Mexico is a vast and diverse country packed with colorful culture, impressive nature and pristine beaches. In this article, I share my three-week itinerary that takes you through some of the most extraordinary highlights of both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts. I found it to be a perfect balance of relaxation, culture and adventure. Some days you relax on tropical beaches and other days you explore historical sites. This itinerary through Mexico has a little bit of everything!
Mexico itinerary for 3 weeks
Tulum
My itinerary started in Tulum on the east coast of Quintana Roo region. The closest airport is Cancún, which is a rather large busy city that is not always recommended. So I can recommend to start your trip in Tulum, about 2.5 hours by bus from Cancún airport. Tulum is one of the trendiest destinations where white sandy beaches meet ancient Mayan ruins. You can combine historical sights with relaxing on white sandy beaches here. Spend a day in one of the many cenotes and enjoy the crystal clear waters. For a touch of culture and relaxation, take a yoga class or sample local cuisine at bohemian-chic restaurants. Tulum, you hate it or love it!
Valladolid
After a few days in Tulum, consider traveling on to Valladolid, a colorful colonial city in the heart of Yucatán. This city is the perfect starting point to visit the world-famous Mayan city of Chichén Itzá, one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. In addition to Chichén Itzá, here you will also find the impressive cenotes where you can cool off in the refreshing waters. I absolutely loved this place and would’ve loved to stay longer than just a few days.
Isla Holbox
After exploring cultural Valladolid, it’s time to relax on the tranquil island of Isla Holbox. This car-free island is known for its white-sand beaches, turquoise sea and the possibility of spotting flamingos and whale sharks (depending on the season). Enjoy the relaxed island vibe, rent a bike to explore the island, and try delicious fresh seafood at the local beach restaurants.
Puerto Escondido
After Isla Holbox, you can decided to travel back to Cancun to explore the Pacific coast for an adventurous last week in Puerto Escondido, the surf capital of Mexico. It has one of the most famous surf spots, but if you’re not a surfer, there are plenty of other cool activities as well. Explore the surrounding beaches or take a tour to spot migrating humpback whales between November and March. One of my reasons to visit the Pacific coast and it was an experience to never forget!
Mazunte
End your trip in peaceful Mazunte, an idyllic coastal town famous for its ecotourism and turtle sanctuaries. Here you can also spot migrating whales in season. It’s the perfect place to escape the crowds and enjoy quiet beach walks along the rocky shorelines. Hike to the cliffs for a beautiful sunset and end your day with dinner at a local restaurant.
Transportation in Mexico
Traveling in Mexico is doable with different forms of transportation, depending on your budget.
- Domestic flights: Because Mexico is a large country, domestic flights are an efficient way to travel long distances. Many low-cost airlines, such as Volaris and Viva Aerobus, offer low-cost flights between major cities and tourist destinations such as Cancún, Mexico City and Oaxaca. This is ideal for traveling quickly from the Caribbean coast to the Pacific coast.
- Long-distance buses: For overland travel, the bus is a popular and affordable means of transportation. Mexico has an excellent network of long-distance buses with convenient options such as ADO, a reliable bus company. These buses run between cities such as Valladolid, Tulum, and further up the Pacific coast to places like Puerto Escondido and Mazunte. There are several bus classes, ranging from standard to luxury, and they often have air conditioning and reclining seats. Pretty comfortable!
- Rental car: If you want more flexibility during your trip, then renting a car is a good option. The roads between major cities and many places of interest are generally well maintained. Do pay attention to traffic in major cities, as it can be chaotic. Also make sure you are aware of parking options and safety precautions, such as not leaving valuables in the car.
- Taxi and Uber: For short distances within cities, taxis and Uber are available. Uber works especially well in cities such as Mexico City, Guadalajara and Cancún. For regular taxis in tourist areas you often pay a fixed price. It’s advisable to agree on the price in advance or take an official taxi booked through a hotel or airport.
- Bike: On small islands like Isla Holbox, you can easily rent bikes to explore the island. Also in Tulum, it’s nice to rent bikes to explore the beaches and cenotes.
Is Mexico safe?
A common question among travelers, and also by me before I traveled, is whether Mexico is safe. The short answer is yes, with proper precautions. As in any country, there are areas where you better be careful, but in general, all of the above destinations are safe. I found the locals to be really incredibly nice and helpful. It definitely helps if you speak a little Spanish, as it makes the experience a lot more fun and a little easier!
A few tips:
- Avoid remote places, especially at night: As in many other countries, it’s smart to avoid remote places, especially when it’s dark. Stay in tourist areas and crowded places, especially in larger cities.
- Beware of pickpockets: Pickpockets may be active in crowded tourist areas or markets. Keep your valuables in your bag and do not carry large amounts of money or valuable jewelry.
- Use Uber or official taxis: This is generally safer than hailing a random taxi off the street.
- Follow travel advisories: Check in advance the travel advice of the places you are traveling to.
- Check in with locals about local safety and which places to avoid. They know best!
Beste time to travel Mexico
The ideal time to travel this itinerary to the Caribbean and Pacific coast in Mexico is from November to April, when the weather is dry and not too hot. This is perfect for both the coastal areas and the inland areas.
On the east coast, in Tulum and Isla Holbox, temperatures during this period are warm, but not too hot, with little rain. The rainy season runs from June through October, particularly on the Caribbean coast, so it is wise to avoid this period. The best season to see whale sharks at Isla Holbox is from March through July.
If you go to the Pacific coast, to Puerto Escondido and Mazunte, the same applies: November to April is the best travel period. The summer months (May to October) can be very hot and humid, and rain is common. Visiting during the rainy season does mean lush, green nature, but may affect your beach experience.
