Destination Mexico

Mexico travel blog: visiting the Yucatán on a road trip

Before you go, here's what you need to know to visit Mexico : all the practical info we wish we'd found in one place before our one-month road trip in the Yucatán.

PassportValid for your whole stay
VisaNot needed for EU/US, up to 180 days
Direct flight≈ 11 hr from Paris
Time difference−6 hr from Paris in winter, −7 hr in summer
CurrencyMexican peso (MXN)
PaymentMostly cash
LicenseYour home license+ international permit useful
DrivingOn the right, watch out for topes
LanguageSpanish
Tap waterNot drinkable
VaccinesNone required
ClimateTropical, hot all year round
Ideal length3 weeks to 1 month
Our budget€3,149 per person
SargassumMainly from March to August
Tipping10 to 15% at restaurants
PlugsTypes A and B: adapter
InterneteSIM Simbye-15%: LEPTITCURIEUX
Emergencies911
Country code+52
Our trip

A month in Mexico

Told the way we lived it.

Adeline and I spent a month on a road trip around the Yucatán Peninsula, driving a rental car: Holbox, Valladolid, Mérida, Bacalar, Tulum, Cozumel and Isla Mujeres. From Mayan cities to cenotes, by way of the Bacalar lagoon and the underwater world of Cozumel, this country left us starry-eyed

Visiting Mexico differently than all-inclusive is the whole spirit of this trip. We went in October : very few tourists, lower prices and almost no sargassum. On this page, we've gathered everything: our itinerary, our real budget, our accommodations, our videos and all our articles.

Adeline et Bastien devant la pyramide de Kukulcán à Chichén Itzá
The two of us
Le cenote Suytun et sa plateforme dans le Yucatán
The cenotes
La lagune de Bacalar en voilier
Bacalar
Our itinerary

The map of our Mexico road trip

1 month, 8 stops, 2 states (Yucatán and Quintana Roo), by car and by ferry for the islands. Click a stop to read the article.

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Our interactive map

Cenotes, Mayan sites, beaches, restaurants… every place on our road trip, on Google Maps.

The stops, in order
  1. 1HolboxStreet art, Punta Mosquito, the 3 islands3 nights→
  2. 2ValladolidChichén Itzá, Ek Balam, cenotes5 nights→
  3. 3MéridaUxmal, Cuzamá, Calcehtok3 nights
  4. 4BacalarThe lagoon, Calakmul5 nights→
  5. 5TulumCobá, Sian Ka’an, the ruins4 nights→
  6. 6CozumelSnorkeling and diving4 nights→
  7. 7Isla MujeresPlaya Norte, Punta Sur3 nights→
  8. 8CancúnBefore the flight home1 night
Our real budget

How much does a trip to Mexico cost?

Here are our real expenses for a month in Mexico for two, without all-inclusive, in October. Prices have gone up since (site entry fees, tourist taxes): keep some margin.

6 298€for 1 month, flights included
🏡 Accommodation1 876€

≈ €63 a night for two, over 30 nights, between Airbnb and small hotels. 30% of the budget

✈️ Plane, train and Uber1 191€

Round-trip flights from France and short trips on site. 19% of the budget

🚗 Car rental952€

30 days with TouraCancún, insurance included: ≈ €32 per day. 15% of the budget

🎟️ Activities and entry fees950€

Mayan sites, cenotes, snorkeling and diving in Cozumel, boat trips. 15% of the budget

🍽️ Restaurants930€

≈ €30 per day for two. We ate really well! 15% of the budget

⛽ Gas250€

For a month on the road around the peninsula. 4% of the budget

🛒 Supermarkets151€

Everyday groceries. 2% of the budget

To pay on site without unnecessary fees: where to withdraw money in Mexico?

31days
30nights
2travelers
8stops
≈ 102€per day and per person, all included
All our articles

Our articles on Mexico

All the articles from our trip to Mexico, sorted by theme. Pick what tempts you!

Renting a Car in Mexico: How to Avoid ScamsRenting a Car in Mexico: How to Avoid ScamsRead the article →Tips for Visiting the Mayan Site of Chichén ItzáTips for Visiting the Mayan Site of Chichén ItzáRead the article →Where to Withdraw Money in Mexico? Pesos or Credit Card?Where to Withdraw Money in Mexico? Pesos or Credit Card?Read the article →Tips for Visiting Los Rápidos de BacalarTips for Visiting Los Rápidos de BacalarRead the article →Tips for Visiting the 3 Cenotes of Cuzamá in the YucatánTips for Visiting the 3 Cenotes of Cuzamá in the YucatánRead the article →My Tips for Visiting Cenote Ik Kil in the YucatánMy Tips for Visiting Cenote Ik Kil in the YucatánRead the article →Tips for Visiting the Mayan Site of CalakmulTips for Visiting the Mayan Site of CalakmulRead the article →Tips for Visiting the Uxmal Ruins in the YucatánTips for Visiting the Uxmal Ruins in the YucatánRead the article →Holbox: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting the IslandHolbox: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting the IslandRead the article →Tips for Visiting the Tulum Ruins in MexicoTips for Visiting the Tulum Ruins in MexicoRead the article →My Tips for Visiting the Mayan Site of Ek BalamMy Tips for Visiting the Mayan Site of Ek BalamRead the article →Tips for Visiting the Cobá Ruins in MexicoTips for Visiting the Cobá Ruins in MexicoRead the article →Snorkeling the Reefs of Cozumel in the CaribbeanSnorkeling the Reefs of Cozumel in the CaribbeanRead the article →My Tips for Visiting Cenote Secreto Maya in the YucatánMy Tips for Visiting Cenote Secreto Maya in the YucatánRead the article →My Tips for Visiting Cenote Hubiku in the YucatánMy Tips for Visiting Cenote Hubiku in the YucatánRead the article →Tips for Visiting the Bacalar CenotesTips for Visiting the Bacalar CenotesRead the article →Tips for Visiting Cenote Suytun in the YucatánTips for Visiting Cenote Suytun in the YucatánRead the article →My Tips for Visiting Cenote X’Canché in the YucatánMy Tips for Visiting Cenote X’Canché in the YucatánRead the article →What to See in and Around Valladolid?What to See in and Around Valladolid?Read the article →Tips for Visiting Cenote Azul in MexicoTips for Visiting Cenote Azul in MexicoRead the article →Bacalar: The Lagoon of Seven Colors by SailboatBacalar: The Lagoon of Seven Colors by SailboatRead the article →Tips for Visiting Cenote Oxman in the YucatánTips for Visiting Cenote Oxman in the YucatánRead the article →10 Things to Know Before Visiting Mexico10 Things to Know Before Visiting MexicoRead the article →Discovering the South of Isla Mujeres: Punta Sur & GarrafónDiscovering the South of Isla Mujeres: Punta Sur & GarrafónRead the article →My Tips for Visiting Cenote Calavera in MexicoMy Tips for Visiting Cenote Calavera in MexicoRead the article →My Tips for Visiting Cenote Choo-Ha in MexicoMy Tips for Visiting Cenote Choo-Ha in MexicoRead the article →Exploring the North of Isla Mujeres – Playa NorteExploring the North of Isla Mujeres – Playa NorteRead the article →Holbox 3 Islands Boat Tour: A Mixed ExperienceHolbox 3 Islands Boat Tour: A Mixed ExperienceRead the article →Thousands of Bats Fly Out of the Calcehtok CavesThousands of Bats Fly Out of the Calcehtok CavesRead the article →Cozumel: A Scuba Diving Paradise in the CaribbeanCozumel: A Scuba Diving Paradise in the CaribbeanRead the article →Visiting Muyil and the Sian Ka’an ReserveVisiting Muyil and the Sian Ka’an ReserveRead the article →The Most Beautiful Cenotes in Mexico We’ve Tried (Tulum, Valladolid)The Most Beautiful Cenotes in Mexico We’ve Tried (Tulum, Valladolid)Read the article →
Tested during our road trip

Where to stay in Mexico?

Our 8 accommodations, stop by stop, between Airbnb and small hotels. We tell you what we loved… and what we liked less. All the details in our Where to stay in Mexico article.

Notre Airbnb à Holbox, au MexiqueAirbnb

Holbox

“An incredible room, with the pool right next door to cool off. Just perfect!”

  • Room
  • Pool right next door
  • Incredible room
Discover the place
Notre hôtel à Valladolid, au MexiqueHotel

Valladolid

“A stunning setting and a super spacious room, ideal for catching your breath between two cenotes.”

  • Very spacious room
  • Pool
  • Massages on site
Discover the place
Notre Airbnb à Mérida, au MexiqueAirbnb

Mérida

“A whole house just for us, with a little pool to relax.”

  • Entire house
  • Small pool
  • A bit out of the way
Discover the place
Notre hôtel à Bacalar, au MexiqueHotel

Bacalar

“A gorgeous place right in the city center, with a superb pool.”

  • Hotel
  • Superb pool
  • City center, far from the lagoon
Discover the place
Notre Airbnb à Tulum, au MexiqueAirbnb

Tulum

“An entire place with a pool, but very out of the way: you'll need the car.”

  • Entire place
  • Pool
  • Out of the way, car required
Discover the place
Notre Airbnb à Cozumel, au MexiqueAirbnb

Cozumel

“A clean, well-located studio, to do everything on foot from the city center.”

  • Studio
  • Clean and well designed
  • Close to the center
Discover the place
Notre hôtel à Isla Mujeres, au MexiqueHotel

Isla Mujeres

“A really beautiful seaside hotel, with a magnificent pool.”

  • Hotel
  • Magnificent pool
  • Seaside, a bit out of the way
Discover the place
Notre hôtel à Cancún, au MexiqueHotel

Cancún

“Very close to the airport: perfect for the first or last night of the trip.”

  • Hotel
  • Close to the airport
  • Ideal for the 1st or last night
Discover the place
Our vlogs

The road trip on video

We filmed everything! 7 episodes to follow our trip to Mexico, from Holbox to Isla Mujeres. Click an episode to play it. (Videos in French.)

Your questions

FAQ: visiting Mexico

The questions we're asked most often. Still have one? Email us, we'll be happy to reply

1Is Mexico dangerous for tourists?

In a month in the tourist areas of the Yucatán and the Riviera Maya, we never felt in danger. Zero risk doesn't exist: avoid driving at night, don't show off your valuables and don't leave anything in the car. Check the France Diplomatie travel advice (or your own government's) before you leave, and read our full take: is Mexico dangerous?

2Do you need a visa to visit Mexico?

No: for a tourist trip, a passport valid for your whole stay is enough for French (and most EU and US) citizens. The authorized length, up to 180 days, is set by the immigration officer on arrival and shown on the passport stamp. Formalities change (the FMM entry form is now digital): check them before you leave.

3How many days do you need to visit Mexico?

For the Yucatán Peninsula, allow at least 15 days. Three weeks to a month is ideal to enjoy the cenotes, the Mayan cities and the islands without rushing. We stayed a month: here's our day-by-day itinerary.

4What budget should you plan for a trip to Mexico?

We spent €3,149 per person for a month, flights, car, accommodation, restaurants and activities included. The biggest item is accommodation (≈ €63 a night for two), followed by flights. The breakdown is in the comparison tool higher up on this page.

5What is the best time to go to Mexico?

The dry season, from November to April, is the most popular. We went in October: few people, lower prices and almost no sargassum, but very intense heat. From March to August, sargassum can invade the Caribbean beaches, and hurricane season runs from June to November.

6Do you need to rent a car to visit the Yucatán?

For a road trip, it's the most practical. We paid €950 for 30 days with TouraCancún, insurance included, and everything went really well. Watch out for topes (speed bumps) and gas station attendants. All our tips: car rental in Mexico: avoiding scams.

7Pesos or card: how to pay in Mexico?

Both. Cards work in hotels and many restaurants, but pesos are still essential for small shops, cenotes, tolls and tips (10 to 15% at restaurants). Withdraw from bank ATMs and decline the conversion offered by the machine. More details: where to withdraw money in Mexico.

8What vaccines and health precautions for Mexico?

No vaccine is required when arriving from France. The Institut Pasteur advises being up to date with your routine vaccines and recommends hepatitis A. Protect yourself from mosquitoes (dengue) with repellent and long clothes in the evening, and don't drink tap water, which isn't drinkable. Ask your doctor for advice before you leave.

9How do you get internet in Mexico?

We had a French Free plan including 25 GB in Mexico, without a local SIM card. If your plan doesn't include Mexico, an eSIM installs before you leave and works as soon as you land. We recommend Simbye, with 15% off with the code LEPTITCURIEUX.

10What are the must-sees in Mexico?

Our favorites: the 3 cenotes of Cuzamá, Chichén Itzá, the whole Bacalar area, Calakmul lost in the jungle and diving in Cozumel, one of the best experiences of our lives.

Our roadbook

Our Mexico road trip, ready to go

Le Ptit Curieux
Selfie dans l’eau turquoise de la lagune de BacalarRoadbook · 80 pages
Mexico
Yucatán · Quintana Roo
10€

Before every trip, I prepare a roadbook with everything we want to discover. The Mexico one is 80 pages : it saves you hours of planning.

  • General info: paperwork, car rental…
  • Our one-month route, stop by stop
  • Our recommendations: restaurants, activities, must-see places
  • Typical dishes to try
Boarding pass PDFMexico roadbook: 80 pages of tipsEnter your email address when you buy (or write to us at contact@leptitcurieux.fr) to receive the roadbook quickly. The roadbook is in French.FormatPDF · 80 pagesDeliveryBy emailPaymentPayPal or card
Google reviews

They planned their trip with us

Over 180 Google reviews at 5/5: here's what our readers say about our Mexico tips. Thanks to them

It's a great, very complete blog. Bastien is lovely, he answers questions quickly and doesn't hesitate to give advice. On Mexico, all his articles are complete, well written and full of beautiful photos. Thanks to you, Bastien, I'm going to have a great trip. Thank you so much.

ATAlexandre TheodonGoogle review · Mexico

Thanks for this blog, which helped us build our Mexico itinerary thanks to all your detailed experiences.

YCYohan ClémenceGoogle review · Mexico

Bastien & Adeline's site Leptitcurieux.fr is a goldmine of information and tips for planning your journey to Mexico. They were very responsive to our requests and guided us perfectly in our planning. A thousand thanks.

CMCharles MartinezGoogle review · Mexico

A very complete and detailed blog on all the questions you can have when you're going to discover a new country like Mexico. Thanks for all the tips, shared experiences, hotel links, top notch

FBFrançois BerettaGoogle review · Mexico

About to leave for a few days on the Riviera Maya, I can't thank Bastien and Adeline enough for answering a few questions. Kind and available! Thank you.

BLBernard LegayGoogle review · Mexico

Thank you for your advice, which already lets us picture our future trip to Mexico. Don't hesitate to check out their blog, you'll find lots of info and can ask your questions, he replies quite quickly.

MOMina O.Google review · Mexico

Very well built and smooth site. Thank you so much for sharing your very detailed experiences, with good tips and simply magnificent photos. Thanks to you, my trip to Mexico is going to be amazing

ADAngèle DamGoogle review · Mexico

A very well-informed blog, which helped us organize our trip to Mexico, in the Yucatán region! Thanks to Bastien for his responsiveness.

ASAmandine SelvestrelGoogle review · Mexico

Did our blog or roadbook help you? Your review means a lot to us

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Final word

Thanks for reading this far

We hope this page helps you plan your trip to Mexico, and that it makes you want to discover the cenotes, the Mayan cities and the Bacalar lagoon the way we experienced them. A question, a doubt about your itinerary? Write to us, we reply to every message.

¡Buen viaje!