Mexico

A Country That’s So Much More Than You Think

When most people hear “Mexico,” they picture turquoise water in Cancún, tacos on the beach, and maybe a spring break memory they’d rather forget. But that’s just the surface.

If you think you know Mexico, think again.

This country is vast, deeply layered, and endlessly diverse. It’s where ancient civilizations left pyramids taller than any European cathedral, where family recipes are practically sacred, where every region feels like a country of its own—and where travelers are not just welcomed, they’re embraced.

Whether you’re craving adventure, culture, luxury, or just a slower pace under a palm tree, Mexico can give you all of it—and more.

Mexico at a Glance

  • Continent: North America

  • Capital: Mexico City (CDMX)

  • Language: Spanish (plus over 60 Indigenous languages)

  • Currency: Mexican Peso (MXN)

  • Best Time to Visit: November–April (dry season), but varies by region

  • Ideal For: Culture lovers, foodies, history buffs, beachgoers, adventurers, and families

Person with colorful sugar skull makeup and flower headdress, celebrating Día de los Muertos, on a dark background.

Why Mexico?

Mexico is a destination that defies expectations. It’s one of the most biodiverse countries in the world and home to dozens of Indigenous cultures, languages, and traditions. You’ll find colonial cities, highland villages, surf towns, mountain escapes, jungle ruins, cenotes, volcanoes, and award-winning cuisine… all within a couple-hour flight from the U.S.

It’s also one of the most travelable countries in the Americas—with excellent infrastructure, a huge range of accommodations, and locals who go out of their way to show off their country’s beauty.

Top Destinations in Mexico

Mexico City (CDMX):
The capital is cosmopolitan and creative with an edge of ancient mystery. From world-class museums and high-end dining to Aztec canals and bustling street markets, CDMX is easily one of the most dynamic cities in the world.

Riviera Maya & Tulum:
Yes, it’s beautiful. Yes, the beaches are dreamy. But there’s more here—cenotes (underground rivers), Mayan ruins, jungle eco-resorts, and a food scene that blends beach shack tacos with chic, wellness-forward restaurants.

San Miguel de Allende:
This UNESCO World Heritage city looks like a painting—cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, bougainvillea, and one of the most photogenic cathedrals in the world. It’s perfect for art lovers, romantics, and travelers who prefer charm over crowds.

Oaxaca:
A cultural capital famous for mole, mezcal, and Indigenous traditions. It’s an incredibly special region with ancient Zapotec ruins, handwoven textiles, vibrant festivals, and some of the best cuisine in the country.

Baja California (Cabo, Todos Santos, La Paz):
The Baja Peninsula offers a different flavor—desert-meets-sea landscapes, whale watching, surfing, and luxury resorts. Cabo’s nightlife contrasts beautifully with the bohemian art town of Todos Santos just up the road.

Chiapas & Palenque:
For off-the-beaten-path explorers, Chiapas is wild and soulful. Think jungle-covered temples, misty mountains, and Indigenous villages. The ruins of Palenque are one of Mexico’s most atmospheric ancient sites.

Food, Culture & Celebration

If you’ve never had tacos al pastor off a Mexico City street corner at midnight, you haven’t lived.

Mexican food is UNESCO-recognized for good reason. It’s deeply regional, family-based, and layered with centuries of influence. And it’s not just the food that’s vibrant—the culture, the music, the art, the people—all pulse with a rhythm you can’t help but move with.

Can’t-Miss Dishes

  • Tacos al Pastor: Marinated pork cooked on a spit, served with pineapple, onions, and cilantro

  • Mole Negro: Oaxacan classic with over 20 ingredients, including chocolate

  • Tamales: Corn dough stuffed with meats or veggies, wrapped in husks and steamed

  • Ceviche: Coastal Mexico does this best—fresh fish cured in lime with chilies and herbs

  • Churros & Chocolate: Yes, you deserve dessert

What to Drink

  • Mezcal: Smokier cousin to tequila, usually sipped, not shot

  • Michelada: A spicy, savory beer cocktail (trust me, it grows on you)

  • Agua Fresca: Light, refreshing drinks made with fruit, flowers, or grains

Is Mexico Safe?

Safety in Mexico is complex—but not unlike the U.S., it depends on where you go and how you travel. Tourist-friendly regions like the Yucatán, Mexico City, Oaxaca, and Baja are very safe when using common sense. I always work with trusted partners on the ground, so my clients have peace of mind and reliable local insight.

As a travel advisor, I also help you choose the right destinations for your comfort level, style, and travel goals.

Where to Stay: My Favorite Picks

Luxury:

  • One&Only Mandarina (Riviera Nayarit): A jungle retreat with private treehouse villas

  • Rosewood San Miguel de Allende: Elegant colonial charm with rooftop views

  • Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal: Oceanfront splendor and a world-class spa

Boutique & Unique:

  • Casa Oaxaca: Intimate stay with authentic design and warm service

  • Hotel Escondido (Oaxaca Coast): Remote beach escape with boho vibes

  • Ignacia Guest House (Mexico City): Midcentury style meets traditional Mexican design

Budget-Friendly:

  • Selina (Multiple Locations): Digital nomad-friendly hostels with community vibes

  • Hotel Catedral (Mexico City): Central, clean, and just steps from the Zócalo

  • Casa Pancha (CDMX): Stylish hostel that feels like a boutique hotel

Travel Tips from Your Travel Advisor

  • Transportation: Domestic flights are quick and affordable. Long-distance buses are also comfortable and safe.

  • Money: Pesos are king. Credit cards work in cities, but cash is handy for markets and small towns.

  • Weather: Pack for your region—Mexico has everything from tropical coasts to cool highlands.

  • Language: A little Spanish goes a long way. Locals appreciate the effort, and I can connect you with bilingual guides.

  • Cultural Courtesy: Respect local customs, especially in Indigenous communities—dress modestly and always ask before taking photos.

Why Mexico?

Mexico doesn’t fit into a single box. It’s ancient and modern, fast-paced and slow-living, luxurious and down-to-earth. It’s a country that invites you to show up curious—and leaves you changed in the best possible way.

If you’ve only done the all-inclusive, I’d love to show you a different side. And if this is your first trip to Mexico? You’re in for something unforgettable.

When you’re ready to go beyond the tourist trail and experience the real soul of Mexico, I’ve got the connections, tips, and personalized plans to make it seamless.