Mexico Travel Tips

The beaches of Mexico is what attracts so many people each year
There are few countries with as rich a culture as Mexico. Elements of Spanish, North American and traditional Mexican influences combine to make this country one of the most colorful and vibrant additions to any travel itinerary. From Mayan ruins and jungles filled with parrots and howler monkeys to the bustling nightclubs of Cancun and Guadalajara and scuba diving, Mexico is extremely diverse. With the world class Museum of Anthropology and 26 UNESCO World Heritage sites it’s hard to know where to start exploring. Mexican food, travel and accommodation are inexpensive and there are plenty of ways to keep costs down when traveling here.

City Guides for Mexico
Cancun
Mexico City

Mexico Travel Resources

Buying a Travel Backpack
Finding Cheap Accommodation
How to Find a Cheap Flight
Buying Travel Insurance

Typical Costs in Mexico

  • Accommodation: Depending on where you are staying, hostel prices can be as low as $100MX per night, although $150MX is more realistic. Hotels will start around 200 MX per night.
  • Food: Mexican food is very affordable; by purchasing food on street kiosks or in markets you can expect to spend around $150MX per day, with a less restrictive budget coming in at around $300MX if you choose to eat at reasonably priced restaurants. You can get some pretty bad-ass tequila for very little; some bottles cost around $150 pesos!
  • Transportation: Most of Mexico is served by buses, with intercity trips costing around $3MX and longer journeys usually $130MX or thereabouts. Taxi fares start from $10MX in most cities.
  • Activities: Diving is likely to be the most expensive activity you choose to do here, with day trips usually costing over $1300MX. On the other hand, entrance in to the many Mayan sites is usually around $13MX or less.

Money Saving Tips for Mexico

  • Eat market food. Mexico’s markets are a great place to eat very inexpensively, but also to stock up on food for daytrips and snacks with fresh fruit costing just pennies in most cases.
  • Agree taxi fares. Before setting off on any journey, always agree with the driver beforehand how much it will cost to get to your destination.
  • Travel off-season. By traveling between late April and early December you can pick up bargain accommodation, food and travel rates.

Top Things to See in Mexico

  • Visit the markets - Mexico’s markets are a great place to experience traditional food, pick up a bargain and plenty of souvenirs. Jewelery, handicrafts, pottery, leather and Mexican blankets are all popular. Head to the Ciudadela market in Mexico City or Oaxaca for folk art.
  • Chapultepec Park – Chapultepec is one of the largest city parks in the world, encompassing the Mexico City Zoo, Atlantis (marine life park), La Feria amusement park and the world class Museum of Anthropology. The park is a must if you are visiting Mexico City!
  • Chichén Itzá – Chichen Itza is a large Mayan archaeological site located in the north of the Yucatan Peninsula. The site has been declared as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and is thought to be the best Mayan sites in Mexico and possibly in general. The most impressive structure on the site is the 78 feet tall Temple of Kukulkan, or the Castillo as it is often known. The site also boasts elaborate wall carvings, a ball court and intricately designed columns.
  • The Zócalo (Plaza de la Constitución) – On September 15th the President gives out the country’s Yell of Independenc in the Plaza de la Constitución, one of the world’s largest squares. The Zócalo is at the heart of Mexico City as it also encompasses the Templo Mayor and the Palacio Nacional. Situated just off the Zócalo is La Catedral Metropolitana a magnificent cathedral fortified with gold and a beautiful example of Spanish colonial architecture.
  • Tulum. – The Mayan site of Tulum in the Quintana Roo is the place to go for ruins in a beach setting. Many visitors combine sightseeing with a day’s swimming and relaxing on the beach but Tulum is also situated right next to Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site – prime trekking ground for those who want to experience jungle wildlife living amidst pristine rainforests and Mayan ruins.
  • Volcanoes – Mexico has over active 30 volcanoes. Most volcanoes are found within a National Park and these offer some of the best hiking and mountain biking in the country. Popocatepetl frequently features in the top 10 lists of must see volcanoes in the world but as it is closed to climbing due to being so active, tourists favour Paricutin and Orizaba.
  • Party on the beach – The world’s biggest beach party takes place in Cancun but there are plenty of other parties going on in most coastal areas of Mexico. A beach party is a great way to save money on expensive cover charges and drinks prices in the nightclubs, but also a cool way to see in the New Year or just party from dusk ‘til dawn on any weekend night.
  • Go diving – The seas surrounding Mexico make for some of the best diving spots with their diverse marine life, coral reefs (including the second largest reef system in the world, the Great Maya Barrier Reef) and excellent visibility. Aside from diving, the waters are popular with snorkelers, sports fishermen and more or less any water sport under the sun.
  • The Day of the Dead – On November 2nd Mexico celebrates its yearly festival of the Day of the Dead. Contrary to its name the festival is a vibrant and lively affair with celebrations for those who are gone, but not forgotten. If you want a real taste of Mexican culture then the sights and sounds of this festival are an interesting experience.
  • Cancun – Depending on what you’re looking to do, Cancun can offer you a crazy fun, party in the sun, or an off the beaten path exploration of local, ancient flavor. On the one hand, you have spas, resorts, and picturesque beaches. On the other, mayan ruins, archeological sites, and little villages.
  • Get active – Laying around on the beach is great and all, but there is a ton of stuff to do. Consider surfing, snorkeling, SCUBA diving, sea kayaking, zip-lining, caving, and more. Mexico is a great country for the adrenaline junkie.
  • Taxco – Located along the side of a mountain, this little town used to be a major hotspot for silver veins. Now, it is a great place to go for trading. If you are hoping to get some genuine silver on your trip to Mexico, this is a great place to stop for inexpensive, beautifully crafted items.
  • Mexico City – This urban sprawl has a major downtown and plenty of culture to check in to. Hostels are cheap here and there is no end to museums to explore, night clubs to dance at, and crazy streets to wander. Rent a bike and ditch your itinerary.
  • Ex-Hacienda San Gabriel de Barrera – Outside of Gunajuato, this is a great place to escape to for an afternoon. Now a museum, complete with beautiful, manicured gardens, this was once the home of descendants from the Conde de Rul during the 17th century. This home is another product of the prosperous mining of the surrounding area.