The National Museum of Anthropology is a must-see for anyone interested in learning about the history and culture of Mexico. It houses a vast collection of artifacts, including the Aztec Calendar Stone and the Stone of the Sun.
Coyoacán was home to two of Mexico's most famous artists, Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. The Frida Kahlo Museum, also known as the Blue House, was Kahlo's childhood home and the place where she spent most of her life. The Diego Rivera Studio Museum was where Rivera worked on many of his murals and other projects.
Teotihuacan was once one of the largest cities in the world, and its ruins are a testament to the ingenuity and skill of the ancient Mesoamerican people. The Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon are just two of the many impressive structures to see here.
Puebla is a beautiful colonial city filled with historic churches and buildings. The Puebla Cathedral is one of the most impressive, with its ornate Baroque facade and towering bell towers. The Museo Amparo is an excellent place to learn about the history of the region and its people.
The Monte Albán ruins are one of the most important archaeological sites in Mexico. The ancient Zapotec city was built on a mountaintop and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valley. The Oaxaca Regional Museum is a great place to learn about the culture and art of the region.
San Cristobal de las Casas is a charming colonial town nestled in the mountains of Chiapas. The city center is full of colorful buildings and great restaurants. The Na Bolom Museum is a unique place that celebrates the culture and traditions of the indigenous people of Chiapas.
The Palenque ruins are some of the most beautiful in all of Mexico. The temples and stelae are covered in intricate carvings and are surrounded by lush jungle. The Museum of Maya Medicine is an interesting place to learn about the traditional medical practices of the Maya people.
The Uxmal ruins are another incredible example of Maya architecture and engineering. The Pyramid of the Magician and the Governor's Palace are two of the most famous structures. The Gran Museo del Mundo Maya is an impressive modern museum that explores all aspects of Maya culture.
Tulum is a popular beach destination, but it's also home to some stunning Maya ruins. The Temple of the Wind and the Temple of the Descending God are two of the most photographed structures. After a morning exploring the ruins, take some time to relax on the beautiful beach.
The El Rey ruins are a lesser-known Maya site, but they are still worth a visit. The site is located right in the Hotel Zone, so it's easy to get to. After exploring the ruins, take some time to enjoy the crystal-clear waters and soft white sand of the beaches that Cancun is famous for.
Most of the destinations on this itinerary can be reached by bus or organized tour. For shorter distances around each city, taxis or public transportation can be used. The total cost of transportation will vary depending on the mode of transportation chosen, but it should be budgeted around 2,000 MXN ($100 USD) for the entire trip. Total travel time will be about 29 hours.
If you have more time, consider spending an extra day in Mexico City to check out some of the other museums or explore different neighborhoods. Or, head to the coast and visit some beach towns like Puerto Escondido or Playa del Carmen. If you have less time, consider skipping San Cristobal de las Casas or Cancun to allow for more time in other destinations.
The primary airport for this itinerary is Mexico City International Airport (MEX), which is about 11 miles from the city center. Other airports that could be used include Cancun International Airport (CUN) and Oaxaca International Airport (OAX).