Last updated on November 3rd, 2023
Plan on exploring Mexico but not sure where to start? Here is everything you need to know about traveling to Mexico.
Mexico is a beautiful and exciting country that you must experience at least once in your lifetime. However, it can be a bit overwhelming if you don’t know where to start. So, I’m giving you a mini Mexico travel guidebook (post) for your Mexico vacation to eliminate some of that stress.
You will learn all about what to expect, the best cities to visit in Mexico, the top things to do, and much more.
After reading about exploring Mexico, you’ll be well prepared for your Mexico trip.
This post is all about exploring Mexico.
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Exploring Mexico
What to Expect
Mexico is a beautiful country that will have you mesmerized as soon as you set foot on its soil. And whether you have a few or many days in the country, it won’t be enough, and you’ll be planning your next Mexico trip as soon as you leave.
Here’s what to expect in Mexico:
Friendly Faces
Some travelers may be concerned about whether the locals are rude or unpleasant. But you have to worry about that here. Mexico has some of the most friendly people in the world.
Delicious Food
You can also expect to eat really well. Authentic Mexican food is out of this world! I would make a trip just for the food; it’s that good. It’s not as fatty as the Mexican food you find in the US, and most of their food has spice to it.
Culture
The Mexican culture is vibrant, primarily blending Spanish and indigenous cultures. You can find these influences in Mexico’s food, architecture, language, and traditions.
Adventure & Fun
Mexico has it all when it comes to fun and adventure: backpacking, snorkeling, ATV riding, ziplining, camel riding, tequila tastings, and much more!
Simply put, you can expect to be blown away and over-thrilled by your experience in Mexico
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Visa Requirements
What travel documentation do you need to visit Mexico?
All tourists visiting Mexico must have a Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM), a Mexican government tourist permit. You can get the form at the airport upon arrival or fill it out online. The cost for an FMM is roughly $35. This fee is included in your airfare ticket if you are flying. However, you get it free of charge if your trip is less than 7 days.
Citizens from the following countries are not required to have a visa to enter Mexico as tourists: the US, EU countries, Switzerland, Canada, Israel, Norway, Japan, Argentina, Brazil, New Zealand, and more. You can find a complete list of countries exempt from the visa here.
US citizens can enter Mexico with a passport card if arriving by land or sea. However, if you’re flying in, you need a passport book to enter. In addition, your stay must not be longer than 180 days, and your passport must have more than 6 months of validity.
Best Time to Visit
Mexico is a great destination all year round. Still, there are particular times to visit above others, depending on the vibe you’re looking for.
December to April are, overall, the ideal times to visit Mexico because it’s the dry season. The temperatures during these months are cool enough to where you won’t burn in the sun but hot enough to dive in the water. Crowds are also much lighter during these months.
The high seasons are June through August and the holidays (Christmas & New Year). So you can expect much larger crowds. In addition, prices on accommodation and airfare are typically higher during these months.
Those looking to travel on a budget will find better deals from May to June and from September through November due to the hurricane season. Hurricanes don’t always happen, but it is a possibility to be aware of.
How to Get Around in Mexico
While exploring Mexico, you’ll need to know how to get around, and public transportation will be your best friend in Mexico.
Buses, in particular, are the most common (and cheapest) way to get around in Mexico. Only a few pesos per ticket are needed.
Bigger cities like Mexico City and Guadalajara have subway systems, an excellent alternative to traveling by bus. And it’s also super cheap as well.
Other ways to get around in Mexico include taxis, car rentals, and motorbikes. Check out more information here about getting around in Mexico.
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Best Places to Visit in Mexico
Mexico City
If you’re going to Mexico, you must visit Mexico City! As the capital of Mexico and one of the oldest cities in the Americas, Mexico City is full of rich culture, delicious food, and more.
The city is surrounded by insane Aztec, Toltec, and Mesoamerican ruins. If that’s not enough history for you, there are many museums to explore in the city. And when you’re not exploring ancient ruins, be sure to check out the fantastic art scene.
Mexico City is also a great spot to vacation because it’s the perfect destination to take day trips. In just a short trip, you can explore many of the beautiful towns in the surrounding area.
Oaxaca
The next place to check out on the list of Mexican travel destinations is Oaxaca because you can easily escape the tourist crowds.
Oaxaca has colorful buildings, out-of-this-world street food, art galleries, and incredible markets. And just like in Mexico City, you can explore beautiful museums and experience the indigenous cultures that have heavily influenced the country.
Oaxaca is also well known for its incredible agave fields, where mezcal makers produce one of the country’s most popular drinks, mezcal. While there, visit a mezcal distillery to try all the flavors made from various agave!
Cozumel
Cozumel is the place for you if you’re looking for the perfect beach vacation or a trip full of water activities.
You can choose to relax on the sandy beaches of the Caribbean. Or go the more adventurous route by snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming, and more. And if you get tired of splashing around in the water, you can explore the jungle on a guided tour.
Like in the other cities in Mexico, you can also find ancient Maya ruins to explore in Cozumel. There are guided tours of the ruins as well.
Bonus tip: If you visit Cozumel, you must also travel to Tulum & Playa del Carmen, just a quick trip from Cozumel.
Guadalajara
Guadalajara is Mexico’s second-largest city, and just like Mexico City, certain areas can be a little chaotic. But it is also just as exciting!
Additionally, Guadalajara is super affordable, even more so than popular tourist destinations like Cancún, because there isn’t a huge tourist scene. So you can expect food, drinks, entrance fees, and accommodation to be much more affordable.
Authentic Mexican food is absolutely delicious, I’ve mentioned this already, but Guadalajara has its own unique dishes that you must try. Like the torta ahogada or the quintessential birria.
Besides getting your belly full, there are plenty of national parks, hiking areas, shopping opportunities, and a booming nightlife to explore.
Zacatecas
Off the beaten path and more of a hidden gem, in central Mexico is the historic city of Zacatecas. So naturally, as it’s an ancient city, there are museums on every corner.
There is also a long mining history in Zacatecas, and you can tour the city’s old silver mine. After you explore the city underground, hop on a cable car to see the spectacular views of Zacatecas. The city is over 6000 feet above sea level, so you’re in for quite the sight.
Delicious food, beautiful architecture, and historic sights await the traveler in Zacatecas. And all this without a significant tourist imprint.
Zacatecas is for those that are wanting to have a more authentic experience of Mexico.
All in all, Mexico is a beautiful place to visit, and I hope this Mexico travel guide helps you prepare for your trip.
Wishing you happy & safe travels.
This post is all about exploring Mexico.
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