Mexico is one of the world’s top travel destinations — famous for its beaches, Mayan and Aztec ruins, vibrant cities, food, and culture.
In 2024, Mexico welcomed around 42 million international visitors, making it the second-most visited country in the Americas after the United States.
Tourism plays a vital role in the Mexican economy, accounting for nearly 9% of GDP.
How Many Tourists Visit Mexico Each Day?
With 42 million international visitors in 2024, Mexico sees an average of ~115,000 tourist arrivals daily. The busiest entry points are Cancún, Mexico City, and Los Cabos, which together account for the majority of arrivals.
How Many Tourists Visit Mexico Each Year?
- 2019 (record pre-pandemic): 45M arrivals.
- 2020–2021: Fell to ~24M due to COVID.
- 2022: 38.3M arrivals.
- 2023: 40.8M arrivals.
- 2024: 42M arrivals.
- 2025 (forecast): Expected 43–44M arrivals.
How Much Money Does Mexico Make from Tourism?
- $30.8 billion USD in international visitor spending (2024).
- Average spend per tourist: ~$730 USD.
- Tourism contributes ~9% of GDP.
- Supports 4.5 million jobs nationwide.
💡 Expert Insight — Josefina Rodríguez Zamora, Secretary of Tourism (Mexico)
“In this administration, tourism is seen as a generator of shared prosperity. Today, more than ever, we are working toward a tourism industry that generates jobs and well-being in resident communities, making them part of the good news sector.”
Which Countries Visit Mexico the Most?
Most of Mexico’s international visitors come from the United States and Canada, though Europe and South America also contribute significantly.
| Country | Visitors (2024 est.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 United States | ~28M | By far the largest market. |
| 🇨🇦 Canada | ~2.3M | Second-largest source. |
| 🇬🇹 Guatemala | ~1.5M | Strong land border tourism. |
| 🇨🇴 Colombia | ~1.3M | Growing air connections. |
| 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | ~800K | Largest European market. |
| 🇪🇸 Spain | ~700K | Strong cultural ties. |
| 🇦🇷 Argentina | ~600K | Popular long-haul Latin American source. |
| 🇩🇪 Germany | ~550K | Cultural & luxury tourism. |
| 🇧🇷 Brazil | ~500K | Growing inflows. |
| 🇫🇷 France | ~480K | Popular among cultural travelers. |
What Are the Most Visited Cities in Mexico?
Mexico’s cities blend history, culture, and modern life.
| City | Visitors (2024 est.) | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Cancún | ~8.5M | Mexico’s #1 resort destination. |
| Mexico City | ~7.1M | Historic center, museums, food. |
| Los Cabos | ~4.5M | Luxury resorts, whale watching. |
| Puerto Vallarta | ~3.2M | Pacific beaches, nightlife. |
| Mérida | ~2M | Gateway to Mayan culture. |
| Guadalajara | ~1.8M | Tequila & mariachi capital. |
| Monterrey | ~1.5M | Business & cultural hub. |
| Tulum | ~1.4M | Ruins + eco-chic tourism. |
| Playa del Carmen | ~1.2M | Riviera Maya hotspot. |
| Oaxaca | ~1M | Colonial charm & gastronomy. |
What Are the Most Visited Attractions in Mexico?
Mexico’s attractions range from ancient ruins to natural wonders.
| Attraction | Annual Visitors | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chichén Itzá (Yucatán) | ~2.8M | UNESCO World Heritage, Mayan pyramid. |
| Teotihuacán (Mexico State) | ~2.6M | Ancient Aztec pyramids. |
| Cancún Beaches | Millions | Top resort hub. |
| Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Mexico City) | ~10M | Religious pilgrimage site. |
| Museo Frida Kahlo (Mexico City) | ~700K | “Blue House” museum. |
| Tulum Ruins | ~1.6M | Coastal Mayan site. |
| Xcaret Park (Riviera Maya) | ~1.5M | Eco-archaeological park. |
| Copper Canyon (Chihuahua) | ~500K | Scenic train route. |
| Palenque (Chiapas) | ~400K | Mayan ruins in the jungle. |
| Monte Albán (Oaxaca) | ~350K | Zapotec ruins. |
When Is the Best Time to Visit Mexico? (Seasonality)
Mexico has year-round tourism, but demand shifts with weather and festivals.
| Season | Visitor Trends | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Peak | Snowbird season, beaches full. |
| Spring (Mar–May) | High | Easter holidays, warm weather. |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Peak | Domestic travel & U.S. vacationers. |
| Autumn (Sep–Nov) | Moderate | Day of the Dead, fewer beach crowds. |
What Are the Biggest Events Attracting Tourists to Mexico?
Festivals and cultural events are central to Mexican tourism.
| Event | Location | Visitors | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day of the Dead | Nationwide (esp. Oaxaca, Mexico City) | Millions | Iconic cultural festival. |
| Guelaguetza Festival | Oaxaca | ~100K | Traditional dance & music. |
| Carnaval | Veracruz & Mazatlán | ~1M+ | Mexico’s biggest carnival. |
| Cervantino Festival | Guanajuato | ~300K | Latin America’s biggest arts festival. |
| Formula 1 Mexican Grand Prix | Mexico City | ~400K | Major international event. |
| Zihuatanejo Guitar Festival | Guerrero | ~10K | Music lovers’ event. |
| Riviera Maya Jazz Festival | Playa del Carmen | ~50K | Free beachfront concerts. |
💡 Expert Insight — Julia Simpson, President & CEO, WTTC
“Mexico continues to consolidate its position as a global tourism powerhouse. With a clear tourism policy, growing connectivity and a diversity of unique destinations, Mexico is well positioned to lead the future of tourism in the Americas.”
How Does Tourism Impact Mexico’s Economy?
- Tourism revenue: $30.8B USD in 2024.
- Nearly 9% of GDP comes from tourism.
- Supports 4.5M jobs.
- Mexico consistently ranks in the top 10 most visited countries in the world.
💡 Expert Insight — Josefina Rodríguez Zamora, Secretary of Tourism (Mexico)
“These results are the product of collective effort, coordination across all levels of government, and above all, the people of Mexico who make our country a unique destination capable of offering world-class tourism services.”
FAQ – Mexico Tourism Insights
How many tourists visit Mexico each year?
Around 42 million in 2024.
Which country sends the most tourists to Mexico?
The United States, with ~28 million visitors.
What is the most visited city in Mexico?
Cancún, with ~8.5 million visitors.
What is the most visited attraction in Mexico?
The Basilica of Guadalupe, attracting ~10 million pilgrims annually.
When is the best time to visit Mexico?
Winter and spring, for ideal weather and major festivals.
How much money does Mexico make from tourism?
About $30.8B USD in 2024.
Is Mexico safe for tourists?
Most tourist areas are safe, but travelers should stay alert, especially outside major resorts.
Sources
- SECTUR / DataTur (Gobierno de México) — Key Indicators (Jan–Dec 2024): International Tourist Arrivals & Spend
- SECTUR / DataTur — International Visitors dashboard (INEGI & Banco de México series)
- Secretaría de Turismo (Gob. MX) — Ingresan a México más de 21,682 mdd por visitantes internacionales (ene–jul 2025)
- Banco de México — Cuenta de Viajeros Internacionales (series mensuales)
- Banco de México — Viajeros internacionales – número y gasto (tablas analíticas)
- INEGI – Encuestas de Viajeros Internacionales (EVI) — Boletín EVI (agosto 2025): entradas, gasto y variaciones
- INEGI – EVI — Boletín EVI (noviembre 2024): visitantes y divisas
- DataTur (Resultados de la Actividad Turística) — Results of Tourism Activity – October 2024 (arrivals, spend, air passengers)
- INAH – Estadística de Visitantes — Visitor statistics for archaeological zones (Chichén Itzá, Teotihuacán, etc.)
- INAH – Boletín — Gran afluencia a zonas arqueológicas (equinoccio 2024)
- Basílica de Guadalupe (sitio oficial) — Información para visitantes & eventos (afluencia anual/peregrinaciones)
- CDMX (Turismo) — Basílica de Guadalupe – reseña y datos de afluencia
- El País (México) — México recibe hasta noviembre 40M de turistas (enero–noviembre 2024)
- El País (México) — Principales países emisores (primer bimestre 2025)
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