Most people visiting both Mexico City and Mérida spend about 11 to 14 days in Mexico, which usually includes some time in Valladolid and Tulum as well. If you're not interested in Valladolid and Tulum, a week to eight days is enough for your Mexico City and Mérida trip. With less time, it's still possible to see the highlights in as few as five or six days. Read on for the best itineraries, including Mexico City and Mérida, and beyond.

How many days do you need in Mexico City & Mérida?

  • Most travelers spend 7-8 days in Mexico City and Mérida combined
  • Visiting Mexico City and Mérida in 5 or 6 days is possible, but it will feel rushed
  • With 9 or more days, most travelers choose to add more stops to their trip
  • The most common extensions are Playa del Carmen, Valladolid, and Tulum

How Many Days to Spend in Mexico

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

Recommended Itineraries for Mexico City & Mérida

Recommended Itinerary for 7 Days

The pyramids at Teotihuacán, Mexico
The pyramids at Teotihuacán, Mexico
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Mexico City, Explore Mexico City
Day 2 Mexico City Tour Mexico City
Day 3 Guided Visit to Teotihuacán Mexico City
Day 4 Monumental Cholula & Puebla Mexico City
Day 5 Fly to Mérida, Afternoon City Tour Mérida
Day 6 Explore Chichén Itzá Mérida
Day 7 Depart Mérida  


The largest pyramid in the world is in Mexico, as are some of the world's mysterious pyramids—at Cholula and Teotihuacán, respectively—and you'll visit both places on this wide-ranging cultural tour. Learn about pre-Hispanic, Mayan, and Aztec cultures as you explore Mexico City, Mérida, Puebla, and Chichén Itzá, and take a break for a refreshing dip in a cenote. And a taco or two, of course. Read more

Extended Itineraries

11-Day Itinerary Including Valladolid & Tulum

Sample plenty of eats on this food and culture themed itinerary of Mexico
Sample plenty of eats on this food and culture-themed itinerary of Mexico
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Mexico City, Explore Mexico City
Day 2 History & Gastronomy Tour, Visit the Museum of Anthropology Mexico City
Day 3 Day Trip to Teotihuacán & Mexican Dining Experience Mexico City
Day 4 Float the Canals of Xochimilco, Explore Coyoacán Mexico City
Day 5 Transfer to Valladolid, Optional Activities Valladolid
Day 6 Ek' Balam Archaeological Site, Cenote & Village Tour Valladolid
Day 7 Transfer to Mérida, Walking Tour Mérida
Day 8 Walking Tour of Uxmal Mérida
Day 9 Transfer to Tulum, Visit Chichén Itzá & Tour Cobá Ruins Tulum
Day 10 Cooking Class in Tulum Tulum
Day 11 Return to Cancún, Depart  


Dive into Mexico's rich culture over 11 days and enjoy some of the country's best activities (and most delicious food). It begins with tours of Mexico City's historic cobbled streets and a visit to the awe-inspiring ruins at Teotihuacán. Then jet off to the Yucatán Peninsula, where you'll take a traditional cooking class plus visit mystical cenote lagoons, ancient Maya ruins, and colonial cities. Read more

11-Day Itinerary Including Valladolid

Visit  the Francisco Canton Park in Valladolid to explore the many Spanish colonial buildings
Visit the Francisco Canton Park in Valladolid to explore the many Spanish colonial buildings
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Mexico City, Explore Mexico City
Day 2 History, Culture & Gastronomy Tour of Mexico City Mexico City
Day 3 Art Walk in San Angel & Coyoacán Mexico City
Day 4 Day Trip to Teotihuacán Mexico City
Day 5 Museum of Anthropology & Luis Barragán House Mexico City
Day 6 Transfer to Valladolid, Walking Tour Valladolid
Day 7 Day Trip to Cobá, Maya Culture & Nature Reserve Valladolid
Day 8 Drive to Mérida, Visit Chichén Itzá & Yokdzonot Cenote Mérida
Day 9 Walking Tour of Mérida Mérida
Day 10 Day Trip to Sinanché & San Crisanto Mérida
Day 11 Depart Mérida  


Spend 11 days immersing yourself in the culture, history, cuisine, and beauty of Mexico. You'll start in Mexico City, where you'll experience all the highlights, from visiting the historic center and the Frida Kahlo Museum to enjoying the city's famous street food. Then you're off to the Yucatán Peninsula, home to incredible Maya ruins, thousands of cenote lagoons, and some of the most beautiful beaches anywhere in the Caribbean. Read more

Map

Map of Mexico City & Mérida: Best Itinerary Ideas
Map of Mexico City & Mérida: Best Itinerary Ideas