1 Week in Mexico: What to do and see?

Do you want to visit Mexico in 7 days?

Good idea!

To help you organize your trip, here is my suggested 7, 8-day Mexico itinerary to see the most of this great country in a short time.

Departing from Mexico City, you will visit Teotihuacan, then you will leave for a few days in Chiapas.

You will discover its greatest must-sees such as San Cristobal de las Casas, the Montebello Lakes, El Chiflon, the Sumidero Canyon and Palenque.

The last part of the trip will be devoted to Yucatan and the Riviera Maya with Mérida, Chichen Itzá, Valladolid and Tulum before leaving from Cancun.

For each stage, I have included my advice to make the most of it, all the practical information to prepare your visits and my best accommodation recommendations.

So  what to do and see in Mexico in 7-8 days? 

Day 1-2: Mexico City

Day 1- Visit of the capital

Welcome to Mexico City, the great capital of Mexico.

It’s a vibrant city with so much to offer and is the perfect place to start your Mexico itinerary!

If you only have two days in Mexico City, here is the program I recommend:

• First go to the Zócalo, the main square, where the cathedral is located. Its construction lasted 240 years and it is considered the largest cathedral in Latin America!
• Take a trip to the Templo Mayor  which was the great pyramid of the capital of the Aztecs: Tenochtitlan.
• Discover the great works of the painter Diego Rivera at the Palacio Nacional. Admission is free, but you must present an ID.
• Then take the pedestrian street Francisco Madero and make a photo stop at the Casa de los Azulejos with its pretty facade covered in blue and white Talavera pottery .
• Visit the Palace of Fine Arts, a true symbol of the city. It hosts the Museum of Fine Arts, the  Museum of Architecture and a theater where the famous Folk Ballet of Mexico performs.- Buy your tickets for the show here!
• You can finish the visit to the center of the city by the San Juan Market to discover local products and different dishes (tacos, etc.). There’s even a special section with bugs! You can taste chapulin, a grilled and salty locust 😉
• Visit the National Museum of Anthropology which is one of the most important  museums  in the world and the magnificent  Chapultepec Castle in Chapultepec Park. Buy your tickets with guided tour here!
• Frida Kahlo ‘s house in the Coyoacan district and the canals of Xochimilco –  Book the Coyoacan and Xochimilco tour here!

In the afternoon, you can stroll through the neighborhoods of La Roma and La Condesa with their shops, parks, cafes, art galleries, street art. You can easily find a good restaurant there.
My advice
For the best activities to do in Mexico City and my tips for visiting the city, here are:

• My Complete Guide to Mexico City

Day 2- Teotihuacan

This morning, head towards Teotihuacan.

Built from the year 100, it was, at its peak, the largest city in pre-Columbian America and even one of the largest cities in the world!

Today classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is one of the most important archaeological sites in the country and, of course, a must on a 7 day Mexico itinerary.

There is a lot to see in Teotihuacan :

• The Pyramid of the Sun, the tallest pyramid (65m) in Teotihuacan and the largest by volume in the world
• The Pyramid of the Moon (45m)
• The Citadel, formed by the Grande Place and the temple of Quetzalcoatl
• Avenue of the Dead
• The Palace of Quetzalpapáloltl where the elite resided
• The Palace of Jaguars and Snails
• The Teotihuacan Museum

As it is a site steeped in history, I really recommend going with a guided tour, otherwise you risk missing out on a lot of relevant information!

I suggest this excursion from Mexico City which includes a morning guided tour (to avoid the crowds), as well as a tasting of mezcal, tequila and pulque, 3 typical Mexican drinks. To book here.

Tips for you Mexico itinerary:

Another unforgettable experience in Teotihuacan is the flight over the pyramids in a hot air balloon!

The flight begins with sunrise and lasts approximately 1 hour. You can book it here, with pick-up from your hotel.

If you prefer to go without an excursion, here is how to get there on your own:

• By Car: 1h for the Mexico Pachuca Highway, then the San Juan Teotihuacan Toll Road.
• By public transport: 1 hour by bus from Central de autobuses del Norte, gate 8. Departures every 15-20 min.

In the afternoon, after visiting Teotihuacan, return to town.

In the evening, you can see the mariachis in Plaza Garibaldi or attend a lucha libre fight with the masked wrestlers.

Don’t go to bed too late because tomorrow we are already leaving for Chiapas!

Accommodation in Mexico City

• Hostel Mundo Joven Catedral (historic center): one of the best hostels in Mexico City. Friendly staff, simple but clean dorms and rooms. We fell in love with its roof terrace with bar  which offers a great atmosphere in addition to an  exceptional view  of the cathedral and the Zocalo. From only €14 in a dormitory and €30 in a private room!

• Hotel Villa Condesa  (Condesa): If you are looking for a  romantic hotel in Mexico City, here is a little oasis of peace in the heart of the La Condesa district. It is an elegant house with small green terraces and tastefully decorated lounge areas. The rooms are spacious and modern, the service is particularly attentive and the breakfast is very good. From 150€ per night

• Hotel Casa Goliana (Roma Norte): high-end hotel with the best quality-price ratio  in its category, located in a  house from the beginning of the 20th century, typical of the La Roma district. Roof terrace, comfortable rooms, very attentive staff and good breakfast. From 180 euros per night

• Four Seasons Hotel Mexico City (Juarez): this 5* hotel is one of the best hotels in Mexico, ideal for a business trip or a romantic stay. Located on Paseo de la Reforma between Colonia Juarez and Roma Norte. Large indoor garden, gym, swimming pool, spa, restaurant and bar. From 600 euros per night!

Day 3-4: San Cristobal de las Casas (2-3 days)

Welcome to Chiapas, a large and beautiful state in Mexico!

Day 1- San Cristobal de las Casas

In the morning, head to the airport to take a flight from Mexico City to Tuxtla Gutierrez (1h40).

Arriving at Tuxtla Gutierrez airport ,  you will need to take a transfer (2 hours) from the airport to San Cristobal de las Casas where you will stay for the next few days.

You will see that it is a city of great cultural richness where it is very pleasant to walk, and which is also a good starting point for visiting several attractions of Chiapas.

Start in the Zocalo, the bustling central square of the city, where the cathedral is located .

Visit the Mayan World Textiles Center, a museum with an incredible collection of 500 pieces of Mayan textiles from Chiapas and Guatemala. There is also a craft market that is held right next door!

Then go to Na Bolom, an association that works for the protection of the Lacandons, an ethnic group from the jungle of Chiapas. It is located in a pretty colonial house that is definitely worth a look.

You can then walk up to the Church of Guadalupe. You will have to climb 79 steps but it offers a beautiful view of the city and the mountains.

Take a walk on the Real de Guadalupe pedestrian street. You will find several nice restaurants and cafés, some of which have a terrace.

Also make a stop at La Poshiria. There are 15 varieties of pox, the traditional brandy of Chiapas. The coffee one is my favorite!

Day 2- Lakes of Montebello and El Chiflon

During this second day in Chiapas, you will discover two magnificent natural sites.

Early in the morning, start by driving to El Chiflon.

There, between the mountains and the tropical forest, there are waterfalls fed by the turquoise waters of the San Vicente River.

Here it is impossible to get lost: just follow the path of about 1km which borders the 5 falls El Suspiro, Ala de Angel, Velo de Novia (the highest, 120m!), Arcoiris and Quinceañera .

Then take the road again towards the Lagunas de Montebello National Park. It is a large protected area, classified as a Biosphere Reserve by Unesco and a Ramsar site ,  and which contains 59 lakes!

As it is impossible to see them all, I suggest the route I followed:

Lake Tziscao : the largest and deepest lake in the park, it is on the border with Guatemala. There are small restaurants on site.

Lake Pojoj : a pretty lake with its island ”  Isla Orquideas  ” where you can go by raft (1h, 100 pesos) or rent a kayak (1h, 80 pesos)

Cinco Lagos : my favorite! These are actually 5 communicating lakes between hills that offer a magnificent panorama.

Lac Montebello : the ideal lake to end the visit with a hot chocolate in hand, with its wooden wharf and picturesque landscape.

Getting to El Chiflon and Montebello from San Cristobal:

• By car: 2 hours to El Chiflon taking the road to Comitan de Dominguez. Then for the Montebello park (1h40) return to Comitan, then take the 190 and the 307. Be careful there are a lot of curves and speed bumps on the road, be careful.
• By public transport:  I do not recommend it because you have to take several buses and colectivos. You have to consider the long distances, the waiting time and the possibility of not finding transport on the way back…
• On a day trip : this is the option I chose from San Cristobal because it is the easiest considering that the road is long and a bit complicated. It’s perfect for taking a nap!

I recommend this small group guided tour (8am to 8pm) with pick up from your hotel, the self-guided visit to El Chiflon and the visit to several lakes in Montebello.

To book here.

Day 3 – Sumidero Canyon

Today, discover another must-see natural site during a 7-day Mexico itinerary: the Sumidero Grand Canyon!

This giant formed 35 million years ago can be discovered by boat and by visiting the watchtowers.

I definitely recommend doing both as the views are completely different!

The 2h30 boat tour takes you on the Grijalva river where you can see some birds, monkeys and crocodiles, in addition to the Cueva de Colores and the Arbol de Navidad waterfall.

The watchtowers offer a magnificent view from above of the canyon! There is a road that passes through the 5 watchtowers, where you can stop as long as you want since there is a small parking lot.

Getting to Sumidero Canyon from San Cristobal:

• By car: take the road “Libramiento Norte” then follow the indication “Calzada Al Sumidero” towards the northeast
• By public transport : it’s complex! For the boat, you will have to go to the Chiapa de Corzo pier (bus 1h15 to Tuxtla Gutierrez + bus 45 min to the main square of Chiapa de Corzo). For the watchtowers, take the R-69 combi which leaves you 100m from the park, then you will have to walk. The 1st watchtower is 2km uphill…the last 16km.
• On an organized excursion:  this is the option I chose (like the majority of people) and I loved my experience. This is a small-group tour that includes transport from San Cristobal de las Casas, the boat tour, the visit to the watchtowers and a free visit to the pretty village of Chiapa de Corzo.

You can book the excursion here.

Accommodation in San Cristobal de las Casas

• The Coffee Bean Hostel : very friendly hostel with nice common areas , restaurant-bar, garden, terrace with hammocks, pool table and several breakfast options. From just 11 euros in a dormitory!

• Parador Margarita : just 3 blocks from the main square and the bus station, it is a small haven of peace with its garden and very comfortable beds. Wifi and breakfast are included. From just 42 euros per night!

• Hotel Diego de Mazariegos : the hotel is located in a superb 18th century casona, which has retained its Mexican colonial style, charming interior patio with a fountain, and classic decoration in warm tones. On site, there are two restaurants and a bar. Wifi and breakfast included. From just 67 euros per night!

• Casa Lum Hotel Eco Chic : it’s definitely my favorite in San Cristobal de las Casas! It is a small, chic and intimate hotel, between modernity and traditional design. There is a very good restaurant, a terrace with panoramic views of the city and a garden. A stone’s throw from the central square and all the action, it is the ideal getaway for lovers. From 150 euros per night!

Day 5: Palenque

Today we are going to the heart of the jungle, among monkeys and exotic birds, to explore Palenque, which was one of the most important Mayan cities of its time!

Morning – Leave early as it takes 5h-5h30 drive to Palenque.

The good news is that there are several interesting stops to make along the way:

After 2h40 on the road, arriving at Ocosingo, take the path to the Mayan site of Toniná.

Climb to the top of its great 75m pyramid! It is higher than the Pyramid of the Sun in Teotihuacan and offers a magnificent view of the surroundings.

Return to Ocosingo and continue the road for 2 hours to the Agua Azul waterfalls located in the Biosphere Reserve of the same name.

These turquoise waterfalls surrounded by lush vegetation are superb to photograph and you can also swim in them!

Finally, at 1h drive is Misol-Ha, the last stop before Palenque.

It is a 30m waterfall surrounded by the jungle, where you can swim. It is even possible to go behind to explore the cave!

In the afternoon – After half an hour, you are finally in the city of Palenque!

As it will certainly be lunch time, take a well-deserved break and take the opportunity to eat.

After regaining strength, it’s time to visit the Mayan city of Palenque  just 9km from the center.

Declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco, it is considered one of the most important archaeological sites in the world.

Start with the Palenque Museum (closed on Mondays), one of the most important museums dedicated to Mayan archeology, which allows you to understand the importance of the site.

You will be able to see:

• The Palace, the largest complex in Palenque with an observation tower that offers a fine view of the site.
• The Temple of Inscriptions the most important structure in Palenque where the tomb of the ruler K’inich Janaab’ Pakal 1st (7th ⁾ was found with several objects including a jade mask.
• The  Group of the Cross with Temple of the Cross, the Temple of the Sun and the Temple of the Leafy Cross, organized around a square

Spend the night in the town of Palenque.

Getting to Palenque from San Cristobal de las Casas

• By car: take the Carretera 199 which passes through Ocosingo (5h). Misol-Ha and Agua Azul are on the 199. For Tonina you have to take the deviation on the Carretera 218 in Ocosingo.
• By public transport: departures at 5 a.m. and 8 a.m. for the direct bus to Palenque (9 hour trip). For Misol-Ha and Agua Azul, take a colectivo to Ocosingo, then another colectivo to Palenque.

Again, considering the long drive, the easiest way is to take an excursion from San Cristobal de las Casas.

It includes pick-up from your hotel, breakfast, visits to Agua Azul, Misol-Ha and the site of Palenque.

To book here.

Accommodation in Palenque

• Mitico El Castillo : an atypical hotel that looks like a film set, with its castle that houses a bedroom, dormitory, swimming pool and kitchen. This is the best cheap hotel in Palenque, from only 13€ dormitory or 27€ the room!

• Cabañas Kin Balam Palenque : another budget hotel in Palenque that has the advantage of being in the jungle, with fruit trees and the sounds of exotic animals and within walking distance of the ruins. With swimming pool and restaurant, from only €22 for a dormitory or €40 for a room!

• Chan Kah Resort Village: ideal hotel to relax during a family trip to Palenque which offers excellent value for money. Bungalows that can accommodate 2 to 4 people, 2 large natural swimming pools, bar, restaurant and spa. From only €75 per room!

• Villas Adriana : an ideal oasis of peace for couples, with rooms and villas in the jungle, swimming pool, hammocks, large gardens, roof terrace. Delicious breakfast included, from 80€ per night!

Day 6-7: Mérida

We leave Chiapas for the city of Mérida, the capital of  Yucatan!

Day 1 – Visit of Merida

As the journey is quite long from Palenque (8 hours on average), I recommend taking the night bus to avoid wasting a day.

If you are driving, it is best to leave early in the morning and arrive in the early afternoon. For safety, remember that you should never drive at night in Mexico. 

Depending on how much time you have, here is what you can do and see in Mérida:

• The Plaza Grande with the Casa de Montejo, the Cathedral and the Macay Museum
• The 2nd floor of the Government Palace  for a nice view of the square
• The great museum of the Maya world and its collection of 1000 archaeological pieces
• The Yucatan Anthropology Museum located in the Palacio Canton
• The Paseo de Montejo, a wide avenue with beautiful buildings
• Santa Lucia Park, a lively square in the evening with several restaurants
• Calle 64, a street with pretty colorful facades, the perfect place to take pictures
• The tourist bus : El Carnavalito  a small typical trolley bus which offers a visit of 1h30-2h, or the Turibus, a 2-storey bus

To discover typical Yucatan cuisine, you can also take this culinary tour in the center of Mérida. 

To book here.

I recommend that you also read my Top 20 things to do in Mérida!

Spend the night in Merida.

Getting to Mérida from Palenque: 

• By car : 7 hours drive. Take the 186 to Escarcega, the 180D to Campeche then the 180 to Mérida. To take a break, the best is to stop in Campeche.
• By public transport : journey 8:30 a.m., 2 trips with the ADO bus at 8 a.m. or 8 p.m. To avoid wasting too much time, I recommend taking the night bus.

Day 2 – Option 1: The archaeological site of Uxmal

There is a lot to see in the Mérida area, but since your 1 week Mexico itinerary leaves you little time, I suggest you choose between visiting Uxmal or Célestun. 

Let’s start with Uxmal!

A powerful Mayan city allied with Chichen Itza, it has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is today considered one of the most beautiful Mayan sites in Yucatan  thanks to its architectural richness.

On site, you can see:

• The Pyramid of the Diviner, which is the main pyramid of Uxmal
• La Grande Pyramide et son Temple of the Macaws
• The Palace of the Governors, a great photo spot
• The Mayan Ball Court 
• Other structures such as the Quadrangle of the Birds, the Quadrangle of the Nuns, the House of Turtles

Just opposite the entrance to Uxmal, across the road, is also the Choco-Story chocolate museum. 

Twenty minutes away is Kabah, another site from the same period. Although much smaller, it is almost not touristy and also contains some architectural gems.

You can take this tour from Mérida with pick-up from your hotel, which includes the guided visit of Uxmal, free time on site, and the visit of Kabah.

To book here.

If you prefer to go there on your own:

• By car : take the Carretera Federal 261 towards Santa Elena (1h15) to Uxmal. Kabah is 20min from Uxmal, on the same road.
• By bus: 1 single departure at 9.05 am from the TAME terminal   and return at 3-3.30 pm. 2 hour journey.

Spend the night in Merida.

Day 2 – Option 2: The pink flamingos of Célestun

It is estimated that there are 25,000 flamingos in the Yucatan, and Célestun is the best place to observe them!

To get closer, you have to take a boat trip (1h30-2h30) in the Ria Celestun Biosphere Reserve, a large protected area that contains 300 species of birds.

You can take a boat trip from the beach (2h30 tour) or west of the bridge before arriving at Célestun (1h30).

It is also possible to book this excursion to Célestun from Mérida with pick-up at your hotel, which includes the boat trip in the reserve, free time for swimming and lunch on the beach.

After the excursion in the Célestun reserve you can also enjoy the beach before returning to Mérida.

Getting to Celestun from Mérida without a guided excursion:

• By car : 1h15 taking the Carretera 281
• By public transport : 2h30 from Terminal Noreste, departures every hour.

Spend the night in Merida.

Accommodation in Merida

• Nomadas:  it is the largest hostel in Mérida, but above all the one with the friendliest atmosphere in the city. There is a swimming pool surrounded by hammocks and plants, courses (yoga, cooking, etc.) and all well located, in the center of Mérida. Bed in dormitory,  from only 16 euros per night!

• El Gran Hotel: perfectly located in the center of Mérida, right next to the cathedral, this is a hotel with a certain charm, where time seems to have stood still with its colonial look and its pretty woodwork. There is a restaurant on site, the rooms are spacious and the wifi works well. Good value for money at only 54 euros a night!

• Hotel Hacienda Merida VIP: this small luxury hotel is the ideal place to spend a  romantic stay in Mérida. Located in the heart of the historic center, it is an address that looks like a chic hacienda, illuminated by candlelight when night falls. Here you will find a nice swimming pool, very comfortable rooms, as well as an on-site restaurant and bar. From 150 euros per night

• Hotel Boutique Mérida Santiago: This is a small, cozy hotel with a colorful hacienda look, both modern and with a traditional Mexican touch. Swimming pool with deckchairs and parasols, a very good homemade breakfast, spacious rooms, this is the ideal hotel if you are looking for good comfort without falling into luxury. From 180 euros per night

Day 8: Chichen Itza and the Riviera Maya

This last stage of your 7-day Mexico itinerary has the famous city of Chichen Itza and the paradisiacal region of the Riviera Maya in store for you !

Chichen Itza and Valladolid

In the morning, leave Mérida to visit Chichen Itza  which was once a great Mayan capital.

Declared World Heritage by Unesco and recognized as one of the  7 new wonders of the world, it is one of the great symbols of Mexico.

To see in Chichen Itza, in 2h-3h:

• The Kukulcan Temple or  El Castillo, the main pyramid of Chichen Itza, built in honor of the god Kukulcan.
• The astronomical observatory from where the “priests” studied the stars
• The largest and best preserved Mayan ball court in Mesoamerica 
• The Temple of Warriors and the Thousand Columns
• The tzompantli which was an altar where the heads of enemies were impaled 

To know all its attractions, here is my ultimate guide to Chichen Itza+Tips!

You can buy your skip-the-line ticket to Chichen Itza here.

After Chichen Itza, visit the colonial city of Valladolid, one of the prettiest cities in Mexico!

Start by cooling off at Cenote Zaci, a large , semi-open cenote surrounded by rock walls and plants.

If it’s lunchtime, know that there is a good typical Yucatan cuisine restaurant just at the top of the cenote. By consuming 100 pesos, the cenote is free!

Then discover the main square with Francisco Canton Park, San Servacio Church and the Municipal Palace to see its murals.

Visit the San Roque Museum (free) which showcases the town’s history, then take the charming Calzada de los Frailes to the San Bernardino Convent.

Also read: The 25 best things to do in Valladolid

Then go to Tulum in the Riviera Maya.

It will probably be too late to enjoy the beaches, but that’s only a postponement for the next day!

You can also walk on the Beach Strip of Tulum which borders the beach, and where there are shops, pretty restaurants and cafes.

In the evening, you will find several bars with a nice atmosphere such as the Batey – Mojito & Guarapo Bar  or the  Papaya Playa Project  which is located on the beach.

Spend the night in Tulum.

Getting to Chichen Itza from Mérida:

• By car : journey 1h30, take the 180 motorway then the 180D in the direction of Valladolid. Take the Dzitás – Pisté/YUC 79 exit towards Chichén-Itzá/Pisté/Dzitás.
• By public transport : departures at 6:30 a.m., 8:30 a.m. and 9:15 a.m. by ADO bus, the journey takes 1 hour 45 minutes.

Getting to Valladolid from Chichen Itza:

• By car: 45 min on Carretera 180E
• By public transport: 45 min by ADO bus or by bus

Getting to Tulum from Valladolid:

• By car: 1h30 journey, take Carretera 180 to Chemax, follow Chemax-Coba then Carretera 109 to Tulum
• By public transport: 1h30 trip with ADO, departures at 2 p.m., 3:12 p.m., 4 p.m., 6:30 p.m.

Visit of Tulum

Welcome to Tulum, the small boho-chic town in Mexico known for its miles of white sand beaches, with calm and transparent water.

In the morning, visit the ruins of Tulum located facing the Caribbean Sea.

You will be able to see among other things the wall, the Castillo which is the main structure, the Temple of the Frescoes, the Temple of the Descending God.

And don’t forget to go down to the beach of the ruins, access to which is included in the ticket!

But it would be a shame not to visit the other beautiful beaches of Tulum.

You can go to Playa Paraiso  or  Playa Las Palmas.

You can also leave the beach to dive in one of Tulum’s many cenotes such as the Gran Cenote, Cenote Carwash, Cenote Zacil-Ha, Cenote Dos Ojos, etc. The choice is endless!

Spend the night in Tulum.

• Read also: The 20 best things to do in Tulum!

Akumal

If you still have a day ahead of you, don’t hesitate to go to Akumal, the best place to swim with turtles in Mexico!

The good news is that the turtles are protected, but you must therefore take a guided excursion to approach them without disturbing them.

You can book it here.

You can also enjoy its beautiful beaches and snorkel in Akumal Bay, Half Moon Bay and Yal Ku Lagoon.

Also read:  The 17 best things to do in Akumal!

Spend the night in  Tulum.

Getting to Akumal from Tulum:

• By car:  25 min taking the Carretera 307 towards Cancun
• By public transport : Take a colectivo towards Playa del Carmen on the main street of Tulum, and let the driver know in advance that you are getting off at Akumal. 20 mins, 35 pesos

Accommodation in Tulum

• Mayan Monkey Tulum : this hostel offers excellent value for money! Beautiful modern decoration and good atmosphere, swimming pool, bar, garden, fast wifi, access to the kitchen, yoga classes, coworking, bike and motorbike rental. Dormitories and private rooms,  from only 22€ per night!

• Casa Almendro : for a little more comfort, here is a  small budget hotel in the center of Tulum. It’s a green oasis with a nice big roof terrace with chairs and hammocks. Perfectly located, close to shops, restaurants, the ADO bus station. King bed and breakfast included, from  just €45 a night!

• Diamante K : it offers  top-of-the-range comfort  at a very reasonable price, which is  exceptional in Tulum. Especially for a  hotel with  direct access to the beach  in the hotel zone! Bohemian chic atmosphere, restaurant, hammocks and beds on the private beach, massage service. Bungalow from 190 € per night!

• Habitas Tulum : this small ecological hotel  with a chic design is ideal for a romantic stay in Tulum. It is a true haven of peace hidden between the palm trees, with a magnificent swimming pool and a private beach. With the added bonus of several on-site activities, such as yoga classes on the terrace facing the sunset. From 340€ per night!

• Kanan Tulum – Adults Only : here is finally the  best choice for a luxury stay in Tulum. This is an adults-only  eco-friendly hotel located on a beautiful private beach with hammocks and beds. Beautiful roof terrace with a bar, a very good restaurant on site, spacious rooms and a very friendly welcome. From €520 per night!

Departure from Cancun

It’s time to end this 7-day Mexico itinerary.

Say goodbye to the beautiful beaches of Tulum and head to Cancun airport for your departure.

Have a good flight home!

Getting to Cancun Airport from Tulum:

• By car:  1h30 by taking the 307 which runs along the Riviera Maya towards Punta Nizuc-Cancun. Take the Cancun airport exit.
• By public transport: 2 hours by ADO bus, departures at 7:10 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 3:15 p.m. Be careful to buy the bus ticket that goes to the airport and not to the center of Cancun.

How to get around in Mexico?

If you want to visit Mexico in just 1 week, your priority will have to be saving time because the distances to be covered are very long.

It will therefore be necessary to alternate between road and plane (when possible) and always reconfirm the departure times  if you take the bus.

It is important to understand that the Yucatan Peninsula is fairly well done by public transport, but Chiapas much less since you visit remote natural sites.

This is why I recommend rather to take advantage of the excursions organized from San Cristobal. That’s what I did and they are really handy!

Are you going to Mexico? Also read

All our articles on Mexico are here:  Find all our guides on Mexico!

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