Mexico is immense\u20141.96 million sq km, 130 million inhabitants, 32 states. Here's how to navigate it.<\/em><\/p>\n A minimum of two weeks for a first discovery. Mexico is too big to see everything in one trip. It's better to choose a region and explore it in depth.<\/p>\n 10 days<\/strong> : a single axis \u2014 Yucat\u00e1n (M\u00e9rida-Valladolid-Tulum) or Oaxaca + Pacific coast.<\/p>\n 14-15 days<\/strong> Two regions combined \u2014 Mexico + Oaxaca, or Yucat\u00e1n + Chiapas. This is the most common format.<\/p>\n 21 days<\/strong> The grand classic tour \u2014 Mexico, Oaxaca, Chiapas, Yucat\u00e1n. Ambitious but doable with a few internal flights.<\/p>\n My favorite format<\/strong> 15 days, Mexico City (3 nights) + Oaxaca (4 nights) + Pacific Coast (3 nights) + internal flight to Yucatan (4 nights). Two Mexicos in one trip.<\/p>\n The currency is Mexican peso<\/strong> (MXN). In May 2026, 1 EUR = approximately 18-19 MXN. ATMs are everywhere. Cards are widely accepted in tourist areas, but cash remains essential in markets and villages.<\/p>\n Economic<\/strong> : 40-60 EUR\/day\/person. Hostels, ADO buses, street tacos, attraction entrance fees. Mexico is very budget-friendly.<\/p>\n Comfort<\/strong> 100-180 EUR\/day\/person. Charming hotels, rental car, restaurants, guides. The best value for money on the continent.<\/p>\n Premium<\/strong> : 250-500 EUR\/day\/person. Converted haciendas, luxury lodges, private experiences. The high-end offering is exceptional, especially in Yucat\u00e1n and Oaxaca.<\/p>\n Key budget position<\/strong> Internal flights. Mexico is large\u2014a Mexico-Canc\u00fan flight (2h) costs 50-120 EUR and saves you 20 hours on the bus.<\/p>\n Dry season<\/strong> (November-April): the best period for most regions. Blue skies, temperatures 20-32\u00b0C depending on altitude. December-January is the peak (Mexican holidays + international tourism).<\/p>\n Rainy season<\/strong> (May-October): tropical afternoon showers (1-3 hours), lush vegetation. Fewer crowds, lower prices. September is hurricane season on the Caribbean coasts.<\/p>\n Micro-season<\/strong> Easter week (Semana Santa) is the busiest of the year. All of Mexico travels. Book well in advance or avoid entirely.<\/p>\n Long-distance bus<\/strong> The ADO network (and its subsidiaries OCC, AU) is excellent\u2014air-conditioned, comfortable, and punctual. Mexico-Oaxaca (6 hours, 25-40 EUR), M\u00e9rida-Canc\u00fan (4 hours, 15-25 EUR). Bookable online at ado.com.mx.<\/p>\n Internal flights<\/strong> Volaris and VivaAerobus offer low-cost fares. Book early. The Mexico-Oaxaca, Mexico-Cancun, Mexico-Tuxtla (Chiapas) routes are frequent.<\/p>\n Car rental<\/strong> Excellent option in Yucat\u00e1n (flat, well-marked roads) and on the Pacific coast. Less recommended in Mexico City (hellish traffic). 25-50 EUR\/day. Prefer international agencies and get full insurance.<\/p>\n Collectives<\/strong> Local shared vans, very cheap (1-3 EUR), dense network in Yucat\u00e1n and Chiapas.<\/p>\n Visa<\/strong> No visa required for French, Belgian, Swiss, and Canadian citizens (stays up to 180 days). Passport valid for 6 months after the date of entry. FMM form to be completed online before departure.<\/p>\n Vaccines<\/strong> None required. Recommended: Hepatitis A\/B, Typhoid.<\/p>\n Security<\/strong> Mexico suffers from a security image that doesn't reflect the reality of tourist areas. Oaxaca, Yucatan, tourist Chiapas, and major cities are safe. Standard precautions: no ostentation, vigilance at night in major cities, official taxis.<\/p>\n Altitude<\/strong> Mexico City is at 2,240 m, San Crist\u00f3bal at 2,200 m. The first few days can be tiring. Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol at altitude.<\/p>\n Mexico is a natural extension of our Central America tours \u2014 combine it with Guatemala (Canc\u00fan-Flores flight for Tikal) or Belize (land border from the Yucat\u00e1n). French-speaking contact reachable 24\/7 via WhatsApp throughout your stay.<\/p>\n For inspiration, check out our Travel Journal in Mexico<\/a>. To plan day by day, our Mexico Travel Guide<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\nHow much time to plan for<\/h2>\n
What budget to plan for<\/h2>\n
When to go<\/h2>\n
How to get around<\/h2>\n
Formalities and Health<\/h2>\n
Toucan Discovery and Mexico<\/h2>\n
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