mexico travel blog 2022

15 Best Mexico Blogs You Need to Know About in 2024

Looking for Mexico travel blogs?

You’re in the right place, and you’ve found one of the best Mexico blogs right here! I’m admittedly biased, but I do know this blog covers a lot of ground to provide Mexico travel tips, Mexico travel guides, blogs about the best Mexico travel destinations, and much more.

There are a lot of Mexico blogs and articles on this site, and the best way to search for what you’re looking for is to type a word or a few words in the search bar below. You can also find entire cities with a lot of info — Mexico City blogs , Cancun blogs , Tulum blogs , Cabo blogs and Oaxaca blogs .

While I love my own Mexico blog with all my heart, I also know some other amazing Mexico bloggers that you need to know about. They all bring a unique perspective to the table, because Mexico means different things to different Mexico travel bloggers.

Below, you’ll find the Top 15 best Mexico blogs (in no particular order), along with some info about the Mexico travel bloggers behind them, including where they live. If you’re looking for information on a specific Mexico state or city, the best info comes from someone who lives or has lived there.

Best Mexico Blogs & Mexico Bloggers

The curious mexican: mexico city blogs.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Anais Martinez (@thecuriousmexican)

What is this Mexico travel blog about? The Curious Mexican is a great source for Mexico City blogs, Mexico food blogs, Mexico culture blogs and more. Anais Martinez, who runs The Curious Mexican , is one of the best Mexican bloggers I’ve come across in the last year.

Her blog is one of the top resources for Mexico City food blogs. As one of the world’s best foodie destinations, it’s hard to eat a bad meal in Mexico City — but for the truly great places to eat in Mexico City, Anais will show you all the best street food and hidden gems in Mexico City.

🌮 Related Article: 50 Best Places to Eat in Mexico City

Backpacking Brunette: Mexico Expat Blogs

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Alex | backpackingbrunette.com (@alexnotemily)

What is this Mexico travel blog about? Backpacking Brunette is a great source of information for Queretaro blogs, moving to Mexico blogs and Mexico expat blogs — it’s actually one of the best expat blogs Mexico has.

Alex, AKA the Backpacking Brunette , has a lot of great information about Queretaro state , where she has lived for years, but also about moving to Mexico. Check out her YouTube channel for everything you need to know if you’re planning to move to Mexico.

Plazas y Playas: Guadalajara Blogs

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Paul Hudson (@playasyplazas)

What is this Mexico travel blog about? Plazas y Playas , run by Paul Hudson, is a great source for Guadalajara blogs and Mexico surf blogs.

He lives in Guadalajara and has a lot of info about Guadalajara , the second largest city in Mexico, but he also blogs about the best Mexico surf spots in. An avid surfer, Paul has a lot of content about the most popular and best beaches in Jalisco state , of which Guadalajara is the capital city.

Passports & Grub

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tomiko Harvey | Travel Blogger (@tomiko.harvey)

What is this Mexico travel blog about? Passports & Grub , run by Tomiko Harvey, is a great source for Mexico luxury travel blogs, Cancun travel blogs and Cabo travel blogs.

As the name states, her blog combines travel and food. Much of Tomiko’s content focuses on luxury hotels and luxury travel to Mexico resort cities like Cancun and Los Cabos , but she also blogs about family and couples travel, spring break travel and Black travel in Mexico.

🏝 Related Article: 17 Best All Inclusive Resorts in Cancun

Let’s Travel to Mexico

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Let’s travel to Mexico – Isa (@lets.travel.to.mexico)

What is this Mexico travel blog about? Let’s Travel to Mexico is a great source for general Mexico travel blogs, planning a trip to Mexico blogs and Mexico solo travel blogs.

Let’s Travel to Mexico is run by Isabella, a longtime Mexico expat who’s originally from Italy. She has been all over Mexico, but lives mostly in the Yucatan Peninsula. She travels mostly alone, so her blog is a great resource for solo travel in Mexico , especially for travelers over 40.

✈️ Related Article: 20 Best Solo Travel Destinations in Mexico

PS I’m On My Way: Cabo Blogs

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Trisha V. @ P.S. I’m On My Way (@psimonmyway)

What is this Mexico travel blog about? PS I’m On My Way is run by Trisha Velarmino, an Filipina expat living in Mexico. It is a great source to read Sayulita blogs, Cabo San Lucas blogs, Mexico solo travel blogs and BIPOC travel blogs.

Trisha has lived everywhere from Sayulita to Cabo San Lucas , and shares her experiences through the lens of a BIPOC travel blogger. Besides her blog, check out her YouTube channel for informative videos in locations all over Mexico.

🏝 Related Article: 21 Best Things to Do in Sayulita Mexico

Brooklyn Tropicali: Oaxaca Blogs

View this post on Instagram A post shared by s u s a n | Oaxaca (@brooklyntropicali)

What is this Mexico travel blog about? Brooklyn Tropicali is a great source for Oaxaca travel blogs, Mexico culture blogs.

Susan of Brooklyn Tropicali lives in and blogs about Oaxaca Mexico. As one of the top food and culture travel destinations in Mexico, her Oaxaca travel blogs cover more than just visiting Oaxaca — but how to have meaningful, immersive travel experiences in Oaxaca state .

🌵 Related Article: Ultimate Guide for Traveling to Oaxaca City

Claire’s Itchy Feet

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Claire’s Itchy Feet (@clairesitchyfeet)

What is this Mexico travel blog about? Claire Summers runs Claire’s Itchy Feet , a great source for Puerto del Carmen travel blogs, Puerto Vallarta blogs and Mexico travel blogs for families. She has lived in a few places in Mexico, like Playa del Carmen and Nuevo Vallarta, near Puerto Vallarta .

Claire started out blogging about solo travel and budget travel, but is now married with a baby, so expect a lot more content about family travel and digital nomad life in Mexico. If you’re curious about Mexico family travel, check out her new IG for Location Free Family.

Eternal Expat

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Laura Bronner (@eternalexpat)

What is this Mexico travel blog about? Eternal Expat , run by Laura Bronner, is a great source for Mexico City travel blogs, Baja California and Cabo San Lucas travel blogs.

Though she’s now living in Lithuania (she is an eternal expat , after all), she lived in Mexico for many years, mostly in Mexico City and Baja California. Besides her blog, check out Laura’s YouTube channel for hundreds of great Mexico YouTube videos, filmed all over the country.

🏝 Related Article: Is Cabo San Lucas Safe to Travel to?

Travel To Merida: Merida Mexico Blogs

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shelley | Travel To Merida (@traveltomerida)

What is this Mexico travel blog about? Besides this blog, I also run Travel To Merida , a great source for Merida travel blogs and Merida Mexico expat blogs. I’ve lived in Merida Mexico since 2019, and think mine is the best blog covering this city, though there are other blogs about Merida.

If you’re visiting Merida with kids, I recommend the Mexico Cassie blog, as Cassie has kids and I don’t. She lived in Merida for years, but has been all over Mexico. There’s also Life In Merida for those who want info about retiring in Merida or moving to Merida.

🇲🇽 Related Article: 50 Best Things to Do in Merida Mexico

Viva La Travelista: Playa del Carmen Blogs

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Allison │ Viva La Travelista (@vivalatravelista)

What is this Mexico travel blog about? Viva La Travelista is a great source for Playa del Carmen travel blogs and Yucatan travel blogs. Run by Allison, who has lived in Playa del Carmen since 2018, this is the most comprehensive Playa del Carmen blog I’ve ever come across.

🏝 Related Article: First Timer’s Guide to Playa del Carmen Mexico

Shev Strolls: Huatulco Blogs

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shevy (@shev_strolls)

What is this Mexico travel blog about? Shev Strolls, run by Shevaun (Shev for short) is a great source for Huatulco blogs. The beaches of Huatulco are among the best Oaxaca beaches . This Pacific Coast town is one the best hidden gems in Mexico, and the best resort towns in Mexico .

She is a diver, so if you’re looking for blogs about diving in Mexico, you’ll find those as well. Shev is nomadic, but lives in Huatulco for much of the year, and her Shev Strolls is the best Huatulco blog I’ve come across online.

🏝 Related Article: Huatulco Mexico: Ultimate Travel Guide for Visitors

Travel Mexico Solo: Tulum Blogs

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shelley | Mexico Solo Travel (@travelmexicosolo)

What is this Mexico travel blog about? Travel Mexico Solo covers all of Mexico, but has a lot of Tulum travel blogs . I was hoping to feature a blog other than this one, but have yet to come across a great, dedicated Tulum blog — but I have a lot of blogs about Tulum on this site.

🇲🇽 Related Article: Ultimate Guide to Tulum Mexico for First Timers

Northern Lauren: Mexico City Bloggers

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Northern Lauren | Mexico Blog (@northernlauren__)

What is this Mexico travel blog about? Northern Lauren is run by Lauren, a Britt who has been an expat in Mexico for some time now. Her site is a great source for Mexico City blogs, including off the beaten path places, Mexico culture blogs and Mexico lifestyle blogs.

🇲🇽 Related Article: 51 Best Things to Do in Mexico City , and if you’re looking for a Mexico City travel blog that covers LGBTQ+ travel (but mostly gay male travel), check out my friend Carl’s bog, Tracey Parker Travel .

Two Expats Mexico: Mexico Expat Blogs

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Two Expats Mexico (@2xpatsmx)

What is this Mexico travel blog about? Two Expats Mexico , run by Paul and Linda Kurtzweil, is full of Mexico expat blogs and retire in Mexico blogs. If you want to know what it’s really like to move to Mexico, this is one of the best expats in Mexico blogs and YouTube channels I’ve seen.

🇲🇽 Related Article: Living in Merida Mexico – The Pros & Cons of Expat Life

Best Mexican Beauty Bloggers

View this post on Instagram A post shared by 𝓨𝒖𝒚𝒂 (@yuyacst)

This article was all about the best Mexico travel bloggers, but many of the top Mexico bloggers are fashion bloggers. Here are a few of the best ones you can check out so you pick out the best Mexico outfits for travel ⤵

• Mariand Castrejón Castañeda AKA Yuya
• Priscila Arias AKA La Fatshionista
• Manelyk Gonzalez
• Josué Luquín
• Anna Sarelly

Mexico Travel: Frequently Asked Questions

Is mexico safe for travelers.

Yes — For the majority of travelers, Mexico is safe . That’s not to say bad things don’t happen in Mexico; they do. However, if you stick to the safest cities in Mexico , and stay aware of yourself and your surroundings, you should be safe in Mexico.

Is Mexico safe for solo travelers?

Yes — For the majority of travelers, Mexico is safe. I have traveled solo to half the states in Mexico, and felt safe doing so. I did make safety my top priority, and only visited safe places. For a deep dive into this topic, check out the 20 Safest Mexico Solo Travel Destinations .

You’ll want to follow general travel safety measures in Mexico, like not walking home alone at night and never taking a drink from a stranger. For an added safety measure, pack these  travel safety items , dress in a way so your Mexico outfits blend in with the locals, and buy a Mexico SIM card .

What are the best places to travel in Mexico?

There’s no shortage of colorful colonial cities like San Miguel de Allende, beautiful beaches like Riviera Maya, and  pueblos magicos  (magic towns) like Valladolid — so the “best” place will depend on you. For a deep dive, check out 35 Best Places to Visit in Mexico Right Now .

Wondering about the best Mexican cities for expats? Some of the most popular are Mérida, Mexico City (particularly the Roma Norte and Condesa neighborhoods), Puerto Vallarta, Huatulco, Ajijic (pronounced ah-he-heek) on Lake Chapala, Playa del Carmen and Ensenada.

Is Mexico worth visiting?

As someone who lives in Mexico, I’m clearly biased with this answer! Beyond my biases, Mexico is the sixth most biodiverse country in the world, so you can enjoy beaches, rainforests, waterfalls, deserts, mountains, rivers, tacos 😆 and more, all in the same country.

Beyond landscapes and nature, there’s amazing annual festivals like Day of the Dead on November 1-2. Mexico is known to have some of the friendliest people of any country, and with a great inter-country bus system and low-cost airline carriers, it’s easy to travel within Mexico.

What’s the best time to visit Mexico?

It depends — Mexico is a large country, so the best time to visit will depend on where you’re traveling. In general, you get the best weather on Mexico beaches from about November to April. The cities of Mexico, mostly located in Central Mexico, are nice all year long.

For a deep dive into Mexico travel month by month, check out the guides lined below ⤵

• Mexico in January
• Mexico in February
• Mexico in March
• Mexico in April
• Mexico in May
• Mexico in June
• Mexico in July
• Mexico in August
• Mexico in September
• Mexico in October
• Mexico in November
• Mexico in December

Final Thoughts: Best Mexico Blogs About Mexico

I hope you discovered some new bloggers after reading this blog. Always on the hunt for the best bloggers Mexico has, I’d love it if you slid into my DMs with suggestions for more Mexico blogs I can highlight to make this list even better.

Mexico Travel Planning Guide

Should i buy mexico travel insurance.

YES — With basic coverage averaging just $5-10 USD per day, enjoy peace of mind with a plan from Travel Insurance Master , one of the biggest names in travel insurance. ( Read more )

Can you drink the water in Mexico?

No — You’ll want to buy this Water-To-Go Bottle , which filters your drinking water so you don’t get sick from drinking water in Mexico.

Also, it helps keep you hydrated while traveling Mexico. ( Read more )

Is it safe to rent a car in Mexico?

Yes — Renting a car in Mexico is one of the best ways to see the country! I always rent with Discover Cars , which checks international companies and local Mexican companies, so you get the best rates. ( Read more )

Will my phone work in Mexico?

Maybe — It depends on your company, so check with your provider. If you don’t have free Mexico service, buy a Telcel SIM Card . As Mexico’s largest carrier, Telcel has the best coverage of any Mexico SIM Cards. ( Read more )

What’s the best way to book my Mexico accommodations?

For Mexico hotels, Booking.com is the best site , but for hostels, use Hostel World . If you’re considering a Mexico Airbnb, don’t forget to check VRBO , which is often cheaper than Airbnb.

What do I pack for Mexico?

Head to the Ultimate Mexico Packing List + FREE Checklist Download to get all the info you need on packing for Mexico.

What’s the best site to buy Mexico flights?

For finding cheap Mexico flights, I recommend using Skyscanner .

Do I need a visa for Mexico?

Likely Not — U.S., Canadian and European Passport holders don’t need a visa for Mexico; but check here to see if you need a Mexico travel visa. Most travelers will get a 180-Day FMM Tourist Visa passport stamp a upon arrival.

Mexico Travel Guide

Last Updated: May 2, 2024

While most people visit Mexico for its big tourist centers like Tulum , Cabo, Cancun , or Cozumel, there’s a lot more to the country than just its luxurious resorts.

Now, I’ll be honest: I was late to visiting Mexico.

But when I did, I fell in love with it. Mexico is an incredible destination with a rich history, amazing food, and friendly people.

It’s an awesome country to backpack around, drive through, or just vacation in. There’s a ton of stuff to do here, and the locals are some of the friendliest people on the planet.

From Mayan ruins to pristine beaches to Mexico City’s art and food and Oaxaca’s mezcal scene, Mexico has it all.

And the food? World-class. Gorge yourself on delicious tacos, tostadas, tamales, sopas, seafood, and mole (to name a few items from Mexico’s very long list of traditional dishes).

I could go on forever as to why I love this country. Whatever amount of time you’re planning to visit is not enough — you’ll always leave wanting more.

This Mexico travel guide will help you get out of the touristy towns, explore the country, and fall in love with what you discover!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Mexico

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in mexico.

1. Explore Oaxaca

Located in a valley surrounded by craggy mountains in southwestern Mexico, Oaxaca and its surrounds have been inhabited for thousands of years by indigenous Zapotec and Mixtec peoples. A city of colorful buildings, scenic rooftop restaurants and bars, street art, historic Spanish colonial churches, cobblestone streets, and many parks, it’s a center for heritage tourism. It’s also one of the gastronomic hotbeds of Mexico as well as the hub of mezcal production too. With fascinating museums, bustling markets, historic buildings, delicious food and much more, there really is something for everyone in Oaxaca . I loved my time there ! You must visit!

2. Tour Mexico City

Found in the Valley of Mexico at an altitude of around 2,225 meters (7,300 feet), Mexico City is a sprawling, chaotic, messy city in the best way possible. Originally built over a lake, it has some 150 world-class museums, sprawling markets, tons of historic buildings, city squares, and more. In the historic center, you can visit the impressive main square (the only one bigger in the world is Red Square in Moscow). To the south of the city there’s a network of beautiful canals, and Teotihuacan, the City of the Gods, is just a 45-minute drive away. The city also has an incredible foodie scene and is fast becoming one of the centers of gastronomy in the world.

3. Relax on the Pacific Coast

Vacation spots like Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, and Sayulita on Mexico’s Pacific Coast offer just as many epic beaches and resort properties as the Caribbean Coast. Go to Puerto Vallarta or Los Cabos to hang out on the pristine white sandy beaches, or head to Sayulita to check out the busy surf scene. Surf and enjoy watersports, visit historical monuments, and check out all the local art by day. By night, you can indulge in sunset cocktails, enjoy fresh shrimp tacos or seafood skewers, and salsa the evening away.

4. See the Mayan Ruins

Mexico is filled with ruins. You have Chichén Itzá, which dates back to 550 CE and is one of the largest (and most popular) Mayan sites in Mexico for its enormous Kukulkan Pyramid (which is considered one of the new Wonders of the World). Other ruins worth visiting are the Tulum Archaeological Zone, the Palenque Archaeological Zone, the Calakmul ruins (which are inside the huge Calakmul Biosphere Reserve), the ruins at Ek Balam, and so many more! Admission is 571 MXN for the Wonder of the World Chichén Itzá while the rest cost anywhere from 80-500 MXN.

5. Visit a volcano

Other things to see and do in mexico, 1. wander through mexico city’s chapultepec park.

Chapultepec is one of the largest city parks in the world, spanning over 1,700 acres. It encompasses the Mexico City Zoo, La Feria amusement park, and the Museum of Anthropology, which houses a vast collection of sculptures, jewels, and artifacts from ancient Mexican civilizations. The museum costs 85 MXN, as does the Chapultepec Castillo (Castle) which houses the National History Museum. You can also rent a rowboat or paddle boat and go out on Chapultepec Lake for 60 MXN. Entry to the park itself is free.

2. Visit the markets

Just about every town in Mexico has a busy, diverse market where you can enjoy traditional food, pick up some bargain items, and purchase souvenirs. Two of the best are the Mercado Ciudadela in Mexico City (for handmade textiles and artwork), and Oaxaca’s Mercado Benito Juárez (for local foods like fresh ground coffee beans, juices, and grasshopper tacos). If you’re in Merida, check out Mercado Santa Ana for their Yucatecan cuisine, like cochito horneado , a marinated pork dish that is slow-cooked in underground pits, or head to El Mercado Lucas de Galvez for their specialty seafood cocktails (the locals swear by it to cure your hangover).

3. Explore Zócalo (Plaza de la Constitución)

Zócalo is the main plaza in the heart of Mexico City. It dates back to the Aztecs, encompassing both the Templo Mayor (an ancient Aztec temple) and the Palacio Nacional (a colonial palace with offices of Mexico’s president). Situated just off the Zócalo is La Catedral Metropolitana, a magnificent cathedral with a gold altar. It’s a perfect example of Spanish colonial architecture.

4. Go diving

The seas surrounding Mexico have some of the world’s best diving spots thanks to their diverse marine life, large coral reefs (including the second largest reef system in the world, the Great Maya Barrier Reef), and excellent visibility. The Gulf of Mexico is home to five different species of sea turtles, blue whales, lemon sharks, and dolphins, and so much more! Aside from diving, the waters are popular for snorkeling, sports fishing, waterboarding, surfing, and more or less any other watersports. A two-tank dive starts at 2,800 MXN. Some of the best places to dive in Mexico are Discovery Bay, Cenote Dos Ojos, Revillagigedo Islands, and Isla Mujeres.

5. Relax in Cancún

Depending on what you’re looking to do, Cancún can offer you a crazy-fun party in the sun or some quiet and hidden local markets and restaurants. You have spas, resorts, and picturesque beaches as well as Mayan ruins, archaeological sites, and little nearby villages. There’s a ton to see and do here if you leave the resorts!

6. Get lost in Guadalajara

Guadalajara is the second-largest city in Mexico and is known for its tequila and mariachi. It’s chock full of museums, such as Cabañas (a UNESCO building with incredible murals), MUSA (paintings & sculptures by local artists), and the Páramo Galeria (contemporary art); nightlife venues, and a labyrinth of old colonial streets. Visit the Hospicio Cabañas, a hospital built in the 19th century, and then spend some time at the Guadalajara Cathedral. The cathedral’s Gothic interior features artworks from famous Mexican artists like Murillo (a Baroque painter).

7. See Teotihuacan

The Aztec empire left an enormous mark on Mexico. Don’t miss the awe-inspiring Aztec pyramids at Teotihuacan, located 48 kilometers (30 miles) outside of Mexico City. Teotihuacan was founded as early as 400 BCE, but its biggest structures weren’t completed until around 300 BCE. Its three giant pyramids are known as the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of Moon, and the Temple of the Feathered Serpent, and they dominate the landscape. If you’re going to visit just one Aztec site, this is it. It’s unsheltered here, so bring sunscreen and a hat. Admission is 85 MXN. Full-day guided tours from Mexico City cost 880 MXN.

8. Visit the bizarre Island of Dolls

Known as “La Isla de la Muñecas” in Spanish, this is perhaps one of the creepiest tourist attractions in the world. Decades ago, a hermit named Don Julian Santana moved here, learned a girl drowned in the nearby lake, and started collecting and hanging dolls all over the island to please the drowned girl’s spirit. It’s creepy. Like beyond creepy. You’ll have to hire a boat from Xochimilco to get there but it’s worth it!

9. Honor the Day of the Dead

Yearly on November 1st and 2nd, Mexico celebrates a major festival: Día de Los Muertos. The festival is a vibrant and lively affair with celebrations for those who are gone but not forgotten, including parades and elaborate and colorful costumes. Families also commemorate their dead relatives by setting up ofrendas , or altars, with pictures of the deceased, candles, yellow marigold petals, and food. This meant to encourage the deceased to cross back over into the land of the living and join in the celebrations. Oaxaca or Mexico City are the two best places to experience this celebration.

10. Visit the UNAM Botanical Garden

If you need to escape the hustle and bustle of Mexico City for a little while, the Botanical Garden at the National Autonomous University of Mexico is the perfect place. Keeping with the Aztec traditions of having gardens for both medicinal and ornamental purposes, there is also an added focus on conservation and environmental education here. Built on top of and around lava formations from the eruption of the volcano Xitle (which happened over 2,000 years ago), visitors can explore the naturally formed grottoes, ponds, and waterfalls. This garden has the most diverse cactus collection in the world (800 different kinds!), and ponds full of koi and turtles, an orchidarium, and a medicinal garden. Admission is free.

11. Relax on Isla Holbox

Holbox is an island located off Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula and is home to white sand beaches and crystalline waters. It is a relaxing, slow-paced island that’s easy to get stuck on. One day can easily turn into a week. It’s an island paradise where you can relax in a hammock on the beach, hike in the jungles, swim, dive, snorkel, and everything in between! While it used to be a hidden gem, it’s slowly becoming more and more popular (and developed). Be sure to see bioluminescent waters here. From Cancún, you can get to the ferry port at Chiquilá in around two hours by bus. The ferry takes 25 minutes and costs 220 MXN. If you just want to visit for the day, full-day tours from Cancún/Playa del Carmen cost 3,000 MXN.

12. Visit Mérida

Mérida is one of my favorite places in all of Mexico. It is a safe and wonderful city filled with history, cool mezcal bars, and some of the best food in the country. Some of my favorite places to eat and drink in town are La Chaya Maya Casona, Acervo Mezcalero, La Negrita Cantina, and Café Créme. Also, don’t miss the nearby Uxmal ruins, which are just one-hour away. There are also some cool museums here, like the Folk Art Museum of Yucatan, the Yucatan Music Museum, and the City Museum (which has all kinds of Mayan artifacts). For accommodation suggestions, check out this post on where to stay in Merida .

13. Enjoy San Cristóbal de las Casas’ architecture

San Cristóbal is a highland town known for its charming colonial architecture. There are narrow cobblestone streets, local craft markets, and the entire area is enveloped in pine forests. Don’t miss the town’s 16th-century cathedral, and if you want to get out and explore the nearby nature, take a boat tour of the Cañón de Sumidero. You’ll see tons of birds, monkeys, and crocodiles. For a view of the town and surrounding area, visit the Guadalupe Church to enjoy the view from the roof. Free Walking San Cristóbal offers daily tours if you want a guide to show you the highlights.

14. Sample the Cenotes of Yucatan

Cenotes are natural sinkholes that are full of groundwater. They were used by the Mayans as sources for freshwater, however, today they are popular swimming holes for locals and tourists alike (you can even scuba dive in some). There are tons of them all around the Yucatan Peninsula. Some are completely exposed, some are walled in by cliffs, and some are covered entirely by caves. Calavera, Cristalino, Casa Cenote, Yaxmuul, Choo-Ha, and Escondido Cenote are some of the most popular cenotes in the region. If you’d rather do a tour, you can join a cenote tour for around 1,350 MXN.

15. Visit Sayulita

Located on the Pacific coast, Sayulita is a hip beach town with a lively community of expats and surfers. The town has a laid-back vibe owing to the sizable surfing and yoga community. It’s a great place to surf and there are plenty of yoga retreats available here. You can also take a jungle trek, go zip lining, ride ATVs along the coast, and simply soak up the sun on the beach. It’s the perfect place to chill for a few days. Canopy tours start at 1,800 MXN.

16. Explore Campeche

Campeche is located just south of Merida on the Yucatan. It’s home to UNESCO World Heritage colonial architecture, including fortified walls and over 2,000 historic buildings. Visit the Museo De La Arquitectura Maya for Mayan history and antiquities, see the Mayan ruins at Edzná (which is just 45 minutes away and sees very few tourists), and wander the old city wall to take in the view.

  For information on specific cities in Mexico, check out these guides:

• Cancún Travel Guide
• Mexico City Travel Guide
• Oaxaca Travel Guide

Mexico Travel Costs

Accommodation – In Mexico, hostels start at 250 MXN per night for a dorm bed, but average closer to 300 MXN. Private hostel rooms cost anything from 600-1,900 MXN per night. Prices are usually a bit lower in the low-season or shoulder-season. Free Wi-Fi and free breakfast are both common, as are self-catering facilities.

For those traveling with a tent, a basic plot for two people without electricity costs around 200 MXN per night.

For budget hotels, expect to pay 700 MXN for a basic room in a two-star hotel. These two-star rooms typically include an en-suite bathroom and free Wi-Fi, but not always air conditioning.

Airbnb is also an option in Mexico, with private rooms starting around 300 MXN but averaging much more (usually between 600-1,200 MXN). Entire homes and apartments average around 1,000-1,800 MXN although you can find them for as little as 600 MXN if you book early.

Food – You’ll find a lot of rice, beans, fruits, and veggies like tomatoes, corn, avocado, and peppers in Mexican cuisine, which is a mix of Mayan, Aztec, and Spanish traditions. Typical Mexican dishes include tacos, mole (a sauce with lots of ingredients, often including chocolate), salsa, enchiladas, tamales (stuffed corn pockets), pozole (hominy stew topped with onion, avocado, and chili), and guacamole.

Street stalls and markets are the best way to go for authentic and inexpensive food. Tacos, quesadilla, sopas, tortas, and other street foods are generally 15-45 MXN. Sometimes, you’ll find tacos for as cheap as 10 MXN. In Mexico, street food is the best — and most affordable — option.

A meal at a local Mexican restaurant serving traditional cuisine costs around 150 MXN. Look for the ones filled with locals as that is generally a sign that the food is really good. Expect to pay around 300 MXN for a multi-course meal in a mid-range restaurant.

A beer is about 20 MXN in the street but double that at a restaurant, while a cocktail shouldn’t cost more than 80 MXN in most places. A combo meal at McDonald’s costs around 120 MXN and a cappuccino costs around 50 MXN.

Tap water is not safe to drink in Mexico. If you’re buying bottles of water, expect to pay 15 MXN (less if you buy in bulk but a more environmentally friendly (and cheaper) solution is to bring a portable water purifier ( LifeStraw makes a good one.

If you plan to cook your meals, expect to pay between 750 MXN per week for groceries including rice, vegetables, chicken, and beans.

Backpacking Mexico Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Mexico, expect to spend around 800 MXN per day. This budget gets you a hostel dorm, street food and self-cooked meals, public transportation, and a few attractions (such as museums and galleries) each day. If you plan on eating out more or drinking, you’ll need to add another 100 MXN per day.

On a mid-range budget of about 1,800 MXN per day, you can stay in a private hostel room or Airbnb, eat out at restaurants serving cheap traditional cuisine for every meal, visit more attractions, enjoy a few drinks, and take the occasional taxi to get around.

On a “luxury” budget of 3,600 MXN or more per day, you can stay at a hotel, eat out for all your meals, enjoy plenty of drinks, take taxis everywhere or rent a car, and do some guided trips and tours. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in MXN.

Mexico Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Mexico is incredibly budget-friendly. Unless you’re splurging on food or resorts, it’s really easy to visit on a budget. That said, it never hurts to save more money! Here are some ways to save in Mexico:

• Shop at the markets for food – Mexico’s markets are a great place to eat inexpensively and stock up on food for day trips. Most towns have a local market selling fresh fruits, veggies, and other goods for cheap.
• Eat street food – Street food is the best food in the country — and the cheapest. Stick to street stalls to save money and enjoy the country’s best eats.
• Take a free walking tour – Many cities have free walking tours that give you a solid introduction to the main sights. Both Mexico City and Oaxaca have excellent free tours — just be sure to tip your guide!
• Travel off-season – By traveling between late April and early December, you can pick up bargain accommodation, food and travel rates as this is low season.
• Venture inland – Mexico’s coasts are the most famous, most touristy parts of the country, but the interior has an amazing amount to offer. Prices are cheaper, and you’ll be more likely to meet some locals if you head away from the coast.
• Stay with a local – Use Couchsurfing to stay with locals and connect with people who can share their insider tips and advice. Just make sure to send your requests early.
• Embrace “comida corrida” – This hearty mid-day meal option is usually available between 2pm-4pm and is often quite affordable. It’s a set menu, but it’s much cheaper than most lunch or dinner options. If you plan on eating out on a budget, aim for places that offer comida corrida.
• Drink less – Alcohol is cheap in Mexico, but it’s definitely more expensive at bars and clubs. Try to buy your alcohol from a local store instead of drinking at the bar if you’re on a budget.
• Skip the taxis – Taxis are overpriced and not always safe. Skip them. If you do need a taxi, don’t just hail one on the street. Head into a nearby hotel/hostel and ask them to call one for you. Only get in taxis that use a meter.
• Being a water filter – Since the tap water here isn’t safe to drink and single-use plastic is bad for the environment, bring a water bottle with a built-in filter. LifeStraw makes reusable bottles with a built-in filter so you can ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Mexico

Hostels are plentiful in most of Mexico’s cities. Here are some of my favorite places to stay in Mexico:

• Suites DF Hostel (Mexico City)
• Mexico City Hostel (Mexico City)
• Hostel Ka’beh Cancún (Cancún)
• Mama’s Home (Tulum)
• Gran Hostal (Playa del Carmen)
• Casa Angel Youth Hostel (Oaxaca)

How to Get Around Mexico

Public transportation – Public buses (also known as camiones ) are the most common way to get around in cities and towns (and to nearby villages). These buses are also the cheapest, costing no more than a few pesos per journey. In some cities, smaller microbuses have replaced the older buses, but the cost is still the same.

Mexico City and Guadalajara have subway systems. One-way tickets for the subway and the bus system are around 5 MXN. In Mexico City, you’ll have to buy a rechargeable Metro Card at any of the Metro stations for 15 MXN, and you can use the card for the Metro, Metrobús, Light Rail, Ecobici, Trolleybus, RTP buses, and on Cablebús.

Bus – Most of Mexico is served by buses. On longer journeys, make sure to take an express bus (called a “directo”) if you can as they are much faster and stop less. A bus from Puerto Vallarta to Guadalajara (5.5 hours) costs around 585 MXN. A bus from Cancún to Mexico City (27 hours) costs around 1,800 MXN. A bus from Puebla to Mexico City (2 hours) costs around 200 MXN.

Some of the biggest and most reliable bus companies include:

• Primera Plus
• Estrella de Oro
• Omnibuses de Mexico
• ETN (Enlaces Terrestres Nacionales)

Most cities have a central bus terminal from where all long-distance buses depart. You can show up to buy your ticket, or research routes and ticket prices via each company’s website.

To find bus routes and prices, use BusBud .

Train – There are virtually no passenger train services remaining in Mexico. For long-distance travel, you’ll need to fly or take the bus.

Flying – For long journeys, consider flying. The route from Cancún to Mexico City by bus takes 27 hours and costs around 1,800 MXN but a flight starts around 470 MXN and only takes two hours. A one-way fare from Mexico City to Guadalajara is about 525 MXN. Even a four-hour flight from coast to coast from Cancún to Puerto Vallarta is just 1,200 MXN one-way.

Aeroméxico is the biggest airline in Mexico, but low-cost carriers are becoming more popular. These include:

• VivaAerobus

Car rentals – Car rentals are surprisingly affordable in Mexico. You can find week-long rentals for around 3,000 MXN. Renters must be 21 years of age and have had their license for at least two years. Some companies require renters to be over 25 and it’s best to carry an International Driving Permit (IDP). Avoid driving at night, when crimes against drivers are more likely to occur. Also, don’t leave any valuables in your vehicle overnight as break-ins can occur.

For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars .

When to Go to Mexico

Summer (June to October) is the rainy season in Mexico, but this is mostly just in the center of the country. You can expect it to rain each day heavily, but the downpour is usually short. It hardly ever rains in the northern part of the country, and humidity is thick in the south and along the coastal areas. Temperatures during this time hover somewhere between 26-32°C (79-90°F).

September to the middle of October is hurricane season and is not a good time to visit.

December to the end of April (winter) is the busiest tourist season as temperatures are hot, but the coastal areas provide plenty of relief for vacationers. This is the best time to visit if you’re looking to take advantage of Mexico’s tropical environment. It’s the dry season, so you’ll experience very little rain. You can expect big crowds as people flock to the resort areas around Cancún and Puerto Vallarta.

The average daily temperature during this time is 28°C (82°F). But if you’re in the mountains, pack lots of layers! It can get frigid, especially in the evenings.

How to Stay Safe in Mexico

The media (especially the American media) likes to paint Mexico as a dangerous place to visit but the reality is far more complex. While petty theft is very common in Mexico, most of the serious conflicts occur between the authorities and Mexican drug cartels. The people who tend to be involved in major incidents are usually doing drugs or taking part in sex tourism. Avoid those, and you’ll drastically increase your chances of staying safe.

Moreover, where you are greatly influences how safe you are. Yucatan and Oaxaca are incredibly safe states to visit while states near the US border are less so and more likely to experience violence and crime.

Officials looking for bribes are pretty common in Quintana Roo, as is drug-related violence due to tourists looking for drugs there. States near the southern border can also be sketchy and it’s wiser to keep an eye out on your stuff there though violent crime is pretty uncommon.

So don’t believe the media that “Mexico is unsafe.” Mexico is like any big country – some parts are safe, and some parts aren’t. Use some common sense when you travel: don’t flash your money, avoid wearing expensive watches or jewelry, don’t walk along drunk at night, make copies of your passport and official documents, and tell people where you are regularly.

Another important safety tip to keep in mind is about the water. While Mexico’s water purification and treatment systems have improved, it still is not safe to drink ordinary tap water when visiting. Luckily, bottled water is available everywhere. Bringing water filter like LifeStraw is advised as it has a built-in filter so your water is always clean and safe.

Keep an eye out for common scams against tourists , such as fake ATMs, taxis that don’t use a meter, and questionable tour operators.

The emergency services number in Mexico is 911. However, if that doesn’t work (since it isn’t in use in every region of Mexico), try 066.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past.

Mexico Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Mexico Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Mexico and continue planning your trip:

The 20 Best Things to Do in Mexico City

The 5 Best Hotels in Oaxaca

Where to Stay in Oaxaca: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

How to Spend 5 Days in Oaxaca

The 15 Best Things to Do in Oaxaca

Is Tulum Safe?

Get your  free travel starter kit.

Enter your email and get planning cheatsheets including a step by step checklist, packing list, tips cheat sheet, and more so you can plan like a pro!

• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

Home > Mexico > Mexico City Travel Blog

Mexico City Travel Blog: Local, Loco, (Not) Low-cal City Guide

Get Ready for an Extraordinary Mexico City Trip

This city guide is part of our local, loco, (not) low-cal Mexico City blog , which includes our dos and don'ts , favorite local food , cycling guide , and report on pulque .

Hopefully our Mexico City travel blog will convince you it's worth ditching the beach and visiting.

…At least for a few days.

It's one of our favorite cities to visit again and again, not just in Mexico, but in the world. And just about every friend who's been agrees. No exaggeration.

It is an intimidatingly huge and hectic city, but it doesn't have to feel that way.

By answering the 12 questions everyone asks before visiting, this Mexico City travel blog will help you simplify your understanding of it and relax your worries so you can have an extraordinary trip…

…maybe even a better one than you'd have sitting on the beach.

Mexico City Travel Blog Contents

Click any question to jump right to our answer:

• What's so great about Mexico City?
• What's wrong with Mexico City?
• How safe is it really? 
• What's where?
• Where's the best place to stay?
• Where to eat?
• Where to drink?
• What're the top attractions?
• How to get in and out?
• How to get around town?
• What to do in 2-days?
• What else is worth knowing?

What's So Great About Mexico City?

Before we get into the detail of this Mexico City travel blog, here's why you should really want to go to CDMX:

• The food.  The best way to experience Mexico City trip is by hopping from one eatery to the next until you can eat no more, sleeping, then doing it again. Our last week there, we ate or drank at 39 different spots. Beat that.
• The streets are alive. Everywhere you go you'll see interesting architecture, smell delicious street food, hear a cacophony of unusual sounds, and feel the buzz of the city. And with its endless boutiques, restaurants, bars, cafes, and markets, even the most ADHD person won't get bored of walking around Mexico City.
• It's easy.  Mexico City is easy to get to, easy to get around, easy to afford, and there's really no bad time to go.
• You're safe. Mexico City is no more or less safe than any big American city, and some European ones too.
• The endless adventures. You don't have to—in fact, you shouldn't—spend all your time at the touristy places. That'd be a waste. You'd be missing out on the all the opportunity the city provides for unique, unforgettable, and unconventional experiences.
• It's still underrated. Even though we regularly see articles promoting how Mexico City is now a "can't-miss" tourism destination, for whatever reason, the tourism masses aren't listening. It's way less touristy than equivalent cities in Europe or Asia.

What's Wrong with Mexico City?

Mexico City's Dark Side

Mexico City is amazing, but it's far from heaven. Here are some of the not-so-nice aspects of Mexico City.

• It's grey. Aside from Chapultapec, there are few big green parks, so the city can feel suffocating… Or maybe that's just all the pollution.
• Haze.  Since it's a huge city located in the middle of a valley, sometimes the haze produced by factories and vehicles can sit around the city for days.
• It's insanely busy. At times. Traffic and crowds of people everywhere you go can be quite intimidating. One word of advice: don't use the metro during rush hour.
• Altitude. Mexico City is 2,250m (7,200 feet) above sea level making the air thinner and a little more difficult to breathe.
• More and more scam artists. Just like in Barcelona, as more tourists have arrived so too have the sharks to prey on them. We were approached twice by would-be scammers during our last week there. Maybe you don't look as obviously gringo and gullible as Chris, but watch out anyway.

How Safe Is Mexico City?

One of the first things we asked our chilango roommate when we moved in was, "Where's it unsafe to go during the day?"

His answer: Nowhere.

That doesn't mean it's as safe as Switzerland, but it's a lot closer to that than the Mexico you see in movies like Sicario or Man on Fire .

And, as long as you dress Mexican (see Tips below), you won't stand out. In areas like Roma and Condesa especially, most locals will be better dressed and have nicer phones than you.

Just don't be an idiot, especially at night. But you'd be an even bigger idiot if you didn't go to Mexico City or limited your time there due to safety concerns.

What's Where in Mexico City?

If you understand where these parts of town are relative to each other, you'll know enough to never feel lost while exploring Mexico City:

Main Roads:

• Insurgentes is the main north-south road that cuts through essentially all the neighborhoods mentioned below. The Metrobus ( see below ) is a quick and easy way to go up and down it.
• Reforma goes diagonally, southwest to northeast, from Chapultapec park, through Zona Rosa, and El Centro. From 8 a.m to 2 p.m. on Sundays, it's closed to automobiles for what's called Ciclovía. Cyclists, rollerbladers, and pedestrians come in masses.

Neighborhoods:

Starting from the north and working our way south:

• Centro:  Mexico City's downtown. The southern half is full of people, monuments, government buildings, markets, and big squares (like the Zocalo). In the north of Centro is Guerrero, a working-class neighborhood that we recommend avoiding at night, but it's worth taking an Uber to Machetes Amparito (see Food ) and walking back down to El Centro.
• Santa Maria la Ribera: It's called "the next Roma" because it's gentrifying and becoming hip, but it's still a ways from getting there. You'll appreciate its more laid-back feel if you visit later in your stay in Mexico City. It's not marked the above map, but it's in the area north of Zona Rosa, west of the Centro, between Insurgentes and the Circuito Interior avenues.
• Polanco:  The wealthiest, most expensive, most developed, most modern part of the city. And the least culturally-interesting, unless you're interested in the Soumaya and Jumex museums.
• Zona Rosa: The "Pink Zone" has tons of restaurants and entertainment venues, but is more modern and less hip, historical, and interesting than Condesa / Roma to its south. Zona Rosa is also the center of Mexico City's gay community.
• Condesa & Roma : Centrally-located, bohemian, and full of bars, restaurants, cafes, and boutique shops. It's the best part of town to stay in.
• Coyoacan & San Angel:  About 10 km / 6 mi south of Condesa and Roma, these areas have a less-urban and more traditional pueblo vibe and architecture from the rest of the city. They are best-suited to be visited as day trips.
• Everywhere Else:  We challenge you to explore other areas and make your own discoveries.

Where's the Best Area to Stay in Mexico City?

The Best Area

As mentioned in the previous section on what's were , Condesa / Roma is the best area to base yourself out of. It's central, affordable, full of things to do, and there are accommodation options to suit every budget and desire.

If you're looking to stay at an Airbnb ( which shouldn't be a given ), I've zoomed into the specific part of town we recommend here .

The Best Airbnb Hosts

More specifically, if you're like us and don't mind (or even prefer) sharing an apartment with a local , our friend Ricardo's apartment on Airbnb is ideal. It's spacious, clean, comfortable, affordable, and in the perfect location for exploring all of Mexico City, right on Plaza Cibeles.

If you've never tried Airbnb before, Ricardo is perfect host for your first time. (Oh, and earn yourself and your favorite unconventional bloggers some free credit by  signing up through this link ).

If you're an Airbnb regular, he’s the type of host you scan through all the listings looking for.

Cross your fingers and  click here to see if his place is available .

Where to Eat in Mexico City?

Ay caramba.

We won't pretend to come close to knowing everything there is to know about eating in Mexico City because there's just way, way, way too much out there.

But, to give you an idea of what's out there and get you salivating, here are some of our favorite eating experiences:

• 2-Foot-Long Edible Swords:  Quesadillas from Los Machetes de Amparito is like a way better (and way longer) Mexican, version of Subway.
• The Local Hangover Cure: La Casa de Toño is a family-friendly Mexican chain restaurant that most of our friends from CDMX listed among the places they never miss when they go home. Go to the original location in Santa Maria la Ribera and get a veggie and meat mixed pozole.
• The Godfather of Tacos: Speaking of places not to be missed, we go to Condesa's Tacos Don Juan every time we return to Mexico City. There is always a line, it’s always smokey, you’ll always get sweaty waiting to order in the boiling hot shack, and it’s always worth it. Whatever meat you pick, get it with cheese because everything's better with cheese.
• Pastries That Are too Good for Just a Fancy Restaurant: Rosetta opened as a fancy restaurant, but when everyone started coming for their pastries, the owners saw where their bread was buttered and opened up a separate pastry shop instead, Panaderia Rosetta. It's super busy with tourists and locals alike, but that's because the pastries are legitimately good.

For more on these and ten more of our favorites, check out our post on how to eat like a local in Mexico City .

Related: Our Favorite Eats in Mexico City

In fancier establishments, you're expected to tip 10-15%, while in more low-key spots 10% is the norm.

You don't need to tip on street food or takeaway.

More Tasty Recommendations

Aside from our own post of our favorite places, we recommend you check out Eater's guide too. Eater's restaurant guides to other cities are hit and miss, but whoever made this list of 38 essential Mexico City restaurants is our kindred spirit.

Where to Drink in Mexico City?

Rooftop bars.

A well-earned drink can make you feel on top of the world and that feeling is accentuated when you're literally on top of a building:

• Terraza Catedral , has 35 peso ($1.90 US) draft beers and views of the Zocalo. It’s better than El Mayor's rooftop bar and restaurant three blocks down the way. On weekdays it “opens at 1 p.m.” (Not really;  see tip below .) On weekends it opens at 6 p.m. and there’s a cover fee.
• Pulqueria Insurgentes , as mentioned in the Pulque section above.
• Balmori Roofbar : A swanky, packed-every-night-of-the-week, bar and restaurant in Roma with a retractable roof.
• Miralto Restaurant & Bar : It's on the 41st floor of Mexico City's famous skyscraper, la Torre Latinoamericana (see Touristy Stuff below). The upside is you skip the lines and avoid paying for a ticket to the viewpoint. The downside is the drinks aren't great and are way overpriced.
• El Balcon del Zocalo : The name is self-explanatory. While you could just go for a drink, it’s ideal for a fancier welcome or goodbye dinner.

Pulque is "kombucha on steroids," a 3-to-8 percent drink made by fermenting maguey sap. It's an acquired taste, but even if you can't stomach the sourness or stringy-yogurt-like texture, it's worth visiting a couple of pulque bars for the cultural experience:

• Pulqueria Insurgentes between Roma Norte and Condesa is a multi-story pulque palace with a nice rooftop area and two-for-one Sunday and Mondays.
• Pulqueria la Pirata is pure old school. Enter through the saloon-style swinging doors and you'll see Playboy-esque photos of a naked lady taken on location sixty years ago, a group of pulque-infused regulars in the back room, kegs of pulque that're used as tables, and the stoic mustachioed pulque professional manning the bar.

We recommend a handful of other pulquerias (plus one we didn't like), share the surprising nutritional benefits of pulque, and its entertaining up-and-down-and-up-again history in our guide to pulque in Mexico City. Check it out here .

Related: Why and Where to Drink Pulque, Mexico's Kombucha on Steroids

At a traditional cantina, the more you drink the better the free food, called botanas , they serve you. The snacks aren't exactly free because the drinks are more expensive than at a normal bar, but overall cantinas are a great deal.

The only problem is you might find yourself spending an entire day drinking and eating in the same place. Not the worst problem in the world.

Here are couple solid lists of cantinas to check out: one in Spanish  (if you don't speak it, your browser can translate), and one in English .

What're Mexico City's Top Attractions?

No Mexico City travel blog would be complete without mentioning these top tourist attractions.

That doesn't mean your trip won't be complete if you miss them, though.

To help you decide which top attractions are worth visiting, here's our quick take on each.

• Chapultapec Park: It's a park. Go there as often as you'd go to the big park in your hometown.
• Frida Kahlo Museum: The lineups for "The Blue House" are so ridiculous you'll be feeling the blues if you don't buy tickets in advance .
• Anthropology Museum: Overwhelmingly huge with lots of… everything. A good rainy day activity.
• Teotihuacan: Busy ruins about an hour from the city. Go if you have a big imagination and passion for history. Don't go just to check if off the list.
• Xochimilco:  Sit on a boat, float in the canals, and have people sell you stuff.
• Coyoacan:  Super busy, especially on weekends, but it's still busy with locals as well as tourists, so it's a fun atmosphere. And you only need to walk a couple blocks away from the main square to escape the crowds and explore the impressive old mansions on your own.
• Torre Latinoamerica:  It's the skyscraper you can't help but notice. If the pollution's not too bad you can get a nice view. Try to avoid the sometimes crazy lines.
• Zocalo, Monumento a la Revolución, Bellas Artes, etc:  All the stuff you'll walk by when exploring the Centro.
• Lucha Libre Wrestling Match: Of all the things we haven't done in Mexico City, this is the first one we'll do next time. Everyone says it's a good time. Rachel in the comments seconds this. She wrote, "We had the best time at the Lucho Libre show- do NOT skip it- the entertainment value is super high. Make sure you get all the snacks (doritos with hot sauce are magical) and massive cups of cheap beer!" Here's a good guide on how to go to a lucha libre event without a tour  by Two Wandering Soles.

What's the Best Way to Get In and Out of Mexico City?

To and from benito juarez international airport.

First, get a SIM card at the 7-11 (see our travel tips post for instructions). Then, take an Uber. We paid less then 140 pesos ($7 US) each way to and from our Airbnb in Roma Norte .

If you're super budget, you can take the metro. Uber's cheap, but the metro's 28 times cheaper . For you non-math whizzes out there, that means it's only 5 pesos ($0.25 US). Go to Terminal Aerea Station in Terminal 1 ( see on Google Maps ) or Pantitlan from Terminal 2 ( see on Google Maps ). For step-by-step instructions, see this section of Wikitravel .

To and from the Bus Terminals

Mexico City has a different bus terminal for each cardinal direction of routes (north, east, south, west). Tripsavvy has a good guide to the stations, which has buses to where, and how to get to and from each.

Currency Exchange Tip

Cash is still king in Mexico City, so withdraw a bunch of cash from the airport ATM before you head into the city.

As long as you're flying out, don't worry about withdrawing too many pesos. Actually, withdraw more than you need .  That's because the currency exchange offices at the airport will pay you to take US dollars off their hands. Seriously. They offer better than market rates.

If you're really entrepreneurial and have a decent cash balance in your bank account, you can take advantage of this exchange rate loophole to make up to a quick few hundred dollars.

What's the Best Way to Move Around Mexico City?

Biking is the best way to get around Mexico City. Drivers are respectful, there are quite a few bike paths, and you can explore way more in way less time than you could using Uber or public transit.

We were just as doubtful as you probably are reading this when we signed up for a week of Mexico City's EcoBici shared bike program (329 pesos / $17 US). But, by the end, we'd done forty rides covering over 160 km / 100 mi.

To get you rolling on EcoBici, check out what is without a doubt the best guide to EcoBici there is on the internet .

You can also rent a bike for free with BiciGratis. It's not as convenient as EcoBici because you have to drop the bike off at the same place as you picked it up but, with a 3-hour limit, it's a great way to join in the bike-a-palooza that is Sunday's Ciclovia. (Thanks Rebecca for sharing this tip in the comments!)

Related: How to See More, Faster, in Mexico City with EcoBici  

Since you are savvy enough to have found this site, you already know what Uber is and how to use it. Uber's legal in Mexico City, it's everywhere, and it's inexpensive.

Mexico City does not yet have Lyft.

Hahahaha! Or as they write in Spanish, jajajajaja!

Mexico City taxi drivers are notorious for ripping off everyone right and left. Well, they can't rip us off now because we don't use them anymore.

The most important things to know about the Mexico City metro are:

• It's safe, fast, and convenient
• It's dirt cheap. Tickets are 5 pesos, which is   $0.25 US. Most of us won't stop to pick up a quarter in the dirt, so it's almost literally dirt cheap.
• Get a prepaid card. It costs 10 pesos (50 cents), but then you don't need to fuss with tickets and can use it on the Metrobus too.
• Avoid it during rush hour (7-10 a.m. and 6-9 p.m.)

For more tips on etiquette, safety, and a lot more, read through Northern Lauren's fantastic beginner's guide to the Mexico City metro .

The Metrobuses are buses that have their own lanes on Mexico City thoroughfares. The one you're most likely to use goes up and down Insurgentes between Roma / Condesa and San Angel.

The Metrobus is 20% more expensive than the metro (6 pesos)… so still basically nothing. You need a 10 peso prepaid metro card to ride it. If you really don't want to get a card, some people will swipe you through with theirs if you pay them in change.

Mexico City is rarely too hot or too cold and, as we've repeated many times here, it's safe, so it's great for walking.

The least safe part of walking is all the cracked pavement that'll have you stumbling so much you'll be lifting your feet up to walk like a Buckingham Soldier by the end of your trip.

What to Do in 2-Days in Mexico City?

The World's Easiest Two-Day Mexico City Itinerary

The best way to experience Mexico City is to simply wander around ( It's safe! ) and follow your senses, so our recommended two-day itinerary is equally open-ended:

• Go to El Centro.
• Wander around from one eatery to the other.
• Venture into a couple of pulque places or a cantina.
• Go up to a rooftop bar or restaurant (see the Drink section above).
• Maybe venture over to Santa Maria la Ribera for a pozole at La Casa de Toño.

Day 2 (Ideally on a Saturday):

• Go down to Coyoacan and San Angel.
• Wander around through Coyoacan's market and then from one eatery and bar to the other.
• On Saturday, check out the Bazaar Sabado in San Angel.

Evenings and Early Mornings of Both Days

• Wander around in Condesa and Roma from one eatery and bar to the other.
• Consider getting some exercise so you can eat even more food. We recommend some classes and workout areas in our Mexico City travel tips post .

What Other Mexico City Travel Tips Can You Tell Me?

Some Random Travel Tips

Every time we go to Mexico City we learn a travel tip that makes our next trip incrementally better.

Here are a few:

• Ask for samples at restaurants. If you're unsure which mole, flavor of pulque, or meat to get at a restaurant, ask if you can have a small taste of them all. Many restaurants will do so. That way, you not only pick the best item, but you get to taste more flavors.
• Don’t pay for water at restaurants. Ask for "agua del filtro." The waiter will try to upsell you, but restaurants in Mexico City are obligated to provide free, clean, and bottle-free water to their patrons.
• Don’t wait in super long in lines.  Anything you need to wait around in line with other tourists for is not worth wasting your time on.
• Don’t go anywhere when it’s close to their opening or closing hours. Shops and restaurants open later and close earlier than advertised. We learned this the hard way on our last trip. Three times. (…We're slow learners.)
• Get your souvenir mezcal or tequila in town. Don't wait to get it in the airport, where they don't sell anything you can't find back home and the prices are inflated.
• Dress Mexican. You'll only be hassled if you dress like a complete tourist. "Dress Mexican" doesn't mean a pancho and a sombrero, by the way. For guys it means no shorts unless it's blisteringly hot out and no sandals ever. Girls can wear nice sandals, but should also refrain from wearing shorts or short skirts.
• Most important: Don’t be a wuss. Eat whatever, drink whatever, and go wherever.

For a bunch more tips you won't find anywhere else, take a look at our complete post of Mexico City Travel Tips.

Related: Mexico City Travel Tips: 20 Dos and Don'ts for an Awesome Trip

Next on the Local, Loco, and (Not) Low-Cal Mexico City Guide

This Mexico City guide was just Part 1 of our 5-Part Local, Loco, and (Not) Low-Cal Mexico City blog series.

Get all our juiciest, tastiest, and most terrific tips by completing the series:

• Travel Tips: 20 Dos and Don'ts to Know Before You Go
• Our Favorite Places to Eat in Mexico City
• How to Mexico City by Bike (and Why It's Not Crazy)
• A Guide to Mexico's Kombucha on Steroids: Pulque

And Elsewhere in Mexico

• Un-Hipster Tulum Travel Guide
• The Pros and Cons of Visiting Playa del Carmen .

Like this post? Pin it.

Disclosure: Whenever possible, we use links that earn us a cut if you pay for stuff we recommend. It costs you nothing, so we'd be crazy not to. Read our affiliate policy .

13 thoughts on “Mexico City Travel Blog: Local, Loco, (Not) Low-cal City Guide”

This is a primo CDMX guide! Kim sent me a pre-trip email and my sister and I were really grateful for all the excellent suggestions. We had the best time at the Lucho Libre show- do NOT skip it- the entertainment value is super high. Make sure you get all the snacks (doritos with hot sauce are magical) and massive cups of cheap beer!

re: biking, there are also free bike rentals through BiciGratis! Slightly less convenient because you only get 3hrs and have to return it to where you started, but it's a super fun way to be part of Sunday Reforma bike-a-palooza for zero pesos! I don't have a helpful link, but a quick google search can point you in the right direction.

Excelente! These are some primo tips and I've updated the post so everyone else sees 'em. Thanks Dr. Withers.

Makes me miss MX City so much. This point is on point though. Mouth is missing all the food , especiall the Al Pastor tacos that are on every corner it feels like.

The only thing I’d add is to avoid Tipito. Or if you’re going, bring a local and 0 valuables.

No Tipito eh? Ok, thanks for the heads up on that, Eric! We've never been to that part of town and honestly hadn't even heard of it, so we appreciate the Tipito tip.

Great post! As a recent transplant to CDMX, I'm always on the lookout for new and unfamiliar sites. Guerrero is part of the historic district – rich in authenticity – and I'm happy to see the giant quesadillas at Los Machetes de Amparito on your short-list.

Thanks Michael. Lucky you for having the opportunity to live in CDMX and explore it thoroughly. Would you have any other sports we didn't mention that you'd recommend to us and other visitors?

Hello Guys,

We are planning a trip to Mexico very soon and your blog has been a huge help to answer some of my questions and concerns.

Quick question, what is the restaurant ( patio with wood, hanging chandeliers and greenery) that appears in the first picture of this post? I couldn't find the name.

Hello Vivi, Good question! It's called Huset . A bit of a digression but those three people at the table in the photo ended up approaching us while we were having our date night there, saying they "liked the way we looked," inviting us over to join them, and buying us a bunch of drinks. A memorable experience for sure. You might not have the same experience, but it is a nice restaurant all the same! Enjoy CDMX.

Hi Kim and Chris!

Your tour guide about Mexico City is extremely helpful! My husband and I are visiting Mexico in August and finally I found a blog giving useful advises!

Greetings from Athens

good article, informative keep sharing this kind of stuff

Thanks for the tips!

Hi Team, My Name is Alex, As you said You’re safe. Mexico City is no more or less safe than any big American city, and some European ones too. It's absolutely right I visit Mexico and there are very humble people. Thanks for sharing such a true post.

I would like to see something in tlalnepantla de baz. Is it safe to visit or not? It is a sister city with my hometown.

What do you think? (Leave a Comment.) Cancel reply

Mexico Travel Blogs

These are all of my travel blogs about mexico. .

From the paradise charm of Isla Holbox, to Bacalar’s magical lagoon, the Yucatan’s cenotes and Cancun’s resorts, find out the best places to travel to in my Mexico travel blogs and travel guides.

Happy exploring!

Cancun Packing List: Clothes, Accessories & Gadgets

From swimwear and sandals, to accessories, sun protection and gadgets, this Cancun packing list has you covered.

What to wear in mexico – packing list for your next holiday.

Wondering what to wear in Mexico or how to pack for your holiday? From bikinis to backpacks, this Mexico packing list has got you covered!

17 things to do in tulum at night.

From all-night full moon parties and live music sessions, to mezcal cocktails in jungle bars and fine-dining, there are lots of things to do in Tulum at night.

The ultimate 5-day cancun itinerary.

From exploring ancient ruins and shopping for souvenirs, to snorkelling and island hopping, this 5-day Cancun itinerary has it all!

17 best breakfast and brunch restaurants in tulum, mexico.

From healthy bowls of fresh fruit to traditional Mexican favourites, these are the best breakfast restaurants in Tulum, Mexico.

20 Amazing Things to do in Tulum, Mexico in 2022

12/15/2021 by Kristin Addis 65 Comments

Tulum is a dreamy, laid back beach paradise with white sands and jungle adventures. I had five days there to explore and was overwhelmed with amazing things to choose from.

Now most of the time in beach destinations, I know exactly what to do – head to the sand and put on SCUBA gear, find a hammock, or search for a cold coconut. In Tulum there’s a lot more to choose from, including Mayan ruins, cenotes (caves or sinkholes that are filled in with crystal clear water) galore, various lagoons to float in, yoga, and street tacos. That last point is very important.

It’s tough to narrow it down, but these 20 amazing things to do in Tulum are some of the best, including lots of variety and deliciousness:

I had no idea until arriving in Mexico that there are roughly 1 billion cenotes to choose from. Well not really, but there are so many cenotes scattered just about everywhere that you could spend weeks only going cenote hunting. Each has a unique selling point as well – some are best for diving, others are deep in caves, and they vary in color as well. So how do you pick and choose? I asked a few of my friends who are familiar with the area to make recommendations before I went and ended up visiting five different cenotes:

*By the way, I rented a car and self-drove to these cenotes, which I recommend if you’re comfortable with it. If not,  this day tour  will take you to several.

Table of Contents

1. Gran Cenote

180 pesos, very popular.

This is a very popular one, but by arriving right when it opened at 8 AM I didn’t have to battle the crowds to enjoy this cenote. Later on in the day when I drove by, the parking lot was buzzing with cars and people. I would highly recommend getting to this one first and visiting the others on this list after. One quirky thing about Gran Cenote is that there are a ton of turtles in the water, which you can swim alongside. Speaking of turtles, this tour takes you to 4 cenotes where you get to snorkel with sea turtles and admire the reef!

While the cenote does feel very commercial with a big deck built on top, which initially turned me off, after spending some more time there, swimming around, and finding another little hidden area, I decided that it was quite beautiful and I do recommend visiting. Just go there early!

2. Choo-ha Cenote

100 pesos, less popular (but no less amazing).

Out of all of the cenotes, I liked this one the best because it felt the least commercial. The baby blue water is a nice temperature and I just loved looking around the inside of the beautiful cave. In contrast to the Gran Cenote with its open ceiling, this one has a very small opening at the top and a narrow staircase down.

This is one of a trio of cenotes out near Coba,  so I visited all three because we were there anyway, right?

3. Tamcach-ha Cenote

100 pesos, less popular.

I was struck by how deeply blue the water is in this cenote. It also has two platforms that you can jump off of into the water. I only realized mid-fall that the higher of the two really is quite high, so make sure you’ve got your form right before you hit the water!

I give my pencil dive a 7 out of 10 but let me tell you, after nursing a sore neck the next day I wish it had been a 10 out of 10! Keep the good form, people!

4. Multum-ha Cenote

Out of the three cenotes near Coba, this one was the least amazing but it was also the biggest, so there’s plenty to swim around and to see. The stalactites on the ceiling are also quite impressive.

5. Suytun Cenote (near Valladolid)

120 pesos, very popular.

Suytun is quite a drive away from Tulum but out of all of the cenotes I visited, this one was the dreamiest-looking. The platform is partially submerged under the water and walking out to it to be illuminated by a hole in the ceiling feels like you’re walking on nature’s cat walk.

I woke up at 6 AM to get to the cenote right when it opened so that I could get photos without anybody in them. I’m still not clear on whether it opens at 8 or 9 AM. They opened the gate for us at 8:20 and we were the first ones there. I think with even one or two other people in the shot it wouldn’t be nearly as special. Also, if you want to swim in the cenote you are required to wear a life jacket, which takes it off of the swimming list for me! Can’t stand wearing those orange abominations.

There are dozens of other cenotes in the vicinity of Tulum (Cenote Cristal and Escondido are even within biking distance), and if you expand to the entire Yucatán peninsula, surely there are hundreds. However if you only have time to visit the ones I’ve mentioned here you will see a nice variety. Other honorable mentions include Jardin de Eden, Sac Actun, and Casa Cenote.

6. Laguna Kaan Luum

100 pesos (extra 300 to fly a drone), moderately popular.

This Laguna looks a bit like the Blue Hole in Belize. It’s a sinkhole in the jungle with some very shallow water followed by some incredibly deep water. The deep area is roped off to swimmers but you can scuba dive into it. While it is a nice contrast to all of the cenotes, I find that it’s more interesting from the air than down on the ground.

It’s a pretty cheap activity at only 100 pesos, however if you want to fly your drone there it will be an extra 300 pesos. It  is  unique, though, and was kind of worth it. This is another one that I visited right when it opened at 9am to get some shots of it without a bunch of people in them. It worked out. The early bird gets the worm in Tulum!

7. Check out the Tulum Ruins

80 pesos, very popular.

Evidence of the Maya civilization is all over this peninsula and down into Guatemala and Belize, though the Tulum location was of significant importance to the empire as a religious and ceremonial center. The location is also stunning, set on a backdrop of the beach with dazzling blue water and white sand. While not as impressive as Tikal in Guatemala or Chichen Itza much further west, both of which are astounding due to their respective sizes, it’s certainly more convenient to check out the Tulum ruins .

If you do go, make it early. I deviated from my usual plan of visiting popular attractions first thing in the morning and regretted it! By midday it is unbearably hot and I was sharing the ruins with hoards of other people. Make this one of the activities to prioritize early in the morning if you want to check out the ruins without tons of other people around.

8. Explore the jungle

The beach in Tulum is absolutely gorgeous with its white sands and gorgeous blue, bath temperature water. But the jungle is quite magical as well. Before moving to a beachfront hotel, I stayed in a little hut in the jungle and it was so nice falling asleep to the sounds of all of the animals, and seeing the stars so dazzling and brilliant in the sky.

Plus, if you stay off of the road that goes towards Coba where many of the jungle hideaways are, you will already be on the stretch of road that leads to most of the cenotes. Spend some time in the jungle, even if it’s just wandering around at the cenotes, exploring at your resort, if they have a jungle path, or sleeping in a jungle hut. You can also take a tour that includes both the Tulum ruins and jungle adventure park – one bird, two stones!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Visit Sian ka’an Tours (@visitsiankaan)

Close to Tulum is the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, which is full of wildlife and jungle adventure opportunities. It’s great for environmentally conscious travellers who want to really take in the magic of the Maya jungle.

9. Get in the ocean

There are so many things to do in the water in Tulum! You can do standup paddle surfing, scuba diving , snorkeling, kayaking, or hop on a catamaran.

I also really like that this beach is still laid-back and there aren’t tons of high-rise hotels and constant paragliders and speedboats. There is still some peace and tranquility.

If you aren’t staying at any of the beach resorts and are doing Tulum on the cheap, Playa Pocna is one of Tulum’s only public beaches, but just as beautiful as any other. Otherwise, you might end up paying an arm and a leg for a beach chair or an overpriced beach cocktail.

Another tip is to keep an eye on the seasons before planning your trip if you’re hoping to spend some quality time with the beautiful turquoise waters. Between May and October of each year, the beach tends to have loads of sargassum (aka stinky seaweed) that piles up on the beach.

10. Eat some local food

There are two kinds of food on offer in Tulum: food meant for tourists with an English menu and high prices and the little, unassuming local eateries that are more authentic and tastier, tbh. The area is known for its cuisine that is bursting with spicy, sweet, and savory flavors. Don’t skip on salbutes, panuchos, and tamales.

I was so excited to eat street tacos when I got to Mexico that the first thing we did, straight from the airport, was to pull over on the side of the road outside of the airport when we saw a taco stand. Street tacos are so cheap, delicious, and fresh. If you’re hesitant about the whole affair, go to a stand that has lots of patrons (try La Chiapaneca in the center of town!). It wouldn’t be super popular if it made people sick.

There’s also a fantastic fruteria in the town of Tulum called  Huerto del Eden  with fresh juices, hand-ground coffee, plus cooked to order eggs. All of the produce is fresh from local farms, it is locally run, and the guys working there are so nice and accommodating. Plus, it’s authentic and the price matches.

11. Get into the hippie vibe

Tulum is a hippie haven. It must be a combination of the area being sacred to the Maya people, the laid back atmosphere of the beach, the natural beauty, and the jungle vibes. There’s just something about it that calls the type of people who are into the spiritual side of life.

If you’re curious about this kind of thing, the beach area of Tulum is the perfect place to try something new, like a cacao ceremony ( this yoga studio  hosts them from time to time),  holistic health offerings  and meditation classes. Just explore and see where your open mind can take you.

12. Take a yoga class

There’s no shortage of yoga classes in Tulum. After all, you’ll probably spot at least one person getting their sun salutation on at the water’s edge. A crowd favorite for yoga classes is Tribal Tulum , which has experienced instructors from all over the world who teach in English and Spanish. If you are ready for a challenge, here’s a SUP yoga class in Ka’an that you can try out!

13. Do a temazcal ceremony

A temazcal is an ancient ceremony that involves entering a sweat lodge with several other people, with the goal of purifying your physical and spiritual body. The facilitators (otherwise known as shaman) create aromatic steam to fill up the hut, which is believed to have health benefits. Ceremonies typically last about 2 hours, but occasionally can go on longer depending on who is facilitating it.

Temazcal ceremonies are deeply rooted in Mexican culture and can be found throughout the country. In Tulum, they take on more of the Maya traditions, including using a conch horn and other sacred instruments. Delek Hotel offers temazcal ceremonies via conscious donation on Wednesdays and Sundays at 5pm.

14. Check out the architecture

There’s a reason why Tulum attracts architects from all over the world. The jungle is an obvious inspiration and much of the architecture mimics ancient Maya techniques while adding a modern, minimalist flair.

One place in particular that you can’t miss is Azulik hotel . Its whimsical vibe and offbeat attractions are enough to make your jaw drop as you walk through. The hotel itself is quite pricey to stay in, but you can enjoy it from the inside if you want to get a drink at the hotel’s bar.

As you walk through the hotel zone, it’s hard to miss the giant wooden sculpture called Ven a la Luz at the entrance of Ahau Tulum. It’s a popular spot for photos because really, is any trip to Tulum complete without an Insta post there?

15. Learn about the Mayan culture

Tulum is at the very heart of the Zona Maya and many people don’t know that the Mayan people still exist AND speak their indigenous language. If you’re a history and culture buff, consider taking a full-day Maya village tour to explore ancient cities and visit local communities who will share their traditions and lifestyle. It will certainly give you a glimpse into the past and a greater understanding of the local people.

All around Tulum you can also find Temazcal ceremonies, which are a rich cultural experience involving a trained shaman who guides participants in a cleansing ceremony.

16. Go for a stroll through the Centro

While most of the action in Tulum happens in the Hotel Zone, the Centro is also full of fun things to do and plenty of shopping and restaurants. Plus, things tend to be much cheaper on this end of town and this is where the locals hang out.

Looking for the best cup of coffee in town? Cara Feliz is an adorable bookstore café that has plenty of coffee and tea options if you need a caffeine fix. The café hosts painting nights, live music, and other cultural events regularly. Plus, they have a few rescue cats lingering around which are up for adoption from the local shelter.

17. Rent a bike

As soon as you get to Tulum, you’ll see people on bikes everywhere. Renting a bike is affordable and a great way to get from place to place if you’re staying off the beaten path. Whether you want to get out and hit the beach bright and early or head to a cenote a couple kilometers away, biking really is a fun way to enjoy this tropical paradise. If you prefer doing it in a small group, this bike tour takes you through quiet roads, hidden paths and through the pueblo to a variety of natural, cultural, historic and culinary attractions that Tulum has to offer.

Not into biking? There are also plenty of places to rent motorbikes or a car around town.

18. Get off the beaten path

Tulum has absolutely exploded in the last few years, and for good reason; it’s one of the most beautiful beach destinations in the world! However, there is so much more to the area than just the beaches and cenotes.

About 15 minutes south of Tulum is Muyil, where you can explore the Muyil Archaeological Site and even spend the day floating down an ancient Mayan canal.

Cobá is another awesome place to visit while you’re in Tulum, as the ruins are some of the best in the peninsula. Climbing to the top of the pyramid, you can get an amazing view of the brilliant green jungle all around, and maybe even catch a glimpse of a toucan or maya clock bird!

19. Take a mural tour

View this post on Instagram A post shared by streetartpedia (@streetartpedia)

Being such a hub for artists of all kinds, Tulum is full of beautiful, colorful murals. While plenty are easily spotted from the main street in the Centro, consider taking a tour to learn more about the art itself as well as the incredible artists who create the murals.

20. Venture out to Cobá

If you’ve read our guide on the best Mayan ruins in Mexico , you already have Cobá on your bucket list. The Cobá ruins are breathtaking, with the largest pyramid peaking over the jungle canopies. Climbing the pyramid used to be allowed, but has since been prohibited. However, visiting this blast from the past is definitely worth it.

You can get to Cobá easily if you’ve rented a car in Tulum, or you can take a Mayab bus from the Tulum bus terminal to Cobá and then take a taxi to the ruins. Admission is 80 pesos and Sundays are free for Mexican residents, so it tends to get crowded then. Try getting there early in the morning on a weekday and you’ll have fewer crowds.

Where to Stay in Tulum

Luxury Hotel

I split my time in Tulum between a luxury hotel on the beach and a little hut in the jungle. It was perfect, and allowed me to get the best of both worlds:

Hotel:  The TRS Yucatan  in Akumal has the dreamiest pool, a gorgeous white-sand beach, and the world’s best breakfast. I did a little tour of the breakfast spread and room in the video above. The service was excellent, the food was delicious, and it’s all inclusive without being cheesy!

Jungle Hut:  The Lumapi Jungle Eco Lodge  is in the perfect spot if you want to visit the cenotes, plus you get a chance to fall asleep to the jungle noises and get a secluded experience – with an outdoor shower! The huts are made from materials that already exist in the jungle and they run on solar power. The owners are so lovely as well, and the vibe is just amazing. I stayed for two days and thought it was perfect.

If you’re an Airbnb enthusiast like me, check out our list of the best Airbnbs in Tulum ! Airbnbs can be a great budget option if you play your cards right. Sometimes a room can end up being more affordable than a backpacker hostel! I recommend looking for an Airbnb close to the Centro, as opposed to the hotel zone. You’ll be further from the beach, but you can easily rent a bike to get there. Plus, the Centro is much more laid back than the bustling beachfront.

There are plenty of hostels to choose from in Tulum, ranging drastically in price. You can get a private room at Hostel Oryx for around $60/night or a bunk there for as low as $13/night. Another great option is Casa Abanico Tulum where you can get a private room for around $40/night. Both of these are excellent budget options and tend to book quickly, so make sure to reserve your room ahead of time.

The 10 best hotels in Tulum

The 10 best Airbnbs in Tulum

Best Restaurants in Tulum

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Verdánt (@verdant.tulum)

Tulum is one of the more expensive places to visit in Mexico, so if you want to balance out a few gourmet meals with something cheaper, these are a few spots that I recommend:

• Antojitos la Chiapaneca: If you’re looking for the best tacos in town, you’ll find them here. This corner restaurant is in the heart of downtown Tulum and is famous for its tacos al pastor . Each taco costs about 10 pesos (.50 USD), so you can be sure you’ll leave with a full belly.
• El Camello Jr: If you want a delicious, no frills seafood lunch, this is the best place to go. El Camello Jr is a favorite spot amongst locals who head there in packs for the cheapest seafood in town.
• Tropi-Q: If you’re vegan or vegetarian, you won’t have to worry about finding a decently-priced meal at Tropi-Q. They have a huge menu with everything from veggie burgers to pasta, all for less than $10 USD.

Classic Mexican Food

• Cetli: I might be biased because the chef and owner of this restaurant is a woman, but once you try the food here you’ll understand what all the hype is about. Serving up dishes like chiles en nogada and traditional mole , you’ll get a taste of authentic Mexican food like you’ve never had before.

Interesting Spots

• Verdant: This environmentally-conscious and zero-waste restaurant is the only one of its kind in the Riviera Maya, let alone Tulum. Here you’ll splurge a little more on your meal, but considering its novelty and high quality ingredients, it’s worth it if you can swing it.
• Safari Comedor Zama : From the outside you’ll see an old school airstream RV that makes Safari Comedor Zama easy to spot from the street. This unique spot is famous for its breakfast selection which includes Mexican staples like huevos divorciados along with French pastries. If that isn’t the most Tulum menu, I don’t know what is.

How to get around Tulum

It’s possible to take colectivos, taxis, or tours, but nothing will give you the flexibility of renting a car and driving yourself. We were able to cover so much ground and to get everywhere first thing in the morning because we drove ourselves.

Driving in Mexico wasn’t scary or all that different from driving in LA, where I grew up. Just go slow, drive defensively, and watch for speed bumps in the towns. Car rentals are dirt cheap (just make sure that insurance is included in your booking or they’ll try to charge you extra for it when you pick up the car!), and if you get a model that’s good on gas, it’s a cheaper alternative to tours or taxis.

The Best Time to Go to Tulum

High season in Tulum starts in November and continues until the end of January. This is when the streets are packed, it can be tough to get a table at a restaurant, and the beaches get clogged with tourists. I don’t recommend going during this time because all the best things about Tulum–the cenotes, beaches, and jungle–are just way too crowded.

Another time to avoid is between late August and early November, which is hurricane season. Sure, accommodations will be cheaper and there are less people milling about, but the risk of having monsoon rains and heavy winds might not be worth it.

The best time to go is in February, March or April, being careful not to plan your trip during spring break. There’s still plenty of sun during these months, but temperatures are mild compared to the summertime. It’s right after high season, too, so prices will be more reasonable.

If you don’t mind the heat and chance of rain, the summer months are also an okay time to visit Tulum, especially in May or June. July is very humid and tends to be quite rainy, similar to August.

Tulum is a laid back paradise in the Riviera Maya. I tend to love places like this because, well, I fit right in. This is much more my speed than the mega resorts of Cancun.

Though I was heartbroken to have had to leave what felt like way too soon, I was pleased to find that there were so many things to do in Tulum. I had no idea before I went how many amazing options would be pulling me in so many directions. It’s a lovely thing to visit a place and immediately start making a list of things to do when you return, but next time with much more time on your hands.

If you’re visiting Mexico, make sure Tulum is on your list.

About Kristin Addis

Kristin Addis is the founder and CEO of Be My Travel Muse, a resource for female travelers all around the world since 2012. She's traveled solo to over 65 countries and has brought over 150 women on her all-female adventure tours from Botswana to the Alaskan tundra.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

 subscribe to our newsletter

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Marta Kulesza says

01/04/2018 at 9:29 am

Looks like a dream location. Those caves look so colourful, would love to swim there as you suggest.

01/04/2018 at 9:58 am

Hi Kristin! I have heard on one site that you can rent a bike for free and go around the area. Can you do that? Is it free? I hang with environmentally conscious folks and they would love to know if that is possible. Also, how much to stay in jungle huts?? That sounds really cool and economical. Kristin, such awesome advice about taco stands with lines if worried, always got great “street smart” advice. That applies to any outdoor stand I have dealt with too! These beautiful pics showing very well the contrasts between cenotes, the conversational/personal tone, and the thoroughness of the post made it perfect to share with others I know who are interested in Mexico. Plus your suggestions of where to eat and explore match many of the tastes of those I hang out with (will be sharing this link with others). Thanks for this.

Travel With Trang says

01/07/2018 at 9:39 pm

You can rent a bicycle from bike rental places for about $5USD/day! It takes about 10-15minutes to bike from the town to the beach/ruins 🙂

01/08/2018 at 5:05 am

Thanks Travel With Trang! Very helpful! I will let my friends know about this. Sounds like fun, might try this myself if I get down there one day! I called around and was also told some resorts do 30 minute bike tours as well which sounds nice (but this is even better and not everyone is into fancy resorts).

Lindsay says

01/05/2018 at 12:19 pm

Hi, I found you on MediaVine’s blog today. What time of year do you think would be best to visit to avoid crowds?

Kristin says

01/05/2018 at 8:06 pm

Welcome! I went right before Christmas which I assume is a busy time, but was able to avoid the crowds by going to things in the early AM, so even then, it was OK!

Ijana Loss says

01/05/2018 at 1:16 pm

Wow I knew nothing about Tulum before reading this, come to think of it. But holy crap it sounds great! I am not opposed to renting cars, but do you know if Mexico inflates the rates for under-25s like the US does? Cause I’m not rich XD

01/05/2018 at 8:05 pm

I honestly don’t know BUT the rental was super cheap overall.

10/10/2018 at 5:41 pm

You get gteat rates when you land and shop around in the airport (don’t book priorly).

01/06/2018 at 12:27 am

This place looks very beautiful and I would like to have a dive into these nature made pools. Thanks for sharing this post, this is really very nice and amazing.

Dominique | dominiquetravels.com says

01/07/2018 at 8:49 am

Tulum really does look like it’s worth a visit! Especially the cenotes look very appealing, I’ve never been to a place like that!

terra @ terragoes.com says

01/08/2018 at 10:07 am

I was in Playa del Carmen back in November and we had a cenote at our Airbnb – it was amazing! I love that whole part of Mexico, it’s just so beautiful, the food is so good and there’s so much to see and do, or, the beaches are perfect for doing absolutely nothing.

Ruth Bretholz says

12/14/2019 at 7:50 pm

Which airbnb?

01/12/2018 at 12:48 pm

Love all of your articles, but this is the first time I actually get to use area specific advice! How much do you recommend planning in advance re: car rental/which company? Can I just book when I get off the plane in Cancun? Going end of February. Any issues with parking? I have little experience with rentals and am traveling solo.

01/12/2018 at 7:02 pm

I booked it ahead of time with Enterprise. Just make sure you print out your credit card’s collision damage insurance if you have a travel card that provides it, and the proof of liability insurance or they’ll try to charge you extra. I think booking ahead is probably wise. Parking was no problem!

Rebecca says

01/15/2018 at 6:31 pm

I first went to Tulum ten years ago (oh my god, where did the time go??!!) and loved it then. Back then I didn’t really have any idea what I was doing or where to go or eat; it would be incredible to go back and experience it again. Love the catwalk cenote!

01/15/2018 at 7:52 pm

I’m sure it has changed! But yeah it’s fun going back with more experience!

amanda says

01/19/2018 at 9:31 am

Thanks for all the great tips in this article! And your pictures are beautiful! What about these jungle huts… where did you book this? It sounds amazing!

01/21/2018 at 3:33 am

Airbnb! https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/16390650

03/11/2018 at 5:56 pm

It’s been more than 10 years since I visited Tulum, and while things appear to have changed since then (ahem, prices!) I’m so excited to go back! I visited a few cenotes on that trip but these are all new ones to me so hope to get to at least two or three of your suggestions. And the price of car rental is insane!! I can’t believe how cheap it is.

03/14/2018 at 2:44 am

Lol at least the car rental is cheap! Agreed, the rest was not super budget friendly.

Isabel says

10/07/2019 at 6:47 pm

Hi! I don’t swim. Any shallow cenotes?

10/08/2019 at 1:58 pm

Parts of many of them are shallow

04/11/2018 at 3:01 pm

Hey Kristin,

I’m about to head down there in a couple of days and I’m debating whether or not to take my drone due to some of the stories I’ve heard. Did you have any trouble with customs charging you money to take it, and/or local police/guards charging extra to use it in certain areas. Mine weighs under 1kg.

04/12/2018 at 8:43 am

I didn’t experience anything like that until I went to the Laguna mentioned in the post where they charged me 300 pesos extra to fly it.

patricia says

05/27/2018 at 1:24 pm

wow found this piece of advise to be great… going to tulum next week for our honeymoon and staying in Azulik.. but i cant wait to go to town for the food. I read about going to the ruins in the evening before they close that way all the tourist are out and you get to catch some beautiful sunsets….

05/28/2018 at 8:38 am

That sounds awesome!

Nelly Nunez says

06/17/2018 at 12:26 pm

OMG it looks amazing we will be there in 2 weeks! I cant wait! Can I ask where you rented your car from? I’ve been researching and while the rental itself is insanely cheap the insurance isn’t and apparently required. It comes to about $300 to $400 USD with all insurances for a week. Is that about what you paid?

06/19/2018 at 9:59 pm

So what you’ll want to do is book with a credit card that has collision insurance and print it out to bring with you. I also booked a car with enterprise via Expedia that said ‘insurance included’, which I printed out as well, so I was able to get away with not paying any extras except for the extra driver. They always get you on something I guess.

06/28/2018 at 6:49 pm

Hey Kristin! I’m going to Tulum on Sunday and plan on renting a car. Do you have any suggestions on where to rent from? And do you recommend renting online beforehand or just waiting until I get there?

06/28/2018 at 11:34 pm

I rented with Enterprise and I’d book ahead of time and show them that you already have insurance, and use a credit card that also has rental insurance and print that out to bring along too. They’re notorious for trying to charge for that.

07/04/2018 at 7:59 pm

Hello! Just looking to plan our trip to Yucatan/Quintana Roo area for 4 weeks. I’m sooo keen on Tulum as it seems like such my vibe. What would you recommend to be a good amount of time to spend here? Thanks!

07/05/2018 at 12:42 am

Wow 4 weeks! Nice! give it a week or a little more then. There’s so much to do there and I much preferred it to the other areas like Cancun and Playa del Carmen.

07/10/2018 at 6:22 pm

Thanks so much for all this great info! I am heading to Tulum at the end of the week and this post was so helpful and all your photos are so dreamy!

07/11/2018 at 1:34 am

Yay have fun!

07/20/2018 at 11:25 am

Hey gal, where did you rent the car? Cheapest one I see online is Orbitz but I read so. Many bad reviews I’m scared to give my credit card details…

07/20/2018 at 5:50 pm

I rented at Enterprise and they’re all bad about trying to get you to pay more, but come with proof of coverage printed out and it’ll be hard for them to prove you need more.

Daysi Muralles says

10/18/2018 at 1:53 pm

What GPS do you like to use when you are driving outside of the US? I’m concerned about extra phone charges if I use google maps or waze.

10/19/2018 at 9:22 am

I almost always get local SIM cards but you can also download offline maps while you’re still at home. Maps.me is okay.

10/28/2018 at 12:45 pm

This was so helpful – thank you!

Did you pay only in pesos for the centoes, food, etc. or were you able to use a credit card?

Do any of the excursions you listed need to be booked in advance?

What did you do with your valuables when swimming at the cenotes to keep them safe and dry?

10/28/2018 at 1:15 pm

I did just pay in pesos. Most places do not take card outside of the resorts. I self drove to all of the excursions so I just showed up! I didn’t take valuables to the cenotes but you could use a dry bag. Hope that helps!

Priyank says

12/11/2018 at 2:36 pm

Thanks for the great article. I am going on my first solo trip next week and will be spending couple days in Tulum. 1) any place i can just show up for a bike ride? (jungle /coba/cenote/caves) 2) If i just show up to the cenote places do i join a group their or have to go solo? 3) Also plan on exploring Avenida Kukulkan, Sian Ka’an Biosphere 4) how do i join a group(s) rather going solo? 5) any tip?

12/11/2018 at 2:53 pm

Hi Priyank, 1) I’m not really sure about riding bikes. I don’t think so but maybe there are bike tours? 2) You’d go solo in that case 3) Cool! 4) I’d look online for groups you’d like to join or ask at your hotel if there’s a day tour you can join if you’d rather not go alone.

12/11/2018 at 8:00 pm

There are bike (bicycle) shops and i tried booking in Tulum, but it requires 2 people minimum. Don’t think i want to ride bike myself in Jungle or unknown places.

any websites do you recommend for me to find groups prior to my arrival?

01/15/2019 at 12:26 pm

Where or how do you recommend renting a car? Should I get one from Cancun airport or the hotel?

01/16/2019 at 1:49 am

I rented from the cancun airport.

ryan james bortolon says

03/11/2019 at 12:26 pm

Hi Kristin, nice article. We will be visiting Tulum for the day (staying in Puerto Morelos) Getting a tour van for 9 people (4 adults and 5 kids – ages 9-12) .

1) Is there a tour company you recommend – the cheapest we found for the day was $345 USD. 2) Is there any places near Tulum where we could bring the kids to see jungle wild life? Like a preserve or something?

03/13/2019 at 11:46 am

I might just self drive if it were me. Tulum is more about the cenotes than wildlife as far as I found.

Lauren says

03/19/2019 at 12:44 am

I’m planning a trip to Tulum in a few weeks and some of the photos you shared are amazing! I’m wondering what you used for some of them- are there normally good vantage points that you can get photos from, or did you need to use a drone type of thing? Especially for the last picture, so beautiful!

03/20/2019 at 8:56 pm

I have a drone! Thanks for the kind words 🙂

05/05/2019 at 12:10 pm

Hey! I’m planning on going to tulum for only a short time, and wanted to take a day to visit cenotes. How many did you get to see in one day if you started at 8am? And how long did it take you to visit them overall? Also, were you able to bring snacks, water, etc.?

05/06/2019 at 7:16 am

You could self drive to 5-6 of them if you wish! If you do it all day then even more. There’s an area with 3 all in the same spot as well which you can see in the video and noted in the post. Yes, I brought water and usually did roadside tacos when on adventures 🙂

Diane Shropshire says

05/09/2019 at 5:36 am

Hi, your article makes me want to visit tomorrow! Are there any issues drinking the water or eating the food?

05/09/2019 at 9:24 am

Definitely don’t drink the tap water, but I had no issues with the food!

Sharon Pollick says

09/09/2019 at 8:04 pm

Hello Kristin, your article is so helpful! We’re going to Tulum in two weeks. We’re going to help watch our granddaughter and pregnant daughter. I have two questions though. 1) We’re going to float the canals and I can’t quit thinking about alligators! Is there any concern of them in the canals? 2) Do you know if a 23 month child is allowed to float the canals? She’d have a proper flotation device. I’d appreciate any information to calm my fears! Thank you, Sharon P

09/16/2019 at 1:44 am

Hmm, not sure I heard about any canals? Might want to ask the locals about that one.

Danielle says

09/20/2019 at 5:10 pm

Hi Kristin! My fiance and I couldn’t decide where to take our honeymoon in January and literally decided on Tulum based on this post. So thanks for making the decision for us!

Quick question – the jungle huts – is it more of a hostel-like environment or are the jungle huts pretty private? We’re thinking of doing a few nights there and a couple nights at the resort.

Thanks so much!!

09/21/2019 at 9:52 pm

The jungle huts are totally private, with your own toilet. They just aren’t fancy. It’s jungly so there are bugs (that bothered my friend, lol) and it’s very humid, but I loved it!

10/16/2019 at 1:33 pm

Hi! Quick question: I’ve never been to Mexico! Do you suggest that my first 3-4 day trip should be reserved for just Tulum? is it worth seeing other places first e.g. Cancun and the rest e.g. Mexico City?

Also is Cancun Airport the closest one?

10/19/2019 at 11:57 am

If it’s only 3-4 days then I’d definitely just stay in the Tulum area. Yes Cancun is the closest airport. Have fun!

Julia Pasquali says

01/15/2020 at 11:18 pm

Hey! Where’s that wonderful beach you recommended?

Shirley Halejak says

07/08/2020 at 10:48 am

Kristin, I’ve read your tour on the Road to Hana, and the Tulum vacation. I’m looking forward to reading of more of your Amazing Travels, hoping to explore for myself, and encourage my daughters vacation also. Wonderful photo journalism. Thank you Happy Travels Shirley in Minnesota

07/08/2020 at 11:06 am

Thanks so much Shirley!

11/17/2020 at 5:53 pm

Did you have to deal with any hassles related to having a rental car? Like getting pulled over by the cops and being forced to bribe them so they don’t issue you a ticket for some “violation”, or scams at gas stations or parking? I am planning a trip to Mexico and would prefer to rent a car like you did, but I am intimidated by all the (imaginary or real) horror stories floating around the internet.

11/18/2020 at 12:33 pm

I’ve never had that happen, thankfully, and have rented a car each time I’ve gone.

Mexico Travel Stories

Oct 18, 2023 • 7 min read

From social customs and cultural norms to safety issues and packing lists, here are a few tips to make navigating Mexico a little easier.

Oct 13, 2023 • 8 min read

Soak up history and art without spending a cent, and find out how to make every peso stretch further with our top tips for visiting Mexico on a budget.

Oct 10, 2023 • 9 min read

From ski slopes and jungle to deserts and sublime stretches of sand, expect to use many transport options to get around the world's 13th biggest country.

Oct 9, 2023 • 14 min read

Where should I go for my first time in Mexico? Or my second time? Here are the best places to visit in Mexico for every traveler and type of adventure.

Oct 8, 2023 • 5 min read

Beach lover, culture maven, history buff or foodie – Mexico has a perfect time for you to experience its countless treasures.

Oct 7, 2023 • 14 min read

From swimming in cenotes and eating street food to soaking up the history and culture of this vibrant nation, here are the best things to do in Mexico.

Aug 24, 2023 • 4 min read

In Sayulita and San Pancho, one writer found secluded beaches, just-caught seafood and the pleasures of life in small-town Mexico.

Jun 17, 2023 • 6 min read

Family is at the center of daily life in Mexico, and children are warmly welcomed almost everywhere. Here are the top things to do with little ones in tow.

Jun 13, 2023 • 5 min read

Fuel your wanderlust on the open road in Mexico with these epic drives.

Nov 3, 2022 • 5 min read

You're guaranteed to find flavorful and delicious food from coast to coast in Mexico. Here are the best things to eat and drink on your trip.

Oct 21, 2022 • 6 min read

Mexico's hiking trails remain little known, which is great news for those eager to experience the nation’s diverse scenery without the crowds.

Jun 27, 2022 • 6 min read

The accommodations across Mexico are as diverse as the geography, offering everything from pristine wilderness camping to ultra-luxury beachfront digs.

Nov 23, 2021 • 5 min read

With less-crowded beaches and a boho vibe, Mexico's Central Pacific Coast is a great destination off the beaten path.

Oct 21, 2021 • 5 min read

Retreat for the day to Isla Mujeres' stunning, turquoise-water beaches, just a quick boat ride from Cancún.

Jul 12, 2021 • 6 min read

Mexico’s ancient civilizations were the most sophisticated in North and Central America. Exploring their sites is an unmissable Mexico travel experience.

Apr 2, 2021 • 5 min read

The many options may seem overwhelming at first, choosing that ideal spot really just comes down to where your interests lie. Here are just some of Mexico's…

Feb 12, 2021 • 9 min read

Whether you opt for a quick dip or want to linger for hours on the soft sands, Mexico’s stunning beaches are one of the best parts of any trip to the country. 

Jan 4, 2021 • 6 min read

As vaccines begin to roll out in the US and abroad, travelers are optimistic about returning to a peripatetic lifestyle in the new year. 

Dec 16, 2020 • 6 min read

Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula is full of cenotes - natural swimming holes - with clear waters and magical caves that transport you to another time.

Oct 15, 2020 • 5 min read

Finding a beach in Mexico is easy, but getting away from the crowds is a little more challenging. Here are the best off-the-grid beaches to get away.

Aug 11, 2020 • 6 min read

Here's everything you need to know to explore the legends of the Maya at Chichén Itzá, Mexico.

Jul 22, 2020 • 5 min read

From desert to coast, here are some of the most beautiful drives in the Americas to inspire your next road trip.

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes
• World's Best

The 25 Best Resort Hotels in Mexico in 2022

The best resorts in Mexico, according to T+L readers, showcase the country's spectacular beaches, food, and culture.

Note: If you’re looking for our most recent recommendations, check out the 2023 list of our favorite resorts in Mexico .

There are myriad reasons to love Mexico, from ample sunshine and secluded beaches to warm hospitality and flavor-packed food. The country — T+L's 2022 Destination of the Year — has been one of the few international destinations to permit nonessential air travel during the COVID-19 pandemic, and hotels kept guests' health and safety top of mind as they implemented wide-ranging protocols, including free on-site predeparture testing for guests. But as new properties continue to open across the country at a rapid clip, it takes more than nailing the basics to get onto this prestigious list of the 25 best resorts in Mexico, as voted by T+L readers.

Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Hotels (including safari lodges) were rated on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties were classified as city hotel, resort, or safari lodge based on their locations and amenities.

Travelers couldn't resist the barefoot luxury of Mexico's coastal resorts, which comprise the entirety of this year's list. Sevenhonorees can be found in the state of Quintana Roo, home to the stunning stretch of the Caribbean seaboard known as the Riviera Maya. On the Pacific Coast, one of the newest resorts to be recognized is No. 2 One&Only Mandarina , which opened near Puerto Vallarta in 2020. "Experiences to create lifelong memories," wrote one reader about the resort's programming, which takes full advantage of both the surrounding rain forest and adjacent beach with activities like zip-lining, rappelling, surfing, and fishing. "Loved every minute of this beautiful tropical paradise," summarized another fan.

Also making this year's list are several perennial favorites clustered near Playa del Carmen, including Rosewood Mayakoba (No. 6) and Hotel Esencia (No. 16), both of which wowed readers with exceptional hospitality. "One of our favorite places in the world, primarily because of the staff," wrote one reader who stayed at the secluded 129-suite Rosewood. "They are warm and welcoming and make you feel like family while providing a high level of refined service." Another voter praised the ultra-private Hotel Esencia, which "set the absolute highest bar." No wonder it counts Aerin Lauder and Lupita Nyong'o among its clientele.

Nine more of this year's chosen resorts are in the whale-watching hub of Baja California Sur — specifically, in Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo. For many voters, proximity to both the cities and the beach was a huge plus. "We love the closeness to San José," wrote one guest of No. 4 Viceroy Los Cabos, who also noticed "a great mix of families and couples at the resort." Another property that makes the most of its location, according to voters, is No. 9 the Cape: "As we walked into the open-air lobby, we were instantly hit with the breathtaking views of Medano Beach, Lands End, and the Arch. The landscaping, design of furniture, and architecture combine to make a breathtaking environment."

But as impressive as all of these hotels were, it was another in Los Cabos that readers chose as the best resort in Mexico. Below, find out which longtime favorite stole the show.

1. Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal, Cabo San Lucas

Tucked into a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this upscale resort impressed T+L readers from the moment they drove through the torch-lit tunnel toward the open-air lobby. The 113 rooms and suites take full advantage of their waterfront positions with private terraces and plunge pools from which guests can enjoy what one reader called "the best sunrise and sunset views." (For the latter, another strategy is booking a well-timed dinner reservation at the elegant cliffside restaurant, El Farallón.) The "incredible staff" also helps the resort stand out, according to a second reader. On site, employees lend their skills and knowledge to experiences — a Baja-inspired herbal body treatment at the spa and a curated tasting of lesser-known regional spirits like raicilla or sotol in the newly refreshed Agave Study, to name a few. Guests who want to get off-property have their dedicated personal concierge to coordinate experiences like swimming with whale sharks in La Paz or taking a snorkeling tour aboard the Dos Mares yacht.

Score: 97.45

Book on Tripadvisor

2. One&Only Mandarina, Riviera Nayarit

One of the newest hotels in One&Only's portfolio, this resort was designed so that its 105 villas and tree-house accommodations blend seamlessly into the tropical environment. It also boasts a modern-Mexican restaurant from acclaimed chef Enrique Olvera.

Score: 95.64

3. Esperanza, Auberge Resorts Collection, Cabo San Lucas

T+L readers appreciated the attentive hospitality of this beachside escape. "Even during COVID restrictions, the staff and service were still excellent," wrote one voter.

Score: 95.50

4. Viceroy Los Cabos, San José del Cabo

"We love the closeness to San José, and there is a great mix of families and couples at the resort," observed one T+L reader who has visited this sleek hotel on multiple occasions. "We have had wonderful experiences with the staff there and always look forward to our next trip."

Score: 95.46

5. Cala de Mar Resort & Spa, Ixtapa

One reader found the 6,000-square-foot wellness facilities at this 59-suite resort "comparable to paradise." Aztec-inspired treatments incorporate endemic herbs, fruits, and flowers, including lemony toronjil .

Score: 95.45

6. Rosewood Mayakoba, Playa del Carmen

Set amid serene lagoons and lush mangrove forests, this resort is "everything that you dream of when you think of experiencing a faraway tropical destination without spending hours on a plane," according to one enthusiastic voter, who also commented that "everything about Rosewood screams romance even with kids in tow."

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 95.38

7. Viceroy Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen

Forty-one private villas put guests within steps of the Riviera Maya's white-sand beaches. "Perfect place to relax and reconnect," praised one WBA voter, who noted that the staff delivered "personalized service and amazing attention to details with zero pretentiousness."

Score: 95.25

8. Pueblo Bonito Mazatlan, Mazatlán

The recent renovations at this resort on Mazatlán's Zona Dorada coastline haven't gone unnoticed by T+L readers. "The results are a huge improvement," wrote one voter, who also commented on how family-friendly the property is.

Score: 95.08

9. The Cape, a Thompson Hotel, Cabo San Lucas

So often, it's the staff that truly drives home a sense of belonging at a hotel — and that was the attribute that resonated most for readers who stayed at this resort. "Everyone was warm, friendly, and willing to go out of their way to help you," wrote one voter. "Throughout our stay, our personal concierge Rey made sure we were taken care of, from welcoming us when we arrived to consistently making sure we had what we needed." Another reader also appreciated that "it has a luxury feel without the luxury price point."

Score: 95.02

10. Garza Blanca Resort & Spa Los Cabos, Cabo San Lucas

Anticipatory service goes a long way with T+L readers. "From sitting down to dinner at a restaurant to ordering room service, the staff were always one step ahead of me, anticipating my needs," wrote a T+L reader.

Score: 94.84

11. Fairmont Mayakoba, Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen

"Families, don't walk — run to the Fairmont Mayakoba if you are looking for a special vacation," advises one reader who stayed at this newly refurbished property. "The facilities are amazing, as are the pools, restaurants, golf, and activities. We cannot wait to return!"

Score: 94.82

12. Vidanta Nuevo Vallarta, Nuevo Vallarta

Between an aqua park, lazy river, three-story shopping complex, and a staggering 40+ dining venues, there's no shortage of diversions at this sprawling resort. "We have been to this location about five times over the years and it always exceeds our high expectations," shared one voter.

Score: 94.74

More information: vidanta.com

13. St. Regis Punta Mita Resort, Punta Mita

"So attentive, genuine, and warm," wrote one reader of the service at this 22-acre resort. Another noted the "access to great pools and beaches."

Score: 94.71

14. Mahekal Beach Resort, Playa del Carmen

"A nice little oasis" in the Riviera Maya, said one reader of this all-inclusive, adding that "the hut where you can paint pottery is particularly special."

Score: 94.05

15. Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, San José del Cabo

One of five Reserve properties in the Ritz-Carlton portfolio, the 115-room Zadún is among the most elevated stays in Los Cabos, thanks to the intuitive service provided by its tosoanis (butlers). "A wonderful experience," summarized one reader.

Score: 93.97

16. Hotel Esencia, Quintana Roo

Its past life as the holiday escape of an Italian duchess is just one reason travelers find this lush, 45-suite and three-villa hideaway near Tulum so intriguing. A superlative new sushi-centric restaurant, Taiyo, is another. "What an exceptional experience," gushed one reader. "I compare all hotel stays to Hotel Esencia."

Score: 93.89

17. Hotel Xcaret Mexico, Playa del Carmen

A vegetarian restaurant and "the most comfortable beds ever" might not be the first things travelers associate with an all-inclusive resort in Mexico, but according to two WBA voters, those were among this property's most notable features.

Score: 93.84

18. Montage Los Cabos, Cabo San Lucas

"Beautiful rooms, perfect service, breathtaking pools and beach, and top-notch dining make this resort one to beat," wrote one T+L reader. Another voiced approval of the fitness offerings, noting that "they even have two Pilates reformers and excellent instructors."

Score: 93.76

19. Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, Punta Mita

Many readers sought out resorts where they could truly unplug and relax, which is precisely what this 52-acre property delivered. "Our pattern of waking up, enjoying breakfast, then the infinity pool to the adult pool to the lazy river to the beach was the most enjoyable, stress-reducing experience I've had in 10 years," shared a voter.

Score: 93.75

20. Chileno Bay Resort & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection, Cabo San Lucas

Quite a bit of the Cabo coastline is deemed unswimmable, which makes this property's location in a protected cove so desirable. "You can snorkel right off the adjacent beach," noted one voter.

Score: 93.74

21. Vidanta Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen

"We never tire of this resort, especially with Jungala and Cirque du Soleil," wrote one repeat guest. A different voter, who had to navigate a family emergency while on property, praised the staff for how helpful they were in arranging travel home.

Score: 93.52

22. One&Only Palmilla, San José del Cabo

The four on-site restaurants at this romantic 174-room resort are "the best in town," according to one culinary-minded voter. "You must take your time and visit each one of them."

Score: 93.43

23. Nizuc Resort & Spa, Cancún

The clean, modern design of this resort pops against the surrounding white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. "This is a Cancun dream destination, especially with families," praised one voter. "I loved having our own pool in our room, and the food and restaurants were exceptional."

Score: 93.42

24. Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay Resort & Spa, Mazatlán

Pampering is a major reason guests escape to this Sinaloan resort on the Pacific. "Gorgeous spa with lots of treatment options," said a voter. "Stayed in a villa that was fabulous. Spoiled us for sure!"

Score: 93.33

25. Le Blanc Spa Resort, Cancún

Activities at this adults-only all-inclusive range from paddle yoga in one of the hotel pools to a sunset sail aboard a luxury yacht. "I would give LeBlanc 10 stars if I could," wrote a reader.

Score: 93.16

Related Articles

• Destinations

Mexico Travel

Welcome To Mexico Travel

Did you know that Mexico is one of the most visited countries in the world? This beautiful country is home for many UNESCO Heritage sites which includes ancient ruins, colonial cities, natural reserves, and epic landscapes. While mentioning the historic attractions of this country one shouldn’t forget the plethora of cultural festivals and beach resorts it’s proud of which is yet another major tourism driving force. Read More .

Recently on Mexico Travel

What is the best month to go to Mexico?

Can You Drive In Mexico With A US License?

Mexico destinations.

Here are the best vacation destinations in Mexico! Explore them below.

Chichen Itza

Copper Canyon

Guadalajara

Isla Mujeres

Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo

Lake Chapala

Mexico City

Playa Del Carmen

Puerto Escondido

Puerto Vallarta

Rincon De Guayabitos

Rosarito Beach

San Miguel De Allende

• Terms of Services
• Privacy Policy

Security Alert May 17, 2024

Worldwide caution, update may 10, 2024, information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

• Travel Advisories |
• Contact Us |
• MyTravelGov |

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement, replace or certify documents.

Get a Passport

Renew or Replace a Passport

Get My Passport Fast

Prepare to Apply

Passport Help

Legal Matters

Prepare to Apply for a Passport Homepage

Share this page:

Passport Forms

What Form Should I use?

Get Your Processing Time

Passport Fees

Passport Photos

Citizenship Evidence

Photo Identification

Where to Apply

• Fill out our primary application forms using  our Form Filler .  
• For the best experience, use a desktop or laptop computer when filling out your form.
• Check the information you entered for your date of birth and previous passport issuance date if you did not get the form you expected to receive.  
• If you are experiencing technical issues with our Form Filler, download a PDF and complete your form by hand.
• Visit the webpage of the  U.S. embassy or consulate  if you are applying for a U.S. passport while in a foreign country. 

Reminders for Printing Your Application

• Make sure the image of the application covers the entire page.
• Use vertical, portrait format. Do not print your form horizontally. Doing so will cause delays with your application. 
• Print your form single-sided on 8.5 inch by 11 inch letter-sized paper. We do not accept double-sided forms.
• The only handwritten marks we will accept when you use the Form Filler tool are your original signature and date. 

Primary Application Forms for a U.S. Passport

1. Application For A U.S. Passport (DS-11) 

• You should complete this form if you're applying for the first time , you're applying for your child who is under age 16 , or you don't meet our requirements to renew your passport. Print the form but do not sign it until you are instructed to do so. You can also download the form if you are having issues with the form filler. 

2.  Renewal Application  (DS-82)

• You should complete this form if you meet our requirements to renew your passport . Keep in mind that children under age 16 cannot renew their passports and must apply using Form DS-11. Make sure to sign and date the form after you print it. You can also  download the form  if you are having issues with the form filler.

3. Data Corrections, Some Name Changes, and Limited-Validity Passports (DS-5504) 

• You may be eligible to use this form if you need to change or correct your passport , or you need to replace a passport that was limited to less than 10 years validity (which is the normal validity period for an adult's passport.) Make sure to sign and date the form after you print it. You can also  download the form  if you are having issues with the form filler.

Forms for Special Situations

• You should complete this form if you lost your passport or it has been stolen . To replace a lost or stolen passport, you must apply in person and submit Form DS-11 in addition to Form DS-64. 

2. Statement of Consent for Issuing a Passport to a Child (DS-3053)

• You should complete this form if one parent or guardian cannot go with the child to apply in person for the child's passport. The parent or guardian should submit this special form in addition to their child's application (DS-11). 

3.  Statement of Special Family Circumstances (DS-5525)

• You should complete this form if one parent or guardian cannot locate the other parent or guardian. The parent who is applying should submit this special form in addition to their child's application (DS-11).

4. Statement You Did Not Receive Your U.S. Passport (DS-86)

• You should submit this form only if we mailed your passport and you did not receive it within two weeks of us mailing it. Call the National Passport Information Center and the customer service representatives will walk you through this form.

Processing Times

Routine:  6-8 weeks*

Expedited: 2-3 weeks and an extra $60*

*Consider the total time it will take to get a passport when you are booking travel.  Processing times only include the time your application is at a passport agency or center.

• It may take up to 2 weeks for applications to arrive at a passport agency or center. It may take up to 2 weeks for you to receive a completed passport after we print it. 
• Processing times + mailing times = total time to get a passport

Urgent Travel:  See our Get my Passport Fast page. 

External Link

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

You are about to visit:

An official website of the United States government

Here’s how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock Locked padlock icon ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

International travel documents for children

See what documents a child needs to travel to or from the U.S. alone or with a parent or relative.

Children traveling to the U.S.

All children, including infants, must have their own travel documents such as a passport or document from a Trusted Traveler Program to enter the U.S. If you travel or are going to travel with a child, consider taking the following documents:

• If the child is traveling with only one of their custodial parents, they must have a letter of consent, preferably in English and notarized, from the other parent or signed by both parents. The letter should say "I acknowledge that my son/daughter is traveling outside the country with [the name of the adult] with my permission."
• If one parent has sole custody of the child, a copy of the custody document can take the place of the other parent's letter.
• Parents who frequently cross the border by land with a minor must always carry a letter of permission from the other parent.

U.S. citizen children traveling abroad

Ports of entry in many countries have security measures to prevent international child abduction . If you are traveling alone with your child, you may be required to present documentation proving you are the parent or legal guardian. You may also need a letter of permission from the other parent for your child to travel. 

If your child travels alone, depending on the country, they may be required to present a notarized letter from both parents or their legal guardian. If a minor is traveling abroad and is not accompanied by both parents or a legal guardian, contact the embassy or consulate of the country you will be visiting and ask about entry and exit requirements for that country.

LAST UPDATED: December 6, 2023

Have a question?

Ask a real person any government-related question for free. They will get you the answer or let you know where to find it.

• Best overall
• Best for cruises
• Best for reputation
• Best for preexisting conditions
• Best for digital nomads
• Best low-cost
• Best for road trips
• How we reviewed travel insurance companies

Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Travel Insurance in June 2024

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

Traveling is an adventure, a leap into the unknown, a story waiting to unfold. But every story needs a safety net, and that's where travel insurance comes in. In this guide to the best travel insurance, we'll embark on a journey to help you better understand travel insurance and uncover the benefits that make it an indispensable companion for any traveler.

Our Picks for the Best Travel Insurance Companies

Best overall: nationwide travel insurance.

• Runner-Up: AXA Assistance USA
• Best for Cruises: Travel Guard
• Best Reputation:  C&F Travel Insured
• Best for Pre-existing Conditions:   Tin Leg Travel Insurance
• Best for Digital Nomads:   WorldTrips Travel Insurance
• Best Low-Cost Option:   Trawick International Travel Insurance

Best for Road Trips: Travelex Travel Insurance

How we rate travel insurance »

Compare the Best Travel Insurance Companies

The best travel insurance companies offer comprehensive coverage options for a wide range of people and needs. For this guide, we looked at coverage options, customizability, and the best companies for specific situations, such as pre-existing conditions.

Here are Business Insider's picks for the best travel insurance companies in 2024. 

• Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of trip costs (for cruises) or up to $30,000 (for single-trip plans)
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Three cruise-specific plans to choose from
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Annual travel insurance plans available
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Strong trip cancellation coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Cancel for any reason coverage available
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. CFAR insurance not available with every single plan
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Medical coverage is lower than what some competitors offer

Nationwide Travel Insurance offers many of the standard benefits you might see with a travel insurance policy. This can include things like trip cancellation coverage, so you can recover pre-paid costs or trip interruption in the event your vacation is interrupted by an unexpected event. There's also baggage delay coverage and medical coverage.

• Cancel for any reason coverage available

Nationwide Travel Insurance is of the largest players in the travel insurance space, offering nearly endless options for any customer on the travel spectrum, including annual travel insurance plans which can offer frequent travelers the flexibility to "set it and forget it" on their travel insurance coverage.

Nationwide Essential also offers some of the most affordable policies in the market compared to similar plans from competitors, which makes it a great pick for just about anyone. Buyers can discuss bundling options as Nationwide also sells homeowners, auto, pet, and other insurance products. Its travel insurance quoting is just as easy as it has been with other Nationwide insurance products.

Read our Nationwide Travel Insurance review here.

Best Travel Insurance Runner-Up: AXA Assistance USA

• Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of the trip cost
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous medical evacuation coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to $1,500 per person coverage for missed connections on cruises and tours
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Covers loss of ski, sports and golf equipment
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous baggage delay, loss and trip delay coverage ceilings per person
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage only available for most expensive Platinum plan
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. CFAR coverage ceiling only reaches $50,000 maximum despite going up to 75%

AXA Assistance USA keeps travel insurance simple with gold, silver, and platinum plans. Emergency medical and CFAR are a couple of the options you can expect. Read on to learn more about AXA.

• Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans available
• Trip interruption coverage of up to 150% of the trip cost
• Emergency medical coverage of up to $250,000

AXA Assistance USA  offers consumers a great option for no-stress travel insurance: low-priced plans, generous coverage limits on key categories including primary insurance on lost luggage, and up to 150% reimbursement for qualifying trip cancellations.

While add-ons are limited and rental car coverage is not included by default on cheaper plans, AXA is a perfect fit for travelers who don't plan to drive (or who already hold a travel credit card with rental car coverage), and don't need any additional bells and whistles.

Read our AXA Assistance USA Travel Insurance review here.

Best for Cruises: AIG Travel Guard

Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of the trip cost and trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of the cost, for all three plan levels
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. CFAR covers up to 75% of total trip costs (maximum of $112,500 on some plans) 
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Medical coverage of up to $500,000 and evacuation of up to $1,000,000 per person
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Includes COVID coverage 
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Above average baggage loss and delay benefits
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. High medical evacuation coverage
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Premiums may run slightly higher than competitors

Travel Guard is a well-established and highly rated name in the travel insurance industry. It offers three main coverage options to choose from, and in general its policies have above-average coverage for baggage loss and baggage delays, plus high medical evaluation coverage limits.

• Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of the trip cost
• Trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost
• Preexisting medical conditions exclusions waiver must be purchased within 15 days of initial trip payment
• Annual travel insurance plan and Pack N' Go plan (for last-minute trips) available

Travel Guard is well-known insurance provider, and a great fit for travelers who want to ensure that they can get their money back in the event of canceled or interrupted travel plans.

While the company's policies can be pricey compared to its competitors, the high medical and evacuation limits make AIG a solid choice for older travelers who value peace of mind and simplicity over highly customizable plans that may be bolstered with medical upgrades.

Read our AIG Travel Guard review here.

Best for Reputation: C&F Travel Insured

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers 2 major plans including CFAR coverage on the more expensive option
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Cancellation for job loss included as a covered reason for trip cancellation/interruption (does not require CFAR coverage to qualify)
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Frequent traveler reward included in both policies
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to $1 million in medical evacuation coverage available
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Medical coverage is only $100,000
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Reviews on claims processing indicate ongoing issues
• C&F's Travel Insured policies allow travelers customize travel insurance to fit their specific needs. Frequent travelers may benefit from purchasing an annual travel insurance plan, then adding on CFAR coverage for any portions of travel that may incur greater risk.

While every travel insurance company has negative reviews about its claims process, C&F Travel Insured 's claims process has a consistent stream of positive reviews. One customer wrote that C&F processed a claim within 48 hours. Additionally, C&F regularly responds to customer reviews within one business week, making reviews a consistent way to reach the company.

Additionally, in C&F's fine print, it mentions that any claims that take more than 30 days to pay out will begin to accrue interest at 9% APY.

C&F's reputation isn't the only thing to speak highly of. It offers an array of add-ons uncommon in the travel insurance industry, such as Interruption for Any Reason insurance and CFAR coverage for annual plans. C&F also offers discounts for children on its Protector Edge plan and free coverage on its Protector plan.  

Read our C&F Travel Insured review here. 

Best for Pre-Existing Conditions: Tin Leg Travel Insurance

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Policy coverage includes most pre-existing health conditions
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous medical and evacuation amounts for peace of mind
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. COVID coverage included by default on all insurance plans
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers a wide range of plans for various budgets and travel needs
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Some plans offer CFAR, “cancel for work reasons,” financial default, and unemployment coverage
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Limited add-on coverage options
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Baggage loss and delay coverage is low compared to competitors

Tin Leg travel insurance offers eight travel insurance plans to meet the unique needs of travelers.

• Tin Leg was founded in 2014 by the travel insurance industry experts at Squaremouth. Designed to meet the most common needs of travelers, these policies offer comprehensive Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption benefits, and a range of Emergency Medical and Medical Evacuation limits.

Tin Leg Travel Insurance is a great fit for travelers with medical issues in particular. Seven of Tin Leg's eight travel plans include coverage for pre-existing conditions as long as you purchase your policy within 15 days of your initial trip payment.

Thanks to coverage for pre-existing medical conditions as well as for potential COVID-19 infection while traveling, this company offers some of the best financial investment options for travelers who are or will be exposed to higher health risks and issues.

Read our Tin Leg Travel Insurance review here.

Best for Digital Nomads: WorldTrips Travel Insurance

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable base plans that can be customized with add-ons including rental car, pet care, hunting and fishing, and vacation rental coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Insurance plans available for international student travelers
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip delay coverage benefit that kicks in after just five hours
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Pre-existing conditions waiver can be purchased within 21 days of initial trip payment
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Lower medical, evacuation and accidental death limits
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Limited, secondary baggage loss coverage although baggage protection can be upgraded at a low cost
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No special coverages for pets, sports equipment, etc.

WorldTrips has been a reputable travel insurance provider for more than 20 years. Unsurprisingly, it boasts an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and positive reviews from thousands of customers.

• Travel medical insurance (Premium, Group, Annual, and International Student options)
• Trip cancellation insurance
• Trip protection insurance

WorldTrips Travel Insurance has affordable premiums, highly customizable add-ons, and generous coverage for core categories of travel insurance. All this makes it a great option for digital nomads, students studying abroad and backpackers.

However, travelers should keep in mind that plans are not particularly flexible, and coverage amounts are limited unless you plan ahead to pay for the areas and amounts that you need.

Read our WorldTrips Travel Insurance review here.

Best for Affordability: Trawick International Travel Insurance

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Useful for adventurous travelers headed to higher-risk destinations
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable plans with varying levels of coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. 10-day free look option
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous baggage loss replacement policy
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip delay coverage kicks in after just six hours
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Some policies allow a CFAR add-on
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to $1 million medical evacuation coverage limit
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Baggage and trip delay coverages don’t kick in until after the 12-hour mark
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. International student policies available for temporary stints abroad
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Complaints about claims not being paid or involving an intermediary to resolve claims

Trawick International travel insurance offers plans customized to diverse travelers' needs. We look at coverage options, claims processing, pricing, and other important factors for savvy travelers.

• Travel medical insurance
• Trip protection and cancellation
• International student insurance
• Visitor medical insurance (for traveling to the US)

Trawick International Travel Insurance is another insurance provider with robust medical travel insurance  that can help higher-risk and anxious travelers find peace of mind while on the road. This company offers one of the most generous medical evacuation policies in the market, although travelers will need to remember to add on rental car coverage if they need it.

Read our Trawick Travel Insurance review here.

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Options to cover sports equipment
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Option to increase medical coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Can cancel up to 48 hours before travel when CFAR option is purchased
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable coverage for budget-conscious travelers
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Includes generous baggage delay, loss and trip delay coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Optional "adventure sports" bundle available for riskier activities
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Only two insurance plans to choose from
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Medical coverage maximum is low at up to $50,000 per person
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Pricier than some competitors with lower coverage ceilings
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Some competitors offer higher medical emergency coverage

Travelex travel insurance is one of the largest travel insurance providers in the US providing domestic and international coverage options. It offers a basic, select, and America option. Read on to learn more.

• Optional CFAR insurance available with the Travel Select plan
• Trip delay insurance starting at $500 with the Travel Basic plan
• Emergency medical and dental coverage starting at $15,000

Travelex Travel Insurance  offers three plans:

• Travel Basic
• Travel Select
• Travel America

The Travelex America plan is meant for trips limited to the U.S., but it has the highest coverage limits in many areas compared to its other programs. If you're flying somewhere, the lost baggage limits are higher. Its natural strengths shine for road trippers, though. Travelex America adds coverage for roadside service and rental car coverage for unexpected accidents. It also covers pets should you be involved in an accident while on the road.

While your standard auto insurance does extend to car rentals within the U.S. for a limited time, any accident would affect future rates. Travelex would eliminate the risk of reporting to your auto insurance provider for minor incidents within its purview.

Read our Travelex Travel Insurance review here.

Introduction to Travel Insurance

Why travel insurance is a must-have.

The unpredictable nature of traveling – from flight cancellations to medical emergencies – can turn your dream vacation into a nightmare. Travel insurance acts as a personal safeguard, ensuring that unexpected events don't drain your wallet or ruin your trip.

Understanding Different Types of Travel Insurance

Not all travel insurance policies are created equal. From single-trip travel insurance policies to annual travel insurance plans , from minimal coverage to comprehensive protection, understanding the spectrum of options is your first step in finding the right fit for your journey.

Key Features to Look for in Travel Insurance Coverage

Travel insurance for medical emergencies.

Imagine falling ill in a foreign country; daunting, right? A robust travel insurance plan ensures you don't have to worry about how much emergency medical care while traveling will cost, even in the most remote corners of the globe. This coverage will often come in tandem with emergency medical evacuation coverage.

Trip Cancellation and Interruption Benefits

Life is full of surprises, some less pleasant than others. Trip cancellation and interruption coverage ensures that you're not left out of pocket if unforeseen circumstances force you to cancel or cut your trip short. You may also look for cancel for any reason and interruption for any reason options, which will reimburse you for a percentage of your nonrefundable fees, but expands the covered reasons you can cancel a trip. You can find our guide on the best CFAR travel insurance companies here.

Coverage for Personal Belongings and Baggage Loss

Losing your belongings is more than an inconvenience; it's losing a piece of your world. Insurance that covers personal belongings and baggage loss ensures that you're compensated for your loss, helping you to rebound and continue your adventure.

Support and Assistance Services

In times of trouble, having a lifeline can make all the difference. Look for insurance that offers 24/7 support and assistance services, giving you peace of mind that help is just a phone call away. Also, check websites that field customer reviews like Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau, and InsureMyTrip , to see how well a company responds to customer requests.

Choosing the Best Travel Insurance

Reputation and reliability of the travel insurance provider.

A provider's reputation is not just about being well-known; it's about reliability, customer satisfaction, and the ability to deliver on promises. Researching and choosing a reputable provider is a cornerstone in ensuring your safety and satisfaction.

Understanding the Policy's Fine Print

The devil is in the details, and understanding the fine print of what your travel insurance policy covers is crucial. Be aware of coverage limits, exclusions, and the process for filing a claim to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

In the age of information, customer reviews and feedback are goldmines of insight. Learn from the experiences of others to gauge the reliability and customer service of the insurance provider you're considering. While the ratings are important, you should also look at whether or not a company responds to customer complaints.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Travel Insurance

Knowing your policy inside out.

Familiarize yourself with every aspect of your policy – what it covers, what it doesn't, how to file a claim, and who to contact in an emergency. Being informed means being prepared. 

Steps to Take When a Problem Arises

If you face an issue during your travels, knowing the immediate steps to take can make all the difference. Keep important contacts and your policy details handy, and remember, your insurance provider is there to assist you.

How to Pick the Best Travel Insurance Company for You

There isn't a one-size-fits-all policy that works perfectly for every traveler. Young, healthy solo travelers can opt for much cheaper plans that offer bare-bones coverage, while families juggling complex itineraries will do best by investing in a robust policy that can help defray any costs associated with lost baggage, delayed transportation or other trip-impeding obstacles.

That being said, you can't go wrong with a travel insurance provider that boasts a reputable history and offers a wide range of customizable plans. In some cases, you may be comparing plans that are only a few dollars' apart from each other. In such situations, you should generally opt for the insurance company that offers the strongest customer service. It's also worth considering whether or not the travel insurance provider has been reviewed by other travelers with similar itineraries to your own. 

An insurance aggregator like InsureMyTrip or Squaremouth is one of the best tools for searching travel insurance policies. Once you input the specifics of your travel itinerary, you'll be able to see hundreds of search results to compare the ones that catch your eye. If the options are too overwhelming, use the filters to the left of your search page to eliminate as many irrelevant plans as possible.

How We Reviewed the Best Travel Insurance Companies

To come up with our list of the best travel insurance companies, we evaluated each insurer based on the following factors:

Guide Methodology: What We Considered

Policy Types

Travel insurance is essential, but often underused partly because people aren't getting what they want. Business Insider's 2023 travel study showed 10.65% of travelers surveyed bought cancel for any reason insurance. Cost may be a factor, but in many cases, the coverage is more affordable than you might think. Regardless, companies must offer a diverse range of coverage options. We award five stars to companies offering all standard coverages and additional options like pet and sports equipment protection.

Our 2023 travel study indicated the majority of purchases were made through the travel provider (ex: flight protection insurance when you're purchasing your airline tickets). While these may be sufficient for some customers, we look for companies offering a more comprehensive range of services.

According to the U.S. Travel Insurance Association, the average cost of travel insurance will be between 4% and 8% of total travel expenses. Anything beyond that price point should include additional benefits beyond the standard inclusions, such as CFAR protection or upgraded medical coverage. Anything below that 4% threshold may leave you lacking important or sufficient coverage in an emergency.

Convenience and Flexibility

Whether you're an infrequent traveler or a suitcase warrior, a good travel insurance company should have you covered. In many cases, you might not even have to talk to a person in order to purchase your policy.

Many people think of travel insurance in context with specific trips, but most of these top contenders sell both single-trip and multi-trip policies, also known as annual travel insurance. Some companies also offer plans specifically designed for cruisers, students abroad, and business travelers. (Read our guide to the best cruise travel insurance companies for more details.) Finally, all of these providers offer multiple options for getting the specific areas and amounts of coverage that you want.

Claims Handling

Most travelers never have a large claim. Premiums are low, and it provides peace of mind for the just in case situations. So they leave reviews based on their reduced stress levels. But what happens if you lose your luggage or have to stay a few extra days due to an unexpected accident? Will your insurance carrier cover your claim without all the hassle? We check real customer reviews to sort this out for you.

Ease of Use and Support

When purchasing, during your trip, and throughout the claims process, you may need extra support. Does the company have a 24/7 help line? Does it have an online or mobile system allowing you to self-manage? Essentially, what are the options when you need help? We look at the big picture to evaluate the average customer experience with each company.

You can read our full insurance rating methodology for even more details.

Best Travel Insurance FAQs

There isn't a one-size-fits-all solution for every traveler. Determine the benefits that are most important to you, like baggage delay coverage, medical coverage, and trip delay coverage, then look for a company with solid customer ratings, especially when it comes to processing claims.

Travel insurance will pay out if you experience a covered event, such as a travel delay or delayed or lost baggage. If you're looking to get travel insurance for a specific reason, such as needing to potentially cancel your trip due to work reasons, make sure your policy will cover you in that situation before purchasing it. You should also check customer reviews to see other travelers' claims experiences, as it varies wildly from company to company.

The average cost of travel insurance is 4% to 8% of your total trip cost, so it could vary widely depending on where you're traveling and the length of your trip. Your age, the number of people in your group, and other factors can also influence how much you'll pay.

Most comprehensive travel insurance policies include travel medical coverage that can come in handy if an emergency occurs and you need medical evacuation. Some travel insurance plans offer more specialized coverage for travelers with pre-existing conditions , so shop around if medical coverage is a top priority for you. 

$100,000 should be a sufficient medical coverage limit for travel insurance. If you're planning on doing extreme sports or anything particularly risky on your trip, you may want to increase your coverage level. A high medical coverage limit is especially useful when you're purchasing cruise travel insurance, since medical evacuations are more involved at sea.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

**Enrollment required.

• Main content

Get notified in your email when a new post is published to this blog

Visual Studio Blog

The official source of product insight from the Visual Studio Engineering Team

Giving our Azure marketplace images a makeover

Get Hands-On with Visual Studio and Azure: Live at Microsoft HQ this August!

Introducing the Revamped Visual Studio Resource Explorer

A modern Extension Manager has arrived with Visual Studio 17.10

VisualStudio.Extensibility 17.10: Debug your extensions with the Diagnostics Explorer

Developing cloud-native apps with .NET Aspire and Visual Studio

First preview of Visual Studio 2022 v17.11

Maximizing joy and minimizing toil with great developer experiences

Visual Studio 2022 17.10 and GitHub Copilot: Your Coding Partner for Faster and Smarter Development

Improve your code quality with GitHub Copilot in Visual Studio

• Mexico City
• Copper Canyon
• Guadalajara
• Huasteca Potosina
• San Cristóbal de las Casas
• San Miguel de Allende
• 5-Day Mexico City Itinerary
• 10-Day Baja California Road Trip
• 10-Day Chiapas Road Trip
• 10-Day Copper Canyon by Train
• 10-Day Guanajuato Road Trip
• 10-Day Yucatan Road Trip
• 10-Day Oaxaca Road Trip
• Cozumel Island
• Isla Mujeres
• Holbox Island
• Playa del Carmen
• Punta Allen
• Puerto Escondido
• Hot Springs
• Mayan Ruins
• Mountains and Valleys
• Wildlife Experiences
• Best Mexican Foods
• Best Mexican Movies
• Best Books about Mexico
• Mexican Artists
• Mexico Fun Facts
• Mexico Historical Facts
• Mexican Holidays
• Day of the Dead in Mexico
• Pueblos Mágicos in Mexico

Where to Stay in Mexico City in 2024

• by Nellie Huang

Wondering where to stay in Mexico City? I’ve put together a detailed guide to show you the best places to stay in Mexico City for different types of travelers.

Mexico City is one of the biggest cities in the world, with more colonias (neighborhoods) than you can count! Roma appeals to digital nomads and hipsters, Polanco draws in the well-heeled traveler, while La Condesa attracts the beautiful and glamorous. Each neighborhood has its own unique flair, that resonate with different kinds of travelers.

If you are not sure where to stay in Mexico City, this article will help you decide which is the best area for you — whether you’re a budget traveler, digital nomad, or family traveling with kids. I’ve stayed at many of these hotels and done plenty of research, so you can trust me on this! 

Table of Contents

How to Get Around Mexico City 

Mexico travel requirements, things to do in mexico city centro histórico, best hotels in  centro, things to do in juarez, mexico city, best hotels in juarez, things to do in roma, mexico city, best hotels in roma, things to do in polanco, mexico city, best hotels in polanco, things to do in la condensa, mexico city, best hotels in la condensa, things to do in coyoacan, mexico city, best hotels in coyoacan, where not to stay in mexico city, planning a trip around mexico, where to stay in mexico city.

Mexico City has grown tremendously over the years, with many new areas popping up and offering more well-designed and affordable accommodation than ever before. I have chosen 6 best areas to stay in Mexico City, and shared the best hotels in each of these areas. 

• Centro Histórico — best area for first-time visitors
• Juarez (Zona Rosa) — best area for upscale travelers
• Roma — best area for digital nomads and hipsters
• Polanco — best area for families
• La Condesa — best area for restaurant and nightlife lovers
• Coyoacan — best area for creatives and artists

One of the best ways to get around Mexico City is  the metro system , which is cheap and easy to use. Just buy a ticket (“bolleto” in Spanish) from the booth. A metro ticket costs only 5 Pesos ($0.23). You can change as many times as you need to without having to purchase the ticket.

We usually take Uber everywhere in Mexico City as it’s just so convenient and affordable. It costs around US$2-6 to take an Uber within the historical center. It’s also easy to take the Uber on day trips from Mexico City . To get to Coyoacan or Xochimilco from the historical center, it ranges from US$15 to 30 depending what time you’re traveling.

• Mexico has no travel restrictions, and there’s no need for proof of vaccine or PCR tests on the plane. Anyone is welcomed to travel to Mexico.
• However, I always recommend travelers to buy travel insurance, whether you’re traveling for a year or a week. These days, it is particularly important to have travel insurance that covers COVID-19. Read my travel insurance guide.
• Safety Wing  is the most popular travel insurance company for COVID19-coverage. I use their  Nomad Insurance plan , which covers COVID-19 as any other illness as long as it was not contracted before your coverage start date.

Best Areas to Stay in Mexico City

Centro histórico: where to stay  in mexico city for first-time visitors.

The Centro Histórico (historic center) is the palpitating heart of Mexico City, and it’s where I recommend staying if it’s your first trip to Mexico City . The area is centered around the massive Zocalo plaza and many of the main attractions are within walking distance . The best museums in Mexico City are also concentrated here.

We feel very safe when in the Centro, and haven’t found any part of it to be dodgy or unsafe. But be warned: it can be crowded, especially on weekends or special holidays like Dia de los Muertos ( day of the dead ). If you want to be in the city center but in a quieter area, then continue reading the next point.

This is just a summary. Click here for the full list of  things to do in Mexico City .

• Visit Catedral Metropolitana where you can climb both towers for an expansive 360 degree view of CDMX. 
• Outside the Cathedral, you’ll usually find indigenous people perform traditional dance routines. The traditional healers offer a spiritual cleansing ritual called  limpia . 
• See the ruins of Templo Mayor and the remains of sacrificial victims from the Aztec era. There’s an excellent museum that showcases the history of Mexico City.
• The  Palace of Fine Arts is one of the most famous landmarks of Centro Historico and it houses the country’s most important art collections. For a cool view of the Palacio de Bellas Artes, head to the Sears Rooftop Cafe across the road. 

Budget: Casa Pepe

Located 600 m from Zocalo Square, this funky and hip hostel (pictured) is steps from interesting sights and it’s got really groovy vibes. Rooms are super clean and tastefully designed. Check the rates here.

Midrange:  Hampton Inn & Suites

We stayed at this hotel in the historic center and loved the location, just two blocks from the main square (Zocalo). Originally built over 200 years ago, many of the original details such as the iron railings and mosaics on the building’s facade have been maintained. Suites are spacious and comfortable, highly recommended for families. Check the rates here.

Luxury:  Hotel Zocalo Central

Right next to the Cathedral overlooking the Zocalo (main square), this stylish design hotel is housed in a 1890s building and features a contemporary design. Their rooftop restaurant is my favorite place to eat in Mexico City. Check the rates here.

Ultra Luxury: Círculo Mexicano

A top choice for ultra-lux travelers, Círculo Mexicano is located on the upper floors of a 19th-century building. The chic boutique hotel has e legant, minimalist rooms that come with patios that open up to Cathedral views. Check the rates here.

Families: Casa Donceles Penthouse

Located right by the Museum of Fine Arts, this two-bedroom apartment has an excellent location and plenty of space. It’s fully furnished with a complete kitchen, two spacious bedrooms and extra sofa-beds. Great option for families! Check rates here.

Juarez (Zona Rosa): Where to Stay in Mexico City for upscale Travelers

To the west of Centro, Juarez has a reputation of being one of Mexico’s most exciting and vibrant areas. It lies between Centro and Bosque de Chapultepec (the city’s green lungs), and it’s just a 10-minute Uber ride to get to either of these areas. 

Paseo de la Reforma , a wide avenue that runs diagonally across the heart of Mexico City, is dotted with plenty of affordable luxury hotels like Marriott and Hampton Inn. Here is where you’ll find many of the best rooftop bars in Mexico City . The area is also home to the Zona Rosa , a gay-friendly district of sidewalk bars, Korean restaurants and lively nightlife.

• Admire the Angel de la Independencia, a golden monument built in 1910 to commemorate the centennial of the beginning of Mexico’s War of Independence.
• Head to the Museo de Cera or wax museum, especially if you’re exploring Mexico City with kids. Don’t miss the chance to get a photo op with a massive chair in the lobby and enjoy the simulator ride. 

Visit the Museo de Chocolate and learn about the history of chocolate in Mexico and learn to make some chocolate. It’s a one of the best Mexico City museums for kids .

• Budding artists love to gather on the streets of Zona Rosa, particularly on Londres Street and at the Plaza del Angel, to show and share their work with passers-by, alongside keen antique sellers. 

Budget: Hotel MX Reforma

Located steps from the Angel of Independence, this budget hotel has small but comfortable rooms. Everything is brand new and the rooftop terrace is especially attractive. Check rates here.

Midrange: Hotel Geneve CD de Mexico

Originally built in 1907, Hotel Geneve (pictured below) is located in Zona Rosa, steps from shops, restaurants and attractions. The heritage hotel combines historic charm with modern amenities and facilities, including an on-site spa. I loved staying at this iconic hotel oozing with character! Check rates here.

Luxury: Mexico City Marriott Reforma Hotel  

Also overlooking Paseo de la Reforma, this luxury hotel may be old but rooms have been newly renovated and those on the high floor have excellent views of the city. Check rates here.

Ultra Luxury: The St Regis Mexico City

Located along the famous Paseo de la Reforma, this luxurious hotel (pictured below) is lauded as one of the best in the city. Suites are sophisticated and feature a chaiselounge and larger-than-usual king beds. St Regis also boasts of butler service and 3 on-site gourmet restaurants. Check rates here.

Families: The Local Way – Berlin

This 3-bedroom apartment is perfect for big families who need space and facilities. Located by the embassy district, the apartment is equipped with a spacious living area, washing machine and dryer, gym and rooftop terrace. Check rates here.

Roma: Where to Stay in Mexico City for Digital Nomads 

If you’re a digital nomad wondering where to stay in Mexico City, Roma is your answer. Further south of Juarez is the famous Colonia Roma, named a “Barrio Mágico” (“magical neighborhood”) in 2011. Originally a neighborhood for Mexico City’s upper-class, Roma became a middle-class district after the 1985 earthquake. Thankfully, the neighborhood enjoyed a recent renaissance in recent years, with newly restored art deco mansions, colorful street art, and hipster vibes.

Roma was also the setting of the famous Battles in the Desert  by José Emilio Pacheco, one of the best books on Mexico . Many of the neighborhoods’s galleries, shops and restaurants are housed in former Art Nouveau and Neo-Classical buildings dating from the 20th century.

The neighborhood has grown so much that it’s no longer a single colonia  but now two officially defined ones, Roma Norte  and  Roma Sur , divided by Coahuila street. 

• Colonia Roma’s most welcoming open space is the Plaza Rio de Janeiro, famed for its replica of Michelangelo’s David  in the central fountain. 
• Visit the bizarrely cool Museo del Objeto del Objeto , a museum of everyday objects. It sounds mundane, but it definitely has an edge over the more traditional museums. 
• Admire avant-garde art at one of Mexico City’s most established contemporary art galleries, Galería OMR.
• Eat at the ultra-hip  Mercado Roma , a modern food hall packed with gourmet taco stands and fusion food stalls. Vendors sell everything from craft beer to cheese to churros—all of which can be enjoyed on the public rooftop. 

Budget:  La Querencia DF

This budget-friendly bed & breakfast is housed in a colonial-style home in Roma Norte. You’ll notice it straight away because of its bright orange color and cute little balconies. Rooms are brightly colored, clean and cozy. Check the rates here.

Midrange: Casai Roma Luis Cabrera

Fresh and modern, this one-bedroom apartment has an excellent location in the lively Roma neighborhood. It’s perfect for digital nomads who are looking for a comfy temporary home with great WiFi, fully equipped kitchen, dining and outdoor terrace. Check rates here.

Luxury: Nima Local House Hotel

With interiors that look like they came out of a magazine, Nima Hotel Boutique (pictured below) is tastefully designed with high-end furniture that are assembled in a stylish way. The house itself has tons of history, and it’s surrounded by numerous bars, restaurants, cafes, shops, and nightclubs. Check rates here.

Ultra Luxury: Brick Hotel Mexico City

Located on Orizaba Street in Roma, the stylish Brick Hotel Mexico City is an ultra-sexy hotel housed in a newly restored 20th-century building. Discreet, fancy and well located, this extravagant hotel is just a 5-minute walk from OMR Gallery and subway access. Check rates here.

Families: The Local Way – Azul Cordoba

Perfect for families with kids, this 2-bedroom apartment is spacious, bright and airy. It has a stylish Nordic living room and a small dining area, and patio doors that open up to the leafy gardens. Check rates here.

Polanco: Where to Stay in Mexico City for Families

North of the Bosque de Chapultepec is the trendy, upscale neighborhood of Polanco. The main shopping avenue is flanked by elegant Spanish colonial homes, while the lush side streets play host to avant garde architecture such as the futuristic Museo Soumaya , an enigmatic monument that stands out from the Mexico City streetscape. 

Polanco is the most upscale residential area in Mexico City, and there are plenty of safe, kid-friendly spaces here for families with little ones. It’s also here where you’ll find the highest concentration of Airbnbs and apartments suitable for families.

• Wander around the Soumaya Museum (one of the best art museums in CDMX ) and admire works of art from world-famous painters like Picasso, Renoir, Dali, and Van Gogh. The collection of more than 66,000 pieces has been split into two buildings: one in Plaza Loreto and the other in Plaza Carso.
• Shop along the Avenida Presidente Masaryk, considered the Champs-Élysées of Mexico. It is the cosmopolitan vibe of this boulevard that has given Polanco the reputation as an upmarket area. 
• Considering Polanco’s proximity to the Bosque de Chapultepec, it’s easy to hop over to the Museum of Anthropology for a wander. This is the most visited museum in Mexico, housing one of the largest collections of Mayan artefacts in the world.
• Visit the Polyforum Cultural Siqueiros, a multi-functional exhibition space designed by celebrated Mexican muralist, David Alfaro Siqueiros. 

Budget: Ayenda Terraza 158

There aren’t many backpackers hostels in Polanco, but this budget hotel is a great option with very affordable prices and comfortable rooms. With a central location steps from shops and restaurants, this newly renovated hotel is excellent for flashpackers and digital nomads. Check rates here.

Midrange: Suites Obelisk

Steps from Lincoln Park, this stylish hotel features an all-white colonial exterior but contrastingly modern interior. All of its rooms are spacious suites, with separate living and dining areas. Check rates here.

Luxury: The Wild Oscar

One of the coolest hotels in Polanco is the elegant and chic Wild Oscar (pictured below). With sleek black-and-grey furnishing, the hotel offers private residential-style accommodation. All suites feature a wide work desk area, smart TV, french style bathtub, kitchenette, living and dining area. I absolutely love this hotel and definitely wish I can stay here on every trip to Mexico City ! Check rates here.

Ultra Luxury: Hotel Las Alcobas

This Luxury Collection Hotel is undoubtedly the best hotel in Polanco. The ultra-lux property has plush rooms that feature contemporary decor and immaculate maintenance. Every room has a hydromassage bath and views of the Bosque de Chapultepec. Check rates here.

Families: ULIV Apartments – Polanco 

Located near the Polanco metro station, the two-bedroom ULIV apartment is a 5-minute walk from fashionable shops, cafés and restaurants. It’s ultra modern, stylish and practical with all the amenities a family will need. There’s also a swimming pool and fitness center. Check rates here.

La Condesa: Where to Stay in Mexico City for Restaurant and Nightlife Lovers

To the west of Roma lies La Condesa, a fashionable neighborhood synonymous to the good life. Wide tree-lined avenues and stately art nouveau mansions give it European vibes while cutting edge fashion stores line the leafy streets. It’s on the southeastern edge of the Bosque de Chapultepec, making it very convenient to explore the park from here.

Here you’ll find the best restaurants, European bistros, open-air cafés and taquerías in the city. Strolling through this area at night will reveal cool hipster bars and edgy clubs – all just waiting until midnight so they can let loose under bright lights.

• Sample the international culinary scene at restaurants such as Contramar and Polish outlet Specia. Koku is another excellent restaurant worth checking out, with its tatami floors and fusion dishes including elote and conch sushi and coconut curry ramen.
• Grab some churros to-go at the most well-known churreria in town, El Moro , and enjoy them on a walk around Parque México just next door. 
• Watch a show at the Foro Shakespeare , a theater that breaks from the traditions of Mexican drama. This theater, with a multi-modal space and five theater halls, promises a unique experience from independent theater companies. 
• See arts performances at El Plaza. This former cinema and casino is now a multi-theater. The building has excellent acoustics and lighting and is used for all types of artistic and cultural shows. 

Budget: Casa Pancha

With modern and Tulum-style decor, this hostel features clean, simple lines and outstanding interior design. It’s surprising how affordable the prices are! A night in their Japanese style sleeping pods costs just $28! Check rates here.

Midrange: Hotel MX Condesa

I’ve stayed in this hotel and highly recommend it for those with a midrange budget. The funky hotel has simple rooms, but a gorgeous central patio that’s fantastic to work in or lounge around. The staff here are always in a good mood and happy to help! Check rates here.

Luxury: FlowSuites Condesa – Adults Only

Featuring teak wood all around, FlowSuites (pictured below) is a super stylish hotel with minimalist design. All of its rooms feature dark wood ceilings and original works of modern art. Be sure to try the delectable mezcal cocktails at their gorgeous rooftop bar! Check rates here.

Ultra Luxury: Condesa DF

This is one of the most expensive hotels in Mexico City for good reason. The eclectic hotel isn’t like any of the five-star chain hotels. Its eccentric design and Dali-esque character are what make it stand out. It’s also home to one of the best rooftop bars in town.  Check rates here.

Families: ULIV Apartments – Condesa

Families or groups of friends looking to splurge would love this three-bedroom apartment in Condesa. It’s a chic loft-style apartment with massive floor-to-ceiling windows, big terrace and spacious rooms. Every corner of it is stylish and functional at the same time. Check rates here.

Coyoacan: Where to Stay in Mexico City for Creatives and Artists

Once an independent town, Coyoacan has an old-world village feel with bohemian, artsy vibes. Home to the artistic types, this bohemian neighborhood is lined with cobblestone streets, colorful colonial style homes, cute cafes and boutiques. This is where you’ll find the museum dedicated to Frida Kahlo, one of the most famous Mexican artists of all time .

Yes, it’s a 20-minute Uber ride (that cost around $10 each way) from the historical center but it really has a unique flair that I absolutely love. You’ll find more apartments than hotels here, and prices are definitely lower than in other parts of Mexico City.

• See the San Juan Bautista Church, located at the central square. This baroque building was one of the first churches in the Americas and, while it’s a reminder of the cruel and brutal colonial period.
• Visit the Frida Kahlo Museum , see her art studio and wander through the garden in which she spent her afternoons dreaming or entertaining guests. Tickets must be booked online. They can be sold out for weeks, so book your tickets at least a month in advance!
• Wander through the Coyoacan Market, and sample some of the city’s best tostadas (toasted tortilla filled with all kinds of topping).
• Browse through the Mercado Artesanal de Coyoacan, which boasts a huge variety of handcrafted textiles, artwork and quirky souvenirs. Keep an eye out for traditional indigenous items such as rebozos  (shawls) and  huipiles  (tunics) from the regions of Chiapas and Oaxaca.

Budget: Coapa Rooms

A new bed and breakfast in Coyoacan, this shared house has bright, pastel-colored rooms and an inviting lounge. The family-run house is perfect for budget travelers who want to stay long-term. Check rates here.

Midrange: Mansión Papilio

Experience staying in a palace at the historical Mansion Papilio (pictured below), which has surprisingly affordable rooms. Every corner of the Mansion Papipilio is designed with French-inspired details, which make this a different and exclusive space. Check rates here.

Luxury: Agata Hotel Boutique & Spa

Steps from the Frida Kahlo Museum, this hotel might not look like much on the outside, but once inside you’ll see its charm. With an air of elegance, rooms are tastefully assembled and designed. I especially adore the hanging egg-chairs in the outdoor patio. Check rates here.

Ultra Luxury: H21 Hospedaje Boutique

With a discreet location along the quiet cobblestoned streets of Coyoacan, this boutique hotel has an understated charm to it. Rooms are super stylish and come with outdoor terraces. Perfect for couples seeking privacy and romance! Check rates here.

Families: Hermoso Departamento de Coyoacan

Families who are staying long-term in Mexico City will love this cheerful and spacious 2-bedroom apartment. Splashed in turquoise and yellow, the bright apartment is a happy place to stay for families looking to immerse in local life. It even has a bunk bed that kids will love! Check rates here.

All of the areas I’ve mentioned above are safe to explore whether you’re traveling solo or with family or friends. I have always felt super safe in Mexico City and had no security issues at all. Of course, I wouldn’t be hanging out alone late at night or getting drunk on the streets.

Read my guide: Is Mexico City Safe to Visit

All in all, stay in one of the districts covered in this Mexico City accommodation guide and you’ll be fine. Here are some areas in Mexico City to avoid:

• Mercado Merced
• Ciudad Neza

I hope this Mexico City accommodation guide has answered your question on where to stay in Mexico City. Let me know if you have any questions in the comments field below. I’d be more than happy to help you plan your Mexico City trip!

Read my articles on Mexico below:

• Is Mexico City Safe to Visit?
• Best Museums in Mexico City
• Best Rooftop Bars in Mexico City
• 22 Best Day Trips from Mexico City
• Visiting Teotihuacan, Mexico City Pyramids

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links i.e. if you book a stay through one of my links, I get a small commission at NO EXTRA COST to you. Thank you for your support!

Inspired? Pin it!

Related Posts:

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Patient Care & Health Information
• Diseases & Conditions
• Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)

COVID-19, also called coronavirus disease 2019, is an illness caused by a virus. The virus is called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, or more commonly, SARS-CoV-2. It started spreading at the end of 2019 and became a pandemic disease in 2020.

• Coronavirus

Coronaviruses are a family of viruses. These viruses cause illnesses such as the common cold, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

The virus that causes COVID-19 spreads most commonly through the air in tiny droplets of fluid between people in close contact. Many people with COVID-19 have no symptoms or mild illness. But for older adults and people with certain medical conditions, COVID-19 can lead to the need for care in the hospital or death.

Staying up to date on your COVID-19 vaccine helps prevent serious illness, the need for hospital care due to COVID-19 and death from COVID-19 . Other ways that may help prevent the spread of this coronavirus includes good indoor air flow, physical distancing, wearing a mask in the right setting and good hygiene.

Medicine can limit the seriousness of the viral infection. Most people recover without long-term effects, but some people have symptoms that continue for months.

Products & Services

• A Book: Endemic - A Post-Pandemic Playbook
• A Book: Future Care
• Begin Exploring Women's Health Solutions at Mayo Clinic Store

Typical COVID-19 symptoms often show up 2 to 14 days after contact with the virus.

Symptoms can include:

• Shortness of breath.
• Loss of taste or smell.
• Extreme tiredness, called fatigue.
• Digestive symptoms such as upset stomach, vomiting or loose stools, called diarrhea.
• Pain, such as headaches and body or muscle aches.
• Fever or chills.
• Cold-like symptoms such as congestion, runny nose or sore throat.

People may only have a few symptoms or none. People who have no symptoms but test positive for COVID-19 are called asymptomatic. For example, many children who test positive don't have symptoms of COVID-19 illness. People who go on to have symptoms are considered presymptomatic. Both groups can still spread COVID-19 to others.

Some people may have symptoms that get worse about 7 to 14 days after symptoms start.

Most people with COVID-19 have mild to moderate symptoms. But COVID-19 can cause serious medical complications and lead to death. Older adults or people who already have medical conditions are at greater risk of serious illness.

COVID-19 may be a mild, moderate, severe or critical illness.

• In broad terms, mild COVID-19 doesn't affect the ability of the lungs to get oxygen to the body.
• In moderate COVID-19 illness, the lungs also work properly but there are signs that the infection is deep in the lungs.
• Severe COVID-19 means that the lungs don't work correctly, and the person needs oxygen and other medical help in the hospital.
• Critical COVID-19 illness means the lung and breathing system, called the respiratory system, has failed and there is damage throughout the body.

Rarely, people who catch the coronavirus can develop a group of symptoms linked to inflamed organs or tissues. The illness is called multisystem inflammatory syndrome. When children have this illness, it is called multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children, shortened to MIS -C. In adults, the name is MIS -A.

When to see a doctor

Contact a healthcare professional if you test positive for COVID-19 . If you have symptoms and need to test for COVID-19 , or you've been exposed to someone with COVID-19 , a healthcare professional can help.

People who are at high risk of serious illness may get medicine to block the spread of the COVID-19 virus in the body. Or your healthcare team may plan regular checks to monitor your health.

Get emergency help right away for any of these symptoms:

• Can't catch your breath or have problems breathing.
• Skin, lips or nail beds that are pale, gray or blue.
• New confusion.
• Trouble staying awake or waking up.
• Chest pain or pressure that is constant.

This list doesn't include every emergency symptom. If you or a person you're taking care of has symptoms that worry you, get help. Let the healthcare team know about a positive test for COVID-19 or symptoms of the illness.

More Information

• COVID-19 vs. flu: Similarities and differences
• COVID-19, cold, allergies and the flu
• Unusual symptoms of coronavirus

There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Review/update the information highlighted below and resubmit the form.

From Mayo Clinic to your inbox

Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health. Click here for an email preview.

Error Email field is required

Error Include a valid email address

To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information. If we combine this information with your protected health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail.

Thank you for subscribing!

You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox.

Sorry something went wrong with your subscription

Please, try again in a couple of minutes

COVID-19 is caused by infection with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, also called SARS-CoV-2.

The coronavirus spreads mainly from person to person, even from someone who is infected but has no symptoms. When people with COVID-19 cough, sneeze, breathe, sing or talk, their breath may be infected with the COVID-19 virus.

The coronavirus carried by a person's breath can land directly on the face of a nearby person, after a sneeze or cough, for example. The droplets or particles the infected person breathes out could possibly be breathed in by other people if they are close together or in areas with low air flow. And a person may touch a surface that has respiratory droplets and then touch their face with hands that have the coronavirus on them.

It's possible to get COVID-19 more than once.

• Over time, the body's defense against the COVID-19 virus can fade.
• A person may be exposed to so much of the virus that it breaks through their immune defense.
• As a virus infects a group of people, the virus copies itself. During this process, the genetic code can randomly change in each copy. The changes are called mutations. If the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 changes in ways that make previous infections or vaccination less effective at preventing infection, people can get sick again.

The virus that causes COVID-19 can infect some pets. Cats, dogs, hamsters and ferrets have caught this coronavirus and had symptoms. It's rare for a person to get COVID-19 from a pet.

Risk factors

The main risk factors for COVID-19 are:

• If someone you live with has COVID-19 .
• If you spend time in places with poor air flow and a higher number of people when the virus is spreading.
• If you spend more than 30 minutes in close contact with someone who has COVID-19 .

Many factors affect your risk of catching the virus that causes COVID-19 . How long you are in contact, if the space has good air flow and your activities all affect the risk. Also, if you or others wear masks, if someone has COVID-19 symptoms and how close you are affects your risk. Close contact includes sitting and talking next to one another, for example, or sharing a car or bedroom.

It seems to be rare for people to catch the virus that causes COVID-19 from an infected surface. While the virus is shed in waste, called stool, COVID-19 infection from places such as a public bathroom is not common.

Serious COVID-19 illness risk factors

Some people are at a higher risk of serious COVID-19 illness than others. This includes people age 65 and older as well as babies younger than 6 months. Those age groups have the highest risk of needing hospital care for COVID-19 .

Not every risk factor for serious COVID-19 illness is known. People of all ages who have no other medical issues have needed hospital care for COVID-19 .

Known risk factors for serious illness include people who have not gotten a COVID-19 vaccine. Serious illness also is a higher risk for people who have:

• Sickle cell disease or thalassemia.
• Serious heart diseases and possibly high blood pressure.
• Chronic kidney, liver or lung diseases.

People with dementia or Alzheimer's also are at higher risk, as are people with brain and nervous system conditions such as stroke. Smoking increases the risk of serious COVID-19 illness. And people with a body mass index in the overweight category or obese category may have a higher risk as well.

Other medical conditions that may raise the risk of serious illness from COVID-19 include:

• Cancer or a history of cancer.
• Type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
• Weakened immune system from solid organ transplants or bone marrow transplants, some medicines, or HIV .

This list is not complete. Factors linked to a health issue may raise the risk of serious COVID-19 illness too. Examples are a medical condition where people live in a group home, or lack of access to medical care. Also, people with more than one health issue, or people of older age who also have health issues have a higher chance of severe illness.

Related information

• COVID-19: Who's at higher risk of serious symptoms? - Related information COVID-19: Who's at higher risk of serious symptoms?

Complications

Complications of COVID-19 include long-term loss of taste and smell, skin rashes, and sores. The illness can cause trouble breathing or pneumonia. Medical issues a person already manages may get worse.

Complications of severe COVID-19 illness can include:

• Acute respiratory distress syndrome, when the body's organs do not get enough oxygen.
• Shock caused by the infection or heart problems.
• Overreaction of the immune system, called the inflammatory response.
• Blood clots.
• Kidney injury.

Post-COVID-19 syndrome

After a COVID-19 infection, some people report that symptoms continue for months, or they develop new symptoms. This syndrome has often been called long COVID, or post- COVID-19 . You might hear it called long haul COVID-19 , post-COVID conditions or PASC. That's short for post-acute sequelae of SARS -CoV-2.

Other infections, such as the flu and polio, can lead to long-term illness. But the virus that causes COVID-19 has only been studied since it began to spread in 2019. So, research into the specific effects of long-term COVID-19 symptoms continues.

Researchers do think that post- COVID-19 syndrome can happen after an illness of any severity.

Getting a COVID-19 vaccine may help prevent post- COVID-19 syndrome.

• Long-term effects of COVID-19

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a COVID-19 vaccine for everyone age 6 months and older. The COVID-19 vaccine can lower the risk of death or serious illness caused by COVID-19.

The COVID-19 vaccines available in the United States are:

2023-2024 Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. This vaccine is available for people age 6 months and older.

Among people with a typical immune system:

• Children age 6 months up to age 4 years are up to date after three doses of a Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.
• People age 5 and older are up to date after one Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.
• For people who have not had a 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccination, the CDC recommends getting an additional shot of that updated vaccine.

2023-2024 Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. This vaccine is available for people age 6 months and older.

• Children ages 6 months up to age 4 are up to date if they've had two doses of a Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.
• People age 5 and older are up to date with one Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.

2023-2024 Novavax COVID-19 vaccine. This vaccine is available for people age 12 years and older.

• People age 12 years and older are up to date if they've had two doses of a Novavax COVID-19 vaccine.

In general, people age 5 and older with typical immune systems can get any vaccine approved or authorized for their age. They usually don't need to get the same vaccine each time.

Some people should get all their vaccine doses from the same vaccine maker, including:

• Children ages 6 months to 4 years.
• People age 5 years and older with weakened immune systems.
• People age 12 and older who have had one shot of the Novavax vaccine should get the second Novavax shot in the two-dose series.

Talk to your healthcare professional if you have any questions about the vaccines for you or your child. Your healthcare team can help you if:

• The vaccine you or your child got earlier isn't available.
• You don't know which vaccine you or your child received.
• You or your child started a vaccine series but couldn't finish it due to side effects.

People with weakened immune systems

Your healthcare team may suggest added doses of COVID-19 vaccine if you have a moderately or seriously weakened immune system. The FDA has also authorized the monoclonal antibody pemivibart (Pemgarda) to prevent COVID-19 in some people with weakened immune systems.

Control the spread of infection

In addition to vaccination, there are other ways to stop the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19 .

If you are at a higher risk of serious illness, talk to your healthcare professional about how best to protect yourself. Know what to do if you get sick so you can quickly start treatment.

If you feel ill or have COVID-19 , stay home and away from others, including pets, if possible. Avoid sharing household items such as dishes or towels if you're sick.

In general, make it a habit to:

• Test for COVID-19 . If you have symptoms of COVID-19 test for the infection. Or test five days after you came in contact with the virus.
• Help from afar. Avoid close contact with anyone who is sick or has symptoms, if possible.
• Wash your hands. Wash your hands well and often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes. Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow. Then wash your hands.
• Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces. For example, clean doorknobs, light switches, electronics and counters regularly.

Try to spread out in crowded public areas, especially in places with poor airflow. This is important if you have a higher risk of serious illness.

The CDC recommends that people wear a mask in indoor public spaces if you're in an area with a high number of people with COVID-19 in the hospital. They suggest wearing the most protective mask possible that you'll wear regularly, that fits well and is comfortable.

• COVID-19 vaccines: Get the facts - Related information COVID-19 vaccines: Get the facts
• Comparing the differences between COVID-19 vaccines - Related information Comparing the differences between COVID-19 vaccines
• Different types of COVID-19 vaccines: How they work - Related information Different types of COVID-19 vaccines: How they work
• Debunking COVID-19 myths - Related information Debunking COVID-19 myths

Travel and COVID-19

Travel brings people together from areas where illnesses may be at higher levels. Masks can help slow the spread of respiratory diseases in general, including COVID-19 . Masks help the most in places with low air flow and where you are in close contact with other people. Also, masks can help if the places you travel to or through have a high level of illness.

Masking is especially important if you or a companion have a high risk of serious illness from COVID-19 .

• COVID-19 travel advice
• COVID-19 vaccines
• COVID-19 vaccines for kids: What you need to know
• Debunking coronavirus myths
• Different COVID-19 vaccines
• Fight coronavirus (COVID-19) transmission at home
• Herd immunity and coronavirus
• How well do face masks protect against COVID-19?
• Safe outdoor activities during the COVID-19 pandemic
• Safety tips for attending school during COVID-19
• COVID-19 and vitamin D
• COVID-19: How can I protect myself?
• Mayo Clinic Minute: How dirty are common surfaces?
• Mayo Clinic Minute: You're washing your hands all wrong
• Goldman L, et al., eds. COVID-19: Epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, community prevention, and prognosis. In: Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Elsevier; 2024. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Dec. 17, 2023.
• Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) treatment guidelines. National Institutes of Health. https://www.covid19treatmentguidelines.nih.gov/. Accessed Dec. 18, 2023.
• AskMayoExpert. COVID-19: Testing, symptoms. Mayo Clinic; Nov. 2, 2023.
• Symptoms of COVID-19. Centers for Disease Control and Preventions. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html. Accessed Dec. 20, 2023.
• AskMayoExpert. COVID-19: Outpatient management. Mayo Clinic; Oct. 10, 2023.
• Morris SB, et al. Case series of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in adults associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection — United Kingdom and United States, March-August 2020. MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report 2020;69:1450. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6940e1external icon.
• COVID-19 testing: What you need to know. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/testing.html. Accessed Dec. 20, 2023.
• SARS-CoV-2 in animals. American Veterinary Medical Association. https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/one-health/covid-19/sars-cov-2-animals-including-pets. Accessed Jan. 17, 2024.
• Understanding exposure risk. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/risks-exposure.html. Accessed Jan. 10, 2024.
• People with certain medical conditions. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html. Accessed Jan. 10, 2024.
• Factors that affect your risk of getting very sick from COVID-19. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/risks-getting-very-sick.html. Accessed Jan. 10, 2024.
• Regan JJ, et al. Use of Updated COVID-19 Vaccines 2023-2024 Formula for Persons Aged ≥6 Months: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices—United States, September 2023. MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report 2023; 72:1140–1146. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7242e1.
• Long COVID or post-COVID conditions. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/long-term-effects/index.html. Accessed Jan. 10, 2024.
• Stay up to date with your vaccines. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html. Accessed Jan. 10, 2024.
• Interim clinical considerations for use of COVID-19 vaccines currently approved or authorized in the United States. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/clinical-considerations/covid-19-vaccines-us.html#CoV-19-vaccination. Accessed Jan. 10, 2024.
• Use and care of masks. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/about-face-coverings.html. Accessed Jan. 10, 2024.
• How to protect yourself and others. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html. Accessed Jan. 10, 2024.
• People who are immunocompromised. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-who-are-immunocompromised.html. Accessed Jan. 10, 2024.
• Masking during travel. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/masks. Accessed Jan. 10, 2024.
• AskMayoExpert. COVID-19: Testing. Mayo Clinic. 2023.
• COVID-19 test basics. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/covid-19-test-basics. Accessed Jan. 11, 2024.
• At-home COVID-19 antigen tests — Take steps to reduce your risk of false negative results: FDA safety communication. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/safety-communications/home-covid-19-antigen-tests-take-steps-reduce-your-risk-false-negative-results-fda-safety. Accessed Jan. 11, 2024.
• Interim clinical considerations for COVID-19 treatment in outpatients. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/clinical-care/outpatient-treatment-overview.html. Accessed Jan. 11, 2024.
• Know your treatment options for COVID-19. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/know-your-treatment-options-covid-19. Accessed Jan. 11, 2024.
• AskMayoExpert. COVID:19 Drug regimens and other treatment options. Mayo Clinic. 2023.
• Preventing spread of respiratory viruses when you're sick. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/precautions-when-sick.html. Accessed March 5, 2024.
• AskMayoExpert. COVID-19: Quarantine and isolation. Mayo Clinic. 2023.
• COVID-19 resource and information guide. National Alliance on Mental Illness. https://www.nami.org/Support-Education/NAMI-HelpLine/COVID-19-Information-and-Resources/COVID-19-Resource-and-Information-Guide. Accessed Jan. 11, 2024.
• COVID-19 overview and infection prevention and control priorities in non-U.S. healthcare settings. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/non-us-settings/overview/index.html. Accessed Jan. 16, 2024.
• Kim AY, et al. COVID-19: Management in hospitalized adults. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Jan. 17, 2024.
• O'Horo JC, et al. Outcomes of COVID-19 with the Mayo Clinic Model of Care and Research. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 2021; doi:10.1016/j.mayocp.2020.12.006.
• At-home OTC COVID-19 diagnostic tests. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices/home-otc-covid-19-diagnostic-tests. Accessed Jan. 22, 2024.
• Emergency use authorizations for drugs and non-vaccine biological products. U.S. Food and Drug Association. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/emergency-preparedness-drugs/emergency-use-authorizations-drugs-and-non-vaccine-biological-products. Accessed March 25, 2024.
• Coronavirus infection by race
• COVID-19 and pets
• COVID-19 and your mental health
• COVID-19 drugs: Are there any that work?
• COVID-19 in babies and children
• COVID-19 variant
• COVID-19: Who's at higher risk of serious symptoms?
• How do COVID-19 antibody tests differ from diagnostic tests?
• Is hydroxychloroquine a treatment for COVID-19?
• Pregnancy and COVID-19
• Sex and COVID-19
• Treating COVID-19 at home

Associated Procedures

• Convalescent plasma therapy
• COVID-19 antibody testing
• COVID-19 tests
• Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)

News from Mayo Clinic

• A Mayo Clinic virologist explains FLiRT and why you may need a new COVID-19 vaccination  May 30, 2024, 02:30 p.m. CDT
• Mayo Clinic Q and A: Who should get the latest COVID-19 vaccine? Nov. 21, 2023, 01:30 p.m. CDT
• Can you get COVID-19 and the flu at the same time? A Mayo Clinic expert weighs in Oct. 16, 2023, 04:30 p.m. CDT
• At-home COVID-19 tests: A Mayo Clinic expert answers questions on expiration dates and the new variants Sept. 18, 2023, 04:00 p.m. CDT
• Mayo Clinic expert answers questions about the new COVID-19 vaccine Sept. 13, 2023, 04:15 p.m. CDT
• Study identifies risk factors for long-haul COVID disease in adults Sept. 13, 2023, 02:00 p.m. CDT
• Mayo researchers find vaccine may reduce severity of long-haul COVID symptoms Aug. 23, 2023, 04:34 p.m. CDT
• Corticosteroids lower the likelihood of in-hospital mortality from COVID-19 Aug. 04, 2023, 03:00 p.m. CDT
• COVID-19 vaccine administration simplified April 21, 2023, 07:00 p.m. CDT
• Science Saturday: COVID-19 -- the pandemic that's forever changed laboratory testing April 15, 2023, 11:00 a.m. CDT
• Mayo Clinic expert talks about the new omicron variant April 13, 2023, 02:13 p.m. CDT
• Mayo Clinic to ease universal face mask requirement April 04, 2023, 03:05 p.m. CDT
• 'Deaths of Despair' contribute to 17% rise in Minnesota's death rate during COVID-19 pandemic March 13, 2023, 12:00 p.m. CDT
• Rising cases of COVID-19 variant, XBB.1.5 Jan. 09, 2023, 05:15 p.m. CDT
• Bivalent COVID-19 booster approved for children 6 months and older Dec. 09, 2022, 09:33 p.m. CDT
• Mayo Clinic Minute: How to self-care at home when you have COVID-19 Dec. 06, 2022, 05:00 p.m. CDT
• Halloween safety tips from a Mayo Clinic infectious diseases expert Oct. 27, 2022, 02:00 p.m. CDT
• COVID-19, RSV and flu--season of respiratory infections Oct. 26, 2022, 04:30 p.m. CDT
• COVID-19 bivalent booster vaccines for kids 5-11 approved, Mayo Clinic awaits supply Oct. 13, 2022, 04:54 p.m. CDT
• Questions answered about the COVID-19 bivalent booster vaccines Oct. 12, 2022, 03:30 p.m. CDT
• Will the COVID-19 booster be like an annual flu shot? Sept. 12, 2022, 04:30 p.m. CDT
• Mayo Clinic Q and A: Who needs back-to-school COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters? Sept. 04, 2022, 11:00 a.m. CDT
• Q&A podcast: Updated COVID-19 boosters target omicron variants Sept. 02, 2022, 12:30 p.m. CDT
• Mayo Clinic Minute: Back-to-school COVID-19 vaccinations for kids Aug. 15, 2022, 03:15 p.m. CDT
• Mayo Clinic research shows bebtelovimab to be a reliable option for treating COVID-19 in era of BA.2, other subvariants Aug. 15, 2022, 02:09 p.m. CDT
• Mayo Clinic Q and A: New variants of COVID-19 Aug. 04, 2022, 12:30 p.m. CDT
• COVID-19 variant BA.5 is dominant strain; BA.2.75 is being monitored July 28, 2022, 02:30 p.m. CDT
• Mayo Clinic researchers pinpoint genetic variations that might sway course of COVID-19 July 25, 2022, 02:00 p.m. CDT
• Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast: BA.5 omicron variant fueling latest COVID-19 surge July 15, 2022, 12:00 p.m. CDT
• What you need to know about the BA.5 omicron variant July 14, 2022, 06:41 p.m. CDT
• Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast: The importance of COVID-19 vaccines for children under 5 July 06, 2022, 01:00 p.m. CDT
• COVID-19 vaccination for kids age 5 and younger starting the week of July 4 at most Mayo sites July 01, 2022, 04:00 p.m. CDT
• Patients treated with monoclonal antibodies during COVID-19 delta surge had low rates of severe disease, Mayo Clinic study finds June 27, 2022, 03:00 p.m. CDT
• Long COVID and the digestive system: Mayo Clinic expert describes common symptoms June 21, 2022, 02:43 p.m. CDT
• Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast: COVID-19 update June 17, 2022, 01:08 p.m. CDT
• Study finds few COVID-19 patients get rebound symptoms after Paxlovid treatment June 14, 2022, 10:06 a.m. CDT
• Symptoms & causes
• Diagnosis & treatment
• Doctors & departments
• COVID-19 vaccines: Get the facts
• How well do face masks protect against coronavirus?
• Post-COVID Recovery

News on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Learn the latest medical news about COVID-19 on Mayo Clinic News Network.

We’re transforming healthcare

Make a gift now and help create new and better solutions for more than 1.3 million patients who turn to Mayo Clinic each year.