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.
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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.
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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