Yucatan Essential
Duration : 10 days
Route : Cancun (1 night) → Mérida (2 nights) → Chichen Itza & Valladolid (1 night) → Tulum (3 nights) → Bacalar (2 nights) → back to Cancun (1 night)
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
Cultural Mexico and beaches
Duration : 16 days
Route : Mexico City (3 nights) → flight Oaxaca (3 nights) → flight Mérida (2 nights) → Chichen Itza & Valladolid (1 night) → Tulum (4 nights) → Bacalar (2 nights) → return
Authentic Mexico: Chiapas & Oaxaca
Duration : 18 days
Route : Mexico (2 nights) → flight Chiapas: San Cristóbal de las Casas (3 nights) → Palenque (2 nights) → flight Oaxaca (3 nights) → Pacific coast: Puerto Escondido/Mazunte (4 nights) → flight Yucatan: Mérida (2 nights) → Tulum (2 nights)
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?
November to April (dry season) offer the best conditions everywhere. Avoid June-October (tropical rains and hurricane risk on coasts). For Día de los Muertos, travel late October-early November. For whales in Baja California: January-March.
How long for a Mexico trip?
10 days are enough for Yucatan alone. 14-16 days allow combining Mexico City + Oaxaca + Yucatan. 18-21 days to add Chiapas, the Pacific coast, or colonial cities.
What budget for a custom Mexico trip?
As a guideline, €2,200-€2,800 per person for 10-12 days at mid-range comfort, excluding flights. For an upscale trip with exceptional haciendas and bespoke experiences: €4,500-€7,000. Paris-Mexico/Cancun flights: €700-€1,400.
Do I need a visa to travel to Mexico?
No visa for French citizens for stays under 180 days. An FMM immigration card is issued free on arrival. Passport must be valid 6 months beyond return date.
Is Mexico safe for a custom trip?
Tourist regions (Yucatan, central Mexico City, Oaxaca, Chiapas, Riviera Maya, San Miguel) are safe with usual precautions: no ostentatious jewelry, Uber rather than street taxis, avoid driving at night. Northern regions (US border) should be avoided except specific cities.
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.