Itinerary
- Day 1
Mexico City
You arrive at Mexico City International Airport and the city's energy hits you right away. After getting settled into your accommodation, spend the afternoon walking through Roma or Condesa, checking out the colorful houses and street vendors. Grab some agua fresca and tacos as you get a feel for the neighborhoods and local café culture.
Optional Activities
- Explore Roma neighborhood
- Explore Condesa neighborhood
- Visit local cafés
- Try agua fresca at street stalls
- Visit parks in the area
- Rooftop terrace dining with tacos
- Day 2
Mexico City
This morning head to Centro Histórico to see the colonial architecture and try street food there. From there, make your way to the Museo Frida Kahlo in Coyoacán to see the iconic blue house. Later, stroll through Chapultepec Park and climb up to the castle for city views. By evening, you'll be in La Roma district checking out galleries and cafés before grabbing some street food and mezcal.
Optional Activities
- Centro Histórico walking tour
- Museo Frida Kahlo visit
- Chapultepec Park and Castillo visit
- La Roma district exploration
- Street food in Mercado Roma
- Mezcal and tacos at local bars
Landmarks/POIs Museo Frida Kahlo Chapultepec Castle Bosque de Chapultepec Centro Histórico - Day 3
Mexico City
Early on, you'll take a boat tour through Xochimilco's ancient canals on brightly painted trajineras while mariachi music plays around you. Bring your own drinks and snacks or pick up items from passing vendors as you float through the waterways. Afterward, wander through Coyoacán's cobblestone streets and enjoy the street food scene. If you've got energy left in the evening, you can catch a lucha libre wrestling match.
Optional Activities
- Xochimilco boat tour on trajinera
- Coyoacán neighborhood exploration
- Street food and churro tasting
- Park relaxation time
- Lucha Libre wrestling match
Landmarks/POIs Xochimilco Coyoacán - Day 4
Mexico City to Oaxaca
You'll take a bus from Mexico City to Oaxaca, traveling through scenic mountain passes with volcanoes, cacti, and small villages visible along the way. When you arrive in Oaxaca, settle into your accommodation and take an evening stroll through the old town's cobblestone streets. Walk around at your own pace, checking out the colonial buildings, street art, and local cafés.
Optional Activities
- Oaxaca old town exploration
- Local street art discovery
- Mezcal shop visits
- Café exploration
Landmarks/POIs Oaxaca Old Town - Day 5
Oaxaca
Start your morning with traditional tlayuda street food, then head into Mercado 20 de Noviembre to see local spices, grilled meats, and the vibrant street culture there. Next, explore the Jalatlaco district with its colorful walls and street art scene. You'll come across local shops selling handmade bobbin lace skulls and catch spontaneous street music performances as you wander around.
Optional Activities
- Mercado 20 de Noviembre visit
- Jalatlaco district exploration
- Street art discovery
- Local craft shop browsing
- Street music performances
Landmarks/POIs Mercado 20 de Noviembre Jalatlaco - Day 6
Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido
You'll travel by shuttle through mountain passes toward the Pacific coast and Puerto Escondido, watching the scenery change as you descend toward the ocean. Once you arrive in this coastal town, check into your accommodation and then head straight to Zicatela Beach. Walk along the sand, watch the surfers, and grab some fresh fish tacos from beach bars while soaking in the relaxed atmosphere.
Optional Activities
- Zicatela Beach exploration
- Surfboard rental inquiry
- Beach bar visits
- Fish taco tasting
Landmarks/POIs Zicatela Beach - Day 7
Puerto Escondido
Have a tropical breakfast from local stalls, then head over to La Punta Beach. You can either take a surfing lesson or just relax and watch the surfers in action. Later, explore the boho backstreet of La Punta with its colorful walls, small shops, and street musicians performing. By evening, find a rooftop bar or head back to the beach for sunset with a drink in hand.
Optional Activities
- La Punta Beach visit
- Surfing lesson or observation
- La Punta backstreet exploration
- Local shop browsing
- Sunset viewing from rooftop or beach
Landmarks/POIs La Punta Beach - Day 8
Puerto Escondido
This morning is all about winding down. You can do yoga, try a sound bath, or just relax in a hammock and enjoy refreshments. There's the option to get a massage if you want (costs extra). Take one more dip in the pool before packing up and grabbing any last souvenirs. In the afternoon, head to the bus station and board your night bus as the sun sets over La Punta.
Optional Activities
- Yoga class
- Sound bath experience
- Hammock relaxation
- Massage
- Pool swimming
- Day 9
San Cristóbal de las Casas
After an overnight bus journey, you'll arrive in San Cristóbal de las Casas in the morning. Start with coffee and huevos rancheros at a local café to shake off the travel. Walk through the colorful alleyways and admire the colonial architecture as you explore. Later, relax in Plaza del Zócalo listening to street musicians. Climb the steps up to Iglesia de Guadalupe to catch the sunset views over the colorful houses and mountain peaks.
Optional Activities
- Carajillo Café visit
- Colorful alleyway walking tour
- Plaza del Zócalo relaxation
- Street musician listening
- Iglesia de Guadalupe climb and sunset viewing
Landmarks/POIs Plaza del Zócalo Iglesia de Guadalupe - Day 10
San Cristóbal de las Casas
Grab breakfast at Pastelería Oh La La, then take a collectivo to San Juan Chamula to visit the Tzotzil people, who are direct descendants of the Maya. You'll experience their unique culture and traditions (keep in mind that Tzotzil language is primarily spoken there). After returning to San Cristóbal, explore Real de Guadalupe street for handmade crafts and optional crystal healing sessions. If you're interested, you can also visit Cañón del Sumidero with its dramatic 1000-meter rock faces and wildlife.
Optional Activities
- Pastelería Oh La La breakfast
- San Juan Chamula village visit
- Tzotzil cultural experience
- Real de Guadalupe street shopping
- Crystal healing session
- Cañón del Sumidero boat tour
Landmarks/POIs San Juan Chamula Real de Guadalupe Cañón del Sumidero - Day 11
San Cristóbal de las Casas to Mérida
You'll fly from San Cristóbal to Mérida, trading the misty mountains for Caribbean heat as you enter the Yucatán. Right after arriving, start exploring the vibrant city. Head to Mercado Lucas de Gálvez for street food classics, then find a café on Paseo de Montejo to relax and take in the colonial architecture and street life.
Optional Activities
- Mercado Lucas de Gálvez food market visit
- Paseo de Montejo café experience
Landmarks/POIs Mercado Lucas de Gálvez Paseo de Montejo - Day 12
Mérida
Join a free walking tour starting from Palacio Municipal on Plaza Grande where a local guide will show you around. You'll learn about Mayan symbols and cultural stories as you walk through the city. Visit the Catedral de San Ildefonso, which is Mexico's oldest church, and see the distinctive pink town hall. If it's Monday evening, you can experience the Vaquerías festival with live music, colorful traditional costumes, and dancing right there on the plaza.
Optional Activities
- Free walking tour
- Catedral de San Ildefonso visit
- Plaza Grande exploration
- Vaquería festival experience (Mondays)
Landmarks/POIs Plaza Grande Catedral de San Ildefonso Palacio Municipal - Day 13
Mérida to Bacalar
Take one last walk through Mérida's colorful alleyways before heading to the bus station. Board a bus to Bacalar and enjoy the scenery passing by through Mexico. When you arrive at Bacalar lagoon (also called the lagoon of seven colors), head straight to the beach to see this natural wonder. Bring your camera because the colors here are something special.
Optional Activities
- Bacalar lagoon exploration
Landmarks/POIs Bacalar Lagoon - Day 14
Bacalar
Start with a relaxed breakfast and then change into your swimsuit. You can optionally rent a bike and cycle to Cocalitos, a small paradise with hammocks and swings right in the turquoise lagoon. Spend time sunbathing on the lawn before visiting Fuerte de San Felipe fortress, which offers great views of the lagoon.
Optional Activities
- Bike rental to Cocalitos
- Cocolitos lagoon and hammock experience
- Fuerte de San Felipe fortress visit
Landmarks/POIs Cocalitos Fuerte de San Felipe - Day 15
Bacalar to Tulum
Travel by ADO bus from Bacalar to Tulum (about 2.5 hours), passing the lagoon of seven colors along the way. Once you arrive in Tulum, walk or grab a cab to your accommodation (optional, at local cost). Settle in and head right to the beach or pool to enjoy Tulum's white sand, turquoise water, and Caribbean vibes.
Optional Activities
- Tulum beach exploration
- Pool relaxation
- Cocktail at beach bars
Landmarks/POIs Tulum Beaches - Day 16
Tulum
Rent a bike and explore Tulum's highlights. You can cycle to the Mayan ruins perched on a cliff above the Caribbean, or venture into the jungle to discover hidden cenotes. Visit the Grand Cenote or Cenote Calavera for crystal-clear swimming in these mystical cave spaces. Pack your swimsuit because cooling off is essential throughout the day.
Optional Activities
- Bike rental
- Tulum Mayan ruins visit
- Grand Cenote visit
- Cenote Calavera visit
Landmarks/POIs Tulum Mayan Ruins Grand Cenote Cenote Calavera - Day 17
Tulum
Spend the day however you like - relax on Tulum's Caribbean beaches or explore cenotes if you haven't already. Swim in the turquoise water, relax under palm trees, or take another bike ride to discover more cenotes. The choice is completely yours whether you go for beach time or cave swimming.
Optional Activities
- Beach day relaxation
- Cenote swimming
- Bike riding
Landmarks/POIs Tulum Beaches - Day 18
Tulum
Another full day on Tulum's beaches awaits you. Relax in the shade of palm trees or sunbathe on a lounger if you prefer. As the day winds down, stick around for sunset when the sun bathes the sea in golden light and everything glows - that's the perfect time to take a memorable photo.
Optional Activities
- Beach relaxation under palm trees
- Sunset viewing
- Swimming in turquoise water
Landmarks/POIs Tulum Beaches - Day 19
Tulum
Explore Tulum's authentic local side away from the postcard beaches. Start at the weekly local market with fresh fruit and fragrant spices. Try real soul food at family-run cocinas, then check out the artistic districts of Aldea Zama or La Veleta for local art and sustainable design shops. If you want, try stand-up paddling on a nearby lagoon.
Optional Activities
- Local weekly market visit
- Family cocina dining
- Aldea Zama district exploration
- La Veleta artistic district exploration
- Stand-up paddling on lagoon
Landmarks/POIs Aldea Zama La Veleta - Day 20
Tulum to Cancún
Take one final breath of Caribbean air and enjoy the turquoise sea before heading back to Cancún where your adventure started. Reflect on everything from the past weeks - the white beaches, Mayan culture, and wild experiences you had. The journey home is coming up soon.
- Day 21
Cancún Departure
You depart Cancún for your journey home, already thinking about what your friends and family will say when they hear your stories from Mexico. The memories from your 21-day adventure will stay with you long after you leave.
