Planning Your Trip to Mexico: A Practical Guide

When to go, which vaccines, which itinerary, what to see: here is our practical guide and travel tips to help you prepare your trip to Mexico!

At a Glance: Essential Facts Before You Go to Mexico

• Best time to travel: February to April, during the dry season
• Entry requirements: Passport valid for the full duration of the stay for EU citizens. 
• Flight duration: 12h-13h (direct Europe–Mexico City) to around 16h with a stopover. For Cancún: about 11h or 12h direct, around 16h with a stopover.
• Time difference: Mexico has 4 different time zones, ranging from –6h to –9h compared to the UK.
• Languages: Spanish is Mexico’s official language. Many indigenous languages are still spoken in certain regions. In tourist areas, English-speaking staff are common.
• Population: 128.5 million (2023)
• Area: 1.973 million km² – four times the size of France
• Currency: The Mexican Peso (MXN). As of January 2025, €1 is worth approximately 20 Mexican pesos. We recommend checking the exchange rate before departure.
• Plug type: Types A and B, an adapter is required.
• Country code: +52

Climate: When to Travel to Mexico?

Mexican Climate

Mexico is in the same hemisphere as Europe. However, the country has a dry season and a wet season. The rainy season generally falls between June and October – often heavy but short-lived showers, which is why Mexico can be visited year-round. The dry season runs from November to April. At altitude, temperatures can drop sharply, particularly at night.

When Is the Best Time to Go to Mexico?

February, March and April are the ideal months to travel to Mexico and make the most of its sunshine. For diving, we recommend the period from February to May. To swim with whale sharks – one of Mexico’s most exhilarating experiences – plan your trip during the European summer.

The Time Difference Between Mexico and the UK

Mexico has 4 different time zones:

• UTC–5 in the Quintana Roo region (no change between summer and winter)
• UTC–6 in the regions of Guadalajara, Puebla and Mexico City
• UTC–7 for Baja California Sur, Chihuahua, Nayarit, Sinaloa, Sonora (no seasonal time change) and the three Colima islands (no seasonal time change)
• UTC–8 for the north-western Baja California region (Tijuana)

Planning Your Mexico Itinerary

Mexico’s Must-Sees

From the jewels of the Yucatán on the Caribbean coast to the riches of the Chiapas, the Pacific coast and central Mexico – the country is overflowing with unmissable places to discover! A few highlights:

• Discovering Tulum and its surroundings on the Riviera Maya
• Sailing on Bacalar Lagoon with its seven shades of blue
• Visiting the mythical archaeological site of Chichén Itzá
• Staying on the small island of Holbox for a timeless escape
• Heading to Mexico City, the vibrant capital!

How Long Should You Spend in Mexico?

The recommended duration for a Mexico trip is two to three weeks, depending on the regions you visit. For a stay on the Yucatán Peninsula alone, allow 10 days to two weeks to do justice to this region of many gems. If you want to add the Chiapas region to your Yucatán circuit, plan for 3 weeks

What Budget Do You Need for Mexico?

The budget for a Mexico trip varies according to the length of stay, type of accommodation, season and activities chosen. For a 2-week trip for two at a mid-range budget, allow approximately €2,400 to €3,000 per person. This includes accommodation, meals and activities.

Health and Vaccines in Mexico

Source: France Diplomatie.

Health Risks in Mexico

There are no significant health risks in Mexico. However, mosquitoes are present in certain regions and can transmit diseases including dengue, Zika and chikungunya. It is important to protect yourself with insect repellent and covering clothing.

Which Vaccines Are Required for Mexico?

A visit to your doctor before travelling to Mexico is recommended. No additional vaccines (beyond those already mandatory) are required to enter Mexico. If you are travelling from a country where yellow fever is present, a vaccination certificate is mandatory.

Updating your DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, polio) vaccination may be recommended, along with hepatitis A and B.

Safety in Mexico

Caution is necessary: keep a close eye on your personal belongings. Avoid wearing jewellery, valuable watches or other conspicuous signs of wealth. We also recommend avoiding the hurricane season (the rainy season) in the Gulf of Mexico.

Documents You Need for Mexico

Do You Need a Visa for Mexico?

For stays of less than 90 days, no visa is required to visit Mexico. Make sure to carry your return flight ticket and a valid passport

Travel Insurance for Mexico

For a trip to Mexico, we recommend taking out a comprehensive cancellation and multi-risk insurance policy to cover any potential medical expenses. Treatment at a private hospital in Mexico can be very costly in the event of an incident.

All Tierra Latina Mexico trips include repatriation insurance. A comprehensive cancellation and multi-risk insurance policy is systematically offered to all travellers.

Packing Your Suitcase for Mexico

If you are travelling to Mexico during the dry season – particularly on the Yucatán Peninsula – expect sunshine and warmth! Here is what to pack:

• Light, covering and breathable clothing
• Beach and swimwear
• A good pair of trainers, or hiking boots for more adventurous travellers
• A hat or cap and sunglasses
• A lightweight waterproof jacket
• A refillable filter water bottle
• A waterproof bag for water activities
• Solid toiletries (soap, shampoo) to minimise waste
• Biodegradable sun cream
• A basic first-aid kit: plasters, antiseptic, painkillers, anti-diarrhoeal medication

Finally, leave a little space in your suitcase for gifts and souvenirs on the way back!

Culture: Films and Books Before You Go

Documentaries and Films to Watch Before Travelling to Mexico

• Roma by Alfonso Cuarón (2018) – available on Netflix; a masterpiece of intimate cinema set in 1970s Mexico City
• Coco – Disney/Pixar animated film by Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina (2017); a moving celebration of Mexican culture and the Día de los Muertos
• Amores Perros by Alejandro González Iñárritu (2000) – available on VOD; a raw, powerful portrait of Mexico City

Books to Read Before Travelling to Mexico

• The Labyrinth of Solitude by Octavio Paz – a landmark essay by the Mexican Nobel Prize winner exploring Mexican identity, history and culture
• The Diary of Frida Kahlo – an intimate window into the life and inner world of Mexico’s most iconic artist
• The Story of My Teeth by Valeria Luiselli – a playful, inventive novel by one of Mexico’s most exciting contemporary voices

On the Ground: Transport, Accommodation and Food in Mexico

Getting Around Mexico

Travelling the Yucatán Peninsula? The region lends itself particularly well to road trips. A hire car is therefore the ideal way to explore the Yucatán.

In addition, the Mexican government has recently opened several sections of the Tren Maya (Maya Train), a rail line linking key points of interest across the Yucatán Peninsula and Chiapas, including Palenque, Cancún and the Riviera Maya.

The bus remains a prime transport option across Mexico, available in several tiers from budget second-class to luxury coaches. It is practical for travelling between major cities.

For longer distances, domestic flights offer a good alternative and can sometimes be surprisingly affordable.

Accommodation: Where to Stay in Mexico?

At Tierra Latina, we favour small 2/3-star boutique and family-run hotels, for a stay that combines comfort with authenticity. We also actively encourage travellers to experience homestay immersion, particularly in Maya communities.

What to Eat in Mexico?

Mexican cuisine is a celebration of flavours, colours and textures: a rich and diverse culinary experience! Dishes not to miss during your Mexico trip:

• Tacos – the true icons of Mexican cuisine. Corn tortillas filled with meat (beef, pork, chicken or fish), available in an infinite variety of regional versions
• Enchiladas – rolled corn tortillas stuffed with meat and vegetables, covered in tomato sauce and cheese, often served with rice or red beans
• Chilaquiles – a traditional dish of fried corn tortilla pieces covered in spicy sauce, served with meat, vegetables and eggs
• Panuchos – originating from the Yucatán: thick tortillas stuffed with black bean purée and topped with shredded meat
• Mole Poblano – a remarkable sauce made from cacao, chillies and spices, generally served with turkey or chicken

A practical tip: avoid ordering chilli con carne – it is not an authentic Mexican dish!