Mexico 6 Day Itinerary

Title: Six-Day Itinerary for Exploring Mexico

Day 1: Mexico City

  • Place: Mexico City, the heart of Mexican culture.
  • Activities: Visit the historic center (Zocalo, Templo Mayor), Palacio de Bellas Artes, and Frida Kahlo Museum (Casa Azul). Explore Xochimilco’s floating gardens and colorful gondolas.
  • Things to Know: Mexico City is one of the largest cities in the world, so be prepared for crowds and traffic. Spanish is widely spoken, but many people also speak English in tourist areas.
  • Visa Requirements: Citizens of most countries require a visa to stay longer than 180 days. Check Mexican government’s immigration website for the latest information based on your nationality.
  • Transportation: The city has a metro system, buses, and ride-hailing services like Uber. It’s also walkable in many areas.

Day 2: Teotihuacan & Pueblo Magico

  • Place: Teotihuacan ruins, a short trip from Mexico City; any of the ‘Pueblo Magicos’ (Magic Towns), such as Tlayacapan or Tlaquiltenango, for an authentic Mexican experience.
  • Activities: Climb the Pyramid of the Sun and Pyramid of the Moon at Teotihuacan; explore the charming streets of Pueblo Magico, taste local food, and shop for traditional crafts.
  • Things to Know: Teotihuacan opens early (8 am), so get there as soon as it opens to avoid crowds. The ‘Pueblo Magicos’ are smaller towns with limited facilities, so come prepared.
  • Transportation: Taxis or tour groups can take you to Teotihuacan from Mexico City. The Pueblo Magico is typically reached by car, and parking is available in the town.

Day 3: Cancun & Riviera Maya

  • Place: Cancun for its beaches and nightlife; Riviera Maya for Mayan ruins and cenotes.
  • Activities: Enjoy a day at Playa Delfines or Playa Tortugas in Cancun. Visit the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza, Tulum, or Coba. Swim in a cenote like Ik Kil or Gran Cenote.
  • Things to Know: Cancun can be quite touristy; explore Riviera Maya for a more authentic Mexican experience. Be aware of seaweed issues on some Cancun beaches.
  • Transportation: Cancun International Airport is well connected with flights from around the world. Once there, rental cars, taxis, and tour groups are available for getting around.

Day 4: Cozumel

  • Place: Cozumel Island, famous for its snorkeling and scuba diving sites.
  • Activities: Snorkel or dive at Palancar Reef, Columbia Reef, or Chankanaab National Park. Visit the San Gervasio Mayan Ruins. Relax on Playa San Juan or Playa Mia.
  • Things to Know: Cozumel’s main town, San Miguel, is quite touristy but has some beautiful architecture and shops. Many cruise ships dock here, so it can get crowded.
  • Transportation: The island is small enough to explore by scooter or taxi. Ferries run regularly from Playa del Carmen or Cancun to Cozumel.

Day 5: Merida & Uxmal

  • Place: Mérida, the Yucatan’s cultural capital; Uxmal, one of the most important Mayan sites.
  • Activities: Explore Mérida’s historic center, Paseo Montejo, and Plaza Grande. Visit the Anthropology Museum and Casa de Monterrey. Tour Uxmal, a beautifully preserved Mayan city.
  • Things to Know: Mérida has a large student population, giving it a vibrant atmosphere. English is more commonly spoken here than in other parts of Mexico.
  • Transportation: Fly into Manuel Crescencio Rejon International Airport or take a bus from Cancun or other cities. Taxis and rental cars are available for getting around.

Day 6: Chichen Itza & Izamal

  • Place: Chichen Itza (again, for a different perspective during the day); Izamal, the “Yellow City” known for its monastery and Kinich Kakmó temple.
  • Activities: Explore Chichen Itza in the daytime, learning about the Mayan astronomical calculations that align with the equinoxes. Visit Izamal’s Convento de San Antonio de Texas and climb the Kinich Kakmó for a panoramic view of the city.
  • Things to Know: Chichen Itza can get very crowded, especially during sunrise or sunset events; consider visiting early in the morning to avoid the crowds. Izamal is a small town with limited facilities, so come prepared.
  • Transportation: Taxis or tour groups can take you from Mérida to these sites. Buses also run regularly from various cities.