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Mexico & Central America

Mexico

Welcoming and affordable, with great food, culture and beaches, and a large nomad scene in Mexico City, Oaxaca and the Caribbean coast. Safety varies sharply by state, so plan routes.

Capital: Mexico CitySpanishUpdated October 2026
Mexico

Where to go in Mexico

38 places with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.

PlaceSafetyMonth, comfortableBest monthsValue
Mexico CityCapital city3/5$1,920–3,020Mar–Apr, Oct–Nov24/100
CancúnCity3/5$1,920–3,020Nov–Apr23/100
TulumTown3/5$2,310–3,840Nov–Mar11/100
Playa del CarmenCity3/5$2,090–3,290Nov–Apr20/100
Puerto VallartaCity3/5$1,920–3,020Nov–Apr20/100
Cabo San LucasCity3/5$2,470–4,120Nov–Apr12/100
OaxacaCity3/5$1,430–2,310Oct–Mar41/100
GuadalajaraCity3/5$1,480–2,310Oct–Apr37/100
MéridaCity4/5$1,480–2,310Nov–Mar52/100
San Miguel de AllendeTown4/5$1,760–2,850Mar–Apr, Oct–Dec43/100
Puerto EscondidoTown3/5$1,430–2,310Nov–Apr36/100
CozumelIsland4/5$1,650–2,640Nov–Apr44/100
Isla MujeresIsland4/5$1,650–2,640Nov–Apr43/100
SayulitaTown3/5$1,870–3,020Nov–Apr26/100
HolboxIsland4/5$1,760–2,750Nov–Mar40/100
BacalarTown4/5$1,370–2,200Nov–Apr58/100
San Cristóbal de las CasasMountain town3/5$988–1,540Nov–Apr70/100
MazatlánCity3/5$1,320–2,090Nov–Apr52/100
GuanajuatoCity4/5$988–1,540Feb–Apr, Oct–Nov83/100
MonterreyCity4/5$1,540–2,470Mar–Apr, Oct–Nov43/100
ValladolidTown4/5$1,100–1,650Nov–Mar72/100
La PazCity4/5$1,430–2,200Feb–Apr, Nov–Dec55/100
PueblaCity4/5$1,100–1,760Nov–Apr71/100
AcapulcoCity2/5$1,100–1,760Dec–Apr42/100
QuerétaroCity4/5$1,320–2,090Nov–Mar64/100
TijuanaCity3/5$1,430–2,200Apr–May, Sep–Nov51/100
Puerto MorelosTown4/5$1,650–2,640Dec–Apr42/100
MazunteTown4/5$988–1,540Nov–Apr80/100
Todos SantosTown4/5$1,650–2,640Mar–May, Nov–Dec43/100
AjijicTown4/5$1,320–2,090Nov–Mar66/100
HuatulcoBeach town4/5$1,100–1,760Nov–Apr69/100
ZihuatanejoTown3/5$1,100–1,760Nov–Apr61/100
PalenqueTown3/5$769–1,210Nov–Mar82/100
CuernavacaCity3/5$1,210–1,920Nov–Mar56/100
MoreliaCity3/5$1,100–1,760Nov–Mar64/100
EnsenadaCity3/5$1,540–2,470Apr, Sep–Nov41/100
Puerto PeñascoTown3/5$1,540–2,470Mar–May, Oct–Nov39/100
CampecheCity4/5$988–1,540Nov–Mar80/100

When to visit Mexico

November–April is dry and pleasant in most regions. May is hottest; June–October brings rain and hurricane risk on both coasts. Mexico City and the highlands are mild year-round.

Good to know

Entry

  • Air arrivals get a digital FMM (QR code) at immigration; the visitor fee is already included in your airfare.
  • Officers set your stay and may grant fewer than 180 days; carry a return ticket, accommodation details and proof of funds.
  • Land arrivals going beyond the border zone need an FMM; the visitor fee applies for stays over seven days.
  • Tourists can't take Mexican paid work; remote work for a foreign employer on a visitor stay is a legal grey area.

Visa rules by passport

Laws visitors break by accident

  • Carrying any firearm or even a single bullet can mean prison.
  • Vapes and e-cigarettes are banned and can be confiscated.
  • Drinking in the street is illegal in most cities and brings fines or arrest.

Etiquette

  • Greet with "buenos días" or "buenas tardes" before asking anything.
  • Ask for the bill ("la cuenta"); it won't come automatically.
  • Put toilet paper in the bin where signs ask.
  • Social plans run late; business meetings expect punctuality.

Tipping

10–15% at restaurants (check whether service is already added), MXN 10–20 for gas attendants and grocery baggers; app rides optional.

Neighbouring countries

Sources

Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.