Mexico with Soul – A Runaway Ann Travel Guide
Sun, color, cacao, and places that stay with you long after you leave.
This is my personal guide to Mexico – filled with soulful spots, atmospheric stays, food you’ll crave again and again, and slow routes you can explore in your own time, in your own way.
Start Here – Mexico, The Way I Travel It
When to Go to Mexico
Spring and fall are the perfect seasons for the Yucatan and Central Mexico – warm days, lower humidity, and cenotes at their absolute best.
Winter belongs to Baja California Sur – dry air, sunshine, and peak whale-watching season.
In summer, I’d choose the mountains and cooler inland regions – the coasts get hot, humid, and storms are more common.
How to Get Around Mexico
On the Yucatan, the easiest way to move around is by car or ADO buses – they’re safe, reliable, and perfectly on time.
In Oaxaca, colectivo vans, taxis, and private drivers work best. Distances aren’t long, but the roads can be winding.
CDMX and other big cities are easiest with the metro + Uber, while Baja is a car-only destination – the distances are huge, and everything is spread out.
What to Pack for Mexico
A light dress, a warm layer for the evenings, and comfortable shoes are the basics.
For cenotes, a thin towel, a mini first-aid kit, and a filtered water bottle come in handy.
I always pack a power bank, a hat, and a small daypack – the sun and the distances can surprise you.
Where to Stay in Mexico
On the Yucatan and anywhere by the water, small boutique hotels, eco-cabins, and bungalows work best – they’re calmer, more atmospheric, and far more soulful than big resorts.
In the cities (CDMX, Oaxaca, Mérida), choose colonial haciendas, small family-run hotels, or a well-located Airbnb in a safe neighborhood.
If you’re looking for trusted places to stay in Mexico, check out my honest Casa Arrona Oaxaca review.
What & Where to Eat in Mexico
Mexico is a true paradise for food lovers – fresh tortillas, aromatic salsas, and flavors you’ll find yourself craving long after you leave.
On the Yucatan, try cochinita pibil and sopa de lima; in Oaxaca, go for mole and tlayudas; and in CDMX, you can’t miss classic tacos al pastor.
Eat where it’s local and lively – taquerías, fondas, mercados, and small family-run spots.
By the ocean, choose mariscos – ceviche, shrimp, and fresh fish straight from the boats.
How Much Does It Cost to Travel to Mexico
Tacos usually cost 10-30 pesos, and a good, filling breakfast in a local café is around 120-180 pesos.
Dinners in atmospheric restaurants start from 150-300 pesos, especially in Oaxaca and the Yucatán.
Accommodation is typically 40-120 USD – from simple cabanas to beautiful boutique hotels.
Car rental is about 40-60 USD per day, depending on the season and insurance.
Cenotes, waterfalls, and local attractions usually cost 100-550 pesos.
What to Watch Out for in Mexico
Always use official taxis or trusted apps – it’s the safest option, especially in big cities.
Avoid drinking tap water without a filter – your stomach will quickly remind you you’re in a different climate.
On the beach, don’t leave your phone or valuables unattended.
Most places are safe, but small things can disappear.
My Soulful Mexico Itineraries
Yucatan – 3-Week Itinerary
A full, atmospheric route through Merida, cenotes, dreamy beaches, and colorful colonial towns. Packed with practical tips, soulful stays, and places that linger in your memory.
Mexico City Slow Travel
Coyoacán and Condesa, seen at a slower pace: unplanned walks, local food, and a city rhythm that stays with you.
Places with Heart
Isla Holbox – A Soulful Guide
A quiet island with soft beaches and a gentle boho vibe. My tried-and-true, easygoing guide to Holbox.
Tulum – Top 10 Things to Do
An honest guide to Tulum: the most beautiful places, hidden gems, and the tourist traps worth skipping. All in my own, natural style.
Tulum – Where to Stay?
Beach or Downtown? My honest review of Habitas and Tiki Tiki – two completely different vibes, and which one might be the right fit for you.
Oaxaca – Where to Stay?
City center or quiet behind the walls? My honest Casa Arrona review and who this hotel is really for.
How I Taste Mexico
What to Eat in the Yucatan?
My favorite Yucatan flavors – what to order, where to find it, and how much it costs to eat locally and deliciously.
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