Tailor-made journeys to Mexico: tips from our local experts

A bright light shines upon Mexico, one of the world’s finest destinations for the curious traveler in search of bold yet intimate experiences. From larger-than-life natural scenes to deeply personal encounters with local communities, Mexico can be explored and uncovered in myriad ways—and with the 2026 FIFA World Cup bringing even more color and spirit to its city streets, you’ll have more great reasons to put Mexico at the top of your travel bucket list. We caught up with four of our local experts for their top Mexico travel tips: read on as Veronica, Paula, Natalia, and Hugo dive into all that they love about their home country…

Top Mexico travel tips: Q&A with local experts

Tell us a bit about yourselves and the types of trips you specialize in…

Veronica: I moved to Mexico in 2016, and it quickly became my home. I specialize in tailor-made trips that showcase the country’s rich culture, stunning landscapes, and hidden gems. My focus is on immersive experiences, authentic adventures, off-the-beaten-path discoveries, and luxurious comfort where desired, so travelers can see Mexico the way locals do, not just through a guidebook.

Paula: I’m a naturally curious, active and open person. I feel most alive outdoors: I love the sea, hiking, wildlife, and anything that connects me to nature in an authentic way. I’m also deeply inspired by people. I love meeting local communities, hearing their stories, sharing meals, making real connections and friendships along the way. That human element is what makes travel powerful to me. I specialize in crafting culturally immersive and nature-driven journeys because that’s what genuinely moves me. My goal is to craft journeys that inspire a deeper connection, to nature, to culture, maybe even to yourself.

Natalia: I’m passionate about designing meaningful, tailor-made journeys that go beyond the typical tourist experience. I work closely with local communities, boutique hotels, expert guides, and family-run projects to create authentic, well-balanced itineraries throughout the country. I specialize in custom cultural journeys, combining history, gastronomy, nature, and unique local encounters. Many of the trips I design blend iconic highlights—such as archaeological sites and colonial cities—with off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Hugo: I’ve been in tourism for over 13 years (and I’ve been traveling even longer!) and I’m as Mexican as one can be. I was born on November 2nd: Día de Muertos! I’m a big time foodie and a culture buff, so whenever is possible to mix these two I will! And I love my time in nature, so a good stroll in the jungle or just floating in the sea or cenotes will bring me peace and joy.

Read more: Discover Mexico’s highlights

What do you love most about Mexico, both personally and when planning tailor-made trips?

Natalia: That it’s not just a beach destination—it’s a country of living traditions, vibrant culture, and extraordinary biodiversity. How every region feels like a different country: the cuisine, landscapes, and traditions shift completely from one state to another.

Veronica: I absolutely love that Mexico feels like home to me. Personally, I enjoy exploring the diverse regions, meeting locals, and discovering new culinary and cultural experiences. When planning trips, I love sharing my appreciation for this country with travelers, helping them fall in love with Mexico the same way I did. It’s incredibly rewarding when they experience something uniquely Mexican.

Paula: Mexico is my colorful heart. What I love most about my country is its depth. This is a country you don’t just visit, you uncover it layer by layer. Personally, I’m endlessly inspired by the coexistence of living traditions, wild nature, ancient civilizations, and contemporary creativity.

From visiting landmark attractions to planning adventures off the beaten track, what key Mexico travel tips do you have for a first-time trip?

Hugo: It doesn’t matter where you are, if there’s an archaeological site nearby, you should visit at least one! The most popular are Teotihuacán near Mexico City, and the Mayans’ Chichén Itzá! My favorites, however, are Cobá and Tulum.

Paula: What truly elevates a trip are the more intimate moments, visiting a family-run mezcal distillery, swimming in a cenote surrounded by jungle, hiking in a national park at sunrise, or sharing a home-cooked meal with locals. Mexico shines brightest in these human-scale experiences.

Is there anything about Mexico that might surprise first-time visitors, and that people should know about when planning?

Veronica: Many travelers are surprised by how safe and welcoming Mexico is. Most tourist areas have English-speaking staff, so you don’t need to worry too much about language barriers. While Mexico often gets negative press, I find it to be very safe, and visitors can feel comfortable exploring widely as long as they stay aware, like anywhere in the world.

Paula: Another surprise is the warmth of the people. Hospitality here is genuine and heartfelt. When planning a trip, I always recommend allowing time for slower, immersive experiences rather than trying to cover too much ground.

Natalia: Many first-time visitors are surprised by distances in Mexico, which can be larger than expected, and each region has its own rhythm—so thoughtful logistics make a big difference in creating a smooth experience.

Mexico is one of the host countries for the 2026 World Cup. What excites you most about this, and what can travelers look forward to?

Natalia: It’s incredibly exciting! Mexico has such a passionate football culture, and the energy during international events is unforgettable. Cities like Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey will be vibrant, celebratory, and full of cultural events. Travelers can look forward to a festive atmosphere, enhanced infrastructure, cultural programming, and a chance to combine world-class sporting events with Mexico’s history, cuisine, and landscapes.

Paula: Mexico has a deeply emotional football culture, communal, celebratory, and full of pride. Hosting the World Cup again feels crazy amazing!

Read more: Mexico for families: the best places to visit

Do you have any Mexico travel tips and advice for travelers visiting during this especially busy time, to help them make the most of their trip?

Paula: I also recommend combining match days with time in less crowded regions, perhaps pairing Mexico City with Puebla, Oaxaca, or the Yucatán Peninsula. This allows travelers to experience both the international celebration and the deeper, more authentic rhythm of the country. Flexibility and local insight will make all the difference.

Veronica: My top advice is to stay aware of your surroundings, plan ahead, and choose your excursions wisely. Like anywhere during a busy period, some places will be more crowded than others, so timing and flexibility make a big difference in enjoying your trip.

When would you say are Mexico’s shoulder seasons, and what can travelers look forward to during these times?

Veronica: The shoulder seasons are the periods just before or after the peak tourist season. Typically late spring (May-June) and early fall (September-October). During these times, travelers can enjoy fewer crowds, more availability in accommodations, and often better prices, while still experiencing Mexico’s culture and natural beauty.

Hugo: Since Mexico is a very large country with wide biodiversity, a good time to visit one region may not be the best time to visit another.
For example, the best times to visit the Yucatán and Riviera Maya are around November and February, to avoid high temperatures; meanwhile in Mexico City, the best weather is in the summer, since it is not that cold nor hot!

What have been some of your personal favorite travel experiences in your home country?

Hugo: I love the Península de Yucatán, because of its mix of ancient Mayan history and unique nature. I love Mexico City, because it is a wild ride with so much to offer, and my favorite town in Mexico is San Cristóbal de las Casas, a small town in Chiapas, it is just magical!

Natalia: Some of my favorite experiences in Mexico include sharing a home-cooked meal in a small Yucatán village, floating on a trajinera in Xochimilco while listening to live music, and swimming in the crystal-clear cenotes of the Yucatán Peninsula. I also love snorkeling in Cabo San Lucas, sailing past the iconic Arch. Mexico’s diversity of culture and landscapes is what makes it so special to me.

Paula: Some of my most meaningful experiences in Mexico have been in nature. Being surrounded by mountains, jungles, deserts, or the ocean does something to me every single time. I still get goosebumps. There are moments when I’m standing in front of a volcano or watching the sunset over the sea and I feel something so deep and overwhelming that I almost want to cry. Beyond the landscapes, what truly stays with me are the people. Sitting with artisans who are preserving ancestral techniques, listening to historians share stories that aren’t in guidebooks, being welcomed into someone’s home and treated like family. Those intimate, human moments remind me that travel isn’t just about seeing a place, it’s about feeling it, connecting to it, and letting it change you a little.

Read more: 10 places you should visit when in Mexico

Make it happen

Get started on planning a trip to Mexico for yourself and your loved ones: our local experts are ready and waiting for you to reach out with your trip preferences, so that they can help suggest more useful Mexico travel tips and craft your dream itinerary.