The Completed Mexico Travel Guide For Hassle-Free Travel

A Mexican travel guide is what you need to read before you can say "¡Viva México!" and groove to salsa. Why, you ask?

With so many amazing options that a country as diverse as Mexico has to offer, you’ll probably need one. No matter if you’re chilling on sun-kissed beaches sipping margaritas or exploring the majestic ruins of ancient civilisations. A good Mexico travel guide can give you ideas on which best options to put on your itinerary, including what essentials to pack.

Here’s what you can expect to find in this guide:

• An overview of Mexico
• Important travel tips, such as visa requirements and transportation
• Where to go and what to do to enjoy Mexico to the fullest
• How to plan and budget the perfect Mexico trip
• Safety advice and exclusive local insights 

Now, let the mariachi play!

The Magnificent Mexico - An Overview

Geographic and cultural beauties, Mexico has them all. Photo by Richie Chan - stock.adobe.com

Mexico’s geography is one big part of its charm. Bordering the US to the north, the Pacific Ocean to the west, the Caribbean Sea to the east, and Guatemala and Belize to the south, its terrains are incredibly varied. 

From gorgeous beaches, lush jungles, great mountains and cities with both modern and ancient allure, they all make for an exciting and diverse itinerary. The best part? It’s an experience you can enjoy without breaking the bank.

When it comes to Mexican culture, it’s not wrong to say the country is famous worldwide. Even if you have never been to Mexico, you’ve probably already heard of or experienced Mexican food and arts before. Surprisingly, certain parts of the nation is also very LGBT-friendly.

Delicious cuisine like tamales, tacos and mole, vibrant music scene with the salsa and mariachi bands, the adored telenovelas, the great Frida Kahlo, and what else? Oh, yes, the festivals, such as the Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos). 

Mexico’s history dates back thousands of years, being the home to some of the world’s oldest civilisations like the Maya, Aztec, and Olmec. Their remaining architectural marvels can still be explored today.  

Mexico’s weather is also favourable to tourists year-round. No matter when you visit the country, there’s always an adventure waiting for you. The sunny days call to the beachgoers. The tropical forests await hikers. The desert and cold mountains draw in adrenaline-seekers.

How Many Days In Mexico Is Enough?

At least a week for all the iconic sights and sees. Credit: @st4xu

Some of the most popular cities in Mexico, including Mexico City, can be fitted in a 7-10 day trip. 

You can spend 4 days in the urban areas to explore famous landmarks, attractions and experience the food, culture and art scenes. Then the next 3 days can be spent exploring the natural beauty of Mexico, such as the archeological sites like Chichen Itza or stunning beaches of Cancun. 

However, since Mexico is very diverse, with lots of unique indigenous cultures, a 2 or 3 week stay is also ideal. You can expand your itinerary to include more lesser-known places like Chiapas or Baja California.

All in all, it depends on your preferences. Mexico City, and the entirety of Mexico itself, is impressively huge with lots and lots, and lots of things to do. Just the neighbourhoods of Roma Norte and La Condesa alone are enough to fill a two-day itinerary.

The Best Months To Visit Mexico

Mexico is nice to visit year-round. But the best time to visit Mexico depends on what you want to enjoy the most. 

For example, if you’re looking for a beach getaway in places such as Cancun, then December or early January are the best because the weather is fantastic. It’s warm but not humid, and there are going to be a lot of bird species migrating there. The downsides might be that ticket fares and accommodations may be a bit more expensive than usual.

Mexico City and other cities can be visited anytime, but if you’re a foodie, we recommend the time around All-Saints day, which takes place on November 2nd. 

Summer months are rainy, so if you’re bothered by the rain, avoid July and August.

What Is Required To Enter Mexico?

Similar to other countries, Mexico has both visa-free entry and visa-required entry.

Which Countries Do Not Need A Visa For Mexico?

Many European countries are exempt from visa application to visit Mexico. Photo by Marcos - stock.adobe.com

As of 2024, citizens from 65 countries travelling to Mexico for leisure purposes do not need a visa application if the length of their stay is less than 180 days. 

For European countries:

• Schengen area:
• Austria
• Belgium
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Netherlands
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland.
• The United Kingdom
• Andorra
• Monaco
• San Marino
• Vatican City

For American countries:

• Argentina
• Belize
• Brazil
• Canada
• Chile
• Colombia
• Costa Rica
• Ecuador
• El Salvador
• Guatemala
• Honduras
• Nicaragua
• Panama
• Paraguay
• Peru
• Uruguay
• The United States
  

For Asian countries and Oceanian countries:

• Japan
• South Korea
• Hong Kong and Macau (less than 90 days)
• Australia
• New Zealand

For Visa-Free Entry

Here are the documents you need:

• Valid passport with at least a six-month validity
• A valid Multiple Digital Migration Form (FMMd), which can be obtained from airlines, travel agencies, or at the port of entry
• Depending on your nationality, you may need proof of permanent residency
• Other documents may be asked to present are a valid APEC business travel card, proof of travel such as flight tickets, accommodations, itinerary, and proof of funds
• As well as other personal documents required by immigration officials.

Mexico entry requirements vary, depending on where you’re entering Mexico from, your mode of transport to Mexico, purposes of travel, and, most importantly, your nationality. 

H3. For Visa-Required Entry

The documents are not that different from visa-free entry, but of course, with the addition of an approved visitor visa.

H2. Best Ways To Travel Around Mexico

Many tend to overlook the aspect of transportation within their destination. It can cause quite a few headaches later on into the trip, especially with budgeting and timing.

And Mexico is not a small country at all! Travelling from one city to another might take more hours than you’d expect. So, it’s best to be very well-prepared in how to travel around the country safely and cost-effectively.

Flight, Rail, Bus, or Taxis In Mexico?

Each has its own pros and cons. Here’s a quick comparison for your reference:

Mode of transport	Good for…	The downsides	You can try	What we think
By plane	- Long distance travel between cities - Safe and accessible anytime of the day	- Higher cost - Unable to enjoy the Mexico scenery and the local experience	- The top airlines that offer domestic flights in Mexico: Aeromexico, Volaris, Interjet, and VivaAerobus	Perfect for those who want quick travel and have a more comfy budget
By bus	- Both short and long distance travel within Mexico City or between cities - Budget travellers as well as luxury travellers	- Some buses don’t have a “passenger limit”, meaning that drivers may just pick up as many people as they like. If you’re not comfortable with overpacked transport, avoid rush hour. - Wifi doesn’t always work	- ADO, Primera Plus, and ETN	Perfect for multi-stop trips. It’s also affordable and safe.
By train	- Touristy trips to specific cities, which are not that many because apparently there are only 3 active passenger trains in Mexico (Guadalajara - Tequila, Los Mochis - Chihuahua, Tijuana - Tecate)	- It’s obviously a downside for those who do not wish to travel within these areas, but if you do, then keep in mind that these are mainly for tourism purposes, so tickets can be quite expensive.	- Tequila Express, El Chepe, and Tijuana - Tecate.	There are better ways to get around Mexico.
By taxi	- Short distance travel within a city, and it’s readily available most of the time	- Street taxis are a hard no for tourists. They are known for overcharging and scams.	- Uber (in Mexico City) and authorised taxis (the ones you prepay at a stand) are much safer.	- Taxi services can be pretty expensive, depending on distance and time of day.

Best Way To Get Around Mexico City

The Mexico City Metro System and the Metrobus are your best friends. It’s one of the busiest and largest, but surprisingly very well-organised, systems in the world that stops at nearly 200 stations.

Mexico City Metro is accessible and convenient for tourists. Gobierno CDMX, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

All lines run from as early as 5 in the morning to midnight and are mainly underground. If you prefer above-ground travel, take the Metrobus. Their affordability and flexibility make them a fantastic way to get around Mexico City.

The fare is 5 pesos, and the metro card (Integrated Mobility Card) costs 15 pesos. All trips use the metro card now, and the single ticket system is no longer available. 

The card works the same way as any other transport card. You top it up as you go. You can also use the card for the Metrobus and Ecobici bicycles. 

What To Do In Mexico?

There are plenty of things to do in Mexico. Some of them are even free. Here is a list of our suggestions.

Our Local Picks Of What To Do In Mexico

Our local friend Josceline T. shares that the Puebla Fair is a must-attend visiting UNESCO World Heritage’s Puebla - one of Mexico’s most beautiful cities.

It offers a wide range of local delights, from arts and crafts, food such as mole poblano and chiles en nogada, and traditional performances with the architectural wonders of Puebla as the backdrop.

If you need a change of scenery from the bustling streets of Mexico City, Puebla is a fantastic choice. 

She also recommends El Palacio de Bellas Artes (Palace of Fine Arts) in Mexico City. It houses some of the country’s most important cultural events and performances, including exhibitions, concerts, and ballet. At the heart of the city, this building stands out with its striking Art Nouveau exterior. When inside, you will be amazed by the classic Art Deco interior.

A must-visit for art lovers. Photo by JJAVA - stock.adobe.com

H3. How To Spend A Sunday Morning In Mexico City?

Many fun and unique activities take place on a Sunday in the vibrant Mexico City. 

The most iconic and famous is bike riding along the Paseo de la Reforma. This beautiful avenue is closed off from traffic on Sunday for cyclists to enjoy. You can simply take a peaceful walk and enjoy local delights along the way or rent a bike and pedal with the locals. 

Many locals also visit El Bosque de Chapultepec to have a picnic, go for a walk, and visit the attractions within the park. In this green space, you can find the Chapultepec Castle, the Chapultepec Zoo and Botanical Garden. The planetarium Planetario Luis Enrique Erro and Tamayo Contemporary Art Museum are perfect spots to visit with friends, family and children.

You can also enjoy a tranquil morning in this magnificent city in a lovely local cafe. Mexico City has its fair share of aesthetic cafes that make for amazing photos, such as the Panaderia Rosetta and Cafe Milou.

How Much Money Should I Take To Mexico?

You can bring any amount you see fit. But if we’re looking at how much money you need to travel comfortably 1 day in Mexico, then we recommend a budget of around 50 - 100 GBP/day. In pesos, approximately 1.000 - 2.000. Then you can bring an extra amount for emergencies.

Mexico Travel Budget Breakdown

For budget travellers, you can plan a 1-day budget similar to this:

• Accommodation: on average, around 800 pesos/day, but there are cheaper options such as budget hotels, shared dormitories, and hostels.
• Transportation: 15 pesos for the metro card, 5 pesos fare in Mexico City, but buses are generally affordable anywhere
• Food and attractions: around 500 - 800 pesos. It can be cheaper or more expensive depending on the season, location, and preference.
• Other expenses: 300 - 500 pesos for tips, souvenirs or unexpected costs

Cash Or Credit Card In Mexico?

Cash is better to bring than cards in Mexico. Photo by Kirk Fisher - stock.adobe.com

We’d say both, but it’s better to carry cash. 

A lot of local stores, street vendors, and market stalls mainly use cash, and some do not allow any other form of payment. Big malls or international chains often accept cards.

What’s important is that you need to research whether your cards are accepted. We hear that some people cannot process certain foreign banks, even though the cards are international.  

Also, tipping is expected in Mexico. So, it’s good to keep cash with you. 

CabinZero’s advice: exchange your money to Mexican pesos before boarding the plane, but not all of it. Then as you go on your holuday, exchange money at an ATM. 

Avoid airport exchange booths as they are known to have higher rates. If you can, look into travel credit cards that offer low to zero transactional fees.

Packing For Mexico: What To Bring Realistically?

Another important subject in our Mexico travel guide - what to bring to Mexico? The checklist is not at all different from other ones. That means that you will need to pack all the regulars, such as clothing, toiletries, important travel documents, and emergency items.

What’s important is that you have to pack for the weather, the activities, and cultural norms of Mexico. Then what’s left to do is to pack your items efficiently. 

You also need to pay attention to medicine. Mexican food is very flavourful and rich in spices and herbs. If you’re used to eating food seasoned with just the old salt-n-pepper, you may need to bring some medicine for digestive issues, such as Peptol-Bismol. 

Painkillers or any quick-acting anti-inflammatory medicine is a great essential to have ready in your backpack.

If you’re planning to go see the coral reef, keep in mind that, while not all, some places may require you to use reef-safe sunscreen, or no sunscreen allowed at all.

CabinZero’s advice: Bring natural/reef-safe/biodegradable sunscreen. They contain only zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.   

Should I Bring A Rain Jacket To Mexico?

Mexico is no stranger to unexpected rain showers. Photo by rodrigo - stock.adobe.com

Mexico has very diverse landscapes. One town, it’s dry, sunny - the most pleasant weather you can expect. The next, it’s rainy, humid, and even chilly. Coastal areas also vibe to a unique weather compared to mountainous ones.

If your trip covers a lot of landscapes, it’s best to bring a rain jacket with you.

Opt for a rain jacket that can be folded up tightly or comes with a bag for storage when not in use. A lightweight waterproof jacket or windbreaker is also good to keep in your bag. For peace of mind, you can invest in a dry bag or a bag cover to keep your gear safe and sound from any drizzle and showers.

Is It Too Hot To Wear Jeans In Mexico?

Mexico can be considered hot for those who are used to colder climates. If that’s the case, consider lightweight and breathable clothes, such as cotton shirts or sun-dresses.

As for jeans, you can swap those for either khakis, leggings or smart cotton pants if jeans make you feel stuffy and itchy. 

A lot of foreigners question, “how can Mexicans wear long clothing when it’s hot out?”.  The key to avoid being heated up under the sun is, as many have believed otherwise, to have a layer shielding your skin from its light. So, it’s usually not jeans that are causing you to pant and sweat. It’s the direct sun exposure. 

Staying Safe In Mexico Guide

We blame Hollywood for portraying the beautiful Mexico as this somewhat barren land where everything and everyone is exotic and shady. 

They do have a fair share of social and economic problems, but then again, which country doesn’t? Even the “safest” of places still pose certain threats to those who do not use common sense when travelling.

Here’s what you can and should do to ensure your safety when travelling to Mexico.

Some Ground Rules

Just like anywhere else, don’t do anything that you wouldn’t do at home. Don’t do drugs, for example, which is a straight gateway to the cartels. And beware of pickpocketing, a petty crime you’d find even at the safest places in the world. Here are 5 things you should do before taking off to Mexico, or anywhere for that matter.

A lockable backpack might be what you need for peace of mind.

1. Research Your Destinations

Go online. Plan your route, and read up on news about the area before going. You also need to look up information about cultural norms and customs. 

And we’re not just talking about crimes. You need to look up information about the weather as well. Some regions in Mexico are prone to hurricanes. 

As of 2024, we advise our globetrotters to avoid travelling to Nayarit, Tamaulipas, and Zacatecas due to a high level of gang-related crimes. Once-famous destinations such as Acapulco and Tijuana are also plagued with drug-related crimes in recent years. 

Sites such as this and this can give you a good idea which area to cross out or save for the future in your Mexico itinerary.

More resources to stay up to date:

• FCDO Travel Advice on Mexico
• US Travel Advisory on Mexico

2. Stay In Reputable Accommodations

When you book your accommodations, make sure you’re doing so on reliable websites. Most mainstream booking sites should have the contact information of the property owners and reviews of other travellers for you to do your own research. 

If you’re concerned about fake accommodation listings, stick to international chain hotels. They can be more expensive, but definitely less worrisome.

Avoid remote areas. If you’re travelling alone, consider staying as close to the city centre as possible.

3. Use Your Common Sense

Petty crimes against tourists are everywhere, no matter how well-developed a place is. Keep your belongings close to yourself, and pay attention to anyone approaching you in a “too friendly” way. 

A good trick is to store money, phones and other valuable belongings in a secure hip bag worn under your jacket/shirt in crowded areas. 

Don’t go out alone late at night, and avoid flexing your wealth. 

Be aware of your surroundings at all times. 

4. Inform People Of Your Whereabouts

This is useful when you’re visiting places that are off-grid. For instance, the jungle or a hike in the mountains. 

You can leave a note for the staff at the place you’re staying, or tell your friends and family where you’re heading, where you will be staying, and who you will be meeting. It’s important to always have an emergency contact. 

CabinZero’s advice: Use two phones if you can. It doesn’t have to be a fancy one. Just a basic and cheap old model is good enough. Use your primary and more expensive phone with the home SIM to make important calls. Use your other one with a local SIM when visiting areas you deem unsafe. 

5. Never Travel Without Insurance

While finding healthcare in Mexico is easy, it’s hard to say the same when paying medical bills out of your pocket. And there’s also the risk of theft and crime. Travel insurance can offer peace of mind and it’s better to have them than not when you need them most. Read the fine print carefully and check if your insurance covers certain activities you plan on doing, such as scuba diving in Cozumel or hiking in Copper Canyon. 

What Is The Safest Part Of Mexico For Tourists?

The Yucatan Peninsula which includes Cancun, Tulum, and Playa Del Carmen is considered one of the safest parts of Mexico. With a focus on tourism, there’s a heavier police presence. 

The Riviera Maya is also considered relatively safe. You can enjoy the pristine beaches and explore the Mayan ruins peacefully.

Even for solo female travellers, Mexico can be pretty safe. Just stick to the tourist zones, which are well-lit and have many people around, and you will be fine.

However, don’t forget to use travel common sense whenever you are. 

Local Advice On Mexico Travel Safety

Embrace the heritage of Mexico’s indigenous people through respect. Photo by ruslanita - stock.adobe.com

Our lovely friend of the house and also a local Mexican travel lover, Josceline T., advises eager travellers to be respectful towards the locals, especially the indigenous communities.

These communities have existed even before Mexico was under Spanish colonial rule over 300 years ago. Their belief systems, their customs, and languages are unique and should be respected.

She shares that a lot of tourists tend to expect Mexicans to fluently use their languages, but “education is a privilege here, sadly, so most people just speak their mother language.”

By being understanding and respectful to the locals, you are doing yourself a big favour of keeping yourself safe.

Mexican Travel Guide - Our Conclusion

Let’s conclude our 2025 Mexican travel guide with a quick recap of what you need to do to enjoy your Mexico dream vacation to the fullest.

• Check if you need to present a visitor visa and other documents upon entering Mexico. 
• Mexico can be enjoyed in 7 days, but to experience it all to its fullest extent (both the cities and the natural landscapes), we recommend 2-3 weeks.
• Mexico can be visited year-round. The best months vary depending on which types of activities you want to do. For the beaches, December or early January. For the festivals, try November. 
• Bring cash because Mexico is mainly a cash country.
• Bring cool, breathable clothing but don’t forget to pack for the sudden drizzles or chills.
• Use common sense and be respectful of local cultures to stay safe.

So, pack your bag and get ready for an unforgettable experience. Viva Mexico!

If you find this article useful, don’t forget to share and let us know via social media. We’d love to hear your amazing Mexico travel stories.

Nguyen Tran Gia Khanh