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Mexico travel guide

Places to visit, things to do and where to stay in 24 destinations across Mexico.

Destinations24 city guides
Things to do1,090 experiences
Best time to visitNovember to March
CurrencyMXN · $
CapitalMexico City

About Mexico

Mexico is in North America. Its capital is Mexico City, the main language is Spanish and the currency is the Mexican peso (MXN). Our guides cover 24 destinations across Mexico, including Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Mexico City. The most comfortable time to visit is generally November to March.

Must-see sights in Mexico

  1. Hotel Zone

    Hotel Zone

    Beach · Cancun

    A long, narrow strip of white-sand beaches between the Caribbean and a lagoon, lined with resorts. Pay attention to beach warning flags, as some stretches facing the open sea have strong currents.

  2. Tulum Ruins

    Tulum Ruins

    Historic · Playa del Carmen

    A walled Maya site perched on a cliff above a turquoise beach south of Playa del Carmen. Arrive at opening time to beat the heat and the tour buses, and bring a swimsuit for the beach below.

  3. Zocalo

    Zocalo

    Landmark · Mexico City

    The huge main square of Mexico City, surrounded by the cathedral and National Palace. It often hosts festivals and events, so check what is on during your visit.

  4. Palancar Reef

    Palancar Reef

    Nature · Cozumel

    A large reef off the southwest coast of Cozumel, famous for its towering coral formations and tunnels. Book with a licensed dive operator, as strong currents make drift diving the standard approach.

  5. Malecón

    Malecón

    Landmark · Puerto Vallarta

    A seafront boardwalk lined with bronze sculptures, restaurants, and bars, stretching along the bay. Stroll it at sunset when street performers and families fill the walkway.

  6. Palenque

    Palenque

    Historic · Chiapas

    The ruins of a Maya city set against jungle-covered hills, known for its finely carved temples and palace. Arrive at opening time to avoid the heat and crowds, and stop at the site museum on the way out.

  7. Arch of Cabo San Lucas

    Arch of Cabo San Lucas

    Landmark · Los Cabos

    A natural rock arch at Land's End, where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean. Water taxis from the marina loop past it and a sea lion colony, and can drop you at Lover's Beach next to it.

  8. Merida Cathedral

    Merida Cathedral

    Religious · Merida

    One of the oldest cathedrals in the Americas, built from stones of an ancient Maya city. It faces the Plaza Grande, so visit both together in the cooler morning hours.

Things to do in Mexico

1,090 tours, tickets and experiences you can book across Mexico. Pick a type and city to see what is available for your dates.

Best time to visit Mexico

Based on recent weather records across 24 destinations, the most comfortable months for sightseeing in Mexico are November to March. Conditions vary by region, so open a city guide for monthly temperatures, rainfall and a 7-day forecast.

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

Know before you go

Currency
Mexican peso (MXN)1 US dollar ≈ $18.4
Language
Spanish
Capital
Mexico City
Calling code
+52
Driving
On the right
Time zones
America/Mexico_City, America/Cancun, America/Mazatlan+4 more

Upcoming public holidays in Mexico

  • Revolution DayDía de la Revolución
  • Christmas DayNavidad
  • New Year's DayAño Nuevo
  • Constitution DayDía de la Constitución
  • Benito Juárez's birthdayNatalicio de Benito Juárez
  • Labour DayDía del Trabajo

Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.

Check visa requirements

Getting to Mexico

The closest airports to the most popular destinations in Mexico.

  • CUN Cancún International Airport9 mi from Cancun
  • PCM Playa del Carmen Airport1 mi from Playa del Carmen
  • MEX Aeropuerto Internacional Benito Juárez7 mi from Mexico City
  • CZM Cozumel International Airport2 mi from Cozumel
  • PVR Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport3 mi from Puerto Vallarta
  • CJT Comitán Airport36 mi from Chiapas
  • SJD Los Cabos International Airport8 mi from Los Cabos
  • MID Manuel Crescencio Rejón International Airport3 mi from Merida
Search flights to Mexico

Mexico travel FAQ

What are the best places to visit in Mexico?

Popular destinations in Mexico include Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Mexico City and Cozumel. Our Mexico travel guides cover 24 cities and regions, with places to visit, things to do, where to stay and the best time to go.

When is the best time to visit Mexico?

Across our Mexico destinations, the most comfortable months to visit are November to March. Weather varies by region, so check each city guide for local temperatures and rainfall.

Which airports should I fly into for Mexico?

Main airports for popular Mexico destinations include Cancún International Airport (CUN) for Cancun, Playa del Carmen Airport (PCM) for Playa del Carmen, Aeropuerto Internacional Benito Juárez (MEX) for Mexico City and Cozumel International Airport (CZM) for Cozumel.

What are the top things to do in Mexico?

Destina Holidays offers 1,090 tours and activities across Mexico. The most popular types are outdoor activities & adventure (317), day trips & excursions (195), art & culture (160) and zoo, aquarium & nature (117).

What are the must-see sights in Mexico?

Highlights include Hotel Zone in Cancun, Tulum Ruins in Playa del Carmen, Zocalo in Mexico City and Palancar Reef in Cozumel.

How many hotels can I book in Mexico?

Destina Holidays lists 3,382 properties across our Mexico destinations, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.

What currency is used in Mexico?

Mexico uses the Mexican peso (MXN). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ $18.4.

What language is spoken in Mexico?

The official language of Mexico is Spanish.

What is the capital of Mexico?

The capital of Mexico is Mexico City.

What time zone is Mexico in?

Our Mexico destinations span 7 time zones, including America/Mexico_City (UTC−6), America/Cancun (UTC−5), America/Mazatlan (UTC−7) and America/Monterrey (UTC−6).

Which side of the road do they drive on in Mexico?

Traffic in Mexico drives on the right. The international calling code is +52.

What are the upcoming public holidays in Mexico?

Upcoming public holidays include Revolution Day on 16 November 2026, Christmas Day on 25 December 2026 and New Year's Day on 1 January 2027. Flights and hotels often fill up early around holidays.

Do I need a visa to visit Mexico?

Visa rules for Mexico depend on your nationality, passport and the length and purpose of your trip. Check our visa requirements page or contact our travel experts before you book.

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