3-week road trip through Mexico

You don’t want to miss the must-sees in Mexico? Dreaming of visiting the best archeological sites in the Mexican jungle? You want to discover the big cities of Southern Mexico as well as the nature’s gems ? You are planning a 3-week vacation? Then this itinerary is made for you!

Go for a road trip through the states of Puebla, Oaxaca, Chiapas and Yucatán discovering Mexico‘s most beautiful places along the way.

Here is a glimpse of the beautiful experiences awaiting in this 3-week road trip through Mexico:

• Take a hot air balloon ride over the pyramid of Teotihuacan, from Mexico City
• Discover the production of Mezcal in the Oaxaca region
• See the different creations of the craftspeople of San Cristobal de Las Casas and its region
• See impressive Mayan temples and beautiful waterfalls from Palenque
• Visit Mérida, the cultural capital of Yucatán
• Experience a unique moment by visiting Chichén Itzá, one of the 7 Wonders of the World
• Alternate between heavenly beaches and Mayan ruins in Tulum
• Discover the Rio Secreto from Playa del Carmen
• Dive and take in the sights at Isla Mujeres

To travel safely and without any worry on your mind, we recommend Chapka Insurance!

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Itinerary for a 3-week road trip through Mexico

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Some practical information before your trip to Mexico

 

For this itinerary, we can recommend renting 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 and the most visual!

The best time to travel to Mexico is from December to March, during the dry season. It’s sunny, it’s warm, and it’s the perfect time for swimming, diving and even hiking! Click here for more information.

Mexican cuisine is delicious and very rich, and each region of the country has its own specialities. If we were to recommend a few must-try dishes from each region of your trip through Mexico, they would be the following: firstly, in Mexico City try quesadillas, corn or wheat tortillas with cheese, vegetables and sometimes meat. In the Oaxaca region, try a tlayuda, a tortilla topped with grilled meat, refried black beans, avocado and tomatoes, it’s like the local pizza. When you cross Chiapas, try tamales, which are fish, cheese and vegetables wrapped in a corn or banana leaf. Finally, when you arrive in Yucatán, try panuchos, which are small corn cakes with shredded meat, vegetables, lettuce and avocado on top: a delicious treat!

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Contents: 3-week road trip through Mexico

1- Mexico City – Stop 1 of the 3-week road trip through Mexico
2- Oaxaca – Stop 2 of the 3-week road trip through Mexico
3- San Cristobal de Las Casas – Stop 3 of the 3-week road trip through Mexico
4- Palenque – Stop 4 of the 3-week road trip through Mexico
5- Mérida – Stop 5 of the 3-week road trip through Mexico
6- Chichén Itzá – Stop 6 of the 3-week road trip through Mexico
7- Tulum – Stop 7 of the 3-week road trip through Mexico
8- Playa del Carmen – Stop 8 of the 3-week road trip through Mexico
9- Isla Mujeres – Stop 9 of the 3-week road trip through Mexico

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Itinerary of a 3-week road trip through Mexico: step by step

 

What to do in Mexico City?

A sunny city and the capital of Mexico, this will be a great first stop on your 3-week road trip through 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 and their 120 paintings by Diego Rivera from the 1920s.

 

More experiences in Mexico City:

 

• Experience a unique moment by visiting the impressive site of Teotihuacan, a must-see archaeological site on the outskirts of Mexico City. The icing on the cake: take a hot air balloon ride to see it from above.
• Discover Xochimilco, a lake navigated by colourful traditional boats, where there is a very pleasant relaxed atmosphere. We recommend this tour, which offers a boat ride with a traditional Mexican meal included.
• Take a trip to the Torre Latino, one of the city’s tallest buildings. From its observatory, you will have a breathtaking view of the whole city. We recommend buying your tickets in advance by clicking here.

 

Where to sleep in Mexico City?

 

• Mid-range: With an elegant and contemporary setting, the rooms at the Casa Comtesse feature modern furnishings and original illustrations. In a green and quiet area, this establishment will delight you.
• High-end: The Gran Hotel Ciudad de Mexico, is located on the main square Zocalo. The hotel features historic architecture, a gourmet restaurant with a view of Zócalo Plaza and the National Palace. Enjoy a welcome glass of champagne too!

 

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What to do in Oaxaca?

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, one of Mexico’s most iconic buildings. The inside is impressive as it is covered in gold. Outside, take lovely pictures when the sun is setting. It is one of the must-sees on this 3-week road trip through Mexico.
• 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 Market, in the city center and get to feel the true dynamic of the city. If you like to cook, why not complement this visit with a cooking class?
• 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 Oaxaca’s surroundings?

 

• Nearby Oaxaca is the Mayan archaeological site of Monte Alban, a must on this stop! There are many organised tours that leave from the city. We recommend this one for a guided tour of the site or this one, where the tour is completed by a visit to some of the artisan towns in the region.
• Oaxaca and its region are well known for the production of Mezcal, a local alcohol. So if you are interested, embark on a tour of tasting, visiting a production and meeting local producers. You can book by clicking here.
• Several kilometres away, there is an absolutely wonderful natural site: Hierve el Agua. These are petrified waterfalls, with small pools of turquoise water, ideal to relax. All this with a splendid view of the mountains and the surrounding nature. I advise you to take a tour to get there, as the road is not easy.

 

Where to sleep in Oaxaca?

 

• Mid-range: With a garden, a bar and a restaurant, enjoy the spacious rooms but also the small attentions that the owners of the NaNa Vida Hotel Oaxaca will do for you!
• High-end: Want to try the convent experience? Then the Quinta Real Oaxaca (completely non-smoking) is for you! The colonial-style rooms at the Quinta Real Oaxaca have tiled floors and plenty of cushions. Don’t hesitate to try this unique experience!

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What to do in San Cristóbal de Las Casas?

THE city in Chiapas not to be missed on this 3-week road trip through Mexico.

• Experience the authentic Mexican culture when visiting the city’s markets. Buy local produces at the lively mercado Castillo Tielmans and choose from fresh fish, fruits and vegetables… If you want a handcrafted souvenir go to the « artesanias » market of Santo Domingo.
• Discover San Juan de Chamula‘s main plaza and its cute colorful church.
• Discover the traditional weavers in Zinacantan their dexterity, patience and talent will leave you speechless.

 

What else to do in San Cristobal de Las Casas?

 

• A trip to discover nature and waterfalls? Then head to the remote Chiflon Waterfall and lose yourself in the beauty of the Montebello Lakes National Park!
• Do you want to discover one of the most beautiful places in Chipas? Then don’t hesitate to make this tour to the Sumidero National Park!

 

Where to sleep in San Cristobal de Las Casas?

 

• Mid-range: Take a break 800 metres from the centre in a typical hotel that will welcome you! Enjoy the comfortable rooms of the Posada Las Casas Hotel.
• High-end: Stay in a typical Mexican hotel with local decoration and carvings. Casa Santa Lucia has a garden and a 24-hour front desk that is sure to please.

 

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What to do in Palenque?

Start from here to discover the impressive Maya temples. This stop of the 3-week road trip through Mexico will be rich in culture and history.

• Live an amazing experience: get deep into the lush jungle and discover several temples lined up! Visit this typical Mayan temple, emerging in the middle of the tropical forest, it’s a precious moment! Take some time to admire one of Americas’ most famous funeral monument: el Templo de Las Inscripciones! Discover this Mayan architectural gem, 8 floors and 25 m / 82 ft of stairs leading to several small rooms. Walk to the back of the site and you will come upon el Acropolis Sur, the acropolis where archeologists recently made amazing discoveries. Right next to it, explore el Grupo de las Cruces, an exceptional pyramidal temple.
• A few kilometres/miles outside of the city, discover the vibrant blue waterfalls of Misol Ha and Agual Azul. Take a dip in this exceptional setting! The roads to get there are not the easiest, so to take the stress out of it all, we advise you to take an organised tour that will allow you to combine the visit of Palenque ruins with these 2 fabulous waterfalls.

 

Where to sleep in Palenque?

 

• Mid-range: A place of paradise in the middle of the forest and the songs of the birds? It is possible with the Los Susurros hotel. Take advantage of the setting to recharge your batteries and enjoy the hospitality of the manager!
• High-end: To enjoy the beautiful surroundings that Palenque has to offer, we have two accommodations to recommend. Firstly, Winíka Terra, which perfectly combines comfort and the natural environment, all in an eco-responsible way. For more comfort and luxury, we recommend the Hotel Villa Mercedes Palenque, with restaurant, swimming pool, terrace… everything to please!

 

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More things to do in Mérida?

 

• Are you a food lover? Then we can only advise you to take a food tour to discover the city through its culinary specialties.
• Want to get away from the heat of the city? Then go on an organised tour that will take you from one cenote to the other. Cenotes are a kind of underground caves with beautiful turquoise water. It’s a refreshing and typical experience while traveling in Yucatán!

 

Where to sleep in Mérida?

 

• Mid-range: Do you want a welcome worthy of the best hotels with owners who give you all the advice on the country? Then head for the La Piazzetta hotel. Between calm and comfort, this hotel offers you everything you need.
• High-end: Looking to unwind in a local and heavenly setting? Just a few steps away from all the attractions, cultural events and restaurants of the historic centre, the Hotel Boutique Casa Flor de Mayo, is sure to please you with its cleanliness and its calm!

 

Where to sleep in Chichén Itzá?

 

• Mid-range: Just 5 minutes from the centre, Chichen Itza Hotel‘s location and large swimming pool make it popular. Take advantage of the quietness to rest and recover.
• High-end: Indulge in a colonial-style house, conveniently located in relation to Chichen Itza, with a beautiful garden. A traditional decoration, calm, swimming pool and massage centre will be at your disposal. The Villas Arqueologicas Chichen Itza are waiting for you!

 

Where to sleep in Tulum?

 

• Mid-range: A few steps from the centre and the archaeological site, try the yurt experience! Huaya Camp offers all the necessary services as well as a garden and an outdoor swimming pool.
• High-end: Are you interested in all-inclusive accommodations? The Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa welcomes you between jungle and tropical gardens, only a few steps away from the ancient Mayan ruins as well as the centre and the beach. This is an extraordinary experience with an extremely friendly staff.

 

Where to sleep in Playa del Carmen?

 

• Mid-range: Looking for a quiet place to rest during your stay? The Meliora by Bunik, with its swimming pool and modern rooms, will offer you all the happiness you need to continue!
• High-end: Located 6 km from the centre, the Xcaret Mexico hotel offers a range of facilities including a private beach, outdoor pool, tennis court and all inclusive access to Xcaret Park.  Situated on a hill, you can even look forward to a direct view of the sea.

 

Where to sleep in Isla Mujeres?

 

• Mid-range: Warm rooms, comfortable bedding, outdoor swimming pool, proximity to the beach, ideal location to discover the island, this is what awaits you if you choose to stay at Casa Barco Hotel Boutique.
• High-end: Located on the beachfront and close to the various cultural areas, the Izla Beach Front Hotel offers a bar, garden and restaurant. With spacious rooms, professional staff and stunning sea views, this is a must-see.

 

Do not hesitate to share your trip with us, we can’t wait to hear all about your adventures!