Start your adventure on the white sandy beaches of Tulum. Spend a relaxing day soaking up the sun, swimming in turquoise waters, and savoring traditional Mexican food under palapas. Don't miss the chance to explore the Tulum Mayan ruins, one of the best-preserved coastal Mayan cities.
Eco-tourism lovers can't miss Sian Ka'an. It's a protected natural reserve, where you can explore freshwater canals, mangroves, and endangered wildlife species. You'll feel amazed by the lagoons, cenotes, and hidden beaches preserved in this land. Book a certified guide and enjoy birdwatching, diving, snorkeling, or kayaking tours.
Get impressed by one of Mexico's natural wonders: the Sumidero Canyon. Hop on a boat tour to explore the deep canyon walls that reach up to 3,280 feet. Experience the flora and fauna of the Grijalva river, admire the panoramic views of the Chiapas highlands and take some Instagram-worthy pictures.
Journey through the Chiapas mountain range and find the El Chiflon waterfall. Its seven-tiered turquoise cascades will leave you in awe. Enjoy a refreshing dip in the swimming areas, where you can see tropical fish closely, take a zipline, or go for a hike to the top of the waterfall.
For a high-altitude experience, visit Nevado de Toluca. It’s a volcanic mountain that reaches 15,354 feet, and it’s located in Mexico's highlands. Trek to the crater and enjoy the unique landscape of the lake and rare endemic plants. Take a picnic or a bike ride amid the mountains, woods, and waterfalls of the park.
End your trip on whale-watching or snorkeling day trip to Marietas Islands. It's an archipelago of hidden beaches formed by volcanic activity, and you can reach them by speedboat. Enjoy the marine life, dolphins, and turtles that inhabit these waters, relish the delicious local seafood, and take your last chance for sunbathing and relaxing.
During your Mexico natural escape trip, consider taking a rental car to get around. The mountain and beach locations can be remote, and the public transportation connections could be scarce. Expect to spend around $200 in rental car fees, gas, and tolls. Keep in mind that some destinations, such as Sian Ka'an, only allow authorized operators to take tours within the protected areas.
If you have more time, you could add a visit to the butterfly reserves and mystical towns in Michoacán or explore more mountain destinations like Copper Canyon in Chihuahua. If you have less time, you could prioritize the beach locations in Tulum and Puerto Vallarta or go for a day trip to Isla Mujeres from Cancún. Make sure to check the weather and season of each location in advance.
The Cancun International Airport (CUN) located in the Puerto Morelos Municipality, is the most convenient airport to start your trip. There you'll find direct flights from most US and Canadian main cities. The Puerto Vallarta International airport (PVR), Gustavo Diaz Ordaz, is the main airport serving the state of Jalisco and the nearby Riviera Nayarit. It's 6 miles outside the Puerto Vallarta city center.