Weather
The weather varies greatly throughout the country:
South: Hot and humid throughout the year
Center: Mild climate, heavy rains during the summer, cold in winters.
North: Extremely hot during the summer and cold in winters
Currency
Mexican Peso. The exchange rate fluctuates greatly. However, an estimated average of the USD to MXN peso is 15 MXN = 1 USD. Ideally, take USD, GBP or Euros for a better exchange rate.
Bigger companies in Mexico accept credit or debit cards. However, most don’t, especially when outside of big cities. So make sure to carry cash with you at all times as it will be needed.
Costs
It is hard to describe the prices of Mexico in detail as they vary greatly from place to place. For instance, states like Oaxaca are extremely cheap and you can look into paying no more than $400 MXN for a nice and cozy hotel room and less than $30 for a filling meal. However, in more touristic resorts such as Cancun, prices are sky-high. To put that into perspective, a taxi from Cancun airport to the city center can cost up to $600 pesos.
Transportation
Land: Buses in Mexico are the cheapest way to get around (if you’re a student, you can get 50% off your bus ticket if you travel during holidays (summer holidays, winter holidays and semana santa), so make sure to bring your student ID as you will be asked for proof). In general, there are no trains available.
Flying: Plane tickets can be quite expensive, for budget airlines try Interjet, Viva Aerobus and Volaris. Please note that Viva Aerobus’s most economical fare does not include checked luggage.
Hitchhiking: For those who enjoy hitchhiking, Mexico is a great place to do so, especially in rural areas and in the southern part of the country. Lifting your thumb up will be enough and no sign is needed. However, make sure to let the driver know that you are not carrying any money if you do not wish to pay as some may expect you to cooperate with gasoline costs. In general, Mexicans are very friendly and willing to help and they might even offer something to eat, drink or even a place to stay.
Leaving
Leaving by land further on to other countries such as Belize and Guatemala can be easily done without the need to fly.
Belize: To head to Belize City, you can take a bus from ADO company from the city of Chetumal (daily at 7am for $200 pesos). Alternatively, there is the option of a less comfortable bus (the infamous “chicken buses”, as backpackers call them), that can be taken at the market daily every hour or so for $150 pesos.
By sea, also from the city of Chetumal in Quintana Roo, you can take a water taxi to San Pedro or Caye Caulker with Belize Water Taxi.
Guatemala: Guatemala is best accessed via Chiapas. Most backpackers head to the city of Tapachula in the south and then walk through the border. Once there, many buses leave to big cities such as Guatemala City and Antigua. Please note that these buses are quite uncomfortable and stop constantly to drop people off or let people in.
United States: Flying to the United States is quite cheap with airlines such as Interjet, Spirit Airlines, and more. For those wishing to get there by land, most big cities in Mexico have bus rides to the border states in the United States such as Texas and California.
More Stories
A Selection Of The Best Beach Destinations In The World
The Best Outdoor Activities To Consider For Your Next Camping Trip
7 Things To Do Before Your Next Road Trip