The Ultimate Mexico Packing List

If you’ve landed on this page, chances are you’ve already booked a Mexico vacation. So, yay! We’re thrilled to hear that you’ll soon be experiencing everything this sunny location has to offer. But now comes the hard part: deciding what to pack. 

Packing for Mexico requires some careful consideration. In addition to educating yourself about the season and weather (tropical climates can be unpredictable), you also need to think about the specific activities you'll be doing. After all, you could spend one day lounging by the pool, another exploring Mayan ruins and another going on a foodie tour.

That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive packing list for Mexico. Read on to find out what clothes, accessories, technology and other items you need to bring with you.

• Clothes and accessories
• Toiletries and personal care items
• Technology and gadgets
• Activities and extras
• Travel documents and in-flight essentials

When it comes to packing clothes and accessories for your Mexico trip, make sure to check the local forecast. Thanks to the country’s tropical climate, you can expect warm weather throughout most of the year — but there is a rainy season (May to October).

It’s also important for you to consider all of the activities you might be doing on your beach vacation. While you can wear a bathing suit, cover-up and flip flops during all your beach and pool time, you’ll probably need a different wardrobe for excursions and sightseeing tours. Think casual clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Conversely, you may need something fancy if you plan to go to a nice restaurant at your all-inclusive resort.

• T-shirts and tank tops
• Blouses or dress shirts
• Dresses and skirts
• Shorts and lightweight pants
• Light jacket or sweater
• Rain jacket (if you’re travelling between May to October)
• Bathing suits
• Beach cover-ups 
• Beach bag or tote
• Small backpack
• Rash guard
• Flip flops and sandals
• Heels or loafers
• Walking/running shoes
• Water shoes
• Sleepwear
• Socks and underwear
• Sunglasses
• Jewellery
• Protective hat

Pro tip: Save space in your suitcase by using packing cubes and rolling lightweight items such as t-shirts.

Packing personal care items isn’t as simple as it seems. You can’t just throw the contents of your bathroom drawers into a toiletry bag. In addition to the makeup, hair, skin and hygiene products that you use every day, you’ll need to pack a few things that can protect you from the natural elements. 

It goes without saying that SPF is an absolute must. Not to mention, it’s usually cheaper to purchase at home than at the store in your hotel. We recommend finding an eco-friendly sunscreen that you can slather on at all times of the day, whether you’re frolicking in the sand, playing in the pool or exploring nearby beach towns. On the same note, make sure to pack aloe vera or an alternative sunburn treatment (just in case).

Bug spray and other insect repellents are also helpful, particularly if you’re staying in a remote area or planning to hike in Mexico’s lush forests.

• Reef-safe sunscreen
• Aloe vera or other sunburn treatments
• Toothbrush, toothpaste and floss
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Soap or bodywash 
• Makeup
• Face wipes
• Bug spray (if you’ve planned excursions)
• Lip balm
• Deodorant
• Razor or shaving kit
• Period products
• Hand sanitizer
• Stain remover
• Glasses and contact lenses
• Prescriptions, supplements and multivitamins — a travel medicine kit can help keep things organized

Vacations are usually a time to disconnect, but some tech toys should have a place in your suitcase. Packing a GoPro (or a cheap waterproof phone case) will help ensure that you capture every picture-perfect moment, from snorkeling at an eco-park and diving into a cenote to sipping cocktails by the pool.

Planning on roaming the streets of Puerto Vallarta, Playa del Carmen or Mexico City? Duolingo, Google Translate and WhatsApp can help you navigate with ease, communicate with locals and stay connected with your travel companions. It’s also a good idea to download your travel insurance provider’s app, so you can access safety and claim information with the swipe of a finger.

• Cell phone and other devices
• Mexico SIM card
• Waterproof phone case
• Portable charger
• Travel adaptors (if travelling from outside Canada or the US)
• Headphones
• Portable speakers
• Underwater camera or GoPro
• Helpful travel apps

If you need a bit more stimulation while visiting Mexico’s top beach destinations, make sure to pack these extras in your carry-on. Books and decks of cards can help you while away an afternoon at the pool; a journal can help you keep up with your daily wellness practices and make note of memorable moments. 

We also recommend packing a reusable water bottle — cutting down on single-use plastics is essential to both sustainable and responsible tourism.

• Novels and magazines
• Puzzle books
• Deck of cards
• Journal or diary
• Snorkel, mask and fins (if you’d like to save on the cost of renting equipment)
• Reusable water bottle
   

There are a few items you need to bring with you on every international vacation. Consider this a friendly reminder to double-check that you’ve considered the things that will not only allow you get through airport security, but also make your flight as comfortable as possible.

Of course, some of these things can also be used throughout your entire trip. Money belts, for example, are great for keeping track of your credit cards and hotel keys while venturing outside your resort. Meanwhile, the eye mask and earplugs can help ensure you sleep soundly every night (not just at 35,000 feet).

• Passport 
• Photo ID
• Health and travel insurance papers
• Itinerary, ticket and reservation information
• Wallet, purse or money belt
• Cash, including Mexican pesos, and credit cards
• Travel pillow, eye mask and earplugs
   

Now that you know exactly what to pack for Mexico, it’s time to make the most of your trip! Get in touch if you need any additional advice, tips or recommendations — your centre for travel can help with everything from booking tours to purchasing insurance.