2-week roadtrip in Mexico : Puebla and Oaxaca regions

Eager to learn about the local culture and discover stunning archeological sites ? You also like the simple things of life and relaxing ? You’ve always dreamed of discovering new places ? Sunny weather, white sand beaches and coral reefs ? ?  You love tasting the local food, surfing and cultural discoveries ? You are planning a 2-week vacation ?
Then this itinerary is made for you ! Discover the regions of Puebla and Oaxaca while heading toward the Pacific ocean. ?

Itinerary of this two weeks roadtrip between Puebla and Oaxaca

Mexico City > Teotihuacan > Puebla > Oaxaca de Juárez > Monte Alban > Huatulco > San Agustinillo >

? We recommend for this itinerary to rent a car from Hertz. , It’s possible to rent it in one city and return it in another without exorbitant prices and limiting hidden costs.

? Need a road map to prepare your itinerary ? We recommend this one, the most detailed and the most pleasant to read !

? You want to buy a paper travel guide ? We recommend this one ! In our opinion, it is the most complete, the most visual and the most up to date !

The itinerary : step by step

What to do in Mexico City ?

The solar city of Mexico. 

• Visit the Palacio National, an impressive colonial palace where you can admire Diego Rivera‘s wall paintings representing the Mexican civilization. Facing the palace, check out the city bell, above Campana de Dolores‘ main door.
• Dive deep into the city’s history when exploring the ruins of Templo Mayor, a sacred Aztec building. Continue your discovery by going to the Temple Museum and admire its many artifacts. You will get a deeper understanding of the Aztec civilization also called Mexica.
• Do not miss the Museo Nacional de Antropología, a world famous museum located in an extension of the Bosque de Chapultepec. Learn about pre-hispanic Mexico and ancestral civilizations. Watch the voladores ritual in the clearing facing the museum. A unique show !
• Art lovers, head to the Frida Kahlo Museum built after her death in her family home : La Casa Azul. Discover this whimsical place and the many memories and family objects its is the home to.
• Visit the Palacio de Bellas Artes, a stunning white marble museum. It has many different artworks : Riviera’s « El hombre », Tamayo’s « Mexico de hoy », Orozco’s « La katharsis » … And many more !
• Be sure to go to the Secretaría de Educación Pública and more specifically go see its two backyards an their 120 paintings by Diego Rivera from the 1920s.  dans les années 1920.

From Mexico to Teotihuacan :

• Stop at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, most important sanctuary in Mexico.

What to do in Teotihuacan ?

Biggest archeological site of the Central Mexican Plateau.

• Discover this impressive archaeological complex and its pyramids in the middle of what used to be the largest city of Mesoamerica. You will be impressed by the technology the Teotihuacan used and will be speechless in front of these huge buildings.

What to do in Puebla ?

Most well-preserved colonial city.

• Visit the beautiful Museo Amparo, located in two 16th and 17th century colonial buildings. Discover many pre-hispanic artifacts and a stunning collection. Enjoy a free concert on the coffee shop’s lovely patio, every Friday at 9 pm.
• Discover the impressive Catedral de Puebla, its 69 m / 226 ft towers are Mexico’s tallest. Inside, you will be amazed by the wall paintings and very decorated side chapels. Little bonus : signs about the cathedral’s history are written in several language.
• Do not miss the Museo Casa del Alfeñique, an exceptional renovated colonial house. Discover the Spanish colonization through aboriginal drawings and wall paintings.

What to do in Oaxaca de Juárez ?

A peaceful city made of contrasts.

• Walk through the old city center and get lost in its narrow paved streets that will lied you above the center and let you enjoy a beautiful view of the Oaxacan horizon. Stroll along the colorful houses and enjoy this small city’s character.
• Take a « green » break in Parque Llano, a public park with fountains and quaint and shaded walkways.
• Discover Santo Domingo Temple, lone of Mexico’s most iconic buildings. The inside is impressive : its covered in gold. Outside, take lovely pictures when the sun is setting.  ’
• Right next to it, visit the Museo de Las Culturas de Oaxaca, set in a 17th century monastery. The view of the surrounding gardens is lovely !
• Art lovers, the city has many art galleries that are really worth seeing. Be sure to go the heart of contemporary art : MACO as well as the Museo Textil.
• Explore a typical market like the Benito Juarez, in the city center and get to feel the true dynamic of the city.
• Be sure to taste the Oaxacan coffee (Oaxaca is one of the main coffee producer in Mexico). Head along the Calle Alcala for a traditional tasting.
• Do not leave the city without tasting local dishes like : tlayudas (tortillas), Oaxacan mole, chapulines (grasshoppers), tasajo (dried beef) or tamales Oaxaquenos.

What to do in Monte Alban ?

Former Zapotec capital : one of the most fascinating archeological site in Mexico. 

• Discover the heart of the city : Gran Plaza. This 300 m / 984 ft long and 200 m / 656 ft large square has ruins of 2000 year old temples and houses.
• Stop in front el Edificio de los Danzantes. This building has an old part where famous cultures  used to be (los danzantes) and a more modern part. Discover cultures dating back to 500 B.C.
• Enjoy a stunning vie of the whole site from the Plataforma Norte built under a temple.

What to do in Huatulco ?

White sand bays right next to an abundant jungle, heaven on Earth for nature lovers. 

• Go for a day-trip on a boat and discover the beautiful bays. Take the chance to go diving neer the coral reefs, meet dolphins, turtles and rays.
• Explore the only archeological site near the city : Parque eco-arquéologico Copalita. et to the gazebo and enjoy the view of the ocean.
• If you want to know what Huatulco was like before tourisme, head to San Agustin Bay, rather difficultt to get to because it’s less developed and less known. Meet the welcoming and relaxed local population. Enjoy the most beautiful white sand beach in the region, its surrounding islands and impressive cliffs. Take a dip in the warm and translucent water !
• 40 min away from the city, in the mountains, explore Hagia Sofia, a botanical garden and natural reserve. Walk along the pathway bordered by tropical flowers and go swim under a waterfall.

What to do in San Agustinillo ?

A small town with a beautiful shore.

• Enjoy the gorgeous Pacific ocean, go diving/snorkeling on the main beach. If you like surfing or bodyboarding, head up north and enjoy great waves !
• Go on a few hour cruise along the shore. In Roca Blanca observe the cormorans or dolphins racing with the boat. If you are lucky you could even get to see manta rays or whales.
• If you prefer fresh water, go kayaking on the nearby rivers.

To learning more…

• You want to know all the information about the country ? it’s here.
• Then, to rent a car at the best price, we advise you this website.
• Finally, to book a flight at the best price, we advise you this website.

If you have any information, good tips, or simply a comment about this itinerary, please don’t hesitate to leave us a comment at the bottom of the page! The whole team will be happy to hear from you !