How to plan a trip to Mexico

Mexico is a fascinating destination and we’re sure you’ll fall in love with its incredible landscapes, the hospitality of people and the delicious cuisine. In other posts we’ve already told you about all the wonders of the country, but this time, we want to help you with the planning of your trip to Mexico and the management of those little details that will make your trip perfect.

We know that sometimes these preparations can be complicated, so we have prepared several sections where we accompany and guide you through the first steps of your adventure, such as choosing the best date to travel, buying tickets, applying for a visa or booking accommodation. We have also prepared numerous travel tips that will be of great help during your stay. Do you want to know more? Then read on!

1. Prepare your travel documents for your trip to Mexico

The first thing to do when planning a trip to Mexico is to check what documentation you need to enter the country. The process may vary depending on where you’re travelling from, but you’ll see that it’s very simple.

Visa-exempt travellers: Europeans, Americans, Canadians and some Latin American countries.

• It is necessary to present a passport that will be valid for more than 6 months when you leave the country
• You are allowed to stay in Mexico for up to 180 days.
• A return ticket may be required.
• Hotel reservations or a letter of invitation may be required to be shown.
• Proof of financial solvency may be required to support the stay.

Travellers with a visa from the other countries listed above

• Must apply for a visa in person at the embassy
• Must fill in the application form
• Presentation of the original passport and a copy of the page with personal details, photograph and signature.
• A recent passport size photograph, in colour, white background and without glasses.
• All documents in a language other than Spanish must be officially translated into Spanish.
• The visa fee is $53 USD and is non-refundable, even in case of refusal.
• It is advisable to check that the documentation is complete before submitting the application.
• The usual processing time is approximately 10 days after the interview.
• For longer stays, additional health tests may be requested.

Another thing to keep in mind is the Multiple Migration Form (MMF), a document available both online and at points of entry into the country that you’ll need to keep for the duration of your trip. If you arrive by plane, it will be processed directly at customs by the agents.

If you want to hire a car, remember to get an international driving licence translated into Spanish. You can apply for it at your local traffic office, and in Europe it costs around €10.

When we travel, we always like to carry a copy of our travel and personal documents with us in case of unforeseen events. With the Passporter App, we can travel with peace of mind because we always carry all our documents and visas safely and securely.

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

2. Choose the date to plan your trip to Mexico

The ideal time to travel to Mexico depends largely on the destination you choose. Due to the sheer size of the country, the climate varies greatly from place to place. Still, we generally recommend to travel between December and April. The weather is drier and milder, perfect for enjoying the beaches and cities without the extreme heat or torrential rains of summer.

This season also coincides with the high season. It means that prices will be higher and tourist spots will be busier, especially Cancun and the Riviera Maya. If you decide to travel during these months, our recommendation is to look for accommodation and book your tickets in advance to find the best prices. When travelling between July and August you can also find more expensive prices.

If you decide to travel from May to November, you’ll be able to enjoy the country without any problems. Just be ready for rain, and bring clothes and sunscreen to protect you from the sun. We travelled in August and while it was hot and a few showers fell, it wasn’t too much and we were able to enjoy our trip.

3. Find out how to get to Mexico

The easiest way to get to Mexico, especially if you’re travelling from abroad, is by plane. The country has more than 70 airports, but these are the major ones that receive the most international flights:

• Benito Juárez International Airport (Mexico City)
• Cancun International Airport
• Guadalajara International Airport
• Monterrey International Airport
• Tijuana International Airport

If you’re travelling around the country you have several options for getting around. However, our recommendation is to travel by plane as you’ll have to cover long distances and this way you’ll make better use of your time. If you’re travelling between nearby towns, you can opt for buses from companies such as ADO and ETN, an economical and efficient option that connects practically all cities and towns.

For the more adventurous, there’s always the option of travelling by car, although caution should be exercised on less-travelled roads and avoid driving at night. You can hire a car at the airport, but remember that depending on where you’re travelling from, you’ll need to get an international car licence.

To get around the major cities you can use public transport, including the metro, buses, taxis and Uber. Resorts and some hotels will also be able to help you get around, either through private transfers or organised tours that will take you to the main points of interest.

4. Find the accommodation that matches your expectations to enjoy Mexico

Mexico offers a wide variety of accommodation options to suit all tastes and budgets, from quaint hostels in remote villages to luxurious beach resorts.

In big cities such as Mexico City and Guadalajara you’ll find modern options like flats, luxury hotels or cosy guesthouses. And in beach destinations such as Cancun and Playa del Carmen, all-inclusive resorts are the most popular option. These resorts not only have all the amenities, but also organise activities in the surrounding area in a comfortable and safe manner, including transport and food in most cases.

Accommodation prices vary widely depending on the area, the time of year and the quality of the hotel. It can range from 200MXN to 2000MXN per night. When you plan a trip to Mexico, we advise you to book accommodation at least one month in advance. And the earlier the better, to ensure the best rates and availability, especially during the high season, which includes the months of December to February and July and August. And remember that with the Passporter App you can book your accommodation directly through Booking and keep all the information organised.

5. Where and what to eat in Mexico

Mexican cuisine is recognised as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO for its rich variety of flavours and textures, the result of the fusion of pre-Hispanic and European ingredients. The most emblematic ingredients include corn, chillies, beans, tomatoes, avocado and chocolate, which are combined in dishes full of colour and flavour. The food in Mexico is one of the main reasons we love travelling to the country. And on every trip we discover new dishes, which, despite popular opinion, don’t always sting 😉

These are the most typical dishes you can’t miss:

1. Tacos: corn tortillas filled with meat, fish or vegetables, accompanied by spicy sauces. Our recommendation is to look for the taquerias where the locals eat. And don’t miss out on the cochinita pibil taco.
2. Mole poblano: a strong-flavoured sauce made with chocolate, chillies and spices. It is usually served with chicken.
3. Enchiladas: rolled tortillas stuffed with meat or cheese and topped with spicy sauce.
4. Tamales: corn dough stuffed with meats, cheeses or chillies, wrapped in corn husks and steamed.
5. Pozole: robust soup with corn, meat (usually pork), and garnished with lettuce, radishes, chilli and other condiments.

Among the drinks, tequila and mescal stand out as symbols of Mexican identity. But you’ll also find many other typical local beverages. One of our favourites is Mexican horchata, which is made from rice and condensed milk.

6. Choose the activities you want to do in Mexico

Mexico has so much to offer that you’ll struggle to cover the country in one trip. We generally recommend that you spend at least two weeks, especially if you’re travelling from another continent. But bear in mind that you’ll need to decide which areas you want to visit and be realistic about the distances and the time it will take you to cover them. It’s better to make several trips than to spend all day on the road 😉

In this post you can read about the top things to see in Mexico: Things to see and do in Mexico.

And here’s a summary so you can decide what you want to see first.

1. Chichén Itzá: this is a complex of Mayan ruins in the Yucatán and is famous for its pyramid of Kukulkán.
2. Teotihuacan: located near Mexico City, these ancient Aztec pyramids are known for their grand avenues and the impressive Pyramid of the Sun.
3. Playa del Carmen: is a coastal destination offering white sandy beaches along with a lively nightlife and access to the nearby island of Cozumel.
4. Mexico City: Mexico’s capital and cultural heart, full of museums, art, architecture and one of the best food scenes in the world. How to plan a trip to Mexico City?
5. Oaxaca: known for its colonial architecture and vibrant cultural scene, Oaxaca is also the capital of mezcal
6. Cabo San Lucas: at the tip of the Baja peninsula, this destination is famous for its luxury resorts, golf and water sports activities. Things to see and do in Cabo San Lucas
7. Palenque: in Chiapas, this archaeological site stands out for its Mayan architecture perfectly integrated into the surrounding lush jungle.
8. Guanajuato: this colonial city is famous for its narrow, colourful streets and a rich mining history.
9. Cenotes de Yucatán: these are flooded caves that give rise to crystal-clear pools of water in the middle of the jungle on the Yucatán peninsula. Cave diving is also available.
10. Tulum: known as much for its beachfront Mayan ruins as its eco-resorts and pristine beaches, Tulum is ideal for history and nature lovers. Things to see and do in Tulum

7. Organise a trip with friends to Mexico

Organising a trip with friends can be an unforgettable experience that allows you to experience Mexico from different perspectives. Having company also means travelling with extra safety in unfamiliar places, sharing expenses and experiencing unique moments.

However, disadvantages can include the need to compromise on decisions, from what to visit to where to eat, which can sometimes be stressful. With the free Passporter App, planning a trip to Mexico is easier: you can create a specific itinerary, add your friends and explore recommendations from other tourists together. The app facilitates coordination, allowing everyone to contribute ideas so that the trip meets everyone’s interests. Here’s how to get the most out of your trip with friends: Group travel: The best way to travel with your group of friends.

8. Tips for planning a trip to Mexico

1. The official currency of Mexico is the Mexican peso.
2. The country’s official language is Spanish, but English is widely spoken.
3. The plugs are type A and B, which are the same as those used in the United States and Canada. These plugs have two or three flat pins. The standard voltage in Mexico is 127V with a frequency of 60Hz.
4. Before you travel, do your research on Mexico. In addition to the most popular attractions, look for lesser-known activities that can give you a more authentic view of the country, such as popular fiestas or festivals.
5. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after your return date and always carry all other necessary travel documentation with you.
6. If you’re not used to spicy food, you can ask restaurants to adjust the spiciness.
7. Always remember to drink bottled water and avoid ice.
8. Protect yourself from the sun. Use sunscreen every two hours, especially if you’re going to be outdoors for long periods of time. A hat and sunglasses are also a must to protect yourself from the sun’s intense radiation.
9. Although tourist areas are generally safe, it is always wise to take basic precautions such as not displaying valuables and keeping an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded places.
10. Using apps like Passporter to plan your trip to Mexico is free and helps you get inspiration from other travellers, as well as organising your itinerary efficiently.
11. Protect yourself against medical emergencies: travel insured. Choose a good travel insurance, such as Mondo.
12. Respect the environment. When visiting natural areas, always follow conservation rules to protect the environment around you.
13. Check if you need an international driver’s licence if you plan to hire a car.
14. Buy an eSIM card for mobile internet access. Our favourite company is Holafly as they offer cards for Mexico with unlimited data.
15. Book your flights and accommodation in advance, especially in high season or for popular destinations.

9. How to prepare what to see on your trip to Mexico

Download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.

• Get inspired by other travellers’ experiences, photos and itineraries.
• Organise your trip by the categories that suit you best: dates, number of days or type of trip (beach, mountain, restaurants…).
• Add your friends so they can see and modify all the plans and information about the trip.
• Create your own itinerary of your destination with everything you feel like visiting each day.
• Add the stops that interest you the most, including your accommodation, restaurants, museums…
• Book your flights, accommodation, transfers and activities through a single app.
• Save all your documents in the app to always have everything at hand: reservations, boarding passes, important documents…
• Make any modifications you need and you’re all set for your trip.
• Share your experience with other users. Upload photos of the places you have visited on your trip to the app and inspire other travellers with your experience. You can also share your experience on how to plan your trip to Mexico.

If you have doubts about how to do it, you can check our post: How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter. 

10. Frequently asked questions about a trip to Mexico