Putting in words the feast of art, colour, and flavours that make Mexico one of the best destinations in the world is no easy task.
No amount of adjectives and flowery words can make justice to the celebration that takes place in your senses when you see the arts and crafts of the indigenous people, the work of renowned artists, the architecture, the archaeological sites and the diverse landscape and wildlife.
You don’t even have to visit any of the great museums (although you should) to feel the artistic rush.
Take a walk along the streets of a Pueblo Mágico (“Magic Town”) and feel inspired by the colourful facades and the decorative details in everyday life objects, or by the traditional garments worn by some women.
I’m convinced that Mexicans’ DNA strands come in reds and oranges and turquoises that twist at the sound of music.
Dancing is part of regular life and you’ll come across street festivals wherever you go. It’s common to find DJs playing music at the zócalos (squares) where everybody joins the party.
There’s a zest for life. People are warm and friendly.
I think by now you must have guessed that I love going to Mexico.
Over the years I’ve travelled across the central and southern part of the country mainly by bus, staying weeks or months at a time.
I’ve done it independently, outside the resort bubble.
Staying at an all-inclusive resort is easy and convenient (nothing wrong with that!), but you’ll miss out on immersing yourself in the culture and interacting with locals (other than the person pouring your bottomless margaritas).
And you’ll pay way more.
Scroll down to see the list of blog posts with details to plan your visit. Check it out regularly as I’m frequently adding new posts and destinations (sign for my emails so you don’t miss out).
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Most common language: Spanish. Other languages spoken by the indigenous people are Náhuatl, Mayan, and others.
Currency: Mexican Peso (MXN).
Capital: Ciudad de México (Mexico City), commonly referred to as “el D.F.”, abbreviation for Distrito Federal (Federal District).
Power outlets: type A and B; 120V/60 Hz
Table of Contents
Best Time to Travel to Mexico
First, what regions do you plan to visit?
Even though Mexico doesn’t have wild fluctuations in the weather like its northern neighbours and it’s smaller in size, the country is diverse and some places are more enjoyable at certain times of the year.
Since it’s a holiday destination, travelling off-season brings some benefits (fewer people, lower rates), but you’ll have to put up with less desirable weather.
Winter is a great time to visit Quintana Roo, Yucatan, Oaxaca, and Puerto Vallarta. Summer temperatures are crazy hot and, although winter rates are higher and it’s busier, melting during your trip doesn’t sound like fun.
An added inconvenience on the East Coast is hurricane season, running from June 1st to December 1st. Storms form more often from mid-August to mid-November.
Spring is great to visit San Luis Potosí. Even during this time, it’s hot so I can’t even imagine what it must be like during the summer.
Mexico City (CDMX), and Puebla also make good spring destinations, with the added bonus of coinciding with the blooming of the Jacarandá trees, decorating the city with their violet petals.
CDMX , like Puebla, may be a little bit chilly during winter (single-digit or low teens Celsius) and pollution in CDMX gets worse during summer.
Queretaro and Guanajuato have pleasant weather all year-round which you’ll enjoy better from October to May, outside the rainy season.
If you’re going with a specific interest in mind you have to plan accordingly.
Interested in swimming with the whale sharks in Holbox? It will only happen between June and August.
Want to see the amazing Monarch Butterfly sanctuaries in Valle de Bravo? You must visit in January or February.
Top Things to Do in Mexico
- Explore the Pueblos Mágicos (Magic Towns): this is a program implemented by the Tourism Office to highlight towns with major historic and cultural significance. With 132 towns listed, there are enough to keep you busy for a long time.
- Visit World Heritage Sites: Mexico has 35 properties inscribed on the World Heritage List: 27 cultural sites, six natural properties, and two mixed. Grab your map and start your to-do list!
- Go to Mexico City: fascinating and overwhelming, Mexico’s capital and the former seat of the Aztec Empire will leave you breathless with museums, archaeological sites, architectural gems, parks, and cultural events.
- Work on your tan at the beaches: east coast or west coast, choose a side (or not). Whether you explore the Huatulco Bays in Oaxaca, the Malecon in Puerto Vallarta, or swim in the turquoise waters of Quintana Roo, there’s a perfect beach out there for you.
- Go back in time at the archaeological sites: you’ll find ancient ruins (and the valuable objects found in them) pretty much everywhere. Learn about the mighty Teotihuacán, the Aztecs, the Mayans, and many other civilizations that are part of Mexico’s heritage.
- Discover natural treasures: 10 to 12% of the world’s biodiversity is here. Waterfalls, mountains, and nature reserves not only compose a gorgeous landscape but it’s also the habitat of diverse wildlife.
- Embrace the art and architecture: from the beadwork of the Huichol art to the paintings of Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, and Rufino Tamayo, to the houses of Luis Barragán and the stunning churches, you’ll be inspired all the way.
Getting Around Mexico
Most times I’ve explored central and south Mexico by bus.
You’ll find several bus lines with fully reclinable seats more comfortable and spacious than airplane seats. The buses are clean, with space for luggage underneath, equipped with a bathroom, wi-fi, power outlets, and individual TV screens.
The drivers don’t pick up passengers along the way and there’s an alert system if they’re speeding.
I’ve travelled with ETN (the most comfortable), ADO (most of their routes connect the southern region but they’re expanding in the central region), and Primera Plus.
If you’re limited in time and you need to cover huge distances there are local airlines connecting main cities.
The longest I’ve been on a bus has been nine hours. Anything longer than that, I’m flying!
Blog Posts About Mexico
Best Booking Resources
These are the go-to resources we use all the time to find where to stay, book flights, and get travel insurance
- Agoda: we’ve found great deals in apartments, guesthouses, and boutique hotels through this site.
- Airbnb: rent a whole house or a room directly from the homeowner through Airbnb. We’ve used it to book apartments and private rooms.
- Booking.com: you’ll find any type of property you can think of in their massive listing, with one of the most comprehensive filters. We’ve found great deals on boutique hotels and apartments.
- Great Escape: it combines the listings from Expedia, Kiwi, Kayak, and Skyscanner (on the premium service) to find the best airfares.
- Hotwire: the first site I check when we plan to stay at a hotel for a few nights. You can save anything from 20% to 60%. Use the search filter to find what you want and you’ll end up with three listings that match your criteria. You’ll know which one you’ll get after you book. If you can handle a little bit of uncertainty you can score big savings.
- House Sitting: you take care of people’s pets and house for free while staying for free. It’s the closest thing to experiencing a place “like a local”. But it comes with responsibilities. Are you an animal lover? You may want to give it a try.
- Momondo: we check Momondo to find great deals to book our flights.
- SafetyWing: travel medical insurance gives us peace of mind knowing that we’re covered in case of emergency. It’s convenient, affordable, and great for digital nomads who spend a long time outside their home country.
Check my Resource Page to learn about the brands I use and trust during my travels and how they can save you time and money. More sightseeing and more cocktails for you!