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 Sarah Gilbert
updated 31.03.2020
Banish thoughts of boring burritos and tasteless Tex Mex; it’s not just chillies that are making Mexican food hot right now. The country’s diverse cuisine is so good, it’s been granted UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status (French is the only other gastronomy), and there’s everything from tasty tacos to fine-dining fusion. Here are some of the country's best destinations for foodies.
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 ⤍Mexico City’s world-renowned restaurants may be taking traditional cuisine to a new level but street food is as much a part of the city’s culture today as it was in pre-Hispanic times. There’s a makeshift stall on every corner and enough local treats to keep you busy for days. One way to sample them is on a tour with Club Tengo Hambre who can also arrange an artisan mescal tasting from La Fiera Mezcal.
What to try: Tacos al pastor (meat on a spit, similar to a kebab), tlacoyos (blue corn cakes stuffed with ground fava beans), quesadillas (huitlacoche and flor de calabaza are traditional flavours – you’ll have to ask for cheese) and pulque (a mildly alcoholic drink made from the fermented sap of the maguey plant).
Where to eat: Enrique Olvera’s Mexican haute cuisine at Pujol makes a regular appearance on the world’s best restaurant lists. Martha Ortiz creates colourful art on a plate at Dulce Patria. Maximo Bistrot in Roma is a local’s favourite, with creative dishes from young chef Eduardo Garcia.
Planning a trip? Don't miss our guide to where to stay in Mexico City.
With mountains, jungle and coast, Oaxaca is a mix of ecosystems and cultures, with an equally diverse cuisine. Now native chefs are transforming classic dishes into gourmet plates inspired by the wealth of endemic and seasonal produce. Mescal, Oaxaca’s traditional tipple, is also enjoying a renaissance. Try a tasting of this smoky spirit at Mezcaleria or go to the source with a tour of an artisan producer, such as Real Minera.
What to try: Mole (a famous sauce made of a rich mix of ingredients, including chocolate and chillies), tlayudas (the Mexican take on pizza), tamales (steamed, stuffed corn dough wrapped in banana leaves), chapulines (fried grasshoppers) and mescal (a unique spirit distilled from the maguey plant).
Where to eat: Alejandro Ruiz at Casa Oaxaca is known as the godfather of Nuevo Oaxacan cuisine. Jose Manuel Baños had a stint at Spain’s legendary El Bulli before opening Pitiona and Rodolfo Castellanos returned to his roots to open Origen. Or learn to make it yourself on a Casa Crespo cooking class.
Tlayuda © loomitz/Shutterstock
Just a 90-minute drive from San Diego, an increasing number of creative, homegrown chefs and pioneering winemakers have turned Northern Baja into a booming culinary hotspot. Ensenada’s bountiful seafood is perfectly paired with the wines of the boulder-strewn Valle de Guadalupe. Billed as the ‘new Napa’ it’s actually one of oldest wine-growing areas of the New World – Jesuit priests planted the first vines there in the eighteenth century.
What to try: Try wine tastings at innovative boutique wineries such as Vena Cava or Adobe Guadalupe, or larger producers, such as Monte Xanic. Don’t miss the varied seafood on offer – everything from clams and oysters to abalone and goose barnacles – and there’s great beef from Baja’s inland ranches.
Where to eat: Diego Hernandez, one of the region’s top chefs, goes local at Corazón de Tierra. Jair Téllez creates weekly-changing farm-to-table fare at rustic Laja. Baja meets the Mediterranean at Benito Molino’s Ensenada restaurant, Manzanilla.
Vineyard, Valle de Guadalupe © Moises Bissu/Shutterstock
Mexico’s second city, in the state of Jalisco, is the birthplace of tequila, mariachi music and the Mexican hat dance. Its cuisine is based around many archetypal Mexican ingredients: chilies, corn, beans, tomatoes and pork. Sample the country’s iconic spirit at an historic distillery in Tequila, perhaps Jose Cuervo or Casa Herradura, in an easy day trip from the city.
What to try: The torta ahogada sandwich (fried pork “drowned” – the literal translation of “ahogada” – in a tangy salsa), birria (a spicy stew usually made with goat), pozole (a thick, pre-Hispanic pork or chicken strew) and gusanos (deep fried maguey worms wrapped in a tortilla).
Where to eat: Native chefs transform local produce into gourmet fare at Allium. Tortos Toño is the place to try the city’s signature sandwich. For really cheap eats, pick up traditional favourites at the Mercado San Juan de Dios.
Yucatecan cuisine is a mix of Maya and European ingredients – including pork and oranges brought by the Spanish and Edam cheese by the Dutch. Distinctive flavours are often based on pastes, elaborate blends of spices, including achiote made from ground annatto seeds. Kahlua, the coffee-flavoured liqueur also hails from Yucatán but Xtabentun is more authentic, an anise and honey liqueur based on a Maya ceremonial drink.
What to try: Cochinita pibil (pork or chicken marinated in achiote paste, made from ground annatto sees), relleno negro (turkey cooked with black paste made from chillies), sopa de lima (chicken and lime soup), panuchos (fried tortillas with shredded turkey or chicken and black beans) and horchata (a drink made from rice, almonds and cinnamon).
Where to eat:K’u’uk fuses local flavours with sophisticated culinary techniques in its 15-course tasting menu. La Chaya Maya for authentic dishes. Wayan’e is a brightly painted kiosk that serves up Yucatan-style tacos.
Explore more of Mexico with the Rough Guide to Mexico. Compare flights, find tours, book hostels and hotels for your trip, and don’t forget to purchase travel insurance before you go.
written by Sarah Gilbert
updated 31.03.2020
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From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Mexico
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