Mexico

In November 2014, I spent 10 days in the colorful country of guacamole and fajitas in a route that took me to Monterrey, Mexico City and the Yucatán peninsula. Keep on reading to learn more about the history, the best sightseeing spots and the foodie places along this itinerary!

WELCOME TO Mexico!

Basic facts

Population: 130 million
Currency: Mexican Peso (MXN or $). Check the current exchange rate here.
Language: Spanish is the most spoken one although there are 68 other languages that are officially recognized.
Territories: there are 32 states.
Main cities: Mexico City (the capital), Monterrey, Guadalajara, León, Ciudad Juárez, Tijuana, Veracruz
History: after being a Spanish colony, the country declared its independence on September 27, 1821.
Fun fact: there are 140 varieties of chili peppers grown in Mexico alone!

Things to do

Visit the fascinating pyramids in Teotihuacán or Chichen Itzá

Discover the charming Mexican 'Pueblos Mágicos' such as Santiago near Monterrey

Take a tropical break in Cancún or Tulum!

Enjoy the flavorful Mexican food

Shop the colorful Mexican crafts. Skulls are a must!

TYPICAL COSTS WHEN TRAVELLING

Accommodation – During my 10-day itinerary throughout the country, I only spent a few nights at a hotel in Cancún, staying the rest at family and friends. In any case, I would suggest using Airbnb or Booking to find your perfect spot.

Food – Mexican food was delicious but watch out going wild with chiles as they can be as spicy as hell! From tacos to enchiladas, and from totopos to gorditas, I tasted various traditional dishes during my stay. That being said, I must admit I was glad to come back to salads and vegetables after eating so much corn!

Transportation – To get from one city to another in Mexico, I took domestic flights with Viva Aerobus, which is a low-budget Mexican airline. To fly in and out of the country, I booked my tickets with United Airlines and Air Canada. I was told that buses work very well in Mexico (I was recommended ETN in particular) and are really comfortable.

Good to know when travelling around Mexico

Best time to visit: I explored the country in November 2014, taking advantage of the Thanksgiving break in the USA. The weather was great when I went there, but I hear the best months to explore are during the dry season (from December to April).
Is Mexico safe?: As a woman traveling solo, I got asked this question a lot. My answer is YES. Of course we hear plenty of bad and concerning news about the security situation in the country but I felt safe. I stayed with locals most of the time (family in Monterrey and friends in Mexico City) and they advised me on where to go and how. Of course, keep your eyes and ears wide open, avoid dangerous areas and trust your gut feeling if you ever feel insecure or at risk.