Mexico
Maya ruins, colonial cities and two dazzling coasts

About Mexico

Overview

Mexico is one of the world's most rewarding travel destinations, layering ancient civilizations, world-class beaches and living culture into a single country. Its Maya and Aztec heritage endures at monumental sites like Chichen Itza, Palenque and Teotihuacan, while Spanish colonial cities such as Oaxaca, San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato dazzle with cobblestone streets and baroque architecture. Two coastlines frame the country, the turquoise Caribbean of the Riviera Maya and the dramatic Pacific shores of Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta. And everywhere there is the food, tacos, mole, ceviche, tamales and mezcal, a UNESCO-recognized cuisine that is reason enough to visit.

On the map

Touristic sites

The landmarks that shape a journey through Mexico, explore them on the map.

  • 1
    Chichen ItzaA UNESCO World Heritage Maya city crowned by the Temple of Kukulcan, one of Mexico's most visited ruins.
  • 2
    Tulum RuinsMaya temples perched dramatically on cliffs above the turquoise Caribbean.
  • 3
    El Arco, Cabo San LucasThe iconic sea arch at Land's End, where the Pacific meets the Sea of Cortez, best seen by boat tour.
  • 4
    Medano Beach, Cabo San LucasLos Cabos' main swimmable beach, backed by resorts and lively beach clubs.
  • 5
    Cozumel ReefAn island fringed by the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, among the world's top diving and snorkelling spots.
  • 6
    Isla MujeresA laid-back island off Cancun known for Playa Norte's calm waters and golf-cart touring.
  • 7
    Playa del CarmenA lively Riviera Maya beach town and gateway to cenotes, eco-parks and ferries to Cozumel.
  • 8
    TeotihuacanThe vast pre-Aztec pyramid city near Mexico City, crowned by the Pyramid of the Sun.
Best time to travel

November to April (dry season)

Most of Mexico has two seasons, a dry season running roughly November or December to April and a rainy season from May to October, and the dry season is generally considered the best and most popular time to visit. During the dry months, coasts, colonial cities and archaeological sites enjoy sunny, comfortable weather, with the coolest and driest conditions typically December through March. Rainy-season showers are usually short, heavy afternoon bursts rather than all-day rain, and the shoulder months of May and November can be excellent for fewer crowds and lower prices. The main caution is hurricane risk on the coasts, with peak storm activity from August or September to October.

Nov-AprDry season and peak travel window, sunniest and driest, high season for beaches, colonial cities and ruins.
MayShoulder month, still largely dry and sunny before the rains set in, fewer crowds and better prices.
Jun-OctRainy season and hurricane risk, warm and humid with short afternoon downpours, peak hurricane activity September to October.
NovShoulder month, rains largely gone, comfortable temperatures and quieter before the December peak.
Good to know

Mexico at a glance

The practical essentials for planning your trip. Our team confirms the details for your dates and nationality.

Best time to travelNovember to April, the dry season
CapitalMexico City
LanguageSpanish (68 Indigenous languages co-official)
CurrencyMexican peso (MXN)
Entry / visaCitizens of the US, Canada, UK, EU/Schengen countries, Australia and New Zealand do not need a visa for tourism and may stay up to 180 days, completing the free FMM/FMMD immigration form.
Getting aroundDomestic flights on low-cost carriers connect 60-plus cities, complemented by comfortable first-class long-distance buses and prepaid airport taxis.
What to book

Best tours in Mexico

A taste of our most-loved journeys. Every one is a flexible starting point for your tailor-made trip.

Classic & Cultural

Cancun & Riviera Maya Explorer

Chichen Itza, Tulum's cliffside ruins, cenotes and island days on Cozumel and Isla Mujeres.

Adventure & Nature

Los Cabos Whale & Beach Break

Land's End boat tours past El Arco and the sea-lion colony, whale watching and Medano Beach time.

Luxury

Colonial Mexico & Mexico City

Teotihuacan's pyramids paired with boutique stays in Mexico City and the colonial highlands.

Family

Riviera Maya for Families

Eco-park water slides, cenote swims and gentle ruin visits make the Riviera Maya an easy family trip.

See all Mexico programs
Why Mexico

The specials

Ancient wonders

Chichen Itza and Teotihuacan bring Maya and Aztec civilization to life within easy reach of the coasts and capital.

Two coasts, one country

The turquoise Caribbean of the Riviera Maya and the dramatic Pacific of Los Cabos offer completely different beach experiences.

A UNESCO-recognized cuisine

Tacos, mole, ceviche and mezcal make Mexican food a destination in its own right.

Questions about Mexico?

Read our frequently asked questions, or tell us what you're dreaming up and we'll design it around you.

Travel facts verified from Wikipedia, Mexico, Embassy of Mexico (SRE), Visas to Mexico, Jacada Travel, Best Time to Visit Mexico, Lonely Planet, Getting around in Mexico. Sample tours are suggested starting points; details and pricing are finalised by the Tourkom team.