Day 1: Arrival in Mexico City – Historic Center and Zócalo
Morning: Arrive in Mexico City and check into your hotel. Start your journey by exploring the Zócalo, Mexico City’s main square and one of the largest city squares in the world. Visit the Metropolitan Cathedral, the largest cathedral in Latin America, and the Templo Mayor, an ancient Aztec temple.
Afternoon: Head to the National Palace to see Diego Rivera’s murals, which depict Mexico’s history from pre-Hispanic times to the modern era. Stroll down Madero Street, a pedestrian street filled with shops and cafes, leading to Palacio de Bellas Artes, an architectural gem.
Evening: Explore the lively Roma or Condesa neighborhoods for dinner, known for their trendy restaurants and vibrant nightlife. Try local dishes like tacos al pastor or mole.
Day 2: Explore Mexico City – Chapultepec Park and Anthropology Museum
Morning: Start the day with a visit to Chapultepec Park, one of the largest city parks in the world. Visit Chapultepec Castle, which offers beautiful views of the city and houses the National History Museum.
Afternoon: Spend the afternoon exploring the National Museum of Anthropology, one of the most important museums in Mexico. Discover extensive exhibits on pre-Columbian cultures, including the Aztec Sun Stone and treasures from the Mayan civilization.
Evening: Walk along Paseo de la Reforma, a grand avenue that’s home to monuments like the Angel of Independence. Enjoy dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the city.
Day 3: Day Trip to Teotihuacan
Morning: Take a day trip to Teotihuacan, an ancient Mesoamerican city located about 1 hour from Mexico City. Explore the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon, climb to the top for panoramic views, and walk along the Avenue of the Dead.
Afternoon: Visit the Teotihuacan Museum to learn more about the city’s history and the people who built this incredible site. Enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant, sampling traditional Mexican cuisine like barbacoa.
Evening: Return to Mexico City and relax at your hotel. You can take a leisurely evening stroll through the Coyoacán neighborhood, famous for its colonial architecture and bohemian atmosphere.
Day 4: Mexico City to Puebla
Morning: Take a bus or drive to Puebla (about 2 hours). Upon arrival, check into your hotel and explore the historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the Puebla Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece, and stroll around the Zócalo.
Afternoon: Visit the Rosary Chapel, known for its stunning Baroque design, and explore the Amparo Museum, which has an extensive collection of pre-Columbian, colonial, and contemporary Mexican art. Don’t miss the colorful tiles and pottery that Puebla is famous for.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at a traditional Poblano restaurant. Try mole poblano, a rich sauce made from chocolate, chilies, and spices, or chalupas, a local specialty.
Day 5: Puebla to Oaxaca
Morning: Take a bus or drive to Oaxaca (about 4-5 hours). Upon arrival, check into your hotel and begin exploring the city, known for its colonial architecture and vibrant culture. Start with a visit to Santo Domingo Church and Monastery, one of the most beautiful buildings in Oaxaca.
Afternoon: Explore the Oaxaca Ethnobotanical Garden, which showcases the diversity of Mexico’s plant life, or visit the Museum of Oaxacan Cultures for an insight into the region’s rich history. Stroll through the city’s bustling markets, such as Mercado Benito Juárez, where you can shop for local crafts and try traditional foods like tlayudas (Oaxacan-style tortillas).
Evening: Enjoy dinner in the Zócalo, Oaxaca’s main square, where you can watch live music and enjoy the vibrant local atmosphere. Sample mezcal, the region’s signature spirit, at a local bar.
Day 6: Day Trip to Monte Albán
Morning: Take a short trip to Monte Albán, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most important ancient cities in Mesoamerica. Explore the pyramids, plazas, and terraces of this Zapotec city, perched on a hill with stunning views of the valley below.
Afternoon: Return to Oaxaca and spend the afternoon visiting local artisans’ workshops in nearby towns, such as Teotitlán del Valle, famous for its traditional hand-woven rugs, or San Bartolo Coyotepec, known for its black pottery.
Evening: Have dinner in Oaxaca, trying more regional specialties like mole negro or quesillo (Oaxacan cheese). Take a stroll through the colorful streets, lined with galleries and shops selling local art and crafts.
Day 7: Return to Mexico City
Morning: Take an early flight or bus back to Mexico City. Spend your last few hours exploring any sights you may have missed. You could visit the Frida Kahlo Museum in Coyoacán, known as Casa Azul, where the famous artist lived and worked. Alternatively, visit the Luis Barragán House and Studio, a UNESCO-listed architectural gem.
Afternoon: Do some last-minute shopping at La Ciudadela Market, where you’ll find an array of Mexican handicrafts, including textiles, pottery, and jewelry. Enjoy one last meal of street food or traditional tacos at a local spot.
Evening: Depending on your flight time, you can relax in one of the city’s many parks
Comments