3 Weeks in Mexico Itinerary

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Last updated in the region – April 2026 Bethany Walker – Linkedin

TLDR: Written by real travellers and locals in country, this is our take on a 3 weeks in Mexico Itinerary guide for solo travellers, backpackers or just tourists who like to get off the beaten track.

Quick Breakdown of this 3 Week Itinerary: Mexico City > Puebla > Oaxaca > Puerto Escondido > Merida > Cancun (Playa Del Carmen) > Bacalar > Guadalajara & Puerto Vallarta > Baja Sur California

Jump to: The Itinerary | Budgeting | When To Go | What to Pack | Pre-Planning Tips | Safety

3 weeks in Mexico gave us time to visit Tulum and paddle board in a Cenote.
Paddleboarding in the morning across a Cenote in Tulum – Box ticker when in Mexico

Mexico is a paradise for beach lovers, hiking enthusiasts, and of course, foodies. It’s also a popular honeymoon destination for many visitors coming from North America and Europe.

Spending 3 weeks in Mexico is an easy task. There are many places to go where your budget can go far and enjoy luxury and comfort. Even travelling with young children, Mexico can be a fantastic destination to spend your annual vacation.

For backpackers, Mexico is one of the best places to explore in Latin America. It’s now also getting popular with digital nomads or remote workers. Although Mexico is now becoming a bit more expensive, it’s still more affordable than Europe (but not as cheap as SE Asia).

It’s hard to deny why many people from all over the world are attracted to visiting Mexico. From romantic spots, outdoor activities, and delicious local dishes, to interesting history – Mexico has it all.

In this article, I will show you a sample of an itinerary for 3 weeks in Mexico. You don’t have to follow it through, but it will help you plan and visualise a more suitable trip.

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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE GOING TO MEXICO

4 images - mexican guys with mariachi instruments, beach in cancun, aerial view of mexico city, teotihuacan pyramid 3-weeks in mexico itinerary

To help you with visualising your trip to Mexico, below are some basic yet important things to remember when travelling there. These tips include when you should go to Mexico, what to bring, getting around, and travel documents to prepare.

If this is your first time in Mexico, perhaps these books about Mexico will help you understand and have a visual idea of the country. These books are also suitable for children and some even come with very cool drawings that describe Mexico very well.

When is the best time to go to Mexico

The best time to visit Mexico is during its dry season, which is from November until March. Whilst this does mean less rain, it also means more people as that’s the peak season. Hotels will book up fast, and there will be bigger crowds, so prices could spike a little – especially in holiday seasons like Easter and Christmas.

Another great time to visit iѕ during the ѕhоuldеr ѕеаѕоnѕ: Арrіl tо Мау аnd Ѕерtеmbеr tо Осtоbеr. Тhеѕе реrіоdѕ оffеr good wеаthеr, fеwеr сrоwdѕ, аnd lоwеr рrісеѕ. Durіng thе ѕhоuldеr ѕеаѕоnѕ, уоu саn еnјоу а bаlаnсе оf gооd wеаthеr аnd lіghtеr tоurіѕm, mаkіng іt іdеаl fоr ехрlоrіng Мехісо’ѕ bеасhеѕ, сіtіеѕ, аnd сulturаl ѕіtеѕ.

Are 3 weeks enough for Mexico

21 dауѕ іn Мехісо іѕ рlеntу оf tіmе, but уоu ѕtіll hаvе tо bе mіndful оf thе рlасеѕ уоu wаnt tо vіѕіt. Mexico is a big country (especially to us Europeans). Yоu dоn’t wаnt tо оvеrlоаd уоur іtіnеrаrу аnd рlаn tо ѕее рlасеѕ thаt аrе tоо fаr frоm оnе аnоthеr оr whеrе thеrе аrе nо еаѕу оr quісk wауѕ tо gеt thеrе.

Cramming your itinerary and getting to super rural areas could mean that you will be spending most of your time in bus terminals and airports. This doesn’t mean that you can’t go off the trail; it just means that you should add 1-2 rural areas to your Mexico travel itinerary.

Plan to see 3-4 major cities and check if there are areas near those places that are less touristy if you want to get away from the usual crowd. Also, be mindful of your time and budget, if you’re planning 3 weeks in Mexico and you want to see a spot that’s 6-7 hours away by bus, you might want to consider a plane instead.

Average cost for 20 days in Mexico

А gооd budgеt fоr 3 wееkѕ іn Мехісо іѕ аrоund $2,100. Тhаt аllоwѕ уоu tо ѕреnd аrоund $100 а dау, whісh ѕhоuld соvеr а mіd-rаngе hоtеl, fооd, tоurѕ, аnd trаnѕроrtаtіоn. Оf соurѕе, уоu wоn’t bе gоіng оn а tоur еvеrу dау. Ѕоme days you might just be soaking up the sun, so it should balance out. (Pricing updated 2026)

If you’re on a shoestring budget, you can make this trip at around $1,200 if you stay in hostel dorm rooms, take buses for long-distance trips, and travel on foot around the cities.

Let’s say you’re on a honeymoon or celebrating an anniversary and looking to make your Mexico trip luxurious. In that situation, plan to spend around $2,500 to $5,000, which covers high-end hotels and resorts, using private transfers, taking domestic flights, and booking premium tours.

Keep in mind that these budgets don’t cover your flight to Mexico and back home, plus travel insurance and other travel gear that you need.

What to pack

Your packing list depends on the activities you plan to do while spending 3 weeks in Mexico. If you plan to spend time on the beach, don’t forget your swimsuit, we have a packing list for a beach vacation. But if you are also thinking of going hiking, it’s vital to bring proper clothing, as the hiking trails can be challenging at times.

Pack proper hiking shoes and clothing. At the same time, if you want to visit sacred or religious spots, pack clothing that will cover your shoulders and legs. It’s also vital to bring medicines and other items that might be hard to find in Mexico. Check out our article on what to pack for a 3-week trip.

Also, make sure you bring enough cash. Most places like restaurants and shops do accept cards, but if you want to buy souvenirs or street food, you will definitely need cash. It also makes things easier for tipping.

How to get around

Using a local bus will be the cheapest and often the only option to travel between cities. There are also buses that go on long-distance travel between provinces (called camiones).

However, if you are short on time or don’t feel like you can survive overnight buses, it’s best to take a domestic flight especially if the equivalent land travel is longer than 6 hours.

You can use ride-hailing apps in major cities. This includes Uber, Didi, Cabify, Bear, and Bolt. And finally, if you have a driver’s license (from any country), you can drive in Mexico without converting or translating your lісеnѕе tо а lосаl оnе (just be cautious on those roads kids!).

This is the easiest way to travel around Mexico, plus you get to control your own time, leave when you want, and go when you feel like it. Renting a car allows you to travel and have control of your own time and schedule.

RELATED POST: 3 weeks in Peru and 3 weeks in Colombia

Visa

People who wish to visit Mexico with passports from nearly anywhere in the Americas, most of Europe, some East and South East Asia, and most of Oceania are free to enter without a visa for up to 180 days.

If your nationality is not on this list, you will have to coordinate with the nearest Mexican Embassy or Consulate to apply for a visa.

Travel Safety Icon

Travel Safety in Mexico

Usually, the first thing on anyone’s mind about visiting Mexico… safety, especially in light of recent news with the recent upsurge in Gang violence. Source: CNN Mexico travel warnings

I can only talk from my personal experience, but after spending almost 18 months in Mexico, I can count on one hand the number of times I felt unsafe. A few general tips:

  • Don’t be flashy with your valuables
  • Don’t leave your phone hanging out of your back pocket
  • Stick to ride apps like Uber over local taxis
  • Don’t do anything that’s likely to get you unwanted attention, for example, drinking in the streets
  • If you’re driving, drive responsibly

For up-to-date travel safety warnings in the main travel areas of the country, check out the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advice site covering Mexico: Mexican Travel Safety Advice

MUST-SEE PLACES IN MEXICO (pinned map)

Click the enlarge button on the top right corner. Credit: map data: Google

3 WEEKS IN MEXICO ITINERARY

DISCLAIMER: This post might have links to travel services and products that we enjoy. We might make a commission from it at no extra cost to you.

Below is a sample travel itinerary if you plan to explore Mexico for 3 weeks or about 20 days. This itinerary will take you to visit popular spots, go to stunning beaches, and explore the country’s less travelled path.

What are the stops in this itinerary?

Mexico City CDMX > Puebla > Oaxaca > Puerto Escondido (Optional) > Merida > Cancun (Playa Del Carmen) > Bacalar (Optional) > Guadelajara & Puerto Vallerta > Baja Sur California (Optional)

NB: There are a couple of ways to take this route, the option above works best for those who fly into CDMX first. For those travelling down from the US, then the map below gives another option. You can see it here >>

Alternative 3 weeks in Mexico Itinerary route

ANOTHER ITINERARY TO CONSIDER: 3 weeks in Ecuador and Colombia

Mexico City for 3 days

Mexico City, also called CDMX, is the capital of Mexico and it has about 9 million residents. It is situated southeast of the country and is known for being one of the few capital cities that sit at a high altitude.

Read next: Best places to stay in CDMX

It’s popular for Templo Mayor (13th-century Aztec Temple), delicious local dishes, friendly people, and lively culture. 3 days in this city is plenty, though you could easily spend 3 weeks here alone…

If you are coming all the way from Europe, Asia, Oceania, and even Africa, three days here will allow you to catch up on sleep, adapt to the altitude and see most of the key sites. You can also use this time to pick up any core items that you will need during your trip. This includes a local sim card with data, renting a car, and booking domestic flights and tours that you wish to join.

Getting around Mexico City

The easiest way to explore Mexico City for the first time if you don’t want to rent a car is to buy a hop-on hop-off bus ticket that is valid for a day. The bus will stop at a specific popular tourist spot where you can get on and off the bus. You can also make your arrival at the very busy Mexico City airport less chaotic by booking a private airport service.

Getting around the City itself is easy. Most of the city centre is walkable, and you have access to ride-hailing apps like Uber too. There’s also a Subway, which is relatively well-connected and insanely cheap.

2 images - on the left is a Mariachi Band. On the right is the Aztec architecture at Teotihuacan.

What to see and do in Mexico City

  • Day trip to Teotihuacán – you can book a tour with a guide or explore the ruins with a hot air balloon ride
  • Explore the indie streets and independent coffee shops of La Condesa and La Roma
  • Enjoy “Muévete en Bici” which is an exercise initiative that shuts 55km of streets around the city so residents and tourists can run, walk, cycle, rollerblade, skate and dog walk the streets. Such a simple idea, but one of the most special things I’ve done in Mexico City.
  • Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral
  • The Angel of Independence
  • Explore Puebla, Cholula, & Tonantzintla – you can book a guided tour to visit all three places in one day
  • Museo Nacional de Antropología
  • Tula and the Tollán Ruins
  • Hot Spring os Tolatongo Caves – book a tour from Mexico City
  • Soumaya Museum
  • Templo Mayor Museum (Aztec)
  • Zona Arqueológica Tenayuca I y II
  • Frida Kahlo Museum – join a 3-destination tour featuring Coyoacán, visit Frida Kahlo Museum, and ride a traditional boat through Xochimilco
  • Hike Cerro del Ajusco or Los Dinamos
  • Summit the Nevado De Toluca – hike with professionals
  • Parque Nacional Grutas de Cacahuamilpa
  • Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl – join an incredible volcanic trek with a lunch and a guide
  • Mooch around Chapultepec Park, home to a zoo, running trails, a lake with row boats, and parks for kids to play in
  • Take a tour of the Xochimilco Canals, local sellers will row up to you and sell you $12 beers which are worth every penny
3 Weeks in Mexico Itinerary 1
$12 beers – pricey but worth it on the Xochimilco Canals – Photo: Bethany Walker

Accommodations in Mexico City

Puebla for 2 days

Food lovers just have to visit Puebla. Іt іѕ lосаtеd аbоut а 2-hоur drіvе еаѕt оf Мехісо Сіtу. Ѕіnсе іt’ѕ nоt thаt fаr, ѕоmе реорlе рrеfеr tо tаkе а dау trір frоm Мехісо Сіtу іnѕtеаd. But we hired a car and made the drive, which is just as exciting as the destination itself.

Іt’ѕ а vеrу lіvеlу сіtу wіth соlоurful buіldіngѕ аnd lосаlѕ whо lоvе tо dаnсе. It’s one of the many food capitals of the country, and a great place to visit to see a more authentic Mexican City.

The fastest way to get from Mexico City to Puebla is by car or bus via the direct highway, taking about 2 to 2.5 hours, and covering a distance of approximately 136 kilometers (about 85 miles). The cheapest way is typically by bus, with several companies operating this route, offering affordable and comfortable travel options.

Buses frequently depart from Mexico City’s eastern bus terminal (TAPO) and other points, making this a convenient and efficient option for travellers looking to explore the historic city of Puebla.

What to see and do in Puebla

Where to stay in Puebla

Oaxaca for 3 days

Read our non touristy things to do guide here: What to do with 3 Days in Oaxaca

We’re just going to give you a light overview in this article, as we already have a whole post dedicated to non-touristy things to do in Oaxaca linked above.

Іt tаkеѕ јuѕt а bіt оvеr 4-hоurѕ tо gеt frоm Рuеblа tо Оахаса by car or 5 and half hours by bus. The drive is really interesting as you leave the hustle and bustle of Mexico’s capital and head towards one of the most magical spots in the country. (There are flights, but availability is limited so plan to get there by road, which is approximately 340km/211 miles)

Bus tickets are around £42/$55 with 12Go >>

Oaxaca is known for its food, drinks, and arts. The town is full of creators selling all kinds of trinkets and handicrafts, clothes, jewellery, art and pottery. You might want to grab an empty suitcase to stock up!

You have to try these Oaxaca traditional dishes during your visit, which should be available at food stalls and restaurants. If you want to visit Zapotec and Mixtec archaeological sites, you definitely have to visit Oaxaca.

2 images - on the left is the cliff of Cenote Chichen Itza. On the right is the dome church in Campeche

What to see and do in Oaxaca

Accommodations in Oaxaca

If you’re heading across to Puerto Escondido, check out the guide on top travel accommodation from our local guide Bethany:

“Where to stay in Puerto Escondido for solo travellers and digital nomads“

Optional add-on: Puerto Escondido

If you have a bit more time to spare, you might want to add a stop at Puerto Escondido here.

3 Weeks in Mexico Itinerary 2
The beach at sunset at Puerto Escondido

Puerto Escondido is a small surf town a couple of hours away from Oaxaca. Full of palm-rooved shacks, surfers and sandy beaches, it’s the type of place that gets you stuck. You say you’re going for a couple of days, and before you know it, it’s been three months, and the locals know your name…

Іf уоu’rе hеаdіng асrоѕѕ tо Рuеrtо Еѕсоndіdо, сhесk оut thе guіdе оn tор trаvеl ассоmmоdаtіоn frоm оur lосаl guіdе (and co-author here) Веthаnу:

“Whеrе tо ѕtау іn Рuеrtо Еѕсоndіdо fоr ѕоlо trаvеllеrѕ аnd dіgіtаl nоmаdѕ“

What to see and do in Puerto Escondido

If you can handle activities in the 30+ degree heat, there are plenty of things to keep you busy in Puerto Escondido.

  • Play Padel (or tennis) at Club Bacocho (Mexico is the home of Padel, so it would be rude not to).
  • Do a guided tour. You can see everything from whales and turtles to birdlife and crocodiles, there are fishing tours, too.
  • Surf… or, watch the surfers. Puerto Escondido is home to one of Mexico’s best beach breaks, ‘The Mexican Pipeline’ where waves can get as high as 30ft tall. Not to play around with if you’re a beginner.
  • Enjoy the nightlife at La Punta.
  • Browse the Mercado 12 de Diciembre for streetfood, healthy snacks, souvenirs and crafts.
  • Join a fitness class – There’s a spin studio, loads of yoga studios, Crossfit sessions, HIIT sessions, meditation sessions and even a rock climbing gym. Puerto Escondido is one of those places with that lovely dichotomy of brilliant places to let your hair down and brilliant places to sweat it out the next day.

Merida for 3 days

3 weeks in Mexico is not complete without visiting the Yucatan region. To get to Merida from Oaxaca, you have to take a bit over an hour and a half direct flight.

Merida is a less-known destination in Mexico, making it a great spot to simply relax and process everything you did and have seen in the last 7 days.

Merida is an interesting place to visit during your 3 weeks in Mexico vacation. It’s rich in Mayan and colonial heritage, which means that it’s an incredible spot to learn the history before and during colonial times in Mexico. There are a handful of day trips you can take from Merida city centre to its surrounding area.

The fastest way to get from Oaxaca to Mérida is by flying, with the journey taking about 3 to 5 hours, including transfers and wait times at airports.

The cheapest way is by long-distance bus, which is significantly more affordable but can take around 20 to 25 hours due to the distance of approximately 1,300 km(about 808 miles). You can browse for current travel ticketing costs here >>

What to see and do in Merida

Accommodations in Merida

2 images - on the left is the downtown aerial view of Mexico City. On the right is the Tulum Ruins

Cancun and Playa del Carmen for 5 days

Cancun is one of the most popular beach destinations in Mexico. Visitors are mostly from the US, but there are also Europeans and even tourists all the way from Asia.

Cancun’s beaches are beautiful. It’s covered in fine white sand, crystal clear blue water, and lots of spots to go snorkel. If you have never been here, this list of travel tips for Cancun will definitely be helpful.

On the other hand, Playa del Carmen is a smaller town but equally popular and stunning. There are many things to do here other than just lying on the beach and drinking coconut. It is also a turtle nest, which means that if the season is right, you’ll have an easy time spotting them.

You definitely have to include Cancun and Playa del Carmen in your 20 days in Mexico. It has so much to offer and is very different from the highland cities of Mexico, Puebla, and Oaxaca. If you have some extra time, you can spend a few days in Tulum as well.

You can get to Cancun from Merida by bus or by car, which takes about 4 hours. Playa del Carmen is only an hour away from Cancun. I recommend you choose between staying in Cancun or Playa del Carmen and taking a day trip to other parts of the region.

What to see and do in Cancun

What to see and do in Playa del Carmen

  • Swim with sea turtles
  • Try parasailing
  • Check out Rio Secreto’s Caves
  • Boat trip to Cozumel
  • Walk around 5th Avenue

Accommodations in Cancun

Accommodations in Playa del Carmen

2 images - on the left is the boat along the shoreline in Playa Del Carmen. On the right i a hat on the sand written "cancun"

Optional Add-On: Bacalar (2 Days)

3 Weeks in Mexico Itinerary 3

From Playa Del Carmen/Tulum to Bacalar is just a 3-hour drive, which is 100% worth it.

I’ve been to Bacalar a couple of times now and it blows my mind that it’s not more on the map, though of course, I’m not complaining.

Bacalar is the name of the town and also the name of the 60-km long lagoon that the town sits on. Nicknamed the ‘Maldives of Mexico’ and the ‘Lagoon of Seven Colours’ the lake is a shade of blue that’s impossible to explain.

The town is relatively small, just a main square and some decent restaurants, but if you want a couple of days to unwind away from the chaos of Cancun and PDC, this is the place.

What to see and do in Bacalar

3 Weeks in Mexico Itinerary 4
Bacalar involves a lot of sitting, admiring and feeling relaxed.

I actually have a hard time doing anything other than sitting and admiring the lake, and taking it all in. But there are a couple of other bits to do in the area, granted, they are pretty much all lake-related.

  • The main thing you absolutely have to do is take a boat trip around the lake. There were 8 of us so we had the whole boat to ourselves, beers were included all day and we got to visit the rapids and cenotes within the lake.
  • Kayaking at sunrise or sunset is another must.
  • Hire bikes and cycle along the road that runs parallel to the lake, the roads are extremely quiet so you’ll be fine even if you’re a nervous rider (like me!).
  • Have brunch at Madre Masa, you’ll thank me.

Have drinks at The I Scream Bar which is made from salvaged VW Beetle parts

How long here? 2 to 3 days is enough. It’s more of a place to take a break while on a break!

Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta for 3 days

You can take a flight from Cancun to Guadalajara. Remember to book an airport pick-up in Cancun to make sure you don’t miss your flight.

Whеn trаvеllеrѕ dесіdе whісh “bіg сіtу” tо vіѕіt іn Мехісо, thеу аrе оftеn dіvіdеd bеtwееn Мехісо Сіtу аnd Guаdаlајаrа. Іf уоu аrе vіѕіtіng Мехісо fоr thrее wееkѕ, уоu hаvе рlеntу оf tіmе tо vіѕіt bоth.

After sunbathing the last 5 days, let’s head back to the valley, Guadalajara stands at 1,566 m above sea level. It is popular for tequila and mariachi music. Guadalajara is also known for its local food; from cheesy tacos to birria, there is something for everyone. Not to mention that these local and mouthwatering food are very affordable.

On the other hand, Puerto Vallarta has become one of the new and favourite beach towns for tourists and even digital nomads. It’s more affordable, the beach is to die for, try surfing, and discover the diverse marine life of this region – there’s no reason not to visit.

The beach is always a great spot to end your trip. Here, you can relax, buy some souvenirs, and enjoy the last few days of your well-deserved vacation.

You can reach Puerto Vallarta by taking a 4.5-hour drive or taking the train, which takes about 6 hours.

What to see and do in Guadalajara

  • Walk around Guadalajara Cathedral and Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Zapopan
  • Lake Chapala – combine with Ajijic tour
  • Check out Glorieta de los Niños Héreos and Centro Cultural El Refugio
  • Explore downtown Guadalajara – join a guided tour
  • Eat Tortas Ahogadas
  • Visit Guachimontones Pyramids – enjoy a full-day tour
  • Enjoy Mariachi Bands
  • Visit a mining location of Opal – Magdalena Opal tour
  • Buy souveneirs at Tlaquepaque

Tasting Tequila

When it comes to tequila, Guadalajara is the best. Well, kind of. Tequila is a town north of Guadalajara. It is popular for the production of the spirit “tequila”.

On the foot of Tequila Volcano, you will find fields of blue agave, which is the main ingredient of the spirit. You can learn more about Tequila by joining a guided tour.

There are many tequila tours you can book from affordable to premium. There is an affordable full-day tequila tour, you can also book a premium version. For something unique, you can explore Tequila, do some tasting, and go horseback riding. All these tours include a pick-up from your hotel, food, a knowledgeable local guide, and a visit to various distilleries.

What to see and do in Puerto Vallarta

  • Lie on the beach of Playa De Los Muertos, Tranquila Beach, Sayulita, and Las Glorias
  • Explore Islas Marietas National Park and Hidden Beach – enjoy it on a luxury yacht or fun boat tour
  • Hike the Mirador el Cerro de la Cruz
  • Go on an adventure – ride an ATV on Jorullo Bridge, go zip lining with a canopy tour
  • Sign up for a food tour and mixology tour
  • Try sky diving
  • Enjoy a candlelight dinner show and cruise – check the price
  • Visit Vallarta Botanical Gardens
  • Get yourself a hop-on hop-off bus ticket

Accommodations in Guadalajara

Accommodations in Puerto Vallarta

Baja California Sur for 3 days

If you have the chance to add on Baja California Sur, I’d 100% recommend it. You will definitely need to fly, though, as it’s a long way from most of the other spots on this itinerary.

fishing trip in Baja Sur while on our 3 weeks in Mexico trip
“It was this big” Showing our catch from the fishing trip

Baja California is kind of wild wild west vibes, well, the town we stayed in anyway. If you go to the major cities like Los Cabos, it’s more party central. But we stayed in a small village called Los Cerritos, which had one shop, three restaurants, and cacti as far as the eye could see.

The main reason we visited was for a week-long surf school camp, but there were so many other things to do, too.

Whаt tо ѕее аnd dо іn Baja California Sur

Baja Sur California has wild west vibes
  • Surfing camp
  • Fishing trip – We caught 14 in just a few hours, we got to take some back to BBQ, and the rest got donated to the fishermen for them to sell to the local restaurants
  • Snorkelling trip in the Sea of Cortez, which is famously nicknamed the “Aquarium of the World” by oceanographer Jacques Cousteau. This is because of the huge amount of marine life that calls this sea home, including sea lions, sharks and whales.
  • Guadalupe Island is a world-class spot for Great White Shark cage diving… If you’re into that kind of thing.
  • Hiking: There are plenty of options around Baja California Sur’s arid desert. The Cañón Tabor is a good option, though pretty tough with some scrambling. If you splash out and stay in Casa Punta Lobos there’s another shorter option called Cerro Punta Lobos, it’s about a mile up but quite steep, then a gentle slope down.
  • Cañón is another part hike part chill option. There’s a beautiful waterfall you can jump down and natural pools to cool off in.
  • Beach clubs: For the boujee amongst us, who can resist a day at a beach club? Mexican sun, the Pacific Ocean, and several margaritas that you may or may not regret the next day…Taboo Beach Club gets a special mention.

Accommodations in Baja California Sur

  • Affordable: A cosy small Airbnb 
  • Mid-range: We stayed in this lovely apartment complex (Luna del Mar) and had the whole place to ourselves for a week; the sunrise and sunset views were just incredible
  • Luxury: We also stayed in this villa, Casa Punta Lobos, which is one of the most incredible places I’ve ever visited. It feels like you have the whole beach to yourselves, the architecture is amazing, the beds are huge, and the photos 100% do not do it justice! If you want to splash out, this is the place.

MUST-TRY FOOD, DRINKS, AND DESSERTS IN MEXICO

3 images of Mexican dishes - on the left is a basket of three tacos. In the middle is a bowl of pozle. on the right is a bowl or arroz con leche - 3 weeks in Mexico itinerary

Mexican food is one of the most popular cuisines in the world. So don’t forget to try some during your visit:

  • Tacos al Pastor – Thinly sliced pork marinated in a blend of spices and cooked on a vertical spit, typically served with pineapple, onions, and cilantro on small tortillas.
  • Chiles en Nogada – Poblano chiles stuffed with picadillo (a mixture of meat and fruits), topped with a walnut-based cream sauce and pomegranate seeds, representing the colours of the Mexican flag.
  • Mole Poblano – A rich, complex sauce made with over 20 ingredients, including chilli peppers and chocolate, served over chicken or turkey.
  • Ceviche – Fresh seafood cured in citrus juices and spiced with chilli peppers, onions, and cilantro.
  • Tamales – Corn dough stuffed with meats, cheeses, or vegetables, wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves and steamed.
  • Pozole – A hearty soup made with hominy, meat (usually pork), and garnished with lettuce, radish, onion, lime, and chilli.
  • Enchiladas – Corn tortillas rolled around a filling and covered with a chilli pepper sauce, often garnished with cheese, sour cream, and onions.
  • Carnitas – Slow-cooked pork that’s then fried to achieve a perfect tenderness and crispiness, served with tortillas and salsas.
  • Elote – Grilled corn on the cob slathered with mayonnaise, cheese, chilli powder, and lime, a popular street food.
  • Churros – Fried dough pastries, often sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon and served with chocolate sauce for dipping.
  • Flan – A creamy caramel dessert resembling custard, known for its rich flavour and smooth texture.
  • Tres Leches Cake – A moist cake soaked in three types of milk, topped with whipped cream or meringue.
  • Arroz con Leche – A sweet and comforting rice pudding made with cinnamon and raisins.
  • Horchata – A refreshing, sweet beverage made from rice, cinnamon, and vanilla, often served cold.
  • Tequila – Mexico’s famous distilled spirit, made from the blue agave plant, is enjoyed neatly or in cocktails.
  • Mezcal – Similar to tequila but with a smokier flavour, made from various types of agave, and often served with orange slices and chilli powder.

SUMMARY OF 3 WEEKS IN MEXICO ITINERARY

Mexico is a wonderful destination to spend your 3-week vacation. It offers a lot of activities from hiking, trying out different food, learning about Mayan culture, and of course enjoying its amazing beaches. You will not have a hard time finding things to do here. I hope that you found this 3 weeks in Mexico itinerary helpful in creating your own travel plan.

Where next? Try our 3 week Guatemala itinerary for inspo

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A 3-week Mexico itinerary includes exploring Mexico City's historic sites, visiting the Mayan ruins in Yucatán, and relaxing on Cancun's beaches. Discover Oaxaca's vibrant culture, Guadalajara's tequila tours, and the stunning landscapes of Copper Canyon. via @threeweektraveller