11 Days in Mexico - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Highlights of Mexico City & the Riviera Maya

Over 11 days, you'll not only get to explore the colonial landmarks and Aztec ruins of Mexico City, but you'll also immerse yourself in the Maya culture of the Yucatán while also enjoying its legendary beaches. 

Begin your Mexico adventure in Mexico City (known as "DF" to locals). You won't waste any time as you head out on a night foodie tour to enjoy the best street food in the city. The culinary theme continues on day two when you head to a municipal market to sample various delicacies from local vendors after a walking tour of the Centro Histórico (historic center). Capping your time here is a trip to nearby Teotihuacán, one of the most significant archeological sites in the country. Stroll the Avenue of the Dead and hike up ancient Aztec pyramids like the Pyramid of the Sun, the largest structure at 215 feet (66 m).

Then fly to Cancún, on Mexico's stunning Yucatán Peninsula. From there, hit the road to the colonial heritage city of Valladolid. This will be your base to tour Chichén Itzá, the region's most famous ancient Maya ruins. Here you'll witness the grandeur of El Castillo, a pyramid standing 79 feet (24 m). Then travel off the beaten path to the tip of the Yucatán and the Río Lagartos Reserve, whose wetlands are a haven for flamingoes. Enjoy cultural exchanges with the local Maya and visit more nature reserves before finishing the trip in the fishing village Puerto Morelos to snorkel its barrier reef. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Oaxaca & the Pacific Coast

This 11-day journey through central Mexico's historic and culturally rich Oaxaca region will take you from the Spanish-colonial cities to the highlights of the Oaxaca Valley to the beaches of the Pacific Coast.

This itinerary forgoes the beaches of Yucatán for those in the state of Oaxaca. You'll arrive in Oaxaca City and kick things off with walking tours of historic landmarks and attractions like its 16th-century churches, the 18th-century stone Aqueduct, and the Ethnobotanical Garden, filled with unique flora of the region. Then head into the Oaxaca Valley to visit ancient archeological sites, enjoy mezcal tastings, and participate in a cooking workshop in the home of a local Zapotec family. On day five, you'll tour the ruins of the great Zapotec city of Monte Albán, which dates to the 6th century.

Continue exploring the countryside by hiking the pine-forested Sierra Norte mountains and enjoy great views over the Oaxaca Valley. Then it's off to the Pacific Coast and the resort town of Huatulco. This area comprises picture-postcard bays, coves, and golden beaches, which you'll explore on coastal hikes. You'll also hike up to romantic waterfalls in the jungles above town to swim in lagoons and cave grottoes. End the trip with a relaxing stint on inviting beaches like La Crucecita and Playa La Entrega, and maybe catch a famously colorful sunrise at Bahía Conejos. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Discover Mexico from the Capital to the Beach

Spend 11 days exploring the highlights and hidden gems of Mexico City as you enjoy the art, anthropology, indigenous history, colonial legacy, and natural beauty of these two diverse regions.

It begins in Mexico City, where you'll visit the highlights of the Centro Histórico like the Plaza de la Constitución (known as the Zócalo), the 16th-century Metropolitan Cathedral, and the ruins of the Templo Mayor, a significant temple of the Aztec Empire dating to the 14th century. Then discover the city's artistic roots on a day trip to the historic neighborhoods of San Angel and Coyoacán, both of which were once home to Frida Kahlo (and whose former residences are now museums). On day four, you'll visit Teotihuacán to visit major landmarks like the Pyramid of the Moon and the Temple of Quetzalcoatl.

See more history at the Museum of Anthropology, home to the world's largest collection of pre-Hispanic Mexican artifacts. Then stop by the Luis Barragán House, the mid-century home of the famous Mexican architect that's earned UNESCO World Heritage status. Continue to the Yucatán and see highlights of Valladolid like its 16th-century San Servacio Church. Then visit the ruins at Cobá, whose Nohoch Mul pyramid is the tallest in the Yucatán at 137 feet (41 m). After visiting Chichén Itzá, you'll end up in Mérida, the capital of the Yucatán, which also boasts incredible colonial buildings. Learn more

Itinerary #4: History, Culture & Beaches: Riviera Maya & Valladolid

Embark on an 11-day adventure on the Riviera Maya, Mexico's famous stretch of the Caribbean coast that includes some of the most beautiful resort towns and historic ruins in the Yucatán Peninsula. 

This unforgettable holiday begins in Cancún. From there, take a road trip down the gorgeous Riviera Maya—a section of the Caribbean coast spanning over 100 miles (160 km)—to the resort town of Tulum. Here you'll tour its famous fortress ruins (which date to the year 1200) and then venture off the tourist trail to swim in hidden cenotes. You'll also take a guided expedition along the Río Secreto, one of the largest underground rivers in the world. Then you'll visit Sian Ka'an, a biosphere reserve protecting 2,000 sq miles (5,180 sq km) of tropical forest, wetlands, and unspoiled coastline.

From Tulum, you'll travel north to Valladolid, stopping along the way for a bicycle tour of the Cobá archeological site. Following a guided tour of Chichén Itzá, you'll visit a local farm to learn about the ancient Maya's methods to intercrop maíz (corn), beans, and squash. You'll spend the last leg of the trip back on the Riviera Maya, in and around the stunning resort town of Playa del Carmen. Enjoy its white-sand beaches, shop, visit local cenotes, and go snorkeling at the barrier reef in Puerto Morelos. All these options and more are readily available. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Nature & Maya Culture in the Yucatán

In 11 days, you'll experience the very best of the Yucatán Peninsula, from the white-sand beaches of the Riviera Maya to the ruins at Tulum and Chichén Itzá to the northernmost islands, like Holbox.

After landing in Cancún, you'll transfer to Tulum and see its famous ruins, like El Castillo, the 25-foot (7.5-m) fortress overlooking the ocean. After floating down the waterways of the Sian Ka'an reserve, you'll take a day trip to Chichén Itzá, tour Valladolid, and visit a secret cenote in a local Maya community. More Maya culture follows when, after seeing the Cobá ruins, you'll visit a local Indigenous community, pick fresh produce in the garden, and participate in a cooking class. 

Enjoy some free time on the beaches of Tulum, then head to the northern tip of Yucatán to Holbox Island. This sleepy community is the polar opposite of Cancún in that there are few tourists and no roads (people get around on foot or by golf cart). Spend a few days relaxing in hammocks, enjoy the local cuisine (try the lobster pizza), and visit nearby wildlife sanctuaries. You can also swim with whale sharks (May-Sep) and witness the electric blue bioluminescence lights up the water at night. Afterward, transfer to Puerto Morelos for a snorkeling tour, then head home on day 11. Learn more

Itinerary #6: Food & Culture from Mexico City to the Yucatán

Celebrate the best of Mexico over 11 days. You'll enjoy its delicious cuisine, walk amid its living history, visit famous archeological sites, and learn the secrets of ancient Indigenous cuisine.

Hit the ground in Mexico City with active tours of its Centro Histórico and Museum of Anthropology. As you go, stop to sample famous street food like tacos al pastor, quesadillas, churros, and more. Then, after working up an appetite hiking the pyramids at Teotihuacán, you'll sit down at one of the city's most famous restaurants for a traditional Oaxacan meal. This Mexico City portion of the itinerary ends in an exceptional place: Xochimilco. This historic southern enclave is renowned for its network of canals (once used by the Aztecs), which you'll get to travel down on a wooden gondola. 

Afterward, fly to Yucatán and transfer to Valladolid. Besides touring its historic center, you'll also sample traditional Yucatecan cuisine, much of which originated here. On day six, you'll take a trip to the lesser-known archeological site of Ek' Balam, which dates to around 100 BCE. Then swim in a nearby cenote and visit an Indigenous village to meet local Maya families, followed by a tour of Uxmal, another enchanting Maya site whose structures are adorned with ornate friezes, sculptures, and carvings. From there, visit Chichén Itzá and Cobá, ending the trip with a Maya cooking class in Tulum. Learn more

More Great Mexico Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Mexico? Check out these other Mexico itineraries, with outdoor adventures, family-friendly trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.