Mexico Travel Tips:
Mexico is easily the largest country in the Central American region and is rich in culture, history, and folklore. With so much to see and do, it’s a surprise that many people return for repeat trips!
At Martsam Travel, our tours in Mexico explore the many treasures to be found in the south of the country, including the states of Campeche, Chiapas, Quintana Roo, and Yucatan.
Are you ready to start planning your dream vacation in Mexico? Please feel free to get in touch with our friendly team. We’re here to help with anything and everything!
For now, though, let’s dive into the Ultimate Mexico Travel Guide.
Where is Mexico?
Mexico is likely the most familiar country in our series of Central America Travel Guides. The United States borders it to the north, while Guatemala and Belize share the southern border.
The Gulf of California and the Pacific Ocean wash over the west coast, while the curving east coast looks out over the Gulf of Mexico.
Given its location, Mexico is a fantastic place for a southward journey through Central America.
In addition to Guatemala and Belize, you can adventure through El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama.
When is the Best Time to Visit Mexico?
Given its size, the weather in Mexico varies by region and season. We always advise checking the local forecast for any destination you want to visit.
However, generally speaking, the best time to visit Mexico is between December and April. This is the dry season when there is usually no rainfall.
The coolest months within this period are December to February, but temperatures can still reach averages of 82.4°F (28°C).
In the south, the wet season starts around May and continues until October. Heavy showers clear the high humidity levels before they build up again.
Mexico in April: Travel Tips, Weather, and More
If you are starting your vacation in the capital, the best times to visit Mexico City are in March, April, and May, before the rainy season begins.
Spring is slightly busier in the city, but it’s worth it for the near-perfect weather. Many locals travel out of the city around Easter for the holiday.
During this period of hot days and balmy evenings, the average daily temperature is 87.8°F (31°C), with the average low dropping to around 71.6°F (22°C).
Read our tips for people traveling abroad for even more critical information and insights ahead of your trip.
Is Mexico Safe for Tourists?
Your personal sense of safety is different from that of every other traveler. Many aspects contribute to whether someone feels safe or unsafe, from previous experiences to gender.
As such, we avoid sweeping generalizations in favor of more personalized advice.
Mexico has a well-established tourism industry that is genuinely world-class in places. You can rest assured that any destinations on the tourist trail are safe and welcoming.
Our broadest advice for traveling in Mexico is the same as we would give anyone vacationing anywhere outside their home country: follow your usual safety precautions to avoid the petty crime found worldwide.
Is it Safe for a Female to Travel Alone in Mexico?
Absolutely! The Mexican people are kind and helpful, and the country has a good travel infrastructure, fantastic accommodation options, and well-worn tourist trails.
To help create a safer experience, we recommend planning your trip well in advance.
With ample preparation time, you can gather the information you need about the locations and attractions you want to visit and the modes of transportation you will use.
You can also research and assess the most highly rated and trusted tour companies, like Martsam Travel.
Is it Safe to Travel to Mexico by Car?
Again, generally speaking, traveling around Mexico by car is absolutely safe. However, following certain precautions can make your experience safer.
For example, if traveling a long distance, stick to toll roads, or cuotas, as they are safe and well-maintained.
As with journeys in unfamiliar places, you should keep doors locked and windows closed, especially at traffic lights.
How Does One Get a Visa to Visit Mexico?
If you’re visiting Mexico as a tourist, you need to obtain a visa. Citizens of the US, Canada, the UK, and most EU countries can stay in Mexico for a maximum of 180 days. For other European countries, stays are capped at 90 days.
When visiting Mexico, your passport must cover the duration of your proposed stay.
What Languages Are Spoken in Mexico?
Spanish is Mexico’s national language. In fact, Mexico is the largest Spanish-speaking country in the world.
In addition, 6% of the country speaks an indigenous language, and English is widely used on tourist trails.
Our team at Martsam Travel also speaks English, so you won’t need to worry about communication during your trip on our tours of Mexico.
What Should I Pack for a Trip to Mexico?
With so much to explore, we cannot provide a comprehensive packing list for every traveler coming to Mexico.
However, some of the must-pack items that you should consider include:
- Lightweight clothing
- Shorts and light pants
- Light dresses and skirts
- Swimsuit and beach towel
- Quick-dry clothing
- Sweater or jacket
- Water shoes
- Walking shoes and slip-on shoes
- Sandals and sneakers
- First-aid bag
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen and sunhat
How Many Pesos Should I Take for a Two-Week Trip to Mexico?
Of course, the correct amount of pesos you need for your vacation in Mexico depends entirely on the kind of trip you plan to take.
On average, we recommend spending $30 per day for a comfortable and enjoyable experience. At the time of writing, this equates to 586.87 pesos.
On this basis, 14 days would total 8,216.18 pesos.
Can you pay in Mexico with US dollars?
Places that cater to tourists widely accept US dollars. In fact, you may find price lists available in both pesos and dollars.
The further you stray from the tourist trail, however, the less likely this becomes, so do not rely exclusively on this approach.
Upon arrival in Mexico, you should always exchange some of your domestic currency at a bank.
Quick Guide to Using Credit Cards in Mexico
If you prefer using plastic, you don’t need to worry when in Mexico: ATMs and credit cards are a part of life here.
MasterCard, Visa, and American Express are accepted in most large cities and tourist areas.
Naturally, you may need to use cash in more rural spots and with small businesses.
ATMs are widespread in Mexico, and you can usually choose between Spanish and English directions. We advise using those associated with reputable banks, such as:
- BBVA Bancomer
- Santander
- Inbursa
- Banorte
- Intercam
- CIBanco
- Banco del Bajío
- Scotiabank (partnered with Bank of America)
Why Should I Travel to Mexico?
There are countless reasons why you should visit the south of Mexico. Some of our favorite highlights in the region include:
- Chichen Itza archaeological site and the world-famous Kukulkan pyramid
- Ancient Mayan wonders like Palenque, Bonampak, and Yaxchilan
- Relaxation, fascinating history, and snorkeling in turquoise waters in Tulum
- The charming city of Campeche, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- The Mayan forest of Quintana Roo, a habitat for a diverse range of wildlife
This list barely scratches the surface of everything to see and do in southern Mexico, let alone the entire country!
Natural wonders, incredible historical sites, mouthwatering cuisine—if you’re traveling to Mexico for the first time, be prepared to have a new favorite vacation destination.
Unlock an Authentic Mexico Experience with Our Carefully Curated Tours
At Martsam Travel, we have poured all our expertise into curating Mexico tours that showcase the best this incredible country has to offer.
And for the ultimate in luxury, freedom, and flexibility, why not consider one of our custom tours of Mexico? Let us tailor an itinerary to your tastes and interests!
To start planning your one-of-a-kind, truly authentic Mexican experience, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
