesting than you might think with so many sights and things to do.

Other Places
On the Pacific coast you could visit Mazatlan which has a great atmosphere and beautiful beaches. Acapulco is great beach destination and is famous for wild parties during Spring Break. Guadalajara is a city where you can embrace Mexican culture and see beautiful colonial buildings. If you are crossing the border from the US, you might pass by Tijuana which has lots of things to do and place to see.

 

What to Know Before You Go

Mexico is a huge country and if you just want to see as much as possible you need to put together a structured itinerary.

If you are flying into Mexico City we recommend traveling overland to Oaxaca, Palenque, Merida, Cancun, Isla Mujeres and then down the East Coast to Playa Del Carmen and Tulum.

Here are some of our top rated things to do in Mexico:

  • Visiting the colonial city of Oaxaca and getting up close to the mysterious pryamids in Teotihuacán
  • Seeing Chicken Itza, photographs do not do this temple justice when you get close it is really impressive
  • Relaxing on white sandy beaches, Mexico has great beaches on both the East and West coast
  • Exploring Mexico City, one of the best cities in the world for history, culture and tradition
  • Visiting the jungle Maya temples in Palenque
  • Kick back and relax in El Panchán
  • Catch a luchador match or for shopping visit Mercado Insurgentes in Mexico City
  • If you enjoy nightlife and dancing the night away head to Cancun or Playa Del Carmen (stay away if you are seeking to get off the beaten track)
  • Try to see a football game at the huge Stadium Azteca or watch wrestling, one of the local passions - you could even buy a mask
  • Puerto Escondido is a small town on the coast where you can go surfing
  • You might feel a bit ruin'd out after visiting Mexico but you will enjoy every single one of them - all are different and offer an insight into a fascinating past
  • You could relax in the coastal town of Puerto Escondido
  • Take part in adventure sports like kayaking in Baja California
  • Enjoy an affordable cruise from Mexico to the Caribbean islands
  • Palenque is a must if you are interested in history and ancient civilisations. Its quite far to visit and hidden in jungle but its like a lost city which you can explore ruins and get amazing pictures

 

Mexico Travel Tips

Transport & Getting Around Mexico

Mexico has a relible bus service connecting the whole country. Mexico is a large country so flying can be a good option, most airports in Mexico are connected via worldwide flights. Public transport is cheap but there are also upgrades with air conditioning or geared more towards tourists. The bus service in Mexico is very reliable and fast. If you are nervous about traveling solo you could join a organised experience, this is a safe and easy way to see more places off the beaten track in a group of around 12 people.

On our website you can search packages which are a popular way to travel. Try to give yourself flexible time to explore the best that Mexico has to offer, get advice from other travellers / locals about where to visit / avoid. If you would like to see the East Coast as quick as possible there is a bus from Chetuman to Cancun which takes 6 hours. This will be a long day of traveling.
 

Food & Drink

Mexico has some of the most tasty food in the world, there are also lots of cheap options so eating out doesn't have to cost too much. You can eat street food in Mexico cheaply around £1 - £2 ($2 - $3) or if you eat out at a normal restaurant you can expect to pay around £5 - £15 ($7 - $18). Alcohol like wine and beer can almost cost as much as the food. Mexico is a very touristy destination and you can find Western food in a lot of restaurants, fast food outlets are everywhere too.
 

Health & Safety

Mexico is generally a safe country to visit despite what you might read or see on tv. Mexico does have a lot of well documented problems but as long as you are careful you shouldn't have many problems. Its advised to avoid some of the towns in the North of the country near the border with the USA and its always advised to travel in a group or with others. Before departing check latest travel advice and always ask locals / other travelers for their recommendations. 

Crime is something you should be aware of, certain areas should be avoid around the border with the USA whilst take extra caution in large cities like Mexico City. On the East Coast in places like Cancun and Play del Carmen there is hardy any crime. Always try to keep an eye on your belongings and take some small padlocks to keep your belongings safe on buses and in accommodation. Be sure to buy travel insurance before arriving, we recommend World Nomads.