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North America / North America

Mexico

Mayan ruins, Oaxaca cuisine, and Pacific and Caribbean coasts. As part of North America in North America, Mexico suits travelers drawn to big cities and nature. Use this guide to plan where to go, when to visit, and how to structure your days.

Mexico

Start exploring.

Best time to visit: Nov – Apr

Mexico City

Mexico City pairs well with nearby highlights on a North America route through Mexico.

Cancún

Cancún is a favorite stop for travelers exploring Mexico, with plenty to see on foot or by local transit.

Oaxaca

Oaxaca is a favorite stop for travelers exploring Mexico, with plenty to see on foot or by local transit.

Chichen Itzá

Chichen Itzá is a favorite stop for travelers exploring Mexico, with plenty to see on foot or by local transit.

What it is known for
facts
  • Chichen Itzá El Castillo pyramid
  • Mexico City Zócalo and Frida Kahlo museum
  • Oaxaca mole sauces and mezcal distilleries
  • Cancún Riviera Maya cenotes and reefs
  • Tacos al pastor, tamales, and street corn elotes
key City
name
Mexico City
label
Capital
why
One of the world's great megacities layers Aztec ruins, world-class museums, and day trips to Teotihuacán pyramids.
Places to visit
  • area
    Mexico City
    attractions
    • name
      Zócalo
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Chapultepec Castle
      duration
      2-3 hours
      book Ahead
      Book timed entry 2-4 weeks ahead for popular palaces in peak season.
    • name
      National Museum of Anthropology
      duration
      1.5-3 hours
      book Ahead
      Book timed entry 1-2 weeks ahead for major museums; same-day often fine off-season.
    • name
      Frida Kahlo Museum
      duration
      1.5-3 hours
      book Ahead
      Book timed entry 1-2 weeks ahead for major museums; same-day often fine off-season.
  • area
    Cancún
    attractions
    • name
      Chichen Itzá
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Tulum Ruins
      duration
      2-4 hours
      book Ahead
      Timed entry 1-2 weeks ahead at UNESCO sites in peak season.
    • name
      Isla Mujeres
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Xcaret Park
      duration
      4-8 hours
      book Ahead
      Book park permits or safari slots 1-7 days ahead in peak season.
  • area
    Oaxaca
    attractions
    • name
      Monte Albán
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Santo Domingo Church
      duration
      45 minutes to 1.5 hours
      book Ahead
      Usually walk-in; modest dress required. Donations welcome at active worship sites.
    • name
      Hierve el Agua
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Oaxaca Zócalo
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
  • area
    Chichen Itzá
    attractions
    • name
      El Castillo (Kukulcán Pyramid)
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Great Ball Court
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Temple of the Warriors
      duration
      45 minutes to 1.5 hours
      book Ahead
      Usually walk-in; modest dress required. Donations welcome at active worship sites.
    • name
      Sacred Cenote
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
Itineraries
  • title
    Mexico Highlights Express
    duration
    5 days
    locations
    • Mexico City
    • Cancún
    • Oaxaca
    highlights
    • Full day discovering Mexico City
    • Full day discovering Cancún
    • Full day discovering Oaxaca
    best For
    Weekend warriors and short trips
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Mexico City
      description
      Land in Mexico City, check into your stay, and take an easy orientation walk. Try a well-rated local restaurant to start your Mexico trip.
    • day
      2
      title
      Explore Cancún
      description
      Dedicate the day to Cancún: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.
    • day
      3
      title
      Oaxaca and farewell
      description
      Spend your final day in Oaxaca visiting any missed sights, picking up souvenirs, and preparing for departure.
  • title
    Classic Mexico
    duration
    7 days
    locations
    • Mexico City
    • Cancún
    • Oaxaca
    • Chichen Itzá
    highlights
    • Cover Mexico City and Cancún
    • Explore Oaxaca
    • Explore Chichen Itzá
    best For
    Outdoor lovers and slow travel
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Mexico City
      description
      Land in Mexico City, check into your stay, and take an easy orientation walk. Try a well-rated local restaurant to start your Mexico trip.
    • day
      2
      title
      Explore Cancún
      description
      Dedicate the day to Cancún: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.
    • day
      3
      title
      Explore Oaxaca
      description
      Dedicate the day to Oaxaca: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.
    • day
      4
      title
      Chichen Itzá and farewell
      description
      Spend your final day in Chichen Itzá visiting any missed sights, picking up souvenirs, and preparing for departure.
  • title
    Mexico Beaches & Coast
    duration
    5 days
    locations
    • Mexico City
    • Cancún
    • Oaxaca
    highlights
    • Coastal day in Mexico City
    • Coastal day in Cancún
    • Coastal day in Oaxaca
    best For
    Sun seekers, swimmers, and coastal road trips
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Mexico City
      description
      Check in near the shore and take a relaxed walk along the waterfront. Swim or sunbathe if conditions allow, then settle into a seaside dinner in Mexico City.
    • day
      2
      title
      Cancún coast
      description
      Spend the day on Cancún's shoreline: Chichen Itzá, Tulum Ruins, Isla Mujeres, with time for cafés, boat trips, or sunset views.
    • day
      3
      title
      Oaxaca and farewell
      description
      Enjoy a final beach morning in Oaxaca, visiting Monte Albán, Santo Domingo Church, Hierve el Agua before you depart Mexico.
  • title
    Mexico Countryside
    duration
    5 days
    locations
    • Cancún
    • Oaxaca
    • Chichen Itzá
    highlights
    • Rural stop: Cancún
    • Rural stop: Oaxaca
    • Rural stop: Chichen Itzá
    best For
    Nature lovers, hikers, and slow travel
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Cancún
      description
      Reach Cancún, drop bags at a rural stay, and take a short walk through nearby villages or trails to get oriented.
    • day
      2
      title
      Oaxaca countryside
      description
      Explore Oaxaca at an easy pace: Monte Albán, Santo Domingo Church, Hierve el Agua with a focus on open landscapes away from the crowds.
    • day
      3
      title
      Chichen Itzá and farewell
      description
      Wrap up with a slow morning in Chichen Itzá, stopping at El Castillo (Kukulcán Pyramid), Great Ball Court, Temple of the Warriors before heading home.
  • title
    Mexico Monuments & Hot Spots
    duration
    7 days
    locations
    • Mexico City
    • Chichen Itzá
    • Cancún
    • Oaxaca
    highlights
    • Must-see: Zócalo
    • Must-see: Chapultepec Castle
    • Must-see: El Castillo (Kukulcán Pyramid)
    • Must-see: Great Ball Court
    best For
    Sightseeing, history buffs, and first-time landmark hunters
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Icons of Mexico City
      description
      Start in Mexico City with Zócalo, Chapultepec Castle, National Museum of Anthropology, buying timed tickets ahead when possible and finishing with a walk through the historic center.
    • day
      2
      title
      Chichen Itzá monuments
      description
      Focus on Chichen Itzá's tourist favorites: El Castillo (Kukulcán Pyramid), Great Ball Court, Temple of the Warriors with breaks for local food between sights.
    • day
      3
      title
      Cancún monuments
      description
      Focus on Cancún's tourist favorites: Chichen Itzá, Tulum Ruins, Isla Mujeres with breaks for local food between sights.
    • day
      4
      title
      Oaxaca landmarks and farewell
      description
      Catch any remaining must-sees in Oaxaca, including Monte Albán, Santo Domingo Church, Hierve el Agua, before your departure.
When to go & typical weather
summary
November through April is dry season across Mexico, perfect for Mexico City culture, Yucatan ruins, and Pacific beach towns without hurricane risk or extreme humidity. Day of the Dead in late October and whale season in Baja add cultural and wildlife highlights.
typical Weather
Mexico City Nov-Apr: highs 22-26°C (72-79°F), lows 6-10°C (43-50°F), 10-25 mm rain, thin air at 2,240 m. Cancun: highs 28-30°C (82-86°F), sea 26-28°C (79-82°F). Oaxaca similar to CDMX.
details
  • Dec-Jan and Easter week bring peak crowds to Cancun, Tulum, and San Miguel.
  • May-Oct is rainy and humid on coasts; hurricane season peaks Aug-Oct.
  • Jun-Aug is hot in northern deserts; Copper Canyon is cooler at elevation.
  • Shoulder Nov and late Apr offer great weather with lighter tourism.
most Affordable
period
May – Sep
summary
Rainy season and hurricane shoulder offer Mexico's steepest resort discounts when Cancun, Tulum, and Mexico City hotels cut rates despite weather trade-offs.
details
  • Cancun all-inclusive resorts discount 40-50% in Sep-Oct.
  • Mexico City boutique hotels offer summer promotions.
  • Oaxaca and San Miguel guesthouses cut rainy-season rates.
  • US-Mexico flight fares often lower in summer lull.
most Expensive
period
Dec – Jan
summary
Dry-season holiday peak fills Cancun, Tulum, and San Miguel when North American winter escape travelers pay highest resort rates over Christmas and New Year.
details
  • Cancun and Riviera Maya premium Dec-Jan with minimum stays.
  • Tulum beach hotels sell out at peak winter rates.
  • Day of the Dead (late Oct) spikes Oaxaca and CDMX demand.
  • Easter Holy Week is second-priciest nationwide travel period.
Airports & arrivals
summary
Mexico City, Cancún, and Guadalajara are the busiest international gateways.
airports
  • name
    Mexico City International Airport
    code
    MEX
    location
    Mexico City
    distance From Center
    5 km (3 mi) east of central Mexico City
    transfer Note
    Metro and taxis reach the historic center
  • name
    Cancún International Airport
    code
    CUN
    location
    Cancún
    distance From Center
    20 km (12 mi) southwest of central Cancún
    transfer Note
    ADO buses and shuttles serve Riviera Maya
  • name
    Guadalajara International Airport
    code
    GDL
    location
    Guadalajara
    distance From Center
    17 km (11 mi) south of central Guadalajara
    transfer Note
    Taxis serve Mexico's second city
Getting around
overview
Mexicans use Metro in CDMX, intercity ADO coaches, and suburban rail; Uber and DiDi dominate ride-hailing.
trains
  • name
    Ferrocarril del Sureste
    description
    Scenic and regional rail including Maya Train routes.
    ticketing
    Book at station counters or official tourism desks.
ferries
  • name
    Baja Ferries
    description
    Ferries link Baja California with mainland Mexico.
    ticketing
    Book online or at La Paz and Topolobampo terminals.
subways
  • name
    Mexico City Metro
    description
    One of the world's busiest metro systems.
    ticketing
    Buy rechargeable cards at station booths.
public Transit
  • name
    Metrobús CDMX
    kind
    public
    description
    Bus rapid transit lines across Mexico City.
    ticketing
    Use Metro card at station platforms.
ride Share
  • name
    Uber
    kind
    rideshare
    description
    Ride-hailing across Mexico.
    ticketing
    Book via Uber app.
  • name
    DiDi
    kind
    rideshare
    description
    Major ride-hailing in Mexican cities.
    ticketing
    Book via DiDi app.
Currency
code
MXN
name
Mexican peso
symbol
$
note
Carry some mexican peso in cash for taxis and markets; card acceptance is strongest in major cities and tourist areas.

Convert your travel budget ↗

Visas & official entry links
Local customs
summary
Mexicans are warm, family-centered, and regionally diverse, from Maya villages to Mexico City cosmopolitan life. Personal space is closer; greetings matter before business. Beach resorts differ from inland conservative towns.
customs
  • Cheek kisses vary by region among friends; handshake suffices for new meetings.
  • Día de Muertos altars are cultural, not Halloween props.
  • Mañana time means flexible scheduling socially.
dos
  • Greet with buenos días before asking prices in markets.
  • Use Uber or sitio taxis in big cities at night.
  • Drink bottled water and avoid unpeeled street produce if sensitive.
  • Tip 10 to 15 percent at sit-down restaurants if not included.
  • Ask before photographing indigenous communities and ceremonies.
donts
  • Do not drink tap water without confirming filtration.
  • Do not fly drones near airports, pyramids, or crowds without permits.
  • Do not make drug cartel jokes or glorify narco culture.
  • Do not leave bags unattended on Cancún buses and metros.
  • Do not wear swimwear in inland town centers.
Useful travel phrases
language
Spanish
phrases
  • english
    Please
    local
    Por favor
    pronunciation
    por fah-BOR
  • english
    Thank you
    local
    Gracias
    pronunciation
    GRAH-syahs
  • english
    Yes
    local
    Sí
    pronunciation
    see
  • english
    No
    local
    No
    pronunciation
    noh
  • english
    How much?
    local
    ¿Cuánto cuesta?
    pronunciation
    KWAHN-toh KWES-ta
  • english
    Where is the nearest restaurant or bar?
    local
    ¿Dónde está el restaurante o bar más cercano?
    pronunciation
    DOHN-deh es-TAH el res-tow-RAHN-teh oh bar mahs ther-KAH-no
  • english
    Where is the airport?
    local
    ¿Dónde está el aeropuerto?
    pronunciation
    DOHN-deh es-TAH eh-ay-ro-PWER-toh
  • english
    I need help
    local
    Necesito ayuda
    pronunciation
    neh-seh-SEE-toh ah-YOO-dah
  • english
    I need a hospital
    local
    Necesito un hospital
    pronunciation
    neh-seh-SEE-toh oon o-spee-TAHL
  • english
    Call the police
    local
    Llame a la policía
    pronunciation
    yah-MAH a la po-lee-SEE-ah
Longer stays
visa Summary
U.S. citizens may enter Mexico visa-free for tourism and business for up to 180 days with a Forma Migratoria Multiple issued at entry. Temporary and permanent residence require applications at Mexican consulates for retirees, remote workers, employees, and family members meeting financial or employment criteria. Mexico updates financial requirements and permit procedures periodically, so confirm with the Instituto Nacional de Migración.

Practical tips.

  • Use ATM withdrawals inside banks during daylight hours rather than street-side machines to reduce skimming risk.
  • Drink bottled or purified water in smaller towns and avoid ice unless you know it is made from filtered water.
  • Book Oaxaca, Mexico City, and beach hotels early for Christmas, Semana Santa, and U.S. holiday weeks.
More travel tips ↗

Locate Mexico.

Location map of Mexico

Before you go.

Check current entry requirements and travel conditions with official sources before booking. Read the current U.S. State Department advisory for Mexico ↗