Country guides
North America
Mexico has earned its reputation as one of the world's most popular tourist destinations through its warm weather and glorious resort beaches, and colourful cultural heritage. More than 20 million tourists visit each year, with the bulk of them heading to world-class resorts such as Acapulco, Cancun and Cabo San Lucas. Many prefer travelling the coasts in enormous cruise ships that stop along Baja California and the Yucatan Peninsula.
Clear ocean waters ideal for surfing, scuba diving and other water sports are a major draw, as are onshore activities such as 4x4 safaris, hiking and beach volleyball. The nightlife in the resorts is renowned for its intensity, and top restaurants complete the perfect package-holiday picture.
Travellers who venture inland to Mexico's less-visited cities discover a different side to the country though; one of colourful colonial buildings, rich and fragrant culinary traditions, lively mariachi rhythms and sold-out bullfighting arenas. A history going back thousands of years through the Mayan, Aztec and Olmec cultures has left Mexico a rich inheritance of stunning archaeological sites such as Chichen Itza and Teotihuacan. Yet Mexico has a modern side too, which visitors can meet in bustling metropolises such as Mexico City and Guadalajara.
Best time to visit Mexico
November is the best month to visit Mexico, as the peak tourist season has ended and the temperatures are moderate and pleasant. While Mexico's weather is famously sunny, the rainy season lasts from May to mid-October. Seasons to avoid in Mexico are the peak of summer (June to August) when the heat and humidity reach their climax, and the Easter holidays in March and April, when the resorts are overrun by students on Spring Break.
What to see in Mexico
- Marvel at the ancient temple of Chichen Itza.
- Take a close look at coral reefs in Cozumel.
- See the ruins of the Aztec city of Teotihuacan.
- Go whale watching in Cabo San Lucas.
What to do in Mexico
- Let loose in the night spots of Acapulco and Cancun.
- Try Mayan chocolate in Oaxaca.
- Go surfing on the beaches of Baja California.
- Take a ride on the Copper Canyon Railway.
Getting to Mexico
There are dozens of daily flights to Mexico from many major US cities, mostly arriving in Mexico City and popular resort areas such as Acapulco and Cancun; there are regular direct flights to Mexico from the UK and Europe as well. Driving to Mexico from the US involves border crossings at one of 42 border posts.
Read
Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel and Aztec by Gary Jennings.
Listen
Cancion del Mariachi and La Malagueña.
Watch
Y Tu Mama Tambien (2001), Once Upon a Time in Mexico (2003) and Frida (2002).
Drink
Tequila, Corona and Mexican hot chocolate.
Eat
Carne asada (grilled beef), Cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork), fish tacos, corn tortillas and churros.
What to buy
Woven blankets, silver jewellery and tequila.
What to pack
The Mexican sun is notoriously hot, so visitors should pack plenty of sunscreen and a hat. After-sun lotion and aloe vera gel tends to be expensive at resorts.
What's on in Mexico
The town of Puebla commemorates Cinco de Mayo each spring with music and dancing. The colourful decorations and solemn processions of the Day of the Dead are a fascinating sight each November.
Did you know?
- Mexico introduced chocolate, corn and chillies to the world.
- While bullfighting is Mexico's national sport, football (or soccer) is more popular.
- Puebla, near Mexico City, is home to the smallest volcano in the world: the Cuexcomate, which is only 43 feet (13m) tall.
A final word
Spicy food, colourful culture and warm, welcoming people make Mexico one of the top tourist destinations in the world.
Things to do in Mexico
Mexico is blessed with gorgeous beaches, extraordinary history and diverse landscapes, and it would take a few months, if not years, to fully explore and discover all that this magical country has to offer.
Outdoor lovers can spend a few days wandering round the ancient Mayan and Aztec pyramids and ruins, explore the deserts and swamps, marvel at the rainforests or navigate an eco-tour by mountain bike, jeep, kayak or horseback. There are 67 National Parks conserving indigenous fauna and flora, and the country is a bird-watcher's paradise, with the most species of birds in the whole of North and Central America.
The west coast of Mexico's Baja California peninsula is regarded as having some of the best whale watching destinations in the world. The three lagoons on the Pacific Coast offering the best spots for watching grey whales are Magdalena Bay, San Ignacio Lagoon and Scammon's Lagoon. Humpback whales and blue whales breed in the Sea of Cortez, and Bahia de Los Angeles is the centre for whale watching expeditions in the area.
Beach resort cities such as Acapulco, Cancun and those of the Baja California region are considered to be true slices of heaven. The wonderfully unique architecture and evidence of European colonial rule still exist in the cities, while El Zócalo in Mexico City, the second largest city square in the world, is where all the magic happens and is the best place to experience some real Mexican flavour.
Mexican cruises mix old world charm with modern amenities, giving a great blend of excitement and serenity to the holiday cruise. Mexican cruises typically only visit the west coast while the beautiful and warm waters on the east are usually included in Caribbean cruise packages.
Mexico travel info
Electricity
The electrical current is 110 to 120 volts, 60Hz. Two-pin flat blade attachment plugs are standard.
Language
Spanish is the official language in Mexico. Some English is spoken in tourist regions.
Money
The local currency is the Mexican peso (MXN), which is divided into 100 centavos. Most international hotels and tourist facilities accept credit and debit cards, though visitors should take care as credit card fraud occurs. ATMs are available in most cities and towns, and are the most convenient way to get money. However, for safety reasons they should only be used during business hours and vigilance is advised. Travellers should carry cash if they're visiting rural areas. US dollars are widely accepted in holiday resort areas; foreign currency can be exchanged at one of many casas de cambio (exchange houses), which have longer hours and offer a quicker service than the banks.
Tipping
Waiters and bar staff should be tipped 10 to 15 percent if a service charge hasn't already been added to the bill. Tips of 15 to 20 percent are the norm at international resorts, including those in Los Cabos.
Health
Malaria and dengue fever occur in some rural areas but not on the Pacific and Gulf coasts; Zika is still a risk in Mexico. Travellers should consider a rabies vaccination as dogs and some wildlife such as bats carry the disease. It's best to follow sensible precautions regarding food and water, such as only eating foods that are cooked and served hot, and sticking to bottled water.
Medical facilities in major cities may be good, but are usually very limited or unavailable in rural areas. Comprehensive travel insurance is recommended. As medicines may be in short supply, travellers should consider taking prescription medications in their original packaging, accompanied by a signed and dated letter from a doctor detailing what the medications are and why they are needed.
Safety
Travellers should be cautious in big cities such as Mexico City, where crime can pose a risk for foreigners. In particular, women on their own should be vigilant and take care of their belongings, especially on public transport. It's best to only use authorised taxi services and to avoid bus travel at night.
Visitors are advised to be wary of people presenting themselves as police officers who attempt to fine or arrest them for no apparent reason, as these situations can lead to theft or assault. If in doubt, travellers should ask for identification.
Most of the violence related to drug cartel wars in Mexico is concentrated along the border between Mexico and the United States, with tourist zones generally unaffected. Hurricanes may affect the coastal areas between June and November.
Local customs
Mexicans are not impatient and do not appreciate impatience in others, so travellers should expect opening hours and public transport times to be flexible and laid back. Locals are also friendly and hospitable people who greatly appreciate courteous behaviour. Travellers should note that it's common for Mexicans to communicate closer than one arm's length from each other, and that it's not an attempt to be forward.
Doing business
Though many Mexican businessmen speak perfect English, Spanish is the official language of business in the country, so learning a few choice words and phrases will go a long way toward developing a relationship with local associates. Business etiquette in Mexico is marked by a combination of formality and friendliness.
It's very rare to hear the word 'no' being used in a direct or confrontational way (bald refusals are seen as rude), and it's best to use titles ('señhor' and 'señhora') until specifically instructed not to. However, foreigners should not shrink away from engaging in personal discussions with their Mexican colleagues. Business meetings must be scheduled in advance, and then confirmed a few days before they are due to take place.
The dress code for the Mexican business world is smart and formal; business hours are generally from 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, with a two or three-hour siesta in the early afternoon.
Duty free
Travellers to Mexico who are over 18 years of age do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes or 25 cigars or 200g tobacco; 3 litres spirits or 6 litres wine. Other goods to the value of US$500 for those arriving by air, or US$300 for those arriving by land are premitted without incurring duty fees. Prohibited goods include narcotics, firearms and used clothing that is not part of a traveller's personal luggage. The export of archaeological artefacts is strictly forbidden.
Communications
The international access code for Mexico is +52. Travellers can purchase local prepaid SIM cards for unlocked phones or use eSIMs if their cellular providers support it on their networks. Hotels, cafes and restaurants offering free WiFi are widely available.
Passport & Visa
All foreign passengers to Mexico must hold a Mexico Visitor's Permit (FMM), which is issued free of charge, and obtainable from airlines, Mexican Consulates, Mexican international airports, and border crossing points. As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travellers transiting through the United States are required to present a passport or other valid travel documents to enter or re-enter the United States. Foreign passengers to Mexico should ensure that their passports and other travel documents are in good condition, as even slightly torn passports will not be accepted. It is highly recommended that travellers' passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry requirements
US citizens must have a passport that is valid at the time of entry. A visa is not required for stays of up to 180 days but travellers need to complete an immigration form and have this with them when they enter and leave Mexico.
British citizens must have a passport that is valid for the expected duration of their stay in Mexico. A visa is not required for stays of up to 180 days but travellers need to complete an immigration form and have this with them when they enter and leave Mexico.
Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for the expected duration of their stay in Mexico. A visa is not required for stays of up to 180 days but travellers need to complete an immigration form and have this with them when they enter and leave Mexico.
Australian US must have a passport that is valid for the expected duration of their stay in Mexico. A visa is not required for stays of up to 180 days but travellers need to complete an immigration form and have this with them when they enter and leave Mexico.
South African citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Mexico. A visa is required. Passengers with a valid visa issued by Canada, Japan, USA, United Kingdom or a Schengen Member State are visa exempt for a maximum stay of 180 days.
Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid for the expected duration of their stay in Mexico. A visa is not required for stays of up to 180 days but travellers need to complete an immigration form and have this with them when they enter and leave Mexico.
New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for the expected duration of their stay in Mexico. A visa is not required for stays of up to 180 days but travellers need to complete an immigration form and have this with them when they enter and leave Mexico.
Useful contacts
Mexico Tourism Board: +52 55 5278 4200 or www.visitmexico.com
911 (General Emergency Hotline)Embassies / consulates in other countries
Mexican Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 728 1600.
Mexican Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 20 7499 8586.
Mexican Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 233 8988.
Mexican Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 2 6273 3963.
Mexican Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 12 460 1004.
Mexican Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 1 667 3105.
Mexican Embassy, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 4 472 0555.
Embassies / consulates in Mexico
United States Embassy, Mexico City: +52 55 5080 2000.
British Embassy, Mexico City: +52 55 1670 3200.
Canadian Embassy, Mexico City: +52 55 5724 7900.
Australian Embassy, Mexico City: +52 55 1101 2200.
South African Embassy, Mexico City: +52 55 1100 4970.
Irish Embassy, Mexico City: +52 55 5520 5803.
New Zealand Embassy, Mexico City: +52 55 5283 9460.
Climate in Mexico
The Tropic of Cancer divides Mexico into a tropical south and temperate north, which means that the northern region experiences cooler winter temperatures, and the south is hot all year with little seasonal variation. The coastal plains and Yucatan Peninsula of the south experience average annual temperatures ranging between 75F and 82F (24C and 28C). The annual average temperatures in the northern lowlands are somewhat lower, ranging between 68F and 75F (20C and 24C), mainly because there is greater seasonal variation.
The whole country tends to be hot and humid between May and August, and is pleasantly warm throughout the year. Rainfall varies widely according to region and terrain, but Mexico does have distinct wet and dry seasons. Most of the country experiences a rainy season between late May and mid-October, with significantly less rain the rest of the year. February is the driest month and July is the wettest. Hurricanes are possible between June and November.
The best time to visit Mexico is between November and early May. It's best to avoid the peak summer months (June to August), when it is uncomfortably hot, and the Easter holidays (March and April), when it can get unbearably crowded.