Mexico Travel Route: Cancun, Cabo San Lucas and More
This route covers major travel destinations across Mexico including Cancun and Cabo, spanning 5,662 km. It connects popular tourist regions and inland areas, showcasing the geographic diversity of Mexico's most visited locations.
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Montezuma's Revenge and Water Safety
- End
- Guadalajara
- Stops
- 5
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Montezuma's Revenge and Water Safety — Common traveler ailment caused by consuming contaminated water or unfamiliar foods, preventable by drinking bottled water and eating at reputable establishments.
- Cancun
- Cabo San Lucas
- Mexico City
- Guadalajara
Useful for your trip
- Avoid
- Don't drink tap water in Mexico; use bottled water only. Check that bottle seals are not broken as they may have been refilled.
- Avoid
- Avoid ice from unknown sources and uncooked/undercooked meat, washed vegetables, and unpeeled fruit to prevent traveller's diarrhea (Montezuma's Revenge).
- Tip
- Keep your immigration card (filled out on arrival) safe in your passport throughout your trip; you'll need to return it when leaving Mexico.
- Food
- Don't order only familiar dishes like tacos and quesadillas. Try regional specialties: flautas, enchiladas, sopas, gorditas, and fresh fish for authentic Mexican cuisine.
- Tip
- Learn basic Spanish phrases (hola, gracias, por favor, de nada) before visiting, especially if traveling inland beyond tourist areas like Cancun or Cabo.
- Save money
- Tip 10-20% for waiters and bartenders; tip hotel cleaning staff 50-100 pesos per day. Check if tip (propina) is already included on credit card payments.
- Save money
- Negotiate prices at markets and with street tour vendors; the first quoted price is not final. Also negotiate taxi fares before entering the vehicle.
- Transport
- Avoid driving at night in Mexico; don't drive in mountains at night. Use public buses between cities instead. Risk of robbery and accidents increases after dark.
- Avoid
- Don't pet or interact with stray dogs on the street, even if they appear friendly.
- Food
- Drink quality tequila from a glass neat, or mix with grapefruit soda (Squirt, Fresco, or Fanta grapefruit). Be careful as smooth tequila masks alcohol content.
- Tip
- Don't assume Cancun and Cabo represent all of Mexico; they are tourist destinations. Travel inland and beyond these areas to experience authentic Mexico.
Video on this route
Visit Mexico - The DON'Ts of Visiting Mexico