Tropical white-sand beaches surrounded by relaxing Caribbean seas, luxuriant jungles, mysterious ancient Mayan ruins, spectacular waterfalls, and mouth-watering foods, there are so many reasons Mexico attracts millions of tourists every year. However, it is an incredibly diverse land full of surprises, so you want to make sure you are prepared with the right items and clothes to explore with total peace of mind. Check our Mexico packing list and make sure you don’t forget any essentials.

Backpacking Mexico

Traveling with a backpack is the best way to discover the real Mexico with its charming cities and paradisiac beaches. When using public transportation for exploring and wandering the streets, a backpack will make your life easier.

If chosen wisely, a backpack will keep all your essentials for Mexico organized while you’ll roam comfortably and look stylish for photos.

One great bag option for your trip to Mexico would be Nordace Henge. It is a 45 L carry-on backpack that is so well-organized so you can pack everything you need and leave some extra space for souvenirs. But what makes it suitable for this kind of trip is its 180˚ opening system. It allows full access to the main compartment which makes packing and unpacking a breeze. Isn’t this what we all want from out bags?

Spacious enough to fit a few changes of clothes, shoes, accessories, and tech, it is smartly divided into smart compartments and organizational pockets. It features an RFID-blocking hidden pocket so you can secure valuables such as wallet, credit cards, or cash. The compression straps will keep the contents of your backpack in place, providing extra comfort.

Since safety is still a big concern in Mexico, you’ll want to make sure your phone is charged to explore with peace of mind and keep in touch with loved ones. Nordace Henge features the patented USB charging port, Nordace Connect, compatible with iPhone Lightning, Type C, and Micro USB.

But the best thing about it? You can upgrade it with a detachable pocketed hip belt that plays double duty here – it helps spread the load evenly across the back to increase comfort and provides a secure way to keep some cash at hand but

Mexico Packing List

Packing for Mexico’s culture and weather might be a little bit challenging. Well, our Mexico packing list will give you that boost of confidence you need before embarking on your adventure. From international travel must-haves to some Cancun essentials and Mexico vacation outfits, our guide will help you pack the right things to make your journey to Mexico one to remember.

Before Packing

Research the weather in the areas you plan to visit before packing – temperatures in coastal Mexico are different than those in northern or central Mexico. The weather in Central Mexico is cooler, with chilly nights and warm days. Unless you’re going to the beach, you have to stay prepared for all types of weather, from wind to rain. Overall, the weather is pleasant year-round.

By the way, starting from mid-June, it is the wet season in Mexico, so you want to make sure you don’t forget your rain jacket. Or you can bring a lightweight travel umbrella such as the Nordace Lightweight Water Repellent Umbrella which dries almost instantly with a single shake. However, the wet season also called the green season is a great time to visit places like Mexico City and Oaxaca and enjoy the museum or the outdoors without getting sunburned.

What to Wear in Mexico: Dos and Don’ts

Preparing your Mexico vacation outfits and wondering what locals wear and how to dress in Mexico so you don’t look like a tourist? What’s good to consider is that in places such as the capital, Mexico City, and colonial cities, people dress more casually than those along the coastline. In general, Mexicans are modest, and they dress accordingly. They prefer denim bottoms, and button-down shirts crafted from lightweight fabrics such as silk and cotton. Women love long dresses or pants combined with comfortable blouses.

The beach attire is less conservative, so you can be more creative with your breezy outfits.

Do:

• Opt for comfortable, breathable, and moisture-wicking fabrics such as merino wool to keep you dry and comfortable while exploring.
• Choose lightweight pants, palazzo pants, or long skirts – they will keep you comfortable and covered when visiting villages and towns.
• Bring pieces to cover your shoulders and knees if you plan to visit cathedrals, churches, and mystic sites such as Chichen Itza or the Mayan Ruins. In Mexico, you can buy a rebozo – a traditional Mexican scarf that you can wrap around your body to cover yourself from the sun, provide warmth, or simply add a touch of color to your outfit.
• Pack comfortable footwear – sandals if your plan is to explore beaches or lightweight sneakers are a must-have during your trip to Mexico. Or you can opt for a pair of all-weather, all-terrain sneakers such as the Nordace UrbanFlex All-Weather Sneakers. They are super lightweight, soft, and water-repellent, perfect when exploring the beach cities or if you’re caught up in a downpour.
• Focus on functional pieces you can combine and wear everywhere.
• Pack white clothes – shirts, dresses, even pants. They are versatile, go with everything and are perfect for the hot weather.
• For the beach and resorts, opt for colorful swimsuits.

Don’t:

• Wear shorts as a woman. You’d be surprised, but women rarely wear them. Don’t wear short skirts, either unless you’re at the beach.
• Show too much skin in popular cities as it might be considered a sign of disrespect.
• Wear flashy jewelry. Petty crimes are still a coming problem in Mexico. Dress appropriately, leave your designer pieces and home, and blend into the local scene as much as possible to avoid being an easy target.

Mexico Vacation Outfits for Her – Checklist

• Lightweight summer dresses
• Long flowy skirt
• Casual dress or jumpsuit for evenings out
• Long pants & long sleeve blouse – if you’re heading to Mexico’s jungles
• Basic T-shirt
• Shirt
• Bathing suit
• Beach cover-up
• Pajamas
• Sandals/Flip-flops
• Comfortable sneakers
• Lightweight rain-jacket
• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Underwear
• Socks

Mexico Vacation Outfits for Him – Checklist

• Shorts
• Beach shorts
• Basic T-shirt
• Relaxed Shirt
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Comfortable sneakers
• Long pants & long sleeve blouse – if you’re heading to Mexico’s jungles
• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Pajamas
• Underwear
• Socks

Pro Tip:

An extra anti-theft bag might be a useful accessory for your Mexico trip. The Nordace Loket anti-cut drawstring bag offers the right combination of smart features for additional safety. It is crafted from anti-cut fabric and features an easy to use integrated 3-dial combination lock. Versatile with two carrying options, you can take it everywhere from the beach to the city center.

Going To the Beach – Cancun Essentials

Heading to Mexico’s party capital? Once a Mayan cultural center, Cancun is today one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico, and for a good reason. Known worldwide for its white-sand beaches and gleaming turquoise sea water complemented by vivid nightlife and tons of luxurious resorts, it has so much to offer.

These are the Cancun essentials you need to pack to stay prepared for an unforgettable beach experience.

Cancun essentials for women

• Bathing suit/bikini
• Beach dress
• Scarf or beach cover-up to protect your skin from the burning sun or when visiting the pool bar or restaurant
• Sun hat – a must-have accessory
• Sunglasses
• Casual dress for evenings out at the resort
• Summer sandals or wedges
• Lightweight romper

Cancun essentials for men

• Beach shorts
• Linen shirt
• Comfortable pants
• Sandals or flip-flops
• Sunglasses
• Sun hat

Other Useful Essentials for Cancun

• Sunscreen
• After-sun lotion
• Beach towel
• Mosquito repellent

What to Pack for Mexico – International Travel Must-Haves

• Passport and ID (always make copies of your documents)
• Travel insurance with medical coverage – not compulsory but recommended
• Reusable water bottle – bring your own water bottle everywhere since tap water is not safe to drink in Mexico.
• Over-the-counter medicine (diarrhea medicine, motion sickness and nausea medicine, ibuprofen)
• Phone charger and power bank
• Debit or credit card
• Cash (payments using cards is limited in some regions); the currency in Mexico is Peso.
• Reusable water bottle

What To Do in Mexico

The truth is, Mexico is more than spectacular white sand beaches and luxurious retreats. A popular destination year-round, it is home to a vibrant culture, incredible mountains to climb, and culinary delights. Here are the activities we highly recommend.

• Visit Mexico City – the capital itself is a vibrant and exciting city with enormous parks, historical museums, and a delightful food scene with tacos being the VIPs. Mexico City is also home to an interesting and unique witchcraft market – Mercado de Sonora.
• Explore the beaches of Tulum
• Swim in a cenote – in case you’re wondering what a cenote in Mexico is, it is a natural swimming hole. Some of the best cenotes in Mexico are Dos Ojos in Tulum, Azul in Playa del Carmen, and Zaci in Valladolid, right in the Yucatan jungle.
• Visit the Puebla Tunnels.
• Explore Mexico’s colonial cities such as San Miguel de Allende, one of the most beautiful cities in Mexico and in the world.
• Visit Chichen Itza, one of the seven new wonders of the world.
• Visit the markets for delicious local foods and authentic souvenirs.