3 Week Mexico Tour Packages

Mexico itineraries for 3 weeks

Compiled by

NadineMexico travel expert at TourRadar

• 20 Days in Mexico, incl. Mexico City and Cancun

  A 20-day grand tour spans 4,000+ km across 32 destinations. Two full days in Mexico City, visits to UNESCO treasures like Morelia and Guanajuato, Pacific coastal stops, and Mayan ruins, concluding at Caribbean beaches in Cancun.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Mexico City

    Begin your trip in Mexico's vibrant capital. Visit the Plaza of Three Cultures before driving 40 minutes to Teotihuacan. Get there before 9 AM to avoid crowds and heat while exploring this ancient site. Visit the Basilica of Guadalupe later in the afternoon. A practical tip: Use Uber instead of taxis from the airport for fixed prices and better safety.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Colonial Towns & Pacific Coast

    Take a 2-hour drive to Tepoztlán through Morelos state. The pyramid trail requires sturdy shoes and plenty of water. Visit silver-famous Taxco but note its steep cobblestone streets might be difficult for some visitors. The next day takes you to Acapulco. Check out La Fortaleza fort in late afternoon when it's cooler.

    
  • Days 5-7

    Pacific Coast & Central Mexico

    Drive 4 hours along the coast to Zihuatanejo. A recent visitor shares: "The Las Gatas beach boat ride is quick but can be choppy - take motion sickness pills if needed." Head inland to Lake Pátzcuaro and take a boat to Janitzio island. In Guadalajara start your sightseeing early before the heat kicks in.

    
  • Days 8-11

    Colonial Heartland

    Visit a tequila distillery in the morning to see peak production. Go to Guanajuato next but bring good walking shoes for the steep streets. San Miguel de Allende and Querétaro offer beautiful colonial architecture. In Puebla try the famous mole poblano during lunch when restaurants are quieter.

    
  • Days 12-14

    Oaxaca & Chiapas

    Start at Monte Albán early for the best views. Drive to Tuxtla Gutiérrez stopping at Mitla along the way. A traveler notes: "The Sumidero Canyon boat trip is spectacular but bring sun protection - there's no shade on the boats." Visit the indigenous villages near San Cristóbal while respecting local traditions.

    
  • Days 15-17

    Mayan Heritage

    See Palenque ruins first thing in the morning to beat the heat. Continue to historic Campeche then Mérida. One visitor recommends: "The Mayan World Museum in Mérida is worth the extra time - go in the afternoon when tour groups have left."

    
  • Days 18-20

    Yucatan Peninsula

    Start early at Chichén Itzá before the crowds arrive. Take the Rio Lagartos boat tour for wildlife watching and pack binoculars. Finish in Cancun where you can relax on Caribbean beaches.

    

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• 21 Days in Mexico, Guatemala & Belize, incl. Mexico City and Merida

  Mexico's cultural tapestry unfolds over 21 days: Teotihuacan Pyramids, Monte Alban ruins, Palenque's jungle temples, and Chichen Itza. The route covers 23 cities including colonial Oaxaca, San Cristobal, and Merida, featuring UNESCO World Heritage sites and indigenous village visits.

  

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  • Days 1-3

    Mexico City Region

    Begin exploring Mexico City but plan around morning traffic. The metro system is safe and efficient for reaching key sites like the Zocalo and Chapultepec Park. "The anthropology museum was a highlight - get there when it opens at 10am to avoid the crowds." Take a day trip to Teotihuacan Pyramids. The drive takes about an hour. Plan to arrive by 8am before it gets hot and crowded.

    
  • Days 4-6

    Oaxaca & Monte Alban

    The 8-hour drive to Oaxaca takes you through stunning cactus country. The historic center is perfect for walking and browsing artisan markets. Visit Monte Alban in the early morning. Bring water and sun protection for the steep uphill walk. "We were lucky to catch the radish festival in the Zocalo - the local celebrations here are incredible."

    
  • Days 7-8

    San Cristobal de las Casas

    A 5-hour drive through the Sierra Madre Mountains leads to this highland town at 7,200 feet. Bring warm clothes for cool evenings. Visit the indigenous villages of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan. Remember to dress modestly and avoid taking photos inside churches.

    
  • Days 9-10

    Palenque

    The 8-hour drive shows off diverse landscapes. Visit the Palenque ruins early morning to beat the heat and humidity. Pack mosquito repellent. "The howler monkeys create an eerie atmosphere in the misty morning jungle."

    
  • Days 11-13

    Guatemala (Flores & Tikal)

    Allow 2-3 hours for the Guatemala border crossing. Continue to Flores on the lake. See Tikal at sunrise when animals are most active. Wear sturdy shoes as morning dew makes paths slippery.

    
  • Days 14-16

    Belize (San Ignacio & Caye Caulker)

    Cross into Belize and stop at Xunantunich ruins on your way to San Ignacio. Take a 1-hour water taxi to Caye Caulker. "Snorkeling with nurse sharks was incredible - but book with a reputable operator as safety standards vary."

    
  • Days 17-21

    Yucatan Peninsula

    Return to Mexico through Bacalar's Lake of Seven Colors. See the Tulum ruins but bring an umbrella for shade. Visit colonial Valladolid and Chichen Itza. Finish in Merida. A useful tip from a visitor: "Get to Uxmal ruins when they open at 8am to avoid tour buses and intense heat."

    

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• 20 Days in Mexico, incl. Yucatan and Oaxaca

  A 20-day Mexican adventure stretches from Puerto Morelos to Mexico City. Three nights camping, 6 nights in hostels, and 9 nights in hotels/cabins provide varied accommodations. UNESCO's Chichen Itza, Calakmul's wilderness, colonial San Cristóbal, and Oaxaca's culinary scene lead to Xochimilco's canals.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Yucatan Coast

    Start in Puerto Morelos instead of busy Cancun. Book an early morning snorkeling tour at the Mesoamerican Reef. A recent visitor shared: "The early morning snorkeling tours avoid the crowds and offer the best visibility." Travel to Valladolid and visit Xu'x Ha Cenote. Remember to pack water shoes for the slippery limestone edges.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Bacalar & Chichen Itza

    Get to Chichen Itza by 8am before the tour buses arrive. Take a 2-hour guided tour to learn about the site's astronomical features. Next, head to Bacalar's "Lake of Seven Colors." Book a morning boat tour when the water is calm. Pick accommodation near Calle 3 to be close to restaurants and kayak rentals.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Calakmul & Palenque

    The 6-hour drive to Calakmul needs planning. Bring breakfast since food stops are limited. Start your visit at 8am when the site opens. You'll want to climb the pyramids before the midday heat hits. Pack binoculars to spot howler monkeys. In Palenque, stay near the archaeological zone to enter right when it opens at 8am.

    
  • Days 7-9

    San Cristóbal de las Casas

    Take three days to explore this highland city at 2,200m altitude. Go slow on day one while you adjust to the elevation. Visit Tzotzil villages in the morning when markets are busiest. A traveler's tip: "San Juan Chamula's church visits must be done with respect—no photos inside and dress conservatively."

    
  • Days 10-11

    La Venta Canyon & Pacific Coast

    La Venta Canyon features a 700-step descent. Wear good shoes and pack light since you'll carry camping gear. Cool off with a waterfall swim at the bottom. Move on to Mazunte on the Pacific coast for evening turtle releases through local conservation centers.

    
  • Days 12-14

    Oaxaca City

    Stay near Santo Domingo church for easy walking access. Visit Monte Albán in the early morning. Book mezcal tastings in advance. A local guide suggests: "Skip the touristy mezcal tours and visit small producers in Santiago Matatlán for authentic experiences."

    
  • Days 15-17

    Tehuacán Reserve & Mexico City

    Visit the botanical garden between 9am-4pm to see native cacti. When you reach Mexico City, use the metro to avoid traffic jams. Look for accommodation in Roma Norte or Condesa for safe access to main attractions.

    
  • Days 18-20

    Mexico City Exploration

    Split your time between different areas: the historic center, Chapultepec Park, and Coyoacán. Book the Frida Kahlo Blue House well in advance. End your trip at Xochimilco's boat rides. One visitor noted: "The boat rides are more fun later in the day when the locals join—aim for 2pm onwards."

    

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