10-Day Exploring Mexico from Canada: Culture, Cuisine, and Coastlines

Day 1: Arrival & Historic Mexico City

Mexico City, Mexico on April 18, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Lalo!

Start the day with a delicious breakfast at Lalo!, popular for its fresh pastries and strong coffee, open from 7am to 3pm.
MXN150, 1h

10:30am

Zócalo and Metropolitan Cathedral

Explore the heart of Mexico City at the massive Zócalo plaza, then visit the Metropolitan Cathedral, a stunning example of Spanish colonial architecture open until 5pm.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at El Cardenal

Enjoy traditional Mexican cuisine at El Cardenal, known for its authentic dishes and excellent service, open for lunch until 5pm.
MXN300, 1.5h

3:00pm

Frida Kahlo Museum

Visit the Blue House where Frida Kahlo lived and worked. Tickets need to be booked in advance. Open 10am to 5:45pm.
MXN250, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Pujol

Dine at Pujol, one of Mexico City's top restaurants offering a modern take on traditional Mexican flavors. Reservations recommended.
MXN1500, 2h

Day 2: Museum & Culinary Experience

Mexico City, Mexico on April 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Nin

Enjoy a relaxed, artisan breakfast at Café Nin, famous for their baked goods and great coffee. Open from 8am.
MXN180, 1h

9:30am

National Museum of Anthropology

Spend the morning exploring Mexico’s rich history through ancient artifacts and exhibits. Open 9am to 7pm.
MXN85, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Mercado Roma

Taste a variety of dishes from different vendors at Mercado Roma food hall, a trendy spot for locals and tourists alike.
MXN200, 1.5h

3:00pm

Chapultepec Castle

Visit the historic Chapultepec Castle offering scenic views and museum exhibits, open until 5pm.
MXN85, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Contramar

Enjoy fresh seafood and vibrant atmosphere at Contramar, a local favorite in Mexico City open from 1pm to 11pm.
MXN450, 2h

Day 3: Travel to Puebla & Explore

Puebla, Mexico on April 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at your hotel

Have a quick breakfast to prepare for travel, as you will depart for Puebla.
Included, 0.5h

8:30am

Travel to Puebla

Take a 2-hour bus or private transfer from Mexico City to Puebla, known for its colonial architecture and vibrant culinary scene.
MXN250, 2h

11:00am

Discover Puebla Historic Center

Walk around Puebla’s UNESCO-listed historic center, admire the stunning Talavera tiles and baroque churches until it starts to close by sundown.
Free, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at El Mural de los Poblanos

Savor authentic poblano cuisine including mole poblano in a restaurant renowned for its mural art and tradition.
MXN300, 1.5h

3:30pm

Visit Capilla del Rosario

Explore this exquisite chapel famous for its lavish gilded baroque interior, generally open until 6pm.
MXN40, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Casa de los Muñecos

Dine in a charming colonial house restaurant serving refined Mexican dishes, a perfect end to your Puebla day.
MXN400, 2h

Day 4: Puebla to Oaxaca Journey

Puebla to Oaxaca, Mexico on April 21, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at La Pasita

Enjoy traditional breakfast specialties including atole and tamales before departing to Oaxaca.
MXN150, 1h

9:00am

Travel to Oaxaca

Travel 4-5 hours by bus or private transfer to Oaxaca, a city renowned for indigenous cultures and vibrant arts.
MXN400, 4.5h

2:00pm

Lunch at Café Bilingüe

Have lunch with fresh Oaxacan speciality dishes at café supporting local artisans and culture.
MXN220, 1.5h

4:00pm

Walk through Oaxaca city center

Explore the colorful streets, markets, and colonial architecture before the evening.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Casa Oaxaca

Relish exquisite regional cuisine with a modern twist at Casa Oaxaca, open nightly until 11pm.
MXN500, 2h

Day 5: Oaxaca Culture & Artisans

Oaxaca, Mexico on April 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pan:am

Start your day at Pan:am bakery with artisan breads and great coffee, open from 7am.
MXN150, 1h

9:30am

Monte Albán Archaeological Site

Visit the ancient Zapotec ruins 10 minutes outside Oaxaca. Open 8am to 5pm, explore the impressive pyramids and plazas.
MXN80, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Mercado 20 de Noviembre

Try traditional Oaxacan dishes such as tlayudas and chapulines in this bustling food market.
MXN150, 1.5h

3:00pm

Visit local artisan workshops

Explore workshops in the nearby villages of Teotitlán del Valle for weaving and pottery until early evening.
MXN100, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Los Danzantes

Enjoy a fusion of traditional and contemporary Oaxacan dishes in a beautiful courtyard setting.
MXN450, 2h

Day 6: Travel to San Cristobal de las Casas

San Cristobal de las Casas, Mexico on April 23, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at hotel

Grab a quick breakfast to prepare for your travel day to San Cristobal de las Casas.
Included, 0.5h

8:00am

Flight or bus to Tuxtla Gutiérrez then transfer to San Cristobal

Take a morning domestic flight or bus plus transfer, total travel about 6-7 hours including transfers.
MXN800, 6h

3:30pm

Explore San Cristobal Zócalo

Walk around the charming central plaza and nearby artisan markets open until evening.
Free, 1.5h

6:00pm

Dinner at Tierra y Cielo

Enjoy local Chiapas cuisine in this well-reviewed restaurant open in the evening.
MXN350, 2h

Day 7: Cultural Highlights of San Cristobal

San Cristobal de las Casas, Mexico on April 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe el Arenal

Start your day with locally sourced coffee and breakfast, open from 7:30am.
MXN120, 1h

9:30am

Na Bolom Museum

Visit this cultural museum dedicated to the preservation of the Lacandon Jungle and indigenous peoples, open 9am-6pm.
MXN50, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at El Fogón de Jovel

Try authentic regional dishes such as cochinita pibil and tamales.
MXN220, 1.5h

2:00pm

Visit San Juan Chamula and Zinacantán Villages

Take an afternoon tour to these indigenous villages famous for unique customs and textiles (tours run until around 5pm).
MXN300, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Restaurante Lumbre

Enjoy creative innovative cuisine showcasing local ingredients.
MXN400, 2h

Day 8: Travel to Cancun Beach

Cancun, Mexico on April 25, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Quick breakfast before heading to airport for flight.
Included, 0.5h

8:00am

Flight to Cancun

Morning flight from Tuxtla Gutiérrez to Cancun, about 3.5 hours travel time.
MXN1200, 3.5h

12:00pm

Check into hotel and lunch at Lorenzillo's

Enjoy fresh seafood with lagoon views at Lorenzillo's, open daily 12pm-10pm.
MXN600, 1.5h

2:00pm

Relax on Cancun beaches

Spend your afternoon unwinding on Cancun’s famous beaches including Playa Delfines.
Free, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at La Habichuela

Experience Mayan-inspired cuisine in a romantic garden setting, open until 11pm.
MXN550, 2h

Day 9: Mayan Ruins & Cenotes

Cancun, Mexico on April 26, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up early to head out for an adventurous day exploring ancient ruins and natural wonders.
Included, 0.5h

8:00am

Day trip to Chichen Itza and Cenote Ik Kil

Visit the iconic UNESCO World Heritage site Chichen Itza, open 8am-5pm, and then cool off at the stunning nearby cenote.
MXN800, 8h

6:30pm

Dinner at Fred's House

End the day with a beautiful ocean view and seafood at Fred's House in Cancun Hotel Zone.
MXN600, 2h

Day 10: Departure from Cancun

Cancun, Mexico on April 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your final breakfast relaxing before transfer to airport.
Included, 1h

10:00am

Transfer to Cancun International Airport

Head to Cancun airport for your departure back to Canada with plenty of time for check-in and security.
Included, 1h