Mexico Tourism: Practical Tips and Top Places to Visit

Heading to Mexico? Smart choice. You’ll find beaches, big cities, ancient ruins, street food and cheap flights from many places. This page gives clear, useful tips to plan a smoother trip—no travel fluff, just what you need.

Start by picking the type of trip you want. Beach and party? Check Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum. Culture and food? Mexico City and Oaxaca are top picks. Road trip and nature? Baja California and Chiapas deliver deserts, mountains and waterfalls.

When to go and weather tips

Best overall time is November to April. That avoids Mexico’s rainy season (May–October) and the hottest months. Winter is dry and perfect for beaches and cities. If you want lower prices and fewer crowds consider May or late October—expect some rain but shorter queues.

Coastal places like Cancún and Puerto Vallarta are humid and warm year-round. Mexico City sits at high altitude, so mornings can be cool even when days are sunny. Pack a light jacket for evenings in cities and a rain jacket for the summer months.

Practical travel tips

Money: Peso is the local currency. Carry some cash for markets and small vendors; cards work in big hotels and restaurants. ATMs are common but use ones inside banks to avoid skimming risks. Expect to tip 10–15% at restaurants if service isn’t included.

Safety: Use common sense. Stick to well-known neighborhoods at night, keep valuables out of sight, and use registered taxis or rideshare apps like Uber where available. Touristy areas are generally safe but watch for pickpockets and common scams.

Health: Avoid tap water in smaller towns—drink bottled or filtered water. If you plan to eat street food, pick stalls with high turnover; busy stalls usually mean fresher food. Carry basic meds and sunscreen—Mexican sun is strong.

Visas and entry: Many nationalities can enter Mexico visa-free for tourist stays (check official embassy websites before you travel). You’ll usually get a tourist card on arrival—keep it safe for your return journey.

Transport: Domestic flights are cheap between major cities. Buses are comfortable and run between towns; look for ADO for coastal routes. Renting a car makes sense in Baja or for exploring Yucatán, but drive carefully and avoid remote night driving.

Must-see spots: Chichén Itzá and Tulum for ruins, Mexico City for museums and food, Oaxaca for markets and craft villages, Copper Canyon for dramatic scenery, and Baja for whale watching. If you love beaches, Puerto Escondido and Isla Holbox offer quieter alternatives to Cancún.

Culture: Learn basic Spanish phrases—it opens doors. Try tacos al pastor, cochinita pibil and local moles. Join a cooking class or a market tour for hands-on food experiences.

Final tip: Book popular tours and hotels in advance during high season. For offbeat trips, ask locals for recommendations—you’ll find great hidden spots that guidebooks miss.

Want a sample 7-day plan or packing list? I can put one together based on the region you’ll visit—tell me where you’re going and I’ll help plan it.