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Mayan ruins and Mesoamerican culture, tacos and tequila, perfect beaches and the pure joy of mariachi bands trumpeting along papel picado-strewn streets – few countries lay on the charm like Mexico.
One of the world's most popular beach destinations, Mexico has an extraordinary coastline. For a sublime holiday of sun, surf and gourmet adventures, its rugged Pacific Coast hits the spot. On the Mayan-rich Caribbean shoreline, endless palm-fringed sands dip into gentle waves that are great for snorkelling and diving – look out for whale sharks off the coast of Isla Mujeres.
Dotted along its 9,400km (around 6,000 miles) of coastline, Mexico has everything from sophisticated all-inclusive family resorts on the beaches of Cancun to romantic honeymoon hotels on the Riviera Maya. Step away from Mexico’s big resorts to discover tiny villages, where taco stalls line the streets and colourful houses light up cobbled old towns.
Whatever kind of holiday you’re looking for, adventure is never too far away in this Central American nation: hike through Oaxaca's mountain cloud forests, marvel at Mayan temples of Palenque, Tulum and Chichén Itzá, and swim in the cenotes (caves) of Riviera Maya.
Mexican food is famous the world over – but nothing tastes as good as the real thing. Try cochinita pibil (slow-cooked pork) in Yucatán, devour mole in Pueblos, order authentic tacos from a beachfront taquería, and discover the creative dining of Mexico City.
For a proper party, Cancun is the place to be, a resort famous for nightclubs and US spring break antics. Nearby Playa del Carmen and Tulum on the Yucatán Peninsula are popular for package beach holidays, plus they’re close enough to visit the Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá. If surfing is more your thing, consider a holiday on the Baja Peninsula, close to the US border.
Allegro Cozumel
4.5
Excellent
Prices from
Iberostar Waves Tucán
4.8
Excellent
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Magic Blue Spa Boutique Hotel
4.3
Excellent
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For the perfect all-inclusive beach escape, check out the Riviera Maya. Home to beach city Cancun, there are tons of hotels here that back straight onto the sand. For something a little more authentically Mexican, look at Pochutla in Oaxaca. The beaches here are a little more low-key, with less high rises and more greenery.
Allegro Cozumel
4.5
Excellent
Prices from
Iberostar Waves Tucán
4.8
Excellent
Prices from
Magic Blue Spa Boutique Hotel
4.3
Excellent
Prices from
At the southernmost tip of Baja California, the resorts of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo are both great destinations for families. The beaches are relatively unspoilt – Medano Beach is one of the best – and whale watching is a highlight from December to March. There are plenty of all-inclusive resorts here, including Villa La Valencia Beach Resort and Spa, which has a long lazy river, kids club and a poolside taco bar.
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12 hrs 15 mins
(from London)
Mexican peso ($)
Spanish
The FCDO explains that crime is endemic in Mexico and advises against travel to some areas. That said, most beach resorts and tourist centres are generally safe. For the most up-to-date travel advice for Mexico, check the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.
No, you do not need a visa to enter Mexico as a holidaymaker if you hold a full British passport.
Hepatitis A, tetanus and typhoid vaccinations are recommended. Consult with your GP about whether you need a rabies vaccine. For the most up-to-date advice, consult the NHS website before you travel.
Not really. As with most destinations, good manners are appreciated. Be polite, be respectful in religious buildings, and treat people as you'd expect to be treated yourself. Tipping is common in Mexico, with 10 to 15% the norm for good service.
Domestic flights will connect you to all four corners of Mexico, with ferries offering access to its islands. There's also an extensive bus network.