3-Week Mexico Itinerary: The Ultimate Road Trip Through Mexican Culture and Natural Beauties
Pack your bags for an incredible road trip across Mexico with this epic 3 week Mexico Itinerary. As you may know, I live in Mexico, and I have traveled all over the country to the most interesting places on and off the beaten path, covering almost every state.
So, I thought I would share a sample 3-week Mexico itinerary that you could use as an inspiration for your next epic trip to Mexico.
It covers some of the most incredible sights, using a mix of buses, flights, and car rentals to make the most of your time.
This itinerary is packed with ideas and inspiration, but remember, it’s totally customizable. You can swap out stops, extend your stay in certain places, or mix it up however you like.
I’ve included links to help you dive deeper into specific destinations and activities. And if you’d like a personalized itinerary tailored to your preferences, I’ve got you covered! I offer a paid service for that—just email me, and I’ll provide all the details.
Ready to explore? Let’s get started!
Quick Mexico Itinerary Overview
- Mexico City: 3 nights – Explore iconic landmarks, museums, and vibrant neighborhoods.
- Puebla: 3 nights – Travel by bus; discover colonial charm, Cholula, and culinary delights.
- Oaxaca City: 3 nights – Travel by bus; enjoy a city tour, visit Hierve el Agua, the Tule Tree, Mitla, and Monte Albán.
- Cancun: 1 night – Fly to Cancun and relax before starting your road trip.
- Rio Lagartos: 1 night – Discover the stunning lagoon and pink salt flats of Las Coloradas.
- Valladolid: 2 nights – Visit Chichén Itzá, swim in cenotes, and explore the colonial town.
- Merida: 2 nights – Experience Mayan culture, cenotes, and nearby archaeological wonders.
- Bacalar: 3 nights – Relax by the Lagoon of Seven Colors and enjoy a peaceful retreat.
- Tulum: 3 nights – Explore ancient ruins, cenotes, and unwind on pristine beaches.
Departure: Fly out from Tulum Airport after an unforgettable journey through Mexico.
Disclaimer: This page may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of those links, I may earn a commission at zero cost for you. Please see my disclaimer policy my privacy policy.
Mexico Itinerary – Days 1–3: Mexico City
Day 1: Explore the Heart of Mexico City
Begin your journey in Mexico’s bustling capital. But first, you need to get from the airport to your hotel of choice in Mexico City.
- Explore Downtown: Stroll around Zócalo, one of the largest city squares in the world, and visit the Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Palace with its iconic Diego Rivera murals.
- Wander through Chapultepec Park, home to museums, gardens, and a castle with sweeping views of the city.
- Dive into authentic Mexican cuisine at Mercado Roma or a local taquería.
Day 2: Pyramids and Frida Kahlo
- Take a day trip to the Teotihuacan Pyramids, the ancient city of the gods. Climb the Pyramid of the Sun for an unforgettable view.
- In the afternoon, explore Coyoacán, a charming neighborhood, and visit the Frida Kahlo Museum, also known as La Casa Azul.
Day 3: Discover Modern Mexico City
- Explore the trendy neighborhoods of Roma and Condesa, known for their cafes, boutiques, and parks.
- Visit the Palacio de Bellas Artes, an architectural gem, and the adjoining Alameda Central Park.
- End the day with a fine-dining experience at Pujol or Quintonil (Reservation required months in advance).
Mexico Itinerary Days 4–6: Puebla (By Bus)
Read about the best hotels in Puebla to pick the coolest accommodations.
Day 4: Arrival and Historic Center
- Take a scenic bus ride to Puebla (2 hours). Check into a boutique hotel in the historic center.
- Explore Puebla’s colonial streets, marvel at the Puebla Cathedral, and visit the Rosary Chapel, a Baroque masterpiece.
- Indulge in Puebla’s iconic mole poblano at a traditional restaurant.
Day 5: Day Trip to Cholula
- Visit Cholula, home to the Great Pyramid and its beautiful hilltop church, Nuestra Señora de los Remedios.
- Enjoy views of the volcanoes Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl on a clear day.
- Taste a local specialty: cemitas, a delicious sandwich.
Day 6: Art, Pottery, and Sweets
- Explore Puebla’s vibrant arts scene at the Amparo Museum and the Artist Quarter.
- Shop for Talavera pottery and stroll through Calle de los Dulces for traditional sweets like camotes.
Mexico Itinerary Days 7–9: Oaxaca City (By Bus)
Day 7: Oaxaca City Highlights
- Arrive in Oaxaca and immerse yourself in its vibrant culture.
- Visit the Church of Santo Domingo and its adjacent botanical gardens.
- Explore local markets like Mercado Benito Juárez and sample traditional tlayudas and chocolate oaxaqueño.
Day 8: Hierve el Agua and Beyond
- Take a day trip to Hierve el Agua, a petrified waterfall with natural pools, one of the best day trips from Oaxaca
- Stop by the massive Tule Tree, which is said to be over 2,000 years old.
- Visit Mitla, an ancient Zapotec archaeological site known for its intricate mosaics.
Day 9: Monte Albán and Local Delights
- Tour Monte Albán, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Mexico’s most impressive archaeological wonders.
- End your day with a mezcal-tasting tour to learn about Oaxaca’s beloved spirit.
Mexico Itinerary Day 10: Fly to Cancun
- Take a flight to Cancun (2 hours). Spend the night resting at one of the luxury beach hotels in Cancun to recharge for the next leg of your trip.
- Rent a car at the airport when you land. This way, you save money on transportation to your hotel, and you already have the car for the following day.
Discover Cars Mexico Review
Discover Cars is one of the most popular car rental for many reasons, among which:
✔︎ straight forward information
✔︎ full coverage add-on
✔︎ listing of different companies with reviews
Mexico Itinerary Day 11: Rio Lagartos + Las Coloradas
- Drive to Rio Lagartos (2.5 hours). Read the above-linked post for in-depth information.
- Take a boat tour through the lagoon to spot flamingos, crocodiles, and other wildlife.
- Visit the nearby Las Coloradas, famous for its stunning pink salt flats.
- Stay overnight at a cozy eco-lodge by the water.
Mexico Itinerary Days 12–13: Valladolid
Day 12: Chichén Itzá and Cenotes
Drive to Valladolid and spend 2 nights in one of the charming boutique hotels.
- Drive to Chichén Itzá, one of the World’s New Seven Wonders. Visit early to beat the crowds.
- Cool off at nearby cenotes like Ik Kil or Cenote Suytun or one of the other lesser-known cenotes near Chichen Itza.
- Spend the evening in Valladolid’s central square, enjoying local street food.
Day 13: Valladolid’s Colonial Charm
- Stroll through Valladolid’s charming streets, visiting landmarks like San Servacio Church and Casa de los Venados.
- Explore lesser-known cenotes like Cenote Zací, located right in the city.
Mexico Itinerary Days 14–15: Merida
Day 14: Discover Merida
- Drive to Merida (2 hours) and settle into the cultural hub of the Yucatan.
- Take a walking tour to explore Paseo de Montejo, colonial mansions, and bustling markets.
- Visit the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya to better understand Mayan culture.
Day 15: Cenotes or Uxmal
- Choose between a cenote tour near Merida or a visit to the stunning archaeological site of Uxmal, known for its intricate Puuc architecture.
Mexico Itinerary Days 16–18: Bacalar
Day 16: Arrival at Bacalar
- Drive to Bacalar (4 hours) and check into a lakeside hotel.
- Spend the afternoon unwinding by the Lagoon of Seven Colors.
Day 17: Lagoon Adventures
- Take a boat tour to explore Bacalar Lagoon, visiting Pirates’ Canal and Los Rápidos.
- Swim, kayak, or simply relax in the crystal-clear waters.
Day 18: Peaceful Retreat
- Enjoy a slow day soaking in the tranquility of Bacalar. Discover local restaurants and hidden gems along the lakeshore.
Mexico Itinerary Days 19–21: Tulum
Drive to Tulum and check in either in a budget hotel downtown or splurge on the beach.
Day 19: Ancient Ruins
- Drive to Tulum (2.5 hours) and explore the famous Tulum Ruins, perched above the turquoise sea.
- Spend the rest of the day relaxing on Tulum’s stunning beaches.
Day 20: Cenotes and Adventure
- Visit Gran Cenote, Cenote Dos Ojos, or Casa Cenote for a refreshing swim.
- Explore the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve for a blend of adventure and nature.
Day 21: Relax and Unwind
- Spend your final day in Tulum lounging at a beach club or indulging in a spa treatment.
Mexico Itinerary Departure from Tulum Airport
Say goodbye to Mexico as you head to Tulum Airport for your departure, taking home memories of an unforgettable journey. Keep in mind that a different drop-off location may incur extra charges from your car rental.
Mexico Itinerary: Final Thoughts
As you plan your trip through Mexico, remember to stay flexible and open to unexpected discoveries. Some of the best experiences happen when you go off the beaten path or take a local’s recommendation.
Keep an eye on time management—Mexico is a vast country, and distances can be deceiving. Avoid trying to cram too much into your itinerary, as travel between destinations often takes longer than expected. It’s better to enjoy fewer places than rush through too many.
Pack strategically for the variety of climates you’ll encounter. Lightweight layers, comfortable shoes, and a refillable water bottle are essential. And don’t forget sunscreen and a hat—Mexico’s sun can be intense, even in cooler months.
Lastly, download offline maps or apps like Google Maps for reliable navigation, especially when you’re in remote areas or traveling between towns.
Take your time, savor the food, immerse yourself in the culture, and enjoy the lush nature, and most of all respect it. Don’t leave trash behind, and be kind to locals.
