Mexico Travel Guide
From the vibrant streets of Mexico City and the ancient pyramids of Teotihuacan and Chichén Itzá to the turquoise waters of the Caribbean coast, the colonial charm of Guanajuato and Oaxaca, and the dramatic landscapes of the Copper Canyon and Baja California — discover a country rich in history, culture, incredible food, and breathtaking natural beauty.
32 States + Mexico City
$25–45 Budget
Daily mid-range budget
Nov–April
Chichén Itzá, Riviera Maya & Copper Canyon
Tacos, cenotes, colonial towns & vibrant culture
Essential Tips
Practical advice for food, transport, safety, weather, and travel in Mexico.
Read Tips →Top Highlights in Mexico
Travel Budget Guide
Realistic costs for your trip to Mexico
Accommodation
Hostel Dorm: $12 – 25 / night
3★ Hotel: $40 – 70 / night
4★ Hotel / Apartment: $70 – 150 / night
Food & Drinks
Street Tacos: $1 – 3
Traditional Meal: $6 – 15
Beer / Margarita: $2 – 5
Coffee: $1.5 – 3.5
Fresh Juice: $2 – 4
Transportation
City Bus / Metro: $0.5 – 1.5
Intercity Bus: $10 – 40
Taxi / Uber ride: $4 – 12
Car Rental (per day): $35 – 60
Attractions & Activities
Chichén Itzá: $25 – 35
Cenote Entry: $5 – 15
Boat / Island Tour: $20 – 50
Museum / Ruins: $5 – 20
Beach Club Day Pass: $15 – 40
Best Mexico Itineraries
How to Get to & Around Mexico
Best ways to arrive and travel within the country
International Arrival
Mexico City (MEX) – main international hub
Cancún (CUN), Guadalajara (GDL), Los Cabos (SJD)
Direct flights from US, Canada, Europe & Latin America
Also accessible by bus from USA & Guatemala
Trains
Limited but scenic routes
Mexico City → Querétaro / Guadalajara (limited)
El Chepe (Copper Canyon Train): $100–250+
Best for scenic journeys in the north
Buses
Most popular & reliable way to travel
Mexico City → Puebla: $8–15 (2 hrs)
Cancún → Playa del Carmen: $10–18
Mexico City → Oaxaca: $25–45
ADO, Primera Plus & ETN recommended
Car Rental
$35 – $65 per day
Ideal for Yucatán Peninsula, Baja California,
Oaxaca coast & colonial highlands
Things to Do in Mexico: Top Attractions & Travel Guide
Food & Drink
Vibrant Mexican cuisine, incredible street food, and world-famous flavors
Must-Try Dishes
• Tacos al Pastor – Marinated pork with pineapple
• Mole Poblano – Rich chocolate-chili sauce
• Guacamole & Chiles en Nogada – Fresh & festive
• Tamales – Steamed corn dough pockets
• Ceviche & Cochinita Pibil – Coastal & Yucatán classics
Drinks to Try
• Mezcal & Tequila (with or without worm)
• Fresh Margaritas & Micheladas
• Agua de Jamaica & Horchata
• Mexican craft beer & Corona
• Chocolate caliente (hot chocolate)
Where to Eat
• Taquerías & street food stands
• Local mercados (markets)
• Restaurants in CDMX, Oaxaca & Mérida
• Beach palapas & village fondas
Budget Tip: Full taco meal + drink ≈ $5–12
Food Experiences
• Street food tour in Mexico City
• Tequila or Mezcal tasting
• Traditional cooking classes
• Oaxaca market & mole tour
• Chocolate workshop in Tabasco or Chiapas
Essential Mexico Travel Tips
Essential Travel Information for Mexico
Everything you need to know before your trip
Need To Know
Currency: Mexican Peso (MXN)
Language: Spanish (English widely spoken in tourist areas)
Visa: Visa-free for 180 days for most nationalities
Tap Water: Not recommended – drink bottled water
Daily Budget: $25–45 (budget) / $50–90 (comfortable)
Practical Tips
• Use Uber or Cabify for safe taxis
• Download the Moovit or Citymapper app for public transport
• Learn basic Spanish: “Hola”, “Gracias”, “¿Cuánto cuesta?”
• Pharmacies marked with a green cross or “Farmacia”
• Tipping: 10–15% in restaurants is standard
When To Go
Best Time: November–April (dry season)
Winter (Dec–Mar): Dry & pleasant, peak season
Summer (Jun–Sep): Rainy but green, fewer crowds
Top Events:
• Día de los Muertos (Oct/Nov)
• Carnival (Feb/Mar)
• Guelaguetza (July, Oaxaca)
Getting There & Around
• Fly into Mexico City (MEX), Cancún (CUN) or Guadalajara (GDL)
• Buses are comfortable and widespread (ADO, Primera Plus)
• Domestic flights are cheap with Volaris & VivaAerobus
• Car rental recommended for Yucatán, Baja & rural areas
