mexico trip 3 weeks

3 Weeks Mexico Itinerary: The Only Guide You Need For The Ultimate Mexican Adventure

🌮🪅🇲🇽🌶️ Are you planning a 3 weeks Mexico itinerary?

We are here to help! Mexico is an incredible destination with vibrant culture, rich pre-Columbian heritage and stunning nature.

From ancient Mayan ruins such as Palenque or Chichen Itza to charming colonial cities like Merida or Valladolid, from serene white sand beaches to canyons and lush mountains – Mexico really has it all!

We’ve travelled through Mexico for months on multiple occasions and visited many different cities, islands and beach resorts. During our trip, we really fell in love with Mexico’s diversity and, of course, the food! 😄🌮🌯 For us, Mexico is a destination where we want to keep coming back to see and experience more!

Three weeks is a great starting point for seeing a lot of beautiful places in Mexico. So, we have put together this ultimate itinerary for Mexico so that you can experience all the best destinations and make the most out of your trip.

Let’s dive in!

3 Week Mexico Itinerary: Quick Guide

Here are some of the most helpful resources for planning Mexico itineraries, including the most awesome tours that we loved and can really recommend taking.

🌟 Ultimate Mexico Experiences :

• Baloon Ride Over Teotihuacan ✅ CHECK RATES
• Oaxaca Food Tour ✅ CHECK RATES
• Sumidero Canyon from San Cris ✅ CHECK RATES
• Isla Mujeres snorkelling tour ✅ CHECK RATES
• Looking for a hotel ? Find the best deals on Booking.com
• Need a car ? Browse Discover Cars for the cheapest deals with no hidden costs

3 Weeks Mexico Itinerary: Overview

The 3 weeks Mexico itinerary that we are proposing in this article starts in Mexico City and ends in Cancun. Both places have international airports with worldwide connections, so you can easily fly in and out from there.

We have designed this itinerary with the aim of visiting some of the most popular but also some lesser-known destinations in Mexico.

Here is a brief overview of the itinerary:

• Day 1 – 3 ➡️📍Mexico City
• Day 4 – 6 ➡️📍Oaxaca City
• Day 7 – 8 ➡️📍San Cristobal
• Day 9 ➡️📍Palenque
• Day 10 – 12 ➡️📍Bacalar
• Day 12 – 15 ➡️📍Tulum
• Day 15 – 17 ➡️📍Valladolid & Chichen Itza
• Day 17 – 19 ➡️📍Merida
• Day 19 – 21 ➡️📍Isla Mujeres
• Day 22 – ➡️ Flight home from Cancun Airport

Day 1 – 3 Mexico City

Mexico City is the capital of Mexico and one of the most populous cities in the world. It’s a vibrant metropolis that offers a great variety of attractions, from enjoying Mexican street food to visiting some of the famous landmarks like Palacio de Bellas Artes or Chapultepec Park.

How To Get To Mexico City

Getting from Juarez International Airport to downtown is fairly easy. You can either call an Uber or take an official airport taxi. Once you pick up your luggage, there are several official taxi stands where you can prepay your fair and with a ticket, you go outside to the taxi stand. The taxi should cost around 300-400 MEX or $18-$24, depending on where you’re going.

📍Day 1 Historic Centre

Start your first day of the 3 weeks Mexico Itinerary at Zocalo , which is the heart of this bustling metropolis. This large square is not only the centre of social life but is also often a stage for protests, adding a layer of political significance to its cultural value.

The Zocalo is home to both the Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral and the ruins of Templo Mayor – an Aztec temple complex that was once the heart of the ancient city of Tenochtitlan.

Additionally, the National Museum of World Cultures and National Palace are located nearby, fulfilling history buffs’ dreams.

Another stunning sight to behold is the Palacio de Bellas Artes , which is considered one of the most magnificent buildings in the city. For the best views of this awesome building, head to the Sears building across the street. On the 8th floor, there is a cafe with a balcony overlooking the palace.

Finally, if you’re a foodie, an afternoon food tour is a must-do in the city famous for its amazing cuisine. Expect a feast for all your senses, discovering the unique flavours and spices that make up Mexico City’s culinary landscape.

Book your spot at the #1 Mexico City food tour for the best rate here

📍Day 2 Bosque de Chapultec + Coyoacan + Xochimilco

Begin your second day of the Mexico 3 week itinerary by immersing yourself in the natural beauty of Bosque de Chapultepec, a vast park situated near the trendy neighbourhood of La Condesa.

With its winding pathways, blooming gardens, and peaceful lake, this urban oasis is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

Don’t forget to visit the Chapultepec Castle , perched high on a hill and offering unparalleled views of the park and surrounding city. Take a moment to relax by the picturesque lake in the middle of the park. We highly recommend renting a boat and rowing around the lake, which is a super fun activity.

Afterwards, head to the National Anthropology Museum , just behind the park, to learn about the prehispanic history of Mexico.

Continue your day with a visit to vibrant Coyoacan , a neighbourhood famous for its colourful murals and Frida Kahlo’s house.

Remember to book your museum tickets in advance.

Then, take the metro to Xochimilco – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and explore its canals on a traditional trajinera boat! Enjoy tacos al pastor (Mexican street food) and margaritas while surrounded by floating gardens.

For a hassle-free day, book a tour that combines Coyoacan & Xochimilco:

📍Day 3 Teotihuacan

On day three of your Mexico itinerary 3 week, take a day trip to Teotihuacan – one of the most important archaeological sites in Mexico.

Teotihuacan was built thousand years before the arrival of Aztecs and was home to 100 thousand inhabitants, which made it the largest city in the Western Hemisphere until the 1400s.

It is home to some impressive pyramids: the Temple of the Sun – one of the 3 largest pyramids in the world (after Giza and Cholula); and the Temple of the Moon.

If you want to experience Teotihuacan pyramids in a whole new and exciting way, we highly recommend booking a hot air balloon ride. We did it, and it was the absolute highlight of our stay in Mexico City! Floating above the ancient ruins, a feeling of pure awe is sure to wash over you!

Book the same Teotihuacan Hot Air Balloon Tour we did at the best rate here:

Alternatively, check out this budget early morning tour of the Teotihuacan Archeological Site:

Where To Stay In Mexico City

The best areas to stay in Mexico City are Coyocan, Condesa and the Historic Centre. In these neighbourhoods, you will find chic boutique hotels and the best Mexico City hotels with pools .

Casa Corp Boutique Suites

Located in the lively but safe La Condesa neighbourhood, this property features elegant suites equipped with private kitchens.

Zocalo Central

Situated right by the National Cathedral on the main square of the historic centre, Zocalo Central features comfy suites and fantastic facilities such as a gym and a restaurant.

Day 4 – 6 Oaxaca City

Oaxaca – the ‘culinary capital’ of Mexic o is the second destination on this 3 weeks Mexico itinerary, and as you probably can tell, Oaxca is heaven for foodies! The state of Oaxaca is also one of the most ethically-diverse regions in Mexico and an essential stop for all decent Mexico travel itineraries.

How To Get To Oaxaca City

The easiest and fastest way to get to Oaxaca from Mexico City is by taking a flight, which only takes about 1 hour, and the tickets start at $24.

📍Day 4 Historic Centre

Start day 4 of your travel itinerary Mexico has to offer by exploring the historic centre of Oaxaca.

One fantastic way to begin your adventure is by taking a free walking tour , where you can learn about the city’s rich history and culture from a local guide. We loved conversing with our guide, and we learnt many interesting stories about the local city life.

Make sure to come back to Zocalo , the heart of the city, later on. At night, the square comes alive with music, dancing, and vibrant street life.

Another must-visit attraction in the historic centre is the Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán , a stunning building with an intricate baroque facade.

Finally, don’t forget to indulge in Oaxaca’s culinary delights . Known for its delicious food and vibrant food culture, Oaxaca is a foodie paradise. Take some time to explore the many food markets and chocolate shops the city has to offer, or go on a food tour to experience the city’s culinary delights to the fullest.

Book your spot on this highly-rated food tour here:

📍Day 5 Monte Alban

For the fifth day of your Mexico road trip itinerary, we suggest heading out to Monte Alban – a fascinating archaeological site located just outside Oaxaca.

This impressive pre-Columbian city , dating back to 500 BC , boasts stunning views and is home to some incredible ruins. Zapotecs inhabited it, and based on its architecture, ceramics and paintings, it has been heavily influenced by the city of Teotihuacan near Mexico City, suggesting those two great civilisations were in close contact.

If you’re a history buff, we recommend taking a guided tour to learn more about the history of this amazing site. But, it is also possible to take a local bus from Oaxaca and visit Monte Alban independently.

Remember to bring enough water and sunscreen with you, as the sun is quite intense in this part of Mexico!

📍Day 6 Hierve El Agua

End your stay in Oaxaca and the sixth day of your 3 weeks in Mexico itinerary with a visit to Hierve El Agua.

Located about 1.5 hours from Oaxaca, on the road to Mitla , Hierve el Agua (which translates as ‘boiling water’) is an incredible natural phenomenon – two petrified waterfalls cascading down the hillside of a rocky canyon.

Historians believe that Hierva el Agua was a sacred place for Zapotecs, and there is evidence suggesting that they built a complex irrigation system directing water from the springs to their fields.

Take some time to explore the area – there are various trails, lagoons and viewing terraces that you can visit – before heading back to Oaxaca City.

If you want to make the most of your day, sign up for an all-day tour that combines Hierve el Agua with the pre-Hispanic city of Mitla and some other local villages. The tour we did (and sharing below) was in a small group, and we really enjoyed hanging out with fellow travellers!

Check out the Hierve el Agua + Mitla tour we did here:

Where To Stay In Oaxaca City

The city boasts a great selection of affordable to luxury hotels with pools and Oaxaca boutique hotels to choose from.

Suites Parador Santo Domingo de G.

A short walk to downtown, this property features a shared pool and suites with a kitchen.

La Casa de Pino

Located a 14-minute walk to Zocalo, La Casa de Pino offers one-bedroom apartments sleeping up to 4 people.

Day 7 – 8 San Cristobal De Las Casas

Welcome to San Cristobal De Las Casas, your next stop on this 3 weeks Mexico itinerary. This highland city in the southern Mexican state of Chiapas is renowned for its stunning Spanish colonial architecture and churches . A stroll through the city’s cobbled streets reveals an array of colourful, centuries-old facades, each a testament to the city’s rich history.

How To Get To San Cristobal

The best way to get to San Cristobal from Oaxaca is a night ADO bus. The bus leaves Oaxaca in the evening and arrives in San Cris in the morning. The tickets cost around $60, and you can get them online on ADO or directly from the bust station.

Choose ADOgl. which offers the most comfortable coaches. Trust us, on a 12-hour bus journey, and it will make a massive difference!

The closest airport to San Cris is located in Tuxla (1-hour drive), but there are only direct flights with a stopover in CDMX from Oaxaca.

📍Day 7 San Cristobal

Start day 7 of your Mexico trip itinerary by exploring San Cristobal’s Historic Centre.

First up, take a walk to Parque Central, where you’ll find the iconic orange façade of San Cris’ main Cathedral . Take a stroll through the city’s many markets and pick up some souvenirs for friends and family back home.

San Cris is known to be an expat hub, so make sure you take advantage and eat out in the many cool and healthy food cafes the city has to offer. Our absolute favourite was Sarajevo Café, tucked in a lush greenhouse-like building filled with plants and flowers.

Also, visit the two churches that offer stunning views of the city: Iglesia de San Cristóbalito and Templo de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe , both perched on hills.

Next, head to San Juan Chamula – a small town just outside of San Cristobal. Here, you’ll find an incredible church where locals pray in their traditional clothing and practice their own religion blending Catholicism with ancient Mayan traditions, including animal sacrifices.

📍Day 8 Sumidero Canyon

On Day 8 of your trip, make sure to explore Sumidero Canyon – a stunning geological wonder located 1.5 hours drive from San Cris.

Take a boat tour and admire the canyon’s steep walls rising up to 1,000 meters above sea level in some parts and 13 km long. You’ll also get the chance to spot various species of native birds, turtles and crocodiles living in the area. We even managed to see playful monkeys! We took an organised tour from San Cristobal that also included a stop at the colourful town of Chiapa de Corzo.

In the evening, take a stroll through San Cris’s famous avenue – Avenida Guadalupe, full of boutique shops, cafes and restaurants. There’s also a lively nightlife scene here, so make sure you check out some bars – they often host live music events and cultural shows.

Book the same tour we took and enjoyed here:

Where To Stay In San Cristobal

Located right in the town centre, meters away from the city’s cathedral, Na Hotel features a range of affordable and cosy double and family rooms with a complimentary breakfast.

La Estancia

La Estancia Hotel also has a fantastic location and offers a range of rooms and an in-house restaurant with optional breakfast for an additional but small charge.

Day 9 Palenque

Palenque is the next destination on this exhilarating 3 week Mexico itinerary. Set amidst the lush green jungles of Chiapas, Palenque is home to some of the most impressive Mayan ruins in the world.

How To Get To Palenque

From San Cristobal de Las Casas, take an ADO night bus to Palenque. The bus journey takes 8-9 hours, and it will get you there early in the morning.

Palenque is a good stopover between Chiapas and Yucatan, and Quintana Roo, where the rest of this Mexico holiday itinerary takes place.

Dating back to 226 BC , this Mayan site is filled with rich history and cultural significance. Although the Palenque civilization disappeared in the 8th century, their incredible architecture, sculptures, and carvings remain for us to explore.

While Palenque may be smaller than other well-known Mayan sites like Tikal or Chichen Itza, its intricate detailing and stunning artistic expressions are sure to leave you in awe.

It’s also hard to believe that the 2.5 km2 of Palenque that has been excavated only represents 10% of the entire ancient city.

Where To Stay Near Palenque

This hotel is located within a few minutes walk to the bus station and 8 km to the Palenque ruins, and it features simple apartments with a kitchen.

Day 10 – 12 Bacalar

Also known as the ‘Lake of Seven Colors’, Bacalar is a small town nestled in Mexico’s Quintana Roo near the border with Guatemala.

How To Get To Bacalar

Unfortunately, there is no easy way of getting from Palenque to Bacalar, and you will have to take another 9-hour bus to make that distance.

📍Day 10 Bacalar Cenotes

Once you arrive in Bacalar, it’s time to explore the town and its surroundings. Start by visiting some of the nearby cenotes – sinkholes filled with crystal-clear waters that are perfect for swimming and snorkelling.

One of the most breathtaking places to experience is Cenote Azul . It’s perfectly round and a stunning 90 meters deep. Swimming or kayaking in the cenote is one of the best things to do in Bacalar!

Another must-see cenote is Cenote Cocalitos , famous for its milky blue colour and gorgeous spot to spend an afternoon. This cenote also has an incredible stromatolite colony, one of the oldest oxygen-producing organisms.

End day 10 of your 3 weeks Mexico itinerary, visiting Fuerte de San Felipe and dinner at Mango and Chile.

📍Day 11 Pirates Channel

Start day 11 of your Mexico three week itinerary with a visit to the Pirate’s Channel – a narrow section of Bacalar Lake that is full of fascinating stories about hidden treasures and pirate ships.

In the past, the channel was a natural border between Mexico and Belize and served as an important trading route. The channel frequently fell victim to pirate raids, thus earning its name, the “Pirates Channel.”

In the middle of the channel stands an abandoned shipwreck – an eerie reminder of the pirate raids. Book an early morning boat tour that also combines a stop at Cenote de la Bruja , which can only be accessed by boat.

Book this highly-rated boat tour here:

Where To Stay In Bacalar

You can either stay in one of the affordable hotels in the Bacalar town centre or treat yourself to a more luxurious stay in one of the Bacalar resorts that come with private lake access.

HABITAS BACALAR

Right on the lake, 8 km from the town centre, Habitas Bacalar boasts luxury bohemian-style accommodation, excellent service and epic lake views.

Boasting a central location and an on-site restaurant, Agam Hotel features a pool and comfortable double rooms.

Day 12 – 15 Tulum

Located in Quintana Roo, this coastal town is blessed with stunning white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, making it one of the most popular places to visit in Mexico. Tulum is also known for its digital nomad and expat community, spirituality and yoga parlours as well as a bustling nightlife scene.

How To Get To Tulum

The easiest way to get from Bacalar to Tulum is by taking a bus. The journey takes approximately 3 hours, and it’s usually very affordable.

📍Day 13 Tulum Ruins + Cenotes + Beaches

Start your day off by exploring the ruins of Tulum , a 16th-century Mayan walled city perched on a 12-meter cliff. The site is one of Mexico’s most spectacular archaeological sites, with its iconic watch tower known as El Castillo, and visiting the ruins is one of the best things to do in Tulum .

Next, go cenote hopping and explore some of the crystal-clear sinkholes in the area. Two of the most beautiful cenotes near Tulum are Gran Cenote and Casa Cenote , both are filled with gorgeous blue-green waters and have excellent spots for snorkelling.

We recommend renting a car in Tulum for this day to be able to get to all the places conveniently and swiftly.

In the afternoon, visit one of Tulum’s picture-perfect beaches. We recommend Playa Paraiso , which is an accessible public beach or one of the beach clubs, such as Vagalume, for a more exclusive experience.

If you’re an avid Instagrammer, also don’t forget to visit a few Instagrmmable spots in Tulum , such as the cute Matcha Mama Cafe, Follow that Dream sign and Ven a la luz sculpture.

Book your car at the best rate here:

📍Day 14 Laguna Kaan Luum, Cenote Escondido, Downtown

Spend your second day in Tulum exploring the natural wonders of the area. Start off by visiting Laguna Kaan Luum , a beautiful enclosed lagoon surrounded by lush jungle and mangrove forests.

Next, explore Cenote Escondido , which is located deep in the jungle and is considered one of the most beautiful cenotes in Mexico, and definitely our personal favourite. We spent at Cenote Escondido the entire afternoon with only a few more people, and Robin, in particular, had a lot of fun jumping into the water from a platform.

End your day with a stroll along the main road in downtown Tulum lined with interesting shops, restaurants and bars. We recommend dinner at Burrito Amor , which makes the best burritos we have ever tasted!

Where To Stay In Tulum

For a luxury stay in Tulum, we recommend booking one of the beachfront resorts. Alternatively, downtown Tulum and Aldea Zama are the best areas to stay in Tulum for a fairly-priced accommodation.

Ikal Tulum Hotel

Set on Playa Paraiso, Ikal Hotel features a range of beach boho-style suites, bungalows and treehouses. Some of the best ones come with a private plunge pool and ocean view.

Hotel Blanco Tulum

This adult-only hotel set in Tulum town along Avenida Coba features stylish suites with balconies and a shared pool area with a garden and a bar.

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Day 15 – 17 Valladolid

Valladolid is beloved by tourists for its authentic Mexican vibe and charming colonial architecture. This city has a lot to offer – from bustling squares and charming cafes to ancient ruins, cenotes and underground river systems. The city of Valladolid is also an excellent base for exploring one of the New 7 Wonders of the World – Chichen Itza.

How To Get To Valladolid

The easiest way to get from Tulum to Valladolid is by taking an ADO bus that runs multiple daily connections. The journey takes approximately 1.5 hours.

📍Day 15 Valladolid + Cenote Suytun

Start your day 15 of Mexico in three weeks itinerary by exploring the beautifully preserved colonial architecture in the historic centre of Valladolid , where vibrant buildings and plazas offer plenty of exploring opportunities.

Begin at the city’s main square – Parque Principal, home to the 16th-century church – Templo de San Servacio, and the Town Hall. The square is also a place of social gatherings in the afternoon, and here you can also indulge in delicious street food! Our absolute favourite was marquesitas – a crispy pancake with Nutella, strawberries and banana.

Then head to Calzada de Los Frailes , a pedestrianised street lined with quirky cafes and interesting souvenir shops. At the end of the street, you will find an imposing building of an ex-convent – Convento de San Bernardino de Siena , which is also worth checking out.

We loved taking photos inside its walls and corridors painted in vibrant pink! Also, we recommend coming back to the convent in the evening when a video mapping show takes place.

In the afternoon, visit Cenote Suytun located just outside of Valladolid. This cenote is one of Mexico’s most iconic sinkholes known for its dreamy turquoise waters, picturesque stalactite formations and an Instagram-worthy circular platform that, at midday, gets illuminated by a light beam coming from the small opening in the ceiling.

We actually visited the cenote first thing in the morning to avoid queueing for a photo, and it worked pretty well as we entered the cave as one of the first people.

📍Day 16 Chichen Itza + Cenote Oxman

Visiting Chichen Itza during the 3 weeks Mexico itinerary is an essential activity, and today it is all about finally ticking it off the bucket list!

Valladolid to Chichen Itza trip takes only 40 minutes and can easily be done independently either by taking a local bus known as a colectivo or renting a scooter. We can’t recommend enough to get to Chichen Itza 20 minutes before opening time for the best experience, as this famous Mayan archaeological site gets very busy.

If you prefer to learn more about the site and understand the meaning behind what you see, book a guided tour of Chichen Itza.

Book your spot on the private tour to Chichen Itza from Valladolid here:

After exploring Chichen Itza, continue your day with a visit to Cenote Oxman , which is located just outside of town and is one of the best cenotes near Valladolid .

What we love about Cenote Oxman is that it looks similar to Cenote Ik Kil, but it gets way less busy. Make sure you try out the cenote’s Tarzan robe from which you can jump into the refreshing waters – it’s super fun!

Where To Stay In Valladolid

If you’re a budget-conscious traveller you will be pleased to know that Valladolid boasts many affordable accommodation options! Here are the top Valladolid hotels :

Hotel Zentik Project

Located a 22-minute walk to the main square, this adult-only property boasts stylish bohemian suites and excellent facilities including a cave pool filled with hot and salty water.

Hotel Casa Bamboo

Only a short walk to the main square, Casa Bamboo features well-priced rooms with access to a shared kitchen and pool.

Day 17 – 19 Merida

Merida, the vibrant capital of the Mexican state of Yucatán, is the next destination on your Mexico travel itinerary 3 weeks. This city, rich in history and culture, perfectly blends traditional Mexican charm with a modern, cosmopolitan flair.

Merida is one of the safest places to stay in Yucatan and has a large expat community. We really liked the city, especially its fantastic restaurants and cool fashion boutiques, and Merida could definitely be our home base one day.

How To Get To Merida

From Valladolid, take an ADO bus to Merida, which takes just over 2 hours. You can buy tickets online or at the bus station near the central square.

📍Day 17 Merida City

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to the town centre, home to some of the city’s most important landmarks – including Plaza Grande, Cathedral de San Ildefonso and Casa Montejo – a 16th-century mansion, home of the founders of the city – Francisco de Montejo.

If you want to learn more about the history of Merida, we recommend a visit to the Museum of the City of Merida , located a short walk from the main square. We really enjoyed this small museum and learning about how successful and rich Merida was in the past and why today it has so many grand mansions!

Continue your day by heading to Santa Lucia Park , a perfect spot for a quick drink or lunch.

In the afternoon, visit Paseo de Montejo – a magnificent boulevard lined with grand mansions turned into restaurants, bars and shops. We especially liked visiting the exquisite mansion of Quinta Montes Molina, filled with antiques and the Anthropology and History Museum .

In the late afternoon, pay a visit to the Mayan World Museum of Mérida . This cutting-edge museum is a must-visit for anyone intrigued by Mayan history and culture. The collections include life-sized replicas of the indigenous people, intricate jewellery, incredible structures and a detailed walkthrough of the Mayan civilization’s timeline.

📍Day 18 Uxmal

On the second day in Merida, take a day trip to Uxmal, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most significant archaeological sites of Mayan culture. We recommend renting a car , which will provide the convenience and flexibility to explore at your own pace and the possibility of adding a visit to a nearby cenote.

Uxmal is renowned for its monumental architecture, characterized by its intricate Puuc style, and the Pyramid of the Magician – a must-see for any visitor. During our trip, we were in awe of the spectacular ruins, the intricate details, and the serene ambience, making Uxmal a highlight of our Mexico adventure.

If you don’t want to drive, you can also book a guided tour from Merida.

Where To Stay In Merida

Merida boasts amazing boutique hotels housed in stately mansions but also plenty of affordable accommodation options.

Casa Olivia

The chic and rustic Casa Olivia boasts elegant suites and is located a 15-minute walk to Plaza Grande and a range of restaurants and bars.

Kuka y Naranjo

Boasting a fantastic location, just a minute away from the central square, this property offers double and family rooms with complimentary breakfast and a shared pool.

📍Day 19 Travel Day

The next and last destination on this 3 weeks Mexico itinerary is the idyllic Isla Mujeres. To get there, you will first need to take a bus from Merida to Cancun downtown , which takes around 4 hours.

Then, from the bust station, get an Uber ride (or taxi) to the ferry port – Puerto Juarez to catch a boat to the island. The ferries leave every 30 minutes, so you don’t really need to worry about purchasing the tickets in advance. The ferry ride takes under half an hour.

Day 19 – 21 Isla Mujeres

Welcome to the idyllic slice of paradise that is Isla Mujeres . This charming and tranquil island off the coast of Cancun is known for its stunning beaches, particularly Playa Norte. With its incredibly soft, white powdery sand and crystalline waters, it is nothing short of a tropical dream.

On Isla Mujeres, golf carts are the prevailing mode of transport, adding to the laid-back vibe and ease of exploring the island’s picturesque landscapes and attractions.

📍Day 20 Punta Sur + Playa Norte

Start your day 20 of 3 weeks Mexico itinerary with a visit to the downtown area , a hub of local life brimming with colourful murals, quaint shops, and delightful eateries. Lose yourself in the vibrant and lively market atmosphere as you browse the numerous boutiques lining Avenida Hidalgo , a pedestrian-friendly street known for its variety of souvenir shops.

Whether it’s traditional Mexican crafts, unique jewellery, or the ubiquitous “I Love Isla Mujeres” t-shirts, you’re sure to find the perfect memento of your time on the island.

Next, rent a bicycle or a golf cart, the preferred local means of transportation, and set your course for the southern part of the island, Punta Sur . This scenic spot, adorned with a lighthouse, ruins of an ancient Mayan temple, offers breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea. Enjoy the refreshing sea breeze as you explore the cliff-side pathways, and don’t forget to capture the mesmerizing sunrise if you’re an early bird!

After a day of exploring, unwind at Playa Norte , often touted as one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. With its powdery white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters, it’s the perfect spot for relaxation.

Grab a beach chair, order a refreshing drink from a beachside bar, and let the soothing rhythms of the waves wash over you. Whether you choose to swim, snorkel, or bask in the warm sun, Playa Norte promises a quintessential tropical beach experience to round off your day in Isla Mujeres.

📍Day 21 Snorkelling

On your second day on Isla Mujeres, opt for an underwater adventure by joining a snorkelling tour. The island is renowned for its rich marine life and pristine coral reefs, with Manchones Reef and MUSA Underwater Museum being two of the most popular snorkelling spots.

Manchones Reef, located just off the coast of Isla Mujeres, is home to diverse marine species and an array of vibrantly coloured corals. As you dive into the clear waters, you’ll find yourself immersed in a mesmerizing underwater world teeming with tropical fish, magnificent corals, and perhaps even a playful sea turtle or two.

Book your spot at the #1 snorkelling tour here:

Alternatively, you can explore the MUSA Underwater Museum , a unique and eco-friendly attraction that combines art and conservation. This submerged gallery boasts over 500 life-sized sculptures, all made from materials designed to promote coral life.

Snorkelling around the sunken figures is a surreal experience, and it offers a unique opportunity to witness how art can foster new marine habitats and support biodiversity.

Book your underwater adventure here:

Where To Stay In Isla Mujeres

One of the best places to stay on Isla Mujeres is Playa Norte, which is the island’s most beautiful beach!

Ixchel Beach Hotel

This awesome 5-star hotel on Playa Norte has got it all – an outdoor pool, a restaurant, and a bar. You can even arrange tours and activities right here at the hotel!

Suites Los Arcos

This budget-friendly 3-star adults-only hotel is located on Hidalgo Street. So, you’ll be surrounded by amazing restaurants, bars, and a vibrant nightlife scene.

• 12 Best Isla Mujeres All Inclusive Resorts

Day 22 – Flight Home From Cancun Airport

As your time in Mexico comes to a close, the journey from Isla Mujeres to Cancun Airport for your flight home is straightforward. Return to the mainland via the ferry from Isla Mujeres to Puerto Juarez, which runs every 30 minutes. Once you’re back in Cancun, grab a taxi or use a ride-hailing service like Uber for the 30-minute drive to Cancun International Airport.

Be sure to allow ample time to check-in, go through security, and board your flight. As you ascend and leave Mexico below, sit back and reflect on the unforgettable journey you have experienced. Safe travels home!

MORE CANCUN GUIDES

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• Xavage Cancun Adventure Park
• Renting A Car In Cancun: Ultimate Guide

3 Weeks In Mexico Itinerary: Travel Tips

✔️ Get a local SIM

Acquiring a local SIM card in Mexico is a cost-effective and convenient way to stay connected during your travels. The leading telecommunication providers in Mexico are Telcel, AT&T, and Movistar, offering a variety of prepaid SIM card options. Telcel , known for its extensive coverage across the country, is often recommended for tourists.

To purchase a SIM, visit an official store with your passport for ID verification , and choose a plan that suits your data and calling needs. Remember, topping up is simple and can be done at numerous convenience stores and online platforms.

✔️ Don’t drink tap water

Tap water is generally not considered safe for drinking in Mexico as it may contain bacteria and other unfiltered elements. Therefore, it’s recommended to stick to bottled water while travelling around the country. Make sure to check that the seal on each bottle is intact before consuming.

✔️ Purchase a travel insurance

Purchasing travel insurance is an essential part of planning your trip, as it offers protection against unexpected risks and losses incurred during your travels. To be fully covered, make sure the policy includes medical expenses, lost luggage, trip cancellation, repatriation coverage, and emergency evacuation. We personally use Safety Wings, which offers affordable insurance plans.

✔️ Tipping culture

Tipping is part of the culture in Mexico, and it’s customary to leave 10-15% for restaurant service. For taxi drivers and tour guides, round up the fare or a small tip such as 20-50 pesos is generally appreciated.

✔️ Rent a car online to avoid scams

Booking a car rental online during your Mexico trip planning is key for a hassle-free travel experience in Mexico.

We personally recommend using Discover Cars , a platform renowned for its transparency in pricing and generous cancellation policy. Most importantly, they prioritize listing car rentals with the highest reviews, ensuring you receive top-notch service and a high-quality vehicle for your travel.

By booking online, you can compare prices, read real user reviews, and choose the best option for your needs all in one place, saving you time and providing peace of mind.

✔️ Learn basic Spanish

Even though many Mexicans speak English, it’s always nice to show a bit of respect by making an effort to learn some basic Spanish phrases. This includes simple phrases such as ‘hola’ (hello) and ‘gracias’ (thank you) . Knowing even the most basic Spanish terminology will also make your trip more rewarding.

✔️ Pay in pesos

Although many establishments in Mexico accept payment in US dollars, it’s often more cost-effective to pay in Mexican pesos.

✔️ Check the weather

Before embarking on your journey to Mexico, it is crucial to keep an eye on the weather forecast, especially if you are travelling during the hurricane season, which typically extends from June to November. Unexpected weather changes can impact your travel plans, and the risk of hurricanes can escalate during these months.

Websites and apps such as the National Hurricane Center , Weather.com , or AccuWeather provide reliable and timely updates on weather conditions. This way, you can plan your activities accordingly, pack suitable clothing, and ensure your safety during your trip.

How To Get Around Mexico?

Travelling by bus is an excellent option for getting around Mexico, thanks to its affordability and the extensive network of reliable bus services. Among the most renowned companies is ADO , popular in Yucatan, offering comfortable seating and frequent routes to numerous cities.

Another good company is Primera Plus , which is a preferred choice for journeys around Guanajuato, known for its reliable service and comfortable coaches.

Travelling by air is the fastest option for long-distance journeys within Mexico. Major airlines include Aeromexico, Interjet, and Volaris, among others, offering domestic flights to most cities in the country. Popular hubs are Mexico City International Airport (MEX) and Cancun International Airport (CUN).

Renting a car is perhaps the most convenient way to move around in the Yucatan region. The area is known for its safety and well-marked roads, making self-drive a favourable option. We recommend the Discover Cars website, a reliable and user-friendly platform that allows you to compare prices, read real reviews, and select the best car rental option for your needs.

3 Weeks Mexico Itinerary: FAQ

What’s the best time to visit Mexico?

The best time to visit Mexico largely depends on the region you’re planning to explore due to the country’s diverse climate. For beach destinations like Cancun and Tulum, the weather is usually pleasant all year round, though the peak tourist season is from December to April during the dry season.

However, to avoid crowds and enjoy lower prices, the shoulder seasons – spring (May to June) and fall (September to November) – can be great times to visit. It’s advisable to avoid the rainy season from June to October.

Is 3 weeks in Mexico too long?

Three weeks in Mexico is not too long. In fact, it provides ample opportunity to immerse yourself in the country’s rich culture, diverse landscapes, and historical sites.

With three weeks, you can comfortably visit multiple regions without feeling rushed, from bustling cities and archaeological sites to serene beaches and pristine nature reserves. However, if you’re planning a trip to Mexico for 3 weeks, be aware that you won’t be able to visit everything.

How much money do you need for 3 weeks in Mexico?

The amount of money you’ll need for a 3-week trip to Mexico depends on where you’re going and what kind of experience you’re looking for. Generally speaking, mid-range travellers can expect to spend between $80-$100 USD per day for 3 weeks in Mexico budget, based on two persons sharing a room.

How many weeks do you need in Mexico?

The amount of time you’ll need to spend in Mexico depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for. If you have limited time, 2 weeks in Mexico itinerary will allow you to visit the highlights of Yuucatan.

If you have 1 week in Mexico, we recommend choosing a maximum of 2 places. 3 weeks Mexico itinerary will allow you to visit multiple regions and have a really fulfilling trip.

What are the cheapest months to go to Mexico?

The cheapest months to visit Mexico are usually during the off-peak season, which typically takes place during the spring months of May and June and the fall months of September and October.

During these periods, you can likely find more affordable airfare and accommodation rates. Keep in mind that weather can be a factor, so consider what activities you plan on doing during your visit when choosing when to go.

What is the safest way to travel in Mexico?

When it comes to travelling safely in Mexico, the safest way to move around the country is with reputable ADO buses or organised tours. Both are reliable and comfortable options.

However, if you’re looking for more adventure, renting a car can be a great way to explore the country at your own pace. Just make sure to stick to the main roads and don’t drive at night.

Is it a good idea to drive through Mexico?

Driving through Mexico can be a wonderful experience and offers the freedom to explore at your own pace. However, it’s important to consider certain factors. While the main highways are generally in good condition, secondary roads can be less predictable.

It’s advisable to avoid driving at night due to reduced visibility and the potential for encountering animals on the road. Also, ensure you have comprehensive insurance coverage, familiarize yourself with local traffic laws, and always keep your fuel tank sufficiently full.

Another thing to consider is the expensive fee for dropping the rental car at a different place from the pickup location. The best area for a Mexico road trip is Yucatan, where you can pick up and drop off the car in Cancun.

Can I drive in Mexico with a US license?

Yes, you can drive in Mexico with a U.S. license . It is legally recognized in the country, so you do not need an International Driving Permit (IDP).

What is the cheapest way to travel through Mexico?

The cheapest way to travel through Mexico is by using public transportation. The ADO buses are an affordable and reliable option for long-distance travel between cities and regions. They are comfortable, air-conditioned, and often equipped with Wi-Fi. For local routes within cities or short distances, colectivos (shared taxis or minibuses) are an excellent option.

Can you get around Mexico without a car?

Yes, it is entirely possible to get around Mexico without a car. The country has an extensive network of public transportation, including long-distance buses and domestic flights. For day-to-day travel within cities, local buses, taxis, and rideshare apps like Uber are widely available.

Additionally, in many of the tourist-heavy areas, walking can be a convenient way to explore local attractions. However, opting for a rental car may provide more flexibility in your itinerary and the opportunity to visit off-the-beaten-path locations.

Does Uber work in Mexico?

It really depends on the location. In some cities like Mexico City and Cancun, Uber is very popular and convenient. Other cities, such as Tulum, don’t have Uber services yet.

3 Weeks Mexico Itinerary: Final Word

We hope that this 3 weeks Mexico itinerary has helped you in planning trip to Mexico!

Embarking on a 3-week adventure in Mexico is certain to be an epic journey filled with vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and rich history. We love Mexico so much, that we keep coming back every year!

To ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey, we highly recommend booking your accommodation, rental car, and key activities in advance. This not only secures your place but also allows you more freedom to enjoy your trip.

So pack your bags, dust off your Spanish phrasebook, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime in the enchanting lands of Mexico.

🌮🪅🇲🇽🌶️ Happy travels!

Mal is a Polish-British travel photographer and writer with over 4 years experience. As the co-owner of multiple travel websites, her work has been featured in places like USA Today and Seattle Times.

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Our travels.

3 Weeks in Mexico Itinerary

DISCLAIMER: This post might have links to travel services and products that we enjoy. We might make a commission from it at no extra cost to you.

During the pandemic, Mexico was one of the very few countries in the world that didn’t close its borders. This leads to a lot of people finding themselves planning a trip there.

Mexico is a paradise for beach lovers, hiking enthusiasts, and of course, foodies. It’s also a popular honeymoon destination for many visitors coming from North America and Europe.

Spending 3 weeks in Mexico is an easy task. There are many places to go where your budget can go far and enjoy luxury and comfort. Even travelling with young children, Mexico can be a fantastic destination to spend your annual vacation.

For backpackers, Mexico is one of the best places to explore in Latin America. It’s now also getting popular with digital nomads or remote workers. Although Mexico is now becoming a bit more expensive, it’s still more affordable than Europe.

It’s hard to deny why many people from all over the world are attracted to visiting Mexico. From romantic spots, outdoor activities, and delicious local dishes, to interesting history – Mexico has it all.

In this article, I will show you a sample of an itinerary for 3 weeks in Mexico. You don’t have to follow it through, but it will help you plan and visualise a more suitable trip .

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE GOING TO MEXICO

To help you with visualising your trip to Mexico, below are some basic yet important things to remember when travelling there. These tips include when you should go to Mexico, what to bring, getting around, and travel documents to prepare.

If this is your first time in Mexico, perhaps these books about Mexico will help you understand and have a visual idea of the country. These books are also suitable for children and some even come with very cool drawings that describe Mexico very well.

When is the best time to go to Mexico

The most ideal time to visit Mexico is during its dry season which is from November until March. It’s less likely that it will rain, but it also means that it’s the peak season. Hotels book up fast, there is a bigger crowd, and the prices are higher, especially during holidays such as Christmas.

The best time to visit Mexico is during its shoulder seasons: April to May and September to October. These periods offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices. During the shoulder seasons, you can enjoy a balance of good weather and lighter tourism, making it ideal for exploring Mexico’s beaches, cities, and cultural sites.

Peak season runs from December to March , with sunny days and lots of tourists, especially in coastal areas. The rainy season varies by region but generally occurs from June to September , bringing afternoon showers that cool things down.

Are 3 weeks enough for Mexico

20 days in Mexico is plenty of time, but you still have to be mindful of the places you want to visit. You don’t want to overload your itinerary and plan to see places that are too far from one another or where there are no easy or quick ways to get there.

Cramming your itinerary and getting to super rural areas could mean that you will be spending most of your time in bus terminals and airports. This doesn’t mean that you can’t go off the trail; it just means that you should add 1-2 rural areas to your Mexico travel itinerary.

Plan to see 3-4 major cities and check if there are areas near those places that are less touristy if you want to get away from the usual crowd. When the bus or driving takes more than 6 or 7 hours, it might be best to take a flight if that’s an option.

Average cost for 20 days in Mexico

A good budget for 3 weeks in Mexico is around $1,700. That allows you to spend around $80 a day, which should cover a mid-range hotel, food, tours, and transportation. Of course, you won’t be going on a tour every day. So, on some days, you will be spending less than $80 or more than that.

If you’re on a shoestring budget, you can make this trip at around $1,200 if you stay in hostel dorm rooms, take buses for long-distance trips, and travel on foot around the cities.

Let’s say you’re on a honeymoon or celebrating an anniversary and looking to make your Mexico trip luxurious . In that situation, plan to spend around $2,500 to $5,000, which covers high-end hotels and resorts, using private transfers, taking domestic flights, and booking premium tours.

Keep in mind that these budgets don’t cover your flight to Mexico and back home, plus travel insurance and other travel gear that you need.

What to pack

Your packing list depends on the activities you plan to do while spending 3 weeks in Mexico. If you plan to spend time on the beach, don’t forget your swimsuit, we have a packing list for a beach vacation . But if you are also thinking of going hiking, it’s vital to bring proper clothing, as the hiking trails can be challenging at times.

Pack proper hiking shoes and clothing. At the same time, if you want to visit sacred or religious spots, pack clothing that will cover your shoulders and legs. It’s also vital to bring medicines and other items that might be hard to find in Mexico. Check out our article on what to pack for a 3-week trip .

How to get around

Using a local bus will be the cheapest and often the only option to travel between cities. There are also buses that go on long-distance travel between provinces (called camiones ).

However, if you are short on time or don’t feel like you can survive overnight buses, it’s best to take a domestic flight especially if the land travel is longer than 6 hours.

You can use ride-hailing apps in major cities. This includes Uber, Didi, Cabify, Bear, and Bolt. And finally, if you have a driver’s license (from any country), you can drive in Mexico without converting or translating your license to a local one.

This is the easiest way to travel around Mexico, plus you get to control your own time, leave when you want, and go when you feel like it. Renting a car allows you to travel and have control of your own time and schedule.

RELATED POST: 3 weeks in Peru and 3 weeks in Colombia

People who wish to visit Mexico with passports from nearly anywhere in the Americas, most of Europe, some East and South East Asia, and most of Oceania are free to enter without a visa for up to 180 days.

If your nationality is not on this list, you will have to coordinate with the nearest Mexican Embassy or Consulate to apply for a visa.

Other travel tips

Must-see places in mexico (pinned map).

Click the enlarge button on the top right corner. Credit: map data: Google

3 WEEKS IN MEXICO ITINERARY

Below is a sample travel itinerary if you plan to explore Mexico for 3 weeks or about 20 days. This itinerary will take you to visit popular spots, go to stunning beaches, and explore the country’s less travelled path.

ANOTHER ITINERARY TO CONSIDER: 3 weeks in Ecuador and Colombia

Mexico City for 3 days

Mexico City, also called CDMX, is the capital of Mexico and it has about 9 million residents. It is situated southeast of the country and is known for being one of the few capital cities that sit at a high altitude.

It’s popular for Templo Mayor (13th-century Aztec Temple), delicious local dishes, friendly people, and lively culture. 3 days in this city is plenty.

If you are coming all the way from Europe, Asia, Oceania, and even Africa, three days here will allow you to catch up on sleep, compose your thoughts, and buy items that you will need during your entire trip. This includes a local sim card with data, renting a car , and booking domestic flights and tours that you wish to join.

The easiest way to explore Mexico City if you don’t want to rent a car is to buy a hop-on hop-off bus ticket that is valid for a day. The bus will stop at a specific popular tourist spot where you can get on and off the bus. You can also make your arrival at the very busy Mexico City airport less chaotic by booking a private airport service .

What to see and do in Mexico City

• Day trip to Teotihuacán – you can book a tour with a guide or explore the ruins with a hot air balloon ride
• Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral
• The Angel of Independence
• Explore Puebla, Cholula, & Tonantzintla – you can book a guided tour to visit all three places in one day
• Museo Nacional de Antropología
• Tula and the Tollán Ruins
• Hot Spring os Tolatongo Caves – book a tour from Mexico
• Soumaya Museum
• Templo Mayor Museum (Aztec)
• Zona Arqueológica Tenayuca I y II
• Frida Kahlo Museum – join a 3-destination tour featuring Coyoacán, visit Frida Kahlo Museum, and ride a traditional boat through Xochimilco
• Hike Cerro del Ajusco
• Summit the Nevado De Toluca – hike with professionals
• Parque Nacional Grutas de Cacahuamilpa
• Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl – join an incredible volcanic trek with a lunch and a guide

Accommodations in Mexico City

• Affordable: Hotel H – Adults Only or Panorama Hotel
• Mid-range: Hotel Catedral or MC Suites
• Luxury: Hotel Marquis Reforma or Gran Hotel

Puebla for 2 days

For food lovers, you have to visit Puebla. It is located about a 2-hour drive east of Mexico City. Since it’s not that far, some people prefer to take a day trip from Mexico City instead. In this way, you can use the extra time at a different destination or add it to a different city.

But before you do that, you should really take a look at Puebla first. It’s a very lively city with colourful buildings and locals who love to dance. Not only is it the food capital of the country, but it’s also loved for its colonial architecture and pottery.

The f astest way to get from Mexico City to Puebla is by car or bus via the direct highway, taking about 2 to 2.5 hours, and covering a distance of approximately 136 kilometers (about 85 miles). The cheapest way is typically by bus, with several companies operating this route, offering affordable and comfortable travel options,

Buses frequently depart from Mexico City’s eastern bus terminal (TAPO) and other points, making this a convenient and efficient option for travellers looking to explore the historic city of Puebla.

What to see and do in Puebla

• Museo Amparo
• Cholula and Atlixco – check this private tour with food tasting
• Museo Nacional de los Ferrocarriles Mexicanos
• Living Museum Puebla
• You can also hike the  Iztaccihuatl and Popocatepetl National Park from Puebla
• Museo Internacional del Barroco
• Africam Safari – enjoy a private tour
• Estadio Cuauhtémoc
• Book a food and bar tour – join a 3-hour food tour and historic bars and canteen tour

Accommodations in Puebla

• Affordable: Hostal Casa De Arcos or Hostal Azul Puebla El Alto
• Mid-range: Hotel Nube or Hotel Diana
• Luxury: El Sueno Hotel & Spa or L Hotel Perla Boutique

Oaxaca for 3 days

It takes just a bit over 4-hours to get from Puebla to Oaxaca. The entire drive will take you to little villages and showcase how the atmosphere changes as leave the high altitude and go towards the beach. Oaxaca is still about 1,500m high from sea level and provides a really cool climate.

It’s also popular for very cheerful and diverse local markets. They sell food, handicrafts, souvenirs, and so much more – most products are produced all over Mexico.

You have to try these Oaxaca traditional dishes during your visit, which should be available at food stalls and restaurants. If you want to visit Zapotec and Mixtec archaeological sites, you definitely have to visit Oaxaca.

The fastest way from Puebla to Oaxaca is by flying , but with limited direct flights, most travellers choose to drive or take a direct bus, taking about 4 to 5 hours to cover the approximately 340 km (about 211 miles).

The cheapest way is typically by bus, with several companies offering routes between these cities, providing a balance between cost and travel time.

What to see and do in Oaxaca

• Join a full-day tour of Oaxaca if you have limited time
• Zócalo Oaxaca
• Plaza de la Danza
• Zona Arqueológica de Monte Albán – book a half-day trip
• Zona Arqueológica de Atzompa
• Hierve el Agua, Tule Tree, Mitla and Mezcal – join a full-day distillery tour
• Zona Arqueológica San Jose El Mogote
• Hike Cerro Zempoaltepetl
• Join an Oaxaca traditional cooking class or a vegetarian cooking class , you can also simply do a food tour

Accommodations in Oaxaca

• Affordable: Los Nardos Hostel or Hostal Lyz de Luna Nuyoo
• Mid-range: One Oaxaca Centro or Hotel Dainzu
• Luxury: Hotel Siglo XVII Art Gallery or Hotel PArador de Alcala

Merida for 3 days

3 weeks in Mexico is not complete without visiting the Yucatan region. To get to Merida from Oaxaca, you have to take a bit over an hour and a half direct flight.

Merida is a less-known destination in Mexico, making it a great spot to simply relax and process everything you did and have seen in the last 7 days.

Merida is an interesting place to visit during your 3 weeks in Mexico vacation. It’s rich in Mayan and colonial heritage, which means that it’s an incredible spot to learn the history before and during colonial times in Mexico. There are a handful of day trips you can take from Merida city centre to its surrounding area.

The fastest way to get from Oaxaca to Mérida is by flying, with the journey taking about 3 to 5 hours, including transfers and wait times at airports.

The cheapest way is by long-distance bus, which is significantly more affordable but can take around 20 to 25 hours due to the distance of approximately 1,300 km(about 808 miles).

What to see and do in Merida

• Mayan World Museum of Mérida
• Zona Arqueológica de Uxmal – book a full-day tour
• Quinta Montes Molina
• Palacio de la Música
• Visit Cenote Noc Ac – book a Cenotes tops attraction tour
• Walk around Acuaparque
• Chichén-Itzá – join a guided tour
• Day trip to Reserva Ecológica Cuxtal
• Explore Reserva Estatal Geohidrológica
• Hike to Punta Lastre
• Explore Merida through a food tour or a cooking class
• Parque Natural Petenes – Ría Celestún
• See the pink beach at Playa Las Coloradas – a combo tour of Playa Las Coloradas and Chichen Itza

Accommodations in Merida

• Affordable: Hostal La Ermita or Hostel San Jose
• Mid-range: Ontico Urban Design Hotel or Hotel Plaza by Kavia
• Luxury: Villa Orquidea or Fiesta Americana Merida

Cancun and Playa del Carmen for 5 days

Cancun is one of the most popular beach destinations in Mexico. Visitors are mostly from the US, but there are also Europeans and even tourists all the way from Asia.

Cancun’s beaches are beautiful. It’s covered in fine white sand, crystal clear blue water, and lots of spots to go snorkel. If you have never been here, this list of travel tips for Cancun will definitely be helpful.

On the other hand, Playa del Carmen is a smaller town but equally popular and stunning. There are many things to do here other than just lying on the beach and drinking coconut. It is also a turtle nest, which means that if the season is right, you’ll have an easy time spotting them.

You definitely have to include Cancun and Playa del Carmen in your 20 days in Mexico. It has so much to offer and is very different from the highland cities of Mexico, Puebla, and Oaxaca. If you have some extra time, you can spend a few days in Tulum as well.

You can get to Cancun from Merida by bus or by car , which takes about 4 hours. Playa del Carmen is only an hour away from Cancun. I recommend you choose between staying in Cancun or Playa del Carmen and taking a day trip to other parts of the region.

What to see and do in Cancun

• Museo Maya de Cancún y Zona Arqueológica de San Miguelito
• Punta Cancun Lighthouse
• Swim at Playa Delfines
• Eco-friendly whale shark swim – Riviera Maya and Whale Shark tour
• Check out Captain Hook Cancun
• Cenotes swimming – book a package tour for Cenotes, Chichen Itza, and Valladolid
• Snorkel the Underwater Museum (MUSA) – Isla Mujeres
• Dance at an adult-only boat party
• Visit Chichen Itza Maya Ruins
• Drive an ATV and try zipline – get on a fun tour
• Xcaret – an amusement that offers night shows, cave boat ride, and water activities – get your ticket
• Scale the Scenic Tower (Torre Escénica del Embarcadero de Cancún)
• Tulum Ruins – you can combine this with a reef snorkelling, Cenote, and cave visit
• You can also get to the pink beach of Playa Las Coloradas from Cancun
• Sail to Isla Mujeres – on a Catamaran cruise
• Try out jetski , speedboat , or parasailing combo

What to see and do in Playa del Carmen

• Swim with sea turtles
• Try parasailing
• Check out Rio Secreto’s Caves
• Boat trip to Cozumel
• Walk around 5th Avenue

Accommodations in Cancun

• Affordable: La Luz Hostal Cancun or Hostalito
• Mid-range: Adhara Hacienda Cancun or Bed and Breakfast Pecari
• Luxury: The Royal Cancun Suites Resort or Renaissance Resort
• Special Resorts: Royalton All-inclusive, Adults-only or Atelier Playa Mujeres (all-inclusive resort)

Accommodations in Playa del Carmen

• Affordable: Wabi Hostel or Casa Fausta
• Mid-range: Hotel 12 BEES or Hotel Kinbe
• Luxury: The Reef Coco Beach & Spa (optional all-inclusive) or El Taj Oceanfront Condo Hotel
• Special Resorts: Hotel Xcaret Arte (adults-only)

Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta for 3 days

You can take a flight from Cancun to Guadalajara. Remember to book an airport pick-up in Cancun to make sure you don’t miss your flight.

When travellers decide which “big city” to visit in Mexico, they are often divided between Mexico City and Guadalajara. If you are visiting Mexico for three weeks, you have plenty of time to visit both.

After sunbathing the last 5 days, let’s head back to the valley, Guadalajara stands at 1,566 m above sea level. It is popular for tequila and mariachi music. Guadalajara is also known for its local food; from cheesy tacos to birria, there is something for everyone. Not to mention that these local and mouthwatering food are very affordable.

On the other hand, Puerto Vallarta has become one of the new and favourite beach towns for tourists and even digital nomads. It’s more affordable, the beach is to die for, try surfing, and discover the diverse marine life of this region – there’s no reason not to visit.

The beach is always a great spot to end your trip. Here, you can relax, buy some souvenirs, and enjoy the last few days of your well-deserved vacation.

You can reach Puerto Vallarta by taking a 4.5-hour drive or taking the train, which takes about 6 hours.

What to see and do in Guadalajara

• Walk around Guadalajara Cathedral and Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Zapopan
• Lake Chapala – combine with Ajijic tour
• Check out Glorieta de los Niños Héreos and Centro Cultural El Refugio
• Explore downtown Guadalajara – join a guided tour
• Eat Tortas Ahogadas
• Visit Guachimontones Pyramids – enjoy a full-day tour
• Enjoy Mariachi Bands
• Visit a mining location of Opal – Magdalena Opal tour
• Buy souveneirs at Tlaquepaque

Tasting Tequila

When it comes to tequila, Guadalajara is the best. Well, kind of. Tequila is a town north of Guadalajara. It is popular for the production of the spirit “tequila”.

On the foot of Tequila Volcano, you will find fields of blue agave, which is the main ingredient of the spirit. You can learn more about Tequila by joining a guided tour.

There are many tequila tours you can book from affordable to premium. There is an affordable full-day tequila tour, you can also book a premium version . For something unique, you can explore Tequila, do some tasting, and go horseback riding. All these tours include a pick-up from your hotel, food, a knowledgeable local guide, and a visit to various distilleries.

What to see and do in Puerto Vallarta

• Lie on the beach of Playa De Los Muertos, Tranquila Beach, Sayulita, and Las Glorias
• Explore Islas Marietas National Park and Hidden Beach – enjoy it on a luxury yacht or fun boat tour
• Hike the Mirador el Cerro de la Cruz
• Go on an adventure – ride an ATV on Jorullo Bridge, go zip lining with a canopy tour
• Sign up for a food tour and mixology tour
• Try sky diving
• Enjoy a candlelight dinner show and cruise – check the price
• Visit Vallarta Botanical Gardens
• Get yourself a hop-on hop-off bus ticket

Accommodations in Guadalajara

• Affordable: Hostal La Paz & Love or Hotel Gallo Rubio
• Mid-range: Hotel San Franciso Plaza or Hotel Dali Plaza Ejecutivo
• Luxury: Rui Plaza or Quinta Real

Accommodations in Puerto Vallarta

• Affordable: Chanclas Hostel or El Sunset Hostel
• Mid-range: Tropicana Hotel or City Plus
• Luxury: The Paramar Beachfront Boutique Hotel or Hotel Luxury Patio Azul
• Special Resorts: Fiest Americana All Inclusive & Spa or Hotel Mio (adults-only)

MUST-TRY FOOD, DRINKS, AND DESSERTS IN MEXICO

Mexican food is one of the most popular cuisines in the world. So don’t forget to try some during your visit:

• Tacos al Pastor – Thinly sliced pork marinated in a blend of spices and cooked on a vertical spit, typically served with pineapple, onions, and cilantro on small tortillas.
• Chiles en Nogada – Poblano chiles stuffed with picadillo (a mixture of meat and fruits), topped with a walnut-based cream sauce and pomegranate seeds, representing the colours of the Mexican flag.
• Mole Poblano – A rich, complex sauce made with over 20 ingredients, including chilli peppers and chocolate, served over chicken or turkey.
• Ceviche – Fresh seafood cured in citrus juices and spiced with chilli peppers, onions, and cilantro.
• Tamales – Corn dough stuffed with meats, cheeses, or vegetables, wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves and steamed.
• Pozole – A hearty soup made with hominy, meat (usually pork), and garnished with lettuce, radish, onion, lime, and chilli.
• Enchiladas – Corn tortillas rolled around a filling and covered with a chilli pepper sauce, often garnished with cheese, sour cream, and onions.
• Carnitas – Slow-cooked pork that’s then fried to achieve a perfect tenderness and crispiness, served with tortillas and salsas.
• Elote – Grilled corn on the cob slathered with mayonnaise, cheese, chilli powder, and lime, a popular street food.
• Churros – Fried dough pastries, often sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon and served with chocolate sauce for dipping.
• Flan – A creamy caramel dessert resembling custard, known for its rich flavour and smooth texture.
• Tres Leches Cake – A moist cake soaked in three types of milk, topped with whipped cream or meringue.
• Arroz con Leche – A sweet and comforting rice pudding made with cinnamon and raisins.
• Horchata – A refreshing, sweet beverage made from rice, cinnamon, and vanilla, often served cold.
• Tequila – Mexico’s famous distilled spirit, made from the blue agave plant, is enjoyed neatly or in cocktails.
• Mezcal – Similar to tequila but with a smokier flavour, made from various types of agave, and often served with orange slices and chilli powder.

SUMMARY OF 3 WEEKS IN MEXICO ITINERARY

Mexico is a wonderful destination to spend your 3-week vacation. It offers a lot of activities from hiking, trying out different food, learning about Mayan culture, and of course enjoying its amazing beaches. You will not have a hard time finding things to do here. I hope that you found this 3 weeks in Mexico itinerary helpful in creating your own travel plan.

SAVE THIS TRAVEL ITINERARY ON YOUR PINTEREST:

A Remarkable 3 Week Mexico Itinerary

Breathtaking cenotes deep in the jungle, magnificent ancient ruins, quaint cobbled streets lined with vibrant buildings, beautiful fine white sand beaches and dramatic mountain vistas are a few of the things you can experience on your mexico itinerary. read on for more.

Mexico is incredibly vibrant, colourful and varied and has so much to offer every kind of traveller.

From the ancient ruins scattered around the country dating back to Mesoamerican civilisations to the wide opulent plazas and colourful colonial architecture left behind by the Spanish, Mexico is steeped in history and each civilisation has left treasures waiting to be explored and relished.

There are endless adventures and activities in Mexico from hiking in spectacular cloud forests to snorkelling amongst colourful corals and tropical marine life to swimming in cascading waterfalls to diving in natural sinkholes deep in the jungle. These are just some of the things you can experience in this marvellous outdoor playground.

As well as the adventures and activities, one of the best things to do in Mexico is rest, relax and treat yourselves to a bit of luxury. Head to the Riviera Maya where unending picture-perfect white sand beaches sit peacefully nestled amongst lush mangrove forests and turquoise ocean.

This three-week Mexico itinerary is the perfect introduction to Mexico. You’ll start with a few days in Mexico City before continuing to Oaxaca, San Cristobal de las Casas, Campeche, Cancun, Isla Mujeres, Playa del Carmen and finally, Bacalar.

For our complete guides on some of these areas, head to the blog posts below.

The Best Guide to San Cristobal de las Casas

10 Best Things to do in Oaxaca: Complete Guide

Ultimate Mexico City Guide: What You Need to Know

No time to read this mexico itinerary now no worries, save it for later.

Three Week Mexico Itinerary

Mexico city.

The first stop on your Mexico itinerary is 5 days in Mexico City ; one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the Americas.

Mexico City is diverse and vibrant. Colonial architecture, iconic artwork, gorgeous parks, delicious food, lavish public plazas and a rich cultural heritage await visitors and provide a wonderful introduction to dynamic Mexico.

One of the best things to do in Mexico City is to explore the Historic Centre. Centred around the massive Zocalo Plaza, this is the city’s beating heart and where you’ll see the defining characteristics of the cultures that defined the city. This lively area is home to historic landmarks, iconic buildings, museums, fascinating architecture and street vendors.

Visiting the   Floating Gardens of Xochimilco ; the Venice of Mexico is one of the top things to do in Mexico City. This UNESCO World Heritage Site consists of miles of waterways you can explore on colourful trajineras (boats).

It’s a pleasant activity for a few hours where you’ll pass other trajineras selling food and drinks and others with mariachi bands. Keep your eyes peeled for Isla de las Munecas (Island of the Dead Dolls), an eerie plot of land where dolls are hung from trees!

Other top things to do in Mexico City include Chapultepec Forest; Latin America’s largest city park , the Anthropology Museum , Parque Mexico, and the ancient ruins of Teotihuacan . 

Read: Ultimate Mexico City Guide: What You Need to Know

Find a hotel in mexico city.

3 days in Oaxaca is next on your Mexico itinerary; a firm favourite amongst visitors and you’ll quickly see why. The colourful colonial streets ooze charm through their vibrant and fascinating architecture, traditional festivals, art, spectacular diverse scenery and delicious cuisine.

One of the best things to do in Oaxaca , for locals and tourists alike, is people-watch in the Zocalo. Grab a drink in one of the cafes or restaurants that line the bustling plaza and soak up the atmosphere.

Hawker stalls sell everything from handicrafts and textiles to jewellery and knick-knacks. Families are out playing and socialising in the evenings and tourists are visiting the historical buildings in the surrounding streets. There’s always something going on.

One of my favourite things to do in Oaxaca was hiking in the Pueblos Mancomunados. Located in northern Oaxaca’s Sierra Norte, these are eight remote villages protected under a unique ecotourism project. They’re home to the Zapotecs; an indigenous people of Mexico who have recently turned to ecotourism to help with economic hardships.

There are over 100 kilometres of walking trails between the villages rewarding you with incredible landscapes such as caves, waterfalls, canyons and panoramic lookouts. To make the most out of your visit, stay overnight in one of the villages.

Book a hiking tour in the Pueblos Mancomunados

For some truly jaw-dropping scenery and one of the best things to do in Mexico, head to Hierve el Agua . This natural phenomenon appears to be frozen water cascading off the cliffs into the valley below. The falls are located amongst stunning panoramic mountain vistas and there are two warm mineral pools at the cliff-edge you can swim in.

Book a tour to Hierve el Agua

Other top things to do in Oaxaca include the Templo de Santo Domingo, the ancient Monte Alban ruins, souvenir shopping in the numerous colourful markets, mezcal tasting, and trying all the delicious Oaxacan cuisine.

Read: 10 Best Things to do in Oaxaca: Complete Guide

Find a hotel in oaxaca, san cristobal de las casas.

Days 8 – 11 on your Mexico itinerary are spent in my favourite city in Mexico; San Cristobal de las Casas . San Cristobal is the cultural heart of Mexico’s southernmost state, Chiapas; home to one of Mexico’s largest indigenous populations and scattered with dozens of traditional Tzotzil and Tzeltal villages.

San Cristobal beautifully fuses modern comforts and ancient traditions. This, combined with quaint colonial architecture, cobbled streets, colourful markets, and delicious food make it a wonderful base to explore the diverse landscapes of Chiapas. 

San Cristobal sits in a small valley surrounded by green hills and pine forests. Situated at an altitude of 2,200 metres, it has a cool climate and the air is always clean and fresh.

The city is a must-visit on its own but it’s also surrounded by incredible natural scenery including turquoise waterfalls, endless mountain vistas, imposing canyons, and forested lakes.

One of the top things to do in San Cristobal de las Casas and on this Mexico itinerary is a boat trip on the Sumidero Canyon . This canyon is a geological fault formed millions of years ago and is considered to be one of the most spectacular places in Mexico!

The walls reach incredible heights of 1200 metres in places and have some beautiful features. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for spider monkeys and crocodiles!

Book a tour to Sumidero Canyon

For some breathtaking scenery, check out Lagunas de Montebello National Park; an area of almost 60 striking blue and turquoise lakes, a vast pine forest, a variety of wildlife, and impressive Mayan ruins.

Here, you can do some of the best activities in Mexico including swimming in the lakes, hiking in the mountainous forest and even rafting to a cenote!

Book a tour to Lagunas de Montebello National Park

The ancient ruins of Palenque can be visited from San Cristobal on a day tour combined with the spectacular Agua Azul and Misol-Ha waterfalls. It’s a very long day so I’d recommend a night in Palenque if time allows, but if time is limited, this is an option.

Other top things to do in San Cristobal de las Casas are El Chiflon ; five giant waterfalls tucked inside a beautiful valley, ambling the city’s picturesque streets, souvenir shopping in the markets, and for some gorgeous views across the city, climbing the stairs to Templo de Guadalupe.

Read: The Best Guide to San Cristobal de las Casas

Find a hotel in san cristobal de las casas.

Days 11 – 13 of your Mexico itinerary are spent in another colourful colonial city; Campeche.

Campeche is located in the Yucatan Peninsula, a busy and touristy part of Mexico with places like Cancun and Playa del Carmen. Campeche, however, has remained off the main tourist trail so it’s a lot quieter and feels a world away from these bustling resort towns.

One of the best things to do in Campeche is to explore the historic old town . Uniquely, Campeche’s old town has outer walls and fortifications as a result of the pirate attacks on the Caribbean port in the 17th and 18th centuries. The walls still exist today and you can walk along parts of them for a different perspective of the city’s colourful buildings.

Within the city walls, the narrow cobbled streets are lined with buildings of every possible colour. You’ll find dozens of cafes, eateries and bars with chairs and tables outside where you can sit and soak up the atmosphere. Prices also remain low thanks to the lack of international tourism.

The malecon is a walkway along the waterfront located just outside the city’s walls and one of the top things to do in Campeche is to come here for a stroll. The best time is just before sunset once the temperature has dropped and everyone comes out to watch the sun go down, socialise or go for a run.

You can also rent a bike and explore the coast along the waterfront. Continue after the malecon has ended and you’ll reach Fuerte San Miguel perched on a hill with stunning views across the ocean. Another great place to watch the sunset.

The fort was built as a secondary protection against pirates and consists of a moat, drawbridge, and large stone walls. There’s also an archaeological museum containing many Mayan pieces of art and jewellery.

Other great things to do in Campeche include; the Maya Architecture Museum, the pedestrianised street Calle 59, the light show on the square, and eating delicious seafood in one of the seafront restaurants.

Find a hotel in Campeche

The next 2 days on your Mexico itinerary are a couple of days to unwind from the busy past two weeks.

Cancun is the party capital of Mexico, so if you’ve been craving a big night out, now’s your chance. Zona Hotelera is the primary tourist area and where you’ll find most of the resorts and nightlife. There’s one road, Kukulkan Boulevard, which runs from one side of the Hotel Zone to the other.

There’s a lot more to Cancun than just bars and clubs.

Downtown Cancun gives you a taste of local culture with small boutiques, green parks, Mexican wrestling and street food vendors. It’s also very well connected so you can experience the Hotel Zone without having to stay there.

Without a doubt, one of the best activities in Mexico is relaxing on a gorgeous white sand beach and the beaches in Cancun are a huge draw. I expected them to be overcrowded and rather dirty, however, I couldn’t have been more wrong!

Cancun has 21 kilometres of coast with soft white sand and turquoise waters. If you’re after a beach with a lively atmosphere, head to Playa Forum located behind the renowned Coco Bongo and filled with restaurants and bars.

Chac Mool Beach is perfect for something more laidback or for exploring the underwater world with numerous operators renting out water sports equipment. Playa Delfines is one of the largest beaches in Cancun and has no hotels, resorts, or shops lining it so tends to be quieter.

We’d recommend getting out of your resort and exploring further than the beaches as there are many wonderful things to do in Cancun.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site, Chichen Itza , is easily visited in a day. This was one of the greatest Mayan centres of the Yucatan Peninsula and is one of the largest sacred sites in Mexico.

Book a tour to Chichen Itza

The Yucatan Peninsula is renowned for spectacular cenotes which are natural sinkholes formed by the collapse of limestone bedrock exposing the groundwater underneath.

Mexico is littered with thousands of cenotes and there are over 6000 in the Yucatan Peninsula alone where you can swim, snorkel, and even scuba-dive! Some of the best cenotes near Cancun are located along the Ruta de Cenotes (Cenote Route). 

Find a hotel in Cancun

Isla mujeres.

Just off the coast of Cancun is Isla Mujeres , where you’ll spend days 15 – 17 of your Mexico itinerary. This small, picturesque island is home to idyllic beaches, a colourful town centre, yoga classes, and numerous water sports.

The best way to explore the island is by golf cart. There are plenty of places you can rent one from with prices starting from approximately $13 per hour or $40 for the day. There’s one main road that travels the entire way around the island so it’s impossible to get lost.

One of the highlights of Isla Mujeres is Playa Norte; one of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico. This long stretch of fine white sand lined with palm trees is on the north side of the island and although it can get quite busy, is still worth a visit. 

Temple Ixchel, honouring the Mayan goddess of happiness, fertility, and the moon is also worth a visit. Around the ruins, you’ll find an extensive collection of art and rock sculptures, hidden cliffside beaches, and maybe even spot some iguanas!

One of the best things to do on Isla Mujeres is to visit the Cancun Underwater Museum . This museum is actually located on the seafloor and was installed to primarily promote coral life. There are over 500 statues and other structures that make for incredible diving, snorkelling, and even glass-bottom boat trips!

Other highlights of Isla Mujeres include visiting Isla Contoy; a natural wildlife reserve and bird sanctuary, swimming with whale sharks, admiring the colourful street art and watching the magical sunsets.

Find a hotel in Isla Mujeres

Playa del carmen.

Days 17 – 19 will be spent exploring Playa del Carmen ; often viewed as Cancun’s little sister. However, although you’ll find shopping malls, bars, and restaurants, it’s nowhere near Cancun’s level of liveliness!

As well as beautiful long white sand beaches perfect for relaxing and soaking up the rays, Playa del Carmen is a great base for exploring more of the Yucatan’s treasures.

One of my favourite things to do on my Mexico itinerary was swim in cenotes. There are different types of cenotes , each of which you can visit from Playa del Carmen; open, semi-open, cavern and ancient.

One of the most spectacular cenotes in the region is Jardin del Eden; a large, open cenote set in a dense lush jungle. The water is so incredibly clean and crystal clear it’s ideal for swimming in. You can rent snorkels or even scuba dive to see the fish and impressive rock formations.

Cenote Chaak Tun is an underground cenote comprising three underground caves through which the Mayans entered their underworld; Xibalba. You can snorkel in the turquoise waters of the underground river surrounded by ancient stalagmites and stalactites. A completely unique experience.

Other top things to do in Playa del Carmen include a day trip to Cozumel ; a small island known for spectacular beaches and snorkelling, salsa dancing, watersports, and swimming with sea turtles in Akumal.

Find a hotel in Playa del Carmen

Your final two days on your Mexico itinerary are in Bacalar; one of only a few Pueblos Magicos (Magical Towns) in Mexico.

The ‘Magical Towns Programme’ is an initiative to promote rural towns around Mexico that offer visitors special experiences because of their traditions, historical relevance, natural beauty, cuisine, and cultural richness. It intends to increase tourism to more localities.

Bacalar is situated in Southeast Mexico, almost bordering Belize. For this reason, it’s quite tricky to get to with no large hubs nearby and therefore doesn’t see the crowds that other places do. Trust me, you want to make the effort to get here!

The main draw is Bacalar Lagoon which is unlike anywhere you’ve ever seen! It’s also known as the Lagoon of Seven Colours boasting seven different shades of blue and it’s nothing short of spectacular. The colours of the lake also change as the depths and time of the day change!

Bacalar Lagoon is Mexico’s second-largest body of water measuring 43 kilometres in length and 2 kilometres wide at its widest point. The lagoon is actually a series of waterways fed by underground cenotes that lead to the Caribbean Sea and has an incredibly diverse ecosystem.

One of the top things to do in Bacalar and the best way to experience the lagoon is to rent a kayak or paddleboard and paddle out on the water either at sunrise or sunset. Sunrise will be a lot more peaceful with fewer people around. Sunset, however, is still magical!

The beautifully clear, warm waters of Bacalar Lagoon are also an excellent place for a swim. However, to protect the ecosystem, you mustn’t wear any suncream so make sure you’ve got a cover-up you can wear in the water.

Some other great things to do in Bacalar are standup paddleboarding, sailing, snorkelling, swimming in cenotes, relaxing on one of the many docks around the lake, and exploring Fort San Felipe.

Find a hotel in Bacalar

Everything you need to know for your mexico itinerary, the best time for your mexico itinerary.

In general, the driest months for any Mexico itinerary are December to April. However, although this means the best weather, it also means more crowds and higher prices. I visited in November when it was still a bit cooler and there were fewer crowds and I only experienced a couple of rainy afternoons.

The rainy season runs from June to October but the coast is affected the most. Central Mexico usually experiences heavy afternoon showers.

How to get around Mexico

I travelled this exact Mexico itinerary on buses. Buses in Mexico are very convenient and if you’ve travelled on buses in places like Vietnam and Cambodia, you’ll find them seriously comfortable!

ADO buses are the most popular and offer different levels of luxury. I always travelled on the cheapest option (OCC) and the seats reclined, there’s plenty of legroom and also air-conditioning. If you’re travelling on a higher budget there’s GL class which offers more luxury and plush chairs.

It could also be worth taking some internal flights if your budget allows as travelling between key destinations can take quite a while.

If you want complete freedom and you’re confident enough to drive, renting a car is a fantastic option!

Prices in Mexico

Mexico is extremely affordable; especially outside of the tourist hotspots and sticking to local food and drink. Street food meals can be as low as $1 and domestic beer from $2. Meals in restaurants can start at around $8.

Dorms in hostels start from around $10 a night, private rooms from $18 and guesthouses from $15. 4* and 5* hotels in the cities start from $50 a night. If you’re keen on some all-inclusive luxury on the beach, you can get some fantastic deals starting from around $150 a night for two people. 

These prices vary depending on the season and how popular the area is.

Do I need a visa?

As a UK passport holder, you don’t need a visa to visit Mexico as a tourist. You will, however, need to complete an immigration form and have this with you when you enter and leave the country.

What currency do I need?

Mexico uses the peso. At the time of writing, 1 USD is 17.35 MXN 

What plug do I need?

You’ll need either plug type A or B. Both have two flat parallel pins and B has a grounding pin.

I hope you’ve found this Mexico itinerary useful in helping you plan your trip. Check out our other Mexico posts for in-depth guides to some of the key destinations on this route.

If your Mexico itinerary is part of a larger Central America trip, make sure you head to our Guatemala and Belize posts.

Feel free to leave a comment or contact us if you have any other questions 🙂

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The Ultimate 3-Week Mexico Itinerary: A Memorable Adventure Awaits!

Embark on an unforgettable journey through this beautiful country with our ultimate 3-week Mexico itinerary. As a diverse and vibrant nation, Mexico offers a wealth of history, culture, and natural beauty.

From the bustling metropolis of Mexico City to the serene beaches of the Yucatan Peninsula, we’ve handpicked the top attractions and experiences to make your vacation truly memorable.

With this 21-day guide, you’ll enjoy a perfect blend of city life, ancient history, and breathtaking landscapes. So grab your passport, pack your bags and your sombreros, and let’s get started!

Week 1: Mexico City, Teotihuacan, Puebla, and Cholula

Days 1-3: mexico city.

Begin your adventure in Mexico City , the vibrant and bustling capital of Mexico. Rich in history, culture, and culinary delights, this city offers something for every traveler. Start by exploring the historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you’ll find iconic landmarks such as the Zocalo, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the National Palace, which houses Diego Rivera’s famous murals depicting Mexican history.

For art enthusiasts, a visit to the Frida Kahlo Museum in the charming neighborhood of Coyoacán is a must. Delve into the world of Mexico’s most famous female artist, exploring her life, works, and the vibrant blue house where she once lived. Afterward, head to the nearby Leon Trotsky Museum to learn about the life of the Russian revolutionary who found refuge in Mexico.

Mexico City is also home to a number of world-class museums, including the National Museum of Anthropology, which houses an extensive collection of pre-Columbian art and artifacts, and the Palace of Fine Arts, showcasing works by famous Mexican artists and stunning murals by Diego Rivera, David Alfaro Siqueiros, and Rufino Tamayo.

Definitely don’t miss Mexico City’s vibrant and ever growing nightlife scene , mostly situated around the Condesa and Roma neighborhood . You can find everything from hidden speakeasy’s, massive warehouse clubs such Patrick Miller, and the expat/local mixed clubs and lounges like the popular Departamento.

Make sure to indulge in the city’s thriving food scene, from street food to fine dining. Visit a local market, such as Mercado de San Juan or La Merced, to sample traditional Mexican fare like tacos al pastor, tamales, and churros. For a more upscale experience, reserve a table at one of the city’s acclaimed restaurants like Pujol or Quintonil.

Day 4: Teotihuacan

Take a day trip to the ancient city of Teotihuacan, located just outside Mexico City. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to some of the most impressive pyramids in the Americas, including the massive Pyramid of the Sun and the intricately decorated Pyramid of the Moon.

Climb the pyramids for stunning views of the surrounding landscape and explore the rest of the archaeological site, including the Temple of Quetzalcoatl and the Palace of Quetzalpapalotl.

Days 5-6: Puebla and Cholula

Continue your journey southeast to the beautiful colonial city of Puebla, known for its vibrant streets, stunning churches, and exquisite Talavera pottery. Visit the impressive Puebla Cathedral, which boasts the tallest church towers in Mexico, and explore the colorful Calle de los Dulces (Sweet Street), where you can sample traditional Mexican candies and sweets.

In Puebla, you can also visit the International Museum of the Baroque, which showcases the opulence and extravagance of the Baroque era through art, architecture, and decorative objects.

Just a short drive from Puebla lies the charming town of Cholula, which boasts the largest pyramid by volume in the world, the Great Pyramid of Cholula. Though much of the pyramid is hidden beneath a hill and topped by the Church of Our Lady of Remedies, you can still explore the extensive network of tunnels that weave through the structure.

While in Cholula, don’t miss the opportunity to wander through the town’s vibrant streets, visit the stunning San Gabriel Monastery, and take in the breathtaking views of the nearby Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl volcanoes.

Day 7: Return to Mexico City

Travel back to Mexico City to prepare for the next leg of your journey. Use this day to explore any remaining attractions in the capital that you might have missed, such as Chapultepec Castle, the National History Museum, or the trendy neighborhoods of Condesa and Roma, which are filled with eclectic shops, cafés, and galleries.

Alternatively, you could also spend the day relaxing in one of the city’s beautiful parks, such as Parque México or Bosque de Chapultepec, where you can rent a paddleboat on the lake or visit the Chapultepec Zoo.

Week 2: Oaxaca, San Cristobal de las Casas and Palenque

Days 8-9: oaxaca city.

Continue your journey south to Oaxaca, a city renowned for its vibrant arts scene, colonial architecture, and exquisite cuisine. Start by exploring the historic city center, where you’ll find the stunning Santo Domingo Temple, the bustling Zocalo, and the vibrant Macedonio Alcalá pedestrian street. Visit the Oaxaca Textile Museum to admire the region’s traditional weaving techniques and colorful fabrics.

For a unique culinary experience, head to the Mercado 20 de Noviembre, where you can sample local delicacies like tlayudas, chapulines (fried grasshoppers), and Oaxacan cheese. Don’t forget to try mezcal, the region’s famous distilled spirit made from the agave plant.

While in Oaxaca, immerse yourself in the area’s rich indigenous heritage by visiting the nearby villages known for their artisan crafts, such as San Bartolo Coyotepec (famous for its black pottery) and Teotitlán del Valle (known for its handwoven rugs).

Take a day trip to the nearby archaeological site of Monte Alban, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once the ancient capital of the Zapotec civilization. Marvel at the well-preserved ruins, including the Main Plaza, the Ball Court, and the intricate tomb paintings at Tomb 104. For nature lovers, visit the stunning petrified waterfalls of Hierve el Agua, where you can enjoy breathtaking views and take a dip in the mineral-rich natural pools.

Days 9-12: Puerto Escondido

From Oaxaca, take a short flight or scenic drive to the coastal town of Puerto Escondido , known for its beautiful beaches and world-class surfing.

Begin your Puerto Escondido adventure by visiting the lively Zicatela Beach, where you can watch surfers tackling the powerful waves or even take a surf lesson yourself. For a more tranquil experience, head to Carrizalillo Beach, a secluded cove with calm waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

Explore the vibrant sea life in the crystal-clear waters, and relax on the golden sand. In the late afternoon, visit Playa Bacocho to enjoy a breathtaking sunset over the Pacific Ocean.

Puerto Escondido offers more than just sun, sand, and surf. Join a bioluminescence tour at Manialtepec Lagoon, where you’ll witness the magical phenomenon of glowing plankton that illuminates the water at night. Take a swim in the lagoon and watch the water sparkle around you, creating a truly unforgettable experience.

During the evening, participate in a turtle release program at one of the local beaches. Many organizations in Puerto Escondido work to protect and conserve endangered sea turtles, and you can play a part by helping to release baby turtles into the ocean. This is a unique and memorable experience that supports marine conservation efforts in the region.

Spend your last day in Puerto Escondido exploring the surrounding landscapes. Take a hike in the nearby Sierra Madre del Sur mountains, where you can enjoy stunning views of the coast and immerse yourself in the region’s lush tropical flora and fauna.

After your hike, visit the bustling Benito Juarez Market in the town center, where you can shop for local handicrafts, sample fresh produce, and enjoy authentic regional dishes. This is the perfect opportunity to pick up souvenirs and gifts to remember your unforgettable Mexican adventure.

In the evening, visit the Adoquin night market, Puerto Escondido’s pedestrian-only street lined with bars, restaurants, and shops. Enjoy a delicious seafood dinner at one of the many beachside eateries, and take a leisurely stroll while soaking up the laid-back atmosphere of this charming coastal town.

Days 13-14: San Cristobal de las Casas

Head east to the charming town of San Cristobal de las Casas, nestled in the highlands of Chiapas . The town’s cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and bustling markets make it a delight to explore. Visit the vibrant Santo Domingo Church and the San Cristobal Cathedral in the town’s main square.

For a truly unique experience, take a tour of the indigenous villages surrounding San Cristobal, such as San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan. These communities have preserved their traditional customs and way of life, offering a glimpse into Mexico’s rich cultural diversity.

While in San Cristobal, explore the nearby Sumidero Canyon, a magnificent natural wonder that features towering cliffs, diverse wildlife, and a stunning waterfall. Take a boat tour along the Grijalva River to fully appreciate the grandeur of the canyon.

Days 15: Palenque

Leave the highlands behind and journey into the heart of the Chiapas jungle to visit the majestic ruins of Palenque. This ancient Mayan city boasts some of the most beautifully preserved and intricately detailed architecture in the region. Explore the Palace, with its distinctive tower and labyrinthine passageways, and admire the intricate carvings at the Temple of the Inscriptions, the burial site of the famous ruler Pakal.

While in Palenque, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the stunning waterfalls of Misol-Ha and Agua Azul. These natural wonders offer a refreshing break from the jungle heat and a chance to marvel at the beauty of Mexico’s diverse landscape.

Day 16: Bonampak and Yaxchilan

Dive deeper into the ancient Mayan world with a visit to the remote archaeological sites of Bonampak and Yaxchilan. Bonampak, located within the Lacandon Jungle, is famous for its remarkably well-preserved murals that depict scenes of Mayan life, including rituals, battles, and ceremonies.

Yaxchilan, set along the banks of the Usumacinta River, is accessible only by boat, making it a true off-the-beaten-path destination. Wander through the site’s impressive temples, plazas, and carved stelae, and marvel at the intricate stone lintels that portray scenes of royal life and mythology.

Week 3: Campeche, Merida, Valladolid, and the Riviera Maya

Days 16-17: campeche.

Begin the third week by heading north to the coastal city of Campeche, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its beautifully preserved colonial architecture and historic fortifications. Stroll along the picturesque Malecon (seafront promenade), taking in views of the Gulf of Mexico, and explore the colorful streets of the historic city center.

Visit the impressive forts of San Miguel and San Jose El Alto, which offer stunning panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes. For a dose of history, don’t miss the Campeche Archaeological Museum, which houses an extensive collection of Mayan artifacts, including the famous jade mask of Calakmul.

Days 18-19: Merida

Continue your adventure by heading east to Merida, the capital of the Yucatan state. This vibrant city is known for its colonial architecture, bustling markets, and lively street performances. Visit the imposing Merida Cathedral and the stunning Palacio de Gobierno, with its vivid murals depicting Yucatecan history.

Take a day trip to the nearby Celestun Biosphere Reserve, where you can take a boat tour to see the spectacular flocks of flamingos and other wildlife inhabiting the area. For a more leisurely excursion, visit the charming town of Izamal, known as the “Yellow City” for its ochre-painted buildings.

Days 20-21: Valladolid & Chichen Itza

Travel east to the charming colonial town of Valladolid, the perfect base for exploring the surrounding Yucatan Peninsula. Wander through the colorful streets, visit the Convent of San Bernardino de Siena, and take a refreshing dip in the nearby cenotes, natural limestone sinkholes filled with crystal-clear water.

From Valladolid, take a day trip to the awe-inspiring ruins of Chichen Itza, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Explore the iconic El Castillo pyramid, the Temple of the Warriors, and the mysterious Great Ball Court.

Days 22-23: Ek Balam and Coba

Venture further into the Yucatan Peninsula to discover the lesser-known but equally fascinating archaeological sites of Ek Balam and Coba. Ek Balam is a remarkably well-preserved Mayan city, featuring a massive Acropolis, intricate stucco carvings, and a unique “false arch” entrance.

Coba, hidden deep within the jungle, is home to Nohoch Mul, the tallest pyramid in the Yucatan Peninsula. Climb the 120 steps to the top for breathtaking views of the surrounding jungle landscape.

Days 24-27: Riviera Maya

Complete your journey with a relaxing stay on the sun-soaked beaches of the Riviera Maya. This stretch of coastline, located between Cancun and Tulum, offers a wide range of accommodations, from luxurious resorts to budget-friendly hostels.

Spend your days lounging on the white-sand beaches, swimming in the warm turquoise waters, or exploring the many eco-parks and archaeological sites in the area. Don’t miss the chance to visit the ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum , perched on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea, or the impressive ruins of Xel-Ha, an ancient port city.

For adventure-seekers, the Riviera Maya offers a plethora of activities, including snorkeling and diving in the Great Maya Reef, the second-largest coral reef system in the world. Alternatively, explore the region’s many cenotes, which offer unique diving and snorkeling experiences in crystal-clear waters surrounded by stunning geological formations.

Take a day trip to Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can enjoy a variety of eco-tourism activities such as bird-watching, kayaking, and wildlife-spotting. The reserve is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including jaguars, crocodiles, and over 300 species of birds.

Another must-visit destination is the eco-archaeological park of Xcaret, which offers a unique blend of nature, culture, and adventure. Discover the park’s many attractions, including a butterfly pavilion, an underground river, and a coral reef aquarium. Don’t miss the spectacular “Xcaret Mexico Espectacular” show, which showcases the rich history and traditions of Mexico through music, dance, and performance.

For those seeking a more immersive cultural experience, participate in a traditional Mayan temazcal ceremony. This ancient steam bath ritual is believed to cleanse the body, mind, and spirit, providing a unique opportunity for reflection and rejuvenation.

In the evenings, indulge in the region’s vibrant nightlife, with a wide range of restaurants, bars, and clubs catering to every taste. Whether you prefer a laid-back beach bar, a lively salsa club, or a trendy rooftop lounge, the Riviera Maya has something for everyone.

Days 28-29: Isla Mujeres or Isla Holbox

Before your journey comes to an end, take a short trip to one of the idyllic islands off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula – Isla Mujeres or Isla Holbox. Both islands offer a more relaxed, laid-back atmosphere compared to the bustling Riviera Maya, making them the perfect spots for some well-deserved rest and relaxation.

Isla Mujeres is known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and crystal-clear waters, making it an ideal destination for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. Visit the famous Playa Norte, considered one of the best beaches in the Caribbean, and take a trip to the Underwater Museum of Art (MUSA), an incredible collection of underwater sculptures.

Isla Holbox (pronounced Holbosh), on the other hand, is a haven for nature lovers and those seeking a more off-the-beaten-path experience. With its pristine beaches, abundant wildlife, and laid-back charm, this car-free island is the perfect place to unwind and disconnect from the outside world. Don’t miss the opportunity to swim with whale sharks, the gentle giants of the ocean, which frequent the waters surrounding the island from June to September.

Embarking on this ultimate 3-week Mexico itinerary promises an unforgettable journey filled with the country’s diverse landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. From the bustling streets of Mexico City to the serene beaches of Puerto Escondido, you’ll experience the very best of Mexico’s treasures.

Along the way, you’ll indulge in mouthwatering regional cuisine, explore ancient ruins, marvel at breathtaking natural wonders, and immerse yourself in Mexico’s colorful and welcoming local communities.

This comprehensive adventure ensures that you’ll create memories that last a lifetime and leave with a deep appreciation for Mexico’s incredible beauty and diversity. So pack your bags, embrace your wanderlust, and embark on the journey of a lifetime in beautiful Mexico.

**Please note that this post may contain affiliate links. When booking through one of our links, we earn a small kickback at no extra cost to you and it’s a big help to keep the site up and running.

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My 3-week Mexico itinerary: uncover the absolute best of Yucatán

Uncover the best of Yucatán with my 3-week Mexico itinerary, including what to see and do, the best day trips, where to stay, and the best time to visit – plus all the essentials to help you have an incredible time.

Mexico is, without a doubt, the best possible introduction to travelling in Latin America.

At the moment, the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico is among the most popular travel destinations in the world, and that is for a good reason.

From the well-preserved ancient Mayan ruins , to the mysterious underworld-ish cenotes, the paradisiac stretches of palm-fringed beaches, to the bright coloured streets of authentic colonial towns , Yucatán is absolutely superb.

In addition to all this beauty, there is the most mouth-watering local food, excellent weather year-round, and the captivating and ever-present Maya culture, that was way ahead of their time.

After spending 3 weeks in Yucatán, I’ve crafted together my detailed Mexico itinerary – all based on my personal travel experiences, to ensure you’ll uncover the absolute best things to see and do in Yucatán.

On top of that, you’ll find advice on where to stay, how to get around – plus travel essentials and helpful tips, to help you make the most out of your time in Yucatán, Mexico.

Love my photos? I’ve just launched my first ever  print collection  – receive 15% discount until the 1st of September using code; PRINT.

WHERE IS THE YUCATÁN PENINSULA, MEXICO

Yucatán is an incredibly picturesque region situated on the eponymous Yucatán Peninsula in the most southern part of Mexico, and is encircled by the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea.

This particular part of Mexico was once home of the famous Maya civilization and shares borders with both Guatemala and Belize.

The popular Yucatán region is split into three states, including Yucatán, Campeche, and Quintana Roo, and is considered one of the best destinations in the Caribbean.

ACCOMMODATION | WHERE TO STAY IN YUCATÁN, MEXICO

The popular Yucatán Peninsula is continually claiming its name as one of the best travel destinations in the Caribbean, and accordingly, accommodation to fit any budget can be found here.

Think backpacker-friendly hostels, homey Airbnbs, and luxury hotels – but also some of the most progressive Eco-resort with your private slice of beach next to the mesmerizing Caribbean Sea.

When planning your trip, bear in mind that the cost of accommodation ranges anywhere between $20 – $250 a night.

BOOKING.COM

As a solo traveller, my favourite website to find accommodation is booking.com .

Not only is it home to an extensive range of great accommodation, but it’s also super easy-to-use, not to mention that options to fit any budget are found here.

On top of that, you can cancel your booking at any given time, without any cost – perfect if you’re suddenly willing to change your itinerary.

That said, if you’re looking for a hostel, apartment or hotel, make sure to search for an option that fit your requirements on booking.com. Prices and availability here .

It is no secret that Airbnb has taken off in the last couple of years, and as a consequence, there’s a wide array of brilliant Airbnb options dotted throughout Yucatán.

If you’re curious to explore these options, the cost, and availability, have a look at the Airbnb website.

MY 3-WEEK MEXICO ITINERARY DAILY OVERVIEW

Day 1 | arrival in cancún.

When you’re planning a road trip through the Yucatán Peninsula, it is almost inevitable that your flight won’t arrive at the Cancún International Airport. It is, therefore, no surprise that Cancún will be the first stop on this Mexico itinerary.

To me, Cancún felt a bit too inauthentic, which doesn’t necessarily match my travel preferences. However, due to my late arrival, I decided to spend one night here, before moving to Isla Holbox.

For that reason, I can’t give my honest opinion on Cancún. What I do know, is the fact that it’s a great city to relax and get your bearings after a long and exhausting flight.

Even though there’s a lot of negative words spoken when it comes to Cancún, it simply wouldn’t be fair to go with the masses and put a negative stamp on it.

CANCÚN | ESSENTIALS

Where | Cancún, Quintana Roo

Where to stay in Cancún | After a long flight, I always try to search for the most comfortable, budget-friendly accommodation possible. For Cancún, this was Terracaribe Hotel Boutique , which I highly recommend.

Alternatively, use booking.com to find accommodations in Cancún .

How to get around Cancún | Cancún is easily explored by foot. Alternatively, take a local bus or taxi.

DAY 2 – 4 | ISLA HOLBOX, MEXICO’S IDYLLIC ISLAND

After acclimating to the tropical heat in Cancun, it’s time to unwind at the pristine beaches of Isla Holbox , one of the few places in Yucatán that are still largely untouched by upscale tourism.

Although I think it won’t be a hidden gem much longer, the island is developing at a rapid pace, which will eventually result in greater popularity among locals and backpackers alike.

But for now, Isla Holbox is everything you expect a tropical island to be.

Think beautiful stretches of white-sanded beach, family-run cafés & beach clubs, a tranquil atmosphere, and a booming street art scene. Not to mention that it’s completely car-free and inhabited by a great variety of tropical wildlife.

Isla Holbox is surely one of the most paradisiac islands I’ve ever set foot on

All this makes Holbox an excellent place to start off your Mexico adventures. But be warned, the laidback island vibes will seduce you to spend 3 weeks here. I strongly recommend spending three days on Holbox, this is perfect to explore the best of the island and its tropical surroundings.

ISLA HOLBOX | MUST-SEE ATTRACTIONS

Punta Mosquito | At only a 20-minutes bike ride away from Holbox town lies Punta Mosquito, a widely stretched sandbar that is defined by its pearl-white sand and absurdly clear water. To me, Punta Mosquito is without question the most idyllic place on the island. For your own safety, I’d recommend visiting during ebb tide, once the water level rises you may not be able to walk back to the beach.

Holbox’s street art scene | Isla Holbox is well-known for its booming street art scene, which illuminates almost the entire town. Bright-coloured murals pop up on about every corner, and walking through the streets to admire them is one of the best things to do on Holbox.

Curious about all the things to see and do in Isla Holbox – check out my detailed guide here .

ISLA HOLBOX | ESSENTIALS

Where | Isla Holbox, Quintana Roo

Where to stay in Isla Holbox | I stayed at Alcobas Del Mar and Hotel El Pueblito . Additionally, I would recommend staying at Maria Carlota .

Alternatively, use booking.com to find accommodations in Isla Holbox .

How to get from Cancun to Isla Holbox | Jump aboard a direct ADO bus from Cancun to Chiquilà (departs at 08:15, 10:30 and 14:15), before taking the ferry from Chiquilà to Isla Holbox. The journey takes around 3 hours.

How to get around Isla Holbox | Isla Holbox is completely car-free and is most-fun explored by bicycle. Alternatively, take a walk or hire a golf cart taxi.

DAY 5 – 8 | VALLADOLID, YUCATÁN’S COLOURFUL COLONIAL TOWN

Just west of Isla Holbox lies Valladolid, a sleepy town that stole my heart from the moment I arrived.

Charmed by its authentic atmosphere, enchanting colonial architecture, and bright pastel-coloured laneways, Valladolid is easily my favourite stop on this 3-week Mexico itinerary.

But it is definitely not only the picturesque town and its lovely colonial streets that make Valladolid so popular among travellers.

Valladolid makes an excellent base to explore some of the best cenotes in Yucatán, not to mention that it is located at only a 45-minute drive from Chichen Itza, Mexico’s most significant Mayan ruin.

This charming colonial town makes you feel at home away from home – plus there is plenty to see and do, both in and around Valladolid. This is exactly why I would recommend spending at least three days here, allowing you to see the best of Valladolid and its surrounds.

VALLADOLID | MUST-SEE ATTRACTIONS

The cathedral of San Gervasio | Directly at the heart of Plaza e Parque Francisco Canton is the enchanting cathedral of San Gervasio, Valladolid’s most iconic landmark. The centuries-old church is a delight for the eye and adds to the Valladolid’s rich colonial atmosphere. If you ask me, a must-see in Valladolid.

Calzada de Los Frailes | Walk among the cobblestone alleys of Calzada de Los Frailes and discover ornate doorways, colonial architecture, and a vibrant colour palette. This Insta-famous street is probably the most picturesque street that you’ll come across in Yucatán.

Cenote Suytun | Cenote Suytun is by far the most mysterious scenery you’ll find in this Mexico itinerary. The picturesque cave-like cenote houses a mystical underworld-ish vibe, and is a dream for every photographer. If like me, you take your photography seriously, I’d highly recommend visiting first thing in the morning.

Keen to read about all the things to see and do in Valladolid – check out my detailed guide here .

VALLADOLID | ESSENTIALS

Where | Valladolid, Yucatán

Where to stay in Valladolid | Valladolid has a broad selection of excellent accommodations and I would highly recommend Hostal Tunich Naj , Hotel Casa Bamboo , and Hotel & Suites Country .

Alternatively, use booking.com to find accommodations in Valladolid .

How to get from Isla Holbox to Valladolid | Take a ferry from Isla Holbox to Chiquilà (departs every 30 minutes from 05:00 till 20:40). Once arrived in Chiquilà, take the direct bus to Valladolid, which departs once daily at 17:45. Expect the journey to take around 4 hours.

How to get around Valladolid | Valladolid has a small city centre that is effortlessly navigated by bicycle or foot. For day trips around Valladolid, I recommend making use of cheap Colectivo taxi-busses.

DAY TRIP | CHICHÉN ITZÁ, MEXICO’S MOST IMPORTANT MAYAN RUIN

I’m sure it won’t come as a surprise to see the phenomenal ruins of Chichén Itzá on this itinerary. And let’s be real, a trip to this ancient Mayan city is an absolute must when travelling through Yucatán.

Chichén Itzá was once the bustling epicentre of Mayan civilization. At present, the ruins are restored in the same manner as the cities glorious past. For those two reasons, Chichén Itzá is acknowledged to be one of the most important ancient ruins in the whole of Mexico.

Every day, thousands of travellers visit to catch a glimpse of the complex’s magnificent structures, among which you’ll discover ornate stepped pyramids, majestic temples, columned arcades, and various other structures & shrines.

If you’re keen on a chance to have the marvellous El Castilo all to yourself, I highly recommend visiting Chichén Itzá as a day trip from Valladolid. The town’s strategic position makes it easy to visit Chichén Itzá at sunrise, which ensures that you’ll be one of the first to enter the complex.

That said, you might also want to double your advantage by combining the above tips with a skip the line ticket .

CHICHÉN ITZÁ | ESSENTIALS

Where | Chichén Itzá

Entrance fee | 481 MXN, ($25) per person

Opening hours | Daily 08:00 – 16:30

How to get from Valladolid to Chichén Itzá | Colectivo’s leave Calle 46 every 30 minutes from 07:00 till 18:00. The journey from Valladolid to Chichén Itzá takes roughly 45 minutes.

DAY 9 – 12 | MÉRIDA, YUCATÁN’S CAPITAL OF CULTURE

Following an adventurous day trip to the ruins of Chichen Itzá, its time to leave Valladolid and embark on a short bus ride to Mérida, Yucatán’s capital of culture.

Once you arrive in Mérida , you’ll intuitively notice that the city has a pretty unique feel to it. The city’s historic centre houses a vibrant yet serene atmosphere, is home to the most friendly people, and the fascinating Maya culture is still ever-present, which is a delight to witness.

As a result, there are enough great things to see and do in Mérida, including some of the best things to do in Yucatán. Think lively local markets, historical monuments, and broad central plazas, just to mention a few.

Although Mérida wasn’t my favourite place in Yucatán, it is still an interesting city to learn about the region’s rich and captivating culture.

However, I would recommend spending at least three days here. This will allow you to see all the best places in Mérida – plus you have a spare day to visit the ruins of Uxmal.

MÉRIDA | MUST-SEE ATTRACTIONS

Paseo de Montejo | You can’t visit Mérida without taking a stroll along the scenic avenue of Paseo de Montejo. The famed avenue is often referred to as the Champs-Élysées of Mérida, and is home to a bunch of vibrant restaurants, inviting boutique stores, and two outstanding museums, which are Casa Museo Montes Molina and Palacio Canton.

Monumento a la Patria | At the end of the renowned Paseo de Montejo avenue lies the iconic Monumento a la Patria. A walk around this impressive monument reveals more than 300 hand-carved figures that reflect the story of Mexico from the creation of Tenochtitlán all the way to the mid 20th century. If you’re curious about history like me, Monumento a la Patria is a must-see in this Yucatán itinerary.

Plaza Grande | Taking a break at one of Mexico’s many plazas is one of my favourite things to do in Yucatán. What’s even better is the fact that Plaza Grande is considered one of the most charming Plazas in Mexico. Simply sit down, take in the authentic ambience, and watch the world go by, sounds excellent right?

Curious about all the things to see and do in Mérida – check out my detailed guide here .

MÉRIDA | ESSENTIALS

Where | Mérida, Yucatán

Where to stay in Mérida | Mérida has no shortage of great accommodations and I would recommend Casona 61 , Hotel Colon Mérida , and Hotel Maya Yucatán .

Alternatively, use booking.com to find accommodations in Mérida .

How to get from Valladolid to Mérida | Take a direct bus from Valladolid to Mérida. The journey takes around 2 hours. For up to date timetables, visit the ADO website .

How to get around Mérida | The easiest way to navigate Mérida is on foot. Alternatively, rent a bicycle.

DAY TRIP | UXMAL, THE BEST MAYAN RUINS IN YUCATÁN

With an excellent geographical location, Mérida makes the perfect base for an adventurous day trip to the well-preserved ruins of Uxmal .

Situated only just south of Mérida and surrounded by a dense jungle lies Uxmal, an ancient Mayan city that is arguably one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in Yucatán.

Made up of a bundle of imposing structures, Uxmal is a broad complex that was once amongst the largest cities in Mayan civilization. Legend has it that the city housed around 15,000 inhabitants at its peak.

At present, the city continues to live up to its former and well-deserved reputation, which is no wonder to me.

The structures at Uxmal are absolutely breathtaking; the Pyramid of the Magician, the Governor’s Palace, and the Great Pyramid, just to mention a few. At Uxmal, It is even possible to climb the last-mentioned, resulting in a panoramic view of the entire complex.

Even though Chichen Itzá is the most popular ancient Mayan ruin in Yucatán, it is the ruins of Uxmal that appealed to me the most, for that reason I highly recommend visiting.

UXMAL | ESSENTIALS

Where | Uxmal Ruins, Yucatán

Entrance fee | 413 MXN, ($18.85) per person

Opening hours | Daily 08:00 – 17:00

How to get from Mérida to Uxmal | The cheapest option is by bus. Jump aboard a direct bus (Autobuses Sur Mexico) to Uxmal, leaving at the Tame Bus Station in Mérida. I highly recommend booking a round trip at a cost of 152 MXN ($6,85) per person. The journey should take around 1.5 hours.

Bus times from Mérida to Uxmal | 09:05, 10:40, 12:05, 14:00 and 17:05.

Bus times from Uxmal to Mérida | 09:20, 12:30, 15:15, 17:40 and 20:15.

For up to date timetables, visit the Rome2Rio website

DAY 13 – 15 | BACALAR, MEXICO’S UNIQUE LAGOON

After experiencing the charming colonial cities of Valladolid and Merida, it is time to venture to Bacalar, a sleepy town that is perched on the edge of a pristine lagoon in the very south of Quintana Roo.

The picturesque Bacalar Lagoon is one of Mexico’s best-kept secrets, and clearly the heart of all action for backpackers that travel to Bacalar. In this magical waterfront town, it is all about the lagoon and the activities that take place on it.

Whether you visit Bacalar to take part in the amusing activities that take place on the lagoon, or simply to relax and admire its charm, I can assure you it will be a great time either way.

I would recommend spending at least two days in Bacalar. By doing so you have all the time to unwind and feel the magic the lagoon has to offer. For me, Bacalar was easily one of my favourite places on this Yucatán itinerary.

BACALAR | MUST-SEE ATTRACTIONS

Sailing on Laguna de Bacalar | If you’re keen on exploring the beautiful Bacalar Lagoon, I would highly recommend joining a sailing tour. And for that matter, Bacalar Sailing is hands down your best option. During a 3-hour tour, there is plenty of time for swimming and snorkelling, you learn a bunch of interesting facts about the lagoon – plus you’ll get guided to some of the most fascinating corners of the lagoon by a passionate captain.

Bacalar Rapids | Only 5 minutes away from Bacalar, it is possible to try a unique and adventurous activity. The Bacalar Rapids is well-known for its natural current, allowing guests to exercise drift snorkelling. The Rapids is a 300-metre long maze-like stream that is characterized by crystal clear water and exquisite stromatolites. Once you’re done being active, grab a hammock, sit back, and enjoy the stunning scenery around you.

Keen to read about all the things to see and do in Bacalar – check out my detailed guide here .

BACALAR | ESSENTIALS

Where | Bacalar, Quintana Roo

Where to stay in Bacalar | I stayed at Yaxche Centro Hostal and would additionally recommend Kulu Tubohostel Bacalar and Hotel Vlandré Bacalar .

Alternatively, use booking.com to find accommodations in Bacalar .

How to get from Mérida to Bacalar | Take a direct Ado bus from Mérida to Bacalar. Yucatán Peninsula has great public transport that is both punctual and reliable. Expect this journey to take around 4.5 hours.

How to get around Bacalar | Navigating Bacalar by foot is your best option, as the distances are quite short. If you’re interested in visiting the Bacalar Rapids or Bacalar Lagoon, I recommend grabbing a taxi.

DAY 16 – 20 | TULUM, YUCATÁN’S TRENDY BEACH TOWN

Think of Yucatán and you’ll unquestionably think of Tulum , Mexico’s most popular seaside town, and arguably one the most trendy places to sit down, relax and work on your tan in Mexico.

Defined by the most picturesque stretches of beach, a charming Mayan ruin, and a laidback tropical vibe, Tulum made the perfect destination to end my three weeks in Mexico.

The spirited town has a lot to see and do – it is home to some of the best cenotes in Yucatán, holds a great variety of contemporary cafés & restaurants – plus there’s a booming party scene going on here.

Although Tulum often felt a bit too commercial for my liking, it is absolutely worthy of your visit.

I recommend spending three days here, allowing you to fully relax and explore Tulum and its enchanting surrounds.

TULUM | MUST-SEE ATTRACTIONS

Tulum Ruins | Nestled atop a steep rocky cliff, overlooking the turquoise Caribbean sea are the incredibly scenic ruins of Tulum. The intriguing ruins are one of the best-preserved coastal Mayan ruins in Mexico, and easily the number-one tourist attraction in Tulum. For that reason and Tulum’s sizzling heat, I strongly recommend visiting the ruins first thing in the morning.

Ven a La Luz Tulum | Tulum is well-known as a breeding ground for progressive contemporary artists and their inspiring art installations. One of them is the ornate Ven a La Luz, a towering wooden sculpture that was originally designed to raise awareness for Tulum’s sensitive ecosystem. Located at the entrance of Raw Love and AHAU Tulum, and the perfect backdrop for your next Instagram post.

Gran Cenote | It is safe to say that the Gran Cenote is among the most attractive cenotes in Tulum. Located at only a 10-minute bike ride from the Tulum city centre, Gran Cenote is a large open-air cenote that is characterized by its crystal clear groundwater, and a mysterious cave-like ambience. Be warned though, it is insanely busy during the day, therefore I recommend visiting early in the morning or late afternoon.

Curious about all the things to see and do in Tulum – check out my detailed traveller’s guide here .

TULUM | ESSENTIALS

Where | Tulum, Quintana Roo

Where to stay in Tulum | Tulum has some of Yucatán’s finest accommodations and I would highly recommend Aruma Hotel & Boutique , Elements Tulum Boutique Hotel , and Habitas Tulum .

Alternatively, use booking.com to find accommodations in Tulum .

How to get from Bacalar to Tulum | Take a direct bus from Bacalar to Tulum, this is by far the easiest option. The journey takes around 2 hours.

How to get around Tulum | The city centre of Tulum is easily navigated by foot, but it’s way more fun to explore Tulum by bicycle. Alternatively, grab a taxi to bring you up and down to the Tulum Beach area.

DAY 21 | PLAYA DEL CARMEN, TIME TO LEAVE MEXICO

After 3 weeks, exploring just about every corner of Yucatán, it is time to head for Playa Del Carmen, the last stop on this itinerary, before heading to the airport.

Playa Del Carmen’s excellent location, make it a lot more convenient to travel to Cancún airport than let’s say Tulum, especially if you have an early morning flight to catch.

To prevent unnecessary difficulties regarding your return journey, make sure you arrive in Playa Del Carmen one day before your flight.

Since you have one day left to spend in Playa Del Carmen, make sure you have a relaxing day at the beach, soaking up the last rays of the Caribbean sun, with a cold Corona in hand.

The next day it is, unfortunately, time to head to the airport and wave goodbye to Mexico.

How to get from Playa Del Carmen to Cancún airport | Jump aboard a direct bus from Playa Del Carmen to Cancún airport, departing every 30 minutes. The journey takes around one hour.

For up to date timetables, visit the ADO website .

PLAYA DEL CARMEN | ESSENTIALS

Where | Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo

Where to stay in Playa del Carmen | The last night before a flight, I always try to pick the most comfortable, budget-friendly accommodation possible. For Playa del Carmen, I would highly recommend Hotel Colibri Beach .

Alternatively, use booking.com to find accommodations in Playa del Carmen .

How to get from Tulum to Playa del Carmen | The direct bus from Tulum to Playa del Carmen departs every hour. The journey takes an hour.

How to get around Playa del Carmen | Playa del Carmen is best navigated on foot.

MEXICO ITINERARY | TRAVEL ESSENTIALS AND TIPS

Weather in mexico | best time to visit yucatán, mexico.

Like most countries in the Caribbean, Mexico has great weather year-round, resulting in an average temperature of around 25°C.

Although the temperature is pleasant nearly every day, there is a season that is considered the high season. For that reason, the best time to visit Yucatán is between November and April, with November providing the best weather to explore Mexico’s must-see attractions.

Keep in mind to avoid visiting during March and April – when Spring Break occurs, and Yucatán is packed with US college students that come solely to indulge on alcohol and parties.

A Mexican holiday you do want to be aware of is Día De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead), which takes place from October 31 till November 2.

I’ve followed this Mexico itinerary from late October till November and had the fortune to experience Día De Los Muertos, had great weather throughout my entire trip, and noticed that the prices were slightly lower than in the high season.

That said, do be aware that good weather is not guaranteed during this period.

TRANSPORT | HOW TO GET AROUND YUCATÁN, MEXICO

Yucatán Peninsula is easily the most popular destination in Mexico, and that is partly due to the fact that it makes an excellent destination for a road trip.

If you’re keen to uncover all the best destinations in the Yucatán area, renting a car gives you all the flexibility to do so, while it is also far more easier to plan day trips.

For car rental in Yucatán, Mexico, I would recommend Rentalcars.com . They offer excellent service, additional insurance, and a broad selection of cars, all at an affordable price.

MONEY ESSENTIALS | CURRENCY IN MEXICO

Mexico’s official currency is the Mexican peso, a currency that is indicated by MXN and MX$.  The notes that are currently in circulation include 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000 pesos.

Make sure you have a fairly amount of notes in lower denominations, especially if you’re keen to buy souvenirs at local traders, or plan to use local busses, colectivos, and taxis.

Exchanging currency in Mexico | I would highly discourage buying Mexican pesos either ahead of time or at the airport. I can tell from personal experience that I perpetually end up getting a bad exchange rate, both in the country of departure and at the airport.

The exchange rate at the time of writing | $1 equals 22.64 MXN, and €1 equals 25.31 MXN.

For up to date exchange rates, visit the XE website .

ATM’s in Mexico | ATM services are found widespread across Mexico and are largely reliable. As per usual, I’d highly recommend withdrawing the local currency to avoid unnecessary costs.

STAY SAFE IN MEXICO | TRAVEL INSURANCE

While Mexico is perfectly safe for travellers, I always strive to sort out my travel insurance before arriving in a foreign country, and I highly advise anyone else to do the same.

Where we prefer that everything goes smoothly during our travels, something unfortunate can happen at any moment, whether it’s an injury or an accident on the road. When that happens, it is better to be safe than sorry.

Heymondo | Whether you’re going on a 3-week backpacking trip, or planning a long stay somewhere abroad, Heymondo has excellent insurance options either way – plus full covid-19 coverage and a handy app with 24-hour medical assistance. Readers of WTSW receive 5% off any insurance policy, more information here .

World Nomads | If you’re an adventure seeker, backpacker, or planning your once-in-a-lifetime world trip, make sure you check out World Nomads, they designed the perfect travel insurance to help you travel safer and smarter. Do note that they’re not covering covid-19 related claims.

KEEP ON READING WITH THESE IN-DEPTH MEXICO GUIDES

After spending nearly a month in Mexico, I created plenty of in-depth guides that might interest you too.

My 3-week Mexico itinerary

11 Wonderful things to do in Tulum

11 Awesome things to do in Valladolid

7 Incredible things to do in Bacalar

11 Incredible things to do in Mérida

A traveller’s guide to Chichen Itza

A complete guide to Uxmal (Coming soon)

PLAN YOUR MEXICO ITINERARY WITH THESE ESSENTIAL GUIDES

A travellers guide to Chichén Itzá, Mexico’s New World Wonder – Updated 2024

11 Incredible things to do in Mérida, Yucatán’s capital of culture

9 Incredible things to do on Isla Holbox, Mexico

10 Awesome things to do in Tulum, Mexico

11 Awesome things to do in Valladolid, Mexico’s colourful colonial town

7 Incredible things to do in Bacalar, Mexico

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Mexico itinerary 3 weeks | the best tips and destinations for your trip!

Mexico is such an inspiring country with so many different things to do and see. Every region has its own characteristics and highlights and you will need months to explore. But what if you have three weeks in Mexico and want to get the most out of your travels?  What should you see and do? This is my Mexico itinerary for 3 weeks, bringing you from Mexico City all the way to the Yucatán peninsula . I will show you beautiful cities, places in nature, archaeological sights, activities and cultural highlights to include in your trip. Enjoy and get inspired to visit Mexico!

Travel day Oaxaca – Tehuantepec (day 8)

From chiapas to guatemala, isla holbox and mahahual, mexico itinerary 3 weeks.

Mexico is the country of colonial cities, colorful markets, inspiring art, stunning natural phenomena, delicious cuisine and beautiful beaches. During a trip to Mexico you will get to know the Maya, Aztec and other highly developed civilizations. In the cities you can stroll around for hours and enjoy a fantastic atmosphere. And there are many scenic destinations to discover. Enjoy this article with my personal recommendations for the best Mexico itinerary in 3 weeks, from Mexico City to Yucatán.

Curious to read all my tips for Mexico? Discover scenic and cultural destinations and find information about safety and best travel time in my Mexico travel guide.

Kick off your Mexico itinerary 3 weeks in: Mexico City (day 1)

Start your journey in Mexico City, a metropolis, with millions of inhabitants. There is so much to do in this city, especially if you are interested in art, sightseeing, lovely neighborhoods and great restaurants.  If you have only one day, visit the colonial center with the famous Zocalo, the central square, the cathedral, the post office, the markets, viewpoints and the Palacio de Bellas Artes.

In the afternoon, you can travel by subway to the city park Bosque de Chapultepec. Let yourself be taken here on a wonderful journey through the pre-Columbian history of Mexico, in the Museum of Anthropology. Or if you are interested in Frida Kahlo, travel to the bohemian neighbourhood of Coyoacán and visit her former home, La Casa Azul. In the evening make sure you have a dinner in one of the restaurants in nice neighborhoods such as Roma or Condesa. Rosetta, Blanco Colima and Huset, located on the Calle Colima are a few of my favorite places.

Do you want to visit the Frida Kahlo museum but not stand in line? You can buy your tickets here . Want to read more? Check out my article about La Casa Azul here .

Xochimilco (day 2)

One of the things you can’t miss during your Mexico itinerary 3 weeks is a visit to the floating gardens of Xochimilco. Xochilmilco was built in Aztec times as an immense water transport system, surrounded by chinampas, floating gardens for agriculture. Today it is a popular weekend for locals and tourists alike.

You can rent a colored gondola and sail through the canals for a few hours. Along the way you’ll encounter boats with mariachi bands, who for a few pesos will sing you the typical mariachi songs. Xochimilco can best be reached by car within an hour from Mexico City. There are also numerous tours and buses that run in this direction.

Mexico City – Teotihuacán – Puebla  (day 3)

From Mexico City you can travel in about 3 hours to the city of Puebla de los Angéles, depending on traffic of course. But, if you are interested in history, make sure to stop at Teotihuacán along the way, famous for its impressive pyramids of the sun and moon. 

Almost everyone knows the famous Mayan temples in Mexico. But Mexico has many other pre-Columbian cultures, such as the Mixtecs, Aztecs and the Zapotecs. Teotihuacán was built by the Toltecs and later used as an important ceremonial center by the Aztecs. Between 300-700 AD, the city, with 200,000 inhabitants, was the same size as Rome. Something that was incredibly large at the time. Via countless steep steps you walk all the way to the top of the pyramids to enjoy a panoramic view of the surroundings. Teotihuacán can be reached within 2 hours from Mexico City. It is also possible to book a tour, including transportation and a guide. Recommended if you want to learn more about the history. Are you traveling by car? Make sure to buy your tickets in advance  here , so you don’t have to make a line upon arrival.

Do you want to read more about Teotihuacán? Check out the next article for the  best ruins to visit in Mexico .

Hotels in Puebla

• Casona de los Sapos Hotel Boutique
• L Hotel Perla Boutique
• Casa Maria Paz Hotel Boutique

Puebla (Day 4)

Puebla de los Angéles, the city of angels, is a city that is often skipped during a trip through Mexico. And that’s a pity. Puebla has an interesting mix of both historical sights and trendy art galleries, restaurants and stores. Despite the nearly 2 million inhabitants, the center has managed to retain its friendly and charming atmosphere. If you have one day in Puebla, make sure to visit the Templo de Santo Domingo and the chapel of Saint Rosario, which is entirely covered in gold leaf. You can stroll around the many markets to buy colored ceramics and taste some Puebla candies in Calle de los Dulce.

One of the nicest neighborhoods is the antique district El Cajellón de los Sapos, with colored houses, artists and stores. This is also a great place to taste the traditional mole in one of the restaurants. Mole poblano is a delicious spicy chili sauce with light chocolate flavor.

Puebla – Oaxaca (day 5)

Today you will travel to Oaxaca , one of the most beautiful cities you will find in this Mexico itinerary for 3 weeks. Because the city has always attracted many artists, scientists, poets and writers, Oaxaca is often considered the cultural capital.  There are plenty of events, exhibitions and festivals taking place.

If you travel from Puebla to Oaxaca by car, you can visit Tule along the way, a tree with one of the stoutest tree trunks in the world.

Hotels Oaxaca

• Pug Seal Oaxaca
• Majagua Hotel Boutique
• Hotel con Corazón
• Grana B&B
• Casa Antonieta
• Nardazul “Casa de Sueños”
• Boulenc Bed and Bread
• Hotel Casa Santo Origen

Oaxaca (day 6) – best city to visit during this Mexico itinerary for 3 weeks

Oaxaca’s city center is easy to explore and everything is within walking distance. Walk through the colonial streets and squares around the main plaza, enter the churches and have a look in the many art galleries and shops. 

Also, stroll around the markets and discover spices, chocolate and alejibres, wooden figurines with dots which are used during the annual Día de los Muertos . Try local specialities such as the mexcal, (a kind of tequila), and the Chapulines with lemon, a crunchy grasshopper snack. Oaxaca is also famous for its mole, a delicious sauce that sometimes consists of up to 30 different herbs.

As this is a Mexico itinerary for 3 weeks, I’m focusing only on the highlights. You could easily spend days in Oaxaca. Want to know more about Oaxaca and all the different things to do? Have a look in my Oaxaca travel guide.

Monte Albán + Hierve el Agua (day 7)

Today you can use to explore the Oaxaca surroundings. You can book a tour to Hierve el Agua or Monte Albán or rent a car and go by yourself.

Monte Albán

If you are intersted in history, visit Monte Albán , one of Mexico’s earliest cities and the political, cultural and religious center of the Zapotecs for 2000 years. It is said that the Zapotecs were the first people, inhabiting the central valley and mountains of the Oaxaca state, around 500 BC. Today you can visit this archaeological site. The good things is that it is less crowded than many other ruins in Mexico , wich will make your visit very pieceful.

You can book your tour to Monte Albán here . Curious to read more? In the next article, I’m telling you more about Monte Albán and this former city of the Zapotecs.

Hierve el Agua

Another great place to visit is Hierve el Agua , about 1.5 hours away from Oaxaca . It is a unique rock formation, consisting of three plateaus and pools, where you can swim. The first plateau is often the busiest. The second point, also called  the eye  is quieter and offers a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains. At the third point, you have a view of the unusual shaped waterfall.

Today can be a bit boring, as you will be traveling the entire day. It will be mostly driving by car, until you reach your destination half way to spend the night. The best is to find a place in Tehuantepec or somewhere around, as it’s almost half way before you reach San Cristóbal de las Casas. You also can take a flight to Tuxla in Chiapas. But personally I like these kind of road trips to experience different sides of the country.

This is an overview with availability and latest prices of  hotels in Tehuantepec .

Mexico itinerary 3 weeks – Chiapas province

Tehuantepec – canyon del sumidero – san cristóbal de las casas (day 9).

From Tehuantepec you want to travel all the way to San Cristóbal de las Casas , a small town in the mountains of the Chiapas state. But before you reach this place, you can make a stop at a unique destination: Canyon del Sumidero . With a length of 15 km and walls of 1000 meters high, this is one of the deepest canyons in the world. A boat trip of about 2 hours will guide along the canyon and there is a big chance of seeing crocodiles, iguanas, monkeys and birds along the way. It is a nice place to add to your three weeks in Mexico itinerary.

Canyon del Sumidero is located near the village of Chiapa de Corzo. One of my tips for experiencing Canyon del Sumidero in Mexico is to book your boat trip in advance, so you don’t have to make a line. Especially on weekends, as it can get very crowded. Boat trips can be booked here .

San Cristóbal de las Casas (day 10)

San Cristóbal de las Casas is located in Chiapas, a state with the highest percentage of indigenous people in the country. This is immediately visible in the street scene of San Cristóbal. Many people walk around in colorful traditional costumes, where you can tell by the style and patterns which group they belong to. Beautiful to observe.

In San Cristóbal de las Casas you can stroll around the charming streets, enjoy the colored houses, visit viewpoints, explore the anthropological museum Casa Na Bolom and go shopping for unique handmade products. Also, the city is full with restaurants and coffee stores.

This is an overview with tours in San Cristóbal de las Casas Mexico. Want to read more? Check out my article with things to do in San Cristóbal de las Casas in Mexico, including many useful tips.

Hotel San Cristóbal

• Guayaba Inn Boutique Hotel
• Casa Cafeólogo
• Yox Hotel Boutique
• Sereno Art Hotel

San Juan Chamula (day 11)

Today you have some time to explore the surroundings. Make sure to visit San Juan Chamula . Not only is it nice to walk through this village of the Tzotzil people and visit the local market. Here you will also find a very unique church; Iglesia de San Juan. This little white church, located in the middle of the square, shows a special mix of the catholic and indigenous beliefs. Countless people come here daily to make offerings in which they honor their saints through rituals .

You can combine a visit to San Juan Chamula with the village of Zinacantán . Here you can meet local families and learn about their traditional weaving techniques. More information about visiting the villages can be found here .

As this is a Mexico itinerary for 3 weeks, I’m focusing only on some of the highlights. But there is so much more to do in and around San Cristóbal de las Casas. Do you want to read more? Have a look in my  San Cristóbal de las Casas guide.

S an Cristóbal de las Casas – Palenque (day 12)

Today you will be traveling to Palenque, famous for its Maya archaeological site. You can spend the night in Palenque town or in one of the jungle lodges between the town and Palenque ruins, wich I highly recommended. If you are traveling this Mexico itinerary 3 weeks with your own car, you can make a stop at two beautiful waterfalls, that Chiapas is famous for. 

This is an overview with hotels in and around Palenque.

Misol Há is a large waterfall of 35 meters high, which is often the setting for film sets. Special about this place is that you can also walk behind the waterfall (watch out for slippery conditions) to the entrance of a cave. And in Agua Azul you can swim in the crystal clear blue pools. The azure water, surrounded by lush jungle, birds and mysterious caves, will make your visit truly unforgettable.

It is important to always check the latest security status during your Mexico itinerary 3 weeks. The state of Chiapas has been dealing with violent conflicts between the former guerilla (Zapatistas), civilians and authorities. And still every now and then things can be tricky. One of the roads leading to the falls is regularly involved in this . You can also book a tour to the waterfalls. Check the latest prices and availability here: Agua Azul and Misol Há .

Palenque ruins + waterfalls (day 13)

Make sure to wake up early this day to visit the Palenque ruins. This way you are able to avoid the big crowds. Palenque is one of the archaeological highlights in Mexico because of its location in the jungle ( located at a 30 min drive from Palenque town). The Maya temples that rise above the jungle and the mysterious mist that hangs over the ruins make a visit so worthwhile. You need a full morning to explore.

Do you want to learn more about the history of the Maya? It could be interesting to visit Palenque with a guide. Check out the different archaeological tours here.

If you have some energy left, visit the Roberto Barrios waterfalls or any of the waterfalls you were not able to visit yesterday. Or just relax and enjoy the impressions of the day.

Do you want to discover more Mayan temples? Read more about the most beautiful Mayan temples in Mexico in the following article.

If you are planning to continue your journey to Guatemala, then you can travel from Palenque to the town of Frontera Corozal in Mexico. Also your gateway to the archaeological site Yaxchilán .  You will cross the Usumacinta river by boat to the Guatemalan border town Bethel. From here, it will take you 4 hours to reach Flores, your starting point for discovering Maya ruins such as Tikal , Yaxha and El Mirador.

Have a look at Guatemala travel itineraries such as :

• Guatemala itinerary 10 days
• 7 days   Guatemala itinerary
• Guatemala 2 week itinerary
• Guatemala itinerary 3 weeks
• Or check out  things to do in Guatemala | 20 travel tips

Mexico itinerary 3 weeks – Yucatán peninsula

Palenque – uxmal – mérida (day 14 and 15).

Today is the day to leave the jungle and green Chiapas environment behind and travel to the Yucatán peninsula. It is a long day and you have two options. You can travel straight to Mérida, the capital of Yucatán (7 hours) and stop along the way at the Uxmal ruins . Or travel to Campeche (5 hours) and spend the night in this colonial town located on the Gulf of Mexico.

Option 1: (1 night in Campeche, continue to Mérida for 2 nights)

Campeche is on the Unesco World Heritage list and known for its ancient city walls, pastel-colored houses and infamous history. You can stroll through the city’s colonial streets, look for street art and learn more about its history. Calle 59 is the most beautiful street for pictures, because of the colored houses and fine terraces. At the end of the day you want to be at the Malecón for a stunning sunset.

Option 2: (3 nights in Mérida)

Mérida is called the cultural capital of Yucatán. And that’s because of the museums, design stores, high end restaurants, numerous festivals and art projects that take place there. Despite the size of the city, it has the friendly atmosphere of a provincial town. You can walk through the beautiful colonial center and discover the Paseo de Montejo, also known as the Champs-Élysées of Mérida. And don’t forget to enjoy a culinary experience in one of the great restaurants such as Huniik .

Hotels in Mérida

• Casa Lecanda
• Rosas & Xocolate Boutique Hotel
• Hacienda Xcanatun
• El Palacito Secreto Boutique Hotel
• More hotels in Mérida

Interested in history and archaeology? On the way to Mérida, you can visit the Maya ruins of Uxmal, known for its Puuc style. Mosaic work that is truly impressive. Besides that, it is a less visited site in comparison to other Maya ruins in Mexico . Also, it is still possible to climb to the top of some pyramids.

Uxmal is a 85 km drive from Mérida. Are you interested in learning more about the history of Uxmal? Then I recommend going with a guide on a Uxmal tour.  Th i s  is an overview of different tours where you can also check availability and prices.

Laguna de Celestún (day 16)

If you decide to spend three nights in Mérida, you will have one entire day to explore Mérida and one day left to visit Laguna de Celestún. This protected nature reserve consists of mangrove forests and is the habitat of crocodiles, sea turtles and more than 200 bird species. Between November and March, you can observe an amazing amount of flamingos here. It is best to explore Celestún by taking a 1 or 2 hour boat trip and admire these beautiful birds.

Check out prices and availability for a  tour to the flamingos in Celestún here.

Mérida – Valladolid (day 17)

From Mérida it is a short 2-hour drive to Valladolid. Valladolid  is a typical Mexican city with a relaxed atmosphere. You will find a plaza with a large cathedral, a monastery, colonial buildings with countless colors and even a  cenote  located in the middle of the city. One of the most beautiful streets in Valladolid is Calle de los Frailes ,  where almost every building is worth a picture. Valladolid is a great city to include in your Mexico itinerary for 3 weeks and also a perfect base for a visit to Chichén Itzá and the nearby cenotes.

Curious to visit this beautiful city? In the next article you’ll find my tips for  what to do in Valladolid in Mexico.

Hotels in Valladolid

• Le Muuch Boutique Hotel  
• Casa Tia Micha
• More hotels in Valladolid in Mexico

Valladolid – Chichén Itzá – Izamal (day 18) – highlight of this Mexico itinerary for 3 weeks

The next morning you want to wake up really early and visit Chichén Itzá , listed as wonder of the world. The Temple of Kukulchan (El Castillo), is probably the most photographed building in Mexico. It is a perfect pyramid, wich consists of 4 staircases with 91 steps each, equal to the number of days of the solstice. You will also be able to observe the largest ball court from the former Mayan empire, an ancient cenote that the Mayans used for their rituals, an area with 1,000 identical columns and an ancient observatory. Chichén Itzá is one of the most visited places in Yucatán Mexico but something you don’t want to miss in your Mexico itinerary for 3 weeks.

If you want to visit Chichén Itzá, it is important to go very early in the morning. Make sure you book a  ticket with early access here , so you don’t have to stand in line. Looking for a guided tour?  This is an overview with tours  where you can check availability and prices.

Do you want to read more about Chichén Itzá and other Maya ruïns? Read more about the  best ruins to visit in Mexico  in the next article.

After your visit, you can make a stop at one of the cenotes around Valladolid . These are water-filled caves or hollows that played an important role in Mayan times. Nowadays you can visit these cenotes to swim, dive or just enjoy the beautiful atmosphere. Cenote Ik Kil is beautiful but almost always busy. It is completely open at the top, allowing the sun to shine in. The beautiful light and green lianas coming down from the cenote create a heavenly picture. Another popular and beautiful cenote is Suytun , known for its mysterious atmosphere and platform in the middle.

Izamal (day 19)

From here continue your journey to Izamal , better known as the yellow city of Mexico. And it is called like that for a reason, as the center of the city is completely painted in yellow. It is really recommended to include this small city in your Mexico itinerary for 3 weeks, as it is very photogenic. You can walk through the yellow center, visit the yellow monastery and climb the remains of ancient pyramids. Don’t forget to plan a lunch at Kinich.

Izamal is located 1.5 hours from Valladolid, Mexico. In the next article you will find my tips for what to do in Izamal.

Hotels in Izamal

• Hacienda Sacnicte – a former hacienda transformed into a luxury boutique hotel.
• More hotels can be found here .

Beaches of the Riviera Maya (day 20 + day 21) – last days of your Mexico itinerary 3 weeks

And then it is time to finish you Mexico itinerary 3 weeks with some well-deserved time at the beach. For me, the most beautiful beach at the Riviera Maya is still bohemian paradise Tulum. It is the Ibiza of Mexico, set in a mysterious jungle setting with beautiful beaches. Everything in Tulum is beautiful and instagrammable. The only downside is that prices have become very high. So make sure to do your research to find a good value for money hotel.

Hotels in Tulum

Sometimes you will find great offers for hotels around Tulum beach . But most times, Tulum town has the most economic options. One of my favorite places to stay in Tulum town is Villa Geminis Boutique hotel . They have bikes available, bringing you to the beach within half an hour. Do you have more money to spend? Go full force and stay at the beach at Casa Malca, Nomade , Hotelito Azul , Papaya Playa Project or Be Tulum. Enjoy the beach, jungle and great food at Hartwoord and Arca. And if you can’t get enough of the Maya history, the Tulum ruins are just around the corner, located at the beach.

This is an overview with availability and latest prices of  hotels in Tulum.

In Tulum or at some of the other beaches, you will finish your initerary for Mexico. From Tulum you can travel to the airport of Cancún within 2 hours (depending on traffic) and catch a flight back home.

Do you have more time in Mexico? Then I would defintely recommend you to visit beautiful Isla Holbox or drive south and relax on the beach of Mahahual. Both destinations are more quiet and often have a better price-quality ratio. Moreover you can enjoy cool street art at Isla Holbox.

Hotels in Holbox

• Villas Caracol
• Hotel Boutique Casa Muuch Holbox
• Myst ique Holbox
• Villas Palapas del Mar
• More hotels on Isla Holbox

Hotels in Mahahual

• One of the most beautiful hotels is 40 Cañones.
• This is an overview with availability and latest prices of  hotels in Mahahual.

How to get around in Mexico

I find it easy to rent a car and travel around Mexico. The roads are in good shape and you are free to stop whereever you want. If you go for this option, it is important to be well informed about the safety on certain routes, especially in Chiapas state. Rentalcars is a great place to search and compare your car rental options. They also have great discounts and cancellation policies. Just make sure to be well insured.  

Travel to Guatemala – after your Mexico initerary 3 weeks

If you are planning to continue your journey to Guatemala, after your 3 weeks itinerary for Mexico. Then you can travel from Tulum to bordertown Chetumal, in the south, bordered with Belize. From here you can travel through Belize to Flores in Guatemala. It will take you a full day, as you need to cross two borders. Another option is to take a plane from Cancún, directly to Flores. Flores is one of the main towns in Petén province and your gateways to Maya ruins such as Tikal , Yaxha and El Mirador.

Curious about Guatemala? In this article you’ll find the best things to do in Guatemala . Besides that you’ll find articles about beautiful hotels in Guatemala , different travel itineraries , best traveling time and safety in Guatemala.

More about Mexico

Did you enjoy reading this itinerary for 3 weeks in Mexico? In the next articles you can read more of my tips for Mexico:

• 30 things to do in Mexico
• City Guide Valladolid
• Oaxaca City Guide
• Things to do in Izamal, the yellow city of Mexico
• What to do in San Cristóbal de Las Casas

Interested in art, culture and archaeology? Read my articles about:

• Yaxchilán, the remote Maya site in Mexico
• Monte Albán, the ruines near Oaxaca
• The best ruins to visit in Mexico
• Frida Kahlo house and museum

This article may contain affiliate links. If you purchase something using one of our links, we may receive a commission at no extra cost to you, which helps us keep this blog alive. Thank you for your support! Please see our  disclosures  for more information.

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Travel blog by Tim & Ine

Itinerary / highlights of our 3 week trip in Mexico

Mexico has it all. Beautiful nature, hidden poverty, immense cities, Diabetes as one of the main causes of death, jawdropping cenotes and quite some drug trafficking up in the north. And great food, don’t forget great food. We tried to suck up as much as we can in this 3 week itinerary for Mexico. Make sure to also check out our itinerary in Namibia.

We chose to take this route for several reasons. We didn’t want to miss out on the beautiful nature in the southern part and decided to stay south of Mexico City because that area is often described as safer. We also wanted to see both oceans. Just because.

1. Mexico City

Mexico City is in no way like any other capital we’ve visited before. It is bigger, bolder and in a very strange way better than your average capital. the city is a melting pot of hundreds of different cultures, tribes, architectural styles and historic influences. Highlights just kept coming, but then again, there is no real highlight in Mexico City. It’s a place that offers highlights to any kind of tourists willing to go out and look for them.

What makes Mexico City so very special is the lack of ordinary. The entire city seems to be on a constant search for new extremes. The main square is the biggest we’ve ever seen and the Lucha Libre in the Arena Mexico would be a comedy show in any other country we’ve visited. Normal just doesn’t seem to exist in Mexico city. We would advise everyone to just start walking and who knows in which amazing place you’ll end up. Our personal highlights were:

• Lucha Libre in Arena Mexico
• The main square (Zòcalo)
• Walk around the business district of Mexico City
• A drink on top of the Torre Latinoamericana
• Streed food in numerous local markets

We stayed in: Casa San Ildefonso . Very decent and cosy hostel right in the center with a beautiful garden.

One of our favorite places in Mexico. Oaxaca is everything that Mexico City isn’t. It doesn’t feel very big, everyone seems to know each other, great food on every corner of the street and an atmosphere you’d come back for.

We reached Oaxaca with an ADO-bus . This company takes you through the entire country for a fair price at a very decent level of comfort. We checked in to our little hotel and almost went straight to the Mercado 20 de Noviembre. The smell is amazing, the hygiene levels doubtful. In one of the corners lies what can only be described as “meat street”. A dozen BBQ stands where you can order irresponsibly large portions of meat for pocket change.

What makes Oaxaca a truly special place is the people. Just wander around the main square at night and you’ll agree immediately. The city seems to be one giant community and there is a performance or market every single night of the week. Our personal highlights were:

• BBQ at Mercado 20 de Noviembre
• Wander around the main square at night
• Mezcal tasting
• Museum in the Templo Santo Domingo

We stayed in: Hotel Trébol in the center of Oaxaca. A nice hotel that was very cheap at the time we stayed there (May). The room on the ground floor did come with some noise though.

Monte Alban

Monte Alban was our first historic site. And it did not disappoint. The location is spectacular. The ancient city lies on top of a hill that looks over a beautiful landscape.

Personal guides are quite expensive and the museum in the main building isn’t very spectacular, but the signs all around the site gave us more than enough background information to completely feel like Zapotecs living on top of a hill around 500 B.C. It’s one of Mexico’s many historic sites, but one of the few on which you’re still allowed to climb all the ruins. Quite a workout when it’s 40°C, but the extra views make up for it.

4. Puerto Escondido

If you’re ever tired of your job, your house, country and everyone you know… Then Puerto Escondido is where you wanna go. There isn’t much to do or see, but that’s the beauty of it. Its inhabitants are lazy, or as they see it “laid back” and that’s exactly how you will feel after a few days in Puerto Escondido.

Definitely try surfing at La Punta. Locals will tell you the waves are for beginners, but they’re not. Do not leave say goodbye to The Pacific before you had a Ceviche dinner in El Coste . A lovely place with tables on the beach and the most delicious ceviche you’ll have ever tried. Our personal highlights at Puerto Escondido were:

• Relaxing at Playa La Punta, much less touristy than some of the other beaches
• Ceviche dinner in El Coste
• (body)surfing on the waves at Playa Zicatela

We stayed in: Casa Losodeli , a true adults-only backpackers paradise with nicely airconditioned rooms and a pool that was a few degrees to warm to be of any use.

5. San Cristobal de las Casas

Colors, colors, colors are what we remember from San Cristobal. They’re everywhere and there isn’t one that you can’t spot during a walk around this beautiful hippie-town on an altitude of 2200 meters. We stayed here for 2 days only, but had the feeling we’d be happy to spend 2 weeks here as well.

Yes, there are churches, museums and great restaurants in and around San Cristobal. But nothing really stands out. And that is okay. The real highlight of this colorful city is in the discovery of many narrow streets, small food markets around the center and the endless cobblestones that take you through different neighborhoods. Ooh, and the walk up to the church on the hill isn’t worth the effort of climbing a thousand stairs in a million degrees. From San Cristobal, we took the bus to Agua Azul and Palenque.

We stayed in: Casa Margarita , a decent and cheap hotel. Similar to every single place in San Cristobal that you will find on booking.com.

6. Palenque and Agua Azul

Palenque was without a doubt one of the highlights of our trip. The location of the historic site, combined with the jawdropping size of some of the ruins takes you all the way back to 200 A.C.

Palenque is a very special place, and you don’t need a private guide to empathize with the ancient locals and their sometimes strange habits. Take a few hours to wander around because the historic site is the biggest that we have seen in Mexico as well.

On the road from San Cristobal to Palenque, we also passed along the waterfalls of Agua Azul and Misol-ha. The latter is good for picture, the first one is for swimming. The drive from San Cristobal was long and bumpy so a refreshing swim in the bluest of waters was more than welcome.

Although there’s not much to see in the modern city of Palenque, we did spoil ourselves a bit and enjoyed our stay in the way too fancy Chan-Kah resort village.  A great way to charge our batteries for the rest of the trip.

7. Yaxhilan and jungle village

Of all the historic sites in Mexico, Yaxhilan is the one where you empathize with the ancient kings the most. It is literally so far from society that it almost feels like you’re time traveling back to the year 500. We arranged a trip starting in Palenque. A minivan took us to Yaxhilan, after which we went to a local village to spend the night there.

Yaxhilan lies very close to the border with Guatemala. When the minivan dropped us of, a 45 minute boat ride was still ahead of us before reaching Yaxhilan. We recommend to hire one of the local guides that are probably going to approach you anyway where the boat ride starts. We didn’t pay much, and he really knew what he was talking about.

After visiting Yaxhilan, the minivan took us to a local village hidden deep inside the jungle. We got a private hut that later appeared to be full of bed bugs 🙁 . Besides that, the locals were super friendly, the surroundings beautiful and the next day we went on a hike in the jungle for a couple of hours. Our guide was an 11 year old girl that handled lianas in a way that Tarzan could only dream of.

She took us deep into the jungle (watch out for mosquitos) and showed us an amazing place to have a refreshing dive near some waterfalls. This 2-day trip was definitely worth it and Yaxhilan is a place that should be on everyone’s list when visiting this part of Mexico.

I don’t want to say that Merida disappointed us, because it’s a warm, very Mexican bustling city. But it kinda did. It doesn’t have the pure beauty of San Cristobal, the charm of Oaxaca or the greatness of Mexico City. Merida is something in between. A beautiful in between though. If Merida was our first stop on the trip, this paragraph would look completely different, but it wasn’t.

Maybe we just didn’t stay in Merida long enough to enjoy it to the fullest. The only just bearable heath definitely had something to do with it. The main square is very relaxing and we did have one of the best dinners of our trip in this Peruvian restaurant close to the centre.  Their pulpo with sweet potatoes is the best we’ve ever had. No doubt.

We stayed in: Hotel Plaza Mirador. a nice little hotel with a very necessary swimming pool and at walking distance from the city center.

Tulum, oh Tulum. The village itself is not particularly pretty, and is full of tourists. However, it seems like every single annoying, loud or snobbish tourist was sent straight to the luxury resorts further on the road and they didn’t bother us at all. What’s left are lovely laid back people, way too many dive shops, and some of the best little restaurants and bars we’ve stayed at. Ever.

We stayed for one whole week in this very special place, and we could have stayed another one. The possibilities never end here. Our highlights of the week were:

• Cenotes around tulum
• Relax at Playa Pescadores
• Fish tacos at Sabor de Mar in Tulum

Diving in a cenote and at the reef

Our AirBnB host was so friendly to rent us his scooter for the day. It’s impossible to count all cenotes around Tulum, so we used this blog to guide us. We managed to squeeze 5 of 6 in one day, but you could also take your time and explore two good ones. There is one that we will always remember though. Cenote Choj Ha.

It’s as big as a decent football stadium, you pay around 3 euros to get in and you need to rent a car to reach it. It’s not close to Tulum, but that also keeps the tourists away and makes this place keep its magic for hopefully a very long time. We arrived in the afternoon and most of the time we had the entire place for ourselves. I don’t think my jaws have ever dropped so low as the moment we entered cenote Choj Ha.

Playa Pescadores

One of the calmer, less touristy beaches around Tulum. If you want to sit comfortably, you need to spend a minimum in the beach bar. But you can just lay on the sand for 0 pesos as well. This was just a great place to relax after the traveling around for the past couple of weeks.

Fish Tacos at Sabor de Mar

This is the Tripadvisor review that we wrote about Sabor de Mar. Oh sweet lord… It almost never happens that, while you’re having your meal, you decide to come for more the next day.  The place looks ugly as hell, chairs are uncomfortable and I have never seen tablecloths that ugly. But who the fish cares… Their tacos and towers are from heaven.  Best meal we had in Mexico. And we had lots.

It was my first time, Ine has her Open Water Certificate. The instructor told me that he wouldn’t take us to the reef if i didn’t do well in the cenote, so the pressure was there. I managed and the first time diving at a reef is very special and definitely worth the money.

Other things we did

• We visited the famous ruins. Nothing special if you’ve seen Yaxhilan and Palenque. Tourists arrive with buses from Cancun. Not really our kind of people.
• Our AirBnB host advised us to visit Laguna Kaan Luum early in the morning. It’s a beautiful place and great for swimming.
• Had one obligatory cocktail at a fancy resort.

For our entire stay in Tulum, we stayed at this gorgeous AirBnB . It’s hidden right in the center of Tulum and offers nice clean rooms in a great location and a host that really helped us to explore the region.

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Backpacking 3 Weeks Mexico Itinerary with Map

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Backpacking Mexico route from Mexico City over Oaxaca to Yucatan - including budget travel Mexico tips using buses.

Looking for a backpacking Mexico itinerary for 3 weeks in Mexico? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We went backpacking in Mexico twice and will teach you how to make the most of your time in Mexico with our fast paced Mexico 3 weeks itinerary.

As our 3 weeks in Mexico itinerary uses a lot of night buses to save time and money, we give a quick backpacking Mexico by bus guide at the end.

Mexico Itinerary 3 Weeks

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Our first trip to Mexico lasted only two weeks and that was not nearly enough. So I decided to stay longer the second time. Even with three weeks in Mexico, you can only scratch the surface of this vast and diverse country.

Mexico Backpacking Itinerary Map

The vibrant capital of Mexico has a lot to offer. Find everything from food to culture!

As you can see in our in-depth Mexico City guide , the Mexican capital really blew me away. Allow for at least four days to explore the historic centre , Roma Norte and La Condesa , Coyoacan and Xochimilco , Teotihuacan as well as the many museum and food options!

Don’t skip Oaxaca City on your way to Oaxaca’s beautiful beaches!

Oaxaca is the undisputed food capital of Mexico and rightly so. The “city of seven moles” delivered on its promise of tasty food. Spend one day wandering the colourful streets - Barrio de Jalatlaco is one of the best areas to see street art if you ask us.

In Oaxaca, you don’t need fancy restaurants - just hit the markets.

• Mercado 20 de Noviembre is great for meat
• Mercado de La Merced is great for Tamales
• Mercado Hidalgo is great for Quesadillas

Best day trips from Oaxaca

If you only do one day trip, we recommend Monte Alban . This Zapotec site is an easy bus ride away from the centre (we have indicated on the map where the bus leaves). Up on a hill, it amazes with 360° views. Additionally, it is significantly less crowded than other archaeological sites in Mexico.

Another popular day trip is Hierve el Agua . It’s best to reach it with a tour, especially if you only have a limited amount of time. The “petrified” waterfalls get mixed reviews. You can theoretically swim in them but the water is often uninviting and cold.

How to get from Mexico City to Oaxaca

ADO, ADO GL, ADO Platino, and AU buses run all throughout the day and night from various bus stations in Mexico City. It’s super easy.

Puerto Escondido used to be an off-the-beaten-path hippie town. These times are over. Nowadays it’s a hub for party hungry tourists and digital nomads. And the nightlife is exactly the charm of Puerto Escondido: Don’t miss a great night out in La Punta or Zicatela. The distances in Puerto Escondido are quite long so it’s often better to take a colectivo during the day and a taxi at night.

Of course, you can hit the beach during the day but with its strong waves and currents, it’s not really swimmable.

Best things to do in Puerto Escondido

Famous activities in the area are the Baby Turtle Release Centre at Playa Bacocho, bioluminescence tours at Laguna Manialtepec , as well as whale and dolphin watching tours.

How to get from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido

Currently, one ADO GL and one OCC night bus leave from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido. The price difference is minimal so you might as well treat yourself for the over 10-hour long trip.

Mazunte has preserved a lot of Puerto Escondido’s former hippie charm. The sea is swimmable here but the nightlife is not as ample.

Best things to do in Mazunte

Besides hitting the beach, the only “real” activity in town is hiking to Punta Cometa for sunset. Additionally, you can try many things like yoga, meditation, or ecstatic dance. My highlight of the trip was the Temazcal ritual, especially as I didn’t make it to mushroom capital San Jose Del Pacifico...

How to get from Puerto Escondido to Mazunte

As this is not a night bus trip you will arrive on the same day you left. First, you have to take the local bus to the spot indicated on the map. From there, you can take a colectivo to Mazunte. Buses in the direction of Pochutla should leave every hour during the day.

If you only come for the highlight of Huatulco, its seven bays , one full day is enough.

Best things to do in Huatulco

The standard boat tours are all pretty much the same: You get a snorkel stop at Chachacual and a lunch stop at Maguey. You can just book it in town and it shouldn’t cost you more than 15$. If you want to treat yourself, you can charter a private boat to see the other bays but in case you’re not travelling with a group that is probably not within your budget if you’re reading this article.

How to get from Mazunte to Huatulco

First, take the colectivo to Pochutla. It’s easier to backtrack to San Antonio because you will spend less time on a bumpy road. From here, regular minibuses leave to Huatulco/La Crucecita (start point indicated on map).

Chiapas is Mexico’s cheapest state. Find cute colonial towns, amazing waterfalls, and Mayan ruins.

San Cristobal de las Casas is a cute colonial town with a serious hippie vibe. You can spend a while getting lost in the colourful streets with a lot of street art. Three pedestrian streets lead from the main square to the Guadalupe church with its amazing view, the market , and the Arco del Carmen . Don’t miss the market, where the people from the surrounding villages come to buy and sell their daily goods. It’s super interesting to see them in their traditional attire - in contrast to the main square they don’t wear it for the tourists here. Go and get lost in the market, which spans over several blocks and even features a unique section like the candle isle. Don’t miss the Plaza de la Paz in the evening when it turns into an open-air market.

Best day trips from San Cristobal de las Casas

Of the many day trips you can do from the El Chiflon waterfall to the Lagunas de Montebello , the Sumidero Canyon is my favourite. You can not only see the steep cliffs but also admire wildlife on a boat tour through the canyon. The boat stops at Chiapa de Corzo where you should leave the touristy dock behind and enjoy your lunch at the local market.

How to get from Huatulco to San Cristobal de las Casas

Currently, three night-buses are going from Huatulco to San Cristobal de las Casas. One of them is an ADO GL.

Of course, you shouldn’t miss the ruins. You don’t have to join a tour as you can easily reach the ruins by colectivo (from the spot indicated on the map). The ruins in the middle of the jungle are well worth a visit!

Best day trips from Palenque

Of the many waterfalls in the Palenque area, Misol Ha and Agua Azul are the most noteworthy. Misol Ha is unique because you can walk behind the waterfall. Make sure to wear waterproof shoes. Follow the path to the end. You’ll find a guy in a cave entrance renting torches for 15MXN. Enter the cave and after one-minute walk, you’ll find an amazing waterfall in the cave.

Agua Azul is stunningly beautiful with its turquoise blue water that cascades down over a long stretch. Don’t expect it to be the most swimmable waterfall though. Actual pools are few and far between as the majority is not safe. Additionally, don’t expect it to be an untouched paradise as it’s packed with very aggressive vendors (in fact the most aggressive I’ve encountered in the whole country). It’s still totally worth a visit though!

How to get from San Cristobal de las Casas to Palenque

If you want to be safe, take the night bus. It will not take the direct route as it’s supposedly frequented by bandits and instead make a huge detour all the way to Tabasco.

If you’re looking for an adventure (and you want to save time and money), take a transfer. The transfers stop at two waterfalls on the way - Misol Ha and Agua Azul - so you don’t have to backtrack from Palenque.

Yucatan is one of our favourite areas in Mexico. It shares all the beauty with Quintana Roo but without the crowds.

Merida is the beautiful capital of Yucatan. With its many colourful buildings and yummy street food it’s a perfect little stop along the way (or much more if you have more time). Don’t forget to try a marquesita, a traditional waffle with cheese and nutella - which is much more delicious than it sounds.

How to get from Palenque to Merida

As you cannot fly in and out of Palenque, you have to take a bus. Why not take it to Yucatan’s capital Merida? Currently, two ADO night buses make the journey.

Valladolid with its food court , monastery , and Cenote Zaci is one of our favourite towns in Mexico.

Best day trips from Valladolid

Valladolid is the perfect vantage point for your trip to Chichen Itza . Although this wonder of the world is naturally very touristy, it is worth the hype in our opinion. It’s so much more than just the instagram famous big pyramid and it’s easy to spend a couple of hours.

How to get from Merida to Valladolid and Chichen Itza

Buses from Merida to Valladolid run more than once per hour during the day. From Valladolid it’s super easy to grab a colectivo to Chichen Itza.

Quintana Roo with Cancun and Playa del Carmen is probably the most famous region in Mexico. There are still places that are a little more off-the-beaten-path than others and we show you how to find them.

Holbox is the perfect place to relax and wind down.

Best things to do in Holbox

There are many nice bars and cafes. If you’re feeling more active, you can check out the street art. Additionally, it’s a nice place to kayak - there’s even a bioluminescent lagoon.

It’s the perfect place to do yoga in the morning, hit the beach during the day, and go out at night.

A word of warning: If you’re looking for the instagram famous hammocks - they have been dismantled for conservation reasons.

How to get from Valladolid to Holbox

In contrast to what you read online, there are currently no overnight buses from Valladolid to Isla Holbox. If you take the first bus in the morning, you will arrive in Chiquila at noon. From here, you can catch the ferry, which runs every 30 minutes during the day. The two companies are virtually the same - trust us as we caught one on the way to the island and the other on the way back. There are no cars on Holbox and the only taxis come in the shape of golf carts. They are pretty expensive so be prepared to pay or walk.

Have you even been to Mexico if you didn’t go to instagramable Tulum? Probably. Of course, you can stay at the beach and find all the instagram hotspots. But there’s also a different side to Tulum. In the centre, you can still find affordable Hostels and authentic street food. The Tulum ruins are a sight to see.

Best day trips from Tulum

There are many cenotes in the area. If you’re on a budget and brave you can visit them by bicycle. You find many of them, like Gran Cenote, along the main highway. Go and explore them to your heart’s content.

How to get from Holbox to Tulum

There are three direct buses from Chiquila to Tulum.

Buses are a convenient option to travel Mexico. But be warned: Distances are long and you oftentimes spend more than 10 hours on the bus travelling from one city to the next.

Mexican Bus Lines

ADO is by far the best choice when it comes to night buses. ADO and their sister companies OCC and AU have a well-developed network. Additionally, you can find bus schedules and buy tickets online. The seats are extremely comfortable and every bus comes with a toilet.

If you opt for the premium buses (GL or Platino), the seats will recline very far and you have a footrest. In the back of the bus, you will find a separate men’s and women’s toilet. Every passenger gets a drink and headphones.

Which brings me to the one downside of ADO bus travel: If you don’t opt for the premium buses which have plugs for headphones, you will most likely be the victim of constant noisy Mexican movies.

Are ADO Buses Safe?

We never felt unsafe. You have to show your passport to enter the bus. A short video clip of every passenger is taken before the trip. The driver’s cabin is locked off from the main cabin so nobody can enter without effort.

The bus stations are mostly close to the centre, well lit and populated - even at night.

More Mexico backpacking tips:

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The Ultimate Backpacking Mexico Itinerary

Posted on Last updated: April 30, 2024

Wondering where to go in Mexico and need a Mexico Itinerary? In this post, I’m sharing with you my Mexico backpacking route and fun facts about Mexico backpacking. I’ve lived and traveled extensively in Mexico and although all of the information in this post is great for anyone traveling or backpacking in Mexico , it does contain a lot of information specifically for Solo female travel Mexico.

So, if you are planning a trip to Mexico here on my blog you are going to find everything you need to backpack Mexico .

Here are some epic Mexican quotes to get you excited about your trip.

Getting Around Mexico

Traveling around Mexico is actually pretty easy. As there isn’t a cross-country train service the two options are, bus or plane . The buses in Mexico are pretty cheap, very reliable, and easy to use. But it is a large country and so the journeys can be long. If you are pushed for time I recommend making some of the longer journeys by plane rather than by bus. I’ve made recommendations below, but just take a look at the map above and you can see the distances.

To help you decide where to go in Mexico, on the 4 week Mexico Itinerary I’ve tried to add in some stops between places so you could quite easily do this whole route by bus if you wanted to. That said you might prefer the comfort of flying. Flights are generally reasonable, so long as you book in advance. 

I have extensive travel guides detailing the best ways to travel and fun facts about Mexico:

The Best Way To Get From Cancun Airport To Tulum

How to get from Cancun airport to Playa Del Carmen

How To Get From Playa del Carmen To Tulum

How To Get To Cozumel – Cancun To Cozumel

How to get from Tikal in Guatemala to Tulum in Mexico

How To Get To Isla Holbox Mexico

How to Get to Sayulita

Quick Tip : I highly recommend booking all of your Mexico transportation with GottoGo . You can search for buses, shuttles, ferries, and Flights on their website. What I love most about them is their customer service. I know these guys personally from my time living in Guatemala and they look after their customers. If anything happens and you get delayed and miss your bus, you can just call them and they are always there to help. If you book through them you will pay a little more than if you book in person at the bus station. But it’s worth it for the ease and security. Click here to search for transportation in Mexico.

The Best Backpack Route Mexico

Ok so here it is, what you have all been waiting for my Mexico travel route to help you figure out where to go in Mexico.

As most people fly into Mexico City I’m going to start there. But you could also do this in reverse and fly into Cancun airport. Likewise, if you are traveling overland you can either cross the border from Belize up to Chetumal in Mexico. If you do this then I’d start in Bacalar and then work your way around Yucatan before flying from Cancun to Chiapas, then continue the route from there. Or if you cross the border from Guatemala then you will arrive at San Cristobal de las Casas first. From there you can pick up the route and go either way. 

• Mexico City (CDMX)
• Guadalajara
• Sayulita / Nuevo Vallarta / Riviera Nayarit
• Puerto Vallarta
• San Cristobal de las Casas
• Chichen Itza
• Isla Holbox
• Playa del Carmen
• Isla Mujeres

Yes, there are areas I’ve skipped, but you can easily add them to your Mexico backpacking itinerary if you have more time. For some recommendations of the best places to visit in Mexico check out this blog post . The same goes for removing things if you have less time. This Mexico backpacking route is suitable for solo female travelers , I’m not advising you to go anywhere unsafe.

This Mexico travel route starts in Mexico City and ends in Cancun and I have it marked in on the map above in this direction. In this, I have included the best tourist places in Mexico as well as some Mexico points of interest that you should try and visit if you can. Of course, it goes without saying that there are many incredible places to visit that aren’t considered tourist destinations in Mexico. So if at all possible try and leave some time in your schedule to get off the beaten track a little and explore some new places.

Quick Tip:  Book accommodation, tours, and transport ahead of time online to save money and stress.  Best Mexico Tours :  Click here to check out the top Mexico tours Best Mexico Accommodation: Click here to check out the best accommodation in Mexico Best Mexico Transport: Click here to book a bus, ferry, or train in Mexico

Mexico Adventure Travel Musts

If you are looking for some adventure highlights in Mexico there are a few things you should think about doing. One of my favorite fun facts about Mexico that surprises people is the country is fantastic for Scuba Diving . There are so many incredible diving adventures to have in Mexico that I wrote a whole blog post about them that you can read here . 

Another must-do while backpacking in Mexico is exploring some of the ancient ruins. Everyone knows about the world wonder that is Chichen Itza . But the Riviera Maya is teeming with ruins. You have Tulum , Coba , Ek Balam , and some off-the-beaten-track ruins . Then you also have Aztec ruins just outside of Mexico City Teotihuacan to be explored. Check out this hot air balloon tour over Teotihuacan . You can even check out the Calakmul Ruins hidden deep in the jungle too.

Some other Mexico highlights include:

• Taking a cooking class or doing a food tour
• Swimming with Whale sharks
• Diving with Bull Sharks
• Swimming in Cenotes
• Go to a yoga retreat
• Visit Sian Ka’an Biosphere  

QUICK TIP: Book your tours, rental cars, and transfers through my local contacts I’ve been working with Living Dreams Mexico for years and they are who I send all my family and friends to when they visit the Riviera Maya. I really can recommend them enough for private tours and experiences. They have solid 5* reviews on Trip Advisor and Google from almost 4000 reviewers! You can view all their tours here. If you’re looking for private airport transfers and rental cars then Vanessa and Oliver from Turismo Channel are personal friends of mine and I can 100% recommend them to make an inquiry click here and complete the form . Someone will be in touch within 24 hours.

Where To Go In Mexico | Mexico Trip Itineraries

It’s really hard to give you a one-size-fits-all best places to visit in Mexico travel itinerary , but I’m going to try. Of course, the more time you have the more places you can explore. My advice would be if you have more time to stop off at some of the smaller pueblos in between the main ‘tourist’ cities and pueblos. Less is more in Mexico so don’t try and cram in too much. Instead, take your time to get to know a place by staying a little longer.

On this where to go in Mexico trip itinerary, I’ve included the most popular places people visit and linked to more detailed helpful guides if I have them. This is not only a backpack route Mexico but will also suit other types of travelers too as it includes all of the main tourist attractions you will not want to miss while in Mexico. PS read these travel tips for Mexico before you plan anything.

Recommended Mexican Tour Companies These are companies I 100% recommend booking activities within Mexico.   Where Sidewalks End – One of my favorite Mexican based. companies offering boutique travel experiences you won’t find anywhere else.  Turismo Channel – If you are traveling to Playa del Carmen then I recommend booking through my friend Vanessa at Turismo Channel. You can check out their tours by  clicking here  and us code  claire10off  for 10% off group toursYou can also  send her a WhatsApp message  quoting the code to receive the discount.

One Month in Mexico

If you have one month in Mexico, this is the route I would recommend you take time to see as much of Mexico as you can.

Mexico itinerary for 1 month:

Mexico City (3 nights) – 3 nights is the minimum I would personally recommend staying in Mexico City. If you can spare an extra day, then stay for 4. I wrote a full accommodation guide to help you decide where to stay in Mexico City. But wherever you stay, I use Uber to get pretty much everywhere as it is so cheap. Things I’d recommend are visiting Tenochtitlán and going to the Lucha Libre wrestling ! If you want, you can also figure out how to visit Las Grutas de Tolantango from here too!

Guanajuato (1 night) – From Mexico City take a bus to Guanajuato which is about a 6-hour bus ride, or a short flight away. Here you can enjoy the colonial architecture and soak up your first taste of a Mexican pueblo. To make the most of your time here I’d recommend doing this tour from Guanajuato City to San Miguel de Allende .

Guadalajara (1 night) – Take another flight or the bus is just over 3 hours to Guadalajara . I’d suggest exploring Guadalajara and then head down to Lake Chapala , this can also be done as a day trip easily if you don’t want to move around so much. T equila is also a short day trip if you have time. You can take the Tequila express train from Guadalajara and back in a day. 

Chapala (1 night) – From Guadalajara , you can easily take a bus, or rent a car and drive to Lake Chapala. Spend at least 1 day here, more if you can as there are other places around the lake to explore. I love neighboring Ajijic oh and try to visit the Thermal Spa. If you spend the night in Chapala I highly recommend staying in Villa 1927 Arthotel Boutique right on the lake.

Puerto Vallarta (2 nights) – Time to hit the beach! The flight here from Guadalajara / Chapala is 50 minutes and the bus is just under 6 hours, so it’s all going to depend on time. Puerto Vallarta is a popular Mexican coastal town, but not as ‘gringoed’ as the Riviera Maya . It’s also a super nice drive if you want to rent a car . If you drive on the northern road you can hit up Sayulita and anywhere else in Nayarit first. Or if you go on the southern road then go to PV first and head to Nayarit after.

Sayulita : From Puerto Vallarta, if you have time I would also strongly recommend paying a visit to Sayulita. You can read all about how to get to Sayulita here . There are so many things to do in Sayulita you can easily stay here a few days or weeks if you have the time. Number 1 thing to do of course is surfing ! Wondering where to stay in Sayulita , don’t there are many amazing properties, you will be spoilt for choice! You can book a surf trip in Mexico with Thermal

Oaxaca (2 nights) – You are going to need to fly this leg of the journey unless you don’t mind a 20-hour bus ride! But you can’t skip Oaxaca. If for nothing else, this is where you are going to be eating some of the best Mexican food . Plus Oaxaca city is beautiful and full of brightly colored colonial buildings. If you have some more time then head to the beach town of Puerto Escondido for some chilled beach and surf town. I’d strongly recommend trying to fit in at least 2 nights here if you can!

Veracruz (2 nights) – To get here by bus it’s likely to take 6 hours, or you can fly but as there are no direct flights it will take you just as long. Like most places on this list, you are going to want more than 2 days here, but if it’s all you have then it will do. In Veracruz, you will find mountains, volcanoes, Magic Towns , rivers, the ocean , forests, amazing waterfalls , archeological sites , and a lot of good seafood! I have so many friends from here and all they talk about is how amazing the food is!

San Cristobal de las Casas (2 nights) –  Oh how I love San Cris if it didn’t get so cold here during the winter and there was a beach close I’d move there in a flash! Ok so to travel here by bus from Veracruz will take about 8 hours. So if you need to save time then skip Veracruz and just come directly from Oaxaca. But whatever you do, don’t skip San Cris. There is a lot to do here and you could easily spend a week or more here hiking, chasing waterfalls , and shopping for textiles and precious gems at rock bottom prices. 

Palenque (1 night) –  I’ve added in a stop at Palenque to break up the long-ass bus journey from San Cris to Campeche (if you want to take the bus. If you are planning on flying, then just fly direct from Tuxtla airport (just outside San Cris) to Merida and skip Palenque and Campeche. If however, you are interested in learning more about Mayan Culture then I recommend visiting Palenque. It’s about a 7-hour bus ride, or you can fly direct on a small plane here. 

Campeche (1 night) – The bus ride from Palenque to Campeche takes just under 6 hours on a direct bus. Campeche is often forgotten about by visitors to Yucatan. Most people skip over it in favor of Merida. But if you can I’d recommend stopping here for at least a night. UNESCO named it as a model of a colonial baroque city planning. Not only is it a World Heritage Site because of its beautiful colonial architecture, but it also has 17 archaeological sites including Calakmul, which is the largest Mayan city that has been discovered.

If you like this Ultimate Mexico backpacking itinerary and fun facts about Mexico backpacking, save it in your  Stipple trip planner  where you will find destinations, things to do, and accommodation all in one place without juggling between several apps.

Merida (2 nights) – Merida is the capital of Yucatan and it is brimming with culture! It can get very hot in the summer months, so be sure to book accommodations with AC if you can. As well as exploring the city from here you can easily access Chichen Itza . So you could save time by skipping Valladolid and spending a night at Chichen Itza and just see Chichen as a day tour. Then you can head directly to Holbox , or to Playa del Carmen by bus.

Chichen Itza (1 night) – If you have the time I recommend spending the night at Chichen Itza to see the light show ! Then get up early the next morning and explore during the daylight before all of the tour buses turn up! Or if you really want to save time then you can fly to Chichen Itza with Fly Cozumel.

Valladolid (1 night) – This is a place you can skip if you need to make up time. But it’s a nice little pueblo that can help to break up the journey if you have time. Buses run directly here from Merida, and Colectivos run from Chichen Itza . Both are frequent and the journey is short. 

Isla Holbox (2 nights) – To get to Holbox from Merida or Valladolid is a direct bus to Chiquila and from there you will need to take a boat out to the Island. Click here for a full breakdown of how to get to Isla Holbox . Holbox is where I go on vacation. If I need a weekend away from work and need to go somewhere I can completely relax and get offline, I come to Holbox . Be warned you will not get hardly any signal here, and wifi is inconsistent at best. But it’s about as close to paradise as you can get. Want to do some activities while on the island? Take a read of my guide to Holbox here .

Playa del Carmen (2 nights) – Yes, I know I may be biased as I lived here for a few years. But once you arrive in the Riviera Maya, Playa really is the best place to base yourself. It’s cheaper and easier to navigate than Tulum and Cancun and you can walk pretty much everywhere. Plus it’s easy to take colectivos to Cancun , Puerto Morelos , Tulum , and even to Bacalar (although I’d recommend taking the bus). Plus it’s just a short ferry ride to Cozumel .  You can take a bus or colectivo direct from Chiquila to get here. There is so much to see and do 2 days can easily become 2 months… or in my case 3 years haha.

Tulum (1 night) – One night is enough to check out Tulum. Arrive early and visit the Tulum ruins then spend the rest of the day exploring Tulum , or just chill on the beach. If you can spare a few extra days head to Coba ruins and go diving in some Cenotes . If you have time I’d also highly recommend trying to do a tour of Sian Ka’an . It’s not cheap but so worth it! You can either take an ADO bus here from Playa or hop in a colectivo .

Bacalar (2 nights) – It’s going to take you the best part of a day to get here from Tulum , but it will be worth it for the view. Bacalar is beautiful and here you can chill for a couple of nights and reflect on the amazing time you have had exploring Mexico! You can take an ADO bus from Tulum , or a colectivo. Personally, I’d choose the bus for comfort unless you are on a very tight budget. 

Cancun / Isla Mujeres (1 night) – Time to start making your way back to the airport! It will take you most of the day to get from Bacalar to Cancun . You can either stay at a hotel close to the airport or if you have more time skip Cancun and stay in Isla Mujeres… This won’t work if you have a morning flight. but if you have an afternoon or evening flight I’d recommend it so you can check out one of the most beautiful beaches in the world!

Three Weeks in Mexico

Only have three weeks in Mexico? No problem. You won’t be able to see the whole of Mexico during this time, but with this itinerary, you can make the most of your 3 weeks in Mexico.

Mexico itinerary for 3 weeks

• Mexico City (3 nights)
• Guanajuato / Guadalajara/ Tequila (2 nights)
• Puebla (2 nights)
• Oaxaca (2 nights)
• San Cristobal de las Casas (2 nights)
• Merida (1 night)
• Valladolid / Chichen Itza (1 night)
• Holbox (2 nights)
• Tulum (1 night)
• Bacalar (2 nights)
• Playa del Carmen / Cozumel (3 nights)

Two Weeks in Mexico

Got two weeks in Mexico? Then use this Mexico itinerary to help you make the most of your short vacation. I’m not going to lie, 2 weeks in Mexico is nowhere near enough time, but you can see a few of the most popular places and get a feel of the Country. You will need to fly between some places if you want to make the most of your time. But in some places, you can catch a bus and it won’t take longer than half a day.

Mexico two week itinerary:

• Merida (2 nights)
• The Riviera Maya (3 nights)

Two Weeks in Yucatan

I’ve created this 2-week road trip itinerary for Yucatan as in reality 2 weeks in Mexico just isn’t a lot of time. Personally, I’d visit half as many places as I’ve added to this list. But if you do only have 2 weeks and want to fit in as much as you can, then this is what I would recommend doing. 

Yucatan 2 week itinerary:

• Holbox (3 nights)
•   Merida (1 night) 
• Campeche (1 night)
• Valladolid (2 nights) to visit Chichen Itza
• Bacalar (2 nights) – or 1 night in Mahuale and 1 in Bacalar
• Playa del Carmen (3 nights) or 2 nights and one night in Cozumel to go diving. Make sure you rent a car in Cozumel and do a lap of the Island!

A week in Mexico

1 week in Mexico is really not enough time. But if it’s all the time you have, then it’s all the time you have. You can make the most of your time by flying from place to place, otherwise, you will be wasting 3 days on a bus. I’d strongly recommend only packing hand luggage as the budget Mexican airlines like to charge a lot of money for baggage ! 

See my Ultimate Mexico packing list on Amazon !

Although you could easily spend 7 days in any one of these places If you want to cover as much ground as possible in your 7 days in Mexico then with this you will be able to visit 3 very different places in Mexico to give you a real feel for just how diverse and wonderful a country Mexico really is.

Backpack Mexico itinerary for 1 week:

• Mexico City (2 nights)
• Riviera Maya (2 nights)

On this Mexican itinerary, you will fly into Mexico City and then fly out of Cancun . If you are backpacking and coming up from Guatemala then I recommend taking a bus from Guatemala to San Cristobal and then heading to Oaxaca for a night or 2 before traveling to Cancun . 

I’ve not specified where you should visit in the Riviera Maya, because that really is up to you. Personally, I would choose Playa del Carmen and Tulum over Cancun . But then there is also Holbox , Isla Mujeres, and Cozumel to choose from. If you want to explore, choose Playa del Carmen as it’s pretty central. If you just want to crash on a beach for a few days, choose Holbox or Isla Mujeres.

Did You Get Travel Insurance Yet? The Insurance companies I recommend are  Hey Mondo and Safety Wing Hey Mondo  is great if you are looking for a great value flexible policy. They offer single-trip cover, annual multi-trip cover, and long-term travel cover. Safety Wing  is great value, with monthly coverage starting at $45.08. It’s super easy to use, and it just renews each month. I currently use them as they offer me free cover for my son as part of my policy. Read my full  travel insurance post  here, where I go into detail about all companies. 

The Best Hostels in Mexico

I’ve listed all of the best hostels in Mexico here on this page . However, I do also have more detailed accommodation guides for Mexico City , Cancun , Playa del Carmen , Cozumel , Holbox , and Tulum .

Other Important Things to Consider When Backpacking in Mexico

There are some other common questions people ask about when traveling to Mexico so I’ve tried to answer them as best I can here.

If you are wondering what to pack I have some great packing guides you can read:

The Ultimate Packing List For Mexico

Other than that there isn’t much you really need. Most countries can enter Mexico on a tourist ‘visa’ which is good for 180 days. After 180 days, you will need to leave the country. If you want to return you will need to stay away for at least 3 days before re-entering. If you enter overland then make sure you tell them you will be in Mexico for longer than a week and make sure you pay the fee for the full 1890 day visa. If you don’t they will only give you 7 days to transit. If you fly into Mexico the cost is covered as part of your ticket, so you don’t need to worry.

Quick Tip : View my full Mexico packing guide here including a downloadable checklist. And check out my Mexico Essentials shopping list here .

Mexico Travel Guide Planning

🧳 Any recommendations on what I should pack for Mexico?

Yes! I have created a whole packing guide to Mexico which you can read here and you can also check out my packing list for Mexico on Amazon here .

🚗 Where can I book bus or private transportation while I’m in Mexico?

I strongly recommend using GottoGo . You can book almost all transport in the major Mexican tourist destinations through them online. They don’t just cover buses they also cover shuttles, ferries, and private drivers.

🎫 Where can I buy tickets for museums, attractions, and tours in Mexico?

First and foremost check out all of the amazing Mexico tours Where Sidewalks End has. They are a small local company and they have some really special experiences.

For everything else I recommend either Viator  or GetYour Guide . 

If you are traveling to Cancun you can use GoCity and save up to 55% of the initial cost of entrance tickets to various museums, tours, and attractions!

If you are traveling to Playa del Carmen then I recommend booking through my friend Vanessa at Turismo Channel. You can check out their tours by clicking here and using the following discount codes for the best prices clairecaroff (car rental), claire10off (for 10% off group tours), claireprivate (for a discount on private tours). You can also send her a WhatsApp message quoting the above codes to receive the discount.

👩‍⚕️ What is the best insurance to have while traveling?

I recommend using Heymondo for a great value policy. The app also offers you 24/7 Dr Chat. For Digital Nomads check out SafetyWing  digital nomad insurance.

I have also written a blog post covering all my recommended travel insurance here

✈️ Any flight recommendations?

WayAWay offers you cheap flights with cashback. You can use this code CLAIRE22 to get 10% off. Otherwise Skyscanner or Expedia are my go-to flight searching platforms.

📱What do you use for internet connection while traveling?

I’m a big fan of personal WiFi devices and they have saved my ass so many times when traveling. I wrote a full review of the top travel WiFi devices you can read here . I personally use GlocalMe  as I can either pop in a physical sim card or use their local carrier.

With regards to my phone connection, I use e-sims while traveling, so rather than having to swap out my regular sim card I can download the app and buy a virtual sim card. I recommend using either Airhub or Alosim . Both have great coverage of multiple countries and are very easy to use.

🛏️ What is the best platform to use for booking accommodation?

The 3 best platforms that I normally use are Booking.com , Hotels.com , and Expedia  They offer great deals and multiple options. I always check all three to be sure of the best deals.

🛅 Do you have any luggage recommendations for traveling?

I do have a complete list of the best packing and luggage products that I recommend, you can check the list here . I’m currently traveling with this suitcase and this backpack. 

Solo Female Travel Mexico

Looking for solo travel Mexico information? I personally traveled to Mexico solo and had no issues at all. I’m not denying that there are some safety issues you need to take seriously, however, if you are planning a trip to Mexico alone I have a few guides you can read that will help you get prepared.

Is it safe to travel to Mexico alone? Absolutely! Do you need to be prepared? YES

Fun Facts About Mexico Backpacking: Final Thoughts

And that’s it! My where to go in Mexico ultimate Mexico backpacking route! I hope it has been of use to you as you prepare for backpacking in Mexico. Feel free to reach out if you have any specific questions that I don’t answer on this Mexico blog!

Tuesday 29th of March 2022

Thank you so much for the extremely insightful article! I do have question, would you recommend pre-booking all buses? :)

Moon Palace

Thursday 1st of July 2021

Mexico is wonderful, has a lot to know and gives a great cultural experience to the visitor who dares to travel alone. Besides, Mexicans are very kind and friendly people wherever you go and they will make you feel as if you were in your own country.

Claire Summers

Hi I’m Claire!

At 34 I sold all my worldly possessions that wouldn’t fit into 3 boxes or my backpack and hit the road.

I started Claire’s Itchy Feet to inspire women to pack their bags and travel more. With no plans to stop anytime soon I’m always looking for my next adventure be it attempting to surf or climbing a volcano I’ll try (almost) anything once!

© 2023 Claire’s Itchy Feet  

APRIL SALE Extended:   Book now for   up to 60% off!

3 Week Mexico Tours & Trips

Filter for departure dates and price to find the right 3 week Mexico tour with TourRadar. Choose from 28 trips with 141 customer reviews, that range from 15 up to 21 days.

28 Mexico 3 week tour packages with 141 reviews

• Coach / Bus
• Sightseeing

The Mariachi route ( 17 days )

• In-depth Cultural

Contrasts of Mexico + Yucatan Peninsula Extension

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Mexico From Insiders

Contrasts of Mexico + Yucatan Peninsula Extension (Day Of The Dead)

• Christmas & New Year

The Many Sides of Mexico: Puerto Vallarta to Oaxaca

Mexico Highlights (from Mexico City) Travel Pass

Mexico Highlights (from Cancun) Travel Pass

The Most Mexico: Central Mexico, Yucatan & Cancún

Mexico Unplugged

Unforgettable Mexico ( 16 days )

Oaxaca Tour: Explore Ruins, Incredible Waterfalls, Charming Towns and Much More

Thank you Alex from Vibe Adventures for making a dream come true! Travelling Mexico with my guide Vlad was fantastic! I learned so much about Mexican history and culture - and the real life in Mexico! I always felt taken good care of and where happy about the easy contact opportunity for any questions. Thank you! Unfortunately I can’t review the full „Hidden gem“ tour since I got sick along the way and we had to adapt the travels a bit. But very very grateful to say that everyone supported me during this time perfectly and accommodated the circumstances easily. The rest of the tour was wonderful! So many unique experiences that I will remember for a long time. Muchas gracias! Anne

Premium Mexico in Depth

Incredible Mexico Adventure 15D/14N (from Cancun)

I was surprised at how well our two weeks trip in Mexico went. All activities: day trips, pick-ups and drop offs were very well coordinated. We didn't miss any of the activities planned or transports. Accommodation: Overall, we were very satisfied with the condition and the location of most booked hostels . Transfers: Very happy; specially with the long journey bus trips, for which the best bus companies were selected: very comfortable seats (declined enough for a good sleep) and a lot of space Tours: All the ones which included English speaker Guide, were allocated to brilliant tour guides The only negative thing about Bamba Experience was the contact number provided in the itinerary was never available, which made me and other people I met in the journey suspect it didn’t exist at all. I was lucky not to have any problem, but it was very concerning when there was something wrong with the itinerary.

Contrasts of Mexico + Yucatan Peninsula Extension (Festival Premium)

San Luis Potosi Tour: a Fantastic Journey Through Waterfalls, Mountains and Sea

Although I was the only person to sign up for January's Waterfalls, Mountains and Sun tour, it still went ahead, so it was like my own private tour, but really it was like traveling with my friends Alex (tour leader/founder) and Rodrigo (driver). We spent each day of the two weeks together from breakfast to bed time, and they were always kind and courteous, whether opening the car door for me, carrying my bag when it was too difficult for me, lending a helping hand while we climbed up and down mountains and waterfalls, being patient while explaining food options, and countless other times. Since I was the only person on the tour, and it's a fairy new company, Alex was open to my suggestions of new places to see and things to do. I highly recommend Vibe Adventures, and look forward to seeing my new friends in the future!

What people love about 3 Week Mexico Tours

I was surprised at how well our two weeks trip in Mexico went. All activities: day trips, pick-ups and drop offs were very well coordinated. We didn't miss any of the activities planned or transports. Accommodation: Overall, we were very satisfied with the condition and the location of most booked hostels . Transfers: Very happy; specially with the long journey bus trips, for which the best bus companies were selected: very comfortable seats (declined enough for a good sleep) and a lot of space Tours: All the ones which included English speaker Guide, were allocated to brilliant tour guides The only negative thing about Bamba Experience was the contact number provided in the itinerary was never available, which made me and other people I met in the journey suspect it didn’t exist at all. I was lucky not to have any problem, but it was very concerning when there was something wrong with the itinerary.

Although I was the only person to sign up for January's Waterfalls, Mountains and Sun tour, it still went ahead, so it was like my own private tour, but really it was like traveling with my friends Alex (tour leader/founder) and Rodrigo (driver). We spent each day of the two weeks together from breakfast to bed time, and they were always kind and courteous, whether opening the car door for me, carrying my bag when it was too difficult for me, lending a helping hand while we climbed up and down mountains and waterfalls, being patient while explaining food options, and countless other times. Since I was the only person on the tour, and it's a fairy new company, Alex was open to my suggestions of new places to see and things to do. I highly recommend Vibe Adventures, and look forward to seeing my new friends in the future!

Other Regions in Mexico

• Central Mexico 7 day Tours (20)
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• Copper Canyon 7 day Tours (12)
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• Central Mexico 3 day Tours (6)
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• Yucatan 7 day Tours (5)
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• Mexico Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
• 10 Best Mexico Vacation Packages 2024/2025 (with Reviews)

Mexico Itineraries

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The following Mexico itineraries span the entire length of this incredibly diverse country, from the deserts and jaw-dropping canyons of the north to the grand colonial cities of the centre and the Mayan ruins, beaches and jungles of the south. Given the vast distances involved, you may not be able to cover everything, but even picking a few highlights will give you a deeper insight into Mexico’s natural and historic wonders. If you're considering taking a trip to Mexico, check out our tailor-made trip service for help with the planning and booking from a local expert.

Itinerary tips from Ariadna: your Mexico Travel Expert

Recommended mexico itineraries, 7 day mexico itinerary, 10 day mexico itinerary, 14 day mexico itinerary, 3 week mexico itinerary, the heart of mexico itinerary, the best beaches itinerary, the best outdoor itinerary, ruta de la plata, the best time for a mexico holiday, tailor-made travel itineraries for mexico, created by local experts.

17 days  / from 1590 USD

The Magic of the Yucatan and Mexico City

Explore the magic of the Yucatan Peninsula: from colonial towns like Merida to Archaeological sites like Uxmal and Calakmul, close to the Guatemala border, to beaches in Bacalar and Tulum, this itinerary shows you the real Yucatan before heading out to explore Mexico City.

15 days  / from 1430 USD

Mexico City, Oaxaca & the Yucatan

Explore Central Mexico with its ever-busy capital Mexico City, visiting Teotihuacan and the famous museums in the city. Further on to Oaxaca City, the gateway to the Archaeological Site Monte Alban. Afterwards, continue to the white beaches of the Yucatan: Cancun and Isla Holbox await.

18 days  / from 1735 USD

Fascinating Mexico: From Guanajuato to the Yucatan

Discover Mexico from fascinating San Miguel de Allende over busy Mexico City all the way to the Yucatan Peninsula. This itinerary combines public transportation with domestic flights to ensure you can make the most of discovering fascinating Mexico within two weeks.

"Planning your adventure in Mexico isn't just about organizing a trip; it's about diving into a vibrant cultural experience," shares our Mexican travel expert , Ariadna. Understanding the significance of a carefully crafted itinerary in Mexico, a country teeming with rich history and breathtaking natural beauty, is crucial. Mexico is a colorful tapestry of age-old traditions, diverse landscapes, and deeply rooted cultural encounters. 

From the historic streets of Mexico City to the pristine beaches of its coastal towns, each region boasts its unique charm and attractions. A personalized itinerary guarantees a thorough introduction to the distinct elements and cultural highlights that make Mexico an incredible destination to explore.

With years of experience and intimate local knowledge, I'm here to guide you through the intricacies of creating your perfect itinerary. Whether you're eager to unravel the mysteries of ancient ruins, indulge in the lively local cuisine, or uncover the hidden natural wonders of both the mainland and coastal areas, a well-planned itinerary ensures a seamless and enriching journey tailored just for you.

Let's collaborate to craft a journey tailored to your preferences and expectations , ensuring your Mexico adventure is truly memorable.

If you are planning your travel to Mexico yourself, use these itineraries created by our travel writers as a starting point for inspiration.

See our itineraries below, or get inspired by duration: 7-days - 10 days - 14 days - 3 weeks

Enjoy the perfect blend of gastronomic delights and cultural treasures on 7-day Mexican journey .

Start in Mexico City and enjoy a traditional welcome dinner on day 1 . Day 2 will begin with a visit to the vibrant Mercado de La Merced, followed by an interactive cooking class, and then you'll travel through the historic center, including the Zocalo and the National Palace. On day 3 , you'll travel to the ancient pyramids of Teotihuacan, followed by a sampling of regional cuisine.

On day 4 , you'll fly to Oaxaca , known for its culinary diversity. Here you will enjoy the flavors of the sea and local delicacies. Day 5 is set aside for a culinary master class exploring Oaxacan cuisine, after which you will embark on a cultural tour of the city. On day 6 , you'll travel to the magical city of Tulum , where you'll participate in a wine and tequila tasting followed by a sunset dinner on the beach.

On day 7 , you'll explore the cultural treasures of Tulum and end your trip with a grand feast of Yucatan delicacies. This carefully crafted itinerary combines the culinary and historical wonders of Mexico, and each day focuses on the rich cultural tapestry of this vibrant country.

Tulum, Mayan ruins, Mexico © DC_Aperture/Shutterstock

Experience an extraordinary 10-day journey through Mexico , rich in cultural experiences and natural beauty. Begin your journey in vibrant Mexico City with a warm welcome dinner on day 1 . Day 2 is a deep dive into the city's history and art at places like the Palacio de Bellas Artes. On day 3 , you'll travel to the ancient Aztec ruins of Teotihuacan with its majestic pyramids.

On day 4 , you'll travel to the colonial city of Guanajuato , exploring its colorful streets and underground tunnels. On day 5 , you'll visit the picturesque city of San Miguel de Allende , known for its baroque architecture. On day 6 , fly to Mérida, a city known for its rich Mayan and colonial heritage.

Days 7 and 8 you will spend in the Yucatan Peninsula , discovering ancient Mayan ruins such as Uxmal and Chichen Itza and relaxing in picturesque cenotes. On day 9 , you'll travel to the paradisiacal coastal city of Tulum, where pristine beaches and vibrant nightlife await. End your trip on day 10 with a farewell dinner in Tulum, reflecting on unforgettable experiences and Mexico's diverse cultural scene.

San Miguel De Allende street in Mexico © Shutterstock

Take an exciting 14-day Mexican adventure that seamlessly blends cultural immersion and natural wonders. Begin your journey in Mexico City with a traditional welcome dinner on day one . Immerse yourself in the city's artistic and historical richness on days 2 and 3 , exploring iconic landmarks.

Days 4 and 5 will take you to the ancient and mysterious Teotihuacan, and on day 6 you'll fly to Oaxaca. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Oaxaca with a hands-on cooking class on day 7 , complete with a cultural tour. On day 8 , head to the coastal paradise town of Puerto Escondido .

On days 9-11 , discover the wonders of Chiapas , from the awe-inspiring Sumidero Canyon to picturesque San Cristobal de las Casas. On day 12 , fly to the Yucatán Peninsula, where you can explore the archaeological wonders of Chichen Itza and relax in charming cenotes on days 13 and 14 . Conclude your journey with a visit to Mérida , capturing the essence of Mexico's diverse cultural traditions and breathtaking landscapes that define this extraordinary country.

A balloon vendor in front of the Catedral de San Ildefonso in Merida Mexico

Immerse yourself in an exciting 3-week Mexican trip that seamlessly blends cultural discovery with natural wonders. In the first week , dive into the heart of Mexico, starting in Mexico City and exploring its historic gems, from the Zocalo to Teotihuacan. Week 2 will take you to the enchanting southern region, where San Cristobal de las Casas and Palenque offer a rich tapestry of indigenous cultures and ancient Mayan ruins.

Transition to week 3 begins with a visit to Mérida, which offers colonial charm and access to Uxmal and Celestun. The journey continues through Valladolid , Playa del Carmen and ends in Cancun . Discover colonial cities, pristine beaches and archaeological wonders for a comprehensive exploration of Mexico's diverse landscapes and cultural heritage. This thoughtfully designed 3-week itinerary promises unforgettable and fulfilling experiences in the most diverse corners of this extraordinary country.

Cancun in Mexico © Shutterstock

This amazing Mexico tour will lead you to the heart of Mexico, as you visit Mexico City for a brilliant cooking class, Merida to see the Mayan ruins and plenty more unbelievable places and experiences.

Begin your Mexican journey in Mexico City. Upon arrival, meet your private shuttle for a hassle-free transfer to your accommodation. Begin your exploration of the city with a walking tour of the center, visiting cultural highlights such as the Palace of Arts and Diego Rivera's murals at the National Palace.

Next, the cities of Puebla and Cholula await to explore their historical and architectural wonders, including the 16th-century cathedral and ancient pyramids. Continue your odyssey in Oaxaca, exploring Monte Alban, the petrified waterfalls at Hierve el Agua, and the significant ceremonial center of Mitla.

Fly to Mérida for colonial charm and tours of cultural gems. Explore the archaeological wonders of Uxmal and Cabaj with a knowledgeable local guide. Finish your expedition with a visit to Chichen Itza and a serene night on a Caribbean beach before heading home.

Monte Alban © Shutterstock

This three-week Mexico itinerary focuses on the southern and central parts of the country, traditionally the most popular targets for independent travellers.

Upon arrival at Mexico City International Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel in the city center. Your tour includes a general city tour and a visit to the pyramids of Teotihuacan. Visit the Frida Kahlo Museum and the Xochimilco floating gardens in Mexico City. Then, fly to Puerto Escondido for a relaxing beach vacation. 

From there, head to the Yucatán Peninsula, visiting Valladolid , conveniently located near major archaeological sites such as Chichen Itza, Tulum, Ec Balam and Coba. Explore the impressive ceremonial centers of Ec Balam and depart for Mérida, stopping at Chichen Itza and Cenote on the way. In Mérida, you'll have a free day or optional excursion to the Celestun Biosphere Reserve. 

Drive to Campeche , then to Xpujil in the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve with an optional visit to the Becan archaeological site. Continue to Bacalar to see the stunning Lake of the Seven Colors and attend optional activities. Finally, drive to Playa del Carmen with an optional visit to Tulum, and then finish your trip in Cancun.

Cenote San Lorenzo Oxman near Valladolid © Shutterstock

Mexico is home to exceptionally varied landscapes and ecosystems, but you can get a decent taster in two to three weeks. This tour starts at the US border and works south.

Set off on an exciting adventure through Baja California , starting with the awe-inspiring gray whale migration in Guerrero Negro and San Ignacio. Explore ancient rock art in the Sierra de San Francisco, easily accessible from San Ignacio or Mulege. 

South of Mulege, Bahia Concepcion is home to unspoiled beaches ideal for kayaking or relaxing. Adventurous travelers can take a day trip from La Paz to Espiritu Santo Island, where sea lions, dolphins and whale sharks can be seen.

Ride the spectacular Copper Canyon Railroad from La Paz to Los Mochis and explore the Sierra Tarahumara hiking trails and Raramuri settlements. Head south along the Pacific Ocean to the unspoiled coast of Costalegre or head inland to climb the Nevado de Colima and Popocatepetl volcanoes. End your trip with thrilling rafting, kayaking and canyoning in Jalcomulco, near Xalapa , capturing the essence of Mexico's diverse and colorful natural landscapes.

Playa del Coco beach and the road Transpeninsular, Baja California Mexico.

Spanish Mexico was fuelled by silver, leaving a rich architectural and cultural legacy in the heart of the country. Take at least two weeks to travel this route between Mexico City and Monterrey .

Start in Taxco, the country's silver capital. Admire the colonial, whitewashed houses and cobblestone streets while shopping for jewelry. North of Mexico City is Real del Monte, Hidalgo, a charming mountainous place with a unique Cornish heritage. Next, visit Guanajuato to explore its lively cafes, bars, and intriguing sites such as restored mine shafts and 19th-century mummies.

A short bus ride will take you to San Miguel Allende, a beautifully preserved town teeming with art galleries and craft shops. Nearby is Pozos, a romantic, less developed version of San Miguel known for its extensive abandoned mine workings. In San Luis Potosí, immerse yourself in vibrant city life amid elegant Baroque buildings and museums, including one dedicated to sculptor Federico Silva.

Zacatecas , the capital of northern Bahia state, boasts a rich silver history with attractions such as the restored El Eden mine and exceptional art collections. Finish your journey in Real de Catorza, a mesmerizing semi-tropical town with colonial hotels, ruined mines, and ghostly desert landscapes, en route to Monterrey.

Taxco Guerrero Mexico a colorful town © Shutterstock

Mexico's charms are evident throughout the year , and each season offers a unique experience. The best time to visit is the dry season, which runs from December through April . During this period, the weather is sunny and warm, creating ideal conditions for exploring Mexico's rich cultural heritage and diverse landscapes.

Late spring and early summer ( May - June ) and fall ( September - November ) bring pleasant weather, making historic cities such as Mexico City, Guadalajara and Oaxaca attractive places to visit. Outdoor enthusiasts can indulge in outdoor activities amidst the spectacular scenery of the Yucatán Peninsula and Sierra Madre.

Summer ( July and August ) is ideal for beach lovers, especially in coastal harbors such as Cancun and Tulum. While temperatures can be higher inland, coastal areas offer a refreshing vacation.

Mexico's diverse seasons cater to a variety of interests, from cultural exploration to seaside vacations and adventure travel.

The Rough Guides to Mexico and related travel guides

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

Travel advice for Mexico

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Mexico

• Visa and entry requirements Mexico
• Crime and personal safety tips Mexico
• Eating and drinking in Mexico
• How to get to Mexico
• Getting around Mexico: Transportation Tips
• Travel Tips Mexico for planning and on the go
• Best time to visit Mexico

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written by Ties Lagraauw

updated 22.01.2024

Ties is a true world explorer - whether it be for work or leisure! As Content Manager at RoughGuides, and the owner of Dutch travel platform Reis-Expert.nl , Ties is constantly on the move, always looking for new destinations to discover.

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Road Trip through Yucatán in Mexico: Our 3 Week Travel Itinerary

Mysterious Mayan Ruins. Paradise Caribbean beaches. Turquoise blue Cenotes. No doubt about it: the Mexican peninsula of Yucatán sure knows how to impress. For three weeks, we made way around the Yucatán Peninsula with our rental car.

Which stops are worthwhile? Which destinations should you leave out if you are tight for time? Where can you find secret locations and insider tips? Is there an ideal route? And how safe is it to travel by rental car through the Yucatán region in Mexico? What should you watch out for? We’ve put all of our tips in this blog post so you can prepare the perfect itinerary for your Yucatán road trip.

1. Our Yucatán Itinerary: All Destinations and Info

2. by car through the yucatán: travel tips & facts, 3. booking a rental car in mexico: our tips.

First of all, to avoid future possible confusion, we have to tell you that: “Yucatán” refers to both the state of Yucatán and the entire peninsula (“Yucatán Peninsula”), which consists exactly of the three states – Yucatán, Quintana Roo and Campeche (which is also shown on the map above). Our itinerary passes through all three states.

Arrival and Departure Airport: Cancún

Cancún Airport is the largest airport on the Yucatán Peninsula. Most international flights arrive or depart from here. We did not actually see anything in Cancún except the airport as we came across too many negative reviews about the hotel-bunker-strewn Cancún beaches, which put us off.

Shortly after our arrival, we drove our rental car from Cancún airport to Tulum. Tulum is one of the most popular seaside resorts along the Riviera Maya. We deliberately chose a more touristy place as the first stop on our road trip. The reason: We wanted to give ourselves time to get used to the new country and in a place with good infrastructure . For example, we got our Mexican SIM card here in Tulum.

It was not love at first sight between us and Tulum, but over time we did warm up to the place. The beaches and the Mayan ruins on the cliffs were very exciting and very impressive. But overall, we found the direction of the tourism in Tulum rather unsettling. In Tulum, the word “Instagram Hotspot” takes on a whole new meaning. The fact that Tulum is so popular is also reflected in the price level. Tulum was the most expensive stop on our entire tour.

Arrival from Cancún to Tulum: The route runs through well-developed roads. Don’t worry, if your flight arrives in the afternoon: We drove in the dark ourselves and did not reach Tulum until around 8pm. That was no problem at all on this road. The journey takes just under 2 hours .

Our accommodation: Biwa Tulum Detailed blog article: Tulum Travel Guide Recommended stay: 3-5 nights (we stayed 4 nights)

We went further south to the small, cozy place of Bacalar, which is located on a turquoise blue lake . The fascinating shades of blue and turquoise gave the lake its nickname the “Lagoon of Seven Colours” .

The bad news: There is not much to do around here. The good news: This is not entirely true, because you are surrounded by shimmering blue waters which also happens to be swimmable. If you want to relax for a few days, you are in good hands here in Bacalar.

Getting from Tulum to Bacalar: From Tulum you can reach Bacalar after about 2.5 hours by car . Our tip: Best to fill up the car (with petrol) while still in Tulum. There is also a remote petrol station on the way, but you’d rather not have to rely on that.

Our Accommodation: Hotel Aires Bacalar Detailed blog article: Bacalar Travel Tips Recommended stay: 2 nights (unfortunately we only stayed 1 night)

Xpujil (Calakmul & Becán)

From Bacalar we went inland to the tiny town of Xpujil. Xpujil is the ideal base from which to explore the fascinating Mayan Ruins of Becán and Calakmul . Both ruins are still comparatively untouched by mass tourism.

While Becán is easily accessible (almost right next to the main road), the mysterious Calakmul is in the middle of the deepest jungle far away from any civilisation. Both ruins are among the most impressive we visited on our road trip through the Yucatán.

Getting from Bacalar to Xpujil: Xpujil is accessible from Bacalar in less than 2 hours. Parts of the road along this route are not in very good condition… so get ready for some potholes! Incidentally, you only pass by a few towns/villages, as the region is very sparsely populated. Heads up: There is a time zone difference of one hour between the states of Quintana Roo and Campeche – so you gain an hour on the way to Bacalar.

Our Accommodation recommendation : Casa Ka´an Detailed blog article: Calakmul & Becán Recommended stay: 1 night (enough to visit both ruins)

The cozy colonial town of Campeche had us besotted from the very first moment. Although you will not find any impressive sights here, the lifestyle and the atmosphere of the city is just fantastic. There is no sign of mass tourism here: Campeche has retained a very authentic charm.

Incidentally, the pastel-coloured, beautifully renovated house fronts make for a popular photo motif. Along certain streets, Campeche looks like a Mexican picture book city .

Getting from Xpujil to Campeche: This stretch is one of the longest of the entire journey. Overall, you are travelling for about 4 hours . There are only a few major locations along the route. Often you drive through no man’s land. The road conditions in some places are heavily deteriorated, so you definitely need to pay close attention to potholes. The last part of the journey is back on the highway (Toll fee: 72 Pesos).

Our accommodation: Casa Mazejuwi Detailed Blog Article: Campeche Tips Recommended stay: 2-3 nights (we stayed 2 and found it perfect)

Mérida is the capital in the State of Yucatán. Unsurprisingly, the centre is very vibrant and lively . Mérida is probably the most visited colonial town on the Yucatán peninsula. Meaning: Mérida was more touristic than we expected. Nevertheless, we liked it very much: The various colourful streets and the colonial flair are just too beautiful.

From Mérida, there are some great day trips you can do: For example, there are the Mayan ruins of Uxmal, the flamingo colonies in Celestún or a visit to the “yellow city” of Izmal.

Travelling from Campeche to Mérida: It takes about 2 hours by car from Campeche to Mérida. However, we decided to visit the Mayan Ruins of Uxmal on the way to Mérida. Although the Ruins of Uxmal was not exactly on our route to Mérida, we found the detour very worthwhile.

Our accommodation: Viva Merida Detailed blog article: Merida Sights & Tips Recommended stay: 3 nights (which is what we did)

Chichén Itzá

To go on a Yucatán trip without seeing the World Wonder of Chichén Itzá – is practically unthinkable. This famous ruin site is quite a tourist magnet , so we knew that we had to find a way to escape those peak hours. Our alternative? We decided to explore Chichén Itzá at sunrise – an experience we can highly recommend.

Getting from Mérida to Chichén Itzá: Chichén Itzá can be reached in about 1.5 hours by car from Mérida. We took a little detour (+30 minutes) to Izamal on the way. The so-called “yellow city” is very worth seeing.

Our Accommodation: Mayaland Hotel & Bungalows Detailed blog article: Sunrise at Chichén Itzá Recommended stay: 1 night (sufficient for a visit to the ruins and the Cenote of Ik Kil)

Valladolid comes quite close to the idea of ​​a typical Mexican town . We felt right at home here. In our opinion, Valladolid combines the comfort of Campeche and the liveliness of Mérida. Again, there are pretty streets with pastel-coloured colonial houses and cobble stones.

From Valladolid you can also visit some destinations, including the Mayan Ruins of Ek Balam, the pink salt lakes of Las Coloradas and several Cenotes – some of which are very impressive.

Travelling from Chichén Itzá to Valladolid: This was actually the shortest leg of our journey – just 45 minutes by car to Valladolid.

Our accommodation: La Flor Casa Boutique Detailed blog article: Valladolid Tips Recommended stay: 2-3 nights (depending on how many trips you want to do – for us, we stayed 3 nights)

Isla Holbox

Before returning home, we wanted to spend some relaxing days on a Mexican island. We decided on the highly praised Isla Holbox in the north of Yucatán. To be honest, we did not have the best start to our time in Holbox, mainly due to a bad weather front, which turned the supposed paradise into various shades of grey.

In the end, we did warm up to Holbox and we can highly recommend the island to you if you want to switch off for a few days. But do not expect an untouched paradise, as the island’s capital is rather touristic.

Getting from Valladolid to Isla Holbox: First you have to drive by car to Chiquilá (about 2 hours). You then have to leave your car in Chiquilá and pay for parking (100 pesos per 24 hours). Then you take the ferry transfer to Holbox. The boats depart daily from Chiquilá at every hour and every half hour. The journey takes just 15 minutes and costs 200 pesos (one-way). Here, you cross another time zone – this time in the other direction. Coming from Valladolid you “lose” an hour.

Our accommodation recommendation: El Corazón Boutique Hotel Detailed blog article: Isla Holbox Recommended stay: 3-5 nights (we stayed 3 nights)

Playa del Carmen

For us personally, it was a little to “tricky” to travel all the way from Holbox to Cancún Airport in one go (although it is definitely possible in theory). But we stayed for two nights in Playa del Carmen, so that we were at least on the mainland for the day of departure.

To be honest though, the real draw was actually our own curiosity. We wanted to see if Playa del Carmen really did live up to its negative stereotypes of crowded hotel bunker beaches. Our conclusion: Playa del Carmen is definitely not our favourite place on the Yucatán and in our opinion can easily be skipped. We were so glad to have discovered the beach named Xpu-Ha – luckily, we got to enjoy a wonderful last day in Mexico on the beach.

Our accommodation recommendation: Hotel Morgana Detailed blog article: Playa del Carmen Travel Guide Recommended stay: a maximum of 2 nights

Security & Crime: Is It Safe To Travel By Car Through Yucatán?

If you search the Internet for crimes in Mexico , you would probably feel like cancelling the flight immediately. The culprit is the Mexican drug war, which brings the country an absurdly high murder rate. However, only in very rare cases, are tourists involved in these. Plus, the Yucatán Peninsula is one of the regions in Mexico that is considered most safe.

We can only speak from our personal experiences. In the three weeks we spent travelling by car across the Yucatán Peninsula, we had zero negative experiences . Not a single one. Not even remotely. On the contrary, the locals always responded to us in the most hospitable and helpful manner.

But we do not want to downplay anything, because the fact is, there are (very rare) cases of robbery. Therefore, if possible, we recommend that you only drive during the day and avoid driving in the dark . We did not always succeed in this regard either – so do not panic if you do have to drive by car in the evenings.

You should also be aware of the dangers of car burglaries in parking lots. Although you have to be very unlucky for something like that to happen. It goes without saying that valuables should never be left in the car.

Military Checkpoints & Police Checks

Something you have to get used to are the numerous military controls along the roads. It seems quite frightening at first: Men in uniform (usually with a machine gun) controlling the passing cars. Luckily, we were not stopped once. The military is primarily there to detect or prevent drug smugglers and other illegal goods.

Should you be stopped anyway, then it’s worth having Google Translate on hand, unless you speak Spanish.

We read some horror stories about some corrupt police just before our trip. Fortunately, we were spared. When we did encounter police officers, they were always very friendly and helpful. Nevertheless, we recommend that you do not keep all your money in your wallet when travelling around. We really adhere to this – why? Because if you are ever stopped by a corrupt police abusing their power and insisting you pay, then at least you won’t lose all your cash.

Traffic on the roads & road conditions

Good news: In Mexico, they drive on the right ! Therefore, for those who come from Europe and other non-commonwealth countries, you don’t have to change anything. For those who come from the UK, Australia, NZ and other Commonwealth Countries with Left Hand traffic – you have to get used to driving on the opposite side, so be careful and drive mindfully. Outside the cities, there is relatively little to no traffic on these Mexican roads. Be prepared for many narrow one-way streets (but with oncoming traffic).

The speed limits are always well written. On country roads they are usually between 80 and 100 km/h, on highways they are at 110 km/h – but never more.

Beware of potholes! There’s a lot of that on the streets of Yucatán. Some of them are very small, others are gigantic and quite hazardous. Therefore, another reason why would recommend you drive during the day, because it can be dangerous at night, when you can’t spot the potholes in advance.

Special Surprise on the streets of Yucatán: Topes

A very typical sight on Mexican streets, are the abundance of speed bumps – what they call “ topes ” here. They make your driving experience a bumpy affair and you will normally find these topes (speed bumps) especially before and after villages. Topes are – according to the local people – something like the sleeping policemen on the streets of Mexico.

Those we speed over a tope, will certainly not make the same mistake again so soon. Topes are often pointed out and there is usually a sign to warn you (but this is not always the case!). Especially on the outskirts, it’s so important to drive carefully and reduce your speed significantly .

Our (self-proven) tip, if you miss a tope once and come at it with high speed: then shortly before the tope, you should let go off the brakes so that you don’t rush over the speed bump with the brakes pressed. That spares the shock absorbers.

Most of the roads on the Yucatán Peninsula don’t have road tolls (“libre” – free). But the road conditions of these ‘free’ paths are often worse than the tolled roads (“cuota”). Tolled roads are marked with the letter “D” . However, there are not many on the Yucatán peninsula – the most famous is that of Cancún or Playa del Carmen to Mérida.

The tolls are not overly expensive. For example: Valladolid to Chiqilá (Holbox) cost 187 Pesos, and Chiqilá (Holbox) to Playa del Carmen was 107 Pesos. You can often avoid the tolled roads but you do so at the expense of time.

For most places in the Yucatán, finding a free parking space for your car is no problem. The sign for parking in Yucatán is an “ E ” – abbreviated from “Estacionamiento”. A crossed out “E” means parking is prohibited.

In the cities like Campeche and Mérida : when driving in the city centre, you have to pay careful attention to the coloured marking along the sidewalk edge on the ground. If it is marked in yellow, this means no parking. If you do park there, then you risk having your car towed. While we parked in Campeche on the street without any problems – in Mérida, we were advised to park in a supervised, paid car park for safety reasons. Either way, both are possible.

In Tulum Beach (along the Beach Road), it is becoming increasingly difficult to find free parking. We have discussed the problem and how you can get around this in more detail here: Tulum Travel Guide .

The Mayan Ruins often have free parking. But sometimes there is a charge (for example in Uxmal and Coba), but there, the parking is also monitored with security cameras for safety reasons.

Petrol Prices & Fuelling Up

One Litre of Petrol currently costs 20 pesos, which is about 90 cents. The majority of gas stations are state-owned and called PEMEX . Nowadays, you can also find smaller gas station companies. Usually the staff will come and help you fill up , so you simply tell them how much you want to fuel up for and they do it for you. Small tip: Very rarely does it happen, but some petrol stations only accept cash payment.

Do you need to know/speak Spanish?

Yes and no. We both hardly speak a word of Spanish. On our trip to Mexico, we wished that we spoke a little more Spanish so that we could at least converse with the locals. Outside of major tourist destinations such as Playa del Carmen and Tulum, there is often little English spoken on the Yucatán Peninsula.

We recommend that you keep Google Translate (or a comparable offline translation app on your phone) handy. That helped us a lot in many situations. You can download the ‘Spanish’ and ‘your native’ language on Google Translate App, so that you can use it ‘offline’.

Do I need an International Driver’s License?

No – at least not to pick up the rental car. But just in case, we had our International Driver’s License issued in Austria and brought it with us, but no one ever requested for it. We also have to say that we have never been stopped by the police.

Important Information about Motor Insurance in Mexico

Very, very important: In order to drive on Mexican roads, you need a Mexican Insurance . At first glance, car rental deals in Mexico often appear extremely cheap. With such low offers, however, you can almost guarantee that the price for the insurance has been excluded from that – therefore, upon pick up, you might be in for a surprise, when the final bill is almost double what you initially expected.

Especially if you are looking for a rental car in the USA, many rely on credit card insurance, but this is not accepted in Mexico. In any case, we didn’t want to take the risk, because in the case of an accident, it would not look good for us at all.

Tip: this is how we book our rental cars

For the reasons mentioned above, we always insist on a full comprehensive insurance with reimbursement of the deductible/excess. That’s the safest way to go about renting a car and that is also why we always book our rental cars through Sunny Cars and have done so for years – Mexico was no exception.

Sunny Cars acts as a middle-man. So you book through Sunny Cars and pick up your car at one of the local car rental companies (EuropCar was ours). The big advantage: You have all necessary insurance included and in case of damage you will also be reimbursed by Sunny Cars for any deductibles or excess paid.

Because we have read so many horror stories in advance, we inquired about this issue once again with regards to the insurance. The very helpful staff then confirmed that everything was covered. Our pro tip: Always make a short video upon picking up the car and showcase all sides of the car, including any existing damage… just in case.

You can search for cheap rental cars via this link here: Sunny Cars

Which class or type of car should I rent?

The road conditions are relatively good and there is certainly no need to fork out on an SUV. Nevertheless, we almost never rent out the smallest models because in the case of an accident, we personally prefer to have too much rather than too little in terms of crumple zone. You cannot go wrong with the lower middle class or middle class cars .

Do I need a GPS?

A classic GPS is definitely not worth it. Most of these are expensive and/or are obsolete (not updated). Instead, our tip is: buy a local sim card from a store nearby and use your smartphone as navigation.

It is also possible to drive completely without a GPS, as long as you have at least one road map. However, we were both very happy that we could rely on the Maps app on our smartphones .

Disclaimer: Affiliate Links

This blog article contains our personal recommendations in the form of so-called affiliate links. If you book or buy something through these links, we will receive a small commission. For you, this does not change the price at all. A million thanks from the both of us!

Have you done a road trip through the Yucatán region of Mexico before? If so, what did your itinerary look like? We look forward to reading your experiences and tips in the comments below.

You might also be interested in this

The Most Beautiful Cenotes of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula

Playa del Carmen: Travel Guide & Our Honest Experience

Yucatán in Mexico: Practical travel tips and information for your trip

11 responses.

Hi, the blog is great. I am just wondering where you parked your car while staying for multiple days? Did you just park it on streets?

so sorry for our late reply. Yes, we mostly parked our car on streets. Wasn’t any problem. :)

Safe travels Kathi & Romeo

The military checkpoints and corrupt cops sound kinda scary. Do you think this road trip is doable as a solo female or should I try to do this trip with a partner? I would love to visit all of these amazing sites, but I love traveling solo so safety is always a big concern.

Hi Nicole, we shared some of our experiences in this article: https://www.sommertage.com/en/yucatan-mexico-travel-tips/ We felt safe the entire time. Of course, we can only speak from our perspective but we would consider it a safe place for solo female travelers. Safe travels, Kathi & Romeo

Thank you so much for this – it is really amazingly helpful.

I am visiting for 2-3 weeks in December and I’m considering following your route!

Regards Rob

Really nice blog! I love the honesty. I am going to travel a similar route in 11 weeks from now! Super excited!

What was your budget for 3 weeks? How expensive is Mexico? Do you have a blog on that topic.

Hi Steven, Thank you so much! We shared some costs in this article: https://www.sommertage.com/en/yucatan-mexico-travel-tips/ :) Safe travels, Kathi & Romeo

Thx for all these tips. Quick question : The picture in the paragraph “Do I need an International Driver’s License?”. where was it taken? (It’s beautiful!) Thx!

Hi Sandy, thank you so much. That picture was taken in Valladolid. :) Safe travels, Kathi & Romeo

Loved this post. Really factual and an interesting view on each location that I can relate too. My partner and I are traveling soon to the same area but only for 2 week. Is there anything you feel we should avoid? Thanks

Hi, we would probably skip Playa del Carmen next time. That’s just our opinion. It was our least favorite place on the Yucatán, but some people like it. ;) Safe travels, Kathi & Romeo

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The Ultimate Yucatan Road Trip – A 2 and 3 Week Yucatan Itinerary

Ever since I saw a photo of a cenote for the first time, I’ve been desperate to travel to the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. They just look so beautiful, and I’m a massive water sports and diving enthusiast, so was eager to experience them in real life. My husband and I travelled coast to coast in Mexico for over 2 months – it was a dream trip and I would highly recommend it to anyone. We ended the trip in the Yucatan Peninsula and went on a mission to explore as many cenotes, diving spots and underwater experiences as we possibly could, along with Mayan ruins, beaches and of course, plenty of tacos, in the ultimate Yucatan road trip.

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. This means that if you click a link and purchase something I’ve recommended I may earn a small commission. This does not affect the price you pay but helps me to run this site. You can read my full affiliate disclosure here.

The Yucatan Peninsula is made up of three states; Quintana Roo, Yucatan and Campeche, and this road trip covers all three to some extent over two or three weeks. If you would like to incorporate other parts of the country into your Mexican holiday, check out our 3 week Mexico itinerary , which includes Mexico City and Oaxaca too.

Read our 3 Week Mexico Itinerary

Driving in the Yucatan Peninsula

You may have concerns about driving in Mexico, and we didn’t originally plan to do a road trip at all, having bussed our way all the way from the east coast to Merida. However, driving in the Yucatan Peninsula is quite different from driving in other parts of Mexico and is generally considered safe. Roads are in good condition and most people drive safely and courteously (I’ve experienced much worse in Italy – sorry Enrico!).

Seeing as there are so many beautiful cenotes to explore, having a car gives you so much more freedom than relying on buses and tours, so after some research, we decided to hire the car to travel in Yucatan and I’m so glad we did.

Book a rental car

A few things to know about driving in Mexico:

• It is a legal requirement to have liability insurance. This is not the same as travel insurance and can be purchased from the hire car company. You could end up with a lot of problems if you do not have this.
• If you were to be involved in a crash, you must not move the car. Wait for the police to arrive and you will be provided with an attorney via your insurance who will deal with the legal stuff for you.
• There is a free breakdown service called Ángeles Verdes (Green Angels), they patrol the highways but you can also call them on 078.
• Watch out for topes. These speed bumps are everywhere in the Yucatan Peninsula and they are worse than they look. Make sure you slow down for each one so you don’t end up bashing the front of your hire car!
• I really recommend downloading offline maps on Google Maps – there are lots of one-way roads in the towns and cities and this will help you avoid getting lost or caught in the wrong street!
• We read a few things about scams at petrol stations, particularly around Cancun and Playa Del Carmen. We didn’t experience this, but it’s worth reading this guide to avoiding scams before you go.

Yucatan buses

If you’re not keen on driving, it’s easy to get around the Yucatan by bus. We travelled with most of the Mexican bus operators during our Mexico trip including ADO and Primera Plus, which operate in the Yucatan. You can buy tickets at the bus station or online. I found this article very useful for bus info (and also hilarious). We booked the majority of our tickets through Busbud .

Now onto the fun part! The Yucatan road trip!

3 Week Yucatan  Itinerary

• Day 1 Cancun to Valladolid
• Day 2 Valladolid to Chichen Itza
• Day 3 Chichen Itza to Izamal
• Day 4 Izamal to Merida
• Day 5 Merida
• Day 6 Merida to Campeche
• Day 7 Campeche
• Day 8 Campeche to Bacalar
• Day 9-10 Bacalar
• Day 11 Bacalar to Tulum
• Day 12-13 Tulum
• Day 14 Tulum to Cozumel
• Day 15 Cozumel
• Day 16 Cozumel to Cancun
• Day 17 – 21 Cancun/Holbox/Isla Mujeres

2 Week Yucatan Itinerary Option

It’s possible to condense this Mexico itinerary into 2 weeks by not spending a night in Izamel and stopping for a few hours en route to Merida, then skipping Campeche and travelling straight from Merida to Bacalar, and then missing the days in Holbox and Isla Mujeres at the end.

Cancun – Collect Hire Car

Unless you’re coming from the West of Mexico as we were, it’s likely that you will start your trip in Cancun – which has the largest international airport. From here you can travel in a loop (technically a triangle), ending back in Cancun for your return flight. Depending on where you’re flying from I suggest collecting the hire car and heading straight off on your journey. However, if you’ve had a long-haul flight you may wish to spend a night here to acclimatise.

Book flights to Cancun

Cancun to Valladolid – 161km / 1 hour 45 minutes

Valladolid – 1 night.

Head straight to Valladolid! I loved this little town. It has a beautiful Zocalo (main square) and colourful narrow streets. It’s a really good base for cenote exploration as they are plenty on the outskirts of the town. Most cenotes have a fee to enter, which is usually around $100 pesos. Although we did encounter some as much as $350.

Find accommodation in Valladolid

Cenote Oxman

This was probably my favourite of all the cenotes we visited – the main reason being that it has an awesome   rope swing. It’s a beautiful cenote and if you’re not keen on the swing there are steps to climb down and have a swim. But I highly recommend you try it!

Cenote Suytun

You’re likely to have seen pictures of this cenote on Instagram, as it has an incredible photogenic platform, with a beam of light shooting down from above. It is beautiful, but as with many things that have been shared on social media – it’s popular. You’ll find queues of people waiting to post on the platform which sort of spoilt the whole thing for me. (I obviously still had a photo though!) The water is actually pretty shallow here, so it’s not really the best for swimming, so of all the cenotes we visited I would say this was my least favourite, but if you have time, it’s still worth a visit.

Where to Stay in Valladolid 

Budget – Hotel Casa Rico is a 2-star accommodation with a terrace, shared lounge and swimming pool. Rooms have private bathrooms.  There is free street parking nearby. 

Mid-Range –  4-star Hotel Colonial Zaci has a shared garden, lounge and terrace, located a block from the Zocalo. There is free private parking.

Luxury –  Hotel Mesón del Marqués is set in a Colonial 17-century house next to Francisco Cantón Park in the centre of Valladolid. The 5 star hotel has an à la carte restaurant, outdoor pool and free parking.

Valladolid to Chichen Itza – 53km / 50 minutes

Chichen itza – 1 night.

Although there isn’t much around and in the nearby town (Piste) of Chichen Itza, I still recommend staying the night. We were advised to do this and I’m glad we did. It means you can get up super early and get to the temples before they open – and be the first in. Chichen Itza is one of, if not the most popular tourist attraction in Mexico and it gets busy. Arriving early you can explore some of the temples without other people and really feel the spirituality of the place (and of course get photos without hundreds of people in them!).

Where to Stay in Chichen Itza

Budget – La Casa de las Lunas is a simple accommodation with a pool in nearby Piste (a 4-minute drive to Chichen Itza). There is free parking and restaurants nearby. We stayed here and it was perfect for a short stay.

Mid-Range –  Villa Arqueologicas Chichen Itza is one of the closest hotels to Chichen Itza and is located within the archaeological site. It is surrounded by beautiful forest and with gorgeous outdoor pools and a spa. There is a restaurant and bar on-site and free parking. 

Luxury –  Hacienda Chichen Resort and Yaxkin Spa is an eco-friendly resort located next to Chichen Itza and even has a private entrance into the Mayan city. There is an outdoor swimming pool, a spa, a restaurant serving organic Mayan Fusion cuisine and free parking.

Find accommodation in Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza to Izamal – 70km / 1 hour 6 minutes

Izamal – 1 night.

If you’re short on time you don’t necessarily need to stay a night in Izamal, however, I do recommend it. It was one of the most relaxed places we stayed and I also had the best Margarita of our entire Mexico trip at our hotel here (reason enough!). Izamal is famous for its beautiful yellow Franciscan monastery, as well as for being an important place of worship for the Mayans. It has beautiful cobblestoned streets and quaint little shops.

Sleep – we stayed at Macan Ché, which has small bungalows set in gardens with a rockpool-styled swimming pool. Make sure you order a Margarita!

Izamal to Merida – 67km / 1 hour

Merida – 2 nights.

I’d read a lot about Merida and was excited to visit. I was expecting a cool bohemian town, and I was a little disappointed when I arrived, to be honest. It’s actually a very busy and large city, and after travelling through some of the lovely towns beforehand, we found it a bit hectic.

Having said that, there is a lot to do and see in and around this city, This is another great base for exploring cenotes. If you do have a car – great – you can explore these on your own. If you don’t, then you can join an organised tour bus that will take you to two or three cenotes for the day.

Cenote Canunchen

This was another favourite of ours, and it also had a rope swing. It was more of a cave-type cenote than the others, making it dark and a bit ethereal. It wasn’t too deep and you could dive down and see the tunnels leading to other cenotes.

Note: Never try and swim through the tunnels – some go on for miles and divers and swimmers have died exploring these. If you want to dive a cenote go with an experienced guide.

Cenote Tres Oches

This one is a deep and narrow open cenote, accessed by a wooden ladder. It was pretty busy when we visited but a lovely spot.

Cenote Bal-Min

A cave cenote filled with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites. You can’t swim in this one as there isn’t much water but it’s definitely worth a visit.

Cenote Santa Rosa

This cenote has two platforms to jump off, which we loved. It’s another cave-like cenote and pretty dark inside, but great for a swim.

Merida Bars and Restaurants

Merida has great nightlife and is a good place for enjoying a few tequilas. There are lots of good bars and restaurants. Our favourites were:

• La Chaya Maya   – A Merida institution – there are now two restaurants as this place is so popular. We visited the newer one, situated in a lovely colonial building
• La Negrita Cantina – Great bar with live music
• Pipiripau – Another great bar with a big courtyard
• Mahalat – Cool speakeasy bar with great cocktails

Mexican Cooking Course

While in Merida, Enrico booked us a cooking course for my birthday, and it was great! We visited a local market to buy ingredients and then learnt how to make Yucatan specialities. It’s a good way to learn about the region’s cuisine.

Where to Stay in Merida 

Budget –  Che Nomadas is a great adult-only hostel that has both dorms and private rooms. There is a large pool and they put on lots of activities including cooking classes and yoga. If you’re a solo traveller this is a great place to meet people. It also has free parking. 

Mid-Range –  Hotel Caribe Merida Yucatan is located in the historic centre of Merida. Set in a beautiful 16th-century building with a swimming pool and bar and restaurant. 

Luxury –  Ya’ax Hotel Boutique is a 5-star hotel with an outdoor swimming pool, garden, terrace and restaurant. À la carte or American breakfast is included. There is free parking nearby.

Find accommodation in Merida

Merida to Campeche – 176km / 2 hours 15 minutes

At this point, you have two options, depending on how much time you have.   You can continue south to Bacalar or head west to Campeche.

Campeche (optional) – 2 Nights

Campeche is a walled city on the coast, with a fascinating history. It has some of the gorgeous colourful houses and cobbled streets that you’ve probably seen photos of. While here, be sure to walk the walls and visit the Maya Architecture Museum, Baluarte de la Soledad, which tells you the history. There’s also a nightly light and sound show on the walls of El Palacio Centro Cultural. 

Where to Stay in Campeche

Budget –  Ambar apartamentos are centrally located, less than 50m from the market. Rooms have air-conditioning, free WiFi and private bathrooms.

Mid-Range –  Castelmar Hotel is located in the historic centre and has an outdoor pool and sundeck. Rooms are spacious with original tile floors, high ceilings with wood beams and cedar furniture.

Luxury – Hacienda Campeche is a 5 star hotel located in a restored 17th-century mansion house. It has a spa and indoor and outdoor pools. There is a bar and outdoor terrace, and breakfast is available. There is free on-site parking.

Find accommodation in Campeche

Campeche to Bacalar – 419km / 5 hours 40 minutes

Bacalar – 2 or 3 nights.

We hadn’t originally planned to visit Bacalar as it is quite far south towards Belize. However, I’m so glad we did. It is gorgeous! The town is situated on Lake Bacalar, known as the Lagoon of Seven Colours, due to the incredible colours of the water.

Cenote Azul

To the south of the town is Cenote Azul. This large open cenote is worth visiting for a quick swim, but for me, it wasn’t as beautiful as the cenotes we saw further north and looks more like a lake. However, it is over 90m deep!

Bacalar Boat Trip

There are lots of boat trips heading out on the lake and we opted for a sailboat. It was one of my favourite days in Mexico. We had a small pink sailboat, and it was just us and our skipper, who took us to different areas of the lake to swim and explore. I highly recommend you do this while in Bacalar.

Where to Stay in Bacalar

Budget –  Zayali Guest House has air conditioned rooms with private bathrooms and kitchenettes. There is a garden, a shared lounge and an outdoor swimming pool. Street parking is free. 

Mid-Range –  Hotel Makaabá Eco-Boutique has an incredible outdoor pool and terrace. Breakfast is included and there is a bar and restaurant on site, as well as free parking and bike hire. 

Luxury – Hotel CasaBakal is a 5-star accommodation with a swimming pool overlooking the lagoon. There is a restaurant on site and breakfast and free parking is included. 

Find accommodation in Bacalar

Bacalar to Tulum – 215km / 2 hours 30 minutes

Tulum – 2 or 3 nights.

I had seen many, many pictures on Instagram of Tulum and was really looking forward to visiting it. Unfortunately, I ended up feeling a bit disappointed. It has a gorgeous beach (although there is a bit of a seaweed problem) and we stayed at a lovely hotel. However, it is so expensive compared to other parts of Mexico, and even to other parts of the Yucatan peninsular and it is quite pretentious; lots of people in designer clothes posing with overpriced cocktails. Having said that, the beach clubs are pretty cool, and at the end of Tulum Beach is Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, which is absolutely worth exploring.

What really made our stay in Tulum, was our accommodation and I would totally go back, just to stay there again.

Where to Stay in Tulum 

We stayed at Olas , right at the very end of the beach and next to the Biosphere Reserve. This was an oasis in Tulum. The beach is much quieter up this end and away from the building works of the town and beach clubs. I feel like this is the Tulum you would have experienced 10 or 20 years ago. It’s an eco-resort, and is completely self-sufficient – run on solar and using rain and groundwater. The breakfast is excellent, made with locally sourced produce and set under palm trees on the sand. If you let them know in advance they also offer dinner. We spent a lot of time relaxing at the beach here.

If you’re looking for something a little cheaper, we also spent a night in the main town of Tulum at Casa Abanico . I loved this accommodation and it had its own kitchen which is great when you’re on a budget. However, it’s a bit of a trek to the beach and the main town of Tulum feels a bit like a construction site. Something to bear in mind! (However, this is pretty much where all the budget accommodation is!).

Find accommodation in Tulum

Diving Tulum

Aside from the beach, a good reason to stay in Tulum is to dive. Unfortunately, we were both unwell and were not fit to dive, however, I’ve heard great things about cenote diving in Yucatan and we were gutted to miss it.

Tulum to Playa Del Carmen/Isla Cozumel – 65km / 54 minutes

Here you have two options, as Cozumel is an island, you need to take a ferry to get there. So you can either take your rental car on the ferry, or you can return your rental car in Playa Del Carmen and take the passenger ferry (and then bus/taxi back to Cancun). We did the latter, although in hindsight the first option is probably easier.

Cozumel – 2 Nights

We visited Cozumel to go diving as it’s considered one of the best diving spots in Yucatan. It’s quite a big island, and the main town feels quite touristy, however, I’ve heard it’s quite different on the other side of the island.

Cozumel Diving

We did two dives with Scuba Life Cozumel , which were fantastic! There were great swim-throughs, colourful corals, an abundance of fish, and turtles! It’s totally worth making the trip over.

Sleep – We stayed at Hotel Mary Carmen , which was a short walk from the ferry and lots of restaurants.

Find accommodation in Cozumel

Playa Del Carmen/Isla Cozumel to Cancun – 68km / 56 minutes

Cancun – 3 nights.

At the end of your Yucatan road trip, if you can afford it, it’s worth spending a few nights in an all-inclusive on the beach in Cancun to really unwind. We stayed at Haven Riviera . You can read my review here .

I’m not usually an all-inclusive hotel person, but it was really nice to switch off for a few days, not think about where to go and just chill on the beach and by the pool, and eat and drink as much as we wanted!

Other destinations to add to your Yucatan itinerary

Isla holbox.

If you have more time on your Yucatan road trip, drive (or take the bus) from Cancun up to Chiquila and take the ferry over to Isla Holbox. We didn’t do this, but I’ve heard it’s a lovely relaxed island and well worth the visit.

Isla Mujeres

Another beautiful island and also a great diving spot. To get there, you can take the Ultramar Ferry from Puerto Juarez which takes about 20 minutes.

It is safe to drive in the Yucatan, as long as you stick to the speed limit and watch out for speed bumps (topes). Make sure you purchase liability insurance when you hire a car. Ángeles Verdes (Green Angels) is a free breakdown service, they patrol the highways and you can also call them on 078.

Three weeks in the Yucatan means you can visit the main towns and archaeological sites as well as enjoy some beach time. You can still fit the main highlights in two weeks.

Hope you enjoyed our Yucatan road trip itinerary – please comment below if you found it useful or if you think we missed anywhere!

You may also like

3 week mexico itinerary, the best tacos in mexico city, haven riviera cancun – review.

Thank you so much for all of this great information! It is very helpful.

You’re welcome!

how much did it cost roughly for the accommodation and travelling etc in yucatan itself. Thanks 🙂

It really depends where you stay and how much you want to spend. There are lots of options at different price points. We budgeted around $200 AUD per night for accommodation but often spent more or less depending on the place and what we wanted. Have a lovely trip!

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Road trip Mexico: The best itineraries for 10, 15, 21 days and 1 month

Visiting mexico by car: the 4 best road trip itineraries.

You’re planning a road trip in Mexico and you’re looking for the best itinerary?

You’ve come to the right place!

Mexico is a huge country that covers an area as big as several European countries combined.

Renting a car is the best way to explore this vast land full of stunning natural and archaeological sites, and stop whenever and wherever you want!

To help you plan your road trip in Mexico, I have prepared 5 itineraries for different durations: 1 week, 10 days, 2 weeks, 3 weeks and 1 month.

And at the end of this guide, I will also give you my list of the best accommodations in Mexico depending on your budget as well as my best tips to enjoy the perfect road trip.

Quick note: if you want to only visit the Yucatan Peninsula during your road trip, you should rather read my other article: Road Trip in Yucatan: The 5 Best Itineraries .

How to choose the best airport for your road trip in Mexico?

Rent a car for your roadtrip in mexico.

• 1) Mexico City (2 days)

2) San Cristobal de las Casas (3 days)

3) palenque (1 day), 4) merida (2 days), 5) chichen itza and riviera maya (2-3 days), 1) cancun (1 day), 2) ek balam and chichen itza (1-2 days), 3) merida, uxmal and kabah (1 day), 4) campeche and edzná (1 day).

• 5) Palenque (2 days)

6) San Cristobal de las Casas (2 days)

8) balamkú and calakmul (2 days), 9) tulum (2 days), 10) cancun (1 day), 1) mexico city (2-3 days), 2) cholula and puebla (1 day), 3) oaxaca (3 days), 4) san cristobal de las casas (3 days), 5) palenque (1 day), 6) campeche (1-2 days), 7) merida (2 days), 8) chichen itza and valladolid (1 day), 9) holbox (2-3 days), 10) tulum (2 days), 11) playa del carmen (2-3 days), 2) oaxaca (4 days), 3) tuxtla gutierrez (2 days), 6) calakmul (1 day), 7) bacalar (2-3 days), 8) merida (3 days), 9) valladolid (3 days), 10) tulum (4 days), 11) holbox (2-3 days), 12) cancun (1-2 days), mexico city, playa del carmen, san cristobal de las casas, my tips for visiting mexico by rental car, how to choose the right moment for your mexico road trip, you’re traveling in mexico these articles will help you.

The answer depends on how much time you have and what you want to see. You have two main options: start in Mexico City and end in Cancun , or make a loop from Cancun if you only want to explore the Yucatan Peninsula.

You can also do the trip in reverse (Cancun to Mexico City), but personally I think the best way to finish a trip to Mexico is relaxing on the beach 😉

Both Mexico City and Cancun airports have many flights from North America and Europe, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding airline tickets to Mexico!

To get the best deal on plane tickets, I recommend you use our comparison tool in partnership with Skyscanner: It is the best way to pay the lowest price for your international flight and your domestic flights in Mexico!

The best way to discover Mexico and enjoy your stay is to rent a car !

I always use Rentalcars.com to rent a car , because:

• You can easily compare the rental cars prices between all the agencies: for sure the easiest way to find the best rate!
• Cancellation is often offered free of charge: no need to worry if you change your mind
• Rentalcars offers full insurance coverage at a lower price than the rental companies , so it’s an instant saving with no effort

To find your rental car at the lowest price, just click on the green button :

Road trip to Mexico: 10 days

This is the itinerary I recommend you to see the most in a 10 days road trip in Mexico :

• Chichen Itza
• Riviera Maya

To see the complete itinerary with all the details for your 10-day road trip in Mexico , click here: Recommended 10-Day Itinerary in Mexico .

1) Mexico City (2 days )

Mexico City is a wonderful place to visit , with so much to see and do in just two days.

Some of the best things to do in Mexico City in 2 days are:

• Explore the historic center with the Zocalo, the cathedral, the Templo Mayor, Diego Rivera’s murals in the Palacio Nacional, and the Casa de los Azulejos (House of Tiles)
• Watch the spectacular show of the Ballet Folklorico de Mexico
• Browse the San Juan market for exotic foods
• Visit the famous National Museum of Anthropology and Chapultepec Castle in Chapultepec Park. Buy your tickets here!
• Discover Frida Kahlo’s Blue House in Coyoacan – Get your tickets here! (prior booking is required)
• Enjoy a boat ride on the Aztec canals of Xochimilco
• Wander around the trendy neighborhoods of La Roma and La Condesa
• Experience the lively atmosphere of Plaza Garibaldi
• Have fun watching Mexican Lucha Libre (wrestling)

Read also: My Ultimate Guide to Mexico City!

If you have some extra time, you should definitely visit Teotihuacan , one of Mexico’s most impressive archaeological sites.

This tour from Mexico City is a great choice, as it includes the hotel pick up, a morning guided tour (to avoid the crowds), as well as a tasting of mezcal, tequila and pulque, three typical Mexican drinks. You can book it here:

Check out: My Complete Guide to Visit Teotihuacan!

Head to San Cristobal de las Casas in the State of Chiapas from Mexico.

Day 1 – Discover the city and its attractions.

• You can read my article Top 15 Best Things to Do in San Cristobal de las Casas here!

Day 2 – Visit the stunning El Chiflón waterfalls and the Montebello Lakes National Park, two of the most amazing places in Chiapas .

The journey is quite long, so you may want to join this day tour, which includes hotel pick-up. You can book it here:

You may find these articles interesting:

• How to Visit El Chiflón?
• My Complete Guide to the Montebello Lakes!

Day 3 – The Sumidero Canyon : visit its viewpoints and enjoy a boat ride from Chiapa de Corzo’s dock. – Book the Sumidero Canyon tour here !

The journey from San Cristobal to Palenque takes about 5 to 5h30 so here is my suggestion for making the most of your day:

• In the morning: stop by the sites of Toniná, Agua Azul, and Misol Ha on your way.
• Have a lunch break when you reach the city of Palenque
• In the afternoon: explore the Archaeological Site of Palenque (3 hours)

Day 1 – Today you have an 8-hour drive ahead of you.

Depending on your arrival time, explore the city of Merida , the capital of the Yucatan State.

• Check out My Top 20 Things to Do and See in Mérida!

Day 2 – Since this 10-day road trip in Mexico by car does not allow you to see everything, I offer you two options:

Option 1: The site of Uxmal one of the most beautiful Mayan sites in the Yucatan . You can also visit the Chocolate museum and the site of Kabah.

• Book the tour to Uxmal and Kabah here!
• To read: my Definitive Guide to Uxmal !

Option 2 : Celestun is the best place to see flamingos in Mexico! You can spend the day there (beach, ecotourism, etc.)

• Book your pink flamingo tour in Celestun now!
• Check my Complete Guide to Celestun for all the activities you can do!

Day 1 – In the morning, visit the city of Chichen Itza , one of the New 7 Wonders of the World . – Here’s My Definitive Guide to Chichen Itza + Tips !

To avoid the long lines and crowds , book your tickets to Chichen Itza with skip-the-line access here:

In the afternoon, discover the colonial city of Valladolid

Day 2 – Visit Tulum : the ancient ruins, the stunning beaches like Playa Paraiso and Playa Las Palmas, the amazing cenotes, and more.

Those articles might interest you:

• The 21 Best Things to See and Do in Tulum!
• The 15 Most Beautiful Cenotes in Tulum

Day 3 – You will have wonderful day in Akumal , the best place to swim with turtles in Mexico!

The beautiful reptiles are protected and that’s why it is mandatory to be in a small group tour with a guide to see them.

You can book the tour here:

You can also enjoy its beautiful beaches and snorkeling in Akumal Bay, Half Moon Bay and Yal Ku Lagoon .

• More reading: The Best 17 Things to Do in Akumal !

Road trip in Mexico: 2 weeks

For a 2-week road trip in Mexico , you will the most beautiful places in Yucatan and Chiapas: Cancun, Chichen Itza, Merida, Campeche , Palenque, Bonampak and Yaxchilan, San Cristobal de las Casas, Balamku, Calakmul and Tulum.

• To discover the detailed itinerary with all my tips (and the list of the best hotels for all budgets!), check out my article: The Best 2-week Itinerary in Mexico.

After picking up your car in Cancun, you can start enjoying your trip: the beaches, the archaeological site El Rey, the Mayan museum.

You can also dive in the MUSA, which is the largest underwater museum in the world, with about 500 sculptures! Book your diving tour here!

If you are looking for some fun nightlife in Cancun , here are some options:

• City Nightclub (the biggest nightclub in the country!)
• The famous Coco Bongo Club (get your tickets here)
• Xoximilco Cancun to enjoy a Mexican party with dancing, mariachis, Mexican food and open bar (beer or tequila). Buy your tickets for Xoximilco here:
• Check out my complete guide: The 30 Best Things to Do in Cancun!

Day 1 – Start your 15-day road trip through Mexico by visiting Ek Balam , which was an important capital of the Mayan culture.

After the visit, you can cool off at the Xkeken and Samulá cenotes (which are next to each other), or Cenote X-Canché

In the afternoon, discover Chichén Itzá, a UNESCO world heritage site: the temple of Kukulcán, the astronomical observatory, the Mayan ball game, and more.

• For more information, take a look at my Complete Guide to Chichen Itza.
• Chichen Itza can get very crowded. To avoid the long lines, get your skip-the-line tickets here:

Start your day by exploring Merida : the Plaza Grande (where you can find the Macay museum, the cathedral, the Casa de Montejo, and the best part is that they are all free😃!), the colorful colonial houses on 64th street, and the local market.

• If you want to learn more about the amazing attractions that Mérida has to offer, check out my Definitive Guide to Mérida

In the afternoon, visit Uxmal , a Maya site famous for its stunning Puuc-style architecture, and then Kabah just 20 min away. You can read: My Complete Guide to Uxmal and Kabah

Head to Campeche for a night stay.

Enjoy the beautiful historic center of Campeche : visit the Baluarte San Francisco, Baluarte San Carlos, the Museum of Mayan Architecture, the main square with the cathedral, the cultural center El Palacio and Casa no6.

• For all the best attractions of Campeche, check out the Top 20 Things to Do in Campeche!

In the afternoon, explore Edzná, one of the most important Mayan sites in the Yucatán , which is still not very crowded by tourists. You can read: My Complete Guide to Visit Edzná !

5) Palenque ( 2 days)

Day 1 – Today you will start a new part of your 15-day road trip through Mexico, as you leave the Yucatan Peninsula and head to Chiapas.

You will need to wake up early, as you have a 5-hour drive ahead of you!

Explore the Archaeological Site of Palenque , which was once an important trading center thanks to its strategic location between the coast and the mountains.

Day 2 – Bonampak and Yaxchilán

• Bonampak is famous for its frescoed murals, the most complete representation of a pre-Hispanic civilization discovered so far!
• Yaxchilan boasts its sculptures that are masterpieces of Mayan art.

The roads are poorly marked and the signal (for GPS, etc.) in the Lacandon jungle is very weak. Besides, to get to Yaxchilan you have to leave your car and take a boat on the Usumacinta river.

So I suggest you take the guided tour from Palenque , which includes pick-up from your hotel, entrance fees and boat, plus breakfast and lunch.

You can book here:

Day 1 – Drive from Palenque to San Cristóbal de las Casas (5h)

On the way you can stop by the waterfalls of Misol Ha and Agua Azul , as well as the Mayan site of Toniná.

Day 2 – Tzotzil villages and San Cristóbal de las Casas

Start the day by visiting Zinacantán and San Juan Chamula , two traditional Tzotzil communities.

You can book the tour from San Cristobal (click here!)  which includes demonstration of handicraft techniques and tasting of pox, a liquor from Chiapas.

Go back to San Cristobal de las Casas and explore:

• Calle Real de Guadalupe with its restaurants and cafes
• The Church of Guadalupe
• The Textile Center of the Mayan World with its 500 textile pieces from Chiapas and Guatemala
• The handicrafts market
• The zocalo with the cathedral

Check out My Complete Guide to San Cristobal de las Casas !

Day 1 – Continue your 2-week road trip in Mexico to the archaeological site of Balamkú hidden in the dense jungle.

It’s a long drive, it will take you round 9 hours.

So, if you leave very early , you will have time to visit Balamkú , or else you will have to go straight to Xpujil to spend the night.

Day 2 – Today you will visit Calakmul , which is a Biosphere Reserve and a World Heritage Site by UNESCO .

• Read my Definitive Guide to Calakmul!

I suggest you arrive as soon as the site opens to give yourself enough time to explore Calakmul (because there is so much to see!) and drive to Tulum (4h) the same day.

The Tulum region has the most beautiful beaches on this road trip in Mexico for 14-15 days!

Day 1 – Start with the archaeological site of Tulum , then head to a cenote to refresh yourself. Check out My List of the Best Cenotes in Tulum!

Take a stroll along the beaches of Tulum and find your favorite beach: Playa Paraiso , Xpu-Ha , Xcacel , etc., there are plenty of options!

• To discover all the most beautiful attractions in Tulum , don’t miss my Top 21 Things to Do and See in Tulum !

Day 2 – Explore the Sian Ka’an reserve, a paradise of biodiversity

You will have to choose between two access points:

• Muyil to discover the swamps, the freshwater lagoons, the ruins of Muyil – Book the Muyil tour here
• Punta Allen for the beach, the saltwater lakes, to snorkel in the coral reefs and see the dolphins. – Book the tour to Punta Allen here!

This is the end of this 2 week stay in Mexico .

Go back to Cancun to return your rental car and catch your flight home.

Roadtrip to Mexico: 3 weeks

For a 3-week road trip in Mexico , I have created this itinerary from Mexico City to the Riviera Maya .

It will let you discover the main attractions of the states of Puebla , Oaxaca , Chiapas, Campeche, Yucatan and Quintana Roo .

• Check my detailed itinerary with hotels and all my travel tips here: The Ultimate 3-week Itinerary for Mexico!

Begin your 21-day road trip in Mexico with Mexico City, the capital.

Here’s what you can do in 2 or 3 days in Mexico :

• Visit the Chapultepec Castel and the National Museum of Anthropology , one of the most important museums in the world – Buy your tickets with guided tour here!
• Spend half a day in the historic center of Mexico City with the cathedral, the main temple, the Government Palace, the Zocalo, the Casa de los Azulejos, the Palace of Fine Arts
• Watch the Mexico City Folkloric Ballet Show
• Visit Frida Kahlo’s house in the district of Coyoacan and enjoy a boat ride through the canals of Xochimilco . Book your visit here!
• See the mariachis at Plaza Garibaldi – Book your night with the mariachis here!
• Stroll through the neighborhoods of Roma and Condesa with their parks, bars, restaurants, terraces and shops.
• Take the Mexico City Tourist Bus – Get your tickets here!
• Explore Teotihuacan, which is Mexico City’s most important must-see! – Book your guided tour of Teotihuacan now!
• Watch the lucha libre (Mexican Wrestling) – Reserve your seat here ! (mask and tequila included)

If you want to know everything about Mexico City, check out My Ultimate Guide to Mexico City !

Leave Mexico City and head to the State of Puebla .

Start by visiting Cholula where you will find the largest pyramid in the world , with a volume 4 times bigger than that of the Great Pyramid of Giza !

Next, head to the beautiful city of Puebla , whose historic center is a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Puebla has a lot to offer , for example:

• The magnificent Puebla Cathedral, the second largest in Mexico
• The Palafoxiana library , the 1st public library in the Americas
• The Amparo museum with its nice rooftop terrace
• El Parian market , where you will find talaveras and other typical handicrafts
• The colorful facades of the Calle de los Sapos
• Discover the secret tunnels (17th-19th centuries) that connect the Ovando Bridge and the Historical Passage 5 de Mayo

Check out my article on The 25 Things to Do in Puebla , where I share the best attractions and activities in and around this beautiful city!

Continue your 3-week road trip in Mexico to the state of Oaxaca , famous for its cuisine and cultural diversity.

Day 1 – Visit Oaxaca de Juarez , the beautiful capital of the state

• Discover the church and ex-convent of Santo Domingo de Guzman, which houses the museum of cultures and the famous ethnobotanical garden of Oaxaca .
• The Mercado 20 de Noviembre , Oaxaca’s most popular market, with its grilled meats aisle nicknamed “ Pasillo de Humo ”.
• Stroll along the Andador Turistico , the main square, the Metropolitan Cathedral of Oaxaca, and the Government Palace.

I suggest you also read: The 20 Best Things to Do in Oaxaca (city)

Day 2 – See Oaxaca’s wonders: the world’s largest tree by trunk volume, Santa María del Tule ; the artisan village of Teotitlán del Valle ; the Zapotec ruins of Mitla ; and the mineral springs and waterfalls of Hierve el Agua.

You can book this tour from Oaxaca that includes all these attractions, with a visit to a mezcal distillery where you can sample the local spirit , made from the agave plant.

Day 3 – Today you can explore Monte Alban , a site that was inhabited by the Olmecs , Zapotecs , and Mixtecs for over 1500 years.

You can join this great tour to Monte Alban from Oaxaca that also includes:

• A visit to San Antonio Arrazola to see how the colorful Alebrijes (traditional Mexican folk art) are made.
• A stop at the former Dominican monastery of Cuilapam de Guerrero .
• A tour of San Bartolo Coyotepec , famous for its “barro negro” , or black clay pottery.

Day 1 – Travel to San Cristobal de las Casas, a charming colonial city in the state of Chiapas.

It’s a long journey of about 9 hours, so you should leave early to have some time to explore the city.

• For more information: Top 15 Things to Do in San Cristobal de las Casas!

Day 2 – In the morning, head to El Chiflón Waterfalls . You can admire all 5 waterfalls along a scenic trail (1h-1h30 visit).

Continue to the Montebello Lakes , a huge Biosphere Reserve located on the border with Guatemala .

The drive from San Cristobal to El Chiflón and Montebello is long and challenging, so I recommend booking this tour (click here to book!) that includes hotel pick-up, transportation, entrance fees, and the guide.

Day 3 – Since this is your last day in the region, I suggest you choose between two options:

• Option 1: The Sumidero Canyon , a breathtaking canyon that you can explore with a boat tour on the Grijalva River and then enjoy the views from its scenic overlooks. – Book your Sumidero Canyon tour now!
• Option 2: the traditional villages of Zinacantán and San Juan Chamula , where you can learn about the culture and customs of the indigenous communities. – Book your visit to the villages now!

Today, explore Palenque , one of the most important ancient cities in Mesoamerica!

To get from San Cristobal de las Casas to Palenque , you will need to travel for about 5h30

For some stops on the way, try: the ruins of Toniná, the waterfalls of Agua Azul, and the spectacular Misol Ha.

• Check out my complete guide: How to Visit Palenque

Keep going on your 21-day road trip through Mexico and visit the charming colonial city of Campeche .

In 1 or 2 days in Campeche , you can wander around the city walls , see the museum of Mayan architecture, walk along the waterfront facing the Gulf of Mexico , taste Chocol’Ha chocolates , and much more!

• Check out: My Complete Guide to Campeche!

Spend 2 days in Mérida on your 21-day Mexico road trip.  You can:

• See pink flamingos in Celestun’s biosphere reserve on a boat tour (1h30-2h30). Admire these birds and their habitat.- Book your Ceslestun excursion here!
• Explore Merida , Yucatan’s capital and Mexico’s safest city. Enjoy its colonial architecture, markets, cuisine, and culture. Read My Complete Merida Guide!
• Visit Uxmal , an ancient Mayan ally of Chichen Itza. Also see the chocolate museum and Kabah, another Mayan city. – Book the Uxma and Kabah tour here!

Visit Chichen Itza , the world’s most famous Mayan site. Marvel at Kukulkan’s pyramid, the Warriors’ Temple, the Observatory, and more – Buy your fast-track tickets to Chichen Itza here!

• For more details and tips on Chichen Itza, see my Complete Guide to Chichen Itza!

Then, cool off in a cenote. There are many cenotes near Valladolid, and you can choose one with my Guide to the 21 Best Cenotes in Valladolid .

Discover Valladolid , a beautiful colonial town with a rich history and culture. You can visit the Francisco Canton park, the San Servacio church, the San Roque museum, the lovely Calzada de los Frailes, and the San Bernardino Convent.

• Here is my guide What to See and Do in Valladolid?

Spend a few days on Holbox island on your 20-21-22 day Mexico road trip .

In 2-3 days , enjoy Punta Mosquito and Punta Cocos’ sandy beaches, a boat tour (to Isla Pájaros, Laguna Yalahau and Isla de la Pasión), and more.

• Read: How to Visit Holbox?

Day 1 – Leave Holbox and head to Tulum , in the Riviera Maya . Visit the amazing ruins of Tulum , its stunning cenotes, the Beach Strip and its sandy beaches.

Check out my guides:

• The 21 Best Things to Do in Tulum

Day 2 – Explore the Sian Ka’an reserve , south of Tulum . You can choose between:

• Muyil (half day) to see the Mayan site of Muyil, the mangroves, the jungle – Book the Muyil tour from Tulum
• Punta Allen (1 day) which offers a more complete experience . You will be able to see the beach of the Sian Ka’an coast, take a boat trip to see dolphins, etc. Book the tour to Punta Allen

Day 1 – Start with a visit to the Rio Secreto caves , an incredible guided tour to navigate an underground river with a guide.

It is mandatory to book in advance:

Next, head to Xpu Ha , one of the most beautiful beaches in the Riviera Maya . You can also visit the Cenote Azul , which is very close by.

Day 2 – Cozumel Island

To get to Cozumel, you have to take the ferry from Playa del Carmen – Get your ferry tickets here!

There is a ton of things to do and see in Cozumel , I suggest you make your choice among these options:

• Discover Punta Sur : with snorkeling and lunch at a beach club – Book the jeep tour to Punta Sur here!
• Entrance ticket to Chankanaab with access to the park and snorkeling with guide – Book your tickets here
• Snorkeling tour in 3 reefs, ideal for families – Book the snorkeling tour here
• Electric bike tour with cenote, snorkeling, beach and tequila tasting – Book the tour here
• Tour to El Cielo to see starfish , as well as the Palancar reef – Book the tour to El Cielo here
• Jungle adventure with quad biking, cave exploration, cenote and tequila tasting – Book the adventure tour here
• Go to Playa Mia Gran Beach Park which offers more than 20 activities.
• Tour aboard the Atlantis XII submarine so you can explore the Chankanaab reef – Save your spot on the submarine now

To read: My complete guide on The 15 Best Things to Do in Cozumel!

Day 3 – Spend the last day of your roadtrip in Mexico in Playa del Carmen .

You can enjoy the beaches and stroll along Quinta Avenida.

I invite you to read my articles:

• Playa del Carmen: Top 30 Things to Do and See!
• How to Visit Playa del Carmen on a Budget
• 12 Cenotes you can’t miss in Playa del Carmen

Road trip in Mexico: 1 month

One month in Mexico lets you see many attractions at a relaxed pace.

Some must-see places in Mexico with my itinerary are:

• Mexico and Teotihuacan
• Oaxaca : Monte Alban and Hierve el Agua
• Chiapas : Sumidero Canyon, San Cristobal de las Casas, the Tzotzil villages, El Chiflón, Montebello, Palenque
• Bacalar Lagoon
• Mérida and the flamingos of Celestún
• Ek Balam and the pink lakes of Las Coloradas
• Tulum : the city of Cobá, swimming with turtles in Akumal, Sian Ka’an

And let’s not forget the cenotes and beaches!

• Find the best One-Month Mexico to Cancun road trip  in my article: 1 Month in Mexico: The Best Itinerary!

Begin your 30-day Mexico road trip in Mexico City.

• Don’t miss anything in the capital with this Complete Guide to Mexico City !

Some things to do there are:

• Frida Kahlo’s house and the boat ride in Xochimilco –  you can book your tour here!
• The mariachis in Plaza Garibaldi
• The National Museum of Anthropology and the Chapultepec Castle – Buy here your tickets with guided tour !
• The city of Teotihuacan , Mexico’s must-see site –  Book your early morning guided tour here to avoid the crowds.

My advice A great way to explore the city is the tourist bus that shows you the main attractions.

You can buy tickets for the bus here ,  valid for a day on 4 itineraries:

Day 1 – It takes about 5h45 to drive from Mexico City to Oaxaca de Juarez.

If you prefer to make a stop on the road, you can spend a night in Tehuacan and visit the Helia Bravo Hollis Botanical Garden in the Tehuacan-Cuicatlan Biosphere Reserve.

Day 2 – Visit the city of Oaxaca : the convent of Santo Domingo de Guzman, the museum of cultures, the ethnobotanical garden, the 20 de noviembre market, the Calle Macedonio, the handicraft market, etc.

• Check out: The 20 Best Things to Do in Oaxaca (city)

Day 3 –  Visit Monte Alban , a major archaeological site in Mexico and an Oaxaca road trip highlight.

Stroll through the surrounding villages: Cuilapam de Guerrero to visit its Dominican convent, San Antonio Arrazola or San Martin Tilcajete to discover the alebrijes manufacturing workshops and San Bartolo Coyotepec for the “ barro negro ” pottery.

You can also book the Monte Alban Tour with hotel pick-up in Oaxaca. It includes the villages route:

Day 4 – Visit Santa Maria del Tule , Teotitlan del Valle, the site of Mitla and  Hierve el Agua . –  Book the Hierve el Agua tour now!

Day 1 – Today you will travel from Oaxaca to Chiapas . It will take you about 8 hours to reach the city of Tuxtla Gutierrez.

You can go to the Marimba Park , where people gather to dance (from 6 pm to 8 pm) to the rhythm of the marimba .

Day 2 – Discover the Sumidero Canyon , a must on your 1 month road trip in Mexico .

Drive along the scenic route of the viewpoints , then enjoy the boat ride on the Grijalva River from the pier of Chiapa de Corzo .

Then visit the traditional town of Chiapa de Corzo before returning to Tuxtla Gutierrez .

If you prefer, you can join the Sumidero Canyon Tour (click here to book!) with pick up at your hotel,  the boat, the viewpoints and free time in Chiapa de Corzo.

• For more information, check out: How to Visit the Sumidero Canyon?

Day 1 – Spend the day visiting San Cristobal de las Casas, the charming cultural capital of Chiapas .

• Check out the Top 15 Things to Do in San Cristobal de las Casas!

Day 2 – El Chiflón and Montebello Lakes are two magnificent sites you can’t miss on your road trip in Chiapas !

Leave early in the morning because the trip is long .

Start at El Chiflón to see its 5 turquoise waterfalls: El Suspiro, Ala de Ángel, Velo de Novia, Arcoíris and Quinceañera.

Then continue on to Lagunas de Montebello National Park which is home to 59 lakes! I suggest you go to Lake Tzizcao, then Lake Pojoj, Cinco Lagos and Lake Montebello.

• I recommend this small group guided tour with hotel pick up , visit to El Chiflón and Montebello Lakes :

Day 3 – The Tzotzil villages of Zinacantán and San Juan Chamula

These towns are 20 minutes away from San Cristobal. For a guided tour with more information, you can Book it here!

Today you will visit Palenque , a Chiapas road trip must-see!

You can drive from San Cristobal de las Casas (5h30) or stop at Toniná, Agua Azul waterfalls, or Misol-Ha.

Discover the great Mayan city of Calakmul , declared a Biosphere Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Then, head to Xpujil and spend the night there.

• Don’t miss The Complete Guide to Calakmul!

Next, visit Bacalar, famous for its stunning 7-color Lagoon.

You can take a catamaran tour (click here!) with music and drinks, or a stand up paddle tour at sunrise ( book it here! )

• Check out The 17 Best Things to Do in Bacalar!

Day 1 – Visit Merida , the capital of the Yucatan.

Wander around the Plaza Grande, Casa de Montejo, the cathedral, the Macay museum, Paseo Montejo and Parque Santa Lucia.

For a foodie treat in Mérida, try this gastronomic experience that includes a market visit and a Yucatan cuisine cooking lesson.  Book it here:

Day 2 – Uxmal, Kabah, the Chocolate Museum

Today, visit Uxmal , a Mayan site with the Pyramid of the Magician, the Great Pyramid, the Governor’s Palace, the Mesoamerican ballgame court , and more.

See the Choco-Story chocolate museum near Uxmal’s entrance. Enjoy a tropical garden, a Chaac ceremony, and Mayan chocolate.

Kabah , 20 minutes away, is also worth a a quick visit.

• Read my Ultimate Guide to Uxmal!

If you prefer, you can book a Uxmal and Kabah tour from Mérida (click here!)

Day 3 – Watch the flamingos at the Celestun Biosphere Reserve

Afterwards, you can enjoy the beach, stroll through the town of Celestún and do ecotourism at Jaltún Park.

• Read: How to See the Flamingos in Celestun?

For a hassle-free Celestun trip with Merida pick-up, book this tour (click here!) . It includes the boat ride to see the flamingos and lunch on the beach.

Day 1 – Visit Chichen Itza , the most powerful city in the Yucatan Peninsula! Read my article on Chichen Itza

My advice Chichen Itza can get very crowded. To avoid long lines, book your fast-track tickets to Chichen Itza here :

In the afternoon, visit the yellow city of Izamal : Itzamná Park, 5 de Mayo Park, the neighborhoods of San Ildefonso, Los Remedios and El Gallito, and the Convent of San Antonio de Padua.

Don’t miss the pyramids (free admission!) Kinich Kakmó (112 ft) and Iztamatul (72 ft) that offer a beautiful view of the surroundings!

• Read my complete guide: Visit The Yellow City of Izamal in Mexico!

Day 2 – Visit some cenotes in Valladolid. There are many amazing ones to choose from! See my TOP 21 of the Cenotes of Valladolid

Explore Valladolid’s colonial city: What to See and Do in Valladolid?

Day 3 – Visit Ek Balam , and the biosphere reserve of Rio Lagartos, where you can admire the famous pink lakes of Las Coloradas.

Day 1 – Start the visit of Coba, which was a major Mayan city, and admire Nohoch Mul (137 ft), the second highest pyramid in the Yucatan Peninsula .

Then head back to Tulum . Stroll along the Beach Strip (restaurants, bars, stores) and enjoy the beaches.

• To learn everything about Tulum , here is My Definitive Guide to Tulum

Day 2 – Visit the Ruins of Tulum , go down to the beach of the ruins and then cool off in a cenote.

• Choose from my TOP 15 of the Cenotes to Visit in Tulum !

You can also book this Tulum tour (ruins and cenote) with pick up at your hotel. Book it here:

Day 3 – Spend the day in Akumal, the best place to swim with turtles in Mexico !

Sea turtles are protected: you need a guide and follow rules to not disturb them. ❤️

Take the tour from the beach or this complete tour with hotel pick-up in Tulum . It includes snorkeling with the turtles, a cenote and a grotto.

Book it here:

• Check out: My Complete Guide to Akumal!

Day 4 –  Don’t miss the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve on your 30-day Mexico road trip.

You have to choose between two entrances:

• Punta Allen (recommended) to take advantage of the beach, go on a boat ride, snorkeling in the coral reef – Book the day tour to Punta Allen now!
• Muyil , to discover the interior of the reserve with swamps, lagoons and the ruins of Muyil- Book the half day tour to Muyil now!

Head to the port of Chiquilá to take the ferry (20 min) to reach Holbox .

Enjoy an island paradise with sandy beaches and no mass tourism near Riviera Maya!

• See all Holbox offers in My Definitive Guide to Holbox!

Enjoy the last stage of your 1-month Mexico road trip ! You can:

• Visit the beaches of Cancun
• Enjoy the panoramic view from the top of the Scenic Tower (110m high)
• Go to Market 28
• Dive in the waters of the MUSA, the world’s largest underwater museum – You can book the snorkeling tour at MUSA here!
• Go kitesurfing at Isla Blanca
• Party in a Mexican fiesta with a typical lunch, mariachis and open bar – You can book your place in Xoximilco Cancun here!

Check out my complete guide: Top 30 Things to Do in Cancun

Where to sleep in Mexico during your road trip?

Click on each itinerary to find the best hotels for each stage.

Here are the best accommodations in Mexico’s Main Destinations :

• Hostel Mundo Joven Catedral (historic center): one of the best hostels in Mexico City . Clean dorms and rooms, amazing rooftop terrace with bar , great atmosphere and an exceptional view over the cathedral and the Zocalo, starting at 15$usd for a dorm and 32 $usd for a private room!
• Hotel Villa Condesa (Condesa): if you are looking for a romantic hotel in Mexico City , this is a little oasis in the heart of La Condesa. It is an elegant house with small green terraces and tastefully decorated rooms. Rooms are spacious, breakfast is very good and the service is particularly attentive. Around  160$usd per night!
• Casa Goliana (Roma Norte): high-end hotel with the best value for money in its category, located in an early 20th century house, typical of the Roma area. Rooftop terrace, comfortable rooms, very attentive staff, and good breakfasts. Around  190$usd per night
• Four Seasons Hotel Mexico City (Juarez): this 5 star hotel is one of the best hotels in Mexico City , ideal for a business trip or a romantic stay . Located on Paseo de la Reforma between Colonia Juarez and Roma Norte. A large indoor garden, gym, swimming pool, spa, restaurant, and bar, Around 640$usd per night!
• Mayan Monkey Cancun : hostel with a festive atmosphere in Cancun’s hotel zone , very close to the beach and bars. Terrace, outdoor pool, bar with happy hour , air conditioning, ping-pong, good wifi. Private rooms and dorms, from only 24$usd!
• Bed and Breakfast Pecari : if you are looking for more comfort, I recommend without hesitation this establishment. It is a beautiful Bed and Breakfast located in a quiet street near the city center and the ADO bus station, with a relaxation area by the pool, spacious rooms, and a good breakfast, starting at 50$usd per night!
• Beachscape Kin Ha Villas & Suites: rooms, suites, and villas for 2 to 12 people with direct access to the beach . Outdoor pool, children’s pool, gym, restaurant, beach bar. Breakfast included, starting at 218$usd per night.
• The Royal Sands Resort & Spa : spacious rooms and suites with ocean views, in the heart of Cancun’s hotel zone. Large outdoor pool, gym, spa, fine restaurants, sports bar and many activities. All inclusive, starting at 485 $usd per night

My tip For more options, you can visit my article about the best hotels and resorts in Cancun and find your perfect hotel. Here is the link: Where to Stay in Cancun?

• Che Playa Hostel & Bar Adults Only : great hostel to meet other travelers and party , with a rooftop terrace that has a bar and a small pool, with several offered activities . Clean, with good wifi and a great welcome. From only 13 $usd for the dormitory or 37 $usd for a private room!
• Hotel Lunata : a charming hotel with hacienda style decoration, which is hidden on Quinta Avenida, very close to the beach . Quiet, with a garden, rooms with balcony, and has very friendly service. From only 82 $usd per night!
• Porto Playa Condo Beach Club : here you will find a spacious apartment ideal for a family , with fully equipped kitchen, living room and terrace. The hotel has a large swimming pool , a gym and a restaurant, starting at 172 $usd per night!
• The Reef Playacar Resort & Spa : located on the beautiful beach of Playacar , just a few minutes from Fifth Avenue . Ideal for a romantic stay , with a beautiful tropical garden, two pools, a gym and a spa. 200 $usd with the “all inclusive” formula.
• Hotel Xcaret Mexico All Parks All Fun Inclusive: it is definitely the best hotel in Playa del Carmen! Ideal for couples and families with children as this luxury hotel offers an exceptional package including meals and access to its parks (Xcaret, Xplor , Xplor Fuego, Xenses, Xoximilco, Xel-Ha and Xenote). Starting at 860 $usd per night, all inclusive.

My tip Check out my comprehensive guide to find the perfect hotel or resort for your stay . Here’s the link: Where to Stay in Playa del Carmen?  

• The Coffee Bean Hostel : A very cozy hostel with nice common areas, a restaurant and bar, a garden, terrace with hammocks, pool tables and several breakfast options, starting at 12 $usd in a shared dorm!
• Parador Margarita : Only 3 blocks from the main square and the bus station, it is a small haven of peace with a garden and very comfortable beds. Wifi and breakfast are included, only 46 $usd per night!
• Hotel Diego de Mazariegos: A magnificent 18th century mansion with a preserved Mexican colonial style, a charming interior courtyard with a fountain and classic decoration in warm tones. The hotel has two restaurants and a bar. Wifi and breakfast included, from only 73 $usd per night!
• Casa Lum Hotel Boutique: My favorite hotel in San Cristobal de las Casas ! It is a small and sophisticated hotel decorated between modernity and traditional design. Includes a great restaurant, a terrace with a panoramic view over the city and a garden. A few steps from the main square, it is the ideal place for lovers, from 164 $usd per night!
• Mayan Monkey Tulum:  An excellent value for money . Nice modern hostel with a good atmosphere, a pool, bar and garden. Including fast wifi, kitchen access, yoga classes, coworking spaces, and bike and motorcycle rentals. Dorms and private rooms starting at only 24 $usd per night.
• Casa Almendro:  If you are looking for a little more comfort, you will like this small cheap hotel in the center of Tulum . It’s a green oasis with a rooftop terrace with chairs and hammocks. There are king size beds and breakfast is included, from only 50 $usd per night!
• Diamante K:  Is a high-end hotel but at a very fair price , which is exceptional in Tulum, especially for a hotel with direct access to the beach in the hotel zone! Bohemian chic atmosphere, including a restaurant, hammocks and beds on the private beach, and a massage service. Bungalows are 207 $usd per night.
• Habitas Tulum: This small eco-friendly hotel with a chic design is ideal for a romantic stay in Tulum . It is a true oasis of peace, hidden among the palm trees, with a magnificent swimming pool and a private beach. There are also yoga classes on the terrace at sunset. From 371 $usd per night!
• Kanan Tulum- Adults Only: This is the ultimate option for a luxury stay in Tulum . It is an ecological hotel for adults only, located on a beautiful private beach with hammocks and beds. With a fantastic rooftop terrace with a bar; the hotel also has an excellent restaurant, great rooms and a very friendly welcome. From 566 $usd per night!

Doing a road trip in Mexico by car is definitely the best way to explore this country!

Here are some of my latest tips for your road trip in Mexico:

• Don’t drive at night:  roads are poorly lit and there is a higher risk of accidents. Also, many areas of Mexico are not safe during these hours.
• Expect checkpoints by police, army, or locals. Don’t panic, they are routine.
• Sometimes people take over checkpoints to protest.  Give them a coin to pass.
• Watch out for speed bumps, called “topes”.  They are high and can damage your car.
• You need a valid driver’s license in Mexico . An international one is not required.
• Choose toll roads, called “de cuota”. They are better and safer than free roads.
• Get a TAG (electronic toll plate): the app lets you recharge it ( Android – Iphone) or at a point . It also helps you calculate your road trip budget (tolls + gas)!

Renting a car is for sure the best way to explore the country and make the most of your stay!

To rent a car, personally, I always use Rentalcars.com, for a few reasons:

Simply click on the green button to find your rental car at the best price:

The best time for a Mexico road trip depends on the region.

Generally, November to February is good : less rain, heat, and humidity.

Avoid the rainy season (May to October): more rain, cloudy water, and possible hurricanes (especially in September).

My advice  You can still go to Mexico in the rainy season. Many travelers enjoy it.

Discover all my articles about Mexico : All my articles to help you plan your trip to Mexico are listed there.

• The 35 Best Things to Do in Mexico
• Yucatan Peninsula : Top 20 things to Do and See
• Cancun : the 35 Best Things to Discover
• Playa del Carmen : Top 30 Things To Do and Must-See Attractions
• Itinerary : 10 days in Mexico – Mexico City, Chiapas and Yucatan
• Itinerary : 2 weeks in Mexico   – Best itinerary to discover the Yucatan Peninsula and Chiapas!
• Itinerary : 3 weeks in Mexico – Mexico City, Puebla, Oaxaca, Chiapas, Campeche, Yucatán and Riviera Maya
• Itinerary : 1 month in Mexico – My Epic 30-31 Days Itinerary from Mexico City to Cancun
• Itinerary : 1 week in Yucatan – The Ultimate 6, 7 or 8 days Itinerary
• Itinerary : 10 days in Yucatan – Best Itinerary for 9, 10 or 11 Days in Yucatan
• Itinerary : 2 weeks in Yucatan – Epic Itinerary + All my Best Tips!
• Itinerary : 3 weeks in Yucatan – Best things to do in 20-21 days
• Itinerary : 1 month in Yucatan – Yucatan Peninsula in 29, 30 or 31 days from Cancun
• Road trip in Yucatan : The best itineraries for 7, 10, 15, 21 days and 1 month

You’re using Pinterest? Here is the picture to pin!

I have created this blog to give you all my best tips to plan your next trip to Mexico, regardless of your budget. I share detailed itineraries, advice about places to visit as well as recommendations for transportation, hotels and restaurants. I hope I will also help you to discover amazing off the beaten path destinations in Mexico!

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3 Weeks in Mexico and Belize: Your ultimate Itinerary

Between Mayan History and Caribbean Dream Beaches…

My 3 weeks in Mexico and Belize positively surprised me in many ways: the friendly people, the tasty food, the whole culture, and the atmosphere! Especially Belize appears to be a country that is way too unknown and underrated! Even though it’s a small country, it offers a variety of nature gems – the    Belize Barrier Reef in particular .

I decided to discover the South-East tip of the Mexican country, including the provinces of Yucatán, Quintana Roo, and Campeche as well as the north and some islands of Mexico’s neighboring country Belize. 3 weeks in Mexico and Belize have been the perfect combination of culture, adventure & relaxation and I wouldn’t have done it any other way!

Disclaimer: This article may contain affiliate links. Without costing you anything extra, the small commission will help me produce more free content for you. For more information, please refer to my  privacy policy .

Table of Contents

Quick Facts about Mexico & Belize

Route for 3 weeks in mexico and belize.

• Pisté/ Chichén Itzá
• Belize City
• Caye Caulker

How to get around

Traveling on a budget, we decided to use the Bus as our only mode of transport. Did we regret it? Definitely no! The Bus provider ADO , Mexico’s leader in the bus industry, was super reliable – always on time and very convenient, offering large seats and AC. I can recommend getting around with the bus as it is not only cheap but also safe and comfortable. Even in Belize, we have chosen the bus option and have not had any negative experiences. We always booked our bus tickets online via the platform Busbud .

Itinerary for 3 weeks in Mexico and Belize

Day 1: arrival in cancún.

After almost 11 hours on the plane (coming from Frankfurt), we finally arrived in Cancún and headed straight to our hotel. Except for a dinner in the downtown area , we wanted to spare our energies for the following 3 weeks in Mexico and Belize.

Day 2-3: Valladolid

Valladolid is a rather small town, about two hours from Cancún, which is known for its beautiful cenotes. Even though the town has become increasingly popular in recent years, it still belongs to the hidden gems in Mexico ! The town itself emits a special charm, which perfectly welcomes you to Mexican life. I recommend taking a walk through the streets and letting yourself drift away together with the locals around you. If you want to learn more about this charming town, make sure to check out my post about the best things to do in Valladolid . For me, Cenote Zaci has been my highlight in Valladolid. It is a beautiful outdoor cenote, in which you can go swimming as well. Cenote Suytun (photo below), which can be found near Valladolid, is one of the best cenotes in Mexico !

Day 4: Pisté

Pisté is a tiny village that is mostly known for being located next to Chichén Itzá , one of the new 7 wonders of the world. Chichén Itzá was formerly one of the largest Maya cities. Nowadays, the ruins, including the popular temple El Castillo, are one of the most visited archaeological sites around the world. Tourists have to pay 250 Mexican Pesos for entry. As always, being early not only has the advantage of avoiding the burning sun in the middle of the day but also avoiding the tourist masses.

You can buy your tickets here: Skip the line tickets for Chichén Itzá

Day 5-6: Mérida

Old colonial architecture and historic buildings, local markets and shops, Mayan culture – a colorful hustle and bustle. This is Mérida – the beautiful capital of the Mexican state Yucatán and one of the best cities in Mexico according to many visitors. A must-see in Mérida is the city’s cathedral and the Plaza Grande in the city center as well as the impressive Jose Peon Contreras theatre and the city’s most popular market named Lucas de Galvez Market . Traveling in this city doesn’t get boring easily as there are so many options for things to do in and around Mérida . Another great thing about Mérida: your pesos are worth more compared to other popular and more tourist Mexican cities like Cancún or Tulum.

Day 7-8: Campeche

When walking through the streets of Campeche you will easily understand why this place is called the rainbow city of Mexico . All the houses are painted in different colors and give the city a cheerful and dreamy atmosphere. I especially liked the marketplace with the San Francisco church in the middle of Campeche. Other recommended activities include strolling around the waterfront or visiting Fort San Miguel .  

Day 9: Chetumal

Chetumal is located right at the border to Belize and thus serves as a transfer point for most tourists. We only stayed in Chetumal for one night to rest from the long drive from Campeche as well as to get prepared for the upcoming journey to Belize City. As far as we noticed, there are not a lot of attractions or things to do in Chetumal itself.

Day 10: Belize City

Before our 3 weeks in Mexico and Belize, we read a lot on the internet about the difficulties that might occur on the Belizean border, such as long waiting times or unnecessary fines. However, the border crossing was quite an easy and uncomplicated process. We had to exit the bus twice, once a passport control on the Mexican side, followed by a second passport control and a completion of a form as we entered Belize. We didn’t see much of Belize City – however, we got the impression that it is not the prettiest and safest city. That’s why we only went to have dinner nearby and decided to return to our hotel early that night.

Day 11: Caye Caulker

The small island Caye Caulker is a short water taxi drive from Belize City. In case you are not already in the vacation mood when entering the small island Caye Caulker, you will get into the Caribbean vibes when stepping the first foot on the island. There are a few things to know before visiting Caye Caulker such as how to get to the ferry terminal in Belize City and where to stay on the island. Make sure to book your accommodation in advance, so that you do not have to care about anything when arriving. “Go slow” is the well-known motto of the tiny island paradise – and you can feel it! Grab a cocktail, relax in one of the many beach bars on Caye Caulker, and enjoy life to the fullest!

Day 12: San Pedro

San Pedro is only a one-hour water taxi drive away from Caye Caulker. However, the islands differ very much. San Pedro is much bigger than Caye Caulker – more infrastructure, more people, more opportunities – but less calm, less relaxing, and less clean. So, we decided to explore the beautiful underwater world – one of the things Belize is famous for . The Belize Barrier Reef is the second-largest reef in the world and home to thousands of beautiful species. The snorkeling tour was one of the highlights of the entire trip! Swimming in the crystal clear and turquoise water, there is a high chance of not only seeing colorful fishes and corals but also sea turtles or little sharks.

Day 13-15: Tulum

Tulum, a formerly small fisherman village, has undergone a drastic change into a popular tourist destination within the past 20 years. The vibrant charm of Tulum is noticeable all around the town and the opportunities in terms of what to eat and where to stay are countless. We decided to stay in a lovely apartment downtown. There are numerous beautiful boutique hotels in the Riviera Maya and Tulum has some of the best! As Tulum is a rather small town, you can easily get around by bike (they can be found for rent at every corner).

The famous archaeological ruins , located directly on the Caribbean coast, are a must-see when visiting Tulum. Again, make sure to go early and take a lot of water as well as a sun hat with you. There is almost no shadow and the sun during the daytime is burning! Once in the area make sure to not miss the opportunity to visit some of the best cenotes in Tulum ! Every single one of them is fascinating in its own way.

Day 16-18: Cozumel

Without a doubt: Cozumel is a paradise on Earth! The island has everything you can ask for. Beautiful beaches, clear water, nice bars, great restaurants , preserved nature, countless leisure activities, you name it. One of the best activities in Cozumel is renting a scooter and exploring the island on your own. Take the route leading all the way south to Punta Sur Eco Beach Park , a national reserve with white beaches, lagoons, and beautiful flora and fauna. The dreamy white lighthouse, Faro Celarain, at the island’s most southern point, is the perfect stop to explore this area. Unfortunately, compared to other places in Mexico, Cozumel is rather expensive. Make sure to book your accommodation early in advance and try to get around by scooter or bike instead of taking a taxi.

Day 19-20: Playa del Carmen

Besides all the fun things to do in Playa del Carmen , this place will always remind me to be the starting point of one of the greatest adventures I have experienced so far: swimming with whale sharks in the Caribbean Sea! If you are planning your trip to Mexico between June and September, you will have the chance to meet the so-called gentle giants in their natural habitat. During this season, they are swimming relatively close to the coast as they can find a lot of seaweed, their main nutrition, over there. There are numerous options for organizations offering the whale shark encounter. We have chosen Eco-Tours and can absolutely recommend their work. Visit their website for more detailed information about the tour.

Day 21: Back Home

After the whale shark experience and before flying back, we spent the last day of our impressive trip relaxing at the pool, seeking in all the sunshine, and reflecting on the amazing memories we have made during our 3 weeks in Mexico and Belize . There’s no doubt that I want to come back to this outstanding country one day. There are so many things to do in Mexico City and the rest of the country that I can’t wait to pack my bags again and start exploring!

To wrap it up, I hope I could inspire and convince you to book a trip to Mexico and Belize! Please let me know in the comments down below if you have any further questions about our 3 weeks in Mexico and Belize or if you want to know more details .

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3 surfers shot in the head while visiting Mexico were found dead in a well, in an area where tourists are usually safe

• Three men were found dead in a well in Baja California, Mexico, after being shot on a surfing trip.
• Officials believe the tourists were attacked by three people who attempted to steal their truck.
• The incident has sparked protests in Ensenada, demanding safety for tourists and locals alike.

Three men in their early 30s have been found dead in a well after being shot in the head while on a surfing trip in Baja California, Mexico.

Two Australian brothers, Callum and Jake Robinson, and their American friend, Jack Carter Rhoad, were near the popular coastal town of Ensenada when they went missing last week.

Their bodies were found in the 15-foot-deep well on Saturday after a dayslong search, and have since been identified by family members, Reuters reported .

Jake, 30, had flown to the US to visit Callum, 33, who was pursuing his dream of being a professional lacrosse player. The week after his trip, Jake was due to start a new job as a doctor in Victoria, Australia. Carter Rhoad, 30, was working as an apparel designer in San Diego, the New York Post reported.

They were last seen on 27 April and, when they didn't show up to an Airbnb booking a couple of days later, were reported missing and an investigation was launched by local authorities and the FBI.

It's thought that the tourists were attacked after they defended themselves from three people who were trying to steal their truck.

Baja California state prosecutor Maria Andrade suggested that the attackers wanted the truck for its tires and shot the three men in their heads when they resisted, Reuters reported.

A burnt-out vehicle suspected to be the surfers' truck was also found in the area, alongside abandoned tents, and a phone linked to them.

Three Mexican nationals, two men and a woman, have been arrested as suspects.

A fourth body was also found in the well, but it's believed to be older and from an earlier incident, the Guardian reported .

Turf wars between drug gangs are common in Baja California , which is one of Mexico's most dangerous and violent states. However, Ensenada is generally considered to be safe — about 75 miles south of California, it is a popular spot for US tourists.

The surfers' loved ones have paid tribute

Friends and family of the Robinsons and Carter Rhoad have been sharing tributes to the young men.

"Callum and Jake are beautiful human beings. We love them so much and this breaks our heart," the brothers' parents said in a statement, the BBC reported .

Callum's teammates from Stevenson University Lacrosse Club said in a statement on social media: "With his beautiful long hair and charming smile, he truly embodied the nickname 'big koala' — warm, friendly, and always there to lend a helping hand."

His girlfriend, Emily Horwath, said in an Instagram story that her heart was "shattered into a million pieces."

"I don't have the words right now... I will love you forever," she wrote.

Protesters and mourners took to the streets of Ensenada on Sunday to share their sadness and anger.

They marched with messages on surfboards, such as "They only wanted to surf — we demand safe beaches."

Surfers also held a "paddle out" ocean vigil in memory of the Robinsons and Carter Rhoad.

If you enjoyed this story, be sure to follow Business Insider on Microsoft Start.

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Breaking news, thieves accused of killing 3 surfers in mexico carjacking wanted the truck’s tires: prosecutor.

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A trio of bandits who allegedly killed three men on a surfing trip in Mexico had targeted the victims’ truck so they could take its tires, prosecutors revealed Sunday.

The Baja California Prosecutor’s Office released more grisly details in the murders of Australian brothers Jake, 30, and Callum Robinson, 33, and American Jack Carter Rhoad, 30, who were last seen alive on April 27 during a trip in the city of Ensenada.

The bodies of the three surfers found last week were positively identified Sunday by their families, Baja California state prosecutors said Sunday.

Chief state prosecutor Maria Elena Andrade Ramirez said during a press conference that the alleged killers decided to target the surfers when they noticed their truck and tents.

“They approached, with the intention of stealing their vehicle and taking the tires and other parts to put them on the older-model pickup they were driving,” said Andrade Ramirez.

“When they (the foreigners) came up and caught them, surely, they resisted,” she added. “And these people, the assailants, took out a gun and first they killed the one who was putting up resistance against the vehicle theft, and then others came along and joined the fight to defend their property and their companion who had been attacked, and they killed them too.”

Following the fatal confrontation, the suspects burned the three men’s tents before they dumped their bodies into a 50-foot-deep well that was four miles from the murder scene, she said.

The thieves then covered the well with boards, the prosecutor said.

“It was literally almost impossible to find it,” Andrade Ramirez said of the well.

Even before the slain surfers were formally identified by their relatives, authorities were confident the bodies belonged to the Robinson brothers and Rhoad, who hailed from San Diego.

A truck, which was burned out, was also found by authorities nearby and is suspected of belonging to the surfers.

A fourth body, which was badly decomposed, was also found when the other three bodies were recovered. It is believed to be the remains of a rancher who owned the property and went missing two weeks earlier.  

Police have arrested Jesús Gerardo Garcia Cota, alias El Kekas, his partner Ari Gisel García Cota, and Jesus’ brother Cristian Alejandro Garcia in connection to the three surfers’ disappearance, but haven’t charged them with murder.

At least one of the suspects, Jesus Gerardo, was believed to have directly been part of the slayings.

Meanwhile, a buddy of Callum recalled how he told him about his favorite surfing spot in Baja, La Bocana, and wrote out directions on a napkin, according to a report.

Randy Dible, a San Diego photographer, said he almost tagged along but had to cancel when a last-minute job came in, according to a News.com.au, which cited an interview Dible did with The Australian.

“I told him about this place because I’d been traveling down there all over that country for 30 years so I know it like the back of my hand and I knew just where to go,” Dible told the outlet.

Dible now regrets ever mentioning the surfing spot to Callum.

“I wish I’d never met up with him that day, I feel really bad. I feel guilty. It’s just starting to hit home,” he reportedly said.

The three men had been posting about the idyllic surfing trip along the Pacific Coast leading up the gruesome tragedy. 

With Post wires

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3 Bodies Found in Baja California Are Identified as Missing Tourists’

Mexican officials said the identities of two Australians and an American had been confirmed by relatives. The men went missing during a surfing and camping trip.

By Emiliano Rodríguez Mega

Reporting from Mexico City

Three bodies that were found in the Mexican state of Baja California last week have been identified as those of three tourists from Australia and the United States who had disappeared days earlier, the Mexican authorities said on Sunday.

The bodies were confirmed to be those of Callum and Jake Robinson, two brothers from Perth, Australia, and Jack Carter Rhoad of San Diego, the Baja California attorney general’s office said in a statement. “The confirmation comes after the victims’ families were able to identify them, without the need for genetic testing,” the statement read.

The Robinsons and Mr. Rhoad had been on vacation, surfing and camping along the coast near the Mexican city of Ensenada, when they disappeared on April 27. The Robinsons’ mother said in a social media post on Wednesday that they had never showed up at an Airbnb they had booked in another coastal town.

Early on Friday, the Mexican authorities recovered the three bodies from a 50-foot-deep water hole near La Bocana beach. A fourth, yet unidentified male body, which prosecutors said had no relation to the case, was also found at the bottom of the hole.

Each of the bodies later identified as those of the tourists had a gunshot wound to the head, said María Elena Andrade Ramírez, the state’s attorney general.

Three suspects have been detained in connection with the killings. One has been charged with forced disappearance. Ms. Andrade Ramírez said he tried to rob the Robinson brothers and Mr. Carter of the pickup truck in which they were traveling. When they resisted, she said, he shot them and later disposed of their bodies.

“Unfortunately, they stayed in an inhospitable place where there was no way to call for help,” Ms. Andrade Ramírez said at a news conference on Sunday.

The other two people being detained have been charged with possession of methamphetamine, Ms. Andrade Ramírez said. She said that there might be more arrests, but that there was no indication that any of Mexico’s organized crime gangs had been involved in the killings.

“The hypothesis so far is that they approached with the intent to seize the pickup truck and attacked the victims,” she said.

Ms. Andrade Ramírez said a burned campsite had been discovered in a remote, isolated area south of Ensenada, about four miles from where the bodies were found. A single shell casing and blood stains were found at the site, and the tourists’ pickup truck, also burned, had been abandoned nearby, Ms. Andrade Ramírez said.

Emiliano Rodríguez Mega is a reporter and researcher for The Times based in Mexico City, covering Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. More about Emiliano Rodríguez Mega

3 bodies found in Mexico identified as 2 Australians, American killed in carjacking on surfing trip

SAN DIEGO — The remains of three people found near the Mexican fishing port of Ensenada are those of missing surfers from Australia and the U.S. who were killed in an apparent carjacking, authorities said Sunday.

Family members made the identifications in person at the behest of Baja California state prosecutors, the state attorney general's office said in a statement Sunday obtained by NBC San Diego . The bodies had been recovered from a remote well about 50 feet deep, authorities said.

The attorney general’s office said the bodies, found in La Bocana, south of Ensenada, are those of Jake and Callum Robinson, of Australia, and Jack Carter Rhoad, of the U.S.

At least two of the three were believed to be living in San Diego, authorities said, according to NBC San Diego.

The Ensenada medical examiner's office said Friday the three victims were killed by gunshot wounds to the head.

At a news conference Sunday, prosecutors said that the motive was carjacking and that the assailants may have been particularly focused on the wheels of the pickup truck used by the missing surfers.

The three were at a makeshift encampment during a fishing and surfing trip south of Ensenada, where the Baja coast rapidly becomes remote and filled with surprises for surfers seeking relatively rare rides.

Prosecutors said they found the trio’s encampment, including tents, spent gun shells, bloodstains and marks indicating bodies had been dragged.

Three people were being questioned in connection with the case, authorities said. Two of the three, a man and a woman, were held on methamphetamine-related allegations, they said, and the third was the subject of a kidnapping warrant.

Chief state prosecutor María Elena Andrade Ramírez said previously there may be evidence, including a victim's cellphone in the possession of one of the three, that might connect the trio to the case.

A fourth body was discovered with the three in the well and may be part of an unrelated case, authorities said.

On Sunday, Andrade Ramírez met with the three men's parents, her office said in its announcement identifying the bodies.

She reassured them, it said, that she was committed to ensuring those responsible face the full weight of the law.

The three men were considered missing on April 27 when they did not return to an Airbnb rental closer to the border, in Rosarito, Debra Robinson, the mother of Jake and Callum Robinson, said on Facebook.

Cartel and big-city street violence attributed to the drug trade in places like Tijuana has been seen as rare in the world of Baja tourism, which requires off-road-capable vehicles and the ability to start a campfire.

The peninsula’s Pacific coast has been a staple destination for U.S. surfers for 60 years, but the U.S. State Department has more recently urged Americans to avoid Baja travel as cartel violence has spread.

Dennis Romero is a breaking news reporter for NBC News Digital. 

Bodies found in Mexico where Australian, US tourists went missing

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Reporting by Lizbeth Diaz; Writing by Brendan O'Boyle; Editing by Stephen Eisenhammer, Sandra Maler and Sam Holmes

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