3-Day Mexico Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-day Mexico tour itineraries

Compiled by

NadineMexico travel expert at TourRadar

• 3 Day Cancun New Year's Itinerary, incl. Resort Celebrations

  Luxury awaits at this 3-day Cancun resort featuring multiple gourmet venues, premium bars, and daily activities. The program includes beach volleyball, cocktail workshops, and festive entertainment in the exclusive Hotel Zone, with private transfers and all-inclusive amenities.

  

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  • Day 1

    Arrival and Resort Introduction

    Plan to check in around 2 PM to get the most out of your first day. The ride from Cancun International Airport to most Hotel Zone resorts takes 25-30 minutes. Book a private transfer ahead of time since shared shuttles can stretch to 2 hours with multiple stops during the busy holiday season. When you arrive head to the adults-only pool area to avoid afternoon family crowds. A recent guest shared: "The experience was just out of this world - getting there early let us secure prime beachfront loungers before the New Year's rush."

    
  • Day 2

    New Year's Eve Celebrations

    Have breakfast by the beach before 9 AM while temperatures are mild at around 75°F. Resort activities start mid-morning so you can join beach volleyball or learn to mix cocktails. Book your New Year's Eve dinner right when you arrive because premium restaurants fill up quickly on the 31st. The main celebration usually begins at 8 PM with music and dancing. Find a good spot on the beach by 11:30 PM to watch fireworks launch from multiple resorts along the Hotel Zone.

    
  • Day 3

    New Year's Day & Departure

    Start your morning with a quiet walk on the beach. Sunrise over the Caribbean is around 6:30 AM and the sand is cool before 8 AM. Since most flights leave in the afternoon store your bags with the bell desk and spend time at the pool until about 3 hours before your departure. Holiday traffic can double your travel time to the airport so plan accordingly.

    

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• 3 Day Yucatan Itinerary, incl. Merida and Cancun

  A cultural odyssey spans five cities, from Merida's colonial center to Cancun's shores. Highlights include UNESCO sites Chichen Itza and Uxmal, plus Kabah's Temple of Masks. Two nights at Gamma Merida El Castellano complement White City explorations.

  

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  • Day 1

    Merida

    Plan to arrive in Merida before 1:00 PM to make the most of your day. Take an afternoon city tour through the historic center where Spanish colonial buildings blend with Maya influences. Stop at the Cathedral and Casa de Los Montejo in the central plaza and take a trip down Paseo de Montejo to see beautiful French-style mansions. One traveler shared: "The first tour guide was awesome at bringing Merida's history to life." Book a hotel near Plaza Grande so you can walk to dinner spots and catch the popular Thursday night cultural shows.

    
  • Day 2

    Uxmal and Kabah Archaeological Sites

    Get an early start for the 1-hour drive to Uxmal. Head straight to the Pyramid of the Magician to catch the best morning light and avoid crowds. Look for the unique geometric patterns in the Puuc architecture style that sets these ruins apart. From there it's a quick 25-minute drive to Kabah where you can see the famous Temple of the Masks. Make sure to wear shoes with good grip since the limestone steps can get slippery. You'll have time to get back to Merida (90 minutes) for dinner in Santa Lucia where you'll find traditional Yucatecan food.

    
  • Day 3

    Chichen Itza and Transfer to Cancun

    Set out on the 2-hour drive to Chichen Itza first thing in the morning. Getting there early helps you avoid both the crowds and midday heat. Take time to hear the acoustic demo at the ball court and check out the shadow serpent effect on the main pyramid during equinox season. A previous visitor advises: "Stay very close to your guide - it's easy to get lost among the 4,000+ daily visitors." The final stretch to Cancun takes about 3 hours with arrival around 7:00 PM. If you're staying in the Hotel Zone remember traffic gets heavy in the evening.

    

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• 3 Day Mexico City Itinerary, incl. Centro Histórico and Teotihuacan

  Mexico City's heritage comes alive in this 3-day tour featuring Templo Mayor, Metropolitan Cathedral, and Teotihuacan pyramids. Includes two nights at Ibis Styles Mexico Zona Rosa, traditional meals, and guided tours of Mercado San Juan.

  

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  • Day 1

    Mexico City Centro Histórico

    Start your Mexico City journey at the Zócalo before 9 AM to avoid crowds and heat. "The city can feel overwhelming at first, but exploring the historic center early in the morning was magical - the light on the Metropolitan Cathedral was stunning and the square was peaceful before the tour groups arrived." Plan about 2 hours to explore the Templo Mayor ruins. You'll need water and sun protection since the archaeological site offers little shade. After lunch visit the Palacio de Bellas Artes, a short 15-minute walk west of the Zócalo. Consider booking your stay in Roma Norte or Condesa. These neighborhoods offer better safety and walkability than downtown.

    
  • Day 2

    Teotihuacan Pyramids

    Leave for Teotihuacan by 7 AM to beat both city traffic and midday heat. The journey takes about an hour by public transport. Wear shoes with good grip since the ancient stones can be slippery. "Climbing the Sun Pyramid was challenging but the view was incredible. Go slowly and bring plenty of water - there's very little shade and the altitude makes the climb more demanding than expected." You'll need 4-5 hours to properly explore the site. Make sure to visit the Palace of Quetzalpapalotl to see its well-preserved murals. Your afternoon includes lunch with a local family where you can try pulque, a traditional fermented drink older than tequila.

    
  • Day 3

    Markets and Modern Mexico City

    Store your bags at the hotel and head to Mercado San Juan by 9 AM. This is the city's best food market and less touristy than others. Getting there early helps you avoid the lunch crowds. Visit the Museo Mural Diego Rivera before noon to beat the tour groups. Spend your afternoon at the Palace of Fine Arts and its surroundings. A recent visitor notes: "The area around Bellas Artes can get quite hectic - keep your belongings secure and consider taking an authorized taxi rather than the metro if you're carrying luggage back to your hotel."

    

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