Mexico Trip Itinerary feedback needed
Hi, I am planning to do a trip to Mexico in Feb 27. I need some feedback on the current itinerary. I tried to gather as much information from other Reddit posts and other sites, before posting here (and hopefully this post can then help someone else as well, in return :) ).
The current plan:
Day 1: Travel day to Mexico (from Europe to CDMX, arrive late in the evening)
Day 2-7: CDMX
Day 8: Travel day to Oaxaca (probably taking a flight - though I also heard the bus ride there is nice?)
Day 9-11: Oaxaca City
Day 12: Travel day to Puerto Escondido
Day 13-16: Puerto Escondido
Day 17: Travel day to Merida (connecting flight PE-CDMX-MID)
Day 18-21: Merida
Day 22: Travel day to CDMX
Day 23: CDMX
Day 24-25: Travel day back home (overnight flight)
I am unsure about the second part of the trip (after PE), as it feels a bit rushed. Should I skip one of the destinations, or is it okay (maybe shorten days in Oaxaca/PE?)?
Below are the things I'm planning to do and see. My goal is a good balance of city sightseeing, nature, and some relaxing beach time. I usually just add a bunch of bookmarks on Apple/Google Maps and check it out if I'm nearby while exploring the city. Also, no big deal if I don't get through everything on the list!
| Stop | Destination | Accommodation | POI & Day Trips | Food & Drinks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CDMX | Hostel in Juárez, Roma Norte or Condesa | Museum of Anthropology (will take a guided visit), Historic Center, Chapultepec Park & Chapultepec Castle, explore Condesa/Roma/Coyoacán neighborhoods, Parque Quetzalcoatl, Zocalo Plaza, Palacio de Bella Artes, Teotihuacan, Tolantongo Hot Springs, Xochimilco, Lucha libre | La Ventanita Cafe, Balcón del Zocalo, Taquería LOS HUARACHINES (Roma), Tacos Guero, Esquina Común, Botanico, Meroma, market/street food tours |
| 2 | Oaxaca | Hotel | Jardin Entobotanico, Hierve el Agua, Monte Albán | Levadura de Olla, Sabina Sabe, Boulenc, market/street food tours (Mezcal Tour, Abastos Market, Benito Juarez market, 20 de Noviembre market, Mercado de La Merced) |
| 3 | Puerto Escondido | Hostel (Deciding between Viajero and Che?) | Playa Zicatela, Punta Cometa, Puerto Ángel | Café Suku’un |
| 4 | Merida (and surroundings) | Hostel (Recommendations welcome) | Chichen Itza, Cenotes, Uxmal, flamingo season in Celestun, Campeche, maybe visit the coast for a day(?) | Taqueria La Lupita, El Apapacho, Manjar Blanco, SOCO, Micaela Mar & Lena, Catrin, MUGY, El Barrio |
| 5 | CDMX | Hotel | Do some shopping and stuff I missed at the beginning of the trip |
Other tips I've gathered so far:
- Get a hat.
- Use Uber for transport within the cities.
- All museums close at 5pm.
- You should budget a day for stomach issues.
- Mosquitoes are brutal. Have some form of bug repellent.
A couple of things I need info on:
- For which places should I make reservations days/weeks in advance?
- I want to do some shopping in CDMX - any specific brands or streets with high-quality clothing, accessories? I always buy things I can actually wear or use so they remind me of my trips.
- I am trying to avoid churches and cathedrals (had enough of those in my trips in EU), but if there's anything that I shouldn't skip, even as a non-religious person, please suggest it.
Any recommendations/critique are welcome! :)
Edit 1: converted the TODO list into a table as Reddit formatting is horrendous.
Edit 2: Removed Chiapas region from the itinerary - will focus on Yucatan.