15 Days itinerary to discover Mexico
Mexico City
Day 1: Arrival in Mexico City
Hotel Check-in: The Green Park Hotel.
Dinner: Pujol, a renowned fine-dining restaurant known for innovative Mexican cuisine.
Day 2: Teotihuacan & Xochimilco
Take a day trip to Teotihuacan, an ancient city with impressive pyramids like the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon. It's one of the most important archaeological sites in Mexico.
Teotihucan is a fascinating ancient city located in Mexico. It was one of the largest cities in the Americas around 2,000 years ago. It was home to a mysterious civilization that built impressive pyramids and temples. The name "Teotihuacan" means "City of the Gods" in the Aztec language.
Pyramid of the Sun: The largest pyramid in the city, believed to be dedicated to the sun god.
Pyramid of the Moon: A smaller pyramid associated with the moon goddess.
Avenue of the Dead: A long, wide avenue that connects the pyramids and other important buildings.
Temple of Quetzalcoatl: A temple dedicated to the feathered serpent god, with a colorful mosaic of serpent heads.
We don't know for sure who the people who lived there were or where they came from. They left behind no written records, so we have to rely on their architecture and artifacts to learn about them.
It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its cultural and historical significance. It's a popular tourist destination, offering visitors a glimpse into the past.
Lunch at La Gruta, a popular restaurant near the pyramids offering traditional Mexican cuisine (think to book in advance).
In the afternoon, head to Xochimilco for a unique experience on the colorful trajineras (canal boats). Xochimilco is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy traditional Mexican music and indulge in delicious street food.
Xochimilco is a unique neighborhood located in the southern part of Mexico City known for its floating gardens, canals, and colorful trajineras. It's known for its chianmpas (Floating gardens), which are artificial islands created by the Aztecs for farming. It's a popular tourist destination, offering a glimpse into the past and a chance to experience traditional Mexican culture.
Dinner: Chamber Polanco, a steakhouse and seafood restaurant located on the iconic Masaryk Avenue in Polanco, known for offering select cuts of meat.
Day 3: Coyoacan, Frida Kahlo Museum and Centro Histórico
Visit the charming neighborhood of Coyoacan with the cobblestone streets and colonial architecture.
Coyoacan: A Bohemian Haven in Mexico City. It's a historic district located in the southern part of Mexico City. It was once a separate town before being incorporated into the city in 1928. It's a popular tourist destination, offering a glimpse into the past and a chance to experience traditional Mexican culture.
Explore the Frida Kahlo Museum (Casa Azul), the former home of the iconic Mexican artist, to learn about her life and work.
Frida Kahlo was a renowned Mexican painter known for her intense and often painful self-portraits. Her works explore themes such as pain, identity, and Mexican culture. Immerse yourself in the artist's world: You can discover Frida Kahlo's most iconic works, as well as personal items, photos, and letters that will help you better understand her life and art.
Visit a unique house-museum: La Casa Azul is a true open-air museum. Each room is a work of art in itself, decorated with objects collected by Frida and Diego Rivera.
Visit the Mercado de San Juan for a unique culinary experience. Sample exotic ingredients and enjoy a delicious lunch.
San Juan Market is a true institution in Mexico City. It's not your typical neighborhood market: it's more of a gastronomic temple, a place where chefs come to find rare and exotic ingredients. If you're a food lover or simply curious to discover the flavors of Mexico, a visit to San Juan Market is a must.
Walk to explore the Centro Histórico, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll through the Zócalo, the main square, and admire the Palacio Nacional. And marvel at the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Templo Mayor, the ruins of the Aztec Templo Mayor.
The historic center of Mexico City is a vibrant and fascinating neighborhood that offers a glimpse into the city's rich history and culture. It was once the capital of the Aztec Empire, known as Tenochtitlan. It's a popular tourist destination, offering mix of ancient ruins, colonial architecture, and modern-day life.
Zócalo, also known as Plaza de la Constitución, is the main square of Mexico City and one of the largest public squares in the world. It's a bustling hub of activity, filled with history, culture and vibrant life.
The National Palace of Mexico is much more than just a government building. It's a historical monument that tells the story of Mexico from the Spanish conquest to the present day. Seat of the executive power, it was built on the foundations of the former palace of Moctezuma II, the last Aztec emperor.
The Metropolitan Cathedral of Mexico City is a magnificent Gothic-style cathedral, the largest in the Americas, covering an area of 5,488 square meters and a symbol of Mexico's Catholic faith.
Templo Mayor, or the Great Temple, is a fascinating archaeological site located in the heart of Mexico City. It was the main temple of the Aztec civilization, and offers a glimpse into their rich culture and religious practices. Dedicated to two gods: Huitzilopochtli, the god of war and the sun, and Tláloc, the god of rain and agriculture.
Dinner at El Cardenal, the dishes are representations of traditional stews from all over the country.
Day 4: Chapultepec Park and Polanco
Spend the day in Chapultepec Park, one of the largest urban parks in the world. Visit the Chapultepec Castle, the National Museum of Anthropology and the National Museum of Art.
Chapultepec is a sprawling urban park in Mexico City, known for its beautiful gardens, museums, and historical significance. It's the largest urban park in the Americas, it was once the site of the Aztec emperor Moctezuma's summer palace.
The National Museum of Anthropology is one of the most important museums in Mexico and the world. The museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts from Mexico's pre-Columbian civilizations, including the Olmec, Maya, Aztec, and Mixtec. It was designed by renowned Mexican architect Pedro Ramírez Vázquez and is considered a masterpiece of modern architecture.
Have lunch at El Centenario, a classic Mexican restaurant serving traditional dishes in a historic setting.
Visit the Museo Soumaya, a modern art museum with a striking architectural design.
The Soumaya Museum is a private art museum, it houses one of the largest art collections in the world, formed by Carlos Slim, one of the richest men in the world. The museum in named after his deceased wife, Soumaya Domit. It was designed by architect Fernando Romero, it's a works of art in itself. It is covered with thousands of aluminum hexagons that sparkle in the sun. Admission is free.
Explore the upscale neighborhood of Polanco for high-end shopping, art galleries, and trendy restaurants.
Polanco is a fashionable neighborhood, home to the wealthy, a cultural hub.
Indulge in a gourmet dinner at Quintonil, another renowned Mexican restaurant.
Day 5: Departure
Relax and enjoy your last morning in Mexico City before heading to the airport.
Mérida
Day 5: Arrival and Merida Exploration
Hotel check-in : Mansion Mérida Hotel Boutique.
Visit the Plaza Grande and admire the colonial architecture. Explore the Museo de Arte Popular and the Cathedral of Mérida.
Discover the Soul of Yucatan: the museum houses a diverse collection of traditional and contemporary folk art, from intricate textiles and ceramics to stunning wooden carvings and vibrant paintings. Many exhibits allow visitors to interact with the art, such as trying on traditional clothing or learning about ancient weaving techniques.
Founded in the 16th century, Plaza Grande has always been the city's nerve center. It has witnessed numerous historical events and has seen the evolution of Mérida's architecture.
Enjoy a delicious dinner at Yerba Santa Mérida.
Try a Marquesita.
Day 6: Chichen Itzá and Cenote Homun
Leave the hotel for a 1h5min drive to reach the Cenote Homun.
Cenote Homun is a stunning natural wonder, features a variety of fascinating rock formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, and columns.
Then continue your day trip to one of the most iconic and the ancient Mayan ruins in the world. Pyramid of Kukulcan and explore the Temple of Warrios. Chichen Itzá is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Pyramid of Kukulcán is the most famous structure at Chichen Itzá. It's known for its incredible acoustics and the spectacular light and shadow show that occurs during the spring and autumn equinoxes.
Finally stop by Izamal, this charming colonial town known for its yellow buildings and vibrant atmosphere. Visit the Covent of San Antonio de Padua and explore the local market.
Return to Mérida and have dinner at La Chaya Maya or El Bodegon for Yucatecan delicacies.
Day 7: Uxmal and Ruta Pucc
Leave the hotel for a 1h9min drive to reach Uxmal.
Visit the stunning archaeological known for its impressive architecture and well-preserved ruins, Uxmal offers a glimpse into the ancient Maya civilization.
Uxmal is a stunning ancient Mayan city, known for its impressive architecture, intricate cravings, and well-preseverd structures.
Pyramid of the Magician: the most famous structure at Uxmal. It's believed to have been built in seven stages, with each layer representing a different ruler.
Governor's Palace: this massive palace is adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures, including representations of the Mayan god Chaac.
Nunnery Quadrangle: this group of four buildings is named after its resemblance to a nunnery. It's known for its beautiful courtyard and ornate carvings.
Ball Court: Uxmal had a ball court, where the Maya played a ceremonial game. The court is surrounded by tall walls, which were used to bounce the ball.
Have lunch at The Pickled Onion.
Discover the Ruta Pucc.
Kabah is a known for its Palace of the Masks, which is adorned with hundreds of Chaac masks, the rain god.
Sayil features a tall pyramid and a unique astronomical observatory.
Xlapak is a smaller site but offers a glimpse into the Pucc style with its well-preserved palace.
Labná is famous for its imposing archway known as the "Arch of the Arches".
Enjoy a dinner at Kuuk.
Try the iconic Colon ice cream at Dulceria Y Sobeteria Colon.
Day 8: Departure
Enjoy a walk in the Paseo Montejo.
Head toward Chiquita and Holbox.
Holbox
Day 8: Arrival
Hotel Check-in : Las Nubes Holbox.
Head to the beach for an incredible sunset.
Day 9: Wildlife encounters and cultural exploration
Embark on a whale shark tour. This incredible experience allows you to swim alongside these gentle giants in their natural habit.
Day 10: Island hopping and relaxation
Take a boat trip to a nearby island, such as Isla de la Pasion or Isla Pajaros. Enjoy pristine beaches, snorkeling, and picnicking in a secluded paradise.
Relax and unwind on Holbox's pristine beaches. Soak up the sun, read a book, or simply enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings.
Catch a breathtaking sunset over the water.
Day 11: Departure
Head toward Chiquila and Cancun.
Cancun
Day 11: Arrival
Hotel check-in: Nizuc Resort & Spa.
Relax by the pool or beach.
Enjoy a welcome dinner at a beachfront restaurant La Habichuela.
Day 12: Tulum and Cenote
Take a day trip to Tulum.
Swim in crystal-clear underground cenotes like Casa Tortuga Tulum.
Visit the ancient Mayan City perched on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea.
Enjoy a delicious lunch at a beachfront restaurant in Tulum.
Visit and escape in Azulik.
Have a drink in the Mirador by Azulik and enjoy the vibe.
Return to Cancun and have a dinner at a local restaurant or enjoy the nightlife.
Day 13: Xcaret Park
Spend the day at Xcaret Park, a natural theme park offering activities like swimming, snorkeling, exploring Mayan ruins, and watching cultural shows.
Relax at your hotel or enjoy a dinner show at a local restaurant.
Day 14: Isla Mujeres
Take a ferry to Isla Mujeres, a beautiful island with stunning beaches and relaxed atmosphere.
Enjoy a refreshing Mexican drink: Agua de Tamarindo, Agua de Jamaica or Horchata.
Relax on the beautiful beaches, go snorkeling, or explore the underwater museum.
Enjoy a delicious lunch at Lola Valentina.
Go back to Cancun and enjoy a walk by Blvx. Kukulcan and go for a show in Coco Bongo.
Day 15: Departure
Enjoy your last breakfast in Mexico.
Check out of your hotel and head to the airport for your departure flight.
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