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Mexico is one of my absolute favourite countries in the world. From the tropical Caribbean coastline with some of the best beaches anywhere to one of the largest cities in Latin America, there’s so much to explore, and you’re guaranteed some of the best tacos out there.
On my big Mexico trip I based myself in Tulum, then packed up my bags and ended up spending almost two weeks in Playa del Carmen. I’ve been on two diving trips to Tulum and visited Mexico City a few times, and it’s one of my favourite cities in the world. A couple of the guides here are written by contributors who live in Mexico, and I’ve said so where that’s the case.
Mexico At A Glance
| Best time to visit | December to April is the dry season on the Caribbean coast. I did the Teotihuacán balloon ride in April, when it was around 25 degrees in Mexico City. |
| Best bases | Tulum or Playa del Carmen for the Yucatán, and Roma Norte, Condesa or Polanco in Mexico City. |
| Getting around the Yucatán | ADO buses link the main towns. I rented a car in Playa del Carmen because it was really affordable and made things much easier. |
| Taxis | Use Uber in Mexico City. Uber doesn’t exist in Playa del Carmen, but the taxis I took there felt pretty safe. |
| Currency | Mexican peso. |
| What to pack | Water shoes for the cenotes, a waterproof phone case and reef-safe sun cream. |
Plan your Mexico trip:
🐢 Snorkelling with sea turtles in Akumal
🏛️ Tulum ruins and cenotes tour
🚗 Car hire
Map Of Places To Visit In Mexico
Every place on this page is pinned below. Tap a pin for a quick tip.
Start Here: Playa del Carmen And Tulum
The two places I spent the most time on the Caribbean coast.
Playa del Carmen was not originally somewhere I’d planned to visit, but after a day trip to see a friend, I ended up staying for almost two weeks, and it was one of the best decisions of my trip. My Playa del Carmen itinerary covers 3 to 7 days, including the Cozumel snorkelling tour, which is one of my favourite memories to date, and Cenote Azul.
Having been on two diving trips to Tulum, my guide to cenote diving in Tulum covers the best cenotes and how to choose a dive. I went for the Bat Cave route at Dos Ojos for that authentic cave diving feel, and Angelita is my all-time favourite dive spot. It feels like visiting a quiet, mysterious world completely detached from our own.
More Of The Yucatán
More ways to plan your Caribbean coast trip, including two guides from locals.
My Tulum on a budget guide shows it’s possible to visit Tulum without spending a fortune, from cheaper cenotes to affordable hotels. At Akumal Beach, we saw multiple sea turtles, stingrays and even a sunken cannon from a Spanish galleon.
The 3-day Tulum itinerary is written by Annie from Your Friend the Nomad, who spent a month and a half working remotely in Tulum. The 5-day Cancún itinerary is by Isabella, who runs Lets Travel to Cancun and has lived there for 13 years, so both are written with real local knowledge.
Los Cabos
The best of the Pacific side.
The Cabo San Lucas itinerary covers 3 to 7 days, including whale watching in season, and the guide to the best Cabo beach clubs helps you pick the right one for your trip.
Mexico City
Heading to the capital? Don’t miss this.
After visiting Mexico City a few times, I finally ticked off a hot air balloon ride over the Teotihuacán pyramids, and it was INCREDIBLE. My guide covers how to get there, how to choose a reputable company and the things I wish I’d known before booking.
From quirky neighbourhoods like Roma Norte and Condesa to more upscale ones like Polanco, Mexico City is one of my favourite cities, and I’ve been lucky enough to spend a lot of time there.
My Top Tips For Mexico
Use Uber In Mexico City, Not Street Taxis
The white and pink taxis in Mexico City are notorious for scamming tourists. It happened to my boyfriend and me the first time we visited, and we lost $300 off our card. Use Uber, and allow a little extra time in case drivers cancel.
Book Tours Through Reputable Companies
You’ll find people all over Mexico City selling cheaper balloon rides and tours, but scams are common, so I always book through a reputable company with good reviews.
Rent A Car On The Caribbean Coast
As someone from the UK who’s used to driving on the other side of the road, I found it super easy to get around Playa del Carmen by car, and it was really affordable. Just don’t leave valuables in the car at the cenotes, as I was told they’re a popular spot for thieves.
Pack Water Shoes
This is the one thing I wish I’d had at Cenote Azul. The rocks are slippery and sometimes sharp, so I’d 100% recommend taking a pair.
Skip The Drone Footage
On the balloon ride, I paid around $50 for drone footage, and it wasn’t really worth it. The photos and videos I took myself of all the other balloons were just as great.
Mexico Travel FAQs
Where should I stay on the Yucatán Peninsula?
Tulum and Playa del Carmen are both great bases. Playa del Carmen is easier to get around and close to Cozumel, while Tulum is best for cenotes and ruins.
Is it worth doing a hot air balloon ride over Teotihuacán?
Yes, it was an unforgettable experience. Book with a reputable company, and wear layers, as it can be cool before sunrise but warms up quickly.
How do you get around the Yucatán Peninsula?
ADO buses connect the main towns, and renting a car is affordable and makes reaching the cenotes much easier. Colectivos run along Highway 307 too.
Is Mexico City safe for tourists?
Most visitors have no problems, especially in areas like Roma Norte, Condesa and Polanco. Use Uber rather than street taxis, and book tours through reputable companies to avoid scams.
What is the best cenote for diving near Tulum?
Angelita is my all-time favourite, with an eerie, otherworldly layer of mist underwater. Dos Ojos is great for a classic cave dive.