Mexico Travel Insights

Visit the villages, meet the locals, and marvel at the beauty of Mexico's Copper Canyon

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

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

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.

End the trip exploring beaches on Mexico's Pacific coast

History & Nature in Mexico: Oaxaca & the Pacific Coast - 13 Days

Explore the traditions, history, and unspoiled beauty of Mexico on this 13-day tour. Start in Oaxaca City, where you'll visit the lively Plaza de Santo Domingo and its Baroque-styled cathedral. See the ruins of the archaeological site of Mitla, taste mezcal at a local distillery, and then fly to Santa María Huatulco and Huatulco National Park. Snorkel in turquoise waters and hike to cascading waterfalls, ending in Puerto Escondido for turtle encounters and horseback riding on Manialtepec Beach.

Take a day trip to see views of Pico de Orizaba volcano, the highest mountain in Mexico

Highlights of Mexico: Colorful Cities, Historic Sites & Outdoor Adventures - 10 Days

This 10-day tour showcases Mexico's top cultural excursions, archaeological sites, and natural wonders. Start in Mexico City, where you'll stroll through picturesque neighborhoods, try regional cuisine, and visit the country's most important museums. Then, you're off to Puebla to learn the art of Talavera pottery and catch a glimpse of Mexico's highest mountain. You'll also swim in cenotes in Valladolid, visit the ancient city of Chichén Itzá, and end with beach time and snorkeling in Puerto Morelos.

See Bonampak's colorful murals that depict daily life, politics, and rituals

Cultural Immersion into Mexico: Historic Sites, Ancient Ruins & Natural Wonders - 9 Days

Dive into the world of ancient Mesoamerica on this incredible cultural tour of Mexico's most historic places. Start in Villahermosa, where you'll learn about cacao cultivation and see colossal stone heads at Park Museum La Venta. Then, you're off to Palenque to spend time at the Palenque Archeological Site. From there, visit the ancient cities of Yaxchilán and Bonampak in Frontera Corozal, explore the cascades of Las Nubes, and end with a stroll along the Spanish colonial streets of San Cristobal de las Casas.

Cruise through the ancient canals and gardens of Xochimilco on a weeklong trip to Mexico City

1 Week in Mexico City - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Spending a week in Mexico City offers the perfect opportunity to experience its mouthwatering cuisine and vibrant culture. First-time visitors can easily balance visits to museums, ruins, and restaurants, while adventure seekers hike within Iztaccíhuatl-Popocatépetl National Park and cycle around the ancient city of Teotihuacán. Food lovers will be in heaven, with endless options to savor the city's best dishes in bustling markets and cozy eateries, or overnight in Puebla to discover unique regional flavors.

Spend a day relaxing on Balandra Beach, located near La Paz

Discovery Tour of Mexico's Baja Peninsula & La Paz - 5 Days

This quick five-day tour highlights the natural beauty and rich culture of La Paz, the capital of Baja California Sur. Start with a self-guided city tour, exploring cultural attractions and seafood restaurants along the waterfront. Then, hop on a boat to Espiritu Santo Island, where you'll snorkel with colorful fish and sea turtles. Finish by saying hello to curious sea lions at San Rafaelito Island, sunbathing on the tranquil sands of Balandra Beach, and riding a sandboard down the Mogote Dunes.

Choose a Oaxaca-focused itinerary to discover regional culture and cuisine (photo courtesy of Majagua Hotel Boutique Oaxaca)

5 Days in Mexico - 5 Luxury Itinerary Ideas

If you have five days for a luxury trip to Mexico, it's best to focus on one or two regions. Beachgoers can head to the Riviera Maya for a private yacht cruise and a swim in the cenotes, while history and architecture enthusiasts will appreciate a historic tour of Santiago de Querétaro and an elevated stay at the 19th-century Edelmira Hotel. Foodies will enjoy curated experiences such as private tasting tours of Mexico City's markets and a chance to cook alongside chefs in a Zapotec community in Oaxaca.

Explore the colorful streets of Mexico City on a five-day tour

5 Days in Mexico City - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With five days in Mexico City, you can enjoy an itinerary catered to your interests. Art enthusiasts will find the city's museums an excellent match, while foodies opt for a trip featuring street vendors, upscale restaurants, and a taco crawl. If you're traveling with your significant other, consider a romantic getaway filled with quality time together. Or, pick up the pace and include excursions to Teotihuacán, Iztaccíhuatl-Popocatépetl National Park, and Cholula to your agenda.

Discover some of Mexico's City's most romantic neighborhoods on this five-day getaway

Romantic Getaway to Mexico City - 5 Days

Let Mexico City sweep you off your feet on this romantic, five-day introduction to the city. Taste adventurous flavors at an intimate dinner in the Centro Histórico, then hold hands as you cruise the canals of Xochimilco by traditional boat. Tour the charming neighborhoods of Coyoacán and San Ángel, and step into the world of famed muralist Diego Rivera at his museum. Finally, take a day trip to the incredible ruins of Teotihuacán to explore the pyramids and take part in an ancient cave ritual.

Explore the secrets of ancient Teotihuacán on foot, followed by a memorable cave ceremony and culinary experience

Active Mexico City: Pyramids, Culture & Volcanoes - 5 Days

If you like your city breaks filled with nature and outdoor adventure, this five-day Mexico City getaway is your perfect match. You'll stroll the urban oases of Coyoacán and Chapultepec, glide through Aztec-era waterways on the canals of Xochimilco, and venture farther afield with day trips to the pyramids of Teotihuacán and a rugged hike among the volcanoes of Iztaccíhuatl-Popocatépetl National Park.

Take your time exploring Mexico City's highlights (like Casa Azul) with a 10-day trip

10 Days in Mexico City - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With 10 days, you can experience Mexico City and 2-3 surrounding areas. Foodies will enjoy a Narvarte street food tour and a mole-making lesson in Cholula, while history buffs will appreciate touring Guanajuato's mines and biking around the Teotihuacán ruins. Culture enthusiasts can try a purification ritual in Amanalco or attend a wrestling match in Mexico City. Active travelers should consider a volcano hike in Iztaccihuatl-Popocatepetl National Park and a two-day trek in Parque Nacional Nevado de Toluca.

Explore Mexico City and its many flavors as a local guide leads you to the best street food and restaurants in the city

A Food-Focused Trip to Mexico City - 5 Days

Mexican cuisine is so much more complex than burritos and tacos. You'll find out why on this five-day tour through the country's capital, Mexico City. Explore this massive metropolis' distinct neighborhoods, historic landmarks, and ancient past alongside a local guide. But the best part? Diving taste buds first into its dynamic gastronomy through local street stalls, traditional restaurants, and pastelerias (bakeries).

Try delicious traditional Mexican cuisine in Coyoacán

Cuisine & Culture of Mexico City & Puebla - 7 Days

This food and culture-focused itinerary takes you to central Mexico for a week of rich culinary and cultural traditions. It all starts in Mexico City, where you'll savor mouthwatering street food and take a floating tour of the historic canals of Xochimilco. See the Valley of Teotihuacán's "City of the Gods" via bicycle, then continue to Puebla, exploring its neighborhoods and ancient architecture and learning to make tortillas and mole poblano like a local.

Step into the world of Frida Kahlo at Casa Azul

An Art-Centered Tour of Mexico City - 5 Days

Five days is the perfect amount of time to experience Mexico City's rich, artistic heritage—and see the cultural highlights too. From the influence of Frida Kahlo and her famous residence, Casa Azul, to Diego Rivera's provoking murals and contemporary masterpieces at the Museo de Arte Moderno, this tour runs the gamut of artistic representation in North America's largest city.

Visit Nuestra Señora de los Remedios Church perched atop Tlachihualtepetl (the Great Pyramid of Cholula)

Highlights of Mexico City & Cholula - 5 Days

This five-day getaway is packed with cultural highlights, perfect for travelers wanting to experience Mexico's archaeology, cuisine, and art. You'll admire the architecture of Mexico City's neighborhoods, witness floating gardens in Xochimilco, tour Frida Kahlo's house, and cycle past the ancient ruins of Teotihuacán. Then, continue to Cholula, a fusion of Indigenous culture and Spanish colonial influences, for a market experience followed by a traditional ceramics workshop.

Find the best adventures in and around Mexico City on this one-week tour

Authentic Experiences & Outdoor Adventures in Mexico City - 7 Days

Immerse yourself in Mexico City's most unexpected cultural and outdoor experiences during this weeklong tour. Start the trip by enjoying a tasting menu prepared by Oaxacan chefs and eating your way through the charming Roma neighborhood. Then, see a mariachi show, trek along the Popocatépetl volcano, and cruise the canals at Xochimilco. If that's not enough, visit Frida Kahlo's house, cheer on your favorite Mexican wrestler, and soar over the pyramids of Teotihuacán in a hot-air balloon.

Learn how to order street food like tacos al pastor from a local guide

Ultimate Foodie Adventure in Mexico City - 7 Days

This weeklong culinary tour in Mexico City is made for food and drink lovers. Start by sipping artisanal mezcal as you wander the charming neighborhood of Navarte. Then savor Oaxacan mole at a restaurant, wander the stalls of the gourmet Mercado de San Juan, and order tacos al pastor from street vendors. You'll also dig into guacamole at a cantina, sip local beers while cheering on your favorite Mexican wrestler, attend a cooking class, and try ancient culinary delights at the ruins of Teotihuacán.

Immerse yourself in the beautiful buildings of Mexico City, like the Palacio de Bellas Artes

Cultural Treasures of Mexico City - 7 Days

Spend a week delving into the rich cultural heritage of Mexico City, from pre-Hispanic times to the modern era. Start by ordering street tacos in the historic district and marveling at the murals among the famous Teotihuacán pyramids. Then, visit sustainable island farms in the colorful Xochimilco canals and shop for art on the cobblestoned streets of Coyoacán. Finish by admiring the opulent rooms in Chapultepec Castle before exploring Casa Azul, once home to artist Frida Kahlo.

Combine culture with culinary experiences on this whirlwind tour through the heart of Mexico

A Luxury Journey to Mexico's Heart: Mexico City & Oaxaca - 5 Days

See the best of Mexico City and Oaxaca in a short amount of time with this luxurious trip combining 5-star hotels with private culture and food experiences. In Mexico City, you'll embark on a taco crawl, float along the canals of Xochimilco, and join a private cooking class. In Oaxaca, unravel the colorful city's charm with guided tours, market visits, and an enriching day trip to discover the region's culture and sights.

Tacos de chapulines (grasshopper tacos) are a traditional Oaxacan snack

Luxury Oaxaca Foodie Experience - 5 Days

Treat your senses to five days of Oaxaca's world-famous gastronomy with this luxury foodie fiesta. Check into your boutique hotel, then join a relaxed bike ride to sample street food with a private guide. Visit the city's top market halls and join a one-on-one cooking workshop with a local culinary master. Finally, explore ancient civilizations at Monte Albán and unleash your creativity at an alebrije workshop.

See Mexico City's origins, from Aztec ruins to Colonial palaces, in its vibrant Centro Histórico

Ultimate Mexico City Luxury - 5 Days

This five-day luxury Mexico City escape has been meticulously curated for first-time visitors. When you're not on exclusive and private tours, taking you from the floating gardens at Xochimilco to the mysterious wonders of Teotihuacán, you'll enjoy 5-star luxury at a chic design hotel. Taste your way across the city's taco stalls and favorite food market, admire the timeless beauty of Frida Kahlo's iconic Casa Azul, and tour the ancient ruins and Baroque palaces of the Centro Histórico.

Colorful paper flags over a street in San Miguel de Allende

Luxury Getaway in Mexico's Colonial Cities: Guanajuato & San Miguel de Allende - 5 Days

This luxurious journey through the heart of Mexico explores the captivating colonial cities of Guanajuato and San Miguel de Allende over five days. Get swept up in the charm of these UNESCO-listed gems as you explore cobblestone streets and historic architecture with a private guide. Go deeper with a private wine tasting, tour the city of Santiago de Querétaro, join a horseback ride in the mountains of Guanajuato, and elevate your culinary skills with a hands-on Mexican cooking workshop.

You can't get much closer to the beach than at your luxury boutique hotel in Tulum (photo courtesy of La Zebra Colibri)

Authentic Luxury on Mexico's Riviera Maya - 5 Days

This five-day itinerary redefines laid-back luxury travel on the Riviera Maya, mixing the colonial charm of Valladolid with Tulum's coastal chic. Start in Valladolid with a private walking tour, then unveil the ancient secrets of Ek' Balam and cycle through the mystique of Cobá's ruins. Cruise along the Caribbean coast, snorkeling with tropical fish and giant turtles as your onboard chef prepares a fresh Mexican lunch. Finally, take home Mexico's culinary secrets with a private cooking class in a local chef's home.

Sample the sacred Aztec drink of pulque (fermented agave juice) in an atmospheric cave dining experience at Teotihuacán

Sacred Mexico: Culture, History & Cuisine in Mexico City & Cholula - 10 Days

Seek out the rich flavors and sacred traditions of central Mexico with this 10-day itinerary. Snack on Mexico City's spiced street corn and cruise down its pre-Columbian waterways, then learn about Aztec history and Indigenous customs with a spiritual cave ceremony in Teotihuacán. Continue to the "Magical Town" of Cholula to dive into its culinary traditions with a market tour and tortilla-making workshop, then end back in the capital at the pilgrimage site of the Basilica of Santa Virgin of Guadalupe.

Delve into colorful colonial towns like San Miguel de Allende on this 10-day tour of Mexico City and its surroundings

Best of Mexico City & the Bajío: Culture, Cuisine & Pueblos Mágicos - 10 Days

Experience the highlights of Mexico City, then strike out into the surrounding Bajío region to hop between colorful colonial towns steeped in history. Over 10 days, you'll sample street tacos in the capital, bike through the pyramids of Teotihuacán, sip wine at ancient vineyards in Bernal, and soar over Tequisquiapan by hot-air balloon. Soak in hot springs near San Miguel de Allende, see the underground mines of Guanajuato, and end back in Mexico City with a lucho libre show and a cooking class.

The historic center of Mexico is a bustling area full of gorgeous colonial buildings and Aztec ruins

Highlights of Mexico City & Tepoztlán - 10 Days

Focus on the highlights and hidden corners of Mexico City with this immersive 10-day tour. Explore ancient Aztec ruins and colonial churches, then sample exotic treats at the gourmet Mercado de San Juan, walk through the opulent rooms of Chapultepec Castle, and marvel at the pyramids of Teotihuacán. Escape the city for a quick getaway to the mystical mountain town of Tepoztlán for two nights, and end your trip in style with a night of contemporary Mexican gastronomy back in the capital.

Discover hidden gems in Mexico City and beyond on this 10-day tour

Off the Beaten Path in Mexico City, Puebla & Cuetzalan - 10 Days

Revel in Mexico's hidden corners with this 10-day insider's tour. In Mexico City, hunt down the best murals, cruise down ancient canals, and learn to cook traditional food. Bike through the Teotihuacán pyramids on your way to colorful Puebla, where you'll walk its historic streets and visit nearby Cholula. Transfer to the remote Cuetzalan to explore the mountainous nature and surrounding coffee plantations, then return to the capital for the Frida Kahlo Museum, Mexican wrestling, and a mezcal tasting.

Explore the incredible volcanoes around Mexico City on this 10-day tour

Hiking, Biking & Volcano Adventures Around Mexico City - 10 Days

Explore volcanoes, pyramids, and the colorful neighborhoods of Mexico City during this active 10-day adventure. Float down the ancient Aztec canals of the capital before heading to the nearby Teotihuacán pyramids for a biking tour. Hike around the famous "Smoking Lady" of Popocatépetl volcano, sweat out your impurities at a traditional temazcal in Amanalco, and spend a night at the base of Nevado de Toluca in a cozy mountain cabin.

Experience the diverse culture and traditions of the Mexican state of Oaxaca

Oaxaca Highlights: Mexico's Most Diverse State - 14 Days

As one of Mexico's most ethnically diverse states, Oaxaca is a melting pot of remarkable food, culture, and outdoor activities. With this 14-day itinerary, you'll experience it all, from the Oaxacan capital to the Pacific coast, squeezing in a vast number of experiences along the way. Sample smoky mezcal and street food, trek in the jungle, kayak across a lagoon, join a tortilla workshop, release turtles, learn to surf, and finish with some free time to relax on your choice of golden beaches.

Experience the many shades of blue in Bacalar's lagoon

Discover the Yucatán: Natural Treasures & Maya Heritage - 14 Days

This 14-day journey through the Yucatán Peninsula weaves nature, Maya culture, and ancient wonders into one memorable adventure. Start your exploration in Tulum, where pristine beaches meet well-preserved Maya ruins. Then head to the Lagoon of Seven Colors in Bacalar for a serene escape before immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of Valladolid, with its colorful colonial charm and archaeological wonders. Finally, venture to Holbox, an island paradise packed with nature experiences.

Boat across the sparkling blue waters of Laguna Bacalar and take note of ancient life forms like these stromatolites

2 Weeks in the Yucatán - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With two weeks in the Yucatán, you can hop between the peninsula's lush landscapes and ancient ruins on a fast-paced highlights tour or hire a rental car and zip between cenotes, colonial cities, and white-sand beaches on an ultimate road trip. Travelers looking to discover a bit of mainland Mexico can include San Cristóbal and Palenque in their itinerary. At the same time, beach lovers can dedicate half their trip to the pristine shorelines and waters of Cozumel and Playa del Carmen.

See the turquoise waters of Laguna Bacalar by sailboat

Best of Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula: Cities, Culture & Coast - 14 Days

With two weeks to spare, you can discover Yucatán's white-sand beaches, ancient Maya ruins, and colorful colonial cities at a relaxed pace. This adventurous itinerary takes you counter-clockwise around the peninsula from Valladolid to Tulum, checking off the region's many UNESCO-listed archaeological sites, nature reserves, and historic centers along the way. Highlights include snorkeling off Isla Holbox, sampling regional gastronomy in Mérida, and climbing the Maya pyramid at Calakmul.

Campeche's fortified city was built to defend against frequent pirate raids in the 17th century

Ultimate Yucatán Road Trip: History, Culture & Nature - 14 Days

Circle the entire Yucatán Peninsula on this self-drive adventure through the region's historic cities, archaeological sites, and nature reserves. Over two weeks, you'll explore the ruins of Chichén Itzá and Uxmal, spot monkeys and toucans in the jungles of Calakmul, follow an artisan route through the villages of Campeche, and paddle through the colorful lagoons of Bacalar. Your trip winds down on the coast, snorkeling through Cozumel's reefs and learning to cook with the locals near Playa del Carmen.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Yucatán: Yaxunah, Mérida, Valladolid & Uxmal - 14 Days

Discover the lesser-known areas of Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula with this two-week trip that takes you from Mérida and Valladolid to the local communities and cultures in between. Tour sustainable farms in Yaxunah and get a glimpse into the peninsula's Maya culture during community visits, engraving workshops, and eco-tours. Highlights include swimming and diving in secret cenotes, admiring colorful colonial architecture in Izamal, and boating past pink flamingoes in the Celestún Biosphere Reserve.

Admire the differing colored waters of the Yucatán's Las Coloradas

10 Days in the Yucatán - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Ten days in Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula is an excellent amount of time to hop between the region's lush jungles, impressive Maya ruins, and idyllic beaches. Opt for a self-drive discovery tour if you're a first-time visitor eager to see it all, or focus on the numerous outdoor activities on offer in Valladolid and Holbox. Travelers looking to delve into the region's history and cuisine should include Mérida and Yaxunah in their itinerary, while Puerto Morelos and Tulum are ideal destinations for water lovers.

Enjoy swims in cenotes, the Caribbean Sea, and Lake Bacalar during this active road trip

Mexico's Natural Beauty & Ancient Marvels in the Yucatán - 14 Days

This self-drive adventure takes you through Mexico's natural and ancient wonders. Based along the Yucatán Peninsula's northeastern coast, you'll split your time exploring coral reefs and ancient Maya ruins. Active travelers will enjoy archaeological parks, such as Ek' Balam, Cobá, and Chichén Itzá, touring a sustainable pearl farm, and sailing in Lake Bacalar. Round off your trip with an expedition to the Maya underworld along the Río Secreto and diving in the crystalline waters of Cozumel Island.

Admire several waterfalls within Sumidero Canyon

Mexico's Natural & Archaeological Wonders: Chiapas to the Yucatán - 14 Days

Two weeks in Mexico is ideal for discovering the Chiapas and Yucatán regions' natural and archaeological treasures. Your route traverses the tip of the Yucatán Peninsula and finishes in Isla Holbox on the paradisical Caribbean Coast. Along the way, boat through natural wonders like the Sumidero Canyon, a brilliant pink lake in Ría Lagartos Reserve, and unspoiled beaches at Cabo Catoche. You'll also swim in cenotes and tour archaeological sites like Palenque, Uxmal, and Chichén Itzá.

A lighthouse keeps watch over the rich biodiversity and coral gardens off the shores of Puerto Morelos

Self-Drive Yucatán Discovery: Puerto Morelos, Valladolid, Mérida & El Cuyo - 10 Days

Sample the best of the Yucatán Peninsula's archaeological and natural wonders, Indigenous communities, and charming cities with this 10-day road trip. Drive from the Riviera Maya coastline to the Spanish colonial cities of Valladolid and Mérida. Tour the ancient Maya ruins at Ek' Balam and Chichén Itzá before a day trip to coastal towns, which bring beekeeping insights and a boat ride to a cenote. Finish in El Cuyo on the northern coast, spotting flamingoes on a boat ride in Ría Lagartos Reserve.

Experience the nature and beauty of the Yucatán, below and above water

Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula in a Nutshell Tour - 10 Days

Explore the cultural and natural highlights of Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula on this perfectly paced 10-day tour. Split your time between three key Yucatán towns: the charming fishing village of Puerto Morelos, the lively Tulum, and the historical Valladolid. Along the way, you'll snorkel among coral reefs, swim in hidden cenotes near ruined Maya cities, and explore the underground river of Río Secreto.

Climb to the highest ruins of Ek' Balam, an ancient Maya site once lost to the dense jungle

Off-the-Beaten-Path Yucatán: Yaxunah, Valladolid & Mérida - 10 Days

This 10-day trip introduces you to an authentic side of Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, from Valladolid to Mérida, and the local communities and cultures in between. See Maya wonders at Ek' Balam and Chichén Itzá, join sustainable workshops to weave hammocks and make tortillas alongside the locals, and cool off with plenty of swimming in secret cenotes. Catch a glimpse of the peninsula's unspoiled nature as well, with day trips into the biodiverse hotspots of Ría Lagartos and the Celestún Biosphere Reserve.

Tacos de chapulines or grasshopper tacos are a traditional Oaxacan meal

10 Days in Oaxaca - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With 10 days, you can visit 2-3 regions of Oaxaca or add a stop in Mexico City. Beach lovers will enjoy snorkeling and surfing in Puerto Escondido, while history buffs will appreciate the Teotihuacán and Monte Albán archaeological sites. There's hiking in the Sierra Madre del Sur for active travelers and sea turtle conservation in Huatulco for wildlife enthusiasts. Foodies will enjoy cantina-hopping in Mexico City, amaranth cultivation in San Pablo Etla, and a community-based agave experience in Latuvi.

A view of cacti and mountains at Tehuacán-Cuicuitlan Biosphere Reserve

1 Week in Oaxaca - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

One week is enough time to visit up to three destinations in the Mexican state of Oaxaca. Foodies will want to savor Oaxaca City's culinary scene, while those craving lesser-known locales should see the turtle hatchlings in Mazunte. Adventurous travelers will enjoy boating and snorkeling in the Huatulco Bays, and culture enthusiasts can delve into traditional medicine and walk in an enchanted cloud forest. For an art-focused itinerary, explore nearby Puebla and visit handicraft villages.

Scenic view of the Basilica of Guadalupe and Mexico City's skyline

Mexico City, Valladolid & Holbox: Best Itinerary Ideas

Most people visiting Mexico City, Valladolid, and Holbox spend about two weeks in Mexico, which usually includes some time in Puerto Morelos, Tulum, and Pisté as well. If you're only headed to Mexico City, Valladolid, and Holbox, you can enjoy a comfortably-paced trip in 10 to 11 days. Even travelers with limited time can see the highlights in as few as six to nine days. Check out the below favorite Mexico City, Valladolid, and Holbox trips.

Mexico City's Chapultepec Castle served as a royal residence for Emperor Maximilian I during the 1860s

Mexico's Culture, Nature & Cuisine: Mexico City, Valladolid & Isla Holbox - 11 Days

Discover Mexico's cultural and natural wonders and cuisine on this 11-day tour of Mexico City, Valladolid, and Isla Holbox. Sample the capital city's gastronomy and history, from a street food tour to the ancient pyramids of Teotihuacán. Visit the Maya community of Yalcobá in Valladolid to swim in crystal-clear cenotes and learn about Maya milpa farming traditions. Then, embark on a ferry to Isla Holbox, where fishing, kayaking in bioluminescent waters, and hammock lounging await.

Enjoy discovering natural sinkholes around the Yucatán

Outdoor Adventures on Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula: Puerto Morelos, Valladolid, El Cuyo & Holbox - 10 Days

With 10 days in Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, you can discover the best outdoor adventures, from snorkeling in Puerto Morelos' National Reef Park to boating among flamingoes in Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve. Swim in little-known cenotes and spend an exciting day of kitesurfing on the north coast. Finish your trip with three days on Isla Holbox, where you'll cruise through mangroves by kayak and jump on a speedboat to the peninsula's northernmost point.

A sign showing the direction of a cenote in the Yucatán Peninsula

Active Yucatán Road Trip: Ruins, Cenotes & Outdoor Adventure - 10 Days

This self-drive Yucatán adventure takes you through some of some of the most unspoiled nature on Mexico's Caribbean coast. Based between Valladolid and Tulum, you'll spend time exploring archaeological ruins and swimming in crystal-clear cenotes. Float through the ancient lagoon system of the UNESCO Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, head into the jungle for ziplining and canoeing, and then sit down with the locals to taste traditional cooking and cuisine.

Lie out along the Caribbean at Playa del Carmen

Tulum & Playa del Carmen: Best Itinerary Ideas

For most travelers, six to 10 days are the perfect amount of time for a Mexico trip, with stops in both Tulum and Playa del Carmen. It's also possible to hit the highlights in five days if you don't mind a fast-paced journey. Travelers with more time can enjoy extra sights and activities at each stop or explore more of the country—some of our favorite itinerary extensions include Valladolid, Mexico City, or Puerto Morelos. See more ideas for Tulum and Playa del Carmen itineraries below.

See colorful local life on the streets of Oaxaca

Mexico City & Coast Discovery: Mexico City, Oaxaca & Huatulco - 10 Days

Hit the cultural and culinary highlights of Mexico City, Oaxaca, and Huatulco on this 10-day itinerary. Ideal for travelers seeking diverse experiences, it offers opportunities to savor authentic flavors during a cooking class in Mexico City, dive into cultural wonders like Hierve el Agua's thermal pools, and explore the bustling markets in Oaxaca. Finally, unwind on the Pacific coast with a thrilling waterfall hike and snorkeling in the bays of Huatulco.

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