Mexico

Scarlet Macaw

Photo by Alex Dzib
Grey Whale

Photo by Bill Miller
Chichen Itza

Photo by Alex Dzib
Rufous-tailed Jacamar

Photo by Alex Dzib
American Anhinga

Photo by Alex Dzib
The Tepantitla Mural at Teotihuacan

Photo by Ian Segebarth
Migration of Monarch butterflies

Photo by Ian Segebarth
Tulum beach

Photo by Laura Hare
Pyramid of the Moon, Teotihuacan

Photo by Carlitos Alonso Caballero Vallejo

From the wealth of ancient Maya civilizations of the Yucatán to the crystal clear turquoise waters of the Baja Peninsula, Mexico is filled with treasures waiting to be uncovered. Considered to be one of the 18 megadiverse countries in the world, Mexico is home to 200,000 different species, making it accountable for 10 to 12 percent of the world’s biodiversity.

Travelers visiting Mexico can observe native wildlife, including sea turtles, Monarch butterflies, whale sharks, and the endemic Balsas Screech-Owl, while exploring Mexico’s diverse habitats, which range from mountain pine forests and jungles to ocean basins and endless sea. Located in the northwest of Mexico, the Baja Peninsula is the site of one of the most extraordinary natural phenomena on the planet. Every year, gray whales travel 5,000 miles to Baja to mate and deliver their calves. With more than 747 miles of coastline, Baja offers endless educational maritime activities. For those who enjoy staying dry and on land, the Baja Desert, Mexico’s best preserved desert, offers a rich diversity of plants and animals to observe. In addition to its acclaimed natural wonders, Mexico is renowned for its astounding cultural artifacts. Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, which has the largest indigenous population in North America, is home to many Mayan archaeological sites. Feel the might of the Maya at the astonishing ruins of the Chichén Itzá and become immersed in the history and tradition of Mexico’s mythical land. Birders can observe Yucatán’s 500-plus avian species soar through ancient, picturesque background, while adventurers can climb towering pyramids, kayak on striking waterways, zip through jungle canopies, and snorkel in underground caves. From deep oceans of Baja to the soaring pyramids of Uxmal, Mexico is home to an endless variety of sights, cultural experiences, and natural beauty. Whether you’re a photographer, scientist, birder, or simply an avid traveler, Holbrook can deliver an enriching experience for you and your group.

Trips to Join

Join Waitlist

From $2,450

Natural History

Mexico | Migration of the Monarch Butterflies

with Florida Museum of Natural History

Feb 1, 2025 - Feb 6, 2025

Join Waitlist

From $2,575

Natural History

Mexico | Migration of the Monarch Butterflies

with Houston Zoo

Feb 8, 2025 - Feb 13, 2025

Join Waitlist

From $3,200

Natural History

Mexico | Migration of the Monarch Butterflies

with Susan Meyers and Kim Bailey

Feb 15, 2025 - Feb 21, 2025

Trips to Plan

From $2,875

Natural History

Mexico | Mystical Migration of the Monarch

7 Days | Choose your dates

From $3,895

Birding

Mexico | Birding the Ruins of the Yucatán

11 Days | Choose your dates

From $5,395

Natural History

Mexico | The Baja Peninsula: Whale Encounters and Desert Landscapes

9 Days | Choose your dates

Buildout

Overview

Ecosystems

Mexico is a land of extraordinary variety. Though the widely known beach resorts of Cancún, Cozumel, and Acapulco offer luxury and relaxation, a venture beyond their walls reveals Mexico’s real treasures: lowland tropical forests, offshore coral reefs, intertidal marshes, high desert, pine-clad mountains, and karst limestone caverns and sinkholes all providing thriving habitats for fauna.

Flora & Fauna

Abundant wildlife can be found in Mexico, including more than 450 mammal species, 30,000 plant species, 693 different reptiles, and 2,000 species of fish including Whale Sharks, the world’s largest fish. More than 1,000 endemic and migratory birds have been recorded, including Yucatán Woodpecker, Rose-throated Becard, and Yellow-lored Parrot. Among the world’s most astounding natural phenomena, the annual winter migration of millions of Monarch Butterflies paints a blanket of orange across the southern end of the central Mexican plateau.

Culture & History

Tiny indigenous villages, ultra-modern resort communities, ancient relics, and bustling metropolitan centers all coexist within Mexico’s 761,600 square miles. This juxtaposition of old and new provides a fascinating cultural contrast that stretches back to when Mexican civilization began to flourish. The Olmec, Maya, Toltec, and Aztec cultures that inhabited Mexico for more than 3,000 years created advanced artistic, technical, agricultural, and religious traditions that survived Spanish colonization. Traveling to the ruins of Cobá, Chichén Itzá, Oxtankahand, and many other archaeological sites in Mexico is a riveting journey through the ancient Maya world. History remains alive in modern-day Mexico, where colonial churches are still the community gathering place, and Maya still uphold many of their ancient traditions.

Sustainability

Mexico seeks to gain strength from its cultural and natural diversity. The government established biosphere reserves to preserve its biological habitats, which have since become models of preservation and important sites for environmental research. Private conservation groups lead environmental education workshops throughout the country to teach local communities how to manage their natural forests and land in sustainable ways including composting, gardening, beekeeping, and crop rotation.

Travel Info

Entry & Exit Requirements

U.S. citizens must have a valid passport to enter Mexico. Passports must be valid for at least the duration of your stay. As this requirement is subject to change at any time without notice, we recommend at least 6 months’ validity. A passport card is not acceptable for entry to the U.S. by air.

Travelers no longer need to fill out the Forma Migratoria Multiple (FMM), also known as the tourist card, if flying in and out of the following airports: Mexico City International Airport (MEX), Cancun International Airport (CUN), Cozumel International Airport (CZM), Los Cabos International Airport (SJD), or Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR).

If you are flying in and out of an airport other than those listed above, Mexico still requires submission of an immigration form (tourist card) upon arrival. There is no fee for the form, but it is recommended that you complete the form online at https://www.inm.gob.mx/fmme/publico/en/solicitud.html and print it prior to your departure. While the form will also be available upon arrival, printing the tourist card prior to your trip will expedite your arrival process. For more information about the tourist card, visit https://www.mexicotouristcard.com.

If you are not traveling with a U.S. passport, please check with the Mexican Embassy for the requirements based on your nationality.

Health Information

IMMUNIZATIONS

The Centers for Disease Control recommends that all travelers be up to date on routine vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccine, varicella (chicken pox) vaccine, and your yearly flu shot before every trip.

There are no vaccinations required for entry into Mexico, unless you are traveling from an endemic yellow fever area within six weeks prior to entry.

Some physicians recommend that travelers get hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines before visiting Mexico.

Please consult your physician for additional information and recommendations based on your individual circumstances.

MALARIA

The CDC warns that travelers to Central America may be at risk for exposure to malaria. Malaria is caused by a parasite found in Anopheles mosquitos, which are active from dusk until dawn. Prevention is twofold: the use of anti-malarial drugs and the prevention of insect bites. If you choose to use an anti-malarial drug, as recommended by the CDC, see your physician for a prescription.

ZIKA VIRUS

Locally transmitted cases of Zika virus have been reported in Mexico. Local transmission means that mosquitoes in the area have been infected with Zika and are spreading it to people. The CDC recommends that travelers to Mexico protect themselves from mosquito bites. As a precaution, the CDC advises women who are pregnant to consider postponing travel to any area where Zika virus transmission is ongoing.

SUN EXPOSURE

The effects of the sun can be damaging to the eyes and skin. Spending time outdoors exposes you to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, even on cloudy days. To protect yourself from the sun, use a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15, protect skin with clothing, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and drink plenty of fluids.

Currency

The currency of Mexico is the peso.

Electricity

The electrical current in Mexico is usually 110V 60Hz AC, the same as in the United States. Travelers from the United States do not need a converter.

Time Zone

Mexico uses four main time zones. Most of the country uses Central Standard Time (UTC-06:00). The Mexico states of Chihuahua, Nayarit, Sonora, Sinaloa and Baja California Sur use Mountain Standard Time (UTC-07:00), and Baja California Norte uses Pacific Standard Time (UTC-08:00).

Most of Mexico observes Daylight Saving Time.

Departures and arrivals on flight schedules are listed in the local time.

Communications

PHONES

Mexico’s international calling code is +52.

To call Mexico (from the U.S.): Dial 011-52-(xx-xxx-xxxx)

To call the United States: Dial 001-(xxx-xxx-xxxx)

Pre-paid phone cards are sold in Mexican supermarkets, tobacco shops, and airport stores. Although international calls can be charged to your hotel room, it is usually a more expensive option, so be sure to check hotel phone rates prior to making any calls.

Please check with your cell phone provider if you’re unsure whether or not your cell phone will work internationally. Be aware that you are likely to incur additional charges for international use.

INTERNET

WiFi is widely available and can be found at most hotels.

Resources

Reading List

FIELD GUIDES

Field Guide to the Birds of Mexico and Adjacent Areas, Belize, Guatemala, and El Salvador

Ernest Preston Edwards

This classic guide illustrates all the regularly occurring birds of Mexico and neighboring areas, including details of distribution, abundance, habitat and identification features for 850 species.

Snorkeling Guide to Marine Life

Paul Humann

Humann's compact guide illustrates Caribbean fishes, corals, invertebrates and plants commonly encountered in shallower water.

Mexico Field Guide, Butterflies

Rainforest Publications

A handy, double-sided laminated card depicting 82 species of spectacular butterflies. Includes English and scientific names and dimensions.

MAPS

Mexico Map

National Geographic

A convenient, double-sided map of Mexico at a scale of 1:2,425,000.

Yucatan Map

ITMB

A detailed travel map of the Yucatan, covering Tikal, Copan, Belize, Chiapas and more at a scale of 1:500,000. Printed on tear proof, waterproof paper.

Baja California Map

ITMB

Including the Sea of Cortez and adjoining Sonora coast at a scale of 1:650,000, this handy map is also printed on waterproof paper.

Michoacan Map

Ediciones Independencia

A colorful, locally produced map of the Mexican state of Michoacan, at a scale of 1:570,000. The revese side has city plans of the five biggest towns; the text is in Spanish.

GUIDEBOOKS

Eyewitness Guide Mexico

Eyewitness Guides

A compact visually appealing guide to Mexico.

Baedeker Mexico

Anita Anton von Bleyleben

This full-color Baedeker features the best places to stay, eat, drink and sight-see alongside 3D laminated cut-outs and a pull out map.

Breaking Out of Beginner's Spanish

Joseph Keenan

Idioms, common mistakes in word usage and other helpful advice on tackling spoken Spanish. You'll need some foundation to take full advantage of this book -- but even a complete novice will appreciate the author's playful sense of humor.

Culture Smart! Mexico

Sian Hughes

A concise, no-nonsense guide to local customs, etiquette and culture with a short overview of the land and people along with practical travel advice.

Lonely Planet Mexican Spanish Phrasebook

Rafael Carmona

This handy take-along phrasebook with essential vocabulary for travelers.

Lonely Planet Mexico

John Noble

This practical guide to Mexico features maps, a good overview of culture, history and nature, and plenty of information on excursions, accommodations and sightseeing. With color photographs and excellent travel information.

Moon Handbook Yucatan Peninsula

Lisa & Gary Prado Chandler

A compact, comprehensive travel guide with an excellent overview of the natural history and culture of the region, including Yucatan but also Chiapas, Tabasco, Campeche and Quintana Roo.

Moon Handbook Baja

Nikki Goth Itoi

Packed with maps, charts and photographs, this handy guide combines practical advice with chapters on natural history. (BJA09, $19.99)

NATURAL HISTORY

The Forgotten Peninsula, A Naturalist in Baja California

Joseph Wood Krutch

A classic, leisurely account of the plants, landscapes and history of Lower California.

Whales and Other Marine Mammals of California and Baja

Tamara Eder

Photographs, maps, identification and natural history are all covered in this handy guide featuring color illustrations by Ian Sheldon.

Four Wings and a Prayer, Caught in the Mystery of the Monarch Butterfly

Sue Halpern

A lyrical account of travels and encounters on the trail of the migrating monarch. Halpern, who weaves her own experiences with science, interviews and commentary, includes a section on the butterfly wintering grounds in Mexico.

HISTORY & CULTURE

Incidents of Travel in Yucatan

John Lloyd Stephens & Karl Ackerman

In this beloved classic, first published in 1841, Stephens chronicles his adventures and explorations in the Yucatan, including his rediscovery of important Maya sites, among them Chichen Itza, Uxmal, Kabah and Tulum. This traveler's edition features modern and archival photographs in addition to Frederick Catherwood's original lithographs.

Maya Art and Architecture

Mary Ellen Miller

An illustrated overview of the art and architecture of the Maya, making use of the latest discoveries at Tikal, Copan and Palenque to demonstrate the range of Mayan artistic influence. Revised and updated, this new edition includes color illustrations throughout.

The Labyrinth of Solitude

Octavio Paz

These essays by the Nobel Prize-winning poet address Mexican culture and character. The chapters on the Mexican celebration of the Day of the Dead and the conquest are especially memorable.

The Log from the Sea of Cortez

John Steinbeck

The classic account of a collecting trip to the Sea of Cortez with marine biologist Ed Ricketts, first published in 1941. Subtitled "A Leisurely Journal of Travel and Research," this much-loved book captures the wonders of the Gulf of California and the joys of discovery.

Mexico in Mind

Maria Finn

John Steinbeck, D.H. Lawrence, Graham Greene, Malcolm Lowry and others offer diverse impressions of Mexico.

From the blog

Video: El Rosario Monarch Site, Mexico

Millions of monarch butterflies in El Rosario Monarch Site, Angangueo, Michoacan, Mexico by Jade Aster Badon during the recent Expedition Travel trip...

From the blog

Video: Yucatan Peninsula Adventure

Holbrook Travel's Laura Hare discusses the Road Scholar program Yucatan Peninsula Adventure, during which she experienced some of Mexico's greatest...

From the blog

Photo Gallery: Snorkeling with Sea Turtles in the Yucatan

Photographer Israel Gonzalez captured some of the highlights of a recent snorkeling trip in Akumal. The activity was part of our Road Scholar program...

Mexico

You are here

Trips to Join

Natural History

Natural History

Natural History

Trips to Plan

Natural History

Birding

Natural History

Buildout

Ecosystems

Flora & Fauna

Culture & History

Sustainability

Entry & Exit Requirements

Health Information

IMMUNIZATIONS

MALARIA

ZIKA VIRUS

SUN EXPOSURE

Currency

Electricity

Time Zone

Communications

PHONES

INTERNET

Reading List

FIELD GUIDES

Field Guide to the Birds of Mexico and Adjacent Areas, Belize, Guatemala, and El Salvador

Ernest Preston Edwards

Snorkeling Guide to Marine Life

Paul Humann

Mexico Field Guide, Butterflies

Rainforest Publications

MAPS

Mexico Map

National Geographic

Yucatan Map

ITMB

Baja California Map

ITMB

Michoacan Map

Ediciones Independencia

GUIDEBOOKS

Eyewitness Guide Mexico

Eyewitness Guides

Baedeker Mexico

Anita Anton von Bleyleben

Breaking Out of Beginner's Spanish

Joseph Keenan

Culture Smart! Mexico

Sian Hughes

Lonely Planet Mexican Spanish Phrasebook

Rafael Carmona

Lonely Planet Mexico

John Noble

Moon Handbook Yucatan Peninsula

Lisa & Gary Prado Chandler

Moon Handbook Baja

Nikki Goth Itoi

NATURAL HISTORY

The Forgotten Peninsula, A Naturalist in Baja California

Joseph Wood Krutch

Whales and Other Marine Mammals of California and Baja

Tamara Eder

Four Wings and a Prayer, Caught in the Mystery of the Monarch Butterfly

Sue Halpern

HISTORY & CULTURE

Incidents of Travel in Yucatan

John Lloyd Stephens & Karl Ackerman

Maya Art and Architecture

Mary Ellen Miller

The Labyrinth of Solitude

Octavio Paz

The Log from the Sea of Cortez

John Steinbeck

Mexico in Mind

Maria Finn

From the blog

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