Mexico Luxury travel

Click on a place name below to find out more. Alternatively, to start planning where to go in Mexico, talk to one of our destination specialists on 020 7590 0617.

Baja California

Central & Colonial Mexico

Copper Canyon & Northern Mexico

Haciendas of Mexico

Mexico City

Pacific Coast

Riviera Maya

Southern Mexico

Yucatan Peninsula

The Practical information displayed here is taken from The Traveller's Handbook, published by WEXAS (2009). While all possible care was taken to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, we are aware that situations change, so for the latest information and up-to-date visa requirements, talk to one of our destination specialists on 020 7590 0617.

Weather

The plateau is temperate and drier. The Pacific coast has a tropical climate and is hot and humid. The hot, wet season is May to October. December to February are the coolest months.

Festivals

Mexicans celebrate more than 120 festivals every year. Some occasions are of religious significance, others secular, national or local. In nearly all instances, however, they are a time for music, dancing, processions and fireworks. The Day of the Dead is celebrated with enthusiastic fervour throughout the country on 1 November. It is especially dramatic on Lago de Pátzcuaro, where locals converge on the island of Janitizio in canoes, a solitary candle alight in each craft. Other major events include Semana Santa, or Holy Week, in the week before Easter. As in the rest of the Latin world, Carnaval in the week before Lent, is celebrated with costumes and dancing.

Food & drink

Each region has its own specialities. Moles are sauces based on several ingredients including chilli, tomato, nuts and chocolate. Guacamole, an avocado salsa, is a popular accompaniment. Mole poblano, is a chocolate sauce poured over turkey. Tortillas are corn pancakes eaten like bread, or filled with meat, cheese and vegetables, enchiladas are soft and tacos hard and crispy. Kahlúa, the coffee liqueur and tequila, are world famous. Hidalgo is a good white wine, while Calafia is an excellent red.

Etiquette

English is widely spoken in business circles, but a knowledge of Spanish will go a long way. At beach resorts, dress is very informal. Smoking is unrestricted, except where notified. Mexicans are very friendly and will make visitors feel like one of the family.

Safety

Crime, particularly in the capital, is a problem. Kidnappings are also a possibility. Visitors should remain vigilant.

International airport

(And distances from the nearest city): Mexico City - Benito Juárez (MEX) 13 km, Guadalajara - Don Miguel Hidalgo (GDL) 20 km, Cancun (CUN) 14 km, Acapulco (ACA) 26 km, Monterrey (MTY) 24 km.

Internal travel

Domestic flights normally connect through the capital. Long distance buses are comfortable and fairly fast. There are also local buses and combis, colectivos and peseros (minibuses). Camionetas (pickups) and camiones (trucks) are at the bottom of the scale. Very few rail services, the Copper Canyon Railway is a highlight though. Main cities have an underground rail service. Taxis in towns and cities. Car hire available.

Visa

Not required but tourist cards issued.

Vaccination

Hep. A, Hep. B, Malaria, Rabies, Typhoid, Y. Fever2.

Driving

International Driving Permit or British driving licence.

Capital

Mexico City.

Language

Spanish, Mayan, Nahuatl and other indigenous languages.

People

Mestizo, indigenous Indian, European.

Religion

Roman Catholic (76.5%), Protestant.

Size

1,972,550.

Population

109,955,400.

Population density

55.7.

Life expectancy

M 73.05, F 78.78.

Currency

Mexican peso (M$) = 100 centavos.

Finance

Credit cards and traveller's cheques generally accepted.

Business hours

Vary considerably, usually 0900-1400, 1500-1800 Monday-Friday.

Time difference

-6, -7 and -8.

Voltage

127 AC, 60 Hz.

International dial code

52.

The itinerary ideas listed below are designed to give you a flavour of the things to do in Mexico. We can adjust any element and tailor-make your trip though, to suit your individual needs and available time. To start planning your trip, talk to one of our destination specialists on 020 7590 0617.

Yucatan discovery tour

Historic Haciendas of Mexico

Highlights of Mexico

Mexico's Monarch Butterfly Trail

Baja Wildlife Discoverer

Beyond the Mayan World

Mexico Ancient Civilizations

Mexico Civilizations

Mayan Discovery

Mexico Monarch Butterfly Trail

[See all itinerary ideas in Mexico]

The places to stay listed below only represent a handful of the accommodation options available in Mexico. We can also recommend and arrange accommodation to suit your personal tastes and budget. To start planning where to stay in Mexico, talk to one of our destination specialists on 020 7590 0617.

Paradisus Playa Del Carmen La Esmeralda, Mexico

Fairmont Mayakoba, Riviera Maya

Zoëtry Paraíso de la Bonita, Mexico

Maroma Resort & Spa, Riviera Maya

Las Ventanas al Paraíso, Los Cabos

[See all places to stay in Mexico]

The types of holiday listed below are just a flavour of the experiences available in Mexico. We can also suggest and plan alternative types of holiday to take into account your individual interests. To start planning what to do whilst away, talk to one of our destination specialists on 020 7590 0617.

Activity & adventure holidays

Cruise

History and culture

Spa breaks