In two weeks, you'll discover the best of Mexico, from cosmopolitan Mexico City to colorful San Miguel de Allende and the beautiful beaches of Puerto Vallarta. Bring the whole family along for an adventure that features fun in the sun, swimming with dolphins, horseback riding in a canyon, and climbing to the top of massive pyramids at Teotihuacán.

Highlights

  • See the mysterious pyramids of Teotihuacán
  • Feast on street food in Mexico City
  • Go horseback riding in San Miguel de Allende
  • Swim with dolphins in Puerto Vallarta

Brief Itinerary

Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Welcome to Mexico City Mexico City
Day 2 Discover Mexico City Mexico City
Day 3 Teotihuacan Mexico City
Day 4 Biking in Mexico City Mexico City
Day 5 Xochimilco and Cultural Coyoacan Mexico City
Day 6 Lovely San Miguel de Allende San Miguel de Allende
Day 7 Canyon Horseback Ride San Miguel de Allende
Day 8 Welcome to Puerto Vallarta Puerto Vallarta
Day 9 Marietas Discovery Puerto Vallarta
Day 10 Vallarta Under the Stars Puerto Vallarta
Day 11 Swimming with Dolphins Puerto Vallarta
Days 12-13 Relax in Puerto Vallarta Puerto Vallarta
Day 14 Depart  

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Mexico City

Greetings from Mexico City
The Zona Rosa, Mexico City

Welcome to Mexico! Explore the capital on a walking tour of the historic center.  Depending on your arrival time, you will have the opportunity to visit the Metropolitan Cathedral, explore the Museum of the Great Temple, and stroll through the main square, Plaza de la Constitución (or Zócalo, as it is commonly called).

Day 2: Discover Mexico City

The Palacio de Bellas Artes (Palace of Fine Arts)

This morning, you will dive into Mexico's past and explore the National Museum of Anthropology, the largest and most visited museum in Mexico. You will want to dedicate your time to two of its main exhibits, Aztec and Mayan. Afterward, choose from one of the many restaurants downtown, then explore more of Mexico City on your own. Don't miss a stop at the Palacio de Bellas Artes (Palace of Fine Arts). At night, you'll attend a spectacle of Mexican dance: Ballet Folklorico de Amalia Hernandez. 

Day 3: Teotihuacán

Sightseeing at Teotihuacán

Meet your guide and head outside of the city to the impressive sprawling complex of Teotihuacán: the largest, most influential and revered city in the history of the New World. Walk down the Avenue of the Dead and marvel at the imposing stone structures it links, like the Pyramid of the Moon, Pyramid of the Sun, and the Temple of Quetzalcoatl.

Enjoy lunch before returning to your hotel, stopping at the famous Basilica of Our Lady Guadalupe, a Roman Catholic church, on the way.

Day 4: Biking in Mexico City

Mexico City on two wheels

Enjoy the best of Mexico City by bike! Visit Chapultepec Park and pedal down Avenida Reforma, stopping for pictures and street food in the historic center. Take the evening to shop and dine in a restaurant before the next day's full agenda.

Day 5: Xochimilco & Coyoacán

Colorful boats on the canals of Xochimilco

Visit the canals of Xochimilco, the last reminder of the rivers that once crossed the valley where Mexico City is now located. You will enjoy a lovely tour through the canals on a colorful trajinera (a decorated gondola-like boat) while tasting antojitos (Mexican snacks). 

From there, head to the bohemian neighborhood of Coyoacán for a little exploration. Stop for a bite to eat before carrying on to spend some time in La Casa de Frida, also known as the "Blue House." This historic house-turned-art museum is dedicated to the life and work of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. The rest of your last day in Mexico City is yours to spend as you like.

Plan your trip to Mexico
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.

Day 6: Lovely San Miguel de Allende

Late afternoon sunlight in San Miguel de Allende

In the morning, transfer to San Miguel de Allende, one of the most beautiful cities in central Mexico. Located in the state of Guanajuato, San Miguel de Allende is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is known for its historic center and many architectural wonders. Go on a city tour, then take the evening to explore the colonial city independently.

Day 7: Canyon Horseback Riding

Get a taste of life on a ranch outside San Miguel de Allende
Get a taste of life on a ranch outside San Miguel de Allende

Today you will go to a traditional ranch near San Miguel de Allende, where you'll take a short cooking class to learn how to make tortillas and house-made spicy sauces. Later, go horseback riding in the nearby canyon before returning to the ranch for a traditional lunch.

Day 8: Welcome to Puerto Vallarta

Colorful streets in Puerto Vallarta
Palm tree-lined beaches in Puerto Vallarta

Fly to Puerto Vallarta in the morning. You'll feel the warm air of the Pacific from the moment you step outside the airport. Transportation will be arranged to take you to Puerto Vallarta. After you check in to your hotel, you'll spend the afternoon strolling along the waterfront promenade, relaxing on the beach, and sampling fish tacos from food vendors.

Day 9: Marietas Discovery

A view of one of the Marietas Islands
A view of one of the Marietas Islands

Today, you'll take a day trip to the Marietas Islands, a group of uninhabited islands off the coast. They're only accessible by boat, so you'll get there in a catamaran and spend most of the day exploring this beautiful region. After boating around, you'll have the chance to kayak independently or snorkel through the islands' many natural caves.

Day 10: Vallarta Under the Stars

Drinks under the moonlight in Puerto Vallarta

Hit the beach by day. At night, you'll go to a once-in-a-lifetime venue—an amphitheater in the heart of the rainforest—to see a unique theatrical presentation incorporating indigenous music, dance, and acrobatics. During the show, you'll learn about a native way of life and generations of people who've lived in this region. Afterward, head back to Puerto Vallarta for a nightcap with an ocean view.

Day 11: Swimming with Dolphins

Swimming with dolphins

Today you'll swim with dolphins—but not in a tank or a controlled setting. You'll get up close with the Pacific bottlenose in its natural environment: they travel in small groups in the ocean. This hands-on activity is fun for the whole family, and especially for kids.

Days 12-13: Relax at Vallarta

The red roofs of Puerto Vallarta

The sun, sand, and sea are waiting for you on the beautiful beaches of Puerto Vallarta. Have a leisurely day on the sand, and when you need a break, head into town to explore local shops and seafood restaurants. Stop into the picturesque Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe church, and at night, stroll along the beachfront promenade of El Malecón, which is lined with bars and nightclubs. 

Day 14: Depart

Paradise on the beach in Mexico

Enjoy one last sunrise at the beach—and a Mexican-style breakfast—before catching your ride to Cancun International Airport to board your flight home. Safe travels!

Map

Map of Family Adventure in Mexico - 14 Days
Map of Family Adventure in Mexico - 14 Days