Mexico: A World Within a Country

Mexico defies stereotypes at every turn. This vast country offers ancient Mayan pyramids, Spanish colonial cities frozen in time, world-class beaches, and a food culture recently inscribed as UNESCO Intangible Heritage. It's the complete package.

Understanding Mexico

Why Mexico

• Incredible cultural depth
• World Heritage food scene
• Ancient civilizations (Maya, Aztec)
• Diverse landscapes
• Affordable luxury
• Easy access from US/Canada
• Warm, welcoming people

The Regions

• Central Mexico: Mexico City, colonial cities
• Yucatán Peninsula: Cancun, Riviera Maya, ruins
• Baja California: Cabo, wine country
• Pacific Coast: Puerto Vallarta, Oaxaca coast
• Oaxaca: Indigenous culture, food, mezcal

Best Time to Visit

Dry Season (November-April)

• Best overall weather
• Peak tourist season
• Higher prices December-January
• Perfect beach weather

Rainy Season (May-October)

• Afternoon showers (often brief)
• Fewer tourists, lower prices
• Hurricane risk (Caribbean coast)
• Lush, green landscapes

Mexico City & Central:

• Year-round destination
• Mild climate (altitude)
• Best: March-May (jacaranda bloom)

Mexico City

Why CDMX

• One of world's great cities
• 9 million in city, 21 million metro
• 170+ museums
• Incredible food scene
• History layers upon layers
• Vibrant arts/culture

Must-See

Historic Center (Centro):

• Zócalo (massive main square)
• Templo Mayor (Aztec ruins)
• National Palace (Diego Rivera murals)
• Palacio de Bellas Artes
• Metropolitan Cathedral

Museums:

• National Museum of Anthropology (essential)
• Frida Kahlo Museum (Casa Azul)
• Soumaya Museum (free, Rodin collection)
• MUAC (contemporary art)

Neighborhoods:

• Roma/Condesa (hipster, food, parks)
• Coyoacán (bohemian, Frida's home)
• Polanco (upscale, museums)
• San Ángel (Saturday bazaar)

Food in CDMX

• Tacos al pastor (from shawarma influence)
• Tacos de canasta (basket tacos)
• Chilaquiles (breakfast essential)
• Pozole (hominy soup)
• Markets: Mercado Roma, San Juan

Yucatán Peninsula

Riviera Maya

Cancún:

• Hotel zone beaches
• Party scene
• All-inclusive resorts
• Day trip base

Playa del Carmen:

• Walkable town
• 5th Avenue shopping/dining
• Ferry to Cozumel
• More character than Cancún

Tulum:

• Beachfront ruins
• Bohemian-chic beach clubs
• Jungle cenotes
• Instagram famous
• Increasingly developed

Archaeological Sites

Chichén Itzá:

• New 7 Wonders of the World
• El Castillo pyramid
• Day trip from Cancún/Mérida
• Arrive early (crowds, heat)
• Spring/fall equinox spectacle

Tulum:

• Clifftop ruins, ocean views
• Smaller but photogenic
• Combine with beach
• Very popular (crowded)

Cobá:

• Climb the pyramid (still allowed)
• Jungle setting
• Less crowded
• Rent bikes to explore

Uxmal:

• Puuc style architecture
• Less touristy
• Near Mérida
• Stunning oval pyramid

Cenotes

Underground swimming holes unique to Yucatán:

• Dos Ojos (cave swimming)
• Gran Cenote (near Tulum)
• Ik Kil (near Chichén Itzá)
• Cenote Suytun (beam of light)
• Hundreds more

Mérida

Colonial capital of Yucatán:

• Authentic Mexican city
• Historic center
• Food scene growing
• Base for ruins/cenotes
• Cultural events

Oaxaca

Why Oaxaca

• Indigenous culture (16 ethnic groups)
• Best food region
• Mezcal homeland
• Traditional crafts
• Day of the Dead (best in Mexico)

Oaxaca City

Colonial gem in the mountains:

• Monte Albán ruins
• Hierve el Agua (petrified waterfalls)
• Mezcal distilleries
• Markets (Benito Juárez, 20 de Noviembre)
• Food scene explosion

Oaxacan Food

• Mole (7+ varieties)
• Tlayudas (Oaxacan pizza)
• Chapulines (grasshoppers)
• Quesillo (string cheese)
• Mezcal (the soul of Oaxaca)

Pacific Coast

• Puerto Escondido (surf)
• Huatulco (bays, snorkeling)
• Mazunte/Zipolite (hippie beaches)

San Miguel de Allende

The Colonial Jewel

• UNESCO World Heritage city
• Spanish colonial architecture
• Large expat community
• Art galleries, boutiques
• Romantic atmosphere
• Day trip to Guanajuato

Best For

• Weekend from CDMX
• Romantic getaways
• Art/culture focus
• Walking and wandering

Pacific Coast

Puerto Vallarta

• Traditional Mexican beach town
• Malecón boardwalk
• LGBTQ+ friendly
• Good food scene
• Whale watching (Dec-March)

Los Cabos

• Desert meets ocean
• Cabo San Lucas (party)
• San José del Cabo (art, calm)
• Fishing, golf, resorts
• Luxury focus

Mexican Food

Regional Essentials

• CDMX: Tacos al pastor, chilaquiles
• Yucatán: Cochinita pibil, papadzules
• Oaxaca: Mole, tlayudas
• Jalisco: Birria, tortas ahogadas
• Baja: Fish tacos, lobster

Street Food Safety

• Follow the crowds
• Hot, freshly made = safe
• Avoid raw salads (to be safe)
• Start slow if sensitive
• Water: stick to bottled/purified

Beverages

• Mezcal (smoky agave spirit)
• Tequila (from Jalisco)
• Michelada (beer cocktail)
• Agua fresca (fruit waters)
• Mexican coffee (Oaxaca, Chiapas)

Practical Information

Visa

• US/Canada/EU: 180 days visa-free
• Fill out immigration form
• Check current requirements

Currency

• Mexican Peso (MXN)
• 17-18 MXN ≈ $1 USD
• USD accepted in tourist zones
• ATMs everywhere

Language

• Spanish
• English in tourist areas
• Indigenous languages (Oaxaca especially)
• Learn basic Spanish

Safety

• Research specific areas
• Tourist zones generally safe
• Use Uber/registered taxis
• Avoid flashy jewelry
• Normal urban precautions
• Check travel advisories

Transportation

• Domestic flights: Cheap, fast
• ADO buses: Comfortable long-distance
• Uber: Works in major cities
• Rental cars: Good for Yucatán, Baja

Costs

Excellent value:

• Budget: $40-60/day
• Mid-range: $80-150/day
• Luxury: $250+/day

Sample Itineraries

Colonial & Culture (10 days):

• Mexico City (4 days)
• San Miguel de Allende (2 days)
• Guanajuato (2 days)
• Oaxaca (2-3 days)

Yucatán Explorer (10 days):

• Cancún/Riviera Maya (3-4 days)
• Chichén Itzá, cenotes
• Mérida (2 days)
• Tulum (2-3 days)

Beach + Culture (2 weeks):

• Mexico City (3 days)
• Oaxaca (3 days)
• Puerto Escondido coast (3 days)
• Riviera Maya (4 days)

Final Thoughts

Mexico rewards the curious traveler. Beyond the resorts lies a country of profound culture, ancient history, and one of the world's great cuisines. The diversity is staggering—Mayan jungles, colonial cities, desert beaches, vibrant metropolis. Each region feels like a different country. Come for the tacos, stay for the soul.

Ready for Mexico? Our Mexico specialists can design an itinerary from ancient ruins to contemporary culture.