mexico tours from uk

Mon-Fri: 09:00 -18:00 Sat : 09:00 - 17:00 Sun & BH: Closed

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

Expert Holiday Directors

60 years experience

Holiday Search

Mexico Escorted Tours & Guided Holidays

Escorted tours & guided holidays to mexico.

Known for its beaches and its diverse landscape of mountains, deserts and jungles, Mexico is a country bursting with life. Scattered throughout Mexico are ancient ruins, such as those of Teotihuacán and the Mayan city of Chichén Itzá, as well as a plethora of Spanish colonial-era towns. The capital, Mexico City, features upscale shops, renowned museums and gourmet restaurants that cater perfectly to modern life; home to approximately 100 million people, it’s said to be among the most populous metropolises in the world. Discovering the best of Mexico is easy with Travelsphere; our handcrafted tours are planned with a view to showing you all the highlights of this remarkable country. Mexican holiday packages with Travelsphere guarantee you a great time, with the best atmosphere wherever you go and including all the attractions you love! You'll get the chance to view the extraordinary 2,000-year-old Tule Tree and experience San Cristobal, a vibrant market town where locals still wear traditional Mayan dress. If it's scenery you're after, stopping at the stunning Agua Azul waterfalls is an absolute must, and for culture vultures, nothing beats the ancient site of Palenque, set in amid stunning rainforest. If you want a holiday you'll remember for years to come, then head to Mexico with Travelsphere!

We’re delighted to have received the World Travel and Tourism Councils (WTTC) Safe Travels stamp, which recognises businesses and destinations worldwide that have adopted a new set of global protocols to support the return of 'Safe Travel' around the world. 

Find out more >

Please note: We are not currently operating tours to Mexico. Why not be inspired to explore other thrilling destinations around the world with Travelsphere.

Destinations you might also like....

Rugged, rainforested and with coastlines on the Caribbean and the Pacific, Costa Rica is as close to paradise as they come. The crown jewel of Central America, it’s hard not to be bedazzled by the beauty of this vast, versatile land.

An incredible country full of remarkable features for the passionate traveller to take in, your Canada escorted tour with Travelsphere will give you an experience like no other.

United States

Land of the Free, Home of the Brave, Uncle Sam – the USA has more names than there are regions within its borders. From the verdant vineyards of Virginia to the luscious lakes of New England, this is a country of staggering natural beauty and a wealth of cultural complexities that fascinate everyone who travels here.

• Switzerland
• New Zealand
• United Kingdom
• United States

Tours to Mexico

With its ancient Aztec sites, sandy beaches and jungles bursting with wildlife, Mexico is a multi-faceted country that's perfect for an adventure tour. From cyclists to families, we have a Mexico trip to suit everyone. And of course, no trip is complete without some tasty tacos.

Ways to explore Mexico

Food and drink, discover our mexico tours.

Our small group Mexico tours will take you on a voyage of discovery through the ancient heartland of the Aztec, Zapotec and Maya civilisations, to the foodie hub of Oaxaca and along the golden sandy beaches of the Caribbean coast. 

Your local tour leader will take you back in time to explore the timeworn pyramid of Chichen Itza, and pay respect to the Maya tomb of Palenque. Immerse yourself in Mexican culture with a cooking lesson from a local family, and join Day of the Dead festivities (on trips leaving in late October) to witness a carnival of colour, upbeat music and delicious local food. For a Mexican adventure to remember, join our cycling trip to ride through age-old Maya villages and swim in the shimmering turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea.

Considering a trip to Mexico but new to small group travel? We've answered some of your most-asked questions .

Our most popular tours in Mexico

Contrasts of mexico.

Contrasts of Mexico + Yucatan Peninsula Extension

Cycle Mexico - The Yucatan Peninsula

Highlights of Mexico

A Taste of Mexico - Markets and Mayan Sites

Mexico tour highlights

Solo travel in Mexico

All of our trips to Mexico are well suited to  solo travellers . In fact, you’ll be in good company as a majority of our customers join our small group tours on their own. Travel around Mexico in a group of like-minded people and let our expert tour leaders show you the very best that Mexico has to offer.  

Best time to go to Mexico

An adventure travel company you can trust, unforgettable experiences.

From big wows to hidden gems, our tours leave you feeling that you've really explored.

Expert tour leaders

Chosen for their great knowledge of your destination and a passion to make your trip extraordinary.

Small group tours

Average groups of 11; solos, couples and friends, united by a desire for authentic experiences.

Responsible at heart

How we operate sets us apart; our flexible booking policy, our loyalty scheme & sustainable approach.

Mexico tour reviews

Average customer rating:

Independent service rating based on

Need some inspiration for your Mexico tour?

7 questions answered for your first small-group adventure holiday

First solo trip with Explore? Top 7 questions answered

7 questions answered for your first cycling holiday

Mexico Escorted Tours

The Yucatan Peninsula or the Caribbean Coast as it is also known, with its vast, untouched expanses of soft white sand is undoubtedly Mexico's most spectacular region and home to some of its finest hotels. Aside from its beaches, Mexico is a cocktail of rich and fascinating history, spectacular scenery and tropical rainforests.

Available until 8pm

• Book an appointment

Explore destinations

• Indian Ocean
• South East Asia
• Australasia & Pacific
• Central America
• North America

Tailor-made holidays and safaris full of extraordinary experiences and the same personal service you'd expect from Kuoni.

• South Africa

Visit your local store or make an appointment to get face-to-face advice from our friendly team.

We’re here to tailor-make a beach holiday that’s right for you

All inclusive

Our hand-picked all-inclusive holidays include, boutique, family & wellness resorts.

Romantic honeymoon package you’ll remember for the rest of your lives.

Incredible Family holidays from Kuoni, adventures your family will always remember.

City breaks

Our hand-picked luxury city breaks in Europe, Asia, Africa, Middle East and the USA

Romantic retreats and group get-togethers on our adults-only holidays

Safari Holidays

Let us take you on safari in Africa for the best animal viewing on the planet.

LGBTQ+

Romantic retreats or special occasions on our LGBTQ+ holidays

Multi-centre

Combine different destinations, resorts and tours for a dream multi-centre.

Enjoy the best of both worlds: a luxurious and out-of-the-way villa holiday at a resort

Spa & wellness

Handpicked spa & wellness retreats, pampering or activity holidays all tailormade by Kuoni

Create a tailor-made self-drive itinerary for a trip to immerse yourself in outdoor life.

Sit back, relax and enjoy the view during one of our luxurious train journeys

Dubai: Jewel of the Emirates

Attitude hotels collection.

This portfolio of charming retreats in Mauritius is leading the way in with their collection eco-committed hotels, ranging from adult-only retreats to family-friendly havens.

Where to travel in 2024

Which is better: Mauritius or Maldives?

The best things to do in Borneo

The best beaches in Europe

Secrets to planning the ultimate Californian road trip

Turquoise dreams: A guide to the Indian Ocean islands

Offbeat gems: The Caribbean's hidden treasures

What to do in Canada: the ultimate bucket list

Speak to one of our experts now about this offer

Call us on - 0800 092 4444

Or drop into your local Kuoni store to find out more

Call us on - 0800 294 9710

Call us on - 0800 294 9728

This room is on-request and we will seek to confirm it with our travel supplier.

To confirm this booking please call us now on 0800 092 4444

Mexico Holidays

• Riviera Maya & Playa Del Carmen
• Isla Mujeres
• Isla Holbox
• Tours & Multi-centres
• Things to do
• Travel guide
• Best Time To Visit

A barefoot beach oasis with a captivating culture, irresistible foodie scene and ultra-luxe all-inclusive resorts.

Mexico is a fiesta of soulful food, carefree shores and underwater realms. There’s a beach for every mood, whatever your vibe, from rustic castaway islands to glamorous beach club hangouts. Beyond its aquamarine waters and white-gold sands, Mexico is full of culture and charisma. You’ll see it in its Aztec architecture, hear it in its mariachi rhythms and taste it in its sizzling streetside tacos.

Discover fascinating archaeological sites and ancient Mayan ruins, such as the forested relics of Coba and UNESCO-listed Chichen Itza, or get out on the water for marine adventures in search of whale sharks. Mexico is also the home of the all-inclusive resort and some of the world’s most spectacular hotels grace its palm-studded coastline.

We’ve travelled all over Mexico, so we can help you find the right setting, stays and sights to suit you.

Mexico - Perfect for

Home of all inclusive.

Take your pick from lively family resorts with waterparks and kids’ cooking classes to boutique adults-only hideaways where you arrive by yacht.

Laid-back island vibes

Mexico is the go-to spot for a stress-free away-from-it-all escape, with a backdrop that was made for sleepy beach days and poolside relaxation.

Underwater world

Alongside its caves, coral gardens and diverse marine life, Mexico also has an Underwater Museum featuring life-size sculptures.

Exceptional cuisine

Mexico is a must for foodies, with everything from feisty chilli-stuffed tacos and lunchtime tortas to world-class farm-to-table cuisine to devour.

Mexico Regions

Our recommendations for the best places to visit in Mexico

Riviera Maya & Playa Del Carmen Holidays

The perfect palm tree, the ultimate beach, coconut water straight from the source… holidays to th...

Cancun Holidays

Palapa parasols on white-sand beaches, suites with swim-out pools, tortillas crisping on an open...

Tulum Holidays

Blessed with beaches straight out of a glossy magazine overlooked by the haunting remnants of a M...

Isla Mujeres Holidays

Once the mythological home to the Mayan Goddess Ixchel, this slither of paradise just off the Can...

Isla Holbox Holidays

Isla Holbox (pronounced hol-bosh) is sun-kissed, slow-paced, car free and wonderfully rustic.

Cozumel Holidays

Mayan ruins, sun, sea and an unforgettable underwater world come together on Mexico’s most famous...

Holidays in Mexico

Set in a private bay, this adults-only resort is a contemporary choice with many facilities.

Catering specifically for families, Paradisus Playa del Carmen offers an excellent range of facilities and activities.

A sleek and stylish all-suite hotel in a golden setting overlooking the Caribbean Sea.

This rainforest-set Riviera Maya resort offers free access to some of the region’s best theme parks.

Floury sands are lapped by the Caribbean Sea at the family-friendly Dreams Tulum, a large hacienda-style resort commanding 44 acres of shimmering shoreline and tropical gardens.

Enviable white sands and a fantastic Unlimited-Luxury® All Inclusive package.

An adults-only haven with unlimited access to a host of adventure parks.

A modern Caribbean hideaway perfectly positioned amid sugar-white sands and rolling waves.

An exquisite escape supercharged with romantic appeal.

An all-inclusive adults-only retreat set on an exquisite five-mile island off the coast of Cancun.

You may also like

The Grenadines

Dominican Republic

Turks & Caicos

• Kuoni recommended
• Rating (High to Low)
• Rating (Low to High)
• Price (High to Low)
• Price (Low to High)
• Show results

• North and Central America

Las Vegas & Mexico

This is a two-stop holiday that features one big city with big lights and one paradise shore. Experience the 24-hour fun in the casinos, malls and entertainment venues of Vegas before retreating for some downtime at the edge of the Caribbean Sea on Mexico's Yucatan coast.

Coba & Mayan Exploration

An other-worldly Mayan ruin and one of Mexico's famous cenotes are the focus on this action-packed day out. First up is the forest-surrounded relics of Coba where you’ll find Quinta Roo’s tallest pyramid, Nohoch Mul, and a whole host of hidden ruins that are a joy to discover. You guide will also take you around the site to check out other highlights such as the Temple of Paintings, Ball Court and historic roads known as sacbes. Return to your air-conditioned vehicle and enjoy some snacks on your way to a freshwater sinkhole hidden away by the emerald jungle. You can enjoy a refreshing swim here before continuing on to an authentic Mayan village to learn about local day-to-day life.

• Duration: full day • Daily departures from Riviera Maya, Cozumel and Tulum • Operates year-round • Private experience

Good to know Lunch will be a local restaurant but is not included in the cost of the excursion. Bring your swimsuit, a beach towel, change of clothes, comfortable shoes which you can walk in all day, and biodegradable sunscreen. The use of professional photography equipment, including tripods, is prohibited at Coba archaeological site.

Encounter Sian Ka'an Nature Reserve

Quintana Roo’s natural landscapes are the focus on this full-day adventure. You’ll travel south to the breathtaking UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve of Sian Ka’an where tropical jungle meet wetlands, mangrove forests, lakes, lagoons and hidden cenotes; keep an eye out for sun-worshiping crocodiles, and dolphins which may pop up as you sail. After a delightful boat trip, you'll stop at a small fishing village and send some time relaxing before heading back out on the water for an unforgettable snorkelling trip at the Mesoamerican Reef; keep an eye out for a kaleidoscopic array of marine life and fan coral as you swim in the warm waters of the Caribbean, The final stop of the day is a jaw-dropping sand bar known as La Piscina, or 'the pool'.

• Duration: full day • Daily departures from Riviera Maya and Tulum • Operates year-round • Private experience

Good to know Wear comfortable shoes and shoes and pack swimming gear and a towel. Please use biodegradable sun cream and insect repellent, use a reusable bottle for water and take some cash for tips and souvenirs. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed and the order of tour activities may vary depending on weather conditions or other circumstances. A national park fee will be collected on board the boat (currently 13USD).

Unearth Chichen Itza

The ruins at Chichen Itza are arguably Mexico’s most iconic pre-Columbian relics and have been designated a New Wonder of the World. Over a thousand years ago, it was one of the largest Mayan cities that was reportedly home to a diverse community – a factor that’s likely to have led to the varying architectural styles within the site. In the company of an attentive English-speaking guide, you’ll explore ruins such as the Great Ball Court, the observatory El Caracol, and the 12-metre-high Temple of the Warriors with its hundreds of columns and stunning bas-reliefs that depict eagles, jaguars and warriors. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant and there’ll even be a chance to take a dip in a cenote – a natural sinkhole permanently filled with crystal clear water – and visit Valladolid, a characterful town with colourful Spanish-style architecture.

• Duration: half day • Daily departures from Riviera Maya and Tulum • Operates year-round • Private experience

Good to know Wear comfortable shoes and shoes and pack swimming gear and a towel if you wish to swim in the cenote. Please use biodegradable sun cream and insect repellent, use a reusable bottle for water and take some cash for tips and souvenirs.

Discover Isla Mujeres

A Yucatan coast island awaits on this full-day adventure from the Riviera Maya. Board a boat and hope over to Isla Mujeres, a picture-perfect barrier island where you can swim, snorkel or browse the local shops and stalls which sell a host of Yucatan-made handicrafts. Throughout the day, you’ll be accompanied by an English-speaking guide.

• Daily departures from Playa del Carmen

• Operates year-round

• Group experience

Good to know The island and nature reserve fee of US$ 20 is not included (amount subject to change) and will need to be paid on the spot on arrival). Please use biodegradable sun cream and insect repellent, use a reusable bottle for water and take some cash for tips and souvenirs. The consumption of alcohol is not recommended before or during this tour.

Chichen Itza Explora

After an early pick up, head to the Yucatan's most iconic archaeological site, Chichen Itza. You'll be joined by a guide who will take you around the ruins and enrich your visit with stories of the past. You'll see the Temple of Kukulcan, El Castillo and the Observatory which is also known as El Caracol. Other highlights of the tour include the Monastery and Nunnery, the Temple of Warriors and the Grand Ball Court. There'll be a bit of free time to explore on your own before a deli-style lunch is served and you make the return journey to your resort.

• Departure: 6 hours • Departs daily from Riviera Maya or Tulum • Operates year-round • Group experience

Tulum Explora

The clifftop ruins of Tulum, with their jaw-dropping Caribbean backdrop, are the focus on this time-saving introductory tour. Step back into the 13th Century as your knowledgable guide explains the importance of this site and the buildings that remain standing. You'll see the Temple of the Descending God, the Temple of the Frescoes and El Castillo which was used to guide incoming boats. You can head down to the beach and even take a dip in the sea if you wish and the water conditions allow before heading back to your resort.

• Duration: 3 hours • Daily departures from Riviera Maya, Cozumel or Tulum • Operates year-round • Private experience

Good to know Wear comfortable shoes and shoes and pack swimming gear and a towel. Please use biodegradable sun cream and insect repellent, use a reusable bottle for water and take some cash for tips and souvenirs.

Whale Shark Encounter

This marine adventure begins at sunrise when you are picked up at your hotel and transferred to the boat that will whisk take you to a spot that's known for its marine wildlife sightings. The warm waters are home to Earth’s largest fish species, the whale shark, which can grow up to 14 metres in length. You’ll be on the lookout for these sedately swimming creatures as they feed on the abundant plankton and krill in the warm waters off the Yucatan coast and even have the chance to swim amid the giants if you so choose. After lunch on board, there'll be time for a swim as you are anchored close to the beautiful Isla Mujeres.

• Duration: full day

• Daily departures from Riviera Maya and Tulum

• Operates June to September

Good to know

An extra $20USDpp dock fee not included and this is payable locally. All equipment for swimming/snorkelling with whale sharks, including life jackets, is provided. Please use biodegradable sunscreen and insect repellent and take your own swim wear. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed and the order of the tour may change depending on weather and sea conditions.

Snorkel El Cielo Reef

Get ready to explore the underwater treasures and marine variety of the Caribbean Sea and the Cozumel Reefs National Marine Park on a half-day snorkelling trip. You’ll be collected from your hotel in Cozumel and taken to a section of the Mesoamerican Reef, second only in size to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. In warm and clear waters, you’ll visit El Cielo Reef to snorkel among starfish, turtles, angelfish, and clownfish, before heading to the sandbar El Cielito. The next stop, after some drinks back on board, stop off at Cozumel's uber-fun Playa Mia Grand Beach Park where you'll find a beach, waterslides and pools. For an additional fee you could enjoy a massage, a try on the wave runner or a go at parasailing.

• Duration: half day • Start time: 8am • Departs Monday to Saturday from Cozumel • Operates year-round • Group experience

Get to know Cozumel and those important practicalities when planning your perfect holiday.

GMT -6 hours

Mexican Peso

No official religion but the majority of the population are Roman Catholic

Where is Mexico? Mexico is the southernmost and smallest country in North America. Its neighbouring countries are the USA and Guatemala and it has coastlines on the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean and Pacific.

Yucatan coast Stretching south of Cancun along the coast of the Yucatán Peninsula to Playa del Carmen, Tulum and beyond, the Riviera Maya is renowned for its miles of white sand beaches, all-inclusive resorts, the dramatic clifftop ruins of Tulum and fantastic ecological parks. Quieter than Cancun, the region is ideal if you’re searching for peace and relaxation with the opportunity to soak up the natural beauty, history and culture of the region. In Playa del Carmen, the Riviera’s largest resort town, you can enjoy watersports from the beach, sample the local catch-of-the-day at one of the casual beachfront restaurants and stroll around the cobblestone streets and shop for traditional handicrafts, jewellery and folk art on bustling Fifth Avenue.

Islands Just off the Yucatan coast are a handful of stunning islands, each with its own atmosphere. Lively and lovely Cozumel is just half an hour away by boat from Playa del Carmen and offers the perfect setting for world-class snorkelling and scuba diving. Opposite the popular Yucatan coast destination of Cancun is Isla Mujeres, a slice of paradise that’s has a rich mythological backstory, is wonderfully peaceful and is another top spot for underwater adventures. For a back-to-basics adventure, head up to the car-free and wonderfully rustic island of Holbox (pronounced hol-bosh) where you can bird watch, explore beautiful beaches by bike or just recline on talcum-soft sands.

Diving and snorkelling Mexico’s Yucatan coast is a highly regarded dive destination. Many dive sites, which regularly appear on ‘world’s best’ lists, are located just 10 to 15 minutes offshore. There are reef walls, caves, healthy coral gardens and even an underwater museum just off the shore of Cancun. A unique opportunity in this region of the world is diving in cenotes. These natural sinkholes are filled with water, both fresh and salt, and act as a gateway to a subterranean, subaquatic world with a vast network of underwater caves. Diving is a year-round activity in this part of the world with water average water temperatures rarely lower than 25 degrees Celsius

Food and drink Mexican cuisine hardly needs any introduction. It’s such an integral part of the local culture that it has been awarded Intangible Cultural Heritage status by UNESCO. Mesoamerican staples included corn, beans, avocado, sweet potato and chili pepper, while Europeans introduced meat such as chicken and beef, rice and dairy produce.

Mexico Weather

Our experts have curated a wide range of handpicked Cozumel offers to make your next holiday extra special. Make the most of great-value savings, exclusive upgrades and bespoke touches. 

• May {{monthsCountWith('May')}}
• December {{monthsCountWith('December')}}
• 4 Stars {{ratingsCountWith('4 Stars')}}
• 5 Stars {{ratingsCountWith('5 Stars')}}

Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun

Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa

Sorry, your hotel is no longer available

Please check alternatives

Choose dates

{{store.searchDuration}} nights, {{formattedDate}}

Enter dates to check availability

{{ guestRollup || 'Enter guests' }}

{{ store.selectedAirport.text }}

{{ store.selectedClass.text }}

{{ store.selectedOccasion.text }}

Choose a departure date

{{store.searchDuration}} nights

Enter rooms & guests

• {{airport.text}}
• {{flightClass.text}}
• {{occasion.text}}

Checking prices & availability

{{term}}, {{formattedDate}} for {{searchDuration}} nights

• All ({{destinations.length + products.length + offers.length + inspiration.length}})
• 0" v-on:click="resultsTab=2" class="swiper-slide" :class="{active: resultsTab==2}">Destinations ({{destinations.length}})
• 0" v-on:click="resultsTab=3" class="swiper-slide" :class="{active: resultsTab==3}">Holidays ({{products.length}})
• 0" v-on:click="resultsTab=4" class="swiper-slide" :class="{active: resultsTab==4}">Offers ({{offers.length}})
• 0" v-on:click="resultsTab=5" class="swiper-slide" :class="{active: resultsTab==5}">Inspiration ({{inspiration.length}})

{{offer.savingText}}

{{offer.basedOn}}

{{article.title}}

{{article.description}}

{{availabilityProduct.length}} holidays in {{term}}

You may also like...

Talk to an expert today

Your dream holiday is just a phone call away

Monday: 9am - 8pm

Tuesday: 9am - 8pm

Wednesday: 9am - 8pm

Thursday: 9am - 8pm

Friday:   9am - 8pm

Saturday: 9am - 6pm

Sunday: 11am - 4pm

Visit your local Kuoni store

In-person, virtual or phone

Get face-to-face advice from our friendly team

Email enquiry

Tell us what you’re planning and let our experts help you with your holiday

Your travel plans

Tell us who is going with you, what airport you'd like to fly from and any other details we may find useful, such as if it's a special occasion.

Your details

We may need to call you to talk about your holiday plans. If we need to get in touch, when is the best time to give you a call about your holiday?

Kuoni will be sharing travel inspiration, offers and exclusive event invites with you. We take your privacy very seriously and you can unsubscribe at any time. Please read our Privacy Policy .

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Your appointment

We're transferring you to our tailor-made specialists

From the multi-award-winning Kuoni

• All Destinations
• Africa overview
• South Africa
• Central America overview
• El Salvador
• Central Asia overview
• Turkmenistan
• Europe overview
• Bosnia Herzegovina
• Czech Republic
• Faroe Islands
• North Macedonia
• Scandinavia and the Nordics
• Switzerland
• Far East overview
• Indian Ocean overview
• Indian Subcontinent overview
• North Africa & Middle East overview
• Israel and the OPT
• Saudi Arabia
• United Arab Emirates
• Polar overview
• South America overview
• Ecuador and the Galápagos
• French Guiana
• Ecuador and Galápagos

Wherever you choose to travel with Cox & Kings, you can travel with confidence.

• Highlights of South Africa
• Ultimate Tour: In the Footsteps of the Great Migration
• Madagascar Wildlife Adventure
• Highlights of Kenya
• Natural Splendours of Costa Rica
• Splendours of Cuba
• Splendours of Central America
• Costa Rica Adventure
• Back Roads of Central America
• Rainforest, Reef & Ruins Luxury

Highlights of Mexico

• Panama & Costa Rica Experience: Solo Travellers Tour
• Central America Explorer
• Mayan Triangle
• Rainforest, Reef & Ruins Standard
• Luxury Tour of Costa Rica
• Uzbekistan: Heart of Central Asia
• Pakistan: Persians, Mughals and Mystics
• Central Asia Explorer
• Uzbekistan: The Golden Road to Samarkand
• The Legendary Silk Road by Rail: Almaty to Tashkent
• Silk Road Adventure
• Across the Southern Caucasus
• Classical Turkey
• The Heart of Ancient Greece
• Majestic Malta
• The Wonders of Ancient Crete
• Classic Sicily
• Splendours of Andalucía
• Puglia & Basilicata
• Timeless Romania
• Ravenna: Mosaics & Marble
• Neapolitan Treasures: Caserta, Sorrento & Pompeii
• Grand Tour of Indochina
• Spirit of Vietnam Superior
• Taiwan: The Beautiful Island
• Japan in Style
• Vietnam in Style
• Japan’s Cultural Treasures
• China: The Grand Tour
• A Journey through Malaysia
• Classic Thailand
• Vietnam & Cambodia in Style
• The Enchanted Island
• Splendours of Sri Lanka: Solo Travellers Tour
• The Grand Tour of India
• Passage through Kerala
• Nepal in Style
• Sri Lanka: Wonders of the Wild
• The Golden Triangle & Shimla
• Passage through Rajasthan
• Treasures of Southern India
• Exotic Sri Lanka
• Boutique Rajasthan
• Egypt: Ancient Wonders of Cairo & the Nile
• Moroccan Explorer: Imperial Cities to Desert
• The Ancient Wonders of Jordan & Egypt
• Nile Cruise & Lake Nasser
• Splendours of Jordan
• Oman: An Arabian Odyssey
• Moroccan Discovery
• Historic Cities & Culinary Delights of Morocco
• Grand Tour of South America
• Splendours of Chile
• Patagonia: Untouched Wilderness
• Ultimate South America
• Splendours of South America
• Train to Machu Picchu (Superior)
• Wonders of the New World
• Ecuador & Galápagos Experience
• Brazil: Wildlife & Waterfalls
• Peru & Galápagos Odyssey
• Group tours overview
• General interest
• Specialist-led tours
• Solo travellers
• Rail journeys
• Wildlife and nature
• Submit group tour enquiry

Explore the national parks and wildlife of Costa Rica, including rainforest, cloud forest and volcanoes.

Travel through the heart of Rajasthan, exploring magnificent forts and ornate palaces, finishing at the astounding Taj Mahal in Agra.

Journey through the Mekong Delta and the captivating kingdom of Cambodia, ending at the majestic temples of Angkor Wat.

• Tailor-made holidays overview
• Family adventures
• Private groups
• Off the beaten track
• Submit tailor-made enquiry

Explore the wealth of cultural and natural treasures of Sri Lanka whilst staying in some luxurious properties.

Visit two of Central Asia’s contrasting countries on this two-week exploration of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan.

Begin with a few days in Cairo to explore the sites before continuing on to enjoy cruises on both the Nile and Lake Nasser.

• Solo travel
• Compass blog
• Month-by-month travel guide
• Choose hotels with character

Read our latest blog articles for holiday inspiration...

If you know when you are free to travel but not sure where to go, then look no further...

Our experienced travel consultants have shared their favourite destinations for an autumn holiday...

• Refer a friend and get £250 off your next holiday
• Free upgrade to British Airways Club Europe on Ravenna: Mosaics and Marble
• Save up to £350pp on your next holiday

See all our offers, including savings on small-group tours.

Enjoy discounted fares on selected cabin upgrades on our private tailor-made holidays and worldwide small group tours. Book by 1st October 2024

Make a saving on your next Cox & Kings holiday. Book by 31st October for travel in 2025.

• About Cox & Kings

Why Cox & Kings?

• Useful information
• Meet the team

With over 265 years' experience, we offer great service, value and support. 

Our expert travel consultants are passionate, knowledgeable and love to travel. 

View the awards Cox & Kings has won over the years for service and more.

• Destinations
• Central America

Mexico escorted tours and holidays

Did you know we can tailor any tour?

Marianela tamariz.

Travel specialist

020 7808 6783

Best time to go

Flight duration, time difference, discover mesoamerican pyramids, spanish-colonial towns, and landscapes that range from vast canyons to sun-soaked beaches.

Mexico has a vast and varied terrain, rich history and an extraordinary pre-Columbian legacy.

It offers stunning Mayan and Aztec ruins, and beautifully preserved colonial towns, while the spectacular natural scenery encompasses snow-capped volcanoes, dramatic mountain canyons, desert coastlines, tropical rainforests, waterfalls and beautiful beaches.

• Group Tours and Tailor Made
• Accommodation

14 days 12 nights

From £3,895

Mexico's rich pre-Columbian history and natural beauty make it one of Latin America's most interesting destinations

Baja & the Copper Canyon

11 days 10 nights

From £3,395

Combine the dramatic scenery of the Copper Canyon train ride with Baja peninsula’s spectacular desert and coastal scenery

Mexico in Style

11 days 9 nights

From £5,795

Stay in upmarket character hotels and haciendas while discovering Mexico’s archaeological sites and scenic landscapes

Chan-Kah Resort Village

Set within lush landscaped grounds with ancient Ceiba trees, the 79 casitas (tasteful bungalow style buildings) of Chan Kah Resort are surrounded by 50 acres of wild jungle

Hacienda Chichén

Hacienda Chichén's cottages were originally the homes of archaeologists of the Carnegie Institute, who established their headquarters here in the 1920s

Hotel Casa del Balam

Casa del Balam was once the family home of Fernando Barbachano Peon, a pioneer of Mexican tourism

Hotel Diego de Mazariegos

Centrally located in the town of San Cristobal de las Casas, the Hotel Diego de Mazariegos is named after the founder of the city

Hotel Galería Plaza Reforma

Hotel Galeria Plaza is a modern hotel, centrally located in the heart of the city’s financial district

Hotel Parador San Miguel

Hotel Parador San Miguel is a beautiful colonial-style building located in the centre of Oaxaca

Hotel Plaza Campeche

Hotel Plaza Campeche is located in the historic centre of Campeche, a short walk from the main square, cathedral and the seafront

Baja California

Copper canyon and chihuahua, mexico city, northern colonial cities, oaxaca and puebla, pacific coast, palenque and san cristobal, riviera maya and holbox island, veracruz and the huasteca, villahermosa and tabasco, yucatan peninsula, ready to start planning your next trip, group tours to mexico, tailor-made holidays to mexico.

Climate in Mexico

Discover the temperatures and rainfall you can expect when visiting the main areas of Mexico, along with the best time to travel.

Top things to do in Mexico

Whip up dishes in Oaxaca, visit indigenous villages and relax in the Mayan Riviera.

With over 265 years of experience, we offer great service, value and support.

Our favourite images of Mexico

Latest from compass, the fascinating history of panama's guna yala, why book your holiday with a tour operator, make an enquiry, order a brochure.

Change location

• Call us today until 8pm
• 01993 838 925 01993 838 670 or
• REQUEST A QUOTE

Tailor-made Mexico holidays shaped around your passions

• Mexico City

The temples of Chichén Itzá , swimming in aquamarine underground cenotes, Mexico City from the perspective of Frida Kahlo’s paintbrush or its exuberantly costumed processions for the Day of the Dead… On a tailor-made holiday with Audley, we won’t just show you the popular places to visit in Mexico. Our specialists, leaning on their experiences of travelling and living in the country, will help you decide on the places that speak most to you.

Ride the Copper Canyon railway to reach the wilderness of the Sierra Madre. Spy humpback whales breaching in the seas around Baja California . Go to church in tiny highland towns like San Cristóbal de las Casas, witnessing indigenous beliefs melding with Catholicism in shamanic ceremonies. Take a private cooking class in Oaxaca and learn how to make mole under the guidance of an expert chef.

The sleepy sands of Isla Holbox. The stately, Spanish colonial town of Morelia. Maya ruins smothered in jungle, deep in the Yucatán Peninsula . Travel at your own pace, in your own style, with the confidence that we’ll show you the best places to visit in Mexico.

• Make an enquiry
• Request a brochure

Reduced fares currently available through our airline partners

We have a number of reduced fares available with selected airline partners. Click below for further details on booking and travel periods.

Suggested tours for Mexico

These tours give you a starting point for what your holiday to Mexico could entail. Treat them as inspiration, as each trip is created uniquely for you.

Historic Mexico & beach

13 days from £5,450pp

In search of the Maya through Honduras, Belize, Guatemala & Mexico

22 days from £8,300pp

Crossing coastlines via the Panama Canal

27 days from £9,050pp

Classic Mexico tour

15 days from £5,995pp

Discover Copper Canyon by train

14 days from £6,200pp

Exploring Mexico's Yucatán: Mérida, Chichén Itzá & Isla Holbox

11 days from £4,500pp

Self-drive Mexico: Baja California

15 days from £6,890pp

Culinary tour of Mexico

14 days from £6,240pp

Highlights of Mexico: Mexico City, Mérida & Isla Holbox

12 days from £5,050pp

Suggested activities for Mexico

Whatever your interests, our specialists will build activities into your trip that connect to how you want to experience Mexico.

Private Whale watching Excursion to Magdalena Bay

Baja is well known as a great place to whale watch. The grey whale spends summers in the waters off Alaska, and then heads 6,000 miles (almost 10,000 km) south to the warmer lagoons of Baja in January, February and March.

Tulum Excursion

The archaeological site of Tulum is spectacularly situated on a clifftop, majestically overlooking a palm-fringed beach and the turquoise Caribbean Sea.

Excursion to the Sian Ka'an Biosphere

The Sian Ka'an Biosphere stretches for 4,500 sq km along the coast of Quintana Roo and is made up of savannah, mangroves, tropical forest and beautiful barrier reef skirting one edge.

Why travel with Audley?

• 100% tailor-made tours
• Fully protected travel
• Established for over 25 years
• 98% of our clients would recommend us

Best time to visit

Our specialists advise on the best months to visit Mexico, including information about climate, events and festivals.

Travel advice

Practical tips for travelling to Mexico, from social protocols to guidance on money matters, with a link to the latest FCDO travel advice.

Request our brochure

Covering all seven continents, The World Your Way shows you how you can see the world with us. It features trip ideas from our specialists alongside hand-picked stays and experiences, and introduces our approach to creating meaningful travel experiences.

Mexico in pictures

Our expert guides to travelling in Mexico

Written by our specialists from the viewpoint of their own travels, these guides will help you decide on the shape of your own trip to Mexico. Aiming to inspire and inform, we share our recommendations for how to appreciate Mexico at its best.

My travels in Mexico

Riding the El Chepe Railway, snorkelling in the calm waters off the sleepy beach town of Zihuatanejo, and trying out one of the world’s fastest zip-lines — Audley specialist Anna shows how you can get off the beaten track in Mexico.

The best beaches in Mexico and Central America, country by country

Thinking of including some beach time in your Central America trip? We outline the best beaches in each country and why we’re especially drawn to them — whether it’s for their sand, their snorkelling, or their ambiance.

Family holidays in Mexico

Audley travel specialist Anna shares her tips for where to go and what to do on a Mexico family holiday. Focusing on the Yucatán Peninsula, she explains how you can combine beach time with wildlife watching and visiting ancient ruins.

10 min read

What to do in Mexico: our highlights guide

Mexico’s character is many-sided. From cosmopolitan colonial cities and vibrant markets to mountain wilderness, sleepy Caribbean islands, vast cacti-covered deserts and a wealth of intriguing ancient ruins, specialist Carolyn shares her highlights.

Mexico’s Day of the Dead, demystified: a brief guide

An overview of Mexico’s Day of the Dead, by one of our Mexico specialists. Jeff outlines where to go in Mexico for the most vivid celebrations, ways you can get involved in the festivities and — crucially — what you might eat.

A first-timer's guide to Chichén Itzá

An ancient Mayan capital and the most famous of all the archaeological sites on the Yucatán Peninsula, Chichén Itzá is not to be missed on a trip to Mexico.

Luxury holidays in Mexico

Read our specialist's guide on Mexico luxury holidays, including the best ways to see its Maya ruins, towns and cities.

Honeymoons in Mexico

Famous for its white sand beaches, turquoise sea and Maya ruins, Mexico makes an ideal destination for your honeymoon. Plan your trip with Audley and we'll recommend the most suitable accommodation to make your stay a memorable one.

From tacos to tejate: Mexican food experiences to try on your trip

Tacos, fresh tortillas, mole sauce, tejate, mezcal and more: Fenella from Audley’s Mexico team suggests experiences that might intrigue Epicurean-minded visitors to Mexico. All of them can be woven into your own tailor-made trip to the country.

Discover more about Mexico on our blog

Top Festivals Around The World

Other popular destinations.

Still looking for ideas? If Mexico has captured your interest, we think you might also like these destinations.

Mexico Luxury Tours

There is no question too small. Start planning your dream trip by talking to our Destination Specialists

Tours of Mexico take you to thriving cities, ancient ruins, glorious white sandy beaches and luxurious resorts. This central American country is a hotspot for culture, as well as stunning natural landscapes and delicious cuisine. You’ll find fresh local produce from the rainforests, freshly caught fish from the coastal regions and full flavours made using local spices. Explore our selection of carefully planned Mexico tour itineraries below or speak to our Destination Specialists, who will plan your tailor made holiday.

Mexico’s closest neighbour, the USA, is full of cosmopolitan cities and small town charm which is perfectly paired with a self drive motorbike tour of Mexico. Book the EagleRider Baja California South Bound Guided Motorcycle Tour and enjoy the thrill of the open road, feeling the power of the motorcycle on the road, and the comfort of a carefully planned itinerary. Begin in the glamorous city of Los Angeles, heading down America’s west coast to Ensenada in Baja California. Enjoy a delicious dinner as you watch the sun set over Ensenada Bay. Head into the Vizcaino Desert, see volcanic cones, desert oases and historic towns.

Climb the Sierra de la Giganta Mountains and take in the views of the surrounding desert and Pacific Ocean before enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of the fishing town of Los Barilles. Try Watersports including snorkelling and kayaking or simply relax on the golden sands of the beach. In Land’s End you can absorb the quiet atmosphere and sea cliffs before heading to Cabo San Lucas. Here you can relax into holiday mode, lie back on the sands and enjoy the luxury oceanfront hotels.

Experience the luxury Mexico holidays . Explore our offered tours straight from our Destination Specialists.

Frequently Asked Questions

When’s the best time to visit mexico.

Because Mexico is such a large country, the weather does vary a little, but generally the best time to visit is between December and April when there is virtually no rain. December to February are the coolest months, and the wet season lasts from May through to October.

Can I drink the tap water in Mexico?

Generally speaking, it’s not a good idea to drink the tap water in Mexico. Try to avoid drinks with ice in them, as well, and any fruits, vegetables or salads that have been washed in tap water. Stick to bottled water, and don’t forget that includes brushing your teeth.

What should I pack for Mexico?

Insect repellent is a must, as are comfortable shoes for walking around tourist sites, breathable clothes for when it’s hot and humid, and warm layers if you’re planning to head up into the highlands.

Thoughts of Mexico conjure up images of brightly coloured, vibrant cities, thick green jungles concealing ancient wonders, spicy food that will set your mouth on fire, and white sandy beaches leading down to crystal clear seas. Prepare for Mexico to live up to all your greatest expectations. 

Why you’ll love Mexico… 

• Exploring the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World 
• Embracing the vibrant energy and culture of Mexico City 
• Relaxing into the laidback island lifestyle of Cozumel 
• Discovering the ruins of Teotihuacán, Mexico’s biggest ancient city 
• Soaking up the sunshine on the beaches of Cancun 
• Wandering the colonial streets of Merida, the cultural capital of the Yucatán Peninsula 
• Savouring the flavours of traditional Mexican cuisine at local cafés 
• Stumbling upon the ruins of Palenque, emerging from the mists of the jungle 
• Witnessing the great migration of the Monarch butterflies in Michoacan 
• Getting some culture at Mexico City’s fascinating National Museum of Anthropology 
• Rubbing shoulders with the locals in traditional cantinas 
• Combining ancient temples with postcard-worthy beaches in Tulum 

Did you know?

• The largest pyramid in the world isn’t in Egypt, it’s actually Mexico’s Great Pyramid of Cholula. 
• You have Mexico and the Aztec to thank for introducing chocolate, corn and chillies to the world. 
• An unusual weapon employed by the Aztecs was the ‘hornet bomb’. As you can probably guess, it was literally a hornets’ nest thrown at enemies.

Let's Chat

We have answers to all your questions. Start planning your dream trip by talking to our Destination Specialists

Sign up for our newsletter

Receive the latest travel inspiration and destination news.

Three Easy Steps to a Tailor-made Holiday

Look through our website for inspiration, then call our Travel Consultants

Discuss your wish list with us, and we'll use our knowledge to design a unique itinerary for you

3. Customise

We're committed to refining your itinerary until we've created the perfect personalised trip for you

The Hayes & Jarvis Way

Since 1952, our travel experts have been traversing the world to connect you with the very best our 60+ destinations have to offer. Tell us what your dream trip entails and we will craft it for you with precision and passion.

Passionate Experts

Like you, we love to travel and explore. Over the years, we've honed our skills to create the most authentic travel experiences for you.

Personalised Journeys

We tailor each itinerary specifically for you. Tell us your travel dreams, and we'll work together to create a perfect trip for you.

Safety & Reliability

We ensure a hassle-free and safe experience with reliable partners. We provide you with a travel concierge dedicated to helping you 24/7 during your trip.

Fully Protected

You and your holiday are in safe hands with us so you can book with confidence and travel worry-free.

Your info is secure and never shared with 3rd parties. For full details regarding your data including digital marketing please read our Privacy Policy here . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Mexico solo tours

Say hola to new friends, adventures and memories on a small group trip through Mexico

Always longed to visit ancient Aztec ruins or dreamed about eating traditionally made tacos on the streets of Mexico City? Maybe you're thinking about the language barrier or wondering what you need to see and where you can skip. Well, cast your doubts aside and hop aboard a fantastically fun small-group tour of  Mexico  with Intrepid. Our tours are perfect for solo travellers longing to immerse themselves in a new environment as we provide expert guidance, cover the logistics and keep safety in mind, all so you can enjoy your margaritas with new friendly amigos.

Let's create an exclusive trip for your group.

We’re sure you know the top spots in your home area to visit as well as some of the places you can avoid. That's why all our tours are led by people local to the area and who are experts in all things Mexico. They’ll be your tour guides and go-tos for the best daily activities, dining spots and even the best photo-op spots. So you can leave your guidebook behind and enjoy the timeless beauty of this  Central American  wonder.  

Although not all areas of Mexico are the  safest travel destinations , all Intrepid trips are only run in areas deemed safe. Our tour locations are also thoroughly and routinely checked by our team on the ground. This is one of the greatest perks of joining a small group tour, especially as a solo traveller. We’ll give you day-to-day advice and guidance on travel through the country while keeping your safety as the top priority at each stage of the journey.

Mexico is an incredibly lively place filled with fun, fiestas and vibrant  festivals  each month of the year. Even though you have plenty of opportunities for some downtime, you’ll also get the bonus of around 10 travel (and party) companions to share the tequila-soaked sunsets with. But hey, if the nightlife isn’t a must on your Mexico trip, you’ll be able to connect with your fellow travellers over some delicious elote and refreshing aguas frescas in the bustling city streets between siestas. 

Ever had those moments of frantically wondering which train to catch or worrying if you’re getting ripped off for a taxi? With every Intrepid trip, the itinerary, transport and accommodation are all organised for you. Even though you do have plenty of opportunities to branch off yourself, you’re never too far away from the safety and guidance of your local leader. So, leave the days of frantic solo travel behind and cruise through a Mexican adventure on a small Intrepid group tour.

Filter by rating

Mexico Family Holiday

Real Mexico

Mexico Unplugged

Will I have my own room?

It’s completely up to you. On our trips rooming is organised on a twin-share basis and we pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. But if you'd like your own room, an individual room is available on the majority of our trips (it’s just a small extra charge). Just mention this to our  customer service team  when booking your trip and they'll arrange it for you.

As a responsible tour operator, we strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. In the case that your gender identity differs from what is indicated on your passport, please  contact us  so that we can discuss rooming options with you.

On a small selection of itineraries some accommodations are booked on an open gender, multi-share basis (for example on a felucca in Egypt or an overnight train in Vietnam). In those instances it will clearly be stated in our Essential Trip Information prior to booking and travelling.

How does group time work?

Whether you’re travelling solo or with a partner, our trips have a set itinerary. But within that there’s time set aside for your own exploration (if you want to – no pressure). The amount of free time depends on the  travel style  - you can ask your guide for a few tips then head out alone, or hang out with the group and see where the day takes you.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before travelling?

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

Is Mexico accessible for travellers with disabilities?

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. We’re always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them towards the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

Tourist destinations in Mexico, including Mexico City and the resort areas on the Yucatan Peninsula, are seeing an increasing number of hotels, restaurants and tourist sights fitted out to accommodate travellers with limitations. That said, it can still be difficult for those with mobility issues and visual and hearing issues, particularly on public transport. We recommend using taxis to move around locally and flying between cities if possible unless, of course, you are on an Intrepid Mexico tour.

If you do live with a visual, hearing or other impairment, let your booking agent or group leader know early on so they’re aware and suitable arrangements can be made. As a general rule, knowing some common words in the local language, carrying a written itinerary with you and taking to the streets in a group, rather than solo, can help make your travel experience the best it can be.

How to stay safe while travelling solo

Share your itinerary

Good advice for us all, but particularly for people travelling solo. Make copies of your itinerary, contact details, passport and travel insurance, then email them to yourself and to one or two friends/family at home. Check-in on social media when you can so people can keep track of where you are. 

Remember the little things

If you’re arriving late in a city by yourself, book a hotel with a front desk or concierge service (many hotels also offer private transfers that don’t cost the earth from the airport or train station).

If you're travelling with us, we can help you organise an  arrival transfer.  Read your maps before you head out for a walk (you can use a map app on your smartphone – or take screenshots of where you’re going if you don’t want to use up your precious data). If you need to check your map when you’re out and about, duck into a shop or café to do it.

Leave the blingy jewellery, wedding rings and designer clothes at home, and aim to dress like the locals do – hit up the local markets if you haven’t packed the right outfits. Aim to keep track of travel times, so you’re not caught out after dark.

Roam if you want to

Most mobile/cell providers now offer travel passes to help manage your international roaming costs (which, let’s face it, are expensive!).

For a few dollars a day, you’ll have access to data, which means you can log into your apps (like Skype, email and WhatsApp) when you’re out of WiFi zones and quickly get in touch with someone – a friend at home, someone in your group, or the police – if you need to.

It might also be worth checking out the local cell/mobile providers as these can be quite cost effective. 

Fare's fair

Solo travellers are way more likely to be ‘taken for a ride’ at the airport by unscrupulous taxi drivers, so do your research before you arrive. Make sure you get a cab from the airport/station taxi rank – if you’re not sure where to go, just head to the information desk for help.

Touts tend to hang out in the arrivals area and promise cheaper rates, but can often be dodgy. When you get to the cab rank, ask the driver to use the meter or request a cost estimate before you hop in the car – if it’s way higher than it should be, pick another vehicle.

A lot of airports have train stations attached as well, so consider public transport if you want to save a dollar or two.

Stick together

It’s one of the advantages of travelling solo on a group tour: safety in numbers. The big, 50-person bus groups stand out on the road, but a small  Intrepid group  of eight or nine people, with a local leader showing the way – including areas to avoid and getting around safely – won’t draw much attention.

Plus, it’s a great way to see parts of the world you may feel uncomfortable exploring on your own. If you want to do things on your own, consider a  day tour  to familiarise yourself with a city and get to know the local way of life. 

Trust your instincts

Solo travel is all about confidence. If you’re relaxed and self-assured on the street, you’re more likely to blend in. When you meet new people, don’t assume they’re all out to get you, but be sensible too and trust your gut. If it feels wrong, it probably is.

Remember: the popular tourist areas are often the most well-lit and secure, but they’re often a juicier target for pickpockets and scammers. Just use your common sense; half of travel safety is simply being aware of your surroundings.

I love solo travel, but anonymous travel is what I really need

How the animal anomalies of the Galapagos helped validate my life choices

From heartache to hiking boots in Peru’s Sacred Valley

Travelling without my kids showed me the pain of leaving and the joy of going

Costa Rica or Mexico: Which country to check off next?

7 of the best destinations for solo travellers over 50

Machu Picchu or Chichen Itza? Which historical site should you visit?

For this solo female traveller, her first trip abroad in over 20 years was worth the wait 

Mexico Tours & Trips

• Choose from 250+ Mexico tours
• 1,100+ verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
• 24/7 customer support

Table of contents

The best Mexico tour packages

What people love about mexico tours, most popular destinations in mexico, travel mexico your way, top operators in mexico, best places to start your mexico tour, discover mexico tours for every budget.

• Mexico tours for every group
• Tours for every traveler

Best time to visit Mexico

Contact our mexico travel experts.

Compiled by

Nadine Mexico travel expert at TourRadar

Mexico Yucatán Experience

“The tour was something beautiful I will never forget and definitely something I would love to do again.” Willow richards, traveled in July 2024

• Dive into the culture at the ancient site of Chichen Itza
• Chill out on the pristine, white sandy beaches of Cancun
• Explore the crystal Carribean sea via an island boat trip

Authentic Central Mexico

• In-depth Cultural
• Walking Adventure
• Tour Frida Kahlo's iconic home
• Discover ancient pyramids at Teotihuacan
• Dine at historic Cafe de Tacuba

Wonders of the Maya

“Our guides spoke English well and were knowledgeable about our area. We always felt safe wherever we went.” Mary Katherine Teisinger, traveled in August 2024

• Coach / Bus
• Visit Uxmal and the Cacao Museum
• Admire Tulum's ruins beside turquoise waters
• Explore Ria Lagartos and see pink flamingos

Mexico Colonial Cities

“We saw beautiful cities and learned so much about Mexico. Everything was arranged for us, yet it was just the two of us, and we had the flexibility to explore on our own.” Beth Meyer-Frank, traveled in May 2024

• Educational
• Christmas & New Year
• See Guadalajara's top attractions
• Tour San Miguel de Allende's landmarks
• Discover Teotihuacan's ancient pyramids

A Taste of Mexico City, City Break

“The price has been very reasonable - I definitely got a lot for what I paid for!” Byron Jenaro Junio, traveled in June 2024

• Sightseeing
• Explore Mexico City's historic center
• Tour Teotihuacan and the Basilica of Guadalupe
• Visit the Frida Kahlo Museum in Coyoacan

Amazing Tour aroung Mexico Yucatan with the best ever Eva as a guide.

This tour was AMAZING. Daniel, our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable about all the Mayan sites we visited. He also did ALL THE WORK of securing admission tickets so that we did not have to wait in any long lines. Along the way, he took us to some wonderful & always delicious restaurants for lunch. He also advised us on good places to eat dinner in each of our hotel stays. What's more, he advised in several places to eat at the hotel since walking into the urban areas

We had a fantastic México Colonial Cities tour! We saw beautiful cities and learned so much about Mexico. Javier was our online tour operator/guide. He was always friendly and professional, and would text us our itinerary for the next day including our tour info, hotel, and our driver’s info. The hotels and tours were just what we would have chosen for ourselves. However, if you want a tour guide with you and you want to travel with a group of people throughout the tour, then this isn’t the tour for you. For my husband and I, it was perfect. Everything was arranged for us, yet it was just the two of us, and we had the flexibility to explore on our own restaurants and the cities during our free time. Javier was always available online if we had questions. For 4 of our walking tours, it was just the 2 of us and our guides - all the guides were great! We highly recommend this tour and will be traveling with Tour Radar again.

Central Mexico

Stroll into the vibrant markets of Mexico City, wander through the historic charm of Guanajuato, and uncover the ancient mysteries of the Teotihuacan pyramids. Savor authentic tacos in Puebla and immerse yourself in Frida Kahlo's art in Coyoacán.

Explore Yucatan’s crystal-clear cenotes, discover the ancient Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza, and wander Merida's vibrant streets. Indulge in local cuisine, explore wildlife-packed biosphere reserves, and chill on pristine beaches.

Pacific Coast Mexico

Relax on Puerto Vallarta's stunning beaches, surf in Sayulita, and explore the vibrant art scene in Mazatlán. Discover the natural beauty of Cabo San Lucas, visit Acapulco's historic sites, and enjoy fresh seafood along the scenic Pacific Coast.

Snap a photo of the Hollywood sign in Los Angeles, cycle the iconic Golden Gate Bridge in San Fransisco, or venture to the land of geysers and mountains in Yellowstone National Park. There's so much to discover in the Golden State.

More exciting destinations:

Find the perfect tour for your family, catering to all ages with over 289 family tours available in Mexico.

Fully Guided

Select from our extensive range of 289 fully guided tours to enjoy a worry-free experience through Mexico with our expert guides leading the way.

An Explorer tour in Mexico promises thrilling adventures and diverse landscapes. Mexico's vast and varied terrain offers great opportunities for hiking, biking, and discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations, ensuring an exhilarating and unforgettable journey.

Choose from over 289 cultural tours and explore historical sites, local traditions and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Mexico.

More travel styles:

"This was an epic organized adventure

TruTravels is an expert in:

Culture Trip is an expert in:

"The tour was perfect! Very blessed to have Saul and Luis as our guides. They were very professional, knowledgeable, respectful. We felt very safe and they were so passionate of the culture and heritage, I am deeply touched. Thank you for presenting this beautiful heritage. So glad to have meet you both. The hotels chosen are all clean and in good location. We have no issues. Again thanks to Saul and Luis, locals treated us very kindly. The tour is also very packed so we covered a lot in just 3 days. So thankful for our guides who drove hours to bring us safely to sites. There were only 2 couples and we had a lot of space and comfort in the van. Great drivers too, usually I get car sick but not with them. I will recommend this tour.

Destination Services Mexico is an expert in:

• Food & Culinary

Choose the city in Mexico you want your tour to start in:

Mexico City

Browse the best budget and luxury tours in Mexico that will take you through unmissable places like Mexico City and Merida.

Starting from

Mexico tours for every type of group

Who are you traveling with?

Explore Mexico on a pre-planned itinerary and meet like-minded travelers

• Itineraries between 3 days and 24 days
• Starting from €35 per day

Small Group

Visit Mexico with fewer travelers, ensuring more immersive activities

Personalized

Customize your Mexico itinerary to match your interests and pace

Visit Mexico with your own group or solo

• Itineraries between 3 days and 17 days
• Starting from €42 per day

Mexico tours for everyone

Discover unforgettable adventures designed for all ages! Whether you're young or young at heart, our adventures offer excitement and wonder for everyone.

• September 2024 123 tours
• October 2024 230 tours
• November 2024 popular 233 tours
• December 2024 popular 212 tours
• January 2025 205 tours
• February 2025 196 tours
• March 2025 popular 203 tours
• April 2025 154 tours
• May 2025 129 tours
• June 2025 126 tours
• July 2025 popular 128 tours
• August 2025 108 tours

Expert in Mexico at TourRadar

Tetiana is one of our seasoned Mexico Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Mexico tours answered!

• Choose from 289+ Mexico tours
• 1,151 verified reviews by TourRadar customers

Write us a message

Discover TourRadar

Where are you flying from?

• London Heathrow
• Manchester International
• Inverness Airport
• Cardiff Airport
• Norwich Airport
• Humberside Airport
• London City Apt
• Belfast International
• Leeds Bradford Airport
• Bristol Airport
• Teesside Airport

Fly direct from London Heathrow with Virgin Atlantic during our seasonal service.

From 27th October 2024, Virgin Atlantic will operate daily flights to the Maldives.

Book your holiday today!

From 26th October 2024, Virgin Atlantic will operate daily flights to Dubai.

Our seasonal Virgin Atlantic service will resume on the 28th October 2024 , with two direct* flights. Service operates on Mondays and Thursdays. *Direct flights include a short touchdown in Barbados

From the 1st December 2024 - 28th March 2025 , direct flights will depart Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

Fly direct* with Virgin Atlantic, from London Heathrow three times a week. Direct* service operates on Mondays, Wednesdays and Sundays

From the 27th October 2024 - 01 December , this service will reduce to two direct* flights, departing on Wednesdays and Sundays

*Direct flights include a short touchdown in Barbados

Fly direct* with Virgin Atlantic, from London Heathrow two times a week. Service operates on Tuesdays and Saturdays

From the 29th October 2024 , an additional direct* flight will depart on Fridays.

Flights depart on Thursdays and will include a short touchdown* in Barbados.

From the 28th October 2024, fly direct Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.

From the 2nd November 2024, fly direct on Saturdays.

From the 25th November 2024 - 29th March 2025, flights will depart Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

From the 30th March - 30th April, flights will depart on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

*During the short touchdown, passengers and luggage for Antigua will remain on the aircraft.

Daily direct flights from London Gatwick to New York with our partner airline, Delta, operates between 10th April and 26th October 2024.

Fly direct with Virgin Atlantic, from London Heathrow two times a week. Flights depart Tuesdays and Thursdays.

From the 30th October to 30th November, flights will depart Wednesdays and Saturdays.

From the 4th December 2024, flights will depart Wednesdays and Fridays.

This service ends 21st February 2025.

Our new direct, daily Virgin Atlantic service to Toronto commences 30th March 2025

Fly direct with Virgin Atlantic, from London Heathrow daily . Our seasonal Virgin Atlantic service from Manchester to Barbados will resume on the 28th October 2024

Our seasonal Virgin Atlantic service from Manchester will resume on the 28th October 2024 . Direct service operates on Mondays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays

From the 13th January 2025 - 2nd March 2025 an additional direct flight will depart on Wednesdays

Direct flights to Montego Bay operate on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

From 24th February 2025, direct flights will operate on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Flights departing on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays include a short touchdown* in Nassau or Turks & Caicos until 23 February 2025.

*During the short touchdown, passengers and luggage for Montego Bay will remain on the aircraft.

Fly direct with Virgin Atlantic, from London Heathrow two times a week. Flights depart Mondays and Fridays.

From 29th October 2024, our direct service will depart Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.

This service ends 23rd February 2025.

1 room / 2 adults

Please enter all child ages

There must be 1 adult per child under two years of age travelling, please adjust your passenger number

To book online please select a maximum of 9 passengers, to book 10 adults or more please call 0344 557 3978

Please note: Drivers must be over the age of 21 to hire a car unless otherwise specified. Drivers between 21 and 24 years of age may be subject to additional costs.

Mexico Tours

Sorry, we couldn't find any result for the dates you have selected.

You searched for Mexico Tours

We have some options for you...

Are your dates flexible.

We may have availability on different dates.

Can we help?

Our sales centre staff are happy to talk through your options.

0344 472 9646

Browse our website

• Latin America
• – Safari in Tanzania
• – Kilimanjaro
• South Africa
• Ecuador / Galapagos
• Holiday types
• Safari holidays in Africa
• Tour and beach holiday
• Safari and beach
• Big Five safari
• Nature & Wildlife
• Family-friendly holidays & safaris
• The wonders of nature
• Culture & History
• Multi-country holidays
• Active holidays
• Most popular tours
• Accommodation
• Practical info
• Kilimanjaro
• Info & Contact
• Sustainability
• Book With Confidence Guarantee
• ATOL & ABTA
• Online payment
• Terms & Conditions
• Travel Insurance
• Disabled Passengers
• Inspiration

Mexico tours

Mexico has all the ingredients for the perfect holiday.

Discover exciting towns, fantastic ruins, wonderful nature and white sandy beaches. A holiday in Mexico is your guarantee of exciting experiences with the possibility of total relaxation on beautiful beaches.

Check out all our tours to Mexico below.

If you have any questions, please call our travel specialists on 01279 704 135 .

Join us on an adventure on Mexico’s beautiful Yucatán Peninsula and experience Playa del Carmen, Valladolid, Chichen Itza and conclude with a beach holiday on Isla Holbox’s paradise beaches.

Experience Mexico’s impressive Maya ruins, enchanting nature, colourful colonial towns and indigenous communities, and round it all off with a beach holiday in Playa del Carmen.

Gain a unique insight into Mexico’s exciting history and various pre-Columbian ruins seasoned with cosy colonial towns and a beach holiday on the white sandy beaches of the Yucatán Peninsula.

Discover the highlights of Mexico including impressive Maya ruins, magnificent nature, colourful colonial towns and indigenous communities, and round it all off with a beach holiday in cosy Tulum.

Look forward to the colonial gems of the Yucatán Peninsula, spectacular Mayan ruins, roaring waterfalls, colourful indigenous communities and wonderful beaches.

This tour combines Mexico and Guatemala and offers incredible Mayan ruins in the lush jungle, indigenous communities and colonial cities and rounds off with a beach holiday in Playa del Carmen.

Experience Mexico and Guatemala’s amazing Mayan ruins, unique scenery with beautiful lakes and waterfalls, colourful colonial towns and indigenous communities, and a beach holiday in Playa del Carmen.

Why should you holiday in Mexico?

Mexico is home to one of the world’s largest cities, the cultural and historical treasures of the Maya and Aztec civilisations and picturesque beaches that will take your breath away. Here, you have the opportunity to experience colourful and vibrant culture, ancient history and stunning scenery in a beautiful union.

Choose a holiday in Mexico and enjoy the experience of a lifetime, whether you’re into culture, history or amazing outdoor experiences and legendary beaches.

What will you experience on our tours?

Mexico is very much the product of its historical background with the culture of the Maya and Aztec civilisations. History permeates much of Mexico’s biggest attractions and experiences.

Mexico also offers truly wonderful and diverse nature and fabulous beaches.

Mexico City

Mexico City is one of the world’s biggest cities – if not the biggest.

The city is built on top the ruins of the Aztecs’ ancient capital, Tenochtitlán, and you can feel this. In Mexico City, the Aztec ruins lie alongside the city skyscrapers, giving you a feel of the city and its historical background.

Mexico City is a melting pot of experiences, and it can be difficult to choose between all the different sights.

From the main square – the Zocalo – you have access to three of the city’s biggest attractions:

• the National Palace (Palacio Nacional)
• The famous Cathedral, Metropolitana, which is one of the world’s largest and oldest cathedrals
• Templo Mayor, which are the ruins of the former Aztec capital, Tenochtitlan

Mexico also offers a vibrant nightlife with plenty of opportunities to dance, listen to music and eat delicious food, whether you’re into street food or gourmet cuisine.

The Yucatán Peninsula

The Yucatán peninsula is a place favoured by many for their holiday in Mexico, where you will find beautiful beaches and countless opportunities to head off on adventure, be it a beach holiday or a visit to some of the ancient, iconic sights

Chichen Itza

To the north of the Yucatan Peninsula, you will find Chichen Itza. The ruin city is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Mexico, if not the biggest. Chichen Itza is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and when you visit the city, you will understand why. The archaeological site testifies to the impressive community, which the Mayans managed to build some 1,500 years ago.

At Chichen Itza, you can see the famous 25-metre-high pyramid, El Castillo. El Castillo was named one of the world’s seven new wonders in 2007, and is well worth a visit.

Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is one of Mexico’s most popular beach holiday destinations.

Originally a fishing village, Playa del Carmen is best known today for its beautiful beach with crystal-clear waters that attracts travellers from all over the world.

The fabulous beach is not only conducive to both relaxation and swimming, but also to a host of water sports such as stand-up paddle boarding, windsurfing and jet skiing. Off Playa del Carmen is the island of Cozumel, which offers world-class underwater experiences for divers.

In the heart of the town is the lively Avenida 5, a shopping street lined with a large selection of shops, restaurants and cafés.

Another popular beach holiday destination on the Yucatan Peninsula.

Tulum is smaller than Playa del Carmen and has a calmer, more bohemian feel to it. This manifests itself, among other things, in the fact that bicycles are a preferred means of transport – a distinctive characteristic of Tulum.

In addition to its beautiful sandy beach, azure waters and good snorkelling opportunities, Tulum also offers interesting sights. Visit, for example, the Tulum ruins, which were a trade centre between the 13th and 15th centuries, and the UNESCO-protected Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, which offers unique flora and fauna, including 300 different bird species.

Other highlights in Mexico

There is no shortage of amazing sights in Mexico. In addition to the above, you can also discover:

• San Cristóbal de las Casas, one of the most beautiful and charming colonial cities in Mexico, located at an altitude of 2,100 metres.
• With its 500+ cataracts large and small, the Cascadas de Agua Azul is one of the most unforgettable natural wonders in Mexico
• Palenque, one of the largest Mayan cities, now surrounded by tropical rainforest and known for its indescribable beauty.

Combine Mexico and Guatemala

Two of our tours combine Mexico with a tour to Guatemala . Guatemala borders Mexico, making a trip to Guatemala an obvious choice.

The two tours take you, among other places, to:

• The Tikal National Park , which was one of the most powerful kingdoms in Mayan times, is one of the largest Maya archaeological sites in Guatemala today.
• The town of Panajachel , which is surrounded by volcanoes and Mayan villages and situated by one of the world’s most scenic lakes, Atitlán.
• Antigua, the former capital , which is a cosy city with cobbled streets and colourful colonial buildings.

You visit the above sights on both Guatemala combinations.

Want to know more about our tours?

To find out more about our different tours, click on “Read more” on the tour further up the page.

Under each tour, you will find more information about

• The tour’s highlights
• Current prices depending on the date
• What is included in the price
• Itinerary for each day

You can also read more about Mexico on the Practical information about Mexico page.

If you have any questions, you are welcome to contact our  travel consultants, who are on hand to help answer any questions you may have about Mexico, booking the tour or something else entirely.

We look forward to helping you on a holiday of a lifetime.

TourCompass – From tourist to traveller

• Practical Info
• Passport/Visa/ESTA
• Travel documents
• View all practical information about Mexico

When is the best time to visit Mexico?

A tour in Mexico offers fascinating Maya ruins, enchanting sandy beaches and heavenly nature. But when is the best time...

Cenotes in Mexico: a guide to Yucatán’s subterranean treasures

It’s nothing short of magical to see the sun’s rays penetrating the opening of a cenote falling from a cloudless...

Five facts about Day of the Dead in Mexico

Smiling skeletons, colourful sugar skulls and festive picnics at the cemetery. A typical scene every year in early November when...

Chichen Itza – the Mayan wonder

With its beautiful temples, impressive pyramids and large ball pitch, Chichen Itza is recognised as one of the 7 new...

7 outstanding things to do in Mexico

If you’re looking to go on a versatile tour that offers activities, culinary experiences and a rich history, you should...

Find your dream holiday

You can check out the itinerary and dream yourself away in photos and videos of all our tours. You can read more about accommodation, combination options and all the practicalities – and see prices and departure dates for the next 18 months.

Any questions or wishes?

You are always welcome to call or write to us. We are here to answer all your questions, listen to your wishes and provide you with honest and competent advice based on our extensive travel experiences with Africa, Asia and Latin America.

Obtain a no-obligation quote

You will receive a detailed quote for the tour, which you can save, print out or share with your travelling companions. If you decide to go ahead and book the tour, you can do this easily via the quote itself.

Emily loves to travel and is extremely passionate about helping others achieve their travel dreams.

• We’re with you all the way
• A world of destinations
• Tours crafted by experts
• Travel peace of mind

We know your time is precious. That's why we strive to provide personalised, attentive service to ensure your comfort and safety throughout your tour. From the moment you book to the moment you return home, we’re here to handle every detail with the utmost care.

We offer a diverse array of destinations, each promising its own unique story, shaped by its local cultures, fascinating wildlife, and natural beauty. 

We design every tour based on the extensive research and first-hand experiences of our travel specialists and experts. Each tour is crafted to showcase the best each country has to offer.

With us, you can rest assured; your journey is in safe hands. We are ATOL certified and a proud member of ABTA, maintaining rigorous standards of quality and service to ensure your complete peace of mind.

Receive all the latest news and offers delivered to your inbox!

About TourCompass Online payment Privacy and cookie policy Cookie settings

Cookies on GOV.UK

We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

• Department for Business & Trade
• Department for International Trade

Continuing the United Kingdom’s Trade Relationship with Mexico (web version)

Published 31 December 2020

© Crown copyright 2020

This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: [email protected] .

Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.

This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/continuing-the-uks-trade-relationship-with-mexico-parliamentary-report/70b0c749-e736-4409-8c76-250273186880

Trade Continuity Agreement between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United Mexican States

Presented to Parliament

by the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs

by Command of Her Majesty

January 2021

Introduction

1. This report explains HM Government’s approach to delivering continuity in the trade relationship of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (the “UK”) with the United Mexican States (“Mexico”) now that we have left the European Union (the “EU”).  

2. With our exit from the EU, HM Government has sought to deliver the maximum possible certainty to businesses and consumers through ensuring continuity in our existing trade relationships. It is in no one’s interests to disrupt existing trade flows. 

3. To achieve this, HM Government has developed new bilateral agreements that replicate, as far as possible, the effects of the trade and association agreements we have with existing partners. The Trade Continuity Agreement between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United Mexican States (the “Agreement”) is intended to take effect on the date the Economic Partnership, Political Coordination and Cooperation Agreement ( EPPCCA ) between the European Community and its Member States of the one part, and the United Mexican State, of the other part (the “EU-Mexico EPPCCA ”) ceases to apply to us (or as soon as possible thereafter). The new agreement will form the starting point for our future trade arrangements with our partners. 

4. Wherever possible, HM Government has sought a technical replication of the existing EU agreements through these new bilateral ‘continuity trade agreements’, but in some cases, it has applied bespoke solutions for individual agreements as necessary to ensure continuity of effect in a bilateral context. 

5. This report gives details of, and explains the reasons for, any significant differences between:

a. The Agreement; and

b. the EU-Mexico EPPCCA , signed in 1997 and entered into force in 2000.

6. This report first sets out the general drafting changes necessary across all HM Government’s short form continuity trade agreements and which have no significant impact on our current trade relationships. It then considers provisions of the Agreement, in turn explaining any significant differences between the Agreement and the corresponding trade-related provisions of the EU-Mexico EPPCCA . To assist the reader, the report includes some discussion of the economic impacts as appropriate. This report focuses on the changes made to the trading arrangements between us and Mexico as ceases to be bound by the EU-Mexico EPPCCA and this Agreement enters into force. Any wider economic impacts resulting from our exit from the EU or the nature of the future relationship between us and the EU have been excluded from this report. 

Legal approach

7. The UK and Mexico have agreed that using a short form agreement is the most pragmatic and sensible approach in the circumstances. The approach taken is similar to that used in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (the “ CPTPP ”), where Article 1 of the CPTPP incorporates (save for a small number of articles) by reference the provisions of the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement into and makes them part of, mutatis mutandis, the CPTPP . The advantages of this approach include that:

a. the short form agreement can be drafted in such a manner as to accommodate different scenarios, such as the various possible outcomes of our ongoing negotiations with the EU regarding the future of the UK-EU relationship;

b. the format itself will send a clear message to businesses, consumers, and investors in both the UK and Mexico that the aim is simply to secure continuity in existing trading arrangements, with the only changes being the ones clearly specified on the face of the Agreement; and;

c. the approach provides a clear legal text, making rights and obligations unambiguous where they have by necessity changed. 

8. The Agreement replicates the effects of the trade-related provisions of the EU-Mexico Agreement as closely as possible, including the establishment of institutional arrangements between us and Mexico based on existing structures (such as the Joint Council) that allow for the ongoing management and updating of the Agreement.

9. Many of the general changes to the EU-Mexico  EPPCCA (such as replacing “EU” with “UK”) are applied by reading the EU-Mexico text of the EU-Mexico EPPCCA mutatis mutandis, that is, with the technical changes necessary to apply the EU-Mexico EPPCCA as if it had been concluded between us and Mexico in the first instance. This has avoided the need to reproduce every page of the EU-Mexico EPPCCA and has significantly reduced the volume of text required.  

10. Where more substantive amendments were required to ensure operability in a bilateral context, or where we and Mexico jointly agreed that mutatis mutandis would not deliver adequate certainty over rights and obligations, detailed amendments have been included in the Annexes to the Agreement.

11. This report is intended to aid businesses, consumers, and parliamentarians in understanding any significant changes made to our trade, political, economic, or social cooperation relationship with Mexico by the Agreement and the reasons for any changes, and their impact.

12. Should you wish to view the EU-Mexico EPPCCA as originally published, it can be found online on the Organization of American States . This is accompanied by more detail, including decisions of the Association Council and Association Committee established under the EU-Mexico EPPCCA for the purpose of administering the EU-Mexico EPPCCA .

13. Should you wish to view the full text of the Agreement, it will be laid in Parliament alongside an Explanatory Memorandum as part of our treaty ratification process in accordance with the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010 (the “ CRaG Act ”). The text will also be available on GOV.UK.

Economic Background

14. This section provides a country-specific background analysis of trade between the UK and Mexico.

Trade between the United Kingdom and Mexico

15. Mexico is our 42nd largest trading partner, [footnote 1] accounting for 0.4% of total trade. Total trade in goods and services with Mexico was £5.3 billion in 2019. [footnote 2]

16. In 2019, our exports to Mexico were £2.6 billion, making it our 40th largest export market (accounting for 0.4% of all exports). Our imports from Mexico were £2.7 billion, making it our 43rd largest import source (accounting for 0.4% of all British imports).

Table 1: Trade between the United Kingdom and Mexico, 2019 (£ billion)

Source: ONS , (2020). UK total trade: all countries, non-seasonally adjusted (accessed 13thNovember 2020)

17. Using data from HMRC for trade in goods only, Table 2 shows in 2019 the top goods exported to Mexico were machinery and mechanical appliances (HS84, £351 million), vehicles other than railway or tramway stock (HS87, £180 million) and beverages, spirits, and vinegar (HS22, £139 million), together making up almost half of the total value of goods exported to Mexico. Our top goods imported from Mexico were precious stones and metals (HS71, £980 million), representing 45% of the total value of goods imported from Mexico.

18. The Agreement on the Mutual Recognition and Protection of Designations for Spirit Drinks was signed on 30th November 2020, which is an important geographical indications agreement between the United Kingdom and Mexico to protect the spirits of both countries. The agreement protects three UK GIs; Irish Whiskey, Irish Cream and Scotch Whisky and four Mexican GIs; Tequila, Mezcal, Sotol and Charanda.

Table 2: Top 5 UK goods exports to and imports from Mexico, 2019 (HS2 [footnote 3] , £ million)

Source: HMRC trade statistics by commodity code (accessed 1st December 2020). Sectors classified according to Harmonised System chapters. Data presented is recorded on a physical movement basis where a good is recorded as an export (import) if it physically leaves (enters) the economic territory of a country

19. In 2019, we exported £1.0 billion in services to Mexico and imported £1.0 billion in services. Table 3 shows that in 2019, insurance and pension was the largest our service exported to Mexico, valued at £212 million, with ‘other business services’ (comprised of sectors including legal, accounting, management consulting and others) following as the second largest export (£200 million). Travel was our largest service imported from Mexico, valued at £789 million, with ‘other business services’ following as the second largest import (£133 million).

Table 3: Top 5 UK goods exports to and imports from Mexico, 2019 (£ million)

Source: ONS , (2020). UK trade in services: service type by partner country, non-seasonally adjusted (accessed 16th November 2020).

Import and export data for some sectors have been omitted by the ONS as the data might be disclosive, but the values are included in the overall totals.

ONS data is recorded on a ‘Balance of Payments’ or ‘change of ownership’ basis where a good or service leaving (entering) the economic territory of a country is recorded as an export (import) only if it has changed ownership between the resident of the reporting country and non-residents. Goods exports (imports) are recorded by HMRC if a good physically leaves (enters) the economic territory of a country.

British businesses exporting to and importing from Mexico

20. In 2019, HMRC estimated that around 3,800 VAT-registered businesses exported goods to Mexico and around 1,300 imported goods from Mexico. [footnote 4] As these figures only include businesses trading in goods, they are likely to underestimate the total number of businesses trading with Mexico.

21. For context, provisional survey data from the ONS shows that around 340,500 (non-financial) registered British businesses traded in either goods or services or both in 2018 with another country. [footnote 5] This was just under 15% of all VAT/PAYE registered businesses. There were around 211,100 (non-financial) registered businesses in the UK engaged in goods trade with another country and 188,400 (non-financial) registered businesses trading in services in 2018. Some of these businesses traded in both goods and services. There will be other businesses trading internationally, which are not identified by these surveys as they are not registered for VAT. Neither of these sources include businesses trading below the VAT registration threshold.

Economic impact of the EU-Mexico EPPCCA

22. The EU-Mexico EPPCCA , which established a free trade area, liberalising two-way trade in industrial products and progressively liberalising two-way trade in agricultural, agri-food and fisheries products, was signed in 1997 and entered into force in 2000. The EU-Mexico EPPCCA also contains inter alia provisions on quotas, movement of capital, competition, and intellectual property.

23. A 2018 European Commission report looking at implementation of EU free trade agreements included information on the EU-Mexico EPPCCA . [footnote 6] It highlighted that between 2002 and 2017 EU goods exports to Mexico had increased by 12.0% and EU goods imports from Mexico by 19.6%, although it must be noted that trade would have been likely to expand in the absence of the agreement.

Potential loss to the United Kingdom if the Agreement is not brought into effect

24. The Agreement not being applied would result in businesses losing the preferences negotiated under the EU-Mexico EPPCCA . This would include the re-imposition of many tariffs, returning to World Trade Organization Most-Favoured Nation (“ MFN ”) tariff treatment with Mexico. Any benefits derived from trading under preferences through the EU-Mexico EPPCCA , such as increases in trade flows, may then be reversed.

25. It is unlikely that the entire effect of the EU-Mexico EPPCCA would disappear. Tariffs would revert to MFN rates, discussed in further detail below, but it could take longer for some of the other benefits to be lost. Some gains might endure even in the long run. For example, we might still benefit from any regulatory arrangements agreed because of the EU-Mexico EPPCCA . Business connections formed because of the EU-Mexico EPPCCA might also endure.

26. The size of the impact of not bringing into force or applying the Agreement would depend on the responsiveness of trade flows to increased costs brought about by the loss of access to the preferences provided under the Agreement. [footnote 7]

Immediate impact if not brought into effect

Impact of tariffs under current mfn [footnote 8].

27. Much international goods trade takes place in products for which MFN rates are already zero. However, trade and association agreements provide additional opportunities by reducing tariffs on products where this is not the case. If the Agreement is not brought into effect, tariffs between the two countries would revert to MFN rates. This would lead to an increase in duties applied on some British exports to, and imports from, Mexico.

28. To estimate the potential impact of losing tariff preferences, assumptions have to be made. It is assumed all current trade between us and Mexico occurs at the negotiated preferential tariff rate and current patterns of trade remain unchanged in the future. Without taking into account the effect of unilateral preferences, reverting to Mexico’s current MFN tariff rates and the UK Global Tariff (our post-transition period MFN schedule) would result in an annual increase in total duties of around £79 million. This would predominately consist of duties applied to our exports increasing by around £60 million, with duties on imports increasing by around £19 million. [footnote 9]

29. However, these estimates assume that all tariff preferences offered under the current EU- Mexico EPPCCA are fully utilised by exporters. This is unlikely to be true. For example, estimates from the European Commission suggest that in 2019, 63% of the UK’s eligible goods exports to Mexico (defined as those which occurred under tariff lines where a preferential rate was offered under the EU-Mexico EPPCCA ) actually utilised the tariff preferences. Additionally, evidence suggests that 43% of the UK’s eligible goods imports from Mexico in 2019 were imported utilising the preferences under the EU-Mexico EPPCCA . [footnote 10] This means that the actual increase in duties could be lower than the estimates above.

30. The total duty which would in fact be charged on exports and imports would also depend on how quantities and prices of traded products adjusted to the imposition of tariffs. If British producers were not previously utilising the preferential rates or producers and consumers changed their behaviour in response to higher tariffs, this cost would be lower than estimated above. These are strong assumptions, so this figure should be treated as an indicative estimate of the magnitude of the trade barrier under this scenario.

31. The indicative estimates show that the largest implied increases in our duties on exports would be for vehicles other than railway or tramway stock (HS87) of around £29 million, pharmaceutical products (HS30) of around £7 million, and essential oils and resinoids; perfumery (HS33) of around £3 million.

32. Accounting for unilateral preferences, the largest implied increases in import duties would be in plastics and articles thereof (HS39) of around £4 million, edible fruits and nuts (HS08) of around £3 million, and preparations of vegetables, fruits or nuts (HS20) of around £2 million.

33. Indicative estimates of implied additional tariff duties are provided above to give a sense of scale of potential additional costs of trade. Tariff duties are transfers, where the cost to business is equal to the extra tariff revenue collected by the Exchequer and Mexican Government. However, there could be wider effects of increased costs of trade, including negative impacts on consumer choice, prices, and ultimately economic growth and welfare. Estimates of implied additional duties do not therefore constitute an estimate of the impact.

34. Additional duties could be absorbed by either British or Mexican businesses (depending on whether it is the importer or exporter paying the duty), passed on to consumers, or existing trade patterns could be interrupted. This could impact on the competitiveness of British businesses, leading to disruptions in supply chains and job losses in the short term.

35. Businesses that rely on imports as part of their supply chains may be affected if import prices rise, including British exporters that rely on Mexican inputs to export goods to the rest of the world. In 2016 (latest data), around 15.4% of the value added in our gross exports reflected imports from abroad, with Mexico accounting for 0.1% of the total value added in our gross exports (latest country-level data from 2015). [footnote 11] British companies which rely on Mexican imports would also become less competitive.

36. Imported products could be more expensive for consumers if retailers pass on additional duties to consumers through increases in domestic prices. This could disproportionately affect certain groups of consumers, for example those at the lower end of the income distribution, depending on the specific sectors affected. Consumers might also see a reduction in the choice of products and services available.

Longer term impact if not brought into effect

37. In the long run, we would forgo the longer-term benefits that the Agreement would have brought to us. This could result in our long-term Gross Domestic Product (“ GDP ”) marginally decreasing if the Agreement is not brought into effect. Given the small share of our trade under the EU-Mexico EPPCCA , it is expected that any impact on our GDP would be relatively small.

Explanation of the Agreement, including Significant Differences between the Agreement and the EU-Mexico EPPCCA

38. The Agreement follows the short form approach, explained above in paragraphs 7 to 10 of this report. Beyond the general mutatis mutandis changes explained above, this section describes global changes made to continuity free-trade agreements following the short form approach and goes on to provide a detailed discussion of the Agreement.

Nature of the EU-Mexico EPPCCA and the Agreement

39. Technical transition of the trade-related provisions of the EU-Mexico EPPCCA with few changes means that the trade substance of the Agreement is broadly the same.

40. Dialogue and co-operation between the UK and Mexico will continue as stated in the joint political declaration accompanying the signing of the Agreement.

General Provisions

Removal and replacement of references to the eu.

41. Under Article 3 of the Agreement, the trade-related provisions of the EU-Mexico EPPCCA are incorporated into the Agreement mutatis mutandis. This means the incorporated provisions are to be read taking into account any technical changes necessary to apply the EU-Mexico EPPCCA as if it had been concluded between us and Mexico, taking into account the object and purpose of this Agreement. Therefore, any references to the “European Union”, “the European Community”, the “EU”, and “Member States” are either not incorporated into the Agreement or replaced by “the United Kingdom”. Similarly, references to EU institutions have either not been incorporated or replaced with appropriate references to our equivalent institutions. All other references to the “European Union”, the “European Community”, the “EU”, “EU Party” and “Member States” that are not explicitly deleted are read, mutatis mutandis, as references to the UK.

Territorial Application

42. Territorial application provisions set out the territories to which the agreement in question applies, and how it applies to them. The territorial application of the EU-Mexico EPPCCA to the EU is defined by reference to the Treaties establishing the European Community. The Agreement replaces this provision with Article 5, which clarifies that the Agreement applies to the UK and the territories listed in Article 5 to the extent that and under the conditions which the EU-Mexico EPPCCA applied immediately before it ceased to apply to the UK. The Agreement will apply to Gibraltar and the Crown Dependencies (Isle of Man, Bailiwick of Jersey, Bailiwick of Guernsey). The territories, other than the UK itself, to which the Agreement applies are separated into the following categories based upon the application of EU law to date:

a. the Crown Dependencies (Isle of Man, Bailiwick of Jersey, Bailiwick of Guernsey), to which, broadly, provisions relating to trade in goods and customs apply; and

b. Gibraltar, to which, broadly, provisions not relating to trade in goods or customs apply.

Continuation of Time Periods

43. Trade provisions of the EU-Mexico EPPCCA that require an action within a certain time period which has not yet ended under that agreement become part of the Agreement reflecting only the remaining time in which the action must occur. Where time periods in such provisions of the EU-Mexico EPPCCA have ended, any ongoing right or obligation continues to apply between us and Mexico (the “Parties”) and the time period is not incorporated into the Agreement.

44. These outcomes are provided for by Article 6 of the Agreement, in relation to substantive rights or obligations (and unless the Agreement provides otherwise). Time periods that relate to a procedure or other administrative matter, such as a review, committee procedure or notification are not affected and therefore ‘start again’ when the Agreement enters into force.

Institutions and Committees

45. Most of the institutional provisions and bodies provided for in the EU-Mexico EPPCCA have been incorporated, mutatis mutandis, into the Agreement. The primary bodies responsible for overseeing the operation and implementation of the Agreement are the Joint Council (the “Council”) and the Joint Committee (the “Committee”). The Council and Committee are comprised of representatives of the Parties.

46. Article 7 of the Agreement confirms that the Council, established under Title VII of the EU- Mexico EPPCCA , is responsible for ensuring the Agreement operates properly. Article 7(2) further provides that the Council is deemed to have adopted the decisions of the Joint Council and Joint Committee established under the EU-Mexico EPPCCA before the EU-Mexico EPPCCA ceased to apply to us, to the extent those decisions relate to trade and to the Parties, mutatis mutandis. This approach provides for continuity of effect as it ensures that the decisions in force when the EU-Mexico EPPCCA ceases to apply to us continue to apply under the Agreement, and subject to the provisions of the Agreement.

Amendment Provisions

47. Amendment provisions set out the process to be followed if the parties agree to amend the provisions of an agreement after it enters into force. Although parties to an agreement are generally free to amend it as they deem necessary, amendment provisions serve to make the process clearer, more streamlined, and transparent.

48. Article 11 of the Agreement is an amendment provision which outlines the process to be followed if the Parties agree to amend the Agreement after it enters into force. Article 11 provides that the Parties may agree, in writing, to amend the Agreement. Such amendments shall enter into force after the Parties’ exchange written notifications certifying that they have completed their respective legal requirement and procedures. In the UK, amendments to the Agreement that are, pursuant to Article 11(1) of the Agreement, expressly subject to a formal exchange of notes to confirm completion of internal procedures would engage the Parliamentary scrutiny process set out in the CRaG Act .

49. Except where otherwise provided in the Agreement, the Council (or Committee insofar as such powers are delegated to it by the Council) may also make decisions which affect the Parties’ commitments under the Agreement, in specific areas where the Agreement provides such powers. Decisions and recommendations of the Council or the Committee shall be drawn up by agreement between the Parties. It is in our interests for the Council and the Committee to have this function to ensure continuity of effect of the EU-Mexico EPPCCA , as far as possible, and to streamline the process of making changes to the Agreement where required.

50. The inclusion of an amendment provision in the Agreement does not commit us to making any changes to the Agreement once it enters into force. It simply sets out a process which may be used if needed. Therefore, the inclusion of an amendment provision is not expected to have an impact on the operability of the Agreement in a bilateral context.

Entry into Force

51. Entry into force provisions specify the date from which the provisions of an agreement will bind the parties. Existing entry into force provisions in the EU-Mexico EPPCCA have been replaced with new provisions to ensure that the Agreement is able to enter into force as swiftly as possible once the EU-Mexico EPPCCA ceases to apply to us.

52. Article 12 of the Agreement provides that the Agreement shall enter into force on the later of:

a. the date on which the EU-Mexico EPPCCA ceases to apply to the UK; and

b. the date of the later of the notifications by which the Parties notify each other that they have completed their respective legal procedures.

53. For the Agreement to enter into force, both Parties must first complete their domestic legal procedures required for entry into force. In our domestic law, before an agreement subject to ratification (as the term is defined in domestic law) may be brought into force, it must be laid before Parliament for scrutiny in accordance with the CRaG Act .

54. Each Party are required to submit notifications under Article 12(2) to the other Party in writing, through diplomatic channels, of the completion of its domestic procedures required for the entry into force of this Agreement.

Trade Remedies

55. Trade remedies provide a safety net for domestic industry against injury caused by dumped, subsidised or unexpected surges of imports. Most WTO Members, who are major economies, have a trade remedies system.

56. The Agreement replicates the effects of the trade remedies provisions in the EU-Mexico EPPCCA mutatis mutandis.

Dispute Settlement

57. The economic benefits of trade and association agreements can only be realised if they are faithfully implemented and complied with. A dispute settlement mechanism in an agreement signals the parties’ intention to abide by the agreement, thereby increasing business and stakeholder confidence that the commitments set out in the agreement can, and will, be upheld. The dispute settlement mechanism therefore provides an important deterrent function. It also provides an effective mechanism for enforcing those commitments, and for resolving any disputes arising under the agreement in question.

58. The Agreement replicates the effects of the dispute settlement provisions under the EU- Mexico EPPCCA mutatis mutandis.

59. One of the impacts of replicating the dispute settlement provision in the existing EU trade and association agreements is that, in the event that a dispute arises, we will be directly responsible for any relevant costs associated with the dispute settlement process.

Subsequent Negotiations

60. The Agreement adds an additional provision, Article 9, this establishes that both Parties will commence subsequent negotiations for an ambitious, modern and comprehensive free trade agreement within one year of the date of entry into force of this Agreement. The Parties shall strive to conclude the negotiations within three years of entry into force of this Agreement.

Annexes and Protocols

61. Goods chapters in trade and association agreements set out the treatment and the level of access to the domestic market granted to the goods of each of the respective parties. Such provisions include setting tariff levels and quotas on various products, establishing agricultural safeguards and determining the rules of origin for goods to qualify for preferential treatment. Commitments on tariffs for both the Parties have, other than in those cases detailed below, been transitioned without changes. This means that, under the Agreement, tariff preferences applied by us for products from Mexico will remain the same as those applied by the EU on the date we cease to be bound by the EU-Mexico EPPCCA , and, likewise, Mexico will continue to apply the same tariff preferences to products from the UK that it is applying to products from the EU covered by the EU-Mexico EPPCCA .

62. The only exception to tariff commitments being transitioned without modifications relates to the size of tariff-rate quotas (see below), which can be found in the Annex to the Agreement, where these have been resized to account for the fact that the volumes apply to UK-Mexico trade rather than trade between the EU and Mexico. These changes are detailed further below.

Tariff Rate Quotas

Justification for policy change.

63. Tariff-rate quotas (“ TRQs ”) allow a certain quantity of a product to enter the market at a zero or reduced tariff rate. Imports above the quota are subject to a higher tariff – usually the MFN rate. The EU has agreed TRQs , both for imports to the EU and exports to partner countries, in some of its trade and association agreements. In order for products to continue to benefit from the use of these TRQs bilaterally in trade between the UK and third countries, these quotas need to be present in the new our agreements with those partners.

64. Most TRQs administered by the us and by partner countries have been resized to reflect the fact that the United Kingdom is a smaller import and export market than the EU. Solutions were agreed with partner countries to set quotas at a sufficient level that would allow for continuity of historic trade flows, in most circumstances, for importers and exporters from both sides.

65. Where possible, TRQs have been resized based on three years’ worth of trade flow data which records the volume of goods that enter the United Kingdom. In order to address future market access opportunities for British and Mexican businesses, it was also agreed that a minimum level of access should be provided for all quotas, based on a proxy measure relevant to British trade. Doing so allows future market access opportunities for British and Mexican businesses using a fair, evidence-based methodology.

66. The agreed share has been applied to the TRQ volume at the time of signature, to account for any increases therein since the EU-Mexico EPPCCA first entered into force.

67. The TRQs provided in the Agreement have been calculated using trade flows. For fresh asparagus, we have resized the TRQ to the full quantity of the TRQ in the EU-Mexico EPPCCA to reflect the volume of imports from Mexico exceeding the full size of the EU-Mexico EPPCCA TRQ . For bananas, we have resized the TRQ to 12,000 tonnes to reflect the full volume of imports into the United Kingdom from Mexico, benefitting shoppers in Britain. This is larger than the full EU-Mexico TRQ of 2,010 tonnes. The in-quota tariff rate applied to bananas will be £58/tonne which is the sterling equivalent of the EU-Mexico EPPCCA €70/tonne using the same conversion methodology that was applied to WTO bound rates and the UK Global Tariff.

68. Without transitioning the TRQs from the EU-Mexico EPPCCA into the Agreement, and without any other mitigating actions, goods imported from Mexico under the TRQs in the EU-Mexico EPPCCA could face higher MFN tariffs. This could make these imports more expensive. The nature and size of the impact of this change will depend on a number of factors, including existing trading patterns and the behaviour and responsiveness of domestic consumers and businesses to the change in tariff rates. Our imports from Mexico based on trade data (at tariff- line level) of products that are currently covered by TRQs [footnote 12] were worth £24 million in total in 2019, equivalent to 1% of our total goods imports from Mexico. [footnote 13] [footnote 14]

69. Based on historical usage of the quotas and trade flows in relevant products, it is expected that the overall, immediate impact on British producers and consumers resulting from this approach to re-sizing TRQs would be limited. We do not produce bananas so there will be no impact on domestic production, and consumers and businesses are expected to benefit from cheaper bananas. The TRQ offered to Mexico is equal to current imports from Mexico (average 2014-16 figures), so we do not expect this to affect any other trade flows. Although asparagus is produced in the UK, the resized TRQ of 600 tonnes is substantially below the current level of imports, at 2,000 tonnes (average 2014-16 figures), so we do not expect this to affect any other trade flows. The remaining TRQs are not currently filled by Mexico so we do not expect these agreed TRQ volumes to significantly change trade flows – including in cane molasses and honey where product-specific share of trade proxies were used.

70. British goods exports to Mexico could be adversely affected if the relevant TRQ were not transitioned. In the absence of a free trade agreement that trade would face MFN tariffs. As explored above for British imports, the nature and size of the impact of this change would depend on a number of factors.

Inward TRQs

Table 4: list of trqs from mexico to the eu and new quota volumes in the agreement.

(1) Inward quotas, which are administered by the EU, each have a unique order number. Further information about existing EU quotas can be found on the EU Customs and Taxation website. http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/dds2/taric/quota_consultation.jsp?Lang=en

Outward TRQs

Table 5: list of trqs from the eu to mexico and new quota volumes in the agreement, entry price system.

71. The EU’s Entry Price System (“ EPS ”) is a variable tariff mechanism applying to 15 types of fruits and vegetables. The EPS applies to apples, apricots, artichokes, cherries, clementines, courgettes, cucumbers, lemons, mandarins, oranges, peaches/nectarines, pears, plums, table grapes and tomatoes during their respective, approximate European growing seasons.

72. Under the EPS , a specific duty is charged in addition to the ad valorem duty, whenever the price at which the goods are imported is below a pre-determined entry price. The specific duty varies depending on the difference between the entry price and the import price of the goods. In most cases, if the import price of the consignment undercuts the entry price by more than 8%, the full bound specific tariff is applied. These entry prices and specific tariffs are provided in the EU’s Schedule of Commitments to the WTO General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (“ GATT ”).

73. We are retaining the flexibility to implement an EPS following its withdrawal from the EU.

74. This provision provides continuity of effect by ensuring that if we apply an EPS , the modifications provided for in incorporated Annex 1 to Decision No 2/2000 of the EU-Mexico Joint Council will continue to apply under the Agreement. In the event that we apply an EPS , the Agreement provides that the ad valorem part of the duty will be eliminated, but the specific duty will be retained.

75. The UK’s GATT Schedule of Commitments (published 24 July 2018) replicates the entry prices and specific tariffs as bound in the EU’s GATT Schedule. Any future UK EPS will therefore have entry prices and specific duties no higher than those specified in our GATT Schedule.

Rules of Origin

76. In trade and association agreements, rules of origin (“ RoOs ”) are used to determine the economic nationality of a good. In order to qualify for preferential tariff rates, a good must “originate” in one of the parties to the agreement. Trade and association agreements may also allow materials originating and/or processed in a country other than the exporting party to count towards meeting the specific origin requirements for preferential treatment, a process known as “cumulation”.

77. There are two main categories relevant to determining whether goods “originate” in the exporting country for the purposes of a trade or association agreement:

a. Wholly obtained – These goods are wholly obtained or produced entirely in a single country. Examples include: (i) mineral products extracted from the soil; and (ii) live animals born and raised there.

b. Substantial transformation – These goods are made from materials which come from more than one country, and the origin is, therefore, defined as that of the country where the goods were last substantially transformed. This can be determined in three ways:

i. Value added – This type of rule requires that a particular proportion of the final value of the product be added in the exporting country.

ii. Change in Tariff Classification (“ CTC ”) – This type of rule requires that the final product be sufficiently different from the imported materials so that it moves to a different tariff classification altogether.

iii. Specific processing or manufacturing – These rules typically apply where value added or CTC rules may not adequately determine originating status, and where specific processes are required to meet originating criteria.

78. During the transition period, all British content is currently considered as “originating” in the EU and our exports are designated as “EU origin”. This means that originating materials from, and processing in, the UK and the rest of the EU-27 Member States can be used interchangeably in our bilateral trade with existing EU trade partners. This will no longer be the case when existing EU trade and association agreements cease to apply to us at the end of the transition period.

79. At this point, the designation of our exports will shift from “EU” originating to “UK” originating, and EU content will (unless specific provision is made in the new UK continuity trade agreements) no longer count towards meeting the origin requirements for preferential treatment for either party. This change would have implications for goods traded between us, the EU and Mexico.

80. To address these implications and to provide maximum continuity for business, the Agreement provides that EU materials can be recognised (i.e. cumulated) in the Parties exports to one another. Furthermore, EU processing can be recognised (i.e. cumulated) in our exports to Mexico. The cumulation arrangements are set out in incorporated Annex III to Decision 2/2000. The provisions on cumulation of EU materials and processing will apply for 3 years after entry into force. Not more than 30 months after the entry into force of this Agreement, the Parties shall consider whether the period should be extended.

81. If cumulation of EU content for the Parties was not permitted under the Agreement, some UK and Mexican based exporters could find themselves unable to access preferences, as they are currently able to. For example, British exporters to Mexico who rely on EU content might have to revert to paying Most Favoured Nation ( MFN ) tariff rates, if they continued using EU content, or they might have to review and reassess their existing supply and value chains as a result of this change to existing terms. The impact would, of course, vary across sectors.

82. The Agreement provides only for trade between the Parties and does not provide for either Party’s direct trade with the EU, including, for example, where British and Mexican based exporters use content from each other in exports to the EU. On signature of the Agreement, the Parties also made an Exchange of Notes relating to a trilateral approach to rules of origin.

Origin Quotas

83. Origin Quotas allow a volume of specific product lines to be exported under a more lenient rule of origin. They allow exporters who may have struggled to meet the origin requirements in the list of product-specific rules to secure preferential access for a specified volume of their product.

84. The Origin Quotas in the EU-Mexico EPPCCA were agreed upon in relation to the size of the EU and Mexican markets. To provide continuity for businesses and maintain the market access for exporters offered under the original quotas for these products, the UK and Mexico have replicated the Origin Quotas between the EU and Mexico and re-sized them to reflect the bilateral trade flows observed in recent years and the fact that the UK is a smaller market than the EU28. Quota sizes were agreed with Mexico to allow for a sufficient level that will allow for continuity of historical trade flows.

85. Table 6 sets out the new UK-Mexico Origin Quotas applicable under the Agreement.

Table 6: List of origin quotas from the UK to Mexico and new quota volumes

87. The Agreement incorporates the customs provisions of the EU-Mexico EPPCCA , mutatis mutandis. However, minor technical changes have been made to the following provisions of the Agreement:

a. Article 17(3) to Decision 2/2000 has been amended to reflect that an Annex on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Customs Matters has been adopted under the Incorporated Decision further to the EU-Mexico Joint Council’s to Decision 5/2004.

b. Article 14 to the Annex on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Customs Matters to Decision 5/2004 has been amended by (i) removing 14(1)(c) which relates to communication between the EU Commission and customs authorities of EU Member states and (ii) amending 14(2) to remove reference to cooperation agreements between individual EU Member States and Mexico and making this a commitment between the UK and Mexico.

88. The above minor changes are not expected to have any direct impact on trade flows.

Intellectual Property

89. The UK’s existing Intellectual Property (“ IP ”) obligations found in international and trade agreements will remain in place. We will remain a member of the World Intellectual Property Organization ( WIPO ), and remain fully compliant with those WIPO treaties to which we are already a Party. We will also remain fully compliant with the World Trade Organization’s agreement on the trade related aspects of intellectual property rights ( TRIPS ).

90. The Agreement continues our obligations to provide adequate and effective Intellectual Property (“ IP ”) protection in accordance with the highest international standards and to cooperate with Mexico on aspects of IP . It achieves this by incorporating the relevant provisions of the EU-Mexico EPPCCA , mutatis mutandis.

91. The Agreement also retains the obligations made under Decision 2/2001 of the EU-Mexico Joint Council which require Mexico to accede to various international IP agreements. As the Agreement replicates the effects of the current obligations under the EU-Mexico EPPCCA , this is not expected to have an impact on trade flows.

Government Procurement

92. Government procurement commitments in trade agreements provide enforceable rules and standards for a transparent and non-discriminatory framework on government procurement. They also liberalise specific procurement markets between the parties and provide enforceable market access commitments.

93. The Agreement has retained the commitments on public procurement that relate to the Parties.

94. An amendment has been made to Annex XIII to Decision 2/2000 to reflect the fact that upon entry into force of the Agreement, we will provide Mexico with the details of means of publication of procurement notices in the UK. This will replace the reference to the Official Journal of the European Union.

95. In addition, changes have been made to the statistical reporting obligation (Article 31(7)(a) to Decision 2/2000) and the procedures for updating applicable threshold values under the Agreement (paragraph 2 of Part C of Annex X to Decision 2/2000) to align with current practices.

96. These changes are not expected to have a significant impact on trade flows.

Technical Barriers to Trade

97. Technical barriers to trade (“ TBT ”) provisions in trade and association agreements cover aspects relating to technical regulations, standards, and conformity assessment for goods. They play an important role in reducing non-tariff barriers for businesses, for example, through increasing the transparency of a trading partner’s regulatory requirements.

98. It was not necessary to make any changes to the TBT provisions in the EU-Mexico EPPCCA when incorporating them into the Agreement.

Competition

99. Provisions in trade and association agreements relating to competition help to ensure that open and fair competition exists for the parties.

100. It was not necessary to make any changes to the competition law provisions in the EU-Mexico EPPCCA when incorporating them into the Agreement. The Agreement will not affect the financial support HM Government provides to our agricultural and fishing industries and it is not expected to have a significant impact on trade flows.

101. Services provisions in trade and association agreements set out the treatment and the level of access to the domestic market granted to that trade partner’s service suppliers and services. Commitments build upon the level of access and the treatment granted to all WTO Members, whilst protecting governments’ rights to regulate their domestic markets. In the EU’s trade and association agreements with third countries, the content of the services provisions and depth of the commitments undertaken vary considerably. The variety of these services provisions have, in some cases, necessitated a bespoke approach to deliver continuity in services commitments between us and the relevant partner country. Some agreements have not required amendment whilst others have required technical alteration to their text to deliver continuity of effect. Where such technical changes have been necessary the effects have been replicated, as far as possible.

102. The services provisions of the EU-Mexico EPPCCA are largely contained in Decision No.2/2001 of the EU-Mexico Joint Council. It was not necessary to make substantive changes to the services provisions in the EU-Mexico EPPCCA . Technical changes have been made to reflect that this is now a bilateral agreement between the Parties. These changes are not expected to have an impact on trade flows.

Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures

103. Whilst no SPS chapter exists in the EU-Mexico EPPCCA , existing high-level commitments in relation to SPS have been maintained.

104. The right for the Parties to apply prohibitions or restrictions on trade in goods under the Agreement on the basis of various public policy reasons including the protection of health and life of humans, animals or plants, is preserved through the incorporation, mutatis mutandis, of Article 22 to Decision 2/2000 of the EU-Mexico EPPCCA without modification.

Rights and Responsibilities

105. Consistent with the Agreement focusing on trade, Titles II (political dialogue) and VI (co- operation) of the EU-Mexico EPPCCA have not been retained. Dialogue and co-operation between the UK and Mexico will continue as stated in the joint political declaration accompanying the signing of the Agreement.

106. The provisions of the EU-Mexico EPPCCA which set out the basis of that agreement are incorporated into the Agreement, mutatis mutandis. Accordingly, the Agreement provides that respect for democratic principles and fundamental human rights constitutes an essential element of the Agreement. In the case of a material breach of the Agreement by one of the Parties appropriate measures may be taken in accordance with international law.

107. We have provided for a continuation of a regular bilateral political dialogue which will cover all issues of common interest to the Parties, and, in particular, rights and responsibilities, peace, security, and democracy. These have been incorporated into a joint political statement making clear that UK-Mexico dialogue and cooperation will continue, including in these areas. This is not expected to have a significant impact on trade flows.

EU Member States are treated as individual trading partners with the UK.  ↩

ONS (2020), UK total trade: all countries, non-seasonally adjusted (accessed 13th November 2020)  ↩

The Harmonised System ( HS ) is an international nomenclature for the classification of products. It allows participating countries to classify traded goods on a common basis for customs purposes.  ↩

HMRC , (2020). Regional trade statistics interactive analysis: second quarter 2020 (accessed 1st December 2020)  ↩

ONS , (2019). Annual Business Survey exporters and importers (accessed 1st December 2020)  ↩

European Commission (2018), ‘Individual reports and info sheets on Implementation of EU Free Trade Agreements’.   ↩

Head K and Mayer T (2014), ‘Gravity Equations - Workhorse, toolkit and cookbook’ , Handbook of International Economics, 4, pp. 131-195.  ↩

Tariff schedules used in this impact assessment are the applied tariff rates, not bound tariff rates.  ↩

DIT calculations using tariff data from ITC Market Access Map MAcMap and trade data from ITC TradeMaps for exports calculations (accessed September 2020). DIT calculations using tariff data from the European Commission and Eurostat trade data (accessed October 2020) for imports. Implied additional duties are calculated using the difference in MFN and preferential tariff rates (simple average tariffs at CN8 level) and the value of trade for each product at CN8 level (2019 for imports, 2018 for exports). Different approaches and data sources for this analysis are likely to yield different results. Calculations on duties applied to UK exports also assume trade is not eligible for duty relief under inward/outward processing rules, nor under specific plurilateral agreements such as those covering civil aviation and pharmaceuticals, nor WTO or preferential quotas. Calculations on import duties take into account inward/outward processing rules and trade which is eligible for relief under specific plurilateral agreements but not any WTO or preferential quotas.  ↩

Preferential utilisation rates calculated by European Commission DG Trade (updated 20th September 2020).  ↩

OECD, 2018. Trade in Value Added (TiVA): Origin of value added in gross exports, December 2018. Experimental statistics.  ↩

Trade data at tariff-line level. Products covered by quotas taken from the EU’s TARIC database.   ↩

HM Revenue and Customs, UK trade statistics data. https://www.uktradeinfo.com/Pages/Home.aspx. 2019 average. It should be noted that not all commodity codes within the HS product codes will be covered in every TRQ . Further, it is not necessarily the case that all trade in products under the quota will enter under this access commitment. As such, estimates based on HS6 data are likely to give an upper bound to the volume of imports and exports covered by the TRQ .  ↩

Is this page useful?

• Yes this page is useful
• No this page is not useful

Help us improve GOV.UK

Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.

To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. Please fill in this survey (opens in a new tab) .