📍 Mexico

CARIBBEAN TO HIGH PLATEAU: MEXICO'S VERTICAL ODYSSEY

Flamingos wading in pink lagoons, cenotes with stained-glass blue waters, Pacific swells crashing on wild coasts. Mexico, from sea to sky.

≈ 25
Days
2675
Km
9
Stops
📖 11 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Leave Cancún for Río Lagartos and its pink lagoons, then cool off near Valladolid's cenotes. Cross the Oaxaca sierra where mole pots scent the streets, then reach Puerto Escondido and its surf energy. Detour through Puebla before entering Mexico City, vibrant and inexhaustible.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Cancun

reef gateway launches caribbean adventures forward

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

Discover

1
Xpu-Ha public beach (swimming break on the coastal road)
2
Torre Escénica Lookout (overview of the hotel zone)
3
Malecón Tajamar Urban Park (evening stroll)
🎯

Activities

→
Free coastal drive between Cancún and Riviera Maya (beach scouting)
→
Shore snorkeling at Playa Delfines (conditions depending on swells)
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 130 km
Travel time: 1h50
2
Day

Tulum

bohemian ruins perched above azure swells

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
Tulum archaeological zone (cliffs and temples by the sea)
2
Playa Paraíso (walk and rest)
3
Cenote Calavera (swimming stop)
🎯

Activities

→
Cenote swimming (mask/snorkel, conservation rules)
→
Bike ride between beach and ruins (dedicated path)
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 215 km
Travel time: 3h
3
Day

Rio Lagartos

pink flamingos paint estuarine salt flats

Rio Lagartos - Photo 1Rio Lagartos - Photo 2Rio Lagartos - Photo 3Rio Lagartos - Photo 4Rio Lagartos - Photo 5Rio Lagartos - Photo 6Rio Lagartos - Photo 7Rio Lagartos - Photo 8
8 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Punta Laguna Reserve (en route from Tulum, jungle observation)
2
Archaeological zone of Cobá (Nohoch Mul, shaded paths)
3
Walk on the malecón of Río Lagartos (spotting the piers)
🎯

Activities

→
Cenote Choo-Ha (swimming in stalactite cave, near Cobá)
→
Twilight bird watching on the lagoon (from the shore)
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 105 km
Travel time: 1h35
4
Day

Valladolid

cenote depths mirror colonial church towers

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

Discover

1
Sendero Petén Mac (mangrove walkways, crocodile observation point)
2
Main Plaza of Valladolid (Zócalo and arcades)
3
Convent of San Bernardino de Siena (exteriors and gardens)
🎯

Activities

→
Photo walk in the colonial center of Valladolid
→
Tasting Yucatecan ice cream under the arcades
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 45 km
Travel time: 50min
5
Day

Valladolid

cenote depths mirror colonial church towers

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

Discover

1
Chichén Itzá (El Castillo, Observatory, Temple of the Warriors)
2
Cenote Ik Kil (swimming stop after the site)
3
Calzada de los Frailes (colorful houses of Valladolid)
🎯

Activities

→
Guided on-site visit (Mayan context, astronomy and urban planning)
→
Local handicraft stop on the return route
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 160 km
Travel time: 2h
6
Day

Merida

henequen wealth echoes through paseo montejo

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

Discover

1
Plaza Grande de Mérida (Cathedral and Palacio de Gobierno)
2
Murals of the Palacio de Gobierno (history of the peninsula)
3
Paseo de Montejo (mansions and monuments)
🎯

Activities

→
San Benito Market (Yucatecan products)
→
Evening stroll in the historic center
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 35 km
Travel time: 45min
7
Day

Merida

henequen wealth echoes through paseo montejo

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

Discover

1
Cenotes loop (for example Cuzamá/Homún, selection of 2–3 cenotes)
2
Plaza Grande (free time and cafés around)
3
Santa Lucía Park (concerts depending on the day)
🎯

Activities

→
Successive swimming in cenotes (respecting conservation rules)
→
Car rental/day (logistics and supplies)
→
Flight Mérida → Oaxaca (check-in and transfers)
✈️
Next stop
✈️ Flight / transfer day
Distance: 850 km
Travel time: 10h
8
Day

Oaxaca De Juarez

seven moles simmer in ancestral kitchens

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 8
🔍

Discover

1
Museo del Mundo Maya (recommended stop before departure if time allows, Mérida side)
2
Historic center of Oaxaca (Zócalo and Templo de Santo Domingo)
3
Andador Turístico (artisans and galleries)
🎯

Activities

→
Tasting aguas frescas on the Zócalo
→
Mountain route Oaxaca → Coast (shuttle/bus, tight curves)
🚗
Next stop
⏱️ Long drive (5h+)
Distance: 256 km
Travel time: 7h
9
Day

Puerto Escondido

zicatela barrels thunder beneath tropical sun

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

Discover

1
Monte Albán (major pre-Columbian site on the heights of Oaxaca)
2
Monte Albán viewpoints (views over the valley)
3
Arrival and reconnaissance in Puerto Escondido (Adoquín/Playa Principal)
🎯

Activities

→
Sunset walk along the waterfront
→
Surf lessons/rental (depending on swell conditions)
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 5 km
Travel time: 15min
10
Day

Puerto Escondido

zicatela barrels thunder beneath tropical sun

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

Discover

1
Playa Carrizalillo (cove, access by stairs)
2
Playa Zicatela (large beach, powerful waves)
3
Mirador de la Punta (late afternoon walk)
🎯

Activities

→
Nap/reading in the shade of palapas
→
Dolphin watching (and turtles/rays if lucky)
11
Day

Puerto Escondido

zicatela barrels thunder beneath tropical sun

Puerto Escondido - Photo 1Puerto Escondido - Photo 2Puerto Escondido - Photo 3Puerto Escondido - Photo 4Puerto Escondido - Photo 5Puerto Escondido - Photo 6Puerto Escondido - Photo 7Puerto Escondido - Photo 8Puerto Escondido - Photo 9
9 photos
Day 11
🔍

Discover

1
Boat trip offshore (spotting dolphin pods)
2
Stroll through Benito Juárez market (coastal products)
3
Playa Manzanillo (calm swimming)
🎯

Activities

→
Nighttime bioluminescence outing (nearby lagoon, subject to availability)
→
Scooter rental to explore less crowded coves
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 3 km
Travel time: 10min
12
Day

Puerto Escondido

zicatela barrels thunder beneath tropical sun

Puerto Escondido - Photo 1Puerto Escondido - Photo 2Puerto Escondido - Photo 3Puerto Escondido - Photo 4Puerto Escondido - Photo 5Puerto Escondido - Photo 6Puerto Escondido - Photo 7Puerto Escondido - Photo 8Puerto Escondido - Photo 9
9 photos
Day 12
🔍

Discover

1
Playa Bacocho (large quiet cove)
2
Adoquín pedestrian area (souvenirs, local atmosphere)
3
Mirador Las Tortugas (sunset)
🎯

Activities

→
Evening turtle release at Bacocho (supervised program)
→
Coast → Oaxaca route (motion sickness break, hydration)
🚗
Next stop
⏱️ Long drive (5h+)
Distance: 256 km
Travel time: 7h
13
Day

Oaxaca De Juarez

seven moles simmer in ancestral kitchens

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 13
🔍

Discover

1
Return to Oaxaca (Sierra Madre de Oaxaca mountains)
2
Santo Domingo Temple (interiors and courtyard)
3
Ethnobotanical Garden (cactus and agave trail)
🎯

Activities

→
Oaxacan chocolate tasting (local cacao)
→
Panoramic bathing at Hierve el Agua (depending on safety/crowds)
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 65 km
Travel time: 1h40
14
Day

Oaxaca De Juarez

seven moles simmer in ancestral kitchens

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 14
🔍

Discover

1
Hierve el Agua (natural pools and petrified waterfalls)
2
Mezcal workshop in the valley (agave → distillery process)
3
Return to the Andador Turístico (galleries and crafts)
🎯

Activities

→
Guided mezcal tasting (responsible)
→
Route Oaxaca → Puebla (mountain highway)
🚗
Next stop
⏱️ Long drive (5h+)
Distance: 340 km
Travel time: 5h30
15
Day

Puebla

cholula pyramid hides beneath baroque chapel dome

Puebla - Photo 1Puebla - Photo 2Puebla - Photo 3Puebla - Photo 4Puebla - Photo 5Puebla - Photo 6Puebla - Photo 7Puebla - Photo 8
8 photos
Day 15
🔍

Discover

1
Puebla Zócalo (cathedral and arcades)
2
Biblioteca Palafoxiana (if open, baroque jewel)
3
Calle de los Dulces (scouting traditional candy shops)
🎯

Activities

→
Sunset stroll in the historic center
→
Ascent to sanctuary (view of Popocatépetl/Iztaccíhuatl weather permitting)
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 15 km
Travel time: 35min
16
Day

Puebla

cholula pyramid hides beneath baroque chapel dome

Puebla - Photo 1Puebla - Photo 2Puebla - Photo 3Puebla - Photo 4Puebla - Photo 5Puebla - Photo 6Puebla - Photo 7Puebla - Photo 8
8 photos
Day 16
🔍

Discover

1
Tourist bus tour (center, ascent to viewpoint)
2
Cholula — Great Pyramid and Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios
3
Cholula artisan market (Talavera ceramics)
🎯

Activities

→
Return to Puebla and stroll along Avenida 5 de Mayo
→
Transfer Puebla → Mexico (bus/highway)
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 135 km
Travel time: 2h
17
Day

Ciudad De Mexico

tenochtitlan dreams beneath modern steel glass

Ciudad De Mexico - Photo 1Ciudad De Mexico - Photo 2Ciudad De Mexico - Photo 3Ciudad De Mexico - Photo 4Ciudad De Mexico - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 17
🔍

Discover

1
Torre Latinoamericana (360° platform and exhibition)
2
Palacio de Bellas Artes (exteriors and hall)
3
Alameda Central (historic park)
🎯

Activities

→
Panoramic photo from the terrace facing the Bellas Artes
→
Free walking tour (historical landmarks and visiting tips)
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 10 km
Travel time: 30min
18
Day

Ciudad De Mexico

tenochtitlan dreams beneath modern steel glass

Ciudad De Mexico - Photo 1Ciudad De Mexico - Photo 2Ciudad De Mexico - Photo 3Ciudad De Mexico - Photo 4Ciudad De Mexico - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 18
🔍

Discover

1
Historic center — Zócalo, Catedral Metropolitana, Templo Mayor (exteriors)
2
Madero Avenue (pedestrian, art deco buildings)
3
Colonia Roma/Condesa (tree-lined stroll)
🎯

Activities

→
Panoramic terrace of the Sears facing the Bellas Artes (coffee break)
→
Dawn hot air balloon flight over Teotihuacán (weather permitting)
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 50 km
Travel time: 1h15
19
Day

Ciudad De Mexico

tenochtitlan dreams beneath modern steel glass

Ciudad De Mexico - Photo 1Ciudad De Mexico - Photo 2Ciudad De Mexico - Photo 3Ciudad De Mexico - Photo 4Ciudad De Mexico - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 19
🔍

Discover

1
Teotihuacán — Calzada de los Muertos, Pyramids of the Sun and Moon
2
Site museum (urban and ritual contexts)
3
Coyoacán Quarter (if time on return, square and churches)
🎯

Activities

→
Free walk on the archaeological site after the flight
→
Last-minute shopping (crafts, books, textiles)
20
Day

Ciudad De Mexico

tenochtitlan dreams beneath modern steel glass

Ciudad De Mexico - Photo 1Ciudad De Mexico - Photo 2Ciudad De Mexico - Photo 3Ciudad De Mexico - Photo 4Ciudad De Mexico - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 20
🔍

Discover

1
History museum or quarter of choice (final exploration)
2
Chapultepec Park (walk and lake)
3
Reforma Avenue (sculptures and monuments)
🎯

Activities

→
Last-minute shopping (crafts, books, textiles)

🗺️ Itinerary map

🗺️ Nearby itineraries

FROM YUCATÁN TO THE CHIAPAS MOUNTAINS TO OAXACA AND MEXICO

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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 20 and 30 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.