Mexico
Mexico is one of the world’s most popular holiday destinations with over 20 million foreign visitors a year. Famous for its tequila, the Aztecs and the Mayas, Salma Hayek, Day of the Dead, drug wars, Lucha libre, Corona beer and the beach resorts on the Pacific and Caribbean side, Mexico offers something for every sort of traveller.
Located between the United States and Belize and Guatemala, Mexico is a land of color and contrasts. Crowded beaches lead into quiet colonial towns while resort cities open gateways to jungles ringing with parrots and howler monkeys. Majestic mountains descend to remote deserts. Traditional pueblo houses sit near Spanish haciendas. Ruins of Mayan cities lie excavated outside of modern metropolises.
The capital, Mexico City, is one of the largest cities in the world with important financial institutions, museums, historic architecture, fabulous shopping and buzzing nightlife. Other popular cities include Cancun and Acapulco, which are both famous spring break destinations due to their beautiful beaches and party scenes.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Mexico is between December and March. The weather on the coasts is glorious: dry, hot and sunny, with whales to be seen in abundance off Baja. You’re also missing the rainy season, and the hurricane season is dying down. From around March the cruise crowds and hedonistic spring breakers can make it advisable to give some parts of the coast a miss, especially Cancun, and move further inland for Mayan ruins and Monarch butterflies. Mexico is mammoth though, with four time zones, four deserts, two oceans and mountains at every turn, meaning the climate is as convoluted as a Cancun cocktail menu.
For a month by month look click here
What To Expect
Capital: Mexico City
Language: Spanish is the official language of Mexico. Hello is “hola” and Thank you is “Gracias”
Currency: Visa, American Express, and Mastercard are widely accepted in Mexico. You won’t have a hard time paying with card or finding cash machines in the major cities. While it is wise to carry some cash on you at all times, carrying too much at one time can put you in danger. Check the latest rates here
Credit Cards & ATMs: At the moment, no US credit or debit card can be used in Cuba. This also includes using a US debit card to try to get cash out of a Cuban ATM. However, if you are using a card from somewhere else, like Canada or Europe, it’s likely your card will work, but you will run into a 3% charge for every payment. Any other country-issued card will work just fine but again, expect a small fee.
Plugs: In Mexico, the power plugs and sockets are type A and B and standard voltage is 127 V and the frequency is 60Hz. These are the same plugs used in the United States so if you’re visiting from the US, you don’t need an adapter or converter. I recommend buying a universal adapter
Safety: Mexico has a bad rap for being unsafe. You’ll want to keep your wits about you and always be aware of your surroundings. Avoid walking alone at night and invest in an anti-pickpocketing bag.
Random useful tip: 1. Restroom Doors Marked With an “M” Are For the Ladies! 2. Don’t Lose the Paper Slip (FMM) You Get at Customs
Dont’s: Don’t Forget to Tip . Just like in the United States, waiters and bartenders rely on tips. It’s good practice to leave between 15-20% of the bill.
Travel Guides
Below you will find guides on places in Mexico, reasons to visit Mexico, and how to travel Mexico on a budget.
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Top 5 Things to See and Do in Mexico
Chichen Itza, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, stands as a testament to the architectural and astronomical prowess of the ancient Maya. Dominated by the iconic El Castillo pyramid, the site boasts a wealth of temples, columns, and structures that narrate tales of this grand civilisation. The Temple of the Warriors, the Great Ball Court, and the Sacred Cenote are just a few highlights. Especially intriguing is the phenomenon during the equinoxes, when the play of sunlight creates the illusion of a serpent descending the pyramid’s steps.
Mexico City’s Zócalo, one of the largest city squares in the world, pulsates with history and culture. Flanked by the grand Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Palace, this heart of the city has witnessed events that have shaped Mexico. Dive into the city’s layered past by exploring the remnants of the Aztec Templo Mayor, strolling down colourful colonial streets, or visiting the splendid Palacio de Bellas Artes, where art and architecture come together in harmony.
Nestled on the Yucatán Peninsula, Cancún offers a tropical paradise with its shimmering turquoise waters and powdery white sands. Whether you’re seeking relaxation by the sea, diving adventures in the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, or a vibrant nightlife, Cancún has it all. The nearby Isla Mujeres, easily accessible by ferry, promises a tranquil escape with its laid-back charm and stunning underwater museum.
Oaxaca, a UNESCO World Heritage city, is a sensory feast. Its colonial streets echo with the rhythms of indigenous traditions and Spanish influences. The city is renowned for its rich culinary scene – from delectable mole sauces to the smoky allure of mezcal. Dive into local traditions by visiting bustling markets like Mercado Benito Juárez, exploring the ancient ruins of Monte Albán, or joining in the vibrant festivities during the Day of the Dead celebrations.
Deeper and larger than the Grand Canyon, the Copper Canyon (Barranca del Cobre) offers a breathtaking natural spectacle. This network of canyons in the Sierra Madre Occidental is best explored on the Chihuahua al Pacifico Railway, which traverses 86 tunnels and 37 bridges, offering panoramic vistas of the rugged landscape. The region is also home to the Rarámuri or Tarahumara people, known for their incredible long-distance running abilities, who offer insights into their centuries-old traditions and customs.
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