Marvellous  Mexico holidays

The vast majority of people in Mexico speak Spanish, although with slightly different pronunciation and some different words from the version spoken in Spain. In some areas of the country, indigenous languages such as Nuahatl are also spoken. English is widely understood and spoken in tourist areas as well as in the northern area of Mexico close to the border with the USA.

The flight time from London to Mexico City is approximately 11 hours 50 mins.

Currently, UK citizens don’t need a visa to travel to Mexico. Requirements can change, though – for the most up-to-date information on visas, please use the quick-check tool on our visa requirements page.

The Mexican Peso is the official currency of Mexico, with one Peso divided into 100 centavos. Current coins include 5, 10, 20 and 50 centavos, as well as 1, 2, 5, 10 and 20 Peso coins. Notes include 10, 20, 50 and 100 Pesos (as well as some larger denominations).

Mexico is divided into three different regions in terms of climate, tropical, subtropical and temperate, and the country is home to everything from desert to tropical rainforest. The Tropic of Cancer splits the country approximately in two, with northern areas tending to be drier and cooler during winter, and the areas south tending to be warmer year-round but also wetter. The rainy season runs from around June to mid-October and both coasts can encounter hurricanes from June to November. Mexico City tends to have mild winters and pleasant summers, while Oaxaca is warmer with rainy summers, although can be cool in winter.

The best time to visit Mexico is during the drier months from November to April. The rest of the year can get very hot, especially on the coast and Yucatan peninsula, with most rain between June and October. Mexico City can feel chilly during the winter months, so early spring sees some of the best weather in the capital. Oaxaca experiences fewer differences of temperature but enjoys some of the best weather in February to March too. And you’ll enjoy more pleasant sunny dry days in Puerto Vallarta during winter and spring before temperatures rise, plus there’s the chance to spot whales from December to March.

Unfiltered tap water isn’t safe to drink in many areas of Mexico, and even in Puerto Vallarta and Cancun where treatment quality is high, it can be better to drink bottled water to stay safe. Tap water is normally fine to brush your teeth with in tourist resorts, as long as you don’t swallow it.

The tourist areas of Mexico, including Cancun and Puerto Vallarta, tend to be among the safest parts of the country, although it’s wise to stay in well-lit areas after dark. Crime is also a risk in the bigger cities, including from unlicensed taxi drivers in Mexico City. Travelling on one of Titan’s Mexico escorted tours ensures you can avoid some of the risks of travelling solo, as well as getting advice from the tour manager on any specific local issues.

Mexico uses plug types A and B so you will need a US-style adaptor plug for UK devices - one suitable for the USA and Canada will work in Mexico. The country operates on a 127V supply voltage and 60Hz, although everyday items such as laptops, tablets, phones, cameras and toothbrush chargers are unlikely to need a voltage converter.

Corn, chilli and beans have been called the essential three ingredients of Mexican food, but you’ll also recognize everything from guacamole to tacos, quesadillas and enchiladas among other dishes as you travel. Don’t miss the chance to try Mole sauce, a mix of chilli, chocolate and spices, as well as tamales, corn dough stuffed with meat or vegetables and cooked in corn husks or leaves, then for a touch of sweetness, indulge in some churros with chocolate or dulce de leche sauce. Wash it all down with some agua fresca, a mix of fruit juice, sweetener and water, or a margarita.