Mexico holiday deals

From ancient ruins to glorious beaches, there’s never a dull moment on a holiday to Mexico. Add these six ideas to your itinerary.

See the Mayan ruins of Tulum

One of the last cities inhabited by the Mayan people, Tulum was an important seaport in the 13th century, trading in jade and turquoise. Today, El Castillo, its castle, remains remarkably intact overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Another must-see is the Temple of the Frescoes, with its well-preserved murals depicting Mayan gods.

Look for wildlife in Parque Nacional Isla Contoy

Where the Caribbean meets the Gulf of Mexico, Isla Contoy is one of Mexico's most beautiful national parks. Located on a sandbar island 40km (25 miles) from Cancun, the wildlife sanctuary is home to 170 bird species, including flamingos, pelicans and boobies.

It's also the start of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second largest in the world after Australia's Great Barrier Reef. Go diving with manta rays, whale sharks and loggerhead turtles.

Explore Chichén Itzá

The most famous of the Yucatán Maya sites, the ruins of Chichén Itzá should not be missed. El Castillo, also known as the Pyramid of Kukulcán, has stood at the centre of the site for over a thousand years.

One of the new Seven Wonders of the World, it’s an easy day trip from Cancun. Other significant ruins include the Plataforma de Venus, a raised stairway guarded by feathered serpents. It was possibly used as a sacrificial podium for ancient rituals, but its exact purpose remains a mystery.

Palacio de Bellas Artes

The white marble Palacio de Bellas Artes – the Palace of Fine Arts – is a performance hall and cultural space in Mexico City. Here, you can catch remarkable performances by the Ballet Folklórico de México and the Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional.

The hall is also famous for its notable artworks, including Diego Rivera’s iconic 'El hombre en el cruce de caminos' (Man at the Crossroads) mural and the art deco wall sculpture of the Mayan god Chaac.

The Frida Kahlo Museum

Also known as the Blue House, the Frida Kahlo Museum explores the life and work of Mexico's most famous artist. A highlight of Coyoacán in Mexico City, her former home – where she was born, lived and died – offers a peek into life in Mexico in the 1950s. It has a vast collection of work by both Kahlo and her husband, Diego Rivera, alongside Mexican folk art, rare photographs and quirky memorabilia.

Go cave diving in Dos Ojos

Just north of Tulum, Dos Ojos, also known as Two Eyes Cenote, is a labyrinth of 30 ancient underwater caves. For experienced divers, the Pit, a 110m-deep (361ft) cenote filled with the ancient remains of animals and humans, is a must.

For something a little more sedate, take a guided snorkelling tour of the easier-to-reach caves, and see illuminated stalactites and stalagmites. 

With a coastline that touches both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, it’s no surprise that Mexico isn’t short of beautiful beaches.

Isla Holbox

For a laidback experience, head to Isla Holbox, a long island of wildlife and beaches. It’s fringed by a nature reserve with flamingos and pelicans, and is well known for diving and snorkelling. Don’t be fooled by the name, Punta Mosquito is every inch the idyllic beach.

Tulum Beach

White-sand Tulum Beach is one of Mexico's most popular spots for beach holidays. For some five-star pampering surrounded by lush jungle, Mayan ruins and lively nightlife, stay at nearby Hotel Ma'xanab Tulum.

Cabo San Lucas

A popular place with American spring breakers, Cabo San Lucas has two brilliant beaches nearby. Playa Acapulquito is a surfing hotspot, while Santa Maria Beach is calm and quiet – ideal for swimming. To be near both, stay in a bright, breezy villa at Chileno Bay Resort.

Playa Norte

Coral sands and warm shallow waters await at Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres. A mecca for scuba diving, its cool, clear waters attract whale sharks, especially between May and August. For an all-inclusive escape nearby, stay at Mia Reef Isla Mujeres.

Playa del Carmen

The city of Playa del Carmen’s long shoreline is lined with enviable beaches, such as Playa del Car, Playa del Carmen, and Playa Punta Esmeralda. Embrace the Caribbean dream at the Thompson Beach House, a boutique hotel where you can snorkel with sea turtles or just relax under a coconut-frond parasol.

January is generally the best time for a Mexico holiday. It's the height of the dry season, which runs from December to April, with temperatures reaching the high 20s. There’s plenty of sunshine, little rain, and the beaches aren’t as crowded as the busy Christmas season.

August and September are the low season period when monsoon rains can hit the Pacific coast and last until October. Temperatures jump into the 30s but humidity is high too.

Prices rocket around the Day of the Dead in November, Christmas and Easter, and around Independence Day in September.

When is the cheapest time to visit?

Hotel rates drop dramatically around April, and you can often get cheap holidays between May and November, which is hurricane season on the Caribbean coast.

When should I go for the best weather?

The coolest months are between December and February when temperatures are a balmy 28C, but the humidity drops. If you’re looking for a cheap holiday at this time, it will pay to search and compare prices well in advance.