1. Travel guide
  2. Mexico

A trip to Mexico is to discover an intense cultural life, millenary traditions, white sandy beaches like those of Puerto Vallarta or Tulum, tropical forests with emerald rivers, mountain ranges, active volcanoes and incredible cities like Cancún and Mexico... This incredible diversity of climates and landscapes provides refuge for many animal species, such as the toucan, the jaguar or the quetzal. Mexico is also a country with a very rich history, the result of a mixture of very different civilizations, starting with Spanish and pre-Columbian civilizations. From this singular past, Mexico has inherited several major archaeological sites such as Teotihuacan or Chichen Itza, magnificent colonial cities and small villages each more exotic than the next. Finally, to discover the best of Mexican natural and cultural treasures, a tourist guide on Mexico will be very useful because it is a huge country that requires a minimum of orientation.

The must-see places in Mexico

What to do in Mexico ?

guide de voyage, - © Benedek

Mexico City's must-sees

¡ Bienvenidos in Mexico City! When Hernán Cortés first lived the splendid city of Mexico City, he described it as Athens from America. Born of a pre-Hispanic civilization rich in history, legend is that the town's place was chosen during a meeting with an eagle perched on a cactus, sign of the ideal location according to the oracles. While Mexico lost its aztec footprint following conquistadors, it did not bequeath its legacy to the ...

Read more about it

Suggested addresses Mexico

The best travel agencies
More agencies
The best hotels
More hotels
The best restaurants
More restaurants

When to go to Mexico?

The year can be considered to be divided into three periods in Mexico. The best time to travel to Mexico, ideal to benefit from preferential rates, is from April to June and then from September to November. The intermediate period is due to the school holidays in July and August. The tourist boom period extends from December to March or April, depending on the dates of Holy Week. A high number of visitors means higher prices and necessary reservations, but also a wider choice of activities for tourists. Mexico is a very festive country. Many religious and popular festivities take place there every month. Among the most important ones, not to be missed if you are travelling to Mexico at this time, are: The Guelaguetza festival in Oaxaca in mid-July. The city of Oaxaca welcomes representative communities from the 7 regions environnantes  (Sierra Juárez, Tuxtepec, La Cañada, La Costa, La Mixteca, Los Valles Centrales, Istmo de Tehuantepec). They come to present an overview of their culture, through dance and music performances. The National Independence Day, on 15-16 September, is another major event where, throughout the country, the scene of Miguel Hidalgo's call for an uprising in 1810 is repeated. Also not to be missed: the Cervantino International Festival in the city of Guanajuato in mid-October with concerts, dance and theatre performances by internationally renowned speakers. Not to mention, of course, the Feast of the Dead, on November 1 and 2. Across the country, all families celebrate their dead and unite with their loved ones; nothing to do with All Saints' Day... Here, the Feast of the Dead is a colourful feast.

  • Weather forecast
  • Budget
  • Procedures
  • Health
  • Discovery
Weather at the moment
Weather all year round

Mexico has a hot and humid climate. From May to September, it is particularly hot and humid in the southern half of the country while, in general, it is better in the interior of the country where the climate is rather temperate. The high tourist season in Mexico focuses on July/August and December/January.

México
January
4°C
21°C
February
6°C
23°C
March
7°C
25°C
April
9°C
27°C
May
10°C
26°C
June
11°C
25°C
July
11°C
23°C
August
11°C
23°C
Sept.
11°C
22°C
October
9°C
22°C
Nov.
6°C
21°C
Dec.
5°C
21°C
Budget

Although much more expensive than Guatemala and Honduras, Mexico remains a relatively cheap country despite inflation. High-quality hotels also offer rooms at very attractive prices. As for meals, it is very easy to eat "local" for less than 5 euros ! The currency is the Mexican peso, it is easy to change and pay by credit card in the city. The tip is 10% of the final score at the bar or restaurant.

Procedures

EU nationals do not need a visa to travel to Mexico. The only formality to enter Mexican territory is to fill out the Mexican State Tourist Card (Forma Migratoria Multiple/FMM), provided upon arrival at the airport in Mexico. It gives the right to stay in the country for a maximum of 180 days. Care must be taken not to lose it because it is requested at the time of departure. You must also be able to present a round-trip ticket and have a passport valid for the entire duration of the stay.

Health

It is recommended to be vaccinated against diphtheria, tetanus, polio and hepatitis A. Those planning a more adventurous and remote stay will also plan to protect themselves against hepatitis B, typhoid and rabies as a preventive measure. Vaccination against yellow fever is not mandatory, except for travellers coming from an exposed area in Africa or Latin America. Be careful, insect bites are easily infected in tropical environments and care should be taken to avoid small bites. Avoid bites mainly through proper clothing coverage and the use of repellents. Finally, the most common health problem you are likely to face is diarrhea.... If you decide to eat at markets or on the street, be aware that hygiene is often poor. So make sure that the dishes are well cooked and avoid raw vegetables in these areas. In a more formal restaurant, there are no more risks than elsewhere.

How to go to Mexico? Our advice & tips

  • Organised trips
  • Going alone
  • Moving around

Mexico is a huge country and it is impossible to discover it in one trip. Tour Operators mainly offer stays of about ten days around a theme (Mayan culture, Aztec sites...) or a region (the Pacific, Yucatan, Chiapas, the capital and its surroundings).

Discover our selection of travel agencies for this destination
Well served, Mexico is a generally safe country for solo travellers. The wave of violence linked to drug cartels and social repression generally spares tourists; neither criminals nor the state want to attract too much publicity. However, tourists can be easy prey, especially in the subway, taxi or street at nightfall. The ordinary rules of caution should be observed: do not display your camera, "banana" or wallet

It is very easy to travel by plane in the country, most cities being equipped with an airport. There is also a very good long-distance bus network at low prices. However, depending on the route, to save time on the plane and avoid long hours on the bus, the plane is often more interesting. Note: with the emergence of low-cost airlines on some routes, air and bus fares are sometimes identical.

Prepare for your trip Mexico

Transportation
  • comp_pv_maritime
Accommodations
  • Find a hotel
  • Holiday rental
  • Airbnb rental
Stays
  • Tailor-made trip
Services / On site
  • Airbnb experiences
  • Book a table
  • Activities & visits

Mexico travel inspiration

7 days
Average budget
  • When to go?
    Printemps, Eté, Automne, Hiver
  • With whom?
    Solo, Couple, Amis, Groupe
  • Themes :
    Culture / Patrimoine , Faune et flore, Aventure / Sports et loisirs, Farniente

The must-sees in Mexico
Quotatrip
All tours
21 days
Average budget
  • When to go?
    Printemps, Eté, Automne, Hiver
  • With whom?
    Solo, Couple, Famille, Amis, Groupe
  • Themes :
    Culture / Patrimoine , Aventure / Sports et loisirs, Farniente

The complete tour of Yucatan in three weeks

Pictures Mexico

More pictures

Discover Mexico

Practical information
When to travel?

The year can be considered to be divided into three periods in Mexico. The best time to travel to Mexico, ideal to be...
Read more about it

Weather forecast

Mexico has a hot and humid climate. From May to September, it is particularly hot and humid in the southern half of t...
Read more about it

Budget

Although much more expensive than Guatemala and Honduras, Mexico remains a relatively cheap country despite inflation...
Read more about it

Formalities

EU nationals do not need a visa to travel to Mexico. The only formality to enter Mexican territory is to fill out the...
Read more about it

Health

It is recommended to be vaccinated against diphtheria, tetanus, polio and hepatitis A. Those planning a more adventur...
Read more about it

How to travel by yourself?
Well served, Mexico is a generally safe country for solo travellers. The wave of violence linked to drug cartels an...
Read more about it
How to get organized?

Mexico is a huge country and it is impossible to discover it in one trip. Tour Operators mainly offer stays of about...
Read more about it

Getting around

It is very easy to travel by plane in the country, most cities being equipped with an airport. There is also a very...
Read more about it

Featured articles Mexico

Les 5 plus belles villes pour découvrir la gastronomie d'Amérique latine

The 5 most beautiful cities to discover the gastronomy of Latin America

South America is known as a land of foodies, with fine, spicy cuisine, diverse influences and unique combinations of fresh produce. Grilled meats, vegetables, soups and other filled cakes and turnovers are all dishes to be discovered during your travels. The dishes are rich in flavours, smells and textures, and a multitude of addresses across the continent open their doors to you to experience unforgettable moments. Here are 5 cities in ...

Read more about it
Top 10 des processions de Pâques dans le monde

Top 10 Easter processions in the world

In Christianity, Easter is the most important holiday. For believers, it commemorates the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Easter has given rise to a multitude of traditions that vary from place to place. In France, for example, children go to the garden to collect eggs and chocolate bunnies, and many families attend mass or enjoy a meal together. In many countries, the faithful also gather in large numbers to participate in what are ...

Read more about it
Top 10 des merveilles de l'Antiquité que l'on peut encore visiter

Top 10 wonders of antiquity that you can still visit

In the course of our long history, people have built beautiful architectural works. Some of them have disappeared but fortunately, others are still visible today. From Europe to Africa, Asia or South America, some travellers are ready to travel thousands of kilometres to have the chance to admire the wonders of Antiquity, to examine them in great detail and to learn more about their origin and the way they were built. The Little Wise Guy has ...

Read more about it
10 animaux magnifiques en voie de disparition à voir en voyage

10 magnificent endangered animals to see on a trip

The discovery of wildlife is one of the musts of a trip when you are in love with nature and wide open spaces. Unfortunately, today, many animal species are threatened with extinction, due to global warming, unregulated hunting, destruction of natural habitats, industry, human activity in general... Even though many organizations are fighting for the protection of species, it is unfortunately very likely that several of them will become ...

Read more about it
More articles
To discover on Petit Futé
Review