2 Weeks in Mexico - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Highlights of Mexico: From Mexico City to the Riviera Maya

Perfect for first-time visitors to Mexico, this two-week highlights tour offers a balanced mix of cultural, historical, and natural experiences. Begin with a four-day exploration of Mexico City, discovering the historic center and visiting the archaeological site of Teotihuacán. Then, head to Valladolid, a perfect base for day trips to the famous Chichén Itzá and Ek' Balam. Conclude your adventure by splitting your time between the wildlife-rich wetlands near Merida and the scenic coast of Tulum.

Welcome to Mexico! Your adventure begins in Mexico City, where you'll get your bearings during a walking tour and a visit to the National Museum of Anthropology. Then, with two more days based in the capital, you'll have ample time to explore its nearby natural wonders. First up is a biking excursion around Teotihuacán's ancient pyramids, followed by a boat trip along Xochimilco's canals and a stop by La Casa Azul. A transfer by plane and vehicle to Valladolid is next on your itinerary, and after a welcoming walking tour, dedicate a day to exploring the famous Chichén Itzá and its nearby Yokdzonot Cenote.

Over the following two days, you'll discover Valladolid's surroundings have plenty more to offer, including Nohoch Mul, the Yucatán's tallest pyramid, and Ek' Balam, an archaeological site partially reclaimed by the jungle. Next, delve into the world of maíz (corn) in Yaxunah on your way to Mérida, where you'll boat through the flamingo-filled Celestún Biosphere Reserve. Your final destination is Tulum, and after rejuvenating with a free evening, you'll visit the iconic El Castillo fortress alongside a guide. Then, wrap up your trip with a superb day of snorkeling at Xel-Há eco-park and a transfer to Cancún. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Discover the Yucatán: Natural Treasures & Maya Heritage

With three or more days based in Tulum, Bacalar, Valladolid, and Holbox, this action-packed coastal itinerary is ideal for travelers eager to discover the Yucatán Peninsula's historic treasures and natural wonders. Throughout, every day promises a new and exciting activity, from ziplining through the jungle and floating through wildlife reserves to swimming with whale sharks and refreshing in ancient cenotes. In between, delve into Mexico's easygoing culture through a visit to a local's home, a yarn-making workshop, and immersive city tours.

Kickstart your trip with a transfer from Cancún to Tulum, which will serve as your base for three nights. Take advantage of your free evening to hit the beach, as the following days are packed with exciting activities, including a zipline experience through the jungle canopy and a hiking and floating excursion in Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve. Next, transfer south to Bacalar, where you'll spend three days delving into the region's spectacular lagoons and learning about Maya culture. First up is an immersive visit to a family home, followed by a Bacalar Lagoon sailing trip and a climb up Calakmul's jungle-embraced pyramid. 

The second leg of your journey brings you to Valladolid, and after a welcoming walking tour, split the following day between a Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve boat ride and a visit to Yalcobá. Ek' Balam is another must-visit while based in Valladolid, and you'll explore these ruins alongside a guide before continuing to Holbox Island. Your time in this tropical paradise is all about the water, and you'll get things rolling with a boat trip to Cabo Catoche and a memorable swim with whale sharks. Lastly, spend your final day as you please—swimming, biking, or island hopping—before returning to Cancún. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Adventure in Chiapas & the Riviera Maya

Crafted especially for travelers eager to keep on the move and experience both Chiapas and the Yucatán Peninsula, this nature-focused adventure packs in stays in eight different destinations. Throughout, private transfers ensure plenty of detours to points of interest, such as the indigo Agua Azul waterfalls and the renowned Chichén Itzá. You'll also tour Sumidero Canyon by boat, explore the lesser-known archaeological sites of Palenque, and wander the Ek' Balam complex before ending with a sun-soaked stay on Holbox Island.

Your trip begins with an overnight in Cancún, then it's right back to the airport the following morning for a flight to Tuxtla Gutiérrez, the capital of Chiapas. Over two days here, you'll have ample time to discover its many natural wonders, including Sumidero Canyon National Park and El Chiflón Waterfall Park. Next, delight in a scenic drive to Palenque, pausing to admire the Agua Azul and Misol-Ha waterfalls en route. After exploring Palenque's ancient ruins, you'll spend an evening in the Yucatán Peninsula's city of Campeche, which you'll explore alongside a guide before continuing north to Izamal. 

Your quick-paced tour continues with a visit to Izamal's famous Convent of San Antonio; then, it's back on the road for a drive to Valladolid. Chichén Itzá is located along the way, and you'll stop by for a visit before delving into Valladolid's historical landmarks. Next, explore the jungle-absorbed ancient city of Ek' Balam before transferring to Tulum—the perfect base for a day trip to the wildlife-filled Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve. Your final destination is the beachy haven of Holbox Island, where two days of kayaking, swimming, and kitesurfing ensure you end your adventure sun-kissed and rejuvenated. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Oaxaca Highlights: Mexico's Most Diverse State

The Mexican state of Oaxaca is renowned for its vibrant culture, unique foods, and outdoor pursuits, and this comprehensive road trip features a perfect mix of them all. Starting in Oaxaca City, you'll taste your way through markets and hike among the forests of La Sierra Norte de Oaxaca. Then, with a rental car on hand, you'll spend the second portion of the trip exploring Mexico's Pacific coastal regions of Huatulco, Mazunte, and Puerto Escondido. With opportunities to release sea turtles, join a surf lesson, and embark on a nature trip in Laguna de Chacahua National Par, this itinerary is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

Your journey through Oaxaca starts with five days based in its capital, Oaxaca City, the first of which is yours to explore at your leisure. Then, enlist the help of a local guide for a food tour packed with market visits before heading out of the city for a day spent exploring ruins and visiting traditional villages. Over the following two days, you'll experience more of Oaxaca City's nearby highlights, including the ancient city of Monte Alban, the artisan workshop-filled region of Arrazola, and the forested La Sierra Norte de Oaxaca. Next, collect your rental car and hit the road to Huatulco, located on the Pacific coast.

A three-day stay in Huatulco provides plenty of time for outdoor activities, including a guided hike to Sierra Madre del Sur's waterfalls and a special release of baby sea turtles. Next, continue to the quiet beach town of Mazunte, where a memorable horseback and kayak adventure awaits. You'll then make your way west to Puerto Escondido, and after joining a unique bioluminescence experience, you'll embrace the region's surfing culture through a lesson. Afterward, spend your final day seeking out sea turtles during a guided visit to Laguna de Chacahua National Park. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Flavors & Aromas of Mexico

Mexican cuisine has found its way into cultures across the world, but there's no better way to experience its flavor-packed depth than on an adventure through Mexico's interior. Perfect for foodies eager to indulge in everything from street food to fusion dishes at top restaurants, this mouthwatering 14-day exploration features a multicourse dinner in Mexico City's Los Danzantes, mole Poblano and tortilla-making workshops alongside a local chef, and a tasting tour through Oaxaca City's markets. In between, work up an appetite while meandering ancient ruins and hiking Benito Juárez National Park.

There's no place better to start a culinary adventure than in the foodie paradise of Mexico City, especially as you'll kick things off with dinner at the renowned Los Danzantes. Next, delve into Mexico's past during a guided tour of the National Museum of Anthropology before dedicating a day to the city's food scene through market visits and stops at traditional eateries. Over the following two days, you'll take a break from the city while floating along Xochimilco's canals and exploring T​​eotihuacán by bike. Then, it's time to transfer to the birthplace of many traditional Mexican dishes—Puebla. 

Your three-day stay in Puebla is filled with immersive culinary experiences, including a local-led cooking class and a tortilla-making workshop in historic Cholula. Afterward, continue to Oaxaca City and get to know its history and food through a walking tour and dinner cooked by Indigenous chefs. You'll also spend a morning touring the ruins of Monte Albán, a former Zapotec city, before transferring to the mountainous town of Latuvi. An overnight here ensures you have time to hike in Benito Juárez National Park and visit a family farm before wrapping up your trip with a return to Oaxaca City. Learn more

More Great 2-Week Mexico Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Mexico? Check out these other two-week Mexico itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.