Personal & Stress-Free Mexico Vacation Planning

From hidden cenotes to local mezcal tastings, we’ll craft a Mexico vacation that feels entirely yours.

Mexico Vacation Planning That’s Tailored To You

Have you ever dreamed of wandering Oaxaca’s bustling markets, sipping mezcal with a local, or watching the sun melt into the Pacific from a hidden Baja cove?

But then — bam! — the logistics hit. Which city first? How do you get from CDMX to Valle de Guadalupe? And which of the thousand taco stands is actually worth the hype?

Suddenly, your Mexico vacation feels like a full-time job. If you’re still not sure if cenotes or colonial towns should come first, you’re in the right place. We’re here to turn your Mexico vacation planning from overwhelming to unforgettable.

Our expert travel planners cut through the noise and curate experiences that fit your style and pace so your trip to Mexico feels effortless and entirely your own.

Jimadores harvesting large agave piñas in a sunlit field with mountains in the background during mezcal production in Mexico.

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Ready For Mexico, But Not For The Planning Headaches?

You’re overwhelmed by the logistics of a Mexico itinerary — transportation, safety, timing, and that ever-growing list of "must-sees."

You crave authentic food and culture, but the thought of ordering at that amazing taqueria or chatting with the mezcal maker feels daunting when your Spanish is more "hola" than "habla."

You want every detail handled, from boutique hotels to that once-in-a-lifetime mole-making class, so you can just show up and savor.

Your group is torn between Mexico vacation locations — beaches, towns, and cities — and you’re stuck playing referee.

You’re worried about missing out on the truly great experiences or booking the wrong activities.

You’ve got a million questions — about weather, safety, or which tequila to try first — and need a trusted expert to guide you.

Woman wearing a vibrant red and orange floral crown with gold rays, blue off-the-shoulder dress, and gold jewelry, holding white flowers and palm leaves in a softly lit setting inspired by Día de los Muertos in Mexico.

Why Choose Salt & Wind Travel For Your Mexico Vacation

Deep Expertise

Our company has deep expertise in Mexico's best vacation spots, and we know the country intimately. We regularly travel throughout Mexico searching out the best experiences for our clients.

Custom-Crafted Journeys

Every Mexico itinerary is crafted around your interests, style, and group needs. No generic packages, just your dream Mexico trip, planned down to the last detail.

Seamless Group Coordination

Whether you’re balancing a group of friends, family, or a mix of interests, we design Mexico vacations that keep everyone engaged and happy.

Exclusive Local Access

We unlock experiences you simply can’t find online, private tastings, artisan workshops, and local-only tables, thanks to our deep connections and cultural expertise.

Zero-Stress Planning

We turn Mexico travel planning stress into pure excitement, blending iconic sights with hidden gems, so your memories are truly one of a kind.

There’s something magical about learning to make mole from a grandmother in Oaxaca or sharing mezcal with artisans who’ve perfected their craft for decades. These moments in Mexico remind me why we do what we do at Salt & Wind Travel. Food isn’t just sustenance — it’s storytelling, connection, and discovery all rolled into one.
— Aida Mollenkamp, Founder & CEO

How Our Mexico Vacation Planning Works

Step 1 → Share Your Travel Dreams

Complete our inquiry form with your preferences, travel dates, and budget. Share any special interests or must-have experiences that will help our travel planners craft your perfect Mexico vacation. This foundation ensures we understand your vision from day one.

Step 2 → Speak With A Mexico Travel Expert

We'll schedule your complimentary 30-minute Discovery Call to dive deeper into your Mexico trip. Our experts will review your intake responses and explore what makes your ideal Mexico itinerary tick. No pressure, just possibilities.

Step 3 → Receive Your Custom Proposal

Within 3 business days, you'll receive a personalized service proposal tailored to your desired support level. Whether you need full-service planning, strategic bookings, or expert consultation, we'll outline the perfect approach for your Mexico vacation.

Mexico Vacation Itineraries Designed For Travelers Like You

Your vision is one-of-a-kind, and your trip to Mexico should be too. Whether you’re all about culinary adventures, reconnecting with friends, or chasing the next unforgettable sunset, our Mexico travel itineraries are crafted to fit your style. Take a peek at these sample journeys to spark your own wanderlust.

Aerial view of a turquoise bay with white sand beaches, rugged brown hills, and calm water near La Paz in Baja California, Mexico.

Baja Road Trip

From Surf Towns To Seafood Feasts

Duration: 10 Days
Destinations: Los Cabos, Todos Santos, La Paz

This adventure blends Baja’s wild beauty with its vibrant food scene. Start in Los Cabos with sun-drenched beaches and farm-to-table dining. Head north to Todos Santos for art galleries, surf lessons, and the freshest ceviche you’ve ever tasted. Then, cross to La Paz for turquoise waters, local markets, and a private boat trip to Espiritu Santo Island.

Along the way, we’ll arrange boutique hotels, local guides, and culinary experiences that reveal Baja’s true soul. Every detail is handled, so all you have to do is soak up the sun and the flavors.

Close-up of three tacos topped with chopped grilled meat, onions, cilantro, and green salsa, served with lime wedges on a paper plate.

A Culinary & Cultural Deep Dive

Mole, Markets, and Mezcal

Duration: 7 Days
Key Destinations: Mexico City, Oaxaca City, Surrounding Villages

For those who travel with their taste buds, this itinerary is a feast. Explore Mexico City’s street food, vibrant markets, and cutting-edge restaurants with our local food writer friends.

Then, fly to Oaxaca for hands-on mole-making, a visit to artisan mezcal producers, and strolls through colorful mercados. We’ll arrange private guides, immersive workshops, and meals that transform you from tourist to culinary insider.

Expect a trip where every day brings a new flavor, and every moment is a memory.

View of the pyramid of Chichén Itzá in Yucatán, Mexico, framed by green leaves and surrounded by trees under a partly cloudy sky.

Yucatán Family Adventure

Ancient Wonders & Modern Magic

Duration: 8 Days
Key Destinations: Mérida, Chichén Itzá, Valladolid, Riviera Maya

Bring the whole crew for a Yucatán experience that’s as fun as it is meaningful. Swim in crystal-clear cenotes, explore Mayan ruins with a private archaeologist, and wander Mérida’s colonial streets.

We’ll weave in hands-on cooking classes, time for beach relaxation, and even a chocolate-making workshop for the kids (and kids at heart). With family-friendly hotels, private guides, and flexible pacing, everyone gets their perfect slice of Mexico.

Let’s Craft Your Perfect Mexico Vacation

Discover what’s possible, no commitment required.

Curious if we’re the right fit? Our Discovery Call is a relaxed, risk-free opportunity to talk through places to travel in Mexico, concerns, and must-haves. We’ll share our expertise and you’ll get a feel for our approach — just genuine conversation about what matters to you most.

Salt & Wind Travel’s Kristen hooked us up! Living in the destination of Mexico City meant Kristen was able to connect us with amazing local guides and unique activities.

On our first full day, we had a fantastic time walking around and eating our way through the city with our private guide.
The culinary tour took us to super tasty hole-in-the-wall places so that we could really feel and eat like locals. From the special sorbets to the restaurant with no name, the flavors of the city were incredible.

The team handpicked impeccable accommodations for us in the city and arrange for excursions outside of the city. If you’re considering Mexico City as your next vacation, these are the people to make it happen!

Tanner K.
2019 Couple Trip To Mexico

Close-up of golden brown churros coated in cinnamon sugar, stacked on newspaper on a light wooden surface.

Not Quite Ready To Plan? Let Mexico Inspire You

Not sure where to begin? Our Mexico Travel Planner is your source for inspiration, packed with our favorite experiences, food finds, and expert tips from years of exploring every corner of Mexico. Get sample itineraries, must-try dishes, and travel wisdom, so you can start dreaming up your own adventure.

General Mexico Travel Information

  • Have you started mapping out your dream Mexico vacation, only to find yourself tangled in a web of endless recommendations, conflicting advice, and the pressure to make every moment count? Maybe you’re craving that perfect mole in Oaxaca, a mezcal tasting with a local producer, or a sunset boat ride in Baja, but the logistics feel like a telenovela plot twist you didn’t sign up for.

    That’s where we come in. As your Mexico travel planners, we take the overwhelm off your plate and replace it with pure anticipation. Our team has spent years exploring Mexico’s cities, pueblos, and coastlines, building relationships with chefs, artisans, and guides who welcome you like family. We handle every detail — hotel bookings, trusted local guides, restaurant reservations, and exclusive experiences — so you can savor a stress-free journey curated just for you.

    Want to swim with manta rays, taste your way through Mexico City’s street food, or discover artisan markets in Tulum? We’ll make it happen, blending your wishlist with our insider access and on-the-ground expertise. All you have to do is show up and soak in the magic, no spreadsheet required. Let us sweat the details, so you can focus on the memories.

  • The easiest way would be to share your travel dreams with our team of experts and have us tailor a personalized itinerary for you. If you want to research before that or plan it yourself, you’ll want to check out our Mexico travel guide.

  • Our travel experts have deep expertise planning Mexico vacations in the following locations:

    Baja California Alta: Tijuana, Ensenada, Valle De Guadalupe

    Craving a trip where street food meets world-class wine? Baja California Alta is where you can savor the best fish tacos in Tijuana, sip natural wines in the rolling vineyards of Valle de Guadalupe, and dive into the vibrant culinary scene of Ensenada. It’s a region that blends urban edge with rustic charm, perfect for travelers who want a taste of Mexico’s creative spirit and a side of Baja sunshine.

    Baja California Sur: La Paz, Los Cabos, Todos Santos

    If you’re after wild beauty and laid-back luxury, Baja California Sur is your spot. Swim with whale sharks in La Paz, unwind on the golden beaches of Los Cabos, and soak up the bohemian vibes of Todos Santos. Art galleries, surf breaks, and farm-to-table dining are just part of daily life. Every sunset feels like a private show, and every meal is a celebration of the sea.

    Guanajuato: San Miguel de Allende, and Wine Country

    Step into a storybook in Guanajuato, where cobbled streets, colorful facades, and a thriving arts scene make every stroll memorable. San Miguel de Allende’s colonial charm and nearby wine country offer a blend of culture, creativity, and culinary delights – think rooftop cocktails at golden hour and boutique wineries tucked into rolling hills.

    Jalisco: Guadalajara, Tequila, & Puerto Vallarta

    Jalisco is the beating heart of Mexican tradition, where mariachi music, hand-crafted tequila, and vibrant markets come alive. Explore Guadalajara’s creative energy, tour the blue agave fields of Tequila (yes, the birthplace of the spirit!), and finish with beachside relaxation in Puerto Vallarta, where sunsets and seafood are always on the menu.

    Oaxaca: Oaxaca City, The Valleys, The Beaches

    Oaxaca is a feast for the senses, from the aroma of fresh mole in bustling markets to the sound of waves crashing on the Pacific coast. Wander ancient ruins, learn the art of mezcal making, and discover artisan villages where traditions run deep. Whether you’re a culture buff or a beach lover, Oaxaca’s magic will linger long after you leave.

    Mexico City

    Mexico City is a whirlwind of flavors, art, and history. Every block reveals a new adventure. Dive into vibrant markets, world-class museums, and a dining scene that rivals any global capital. Whether you’re hunting for street tacos or Frida Kahlo’s legacy, the city’s energy and warmth will sweep you off your feet.

    • Google Maps - Use the offline function to view a map without using data

    • Google Translate - Download the languages you want to translate, and you’re all.

    • Rappi - The local UberEats (which is also in Mexico, btw), we order from Rappi when we want to eat in. Know that they don’t always take foreign credit cards, but you can use Paypal for payment instead.

    • Uber - Uber is the most prevalent ride-share service in Mexico.

    • XE Currency Converter - The peso to US dollar exchange rate doesn’t fluctuate a ton, but we suggest you use this app to know exactly how much money you’re spending.

  • That depends on where you want to go! These are the best times to travel to the parts of Mexico where we travel most:

    • Tijuana And Valle De Guadalupe:
      Similar to nearby Southern California, Northern Baja California has pretty mild weather year-round. From late Spring to early Summer there is consistently a “June Gloom” (ie dense morning fog) in the coastal areas and in late summer to early Fall, the wine region of Valle De Guadalupe can get hot with temperatures in the low triple digits. Our favorite time to travel to Ensenada and Valle De Guadalupe is from mid-September to mid-April.

    • Los Cabos And Todos Santos:
      The southern part of Baja California is prime beach land with a hot and arid desert climate. They do have a hurricane season that runs from June to November but the majority of hurricanes seems to hit in early Fall

    • Mexico City:
      Thanks to its higher elevation, the climate in Mexico City tends to be milder than other parts of Mexico. That means you can travel to Mexico City year round. Know that they city does experience a rainy season from June through October so you’ll always want to be equipped with an umbrella or rain jacket during that time. The only real time of year to completely avoid visiting Mexico City is during the Spring holiday known as Semana Santa between Good Friday and Easter because many businesses close and lots of locals leave the city for vacation.

    • Oaxaca:
      There isn’t really a low season in Oaxaca as travelers visit year round. However, you tend to get the majority of travelers to the area in the summer months and during the massively popular festival known as the Guelaguetza and during the December holidays when they have a beloved radish festival.

    • Guadalajara and Tequila:
      The weather in Guadalajara is on par with Mexico City in that it ranges from temperatures of low 70s to high 90s throughout the year but there is a particularly hot and rainy season from early summer to late Fall. You can visit Guadalajara and Tequila any time of year but we’d avoid July to November if you want to avoid hot humid weather.

  • Many cell phones work exactly as they would in the States so you often don’t need to use any international calling code.

    52 is Mexico’s country code, followed by an area code and local number. The number of digits in the area code and local number may vary. To place an international call to Mexico, dial + or the international access code of the country from which you're calling (e.g. 011 from the US) - 52 - area code - local number.

    To place an international call from Mexico, dial + or 00 (Mexico’s international access code) - country code of the country to which you're calling (e.g. 1 for the US) - area code - local number. For example, to call the US, dial 00 -1 - area code - local number.

    To place a call within Mexico, drop the country code 52 and dial area code - local number. The area code is always used when placing calls within Mexico. For additional information on placing international phone calls, visit countrycallingcodes.com.

  • U.S. citizens traveling in and out of Mexico must have a passport that is valid 6 months beyond your last day of your trip. Also, each visitor must fill out a Tourist Form (usually distributed on flights) for entry into Mexico. The Mexican Immigration Official will give you a stub of this form that you’ll want to keep track of it because it must be returned at the airport prior to leaving Mexico.

  • If you travel abroad frequently, you'll want to look into the CBP Global Entry and/or SENTRI programs, which grants you expedited border crossing.

    The SENTRI program is specific to the Mexico/U.S. border while Global Entry is for travelers flying in and out of the U.S.

  • It’s not required by law but we recommend you have it any time you’re traveling. There are a variety of services for providing trip insurance and note that many credit cards (such as Chase Sapphire and AmEx) include travel insurance as part of a trip purchase. Check with your credit card to confirm. Aside from that, we recommend World Nomads or Allianz for travel insurance.

  • The country of Mexico covers four time zones and they are on similar times to those in the United States. The majority of the country is in the central time zone and the majority of the country observes Daylight savings; however the timing of when Daylight Savings starts and stops is different from the United States.

  • The electrical voltage and outlets in Mexico are the same as those in the United States so you can use the same plugs throughout the country. However, if you are traveling in a more remote area, you may find that utilities like electricity and water are not as reliable as they are in the United States so be prepared with backup batteries.

  • The Mexican culture is known for its hospitality and kindness. However, things tend to go at a slower pace than in the United States. There are often long lines to wait for street food or other well-worth-it experiences. An open-minded traveler who is sympathetic to the changing environment of a foreign country will have the best time.

Mexico Travel Etiquette

So long as you conduct yourself as you do at home, you should be golden. Here are some specific dos and don’ts.

    • Do learn a few words of Spanish. Locals appreciate the effort!

    • Do greet people. Say "Buenos Dias” (“Buenas Tardes” or"Buenas Noches" in the evening).

    • Do say "Gracias" when leaving a location is basic good manners.

    • Do wander and explore. Most cities are best understood through exploration.

    • Do be street smart (keep your cell phone and purse close) as you would in any large city.

    • Do keep a form of I.D. on you (ie a photo of your passport) but don’t walk around with your physical passport.

    • Do have an abundance of smaller bills -- 10 and 20 pesos -- when you’re visiting markets and grabbing street food.

    • Do be careful when crossing the street as crosswalks are often ignored by motorists.

    • Don’t wear flashy jewelry or carry large sums of cash on your person.

    • Don’t be a jerk. Do drugs. Start fights. Display public drunkenness. Walk around with an open alcohol container. Urinate in public. Jump in fountains. Climb on monuments. You get it.

Money Matters

  • That depends on the type of trip you’re doing (budget luxury, adventure, or lounging around). However, we suggest budgeting about $3,000 for a solo traveler from the United States looking to make a week-long midlevel trip as follows: $500 for flights, $250/day for lodging, $500 for meals for the week, and a few hundred dollars for activities or tours.

    Of course, these prices will increase or decrease depending on whether you share lodging and what sort of meals and activities you plan.

  • The monetary unit in Mexico is the peso (peh-soh).

  • We recommend getting pesos at ATMs once you land in Mexico and not using a currency exchange service at a stateside airport. Your bank will most likely charge you a fee, so it’s best to withdraw the maximum amount. However, you can use credit cards in most places, so you shouldn’t need more than US$100 in cash at any time.



  • Yes but let your credit cards know that you will be traveling abroad. Also, keep in mind that many spots in Mexico will not accept American Express so it is best to always travel with another type of credit card (ie Visa or MasterCard).

  • You can use credit cards at hotels, boutiques, and most restaurants, but cash is very much used (especially for street vendors, musicians, and street food). Always have at least MX$200 to purchase street food or tipping.

  • Most locals tip 10% for restaurant meals, but we tip closer to 15%. We only tip 18%- 20% for exceptional service.

Health & Safety

  • Pollution isn’t an issue in most of the parts of Mexico where we work; however, Mexico City has notoriously bad pollution, and it can be an irritant, especially for anyone with sensitive eyes or a history of allergies. Be sure to pack eye drops, allergy medicines, or anything else that may help you deal with it.



  • Yes, earthquakes occur nationwide, especially from Baja California down the Pacific coast. And aside from worrying about tap water, this is probably the most significant fear people have when coming to Mexico City.

    The city sits in a seismic zone, and the soft soil of the former lakebed amplifies the effects of strong tremors. Earthquakes don’t happen that often, and they’re rarely as bad as the one that struck on September 19, 2017. Even so, we recommend keeping your hotel or apartment keys, wallet, phone charger, and shoes near your door so you can quickly leave in an emergency. Also, pack any specific medications (prescription or OTC) you may need.

  • Mexico is a vibrant culture that’s very much punctuated by its sounds. While in Mexico, you’ll hear everything from dogs barking and trucks honking to vendors hawking their wares and friends whistling between the street and their apartments to get each other’s attention.

    The long and short is that the major cities in Mexico are often much louder than most US cities, so you can either embrace it or get frustrated by it. We say pack some earplugs and go with the flow!

  • Honestly, we eat anything we want when we travel to Mexico. There’s nothing you should not eat in Mexico as long as you use the same judgment you’d use anywhere else. Does the place you’re entering have no one there, bad online reviews, or does the food look terrible or like it’s been sitting around for hours? That’s probably not a great choice. When in doubt, we follow the crowds. If a particular street food stand has a line, the food is likely fresh because they have a high turnover.

    Finally, if you have a particularly sensitive stomach or are not an adventurous eater, the spices and chiles in Mexican food may bother you, no matter how fresh the food is. If that is your situation, you can avoid spicier foods and/or consider doing as our doctor friend once advised: take one dose of an antidiarrheal (like Pepto Bismol or Imodium) every day as a precautionary method.

  • The water in most of Mexico’s hotels and resorts is potable; however, we always advise you to take extra precautions. Do not drink the water from the tap unless a notice says it is potable (i.e., “agua potable”). We bathe, wash our faces, brush our teeth with tap water, and don’t have a problem, but you can make the call yourself.

    All the restaurants we recommend have clean ice and water in their establishments, but when it comes to everyday drinking water, we recommend you stick to bottled water.

  • Many of the older buildings in Mexico have decades-old pipes, which can result in inconsistent water pressure or sensitive plumbing. As a result, you may not always have a full flow of water from the faucets.

    Also, it is advisable in more working-class areas (say, markets, older restaurants, or street food spots) not to put toilet paper in the toilet but instead throw it in the trashcan adjacent to it. As a general rule, if there is a trash can next to a toilet, throw your toilet paper in there; otherwise, you are okay with flushing the toilet paper.

General Travel Safety

  • Generally, yes, but it depends where exactly you’re traveling. Our team members have all spent an extensive amount of time traveling, drinking, eating, shopping and hanging out throughout Mexico and we would not be working there if we didn’t think it was safe.

    Even so, we urge you to check the U.S. State Department website and make your own decision. You can also enroll in the STEP program for travel warnings and updates.

  • As with any unfamiliar location, we urge you to take precautions against pickpockets and to minimize traveling with unnecessary valuable goods, like high-end jewelry. Also, try not to walk with your cell phones out if only so you don’t trip on any uneven ground!

  • It depends on where you’re traveling. In general, if you’re in a well-lit area that has lots of foot traffic (say downtown Puerto Vallarta), you should be fine. However, we always encourage you to walk with someone else and to take a ride share services if you’ve been drinking.  We do not recommend walking alone at night in bigger cities like Tijuana and Mexico City. Sure, you can walk a few blocks in your neighborhood and in well-lit and busier areas but we don’t recommend you go off on long walks or wander side streets alone. In general, it’s safest to take an Uber whenever you have to go more than a couple blocks at night.

  • Yes, you can travel solo in Mexico. Our team is majority women and we often travel by ourselves throughout the country. Of course, we think it best for you to keep your wits about you and to be particularly diligent at night.

    We published 7 specific tips on traveling solo as a woman, but contact us if you have general questions.

  • Mexicans are very politically vocal so you may come across a demonstration or two during your travels. They are pretty much always non-violent but they may just cause general chaos as big crowds tend to do so you’ll want to try to avoid them and give yourself extra time to head out.

  • That depends on where you’re going! Contact us and we’ll help you decide.

  • We have work with local hospitals in case of an emergency. You can also look into buying a MedeVac such as AirMed if you want to be able to easily return to the United States for medical care.

  • Dial 911 in case of any emergency.

Still Have Questions?

Your Mexico vacation deserves expert guidance. Ask us anything.

Planning a trip to Mexico can spark a million questions. Whether you’re curious about the best time to visit, want advice on family-friendly activities, or need help narrowing down your must-see regions, our team is here to help.