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Mexico holidays offer a bit of everything all year round. Think white sands, coral reefs and cultural capitals.
Caribbean feels
Mexico’s got itself a prime stretch of Caribbean Coast on the Yucatan Peninsula, which spans a huge 100 miles from Cancun to Tulum. The weather here’s best from late December to early April and throughout March, it screams Spring Break – think pool parties and buzzing beach bars – but you can pick the pace. Playa del Carmen is a bit more chill and Playa Mujeres has a number of taco festivals going for it. You can indulge in the clubbing scene or retreat into the luxury of an All Inclusive hotel. But the best part is those seriously clear waters. Snorkelling here is a top reason to visit. Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve or the Mesoamerican Reef in Puerto Morelos are some great spots. Then, everyone raves about Isla Holbox. The vibes here are immaculate – no cars are allowed! Get around on golf buggies and bikes to explore the colourful streets, see its pink flamingos and you can even swim with whale sharks.
Ancient ruins and art
Ancient ruins still stand around the country from both Aztec and Mayan civilisations. Mexico City was founded by the Aztecs and their original capital was the city of Tenochtitlan, which is an amazing daytrip. There are two famous pyramids there, the Temple of the Sun and the Temple of the Moon, which date back to 100 BC. Then, over on the Yucatan Peninsula, you’ve got Riviera Maya, full of ruins from the Mayan civilisation, like one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, Chichen Itza – that goes back to 400 AD – and the ruins of Tulum. If you’re more into art over architecture, you’ll love Frida Kahlo’s house – her face is painted all over Mexico City. You can get the metro over to Coyoacan in the capital to visit Casa Azul, which has been converted into a museum, dedicated to her life and works. While you’re there, a few streets away is Leon Trotsky’s house, too, where he lived when he was exiled under Stalin.
Culture capital
Mexico is one big festival really. Día De Los Muertos – AKA Day of the Dead – takes centre stage on the 1st and 2nd of November every year, celebrating loved ones that have passed with parades, music and food. The best scenes are in Mexico City but other places, like Oaxaca and San Miguel de Allende also have their own traditions. Mexico City is known for its vibrant culture and a number of districts are full of cool bars and rooftop spots – particularly, Roma and Condesa. Stroll through Chapultepec Park and don’t miss out on lively Plaza Garibaldi – it’s not hard to see why this place is known as the home of mariachi music. With bands playing all day, you can hire one for a private serenade or just soak up the local vibes. Pop into a cantina for some tequila shots or grab a taco or two from one of the street stalls.
Best resorts in Mexico
Find out where you want to base yourself you from these top resorts.
A stunning stretch of Caribbean coastline known for luxury All Inclusive resorts, ancient Mayan ruins, lush jungles and loads of marine life. If you want to snorkel or scuba dive colourful reefs and swim with turtles, this is where you need to be.
A bustling beach town, known for its nightlife, shopping on Quinta Avenida, beautiful beaches and is a great base for daytripping to adventure parks and cenotes.
Tulum blends bohemian vibes with ancient history – and the beach clubs are a bit of a treat. You can visit its famous seaside Mayan ruins, bike along the coast and set up on the sand for a day of swimming and sunbathing before cocktails for sunset.
This buzzing metropolis has world-class museums, ancient ruins, lively markets, and is a foodie’s idea of heaven. Spend your days learning about Aztec history and the likes of Frida Kahlo, then the nights are for rooftop bars and mezcal cocktails over the best tacos of your life.
A private, upscale area in Playa del Carmen, which boasts exclusive resorts, beautiful beaches, golf courses, and has a quieter feel while still being close to all the action.
Costa Mujeres is all about the beach. The almond-coloured seafront here stretches out for 11 miles. Near the village of Punta Sam, you’ll find sunbeds, umbrellas and bite-sized bars lined up along the waterfront.
A chill fishing village with more of a charming, small-town feel, even more great beaches and colourful coral reefs for snorkelling, making it a peaceful alternative to busier destinations.
Top Mexico holiday deals
LunArena Boutique Beach Hotel
Birmingham - 7 Nights - Bed and Breakfast
Based on 2 Adults - 26 March 2025
HM Playa del Carmen
Birmingham - 7 Nights - Bed and Breakfast
Based on 2 Adults - 26 March 2025
The Fives Downtown
Birmingham - 7 Nights - Bed and Breakfast
Based on 2 Adults - 2 April 2025
Casa Astral Luxury Hotel
Birmingham - 7 Nights - Bed and Breakfast
Based on 2 Adults - 26 March 2025
Riu Lupita
Manchester - 5 Nights - All Inclusive
Based on 2 Adults - 3 June 2025
Bahia Principe Grand Tulum
Manchester - 5 Nights - All Inclusive
Based on 2 Adults - 3 June 2025
Bahia Principe Grand Coba
Birmingham - 7 Nights - All Inclusive
Based on 2 Adults - 19 March 2025
Magic Blue Spa Boutique Hotel
Birmingham - 7 Nights - Bed and Breakfast
Based on 2 Adults - 26 March 2025
ibis Cancun Centro
London Gatwick - 7 Nights - Room Only
Based on 2 Adults - 1 June 2025
Why pick Mexico holidays
FOODIE HEAVEN
ART AND CULTURE
FESTIVAL VIBES
SNORKELLING SCENES
Your guide to Mexico
Mexico is hot on ancient history, so it would be rude not to tick off a few famous sites.
- Chichen Itza, Yucatán – Chichen Itza is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New 7 Wonders of the World – talk about a bucket-list trip… It was once an iconic Mayan city and features the famous pyramid, El Castillo. The architecture was super advanced for its time, also including the Great Ball Court and the Sacred Cenote.
- Teotihuacan, near Mexico City – AKA, the ‘City of the Gods’. This ancient city near Mexico City was the old Aztec capital and one the first great cities of the Western Hemisphere – it was bigger than Athens and Rome. It’s best known for the massive Pyramid of the Sun, the Pyramid of the Moon and the Temple of Quetzalcoatl.
- Tulum Ruins, Tulum – The Tulum Ruins are a stunning Mayan archaeological site on a cliff that overlooks the Caribbean Sea. Go to see El Castillo and its coastal views, which make the setting that bit more aesthetic. It’s one of the few walled cities built by the Mayans.
- Frida Kahlo Museum, Mexico City – The Frida Kahlo Museum, or Casa Azul, is the artist’s old home in Mexico City, where she was born, lived and died. You can check out her art and personal items on display to understand what influenced her iconic paintings.
- Cenote Ik Kil, Yucatán – Cenote Ik Kil is a famous cenote near Chichen Itza, known for its blue waters and hanging vines that turn it into a kind of hidden rainforest. Cenotes are a natural sinkhole filled with fresh water and the name technically means ‘sacred well’. So, it’s a beautiful, natural swimming spot and this one’s about 85-feet deep.
When on the Caribbean Coast, beach days must be had…
- Playa Paraiso, Tulum – A gorg stretch of white sand with palm trees that’s backed by Tulum National Park. The water is seriously clear and it’s ideal for sunbathing.
- Playa Norte, Isla Mujeres – This is the island’s main beach, and the water is nice and shallow for young families – it’s only chest deep, even if you’re fairly far out from the shore. It’s perfect for a relaxing, calm swim and island daytrip.
- Playa Akumal, Riviera Maya – You can snorkel with sea turtles and eagle rays here, thanks to its clear conditions and stunning coral reefs.
- Playa Delfines, Cancun – This beach runs south of the Zona Hotelera, where all the boujie All Inclusive hotels have bagged a beachfront spot. So, this beach is one of the few ones in Cancun that isn’t backed by a big resort. It’s still hugely popular but it’s also huge, so there’s plenty of sand to spread out on and it’s a rare surf spot on this coast, too.
Mexico loves a party but we’re not just talking bars and clubs. Parades, music and dancing are part of the culture, too.
- Día de los Muertos – Day of the Dead takes place on the 1st and 2nd of November to welcome back the souls of deceased loved ones – it’s a blend of indigenous and Catholic traditions. In Mexico City, the streets are filled with marigold flowers, sugar skulls and colourful parades.
- Cinco de Mayo – Every year on the 5th of May, Puebla celebrates its victory over France at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. The day’s marked with parades, music, and food.
- Carnaval – This lively festival features parades, music, dancing and amazing costumes, and is made up of loads of street parties in different cities from the end of February to early March.
- Corona Capital – This is one of Mexico’s major music festivals, which takes place one weekend every November. The line-ups feature indie and rock bands and electronic artists, like Arctic Monkeys, My Chemical Romance and The 1975.
- Semana Santa (Holy Week) – A week-long celebration of Easter, featuring processions, religious ceremonies and lots of colourful decorations. It’s a really popular week to visit the country and most locals head to the beaches for their holidays.
Mexico is huge. So, that means plenty of inland activity and national parks to explore, as well as the coastline.
- Xcaret Park, near Playa del Carmen – A big ecological park that’s home to three natural rivers, ancient ruins and has a bit of coastline, too. There are animal encounters, you can snorkel in underground rivers, swim in cenotes and explore jungle trails – it’s like a more natural kind of waterpark and is only a 10-minute drive from Playa del Carmen. There are also cultural experiences and shows are put on.
- Xel-Ha Park, near Tulum – a natural waterpark, famous for its stunning lagoon and loads of water-based activities. It’s known to be one of the largest natural aquariums in the world, ideal for snorkelling. You can go cliff jumping, zip-lining into the water and river tubing. The park also has underwater caves, and you can swim with dolphins and manatees.
- Xplor Park, near Playa del Carmen – An adventure park specifically designed for adrenaline lovers. It’s got caves, ziplines – including the highest in Riviera Maya – and underground rivers to explore. You can even go by night, with Xplor Fuego, which takes it to another level.
Did you even go on holiday if you don’t come back with a little something to remind you of the trip?
- Mercado 28, Cancun – This buzzy market has traditional stalls selling everything from jewellery and clothing to local crafts and souvenirs. It’s perfect for haggling and to find unique items.
- La Ciudadela, Mexico City – A great place to find authentic, handcrafted souvenirs and support local artisans. The market’s known for its range of textiles, pottery and folk art from all over Mexico.
- Fifth Avenue (Quinta Avenida), Playa del Carmen – A popular pedestrian street lined with shops, boutiques and galleries. You can get local crafts and beachwear but also international brands here, too. Plus, plenty of restaurants and bars so you can make a day of it.
- Mercado de San Juan, Mexico City – A famous market known for its foodie scene and interesting ingredients. You’ll find everything from fresh seafood to different meats, artisan cheeses and local delicacies.
If you love guac, cheese and spice, Mexico is your food heaven.
- Tacos – Mexico’s most famous dish. Pick from different fillings – chicken, pork, fish – fresh salsas and stuff your face with super soft tortillas. Al pastor (marinated pork) is a really popular one and carnitas (slow-cooked pork).
- Enchiladas – Corn tortillas rolled and filled with meat or cheese, then covered in a sauce and topped with more cheese or onions before being baked.
- Tamales – Steamed corn husks filled with meat, cheese or fruits for a sweet one.
- Quesadillas – Grilled tortillas filled with cheese, meat, vegetables, or other fillings.
Street food is an absolute staple of Mexican cuisine…
- Tacos al pastor – Thinly sliced pork marinated in achiote paste and served in a taco to eat on the go.
- Elote – Grilled corn on the cob, topped with mayonnaise, cheese and chilli powder to make it super creamy.
- Tostadas – Crispy corn tortillas topped with various yummy bits like beans, meat and veg.
- Sopes – Thick corn tortillas topped with beans, meat and veg.
- Churros – Churros are commonly sold at street stalls, freshly fried and dusted with cinnamon sugar and sometimes served with thick hot chocolate for dipping.
Check out some of the best local drinks to try in Mexico.
- Tequila – The national spirit of Mexico. You can take it neat on the rocks, or in cocktails like margaritas.
- Mezcal – A smoky spirit that’s similar to tequila, also made from agave plants.
- Beer – Mexico has a big beer culture – enter, Corona, Modelo, and Dos Equis. Ask for a ‘michelada’ if you want a beer with a spicy, tangy twist. It’s typically made with beer, lime juice, tomato juice and some spices.
- Horchata – A sweet and refreshing drink made from rice, almonds and vanilla.
- Agua fresca – A fruity drink made from fresh fruits and water. Popular flavours include mango, tamarind and hibiscus.
Mexico’s nightlife options range from vibey rooftop bars to beach clubs with live music and late-night events.
- Mexico City – Some of the best bars can be found in Mexico City. The neighbourhoods of Condesa and Roma are a great shout, featuring Supra Roma Rooftop, with prime city views, and Balmori Roofbar for a hanging plants aesthetic. Patrick Miller is an iconic club or Leonor is more of a local fave for DJ sets.
- Playa del Carmen – Coco Bongo is a famous nightclub with a huge dance floor, multiple stages and different shows. Then, The Blue Parrot is a more laidback beach club with a chill vibe and great music. You’ve also got Cielo Club, which is a stylish rooftop club with panoramic sea views.
- Tulum – This boho beach town has a more relaxed feel, but still offers plenty of nightlife picks. Kin Toh is a cool club with a jungle-like setting and eclectic music, or Batabam’s a popular beach club with live music and DJs. Then, Ahau is a beachfront restaurant and bar with stunning views for something more low-key.
Buses are a cheap and easy way to travel long distances in Mexico. The network is huge, connecting most major cities and towns and most modern buses have comfy seating, air conditioning and Wi-Fi.
Taking a train in Mexico is a seriously scenic experience. Trains have dining cars and stunning views of the countryside. The train network is more limited than buses or planes, but it’s a great option for those seeking a more leisurely journey.
Planes are the fastest and most efficient way to travel long distances in Mexico. While flights may be more expensive than other options, they will save you significant time.
Renting a car gives you the flexibility to explore Mexico at your own pace and harder-to-reach places. It’s a convenient option if you like to have control over your own itinerary but renting a car can be expensive, and traffic in major cities can slow things down a bit.
What's on in Mexico?
Why we love Mexico
Popular holiday types
Mexico’s Caribbean Coast is lined with exclusive All Inclusive resorts, made for taking full advantage of those unlimited margaritas. Find yourself a beachfront plot, maybe a swim-up bar and check out what watersports are on offer – some places have activities included, too.
Think of the adventures – swimming in cenotes, snorkelling coral reefs, exploring ancient cities. The list of things to do in Mexico goes on and on, so families should be sorted when it comes to planning days out. You even can pick a hotel that runs kids’ clubs to secure some me-time.
Mexico sounds pretty great, right? So, maybe you want to go, like, now. We’ve always got different deals on and sometimes it pays to go last minute. You could be tucking into tacos on the beach this time next week…
Treat yourself… Mexico is big bucket list energy, so why not go all out? Get yourself a suite at a five-star resort that’s right on the sand. We’re talking mojito bars, in-water loungers, massage huts and hammocks between the palms.
Recommended hotels
Mexico FAQs
The best time to visit is during the dry season, from November to April. The real peak starts more around December and in March and early April you’ve got Spring Break, so they’re the busiest times. Mexico City is always a bit cooler as it’s inland and for places along the coast, June to October is the rainy season. Although, if you’re after a budget break, the showers are usually pretty short and you’re bound to get a good deal.
Citizens from the UK, USA, Canada, the EU, and lots of other countries don’t need a visa for stays up to 180 days for tourism. A valid passport and a completed Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM) are required. Make sure you check specific entry requirements based on your nationality before travel.
This information is correct at the time of writing. Please make sure you check the FCDO website for the most up-to-date information.
The official currency is the Mexican Peso (MXN). US dollars are accepted in many tourist areas, but exchange rates aren’t always great. It’s best to use pesos where you can and ATMs and currency exchange services are widely available.
It’s generally recommended to avoid tap water in Mexico due to potential contamination. So, play it safe and drink bottled water – use it for brushing your teeth, too. It’s also good to ask whether ice has been made with mineral water and what any salad items have been washed with.
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing for beach areas, and layers for cooler evenings or high-altitude cities like Mexico City. Bring comfortable walking shoes, sun protection and swimwear. Bug spray is useful for jungle or coastal areas.
Tipping is customary in Mexico. For restaurants, 10-15% of the bill is advised and in hotels, you can tip bellboys and housekeeping a small amount per service. For taxis, tipping isn’t necessary, but rounding up the fare is appreciated, and you can tip guides and drivers on tours if the service is good.
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Mexico travel advice
Passports and Visas
British citizens don’t need a visa to enter Mexico, but must have a valid passport. For the most up-to-date passport and visa info, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/mexico/entry-requirements.
When travelling to Mexico, visitors are required to pay three different taxes. Departure tax is the largest and this has already been included in the cost of your holiday. The Environmental Tax and Tourist Tax must be paid locally before you travel home.
If you are travelling to Puerto Vallarta you will not be required to pay these additional two taxes. Environmental Tax should be paid at the hotel when checking in or checking out and costs between 30-70 MXN per room, per night. You should pay the Tourist Tax through the official website https://www.visitax.gob.mx/sitio and currently this costs 271 MXN per person, including all children and infants. Please only use this website as it has been reported that fraudulent sites are active. Proof of payment must be given at the airport, so once you’ve paid the tax please download and take a screenshot of the QR confirmation to minimise delays when travelling home.
Health and safety
You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover you while you’re away. For the latest health and safety information, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/mexico/health
Compensation Policies
We have agreed specific compensation policies with the Mexican Federal Consumer Protection Agency (PROFECO) that apply to passengers on flights operated by TUI Airways Limited originating in Mexico. Please see the compensation policies provided in Spanish and in English.
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