Overview
Why go to Mexico
Mexico offers two very different vacations. The Caribbean side — Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel and Tulum — brings powder beaches, cenote swimming, world-class reefs and Maya ruins, and anchors most Western Caribbean cruises. The Pacific side — Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán — is the Mexican Riviera, easily cruised from California with dramatic desert-meets-ocean scenery and superb sportfishing. Both reward travelers who venture beyond the all-inclusive gates for the food, the culture and the cenotes. We’ll steer you to the authentic experiences and away from the tourist traps.
Best time to visit
November–April is the dry, sunny sweet spot on both coasts. Summer is hot and humid on the Caribbean side (with a hurricane-season chance); the Pacific side is warm year-round with whale watching Dec–March.
Top attractions
Tulum & Chichén Itzá
Cliff-top Maya ruins over the Caribbean and one of the New Seven Wonders inland.
Cenotes
Crystal-clear freshwater sinkholes for swimming and snorkeling across the Yucatán.
El Arco (Cabo San Lucas)
The iconic sea arch where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific.
Cozumel reefs
Part of the Mesoamerican Reef — superb drift snorkeling and diving.
Cruises to Mexico
Western Caribbean cruises (Royal Caribbean, MSC, Celebrity, Virgin) call at Cozumel and Costa Maya. Mexican Riviera cruises sail from Los Angeles/San Diego — Princess and Norwegian run strong programs to Cabo, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta.
Sample itinerary
Day 1
Depart Los Angeles
Embark for the Mexican Riviera.
Day 2
Sea day
Relax as you sail down the Baja coast.
Day 3
Cabo San Lucas
Tender in for El Arco, a beach day or a sportfishing charter.
Day 4
Mazatlán
Historic Old Town, the malecón and fresh seafood.
Day 5
Puerto Vallarta
Cobblestone Zona Romántica, tacos and a Sierra Madre canopy tour.
Days 6–7
Sea day & return
Unwind at sea and disembark.
Recommended hotels
Rosewood Mayakoba (Riviera Maya)
Lagoon suites reached by boat — a serene splurge near Playa del Carmen.
Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal
Enter through a private mountain tunnel to cliffside Pacific views.
Hotel Xcaret (Playa del Carmen)
All-fun-inclusive with access to the region’s eco-parks.
Where to eat
Hartwood (Tulum)
Wood-fired, ingredient-driven cooking — no electricity, all magic. Reserve ahead.
La Docena (Puerto Vallarta)
A lively oyster bar and grill beloved by locals.
Travel tips
- Drink bottled water and eat where the lines are local — the food is a highlight, not a hazard, if you’re smart.
- On the Caribbean side, book cenote and ruins tours early; the best small-group ones fill up.
- Tip in pesos where you can, and carry small bills for markets and taxis.
Packing tips
- Reef-safe sunscreen and water shoes for rocky beaches and cenotes.
- Light, breathable clothing plus one nicer outfit for dinners in town.
- Bug repellent for jungle excursions and evening open-air dining.
Photo inspiration
Mexico travel FAQs
The major resort areas and cruise ports — Cancún, Riviera Maya, Cozumel, Cabo, Puerto Vallarta — are heavily visited and generally safe with normal precautions. We book reputable operators, advise on which areas to skip, and keep you on well-traveled routes.
For a closed-loop cruise (returning to the same US port) US citizens can technically use a birth certificate and ID, but we strongly recommend a passport — it’s required if you need to fly back from Mexico for any reason.
The Caribbean side (Riviera Maya) has clearer water, reefs and Maya ruins; the Pacific side (Riviera/Cabo) offers dramatic desert scenery, whale watching and easier cruising from California. We’ll match the coast to your interests and departure city.