Mexico travel guide: my 10-day itinerary

Mexico

Mexico travel guide: my 10-day itinerary

Destinations, Latin America, Mexico, Travel, Travel Guides

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!

Table of Contents

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.

What to see 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.

An original fountain in Parque Fundidora with Cerro de la Silla in the background

Santiago

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.

What to see in Santiago

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.

I was in heaven at Las Palomas restaurant

Discover more destinations in Latin America!

Mexico City

A man rides his bike before a cantina in the bohemian neighborhood of Coyoacán

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.

What to see in 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.

The entrance to the beautiful Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City

Enjoying tacos al pastor and café de olla at Taquería La Chinampa

Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera lived in La Casa Azul (the Blue House) in Coyoacán

The National Anthropology Museum displays artifacts from the ancient Mayan civilization

Teotihuacán

Local vendors abound around the pyramids of 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.

I had to take a picture after climbing up to the top of a pyramid!

Teotihuacán is a large UNESCO archaelogical site just one hour away from Mexico City

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.

The Yucatán peninsula is famous for its beaches and touristy resorts

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 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:

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!