Destinations | Travel Guide Yucatan, Mexico

This Mexico travel guide will show you all the most amazing places to visit in Mexico, its culture, food, natural wonders, and more. I am sharing all the practical information and insider tips that you need to organize your trip to Mexico and help you travel flawlessly and safely. It is also a guide to navigate through this extensive Mexico travel blog, where you will find everything you need to know to plan your trip to Mexico.

Mexico Travel Guide: Essential Information

Geographical location: Mexico is the southern country of North America and the third-largest country in Latin America after Brazil and Argentina.

Official Name: Estados Unidos Mexicanos (Mexican United States)

Official Language: Spanish and over 66 Indian languages.

Government: Federal presidential constitutional republic

Currency: Mexican Peso. 1 USD =19 MXN at the present time

Borders: On the north side, the Mexican frontiers border the United States of California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas, which covers a total of 3,141 km. In the south, Mexico shares borders with Guatemala for 962km and Belize for 250 km.

The tallest mountain in Mexico is Pico de Orizaba, 5.636 mt in the state of Veracruz.

Total area almost 2,000,000 square kilometres (770,000 sq mi)

Largest Lake: Lake Chapala

Total Population: 108,701,000

Capital city: Mexico City (Ciudad de Mexico – CDMX) – with a population of almost 9 million people and a maximum elevation of 3,930 m (12.890 ft) ( about 2300 in the city center)

The second biggest city is Guadalajara, the capital city of the Jalisco State.

The biggest pre-hispanic civilizations were the Mayas, located in the south of Mexico in what is nowadays called the Yucatan Peninsula, and Chiapas. Aztecas, in the central and northern regions. Olmecas, in Veracruz and Tabasco.

National Day: 16th September

Religion: 83% Roman Catholicism

Country Number/Prefix: +52

Country Code: MX

cenote corazon tulum - a girl sitting on a platform by the edge. — Cenote Corazon – Tulum

Mexican Culture

Safety in Mexico

Safety is always the main concern when you travel in a foreign country, especially in a place such as Mexico which is sadly known more for its drug cartels and drug-related violence rather than its incredible natural wonders and historical landmarks.

In the below articles, I am sharing my views on How to stay safe while traveling to Mexico

Is Mexico safe to travel?

Is Tulum safe to travel?

Is Cancun Safe to travel to right now?

Is Puerto Vallarta safe to travel?

Is Mexico city safe to travel?

Mexico Travel Resources

How to get around Mexico

Mexico Practical Tips

When is the best time to visit Mexico?

Mexico is a huge country, and there is no best time to visit in general. When is the best time to visit Cancun? It may not be the best time to visit Baja California, for example, considering many different factors depending on your interests. For your convenience, I will write a series of “Best time to visit …” posts for each main city or area.

Mexico Pueblos Magicos

CHURCH — **Find out the best Pueblos Magicos in Mexico**

Mexican Food

CHILE EN NOGADA - FOOD IN PUEBLA — Chile en Nogada – A typical dish from Puebla

Mexico Itineraries

Where to stay in Mexico

In this section, I am sharing all my hotel review posts where you can see all my suggested hotels in Mexico by destination.

Diving in Mexico

Mexico is also one of the most incredible diving destinations. We have Cozumel, right on the Mesoamerican reef, and we also have the Sea of Cortes, the world’s aquarium. \You can dive with whale and bull sharks from Playa del Carmen and see the white shark from a cage from Isla Guadalupe.

I had the fortune to find Adrienne, a dive instructor based in Cozumel, Mexico, who is also a great writer. She is writing for this site about diving in Mexico, and she will give you professional tips on where to go diving and have the best experience in Mexico. Here below is the list of her articles.

The best diving sites in Cozumel
Guide to the best Mexico cave diving
The best snorkeling spots in Cozumel
The Best Scuba Diving in Cancun: all you need to know

Mexico By Destination

Click on the images below and read about your favorite Mexican region

Baja California Sur It is one of the most incredible states in Mexico, with the best landscapes and natural wonders. A paradise for divers and ocean lovers. Here is where you can go whale watching and swim with the most incredible sea creatures.

Quintana Roo is the Mexican Caribbean State, with endless white-sand beaches, a turquoise blue sea, great diving and snorkeling, and world-class hotels. You can also find cenotes and interesting villages.

Did you know that Yucatan is considered one of the safest places in Mexico? It’s the land of the 6000 cenotes and amazing colonial town, the luxury haciendas the most lovely and welcoming people, and delicious cuisine.

Baja California, is famous for its stunning beaches, vibrant marine life, and the iconic Baja 1000 off-road race. Renowned for its wine country in Valle de Guadalupe and picturesque towns like Ensenada, it also features beautiful coastal areas like Bahía de los Ángeles and San Felipe, pretty villages overlooking the Sea of Cortes perfect for adventure and relaxation.

Campeche, on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, blends history, nature, and charm. Its capital, a UNESCO site, features colorful colonial streets and ancient city walls. Explore Mayan ruins like Edzná and Calakmul, or enjoy the wildlife of Los Petenes biosphere reserve. Don’t miss local seafood and dishes like pan de cazón—Campeche offers a perfect mix of culture and adventure.

An interesting state with a culture of its own, an overwhelming nature, with natural gems to explore, rivers and waterfalls, lakes, and hidden archaeological sites. Explore San Cristobal de las Casas and the surrounding communities.

The vibrant university city is home to the Festival Cervantes, a yearly celebration of all kinds of art. Walk around the narrow lanes and kiss in the Callejon del Beso. Enjoy the colonial art and architecture of Guanajuato city and San Miguel de Allende.

Guerrero, on Mexico’s Pacific coast, is famous for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and rich history. Acapulco, its iconic destination, offers golden sands, nightlife, and the famous cliff divers of La Quebrada. The town of Taxco enchants visitors with its silver craft and colonial charm, while Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo boasts tranquil beaches and marine activities. Guerrero is also steeped in tradition, from its indigenous heritage to its lively festivals, making it a diverse and captivating destination.

Hidalgo is a gem in central Mexico, offering a mix of natural beauty, history, and culture. Its star attraction, the Grutas de Tolantongo, features stunning turquoise pools and caves surrounded by lush mountains. The Basaltic Prisms, near Huasca de Ocampo, showcase unique volcanic rock formations. Read more about all the things Hidalgo has to offer

Jalisco is a spectacular and diverse region, with the vibrant Guadalajara as its capital city, and its cute Pueblos Magicos, Lake Chapala, the largest lake in Mexico, and the popular Riviera Nayarit, with the friendly city of Puerto Vallarta and the quaint surf town of Sayulita and much more.

Mexico City has recently been appointed as a state on its own, abbreviated to CDMX. It’s one of the most interesting cities in the world for its history and culture, and you could spend one year there but still haven’t explored all of it. I have been there for a few days multiple times, and I will continue to return and see as much as I can every time, especially art museums, which are my favorites.

Nayarit, on Mexico’s Pacific coast, is known for its pristine beaches, vibrant culture, and lush landscapes. The Riviera Nayarit boasts stunning spots like Sayulita, a surfing haven, and Punta Mita, a luxury retreat. The Islas Marietas, with their hidden beach, offer unique adventures, while the colonial town of Tepic highlights the region’s history. Rich in indigenous Huichol culture and delicious seafood, Nayarit is perfect for relaxation and exploration.

Oaxaca state is home to one of the most active indigenous populations, which is still fighting for its own rights. But it’s also a beautiful city and spectacular rough coast, loved especially by surfers and photographers.

I would say Puebla is the Mexican food capital, home of famous Chile en Nogada and the Mole Poblano among many other delicacies. But also a city rich in history and culture and amazing surroundings to explore.

Queretaro is one of the smallest states and yet so rich in history and culture besides its amazing natural gems, such as the wine regions and the Sierra Gorda. Let’s not forget the delicious food and the amount of Museums that you can find in the Capital city, and the lovely people.

San Luis Potosi is mainly renowned for the Real de Catorce Pueblo Magico and the Huasteca Potosina, but there is much more than that. Let’s discover it together.

Mazatlán, located on Mexico’s Pacific coast, is known as the “Pearl of the Pacific.” Famous for its golden beaches and lively Malecón, it combines natural beauty with rich culture. The historic Old Town charms with colonial architecture and vibrant plazas, while fresh seafood and local dishes delight food lovers. Mazatlán’s Carnival, one of the biggest in Mexico, showcases its festive spirit, making it a top destination for sun, sea, and culture.