Custom Mexico Itinerary: Create Your Ideal 1-6 Week Adventure

Everybody’s ideal holiday looks a little different. Some of us (Connor) love history; others (like Hannah) are all about the local food on offer! Whatever it is you’re interested in can make it hard to find an itinerary that fits your vibe, especially if you’re in a couple or group with differing priorities.

That’s why we’re NOT going to provide a single, specific itinerary/route to follow, but instead give you the tools and information (and a bit of guidance) to plan the ideal itinerary for YOUR trip, including all of the must-see spots based on your interests!

We’ve designed this article to:

1. Give you an overview of all the popular spots in Mexico and explain why they might be of interest to you, and;
2. Give you suggested itineraries based on interests, including help with the travel logistics in-between e.g. a history-focused itinerary with lots of Mayan ruins or a relaxation-focused itinerary that’s very chilled out. We’ve even included an itinerary that covers a bit of everything!!

Popular Stops in Mexico

Let’s go through the popular tourist spots in Mexico and why they might interest you:

Mexico City

Mexico City, or Ciudad de México (CDMX), is the capital of Mexico. It’s a HUGE city (the 5th largest in the world!) with so much to see, we honestly think you could devote so much time here.

From exploring popular neighbourhoods like Roma Norte, Condesa or Centro Histórico to exciting activities like watching Lucha Libre wrestling or visiting Teotihuacán, you won’t run out of great things to put on your itinerary.

It’s actually one of our favourite capitals in the world, mainly due to its amazing range of amazing history and museums, incredible food to try, vibey areas to explore, and loads more… it’s got a bit of everything!

We think any good Mexico Itinerary involves visiting Mexico City. Start your planning with our Ultimate Mexico City Travel Guide.

📅 Recommended number of days: 2-5

Puebla

Puebla is a beautiful colonial city just a couple of hours from Mexico City, making it the perfect place for an overnight getaway from the bustling capital.

Puebla is best known for its number of impressive churches (70 in the historic centre alone), charming cobbled streets and, of course, its incredible food!

The best way to spend a handful of days in Puebla involves wandering the UNESCO-listed historic centre, visiting as many of the stunning churches as possible, indulging in all the local cuisine (there’s a lot of great dishes that originate in Puebla!) or heading up to nearby Cholula to see the Great Pyramid with a church on top.

It’s a great place to add to your itinerary if you have a couple of spare days.

Check out our article Experience the Best of Puebla in 2 Days: Travel Guide & Itinerary for the full list of things to do!

📅 Recommended number of days: 2

San Miguel de Allende

San Miguel de Allende is another picture-perfect colonial city in the heart of Mexico. It’s famous for its stunning buildings, cobblestone streets, and the iconic Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel – one of the most stunning churches we’ve ever seen!

The city has a great arts scene, epic rooftop bars for a sunset drink, and a fantastic mix of local and international cuisine.

You can spend your days exploring the artisan markets, taking in the views from El Mirador, or simply strolling amongst the charming streets to see what you discover tucked away.

📅 Recommended number of days: 2

Guanajuato

Guanajuato is a larger city that’s tucked into a valley, full of colour and lively energy, famous for its winding alleyways, tunnels burrowing under the city, and epic views across the stunning valley.

It’s also a university town, which means it’s full of energy, music, festivals – and history! It played a large role in Mexico’s War of Independence.

You’d only need a few days to explore the city, which can be spent wandering its maze-like streets and alleys, visiting the impressive Teatro Juárez and other buildings, and taking in sweeping views from the El Pípila monument atop the valley’s side.

📅 Recommended number of days: 2-3

Guadalajara

Guadalajara is Mexico’s second-largest city and the cultural heart of the state of Jalisco – and it’s also the birthplace of both mariachi music and tequila! Both are just classic ‘Mexico’.

We’d say you only need a day or so in the city itself, with another day or two for day trips.

In the city, explore the historic centre and visit the impressive Cabañas Museum with it’s incredible José Clemente Orozco murals. Don’t forget to indulge in the local cuisine while you’re there too – the ‘tortas ahogadas’, or ‘drowned sandwich’ in English, were particular favourites of ours! They’re basically a delicious sandwich that’s drowned in an even more delicious sauce… just as the name suggests!

The best day trip is to the nearby town Tequila, birthplace of the strong liquor with the same name. You might not love tequila before you visit, but by the end of a distillery tour you’ll leave with a much deeper appreciation, understanding and perhaps even taste for the stuff. You’ll find loads of Tequila tours that include distillery visits and tastings on GetYourGuide.

📅 Recommended number of days: 2-4

Oaxaca 

Oaxaca, one of Mexico’s most popular destinations, is just bursting with culture, history, and some of the best food in the country.

It’s best known for its chilled & safe vibe, colourful cobbled streets, boutique shops, rooftop restaurants and busy markets. Even more than that, it’s also surrounded by stunning natural landscapes and archaeological sites.

A trip to Oaxaca is best spent exploring the historic centre, visiting the ancient ruins of Monte Albán, seeing stunning natural petrified waterfalls at Hierve el Agua, and sampling the region’s famous moles and mezcal.

We truly think it’s an essential stop for anyone wanting to experience the rich culture of Mexico, all from one place!

📅 Recommended number of days: 2-5

Puerto Escondido

Puerto Escondido is a laid-back beach town on Mexico’s Pacific coast, famous for its stunning beaches and incredible surf lifestyle.

You could surf the waves at Playa Zicatela, take a day or two (or three or four…) to relax on Playa Carrizalillo, or enjoy the freshest seafood… perfect for those who love the ocean!

The town is a hit for backpackers especially, but not exclusively! It’s got a chilled, bohemian vibe with great cafes, lively bars, and beautiful sunsets every night – something for everyone.

📅 Recommended number of days: However long you want to relax!

San Cristóbal de las Casas

San Cristóbal de las Casas is a charming town in the highlands of southern Mexico, surrounded by mountains and a rich indigenous culture.

It’s honestly a special and unique spot in the country – not just for it’s cool mountain weather (you’ll need a jumper for sure). There’s a super laid-back & calm energy to the place, with plenty of restaurants or cafes to indulge at!

More cobblestone streets – as you’ll come to expect and appreciate more and more as you travel through Mexico – to explore, more street art and more lively markets make such a joy to visit.

📅 Recommended number of days: 2-4

Palenque

While the town of Palenque itself doesn’t have much to offer – we didn’t enjoy it that much – the real reason to visit is to see some of the BEST Mayan ruins Mexico has to offer!

Hidden deep in the jungle, the UNESCO-listed ancient city that dates back to 600CE is absolutely incredible and well worth the detour.

It might not beat Chichén Itzá for scale or recognition, but the ambiance of standing atop a preserved temple surrounded by such thick jungle and, often, misty clouds rolling through the mountains around us was unforgettable.

If you’re a history fan, put Palenque on your list!

📅 Recommended number of days: 1-2

Mérida

Mérida is the capital of Yucatán, and a city full of colonial charm, colourful streets, and a lively cultural scene.

The historic centre is where you’ll spend much of your time, with its beautiful plazas and churches, fantastic restaurants offering local cuisine like cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork), and its traditional music and dance in the evenings.

Mérida is also a great base for day trips to nearby cenotes & more incredible Mayan ruins like Uxmal.

📅 Recommended number of days: 2-3

Valladolid

Valladolid is a beautiful colonial town in the heart of the Yucatán Peninsula, full of colourful streets and beautiful historic buildings.

Since it’s only a short 45 minute drive from Chichén Itzá, it’s a great place to base yourself to see the modern wonder of the world. You can visit as part of an organised tour or get yourself there – we’ll get an article out to you on this as soon as possible.

Chichén Itzá isn’t the only reason to stay though. There’s plenty of other attractions nearby, such as Ek’ Balam and the many, many cenotes dotted on the outskirts of the city. If you’ve never heard of a cenote before, they’re basically natural pits or sinkholes that have super clear water, with many of them being swimmable!

Valladolid is also just a great city to explore, with its stunning churches and relaxed, friendly atmosphere. We believe it’s a must-see on any Mexico itinerary.

📅 Recommended number of days: 2-4

Isla Holbox

Isla Holbox is a laid-back paradise off the northern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, famous for its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and relaxed island vibe.

It’s a place to enjoy a slower pace, with its sandy streets and abundant wildlife such as flamingos and whale sharks.

The island has charming restaurants serving fresh seafood and has stunning beachside sunsets.

Holbox is perfect for anyone wanting a peaceful escape and a taste of Mexico’s Caribbean coast, without the cost of the popular spots like Cancún or Tulum.

📅 Recommended number of days: However long you want to relax!

Cancún

Cancún is Mexico’s most famous beach destination, known for its white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and brilliant hotel resort options.

Beyond relaxing on the beach or enjoying water sports, you can explore nearby Mayan ruins like El Rey, take day trips to Isla Mujeres, or visit the incredible cenotes and eco-parks in the area.

The city has a lively nightlife, world-class resorts, and plenty of restaurants serving both local and international cuisine.

📅 Recommended number of days: However long you want to relax!

Tulum

Tulum is a stunning coastal town on the Riviera Maya, famous for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and laid-back bohemian vibe.

You can explore the ancient Mayan ruins perched above the sea, relax in beach clubs, and discover hidden cenotes nearby.

Tulum has a mix of boutique hotels and eco-resorts that blend perfectly with the surroundings. 

📅 Recommended number of days: However long you want to relax!

Bacalar

Bacalar is a peaceful town right in the bottom corner of the Yucatán, best known for the stunning Lagoon of Seven Colours – a 42km long freshwater lake that, as the name suggest, shines with such vibrant blue hues!

The stunning waters are perfect for paddleboarding, swimming, kayaking, or simply relaxing beside.

The town itself is small, charming and laid-back, with plenty of local eateries and a welcoming atmosphere.

Bacalar is also close to more cenotes and small natural reserves, making it ideal for nature lovers as well.

It’s also a perfect spot for backpackers looking to cross the Mexico-Belize border since it’s so close!

📅 Recommended number of days: 2-4

Recommended Itineraries

Ok, that’s it for the destination breakdowns! Hopefully their listed highlights have given you a rough idea of where you want to visit.

We’ve pulled together some recommended itineraries below, depending on how long you’ve got and what you’re interested in. Here’s how we’ve chopped up those interest areas:

👌🏽 Mix of everything: Culture, food, history, beaches, nature
🛕 History buff: Culture, history, nature
🧘‍♀️ Relaxation style: Nature, beaches, food, a little history if there is time
🎉 Party animal: places with a good nightlife & time to relax

1 Week

👌🏽 Mix of everything:

• 3 days Mexico City
• 2 days Oaxaca
• 2 days Puerto Escondido

Or

• 5 days Cancún (incl. day trips to Isla Mujeres & Tulum)
• 2 days Valladolid 

How to get around:
You’ll find plenty of buses that’ll get you between them, or you can hire a car for more flexibility. Flights are also an option between Mexico City & Oaxaca.

🛕 History buff: 

• 4 days Mexico City
• 3 days Oaxaca

How to get around:
Buses or a hire car will get you between the two, and you also have the option of a quick flight.

🧘‍♀️ Relaxation style: 

• 7 days Cancún/Tulum with day trips (e.g. Isla Mujeres, Valladolid, Playa del Carmen)

🎉 Party animal:

• 3 days Mexico City
• 4 days Cancún

How to get around:
A flight between the two is really the only option due to the short timeframe!

2 weeks

👌🏽 Mix of everything:

• 4 days Mexico City
• 1 day Puebla
• 3 days Oaxaca
• 3 days Valladolid
• 3 days Cancún/Tulum

How to get around:
Buses run between all these places (or catch a flight between Mexico City & Oaxaca & Cancún). Again, a hire car can give you flexibility if it’s within your budget.

🛕 History buff: 

• 5 days Mexico City
• 3 days Oaxaca
• 2 days Palenque 
• 2 days Merida
• 2 days Valladolid

How to get around:
Plenty of buses will run between these cities, but distances vary – you’ll need to get an overnight bus between Oaxaca – Palenque & Palenque – Merida.

Flights are an option between CDMX – Oaxaca, but for the others are few and far between so it might need to be buses or car hire.

🧘‍♀️ Relaxation style: 

• 7 days Cancún/Tulum with day trips (e.g. Isla Mujeres, Valladolid, Playa del Carmen)
• 3 days Isla Holbox
• 4 days Bacalar

How to get around:
Buses run between these places or you can hire a car. You’ll need to take a ferry to Isla Holbox.

🎉 Party animal:

• 4 days Mexico City
• 3 days Puerto Escondido
• 4 days Cancún
• 3 days Tulum

How to get around:
A flight between the Mexico City and Oaxaca followed by a bus is the best/quickest way to get to Puerto Escondido. To get to the Cancún you’d need to head back to Oaxaca and catch another flight. Fortunately, the prices of these internal flights are pretty reasonable!

3 weeks

👌🏽 Mix of everything:

• 4 days Mexico City
• 2 days Puebla
• 3 days Oaxaca
• 3 days San Cristóbal de las Casas
• 2 days Palenque
• 2 days Merida
• 2 days Valladolid
• 3 days Cancún/Tulum

How to get around:
You’ll find that buses will get you between most of these stops painlessly! You can add a flight between Mexico City & Oaxaca, as has been said already. You will need to take an overnight bus between Oaxaca – San Cristóbal, San Cristóbal – Palenque & Palenque – Merida.

A hire car, either for the full itinerary or hired at destinations of your choosing, will give you lots of flexibility.

🛕 History buff: 

• 5 days Mexico City
• 2 days Pubela
• 4 days Oaxaca
• 3 days San Cristóbal de las Casas
• 2 days Palenque
• 2 days Merida
• 3 days Valladolid

How to get around:
Once again, buses will run between all of these stops and you have the option of flying between Mexico City & Oaxaca. You’ll need to take an overnight bus between Oaxaca – San Cristóbal, San Cristóbal – Palenque & Palenque – Merida.

Hiring a car for the full itinerary (or just at particular destinations of your choosing) will give you lots of flexibility.

🧘‍♀️ Relaxation style &  🎉 Party animal:

Consider following the 2 week 👌🏽 Mix of everything itinerary and simply adding extra time, either in Mexico City or Cancún/Tulum.

4 weeks

👌🏽 Mix of everything:

• 5 days Mexico City
• 2 days Puebla
• 3 days Oaxaca
• 2 days Puerto Escondido
• 3 days San Cristóbal de las Casas
• 2 days Palenque
• 2 days Merida
• 2 days Valladolid
• 3 days Cancún/Tulum
• 3 days Bacalar

How to get around:
Same advice as usual: buses will get you between most of these stops painlessly! Add flights where appropriate, such as between Mexico City & Oaxaca. Overnight buses will need to be taken a number of these stops: Oaxaca – San Cristóbal, San Cristóbal – Palenque & Palenque – Merida.

🛕 History buff: 

Consider following the 👌🏽 Mix of everything itinerary above but replace the time allotted to Cancún/Tulum & Bacalar with extra days at locations that interest you the most.

Tip: the Yucatán was the home of the Mayans, so there’s a strong concentration of archaeological sites there. That could mean extra days for Merida/Valladolid!

🧘‍♀️ Relaxation style &  🎉 Party animal:

This is a long time for purely relaxing or purely partying, so we’d recommend adjusting the 👌🏽 Mix of everything itinerary to your liking.

5 weeks

👌🏽 Mix of everything:

• Land in Mexico City, but don’t stay there. We’ve allocated 5 days to it after this detour north!
• 2 days San Miguel de Allende
• 2 days Guanajuato
• 2 days Guadalajara
• 5 days Mexico City
• 2 days Puebla
• 4 days Oaxaca
• 3 days Puerto Escondido
• 3 days San Cristóbal de las Casas
• 2 days Palenque
• 2 days Merida
• 2 days Valladolid
• 3 days Cancún, Tulum or Isla Holbox
• 3 days Bacalar

How to get around:
You’re probably bored of reading this, but buses will sort you out for all of these. Overnight buses will need to be taken for a handful of them, as the distances can be quite long. Add flights where appropriate, such as CDMX – Oaxaca. Travel tips further down this article!

6 weeks

👌🏽 Mix of everything:

• 2 days Mexico City
• 2 days San Miguel de Allende
• 2 days Guanajuato
• 2 days Guadalajara
• 5 days Mexico City
• 2 days Puebla
• 5 days Oaxaca
• 3 days Puerto Escondido
• 4 days San Cristóbal de las Casas
• 2 days Palenque
• 3 days Merida
• 3 days Valladolid
• 3 days Cancún, Tulum or Isla Holbox
• 4 days Bacalar

How to get around:
This is the same route as the 5 week plan, just with added time to particular stops. So, the travel advice remains the same: some day buses, some overnight buses, possibly a couple of flights (e.g. CDMX – Oaxaca). More on travel below!

Tips for Travelling Around Mexico

🚌 Bus

Travelling around by bus is super easy in Mexico. Most buses are well kept, with reclining seats and often aircon too!

We booked the majority of our buses ahead of time using Busbud. This meant we could secure the buses we wanted ahead of time and pick things like seats in advance. 

You can of course rock up and purchase your tickets on the day but securing the bus we wanted to work with our timetable was exactly what we needed.

The tickets for the bus are on the app and you can also choose your seat ahead of time (people really stick to their given seats). So securing that window seat or being near the front of the bus for the views has never been easier!

Tips for travelling via bus:

• Buses in Mexico are often air-conditioned, make sure you take layers in your bag just in case!
• Stick to your seat, people really do this, so if someone is in your seat, show them your ticket
• Keep your valuables on you at all times, don’t leave them in the luggage storage 
• Be aware of your surroundings and where your bags are at all times, especially on overnight buses
• Keep hold of your luggage ticket for your larger bags as this will often be checked when retrieving your luggage 

✈️ Air

• Sometimes a quick flight will be a lot easier and much quicker than the bus, for example between Mexico City & Oaxaca or Cancún
• Make sure you carefully select your flight to ensure it is direct
• Arrive at the airport 2 hours before your flight

🚗 Car

Renting a car in Mexico can be a good way to get around, especially if you are planning to visit multiple locations or do lots of your own day trips. We always use Rentalcars to get the best price on car rental.

• Take a video/pictures of any damage before driving off 
• Be aware that the final price agreed might be different to what you pay. We have heard of many rental companies which add on a compulsory tax when you pick up the car
• Remember that some roads in Mexico use tolls
• Compare your route before you set off via your government travel advice websites, because some roads in Mexico are deemed to be dangerous and strongly advised not to be travelled on. An example is the major road between San Cristóbal de las Casas and Palenque – it’s best to go the long way round.

When is The Best Time to Visit?

The best time to visit Mexico is between November and April, when it’s dry and sunny with pleasant temperatures and little rain.

Arriving in late October / early November means you will be around for Día de Muertos celebrations too. 

Coastal areas like the Yucatán Peninsula are popular year-round but there is a higher risk of storms between May and September. 

Avoid the hurricane season from June to September if possible, especially on the coasts.

Currency

The official currency in Mexico is the Mexican Peso (MXN). While U.S. dollars are accepted in some tourist areas and resorts, it’s best to use pesos where possible.

ATMs are widely available, and credit/debit cards are usually accepted in tourist destinations.

It is always best to carry cash especially if you are visiting more rural areas or local markets where card machines are less likely. 

Language & key phrases

You can get by with English in popular tourist areas, but it definitely helps to know basic Spanish phrases, especially if you’re in more remote areas.

If your Spanish isn’t strong, translation apps will be your best friend, just make sure to download the Spanish language before you arrive for offline use.

Here are some basic phrases which are good to know:

🇪🇸 Hola, ¿cómo estás? (Oh-lah, koh-moh es-tas)
🇬🇧 Hello, how are you?

🇪🇸 Por favor (por fah-vor)
🇬🇧 Please

🇪🇸 Gracias (grah-see-ahs)
🇬🇧 Thank you

🇪🇸 ¿Cuánto cuesta? (kwan-toh kwes-tah)
🇬🇧 How much does it cost?

🇪🇸 ¿Dónde está el baño? (don-deh es-tah el bah-nyoh)
🇬🇧 Where is the bathroom?

🇪🇸 Me gustaría… (meh goos-tah-ree-ah)
🇬🇧 I would like…

🇪🇸 La cuenta, por favor (lah kwen-tah, por fah-vor)
🇬🇧 The bill, please

🇪🇸 Perdón (pehr-dohn)
🇬🇧 Sorry / Excuse me

🇪🇸 Adiós (ah-dyos)
🇬🇧 Goodbye

Tipping culture

In restaurants, a tip of 10-15% is standard. If you’re able, you should also tip hotel staff, tour guides, and taxi drivers who provide a good service.

It’s always appreciated, and sometimes expected, particularly in tourist areas.

What should I pack for a trip to Mexico

Pack lightweight, breathable clothing for most areas, especially if you’ll be visiting the beaches on the coast. A sunhat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellent are essentials.

For higher-altitude areas like Mexico City, bring a warm layer like a light jacket or fleece, as temperatures can drop in the evening.

Don’t forget comfortable walking shoes, you’ll likely be doing a lot of exploring on foot. Especially if you plan to visit the epic ancient ruins!

And finally, make sure you have space in your bag for some amazing souvenirs – we could have filled a whole suitcase with everything we wanted to bring home.

Do I need a visa to visit Mexico?

Most travellers from countries such as the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and the EU do not need a visa for stays of up to 180 days as a tourist.

However, you may need to complete a tourist card (FMM) upon arrival. Make sure you check specific visa requirements for your country before travelling.

Is Mexico safe for tourists?

In short: yes, Mexico is generally safe for tourists, especially in popular tourist areas.

However, there are areas in Mexico you shouldn’t go unless strictly necessary. Check your country’s foreign travel advice website to find out which areas those are. 

Here’s the one for the UK: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/mexico. It includes a map with those no-go areas. 

It is unlikely that your travel insurance will cover you for areas flagged by your country’s foreign travel advice.

Remember, when visiting ANY country, it’s important to stay informed about local news, avoid risky areas, and follow basic safety guidelines such as not displaying valuables and sticking to well-lit areas at night.