Mexico Travel Insights

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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'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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.