Mexico Travel Guide: As easily the largest country in the Central American region, Mexico is rich in culture, history, and folklore. With so much to see and do here, it’s no surprise that many people come back for repeat trips!
At Martsam Travel, our tours in Mexico explore the many treasures to be found in the south of the country, including the states of Campeche, Chiapas, Quintana Roo, and Yucatan.
Are you ready to start planning your dream vacation in Mexico? Please feel free to get in touch with our friendly team. We’re here to help with anything and everything!
For now, though, let’s dive into the Ultimate Mexico Travel Guide.
Where is Mexico?
Of all the countries in our series of Central America Travel Guides, Mexico is likely the most familiar. The United States borders it to the north while Guatemala and Belize share the southern border.
The Gulf of California and the Pacific Ocean wash over the west coast. The curving east coast looks out over the Gulf of Mexico.
Given its location, Mexico is a fantastic place for a southward journey through Central America.
In addition to Guatemala and Belize, you can take an adventure through El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama.
When is the Best Time to Visit Mexico?
Given its size, the weather in Mexico varies by region and by season. We always advise checking the local forecast for any destinations you want to visit.
Generally speaking, however, the best time to visit Mexico is between December and April. This is the dry season, where there’s virtually no rainfall.
Within this period, the coolest months are December to February, but temperatures can still hit averages of 82.4°F (28°C).
In the south, the wet season starts around May and continues until October. Heavy showers tend to clear the high humidity levels before they build up again.
Mexico in April: Travel Tips, Weather, and More
If you’re starting your vacation in the capital, the best times to visit Mexico City are in March, April, and May, before the rainy season starts.
Spring is slightly busier in the city, but it’s worth it for the near-perfect weather. You should also note that around Easter, many locals tend to travel out of the city for the holiday.
In this period of hot days and balmy evenings, average daily temperatures are 87.8°F (31°C), with the average low dropping to around 71.6°F (22°C).
Read our tips for people traveling abroad for even more important information and insights ahead of your trip.
Is Mexico Safe for Tourists?
Your personal sense of safety is different from every other traveler. And many aspects contribute to when anyone feels safe or unsafe, from previous experiences to gender.
As such, we avoid sweeping generalizations in favor of more personalized advice.
Mexico has a well-established tourism industry that is genuinely world-class in places. You can rest assured that any destinations on the tourist trail are safe and welcoming.
Our broadest advice for traveling in Mexico is the same as we would give to anyone vacationing anywhere outside their home country: follow your normal safety precautions to avoid the petty crime found all over the world.
Is it Safe for a Female to Travel Alone in Mexico?
Absolutely! The Mexican people are kind and helpful, and the country has a good travel infrastructure, amazing accommodation options, and well-worn tourist trails.
To help create a safer experience, we recommend planning your trip well in advance.
With ample preparation time, you can gather the information you need about the locations and attractions you want to visit, as well as the modes of transportation you will take.
You can also research and assess the most highly rated and trusted tour companies, like Martsam Travel.
Is it Safe to Travel to Mexico by Car?
Again, generally speaking, Mexico is absolutely safe to travel around by car. But you can make your experience safer by following certain precautions.
For example, if traveling a long distance, stick to toll roads, or cuotas, as they are safe and well-maintained.
As with journeys in any unfamiliar place, you should keep doors locked and windows closed, especially at traffic lights.
How Does One Get a Visa to Visit Mexico?
If you’re visiting Mexico as a tourist, there’s no need to obtain a visa. Citizens of the US, Canada, the UK, and most EU countries can stay in Mexico on this basis for a maximum of 180 days. For other European countries, stays are capped at 90 days.
When visiting Mexico, your passport’s validity must cover the duration of your proposed stay.
What Languages are Spoken in Mexico?
Spanish is the national language of Mexico. In fact, Mexico is the largest Spanish-speaking country in the world.
In addition, 6% of the country speaks an indigenous language and English is widely used on the tourist trail.
Our team at Martsam Travel also speaks English, so you don’t need to worry about communication during your trip when on our tours of Mexico.
What Should I Pack for a Trip to Mexico?
With so much to explore, we can’t provide a comprehensive packing list for every traveler coming to Mexico.
However, some of the must-pack items that you should consider include:
- Lightweight clothing
- Shorts and light pants
- Light dresses and skirts
- Swimsuit and beach towel
- Quick-dry clothing
- Sweater or jacket
- Water shoes
- Walking shoes and slip-on shoes
- Sandals and sneakers
- First-aid bag
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen and sunhat
How Many Pesos Should I Take for a Two-Week Trip to Mexico?
Of course, the correct amount of pesos you need for your vacation in Mexico depends entirely on the kind of trip you plan to take.
As an average, we recommend having $30 per day for a comfortable and enjoyable experience. At the time of writing, this equates to 586.87 pesos.
On this basis, 14 days would total 8,216.18 pesos.
Can You Pay with US Dollars in Mexico?
Places that cater to tourists widely accept US dollars. In fact, you may find price lists available in both pesos and dollars.
The further you stray from the tourist trail, however, the less likely this becomes, so don’t rely on this approach exclusively.
You should always exchange some of your domestic currency upon arrival in Mexico at a bank.
Quick Guide to Using Credit Cards in Mexico
If you prefer using plastic, you don’t need to worry when in Mexico: ATMs and credit cards are a part of life here.
In most large cities and tourist areas, you will be able to use MasterCard, Visa, and American Express.
Naturally, in more rural spots and with small businesses, you may need to use cash.
ATMs are widespread in Mexico and you can usually choose between Spanish and English directions. We advise using those associated with reputable banks, such as:
- BBVA Bancomer
- Santander
- Inbursa
- Banorte
- Intercam
- CIBanco
- Banco del Bajío
- Scotiabank (partnered with Bank of America)
Why Should I Travel to Mexico?
There are countless reasons why you should visit the south of Mexico. Some of our favorite highlights in the region include:
- Chichen Itza archaeological site and the world-famous Kukulkan pyramid
- Ancient Mayan wonders like Palenque, Bonampak, and Yaxchilan
- Relaxation, fascinating history, and snorkeling in turquoise waters in Tulum
- The charming city of Campeche, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- The Mayan forest of Quintana Roo, a habitat for a diverse range of wildlife
This list barely scratches the surface of all the things there are to see and do in southern Mexico, let alone the entire country!
Natural wonders, incredible historical sites, mouthwatering cuisine — if you’re traveling to Mexico for the first time, be prepared to have a new favorite vacation destination.
Unlock an Authentic Mexico Experience with Our Carefully Curated Tours
At Martsam Travel, we have poured all our expertise into curating tours of Mexico that showcase the very best this incredible country has to offer.
And for the ultimate in luxury, freedom, and flexibility, why not consider one of our custom tours of Mexico? Let us tailor an itinerary to your tastes and interests!
To start planning your one-of-a-kind, truly authentic Mexican experience, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
