Find Cheap Flights to Mexico and Save on Your Airfare

Mexican winter (December to February) is perfect for escaping the European cold. Temperatures range between 20-28°C, ideal for beaches. This is high season, especially during Christmas and New Year, with higher flight prices. Cancún, Playa del Carmen and Los Cabos are at their peak. Experience Three Kings' Day (January 6th) with the traditional Rosca de Reyes. To save money, avoid the last two weeks of December and book in advance.

Spring (March to May) is excellent for visiting Mexico. March and April offer ideal weather before summer rains, with temperatures between 22-30°C. Holy Week (March/April) brings impressive religious festivities, but also higher prices and crowds. May is a transition month with fewer tourists and cheaper flights. Visit archaeological sites like Chichén Itzá and Teotihuacán without the extreme summer heat.

Summer (June to August) is low season in Mexico due to afternoon rains and intense heat (28-35°C). This is the best time to find cheap flights from Portugal and hotel deals. Rains are usually short and in the afternoon, leaving mornings free to explore. Avoid the Pacific coast during hurricane season (August-October). Explore the Yucatán Peninsula, refreshing cenotes and colonial mountain cities with milder weather.

Fall (September to November) offers unique experiences in Mexico. September still has occasional rains and is low season with cheap flights. October and November are excellent, with pleasant weather (22-28°C) and fewer tourists. Day of the Dead (November 1-2) is Mexico's most iconic celebration, especially in Oaxaca, Pátzcuaro and Mexico City. Book flights in advance for this time. November is ideal for visiting beaches after hurricane season.

Good news for Portuguese travelers: you don't need a visa to enter Mexico for tourist stays up to 180 days. You only need a valid passport with at least 6 months validity. Upon arrival, you'll receive a Multiple Migration Form (FMM) that you must keep throughout your stay and return upon departure. Make sure you have proof of accommodation, return ticket, and sufficient funds (credit card works). Unlike Portugal where you move freely within the Schengen area, in Mexico border controls are strict. Always carry photocopies of important documents and keep originals in the hotel safe. Travel insurance is not mandatory but highly recommended, especially for medical coverage, as private healthcare is expensive. Register on the Portuguese Communities Portal before traveling to facilitate consular assistance if needed.

Mexico offers various transportation options suited to all budgets. ADO buses are comfortable, punctual, and economical for intercity travel - far superior to Portuguese intercity buses in comfort. For long distances, consider domestic flights with Volaris or VivaAerobus, often cheaper than in Europe. In cities, use Uber or Didi instead of street taxis for greater safety and fair prices. Mexico City's metro is efficient and costs only 5 pesos (about €0.25), incomparably cheaper than Lisbon's Metro. Renting a car is excellent for exploring the Riviera Maya or scenic routes, but avoid driving at night and in isolated rural areas. Unlike Portugal, distances are enormous - Mexico is 20 times larger than Portugal - so plan routes carefully. In tourist areas of Cancún and Playa del Carmen, colectivos (shared vans) are practical and cheap for coastal travel.

Safety in Mexico varies greatly by region. Tourist areas like Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Puerto Vallarta are generally safe, but always maintain basic precautions. Avoid displaying valuables, use hotel safes, and don't carry large amounts of cash. Unlike Portugal where you can walk carefree at night, in Mexico avoid deserted streets after dark and prefer app-based taxis. Be aware of common scams: airport taxis without meters, aggressive timeshare sellers in Cancún, and fake police fines. If approached by police, always ask for identification and never pay fines in cash on the street. Drink only bottled water - tap water is not potable like in Portugal. Be careful with street food in the first days until your stomach adapts. Always keep the Portuguese embassy number in Mexico City: +52 55 5540 2005. States like Quintana Roo and Yucatán are much safer than Sinaloa or Guerrero, so research before traveling.

Mexicans are warm and hospitable, similar to Portuguese, but with their own particularities. Always greet with "Buenos días", "Buenas tardes", or "Buenas noches" - politeness is highly valued. Unlike Portugal where you get straight to the point, in Mexico appreciate initial conversation before business. Tipping is essential: 10-15% in restaurants, 20-50 pesos for porters, 20-40 pesos daily for housekeepers. Punctuality is not as strict as in Portugal - "ahorita" (now) can mean in minutes or hours. Respect sacred sites and ask permission before photographing people, especially indigenous. Learn some Spanish phrases - Mexicans appreciate the effort, even if you speak "Portuñol". Avoid sensitive topics like illegal immigration, cartels, and negative comparisons with the USA. Food is spicy - ask for "no muy picante" if you prefer mild. Unlike Portuguese who dine late, in Mexico dinner is between 7pm-9pm. Bargain politely in markets but not in established shops.

Mexico offers accommodation for all budgets, generally cheaper than Portugal. Hostels cost €8-15 per night in shared dormitories, perfect for backpackers and meeting other travelers. Mid-range hotels (€40-80) offer excellent value for money, with air conditioning essential in the tropical climate. All-inclusive resorts in Cancún and Riviera Maya (€100-200) include food, drinks, and activities - book in advance for best prices. For authentic experiences, try family guesthouses or Airbnb in local neighborhoods like La Condesa in Mexico City. Unlike Portugal where accommodation concentrates in historic centers, in Mexico hotel zones are separate from urban centers. Always check if the hotel has hot water - it's not guaranteed in budget accommodation. During high season (December-April and July-August) prices double in beach areas, so book months in advance. Hostels in Playa del Carmen and Tulum have excellent social atmosphere. Consider eco-lodges in Chiapas or Oaxaca for unique nature experiences.

Mexican food goes far beyond tacos - it's UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Try authentic dishes like mole poblano, cochinita pibil, pozole, and chiles en nogada. Local markets offer complete meals for €3-5, much cheaper than tourist restaurants. Unlike Portuguese restaurants where bread is free, in Mexico tortillas accompany everything. Try street food at busy locations - tacos al pastor, elotes, tamales, and quesadillas are delicious and safe where there are lines of locals. Avoid raw salads in the first days and prefer well-cooked food. Mexican breakfast is abundant - chilaquiles, huevos rancheros, and molletes are unmissable. Traditional drinks include agua de horchata, jamaica, and tamarindo, plus tequila and mezcal for adults. Be careful with spice level - "salsa verde" is usually milder than "salsa roja". Local restaurants called "fondas" or "comedores" serve "comida corrida" (daily menu) for €4-6. Don't miss hot chocolate in Oaxaca and marquesitas in Mérida.

To experience Mexico like a local, move away from tourist zones. In Mexico City, explore neighborhoods like Coyoacán, Roma Norte, and San Ángel where chilangos (local residents) live. Visit traditional markets like La Merced or Mercado de Coyoacán instead of supermarkets. Watch lucha libre (Mexican wrestling) at Arena México - it's theater, sport, and popular culture together. Participate in local festivities if they coincide with your trip: Día de Muertos (November 1-2) is magical in Oaxaca and Pátzcuaro. Learn to dance salsa or cumbia in public squares on Sundays. Have late breakfast at a local café reading the newspaper, as Mexicans do on weekends. Use public transport and eat where locals eat - if the menu is only in Spanish, it's a good sign. Visit pueblos mágicos (magical towns) less known like Bacalar, Izamal, or Real de Catorce. Chat with locals - Mexicans love sharing stories and recommendations. Try a temazcal (traditional indigenous sauna) for an authentic spiritual experience.

For unforgettable moments, wake before dawn to see hot air balloons over the pyramids of Teotihuacán - the view is breathtaking and photos are spectacular. Swim in Yucatán cenotes at midday when sunlight penetrates the crystal water creating magical effects - Cenote Ik Kil and Gran Cenote are perfect for photos. Visit Chichén Itzá on the equinox (March 21 or September 22) to see the serpent of light descend the pyramid - a unique world phenomenon. For the most romantic sunset, go to Puerto Vallarta's Malecón or Tulum ruins overlooking the Caribbean. Dive with whale sharks in Isla Mujeres (June-September) - they're gentle giants and the experience is transformative. Take the perfect photo in the colorful streets of Guanajuato or at Callejón del Beso. Experience zip-lining over the jungle in Riviera Maya at sunset. Visit Agua Azul waterfalls in Chiapas after rainy season when they're most impressive. TICKETS.PT recommends: book flights with morning arrivals to enjoy a full day and consider multi-city flights to explore more destinations without wasting time on long ground journeys.