Mexico 4 Day Itinerary

Title: 4-Day Itinerary for Exploring Mexico

Day 1: Mexico City (Día 1: Ciudad de México)

Places to Go:

  1. Zócalo (Plaza de la Constitución): The heart of Mexico City, where you can see the Metropolitan Cathedral and National Palace.
  2. Palacio Bellas Artes (Palace of Fine Arts): A beautiful building with murals by famous Mexican artists.
  3. Teotihuacan (Teotihuacán): An ancient Mesoamerican city, about an hour from the city. It’s home to the Pyramid of the Sun and Moon.

Activities:

  1. Take a guided tour of Teotihuacan for a deeper understanding of its history.
  2. Visit local markets like La Ciudadela or Mercado de San Juan for souvenirs, food, and cultural experiences.
  3. Enjoy traditional Mexican cuisine at Pujol, one of the world’s best restaurants (reservations required).

Things to Know:

  1. Mexico City is at a high altitude, so visitors may feel the effects of altitude sickness. Drink plenty of water and take it easy on your first day.
  2. Be mindful of your belongings in crowded places like markets and tourist spots.
  3. English is spoken in many places, but it’s always helpful to have some basic Spanish phrases.

Visa Requirements:

Citizens of the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand do not need a visa for stays of up to 180 days. Check your country’s specific requirements.

Transportation:

  • Metro (metro.cdmx.gob.mx) is a cheap and efficient way to get around the city. Uber is also widely available.

Day 2: Puebla (Día 2: Puebla)

Places to Go:

  1. Zocalo (Plaza Mayor): The main square of Puebla, filled with colonial architecture and historical buildings.
  2. Cholula: A nearby town known for the Great Pyramid of Cholula, one of the largest archaeological sites in Mexico.
  3. Puebla Cathedral (Catedral de Puebla): A stunning example of Baroque architecture.

Activities:

  1. Take a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Mexican dishes like mole poblano.
  2. Visit the Museum of Arts and Popular Traditions for an insight into the local culture.
  3. Explore the colorful neighborhoods of La Parián and Los Siete Callejones.

Things to Know:

  1. The city is known for its Talavera pottery, a type of ceramic with intricate designs. It makes a great souvenir.
  2. The food in Puebla is slightly different from that in Mexico City, so be sure to try local specialties like chiles en nogada and tacos arabes.

Transportation:

  • The bus from Mexico City to Puebla takes around 1.5 hours. You can also take the Tren Ligero (light train) to the bus station, which is called “Autobuses del Norte”.

Day 3: Oaxaca (Día 3: Oaxaca de Juárez)

Places to Go:

  1. Zocalo (Plaza de las Tres Culturas): A bustling square surrounded by historic buildings, including modern, colonial, and pre-Hispanic structures.
  2. Santo Domingo de Guzmán Church and Museum: Houses one of the most important collections of indigenous art in Mexico.
  3. Monte Albán (Montaña Alban): An ancient Zapotec city overlooking Oaxaca.

Activities:

  1. Take a cooking class to learn how to make mole oaxaqueño, a traditional Oaxacan dish.
  2. Visit the Ethnobotanical Garden of Oaxaca to learn about the region’s rich plant life and its role in local culture.
  3. Explore the vibrant markets of Benito Juárez and Mercado 20 de Noviembre.

Things to Know:

  1. Oaxaca is known for its indigenous cultures, artisanal crafts, and delicious food. Be sure to try mezcal, a traditional spirit made from agave.
  2. The city is also famous for its textiles, particularly those made by the Zapotec and Mixtec communities.

Transportation:

  • Buses run frequently between Puebla and Oaxaca, with the journey taking around 4 hours.

Day 4: Puerto Escondido (Día 4: Puerto Escondido)

Places to Go:

  1. Zicatela Beach: A popular spot for surfing, swimming, and sunbathing.
  2. Crucecita: The tourist area of Puerto Escondido, filled with shops, restaurants, and accommodations.
  3. Rancho Maíz Ecological Park: A natural reserve where you can see various species of flora and fauna.

Activities:

  1. Take a surf lesson at Zicatela Beach.
  2. Visit the nearby town of San Pedro y San Pablo for a taste of traditional Mexican life.
  3. Relax on the beach or explore the nearby mangroves by kayak.

Things to Know:

  1. Puerto Escondido is a laid-back, beachy destination, so take advantage of the relaxed atmosphere and enjoy the sun, sea, and sand.
  2. The town is also known for its delicious seafood, so be sure to try some local dishes like ceviche and grilled fish.

Transportation:

  • Buses run from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido, with the journey taking around 5 hours. You can also fly from Oaxaca City to Puerto Escondido in about 40 minutes.