Overview
From ancient ruins and vibrant cities to turquoise beaches and spicy street food, Mexico is a country that truly has it all. Located in North America and bordered by the USA, Guatemala, and Belize, Mexico offers an incredibly diverse landscape – from desert plains to tropical rainforests, snow-capped volcanoes to world-class coastlines.
Rich in culture and history, Mexico is the birthplace of ancient civilizations such as the Maya and Aztecs. Today, it boasts a mix of colonial charm and modern urban life. Whether you’re wandering through the cobblestone streets of Oaxaca, diving into cenotes in Tulum, or eating your way through Mexico City’s street stalls – this is a destination that’s full of surprises.
Just a heads up – some of the links in this guide are affiliate links, which means I might earn a small commission if you book through them (at no extra cost to you). I only ever recommend things I’ve genuinely tried and loved!
📍 Top Places to Visit:
Mexico City – The buzzing capital packed with museums, murals, markets, and food.
Tulum – Boho beach town with turquoise waters and nearby Mayan ruins.
Chichén Itzá – One of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a must-see ancient Mayan city.
Oaxaca – Famous for mole, mezcal, and indigenous culture.
Puerto Escondido – Laid-back surf town on the Pacific coast.
San Miguel de Allende – Colonial architecture and a thriving arts scene.
Playa del Carmen – Lively resort town with beaches and nightlife.
Bacalar – A serene lake known as the ‘Lagoon of Seven Colors’.
📅 Best Time to Visit:
Dry Season (November–April): Ideal for sightseeing and beach holidays.
Shoulder Season (May & October): Fewer crowds and decent weather.
Rainy Season (June–September): Expect showers, but also lush scenery and good deals.
💰 Currency & Budget Tips:
- Currency: Mexican Peso (MXN), but USD are widely accepted in tourist areas.
- Mexico is generally affordable. Street food, hostels, and public transport are budget-friendly.
- Tipping is customary – 10% in restaurants is standard.
- ATMs are widely available, but cash is king in smaller towns.
🧳 Good For:
Food lovers craving tacos, tamales, and tequila.
History buffs and archaeology enthusiasts.
Beach seekers and water sports lovers.
Culture vultures and city explorers.
Budget to mid-range travellers seeking variety and value.
- Solo Travellers.
🍽️ Local Dishes to Try:
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Tacos al Pastor – Spit-roasted pork with pineapple, onions, and cilantro.
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Chilaquiles – Fried tortilla chips soaked in salsa, topped with cheese and eggs.
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Tamales – Corn dough wrapped in banana leaves or husks, filled with meat or cheese.
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Pozole – A rich corn-based soup with meat, lime, and shredded cabbage.
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Elote – Corn on the cob covered in mayo, cheese, chili, and lime.
✈️ How to Get There:
Major Airports: Mexico City (MEX), Cancún (CUN), Guadalajara (GDL), and Tulum’s new Felipe Carrillo Puerto Airport (TQO).
From the UK: Direct flights to Cancún and Mexico City take around 10–11 hours.
🚍 Getting Around:
Long-distance buses (like ADO) are reliable, comfortable, and affordable.
Domestic flights are plentiful and good for covering large distances.
Taxis and Uber are widely used in big cities.
Renting a car is great for exploring the Yucatán or Pacific Coast.
🌍 Language & Local Etiquette:
Language: Spanish (some English spoken in tourist areas).
A friendly “¡Hola!” and “Gracias” go a long way.
Avoid discussing politics or safety concerns casually.
Dress modestly when visiting churches or traditional towns.
My Mexico Highlights
Mexico was a dream and everything I hoped it would be. I stayed area of Rivera Maya, at an all-inclusive resort which made the trip effortlessly relaxing. Sun, sea, and unlimited guacamole – whats not to love?
I took a day trip to Xcaret Park, a unique eco-archaeological park that brings together nature, history, and culture in the most immersive way. Beyond the beautiful beach and relaxing rivers, there’s a lot to experience. You can float through the underground river surrounded by lush jungle and rock formations, encounter wildlife and there’s even a replica Mayan village, complete with traditional music, food, and artisanal crafts. It’s the kind of place where you could easily spend a full day – and still not see it all!
But for me, the absolute highlight was exploring Tulum. The vibe there is something else—laid-back, earthy, and effortlessly cool. With palm tree-lined streets, boho-chic cafes, boutique shops, and a more chilled pace of life, it was a refreshing contrast to Cancún. I spent time at the Gran Cenote, which was honestly breathtaking. Swimming in the clear, fresh water with stalactites hanging above and turtles swimming below was an experience I’ll never forget.
I also took a snorkelling trip out to Cozumel Island, where I got to explore parts of the reef – vibrant coral, tropical fish, and some seriously clear water. It was a great way to experience another side of Mexico’s incredible coastline.
Between the food, the nature, and the energy of each place, Mexico really captured my heart. It offered the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.
Whether you want to soak up the culture, enjoy stunning beaches, or go snorkelling in turquoise waters – it really has it all. And next time? I’d love to go back and finally tick off Chichén Itzá from my bucket list and explore Mexico City!
Whether you’re dreaming of sipping margaritas in Tulum, exploring ancient pyramids, or dancing the night away in Mexico City. You’ll find a curated selection of the best activities and tours in Mexico below.
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Ready to experience Mexico?
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