What to do in Mexico: beaches, culture and tacos... the perfect combo 🌏🇲🇽

Mexico has that unique power to make adventure, colors and easy living rhyme. From bustling megacities to colonial villages, from jungles dotted with pyramids to the turquoise beaches of the Caribbean, it's a destination that always gives more than expected. If you're preparing a trip to Mexico, here's a complete guide to choose where to go, when to go, how to get around, how to stay connected without hassle, and above all... what to do to fall in love with the country.

Mexico is vast, and its climates vary greatly from one region to another. Overall, the dry season runs from November to April, with pleasant temperatures and clear skies over much of the country. Between May and October, the rainy season begins, particularly noticeable in the south and the Yucatán Peninsula, although showers are often brief and concentrated in late afternoon. On the Caribbean coast, hurricane season runs from June to November, with peak activity around September-October. In the highlands, like Mexico City and Oaxaca, temperatures are mild year-round, but nights can be cool at altitude.

If you're aiming for the combo "Mayan ruins + cenotes + beaches", December to April is ideal for light, snorkeling visibility and bus journeys under blue skies. If you prefer softer prices and less crowded sites, May-June and November are often excellent windows.

Weather tip: in Mexico City (CDMX), the altitude exceeds 2,200 m. UV rays hit hard even when it's cool. Stay hydrated and don't forget sunscreen, even in the city.

It's hard to see "everything" in one trip. Better to embrace a region or two, and come back for more. Here are the major must-sees, with a simple way to savor them.

Mexico City and its valley: energy, art and cuisine

Mexico City is a world unto itself. Start with the Centro Histórico for the Zócalo, the Metropolitan Cathedral and the remains of Templo Mayor. Continue with the National Museum of Anthropology, probably the finest showcase of pre-Columbian cultures on the continent. Neighborhood-wise, Roma and Condesa are perfect for tasting the culinary scene, from taco al pastor to signature tables. Coyoacán, more bohemian, leads you to Frida Kahlo's Casa Azul, in high demand: book online in advance.

Also treat yourself to Xochimilco for a trajinera ride on the canals, a living nod to Aztec floating gardens. And if you love panoramas, the Bosque de Chapultepec and its lakes offer nature breaks right in the metropolitan heart.

Transport tip: favor the metro and ride-hailing apps, especially in the evening. Distances are large and traffic can be dense; anticipate your trips for popular museums and restaurants.

The Yucatán Peninsula: Mayan ruins, cenotes and Caribbean

The Tulum – Valladolid – Mérida triad offers a wonderful concentrate of history and nature. First dive into the crystal-clear waters of cenotes, those limestone sinkholes that dot the peninsula. The most popular attract crowds: coming early in the morning changes everything. For ruins, Chichén Itzá fascinates with its volumes and history, while Coba and Ek' Balam charm with their jungle perspectives. Tulum remains a symbol of the Mexican Caribbean, with its ruins overlooking a sea of unreal blue.

If you're looking for calm waters and a quieter tempo than Cancún, head to Isla Mujeres or Isla Holbox. Mérida, cultural capital of Yucatán, seduces with its colonial architecture and evenings on Plaza Grande. Finally, for pure archaeology, Uxmal is a Puuc jewel not to be missed.

Cenote reflex: shower before entering the water to protect the ecosystem, and favor biodegradable sunscreen if you're going to swim in the sea afterwards.

Oaxaca and Chiapas: traditions, mountains and markets

Oaxaca de Juárez is one of the most endearing cities in the country. Between the baroque churches of green cantera, textile workshops in surrounding villages, markets full of moles and chocolate, and lively terraces on the squares, you quickly understand why people return. A few kilometers away, Monte Albán offers a breathtaking view of the valley and tells the Zapotec influence.

In Chiapas, San Cristóbal de las Casas – perched at over 2,000 m – mixes crafts, cafes, and excursions to Tzotzil communities or to the Agua Azul and Misol-Ha waterfalls. On the jungle side, Palenque remains a summit of mystery, its temples emerging from a tropical forest that rustles at dawn.

Pacific coast: surf, relaxation and sunsets

The Pacific coast unfolds a string of beaches and atmospheres. Puerto Escondido is one of the surf capitals, with its multiple beaches (Carrizalillo for beginners, Zicatela for serious waves). Mazunte and Zipolite offer a more bohemian atmosphere, punctuated by yoga classes and evenings facing the ocean. Further north, Sayulita and the Riviera Nayarit seduce with their bays, perfect for a mix of swimming, paddle and fish tacos.

Southern Baja California: deserts, warm seas and whales

La Paz and the beaches of Balandra and Tecolote line up turquoise gradients worthy of postcards. Espíritu Santo Island, a protected area, is ideal for snorkeling with sea lions. Between December and April, the peninsula is also one of the best spots in the world to observe gray and humpback whales, close to the breeding lagoons. Cabo Pulmo, a national park, offers dive outings renowned for the health of its reef.

Trains and canyons: the call of the north

Less known to French-speaking travelers, the "Chepe" – the train that crosses the Sierra Tarahumara – reveals the spectacular Barrancas del Cobre, canyons deeper than the Grand Canyon in places. At the stops, breathtaking viewpoints, hiking and encounters with Rarámuri communities.

Mexican cuisine, listed as UNESCO intangible heritage, tells the story of a country: nixtamalized corn, chilies with multiple flavors, fresh herbs, exotic fruits, cheeses, and an infinite range of salsas that transform each bite. In Mexico City, taste tacos al pastor, suadero and huitlacoche quesadillas. In Oaxaca, explore the moles – black, coloradito, verde – served with chicken or tamales. In Yucatán, the tender cochinita pibil and crispy turkey panuchos marinate tradition in bitter orange and achiote flavors.

On the drinks side, the palette ranges from aguas frescas (jamaica, horchata) to specialty coffees from the highlands, from smoky mezcal (often from Oaxaca) to tequila from the Jalisco highlands. To be sipped in moderation, obviously, especially if you're leaving on a scooter at sunset.

Health and hygiene: drink purified water, avoid ice in places without reliable filtration, and wash your hands often. Street stalls that turn quickly are generally a good sign of freshness.

Mexico can be traveled well by combining domestic flights, long-distance buses and car rentals on certain portions. Bus companies are comfortable and numerous on major routes, with well-organized terminals. Car rental is practical in Yucatán to connect cenotes and archaeological sites at your own pace; plan for offline GPS or good data connection to avoid unnecessary detours.

Safety-wise, keep your big city habits: avoid displaying valuables, prefer ride-hailing in the evening, inquire locally about areas to avoid and follow your accommodation's advice. Tourist destinations are well-established, but vigilance remains necessary as everywhere.

Money and payments: cards are accepted in most hotels and restaurants, but bring cash for markets, cenotes, local buses and small stalls. Withdraw from ATMs located in banks or shopping centers, and split your withdrawals.

Traveling connected in Mexico without bad surprises is simple: install a GoMoWorld eSIM and activate a data plan only when you need it. With GoMoWorld, a single eSIM is enough for more than 200 destinations: you install it once via the app, and you buy or activate your plans as you travel, without reinstalling anything.

Concretely, you can buy your eSIM and plans from the website or directly in the application. If you buy on the site, just use the same email to then log into the app and find your purchases. eSIM installation is done exclusively in the application: no QR code, the app guides you step by step. Plans don't start automatically upon arrival; you choose when to click "Start" to activate your plan. Convenient if you land late or have Wi-Fi at the airport and prefer to launch data later.

All plans allow connection sharing: perfect for connecting a computer or the kids' tablet. The app also includes a built-in VPN, useful for securing your connections on cafe or hotel Wi-Fi. And most importantly, unactivated plans never expire: you can buy them in advance, and activate them later, even for a future trip.

GoMoWorld in 1 minute: download the app, install your eSIM (once), buy a plan for Mexico, activate it when you need it, share via hotspot if necessary. And when you go elsewhere, simply buy a plan in the app: same eSIM, zero reinstallation.

Network-wise, GoMoWorld relies on local partners, generally with 2 to 3 networks per country. The idea: enjoy the best available coverage depending on where you are, for maps, translations and reservations that respond instantly. And if you need help, Europe-based customer support is there every day.

In Mexico, GoMoWorld offers simple and economical offers, with durations adapted to short stays as well as longer road trips. Here are the options available at the time of writing:

• 30-day plan: 17GB for €29.99
• 30-day plan: 10GB for €19.99
• 30-day plan: 5GB for €10.99
• 7-day plan: 1GB for €3.99

You can buy several and activate them when it suits you. For example, a 5GB plan for your arrival in Mexico City, then a 10GB plan to cover your itinerary in Yucatán. Nothing prevents you from buying in advance: as long as you don't activate, the plan stays warm in your app.

Data tip: download your maps (Google Maps/Maps.me), playlists and series offline before leaving, and use the hotspot for the rare moments when hotel Wi-Fi drops. You save gigabytes, while keeping control for essential apps in the field.

Two weeks culture + nature: Mexico City, Oaxaca, Chiapas, Yucatán

Start with four days in Mexico City. Between museums, walks in Roma/Condesa, street food and a detour to Teotihuacan (day trip), you'll grasp the country's contemporary energy. Then fly to Oaxaca for three days. Explore the city on foot, plan an excursion to Monte Albán, taste the moles, and be tempted by a cooking workshop or a visit to craft workshops in the valley (Teotitlán del Valle for weaving, San Bartolo Coyotepec for black pottery).

Continue by overnight bus or flight to Tuxtla/San Cristóbal de las Casas for three days in Chiapas. Leave early for Agua Azul and Misol-Ha waterfalls, or combine with Palenque if you sleep one night there to break the route. Finish with four days in Yucatán: Valladolid and its cenotes, Chichén Itzá in the early hours, then Tulum for a day of ruins + beach. End in Mérida for colonial architecture and memorable Yucatecan cuisine. Depending on your flights, leave from Cancún.

Data-wise, a 10GB plan for 30 days largely covers the roaming of this itinerary. If you work remotely a bit, upgrade to 17GB to maintain comfort on video calls.

Ten days sea and ruins: Yucatán only

Land in Cancún, quickly take the road to Valladolid for the quiet atmosphere and cenotes (Suytun, Oxman, Saamal). Early departure for Chichén Itzá, then head to Mérida for evenings on Plaza Grande, markets (Lucas de Gálvez) and Uxmal if you have a car. End with Tulum or directly Isla Mujeres/Holbox for absolute relaxation. With 10 days, the idea is to reduce transfers and stretch the moments that matter.

A 5GB plan may suffice if you often stay on hotel Wi-Fi, otherwise 10GB leaves you peaceful for navigation, reservations and stories.

Baja California in a week: turquoise road trip

Fly to La Paz, rent a car and explore: Balandra, Tecolote, kayak rides in lagoon-colored waters, snorkeling trip to Espíritu Santo (reserved with a local operator), and why not a detour to Todos Santos or Los Cabos to vary atmospheres. If you go between December and April, watch for whale watching opportunities with authorized guides.

Here again, a 5GB plan covers maps, streaming music in reasonable quality and some video calls. As a couple or family, the hotspot integrated into GoMoWorld plans simplifies life in the car and on the beach.

Car rental: inspect the vehicle, photograph the condition at pickup, and keep defensive driving. Main roads are good, but secondary roads can be bumpy: drive during the day as much as possible.

The great advantage of a GoMoWorld eSIM is that it follows you to more than 200 countries. You install a single eSIM, then add a plan for each destination as you go. Your next trip could very well take you to Japan for a cherry blossom spring, or to Morocco for a break between medinas and mountains. Craving Southeast Asia? Temples, islands and night markets await you in Thailand. And if you dream of a coastal road trip closer to Europe, head to the cliffs, beaches and bright cities of Portugal.

Thanks to the same eSIM, you change countries without changing cards: in the app, you buy a plan for the new destination, activate it when you're ready, and off you go. Convenient for world tours, professional missions across multiple countries, or simply to prepare your next break without logistical stress.

Mexico remains affordable for attentive travelers, with excellent value for money on street food, intercity bus transport and accommodations outside high season. Private excursions drive prices up, while shared experiences (cenote tours, ruins visits) help balance the bill. If you cook a bit and mix "fondas" restaurants with trendy addresses, you'll keep a comfortable budget.

Remember to book highly sought-after entries (Frida Kahlo, Chichén Itzá at dawn with guide, certain natural parks) to avoid lines and disappointments. In high season, also anticipate your long-distance buses (especially overnight trips) and your car rentals in Yucatán or Baja California.

Site respect: walk on the trails, don't touch stalactites in caves and cenotes, and leave places as you would like to find them. Mexico is generous: let's be generous with it too.

Before departure, download the GoMoWorld application on iOS or Android. If you bought your eSIM or plans on the website, log into the app with the same email to find them. eSIM installation takes a few minutes, guided step by step, without QR code. Once the eSIM is in place, you can buy and activate your plans when desired, with one click. Upon arrival, disable data on your main line if you fear roaming, and use your GoMoWorld plan for navigation, translations, mobile payments and reservations.

The integrated VPN secures your connections on public Wi-Fi networks. And connection sharing, included in all plans, immediately helps a computer or connected camera. Cherry on the taco: purchased and unactivated plans do not expire. You can buy them on sale, keep them, and trigger them later.

Manual activation: your plans don't start automatically upon arrival. Open the GoMoWorld app and press "Start" when you're ready. Convenient to keep each megabyte warm until the useful moment.

Do I need a new eSIM for each trip? No: a single GoMoWorld eSIM is enough for the whole world. It lives in your phone and you add plans by country as you go.
Can I buy on the website? Yes. You'll find your purchases in the app by logging in with the same email. eSIM installation is done only via the app.
Is hotspot allowed? Yes, always. Ideal for remote work or sharing the connection with family.
Do plans expire? As long as they're not activated, no. They remain usable indefinitely.
Are there calls/SMS? GoMoWorld offers data plans. Use your messaging and IP calling apps to communicate.

Mexico is the promise of a generous journey: creative metropolises, fascinating civilizations, marine and mountainous landscapes, and cuisine that everyone agrees on. Prepare two or three regions, leave room for spontaneity, and give yourself the gift of serenity by staying easily connected. With a GoMoWorld eSIM, you install once, activate your plans when you want, share via hotspot if needed, and enjoy local networks effortlessly. From the first taco to the last sunset, you have the essentials: time, freedom and peace of mind.

And if after Mexico you dream of another horizon, remember: your eSIM is already ready to go. Today in Mexico, tomorrow in Japan, Morocco, Thailand or Portugal. No stress: your eSIM follows you. Safe travels!