Custom travel to Mexico

Mexico is a country-continent where Mayan and Aztec pyramids meet Caribbean turquoise beaches, where Oaxaca's colorful markets dialogue with Mexico City's bohemian avenues, and where every region reveals a strong character. From archaeological Yucatan to wild Baja California, through the colonial cities of the altiplano (San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato) and the Riviera Maya, the country offers a diversity of landscapes, flavors, and traditions that makes it one of the world's most fascinating destinations.

Highlights

• Yucatan: Chichen Itza, Tulum, turquoise cenotes
• Mexico City: avenues, museums, gastronomy
• Oaxaca: markets, mezcal, Día de los Muertos
• Riviera Maya: Caribbean beaches and coral reef
• Colonial cities: San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato

Sample itineraries

When to go

Mexico is ideally visited November to April (dry season): pleasant temperatures (25-30 °C), little rain, sunny skies. The rainy season (June-October) brings tropical afternoon showers but remains usable in Yucatan; August-October coincides with the hurricane season on coasts (rare but possible). Mexico City and the altiplano (1,800-2,800 m altitude) stay mild year-round (15-25 °C). For Día de los Muertos, travel late October-early November. To watch whales in Baja California: January-March.

• Dry season (high) (November – April), Yucatan, Mexico City, Oaxaca, Caribbean beaches
• Día de los Muertos (Late October – early November), Oaxaca, Pátzcuaro, Mexico City, booking essential
• Rainy season (June – September), Cool Mexico City, green Yucatan, low prices
• Hurricane season (August – October), Mexico City, Oaxaca, Chiapas remain usable

Practical information

Mexico is generally safe in tourist regions (Yucatan, central Mexico City, Oaxaca, Chiapas, Riviera Maya, San Miguel, Guanajuato) with usual precautions: no ostentatious jewelry, official taxis only (Uber is safer), avoid driving at night. Northern regions (US border) should be avoided except specific cities. A few cultural codes: 10-15% restaurant tip expected, light bargaining at markets, tap water NOT drinkable (always bottled). Mexico City altitude (2,250 m) can cause fatigue the first days. A few Spanish words (gracias, por favor, hola) are always appreciated.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time for a Mexico trip?

Mexico can be visited year-round depending on the region you choose. November to April (dry season) offer the best conditions almost everywhere: clear skies, temperatures of 25-30 °C, low humidity. May is already hot (up to 35 °C) but stays dry. June to October brings the rainy season, tropical late-afternoon showers especially in Yucatan, Chiapas, and the coasts; August-October also coincides with the hurricane season on both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts (rare but monitored). Mexico City and the altiplano, at altitude, stay mild and pleasant year-round. For Día de los Muertos, the most requested period, book by June-July for a late-October departure. For gray whale watching in Baja California, aim for January-March, and for Holy Week in San Cristóbal or Pátzcuaro, expect heavy local crowds.

How long for a Mexico trip?

It depends on your pace and wishes. 10 days are enough for Yucatan alone (Mayan sites, cenotes, beaches), an ideal format for a first contact with the country. 14-16 days allow combining Mexico City, Oaxaca, and Yucatan, the itinerary most often chosen by my travelers since it shows the country's cultural and scenic diversity without feeling rushed. 18-21 days let you add indigenous Chiapas, the wild Pacific coast, or the altiplano's colonial cities, for a deeper immersion. Under 10 days, focus on a single region (Yucatan, or Mexico City + Oaxaca) rather than multiplying domestic flights.

What budget for a custom Mexico trip?

The budget varies by season, comfort level, and chosen experiences. As a guideline, expect €2,200-€2,800 per person for 10-12 days at mid-range comfort (3-4★ boutique hotels, haciendas, a few guided experiences), excluding international flights. For a deeper trip with exceptional restored haciendas and a private French-speaking guide on key stops: €3,800-€5,000. For an upscale trip with exceptional addresses, a private driver throughout, and bespoke experiences (private Chichen Itza, starred dinner): €6,500 and up. Paris-Mexico City/Cancun flights range €700-€1,400 depending on season, pricier in December-February and during Día de los Muertos.

Do I need a visa to travel to Mexico?

No visa is required for French, Belgian, Swiss, and most EU citizens for a tourist stay under 180 days. A free FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple) immigration card is issued on arrival, at the airport or online beforehand, keep it safe until departure since it's requested again on exit. Your passport must remain valid 6 months beyond your planned return date. No vaccine is mandatory, though yellow fever may be recommended depending on any South America legs if your trip continues onward.

Is Mexico safe for a custom trip?

The tourist regions I propose (Yucatan, central Mexico City, Oaxaca, Chiapas, Riviera Maya, San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato) are safe with the usual precautions for a large country: no ostentatious jewelry or valuables, Uber rather than street-hailed taxis, avoid driving at night outside cities. Northern border regions (Tamaulipas, Sinaloa, parts of Chihuahua) should be avoided and never feature in my itineraries except specific, well-identified cities. I continuously monitor foreign-office travel advisories and adjust every itinerary accordingly; whenever a stop raises any doubt, I systematically offer an equally compelling alternative.

How do I get around in Mexico?

Mexico is huge, count on domestic flights for long distances (Aeromexico, Volaris, Viva Aerobus). Car practical in Yucatan, not recommended in Mexico City (Uber). ADO long-distance buses comfortable. Private driver recommended for Riviera Maya and Oaxaca.

Should I rent a car in Mexico?

Recommended to explore Yucatan freely (flat peninsula, decent highways). Not recommended in Mexico City (use Uber). For Oaxaca, Chiapas, San Miguel: prefer private driver. Avoid driving at night outside cities.

What accommodation in Mexico?

Mexico offers a wide variety: restored haciendas in Yucatan (Hacienda Uayamón, Coqui Coqui), colonial boutique hotels in Mexico City/Oaxaca/San Miguel, beachside palapas in Tulum, eco-lodges in Chiapas, upscale resorts on Riviera Maya (Banyan Tree Mayakoba, Belmond Maroma).

How to pay in Mexico: card or cash?

Cards are accepted in hotels, restaurants, and large shops. Cash (pesos) remains essential for markets, drivers, taxis, and small shops. 10-15% restaurant tip expected. ATMs abundant in cities.

Is Mexico suitable for a family trip?

Absolutely. Safety in tourist areas, warm welcome for children (Mexicans adore niños), kid-friendly experiences (cenotes, Mayan sites, beaches), hotels with family rooms and kids' clubs. Favor Yucatan for a first family trip.

Do I need to speak Spanish to travel in Mexico?

No, it isn't essential. In tourist areas (Yucatan, Riviera Maya, Mexico City, San Miguel de Allende), English is widely understood in hotels, restaurants, and tour operators. Outside major cities (Chiapas, Oaxaca villages, rural altiplano), Spanish becomes more useful, and a few words (gracias, por favor, buenos días) are always appreciated and ease interactions with locals. My French- or English-speaking local guides take over on stops where language could be a barrier.

Can you drink tap water in Mexico?

No, tap water isn't drinkable anywhere in the country, including at upscale hotels. Bottled water is sold everywhere at low cost, and most hotels provide bottles or filtered water stations in-room. Ice and raw fruit at established tourist restaurants pose no particular concern; just stay a little cautious at the most improvised street stalls for the first few days, while your system adjusts.