Welcome to the captivating world of Mexico, a country that boasts a rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and a vibrant spirit. If you're planning a three-week adventure in this enchanting land, you're in for an unforgettable experience. In this guide, we'll present you with five unique itineraries that will take you on a journey through Mexico's diverse regions, revealing the hidden gems and iconic landmarks along the way.
Created by local experts
Explore Mexico's highlights in a 3-week journey. Begin in Mexico City, and tour its historic centre and UNESCO sites like Zócalo and the National Palace. Discover Frida Kahlo's Casa Azul and Xochimilco on day three. Fly to Puerto Escondido for beach days on days five and six.
Transition to the Yucatan Peninsula on day seven, flying from Puerto Escondido to Cancun. Explore Ek Balam on day eight and reach Mérida on day nine, visiting Chichen Itza en route. Day ten reveals Mérida's charm, while day eleven offers an optional Celestun excursion.
Day twelve entails a self-drive to Campeche via Uxmal's archaeological site. Enjoy Campeche's day thirteen freedom, then drive to Xpujil on day fourteen and explore Becan on day fifteen.
Day sixteen leads to Bacalar's lagoon, followed by leisure or exploration on day seventeen. Day eighteen offers a self-guided trip to Playa del Carmen or Tulum's archaeological site. Relax and explore Playa del Carmen on days nineteen and twenty.
Curious? Check prices and availability or customize this trip to your needs.
Tulum Playa del Carmen beach, Mexico © Shutterstock
Puerto Escondido's Playa, Zicatela © Shutterstock
Mariachi on streets colonial Campeche city, Mexico © javarman/Shutterstock
Check this overview of the 3 weeks Mexico itinerary.
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Tulum, Mayan ruins, Mexico © DC_Aperture/Shutterstock
Experience a diverse 3-week Mexican itinerary blending history, cuisine, and relaxation. Day one begins in Mexico City for acclimatization. On day two, a shared tour unveils the Basilica of Guadalupe and Teotihuacan's pyramids. Day three brings a morning bus ride to San Miguel de Allende, leaving the afternoon free.
Day four offers leisure or a guided walk in San Miguel de Allende. Travel by city bus to Guanajuato on day five, with day six inviting exploration or optional excursions. Day seven entails a bus transfer back to Mexico City.
Day eight introduces Cuernavaca and Taxco, while day nine visits the Frida Kahlo Museum and Xochimilco's gardens. A Cholula and Puebla excursion awaits on day ten. Day eleven involves a city bus ride to Oaxaca with leisure time, followed by a sightseeing tour on day twelve and a Monte Alban excursion on day thirteen.
Day fourteen explores Hierve El Agua's petrified waterfalls and Mitla. Day fifteen flies to Huatulco, gifting beaches and activities. Days sixteen to nineteen are your time to explore Huatulco. Day twenty marks the farewell, as your driver takes you to Mexico City airport for your journey home.
Curious? Check prices and availability or customize this trip to your needs.
Beach Zipolite, Oaxaca, Mexico @ Shutterstock
Monte Alban, Oaxaca, Mexico @ Shutterstock
Check this overview of the 3 weeks Mexico itinerary.
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The steep, colorful hills of Guanajuato © Bill Perry / Shutterstock
This 3-week itinerary shows you the real Yucatan. Day one begins with a private transfer from Cancun Airport to your hotel in Cancun. On day two, you'll travel to Valladolid.
On day three, take a bus to Chichen Itza. On day four, transfer by bus to Mérida, the White City, and tour its main square and cathedral. Day five offers free time in Mérida or an optional full-day excursion to the scenic Celestun Biosphere Reserve.
On day six, you'll head to Campeche, stopping along the way at Uxmal. Day seven includes a visit to the remarkable town of Calakmul, after which you will travel to Xpujil. Day eight includes a public bus ride to the stunning Bacalar Lagoon.
Day nine is a rest day in the paradise town of Bacalar. On the tenth day, take a public bus to Tulum. Days eleven and twelve are free days in Tulum.
On the thirteenth day, we leave the Yucatán Peninsula and travel to Mexico City. On the fourteenth and fifteenth days in Mexico City, city tours are planned. The sixteenth day includes a visit to the popular Frida Kahlo Museum and the floating gardens of Xochimilco. The final days are free days in Mexico City.
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Mexico City, Mexico @ Shutterstock
Teotihuacan Temple, Mexico @ Shutterstock
Puebla City, Mexico @ Shutterstock
Check this overview of the 3 weeks Mexico itinerary.
Feeling curious? Take a step forward and book this trip now.
Short on days? Our 10-day Mexico itineraries have you covered.
Chichen Itza sunset, Mexico @ Shutterstock
This 3-week itinerary ensures you can make the most of discovering fascinating Mexico within 3 weeks.
The first day begins with a transfer to your hotel in Guanajuato. The second day offers free time to explore Guanajuato. The third day is a walking tour of San Miguel de Allende, followed by a leisurely morning on the fourth day.
On day five, you'll depart Mexico City for a tour of the cities of Cholula and Puebla. On the sixth day, go on a tour of the Basilica of Guadalupe. Day seven offers a visit to the Frida Kahlo Museum and the floating gardens of Xochimilco.
On day eight, transfer to Mexico City International Airport and fly to Tuxtla Gutierrez. On the ninth day, explore the Amerindian communities. On the tenth day, a general excursion to Agua Azul waterfall.
The eleventh and twelfth days involve trips to Campeche and Mérida. The thirteenth day is a free day in Mérida. On day fourteen, you can travel to Tulum.
Days fifteen and sixteen are dedicated to the beaches of Tulum. On the seventeenth day, take a ferry to Holbox Island, where you can enjoy the island on days eighteen and nineteen. The twentieth day marks the end of the trip.
Curious? Check prices and availability or customize this trip to your needs.
Tropical beach setting on Isla Holbox, Quintana Roo, Mexico © Shutterstock
Guanajuato, Mexico @ Shutterstock
Check this overview of the 3 weeks Mexico itinerary.
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Sian Kaan Biosphere Reserve near Tulum, Mexico © Jess Kraft/Shutterstock
This 3-week trip starts on the wonderful coast of Yucatan, exploring the beaches and archaeological highlights like Chichen Itza and Tulum. Day one welcomes you to Cancun. Day two offers an excursion to Tulum's archaeological site, Coba's pyramid, and Playa Paraiso's beauty.
Days three and four invite relaxation on Cancun's beaches. On day five, embark on a tour of Ek Balam's ancient city. Day six takes you to Merida via Chichen Itza. Day seven explores the Puuc Route's Mayan hills and Uxmal City.
Day eight involves a transfer from Merida to Campeche, with a cenote dip and a Uxmal site visit. Day nine brings a journey to Palenque. Day ten explores Yaxchilan and Bonampak Archaeological Sites.
Day eleven offers a tour of the Palenque Archaeological Site, Misol Ha pools, and Agua Azul waterfalls. Day twelve delves into the Indian communities of San Juan Chamula.
Day thirteen takes you to Oaxaca. Day fourteen features a tour of Mitla and Teotitlan del Valle. Day fifteen explores Monte Alban's ancient Zapotec capital.
Days sixteen through nineteen offer a diverse Mexico City experience. Day twenty concludes your journey.
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Xochimilco, Mexico @ Shutterstock
Mayan Ruins, Tulum, Yucatan, Mexico @ Shutterstock
Check this overview of the 3 weeks Mexico itinerary.
Excited by the possibilities? Book this trip now.
Cenote Dzitnup, Mexico, Central America, The Yucatan @ Shutterstock
For more inspiration for your trip to Mexico, see The Rough Guide to Mexico. Browse our customizable Mexico itineraries, talk to our local Mexico travel experts and find out how to get to Mexico.
Also, find tons of ideas for your Mexican adventure in our guide to the best vacation spots in Mexico.
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for visiting Mexico
written by
Rough Guides Editors
updated 06.06.2024
