Travel advice for Mexico
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Mexico
Book your individual trip, stress-free with local travel experts
written by Helen Fanthorpe
updated 21.10.2020
Kristin’s journey has taken her from a day job in investment banking to exploring the world, publishing two books and running a successful travel blog with more than 300,000 monthly readers. As a solo female traveller in her 30s, Kristin espouses the benefits of independent travel to build confidence and empower women. Her practical advice and extensive resources help make travel more “accessible, adventurous and immersive” for her hallowed readership. We’re feeling inspired already.
17 days / from1590 USD
The Magic of the Yucatan and Mexico City
Explore the magic of the Yucatan Peninsula: from colonial towns like Merida to Archaeological sites like Uxmal and Calakmul, close to the Guatemala border, to beaches in Bacalar and Tulum, this itinerary shows you the real Yucatan before heading out to explore Mexico City.
customize ⤍15 days / from1430 USD
Mexico City, Oaxaca & the Yucatan
Explore Central Mexico with its ever-busy capital Mexico City, visiting Teotihuacan and the famous museums in the city. Further on to Oaxaca City, the gateway to the Archaeological Site Monte Alban. Afterwards, continue to the white beaches of the Yucatan: Cancun and Isla Holbox await.
customize ⤍18 days / from1735 USD
Fascinating Mexico: From Guanajuato to the Yucatan
Discover Mexico from fascinating San Miguel de Allende over busy Mexico City all the way to the Yucatan Peninsula. This itinerary combines public transportation with domestic flights to ensure you can make the most of discovering fascinating Mexico within two weeks.
customize ⤍18 days / from2190 USD
Marvelous Mexico: From Yucatan to Mexico City
Your trip starts on the wonderful coast of Yucatan, exploring the beaches and archaeological highlights like Chichen Itza and Tulum. From there on continue the exploration to Palenque and Oaxaca before taking a flight to Mexico City - 3 days in the capital await your discovery.
customize ⤍10 days / from2147 USD
Mexico's Highlands and Coast
Discover Mexico City's historic highlights and the wonders of sites like Teotihuacan, Campeche and Palenque before you jet off to the Central HIghlands. Discover archeological ruins and traditional tribal villages, then fall for the charms of Mexico's old colonial cities and glitzy Caribbean coast.
customize ⤍7 days / from1499 USD
Mexico's Mayan Trail
Follow the Mayan Trail around Mexico on this archaeological adventure. Begin your journey with a refreshing taste of sea and salt air in the Yucatán Peninsula on one of Playa del Carmen's gorgeous Caribbean beaches before heading off to discover magical Mayan ruins and glorious colonial towns.
customize ⤍12 days / from3057 USD
Magnificent Mexico and Mayan Treasures
From Mexico City down to the southern state of Oaxaca, this trip packs in all of Mexico's colonial charms and archeological wonders. You'll also get to take to the beach at Playa del Carmen, swim in the Caribbean Sea and under cascading waterfalls and boat along lovely Sumidero Canyon.
customize ⤍7 days / from1518 USD
Mexico's Churros and Chiapas
Arrive in exciting Mexico City and get a taste of its surprising charms, imposing plazas and beautiful colonial old town. Then jet off to Chiapas where you'll spend your days exploring canyons, waterfalls and national parks. Then finish with a dose of Mayan culture deep in the jungle at Palenque.
customize ⤍10 days / from890 USD
Los Cabos Self Drive
Take your rental car and explore the beaches and islands of Cabo. Located in Baja California Sur, Los Cabos, Todos Santos, and Cabo San Lucas do not only have excellent beaches to offer for your exploration but also a fascinating wildlife.
customize ⤍15 days / from1450 USD
From Mexico City over Chiapas to Cancun: The Best of Mexico
This itinerary combines the metropolitan glamour of Mexico City with its fabulous museums and pyramids with an outdoor adventure in Chiapas visiting the Sumidero Canyon and the fascinating wildlife and cultural heritage of the Yucatan. Two weeks showing you the true highlights of Mexico!
customize ⤍9 days / from1670 USD
Mayan Heritage Tour in Yucatan
Yucatán is calling you, and this trip is the way to do it; go into the jungle and know it like no one else has ever known it; enjoy incredible food, beautiful sunsets, and the warmth of its communities that will do everything possible to offer you a dream experience. Are you ready?
customize ⤍8 days / from1516 USD
Mexico City to the Yucatán
Enjoy a whirlwind tour of Mexico City, taking in the museums, churches and colonial plazas of Mexico's vibrant capital. Then relax on Playa del Carmen's Caribbean beaches before you take off to explore some of the country's most amazing archeological treasures.
customize ⤍10 days / from2307 USD
Mexico's Nature and Beaches
Explore the nature and wildlife of Chiapas and Tabasco by visiting the Sumidero Canyon and Agua Azul waterfalls before heading off to the Yucatan Peninsula: Chichen Itza awaits to impress you with its magnificent pyramids before ending the trip at the white beaches of Holbox.
customize ⤍14 days / from1350 USD
Chiapas, Tabasco, Yucatan: Explore the Eastern Highlights
Explore the wide depths of Sumidero Canyon in Chiapas, the fascinating archaeological site of Palenque in Tabasco before moving on to the Yucatan to explore Merida, Chichen Itza and the peaceful island of Cozumel. This itinerary offers adventure and relaxation in 14 days.
customize ⤍20 days / from1280 USD
Discovering Central Mexico: from Guanajuato to Oaxaca
With this itinerary, you will get to know the real Mexico: from magic towns to archaeological sites all the way down to the beautiful beaches of Huatulco - this itinerary combines history, cuisine, and relaxation, all compactly available in a 3-week trip.
customize ⤍21 days / from1490 USD
Enchanting Mexico: from the capital to the beaches
Discover Mexico's capital before heading to your first Mexican beach: Puerto Escondido. After some days relaxing in the sun, head to Cancun to pick up your rental car and explore the Yucatan Peninsula in your own car. From archaeological sites to stunning beaches, the peninsula awaits.
customize ⤍11 days / from2415 USD
Culture & Jungle in Chiapas
Get ready for an adventure through Chiapas with hosts who are prepared to welcome you and discover the natural beauty of canyons, waterfalls, lakes, and rivers! The magnificent archaeological sites will amaze you as well as the charming towns.
customize ⤍16 days / from1850 USD
Mexico City and the Yucatan - from the city to the beaches
Take this trip to explore the best of Mexico City: From the museums to the pyramids of Teotihuacán. Afterwards continue to Merida to explore the famous Pink Lake and the Haciendas of the Yucatan. At the ed, take your time relaxing on the beaches in Playa del Carmen and Cancun.
customize ⤍7 days / from925 USD
Authentic and unique Mexico City
Mexico City seems to have it all - over 50 museums, a beautiful historic city center, an extensive city park with a majestic castle, upscale neighborhoods like La Condesa or La Roma, bohemian Coyoacan and mouth-watering cuisine. This trip shows you the best of this mega city.
customize ⤍7 days / from590 USD
Mexico City Explored
Mexico City is one of the most fascinating cities in North America. This week-long itinerary grants you an insight to the museums, restaurants, and events in the capital, as well as exploring surrounding cities such as Taxco or Puebla. Get ready for a true Mexican adventure!
customize ⤍12 days / from3405 USD
Mexico's Tomb Raider Experience
Explore the caves, cenotes, pyramids, and beaches of the Yucatan Peninsula. Inspired by the famous Tomb Raider video game, this itinerary takes you exploring across the pyramids of Chichen Itza, Ek Balam, and Coba, before relaxing at the white beaches of Cozumel.
customize ⤍10 days / from1695 USD
Oaxacan Coast Adventure
Adventure awaits you on this trip to the Oaxacan coast, a place as spectacular as the activities you will do. From a boat trip to the beautiful bays of Huatulco to a warm horseback ride on the seashore in Puerto Escondido. Enjoy freedom of traveling with your own rental car.
customize ⤍12 days / from850 USD
The Gems of Yucatan - a Self Drive Trip
Go at your own pace and discover the Peninsula de Yucatan with its many archaeological sites, its colonial villages, and stunning beaches. Having your own car allows you the maximum freedom to explore and the easy road access makes driving yourself a breeze.
customize ⤍11 days / from2846 USD
Amazing Mexico
This 11-day trip takes you from Mexico City, where you will enjoy the La Merced Market to Merida where you can discover Maya ruins...with more adventure along the way, such as Hierve el agua where nature will surprise you and Oaxaca city a great cosy UNESCO World Heritage City.
customize ⤍7 days / from2251 USD
Baja: Pacific Coast Paradise
Baja California is an off-the-beaten-track unspoiled paradise. The area is home to mountains, deserts and thousands of kilometers of gorgeous Pacific coastline. Come here to explore, snorkel, dive or do a spot of whale watching (in season). Otherwise, sit back and relax on its soft sandy shores.
customize ⤍9 days / from1475 USD
Taste of Mexico
Discover the most unique places in Mexico City before heading out to Puebla and Oaxaca, tasting the best Mexico has to offer: mole poblano, chocolate, a corn workshop - this is a hands-on tour, showing the variety Mexico has to offer, both in food and culture wise.
customize ⤍8 days / from2230 USD
Small Group Tour: Yucatán Off the Beaten Path
This is a trip immersed in Maya culture, considering visits to essential places, accommodations in different Maya communities, and cultural and outdoor sports activities. Trip starts February 1st & April 29, 2024 - prefer to do this trip in private? Send us a request for individual pricing.
customize ⤍9 days / from3035 USD
Mayan Heritage on the Yucatan Peninsula
Embark on a Yucatan self-drive adventure, blending renowned treasures like Tulum and Chichen Itza with hidden gems. Wander off the beaten track to discover local communities, engaging in community-based experiences. Delve into Mayan culture, sample authentic cuisine, and explore the region.
customize ⤍7 days / from1800 USD
Immersive Mexico City
Discover the vibrant heart of Mexico City in 7 unforgettable days. A stroll through historic downtown, explore colorful markets, and savor delicious street food. Day trips to Teotihuacan's ancient pyramids and Chapultepec Park's museums offer cultural enrichment.
customize ⤍10 days / from3275 USD
Flavours of Central Mexico
Start in Mexico City, exploring its rich history and vibrant markets. Journey to Cholula to uncover ancient pyramids and partake in cooking classes. Conclude in Oaxaca, where you'll dive deep into local markets and culinary traditions, forging unforgettable memories.
customize ⤍Q: Why is solo female travel so important to you?
A: Women are so often told that things we want to try are too dangerous or not for us. I know people mean well but it’s so controlling to try to limit us like that. Solo travelling has helped me conquer so many fears and have the most amazing adventures that I value that so much. I think all women should know what that’s like.
Q: What key life skills does travelling solo build?
A: Self-efficacy is probably the biggest. I am confident in my own abilities in a way that I couldn’t have been without having to handle so much on my own. I trust myself to make the right call and I owe that to all the times I did that and proved to myself that I could do it.
Kristin in Mexico © Private archive
Q: Do you ever get lonely on a long solo trip?
A: Of course it can happen. But sometimes travelling with the wrong person can feel isolating too. We often don’t know it’s a bad fit until we’re on the road with them, so there are always pros and cons. I do meet people easily when travelling solo, though. I pick activities that will help me meet others, book accommodation that is likely to be social, and sometimes I embrace the loneliness too. It doesn’t have to be a bad thing.
Q: Do you think travelling independently opens you up to more meaningful cultural exchanges with local communities?
A: I do. There’s so often space for just one, or a local will take me under their wing. People are often fascinated when you show up alone, and they want to help you have an amazing experience. This has happened for me the world over. That’s not to say you can’t have amazing cultural experiences with others, but most of my meaningful ones have been when I was alone.
Q: Could you tell us about three of your most memorable trips?
A: I just wrapped one up yesterday! I spent three solid weeks swimming with humpback whales every single day in French Polynesia. I stayed with a local family there and I just love them so much. It’s a super authentic experience and I do it every year. This year I brought 14 Be My Travel Muse readers with me and it was so cool to be able to share it with them! I also really adored my trip to Mozambique in 2016. People really make a place, and I just met the coolest people there. Friends thought I was crazy for travelling there alone but I had an amazing experience with locals and the people I met on the road! Finally I have to rewind to the very beginning when I went to Thailand on a one-way ticket eight years ago and began my travel blog. I had no idea back then how beautiful solo travelling could be and I couldn’t believe how happy I was just a few days in. It was easier than I thought, a lot more fun, and I’m so glad that I made the decision to go!
Q: How has the recent pandemic impacted your travels? Do you think there are some positive lessons we can learn from coronavirus to take forwards into the future?
A: It has obviously impacted me greatly. I had to cancel and postpone some of my group tours, my international blog posts aren’t getting as much love as they once did, and I really had to pivot in order to keep my employees paid and my business afloat. However I have never appreciated any trip as much as I did going to Mexico and French Polynesia recently. The connections I made with people were much more meaningful, and I hope that when people can travel internationally again that they really learn to love and value the experiences. Worry about Instagram less, immerse yourself in the moment more.
Q: You recently enjoyed trips to French Polynesia and Mexico. Could you describe some stand-out moments from these destinations?
A: I was so happy in Mexico to find that people were really glad to have us back. They were in dire economic straits and the same was true in French Polynesia. We were welcomed back with such open arms and I was so happy to find that people really do still want to connect and stumble over foreign languages together just like they did before. I always believed that would still be true, but it was so wonderful to see it in practice!
Q: What three items do you always pack for a trip?
A: I’ve had the same eagle creek compression bag since day one of my travels. It’s probably the best 12 dollars I’ve ever spent! It helps keep my clothes compacted and organized and I bring it on every trip. I absolutely always have my camera as well, but I guess that’s to be expected, right? A good audiobook is also a must for me. Usually something that makes me think.
Feeling on top of the world in Alaska © Private archive
Q: What would be your top three tips for women thinking about a solo trip?
A: Do it, do it, and stop thinking about it and do it! I’m half joking, but I think the most paralyzing thing about solo travelling is just deciding to go. If you’re a planner, then make a solid plan. If you’re not, then don’t worry too much about it. Make sure your finances are in order, you have a loose idea of what you want to do, and just go!
Header image: Swimming with whales in French Polynesia
written by Helen Fanthorpe
updated 21.10.2020
Helen worked as a Senior Travel Editor at Rough Guides and Insight Guides, based in the London office. Among her favourite projects to work on are inspirational guides like Make the most of your time on Earth, the ultimate travel bucket list.
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From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Mexico
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