Thanks to its stunning beaches, rich history and incredible cuisine, Mexico is a dream destination for many a traveler. With so much to see and do, it can feel overwhelming to plan your visit to Mexico. We're here to help!
Whether you're planning to immerse yourself in the local culture with a Mexico tour guide by your side, or you simply want to work on your tan at a beach resort, having all the key facts and figures at your fingertips will help you plan the perfect holiday. Read on to discover all the need-to-know details!
Need To Know Numbers - Mexico Tourism Statistics
While most countries closed their borders, Mexico maintained loose travel restrictions throughout the pandemic. This allowed tourism to keep going throughout 2020, albeit on a smaller scale. In 2020, Mexico welcomed some 24 million international tourists and in 2022, visitor numbers surpassed pre-pandemic levels. Here's the basic breakdown of Mexico by the numbers.
- 40 million - Mexico received around 40 million international tourists every year pre-pandemic
- No. 1 - Mexico is by far the most visited destination in Latin America
- Top 7 - Mexico was the 7th most visited country in the world in 2019 when the country welcomed around 45 million international tourists
- 24 billion dollars - Generated by international tourism in Mexico in 2019
- 8.7% - Tourism contributed 8.7% of Mexico's GDP in 2018
- 35 World Heritage Properties are located in Mexico - the highest number for any country in Latin America and the Caribbean
- 1,320 museums - Mexico ranks at number 14 among countries with the most museums in the world
Why We Love Mexico
So what is it that makes Mexico such a popular destination? Let's take a closer look!
The Destinations
Mexico is world famous for its beaches and all-inclusive resorts. Besides beach goers and party lovers, the country boasts several destination which attract visitors interested in history, culture and getting back to nature. Here are some of the most visited destinations in Mexico.
- Mexico City - Mexico's vibrant capital city wows with its exciting art scene and fascinating museums. The city is home to the world famous Museum of Anthropology. Mexico City is also known as the birth place of Frida Kahlo, the famed Mexican painter.
- Cancun - Cancun is arguably one of the most famous resort towns in the world. Located on the Yucatán peninsula, this is the place for all-inclusive fun in the sun.
- Tulum - Located just down the coast from Cancun, the town of Tulum is known for its Bohemian flair and ancient Mayan fortress.
- Puerto Vallarta - A beautiful resort town located on the country's western coastline, Puerto Vallarta is a fabulous destination for diving and snorkeling.
- Cabo San Lucas - Commonly known as "Cabo", this luxurious resort town on the tip of the Baja California Peninsula wows with its high-end resorts, spas and restaurants.
The Food
From quesadillas to tacos, Mexican food is beloved the world over. Here are some of the most iconic Mexican dishes you simply must try out when visiting the country!
- Tacos Al Pastor - One of the most popular takes on the classic taco, tacos al pastor are stuffed with slow roasted pork and pineapple. Quirky yet delicious!
- Enchiladas - This iconic Mexican dish features tortillas stuffed with meat, cheese, beans and veggies. The dish is covered in spicy chili sauce.
- Mole - This rich sauce is popular throughout the country. It's made using several different spices, plenty of chili and in its most famous iteration, chocolate!
- Tamales - Dating back to the ancient Aztec, Mayan and Inca kingdoms, tamales are corn dough pockets that are filled with either sweet or savory stuffing. The pocket is then wrapped in banana leaf and steamed to yummy results.
- Huevos Rancheros - This popular breakfast dish starts with fried corn tortillas which are topped with fried beans, fried eggs, hot sauce and fresh coriander. It is truly the breakfast of champions!
Foodie tip: The best way to get a real taste of the local food is to explore Mexico's vibrant culinary scene with a local in the know. If you're a foodie, consider joining a private food tour in Mexico.
Who Else Loves Mexico?
So far we've already established that Mexico is one of the most visited countries in the world - so where are all these visitors coming from? In 2019, Mexico received around 45 million international tourists. Nationals from these five countries visited Mexico the most.
- United States - An overwhelming majority of tourists (nearly 25 million!) arrived from the United States.
- Canada - In second place was Canada which accounted for 5.4 million visitors.
- Colombia - Around 1.3 million Colombian tourists visited Mexico in 2019.
- United Kingdom - Some 1.3 million tourists arrived from the United Kingdom.
- Brazil - Just under 1 million tourists originated from Brazil.
Frequently Asked Questions: The Mexico Edition
Before booking our flights and heading out for that long-awaited holiday, most of us have a few questions regarding our planned destination. Here, we answer the most commonly asked questions travelers have before visiting Mexico.
Is Mexico worth visiting?
That depends. Do you have a thing for beautiful beaches and warm, balmy weather? Are you looking to explore nature or visit ancient ruins? Do you love visiting world-class museums or eating delicious food? If you answered YES! to any (or all!) of these questions then yes, Mexico is definitely worth visiting. While may people visit Mexico solely to enjoy some R and R at an all-inclusive beach resort, keep in mind that the country also offers incredible cultural experiences and nature tours to explore.
Is Mexico safe to visit?
Though Mexico is a very popular tourism destination, there are certain safety concerns to consider when planning your trip. The US State Department lists the states of Campeche and Yucatan as the safest regions to visit. To ensure you have a smooth, stress free and safe journey no matter where you go, keep the following in mind;
- Follow your home country’s travel advisories Before traveling to Mexico. Advisories issued by your own government's agencies provide information about safety conditions in specific states or regions.
- Keep tabs on local news and government alerts for any safety concerns or incidents.
- Follow any guidance or restrictions provided by local authorities.
- Stay Away From: Border Cities and states with heavy cartel and crime activity. The US travel advisory advises that you completely avoid the following states;
Colima State
Guerrero State
Michoacan State
Sinaloa State
Tamaulipas
Zacatecas
In general, travelers to Mexico should exercise common sense and follow the same precautions you would in any destination. Don't flaunt your money, jewelry or other valuables and remain vigilant when using ATMs. Avoid large crowds and protests. Don't drive alone at night and remain cautious when visiting bars and nightclubs. Of course, visitors should always check the latest travel advice before traveling.
Weather - When Is The Best Time To Visit Mexico?
Mexico is blessed with a tropical climate and temperatures remain warm throughout the year. When planning the timing of your trip, the most important thing to consider is just how much it'll rain during your visit - especially if you're planning a beach vacation! Here are some key facts regarding weather in Mexico, and how you can plan your trip depending on each major region;
- Average daytime temperatures remain between 23 - 32°C throughout the year.
- The months between April - August are the warmest, with the average temperature hovering around 30°c.
- June through to September are the rainiest months with each month seeing around 10 rainy days on average.
- April and May are the sunniest months, averaging around 8 hours of sunshine per day.
Mexico's Seasons By The Region
Yucatan Peninsula
Cancun, Tulum, Playa Del Carmen, Isla Mujeres, Isla Cozumel, Chichen Itza
Welcome to the land where the sun always shines! The Yucatan Peninsula is home to some of Mexico’s hottest destinations including Cancun and Isla Mujeres. Expect daily averages of around 33°C which can make for a pretty humid environment. To pick the best travel month, consider this;
- Wet Season (June to October): This period is characterized by higher humidity and a greater chance of rain. Rainfall is more frequent, with September being the wettest month, and there is a higher risk of hurricanes and tropical storms, particularly from August to October. It’s still a great time to visit, but be prepared for occasional heavy rain showers.
- Dry Season (November to May): Expect big crowds during this season. The weather is warm, dry and sunny with even temperatures. If you’re looking to tour the peninsula Mayan ruins, or take on some outdoor activities, November to May is your ideal time. Remember to book ahead as these months are quite tourist heavy.
Travel tip: Need to know more about this region’s hottest destination? Check out our Tourism In Cancun Statistics 2023
Mexico City & Mexico State
CMDX, Teotihuacan, Tula
As the center of the nation, Mexico City is alive with monuments, museums and scenic sites and sounds. To get the best out of your travels, consider these months;
- Dry Season (November to April): Thanks to the mild temperatures and minimal rain, November to April is the heaviest tourism season. With daytime highs averaging around 20-24°C (68-75°F), the weather remains generally sunny and pleasant, which works perfectly for those looking to tour the city and its surroundings during the day.
- Rainy Season (May to October): Expect heavy rainfall, particularly after lunchtime, and during the evenings. Carry clothes that you can layer, as mornings are quite sunny, followed by moderate to heavy downpours in the late afternoons or evenings. Temperatures won’t fall too much, but you will have to consider how the rain will affect your sightseeing plans.
Travel tip: Not sure when you should plan your trip? Chat with a local Mexico City tour guide and get some solid advice. To learn about the heart of this nation? Check out our Tourism In Mexico City Statistics 2023
Central Pacific Coast (Mexican Riviera)
Puerto Vallarta, Acapulco
Mostly hot, sometimes rainy and always exciting, Mexico’s Riviera is characterized by warm, beach-like climates that make it a popular destination for much of the year. Consider these months when deciding when you'll travel;
- Dry Season (November to April): Destinations within the Riviera like Puerto Vallarta and Acapulco experience a tourist boom during this season as weather is ideal. Daytime temperatures usually dance between 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F), so be prepared for outdoor activities, beach visits, and some fun in the water.
- Rainy Season (May to October): These months bring on the humidity, rainfall and thunderstorms. Much like Mexico City, days in the Riviera start out sunny before delighting visitors with afternoon showers. Hurricane season is also present from June to November, with a higher risk of tropical storms passing through
When planning your trip, keep in mind that Mexico is a large country and conditions change from region to region. Make sure you check the weather forecast for your specific destination before slapping on the sunscreen!
What Is The Best Way To Get Around Mexico?
Planning on travelling around the country? Or maybe you're looking to explore a single city? These are the best forms of transport for travelling around Mexico.
- Domestic flights - If you're visiting different parts of the country, domestic flights are often your best and safest bet.
- Bus - Mexico has a good network of roads with frequent bus connections between different cities.Before heading out, it's best to check with a local guide to see if the route you're planning is safe.
- Taxi - Taxis are a prevalent and affordable way of getting around throughout the country, but verifying them can be difficult.
- Metro - Mexico City has an efferent metro system which makes navigating this metropolis a breeze.
Transport Tip: Staying Safe
Mexico is huge, so when navigating the nation, keep these transport safety tips in mind;
- Use verifiable transportation services, especially when it comes to taxis. Taxis in Mexico City are not advised as they have a complicated and unsafe history. Use Uber when available. Avoid using unmarked or unofficial taxis, paying specific attention at airports & bus terminals.
- If renting a car, strictly follow local driving conditions and traffic rules, and purchase insurance as a fail safe.
- Use official buses when traveling long distances.
Tourist Trends: Quick Stats
- December to May is generally the most vibrant season in Mexico as cool weather, minimal rainfall and plenty of activities fall within this time. Big crowds and big experiences await!
- July to August is a high tour season for beach destinations (Cancun and Tulum), and ideal for those looking to swim with whale sharks. This is also a rainy and tropical storm season so be
- Parts of April,June, May, October, September and November are considered Mexico’s shoulder season and therefore perfect for anyone looking to beat the larger crowds.
Conclusion
It's little wonder that Mexico continues to reign as the most popular destination in Latin America. With its picture-perfect beaches, scrumptious food, vibrant culture and fascinating history, this beautiful country truly offers something for everyone.
The best way to make the most out of your trip is to plan carefully and get to know the lay of the land before takeoff and the most convenient way to do that is by reaching out to our Mexico tour guides who are ready to assist you even before you touch down in the Land Of The Sun. With a personalized itinerary, your interests come first. So let's plan the perfect trip together!
P.S. Looking to travel with companions? The more, the merrier! Share this post with your friends and get them as excited about touring Mexico as you are.
