We spent 2 weeks visiting Mexico, starting and finishing in Playa del Carmen, where we alternated between days relaxing by the pool/beach and day trips to some of the nearby sites. There is a huge amount to do in the area around Playa del Carmen, from cenotes and caves to water sports and theme parks. Here is my relaxed, budget friendly itinerary for a mixture of relaxation plus plenty of sightseeing.
We opted to hire a car for part of our trip and use it to get us to the airport and back for our flight to Mexico City, plus to visit the slightly further away attractions on days 3 and 9 of my itinerary. If you don’t want to drive, there are plenty of organised tours to these attractions.
We spent four days in Mexico City; three days exploring the city itself and a fourth day on a trip to the ancient pyramids of Teotihuacán, some 30 miles away. Note that many of the city’s attractions are closed on Mondays.
Mexico in 2 Weeks Itinerary
| Day 1 | Travel to Playa del Carmen Accommodation – Platinum Yucatan Princess Accommodation – Riu Lupita Beach Walk Turtles |
| Day 2 | Relax |
| Day 3 | Tulum Centro Artesanal Tulum Tulum Ruins Playa Ruinas |
| Day 4 | Mexico City Travel to Mexico City Accommodation – NH Collection Mexico City Centro Histórico Templo Mayor Metropolitan Cathedral Zócalo Torre Latino Alameda Central Monumento a la Revolución Dinner at Salón Corona Bolívar |
| Day 5 | Mexico City Museo del Templo Mayor Palacio de Bellas Artes Angel of Independence Castillo de Chapultepec Dinner at Terraza at Gran Hotel Ciudad de México |
| Day 6 | Day Trip to Teotihuacán: Plaza de las Tres Culturas Teotihuacán Basílica de Guadalupe Dinner at La Parroquai de Veracruz |
| Day 7 | Mexico City Museo Trotsky Museo Frida Kahlo Palacio Nacional |
| Day 8 | Travel to Playa del Carmen |
| Day 9 | Chichén Itzá Valladolid Convento de San Bernardino |
| Day 10 | Relax |
| Day 11 | Playa del Carmen Quinta Avenida Parque Los Fundadores Xaman Ha |
| Day 12 | Relax |
| Day 13 | Cozumel Ferry to Cozumel |
| Day 14 | Relax |
How to get to Mexico
From London, we found that the cheapest way to fly to Mexico was to buy a package holiday to Cancun. After a few days chilling by the pool at our resort hotel, we took an internal flight to Mexico City for a long weekend. Then, we returned to our original hotel to complete our package holiday.
Cancun International Airport is 39 miles north of Playa del Carmen. Most hotels offer a pick up service. If you opt to drive, it’s a straightforward drive down Highway 307. There is also a bus. The ADO Bus runs every 30-45 minutes and costs M$216 to downtown Playa del Carmen.
Where to stay in Playa del Carmen
There is plenty of choice when it comes to accommodation in Playa del Carmen. Most hotels in the area are all inclusive with food, drinks and entertainment included.
We have visited twice, staying in two very different hotels. Our first hotel was a luxury, adult only hotel; Platinum Yucatan Princess. On our second visit, we stayed at the more budget conscious, more family friendly Riu Lupita. We enjoyed. It’s really just a question of how much luxury you require/are prepared to pay for.
Mexico Day 1
Travel to Playa del Carmen
We flew to Cancun from London with TUI Airlines. If you book a package, TUI arranges airport pick up. If not, then most hotels will arrange pick up. Either way, there should be a rep just outside the terminal building.
Accommodation – Platinum Yucatan Princess
On our first visit to Playa del Carmen, we stayed at the Platinum Yucatan Princess. This is a very nice, adult only hotel with pools running the length of the accommodation blocks. It offers buffet style dining plus four a la carte restaurants including Mexican, Italian and Japanese. A short boardwalk brings you to the beach. The con: It’s rather remote, located 6 miles from downtown Playa del Carmen with not much around it other than more hotels.
Accommodation – Riu Lupita
Riu Lupita is on the gated complex of Playacar II. It is in a block of six Riu hotels, which offer a range of accommodation and facilities. The four beach front hotels are the most luxurious/expensive, whilst the two hotels behind these are more budget conscious. Riu Tequila is popular with those who love to party. To reach the beach, you must walk along an alleyway between two other Riu Hotels.
Riu Lupita is more sedate. It is also cheaper. Primarily because there is a golf course between the hotel and the beach with no right of way. Beach access is via a shuttle bus, which runs every 30 minutes throughout the day. At the beach, the hotel has its own Beach Club with pool, bar, restaurant and daily entertainment. Although beach access is less convenient than the other hotels, we still enjoyed our stay here. Pro: The beach shuttle also stops at the complex entrance, which is convenient for getting into Playa del Carmen.
Beach Walk
The entire Mexican coastline is owned by the government, which provides, in theory, public access to all beaches. From remote palm lined seclusion to the busy public beaches in the city centre, the Mexican coastline is yours to explore.
Turtles
Between May and October, turtles come ashore to lay their eggs on the beaches around Playa del Carmen. The eggs are protected, so you may see areas of beach cordoned off or out of bounds at night when the baby turtles hatch and head for the sea.
Mexico Day 2 – Relax
After a long journey, take some time to chill by the pool or beach with a cocktail or three and enjoy the hotel’s entertainment offerings.
Mexico Day 3 – Tulum
Today, we are hiring a car and driving 40 miles down the coast to Tulum, the third most visited archaeological site in Mexico. The ruins of the Mayan city of Tulum sit on the cliff top offering a spectacular view across the golden sandy beaches to the turquoise Caribbean Sea beyond.
It’s a straight forward drive from Playa del Carmen down Highway 307. There is a large car park, with parking costing M$100. If you don’t fancy the drive, there are plenty of tour operators offering trips to Tulum, often paired with a visit to a cenote (a natural sinkhole formed by the collapse of limestone bedrock, that exposes underground freshwater).
Centro Artensanal Tulum
It’s a 10 minute walk from the car/coach park to the ruins. This takes you through the Centro Artensanal Tulum, which offers souvenirs shops, restaurants and a range of photo ops from giant letters to Mexican pole dancing. There is a shuttle service from the car park (M$50) if you don’t want to walk.
Tulum Ruins
The ancient walled city of Tulum is entered via a gate in the imposing stone walls.
El Castillo
Just inside the walls is El Castillo (The Castle), the tallest and most formidable building Tulum. It would have served as a lighthouse to guide trading canoes from other Mayan cities ashore.
Templo del Dios de Viento
The most photographed building in Tulum is Templo del Dios de Viento (Temple of the Wind God); a small temple perched on the clifftop. Holes within the building’s structure would whistle in the wind, thus warning residents of approaching storms.
Templo del Dios Descendente
The Templo del Dios Descendente (Temple of the Descending God) is named after the carved figure of a descending god above the building’s door.
Templo de las Pinturas
The Templo de las Pinturas (Temple of the Frescoes) was an observatory used to track the movements of the sun. Now somewhat weathered, it once featured colourful frescoes and carvings depicting various Mayan gods.
Tulum ruins are open daily from 8 am until 5 pm (last entry is at 3.30 pm). Tickets cost M$515, which is made up of three separate charges – (the Archaeological Site Fee, State Conservation Fee and Jaguar Park Fee).
Playa Ruinas
Just below the ruins, reached via a wooden staircase, is the Playa Ruinas (Ruins Beach). You can visit this sandy beach for a cooling swim after the heat of the exploring the ruins. Note: It can get very busy here. There are no facilities on the beach.
Mexico Day 4 – Mexico City
Travel to Mexico City
After a few days of R&R in our resort hotel by the beach, we take an internal flight to Benito Juárez International Airport in Mexico City. From the airport, there is a quick and easy bus service into the centre. (So quick, I only just have time to take a selfie with the Mexico sign before boarding!)
Accommodation – NH Collection Mexico City Centro Histórico
We check into our hotel; the NH Collection Mexico City Centro Histórico. You could stay in Mexico City for less, but we decide it’s worth paying extra for the location. Plus we have stayed in NH hotels before, so are confident that the hotel will be a clean and comfortable base for our visit. Amidst the heat and bustle of the city, the hotel is a welcome oasis of cool and calm.
Templo Mayor
Once we have checked in, we set forth the explore the Centro Histórico. Our first stop is the Templo Mayor. This ancient Aztec temple site, believed by the Aztecs to be the centre of the Universe, was partially destroyed by the Spanish conquistadors in order to build their cathedral nearby. In 1978, municipal workers came across an Aztec carving and the colonial buildings were subsequently demolished in order to excavate the site of the temple.
Metropolitan Cathedral
The enormous 109 metre long Metropolitan Cathedral was constructed in the 16th Century by the Spanish conquistadors, using stone plundered from the Templo Mayor.
It is possible to visit the cathedral’s ornate interior if no service is taking place.
Zócalo
The Zócalo is the name of the enormous plaza (officially called the Plaza de la Constitución) which is lined by the Cathedral, the Palacio Nacional, various government building and high end hotels. In the middle is a huge Mexican flag, which is ceremonially raised and lowered daily and 8 am and 6 pm respectively. The plaza also has a Metro Station and some photo-op CDMX letters.
Torre Latino
From here, we walk along the Avenida Madero to the Torre Latino. This is a great place to start a visit to Mexico City, as you can enjoy a stunning city view and find your bearings at the same time.
Standing 181 metres high, the tower was Latin America’s tallest building when it was built in 1956. There are observation decks on the 42nd to 44th floors and an interesting museum about the tower and the city on the 38th floor. There is also a café, bar and restaurant between floors 37 and 41.
The tower is open daily from 9 am until 10 pm. There is a range of ticketing options, but basic entry costs M$220.
Alameda Central
The Alameda Central is a park next to the Palacio de Bellas Artes. The park is laid out in colonial style with plenty of trees, statues and fountains. It also has free WiFi. It’s a great place for a stroll or to rest on a shady bench a while.
Monumento a la Revolución
Our final stop of the day, further along the road (Avenida de la República) past the Alameda Central is the Plaza de la República. This large plaza is dominated by the Monumento a la Revolución, which contains the tombs of some of Mexico’s revolutionary heroes. A glass elevator Willy Wonka would be proud of takes visitors to an observation deck in the domed roof.
The Observation Deck is open daily from midday (10 am on Sunday) until 8 pm (10 pm on Friday and Saturday). Adult entry costs M$150.
Dinner at Salón Corona Bolívar
For dinner, we choose Salón Corona Bolívar, one of the many bars lining the streets of the old town. We order the cheesiest cheesefest imaginable, washed down (almost) with a few beers. I think it’s lovely sitting outside in the evening sun, watching the world go by as we eat. If it bothers you regularly being approached by traders and beggars, best to sit inside. Eventually, we are defeated by the cheese, give the leftovers to a passing beggar and waddle back to our hotel.
Mexico Day 5 – Mexico City
Today is a day of culture, focusing on visits to a museum and art gallery. There was initially another museum on our itinerary, but we ran out of time/steam.
Museo del Templo Mayor
We start at the Museo del Templo Mayor. Much of the site of the Templo Mayor can be viewed without entering the complex. However, it is worth a visit to the on-site museum to learn more about the history of the temple and see some of the artifacts discovered during excavations.
The museum is open daily excluding Monday from 9 am until 5 pm. Adult entry costs M$100.
Palacio de Bellas Artes
One of the highlights of our trip is a visit to the Palacio de Bellas Artes. Built at the beginning of the 20th century, this spectacular marble Art Nouveau building contains a collection of equally spectacular art.
The highlight of the highlight is two floors of murals by prominent Mexican artists, including the enormous El Hombre en el Cruce de Caminos by Diego Rivera.
The gallery is open daily except Monday from 10 am until 6 pm. Adult entry costs M$95.
Angel of Independence
In the afternoon, we set off to visit the Castillo de Chapultepec. This is a straight walk down the Avenida Paseo de la Reforma with lots of interesting things to see along the way. However, it is about 3 miles. If you prefer not to walk so far, there is a Metro Station (Chapultepec) in front of the Castillo.
Half way along the avenue is the Angel of Independence. El Ángel is a winged angel sitting atop a 45 metre high pillar. It was erected in 1910 to commemorate a centenary of Mexican independence and contains tombs of some of Mexico’s revolutionary heroes.
Castillo de Chapultepec
The Castillo de Chapultepec sits on the top of a hill in a park known as Bosque de Chapultepec. As well as a castle, this huge park contains 9 museums, play areas, gardens, lakes, a zoo and over a hundred statues and fountains. The castle was built in the 18th Century for the Viceroy and is now home to the National History Museum.
We figure that one museum is enough for the day, so settle for a wander round the park before catching the Metro back to Zócalo.
If you can squeeze in one more museum, the National History Museum is open daily except Monday from 9 am until 5 pm. Adult entry costs M$100.
Dinner at Terraza at Gran Hotel Ciudad de México
Another highlight of our trip is dinner at Terraza – a restaurant on the fifth floor of the Gran Hotel Ciudad de México. Upon arrival, take some time admiring the hotel’s opulent interior before ascending to the restaurant on a balcony overlooking the Zócalo.
The food and the view over the city as the sun sets are equally spectacular.
Mexico Day 6 – Day Trip to Teotihuacán
Today, we are taking an organised trip to Teotihuacán, which is situated around 30 miles north east of the city. It is possible to reach Teotihuacán by public transport (metro to Terminal Norte followed by a bus), but we decide it’s too much hassle and book a tour. The pros; door-to-door transport and a guide. The cons; it’s more expensive and a lot of time is spent at various stops devised to encourage shopping, rather than actual sites of interest.
There are several companies offering day trips to Teotichuacán. We went with Viajes Roldan. The package includes the three major stops listed below (Plaza de la Tres Culturas, Teotihuacán and the Basílica de Guadalupe) plus a few other shopping stops I won’t bother mentioning. It costs US$50 including a buffet lunch (US$35 without lunch).
Note: There isn’t much near to the restaurant where lunch is offered, so if you opt not to pay for the buffet, it’s probably best to bring a packed lunch to sit and eat outside the restaurant. The restaurant is not open on Mondays.
Plaza de las Tres Culturas
Our first non-shopping stop is the Plaza de las Tres Culturas; so called because buildings from three different cultures converge here; the Aztec pyramids of Tlatelolco, the 17th-century Spanish colonial Church of Santiago Tlatelolco and the modern Mexican Tlatelolco University Cultural Centre.
It is possible to visit the ruins of the pyramids. The Archaeological Site at Tlatelolco is open daily from 8 am until 6 pm. Entry is free.
Teotihuacán
After yet another shopping stop, we finally reach our actual intended destination of Teotihuacan. If you want to spend ages exploring the site at your leisure, a tour probably isn’t the best option, because the amount of time actually spent here is quite short. Our time here is divided between the two pyramids; the Pyramid of the Sun and Pyramid of the Moon.
Pyramid of the Moon
We start at the Pyramid of the Moon. This is the smaller of two pyramids, although as the ground between them is on a slope, they are technically the same height. In the past 1700 years, many millions of people have climbed the Pyramid of the Moon, most of them more gracefully than me!
Note: Since our visit, to preserve the site (and old ladies’ dignity?) it is no longer possible to climb the pyramids.
Pyramid of the Sun
The advantage of a tour is that the bus drives us between the two pyramids, (via a restaurant) which offers a welcome respite from the heat. Suitably refreshed and refuelled, we are dropped near the Pyramid of the Sun. This awe inspiring structure, measuring 71 metres high and containing 248 steps is the third largest pyramid in the world.
Teotihuacán is open daily from 8 am until 5 pm. Tickets cost M$100. If you’re part of a tour group, your ticket will be included and you won’t need to queue.
Basílica de Guadalupe
On the return into Mexico City, we stop at the Basílica de Guadalupe. According to legend, in 1531, a man claimed that the Virgin Mary appeared before him at the top of nearby Tepeyac Hill. Further alleged sightings and miracles led to an influx of pilgrims. In around 1700, a church was built on the site; the Basílica de Guadalupe.
As the building was unable to cope with burgeoning numbers, in the 1970s a new building was erected; the Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe. Here, thousands of pilgrims are whisked past a picture of the Virgin Mary on a moving walkway and masses are held hourly.
If you are travelling to the Basilica independently, it is located 4 miles north of the city centre. Metro Station La Villa/Basílica is nearby, serviced by Metro Line 6.
Dinner at La Parroquai de Veracruz
It’s been a long day, so dinner tonight is a quick stop at the café next door to our hotel; La Parroquai de Veracruz for beer and enchiladas.
Mexico Day 7 – Mexico City
Our final day in Mexico City is spent in Coyoacán visiting the former homes of some of the city’s most renowned residents. The suburb of Coyoacán is around 7 miles south of the city centre. Coyoacán Station is serviced by Metro Line 3.
Museo Trotsky
First, Museo Trotsky; the former home of communist revolutionary Leon Trotsky, who lived here after fleeing from Stalinist Russia. Trotsky came to Mexico in 1937. After a brief time as the guests of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, the Trotsky family moved into their own house nearby.
The house has been preserved as it would have been during this time and you can visit the rooms and see how the family lived. A failed assassination attempt left Trotsky’s room and his son’s adjoining bedroom riddled with bullets. Trotsky finally met his end when a Stalinist agent smashed in his head with an ice pick. There is a memorial containing Trotsky’s ashes in the garden.
The museum is open daily except Monday from 10 am until 5 pm. Tickets cost M$40 for foreign adults.
Museo Frida Kahlo
The Museo Frida Kahlo is located in the Casa Azul, the former home of artist Frida Kahlo and her artist husband Diego Rivera. The house was built by Frida’s father and she was born, lived, worked and died here. You can visit the house, learn about Kahlo’s troubled life and see some of her work.
The museum is open daily except Monday from 10 am (11 am on Wednesday) until 6 pm. Tickets for adult foreigners cost M$320.
Palacio Nacional
One last stop before we depart for the airport; the Palacio Nacional. The 16th Century palace is the seat of government and the residence of the President of Mexico. However, it is probably most renowned for the stunning murals of Diego Rivera depicting the history of Mexico. Painted over a period of more than 20 years, the murals cover the entire first floor courtyard and tell the country’s history dating back to the Aztecs.
We were able to visit the palace at our leisure, however, private visitors are no longer allowed. Free guided tours are available daily except Monday between 10.30 am and 5 pm. Numbers are severely restricted, however it may to be possible to book a tour by emailing visitas_guiadas@hacienda.gob.mx.
Mexico Day 8 – Travel to Playa del Carmen
It’s time to return to Playa de Carmen and round the holiday off with some more beach time and bit more exploring.
Mexico Day 9 – Chichén Itzá
Chichén Itzá
We have the hire car for one more day, and are going to visit one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, Chichén Itzá. The 113 mile drive west is straightforward – along Highway 305D, then 180D. You can avoid the tolls by taking the 180 instead, but this is a much slower road as you have to slow down through each of the towns/villages en route. There is a large car park. Parking costs M$120. If you don’t want to drive, there are plenty of tour operators offering day trips to Chichén Itzá.
The ancient city covers an area of almost 4 square miles and was once home to around 50,000 people. Today, you can visit the ruins which include the iconic pyramid and fascinating sports stadium. The site attracts over 2 million visitors a year, so it is likely to be crowded…
El Castillo
Taking centre stage is the iconic 25 metre high El Castillo (Pyramid of Kukulcán). The pyramid, which is built over and earlier, structure, is adorned with carved serpents and warriors. Climbing the pyramid is prohibited. The older pyramid inside El Castillo has a red jaguar throne with inlaid eyes and spots of jade. The entrance is via a tunnel is at the base of El Castillo’s north side. Entry to the tunnel is also prohibited.
The pyramid is actually a huge Maya calendar formed in stone. Each of the nine levels is divided in two by a staircase, making 18 separate terraces that commemorate the 18 months of the Maya Year. The four stairways have 91 steps each; add the top platform and the total is 365, the number of days in the year.
Gran Juego de Pelota
The Gran Juego de Pelota (Great Ball Court) The court, one of a total of eight courts, is lined with stone walls containing stone rings. It is believed that people played a game which required players attempting to hit a ball through the hoop, in my mind, somewhat reminiscent of Quidditch in Harry Potter.
Carvings on the wall show players with bats and balls and include scenes of decapitations of players. Did the losing team have their heads cut off?
The court has some interesting acoustics; a conversation at one end can be heard over 100 metres away at the other end. And a clap creates multiple echoes.
Grupo de las Mil Columnas
The Grupo de las Mil Columnas (Group of the Thousand Columns) consists of an intricately carved temple lined with hundreds of stone columns.
Cenote Sagrado
You can follow a path to the Cenote Sagrado (Sacred Cenote). The cenote measures 60 metres in diameter and is 35 metres deep. It is believed that people were sacrificed to the gods here, from the ceremonial Platform of Skulls.
The ruins are open from 8 am until 5 pm (arriving early will avoid the worst of the crowds and the heat). Entry costs M$648. This also includes access to the museum, which is located around a mile from the archaeological site.
Valladolid
30 miles east of Chichén Itzá is the colonial city of Valladolid, a pleasant place to break the journey back to Playa del Carmen.
Parque Sisal
In the centre of town is Parque Sisal, where some Insta-worthy letters sit in front of the ancient convent in the shade of an equally ancient tree.
The Convento de San Bernardino de Siena
The Convento de San Bernardino de Siena dates back to the 16th Century and serves the dual functions of fortress and church. The interior features pink walls and frescoes.
Within the convent are gardens sourrounding a cenote in a domed building. From here, a series of channels would have irrigated the gardens.
The convent is open from 8 am until 6 pm. Note: If you’re on an organised tour, you probably won’t have time to visit the interior.
Mexico Day 10 – Relax
After a few busy days, time for some more hotel based R&R. Maybe make the most of the hotel’s entertainment…
Mexico Day 11 – Playa del Carmen
It’s worth leaving the relaxing confines of your hotel at least once to experience downtown Playa del Carmen, jam packed with souvenir shops, bars, restaurants and people.
Quinta Avenida
Quinta Avenida is the city’s main shopping street. The ideal place for a browse and a bit of souvenir shopping, although the heat is likely to get the better of you before too long.
If you prefer your souvenir shopping in a more air conditioned environment, there are several indoor malls. Plus a large Walmart a few minutes walk from Quinta Avenida.
Parque Los Fundadores
In the centre of town is the beach front Parque Los Fundadores, which is dominated by the Portal Maya sculpture.
The park has plenty of shady seating and a small children’s play area.
Xaman Ha
Just to the south is the area of Xaman Ha. Here, nestled next to the sea, you will find an aviary and some small Mayan ruins, which are free to explore.
Mexico Day 12 – Relax
Some more chilling and enjoying some of the entertainment on offer, including the ubiquitous Foam Party.
Playa del Carmen Day 13 -Cozumel
Just off the coast is the island of Cozumel. The island is popular with both visitors from the mainland and passing cruise ships.
Ferry to Cozumel
Ferries to Cozumel depart regularly throughout the day, roughly 30 minutes apart. They usually alternate between two services run by Xcaret and Ultramar. Both ferries depart form the Muelle de Playa del Carmen in the downtown area and take around 45 minutes. A trip costs from M$320 each way, plus an additional sanitation tax of M$23.51.
Note: The weather when we visited Playa del Carmen was extremely windy and the ferries to Cozumel were either cancelled or quite bouncy. So we didn’t actually visit the island. But there is plenty to do there, from public art to private beaches. It is a popular spot for snorkelling and diving.
Mexico Day 14 – Relax
Last day in Mexico. Time to hit the beach and the buffet one last time before the long journey home.
- Trip taken: June 2017
- Updated: September 2025
I hope you found the above information useful. For guides to more destinations in the 50+ countries we have visited, check out my full list of Independent Travel Itineraries here.
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