Mexico - Travel Guide - Tripmasters Travel

Mexico – Travel Guide

Discover the allure of Mexico, a country that seamlessly blends ancient history with modern vibrancy. In Mexico City, the capital, experience a cosmopolitan atmosphere enriched by world-class museums and historic sites. For those seeking sun and sand, Cancun offers pristine beaches and a lively nightlife. Beyond the well-known destinations, explore coastal gems like Playa del Carmen and Tulum, where azure waters meet archaeological wonders. From the culinary delights of Oaxaca to the mariachi rhythms of Guadalajara, Mexico offers a range of experiences that captivate every type of traveler.

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All about Mexico

Mexico FAQ

What is Mexico known for?

There are so many things Mexico is known for. Tourists come to Mexico for varied experiences, from beach getaways to cities and towns chock-full of history. Those who come to Mexico to enjoy the beaches love to partake in water sports such as diving, snorkeling, surfing, yachting, and parasailing, and a growing number of visitors also enjoy outdoor recreational eco-tours, many of which combine pyramids and temples built by the Mayans. Spanish colonial influence is evident in many of Mexico`s cities and towns, and colonial buildings are just a stone`s throw by the temples and sacred grounds built by both the Mayans and the Aztecs. No matter where you go in Mexico, it is a great place for shopping at every price point, from Liverpool luxury department store to small, locally-owned souvenir shops. Visitors to Mexico also take the time to sample many Mexican dishes (the more the better!), complete with shots of delicious tequila and mezcal.

What are the best places to visit in Mexico?

Tourists typically visit Mexico a region at a time and explore from there, so the best places to recommend depend on which part of the country you want to visit. If you are arriving in Mexico City, spend a few days exploring this beautiful capital city and then head south to Oaxaca or northwest to Guanajuato and charming San Miguel de Allende. If you want to visit the Riviera Maya, fly into colonial gem Mérida or the nightlife mecca of Cancún and explore further to such sights as Chichén Itza, Playa del Carmen, Isla Mujeres, Cozumel Island, and Tulum. Those who head west from Mexico City should take time to visit Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta, and Mazatlán. Visitors to Baja California love to see such tourist spots as Los Cabos, Tijuana, and Ensenada. If you`re combining Tikal in Guatemala with your stay in Mexico, stop by the quaint town of San Cristobal de las Casas in Chiapas state.

How many days should I spend in Mexico?

We recommend approximately 7-10 days based on what you want to see and do. We offer flexible vacation packages so you can select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities. We suggest a minimum of 3 nights in Mexico City, along the Pacific Coast, and on the Riviera Maya.

What is the best way to get around Mexico?

We recommend seeing Mexico by air and by private transfer. While it is possible to rent a car and drive in many parts of Mexico, it may come as a culture shock for Americans, as driving over the speed limit is the norm and this may frazzle people whether they are on highways or in big cities. Mexico`s road system is not developed to the same extent seen in the United States, making cross-country road trips more difficult in terms of not just amenities along motorways but also in terms of safety (many stretches of highway are not illuminated at night). Let trusted drivers pick you up from your hotel or the airport in late-model, air-conditioned luxury instead, taking the guesswork out of getting from Point A to Point B.

Note: You will notice police checkpoints set up along motorways leading up to major towns and cities; don`t be alarmed, the police are checking for trafficking of illicit drugs, and most times travelers who present themselves as if they are tourists are immediately waved through the checkpoints without any further inquiry.

What is the currency of Mexico?

The currency of Mexico is the Mexican peso (written in shorthand as $, MXN$ or MXP). U.S. dollars are not legal tender and are not accepted in most shops, but many tourist-geared shops and resorts accept payment in U.S. dollars, usually on a more disadvantageous exchange rate than the current rate at banks. We recommend paying and tipping in Mexican pesos as much as possible in order to make your funds on vacation stretch for a longer period of time. Be prepared to arrive with the correct currency on hand or make sure to retrieve pesos on arrival, which you can do at a number of ATMs in the airport and across the country. (The ATMs with the best exchange rates are typically ones operated by Banco Santander (red) and Citigroup/Banamex (gray).) There are currency exchange desks at many locations throughout the country as well, some offering competitive exchange rates in relation to ATMs.

Do people speak English in Mexico?

Spanish is the official language of Mexico. English speakers will be found in most places there are a lot of tourists, such Mexico City and other major cities, historic sites, resorts, and major shopping districts popular with tourists. English is also popular with younger Mexicans who routinely consume media from the U.S. and U.K., many times with English audio and Spanish subtitles. It may be more difficult to find people who speak English in smaller towns or in shops away from tourist zones, but most Mexicans are accommodating and will work with tourists who are positive and pleasant in their interactions with them. Be prepared to learn basic Spanish phrases like hello/goodbye, please/thank you, how much is it?, where is the bathroom, and the numbers from 1-10 and 50, 100, and 1,000. To say `Do you speak English?`, say `¿Habla inglés?`

Best time to visit Mexico

Mexico is a fantastic destination throughout the year, depending on what travelers are looking for. Generally speaking, the best time to travel to Mexico is from December to April when the weather is drier and temperatures are cooler. Mexico is made up of seven main climate regions, ranging from arid deserts in the north/central to tropical climates, such as the Yucatan Peninsula in the southeast.

If travelers would prefer to avoid the high season, May is a great option since it’s after spring break but before summer trips begin. November also provides a respite before peak season, and visitors will see less inclement weather as the rainy season ends.

Mexico is a huge country, and the weather varies by season and by region. It’s worth checking the local forecast for your chosen destination.

November – April (dry season)

Dry Season (November – April)

During the dry season, Mexico experiences more temperate weather. Coastal and southern regions remain warm, while central and northern regions can be cooler, especially at night. The driest months are usually between December and March, but temperatures can still average 82°F during dry season. This is also when the weather is at its sunniest and driest. These months are ideal for enjoying golden beaches, lush mountains, colonial towns, and ancient Mayan ruins. However, as this is peak tourist season, expect prices to be higher and crowds heavier, especially during the holidays.

The dry season is best for beaches, cruises, archaeological sites, whale watching in the Pacific, butterfly migration, and bird watching.

Holidays: Day of the Dead (November 1-2), Carnaval (February/March), Christmas Celebrations (December 12 to January 6), Candelaria (February 2), Holy Week/Semana Santa (March/April)

May – October (rainy season)

Rainy Season (May – October)

The rainy season lasts from May to October. This season is characterized by higher temperatures and significant rainfall, particularly rainfall that usually only lasts a few hours in the afternoon and evenings. Watch out for hurricanes when traveling to the coast in September and October.

While the hottest months are May and June, weather in central and southern Mexico remains hot and humid throughout the wet season. Central Mexico is significantly wet, with rainfall mostly coming in heavy bursts in the afternoon. There are still plenty of sunny days in May and June, making these quiet months a great time to visit popular destinations like Mexico City, Cancun, Tulum, and Chichen Itza. This season is best for surfing, whale sharks in the Caribbean, and fewer tourists.

Events: Día de San Juan/St John’s Day (June 24), Guelaguetza Festival in Oaxaca (last two Mondays in July), Mexican.

Tipping in Mexico

The questions `when?` and `how much?` can leave some travelers confused, as the practice varies. This guide attempts to cover most situations that you, as a tourist, will encounter. Hopefully using these `tips` will provide a smooth experience when interacting with locals in restaurants, bars, hotels, tour operators, and taxis.

Tipping in Mexico

Currency: Can I pay in U.S. dollars, or should I use the Mexican peso?

The currency in Mexico is the Mexican peso. Each peso is divided into 100 cents. When you’re in Mexico you’ll see the symbol $ written down in shops and on menus, and the currency code MXN used in exchange offices.

You can spend USD in some tourist areas in Mexico, but it’s best not to rely on US dollar cash. Some merchants will not accept USD, so carrying local pesos is a must.

Restaurants, Cafes, and Bars: When should I tip? How much is customary?

Waiters working at restaurants and bars should always be tipped for good service; a sum equivalent to 10-20% of the total bill is appropriate. For destinations that are less touristy, like those in the interior of the country, locals will tell you that between 10-15% is sufficient.

If you are having a coffee at a cafe, you should tip around 10-20%, this also goes for tipping your bartender for a drink at the bar (29 pesos per round, or 10-20% of total bill).

Most restaurants that accept credit cards will either have a line where you can write in a tip, or the server will ask you what percentage you want to leave. Typically tips that are added to the credit card bills are distributed amount the entire restaurant staff. If you wan to single out a specific employee for outstanding service, it is better to tip in cash.

Be aware, some restaurants will add a service charge to the bill. This tends to happen in hotels and resorts, specifically with room service. You may see a note at the bottom of the room service menu or on the receipt that says a service charge has been added. Check what percentage was added to your bill. It’s often about 10 percent. You can choose to add more on top of that, but it does not have to be much.

Hotel Staff: Who should I tip?

Tipping in hotels in Mexico is customary. A sum between 20 to 50 pesos per day. If you’re staying more than one night, it’s a good idea to leave the tip daily as housekeepers may rotate.

A good concierge that helps get a table reservation, or tells you where the best street tacos are located, should definitely get a time. Sometimes these insider secrets can help push a great trip into and “unforgettable” category, so it doesn’t hurt to leave a tip of appreciation.

A bellman/porter should be tipped around 40 to 50 pesos when they help bring your luggage to your room.

Taxi Drivers: Should I tip?

Taxi drivers and App Cab drivers (Uber, Cabify, DIdi) appreciate a tip. Consider rounding-up the fare on the meter from a street cab to the nearest $5 or $10 pesos. When using App Cabs you can tip right in the app at the end of your journey, or you can pay the driver a tip in cash.

Tour Guides: Should I tip?

No matter if you’re part of a big group tour or a highly customized private tour, your tour guide is doing a lot of legwork and definitely should be tipped. For large group tours, 100 pesos per person is plenty.

A private tour, which is often must more in-depth, customizable, and requires a lot of attention and detail, should be tipped between 200 to 400 pesos (half-day), depending on what is offered and the level of service. For a full-day private tour, anywhere between 300 to 600 pesos per person is much appreciated.

When paying for services in cash (which we generally recommend for services other than your hotel) remember to take your receipt. This is important for two reasons; If you leave a tip on a credit card, the person providing the service may not always get it, and if there is a discrepancy it is important to have your receipt to settle it with the manager of the establishment and to prove that you paid for the service.