📍 Mexico

MEXICO GRAND TOUR: MAYAN TEMPLES TO AZTEC GRANDEUR UNVEILED

Pyramids emerging from mist, colonial plazas echoing with marimba, volcanoes framing ancient temples. Mexico's civilizations, infinite.

≈ 30
Days
2723
Km
9
Stops
📖 14 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Begin at Tulum between perched ruins and clear sea, then cross Palenque and its pyramids drowned in greenery. Reach Oaxaca and its kitchen scents, find Puebla and its baroque facades, then end in Mexico City on the great zócalo, where Aztec and Spanish heritage answer each other beneath the volcanoes.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Tulum

clifftop temples guard turquoise caribbean waters

🔍

Discover

1
Archaeological zone of Tulum (El Castillo, Temple of Frescoes)
2
Walk on the coastal cliff and public beach of Tulum
🎯

Activities

Swimming and free time on the Caribbean coast
Sunset from the shore
2
Day

Tulum

clifftop temples guard turquoise caribbean waters

🔍

Discover

1
Ruins of Coba (large sacbeob, carved stelae)
2
Cenote Choo-Ha or Multum-Ha (refreshing stop)
🎯

Activities

Bike ride on the archaeological paths of Coba
Observation of tropical forest and local fauna
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 47 km
Travel time: 1h
3
Day

Tulum

clifftop temples guard turquoise caribbean waters

🔍

Discover

1
Snorkeling at Akumal (beach and coastal reefs)
2
Cenote Dos Ojos or Gran Cenote (underground exploration)
🎯

Activities

Sea turtle observation in the bay (weather permitting)
Free time on Tulum beach
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 102 km
Travel time: 1h30
4
Day

Valladolid

colonial yellow facades frame cenote secrets

🔍

Discover

1
Historic center of Valladolid (Parque Principal, San Gervasio Cathedral)
2
Colonial houses and House of Culture
🎯

Activities

Swimming at cenote Zaci (in town) or cenote Suytun (nearby)
Strolling on Calzada de los Frailes
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 45 km
Travel time: 50min
5
Day

Merida

white city pulses with trova melodies

🔍

Discover

1
Chichén Itzá (El Castillo, Ball Court, Observatory)
2
Izamal, the "yellow town" (San Antonio de Padua convent)
🎯

Activities

Swimming in a cenote near Chichén (e.g. Ik Kil)
Journey to Mérida at the end of the day
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 160 km
Travel time: 2h30
6
Day

Merida

white city pulses with trova melodies

🔍

Discover

1
Historic center of Mérida (Plaza Grande, Cathedral, passages)
2
Museums and galleries (Museo Casa de Montejo, art museums)
🎯

Activities

Discovery of local markets (Lucas de Gálvez)
Evening on Paseo de Montejo
7
Day

Merida

white city pulses with trova melodies

🔍

Discover

1
Uxmal (Puuc architecture) and Chocolate Museum
2
Cenote around Muna/Santa Elena
🎯

Activities

Guided tour of the Uxmal site
Return to Mérida and free time
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 85 km
Travel time: 1h30
8
Day

Campeche

pastel ramparts embrace gulf sunsets serenely

🔍

Discover

1
Mérida → Campeche route (view of the gulf)
2
Historic fortified center of Campeche (ramparts, bastions)
🎯

Activities

Walk on the Malecón (waterfront)
Visit to the local history or architecture museum
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 175 km
Travel time: 2h15
9
Day

Campeche

pastel ramparts embrace gulf sunsets serenely

🔍

Discover

1
Archaeological zone of Edzná
2
Walk through the colorful streets of Campeche
🎯

Activities

Free time on the ramparts and maritime viewpoints
Preparation for the journey to Palenque
🚗
Next stop
⏱️ Long drive (5h+)
Distance: 360 km
Travel time: 5h
10
Day

Palenque

jungle mist veils ancient mayan astronomers

🔍

Discover

1
Route Campeche → Palenque (roads 180D/186)
2
Palenque center and walk along the main avenue
🎯

Activities

Aluxes eco park (depending on timing)
Observation of tropical flora
11
Day

Palenque

jungle mist veils ancient mayan astronomers

🔍

Discover

1
Palenque ruins (Palace, Temple of Inscriptions)
2
Misol-Ha Waterfalls
🎯

Activities

Swimming at Misol-Ha (depending on conditions)
Walk along the jungle edge in Palenque
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 22 km
Travel time: 30min
12
Day

San Cristobal De Las Casas

highland amber markets and tzotzil weavers

🔍

Discover

1
Agua Azul Waterfalls (stop en route)
2
Arrival and first discovery of San Cristóbal (Zócalo, cathedral)
🎯

Activities

Journey Palenque → San Cristóbal (mountain road)
Walk through the downtown craft market
🚗
Next stop
⏱️ Long drive (5h+)
Distance: 202 km
Travel time: 6h
13
Day

San Cristobal De Las Casas

highland amber markets and tzotzil weavers

🔍

Discover

1
Excursion to San Juan Chamula (church, Tzotzil customs)
2
Village of Zinacantán (weaving, workshops)
🎯

Activities

Urban walk through the cobblestone streets of downtown
Free time on Real de Guadalupe
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 24 km
Travel time: 45min
14
Day

San Cristobal De Las Casas

highland amber markets and tzotzil weavers

🔍

Discover

1
Cañón del Sumidero National Park (boat trip from Chiapa de Corzo)
2
Return and local museums of San Cristóbal
🎯

Activities

Bird watching and canyon walls
Sunset over the city hills
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 110 km
Travel time: 2h30
15
Day

Oaxaca De Juarez

mezcal smoke curls through zapotec courtyards

🔍

Discover

1
Journey San Cristóbal → Oaxaca (long road connection)
2
Short evening walk at Oaxaca's Zócalo (depending on arrival)
🎯

Activities

Rest stop along the semi-arid valleys
Check-in and rest
🚗
Next stop
⏱️ Long drive (5h+)
Distance: 560 km
Travel time: 12h
16
Day

Oaxaca De Juarez

mezcal smoke curls through zapotec courtyards

🔍

Discover

1
Historic center of Oaxaca (Cathedral, Santo Domingo church)
2
Marchés 20 de Noviembre and Benito Juárez
🎯

Activities

Ascent to the Auditorio Guelaguetza viewpoint
Tastings of local specialties at the stalls
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 3 km
Travel time: 10min
17
Day

Oaxaca De Juarez

mezcal smoke curls through zapotec courtyards

🔍

Discover

1
Monte Albán (great Zapotec city on the ridge)
2
Painted wood craft workshops in San Antonio Arrazola (depending on time)
🎯

Activities

Guided walk on the platforms and tombs
Return and free time in the evening
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 10 km
Travel time: 25min
18
Day

Oaxaca De Juarez

mezcal smoke curls through zapotec courtyards

🔍

Discover

1
Tule (millenary tree), Mitla (Zapotec site) and Hierve el Agua (petrified waterfall)
2
Weaving workshops in the Tlacolula valley (depending on timing)
🎯

Activities

Short hike and natural baths at Hierve el Agua (depending on conditions)
Return to Oaxaca and stroll at the Zócalo
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 130 km
Travel time: 3h
19
Day

Puebla

talavera tiles gleam beneath popocatépetl shadow

🔍

Discover

1
Journey Oaxaca → Puebla (highway 135D)
2
Historic center of Puebla (Cathedral, Biblioteca Palafoxiana)
🎯

Activities

Walk on Avenida 5 de Mayo and adjacent squares
Discovery of Talavera ceramics in local shops
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 340 km
Travel time: 4h30
20
Day

Puebla

talavera tiles gleam beneath popocatépetl shadow

🔍

Discover

1
Cholula (pyramid and sanctuary on the hill)
2
Historic neighborhoods and parks of Puebla
🎯

Activities

Climb to the viewpoint over the Great Pyramid of Cholula
Stroll through the portales and commercial alleys
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 15 km
Travel time: 30min
21
Day

Puebla

talavera tiles gleam beneath popocatépetl shadow

🔍

Discover

1
Iztaccíhuatl–Popocatépetl National Park (viewpoints and trails)
2
Puebla Center (final museum visits)
🎯

Activities

Short high-altitude hike (depending on access and weather)
Free time for handicraft shopping
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 130 km
Travel time: 2h
22
Day

Ciudad De Mexico

aztec templo mayor anchors sprawling megalopolis

🔍

Discover

1
Journey Puebla → Mexico City (entry from the east)
2
Centro Histórico (Zócalo, Cathedral, Templo Mayor)
🎯

Activities

Palacio de Bellas Artes (exterior and galleries)
Walk along Avenida Madero
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 130 km
Travel time: 2h
23
Day

Ciudad De Mexico

aztec templo mayor anchors sprawling megalopolis

🔍

Discover

1
Museo Nacional de Antropología (Polanco/Chapultepec)
2
Bosque de Chapultepec (lakes, walkways, viewpoints)
🎯

Activities

Stroll through Polanco (parks and avenues)
Free time at Chapultepec Park
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 5 km
Travel time: 20min
24
Day

Ciudad De Mexico

aztec templo mayor anchors sprawling megalopolis

🔍

Discover

1
Coyoacán (historic district) and Frida Kahlo Museum
2
UNAM – Central Library (mosaics)
🎯

Activities

Xochimilco (trajineras on the canals)
Return through the southern neighborhoods
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 18 km
Travel time: 1h
25
Day

Ciudad De Mexico

aztec templo mayor anchors sprawling megalopolis

🔍

Discover

1
Teotihuacán (Pyramids of the Sun and Moon)
2
Return and final stroll in the Centro
🎯

Activities

Walk along the Avenue of the Dead (archaeological site)
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 50 km
Travel time: 1h15

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❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Dry Season (November-April): Peak tourist season with minimal rainfall, comfortable temperatures (20-28°C), and perfect beach weather. Highest prices but ideal conditions for all activities.

Shoulder Season (May, October): Good weather with brief rains, moderate prices, and fewer crowds. Excellent value while maintaining comfortable conditions for most regions.

Hurricane Season (June-September): Hot, humid weather with potential storms on Caribbean and Pacific coasts. Lowest prices and lush landscapes, but weather monitoring essential.

Regional Variations: Northern deserts hot year-round, central highlands mild, coastal areas tropical. Timing depends on specific destinations and preferred activities.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 24 and 36 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in Mexico?

Vibrant culture with ancient civilizations, incredible cuisine, and diverse landscapes. Experience Maya heritage, beautiful beaches, and authentic Mexican traditions. The country offers cultural immersion with natural beauty and culinary excellence. Mexico provides complete cultural experiences with historical significance and natural wonders. ⚠️ SAFETY NOTE: While major tourist destinations (Riviera Maya, Puerto Vallarta, etc.) are generally safe with good security, some regions have elevated crime risks due to organized crime. Avoid border areas with high violence rates and check government travel advisories for current regional conditions. Stick to tourist zones and use reputable transportation.