📍 Mexico

MEXICO GRAND LOOP: MAYAN TEMPLES TO PACIFIC COAST SUNSETS

Turquoise cenotes reflecting canopy, colonial patios fragrant with copal, Pacific waves crashing on deserted beaches. Mexico, civilizations layered.

≈ 17
Days
3035
Km
11
Stops
📖 7 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Float in Bacalar lagoon, then explore Mayan ruins lost in jungle. Reach San Cristóbal for its highland markets, taste Oaxaca's atmosphere around mezcal and patios, then descend toward Mazunte and its wild beaches. Mexico alternates turquoise water, ancient stone and gourmet villages.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Holbox

car-free island whale sharks bioluminescence magic

Holbox - Photo 1Holbox - Photo 2Holbox - Photo 3Holbox - Photo 4Holbox - Photo 5Holbox - Photo 6Holbox - Photo 7Holbox - Photo 8Holbox - Photo 9Holbox - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Discovery of the white sand beaches of Holbox
2
Observation of pink flamingos in the lagoons
🎯

Activities

→
Bike ride on the sandy paths of the island
→
Sunset on the main bridge
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 145 km
Travel time: 3h
2
Day

Tulum

cliff temples caribbean turquoise cenote swimming

Tulum - Photo 1Tulum - Photo 2Tulum - Photo 3Tulum - Photo 4Tulum - Photo 5Tulum - Photo 6Tulum - Photo 7Tulum - Photo 8Tulum - Photo 9Tulum - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Visit to the Mayan archaeological site of Tulum on the Caribbean Sea
2
Discovery of a local cenote for a refreshing swim
🎯

Activities

→
Walk on Tulum beach
→
Watching the sunrise over the ruins
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 215 km
Travel time: 3h30
3
Day

Bacalar

lagoon seven colors kayak sunrise serenity

Bacalar - Photo 1Bacalar - Photo 2Bacalar - Photo 3Bacalar - Photo 4Bacalar - Photo 5Bacalar - Photo 6Bacalar - Photo 7
7 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Exploration of the seven-colored lagoon of Bacalar
2
Visit to Fort San Felipe
🎯

Activities

→
Kayak trip on the lagoon
→
Relaxation on the docks by the turquoise water
🚗
Next stop
⏱️ Long drive (5h+)
Distance: 380 km
Travel time: 7h
4
Day

Merida

white city colonial mansions henequen heritage

Merida - Photo 1Merida - Photo 2Merida - Photo 3Merida - Photo 4Merida - Photo 5Merida - Photo 6Merida - Photo 7Merida - Photo 8Merida - Photo 9Merida - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Visit to the colonial center of Mérida and its cathedral
2
Exploration of the archaeological site of Uxmal
3
Discovery of the yellow village of Izamal
🎯

Activities

→
Visit to the artisan markets of Mérida
→
Swimming in a nearby cenote
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 170 km
Travel time: 3h
5
Day

Campeche

fortified walls pastel facades gulf breezes

Campeche - Photo 1Campeche - Photo 2Campeche - Photo 3Campeche - Photo 4Campeche - Photo 5Campeche - Photo 6Campeche - Photo 7Campeche - Photo 8Campeche - Photo 9
9 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Discovery of the fortified city of Campeche
2
Stroll through the colorful streets of the historic center
🎯

Activities

→
Visit to the fortifications museum
→
Sunset over the Malecon
🚗
Next stop
⏱️ Long drive (5h+)
Distance: 420 km
Travel time: 8h
6
Day

San Cristobal De Las Casas

highland markets amber incense indigenous traditions

San Cristobal De Las Casas - Photo 1San Cristobal De Las Casas - Photo 2San Cristobal De Las Casas - Photo 3San Cristobal De Las Casas - Photo 4San Cristobal De Las Casas - Photo 5San Cristobal De Las Casas - Photo 6San Cristobal De Las Casas - Photo 7San Cristobal De Las Casas - Photo 8
8 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
Visit to San Cristóbal de Las Casas and its artisan markets
2
Excursion to Sumidero Canyon
3
Exploration of the Maya site of Palenque
🎯

Activities

→
Hot chocolate tasting in a traditional café
→
Stroll through the colorful alleys of the center
🚗
Next stop
⏱️ Long drive (5h+)
Distance: 560 km
Travel time: 9h
7
Day

Oaxaca De Juarez

mezcal tasting zapotec ruins colonial grandeur

Oaxaca De Juarez - Photo 1Oaxaca De Juarez - Photo 2Oaxaca De Juarez - Photo 3Oaxaca De Juarez - Photo 4Oaxaca De Juarez - Photo 5Oaxaca De Juarez - Photo 6Oaxaca De Juarez - Photo 7Oaxaca De Juarez - Photo 8Oaxaca De Juarez - Photo 9Oaxaca De Juarez - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 7
🔍

Discover

1
Discovery of Oaxaca's historic center and its markets
2
Excursion to the archaeological site of Monte Alban
3
Visit to the petrified waterfalls of Hierve el Agua
🎯

Activities

→
Participation in a local artisan workshop
→
Walk through the colorful streets of the city
🚗
Next stop
⏱️ Long drive (5h+)
Distance: 260 km
Travel time: 6h
8
Day

Mazunte

pacific surf turtle sanctuary bohemian beach

Mazunte - Photo 1Mazunte - Photo 2Mazunte - Photo 3Mazunte - Photo 4Mazunte - Photo 5Mazunte - Photo 6Mazunte - Photo 7Mazunte - Photo 8Mazunte - Photo 9Mazunte - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 8
🔍

Discover

1
Discovery of the beaches of Mazunte and San Agustinillo
2
Sea turtle observation at the Mazunte center
🎯

Activities

→
Relaxation on the sunset beach
→
Canoe trip along the Pacific coast
🚗
Next stop
⏱️ Long drive (5h+)
Distance: 460 km
Travel time: 8h
9
Day

Puebla

talavera tiles baroque churches mole negro

Puebla - Photo 1Puebla - Photo 2Puebla - Photo 3Puebla - Photo 4Puebla - Photo 5Puebla - Photo 6Puebla - Photo 7Puebla - Photo 8
8 photos
Day 9
🔍

Discover

1
Visit to the historic center of Puebla and its cathedral
2
Discovery of Talavera pottery
3
Excursion to the pyramid of Cholula
🎯

Activities

→
Dinner at a typical restaurant in Puebla
→
Walk on the Plaza de la Constitución
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 155 km
Travel time: 3h
10
Day

Taxco

silver city hillside white cascading beauty

Taxco - Photo 1Taxco - Photo 2Taxco - Photo 3Taxco - Photo 4Taxco - Photo 5Taxco - Photo 6Taxco - Photo 7Taxco - Photo 8Taxco - Photo 9Taxco - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 10
🔍

Discover

1
Discovery of the white city of Taxco
2
Visit to Santa Prisca church
🎯

Activities

→
Ascent to the Cristo Monumental viewpoint
→
Purchase of silver jewelry in local shops
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 190 km
Travel time: 4h
11
Day

Nevado De Toluca

volcanic crater alpine lakes high altitude

Nevado De Toluca - Photo 1Nevado De Toluca - Photo 2Nevado De Toluca - Photo 3Nevado De Toluca - Photo 4Nevado De Toluca - Photo 5Nevado De Toluca - Photo 6Nevado De Toluca - Photo 7Nevado De Toluca - Photo 8Nevado De Toluca - Photo 9
9 photos
Day 11
🔍

Discover

1
Hike to the crater of Nevado de Toluca
2
Observation of the Sun and Moon lakes
🎯

Activities

→
Photography of the snowy landscape
→
High-altitude picnic
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 80 km
Travel time: 2h

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🛡️ Travel advice - Mexico

Check official recommendations

UK Foreign Travel Advice →

❓ 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 14 and 20 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.