Reference photo coming soon
Pyramids, living culture, cenotes and one of the world’s best cuisines. Colour, music and very welcoming people.
If you like this destination, also see Peru.
History and customs of Mexico
Aztecs and Maya dominated the region before the Spanish conquest of 1521. The Day of the Dead, a UNESCO heritage tradition, blends both legacies.
Tenochtitlan, the Aztec capital, fell to Hernán Cortés in 1521, and modern Mexico City was built on top of it. Mexico became independent from Spain in 1821 and its Revolution began in 1910.
Mexico signed the free-trade agreement with the US and Canada in 1994, and the PRI’s long dominance ended in 2000. Today it is one of Latin America’s largest economies, with security challenges in some areas.
The Day of the Dead (1–2 November) is marked with altars, marigolds and food for the departed. Tipping is customary, around 10–15%.
Typical food in Mexico
Corn has been the base of Mexican food since pre-Hispanic times, giving us tortillas and tamales. Tacos al pastor came from Lebanese immigrants in the 20th century.
- Tacos al pastor
- Mole poblano
- Chilaquiles – street food
What to eat in each city of Mexico
- Mexico City – tacos al pastor
- Puebla – mole poblano and chiles en nogada
- Oaxaca – tlayudas and mezcal
Regional dishes in Mexico
- Yucatán – cochinita pibil and lime soup
- Oaxaca – mole negro and tlayudas
- Jalisco – birria and tequila
- Puebla – chiles en nogada
- North – carne asada and machaca
Iconic places in Mexico
Teotihuacán, with the Pyramid of the Sun, is near Mexico City. In Yucatán, Chichén Itzá and the cenotes; in Oaxaca, Monte Albán.
In Mexico City, see the Zócalo, the National Museum of Anthropology and Frida Kahlo’s Blue House. On the Caribbean coast, Tulum combines Maya ruins and beaches, and Guanajuato and San Miguel de Allende are postcard colonial cities.
1. Mexico City – museums and markets
2. Yucatán – Chichén Itzá and cenotes
3. Oaxaca – culture and flavours
4. Palenque – Maya temples in the Chiapas jungle
5. Guanajuato – colourful alleys and the Mummies Museum
Seasons: when to go and when to avoid Mexico
✅ Best time. Nov–Apr: dry season with good weather almost everywhere.
⚠️ Worst time. Jun–Oct: rains and hurricane season on the Caribbean and Pacific coasts; April and May bring strong heat inland.
How much does it cost to travel to Mexico
| Item | Average price |
|---|---|
| ✈️ Return flight | |
| Hotel per night · Budget | $33 |
| Hotel per night · Mid-range | $83 |
| Hotel per night · High-end | $220 |
| Restaurant meal (per person) | $7–$20 |
| Street food (per person) | $1–$4 |
Approximate, indicative prices (estimate, Oct 2026). They change with dates and availability: always check before booking. Hotel: own estimate, to be verified. Flights: estimates for Europe-based trips; for other cities use the link.