The Best Mexico itinerary for 7 days in 2023

How to spend one week in Mexico and make the best out of it? One week is too short a time to explore a country so vast and diverse.

The seat of the ancient Maya civilization, the country is rich in history, culture, and scenic beauty. From the bustling streets of Mexico City to the serene beaches of the Caribbean, one would easily need two weeks to experience Mexico.

But we don’t usually get that long from our busy schedules.  So, here’s a sample Mexico itinerary for 7 days, for the time-poor tourists to explore the best of Mexico in seven days with family.

Mexico Highlights

Palm-lined beaches, historic sites, lively cities, mouth-watering cuisine, and adventurous terrains await you in the South American country called Mexico.

The cultural diversity can be seen in the art, music, dance, and traditions that have a unique blend of the indigenous communities, Spanish colonialism, and modern America.

Mexicans are known for their hospitality. With a wide array of hotels and Airbnb’s travelers are guaranteed a fulfilling experience in Mexico. 

The world’s 13th-largest country is packed with incredibly exciting things to do. Here are the highlights of Mexico that you’d like to cover on your first trip.

• Rich History of Mexico: Mexico’s history spans thousands of years, with many ancient civilizations leaving their mark on the country. From the Mayans to the Aztecs, it has a large number of archaeological and heritage sites to kindle the history buff in you.
  
• Exotic Beaches: Mexico has some of the most stunning beaches in the world, with turquoise waters, white sands, and verdant vistas. Some of the most popular beaches include Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Puerto Vallarta.
  
• Mexican Cuisine: Mexican cuisine is famous around the world for its delicious flavors, diverse ingredients, and unique spices. From tacos to mole to churros, there is something for everyone to try.
  
• Natural Wonders of Mexico: Natural wonders abound in Mexico, from the majestic Copper Canyon to the crystal-clear waters of Cenote Ik Kil. The country also has an abundance of wildlife, including whales, dolphins, and sea turtles.

 You may love to read: How to make your travels more meaningful

Mexico Itinerary- Summary

In this 1-week Mexico itinerary, we’re going to cover the highlights along with some off-beat experiences away from the usual tourist crowd.

When planning a trip to Mexico it is important to note that there are over a hundred international airports in the country!

However, it’s good to choose the busiest ones as there will be more options in terms of price and timing. For this itinerary, we choose to arrive at Mexico City International Airport and start our tour from there. 

• We need at least two days to explore the major attractions of Mexico City.
• After this, we take a domestic flight to Cozumel. We have added a slight twist to the “path less followed” from here.
• From Cozumel, we sail to Playa del Carmen, a vacation island located in the Caribbean Sea far from the crowd of Cancun.
• We include day trips to the heritage cities of Tulum and Chichen Itza from Playa del Carmen.
• In the end, we can book our departure from the Cancun International Airport.s the content

Mexico in 7 days – Day 1 & 2 in Mexico City

Day 1 in Mexico City

Arrive in Mexico City and spend the day exploring the highlights of the UNESCO world heritage site.

Visit the Templo Mayor, an ancient Aztec temple, and the Palacio de Bellas Artes, a stunning Art Nouveau theater.

In the evening, take a stroll along the Paseo de la Reforma, one of the city’s most famous avenues. Enjoy the street food of Mexico City.

Day 2 in Mexico City

Visit the National Museum of Anthropology to learn about the ancient civilizations that once inhabited Mexico, including the Mayans.

Then take a trip to the Frida Kahlo Museum and stroll in the historic neighborhood of Coyoacan.

End the day with a dinner at Roma or Condesa. Fly to Cozumel on the next morning.

Check out the best places to stay in Mexico City.

Mexico 7-day itinerary: Days 3 & 4 in Cozumel

Day 1 in Cozumel

Arrive in Cozumel and spend the day exploring the island’s stunning beaches and turquoise waters. You can rent a bike to explore the island.

Visit the San Gervasio Mayan Ruins, the largest and most important archaeological site on the island. In the evening, relax on one of the island’s stunning beaches.

Day 2 in Cozumel

Spend the second day in Cozumel snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of Cozumel, which is known for its vibrant coral reefs and marine life.

Visit the Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park, where you can swim with dolphins, explore the botanical gardens, and relax on the beach. In the evening, enjoy a seafood dinner at a local restaurant.

Check out the places to stay in Cozumel.

7 Days in Mexico – Day 5 in Tulum

 

Take a ferry from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen and drive to the Mayan ruins of Tulum, located on the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula.

Explore the ruins, which date back to the 13th century, and enjoy the stunning views of the Caribbean Sea.

You can also visit Rio Secreto – the Mayan underworld. Here you will find geological formations and one of the largest subway riverine systems.

Tulum is one of the best places to visit in Mexico for both history buffs and adventurers.

Spend the evening in Tulum and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Check out the places to stay in Playa del Carmen.

Mexico Itinerary for 7 days – Day 6 in Playa de Carmen

Explore the lively city of Playa del Carmen, known for its beautiful beaches, lively nightlife, and rich cultural heritage.

You can visit the Quinta Avenida, a pedestrian street lined with shops, bars, and restaurants. Another fascinating place is the Xcaret Eco Theme Park, where you can swim in underground rivers, learn about Mayan culture, and watch a traditional Mexican dance show.

This is a perfect experience for a family trip.

7-Day Mexico itinerary – A day in Chichen Itza

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Located 180 km away from Playa del Carmen is the Mayan city of Chichen Itza. You can reach there by an ADO bus. A day trip to this world-famous archeological site is a must for any first-time tourist. 

It is one of the most well-preserved archeological sites globally and is filled with Mayan marvels. Learn about the history and culture of the ancient Mayans and explore the stunning pyramids and temples. 

You can either stay at Chichen Itza at night or take the bus to Cancun after the day trip.  Bid goodbye to the beautiful country from the Cancun International Airport the next day.

Closing Thoughts

I hope this short blog about Mexico inspires you to book your trip to the beautiful country. For more detailed information about prices, places, food, and hotels I highly recommend the Lonely Planet Travel Guide. 

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