Mexico travel guide: my 10-day itinerary
If you’re planning a trip to Mexico soon, or are dying to reminisce a former vacation there, read my Mexico travel guide to check out my 10-day itinerary. Hopefully it will inspire you to travel throughout this colorful country!
***
Disclaimers: please note that this publication includes some affiliate links. This means that, at no additional cost for you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. In case you have any question about the companies advertised here or my status as an affiliate, please do not hesitate to contact me.
***
Throughout my trip, I used this Mexico travel guide by Lonely Planet, to plan my stay and make the most out of it. I hope you’ll find it helpful too!
Browse all the prints for sale in my shop!
🏢 Monterrey
Monterrey is the capital and largest city of the northeastern state of Nuevo León in Mexico. The city experienced great industrial growth and hence became an important industrial and business center. Nowadays, the city serves as headquarters to many significant international corporations.
Here are the main things to do in Monterrey:
- Take a boat tour around Paseo de Santa Lucía
- Parque Fundidora
- Macroplaza
- Old Monterrey
- Museo del Obispado
For further information on what to know and see in Monterrey or where to eat, you can refer to this post.
🩷 Santiago (Mexico)
A little over 30 minutes from Monterrey lies the charming village of Santiago. Considered a Pueblo Mágico due to its rich colonial past, I fell in love with it right away thanks to its colorful facades, architecture and authentic local culture.
Wondering what to do in Santiago (Mexico)? Here are a few ideas:
- Plaza Ocampo: it’s the main square and a peaceful spot where locals sit and chat and street vendors sell their typical sweets.
- Parroquia de Santiago Apóstol: located on one side of Plaza Ocampo, this Baroque church from 1854 includes a wide atrium and two towers that create a pleasant ensemble.
- Presa de la Boca: from a viewpoint behind the church you will get a splendid view of this dam with boats and restaurants on its banks. There was a craft market in the street leading to the viewpoint, so keep your eyes open if you’re looking for souvenirs!
- Las Palomas: I enjoyed a true feast and authentic introduction to Mexican cuisine in this restaurant in Santiago. Check out my restaurant review here. This is an absolute must if you’re a food lover!
For further information on what to see in Santiago or where to eat, you can refer to this post.
Discover more destinations in Latin America!
🇲🇽 Mexico City
Mexico City is not only the capital of Mexico but also the most densely populated city in Latin America. With a never ending variety of sightseeing spots and restaurants, you’ll never get bored here! Over 20 million souls live in this bustling metropolis.
To get you started, the following are the main things to do when visiting Mexico City:
- Plaza de la Constitución (informally known as El Zócalo): here lies the oldest part of town!
- Admire the murals by Diego Rivera at the Secretary of Public Education
- Palacio de Bellas Artes, the cultural hub in Mexico City
- San Ángel, a charming neighborhood
- Coyoacán, the true gem of Mexico City and the most beautiful district in the capital (read my dedicated post here)
- Feel classy in Condesa
- Chapultepec: visit the forest and the castle to feel miles away!
- Take a boat tour in Xochimilco
- Basílica de Guadalupe, the country’s national shrine
For further information on what to do and see in Mexico City or where to grab a bite, you can refer to this post.
🎒 Teotihuacán
Located just one hour away from Mexico City, the nearby ancient Aztec site of Teotihuacán awaits for you to discover its secrets. The main highlights are the impressive pyramids dedicated to the Sun and the Moon as well as the massive Avenue of the Dead.
For further details on Teotihuacán, you can refer to this post.
☀️ Cancún
Cancún is the most touristy town in the Mexican Yucatán peninsula thanks to its white-sandy beaches and busy nightlife. To be honest, there isn’t much to see in Cancún apart from going to the beach. So chill out and just relax!
For further information on Cancún and the Yucatán peninsula, you can refer to this post.
🐍 Chichén Itzá
Chichén Itzá is a world famous Mayan ruins complex in Mexico’s Yucatán peninsula, located just two hours away from Cancún. An enormous step pyramid, known as El Castillo, dominates the 6.5 square km of the ancient city, which flourished from about AD 600 until the 13th century. Carved stone graphics survive on structures such as the ball court, the Temple of Warriors, the Hall of the Thousand Columns and the Wall of Skulls.
For further information on Chichén Itzá and the Yucatán peninsula, you can refer to this post.
Tulum
🌴 Tulum
Tulum is a city on the Yucatán Peninsula, situated south of Cancún. It is known for its well-preserved ruins of an ancient Mayan port. The main building is a large stone structure called El Castillo, which stands on top of a rocky cliff, above the white sand beaches and the turquoise sea. Near the ruins lies the Tulum National Park, a coastal area with mangroves and cenotes.
For further information on Tulum and the Yucatán peninsula, you can refer to this post.
If you’d like to read my other travel guides about the destinations I visited throughout Mexico, click any of the following:
- Monterrey & Santiago (Nuevo León)
- Mexico City & Teotihuacán
- Coyoacán, the most beautiful neighborhood in Mexico City
- The Yucatán península
I truly hope you enjoyed my 10-day itinerary throughout Mexico.
In case you’re visiting soon or have already visited the country, feel free to leave me a comment below! I look forward to hearing your thoughts!
***
✈️ Curious to know where I’ll be traveling next? ✈️
Stay tuned by following me on social media (Facebook, Instagram, X) and subscribe to my newsletter for regular updates!
In the meantime, safe travels around the world!
***
| GET READY FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP! |
|---|
| Book memorable activities and tours around the world with Get Your Guide. |
| Browse my travel resources page to plan your upcoming trip. |
| Feeling adventurous? Book any outdoor activities worldwide with Manawa! |
| Get medical or health insurance via SafetyWing for extra peace of mind. |
| Looking for sports equipment? Feel free to browse my Decathlon profile for inspiration. |
| Pay in local currency with your Revolut Card when you’re traveling abroad! |
| Take a look at my Amazon shop to discover my favorite products at home or on the go. |
| Use the comprehensive and helpful Lonely Planet travel guidebooks to plan your next trip. |
