10 Days in Mexico - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Classic Mexico City & Riviera Maya

Swim in a cenote, visit Mayan archaeological sites, learn how to make tortillas by hand, try a surfing lesson: this well-rounded tour around some of Mexico's top destinations offers a wide variety of activities.

After checking in to your Mexico City hotel, you'll meet your private guide for a city tour where you'll visit the historic center including the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Museum of the Great Temple, and the Zócalo. On day two, visit Teotihuacán—the largest and most revered city in the history of the New World—and the famous Basilica of Our Lady Guadalupe. The catch a flight to Cancún and drive to Valladolid, the jumping-off point for the next day's visit to the ruins of Chichén Itzá and Yokdzonot Cenote. 

The tour continues with a stop at Ekʼ Balam, a Yucatec-Maya archaeological site, and a visit to a local community. On day six, you'll see two more important archaeological sites—Uxmal and Kabah—before transferring to Mérida for a city tour. Wrap up the trip in Tulum, where you'll tour the archaeological ruins strategically positioned over the ocean. Take a dip in the sea afterward and enjoy a margarita on the beach. You'll have a free day to relax on the Riviera Maya before heading back to Cancún to board a flight out of Mexico. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Highlights of Chiapas

On this outdoorsy trip plan, you'll see the highlights of Chiapas, including visits to turquoise-colored waterfalls, indigenous villages, the landscapes of Montebello Lakes National Park, and charming San Cristóbal de las Casas.

Your introduction to Chiapas happens in colorful San Cristobal de las Casas, where you'll take a walking tour past the cathedral, colonial houses, and the open-air textile marketplace. The next day, board a motorboat to the islet of Cahuare, navigating along the breathtaking Sumidero Canyon and spotting spider monkeys and waterfalls. Continue on to picturesque Lagos de Montebello (Montebello Lakes), followed by a stop at El Chiflón waterfalls, the tallest in Chiapas.

Visit a pair of indigenous villages in the highlands of Chiapas before seeing Agua Azul waterfalls and towering Misol-Há waterfall. You'll overnight in Palenque and see the impressive Palenque archaeological site, followed by stops at the ruins of Yaxchilan and Bonampak. On the last full day of the trip, hike and get some fresh air in Lacandona Forest, which features an archaeological site and a waterfall you can swim in. You'll have one last night in Mexico before catching a flight out the next day. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Magical Oaxaca & the Pacific Coast

Discover the wonders of Oaxaca, from mouthwatering regional dishes to Zapotec ruins and wild Pacific beaches, on this colorful itinerary.

Spend the first days of the trip in the city of Oaxaca, getting an overview of the region's history and culture on a walking tour. Then get out of town to see a massive Tule tree: at approximately two thousand years old, it's the biggest tree in the world! Continue to Hierve el Agua, an imposing petrified waterfall located in the mountain range, with the option to bathe in its mineral-rich waters. Learn how to make mole in a cooking class, then visit Monte Albán, the first Mesoamerican urban center.

Wander through picturesque Ocotlán market before continuing to the Northern Highlands of Oaxaca, where you'll learn about a community jam-making tradition in Latuvi—and have a chance to make jam and bread yourself—and visit a farm in Benito Juárez to discover what rural life is like in this part of Mexico. Finish up the trip in the beach paradise of Huatulco, on the Pacific coast, where you'll have two days to sunbathe, swim, snorkel, and relax before catching a flight out of the country. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Treasures of the Yucatán Peninsula

Leave the tourist crowds behind and enjoy this active adventure around the Yucatán Peninsula, featuring visits to fascinating Maya ruins, a snorkeling excursion around one of the largest coral reefs in the world, and a chance to get away from it all on Isla Holbox.

On your arrival at Cancún’s airport, a driver will be waiting for you to take you to your hotel in Puerto Morelos. Go snorkeling off the coast on day two: you'll see colorful fish, coral, and even sea turtles and rays under the surface of the water. The next day, swim in the subterranean river of Xibalba and the Tzeldzonot cenote. The move onto the colonial city of Valladolid, where you'll spend the night.

The next day, tour the pre-Hispanic ruins of Chichén Itzá, then go for a dip in the lesser-known Yokdzonot cenote. Then see flamingos, crocodiles, and sea birds at Rio Lagartos. Then catch a ferry to Isla Holbox (Holbox Island), the paradise-like place where you'll spend the last few days of the trip. Enjoy the spectacular color of the sea, the unpaved streets, fresh seafood, and incredibly beautiful sunsets. Rent a bike or a golf cart to get around, or just stay put in a hammock that swings in the breeze—it's the perfect ending to your trip. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Southern Mexico Foodie Tour: Mexico City, Puebla & Oaxaca

Work up an appetite: you'll need it for this food-focused journey around Mexico that includes stops for street tacos in Mexico City and delicious chocolates and cheeses in Oaxaca.

Start the adventure in Mexico City, where you'll take a guided walking tour of the historic center and stop for street tacos along the way. Explore Mercado de San Juan marketplace on day two to learn about Mexican cuisine and its evolution, and sample fruits, cheese, and agave-distilled mezcal. Drive to Puebla next, where you'll take a cooking class and go on a walking tour. On day four, take a special tour of Puebla to try typical antojitos (Mexican snacks) and visit a tamalería (tamale shop). Then continue on to the city of Oaxaca, where you'll have a free afternoon.

Join a foodie tour of Oaxaca the following day. After a morning cooking class on day seven, you'll head to the Northern Highlands of Oaxaca, where you'll visit the community of Latuvi to learn about its jam-making traditions. You'll also have the chance to make your own jam and bread—a perfect snack as you continue along the journey to Benito Juárez. There, you'll visit a local farm, learn about rural ways of life in Oaxaca, and enjoy several meals made with farm-fresh ingredients. Full and happy, your trip comes to a close. Learn more

More Great 10-Day Mexico Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your Mexico trip? Check out these other 10-day Mexico itineraries, ranging from active, to cultural, to luxury, or family-friendly trips.

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