Mexico 5 Day Itinerary

Mexico 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Mexico City

  • Arrival at Benito Juárez International Airport (Aeropuerto Internacional Benito Juárez).
  • Visit the Zócalo (Plaza de la Constitución): The historic center and main square of Mexico City. Explore nearby attractions like the Metropolitan Cathedral, National Palace, and Templo Mayor.
  • In the afternoon, visit the Palacio de Bellas Artes for its stunning architecture and art exhibitions.
  • Dinner at a local restaurant offering traditional Mexican cuisine.
  • Things to know: Mexico City is at an elevation of 7,350 feet (2,240 meters), so you may feel altitude sickness; drink plenty of water and avoid strenuous activity on your first day.

Day 2: Teotihuacán

  • Take a tour or drive to the ancient city of Teotihuacán (approximately one hour from Mexico City).
  • Climb the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon.
  • Visit the Citadel, the residential area of Teotihuacán, and explore the Avenue of the Dead.
  • Return to Mexico City in the evening.
  • Things to know: Wear comfortable shoes for walking, bring water, sunscreen, and a hat. The site is open daily from 8 am to 5 pm.

Day 3: Puebla

  • Take a train or drive to Puebla (approximately 2 hours from Mexico City).
  • Visit the Zocalo: admire the Cathedral of Puebla and the Rosary Chapel.
  • Explore the Chocolate Museum and try traditional Mexican hot chocolate.
  • In the afternoon, visit the Monastery of Santa Maria de Iguazu.
  • Dinner at a local restaurant offering regional cuisine like Mole Poblano.
  • Things to know: Puebla is famous for its Talavera pottery and handmade textiles. There are many shops throughout the city where you can purchase these items as souvenirs.

Day 4: Cholula and Oaxaca

  • Take a morning train or drive to Cholula (approximately 1 hour from Puebla).
  • Visit the Great Pyramid of Cholula, one of the largest archaeological sites in the Americas.
  • After lunch, continue your journey to Oaxaca (approximately 2 hours from Cholula).
  • In the evening, explore the historic center of Oaxaca and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant offering regional cuisine like Mole Negro or Tlayudas.
  • Things to know: Oaxaca is famous for its mezcal, handmade textiles, and indigenous cultures. Be sure to visit the Zapotec ruins of Monte Albán during your stay.

Day 5: Oaxaca

  • Spend your final day exploring Oaxaca City. Visit the Santo Domingo de Guzman Church, Rufino Tamayo Museum, and the Ethnobotanical Garden.
  • Take a cooking class to learn about traditional Oaxacan cuisine, or visit the local markets to buy handmade crafts and textiles.
  • Depart from Oaxaca’s Xoxocotlan International Airport (OAX) for your return journey.
  • Things to know: Oaxaca is located in the valley of the same name and experiences a dry season from November to April and a rainy season from May to October. Be sure to check the weather before traveling.

Visa requirements: Citizens of most countries do not need a visa for stays of up to 180 days in Mexico as a tourist. However, it’s essential to confirm your specific requirements based on your nationality and intended length of stay.

Transportation: Mexico has an extensive network of buses, trains, and flights connecting its major cities. Renting a car is also an option, but be aware that driving in Mexico can be challenging due to traffic and road conditions. Taxis are widely available, but make sure to use reputable companies or ride-sharing services for safety.