Mexico Travel Insights

Highlights of Mexico City, Oaxaca & Puerto Escondido - 10 Days

You'll revel in this intrepid, cultural 10-day tour of Mexico. Spend two days in colorful Mexico City, with an afternoon rooting for wrestlers at Aréna Mexico. In Oaxaca, learn the ancient craft of wood carving, wander archaeological ruins at Mount Albán, and hike El Picacho to catch the sunset. Then, spend four days in the beachy surf town of Puerto Escondido for snorkeling, whale watching, and an afternoon with sea turtles at a local sanctuary.

Quick Riviera Maya Road Trip: Playa del Carmen to Tulum - 6 Days

Perfect for a quick escape, this six-day road trip through the highlights of the Riviera Maya takes you south from the beaches of Playa del Carmen to the ruins of Tulum. Along the way, you'll snorkel in the world-renowned reefs around the island of Cozumel, explore the ancient wonder of Chichén Itzá, and learn to whip up traditional Mexican dishes in a Tulum cooking class.

Mexico's Nature & Culture: Oaxaca, Puerto Escondido & San Cristóbal de las Casas - 10 Days

Combine time in nature with cultural experiences as you explore southern Mexico's diverse landscapes, Indigenous cultures, historic towns, and Pacific coastlines. Sample Oaxacan gastronomy from its eight regions, take a serene mountain walk in San Felipe del Agua, and admire the cascading waterfall rock formations at Hierve el Agua. Venture to Sumidero Canyon's towering cliffs and immerse yourself in the cultural traditions of Chiapa de Corzo, a historic town known for its traditional lacquerware art.

Mexico's Archaeological Wonders & Foodie Culture: Mexico City, Puebla & Oaxaca - 10 Days

Experience 10 days of archaeological treasures and authentic cuisine in Mexico City, Puebla, and Oaxaca. Especially appealing for history buffs and foodies, this itinerary blends the culinary and cultural highlights. See the bustling metropolis of Mexico City, Teotihuacán's majestic pyramids, Puebla's charming streets, and Oaxaca's rich landscapes as you savor mouthwatering tacos, indulge in mezcal under starlit skies, and uncover pre-Hispanic cultures in world-renowned museums.

Mexican Art & Craftsmanship in Puebla & Oaxaca- 7 Days

Southern Mexico's rich artisan culture comes alive on this immersive weeklong itinerary. See the talavera tiles and colonial architecture of Puebla, then take a road trip south to Oaxaca to master the art of mezcal making and discover pre-Hispanic history at Monte Albán. Along the way, get up close and personal with traditional Mexican craftsmanship as you visit handicraft workshops, meet local weavers, potters, and painters, and try your hand at wood carving and alebrije painting.

Coastal Mexico Adventure: Oaxaca, Huatulco & Puerto Escondido - 7 Days

Experience a week of laid-back adventure with this outdoor-oriented tour focused on Oaxaca's Pacific coast. Get to know the colorful culture and cuisine of Oaxaca City and its surroundings before setting off for the protected natural wonders of Huatulco. Snorkel and cruise through its famous bays, then turn inland to hike in the subtropical rainforest of the Sierra Madre del Sur. Continue along the coast to end your trip with kayaking and beach time on the golden sands of Puerto Escondido.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Oaxaca: Countryside & Coast - 7 Days

This weeklong itinerary takes you beyond Oaxaca's tourist trail to discover some of southern Mexico's loveliest countryside and coastline. Begin in Oaxaca City, where you'll tour the best of the city's markets and catch an insider's look at the making of savory traditional foods. Hop between distilleries and help harvest agave along the Mezcal Route, then head to Mazunte and the Pacific coast to witness turtle hatchlings take their first steps and explore biodiverse lagoons by kayak.

Explore Oaxaca Through Its Cuisine - 7 Days

Connect with the rich history and culture of Mexico's "culinary capital" through its famous cuisine on this seven-day tour of Oaxaca. Get your fill of distinct Oaxacan flavors with market tours, Indigenous cooking lessons, and local drink tasting. This journey won't only be about the food, though, with a trek through the Ixtepeji cloud forest, a city tour to see Oaxaca's many murals and several demonstrations of ancient Indigenous art traditions.

Oaxaca: Best Itinerary Ideas

Eight to 11 days is the most popular trip length for Mexico travelers interested in visiting Oaxaca, especially when also including Mexico City, Puebla, and Cholula. If you're only headed to Oaxaca, you can enjoy a comfortably paced trip in six to eight days. Even travelers with limited time can see the highlights in as few as four or five days. For the best itineraries, including Oaxaca, keep reading below.

Mexican Culture, Cuisine & Crafts in Oaxaca - 7 Days

Culture enthusiasts will savor one week of engaging in Oaxaca's traditions, gastronomy, and handicrafts. Sample famed regional dishes before exploring La Sierra Norte's cloud forest. Then, set out into local villages, each known for a handiwork, from San Antonino's intricate embroidery to Tilcajete's hand-painted alebrijes. Learn from a traditional doctor about medicinal plants in San Pablo Etla, where you'll lace up your hiking boots for the Puma Trail and transform the amaranth plant into a dessert.

5 Days in Oaxaca - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With five days in Mexico's southern state of Oaxaca, it's a great idea to base yourself in one location and embark on day trips from there. First-time travelers will find the city of Oaxaca the perfect fit to dive into food tours, explore Monte Albán, and get hands-on at workshops, while those looking for a mix of beach and culture should focus on the Huatulco region. Or, if you're seeking an itinerary filled with adventure, opt for a trip featuring the lagoons and beaches surrounding Puerto Escondido.

Discover Oaxaca's Art & Culture - 5 Days

Oaxaca's folk art and craftsmanship take center stage on this five-day tour of the southern Mexican state. Mingle with the locals at a mezcal distillery, then learn the secrets of traditional medicine in the bustling Central de Abastos market. Visit the weaving workshops of Teotitlán del Valle, paint your own alebrijes, and create woodcut prints with local artisans. Alongside all the creativity, you'll also explore the history and nature of the region with scenic hikes and visits to ancient Mesoamerican sites.

Mexico Land & Sea Adventure: Bays & Beaches of Huatulco - 5 Days

Need a quick but exciting getaway? On this five-day adventure in Mexico's coastal Huatulco region, you'll be welcomed by vistas of gleaming bays and golden beaches where protected flora and fauna thrive. Dive right into exciting water activities, from snorkeling and swimming to sailing under starlit skies. Explore the lively town, connect with locals, and savor traditions like crafting corn tortillas and creating carafe ice cream from scratch.

Mexican Culture & Cuisine in Oaxaca - 5 Days

Embark on an immersive five-day adventure through Oaxaca's rich culture and cuisine. Start your trip with an Indigenous gastronomic workshop, cycle through artistic neighborhoods, learn about amaranth, and explore the ancient city of Monte Albán. You'll even get hands-on, from painting your own alebrijes sculpture to learning how to cook traditional dishes in a rural Oaxacan village.

Mexico's Nature & Wildlife in Puerto Escondido - 5 Days

This five-day itinerary takes you on an in-depth adventure through Puerto Escondido's incredible landscapes and wildlife. Enjoy a bioluminescence experience at Playa Puerto Suelo, go on a boat safari through Chacahua Lagoons National Park, and learn how to surf in the famous breaks. From kayaking and whale watching to witnessing a turtle release at sunset, you'll soak up the beautiful nature of Oaxaca's "Emerald Coast."

Explore Oaxaca's Local Tastes, Textures & Traditions - 5 Days

Ignite your senses with this exhilarating five-day tour that immerses you in the vibrant culture of Oaxaca. Begin by savoring local flavors at Mercado de la Merced, then master the art of Oaxacan cooking in a workshop led by community chefs. Head to the Oaxaca Valley, where you'll marvel at the vistas from Monte Albán's historic archaeological zone, before visiting the cherished artisan workshops which produce the colorful and ornate handicrafts that define Oaxaca—and even painting your own!

1 Week in the Yucatán - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With one week in the Yucatán, you can embark on a highlights tour and tick off the must-see sites of Ek' Balam, Chichén Itzá, and Mérida, or experience the region from a local's perspective and include a tortilla-making experience, a cenote diving adventure, and time in Celestun Biosphere Reserve to your itinerary. Those who prefer the freedom of a self-drive tour can rent a car and split their time between Valladolid and the jungles of Tulum or head to El Cuyo for rejuvenating time at the beach.

Self-Drive Adventure on Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula: Valladolid & El Cuyo - 7 Days

Go beyond the surface beauty of Mexico's famous Yucatán Peninsula to discover its rich history, culture, and nature. This weeklong escape begins in the well-preserved Spanish-colonial city of Valladolid, from which you'll take trips to cenotes and ancient ruins like Ekʼ Balam and Chichén Itzá. Other highlights include visiting the largest Maya pyramid in the region at Cobá, plus an exciting day of kitesurfing on the north coast.

5 Days in the Yucatán - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With five days in Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, you can choose between a history-focused tour, a nature-filled adventure, or a mix of the two. For a classic tour, use Mérida as your base to explore Chichén Itzá and Mayapan, or include time in Valladolid to see the archaeological site of Ek' Balam. Those looking to enjoy time on the coast can add Tulum to their itinerary, while travelers who prefer keeping on the move will love a tour complete with stays in Puerto Morelos, Tulum, and Valladolid.

Insider's Yucatán: Yaxunah, Valladolid & Mérida - 7 Days

Get off the beaten path for a week of culture and nature in Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula. Start in Yaxunah with a weaving workshop and an introduction to ancient Maya farming methods. Transfer to Valladolid to explore the ancient ruins of Ek' Balam and Chichén Itzá, learn embroidery and tortilla-making with local communities, and get to know the colorful streets of colonial Mérida. After some adventurous cenote diving, you'll wrap up with a day of nature and wildlife in the Celestun Biosphere Reserve.

Discover Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula: Valladolid & Mérida - 7 Days

Discover a side of Mexico's famed Yucatán Peninsula that tourists rarely see. First, stroll the cobbled streets of Valladolid and marvel at impressive Spanish colonial churches. After Indigenous experiences at Ek' Balam and Yaxunah, you'll take a dip in sapphire cenotes, visit the awe-inspiring pyramid at Chichén Itzá, and cap the trip with street-food tours in Mérida, the region's capital.

Escape to Chichén Itzá & Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula - 7 Days

Discover the history, heart, and natural beauty of Mexico's famous Yucatán Peninsula on this weeklong adventure. Start in the colonial city of Valladolid, followed by a deep dive into Indigenous culture in Yalcobá. After touring the incredible 1,500-year-old pyramid of Chichén Itzá, finish with a delicious street food tour of Mérida, the capital of the Yucatán and one of Mexico's great gastronomy centers.

Mexico City, Valladolid & Mérida: Best Itinerary Ideas

Eleven days to two weeks are the most popular trip lengths for Mexico travelers interested in visiting Mexico City, Valladolid, and Mérida, especially when also including Tulum. If you're not interested in Tulum, 8 to 11 days is enough for your Mexico City, Valladolid, and Mérida trip. Check out the favored Mexico City, Valladolid, and Mérida trips below.

Mérida: Best Itinerary Ideas

Travelers to Mexico typically plan a trip for 11 to 14 days when combining Mérida with Mexico City, Valladolid, and Tulum. If you're not interested in Mexico City, Valladolid, and Tulum, five to seven days is enough for your Mérida trip. Check out our favorite Mérida trips below.

Puerto Morelos, Tulum & Holbox: Best Itinerary Ideas

Most people visiting Puerto Morelos, Tulum, and Holbox spend about 10 to 13 days in Mexico, which usually includes some time in Valladolid as well. If you're not interested in Valladolid, 8 to 12 days is enough for your Puerto Morelos, Tulum, and Holbox trip. Read on for the best itineraries, including Puerto Morelos, Tulum, Holbox, and beyond.

Mexico City & Mérida: Best Itinerary Ideas

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.

Guadalajara & Puerto Vallarta: Best Itinerary Ideas

Six to nine days is a great length for a Mexico trip, with stops in both Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta. Alternatively, extend your trip and explore more of the country—some of the best-loved trip extensions include Mexico City. Get inspired with kimkim's Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta trip ideas below.

Mexico's Yucatán in a Nutshell Tour - 5 Days

Go beyond Cancún and explore the lesser-visited highlights of Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula on this quick five-day escape. It begins in Puerto Morelos, whose unspoiled reef is part of a marine reserve you'll explore during a snorkeling trip. Then visit the ruins of El Castillo—situated above a beach in beautiful Tulum—before finishing with a tour of the even grander Ek' Balam archaeological site.

Maya Culture Tour in Mexico's Valladolid & Mérida - 5 Days

Pack a wealth of Maya culture and history into just five days on this whirlwind tour of Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula. Create lasting memories as you tour the cobbled streets of Valladolid and Mérida, hike the ruins at Ek' Balam, and marvel at the Chichén Itzá pyramid, which dates back over 1,500 years. Other highlights include swimming in cenotes and taking an immersive chocolate tour in Uxmal.

Maya Culture Tour in Mexico's Yucatán - 5 Days

In just five days, you'll reach the heart of Maya Indigenous culture in Mexico's famous Yucatán Peninsula. Your base will be Mérida, the region's capital, where you'll walk amid colonial history and sample delicious street food with ancient roots. Then you're off to tour maíz fields, swim in cenotes (limestone sinkholes), and explore the awe-inspiring pyramid of Chichén Itzá. Finish the adventure with a day trip to a biosphere reserve known for flamingoes.

Chiapas & Yucatán Peninsula: Best Itinerary Ideas

Most people visiting both Chiapas and the Yucatán Peninsula spend about 10 to 14 days in Mexico, which usually includes some time in Mexico City as well. For travelers wanting to visit Chiapas and the Yucatán exclusively, plan 13 to 15 days for a well-paced trip. Even travelers with limited time can see the highlights in as few as 9 to 12 days. For the best itineraries, including Chiapas and the Yucatán Peninsula, keep reading below.

Jungle & Culture Tour in Mexico's Maya Land - 5 Days

This five-day getaway to Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula combines Spanish-colonial landmarks, Maya culture, and outdoor activities. Start by visiting colonial churches in Valladolid before cycling around the ancient ruins at Cobá and touring local Maya villages and cenotes. As a bonus, you'll explore not one but two unspoiled nature reserves— Sian Ka'an and Punta Laguna—for swimming and hiking.

Mexico Culture & Nature Escape: Mérida & the Yucatán - 5 Days

Explore a different side of Mexico's famous Yucatán Peninsula on this five-day escape to Mérida, the region's capital. Take part in a number of culture and nature experiences that include visiting Maya communities, boating to the Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve, touring the ancient milpa fields of Yaxunah, and visiting Chichén Itzá, the "famous wonder of the Maya world," which dates back over 1,500 years.

Mexico City & Oaxaca: Best Itinerary Ideas

Eight to 11 days is the most popular trip length for Mexico travelers interested in visiting both Mexico City and Oaxaca, especially when also including Puebla. If you're not interested in Puebla, a week to nine days is enough for your Mexico City and Oaxaca trip. Read on for the best itineraries, including Mexico City and Oaxaca, and beyond.

Mexico City, Cholula & Oaxaca: Best Itinerary Ideas

Eight to nine days is a great length for a Mexico trip, with stops in Mexico City, Cholula, and Oaxaca. Travelers with less time can hit the route's highlights in four to seven days, which makes for a fast-paced journey. With more time, you can enjoy extra activities at each stop or a few days in another region like Yucatán Peninsula, Mazunte, or Mérida. Get inspired with the below Mexico City, Cholula, and Oaxaca trip ideas.

Puerto Vallarta: Best Itinerary Ideas

Five to eight days is a great length for a Mexico trip with stops in Puerto Vallarta. You can enjoy extra activities at each stop or a few days in another region like Guadalajara, Mexico City, or Sayulita with more time. See more ideas for Puerto Vallarta itineraries below.

Mexico City & Tulum: Best Itinerary Ideas

For most travelers, eight to nine days is the perfect amount of time for a Mexico trip, with stops in both Mexico City and Tulum. Travelers with less time can hit the route's highlights in a week, which makes for a fast-paced journey. Travelers with more time can enjoy extra sights and activities at each stop or explore more of the country—some favored itinerary extensions include Valladolid, Playa del Carmen, or Mérida. See more ideas for Mexico City and Tulum itineraries below.

Puerto Morelos, Valladolid, Tulum & Holbox: Best Itinerary Ideas

Most travelers will find that 10 to 13 days is perfect for a well-paced Mexico trip with stops in Puerto Morelos, Valladolid, Tulum, and Holbox. Travelers with less time can hit the route's highlights in eight or nine days, which makes for a fast-paced journey. With more time, you can enjoy extra activities at each stop or a few days in another region like Mexico City. See more ideas for Puerto Morelos, Valladolid, Tulum, and Holbox itineraries below.

Valladolid & Tulum: Best Itinerary Ideas

Six to seven days is a great length for a Mexico trip, with stops in both Valladolid and Tulum. Travelers with less time can hit the route's highlights in five days, which makes for a fast-paced journey. With more time, you can enjoy extra activities at each stop or a few days in another region like Holbox, Puerto Morelos, or Mexico City. See more ideas for Valladolid and Tulum itineraries below.

Yucatán History, Culture & Natural Treasures - 7 Days

This weeklong, active journey will take you through the highlights of Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula. Begin in Valladolid, then prepare to visit Ek' Balam Archaeological Site and Chichén Itzá, and go swimming in ancient cenotes. Next, transfer to Tulum for a cooking class with a local chef, explore the canals of Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve by boat and self-propulsion, and thrill to a jungle adventure park before heading home.

Mexico City & Puebla: Best Itinerary Ideas

Most people visiting both Mexico City and Puebla spend about 8 to 11 days in Mexico, which usually includes some time in Oaxaca as well. For travelers wanting to visit Mexico City and Puebla exclusively, plan six to eight days for a well-paced trip. Even travelers with limited time can see the highlights in as few as five days. For the best itineraries, including Mexico City and Puebla, keep reading below.

Chiapas: Best Itinerary Ideas

Most travelers will find that four to seven days is perfect for a well-paced Mexico trip with stops in Chiapas. With more time, you can enjoy extra activities at each stop or a few days in another region like Mexico City, Yucatán Peninsula, or Frontera Corozal. Keep reading for more inspiring Chiapas itineraries.

Mexico City, Puebla & Oaxaca: Best Itinerary Ideas

For most travelers, 8 to 11 days is the perfect amount of time for a Mexico trip, with stops in Mexico City, Puebla, and Oaxaca. If you don't mind a fast-paced journey, you can see the highlights of this route in less time—as few as five to seven days. 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 Yucatán Peninsula, Latuvi, or Acaxochitlán. See more ideas for Mexico City, Puebla, and Oaxaca itineraries below.

Mexico City: Best Itinerary Ideas

Travelers to Mexico typically plan a trip for 9 to 12 days when combining Mexico City with the Yucatán Peninsula. If you're not interested in the Yucatán Peninsula, five to seven days are enough for your Mexico City trip. Even travelers with limited time can see the highlights in as few as four days. Check the below favored Mexico City trips.

Playa del Carmen: Best Itinerary Ideas

For most travelers, five to eight days is the perfect amount of time for a Mexico trip with stops in Playa del Carmen. It's also possible to hit the highlights in four 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 favored itinerary extensions include Valladolid, Tulum, or Mexico City. Get inspired with the below Playa del Carmen trip ideas.

Tulum: Best Itinerary Ideas

Six days to a week is a great length for a Mexico trip with stops in Tulum. If you don't mind a fast-paced journey, you can see the highlights of this route in less time—as few as four or five days. With more time, you can enjoy extra activities at each stop or a few days in another region like Valladolid, Mexico City, or Puerto Morelos. See more ideas for Tulum itineraries below.

Mexico City & Yucatán Peninsula: Best Itinerary Ideas

For most travelers, 9 to 12 days is the perfect amount of time for a Mexico trip, with stops in both Mexico City and the Yucatán Peninsula. Travelers with less time can hit the route's highlights in five to eight days, which makes for a fast-paced journey. Or, extend your trip and explore more of the country—some of the best-loved trip extensions include Oaxaca, Chiapas, or Chichén Itzá. Keep reading for more inspiring Mexico City and the Yucatán Peninsula itineraries.

Yucatán Peninsula: Best Itinerary Ideas

Most travelers will find that six to nine days is perfect for a well-paced Mexico trip with stops in the Yucatán Peninsula. Travelers with less time can hit the route's highlights in four or five days, which makes for a fast-paced journey. You can enjoy extra activities at each stop or a few days in another region like Mexico City, Cozumel, or Chichén Itzá with more time. See more ideas for the Yucatán Peninsula itineraries below.

Best of Mérida: Off the Beaten Path in Mexico's Yucatán - 7 Days

See another side of Mexico's gorgeous Yucatán Peninsula as you venture beyond Cancún to the region's heart: Mérida. Over seven days, you'll explore this Spanish-colonial gem of a city (the capital of the province), plus embark on day trips to beaches and the famous cenotes in the area. For a bonus, take a day trip to Chichén Itzá, one of the most impressive ancient Maya ruins in the Yucatán.

Discover Oaxaca: Mexico's Cultural & Culinary Gem - 4 Days

If there's one region of Mexico perfect for a quick getaway, it's the southwestern state of Oaxaca. Here you'll get a lot of bang for your buck as you spend four days enjoying excellent street food, touring pre-Columbian archaeological sites, and visiting local artisan towns. Cap the trip with a stop at Hierve el Agua, one of the most incredible waterfalls in Mexico.