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Introducing Mexico

Make the most of your time in Mexico.
Mexico is a vast and surprising destination. Yes, it has beautiful beaches and endless stretches of Pacific and Caribbean coast—but it also boasts 35,000 archaeological sites, 10% of the world’s biodiversity, and more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than any other country in the Americas. It's a cultural melting pot of more than 50 indigenous ethnic groups, with endless tradition (and endless incredible cuisine). There's a side of Mexico to suit every traveler—let us help you find yours.

When is the best time to visit?
Seasons in Mexico vary from region to region. On the Yucatán Peninsula, December-April is when the weather is warm and dry. It's also the most crowded and expensive time to go. We recommend May-June, when crowds have thinned and the rainy season has yet to arrive. The same goes for Mexico's Pacific coast. For other parts of the country, like Puebla or Mexico City, May-October is the wet season—you can expect rain almost every day. Ask your specialist for more on what to expect during your visit. Learn more

Where should you go?
For ancient history, you can't do better than the Yucatán—archaeological sites here include the iconic Chichen Itzá, Ek Balam, and many more. This is an especially good area for a self-drive tour. If you're interested in community-based activities, engage in local culture with village visits to Chunhuhub or Nuevo Durango

Oaxaca is world famous for its culture, cuisine, and world-famous surfing beaches—and if culture is what you're after, you'll also want to put Mexico City, Puebla, and other colonial cities such as San Miguel de Allende on your list. Chiapas, San Luis Potosi, and Veracruz are access points to Mexico's natural world—think waterfalls, rivers, and deep jungle. The biosphere reserves such as Sian Ka’an and Calakmul are also outdoor adventure destinations.

How many days do you need?
Have we mentioned yet that Mexico is a big country? The more days you can spend, the better. With 5 days, stick to Mexico City and Puebla, or pick another region to immerse in—Oaxaca, Chiapas, or Veracruz make good stand-alone trips. Ten days means you can comfortably visit the Yucatán, combining it with either Campeche and Riviera Maya or Chiapas. A trip through the colonial cities would also be possible in 10 days.

The lucky travelers with 2 weeks (or more) will get to experience the diversity that defines Mexico, visiting several regions with different ecosystems and ethnic groups. Start in Baja California Sur and make your way to Chepe, pair Puerto Vallarta with Guadalajara, or dive into Oaxaca, Puebla, and Mexico City.

Explore trips by duration: 5 days · 6 days · 7 days · 8 days · 9 days · 10 days · 11 days · 12 days · 13 days · 14 days · 15 days

Mexico Tours & Itineraries

Get inspired by trips other travelers have loved
El Chiflón waterfalls, Chiapas
Map of Highlights of Chiapas - 10 Days
Highlights of Chiapas - 10 Days

Experience the best of Chiapas with this 10-day itinerary. Start with a mix of nature and culture in San Cristobal de las Casas with a walking tour of the city and day trips to Sumidero Canyon and Montebello Lakes National Park. From there, spend four nights in Palenque, where you’ll visit craft markets and archeological sites, and learn about the indigenous Tzotzil people.

The Church of San Servacio in the city of Valladolid
Map of Mexico City & Riviera Maya - 10 Days
Mexico City & Riviera Maya - 10 Days

This off-the-beaten-track adventure kicks off in Mexico City, where you'll learn the area's pre-Colombian history and visit mysterious temples built by the Aztecs and Mayans. From here, fly to the Riviera Maya to ramble in the colonial streets of Valladolid, dine on fresh cuisine, and chill out on the Caribbean Sea. Expect private guides and transportation throughout (except for your free day in Tulum).

Parque Labastida in the historic center of Oaxaca, Mexico
Map of Magical Oaxaca & the Pacific Coast - 10 Days
Magical Oaxaca & the Pacific Coast - 10 Days

Explore the cultural and natural highlights of Oaxaca on this ten-day itinerary around the region. You'll explore colorful marketplaces, see a 2,000-year-old tree, feel the spray of crystal-blue waterfalls, visit traditional villages in the Northern Highlands, learn how to make mole in a private cooking class, and spend the last few days on Oaxaca's idyllic Pacific beaches.

Discover the vast Maya city of Uxmal on the Puuc Route
Map of Highlights of Mexico: From Mexico City to the Riviera Maya - 14 Days
Highlights of Mexico: From Mexico City to the Riviera Maya - 14 Days

Step back in time on this two-week itinerary highlighting ancient Aztec and Maya ruins. Along the way, you'll explore Mexico City, the colonial towns of Valladolid and Mérida, and the turquoise waters of the Riviera Maya. Other adventures include snorkeling in freshwater cenotes, hiking up pre-Hispanic pyramids, and meeting with Indigenous locals to learn about Maya history and culture.

A colorful street in San Miguel de Allende
Map of Mexico's Ultimate Culture Tour - 14 Days
Mexico's Ultimate Culture Tour - 14 Days

This exciting Mexican road trip covers a whopping number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites—perfect for culture enthusiasts. Starting in Mexico City, you'll visit historic colonial towns, architectural sites, nature parks, and gorgeous interiors while making your way to both coasts with free time each evening to explore markets, restaurants, and art galleries on your own. This two-week itinerary is best suited for those who like to be on the move (a private driver and transfers are included).

A cenote on the Yucatán Peninsula
Map of Culture & the Great Outdoors on the Yucatán Peninsula - 7 Days
Culture & the Great Outdoors on the Yucatán Peninsula - 7 Days

On this colorful trip plan, you'll experience Mexican culture in an authentic way. See the highlights of the Yucatán Peninsula, visit the archaeological sites of Chichen Itzá, Cobá, and  Xcambó, and view flamingos at Río Lagartos before finishing up in Mérida, where you'll go on a kayak tour and relax on the beach.

Make the Most of Your Time in Mexico

Have a fixed number of days? Maximize the things to see and do during your visit
Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral
How Many Days to Spend in Mexico

Five days is just enough time to enjoy the highlights of one region in Mexico. With a full week or 10 days, you can combine three or four areas to create an eclectic...

Cenote Dos Ojos on the Yucatán Peninsula
Map of 1 Week in Mexico - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
1 Week in Mexico - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

If you have a week to spend in Mexico, you can do a deep dive into one region like the Riviera Maya, or hop between two cultural hubs like Mexico City and Oaxaca. Explore the...

Ruins in Tulum
Map of 10 Days in Mexico - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in Mexico - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

If you have 10 days to spend in Mexico, you have time to mix cultural sightseeing with outdoor activities, culinary tours, and relaxing on the beach. Focus your time on Mexico...

Mexico Travel Advice

Read our detailed insights to make sure you have the best trip
Steps of the Temple of Kukulcán
The Ideal Day at Chichen Itza

Whether you’re peeling yourself off of your Cancun beach chair after four straight days of sun or just arrived in the Yucatan, the towering structures of Chichen Itza are...

Best Experiences in Mexico

Unique things to do, curated by kimkim specialists
Chichén Itzá
Sunrise at Chichén Itzá
Private
Rise early and chase the sunrise to the archaeological site of Chichén Itzá, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Sunrise is an incredibly special time to explore this cluster of Mayan ruins, as you'll have the space nearly all to yourself and can enjoy it...
Playa del Carmen
Seafood Tasting Walking Tour
3 hours
·
Small group
Meet your English-speaking guide in Playa del Carmen for a three-hour gastronomic walking tour focusing on local seafood delights. Begin by exploring a top pescadería and tostadería, sampling fresh and flavorful dishes alongside unique drinks. Continue to three renowned seafood restaurants, where...
Playa del Carmen
Cozumel Snorkeling & El Cielo Sandbar
5 hours
·
Small group
Join a small group snorkel tour to the Cozumel Reef system. You'll drift snorkel over Palancar Reef, discovering vibrant marine life and then visit El Cielo Bay, known for its crystal-clear waters and starfish sanctuary. After snorkeling, enjoy a buffet and open bar at Playa Mia Grand Beach Park...

Our Latest Mexico Content

Visit the villages, meet the locals, and marvel at the beauty of Mexico's Copper Canyon
Map of Culture, Nature & Adventure in Mexico: Topolobampo, El Fuerte, Copper Canyon & Chihuahua - 8 Days
Culture, Nature & Adventure in Mexico: Topolobampo, El Fuerte, Copper Canyon & Chihuahua - 8 Days

Discover the best of Mexico's Sinaloa and Copper Canyon regions in just over a week. Start with dolphin spotting in Topolobampo Bay before continuing to El Fuerte for a walking tour of its historic center. Then, hop on the "El Chepe" scenic train to Cerocahui and marvel at the enormity and depth of the copper-green canyon ravines. Other highlights include extreme ziplining in Parque Barrancas, exploring the Valley of the Mushrooms, and visiting a Mennonite farm for lunch on your way to Chihuahua.

Look up at the towering rock formations in the Valley of the Monks and wait for sunset
Map of Historic Towns & Natural Wonders in Northern Mexico - 5 Days
Historic Towns & Natural Wonders in Northern Mexico - 5 Days

This action-packed, five-day itinerary offers a mix of cultural and scenic experiences. Start with a guided tour of Chihuahua's historic center to see landmarks like the Metropolitan Cathedral. Then, transfer to Creel to discover the Copper Canyon and its natural wonders, such as the Valley of the Monks. Continue to Posada Barrancas, where you can zipline over the canyon before boarding the luxurious Chepe Express. After the scenic train ride, explore El Fuerte's historic center on a walking tour.

Photograph the colorful architecture of Puebla and other historic cities on this 15-day tour
Map of Discovery Tour of Mexico: Historic Cities, Cultural Excursions & Traditional Cuisine - 15 Days
Discovery Tour of Mexico: Historic Cities, Cultural Excursions & Traditional Cuisine - 15 Days

Explore the best of Mexico's history, culture, and gastronomy on this 15-day tour. Start in Mexico City, where you'll stroll the Centro Histórico and cruise the canals of Xochimilco in traditional boats. Then, you're off to the colorful town of Guanajuato, home to the 17th-century Basilica of Guanajuato Cathedral. See the colonial architecture of San Miguel de Allende, learn to make mole in Puebla, and end with a mezcal tasting and guided biking excursion through the art-filled streets of Oaxaca.

Mexico Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
Map 10 Days in Mexico - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in Mexico - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
View article
Map 7 Days in Mexico - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
7 Days in Mexico - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
View article
Map 2 Weeks in Mexico - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
2 Weeks in Mexico - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
View article

Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for Mexico
Travel specialist Rene Rodarte
active 2 mins ago

Rene Rodarte

I'm a Mexican who loves to travel, stay in touch with the environment and learn from the different cultures around the world! I believe in travel as a tool for positive development. My country...

read more...
Travel specialist Leslie Pérez

Leslie Pérez

I am proudly Mexican and passionate about travel. I have had the opportunity to visit 25 different countries but during the past 4 years, I have been focused on exploring and sharing the hidden...

read more...
Travel specialist Jorge Reyna

Jorge Reyna

My name is Jorge, your local travel expert in Mexico. I love traveling, to experience new cultures and see the amazing diversity of this world. I studied tourism and take any opportunity I get to...

read more...
Travel specialist Charlotte Melun
active 1 hour ago

Charlotte Melun

Originally from France and cosmopolitan by nature, I love discovering the world. After many trips to the four corners of the world and living in different countries, I fell in love with Mexico....

read more...

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Why travelers love kimkim

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A portion of every kimkim trip goes toward the removal of carbon from the atmosphere. Learn more
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Trip Reviews for Mexico

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Our KimKim experience was seemless! All of ou...
Mexico | Nov 9 - Nov 16, 2024

SARAH
SARAH F.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Nov 18, 2024
Our KimKim experience was seemless! All of our transfers and personal experiences were done with such wonderful guides, drivers and expertize. Rene worked hard on the itinerary with us and communicated closely. Gabriel from Rutopia Tours was our go to person for any concerns or issues and communicated with us daily! They selected interesting hotels with Mexican character and charm for us. The only drawback for the charming Hotel Corazon Mexicano was the steep hill to get to it, but what... Read more

Our KimKim experience was seemless! All of our transfers and personal experiences were done with such wonderful guides, drivers and expertize. Rene worked hard on the itinerary with us and communicated closely. Gabriel from Rutopia Tours was our go to person for any concerns or issues and communicated with us daily! They selected interesting hotels with Mexican character and charm for us. The only drawback for the charming Hotel Corazon Mexicano was the steep hill to get to it, but what views! Try to get an exterior room. The only drawback of the lovely Petra Hotel was it advertized having breakfast included but that was out of date info. We loved our knowlegable guide Luis in Teotihuacan and Angela who drove us from Mexico City to Teotihuacan and then on to Guanajuato. Susana Ojeda from Rutopia Tour gave us a History Tour of Guanajuato and was wonderful! Her father Antonio gave us a Street Food Tour along with more history the next day. Both took such good care of us and were flexible and such fun. Mario drove us to San Miguel de Allende and we had a nice historic tour of the town with him after seeing the lovely Mask Museum, a real gem thanks to the setting and host, Bill. In San Miguel de Allende, Ana from Coyote Canyon Adventures took great care of us. We loved Frederico with Horseback Riding for 2 of us and Brittany with interpreting for the Cooking Class for the other 2. We also loved Alfredo who took us to the Sanctuary of Atotonilco and he was flexible enough to detour to see the murals of Guadalope and sit and have some great local street food with us. We had fun with them all! Thanks KimKim for making this a memorable vacation!

Hotel Reviews
Hampton Inn & Suites Mexico City
Mexico City

Great location a few blocks from the Zocalo, right in the historic center. Clean, lovely hotel with breakfast included.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Corazon Mexicano
Guanajuato

What a fun, charming and quirky hotel. Steps going up and down and around corners for interior facing rooms and exterior rooms, some with terraces and amazing views. The breakfast is wonderful on a terrace with a view. They went out of their way to accommodate us and made a room change for us when my sister was fearful of some stairs in the room. It's just a minute walk to the street which is narrow and steep, the only drawback for someone with arthritis.

Authenticity & Character
Quirky rooms, old building with lots of character.
Location
Just a 6-7 minute walk down to the historic center, very close to the Mercado.
Staff
They went out of their way to accommodate us and were always available for questions and recommendations.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean and comfortable beds. The only thing that would have enhanced the rooms was to have bedside lights.
Hotel Petra
San Miguel de Allende

I really enjoyed the quiet courtyard, the friendly staff and the super large rooms.

Authenticity & Character
Nice courtyard with places to sit and take a break, pretty lighting at night. Tall ceilings and comfortable beds.
Location
Just a few minutes to walk to the historic center.
Staff
They checked in with us on WhatsApp to see if we wanted our rooms cleaned!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Rene Rodarte

We had several stand out guides and experiences!
Mexico | Oct 7 - Oct 27, 2024

S
Sara P.
Windsor, CA | Reviewed on Oct 28, 2024
We had several stand out guides and experiences.
San Miguel de Allende
. Alberto in San Miguel de Allende made us feel very welcome and gave us a great overview of the town.
. Tour with Aldo and driver Raul of Guanajuato was also excellent.
as you know Hotel Petra has seen better days and was not comfortable. We cannot recommend it. We stayed a bit above town at Casa de Liza. It is delightful and the restaurant below has a good breakfast.
Bus was really comfortable getting us to...
Read more

We had several stand out guides and experiences.
San Miguel de Allende
. Alberto in San Miguel de Allende made us feel very welcome and gave us a great overview of the town.
. Tour with Aldo and driver Raul of Guanajuato was also excellent.
as you know Hotel Petra has seen better days and was not comfortable. We cannot recommend it. We stayed a bit above town at Casa de Liza. It is delightful and the restaurant below has a good breakfast.
Bus was really comfortable getting us to MXC.
Mexico City
. Dani was a good start for exploring the centro.
. the bike and explore Techtihuacan tour was just ok. Felt like the guide was disinterested and the lunch spot was very touristic.
. Emiliano was a terrific guide on the mural tour.
the AU bus was pretty basic We would have preferred the upgraded version in the same company which has a bathroom for the 2 1/2 hour ride..
Puebla
. we loved Puebla and thank Rene for including it in our itinerary... super clean and pleasant city all around.
. Aleyn was a great guide in Chalupa where we learned about all things corn and tried to make tortillas from scratch. Would like to have added a visit to the archeology site at the base of the buried pyramid.
. Guadalupe took us back into the country of Atlizto where flowers abound and started out search for all the Catrinas. So fun! The town is charming and full of history and pretty zocalo.
Oaxaca
. the long drive was broken up with a trip to the onyx factory (not much happening), the gorgeous cactus forest reserve in Tehuacan, and an interesting stop at the salt ponds. Our driver Ernesto was charming and super patient and our guide Alex was very kind.
. The stop at the tule tree was worthwhile and Alex our guide and driver is very knowledgeable. The ride to Hierve el Agua was long and we wish we had know to bring swimsuits. Stopping at the traditional mescal distillery on the roadside was a great addition.
We decided to forgo any more tours on the road and had a blast wandering in Oaxaca for our last two days.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Boutique Parador San Miguel
Oaxaca

the nicest place we stayed. very pretty hotel with an interior courtyard. We would stay here again.

Authenticity & Character
really pretty courtyard and the room had Oaxacan character
Location
close to the action adn on a busy street, but once inside the rooms are quiet.
Staff
super nice and helpful. they went out of their way.
Cleanliness & Comfort
comfortable bed, clean room and nicely sized shower.
Hotel Petra
San Miguel de Allende

lumpy beds and pillows. The place is rundown adn must have been charming at one time.

Authenticity & Character
Location
there are better places close to downtown.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Casa Rosa Gran Hotel Boutique
Puebla

We enjoyed the location and rooftop restaurant. Our room had an amazing view of the cathedral and while there was a lot of street music outside, the room was quiet. The room was clean although a bit small for two people with luggage for a three week trip, but it is workable.

Authenticity & Character
the rooftop restaurant is great - has a lovely view. the room has a window that opens up to the street below. so you can see the action.
Location
right on the Cathedral Square and catty corner to the Zocalo
Staff
staff was nice, but not friendly. Our needs were met when we mentioned the smell of sewer gas in the sink.
Cleanliness & Comfort
the bed was comfortable , but the room is small and bathroom is small and there is a smell of sewer gas if the sink stopper is left open.
Activity Reviews
Monte Albán and the alebrijes workshop: an unforgettable experience
Monte Albán and the alebrijes workshop: an unforgettable experience
Oaxaca

we did not take this tour and we were tired of driving and wanted more time in Oaxaca.

Shared biking experience through Teotihuacan "The City of the Gods"
Shared biking experience through Teotihuacan "The City of the Gods"
Mexico City

so so. guide seemed to be "dialing it in", although the city of the Gods is awesome. Glad we saw it.

A Walk among Murals: Exploring the History and Legacy of Mexican Muralists
A Walk among Murals: Exploring the History and Legacy of Mexican Muralists
Mexico City

excellent guide...

Between markets and corn in the magical town of Cholula
Between markets and corn in the magical town of Cholula
Mexico

really fun tour, great time making tortillas. Would add a visit to the archeology center at teh base of the pyramid next time.

Exploring Atlixco: Puebla's Garden
Exploring Atlixco: Puebla's Garden
Puebla

Great guide through the backroad gardens and farms and looking for Catrinas all over the town. the guide was from a traditional village and had lots to share about traditions

Walk in a Cactus Forest: Tehuacán-Cuicuitlan Biosphere Reserve
Walk in a Cactus Forest: Tehuacán-Cuicuitlan Biosphere Reserve
Mexico

we are landscape architects so seeing this place like none other was fabulous.

Visit Mitla, the Tule Tree, a Mezcal Distillery & Teotitlán del Valle
Visit Mitla, the Tule Tree, a Mezcal Distillery & Teotitlán del Valle
Oaxaca

the tule tree, distillery were highlights. The drive to the boiling waters was long and we did not bring swimsuits - please remind anyone that takes this tour. We opted out of the weaving and Mitla visit due to time constraints.

City Tour of the historical center of Guanajuato
City Tour of the historical center of Guanajuato
Mexico

we really enjoyed this tour and going to off the beaten track sights. Our guide even added a trip up teh funicular which was not planned. we had a really great lunch where he suggested adn great coffee to start,

Local specialist: Rene Rodarte

Very helpful and timely assistance.Amazing e...
Mexico | Aug 31 - Sep 9, 2024

Lynn
Lynn X.
Long Island City, NY | Reviewed on Oct 03, 2024
Very helpful and timely assistance.
Amazing experience!
Read more

Very helpful and timely assistance.
Amazing experience!

Activity Reviews
Chef's Table Experiencie
Chef's Table Experiencie
Mexico City

Def highlight of the trip

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Adventure in Tulum
Adventure in Tulum
Tulum

Epic

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Explore the archaeological site of Teotihuacan
Explore the archaeological site of Teotihuacan
Mexico City

Very cultural rich

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Rene Rodarte