In a nutshell
- Thinking about a trip to Mexico? Perfect! You’ll discover so many fascinating places and diverse destinations in Mexico along the way.
- To really get a feel for the country, plan at least 3 weeks for your journey. If you only have 2 weeks, it’s better to focus on the Yucatán Peninsula instead of rushing through.
- In this article, we’ll share our Mexico itinerary for 3 weeks—a complete guide with ideas on what to see and do, how to get around, and the best places to stay.
How Much Time to Plan for a Trip to Mexico?
Seeing all of Mexico in one go is impossible. The country is almost eight times the size of Great Britain. If you only have 2 or 3 weeks, it’s best to focus on just one part of the country.
The Yucatán Peninsula is perfect for a 2-week trip, since many of Mexico’s most famous sights are located there. We’ve also written a separate article with a suggested 2-week Mexico itinerary.
If you want to see more of Mexico, plan on at least 3 weeks. Otherwise, you’ll spend too much time on buses. The distances are simply too big.
Our 3-Week Mexico Itinerary
With 3 weeks, you can put together an amazing Mexico itinerary. For a first trip, we recommend exploring the south of the country. It’s safer and more tourist-friendly than the north.
- Day 1-3: Mexico City
- Day 4-5: Puebla
- Day 6-8: Oaxaca
- Day 9-11: San Cristóbal de las Casas
- Day 12: Palenque
- Day 13: Campeche
- Day 14-15: Mérida
- Day 16: Chichén Itzá & Valladolid
- Day 17: Cenotes
- Day 18-21: Beach time in Tulum, Playa del Carmen or Cancún
Map of our 3-week itinerary
To give you a better overview of our route, we’ve marked all the stops of this Mexico trip itinerary on a map.
How to Get Around on Your Mexico Trip?
The easiest way to get around is by bus. The network in the south is reliable and comfortable.
Note: We don’t recommend renting a car. Distances can be very long, and night drives are unsafe in some areas.
The main provider is ADO, which covers all routes on our trip. You can check schedules and buy tickets directly on the ADO website. If it doesn’t work, try ViajoMucho or Checkmybus.
ADO terminals are usually just outside the city center. The easiest way to get to your hotel is by Uber or taxi.
In small towns, you can sometimes walk — but only during the day. Use Google Maps to check the distance first.
Day 1-3: Mexico City
Day 1: Arrival and the historic center
You’ll probably be tired after your flight. It’s best to take an Uber or taxi from the airport to your hotel.
Don’t plan too much for your first day. Instead, take an easy walk through the historic center of Mexico City.
The Centro Histórico is home to highlights like the cathedral, El Palacio de Bellas Artes, the Templo Mayor, and the Torre Latinoamericana.
Read our full guide with all the highlights & tips for Mexico City
Day 2: Pyramids of Teotihuacán
On your second day, head out to the famous Pyramids of Teotihuacán. The easiest way is to take a guided tour, which usually also includes the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe and Tlatelolco.
Book the Teotihuacán day trip here
Day 3: Xochimilco & Museo de Antropología
In the morning, enjoy a colorful boat ride through the canals of Xochimilco. In the afternoon, visit the world-class Museo de Antropología and take a stroll through nearby Chapultepec Park.
Where to stay in Mexico City?
The safest and most central areas to stay are Roma and Condesa. We recommend them over the Centro Histórico, which can be less safe at night.
Our hotel tip: Casa Comtesse
Day: 4-5: Puebla
Day 4: Drive to Puebla and Cholula
On day 4, you take the bus to Puebla in the morning. Buses run almost every hour and the ride takes just about two hours. Once you arrive, grab a cab or an Uber to your hotel.
In the afternoon, head out to Cholula to see the largest pyramid in the world and the beautiful church pictured above.
Day 5: Sightseeing in Puebla and drive to Oaxaca
The next morning, explore Puebla’s historic center. It’s compact, and you can easily see the main highlights in a few hours on foot. Don’t miss the cathedral and the famous Palafoxiana library.
In the early afternoon, make your way back to the ADO terminal – your Mexico itinerary continues to Oaxaca. The bus ride takes about 5 hours.
Read our article with cool things to do in Puebla
Where to stay in Puebla?
The best area to stay is right in the center. You’ll find plenty of hotels here, and it’s safe.
Our hotel tip: Hotel 5 de Mayo
Day 6-8: Oaxaca
Day 6: Sights in the center of Oaxaca
On day 6, take it slow: enjoy breakfast and then wander through Oaxaca’s colorful center with its top sights.
Read our article with highlights and food tips in Oaxaca
Day 7: Excursion to Mitla and Hierve el Agua
Today is perfect for a guided day trip to Hierve el Agua. These petrified waterfalls with natural pools are a must for photos. Along the way, you’ll also see the Tree of Tule, visit a carpet workshop, and explore the archaeological site of Mitla.
Book a guided day tour to Hierve el Agua
If you prefer, you can also visit Hierve el Agua on your own. We explain how in a separate guide.
Day 8: Monte Albán and Jalatlaco
The next morning, visit the archaeological site of Monte Albán, once the capital of the Zapotecs. You can get there by cab, bus, or join a guided tour.
Book a guided tour to Monte Albán
In the afternoon, stroll through the charming district of Jalatlaco, one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Oaxaca.
Where to stay in Oaxaca?
We recommend staying in the center of Oaxaca. It’s safe, and you can easily reach everything on foot.
Our hotel tip: NaNa Vida Hotel Oaxaca
Night Bus from Oaxaca to San Cristóbal
In the evening, you’ll take the first and only night bus on this Mexico trip itinerary.
The ride to San Cristóbal takes around 11 hours. You can choose a standard night bus (comfortable enough to sleep) or the ADO Platino class (with extra comfort).
We’ve always had good experiences with night buses in Mexico, but keep in mind there are risks, such as overtired drivers or occasional robberies. In our view, they’re still a practical option – and in this case, the only one.
Note: There are no direct flights from Oaxaca to San Cristóbal. If you’d rather not take a night bus, your alternative is to book a flight to Cancún and continue with our 2-week Yucatán itinerary.
Day 9-11: San Cristóbal de las Casas
Day 9: Sightseeing San Cristóbal
You’ll arrive at the bus terminal in San Cristóbal early in the morning. Head straight to your hotel, drop your bags, and then spend the day on relaxed sightseeing in San Cristóbal. The center is compact and the main sights are all within walking distance.
Read our article with things to do in and around San Cristóbal
Day 10: Sumidero Canyon
On day 10, plan a trip to the stunning Sumidero Canyon. The easiest way is to join a guided tour. You’ll stop at several scenic viewpoints and then take a boat ride through the canyon, where you might spot crocodiles sunning themselves on the banks.
Book a guided tour to the Sumidero Canyon
Day 11: Excursion to Chamula
A visit to Chamula is one of the most fascinating experiences on this Mexico trip itinerary. This indigenous village has unique traditions and rituals that are best understood with a knowledgeable guide.
Most half-day tours also include the nearby village of Zinacantán, famous for its weaving tradition. Both are just a short drive from San Cristóbal.
Book a half-day tour to Chamula and Zinacantán
Where to stay overnight in San Cristóbal?
San Cristóbal has plenty of affordable accommodation. The best option is to stay right in the center, where you’ll find the widest choice of hotels and everything is within easy reach.
Our hotel tip: Hotel Casa de Gandhi
Day 12: Palenque
On day 12 of your 3 weeks Mexico itinerary, take a guided trip from San Cristóbal to the legendary ruins of Palenque. You’ll leave very early (around 5 a.m.) and bring all your belongings with you.
Along the way, you’ll stop at the Agua Azul waterfalls before reaching Palenque, where a guide will take you through the impressive Mayan ruins hidden deep in the jungle.
Instead of heading back to San Cristóbal in the afternoon, stay overnight in Palenque.
Book a guided tour to Palenque with Agua Azul waterfalls
Our hotel tip for Palenque
The most convenient place to stay is close to the bus terminal. Palenque is small, so everything is within a short distance anyway.
Our hotel tip: Hotel Chablis Palenque
Day 13: Campeche
On day 13, take an early bus from Palenque to Campeche. The ride takes about 6 hours.
Once in Campeche, check into your hotel and then wander through the colorful streets toward the main square and cathedral. At sunset, head to the seafront promenade for a beautiful evening walk.
The next morning (day 14), don’t miss breakfast at the Chocol’Ha chocolate café.
Where to stay in Campeche?
Since you’ll only be here briefly, it’s best to book accommodation close to the center so you can make the most of your time.
Our hotel tip: Hotel Casa Piedad
Day 14-15: Mérida
Day 14: Sightseeing in Mérida
It takes around 2.5 hours to get from Campeche to Mérida. If you arrive by early afternoon, you’ll still have time for a relaxed walk through the city center. You can easily see Mérida’s main highlights in just half a day.
Our tips for things to do in Mérida
Day 15: Excursion to the surrounding area
Mérida is the perfect base for exploring the Yucatán. Since there are so many options, pick the one that excites you most.
You could visit the yellow city of Izamal, explore the impressive Mayan ruins of Uxmal—one of our insider tips for a Mayan ruins tour in Mexico—or head to the Ría Celestún Biosphere Reserve to see flamingos.
Book a guided tour to the Mayan ruins of Uxmal
Book a guided tour to the Ría Celestún Biosphere Reserve
Book a private tour to Izamal
Where to stay in Mérida?
Mérida has a wide range of hotels, and as in most Mexican cities, the best place to stay is right in the city center.
Our hotel tip: Kuka y Naranjo
Day 16: Chichén Itzá and Valladolid
The morning: Chichén Itzá
Day 16 of your 3 weeks Mexico itinerary takes you to the legendary ruins of Chichén Itzá. It’s one of the most famous sights in Mexico and belongs on every Mexico trip.
Take an ADO bus to Chichén Itzá early in the morning. The site opens at 8 a.m., when it’s still relatively quiet. You can leave your luggage at the entrance.
To get the most out of your visit, hire a local guide who can bring the history and architecture of the Mayan culture to life. Tickets are cheapest if you buy them directly at the entrance.
Book a guide for Chichén Itzá (entrance fee not included)
Read our article about Chichén Itzá
The afternoon: Valladolid
Spend a few hours exploring Chichén Itzá before taking an ADO bus to Valladolid around midday. The ride takes less than an hour. Once there, check into your hotel and enjoy a relaxed afternoon exploring the colonial center.
Check out our Valladolid travel tips
Where to stay in Valladolid?
Valladolid is compact, so staying near the main square is ideal. The ADO terminal is also just a short walk away.
Our hotel tip: Casa Tia Micha
Day 17: Cenotes
The area around Valladolid is packed with amazing cenotes—natural sinkholes filled with crystal-clear water.
Rent a bike in the morning and ride out to some of the cenotes nearby. Valladolid is very bike-friendly, and several cenotes are just a few kilometers from the center.
Our favorites are Cenote Xkeken and Cenote Oxman.
In the afternoon, catch the bus to the Riviera Maya, where the final part of your Mexico itinerary is all about beach time and relaxation.
Our article with the best cenotes in Mexico & Valladolid
Day 18-21: Beach Vacation in the Caribbean
At the end of your Mexico itinerary, you’ve earned a few days of pure relaxation on the Caribbean coast. The Riviera Maya is the perfect spot for a laid-back beach vacation.
The most popular places are Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and Cancún. If you’d like something a little quieter, check out Akumal. We’ve also put together detailed hotel guides for the Riviera Maya with plenty of great beachfront options.
- Tulum hotel tips
- Tulum Boutique Hotels
- Playa del Carmen hotel tips
- Playa del Carmen Boutique Hotels
- Cancún hotel tips
- Cancún Boutique Hotels
- Cancún Luxury Hotels
If we had to choose, we’d go for Tulum or Akumal. And if you don’t want to just lounge on the beach every day, you can also explore the Mayan ruins in Tulum or visit the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve.
Day 21: Departure day
Getting to Cancún Airport from anywhere along the Riviera Maya is easy. You can take an ADO bus, grab a taxi, or book a private transfer.
Book your airport transfer to Cancún
FAQ about a Mexico Itinerary
Here are a few extra tips to help you plan your Mexico trip itinerary.
#1 What costs should you expect for a trip to Mexico?
For our 3-week Mexico itinerary, you should plan on spending around 2,200 MXN per day.
Of course, this can be a bit more or less, depending on the type of accommodation you choose and how much you want to treat yourself along the way.
If you want to keep your Mexico trip itinerary as budget-friendly as possible, you can get by with around 900 MXN per day.
In that case, it’s best to stay in hostels, where a dorm bed costs about 180 MXN per night. Instead of booking guided tours, you can simply explore the highlights on your own.
#2 Is Mexico trip dangerous?
We personally felt very safe in Mexico. However, Mexico is not the safest country in the world and you have to adapt your behavior to the country.
Mexico is most dangerous at night. That’s why you should take a cab in the dark – especially if you have all your things with you – and not walk around. That’s why we would avoid driving at night as much as possible. However, we ourselves felt very safe on the ADO night buses.
#3 When is the best time to travel to Mexico?
The dry season from November to April is best. However, we will give you more detailed tips on the best time to travel to Mexico in another article.