Planning an epic Mexico road trip when they reopen for tourism? Here is my detailed 2-week Mexico itinerary.
Mexico is a vibrant and colorful country with a strong unique culture and one of the world’s favorite cuisines. The country is packed with colonial cities, impressive ancient ruins, and several UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These vast and wildly different regions make it perfect for a Mexico road trip.
To help you plan the perfect Mexico road trip, I’m sharing our 2-week Mexico itinerary. It is a super detailed breakdown of our day-by-day activities. I’ve included the best places to visit in Mexico, and where to stay and eat in each spot.
MEXICO ROAD TRIP GUIDE
How to Get to Mexico
The good news is that Mexico has plenty of international airports that are well connected to the rest of the world. The most popular airports to fly into Mexico are Benito Juárez in Mexico City (MEX), Cancun (CUN), and Guadalajara (GDL) airports.
In this Mexico Itinerary, we are flying into Benito Juarez in Mexico City. Flying into Mexico from the US is quite affordable. You can fly from Los Angeles to Mexico City for as little as $300 return (4-hour flight).
Flying from Europe to Mexico is also cheap, especially from London and Madrid. We took direct return flights from Madrid to Cancun once for $400.
How to Get Around Mexico
By Plane
For those who are tight on time, flying is the fastest and easiest way to get around Mexico. Domestic flights in Mexico are affordable. The main budget airlines are InterJet, Volaris and Viva Aerobus. My favorite is Interjet, as it offers loads of legroom and great prices too.
Search for Flights in Mexico
By Car
If you’re driving to Mexico, you’ll be saving on transport cost. If not, I recommend hiring a compact car for this Mexico Road Trip, especially in the Yucatan Peninsula. An economy rental car in Mexico average just $100 for a whole week, which is less than $20 a day. The current price for gas is 16.50 pesos per liter (about $2.50 per gallon), though this varies throughout the country.
It’s generally easy to drive in Mexico, especially outside of the cities. In this Mexico itinerary, we cover roads that are in relatively good conditions. Drivers with foreign licenses are allowed to drive.
Check Car Rental Prices
By Bus
If you don’t want to drive in Mexico, it is absolutely possible to follow this Mexico itinerary by bus. Mexico has an extensive bus network and buses are really affordable. The buses are generally good quality and air-conditioned.
The main bus companies are ETN Turistar, Grupo ADO, Grupo Estrella Blanca, and Primera Plus. Some offer luxury or de lujo services with lots of legroom, reclining seats, and TVs.
Best Time to Do a Mexico Road Trip
Mexico is a huge country, and the weather varies by season and by region.
The best time to visit Mexico is during the dry season between December and April, when there is virtually no rain. The coolest months are between December and February, although temperatures can reach averages of 82°F (28℃) during the dry season.
The wet season begins in the south in May and lasts until October. The Caribbean coast can be affected by the hurricane season, which runs from June to November.
How Much Does a Mexico Road Trip Cost?
Mexico is generally very affordable, but the Yucatan is slightly more expensive than other parts of Mexico that receive less tourism. Budget travelers can survive on around $30 – $40 USD per day.
If you’re driving to Mexico on your own car, then transport will be minimal as you’ll just be spending on gas. Hiring your own car will cost around US$20 per day for car hire. Buses are cheap, ranging from $2 to $25 depending on the distance.
Accommodation usually ranges from $30 for a simple guesthouse room to $150 for a 4-star hotel. Mexican food is incredibly good and cheap everywhere. You can get $1 a meal if you’re on a tight budget, or $5-10 per meal in a restaurant.
My 2-Week Mexico Itinerary
As the country is so big, you need at least two weeks in Mexico to see some of the main highlights. Here is a summary of my recommended 2-week Mexico itinerary. I will be giving a day-to-day breakdown below.
- Days 1-3: Mexico City
- Days 4-8: Yucatan Peninsula
- Days 9-11: Guanajuato and San Miguel de Allende
- Days 12-14: Guadalajara
- Day 15: Back to Mexico City
Mexico Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in Mexico City
Begin your 2-week Mexico itinerary in the vibrant capital. Mexico City is the cultural heart of the country and a great first introduction to Mexico. It’s the 6th-largest city in the world by population (home to almost 21 million people), but don’t let that put you off, as it still has lots of charm.
Although the city can get very crowded, there’s a lot of space and many different neighborhoods to explore. It’s a must-visit for anyone who loves information, boasting more museums than any other city in the entire world.
How to Get Around Mexico City
Although this is where your Mexico road trip begins, I wouldn’t advise renting a car in the city because of its sheer volume of traffic. Wait until you get to the Mexican Riviera for this.
One of the best ways to get around Mexico City is the metro system, which is cheap and easy to use. The only issue is that it can get extremely crowded, particularly during rush hours. Try to avoid times when locals are going to or home from work as much as possible.
Another great way to get around is by using Uber. There are a lot of Uber drivers in the city, so you’ll never have to wait long for a car. They’re supposedly safer than the regular city taxi in Mexico City because you can track exactly where you’re going.
Where to Stay in Mexico City
Budget: La Querencia DF
This budget-friendly bed & breakfast is housed in a colonial-style home in Roma Norte, one of the city’s hippest neighborhoods. You’ll notice it straight away because of its bright orange color and cute little balconies. Rooms are brightly colored, clean and cozy. Check the rates here.
Midrange: Chaya Bed & Breakfast Boutique
This cheerful three-star hotel is located right in the heart of the historic center, close to the grand Palacio de Bellas Artes. Rooms are clean and bright with polished concrete floors and lots of plants. There’s a stylish and cozy lounge area and hammocks out on the rooftop. Check the rates here.
Luxury: Las Alcobas DF
This boutique hotel is located in the upscale Polanco area of the city, not far from the huge Bosque de Chapultepec park. It is an exclusive and intimate place, perfect for romance. There is also a relaxing spa and wellness center to unwind. Check the rates here.
Mexico Itinerary Day 2: Explore Mexico City
Although a city of this size can be a little overwhelming, there are a few must-see major highlights in Mexico City. An ideal starting point is the Centro Historico or Historic Center, packed with gorgeous colonial buildings and museums galore.
Explore Zocalo Square and Surroundings
The Zocalo sits at the very heart of the historic center of Mexico City. The grand square is flanked by the Palacio Nacional (National Palace) on one side and the impressive Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral to the other. The square is always buzzing with life, from indigenous Mayan performers to street vendors and tourists.
Visit Museo Templo Mayor
Just behind the city Cathedral lies one of the city’s most impressive sights – the Templo Mayor. These are the ruins left behind from the great Aztec temple and the ancient city of Tenochtitlán, which was destroyed when the Spaniards conquered Mexico.
It wasn’t until the 1970s, that some electricity workers discovered this amazing site, buried beneath the ground. Although it’s mostly just ruins today, you can still make out important religious carvings such as snakeheads and skulls. It’s free to view the temple from the various viewing platforms.
When you’re finished, treat yourself to lunch nearby at Azul Historico or Restaurant El Cardenal, two of the best traditional Mexican restaurants in the area. There are lots of street-side taquerias and vendors selling my favorites – esquites (spicy corn with lime) and elotes (corn on the cob smothered with mayonnaise and cheese).
Wander around the Palacio Bellas Artes
Also located in the Centro Historico is the Palace of Fine Arts, housing the country’s most important art collections. It focuses on the Mexican muralists such as Diego Rivera and his contemporaries. Rooms and exhibits follow a chronological order, first looking at works from the ancient pre-Hispanic period, then the colonial era, and finally art from an independent Mexico.
Mexico Itinerary Day 3: More of Mexico City
On day three of this Mexico itinerary, I recommend venturing out of the historic center, to the areas that are quieter and less touristy.
Visit Museo Frida Kahlo & Mercado Coyoacan
Frida Kahlo has become a Mexican icon and her paintings have become loved throughout the world. Her house, known as the Casa Azul, can be found in a leafy neighborhood of the city called Coyoacan. Book your tickets here!
Around a 20-minute walk from the Frida’s Casa Azul is the lovely Coyoacan Market. It’s a great place to pick up some great souvenirs and to stop for a bit of lunch. The market is filled with small stalls serving up some of Mexico’s most authentic dishes, from stuffed chile poblanos to tacos and quesadillas.
Hike in the Bosque de Chapultepec
Head back towards the center, stopping at the great Bosque de Chapultepec along the way. This huge park is the city’s green lung and covers a whopping 686 hectares, making it one of the largest city parks in the western hemisphere. Filled with green meadows, forested areas and lakes, it’s home to several museums and monuments.
Visit Museo Nacional de Antropología
You could easily spend all day in the National Anthropology Museum, but limit yourself to just the afternoon, so you don’t feel overwhelmed by too much information. Here you’ll find everything you’d ever wanted to know about Mexico’s ancient cultures, from the Mayans and the Aztecs to the Toltecs. It’s packed with replicas of ancient cities, as well as original indigenous art.
Alternative: Day Trip to Teotihuacan
If you have more time, we highly recommend making a day trip to Teotihuacan, one of the most famous ruins in Mexico. Located 30 miles (50 km) northeast of modern-day Mexico City, Teotihuacan is an ancient Mesoamerican city.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site was settled as early as 400 B.C. and became the most powerful and influential city in the region by 400 A.D. The Aztecs found the city in the 1400s and named it Teotihuacan (meaning “the place where the gods were created”).
Teotihuacan’s origins, history, and culture largely remain a mystery. We recommend booking a day tour to Teotihuacan so you can understand the history better with a knowledgable guide. We booked this tour and had an excellent guide, who told us interesting stories and made the place come alive.
Book Your Day Tour:
Mexico Itinerary Day 4: Fly to Cancun
Your two-week Mexico itinerary continues with a flight to Cancun in the Yucatan. This is one of the most popular destinations for a Mexican holiday, because of the white sand beaches and world-famous archeological ruins.
The biggest airport in the region is Cancun. Flights from Mexico City to Cancun take just 2 hours and cost around US$65 return. Flying is the most convenient way to get to the Yucatan. If you have more than 2 weeks in Mexico, you can easily drive or take a bus to Cancun. Driving directly takes around 16 hours.
Book Flights to Cancun
Drive to the Hippy Coastal Town of Tulum
Cancun is an over-touristy resort town, so we recommend heading straight to the bohemian town of Tulum, around a 1.5-hour drive from Cancun. Once a sleepy coastal town, Tulum has transformed into a busy hub loved by hipsters, honeymooners and yogis alike.
Even so, the area near the beach hasn’t been overly built up and the jungle comes right down the sand. Many of the hotels are eco-friendly and sustainable, built from natural materials. Of all the beach towns in Yucatan, Tulum is the best place for a Mexico holiday in our opinion.
If you’re on a budget, I’d recommend spending one night on Tulum beach and one night in Tulum town. Both accommodation and food are very expensive near the beach. The two areas are around 2.5 miles (4km) away apart.
Where to Stay in Tulum
Budget: Che Tulum Hostel
Situated in the center of Tulum Town, this may be a budget choice, but it still offers an outdoor pool and fun hip vibe. There are both private and dorm rooms available, as well as lockers and free wi-fi. They also rent bikes, so you can easily cycle to the beach. Check the rates here.
Midrange: Coco Hacienda
Sitting on the edge of town, the Coco Hacienda is a great option for those who don’t want to pay the high prices on the beach, but still enjoy being surrounded by nature. As it is located a bit out of the center, the hotel has a large tropical garden filled with palms and banana fronds. It’s built in a rustic colonial style and has two tranquil swimming pools. Check the rates here.
Luxury: The Beach
As the name suggests, this gorgeous eco-boutique hotel sits right on the beach and offers a boho-chic vibe with a rustic charm. The luxurious thatched cottages offer private plunge pools and hammocks, while the communal areas feature several pools hidden amongst the jungle foliage. There are also free yoga classes each morning. Check the rates here.
Mexico Itinerary Day 5: See the Tulum Ruins
Explore the Archaeological Zone Tulum
One of the highlights of any visit to Tulum is the Archeological Zone. The area is filled with Mayan ruins, which sit high above the turquoise Caribbean Sea, as well as numerous iguana and tropical flora. Remember to bring your bathing suit as there are a few lovely white sand beaches, which can only be accessed from the site.
Swim in the Gran Cenote
The Riviera Maya is full of cenotes – magical underground sinkholes filled with crystalline clear waters. You can swim, snorkel and even dive in many of them. One of the best near Tulum is the Gran Cenote, a gorgeous sinkhole filled with clear turquoise-colored waters, partly open to the sky and partly under an enchanting cave.
Remember to bring a mask and snorkel with you (or rent one when you’re there) as a variety of fish and turtles live beneath the surface.
Mexico Itinerary Day 6: Explore Tulum Town
Spend the morning enjoying the beach and swimming, before heading to Tulum town. The town itself doesn’t have any particular attractions, but it’s great for dining and shopping. The restaurants here are much more affordable than near the beach and offer more authentic options too.
For lunch, there are some great places to dine in town. If you’re a vegetarian like me, I highly recommend La Hoja Verde, which offers lots of typical Mexican dishes with vegetarian alternatives. The other place I absolutely loved was Burrito Amor , who make their own deliciously spicy sauces.
Take a Cenote Tour
In the afternoon, take the opportunity to visit more cenotes. The area is home to so many that it can be difficult to choose which to go to. If you hired your own car, it will be very easy to make a mini Mexico road trip and visit several in one afternoon. But if you haven’t, I recommend booking a day tour so that you can make the most of your time.
Some of my favorite cenotes we visited include Car Wash Cenote, Cenote Cristal and Cenote Escondido. Each one is totally unique and beautiful in its own way.
Book Your Day Tour:
Mexico Itinerary Day 7: Drive to Valladolid
The next part of your Mexico road trip will be in the colonial town of Valladolid. Located around 100km inland from Tulum, this cute and charming town is filled with brightly colored houses and old colonial buildings.
The town also has a strong connection to its Mayan past. Many locals still walk around in Mayan dress and lots of the restaurants serve typical Mayan dishes with traditional ingredients such as chaya leaves and crushed pumpkin-seed sauce.
Swim in Cenote Saamal
Valladolid is unique in the fact that it boasts a cenote right in the center of town: the Cenote Zaci. While beautiful and easy to get to, it’s not the most spectacular of the Cenote’s close to Valladolid. One of the best we visited was Cenote Saamal, a very deep cenote with a gorgeous tumbling waterfall. Just grab a taxi from the central square to get there.
Visit Convent of San Bernardino
On certain evenings during the week, video mapping and colored lights are projected onto the sides of the city’s elegant San Bernardino Convent. The projections tell the story of Valladolid and its history in a beautiful and magical way. Check with the Tourist Information Office on the main square as to the days and timings.
Where to Stay in Valladolid
Budget: Casa Hipil
A lovely homely budget option, this place feels more like a guesthouse than a hotel and even has a lounge and communal kitchen. It’s warm and welcoming with clean and comfortable en suite rooms. Check rates here.
Midrange: Hotel Colonial Zaci
Located just one block from the main central square, Hotel Colonial Zaci is a graceful and elegant choice. Rooms feature dark wood furniture and beautifully-patterned tiles on the floor, but also feel modern and updated. There’s also a lovely central courtyard to relax in. Check rates here.
Luxury: Le Muuch
One of the best and newest hotels in Valladolid, Le Muuch is full of charm and color. Open-air public spaces feel jungle-like with lots of plants and foliage. Individually-decorated rooms are themed around different precious stones and feature added touches such as a hammock, traditional cookies and local Mexican coffee. Check rates here.
Mexico Itinerary Day 8: Explore Archeological Sites
Explore Chichen Itza
One of the highlights for any first-time visitor during a Mexico road trip, is surely Chichen Itza, one of the country’s most celebrated Mayan archaeological sites. An important Mayan-Toltec city it spans a thousand years of history. Today, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s one of the most popular sites in the Yucatan.
As you’re so close to the temples, I recommend leaving as early as you can and reaching the site before all the day-trippers arrive from Cancun and Playa del Carmen. I also suggest hiring a guide, as there aren’t many plaques or information. If you don’t have a car, it might be best to book a tour that will bring you there from Tulum.
Book Your Day Tour:
Learn more History at Ek Balam
If you don’t spend the whole day at Chichen Itza, there might be time to visit two amazing archaeological sites in one day. Ek Balam lies to the north of Valladolid, so you can simply drive here straight from Chichen Itza. Like Chichen Itza, this city was also created by the Mayans, however, here there are far fewer tourists and it’s still possible to walk up the temples.
At the end of the day, enjoy dinner in Valladolid at El Meson de Marques. The restaurant specializes in traditional Mayan dishes and is set around a romantic fountain-filled courtyard in a hotel.
Mexico Itinerary Day 9: Head to San Miguel de Allende
Drive or take the bus back to Cancun (2 hours) for your flight back to Mexico City. From the capital, continue your Mexico road trip to the historic city of San Miguel de Allende. Book a seat on the Primera Plus buses; the journey take approximately five hours.
San Miguel de Allende is one of Mexico’s most charming and picturesque cities, known for its graceful colonial architecture, grand churches and pretty squares. A UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic city, it’s a must-visit for art and architecture lovers like me.
Where to Stay in San Miguel de Allende
Budget: Hotel Casa San Miguel
Set right in the heart of San Miguel de Allende, this attractive budget option offers cozy rooms set around a bright flower-filled courtyard. Rooms feel modern and bright with touches of the city’s colonial past in the furniture and décor. Check rates here.
Midrange: Hacienda El Santuario
This boutique option has bags of classic Mexican and colonial charm. Think warming terracotta colors, wood-beamed ceilings and grand wrought-iron beds. There’s everything you could ask for a romantic stay from courtyards to leafy-tropical gardens and outdoor fireplaces. The hotel also features the largest private collection of Mexican folk art in the city. Check rates here.
Luxury: Hotel Amparo
This boutique retreat sits in the center of the city surrounded by pastel-colored colonial buildings. Offering just five rooms, it’s an intimate and exclusive hotel. Rooms are huge and feature sumptuous décor, such as romantic four-poster beds and grand fireplaces. Check rates here.
Mexico Itinerary Day 10: Explore San Miguel de Allende
Visit Historic Museum of San Miguel de Allende
Start your day by wandering around the historic center and visiting the city’s history museum. Located in the house where Mexican independence idol Ignacio Allende was born, the museum regals the history of the city and its story. On the upper floors, you’ll find objects and furniture which belonged to the Allende family themselves.
Wander around Mercado Artesania
If you love bringing home artistic souvenirs from your trips as I do, you shouldn’t miss a visit to the city’s Artisanal Market. A buzzing and vibrant space, it sells everything from handmade sombreros and colorful sugar skulls to intricately-stitched textiles and bright ceramics.
Admire Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel
This neo-Gothic church sits at the heart of San Miguel de Allende and is one of the reasons for its UNESCO World Heritage status. Built in the 17th-century church, the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel somewhat resembles a fairytale castle with its pink spires reaching towards the sky.
Mexico Itinerary Day 11: Discover Guanajuato
Learn History at Cañada de La Virgen
In the morning, leave the city behind to visit Cañada de La Virgen, located approximately 30km to the west of the city. An Otomi archaeological site, this ancient pre-Hispanic city was occupied from around 540 to 1050 AD. Featuring a grand pyramid complex, it was also an important site for the Toltec, once used for rituals and sacrifices.
Admire Sanctuary of Atotonilco
Head back to San Miguel de Allende for lunch, before leaving it again to visit the Sanctuary of Atotonilco. Located just over 10 miles north of the city, you can reach the sanctuary by local bus or private taxi.
Part of San Miguel’s UNESCO World Heritage status, it’s known as Mexico’s Sistine Chapel because of its intricate artwork painted on the ceilings. Built in the 18th century, it’s an explosion of color, pattern and lavish decor.
Mexico Itinerary Day 12: Head to Guadalajara
Continue your Mexico road trip by taking the bus west to Guadalajara. The city is known for its tequila production and lively mariachi music. The route will take you via the city of Leon and take approximately five hours.
After checking in and taking a rest, I recommend heading out to see a Mariachi performance. Guadalajara is the capital of Mexico’s Mariachi music, so you can’t miss a trip here without going to see a live performance.
Book Your Experience:
Where to Stay in Guadalajara
Budget: Maria Bonita
Located in a typical Guadalajaran house, this cozy budget option offers both dorm rooms and private doubles. It features bright traditional Mexican décor, from colored sugar skulls and portraits of Frida Kahlo to patterned tiles. There’s also a communal kitchen for use and a relaxing lounge for socializing. Check rates here.
Midrange: Arborea Hotel
Situated in a garden-like oasis, just outside the center, the Arborea Hotel is ideal for those who want to make the most of the facilities. Featuring a swimming pool, onsite restaurant and bar, it offers a quiet respite from the city center. Rooms are modern and spacious, decorated in a fresh contemporary style. Check rates here.
Luxury: Del Carmen Concept Hotel Boutique by Chai
Located in the historic center close to the cathedral, this is a chic and funky boutique hotel (pictured). Housed in a graceful mansion-like building, it boasts bold avant-garde design. Each room is individually decorated and offers all the latest mod cons. There’s also an onsite contemporary restaurant and bar. Check rates here.
Mexico Itinerary Day 13: Explore Guadalajara
Walk around the Centro Historico
The most charming and emblematic area of Guadalajara is, of course, the historic center. Littered with grand landmarks, it’s home to everything from palaces and theaters to churches and temples. It’s made up of four main plazas and is best discovered on foot, simply by getting lost and exploring.
Stroll around Mercado Libertad – San Juan de Dios
After spending the morning exploring, head to the San Juan de Dios market for a spot of lunch and souvenir shopping. The largest indoor covered market in Latin America, this monstrous space is definitely somewhere you’ll want to take some time to discover.
You’ll find everything here from crafts and sweets to sunglasses and clothes. Head down to the lower level for lunch to find stalls selling all manner of traditional street foods, including tacos, pozole (a thick hearty stew) and tortas ahogadas (sandwiches drowned in sauce).
Go Shopping in Tlaquepaque
Leave the center of Guadalajara behind and take a taxi south to the city of San Pedro Tlaquepaque. It shouldn’t cost more than $5. The small city is known for its ceramics, galleries and streets covered with colorful umbrellas. It’s a lively and vibrant place, and definitely gives an authentic feel.
Mexico Itinerary Day 14: Day trip to Tequila
Your Mexico road trip wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Tequila, the town that gives its name to the famous Mexican spirit. The vibrant town of Tequila is surrounded by blue agave plantations (from which the tequila drink is distilled) and can be found around 68km northwest of Guadalajara.
There are several ways to reach Tequila from Guadalajara. You can take the local bus, the José Cuervo Express train, or the Tequila Express. The Tequila Express is not only a mode of transport but also a tour, taking you to visit distilleries, a botanical garden and to watch a folkloric performance.
Book Your Day Trip:
Mexico Itinerary Day 15: Home
With that, you’ve come to the end of your Mexico trip! Fly back to Mexico City and prepare for your journey back home. Be sure to give yourself enough time to catch the flight. We recommend staying one night at an airport hotel in Mexico City.
Where to Stay Near the Mexico City Airport
Budget: Izzzsleep Aeropuerto
Perfect for budget travelers, this pod hotel has a branch in Terminal 1 and another in Terminal 2. Pods are brand new and exceptionally clean. They are equipped with a safe, a flat-screen TV and charging stations. Great value for money! Check the rates here.
Midrange: We Hotel Aeropuerto
Located close to the airport, We Hotel provides well-priced and modern hotels. They also provide a free shuttle that leaves every 15 minutes, for 24 hours. Excellent choice for midrange travelers. Check the rates.
