I had wanted to go to Mexico for years, not only to enjoy its world-famous cuisine but also learn about its fascinating history and culture. Having spent six weeks in Mexico, I am pleased to say it more than lived up to my high expectations and is one of my favourite places that I have ever been.

Mexico is an enormous country with so much to see and do, and with this 4-week itinerary you can experience some of the best it has to offer. You’ll see some of Mexico’s beautiful and diverse landscapes, from desert regions and mountains to tropical rainforests and stunning beaches. You’ll also visit vibrant cities, explore ancient ruins, and eat some of the tastiest food on the planet. 

How this itinerary is organised

Based on how I travel and what I learned during an amazing six-week stay in Mexico, I have put together this four-week itinerary that will take you from Mexico City down to Cancun. As you might already know, I’m all about slow travel. This means that no stop will just be one day, giving you enough time to really get to know each destination and not get too burned out.

You can of course see lots more of Mexico in a month, but don’t underestimate how huge the country is and how long it takes to get from place to place. I’ll suggest some things to do at destination, how to get around and specific blog posts of mine which go into more detail. I hope this itinerary will provide you with the information and inspiration you need to have an unforgettable adventure. 

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Getting Around Mexico

You will mainly be using Mexico’s extensive bus travel network for this itinerary. Bus travel across Mexico works really well, with routes linking most major cities and towns. My husband and I found the buses to be safe, comfortable, and punctual…with the exception of the mammoth 22-hour journey, caused by protestors and blockades, which wasn’t the bus company’s fault!

Due to the distances between some stops, overnight buses will be required in this itinerary. I was nervous about taking night buses at first but they are perfectly fine; just keep your valuables on you (ideally secured to you in a zipped, locked bag), and pack ear plugs and an eye mask! Bus prices were a little bit higher than we expected, but it is still a budget-friendly option. Plus, you will save on accommodation costs, so that’s a win-win!

I recommend booking tickets in advance for any journey you make, as seats can fill up quickly. The easiest way to buy tickets online is through user-friendly transport sites like 12go and Busbud. Both websites are very user-friendly; you can search in numerous languages and find timetables and ticket prices. You can pay online via your credit/debit card and receive an e-ticket by email to show the bus driver/ticket inspector. Alternatively, you can buy bus tickets in-person at the central bus station in whichever city/town you’re visiting. 

If long coach journeys aren’t your thing, you can of course fly around Mexico. Just bear in mind that internal flights often fly back to Mexico City for a stopover and can take just as long as a bus journey. Renting a car is also a great way to get around, as you will have a lot more freedom to stop wherever you want. I have heard that some roads are less safe than others (due to hijacking or frequent protests), so it is best to get advice from locals, like your hotel/hostel/Airbnb host, when deciding which routes to take.

Days 1-4: Mexico City 

Mexico City (known as CDMX to the locals) often gets rushed through by visitors racing to the beach-laden Yucatán or colourful Oaxaca regions instead. However, I think starting your trip in the country’s sprawling capital is a great way to jump headfirst into Mexican culture. Four days in this loud and bustling city will give you enough time to enjoy much of what it has to offer, without exhausting yourself! My 3 days in Mexico City itinerary can give you lots of ideas on how to spend your time here, but here are some of the highlights; 

• For those interested in Mexico’s history, head on over to the Anthropology Museum (a must-visit!), the Templo Mayor ruins, and the impressive Metropolitan Cathedral in the iconic Zócalo neighbourhood. 
• Art fans will be spoiled for choice, with an endless number of galleries showcasing the works of prominent Mexican artists, such as Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera.
• Indulge in the incredible food! From cheap and delicious street food to high-end dining, there are thousands of options to choose from. CDMX is also home to some of the world’s top cocktail bars, such as Licorería Limantour, so be sure to try some exciting beverages using local ingredients. 
• Explore fun neighbourhoods like Coyahuan, La Condesa, and Roma, each with their own charm and character.

There is so much to do in the city itself, but I encourage you to do a half-day trip to Teotihuacan, an ancient, mysterious city famous for its temples and relics. 

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Days 5-7: Puebla

On Day 5 you will leave behind the hustle and bustle of Mexico’s capital and head to the laid-back city of Puebla. This chilled and colourful city was a wonderful surprise for us, to the point we were debating on whether to extend our time there.

One of the nicest things to do in Puebla is to wander around the beautiful historic centre, which is a recognised UNESCO World Heritage site. Here you can admire the wonderful architecture from its striking churches and cathedrals to colonial-era townhouses. There are also ample shopping opportunities with several markets offering local, handmade arts and crafts. Be sure to try some regional dishes, like tacos al pastor and the deliciously rich mole poblano. Here are some more ideas for fun things to do in Puebla.

While there is plenty to keep you entertained in Puebla itself, a must-do activity while there is a day trip to the cute nearby city of Cholula. Located a short bus or Uber ride away, Cholula is best-known for the enormous Great Pyramid that remains hidden within a hill in the Zona Arqueológica de Cholula. Atop of this mound sits the iconic, bright yellow Santuario de la Virgen de los Remedios. Although the hike up to the top of the hill is a bit strenuous, especially in the heat, you are rewarded with fantastic views out towards one of Mexico’s most active volcanoes Popocatépetl. 

Getting to Puebla

You can drive to Puebla from Mexico City or take a bus. There are buses running continuously between these two cities from as early as 5 AM and as late as 1 AM, via two bus companies – ADO and AU. We took an ADO bus from Mexico City’s TAPO terminal. The journey takes between 1.5hrs -3hrs and costs between MXN$ 250-450 (depending on which bus you take). ADO buses are considered to be “first class” with their reclining seats and bathrooms, while AU buses are more of a second-class service.

Days 8-12: Oaxaca

On the morning of Day 8, you’ll hop on a coach to Oaxaca City, the state capital of the Oaxaca region. Oaxaca City (officially known as Oaxaca de Juárez) had been high on my list of places to go for years and it did not disappoint. Pretty cobbled streets, cute pastel buildings, colourful bunting hanging overhead, smoke wafting into the air from street food grills, bustling markets, street parades, live music; it was exactly how I had pictured Mexico in my head. A real assault to the senses that I absolutely loved.

Oaxaca is full with fun things to do, which I have included in my three-day Oaxaca itinerary. Check out swanky cocktail bars, pop into cool boutiques, marvel at historical buildings, visit galleries, people-watch in piazzas, and haggle at local markets. You can also visit important archaeological sites, such as Monte Albán and those at the nearby town of Mitla, or visit beautiful natural wonders like Hierve el Agua. For me, the most exciting thing about Oaxaca was indulging in the local cuisine, which is considered by many to be the best in Mexico. In fact, it was the main reason I’d always wanted to visit! For some ideas on where to eat in Oaxaca, check out my dedicated post. 

Getting to Oaxaca

You can take direct buses from Puebla to Oaxaca with ADO or AU. Journey time ranges from 4hrs 40mins to 5hrs 30mins. It costs around between MXN$ 500 and 780 depending on the bus time and which website you buy your ticket from. 

Days 13-16: Puerto Escondido

Oh how I wish I was in Puerto Escondido right now. Beautiful beaches like Playa Carrizalillo, spectacular sunsets and a chilled, laidback atmosphere made this beach town one of my favourite stops during my Mexican adventure. It is the absolute perfect place to spend a few days to recharge your batteries. Relaxing on its sandy beaches and bathing in the sparkling, turquoise water is the highlight of any stay in Puerto Escondido, but there is much more to do and see here.

You can take boat trips out at sunrise to look for turtles, whales and dolphins, visit turtle sanctuaries, explore the area’s gorgeous nature, or just laze around in a hut drinking an ice-cold drink while watching the world go by. Being by the coast, you’ll also have a bounty of amazing seafood dishes to try, like fresh fish tacos slathered in spicy salsa. My post on what to do in Puerto Escondido will give you lots of ideas about how to spend your time there!

Getting to Puerto Escondido

To reach Puerto Escondido from Oaxaca City, take a 3hr bus ride with bus companies ADO or OCC. Ticket prices range from MXN$ 350 and MXN$ 420.

Days 17-20: San Cristóbal de las Casas

Located in a mountainous and forested area of Chiapas, this slow-paced, and quiet town (well, quiet for Mexico..) is a popular spot for those looking to balance sightseeing, exploring and chilling for a few days. You could easily spend your days in San Cristóbal strolling the historic centre’s pretty streets and visiting its churches and museums, but the big draw to this city is the amazing nature that surrounds it.

One of the most popular activities is to take an organised boat trip down the Sumidero Canyon. There you will be treated to spectacular scenery, crocodile-infested waters, and funny spider monkeys swinging around by the shore. Another great way to enjoy the natural beauty of the area is a visit to nearby El Arcotete ecological park, where you can hike through peaceful woods, explore narrow caves, and enjoy a picnic while listening to the sound of birds and streams.

As a coffee junkie, I loved exploring the many cafés that can be found in San Cristóbal and taking advantage of being in Mexico’s top coffee producing region. Chiapas is also a major cacao producer too (yay!), meaning there are plenty of opportunities to warm up with a nice cup of hot chocolate (this is needed during the cooler evenings). Another interesting fact about San Cristóbal is that it has a large indigenous population, so be sure to check out some of the local markets and pick up some traditional Mexican products. Check out my post on what to do in San Cristóbal for more ideas.

Getting to San Cristóbal

From Puerto Escondido, you can take a night bus to San Cristobal. Journey times range from around 13 to 14 hours. Tickets cost between MXN$ 1,200-1,400 depending on which bus you take. Unfortunately this route is susceptible to protests and road blockades that can spring up without warning.

The protesters are usually unconcerned with tourists but their protests can disrupt your travel plans. Occasionally you might be asked to pay a ‘fee’ to pass through the protest (usually MXN$ 50-100 per person). We didn’t have to pay a ‘fee’ on this route, but did get stuck for 9 hours due to a road blockade, which made our 13-hour journey last 22 hours! However, I think such significant delays are very rare. As a general rule, make sure you have plenty of water and snacks for bus journeys in Mexico (day or night) in case you get delayed.

Days 21-22: Palenque

An overnight bus from San Cristóbal will get you into the town of Palenque in the early morning of Day 21. Still in the state of Chiapas, Palenque is an area known for its ancient ruins, tropical rainforests, and stunning waterfalls. With just two days here, you can split your time between two main activities.

On your first day, I recommend exploring the incredible ruins of Palenque, an ancient Mayan city dating to 200AD. Now overrun by jungle, this important archaeological site is full of temples and palaces, as well as beautifully intricate carvings to admire. There is also a museum you can visit beforehand that is included in the entrance fee. Overall, you’ll spend around 3-4 hours at the site. 

The second activity is visiting one of the numerous waterfalls in the surrounding area. The most famous of which is Agua Azul, which can be reached on a tour that includes the waterfall Misol-Ha. However, I can personally recommend the slightly lesser known Cascadas de Roberto Barrios. Here you will be treated to a series of equally gorgeous waterfalls and bright turquoise water but with significantly fewer tourists. Be sure to bring your swimwear, as the water here is incredibly refreshing and provides great respite from the heat.

Getting to Palenque

Palenque can be reached by San Cristobal de las Casas by OCC bus (daytime and night time options). It takes around 8 hrs and costs around MXN$ 500. 

Days 23-27: Mérida

The last stop on our Mexican adventure is Mérida, the capital of the Yucatán state. Many people come to this vibrant city just to use it as a base to explore attractions further afield, but we really loved our time here. It’s busy and vibrant, with lots of things to do in the city itself. There is also some truly amazing local cuisine here, like cochinita pibil and lechon al horno. A great place to try these are at Taquería La Lupita, which was one of my favourite places to eat in Mérida. 

As far as things to do outside the city, you are really spoiled for choice. You can visit nearby beach towns like Progresso, swim in mysterious ancient cenotes in Homún, explore nearby Pueblo Mágicos like Izmal and Valladolid, or explore some of the pre-Colombian archaeological sites that can be found throughout the region. The most popular of these is the world-famous Chichén Itzá. However, we didn’t visit here as we had seen a lot of others ruins throughout Mexico (for far cheaper!). I am sure it is an amazing site though, and easy to visit from Mérida. 

Getting to Mérida

From Palenque, take an ADO bus to Mérida. It takes around 9 hrs and costs around MXN$ 1,100, depending on the time of day. You can also take a train on the new Tren Maya network. This route runs twice a day at 7.35am and 9am and takes around 7hrs. This route costs around MXN$ 1,700 for tickets in the international tourist class.

Day 28: Depart from Mexico

This itinerary ends in Cancún, a major airport hub with connections all over the world. Depending on how much time you have before your flight, you could explore the city centre. It didn’t really appeal to my husband and I so we just used Cancún as a hotel stop before our morning flight the following day. You have to options to get to Cancún from Mérida. The first is to take an ADO bus to Cancún city centre or airport. It takes around 4 hrs 30 mins and there are lots of buses doing this route day and night. Prices range from around MXN$ 400 to MXN$ 1,000, depending on the type of bus and when you travel. 

The second option is by train on the Tren Maya network. Trains from Mérida Teya station to Cancún airport run from 7.30am to 4.30pm daily and take around 3hrs 30mins. Prices range from around MXN$ 1,000 to MXN$ 1,600 for the international tourist class.

However you decide to get there, please be aware that Cancún is one hour ahead of Mérida, so plan accordingly!

I hope this itinerary has given you lots of ideas about how to spend your time in Mexico. If you’re anything like me, it won’t be long at all before you’re planning a return visit! If you have any questions or other recommendations, please leave them in the comments below.

Ciao for now

Izzie, the Curious Sparrow