This is a suggested two week travel itinerary for Mexico that covers Mexico City, San Cristóbal de las Casas, Palenque, Mérida and Playa Del Carmen.
Why Travel To Mexico
- Ancient civilization, historical sites & ruins
- Unique culture
- Colorful colonial towns
- Stunning beaches
- Varied landscape
- Delicious cuisine
- Friendly locals
Mexico Itinerary Map
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| A:Mexico-City B:San-Cristóbal C:Palenque D:Mérida E:Playa-Del-Carmen |
Mexico Travel Itinerary
- Day 1-4: Mexico City
- Day 5-7: San Cristóbal de las Casas
- Day 8-9: Palenque
- Day 10-13: Mérida
- Day 14-15: Playa Del Carmen
If you've more time then also visit Oaxaca to enjoy the unique local food and culture.
Best Time To Visit Mexico
The best time to visit Mexico is during the dry season between December and April, when there is virtually no rain.
Mexico Top Experiences
- Stunning Chapultepec Castle
- Fascinating Teotucuhan Ruins
- Indigenous village of San Juan Chamula
- Swimming in a Cenote (natural deep-water sinkhole)
- Coastal resort town of Playa del Carmen
- Diverse & delicious Mexican cuisine
Day 1-4: Mexico City
Day 1
Mexico City is the capital and the largest city of Mexico. It is also the most populous city in North America. After arriving in Mexico City settle down in your hotel. Keep in mind that Mexico City is situated at an altitude of 2240m, so it's wise to take things slow on your first day to prevent altitude sickness.
Best areas to stay in Mexico City: In my view the best location to book your stay in Mexico City as a first time visitor is Roma. Alternatively Centro Historico and Reforma are also good locations to stay in Mexico City.
Day 2
Begin your second day in Mexico by exploring The Zócalo, the heart of central Mexico City. Before the colonial era, this vibrant square served as the primary ceremonial hub of the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan. While you're at The Zócalo, take the time to visit the stunning Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral located right in the square. Additionally, you might want to think about joining a walking tour to discover the rich history of the city center.
After enjoying your lunch, head over to the Templo Mayor Museum, located right next to the archaeological site of the main Aztec temple. In the afternoon, make your way to the Frida Kahlo Museum, a historic house and art museum that celebrates the life and artistry of the renowned Mexican artist, Frida Kahlo.
Travel Tip: To ensure you secure your entry to the Frida Kahlo museum, it's best to book your tickets online ahead of time because of its immense popularity.
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| Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral |
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| Templo Mayor (Mexico City) |
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| Templo Mayor Museum (Mexico City) |
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| Frida Kahlo Museum (Mexico City) |
Day 3
Start your day early by visiting the stunning Chapultepec Castle located on top of Chapultepec Hill. Enjoy the lovely views and charming terraces that the castle offers. The castle was built during the Viceroyalty as a summer house for the highest colonial administrator.
In the afternoon visit National Museum of Anthropology which is the largest and most visited museum in Mexico. The museum contains significant archaeological and anthropological artifacts from Mexico's pre-Columbian heritage.
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| Chapultepec Castle (Mexico City) |
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| Chapultepec Castle Terrace (Mexico City) |
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| Chapultepec Castle Dining Room (Mexico City) |
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| National Museum of Anthropology (Mexico City) |
Day 4
Start your day visiting Teotihuacan, which is an ancient Mesoamerican city located 40 kilometers (25 mi) northeast of Mexico City. Teotihuacan is known today as the site of many of the most architecturally significant Mesoamerican pyramids built in the pre-Columbian Americas. Teotihuacan was the largest city in this era. I recommend exploring the Teotihuacan ruins with a guide, to fully appreciate the fascinating ruins of Teotihuacan.
This being your last day in Mexico City, spend your afternoon walking around exploring any of the charming neighborhoods. Wrap up your day with a nice dinner at one of the many wonderful restaurants in Roma Norte.
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| Teotihuacan |
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| Teotihuacan |
Day 5-7: San Cristóbal de las Casas
Day 5
Start your day by catching a morning flight from Mexico City to Tuxtla Gutierrez Airport. Once you arrive, grab a licensed taxi to take you to San Cristóbal de las Casas, which is approximately 45 km away. This charming town is nestled in the Central Highlands of Chiapas, Mexico, and is surrounded by picturesque hills. The city center retains its Spanish colonial charm, featuring red-tiled roofs, cobblestone streets, and beautiful wrought iron balconies adorned with flowers.
After you check into your hotel in San Cristóbal, take some time to relax. In the late afternoon, venture out to explore the vibrant streets of downtown San Cristóbal. Stroll along Real de Guadalupe, the main pedestrian street bustling with shops, cafes, and restaurants. Don’t forget to stop by the central plaza, a great spot for people-watching and enjoying the local street vendors.
Where to stay in San Cristóbal de las Casas: The best location to book your stay in San Cristóbal as a first time visitor is the Historic Center.
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| San Cristóbal de las Casas |
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| Real de Guadalupe (San Cristóbal de las Casas) |
Day 6
Begin your day with a trip to Casa Na Bolom, the main hub of a foundation focused on preserving the area's forests and indigenous communities, which also houses a fascinating museum. Next, head over to Catedral de San Cristóbal, located in a vibrant plaza. This stunning cathedral, built in 1528, boasts a baroque façade and a beautifully gilded altar. For lunch, choose from one of the lovely restaurants in the city center.
After your meal, explore Museo del Ámbar, an informative museum that highlights amber jewelry, art, and fossils. Then, make your way to Real de Guadalupe, where you can relax at a cozy café, savoring a cup of Chiapas coffee while people-watching. In the afternoon, you might also want to consider joining a walking tour of the historic city center.
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| Catedral de San Cristóbal |
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| Casa Na Bolom (San Cristóbal de las Casas) |
Day 7
Begin your day with a visit to the indigenous village of San Juan Chamula, located about 10 km from San Cristóbal de las Casas. The majority of the residents in this municipality are indigenous and communicate in their native language. When you’re in Chamula, it truly feels like you’ve traveled back in time. After exploring Chamula, you can head over to Zinacantan, another nearby village. There, you can explore the local church and observe some traditional weaving techniques.
Travel Tip: To explore Chamula, I suggest hiring a local guide or joining a tour group for the best experience.
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| San Juan Chamula |
Day 8-9: Palenque
Day 8
Travel by coach bus from San Cristóbal to Palenque. Palenque was an ancient Maya city-state located in southern Mexico that declined in the 8th century. For your safety, choose a well-known coach bus company and plan your trip for daytime. The coach buses take a longer but safer route. Once you arrive in Palenque after the lengthy journey, check into your hotel. Enjoy dinner at one of the lovely restaurants in the La Cañada area.
Where to stay in Palenque: The best location to book your stay in Palenque is La Cañada for better access to services and restaurants.
Day 9
Begin your day with a trip to the Palenque Ruins, which date back to around 226 BC and continued until about 799 AD. Following its decline, the site became enveloped by a lush jungle filled with cedar, mahogany, and various other trees, but it has since been uncovered and restored. Although Palenque is a medium-sized archaeological site, it boasts some of the most exquisite architecture, sculptures, and carvings created by the Maya civilization. Notable structures include the Temple of the Inscriptions and the Temples of the Cross, which are among the most significant at Palenque. After exploring the ruins, make sure to visit the Palenque Site Museum, where you can see artifacts from the site and learn more about its fascinating history.
Take some time in the afternoon to unwind with a refreshing drink at one of the charming cafés in the La Cañada area.
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| Temple of the Inscriptions (Palenque) |
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| Palenque Ruins |
Day 10-13: Mérida
Day 10
Catch a coach bus from Palenque to Mérida, the capital of Yucatán and the largest city on the Yucatán Peninsula. For your safety, opt for a well-known coach bus company and plan your trip for daytime travel. Once you arrive in Mérida after the long journey, check into your hotel and enjoy dinner at one of the lovely restaurants in the City Center.
Best areas to stay in Mérida: The best location to book your stay in Mérida as a first time visitor is the City Center. Alternatively the area near Paseo de Montejo is also a nice location to stay in Mérida.
Day 11
Start your Mérida exploration in the morning by joining a walking tour of Mérida city center. Have lunch at one of the many Mexican restaurants in the city center.
After lunch stroll along the beautiful Paseo de Montejo which is a notable avenue of Mérida and is the location of some of the most iconic buildings and monuments of the city. In the afternoon, make sure to stop by Museo Casa Montejo, a beautifully restored house from the 16th century that has been transformed into a museum.
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| Paseo de Montejo (Mérida) |
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| Museo Casa Montejo (Mérida) |
Day 12
Begin your day at the Mayan World Museum of Mérida, where you can explore an impressive array of artifacts that showcase the everyday life of the Maya civilization. Later in the afternoon, make your way to the Cathedral of Mérida, one of the oldest cathedrals in the Americas. As the day winds down, relax at a café near Plaza Grande and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere around you.
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| Mayan World Museum of Mérida |
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| Cathedral of Mérida |
Day 13
Join an organized day trip to Chichén Itzá and Cenote from Mérida. Your adventure will kick off with a refreshing visit to the Cenote in the morning. This natural sinkhole, formed by the collapse of limestone bedrock, reveals beautiful groundwater. Don’t forget to bring your swim gear for a dip!
In the afternoon, you'll explore the magnificent ruins of Chichén Itzá, located in the heart of the Yucatán. This ancient city was once a hub for religion, military, politics, and trade during its prime. Some tour operators also include stops at the picturesque towns of Izamal and Valladolid. Izamal, known as the Yellow City, boasts a rich colonial history with its vibrant yellow buildings. Valladolid is another delightful destination, perfect for immersing yourself in the rich history and culture of the Yucatán Peninsula.
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| Chichén Itzá |
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| Cenote (Yucatán, Mexico) |
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| Izamal (Yucatán, Mexico) |
Day 14-15: Playa del Carmen
Take the coach bus from Mérida to Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen is a city located along the Caribbean Sea in the state of Quintana Roo. It is a popular tourist city which features a wide array of tourist activities due to its geographical location in the Riviera Maya. Playa del Carmen is an hour drive from Cancun.
During your last two days in Mexico, take the time to unwind at the beach, soak up the sun, savor delicious food, and indulge in some shopping. La Quinta Avenida, or Fifth Avenue, is the main pedestrian street in Playa del Carmen, stretching about four kilometers alongside the coast. This lively avenue is filled with street performers, souvenir shops, cafes, restaurants, and bars. Don't miss Parque Los Fundadores, a lovely seaside park featuring sculptures, a playground for kids, and traditional Mayan dance shows. There are also several amusement and theme parks nearby for added fun.
Cancun is closest airport to fly to your international destination.
Where to stay in Playa del Carmen: The best location to book your stay in Playa del Carmen as a first time visitor is close to Quinta Avenida. Staying close to the Fifth Avenue will allow to easy access to the beach as well as all the services.
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| Playa del Carmen |
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| Fifth Avenue (Playa del Carmen) |
What to Shop In Mexico
Mexico is known for indigenous jewelry, colorful pottery, textiles, chocolates, coffee beans, Mexican hot sauce, Mexican candies, Mezcal (alcoholic beverage) and Tequila (alcoholic beverage).
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