5 Days in Mexico - 5 Luxury Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Authentic Luxury on Mexico's Riviera Maya

This luxurious Riviera Maya getaway is ideal for discerning travelers interested in a balance of culture, adventure, and coastal relaxation. You'll climb up the Acropolis of the Ekʼ Balam ruins, swim in cenotes in Yalcobá, bike the "white roads" to the pyramid of Nohoch Mul, prepare a meal with a local family, and enjoy a private cruise along the coast of Tulum. Along the way, experience exceptional service at your boutique hotel in Valladolid and beachfront views at your luxury escape in Tulum. 

Your private driver will meet you at the airport in Cancún and take you to your boutique hotel in Valladolid. Here, you'll have time to freshen up before joining your guide for a walking tour that includes a climb up the Acropolis of the Ekʼ Balam ruins. After a good night's rest, you'll set off on a guided excursion to the Maya community of Yalcobá to trek through the jungle, take a refreshing dip in a pristine cenote, and refuel with a lunch of traditional Maya foods. In the morning, it's on to the coast as your driver whisks you away to La Zebra Colibri, your luxurious beachfront hotel on the Riviera Maya.

Head out on a cycling tour around Cobá, pedaling the "white roads" to the Nohoch Mul pyramid, then spend the afternoon preparing family recipes (and sipping mezcal) at a private cooking lesson in the home of a local chef. You'll have the privilege of meeting another local family the following day as you visit their home and learn about daily life in the area. Cap off your trip with a private Tulum cruise, and enjoy snorkeling and swimming while the onboard chef prepares a Mexican meal paired with cocktails. Rise early on your final day to catch one last sunrise before your driver transfers you to the airport. Learn more

Itinerary #2: A Luxury Journey to Mexico's Heart: Mexico City & Oaxaca

Foodies and history buffs can get a taste of two distinct regions on this Mexico City and Oaxaca trip. In the capital, you'll tour the markets, sample local street eats, and learn about ancient agricultural techniques as you float in a private boat along the Xochimilco canals. Continue to Oaxaca to visit the city's historical sites, swim in the springs at Hierve el Agua Park, wander the ruins of Mitla Archaeological Zone, and taste empanadas and artisanal mezcal. Private guides and drivers combined with comfortable stays at the 5-star Mondrian and the chic Majagua boutique hotel ensure an elevated journey.

Kick off your adventure in Mexico City with a tasting tour of the Narvarte neighborhood, where you'll sample "volcanoes" (crispy tortillas cooked over charcoal, topped with cheese and poblano peppers) and artisanal mezcal before resting in comfort at the 5-star Mondrian hotel. The following day, you'll float along the Xochimilco canals in a private trajinera (traditional wooden boat), then indulge in an afternoon and evening of private culinary experiences that include a guided food tour of the Mercado de San Juan and a cooking class and coffee tasting at Casa Malinche Coffee Bar.  

Next, your driver will take you to Oaxaca, pausing for photos at the Zapotitlán Salinas salt flats en route. Check in to the boutique Majagua hotel and enjoy a welcome cocktail on the terrace before heading out for a tour of the city's highlights, such as the Baroque-style Cathedral. Then, grab your swimsuit and comfortable shoes for a private day trip that includes a dip in the natural springs at Hierve el Agua Park, a tour of the Mesoamerican ruins at Mitla Archaeological Zone, and a mezcal tasting. Lastly, sample empanadas and Oaxacan hot chocolate on a guided food tour before departure. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Luxury Getaway in Mexico's Colonial Cities: Guanajuato & San Miguel de Allende

With a mix of architecture, adventure, relaxation, history, and cuisine, this central Mexico itinerary is an excellent option for visitors looking to discover the colonial cities and Pueblos Mágicos nestled at the country's heart. Highlights include a horseback ride in the Sierra de Santa Rosa, a private wine tasting at San Lucas Vineyard, a walking tour of San Miguel de Allende, a traditional Mexican cooking workshop, and a relaxing soak in La Morada Hotel's rooftop Jacuzzi. 

On arrival in Mexico City, your driver will collect you at the airport and take you to Santiago de Querétaro for a private tour of the temples, colonial architecture, and plazas before continuing the drive to Guanajuato. Check in to the Edelmira Hotel, a 19th-century building that blends hospitable heritage with modern style, and rest in comfort before tomorrow's activities. You'll spend the morning in the countryside, riding horseback through the Sierra de Santa Rosa and sharing lunch with a local family, then return to Guanajuato for a private tour that will take you to some of the best viewpoints and rooftops.  

Your next stop is San Lucas Vineyard for a private wine tasting on your way to San Miguel de Allende. Settle into the La Morada Hotel, where you can unwind with a spa treatment or soak in the rooftop Jacuzzi. In the morning, you'll lace up your walking shoes and hit the streets with a private guide who'll show you the Pueblo Mágico's popular sites, including the pink towers of the neo-Gothic church, the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel. Finally, dive into traditional Mexican cuisine, learn about Indigenous techniques, and make your own tortillas and salsas in a cooking class on the terrace of a restaurant just outside the city. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Luxury Oaxaca Foodie Experience

Indulge in the gastronomic delights of Oaxaca on this intimate foodie tour of Mexico's culinary capital. With the comfortable El Callejón boutique hotel as your base, you'll have the privilege of learning from local chefs and artisans through exclusive experiences as you taste your way around the markets on a private cycling tour, try your hand at chocolate-making, shop and cook alongside local chefs in a Zapotec community in the Oaxaca Valley, and craft a keepsake with the guidance of a renowned artisan in Arrazola. 

After checking in to your boutique hotel, El Callejón, you'll get your first tastes of Oaxaca on a private cycling tour of the city's markets with stops that include the Mercado Benito Juarez, where you'll sip on fruit waters, and the Mercado 20 de Noviembre, where you'll taste carne asada (marinated and grilled meat). You'll also satisfy your sweet tooth with a chocolate-making workshop at a local factory. On your second day, you'll continue tasting your way through the markets, sampling empanadas at Mercado de la Merced and tacos de guisados (stewed tacos) in the Reforma neighborhood, on another food tour. 

Then, you'll have a unique opportunity to spend a day with a Zapotec community in the Oaxaca Valley, where you'll shop alongside local chefs and then prepare a multicourse meal in their home using traditional Oaxacan recipes. In the afternoon you'll have free time to enjoy Oaxaca at your leisure, perhaps tasting local spirits at a mezcalería or taking a stroll in the Ethnobotanical Garden. Create your own keepsake in a folk art workshop at the home of a renowned artisan in Arrazola, then wrap up your trip with a private dessert-making experience with a local expert in San Pablo Etla. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Ultimate Mexico City Luxury

Travelers seeking an elevated urban experience will appreciate this focused exploration of Mexico City. From your base at the 5-star Mondrian hotel, you'll engage in curated experiences, including an enlightening gastronomy tour with a private foodie guide, a tranquil canal cruise in Xochimilco, a visit to artist Frida Kahlo's former home, and a visit to the mysterious Teotihuacán pyramids. Your trip will be topped off with a visit to the National Museum of Anthropology, leaving you with a deeper understanding of Mexico City's history and culture.

Freshen up at your 5-star hotel, then join a foodie guide who'll lead you on a private tour that includes the chance to experience Mexico City's cantina culture and try pork shoulder tacos from top street vendors. The next day, you'll visit the Aztec ruins at Templo Mayor, stroll the Madero pedestrian street, and mingle with local chefs as you nibble cheese and tropical fruits at Mercado de San Juan—accompanied by your guide the whole way. Then, learn about chinampas (agricultural islands) on a private boat tour of the Xochimilco canals and pay a visit to Casa Azul, the former home of Mexican painter Frida Kahlo.

Get a good night's rest in the comfort of your luxury hotel; a full day of exploring the Teotihuacán archaeological site awaits. Your guide will share some historical context of this pre-Columbian city as you walk the Avenue of the Dead, admire murals at the Temple of Quetzalcoatl, and check out the 138-foot-high (42 m) Pyramid of the Moon. Back in Mexico City, you'll deepen your knowledge of Mexico's pre-Columbian history with a visit to the National Museum of Anthropology, where you can also browse the collection of Indigenous artifacts before your private driver takes you to the airport. Learn more

More Great 5-Day Mexico Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Mexico? Check out these other five-day Mexico itineraries, with culinary adventures, luxury getaways, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.