A country of rich traditions and deep history, Mexico captivates visitors with its lively music, delicious cuisine, and colorful festivals. From its ancient ruins and colonial cities to its stunning coastlines, Mexico offers a diverse combination of culture, art, and natural beauty.
Fast Facts:
Capital: Mexico City (usually written as CDMX, “Ciudad de México”)
Population: 130.9 million (2024)
Currency: Mexican Peso ($, MX$)
Official Language: Spanish
Drives: On the right-hand side of the road
Adapter Type: Type A and B
Visa Requirements: None for visa-exempt countries with stays up to 180 days. Make sure to check the official website of the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs official website to determine if your country is visa-exempt.
Popular Attractions in Mexico
Mexico City: Mexico City is a vibrant, sprawling metropolis and the cultural heart of Mexico, where ancient Aztec ruins sit alongside colonial-era palaces and modern skyscrapers. Known for its world-class museums, incredible food, and bustling neighborhoods, it is one of the most populous and dynamic urban centers in the world.
Cabo San Lucas: Cabo San Lucas is a popular tourist destination at the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula. Cabo features luxury resorts, world-class sport fishing and golfing, and a wide range of outdoor activities, including whale watching, snorkeling, and off-road activities.
Oaxaca City: Oaxaca City is the capital of the state of Oaxaca and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Considered the gastronomic capital of Mexico, Oaxaca City is renowned for its rich indigenous culture and exceptional cuisine. The city is also the heart of mezcal production, famous for its complex mole sauces, and features a stunning colonial center of cobblestone streets and elegant, green-stone buildings.
Puerto Vallarta: A resort city on Mexico’s Pacific coast, Puerto Vallarta is nestled between the Sierra Madre mountains and the picturesque Bahía de Banderas, giving a dramatic backdrop of lush jungle meeting the sea. The city is famous for its charming cobblestone streets and bustling boardwalk, called “Malecón.” Puerto Vallarta caters to a wide range of visitors, from those seeking high-end resorts and nightlife to adventurers looking for eco-tours, hiking, and water sports.
Cancún: Cancun is a resort city and major international destination located on the northeastern coast of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, famous for its powdery white-sand beaches and brilliant turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. It is known for its luxurious all-inclusive resorts, vibrant nightlife, and a wide array of water sports. Cancún also serves as a gateway to the ancient Mayan civilization, and visitors often take a day trip to to archaeological sites like Chichén Itzá and Tulum.
Chichén Itzá: Chichén Itzá is a monumental ancient Mayan city and a UNESCO World Heritage site located on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. It is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world and shows the advanced architectural, astronomical, and cultural achievements of the Maya and Toltec civilizations.
Teotihuacan: Teotihuacan is a large, ancient city and UNESCO World Heritage site located 40-50 kilometers (25 to 30 miles) northeast of Mexico City. From the 1st to the 7th centuries AD, it was one of the Americas’ largest and most powerful urban centers, with a population that is said to have reached 200,000 people. The city is world-famous for its massive monuments such as the iconic Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon.
Best Time To Visit Mexico
The best time to visit Mexico varies greatly depending on what you want to do and where you’re going, due to the country’s diverse climate and landscape. Generally, the best time to visit is between November and April. The weather is warm, sunny, and dry across most of the country, including popular beach destinations like Cancún, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. This is ideal for exploring ancient ruins and cities, as the temperatures are comfortable and there’s minimal rainfall. Peak season is during the winter, especially around Christmas into the new year, and during spring break (late February into March).
To avoid the heaviest crowds and save money, consider visiting between May and October. This is the “low season” for tourism. There is more rain, but it is often in the form of brief, afternoon showers. During this time, you will find better deals on flights and accommodations. However, be aware that this is also the hurricane season, particularly in September and October. No matter when you visit, Mexico’s central and southern regions are generally hot and humid, while the north is drier and can get cold in the winter.