Image: The beach and ruins of the Maya civilization in Tulum. (photo via SL_Photography / iStock / Getty Images Plus)
Image: The beach and ruins of the Maya civilization in Tulum. (photo via SL_Photography / iStock / Getty Images Plus)
Mexico Today: November 26, 9:41 PM 57°F Broken Clouds

Mexico Travel Guide 

Mexico is steeped in tradition, culture, and heritage. So whether you want to tour ancient ruins or sip a cocktail on the beach, Mexico has everything. And let’s not forget the unique culinary tourism, which extends beyond tacos and tequila.

But before you pack your bags, let’s look at some of the most important things to know when planning a trip to Mexico.

We highly recommend using Mexico’s buses when traveling to this country. There are hundreds of bus companies and various options. You can choose between the executive buses, or first and second class buses. 

Executive and first-class buses mostly serve the busier intercity routes and sizable towns. 

Second-class buses serve smaller towns and villages and provide cheaper travel, although they can be dangerous. We recommend opting for executive or first-class buses. 

To reach areas where buses don’t go, you can use taxis. Simply stand on a corner and wave, and a taxi will meet you where you are and charge you at the end of the trip. The fare is only slightly more than buses.

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Important Things To KNow

Currency

Mexico uses the Mexican Nuevo Peso.

La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico

La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico (photo courtesy vic-yee68/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

National Languages      

Mexico has no official languages, but the government and the residents most widely use Spanish. 

You can barely discern Mexican Spanish from European Spanish, and this is probably because there are only minor differences between Mexican and European Spanish. 

The country recognizes 68 other national languages, of which 63 are indigenous. Nahuatl and Maya are the two most widely used indigenous languages.

Time Zone

Mexico used to observe daylight savings time, but as of 2023, the government has voted to eliminate it, meaning that most parts of Mexico remain in their standard time zone. 

Most of Mexico uses Zona Centro or Central Standard Time. But there are also three other time zones. Western Mexico uses the Mountain Standard time or Zona Pacifico. In the far east of the country, they use Eastern Standard Time and the western part of the country uses Pacific Standard Time. 

Climate And Weather

Mexican weather varies from a tropical to a desert climate. The rainy season lasts from June to October and the dry desert-like season is observed from November to May.

And get ready to build up a sweat because the average humidity is around 70%.

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When To Visit Mexico

The high season in Mexico is December to April, also the driest time of the year. It can get a bit busy during these months, so avoid it if you don’t like big crowds.

January is the best time to visit during the high season, as there is a cooling-off period after the new year and before the February frenzy begins.

If you want to catch some waves, go during the surfing season, which runs from May to October.

The low season is from May to June and early November. Unfortunately, this is also the rainy season, so most people stay away, but you can still enjoy much of what Mexico offers during this time (without the crowds). There might be some rain, but the storms are usually short and make way for sunshine soon after. It provides excellent relief from the heat, so it is our favorite time to visit.

Best Places To Stay In Mexico

  • Mexico City: An excellent spot for first-timers if you want to experience a range of cultural attractions, Mexican food, and amazing nightlife.
  • Cabo San Lucas: This area is on the Pacific coast and offers an amazing party to anyone who visits- a great option to enjoy Mexico's nightlife and vibrant energy. Don’t worry, there are also fantastic landscapes and beaches to enjoy if you want some time off during the day.
  • Oaxaca: This city is in the Oaxaca valley and provides an authentic glimpse into Mexico’s artistic and cultural heritage. We found a range of natural wonders and even heritage sites to explore here.
  • Jala: This town is in Nayarit and offers an experience of pre-Hispanic culture and tradition. Jala is a town with unique history, nature, and gastronomy and can provide an enriching experience for anyone who visits.

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Laurence Pinckney

Laurence Pinckney

CEO of Zenbiz Travel, LLC

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Agent At Home

Helping leisure selling travel agents successfully manage their at-home business.

Subscribe For Free

Agent Specialization: Group Travel

Laurence Pinckney

Laurence Pinckney

CEO of Zenbiz Travel, LLC

About Me