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10 Days in Mexico: The Best Itinerary for Your Visit
Table of contents
The Best Things to Do with 10 Days in Mexico
Itinerary in Mexico: day 1
Explore downtown Cancún
Start your Mexico itinerary of 10 days off in Cancún. The city's downtown district is a great place to begin before your journey takes you off to more remote locations. This is the area to head to get a true taste of the local culture, with a variety of small shops, street food vendors and parks that you can check out. Spend some time wandering the Avenida Tulum for a taste of the real Cancún. This is the perfect opportunity to try your first authentic Mexican tacos from the vendors that line the street.
Soak up the sun on Cancún's best beaches
A trip to the beach is a must while spending time in Cancún. The area is known for its sun-soaked stretches of sand along the coast. A few top recommendations include Playa Delfines, Playa Norte, Costa Mujeres and Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve.
Itinerary in Mexico: day 2
Take in spectacular views of the Caribbean from the Cancún Scenic Tower
The Cancún Scenic Tower is one of the most unique attractions in the area and one that we recommend for your Mexico itinerary of 10 days. As the tower spins, it provides you with a 360-degree view of the surrounding landscape. At the same time, you will hear about the history of the region. It takes about 5 minutes to get to the top. Once there, you have 15 minutes to take some great photos as the deck goes around.
Take a sailing trip at sunset
Wrap up the 2nd day of your itinerary with a sailing trip at sunset. Mexico's Riviera Maya, Cancún and Isla Mujeres areas offer some of the world's most spectacular sunsets. Area operators offer sailing cruises on catamarans that will take you out onto the sea for around 2 hours.
Itinerary in Mexico: day 3
Akumal Bay
Akumal Bay is a stunning region famed for its crystal-clear waters. During your visit, you can experience swimming with turtles that make the area their home.
Bacalar
Known as one of the true gems of the Caribbean Sea, Bacalar is famed for its seven-coloured lagoon that you can visit as you wrap up the 3rd leg of your Mexico itinerary of 10 days.
Itinerary in Mexico: day 4
Uxmal
Day 4 of your Mexico itinerary finds you at the first of the amazing Mayan locations you will visit during your journey. This is the ruined city of Uxmal that dates to the civilization's classical period. The UNESCO World Heritage Site's history goes back to around the year 700 CE.
Explore the cenotes near Merida
Near the town of Merida, you will find some of the iconic cenotes that this region of Mexico is known for. These unique cave structures are popular locations for a unique swimming experience.
Itinerary in Mexico: day 5
The Plaza Grande
The Plaza Grande is the central square in the vibrant city of Merida and frequently hosts cultural evenings in the evening and on the weekend. If you visit on a Sunday, check out the craft fair.
Merida Cathedral
Built in the 16th century, Merida Cathedral is one of the city's most iconic landmarks. Its interior is characterised by its coffered central nave and its Baroque altarpieces. On Friday evenings, there is a light show is projected onto the building that can be viewed from the Plaza Grande.
Itinerary in Mexico: day 6
Explore Izamal
Originally founded by the Maya, the current city of Izamal was built on top of the monuments that once dominated the local landscape. Key points of interest to check out include the downtown district, the Atrio del Convento de San Antonio de Padua and the ancient Kinich Kakmó Pyramid.
Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza is one of the most iconic of all ancient Maya sites in Mexico. A visit to this magical place is the perfect way to wrap up the 6th leg of your Mexico itinerary of 10 days. Key points of interest include the Temple of Warriors, the Temple of Xtoloc and the Great Ball Court.
Itinerary in Mexico: day 7
Xplor Park
Add some adventure to your Mexico itinerary of 10 days when you arrive in the Playa del Carmen area. Xplor Park offers a zip-line course that covers a total of 3 kilometres. The park even has its own cenote where you can enjoy a refreshing swim.
Playa Punta Esmeralda
Another trip to the beach is in order during your time in Playa del Carmen. The Playa Punta Esmeralda is a popular local spot with golden sands that is located at the point where the Caribbean Sea meets a shallow cenote.
Itinerary in Mexico: day 8
The cenotes near Valladolid
Your arrival in the Valladolid area of Mexico offers you another opportunity to cool off at the iconic cenotes that are synonymous with the Yucutan. Recommendations include Cenote Zaci and Cenote Suytun.
Casa de los Venados
Located in Valladolid, Casa de los Venados is a unique house that is opened up daily by its owners to visitors who come to view an impressive collection of ancient Mexican artwork.
Itinerary in Mexico: day 9
The Mercado Municipal
The Mercado Municipal is the main market in Valladolid. While browsing its colourful stalls, you will find everything from fresh vegetables and meat to handicrafts on offer.
Enjoy traditional Yucatan dishes at Taberna de los Frailes
After exploring the local marketplace in Valladolid, it is time to get something to eat. Head to Taberna de los Frailes to try local favourites like pipian de pollo and Mayan spiced pork ribs. The restaurant also offers spectacular views overlooking the former San Bernardino de Siena Convent.
Itinerary in Mexico: day 10
Mercado 28
Before you conclude your Mexico itinerary of 10 days, a little shopping is in order. We recommend checking out Cancún's Mercado 28. It is a large shopping centre located in the downtown district. This is not the typical type of mall you may expect. It is actually a massive flea market with some 600 vendors selling everything you can think of. It is a great spot to pick up some unique souvenirs from your holiday to Mexico.
Experience Cancún's best nightlife
Wrap up a memorable Mexico itinerary of 10 days up by going out on the town in Cancún for a night to remember. The city is famed for its nightclubs, where you can dance to your heart's content after a day spent enjoying the beach. The top clubs in the area feature live DJ sets, cover bands and other types of entertainment to liven up the evening. A few recommended hotspots include the City Nightclub, Coco Bongo and Dady'O.
Where to stay in Mexico
1. Yucatan Mini Tour & Paradisus Playa Del Carmen 5*
Book the Yucatan Mini Tour & Paradisus Playa Del Carmen 5* to visit the top sights and sounds of one of Mexico's most beautiful and historic regions. There are 5 tour durations you can choose from, with a stay at the Paradisus Playa Del Carmen 5* at the end of each journey.
The price of your booking includes accommodation as per your itinerary. It also features shared arrival transfer on day 1 and transfer between the tour and the hotel extension in Cancún. During your stay at the Playa Del Carmen 5*, you can look forward to on-site amenities that include Wi-Fi, laundry, a 24-hour reception desk, multilingual staff, luggage storage, air conditioning, a fitness centre, a pair of outdoor swimming pools, daytime and evening entertainment, spa treatments and a huge selection of restaurant and bar facilities.
What we like: We love the opportunity that this deal offers you to explore ancient sites of historic importance while also spending plenty of time enjoying sun-soaked beaches. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to try a variety of culinary delights.
2. 7-Night Yucatan Road Trip with Optional Playa Del Carmen Beach Stay
The 7-Night Yucatan Road Trip with Optional Playa Del Carmen Beach Stay is another great option if you are ready to book a Mexico itinerary of 10 days through Voyage Privé. Your journey will take you to popular destinations, such as Cancún, Bacalar, Uxmal, Chichen Itza and Valladolid.
This deal includes accommodation in Standard Rooms as per your itinerary, daily breakfast, a detailed travel guide and private transfers from the airport to the hotel on day 1.
What we like: We love the amazing lineup of destinations that this Mexico tour package takes you to. The optional stay on the beach in Playa del Carmen at the Allegro Playacar 4* is a great bonus.
3. Yucatan Road Trip with Isla Holbox Extension
The Yucatan Road Trip with Isla Holbox Extension is another excellent choice for a Mexico itinerary of 10 days spent exploring this legendary part of the country. Your journey includes stops in Cancún, Coba, Valladolid, Rio Lagartos, Chichen Itza, Merida, Uxmal and Holbox Island.
Car hire is included in this self-drive tour of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. Your cost also includes a travel book with a detailed self-guide, concierge assistance, a breakfast package and accommodation in Standard Rooms. During your beach extension, you will rest comfortably in a Deluxe Sea View Suite or similar.
What we like: We love the opportunity that this deal provides for you to explore the Yucutan's crystal-clear cenotes, its lush jungles, its ancient sites and its white-sand beaches.
4. 8 or 10-Night Road Trip in Yucatan
Embark on a journey to popular Mexican destinations like Valladolid, Rio Lagartos, Las Coloradas, Izamal, Merida, Uxmal, Chichen Itza and Playa del Carmen when you choose the 8 or 10-Night Road Trip in Yucatan.
Your deal includes 5 nights with breakfast in the accommodation indicated in your itinerary or similar. It also includes car rental from day 1 to 6 and private transfers from the car rental to the hotel and from the hotel to the airport. You also enjoy the benefits of concierge assistance from Xplorer 7 days a week.
What we like: We love the range of experiences this road trip offers that include time exploring the jungle and ancient monuments. This is balanced with the opportunity to enjoy yourself on the region's most iconic beaches.
5. 7 or 10-Night Road Trip in Mexico
Explore the sights and sounds of Cancún, Rio Lagartos, Ek Balam, Uxmal, Chichen Itza and Playa del Carmen when you select the 7 or 10-Night Road Trip in Mexico through Voyage Privé. Included car hire allows you to explore these great places at your own pace.
Your deal includes accommodation as indicated in your programme or similar. This deal is booked on a breakfast basis and includes a transfer from the hotel in Playa del Carmen to the airport and a travel book with a self-guide.
What we like: We love the diverse locations this road trip takes you to. Along the way, you will have the chance to explore ancient Mayan ruins, sun-soaked beaches, dense jungles and the region's iconic cenotes.
Practical tips for visiting Mexico
Before travelling to Mexico, it is worth considering the time of year that you visit. Many travellers prefer to avoid the rainy season. You also want to make sure to select the right travel package that includes the destinations that are important to you. Beyond this, we suggest picking up a few common words and phrases in Spanish to enhance your interaction with friendly locals. It is also worth noting that the local currency is the Mexican peso.
When to visit Mexico
The best time to visit the areas of Mexico featured in these travel deals is from November through May. This is the dry season in the Yucatan Peninsula. The region has a tropical climate and is hot all year long, which means that a great time awaits you regardless of when you visit for a 10-day itinerary.
How to get to Mexico
UK passport holders do not need a visa to visit Mexico for tourism. Getting there is easy as flights from across the UK regularly head to the region. Cancún International Airport is the primary arrivals hub for the amazing travel deals that we have profiled here. The average in-air time for non-stop routes is around 10 hours and 30 minutes. Upon landing, your ground transportation options include local buses, taxis and hotel transfers.
What to eat in Mexico
Mexico is renowned across the globe for its cuisine and is known for a variety of regional specialities that are popular in the country's various states. During your Mexico itinerary of 10 days, we have a few must-try food recommendations that are sure to delight your taste buds. They include shrimp ceviche and the unique citrus-flavoured soup called sopa de lima. Trying some authentic Mexican tacos is a must during your holiday, and you will find an array of options. Cochinita pibil is a taco made with pulled pork, and castacan is a mouth-watering taco made using pork belly and cheese. We also suggest sinking your teeth into a plate of Yucutan-style enchiladas known as papadzules. If you have a sweet tooth, sample the marquesita. It is basically the Mexican version of a crêpe.