Travel Itinerary ideas for Mexico

The Classic Cultural Triangle (10-14 Days)

Overview

This journey offers a deep dive into Mexico’s pre-Hispanic and colonial history, concentrated in the country’s central highlands. It is an ideal introduction for first-time visitors who wish to experience the nation’s cultural heartland, from its most dynamic city to its most revered ancient pyramids. Please be aware that this itinerary involves travel at higher altitudes, which may require a day or so of acclimatization, and features a blend of urban exploration and rural excursions.

Sample Itinerary Route

• Days 1-3: Mexico City: Explore the historic Zócalo, the city’s main square, visit the world-renowned National Museum of Anthropology, and spend an afternoon wandering the cobblestone streets of the Coyoacán neighborhood.
• Days 4-5: Teotihuacan & Puebla: Take a day trip from the capital to climb the monumental Pyramids of the Sun and Moon at Teotihuacan. Afterwards, travel to the colonial city of Puebla, celebrated for its unique culinary scene and talavera pottery.
• Days 6-8: Oaxaca: A short flight or comfortable bus journey brings you to Oaxaca. Here you can explore the impressive Zapotec ruins of Monte Albán, visit the petrified waterfalls at Hierve el Agua, and participate in a guided mezcal tasting.
• Days 9-11: San Miguel de Allende: Travel to this UNESCO World Heritage city, a magnet for artists and expatriates. It is known for its stunning baroque architecture, thriving art galleries, and picturesque streets.
• Days 12-14: Guanajuato & Departure: Discover the colorful, winding alleyways and subterranean streets of Guanajuato, another colonial gem, before departing from the nearby Bajío International Airport (BJX).

Best For

History buffs, foodies, art lovers, and photographers.

Yucatán Peninsula: Sun, Sand & Ruins (7-10 Days)

Overview

This itinerary presents a perfect blend of relaxation on Caribbean beaches, exploration of stunning Mayan ruins, and swimming in unique natural limestone sinkholes known as cenotes. The region is very accessible and relatively easy to navigate, making it an excellent choice for a shorter trip or for travelers who prefer a balance of leisure and adventure.

Sample Itinerary Route

• Days 1-2: Tulum: Settle in upon arrival and explore the iconic cliffside ruins overlooking the turquoise sea. The remainder of your time can be spent relaxing on the area’s famous white-sand beaches.
• Days 3-4: Cobá & Cenotes: Rent a bicycle to explore the vast, jungle-clad ruins of Cobá. Afterwards, cool off with a refreshing swim in one of the nearby cenotes, such as Gran Cenote or Dos Ojos.
• Days 5-6: Valladolid & Chichen Itza: Use the charming colonial town of Valladolid as your base to visit the New Wonder of the World, Chichen Itza. We strongly advise arriving as early as possible to avoid the largest crowds and the most intense midday heat.
• Days 7-8: Mérida: Travel to the vibrant capital of the Yucatán state. Enjoy its historic center, browse the lively markets for local crafts, and sample the fantastic regional cuisine.
• Days 9-10: Uxmal & Ruta Puuc: Take a day trip to the magnificent ruins of Uxmal, an exemplary site known for its intricate and ornate Puuc-style architecture, before departing from Mérida International Airport (MID).

Best For

Beach lovers, families, adventure seekers, and scuba divers/snorkelers.

Baja California Sur: Desert Meets Sea (7-9 Days)

Overview

This itinerary is a road trip adventure focused on the peninsula’s dramatic desert landscapes, pristine beaches, and remarkable marine wildlife encounters. It is important to note that this route is highly seasonal; activities such as whale watching (typically January-March) and swimming with whale sharks (typically October-April) are only available during specific months.

Sample Itinerary Route

• Days 1-2: San José del Cabo: Arrive at Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) and begin your trip in the quieter, artsy town of San José del Cabo, exploring its historic center and gallery district.
• Day 3: Cabo Pulmo National Park: Take a day trip to snorkel or dive in Cabo Pulmo, a protected marine area home to one of the world’s most vibrant and healthy coral reefs.
• Days 4-5: La Paz: Drive up the coast to the state capital, La Paz. From here, you can arrange a tour to swim with whale sharks (in season) and visit the stunningly beautiful Isla Espíritu Santo.
• Day 6: Balandra Beach: Spend a day at what is often called Mexico’s most beautiful beach. Balandra is famous for its calm, exceptionally shallow turquoise waters and pristine natural setting.
• Days 7-8: Todos Santos: Drive to the Pacific side of the peninsula to explore this “Pueblo Mágico” (Magic Town), known for its excellent surf breaks, numerous art galleries, and the legendary Hotel California.
• Day 9: Departure: Enjoy a final morning before making the scenic drive back to Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) for your flight home.

Best For

Marine life enthusiasts, road-trippers, surfers, and those seeking outdoor adventure.

Chiapas: Jungle, Waterfalls & Indigenous Culture (8-10 Days)

Overview

This is an off-the-beaten-path journey into Mexico’s lush, mountainous southern state. The itinerary focuses on powerful waterfalls, significant Mayan ruins being reclaimed by the jungle, and vibrant, living indigenous cultures. Travelers should be prepared for a more rugged experience, as this region requires more travel time between destinations due to mountainous terrain.

Sample Itinerary Route

• Days 1-2: San Cristóbal de las Casas: Arrive at Tuxtla Gutiérrez Airport (TGZ) and transfer to the highlands city of San Cristóbal. Take time to acclimatize to the altitude and explore the beautiful colonial architecture and bustling markets.
• Day 3: Sumidero Canyon: Take a day trip for a boat tour through the spectacular Sumidero Canyon, whose sheer walls rise up to a kilometer high from the Grijalva River.
• Day 4: Indigenous Villages: Visit the nearby Tzotzil Maya villages of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantán to experience unique local traditions and syncretic religious practices. Please be mindful of local customs; it is essential to show respect and always ask for permission before taking photographs of people or religious ceremonies.
• Days 5-6: Agua Azul & Misol-Ha: Travel towards Palenque, stopping en route to marvel at the vibrant turquoise cascades of Agua Azul and the powerful, 35-meter single drop of the Misol-Ha waterfall.
• Days 7-8: Palenque: Dedicate a full day to exploring the breathtaking Mayan ruins of Palenque, a UNESCO World Heritage site masterfully set against the backdrop of the dense green jungle.
• Days 9-10: Yaxchilán & Bonampak: For a true adventure, take a multi-day tour involving a boat trip down the Usumacinta River to visit the remote ruins of Yaxchilán and see the remarkably preserved ancient murals at Bonampak before departing.

Best For

Adventurous travelers, nature lovers, photographers, and those with a keen interest in anthropology.

Customizing Your Itinerary

Mix & Match Regions

For those with more time, these itineraries can be combined to create a more comprehensive Mexican journey. Here are a few ideas:

• Culture & Coast (14+ Days): After completing the “Classic Cultural Triangle,” take a flight from Mexico City to Cancún. Finish your trip with a few days of relaxation and coastal exploration in the Yucatán.
• Southern Exploration (14+ Days): To create a comprehensive exploration of the Mayan world, connect the Chiapas and Yucatán itineraries by traveling overland from Palenque to Mérida.

Special Interest Add-ons

Enhance any itinerary by incorporating activities that cater to your specific interests:

• For the Foodie: Add a hands-on mole cooking class in Oaxaca or a guided street food tour in Mexico City to any central Mexico itinerary.
• For the Diver: Add a few days on the island of Cozumel to a Yucatán itinerary for access to world-class coral reef diving in the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System.
• For the Hiker: From Oaxaca, add a trip to the nearby Sierra Norte mountains for community-based eco-tourism and guided treks through pristine cloud forests.
• For the Wellness Seeker: Conclude a Yucatán trip with a stay at a dedicated yoga retreat in Tulum or a wellness-focused resort along the Riviera Maya.