The story of Mexico
Mexico is one of the cradles of civilisation in the Americas. Farmers here domesticated maize, beans, squash and chillies thousands of years ago, and the Olmecs, famous for their colossal stone heads, built the first great culture along the Gulf Coast. They were followed by the builders of Teotihuacan, with its vast pyramids of the Sun and Moon, the Zapotecs of Monte Albán, and the Maya, whose cities such as Palenque and Chichén Itzá produced remarkable astronomy, writing and art.
In the fourteenth century the Mexica (Aztecs) founded Tenochtitlan on an island in Lake Texcoco and built an empire that dominated central Mexico. In 1519 Hernán Cortés landed on the Gulf Coast, and with the help of Indigenous allies the Spanish took Tenochtitlan in 1521, building Mexico City on its ruins. For three centuries New Spain was one of the richest colonies in the world, its silver towns and baroque churches blending European and Indigenous traditions.
Read the full history
Miguel Hidalgo's call for independence in 1810 began a long struggle that ended with independence in 1821. The nineteenth century brought instability, the loss of vast northern territories to the United States, a French-backed empire, and the liberal reforms of Benito Juárez. The Mexican Revolution of 1910-1920 overthrew the long rule of Porfirio Díaz and produced the 1917 constitution, inspiring the murals of Diego Rivera and a new national identity celebrating Indigenous roots.
Modern Mexico is a vibrant democracy with one of the largest economies in Latin America and a culture that has gone global, from mariachi and lucha libre to its UNESCO-recognised cuisine. Travellers can climb ancient pyramids, explore colonial silver cities, swim in cenotes, join Day of the Dead celebrations and eat some of the best food on Earth, all in a single trip.
Timeline
- c. 1200-400 BCOlmec civilisation flourishes on the Gulf Coast
- c. 100-550Teotihuacan becomes one of the largest cities in the world
- c. 250-900Classic Maya city-states reach their height
- 1325Mexica (Aztecs) found Tenochtitlan
- 1521Spanish conquest of Tenochtitlan
- 1810Miguel Hidalgo launches the independence movement
- 1821Mexico wins independence from Spain
- 1910Mexican Revolution begins
Entry rules depend on your passport and change often.
- Pacific Alliance – Pacific Alliance member.
Before you book, check the official rules for your passport:
- Visa policy of Mexico (Wikipedia) ↗
- IATA Travel Centre – passport, visa & health rules ↗
- U.S. passport holders – State Department country pages ↗
- UK passport holders – GOV.UK travel advice ↗
The latest visa and entry news for Mexico appears below as soon as publishers report it.
Puerto Vallarta Leads Ensenada and Others in Witnessing Swift Tourism Growth as Mexico Builds a New Cruise Tourism Powerhouse in 2026 Puerto Vallarta leads Ensenada and others as Mexico builds a new cruise tourism powerhouse in…
#Mexico#Puerto Vallarta#Cruises
Texas Joins California and More US States in Hammering Mexico Tourism as Tourist Arrivals From Dallas, Los Angeles and Other Major Hubs Decline Throughout 2026 Texas joins California and more US states as tourist arrivals from…
#United States#Mexico
Things to do in Mexico
- Climb Teotihuacan's pyramidsWalk the Avenue of the Dead to the Pyramid of the Sun outside Mexico City.
- Swim in a cenoteDive into crystal-clear sinkholes in the Yucatán jungle, sacred to the ancient Maya.
- Explore Chichén ItzáStand before El Castillo, the iconic stepped pyramid that marks the equinox with a serpent of shadow.
- Celebrate Día de MuertosJoin candlelit vigils, marigold altars and parades honouring the dead in Oaxaca or Mexico City.
- Eat tacos al pastorGrab spit-roasted pork tacos at a late-night street stand in Mexico City.
- Taste mezcal in OaxacaVisit village distilleries and sample smoky agave spirits beside the Oaxaca valley's ruins.
- Wander San Miguel de AllendeStroll cobbled streets of pastel colonial houses beneath the pink Parroquia church.
- Ride the Copper Canyon railwayTake the Chepe train through canyons, some deeper than the Grand Canyon, in the Sierra Tarahumara.
- Watch monarch butterfliesSee millions of monarchs blanket the fir forests of Michoacán between roughly November and March.
- Snorkel the Mesoamerican ReefExplore coral, turtles and rays off Cozumel and the Caribbean coast.
Canada Follows Mexico and More to Boost US Tourism as Hotel 1883 Opens in North Dakota Canada, Mexico, UK and Brazil boost US tourism as Hotel 1883 opens in North Dakota, expanding Badlands travel and Medora stays.
#Canada#Mexico#Hotels & Stays
Bahamas Along With Mexico, UAE And More Among Ninety Three Visa Free Travel Countries Boosting Poland Tourism Bahamas, Mexico, UAE and more are among 93 visa-free countries as of October 2026, broadening global travel…
#Bahamas#Mexico#Visa-free travel#Visas & Entry Rules
Where to go in Mexico
- Mexico CityCentral · capitalA megacity of Aztec ruins, world-class museums, grand plazas and an extraordinary food scene.
- OaxacaSouth · culture & foodA colonial city famous for mole, mezcal, crafts markets and nearby Monte Albán.
- 📍Yucatán PeninsulaSoutheast · Maya & cenotesMérida's colonial charm, Maya ruins and countless cenotes.
- 📍Tulum & the Riviera MayaCaribbean coast · beachesWhite-sand beaches, clifftop Maya ruins and access to the reef.
- 📍San Cristóbal de las CasasChiapas · highlandsA mountain town surrounded by Indigenous villages, near the jungle ruins of Palenque.
- 📍GuanajuatoCentral · colonial silver cityA colourful, UNESCO-listed city of tunnels, alleys and student life.
- 📍Copper CanyonChihuahua · canyonsA vast canyon system home to the Rarámuri people, reached by scenic train.
- 📍Baja California SurNorthwest · desert & seaWhale watching, Los Cabos' coastline and the desert islands of La Paz.
Canada Travellers Pivot to Mexico, Dominican Republic and Costa Rica as Price Certainty Reshapes Winter Holidays Canadian travellers are protecting winter holidays as upfront pricing drives all-inclusive demand and Mexico…
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St. Regis Punta Mita Appoints Richard Sorensen to Lead Luxury Resort Operations in Mexico Richard Sorensen’s appointment as General Manager of The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort brings more than 30 years of luxury hospitality…
#Mexico#Hotels & Stays
- Swim in a Yucatán cenote
- Climb the pyramids of Teotihuacan
- Join Day of the Dead celebrations
- Take a street-food tour in Mexico City
Mexico Outbound Spending Rises as Gulf Travel Demand Comes into Focus Mexico’s rising overseas spending and Dubai’s tourism recovery highlight Gulf travel potential, but country-level data is needed to confirm Mexican demand.
#Mexico#United Arab Emirates
Condé Nast Traveler readers rate their top resorts along Mexico’s Eastern Coast.
#Mexico#Destinations
- Tacos al pastor – spit-roasted pork tacos with pineapple
- Mole – rich sauce of chillies, spices and chocolate
- Cochinita pibil – slow-roasted Yucatán pork
- Tamales – corn dough steamed in husks
Condé Nast Traveler readers rate their top hotels in Mexico, from big cities to small towns.
#Mexico#Destinations
Mi Vida Cantina and Taqueria has opened at Reagan National Airport, bringing modern Mexican cuisine, cocktails and all-day dining to Concourse B. The article Mi Vida opens at Reagan National Airport first appeared in…
#Mexico#Flights & Airlines
Best time to visit Mexico
Mexico's climate ranges from temperate highlands like Mexico City, with warm days and cool nights, to hot tropical coasts and dry northern deserts. Most regions have a rainy season from about June to October.
Typical daytime highs and rain in Mexico City (approximate averages).
👉 Jump to: Is Mexico City Safe? | Advisories | Safe Areas | Covid-19 | Crime | Scams | Weather | Nightlife | Water | Safety Tips | FAQ Are you planning a trip to CDMX and wondering if Mexico City is safe? Mexico’s capital city is…
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A Cessna Citation I/SP crashed in mountainous terrain in western Mexico on October 4, 2026, with local media…
#Mexico#Flights & Airlines
- 31 October-2 NovemberDía de Muertos (Day of the Dead)Families build altars and decorate graves with marigolds and candles to welcome back the spirits of loved ones.
- JulyGuelaguetzaOaxaca's grand festival of regional dances, costumes and music from across the state.
- 15-16 SeptemberIndependence DayThe 'Grito' at midnight launches fireworks, parades and parties across the country.
- February-MarchCarnavalVeracruz and Mazatlán host colourful parades and parties before Lent.
- 12 DecemberDay of the Virgin of GuadalupeMillions of pilgrims visit the Basilica of Guadalupe in Mexico City.
Brazil, Mexico and More Make the Americas a Smart Choice for International Travel in 2027 Discover the smartest tourist destinations in the Americas for 2027, from Brazil and Mexico to Colombia, Panama, Chile, Guatemala and…
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A good sale to Tulum The $447 is the Regular Economy fare with advance seat assignment and normal size carry-on United also
#Mexico#United States#San Francisco#Tulum
How many days in Mexico?
Day 1-4 explore Mexico City's historic centre, museums, Coyoacán, Xochimilco and Teotihuacan. Day 5-7 fly or bus to Oaxaca for markets, mezcal and Monte Albán.
Day 1-4 Mexico City and Teotihuacan, then Day 5-6 Guanajuato or San Miguel de Allende. Day 7-9 Oaxaca. Day 10-14 fly to Mérida for Chichén Itzá and cenotes, ending in Tulum on the Caribbean.
USA Follows Mexico as Explosive Festive Hotel Packages Turn Christmas 2026 Into a Luxury Travel Sensation Festive Holiday Hotels in the U.S. turn Christmas 2026 into luxury stays with premium packages and festive experiences for…
#United States#Mexico#Hotels & Stays
A good sale to Cancun The $445 is the Regular Economy fare with advance seat assignment and normal size carry-on United also
#Mexico#United States#San Francisco#Deals & Budget
Backpacker budget: about $35–55 a day
- First-class buses are comfortable and affordable for long distances; overnight routes save a night's accommodation.
- Mexico City's Centro and Roma, Oaxaca, San Cristóbal, Tulum and Puerto Escondido are hostel hubs.
- Eat at markets and taquerías, where a comida corrida (set lunch) is filling and cheap.
- Use ride-hailing apps in big cities instead of hailing taxis on the street.
- Visit cenotes and ruins early in the morning to beat crowds and heat.
If you haven't heard of Grutas Tolantongo, you'll now want to put it at the top of your travel bucket list. This region of Mexico offers geothermal pools that resemble the picturesque region of Pamukkale, Turkiye. You'll also…
#Mexico#Türkiye#Deals & Budget
Brazil Along With Mexico and Other Markets Drive Latin America Business Travel Growth in 2026 Brazil, Mexico, Argentina and Peru drive Latin America business travel growth in 2026, boosting tourism, aviation, hotels and corporate…
#Brazil#Mexico
Stay safe
- Popular tourist areas are generally safe, but crime levels vary widely by state – check your government's latest travel advice by region.
- Avoid driving at night on highways and use toll roads (cuotas) where possible.
- Use ATMs inside banks or malls and be alert to card skimming and petty theft.
- Drink bottled or filtered water, and be cautious with ice and raw foods if you have a sensitive stomach.
Money
- The currency is the Mexican peso; pay in pesos rather than US dollars for better rates.
- Cards are accepted widely in cities and tourist areas, but carry cash for markets, small towns and street food.
- Tipping around 10-15 percent is customary in restaurants, and small tips are expected for guides, porters and baggers.
Emergency: 911 police, fire & ambulance
US Leads Canada and Mexico as Inflight WiFi Breakthrough Sparks a Game Changing Tourism Boom Across North America The USA is outshining both Canada and Mexico due to the rapidly growing fleet and availability of free Inflight…
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Cancún Travel Gets a Powerful Hotel Boost as New voco Property Takes Shape Near Playa Langosta Cancún Travel gets a hotel boost as voco takes shape with 160 rooms, beach access and lagoon views.
#Mexico#Cancún#Hotels & Stays
Mexico City and Cancún are the main international airports, with many more flights to Guadalajara, Monterrey, Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta. Land borders connect with the United States, Guatemala and Belize, and cruise ships call at Cozumel and Pacific ports.
✈️ Cheap flights to Mexico: airports, flight times & best time to fly →
Ibogaine clinics in Mexico charge up to $20,000 for psychedelic treatments that carry serious cardiac risks and potentially fatal complications.
#Mexico
Colombia Joins Mexico and More to Target High Value Health and Wellness Travellers Across the Americas Colombia joins Mexico in targeting health and wellness travellers across the Americas. Explore medical tourism, longevity and…
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- Mexico has one of the largest numbers of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Americas.
- Chocolate, corn, chillies and vanilla were all domesticated in Mexico or Mesoamerica.
- Mexico City is sinking several centimetres a year because it was built on a drained lakebed.
- Traditional Mexican cuisine is listed by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage.
- The Great Pyramid of Cholula is the largest pyramid in the world by volume.
Hilton Expands Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Portfolio With Two Luxury Resorts Hilton expands luxury all-inclusive stays in Mexico at Waldorf Astoria Riviera Maya and Conrad Tulum from 2027.
#Mexico#Hilton#Hotels & Stays
New Tropical Disturbance Near Southern Mexico Raises Weather Concerns for Cabo San Lucas as Hurricane Season Continues Cabo San Lucas Monitors New Tropical Disturbance as Mexico Remains Alert During Active Hurricane Season
#Mexico#Hurricanes#Weather & Alerts
Mexico travel questions
Is Mexico safe for tourists?
Millions of visitors travel safely each year, especially in popular destinations like Mexico City, Oaxaca, the Yucatán and Baja California Sur. Safety varies greatly by region, so check your government's latest advice for each state and take normal precautions.
What is the best time to visit Mexico?
November to April is the best time for most regions, with dry, sunny weather. Hurricane risk on the coasts is highest in September and October.
Do I need a visa for Mexico?
It depends on your passport – many visitors can enter without a visa for tourism, but rules vary. Check the official government site or Mexican embassy before you travel.
How many days do you need in Mexico?
A week is enough for one region, such as Mexico City and Oaxaca or the Yucatán. Two weeks or more lets you combine the highlands with the Caribbean coast.
Is street food in Mexico safe to eat?
Yes, street food is a highlight – choose busy stalls with high turnover and food cooked fresh in front of you. Be a little careful with uncooked salsas and tap water.
Carnival Cruise Line has opened new cruises for booking that will visit Alaska, Hawaii, and Mexico in 2028. The sailings will depart from Seattle, San Francisco, and Long Beach on three cruise ships. These new cruises will take…
#United States#Mexico#Carnival#Cruises
While the Atlantic has stayed fairly quiet this hurricane season, the Pacific has been a different story. Cruise ships sailing the Mexican Riviera and Baja California have spent the past week juggling plans as two storms moved…
#Mexico#Hurricanes#Cruises
Approximate daily cost per person (stay, food, local transport).
Moisture from Polo and ex-hurricane Odalys is helping spawn heavy rain and potential flooding from northwest Mexico into the southwest and central U.S.
#Mexico#United States#Southwest#Hurricanes
#Mexico#Cancún#Destinations
Comfortable long-distance buses link most cities, and cheap domestic flights cover long distances. The Maya Train runs around the Yucatán Peninsula.
👉 Vá para: Melhores Lugares para Ficar em Cancún | Bairros e Áreas | Dicas | Perguntas Frequentes Já visitei Cancún quase uma dúzia de vezes, e posso garantir que a escolha do hotel realmente faz toda a diferença na sua viagem.…
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From 27/09/2026 to 04/10/2026, a Hurricane/Typhoon > 74 mph (maximum wind speed of 194 km/h) RACHEL-26 was active in EastPacific. The cyclone affects these countries: Mexico (vulnerability Medium). Estimated population affected…
#Mexico#Hurricanes#Typhoons#Weather & Alerts
- Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe – One of the most visited Catholic shrines in the world
- Teotihuacan – Ancient city of the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon
- San Juan Chamula Church – Church where Maya and Catholic rituals blend
On 05/10/2026, a flood started in Mexico, lasting until 07/10/2026 (last update). The flood caused 0 deaths and 51 displaced .
#Mexico#Weather & Alerts
An extraordinary display of tropical power is unfolding off Mexico’s Pacific coast, where Hurricane Polo explosively intensified into a monster Category 5 storm with sustained …
#Mexico#Hurricanes#Weather & Alerts
- Greet with a handshake and buenos días
- Dress modestly in churches
- Use usted with older people as a polite form
A feast for all the senses.
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Explore two Conrad resorts in Mexico for solo travel, with cultural experiences, wellness treatments, outdoor activities, local cuisine, and oceanfront stays.
#Mexico#Solo travel#Destinations
Explore two Waldorf Astoria resorts in Costa Rica and Los Cabos, with luxury accommodations, local cuisine, wellness experiences, and Pacific views.
#Costa Rica#Mexico#Destinations
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