By Eric Rutter

Shining as one of the crown jewels in the Western Hemisphere, Mexico is one of the top vacation destinations as we head into the tail end of 2022. For many, Mexico’s combination of pristine beaches and tasty cuisine is enough to draw the interest of travellers. For others, the old Mayan ruins throughout the country prove worthy of exploration. 

Often, the trickiest part of a Mexican vacation is choosing the right itinerary from a laundry list of choices. Let’s say you have a week and a half to spend, 10 days even. So, what do you do?

Fear not, and do not fret. This is the ultimate travel guide for a 10-day Mexican getaway. 

1st stop: Cancun – two days

Is it possible to plan the perfect Mexican holiday itinerary without including Cancun? I think not, so let’s pencil Cancun in as the first stop on your trip. 

It simply has a lot to offer visitors to the Yucatan Peninsula. However, it is known prominently for its white sand beaches and clear, turquoise water. And what better way to enjoy those features than with a scuba diving trip? 

In Cancun, stunning views from below the surface of the water are visible from all directions. Many shipwrecks populate the seafloor, but the Cancun Underwater Museum is one of the best locations to dive. Beautiful plants and fish swim around man-made sculptures to provide a blended mixture of real life and fantasy. 

Since Cancun is such a tourist-heavy destination, this is a two-day-only location as Mexico offers so much to see elsewhere!

2nd stop: Tulum – Three days

Located just South of Cancun, the city of Tulum is a popular tourist destination thanks to its array of topical nature, diverse archaeological sites and even a UNESCO World Heritage location to observe.

First, explore the famed Tulum ruins from when the Mayan people inhabited the area. Since it is the third most visited location in Mexico, the ruins are a very popular activity. Early morning or just before the ruins close at 5 pm is the best time to visit the temples and museums.

From there, a trip to Chichen Itza is mandatory for any travel checklist! If the Tulum ruins weren’t enough to fill your historical thirst for knowledge, Chichen Itza is sure to do the trick. It was named one of the New 7 Wonders of the World within the last two decades and is one of the most important Mesoamerican cities in all of Central America.

To add a splash of nature to your trip, head down to the Gran Cenote, just a few kilometres from Tulum. Brimming with fantastic swimming, snorkelling and cliff diving, Gran Cenote is one of the most beautiful limestone sinkholes in the entire country. Finding time for a pitstop to swim in the Gran Cenote is an absolute must for any visitor. 

3rd stop: Acapulco– Two days

After spending four days in the Yucatan Peninsula, you could probably use a shift in scenery, right? Look no further than Acapulco, a famed destination for travellers and celebrities throughout the late 1900s. Nowadays, Oaxacan city is revered for its thrilling cliff diving experiences and draws many visitors to tour the Fort of San Diego as well.

For a more nature-driven experience, consider heading up into the Sierra Madre del Sur in the evening. Once the Sun has dropped and left cooler temperatures in its wake, the forest-rich area stands out as a premier hiking location for those searching for a scenic, panoramic view near Acapulco. 

4th stop: Mexico City– One day

As the capital and the largest city in Mexico, it has no shortage of activities for tourists. The long, rich history of culture overflows here, making it a timely opportunity to indulge in local cuisine and popular music and to participate in art-making classes during the daytime. With groups of mariachi bands everywhere, it is difficult not to fall in love with the authentic charm of Mexico City. 

5th stop: Mazatlan– Two days

Located across Mexico on the Pacific Ocean side, Mazatlan is one of the most underrated cities in all of Latin America. It has so much to offer, from a 13-mile seawall that stands witness to epic surf breaks to a quieter, slow-paced beach atmosphere at Stone Island. 

For a taste of culture, rich colours and cobblestone walkways, you should head directly to the Mazatlan Centro Historico, but try to arrive just before sunset as the delicate “Golden Hour” allows the beauty of the area to truly shine. Or, like some locals, enjoy Playa Olas Altas, a nearby beach, cafe and surfing option. Mazatlan is crawling with activities for everyone!

To put it lightly, Mexico is filled to the brim with exciting, adventurous activities for travellers of all kinds. Book your trip now!

Advertisement