Explore Mexico: A Land of Contrasts
Blissful beaches, fascinating flora and arresting architecture: if you want to see every side of Mexico, make sure to give yourself plenty of time to explore.
Travel to Mexico - What you should know
Mexico measures almost two million square kilometers and is the most populous Spanish-speaking country in the world with around 124 million inhabitants. The official currency is the Mexican peso. Unofficially, you can pay with US dollars in certain situations (when leaving a tip, for example). On the matter of tips: in local restaurants it’s expected that you leave a tip between 10 and 15 percent.
Mexico is part of the North American continent—for more vacations in North America, try a trip to Canada or check out a new destination in the U.S.. Central America starts at the Yucatán Peninsula and includes, among other countries, neighboring Guatemala and Belize to the south. The Pacific lies on the Mexican West Coast, with the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea flowing in the East. As soon as you see the beaches lined with palm trees and the turquoise waters, you’ll know: the journey to Mexico is worth it. Inland, brilliant contrasts of scenery await you, from arid desert regions to snow-capped volcanic peaks to lush rainforests. With iconic architectural landmarks, tropical rainforests, cactus-strewn deserts, miles of scenic coast, and vibrant lagoons, a vacation in Mexico offers endless delights for every visitor.
Check out our best travel deals to Mexico:
What's the best place to visit in Mexico?
Visit the capital — Mexico City
Make your way to Mexico City, and visit the incredibly beautiful National Palace located on Main Square. This imperial palace is home to Diego Rivera murals depicting Mexican history and civilization. Teotihuacan in the northeast is an extensive archaeological site where you can check out the ancient ruins, including the majestic Pyramid of the Sun and Moon. Framed by national parks and mountains, this vibrant megametropolis offers an exciting mix of nature, culture, and art. Our highlights:
- the historic old town
- the huge Chapultepec Park
- the ruins of the Aztec capital Tenochtitlan in the Anthropological Museum
- the floating gardens of Xochimilco
Make sure to carve out some time!
Adventures in the Yucatán
Your stay in the Yucatán should be completely relaxed. Cancún and Tulum are the most popular seaside resorts of the Riviera Maya. White beaches, shady palm trees, and a fascinating underwater world (with an underwater museum) attract snorkelers, divers, and sun worshipers from all over the world. Take a day off from sunning yourself for a day trip to Chichén Itzá. Nestled on the Yucatán Peninsula, Chichén Itzá is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the new wonders of the world. One of the most significant sites for Mayan ruins, Chichén Itzá is dominated by an incredible pyramid called El Castillo (Temple of Kukulcan)
Party vacation in Tijuana
Tijuana, the wrestling center and "Gateway to the United States", is located in northwest Mexico about 30 kilometers from San Diego, making it easy to get a glimpse of southern California during your stay. More often, however, tourists stream in the other direction—Californians love the clubs and casinos in the entertainment district of this Mexican city.
Sightseeing in Guadalajara
Escape to the city of Guadalajara, the land of mariachi and tequila. Here you will find the Metropolitan Cathedral, a great example of baroque and Gothic architecture. The Hospicio Cabañas is not to be missed, as it is one of the oldest hospitals in the Americas.
What are the best beaches in Mexico?
Palm-fringed beaches, fantastic coral reefs, eye-popping blue water, and gorgeous coastal resorts make Mexico a beach lover’s paradise.
Tulum Beach
Located about a two-hour drive from Cancun, Tulum beach is known for its 13th-century Mayan ruins. The beach offers soft white sand, clear turquoise waters, and many limestone pools ideal for swimming. You will also find several beach resorts and hotels in the area.
Akumal Beach
Akumal Beach in the Riviera Maya is a favorite beach hotspot for both visitors and locals alike. The beach is home to stunning coral beds, perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving. Several hotels, restaurants, and bars can be found near the beach area
Cancun Beach
Spreading across 14 miles, Cancun Beach is one of the best beaches in Mexico and boasts sapphire-blue waters and pristine white sand. The beach is best known for its water activities such as snorkeling, paddle boarding, scuba diving, kayaking, and fishing.
Playa Norte
Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres features shining white sand and crystal clear waters. If you are looking for a family beach vacation, spend a day on this beach, which offers calm and shallow water with safe swimming opportunities for kids. The beach area also has plenty of beach bars, restaurants, and resorts.
Climate & Weather in Mexico
The Mexican climate is as multi-faceted as the vegetation and landscape. From desert to subtropical to alpine climes, everything is represented. You should be careful during the rainy season (between May and October), as driving conditions deteriorate noticeably - and it may not be the best time for a trip to the beach.
Best time to go to Mexico
The ideal travel time is in the winter months. While it may be stormy and gloomy in many places in the U.S., the sun is shining from November to April in Mexico. For example, Cancun has great weather around this time—the average air temperature is 73 – 75 degrees, while the sea stays at a comfortable 77 degrees. Or what about visiting Mexico for a festival such as Día de los Muertos?
The Most Beautiful Natural Swimming Pools In Mexico
If you have a trip planned to Cancún sometime soon, then you're going to want to set aside time to see some of the Yucatán Peninsulas famous natural swimming pools, or cenotes. Formed when limestone collapses and reveals previously hidden water, these pools are fantastic for cooling off, and sometimes link up to underground cave networks. Take a look at some of Mexico's most beautiful cenotes below.
1. Cenote Chaak Tun
If you're anywhere near Playa del Carmen, you'll want to visit thishidden gem with its impressive stalactites and many hidden corners.
2. Cenote Maya
You can enter this gorgeous cenote by rappelling 85 feet through a hole in the dome-shaped rock above the water.
3. Cenote Samula
Located at near Valladolid, Samula is one of two popular and beautiful cenotes in Dzitnup (the other being X'Keken).
4. Cenote Zaci
Located in the heart of Valladolid, this beautiful cenote is accessible via stone stairs that wind their way around the walls of the cavern.
5. Dos Ojos
These are actually two cenotes north of Tulumconnected to a huge cave system, and it's easy to join a guided cave dive.
6. Gran Cenote
This cenote near Tulum is actually part of the longest surveyed underwater cave system in the world.
7. Ik Kil
One of the Yucatán's most famous cenotes, this pool is close to the Chichen Itza ruins, and was was once considered sacred by the Mayan people.
8. Jardín del Edén
With a name meaning "Garden of Eden," this open-air cenote is just as beautiful as you'd expect it to be.
9. Tamcach-Ha
This underground cenote has jumping platforms for the brave—one at around 15 feet, and one at around 30!
10. X'keken
Located right near Cenote Samula, this cavern contains turquoise waters and exquisite rock formations.
