Mexico Holidays

What can you find in Mexico that you won’t find anywhere else?

Mexico is a Central American luxury holiday hotspot with a little something for everyone; it is cloaked in jungle, ancient Mayan ruins, temples, tropical beaches, bustling cities, volcanic mountains, deserts and crystal clear waters. Mexico City, the country’s vibrant capital, is a good place to begin Mexico holidays. The bustling metropolis sits at an altitude of 6,600ft above sea level and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site, in recognition of its rich history and mish-mash of cultures. The Yucatan Peninsula is perfect for those looking to combine hedonism and history, with swathes of white sand, turquoise Caribbean waters and ancient Mayan ruins peppered along the Riviera Maya coastline. The diving is also fantastic in this part of Mexico, either alongside the Lighthouse Reef (the world's second longest) or in collapsed limestone caves known as cenotes. As well as picturesque colonial towns and the vast and vibrant metropolis of Mexico City, the states of Oaxaca and Chiapas offer one of the most culturally diverse experiences a luxury holiday in Mexico can produce. Located between the Caribbean and Pacific coasts and to the south of Mexico City, Oaxaca is undoubtedly Mexico's creative hub and Chiapas is brimming with archaeological and natural wonders.

The inner cowboy/girl in you may enjoy venturing to the plunging canyons of Northern Mexico to explore Copper Canyon, which is four times the size of the Grand Canyon and no less stunning. This is a real adventure playground for hiking, zip lining and biking. A Copper Canyon tour would also combine perfectly with a jaunt to the beaches of the Baja Peninsula. Cenotes (natural sinkholes created from the collapse of soluble limestone rock) are another natural wonder of Mexico, with more than 6,000 found throughout the country (mostly along The Yucatan Peninsula). Once regarded as sacred water sources by the ancient Mayans and used as sites of sacrificial offerings, the tranquil waters are now excellent spots for snorkelling and swimming. Go diving in Cenote Dos Ojos, near Playa del Carmen, swimming in Cenote Dzitnup, near Valladolid, or snorkelling in Cenote Manatí, on the Riviera Maya.

Which experiences is Mexico best for?

Home to baroque gems, a strong cultural heritage and no fewer than forty UNESCO-listed landmarks, Mexico offers a plethora of experiences. Dig deep and you can discover lost cities built by pre-Columbian civilisations, and meet their descendants who frequent the highland markets. Mexico holidays allow you to explore myriad landscapes (and their flora and fauna), from Baja California’s cactus-studded deserts to the smoking Popocatepetl volcano. These and other landscapes create a platform for exploration; witness the great butterfly migration – a true wildlife phenomenon – and encounter exotic creatures such as the quetzal – a strikingly-coloured bird treasured by the Aztecs. Meanwhile, wherever you go, fiesta is never far away, with sultry salsa, roaming mariachi bands and delicious tequila on hand.

What are the best ways to discover Mexico?

Nine days in the Yucatan Peninsula is a good length of time to explore both Mexico’s ancient Mayan culture and its picturesque beaches. Those feeling a little more adventurous should consider hiring a car for a 12 to 15-day road trip combining Mexico and neighbouring Guatemala (although in Guatemala we recommend a driver and a guide). Or why not make the most of your trip by stopping in the United States from where you can detour to Belize, Costa Rica, Panama and Nicaragua, all exceptional destinations in their own right.

Who are Mexico holidays best for?

Mexico’s vast variety of landscapes and rich cultural treasures lend themselves to both romantic escapes and family holidays. Fans of archaeology can soak up the legacy of the ancient civilisations that dot Mexico’s landscapes, with private tours of the Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza and Uxmal, so you can experience their full glory without any tourist crowds. There’s much more to the Yucatan Peninsula than the city of Cancun, and the region is perfect for nature lovers who can enjoy 4x4 rides, rafting and boating in this tropical idyll. Tulum and Playa del Carmen, located on Yucatan’s Riviera Maya, are both renowned for their idyllic white-sand beaches and bohemian atmosphere, while further inland, the city of Valladolid is filled with culture in the form of Mexican folk art and colonial buildings.

Travel to the north of Mexico to discover contrasting landscapes, including vast deserts and deep canyons, which are perfect for adventure activities as part of a family holiday. Charming haciendas and postcard-worthy beaches make for a romantic retreat while children will no doubt enjoy climbing pyramids, meeting wildlife and playing pirate in the Caribbean Sea. With so much to explore, Mexico also makes a great place for solo travel, and can be combined with other Central American countries for the trip of a lifetime. Our travel experts will help design the perfect itinerary to suit your individual desires.

Special things to do in Mexico:

- Relaxing in a private villa or on a beach at the edge of the Tulum ruins
- Stay in a historic hacienda
- Go whale watching and swim with sea lions in Baja California
- Get close to whale sharks in Isla Holbox

Best time to visit Mexico:

Divided by the Tropic of Cancer, Mexico has two distinct climatic zones, which can make deciding when to visit difficult and dependent on the region where you’ll be spending the most time. The climate in the north is mild, with colder winters than in the south. The south generally sees stable temperatures year-round, yet the altitude also has an influence on the climate, with cooler temperatures at higher altitudes. Mexico also has a wet season, which takes place from June to October throughout most of the country (dry season runs from February to July). December to February are generally the coolest months, however temperatures can still reach as high as 28°C during the dry season. Overall, the best time to visit Mexico is between October and April.

FAQs

Culture

What is Mexico known for?

- Festivals and holidays. Festivals are important occasions in the Mexican calendar, giving the people a chance to celebrate various aspects of the country’s history and culture.

Recognised across the globe, Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) is the most famous festival and typically takes place on the 1st and 2nd of November. It’s seen as a chance to celebrate both life and death, with families often visiting the graves of loved ones, leaving decorations and culinary offerings to encourage the souls of the deceased to join in the celebrations. Tourists can join in the activities and parades which take over city centres across the country.

Other important festivals in the calendar include Dia de la Independencia (Independence Day) on the 16th September and Cinco de Mayo, which celebrates the country’s victory in the 19th century Battle of Puebla.

- Cultural and historic sites. Only a handful of countries are home to more UNESCO-listed sites than Mexico, which has a total of 35. Some of the most notable inscriptions include Uxmal, El Tajín and Teotihuacan. Mexico is also home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World – the city of Chichén Itzá. The centrepiece of this Mayan settlement is the stepped pyramid of El Castillo, which is one of the most recognisable cultural sites in the world.
- World-class beaches. With so much to explore inland, it’s only right that Mexico also offers myriad sandy stretches where visitors can kick back and do nothing at all. The west coast is bordered by the Pacific Ocean, and is littered with world-class beaches from top to bottom. Some of the most famous resorts in this part of the country include Los Cabos and Mazatlan.

Meanwhile the east side has coastlines in both the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. Some of the best beaches here can be found on the Yucatán Peninsula, which is home to popular seaside resorts like Cancun and Tulum.

What food and drink should I try in Mexico?

Mexico’s mouthwatering culinary offerings are hardly a secret – it’s one of the most popular cuisines around the world. However, a trip here affords tourists the opportunity to try the most authentic versions of the dishes we’re all familiar with. Churros, enchiladas, tacos al pastor and pozole should all be on the menu when in Mexico.

Mexico has also provided the world with its fair share of beverage offerings which are commonplace in bars and restaurants just about everywhere. Produced only in specific regions of the country, tequila is Mexico's most famous alcoholic spirit – sample the different varieties in a local bar or go one better and visit the agave fields in Jalisco where the popular drink was invented. There are also plenty of non-alcoholic drinks that are popular in this part of the world – try different varieties of agua fresca which comprises fruit, water and sweetener to create a refreshing beverage.

Planning your trip

What is the best way to get around Mexico?

Mexico is a vast country, so if you’re planning to explore different regions, it’s important to know the best ways to get around. Fortunately, there are lots of options, so you can tailor your transport depending on your budget, preferences and itinerary. If you’re staying relatively local during your holiday, you can make use of the bus network, with frequent services connecting the main towns and cities. Taxis are another popular option; in fact, there are more registered taxis in Mexico (60,000) than any other country, so you should never be short of a ride.

For travellers looking to discover different regions, domestic flights will generally be your best option. There are airports right across the country, meaning flying is a convenient method for exploring just about anywhere. Mexico City to Cancun is one of the most popular domestic routes, with a flight time averaging two hours and 20 minutes. Not only will flying often be the quickest way to get from A to B, but internal flights here are generally quite affordable.

For more information, read our guide on transport in Mexico.

What is the weather like in Mexico?

Mexico’s tropical climate means it experiences warm temperatures throughout the year, however there are also distinct rainy and dry seasons. The rainy season runs through the summer months – May to September – but downpours are typically short and clear quickly. Hurricanes are also more likely to occur during this period, with extreme weather patterns typically intensifying towards the backend of summer.

To make the most of the country’s cooler and drier conditions, the best time to visit is in winter or spring, between December and April. This period almost guarantees sunshine and comfortable mid-20ºC temperatures.

Local information

What is the capital of Mexico?

Mexico City is the country’s capital. It’s the most populous city in the Americas, and one of the largest in the world. When it comes to tourism, the city is best known for its cultural attractions and rich culinary heritage.

What languages are spoken in Mexico?

Spanish is the de facto official language of Mexico and is spoken by the vast majority of the population. A variety of indigenous dialects are also spoken in certain parts of the country. English isn’t widely spoken, but you will generally be able to get by in the main cities and tourist areas.

What's the time zone in Mexico?

There are four different time zones in Mexico. The two most prominent are Central Standard, which covers most of central and eastern Mexico, and Mountain Standard, which is observed by most western parts of the country. Smaller zones also used are Pacific Standard (in the far west) and Eastern Standard (in the far east).

Travel information

What currency does Mexico use?

Mexico uses the Mexican peso (MXN). At the time of writing, 1 GBP is worth around 26 MXN.

How long does it take to fly to Mexico from the UK?

An average flight from London to Mexico City takes about 11h 40m. There are daily direct flights connecting Mexico and the UK – if you’re happy to stopover along the journey, you can benefit from cheaper prices on connecting flights.

Do I need a visa for Mexico?

British citizens need a tourist card rather than a visa to visit Mexico. You can obtain this on arrival by filling out an immigration form available at border crossings or on-board flights to Mexico. Before being allowed entry, you may have to provide immigration officials with proof of your departure plans, but this is not a formal entry requirement.