Mexico: Complete Travel Guide
Discover Mexico: Mexico City, Caribbean beaches, Mayan ruins, cuisine and everything you need for your trip.
Why Mexico Has It All
Mexico is a country of endless contrasts: turquoise Caribbean beaches, imposing pre-Hispanic ruins, colonial cities with soul, a UNESCO-recognized cuisine and a vibrant culture felt on every corner.
Top Destinations
Mexico City (CDMX)
One of the world's most fascinating megalopolises. The Zocalo, Coyoacan, Frida Kahlo's house, Chapultepec, tacos al pastor on every corner and a world-class food scene.
Daily budget: 30-70€
Cancun & Riviera Maya
Postcard beaches, sacred cenotes, Tulum ruins overlooking the sea and Cancun nightlife. Playa del Carmen and Tulum are quieter alternatives.
Daily budget: 40-100€
Oaxaca
Mexico's cultural capital. Mezcal, mole, indigenous markets, Monte Alban and Hierve el Agua. A destination every traveler falls in love with.
Daily budget: 25-55€
Guanajuato & San Miguel de Allende
Vibrantly colored colonial cities, underground tunnels and mummies. Perfect for a Bajio road trip.
Daily budget: 25-50€
Chiapas
Jungle, turquoise waterfalls, indigenous villages and the Palenque ruins. San Cristobal de las Casas makes the perfect base.
Daily budget: 20-45€
Mexican Cuisine (UNESCO Heritage)
- Tacos al Pastor — Marinated pork with pineapple, cilantro and onion
- Mole — Complex sauce with chilis, chocolate and spices. Oaxaca's is the best
- Tamales — Corn dough filled and wrapped in banana leaves
- Chiles en Nogada — Patriotic dish with poblano pepper, walnut cream and pomegranate
- Pozole — Corn stew with meat, a celebration classic
- Tlayudas — The "Oaxacan pizza", giant crispy tortilla
- Churros — Crispy and sugared with cajeta or chocolate
- Mezcal — Oaxaca's artisanal spirit, tequila's cousin
Budget
| Category | Backpacker | Mid-range | Comfort | |----------|-----------|-----------|---------| | Accommodation | 8-20€ | 25-60€ | 70-200€ | | Food | 5-12€ | 15-30€ | 35-70€ | | Transport | 3-8€ | 10-25€ | 25-60€ | | Total/day | 16-40€ | 50-115€ | 130-330€ |
Practical Tips
Tip
Cenotes are natural underground pools unique to the Yucatan Peninsula. There are over 6,000 — many free or just 2-5€. Don't miss them.
Warning
Don't drink tap water in Mexico. Use bottled water even for brushing your teeth in the first weeks.
- Uber works great in CDMX, Cancun and major cities
- Tipping — 10-15% at restaurants is expected
- ADO buses — First class, comfortable and safe for intercity travel
- Mexican peso — Carry cash for markets and street stalls
- Altitude — CDMX sits at 2,240m. Take it easy on day one