Welcome to Mexico

Mexico is one of the most fascinating travel destinations in the world — a country that overwhelms with its sheer diversity. On almost 2 million km² (5.5× the size of Germany), it combines an incredible density of experiences:

• 35 UNESCO World Heritage sites — more than any other country in the Americas. From the Pyramids of Teotihuacán to the colonial old town of Guanajuato to the gray whale biosphere reserve
• Two millennia of high culture — Maya, Aztecs, Zapotecs, Olmecs. Over 29,000 archaeological sites, 187 open to visitors
• The best cuisine in Latin America — since 2010 UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. From street food tacos to restaurants on the World's 50 Best list
• 9,330 km of coastline on two oceans: Caribbean turquoise in the east, Pacific surf waves in the west
• Over 6,000 cenotes — mystical limestone caves with crystal-clear water, unique in the world
• Vibrant culture — Día de los Muertos, Mariachi, Frida Kahlo, Lucha Libre, Mezcal: Mexico is color, music, and passion

What makes Mexico special is the warmth of its people. Mexican hospitality is legendary — you will be approached, invited, cooked for. In no other Latin American country do tourists feel so welcome. And despite all the headlines about security issues: The tourist regions are well-visited and safe if basic rules are followed.

1. Teotihuacán at Sunrise — The Sun and Moon Pyramids of the enigmatic metropolis, which the Aztecs reverently called "Place where one becomes a god." 50 km north of Mexico City. → Chap. Mexico City
2. Chichén Itzá at the Equinox — When the serpent shadows glide down the Pyramid of Kukulkán. UNESCO World Heritage and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. → Chap. Yucatán
3. Swim in a Cenote — Crystal-clear water in magical limestone caves. Cenote Ik Kil, Suytun, and Gran Cenote are the most beautiful. → Chap. Yucatán
4. Street Food in Mexico City — Tacos al Pastor at a street stand in Roma Norte, Tamales in the morning, Elote in the evening. The capital is the street food capital of the world. → Chap. Mexico City
5. Frida Kahlo Museum in Coyoacán — The "Blue House," where Mexico's most famous artist lived and died. Her garden, her kitchen, her pain. → Chap. Mexico City
6. Oaxaca's Mezcal Scene — Visit distilleries, taste Mezcal, accompanied by Chapulines (roasted grasshoppers) and Mole Negro. Mexico's culinary capital. → Chap. Pacific
7. Tulum — Maya Ruins by the Sea — The only Maya city with a sea view: cliffs, turquoise water, and a temple above the Caribbean beach. → Chap. Caribbean
8. Guanajuato's Colorful Alleys — The colorful colonial city in a valley, with an underground road network and Callejoneadas (singing student groups). → Chap. Central Mexico
9. Xochimilco — Boat Ride on the Floating Gardens — On colorful Trajineras through the Aztec canals, with Mariachis and fresh Tacos. → Chap. Mexico City
10. Día de los Muertos — In early November, all of Mexico transforms: altars, marigolds, sugar skulls, and the deep belief that the dead come to visit. Most intense on Janitzio (Michoacán) and in Oaxaca. → Chap. Understanding

Mexico is vast and diverse. These five travel regions cover the main highlights:

🏙️ Mexico City (CDMX)

For whom: Culture lovers, foodies, history fans
One of the most exciting metropolises in the world: 21 million people, Aztec temples next to Art Deco architecture, the best street food on the planet, and an art scene ranging from Frida Kahlo to contemporary galleries. Plan at least 3–4 days.

🏛️ Yucatán Peninsula

For whom: Archaeology fans, cenote lovers, culture travelers
The heartland of the Maya: Chichén Itzá and Uxmal, the colonial gem Mérida, magical cenotes, and the Celestún flamingo reserve. Less party than the Caribbean coast, but more depth.

🏖️ Caribbean Coast (Riviera Maya)

For whom: Beach lovers, divers, partygoers
From Cancún's hotel zone through Playa del Carmen and Tulum's Instagram beaches to the untouched Isla Holbox. The world's second-largest barrier reef lies off the coast. Bacalar is the insider tip.

🌶️ Pacific Coast & South (Oaxaca, Chiapas)

For whom: Gourmets, adventurers, surfers
Oaxaca is Mexico's culinary capital (Mole, Mezcal, Chapulines). Puerto Escondido has world-class surf waves. Chiapas offers jungle ruins (Palenque), indigenous culture, and breathtaking waterfalls.

🏘️ Central Mexico (Bajío & Colonial Cities)

For whom: Romantics, architecture fans, tequila lovers
The colorful silver cities of Guanajuato and San Miguel de Allende, the tequila route near Guadalajara, baroque Puebla, and the silver town of Taxco. Here beats the colonial heart of Mexico.

Mexico generally has two seasons: dry season (November–April) and rainy season (May–October). The dry season is the best travel time for most regions — but there are nuances.

🟢 Best Time: November – April (Dry Season)

Warm, dry weather in almost all regions. Caribbean: 25–30°C, little rain. Highlands (CDMX, Oaxaca): pleasant 20–25°C. Pacific: Whale season (December–March). The tourist high season is during the Christmas holidays and around Easter (Semana Santa).

🟡 Shoulder Season: May/June & October

Start/end of the rainy season. Afternoon showers (1–2 hours), then sun again. Significantly fewer tourists and lower prices. Yucatán gets very hot in May (38°C+).

🔴 Rainy Season: July – September

Daily rainfalls, especially in the afternoons/evenings. Hurricane season on the Caribbean coast (June–November, peak in September). Chiapas can be extremely rainy. But: Green landscapes, few tourists, best prices. The rainy season is quite manageable — just plan your day around the showers.

Climate Table: Cancún (Caribbean)

Climate Table: Mexico City (Highlands, 2,240 m)

Mexico is an excellent value-for-money travel destination. Compared to Europe, you get significantly more for your money — especially when it comes to food and accommodations outside the tourist hotspots.

Exchange rate (approximate): 1 EUR ≈ 18–19 MXN (Mexican Pesos). Always withdraw in MXN at an ATM (cajero), never at airport exchange counters!

Daily budget per person

Typical Prices (in MXN / EUR)

🎒 Backpackers

Mexico is a backpacker paradise. Affordable hostels, street food for under 2€, well-developed bus network. The classic backpacker route leads from Mexico City via Oaxaca, San Cristóbal, Palenque to the Caribbean coast. Budget: 30–55€/day.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families

Mexicans love children — niños are welcome everywhere. The Riviera Maya (Playa del Carmen, Tulum) is suitable with shallow beaches and child-friendly cenotes. Xcaret and Xel-Há are perfect family parks. Note: High altitudes (CDMX, 2,240 m) can be tiring for small children.

💑 Couples

Boutique hotels in San Miguel de Allende, romantic cenotes, sunsets in Tulum, Mezcal tasting in Oaxaca. For honeymoons: Isla Holbox or an eco-resort in Bacalar.

🏄 Adventurers & Surfers

Puerto Escondido (Mexican Pipeline), diving in Cozumel, cave diving in cenotes, canyoning at Agua Azul, kitesurfing on Holbox. Mexico is an adventure playground.

🍽️ Foodies

Mexico City has the best restaurants in Latin America (Pujol, Quintonil). Oaxaca is the Mezcal and Mole capital. Street stands in Mérida serve Cochinita Pibil for 2€. Puebla invented Mole Poblano. Mexican cuisine is UNESCO World Heritage — and tastes different in every corner of the country.

📸 Culture Travelers

35 UNESCO World Heritage sites, 187 archaeological sites, the National Museum of Anthropology (one of the best museums in the world), Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, Muralism. Mexico is culturally inexhaustible.