Mexico Travel Insights

Insights, ideas and itineraries from kimkim's trusted network of Local Travel Specialists and Experts in Mexico
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Drink refreshing "cocos" (coconuts) on a Mexican beach
Map of Food & Culture from Mexico City to the Yucatán - 15 Days
Food & Culture from Mexico City to the Yucatán - 15 Days

When you combine the incredible sights of Mexico with its delicious flavors, you have a recipe for the perfect vacation. This grand tour starts with Mexico City's highlights and includes copious samplings of tasty street food and famous spirits. From there, you'll travel to historical landmarks and natural wonders throughout the Yucatan Peninsula, from the pyramids of Chichen Itza to the white-sand beaches of the Riviera Maya to the remote islands of the far north.

See Santo Domingo Cathedral in captivating Oaxaca City
Map of Discover Central Mexico: Mexico City, Guanajuato, Cholula, Oaxaca & More - 15 Days
Discover Central Mexico: Mexico City, Guanajuato, Cholula, Oaxaca & More - 15 Days

This adventure covers the most incredible ancient cities in the country. It starts in Mexico City, a capital whose colonial legacy is as rich as its indigenous history. Then travel north to the Baroque cathedrals and colorful houses of Guanajuato and Morelia before touring the massive Aztec city of Teotihuacán. It all comes to a close with culture, history, and foodie tours of beautiful Puebla and Oaxaca.

Board a "trajinera" and cruise historic canals in the capital's neighborhood of Xochimilco
Map of Discover Mexico from the Capital to the Beach: Palenque, Nahá, Calakmul & Bacalar - 15 Days
Discover Mexico from the Capital to the Beach: Palenque, Nahá, Calakmul & Bacalar - 15 Days

Get to the heart of Mexico's rich culture over 15 days, which will take you from the Spanish colonial plazas of the capital to the Caribbean beaches of the Yucatán Peninsula. It begins in Mexico City, where you'll visit museums, enjoy delicious street food, and tour historic enclaves like Coyoacán. Then immerse yourself in the Indigenous culture and ancient ruins of beautiful regions like Chiapas before finishing the trip by sailing around the lagoons of the Yucatán.

Sample plenty of eats on this food and culture themed itinerary of Mexico
Map of Food & Culture from Mexico City to the Yucatán - 11 Days
Food & Culture from Mexico City to the Yucatán - 11 Days

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.

Chichén Itzá
Map of 11 Days in Mexico - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas
11 Days in Mexico - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Eleven days is enough time to experience the highlights of two regions in southern Mexico. Enjoy the food and Aztec ruins of Mexico City before heading to Oaxaca to experience indigenous culture and participate in cultural workshops. Or focus the bulk of your time on the Yucatán Peninsula, where you can walk in the footsteps of the ancient Maya, dive into cenote lagoons, enjoy Caribbean beaches, and relax on remote islands.

El Castillo ruins at historically famous Tulum
Map of Nature & Maya Culture in the Yucatán - 11 Days
Nature & Maya Culture in the Yucatán - 11 Days

When you combine the ancient Maya culture of the Yucatán Peninsula with its natural beauty, you have all the makings of the perfect holiday. Over 11 days, you'll visit the highlights of this region, like its famous Maya ruins, while also going off the beaten path to swim in turquoise cenote lagoons and visit indigenous villages. Beyond that, you'll participate in Maya culinary workshops, snorkel in marine reserves, and discover Holbox Island's tranquil paradise.

Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve
Map of History, Culture & Beaches: Riviera Maya & Valladolid - 11 Days
History, Culture & Beaches: Riviera Maya & Valladolid - 11 Days

Escape to the Yucatán Peninsula, a region in southern Mexico known for its unparalleled beauty. On this adventure, you'll spend a lot of time on the famed Riviera Maya, a section of the Caribbean coast lined with white-sand beaches fronting turquoise waters. Aside from beach time, you'll also explore ancient Maya ruins, swim in underground rivers, and hike around nature reserves in and around Valladolid and the coast.

Visit the Francisco Canton Park in Valladolid to explore the many Spanish colonial buildings
Map of Discover Mexico from the Capital to the Beach: Mexico City, Valladolid & Mérida - 11 Days
Discover Mexico from the Capital to the Beach: Mexico City, Valladolid & Mérida - 11 Days

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.

Visit historic Monte Albán in Oaxaca
Map of Oaxaca & the Pacific Coast - 11 Days
Oaxaca & the Pacific Coast - 11 Days

Discover a side of Mexico that's as rich in history and indigenous culture as it is beautiful. Over 11 days, you'll experience the highlights of magical Oaxaca and go off the beaten path on nature hikes, participate in cultural workshops, and visit historic ruins. The journey continues to the Pacific Coast and the resort town of Huatulco, where you'll enjoy some well-deserved R&R on Oaxaca's inviting beaches.

Enjoy spending time exploring Yucatán's Riviera Maya
Map of Highlights of Mexico City & the Riviera Maya - 11 Days
Highlights of Mexico City & the Riviera Maya - 11 Days

Explore two of Mexico's highlight regions: historic Mexico City and the beautiful Yucatán Peninsula. In the former, you'll hike up Aztec pyramids and stroll the cobbled streets of its Centro Histórico—all while indulging in delicious street food. Then you're off to the white-sand beaches of the Yucatán, where you'll tour ancient Maya ruins, participate in Indigenous workshops, and snorkel marine reserves.

Experience daily life in a traditional Nahua village in Mexico
Map of 12 Days in Mexico - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
12 Days in Mexico - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Twelve Days in Mexico is just enough time to have a well-rounded, unforgettable experience in one or two regions. Get to the heart of the culture as you visit Aztec ruins, enjoy the highlights of the capital, and tour the historic cobbled streets of Guanajuato, Puebla, and Oaxaca. Or focus on the beautiful Yucatán Peninsula as you road-trip along the Riviera Maya, explore Maya archeological sites, and discover the wild beauty of underground rivers and remote islands.

A close up of Mexico City's "tacos al pastor"
Map of Food & Culture from Mexico City to the Yucatán - 12 Days
Food & Culture from Mexico City to the Yucatán - 12 Days

Over 12 days, you'll experience the cultural highlights of Mexico City and the Yucatán Peninsula, from the cuisine to the historic landmarks to the natural beauty. It starts with a whirlwind tour of Mexico's capital, during which you'll nibble on street food, stroll the colonial streets of Coyoacán, and hike the pyramids of Teotihuacán. Then it's off to the stunning Yucatán region to laze on white-sand beaches, visit biosphere reserves, and hike around ancient Maya ruins.

Relax in sun-kissedBacalar in the Yucatán
Map of Yucatán Road Trip: Tulum, Bacalar, Valladolid, Mérida, Holbox & Puerto Morelos - 12 Days
Yucatán Road Trip: Tulum, Bacalar, Valladolid, Mérida, Holbox & Puerto Morelos - 12 Days

Get ready for a 12-day road-trip adventure across Mexico's famed Yucatán Peninsula, known for its Caribbean beaches, underground cenotes, and ancient Maya ruins. You'll see all of it, starting at the fortress ruins in Tulum and then visiting biosphere reserves and exotic turquoise lakes. Next, you'll venture north to enjoy cultural exchanges in Indigenous communities, visit Spanish-colonial heritage cities, and descend into underground caves sacred to the Maya people.

See captivating sights like Santuario de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios in Cholula, Oaxaca
Map of Discover Central Mexico: Morelia, Guanajuato, Acaxochitlán, Cuetzala, Cholula & Oaxaca - 12 Days
Discover Central Mexico: Morelia, Guanajuato, Acaxochitlán, Cuetzala, Cholula & Oaxaca - 12 Days

This 12-day exploration of the heart of Mexico will take you to its most historic locales. This includes stops at the 16th-century cities of Morelia and Querétaro, where you'll enjoy horseback riding through the rugged Guanajuato mountains. Then immerse yourself in the region's culture with visits to indigenous workshops, tours of coffee plantations, and outings to the most incredible sights in Puebla and Oaxaca.

Join a boat tour through captivating Sumidero Canyon
Map of Highlights of Chiapas & Yucatán - 13 Days
Highlights of Chiapas & Yucatán - 13 Days

This 13-day adventure covers the highlights of two of southern Mexico's most historic and naturally beautiful states: Chiapas & Yucatán. In the former, you'll tour natural wonders like Sumidero Canyon and the Agua Azul waterfalls. In the latter, you'll visit its most famous archeological sites, like Palenque and Uxmal, while also enjoying the white-sand beaches of Holbox Island and Playa del Carmen.

Take in the ancient Maya ruins and lie out on the pristine beaches of the Riviera Maya
Map of Riviera Maya Road Trip - 13 Days
Riviera Maya Road Trip - 13 Days

The Caribbean side of Mexico isn't known as the western Riviera for nothing—this stunning section of coast is lined with white-sand beaches home to towering hotels overlooking turquoise waters. More than that, it's filled with ancient Maya ruins, fairy-tale cenotes, and unspoiled nature reserves. You'll see all this and more as you spend 13 days on a self-drive tour around the region's natural highlights and resort towns—from Tulum to Playa del Carmen to Holbox Island.

Relax on the pristine beaches of La Paz on the Baja California peninsula
Map of Mexico City, Baja & the Yucatán - 13 Days
Mexico City, Baja & the Yucatán - 13 Days

Over 13 days, you'll visit some of Mexico's most naturally beautiful and culturally rich areas. Experience the food, culture, and history of Mexico City, hike the pyramids of Teotihuacán, then immerse yourself in indigenous culture on the Yucatán Peninsula. You'll also go off the tourist trail in Baja, California, with a boat tour of Isla Espíritu Santo, hikes through desert mountains, and snorkeling at Cabo Pulmo.

Take a dip in the Caribbean Sea after exploring the Tulum Archaeological Zone
Map of Cultural Highlights of Mexico - 13 Days
Cultural Highlights of Mexico - 13 Days

A great thing about Mexico is that its cultural highlights also make for some of the most fun activities. You'll experience many such adventures over 13 days as you tour the historic center of Mexico City, hike the pyramids of Teotihuacán, and visit colorful neighborhoods like Xochimilco. Then you're off to the famous Yucatán Peninsula to tour the ruins of ancient Maya cities, participate in indigenous cultural exchanges, and enjoy beach time on the Caribbean coast and the Holbox Island.

Stroll the white sand beaches and visit the Maya ruins of the Riviera Maya
Map of 13 Days in Mexico - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
13 Days in Mexico - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

In 13 days, you can enjoy a packed itinerary that includes in-depth explorations of two or even three regions in Mexico. Enjoy the history, food, and Aztec ruins of Mexico City, then discover the wonders of Chiapas, like its cascading waterfalls, majestic river canyons, and highland colonial towns. Even after all that, you'll still have time to explore the length and breadth of the mythical Yucatán Peninsula, as rich in ancient Maya ruins as it is abundant in postcard Caribbean beaches.

The archaeological site of Palenque in the state of Chiapas
Map of Archaeology & Culture in Mexico - 15 Days
Archaeology & Culture in Mexico - 15 Days

Discover Mexico, a country home to more UNESCO World Heritage Sites (35) than any other nation in the Americas. Over 15 days, you'll tour many of these archeological marvels, like the ancient cities of Teotihuacán, Palenque, Chichén Itzá, and more. Beyond that, you'll visit natural highlights like the majestic Sumidero Canyon, the waterfalls at Agua Azul, and the marine reserve at Puerto Morelos.

Colorful flags and piñatas on a street in Oaxaca
Map of Mexico Family Adventure: Mexico City to Oaxaca - 12 Days
Mexico Family Adventure: Mexico City to Oaxaca - 12 Days

Jam-packed with fun, fascinating excursions, this 12-day itinerary is the perfect introduction to Mexico for the whole family. Starting in the capital, you'll cheer on your favorite wrestlers at a live Lucha Libre show, then go for a kid-friendly food tour through the colorful city streets. After exploring the canals and floating gardens of Xochimilco, it's time to make your way south toward Oaxaca—stopping en route to see the pyramids of Teotihuacan by hot air balloon and walk in the footsteps of dinosaurs at the Tehuacán Biosphere Reserve.

Take a refreshing dip in a cenote in the Yucután jungle
Map of Relaxed Vacation on the Yucatán Peninsula - 8 days
Relaxed Vacation on the Yucatán Peninsula - 8 days

The 100-mile (160 km) stretch of coast along the Yucutan Peninsula, known as the Riviera Maya, includes some of Mexico's most incredible ruins, idyllic Caribbean beaches, and awe-inspiring natural wonders. And this escape to the Riviera is so packed with memorable adventures you'll be surprised you can do it all in eight days.

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 beach/city/culture/food tour. However, if you want to see the most of Mexico without having to rush, aim for two weeks or longer. No matter your timeframe, the below itineraries will help you plan that perfect Mexican getaway.

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 calling. Combine a visit to this Wonder of the World with a swim in a cenote and hands-on food and art experiences to educate yourself about Mayan culture both past and present.

Spectacular Volcano Views
Discover Central Mexico: Mexico City, Cholula & Puebla - 6 Days

If you're short on time but don't want to compromise on adventure, this packed six-day trip to Central Mexico is for you. Start in Mexico City, where you'll visit Aztec ruins and enjoy a delicious street-food tour. Then, spend a couple of days in Cholula walking amid colonial history while also learning about its rich indigenous history, which is represented in the cuisine, talavera pottery, and more.

Colorful Trajineras
Discover Central Mexico: Mexico City, Cholula & Oaxaca - 7 Days

Spend a week discovering Mexico's central region, from Mexico City to Oaxaca. Visit the National Museum of Anthropology, go biking in Teotihuacán — The City of the Gods, and explore the history of the local agricultural staple of Cholula: corn. End in Oaxaca for a historical tour and a cultural experience to create your own alebrije: a little clay statuette.

Peaceful Oasis in the City
Map of Discover Central Mexico: Mexico City, Cholula & Oaxaca - 8 Days
Discover Central Mexico: Mexico City, Cholula & Oaxaca - 8 Days

Visit anthropology museums in Mexico City, explore archaeological sites in Teotihuacán, and experience local cultures on this eight-day immersive trip to Mexico's central region. Start in Mexico City, where you'll explore the bustling capital, then head to Cholula for ancient ruins and a tour of the local staple crop: corn. End in Oaxaca, one of the culinary capitals of Mexico.

Quiet street in Oaxaca
Discover Central Mexico: Mexico City, Cholula, Oaxaca - 9 Days

This trip is perfect for travelers who are short on time but don't want to compromise on adventure. Start in Mexico City to explore the food scene and waterways that show the city's history. Continue to the foodie town of Cholula to explore Teotihuacán, then end the trip in Oaxaca for a history tour and a chance to taste authentic mezcal in the place where it's produced.

Smoke roiling from Popocatepetl
Discover Central Mexico: Mexico City, Cholula, Oaxaca, Mazunte, & More - 11 Days

This packed eleven-day itinerary offers the best of Central Mexico's culture and nature, from volcanoes to the ocean. You'll go hiking in the national park, visit Mexico City's best museums, and walk through a forest of cactuses. There's also time for moments of relaxation — kick back on Mazunte's beaches, enjoy a leisurely sunset walk in the forest, and take in the best of Oaxaca's foodie scene.

See the local color of Oaxaca
Map of Food, Culture & Adventure in Central Mexico - 12 Days
Food, Culture & Adventure in Central Mexico - 12 Days

Explore the ruins of ancient cities, hike rugged mountain trails, and immerse yourself in indigenous culture on this 12-day deep dive into central Mexico. It begins in the capital with walking tours of the historical center before heading to Cholula and Oaxaca to visit local markets and see the sights. The last half of the trip is packed with active adventures like horseback riding and hiking through misty cloud forests before finishing on the gorgeous Pacific Coast.

Temple of Quetzalcoatl
Discover Central Mexico: Mexico City, Cholula, Oaxaca, Mazunte, & More - 13 Days

If you want to experience Mexico's culture and leave time for adventure, look no further than this packed 13-day trip. From the buzzing streets of Mexico City to the ancient archaeological ruins that emerge from the rainforest, you'll see the best of the region and enjoy insider experiences, like a traditional Temzacal steam bath.

View of the Chapultepec Wood
Discover Central Mexico: Mexico City, Oaxaca, Mazunte & More - 14 Days

Spend two weeks exploring the best that central Mexico has to offer. Start in Mexico City for explorations of the metropolis and a ride on a traditional wooden Trajinera. Continue to Cholula to explore Teotihuacán, then head to Oaxaca to visit the Tehuacán-Cuicuitlan Biosphere Reserve. End in Mazunte to see bioluminescence and view baby sea turtles return to the ocean.

Catch a sunset from Punta Cometa in Mazunte
Discover Central Mexico: Mexico City, Cholula, Oaxaca, Mazunte & More - 15 Days

Spend fifteen days exploring the best of central Mexico. You'll walk through a cactus forest in the Tehuacán-Cuicuitlan Biosphere, taste traditional Mexican Mezcal, and more on this itinerary. Start by exploring the various neighborhoods of Mexico City and floating on the canals of Xochimilco in a traditional wooden Trajinera, then continue to the countryside to explore nature and ancient ruins.

Crossing the Water
Explore Mexico's Chiapas Region: San Cristóbal de las Casas, Palenque & Nahá - 9 Days

If you want to explore Mexico's Chiapas region but are short on time, this nine-day trip is a perfect blend of history, culture, and nature. Start with a river ride through Sumidero Canyon, then head to historic San Cristóbal for walking tours and a traditional cooking class. Continue to Maya archeological sites and indigenous cities for cultural exchanges while stopping en route at turquoise waterfalls.

Local Dishes
Experience Chiapas' Gastronomy & Nature in Mexico: San Cristobal de las Casas & Tziscao - 5 Days

If you want a getaway to Mexico but are short on time, look no further than this foodie & adventure-packed itinerary. You'll spend the trip based in San Cristobal de las Casas, where you'll explore the towering walls of Sumidero Canyon, learn to cook regional fare and wander the colorful streets. Spice things up with a one-day trip to Tziscao to take a boat trip on a log raft and visit a coffee plantation.

Laguna Chunyaxche
Map of Mexican Culture & Beaches: Tulum, Valladolid, Holbox Island & More - 9 Days
Mexican Culture & Beaches: Tulum, Valladolid, Holbox Island & More - 9 Days

From Mexico's Caribbean coast to the colonial streets of Valladolid, this nine-day trip showcases thousands of years of history and culture while leaving ample time for rest and relaxation. Dive into cenote lagoons, marvel at the great pyramids of Chichen Itza, and relax on the white-sand beaches of Holbox Island. Along the way, take part in cultural exchanges to learn about Indigenous Maya customs as you meet local families and enjoy traditional home-cooked meals.

Chichen Itza
Mexico's Culture & Beaches: Tulum, Valladolid, Holbox Island & More - 10 Days

Explore ancient Maya ruins, kick back on the beach, and visit the rainforest on this ten-day trip to Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula. Start the trip in Tulum for swims in cenotes, then head to Valladolid to see Chichén Itzá and other archaeological sites. End the trip on Holbox Island, a car-free oasis of sprawling beaches and quiet cafés.

Traditional meal
Mexico Culture & Beaches: Tulum, Valladolid, Holbox Island & More - 11 Days

Swim in a hidden jungle cenote, explore the Playa Ruinas near Tulum, and more on this eleven-day exploration of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. You'll go caving underground to see ancient geologic formations, visit the archaeological site of Coba, and end the trip by relaxing on Holbox Island's beautiful sand beaches.

Holbox Island
Map of Nature & Maya Culture in the Yucatán - 12 Days
Nature & Maya Culture in the Yucatán - 12 Days

From the colonial streets of Valladolid to the peaceful beaches of Holbox Island, this 12-day itinerary delivers plenty of adventure and relaxation in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. Tour ancient Maya ruins, go swimming in underground rivers, and enjoy some R&R on the white-sand beaches of Holbox Island. And that's just the start.

Ancient Ruins
Mexico Rainforest Exploration & Indigenous Culture: Palenque & Nahá - 7 Days

From ancient archaeological sites to relaxing waterfall oases, this weeklong exploration of Central Mexico packs plenty of adventure. You'll explore the ancient Maya cities of Yaxchilan & Bonampak, learn to make a traditional bow & arrow and cool off at the Roberto Barrios waterfalls. To top it off, there's no driving—your personal driver will make sure you get where you're going.

A Relaxing Oasis
Mexico Rainforest Exploration & Indigenous Culture: Palenque & Nahá - 6 Days

Spend six days visiting ancient Maya archaeological sites, swimming in turquoise waterfalls, and learning about the Indigenous cultures of central Mexico. Throughout it all, your expert driver will accompany you from location to location, ensuring that you're only focused on relaxing and spending time in nature—not navigating the roads.

Agua Azul Waterfalls
Mexico Rainforest Exploration & Indigenous Culture: Palenque & Nahá - 5 Days

Explore the best of Central Mexico's Indigenous cultures and rainforests on this whirlwind five-day trip. You'll land in Palenque, then make your way to Villahermosa by way of Naha. Your expert driver will deliver you to all your planned stops: visits to ancient Maya ruins, oasis-like waterfalls, and traditional handicraft lessons.

Playa Ruinas
Mayan Culture & History in Tulum - 7 Days

Get away from the hustle and bustle on this adventurous weeklong trip to Tulum. You'll see the best of the Yucatan Peninsula—including the Tulum archaeological site, the Coba Maya ruins, underground caves, cenotes, and more—without compromising on the relaxation factor.

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