Colorful colonial streets of San Miguel de Allende Historic center of Mexico City with colorful buildings Colorful textiles and crafts in Oaxaca market Cerro de la Silla mountain and Monterrey skyline

Best 28 Days in Mexico — Slow Travel

Mexico City → Oaxaca → Guadalajara → Monterrey → San Miguel de Allende

28 days · 5 cities · 27 activities · route optimized by distance

A mix of history and art & culture. Mostly low-effort and walkable, with a mix of self-guided and guided activities. Includes 14 must-see landmarks.

Highlights: Teotihuacan Pyramids Day Trip, Monte Albán Archaeological Site, Frida Kahlo Museum (Casa Azul), National Museum of Anthropology, Zócalo & Historic Center Walking Tour

Arriving Wed, Jul 1 Change

Your Route — ordered to minimize backtracking

27+ activities scored and ranked · route optimized across 5 cities

Where you'll stay
Hotel in Mexico City · From $75/night +4 more
See lodging →
Trip cost
~$2,493 total · $89/day
See budget →
Top picks
Teotihuacan Pyramids Day Trip, Frida Kahlo Museum (Casa Azul)
See itinerary →

Day-by-Day Schedule — heavy and light days alternate so you don’t burn out

Mexico City

Mexico City 10 stops · Open in Google Maps ↗
Day 1 Wed, Jul 1 Full Mexico City
Morning Pyramid of the Sun at Teotihuacan
Teotihuacan Pyramids Day Trip$$~8 hrs

Explore the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon at ancient Teotihuacan

$16 Verified Mar 2026 Best Nov-Apr (dry season, clearest views) 📍 Map
Afternoon

Free time to explore at your own pace

🏨 Hotel in Mexico City

Roma Norte / Condesa / Centro Histórico

wifibreakfastair-conditioning24-hour front desk
Travelers book: Hotel Histórico Central $70-100/nightCasa Comtesse $50-80/nightCondesa Hotel $65-95/night
Book Hotel in Mexico City from $75/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 2 Thu, Jul 2 Light Mexico City
Morning
Frida Kahlo Museum (Casa Azul)$$~3 hrs

Explore Frida Kahlo's Blue House museum in Coyoacán

$16 Verified Mar 2026 Year-round indoor; book tickets online in advance 📍 Map
Afternoon

Free time to explore at your own pace

🏨 Hotel in Mexico City

Roma Norte / Condesa / Centro Histórico

wifibreakfastair-conditioning24-hour front desk
Travelers book: Hotel Histórico Central $70-100/nightCasa Comtesse $50-80/nightCondesa Hotel $65-95/night
Book Hotel in Mexico City from $75/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 3 Fri, Jul 3 Light Mexico City
Morning Aztec Sun Stone at National Museum of Anthropology
National Museum of Anthropology$~4 hrs

See the Aztec Sun Stone and Maya artifacts at the world-class MNA

$5 Verified Mar 2026 Year-round indoor; closed Mondays 📍 Map
Afternoon

Free time to explore at your own pace

🏨 Hotel in Mexico City

Roma Norte / Condesa / Centro Histórico

wifibreakfastair-conditioning24-hour front desk
Travelers book: Hotel Histórico Central $70-100/nightCasa Comtesse $50-80/nightCondesa Hotel $65-95/night
Book Hotel in Mexico City from $75/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 4 Sat, Jul 4 Light Mexico City
Morning Zócalo plaza with Metropolitan Cathedral
Zócalo & Historic Center Walking Tour$~4 hrs

Walk the Zócalo plaza and Centro Histórico's colonial landmarks

Best Nov-Apr (dry season); mornings less crowded 📍 Map
Afternoon

Free time to explore at your own pace

🏨 Hotel in Mexico City

Roma Norte / Condesa / Centro Histórico

wifibreakfastair-conditioning24-hour front desk
Travelers book: Hotel Histórico Central $70-100/nightCasa Comtesse $50-80/nightCondesa Hotel $65-95/night
Book Hotel in Mexico City from $75/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 5 Sun, Jul 5 Light Mexico City
Morning Palacio de Bellas Artes Art Nouveau facade in Mexico City
Palacio de Bellas Artes$~2h 30m

Admire Rivera's murals and Art Nouveau architecture at Bellas Artes

$4 Verified Mar 2026 Year-round indoor; free Sundays 📍 Map
Afternoon

Free time to explore at your own pace

🏨 Hotel in Mexico City

Roma Norte / Condesa / Centro Histórico

wifibreakfastair-conditioning24-hour front desk
Travelers book: Hotel Histórico Central $70-100/nightCasa Comtesse $50-80/nightCondesa Hotel $65-95/night
Book Hotel in Mexico City from $75/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 6 Mon, Jul 6 Light Mexico City
Morning Colorful trajinera boats in Xochimilco canals
Xochimilco Floating Gardens Boat Tour$~3 hrs

Ride a colorful trajinera boat through Xochimilco's Aztec-era canals

$15 Verified Mar 2026 Best Nov-Apr; weekends most lively 📍 Map
Afternoon

Free time to explore at your own pace

🏨 Hotel in Mexico City

Roma Norte / Condesa / Centro Histórico

wifibreakfastair-conditioning24-hour front desk
Travelers book: Hotel Histórico Central $70-100/nightCasa Comtesse $50-80/nightCondesa Hotel $65-95/night
Book Hotel in Mexico City from $75/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 7 Tue, Jul 7 Light Mexico City
Morning
Chapultepec Castle & Museum$~3 hrs

Visit Chapultepec Castle for panoramic views and Mexican history exhibits

$11 Verified Mar 2026 Clearest Nov-Apr; closed Mondays 📍 Map
Afternoon

Free time to explore at your own pace

🏨 Hotel in Mexico City

Roma Norte / Condesa / Centro Histórico

wifibreakfastair-conditioning24-hour front desk
Travelers book: Hotel Histórico Central $70-100/nightCasa Comtesse $50-80/nightCondesa Hotel $65-95/night
Book Hotel in Mexico City from $75/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 8 Wed, Jul 8 Light Mexico City
Morning Colorful street tacos with traditional toppings
Mexico City Street Food Tour$$~4 hrs

Taste tacos al pastor, tamales, and elote on a guided street food tour

$55 Verified Mar 2026 Year-round; mornings best for market visits 📍 Map
Afternoon

Free time to explore at your own pace

🏨 Hotel in Mexico City

Roma Norte / Condesa / Centro Histórico

wifibreakfastair-conditioning24-hour front desk
Travelers book: Hotel Histórico Central $70-100/nightCasa Comtesse $50-80/nightCondesa Hotel $65-95/night
Book Hotel in Mexico City from $75/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 9 Thu, Jul 9 Light Mexico City
Morning
Traditional Mexican Cooking Class$$$~5 hrs

Learn to make mole, tamales, and salsas in a hands-on cooking class

$115 Verified Mar 2026 Year-round indoor; book 1-2 weeks ahead 📍 Map
Afternoon

Free time to explore at your own pace

🏨 Hotel in Mexico City

Roma Norte / Condesa / Centro Histórico

wifibreakfastair-conditioning24-hour front desk
Travelers book: Hotel Histórico Central $70-100/nightCasa Comtesse $50-80/nightCondesa Hotel $65-95/night
Book Hotel in Mexico City from $75/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 10 Fri, Jul 10 Light Mexico City
Morning Colonial streets and colorful buildings in Coyoacán
Coyoacán Neighborhood Walking Tour$~3 hrs

Walk Coyoacán's cobblestone streets past colonial plazas and sidewalk cafes

Best Nov-Apr; weekends liveliest 📍 Map
Afternoon

Free time to explore at your own pace

🏨 Hotel in Mexico City

Roma Norte / Condesa / Centro Histórico

wifibreakfastair-conditioning24-hour front desk
Travelers book: Hotel Histórico Central $70-100/nightCasa Comtesse $50-80/nightCondesa Hotel $65-95/night
Book Hotel in Mexico City from $75/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 11 Sat, Jul 11 Light Mexico City
Morning UNAM Central Library with mosaic murals by Juan O'Gorman
UNAM Campus (UNESCO World Heritage Site)$~2h 30m

Tour UNAM's UNESCO campus with its famous mosaic library and murals

$2 Verified Mar 2026 Best Nov-Apr; campus free to enter year-round 📍 Map
Afternoon

Free time to explore at your own pace

🏨 Hotel in Mexico City

Roma Norte / Condesa / Centro Histórico

wifibreakfastair-conditioning24-hour front desk
Travelers book: Hotel Histórico Central $70-100/nightCasa Comtesse $50-80/nightCondesa Hotel $65-95/night
Book Hotel in Mexico City from $75/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 12 Sun, Jul 12 Light Mexico City
Morning
Naturally Gluten-Free Corn Tortilla Taco Tour, Mexico City$$~3 hrs

Eat naturally gluten-free tacos on corn tortillas at Mexico City's best traditional taco stands

$55 Year-round 📍 Map
Afternoon

Free time to explore at your own pace

🏨 Hotel in Mexico City

Roma Norte / Condesa / Centro Histórico

wifibreakfastair-conditioning24-hour front desk
Travelers book: Hotel Histórico Central $70-100/nightCasa Comtesse $50-80/nightCondesa Hotel $65-95/night
Book Hotel in Mexico City from $75/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 13 Mon, Jul 13 Light Mexico City
Morning
Mercado de San Juan Gluten-Free Gourmet Lunch, Mexico City$~2 hrs

Graze naturally gluten-free cheeses, charcuterie, and fresh ceviche at Mexico City's gourmet indoor market

$20 Year-round; open daily 📍 Map
Afternoon

Free time to explore at your own pace

🏨 Hotel in Mexico City

Roma Norte / Condesa / Centro Histórico

wifibreakfastair-conditioning24-hour front desk
Travelers book: Hotel Histórico Central $70-100/nightCasa Comtesse $50-80/nightCondesa Hotel $65-95/night
Book Hotel in Mexico City from $75/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 14 Tue, Jul 14 Light Mexico City
Morning
Museo Memoria y Tolerancia & Mexico's Crypto-Jewish Legacy$$~2h 30m

Mexico's Holocaust and tolerance museum — plus the hidden story of crypto-Jews (conversos) who fled the Inquisition to New Spain

$8 Year-round; closed Mondays 📍 Map
Afternoon

Free time to explore at your own pace

🏨 Hotel in Mexico City

Roma Norte / Condesa / Centro Histórico

wifibreakfastair-conditioning24-hour front desk
Travelers book: Hotel Histórico Central $70-100/nightCasa Comtesse $50-80/nightCondesa Hotel $65-95/night
Book Hotel in Mexico City from $75/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 15 Wed, Jul 15 Light Mexico City
Morning
Plant-Based Taco Tour, Roma & Condesa, Mexico City$~2h 30m

Walk Roma and Condesa's vegan taco scene, from jackfruit birria to mushroom al pastor

$15 Year-round
Afternoon

Free time to explore at your own pace

🏨 Hotel in Mexico City

Roma Norte / Condesa / Centro Histórico

wifibreakfastair-conditioning24-hour front desk
Travelers book: Hotel Histórico Central $70-100/nightCasa Comtesse $50-80/nightCondesa Hotel $65-95/night
Book Hotel in Mexico City from $75/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Mexico City → Oaxaca
2h 30m ~$55 Direct 1h22m flight to Oaxaca - quickest way south

Oaxaca

Oaxaca 4 stops · Open in Google Maps ↗
Day 16 Thu, Jul 16 Full Oaxaca
Morning Monte Albán pyramids overlooking the valley
Monte Albán Archaeological Site$~5 hrs

Explore Monte Albán's mountaintop Zapotec pyramids overlooking Oaxaca Valley

$11 Verified Mar 2026 Best Nov-Apr (dry, clear views); open 8am-5pm 📍 Map
Afternoon

Free time to explore at your own pace

🏨 Hotel in Oaxaca

Centro / Zócalo

wificourtyardair-conditioningrestaurant
Travelers book: Hotel Central $45-75/nightCasa Angel Youth Hostel $25-45/nightOaxaca Real Hotel $50-80/night
Book Hotel in Oaxaca from $55/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 17 Fri, Jul 17 Light Oaxaca
Morning
Hierve el Agua Natural Pools$~5 hrs

Swim in cliff-edge mineral pools above petrified waterfalls at Hierve el Agua

$4 Verified Mar 2026 Best Nov-Apr (dry season, clear views); access can close during community disputes 📍 Map
Afternoon

Free time to explore at your own pace

🏨 Hotel in Oaxaca

Centro / Zócalo

wificourtyardair-conditioningrestaurant
Travelers book: Hotel Central $45-75/nightCasa Angel Youth Hostel $25-45/nightOaxaca Real Hotel $50-80/night
Book Hotel in Oaxaca from $55/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 18 Sat, Jul 18 Light Oaxaca
Morning Mezcal production at a traditional palenque in Oaxaca
Traditional Mezcal Distillery Visit$$~4 hrs

Tour a family-owned mezcal palenque and taste artisanal expressions

$45 Verified Mar 2026 Year-round; production peaks Nov-Mar 📍 Map
Afternoon

Free time to explore at your own pace

🏨 Hotel in Oaxaca

Centro / Zócalo

wificourtyardair-conditioningrestaurant
Travelers book: Hotel Central $45-75/nightCasa Angel Youth Hostel $25-45/nightOaxaca Real Hotel $50-80/night
Book Hotel in Oaxaca from $55/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 19 Sun, Jul 19 Light Oaxaca
Morning Colorful handwoven Zapotec textiles in Oaxacan village
Oaxacan Textile Weaving Villages$~5 hrs

Visit Zapotec weaving villages to watch artisans use backstrap looms

$50 Verified Mar 2026 Year-round; busiest weekday mornings 📍 Map
Afternoon

Free time to explore at your own pace

🏨 Hotel in Oaxaca

Centro / Zócalo

wificourtyardair-conditioningrestaurant
Travelers book: Hotel Central $45-75/nightCasa Angel Youth Hostel $25-45/nightOaxaca Real Hotel $50-80/night
Book Hotel in Oaxaca from $55/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you

Guadalajara

Guadalajara 3 stops · Open in Google Maps ↗
Day 20 Mon, Jul 20 Full Guadalajara
Morning Neoclassical courtyard of Instituto Cultural Cabañas in Guadalajara
Instituto Cultural Cabañas (UNESCO Site)$~2h 30m

Admire Orozco's murals in this UNESCO-listed neoclassical cultural center

$6 Verified Mar 2026 Year-round indoor; free on Tuesdays 📍 Map
Afternoon

Free time to explore at your own pace

🏨 Hotel in Guadalajara

Centro / Chapalita

wifibreakfastair-conditioningpool
Travelers book: Holiday Inn Centro Histórico $70-100/nightDe Mendoza Hotel $50-80/nightChapalita Suites $55-85/night
Book Hotel in Guadalajara from $60/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 21 Tue, Jul 21 Light Guadalajara
Morning
Tequila Town Day Trip & Distillery Tour$$~8 hrs

Visit the town of Tequila for agave fields and distillery tastings

$65 Verified Mar 2026 Best Nov-Apr (dry season); agave harvest peaks Nov-Mar 📍 Map
Afternoon

Free time to explore at your own pace

🏨 Hotel in Guadalajara

Centro / Chapalita

wifibreakfastair-conditioningpool
Travelers book: Holiday Inn Centro Histórico $70-100/nightDe Mendoza Hotel $50-80/nightChapalita Suites $55-85/night
Book Hotel in Guadalajara from $60/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 22 Wed, Jul 22 Light Guadalajara
Morning
Guadalajara Historic Center Walking Tour$~3 hrs

Walk through Guadalajara's four connected plazas and colonial landmarks

Best Nov-Apr; plazas open 24/7, buildings vary 📍 Map
Afternoon

Free time to explore at your own pace

🏨 Hotel in Guadalajara

Centro / Chapalita

wifibreakfastair-conditioningpool
Travelers book: Holiday Inn Centro Histórico $70-100/nightDe Mendoza Hotel $50-80/nightChapalita Suites $55-85/night
Book Hotel in Guadalajara from $60/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Guadalajara → Monterrey
8h ~$55 Primera Plus or ETN bus from Guadalajara to Monterrey (8h)

Monterrey

Monterrey 4 stops · Open in Google Maps ↗
Day 23 Thu, Jul 23 Full Monterrey
Morning
Macroplaza & Faro del Comercio$~2 hrs

Stroll one of the world's largest public plazas with its iconic green-laser tower

Year-round; cooler months Nov–Apr preferred. Faro del Comercio laser runs nightly. 📍 Map
Afternoon

Free time to explore at your own pace

🏨 Hotel in Monterrey

Centro / San Pedro Garza García / Valle Oriente

wifiair-conditioningpool
Travelers book: Fiesta Americana Monterrey Pabellón M $50-90/night
Book Hotel in Monterrey from $55/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 24 Fri, Jul 24 Light Monterrey
Morning
Fundidora Park$~3 hrs

Explore a 142-hectare urban park built on a historic steel foundry site

Year-round; cooler months preferred for outdoor walking 📍 Map
Afternoon

Free time to explore at your own pace

🏨 Hotel in Monterrey

Centro / San Pedro Garza García / Valle Oriente

wifiair-conditioningpool
Travelers book: Fiesta Americana Monterrey Pabellón M $50-90/night
Book Hotel in Monterrey from $55/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 25 Sat, Jul 25 Light Monterrey
Morning
MARCO — Museo de Arte Contemporáneo$~2 hrs

Browse world-class contemporary art at MARCO on the Macroplaza

$5 Year-round indoor; free on Wednesdays 📍 Map
Afternoon

Free time to explore at your own pace

🏨 Hotel in Monterrey

Centro / San Pedro Garza García / Valle Oriente

wifiair-conditioningpool
Travelers book: Fiesta Americana Monterrey Pabellón M $50-90/night
Book Hotel in Monterrey from $55/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you

San Miguel de Allende

San Miguel de Allende 2 stops · Open in Google Maps ↗
Day 26 Sun, Jul 26 Full San Miguel de Allende
Morning
Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel$~1h 30m

Visit the iconic pink Parroquia church on San Miguel's main plaza

Best Nov-Apr; illuminated beautifully at night 📍 Map
Afternoon

Free time to explore at your own pace

🏨 Hotel in San Miguel de Allende

Centro Histórico

wificourtyardrooftop terracerestaurant
Travelers book: Rosewood San Miguel de Allende $200-400/nightNido Rooms & Suites $60-100/nightCasa Schuck Boutique Hotel $80-120/night
Book Hotel in San Miguel de Allende from $85/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 27 Mon, Jul 27 Light San Miguel de Allende
Morning Art gallery interior at Fábrica La Aurora in San Miguel de Allende
Fabrica La Aurora Art & Design Complex$~2 hrs

Browse artist studios and galleries in a converted textile factory

Year-round indoor; Mon-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 11am-5pm 📍 Map
Afternoon

Free time to explore at your own pace

🏨 Hotel in San Miguel de Allende

Centro Histórico

wificourtyardrooftop terracerestaurant
Travelers book: Rosewood San Miguel de Allende $200-400/nightNido Rooms & Suites $60-100/nightCasa Schuck Boutique Hotel $80-120/night
Book Hotel in San Miguel de Allende from $85/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 28 Tue, Jul 28 San Miguel de Allende
Checkout & Depart

Check out of your hotel, grab a final breakfast, and head to the airport. Safe travels from San Miguel de Allende!

Where You’ll Stay

Estimated total: $1,488–$2,232

Trip Budget Estimate

$2,493 estimated total per person
$89 per day
Lodging $1,860
Activities $523
Transport $110

Estimates based on listed activity prices and hotel rates. Actual costs vary by season, availability, and personal spending.

Typical range for Mexico

$1,120 – $8,400 per person for 28 days

Budget: $40/day — Hostels, street food, colectivos Mid-range: $100/day — Boutique hotels, restaurants, ADO buses Luxury: $300/day — Haciendas, fine dining, private guides

Similar Destinations

Similar vibes, fewer crowds — destinations our algorithm rates as close matches to Mexico.

🧳 Practical Info for Mexico

📄 Visa
Visa-free for US, EU, UK, CA, AU, JP citizens for up to 180 days. FMM tourist card issued on arrival.
💵 Tipping
10–15% tip standard at restaurants. Tip gas station attendants, bag handlers, and hotel staff small amounts in pesos.
💱 Currency
Mexican Peso (MXN). Cards accepted in cities and tourist areas; carry cash for street vendors, markets, and small towns.
🔌 Power
127V, Type A/B plugs. US/CA devices work without adapter; EU/UK travelers need one.
📶 Connectivity
Buy a local SIM (Telcel has best coverage). Good signal in cities; rural and mountain areas may have gaps.
🚨 Emergency
911 (general emergency)

🚌 Getting Around Mexico

🚌 Bus

ADO first-class buses connect Mexico City, Oaxaca, and Yucatan cities comfortably. Book on ado.com.mx.

🚇 Metro

Mexico City's metro is extensive and costs ~$0.25 per ride. Avoid rush hours.

✈️ Flight

Volaris and VivaAerobus offer budget flights between distant cities like Mexico City and Cancun ($30-80).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mexico safe for tourists?

Popular tourist areas (Mexico City, Oaxaca, Yucatán, Puerto Vallarta) are generally safe. Use common sense, avoid isolated areas at night, and check travel advisories for specific regions.

What is the best time to visit Mexico?

November-April (dry season) is ideal. Mexico City and Oaxaca are great year-round. Caribbean coast has a hurricane season June-November.

How much does a week in Mexico cost?

Budget: $40-60/day. Mid-range: $80-150/day. Luxury: $300+/day. Street food tacos cost $0.50-2 each — some of the best food in the world.

Do I need a visa for Mexico?

US, EU, UK, CA, AU citizens can visit visa-free for up to 180 days. An FMM tourist card is issued on arrival.

Should I drink tap water in Mexico?

No — drink bottled or purified water. Most restaurants use purified water and ice. Avoid tap water even for brushing teeth in rural areas.

Explore Similar Trips