Mexico travel guide
Rich in natural resources, indigenous history and incredible cuisine
Mexico is a mix of affluent cities, tiny shanty towns, stunning beaches, fantastic food, ancient history and vibrant culture. It boasts 35 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, iconic Mayan ruins and diverse natural landscapes. About 42 million international tourists visit each year. In 2024 the nation elected its first female president.
Fun fact: Mexico has more pyramids than Egypt, with numerous ancient structures left behind by the Mayan and Aztec civilizations.
Mexico facts
Best time to visit
Best time to visit
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Mexico is generally from December to April when the weather is warm, sunny and dry.
This period is considered high season, meaning higher prices and larger crowds, especially during the Christmas and New Year holidays and spring break.
Official language
Best time to visit
Best time to visit
While Mexico is home to a diverse array of indigenous languages, including Nahuatl, Maya, and Mixtec, Spanish is the most widely spoken language, used by the vast majority of the population.
Population + plugs
Best time to visit
Population + plugs
Mexico has a population of 130 million. About 9 million people live in Mexico City, making it North America's most populous city.
Mexico uses Type A and Type B electrical plugs, which are the same as those used in the United States and Canada.
Official currency
Best time to visit
Population + plugs
The Mexican peso (MXN) is the official currency of Mexico. It is subdivided into 100 centavos.
Mexico can be a relatively inexpensive place to visit, outside of major tourist areas such as Cancun and Mexico City.
mexico travel tips
10 Epic Days of Exploration in the Yucatán Peninsula
Explore ancient Mayan pyramids, swim in fresh water cenotes, and enjoy the vibrant culture (and food!) on city walking and cycling tours.
Izamal, Mexico: A Guide to Visiting Yucatán’s Yellow City
Spend a few hours exploring the impressive Convento de San Antonio de Padua, wandering the sunny yellow streets and grabbing a bite to eat.
The Ultimate Guide to Uxmal: My Favorite Mayan Ruins
One Fabulous Day at Mexico's Famous Theme Park Xcaret
Marvel at Uxmal's towering Pyramid of the Magician while you trace intricate stone carvings in this once-powerful Mayan city deep in the Yucatán jungle.
One Fabulous Day at Mexico's Famous Theme Park Xcaret
One Fabulous Day at Mexico's Famous Theme Park Xcaret
One Fabulous Day at Mexico's Famous Theme Park Xcaret
Spend a day at Xcaret, a vibrant blend of eco-park, aquarium, zoo, water attractions, cultural shows, and all-you-can-eat dining—all set in a lush jungle paradise on the Riviera Maya.
How to Spend 3 Magical Days in Valladolid
One Fabulous Day at Mexico's Famous Theme Park Xcaret
How to Visit the Incredible Ruins of Chichen Itza
Discover the charm of this magical city’s colonial streets, colorful churches, and vibrant markets, while using it as a base to explore surrounding cenotes and ruins.
How to Visit the Incredible Ruins of Chichen Itza
One Fabulous Day at Mexico's Famous Theme Park Xcaret
How to Visit the Incredible Ruins of Chichen Itza
Immerse yourself in the history of this legendary UNESCO World Heritage site as you join the millions who visit the most famous Mayan ruins in Mexico.
How to Spend 3 Days in Tulum, Mexico
Pueblos Magicos: Magical Towns in Mexico You Must See
Bask in the sun on a pristine sandy beach, swim in crystal-clear cenotes, enjoy vibrant local cuisine and take in the view of the Caribbean as you explore Tulum's iconic cliffside ruins.
Pueblos Magicos: Magical Towns in Mexico You Must See
Pueblos Magicos: Magical Towns in Mexico You Must See
Spend a few hours exploring the impressive Convento de San Antonio de Padua, wandering the sunny yellow streets and grabbing a bite to eat.
Tips for Visiting the Mayan Ruins of Tulum
Perched dramatically on a cliff, these iconic ruins offer a stunning glimpse into ancient history with well-preserved temples, a walled fortress and breathtaking views.
5 Must-See Mayan Ruins in the Yucatan Peninsula
Day trip from Tulum: A Guide to Visiting the Coba Ruins
From the iconic Chichen Itza to the lesser-known, jungle-enshrouded ruins of Ek Balam, these five Yucatán sites offer a mix of history, adventure, and stunning architecture.
Gran vs Xcanche vs Ik Kil: Which Cenote is Better?
Day trip from Tulum: A Guide to Visiting the Coba Ruins
Day trip from Tulum: A Guide to Visiting the Coba Ruins
Take your pick: a cenote with a rope swing in a secluded jungle setting, unbelievably clear water perfect for snorkeling, or a beautiful but overly crowded cavern with cascading greenery.
Day trip from Tulum: A Guide to Visiting the Coba Ruins
Day trip from Tulum: A Guide to Visiting the Coba Ruins
Day trip from Tulum: A Guide to Visiting the Coba Ruins
Rent a bike or wander on foot through a forest of towering pyramids, ancient ball courts, and hidden pathways -- then eat one of our favorite meals in all of Mexico.
Tips for Taking Your Kids on a Mexican Road Trip
Mexican Swimming Holes: So Many Cenotes to See & Swim In
Mexican Swimming Holes: So Many Cenotes to See & Swim In
From snorkeling in cenotes and spotting wildlife at ecological parks to climbing ancient Mayan ruins and exploring colorful colonial towns, these tips can help you plan a Mexico road trip packed with history, adventure and unforgettable family fun.
Mexican Swimming Holes: So Many Cenotes to See & Swim In
Mexican Swimming Holes: So Many Cenotes to See & Swim In
Mexican Swimming Holes: So Many Cenotes to See & Swim In
Mexico’s cenotes—natural freshwater sinkholes once sacred to the Maya—offer magical places to swim, snorkel and explore, with crystal-clear waters tucked into caves, jungles and open limestone pools across the Yucatán Peninsula.
How to Visit Ek Balam Ruins: It’s Easier Than You Think
Mexican Swimming Holes: So Many Cenotes to See & Swim In
How to Visit Ek Balam Ruins: It’s Easier Than You Think
Ek Balam, once a powerful Maya city that thrived between 600 and 850 AD, was only rediscovered and excavated in the late 20th century, revealing an impressive Acropolis, intricate stucco carvings, and remarkably preserved royal tombs.
How to Spend 10 Days In and Around Mexico City
How to Visit Ek Balam Ruins: It’s Easier Than You Think
Spend 10 unforgettable days in and around Mexico City with a bike food tour through leafy-green neighborhoods, trips to magical towns and lush ecological parks, and a sunrise visit to the awe-inspiring ruins of Teotihuacan.
Teotihuacan: A Guide to Visiting the Pyramid of the Sun
Our thoughts on what you need to know about planning a visit to Teotihuacan’s Pyramid of the Sun, from the best times to go and how to get there, to tips for exploring this massive ancient monument and its surrounding ruins.
5 Tips for Renting a Car in Mexico
From choosing the right insurance to navigating toll roads and local driving laws, these five essential tips will help you rent a car in Mexico with confidence and ease. You can do it!
How to Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride over Teotihuacán
Step Inside Frida Kahlo’s World at the Vibrant Casa Azul
Step Inside Frida Kahlo’s World at the Vibrant Casa Azul
See the sunrise while floating in a hot air balloon over the ancient pyramids of Teotihuacán? Yes, please! These tips will guide you through what to expect and how to make the most of this unforgettable experience.
Step Inside Frida Kahlo’s World at the Vibrant Casa Azul
Step Inside Frida Kahlo’s World at the Vibrant Casa Azul
Step Inside Frida Kahlo’s World at the Vibrant Casa Azul
A Mexican painter known for her deeply personal, surreal and symbolic self-portraits, Kahlo's home is now a museum where you can experience the vibrant energy that defined her legendary life.
Tips for Visiting Mexico's Glorious Grutas Tolantongo
Step Inside Frida Kahlo’s World at the Vibrant Casa Azul
Tips for Visiting Mexico's Glorious Grutas Tolantongo
Located about four hours north of Mexico City, Grutas Tolantongo is a box canyon resort with swimming grottoes, tiered pools and a bright, sky blue, mineral colored river -- all that are filled with naturally heated 98 degree spring water.