Explore the ancient ruins and learn about the civilization that once lived in Palenque. Don't miss the beautiful Temple of the Inscriptions and the Palace. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes as there's a lot of walking involved!
Admire the stunning cliffs and waterfalls of the Sumidero Canyon as you take a boat tour. Keep an eye out for the wildlife, including crocodiles and monkeys.
Discover the ancient Zapotec city of Monte Albán, located on a mountaintop with views of the valley below. The site features impressive pyramids, an observatory, and a ball court.
Go on a hiking or biking adventure through the beautiful mountains of Sierra Norte. There are numerous trails to choose from, with varying difficulty levels and lengths.
Take a scenic train ride through Copper Canyon, which is larger and deeper than the Grand Canyon. The route passes through numerous tunnels and over impressive bridges, providing stunning views of the canyon's cliffs and gorges.
Relax on the sandy beaches of Baja California, where you can swim, sunbathe, and even go snorkeling or scuba diving to explore the sea life.
Experience a variety of thrilling activities at Xplor Adventure Park, including ziplining, underground river swimming, and driving an amphibious vehicle through the jungle. End the day with a delicious buffet lunch.
Travelers should consider renting a car or hiring a private driver for the duration of their trip to best navigate the varying terrains and distances of the destinations. The estimated travel costs are MXN$5000-7000 for car rental or MXN$12000-15000 for private hire. Some destinations, such as Copper Canyon and Xplor Adventure Park, require specific modes of transportation that are best coordinated ahead of time. Copper Canyon Train Expedition tickets must be reserved in advance and transportation to the train station is not included. Xplor Adventure Park includes transportation from select hotels in the Riviera Maya region.
If you have more time, consider adding a day trip to the Cenotes around Tulum or visiting the ancient Mayan city of Chichen Itza. If you have less time, consider skipping the Sierra Norte Mountain Range or choosing one beach to visit in Baja California.
There are numerous airports in Mexico that depending on where you're starting from, including Mexico City International Airport (MEX), Cancun International Airport (CUN), Guadalajara International Airport (GDL), and Los Cabos International Airport (SJD). The closest airport to Palenque is Palenque International Airport (PQM), which is located about 2 miles away from Palenque city center. The closest airport to Copper Canyon is General Roberto Fierro Villalobos International Airport (CUU) in the city of Chihuahua, which is about 145 miles away from the canyon.