Mexico Travel Itinerary: The Real Experience from Isla Mujeres to Tequila
Location: Mexico
Would I go back?
100% YES! 🇲🇽
If you're planning a trip to Mexico and want a blend of breathtaking beaches, vibrant culture, authentic food, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences—this detailed itinerary will help you plan every stop.
🌴 1st Stop: Isla Mujeres – A Caribbean Paradise
Highly recommended! Just 30 minutes by ferry from Cancun, Isla Mujeres is a must-visit tropical escape. The short ferry ride over turquoise Caribbean waters is part of the adventure—you might even spot a sea turtle!
What to Do in Isla Mujeres:
Stay at least 3 days to fully explore beyond the typical day-tripper itinerary.
Walk to the northern end of the island where beach clubs, boutique hotels, shops, and restaurants create a lively atmosphere.
Rent a golf cart (we recommend Joaquin's rentals south of the ferry terminal) to explore the island with ease.
Visit Mirador Punta Sur for breathtaking ocean views and coastal walking paths (entry: $100 MXN / $10 NZD).
Stop at The Joint bar nearby for a cold beer and a snack.
Unforgettable Experience: Swimming with Whale Sharks
We visited in late June—peak season for whale shark migration off the coast of the Yucatán Peninsula. Swimming beside a 12-meter gentle giant in the deep ocean was unforgettable.
Captain Ruben carefully drove the boat to a position where the whale shark was heading, we jumped in and as the bubbles disappeared in front of us the whale sharks mouth was directly in front of us...(and yes its safe—they only eat plankton!).
After the dive, our guide took us to a nearby beach where we relaxed and enjoyed beers and fresh ceviche. Would I do it again? Absolutely.
Bonus: Mexican Cooking Class
The only activity we pre-booked for our whole trip was a cooking class with Ricardo and Devore, who welcomed us into their home with margaritas and fresh local ingredients. It was hands-down the best Mexican food we’ve ever tasted, and we left with full bellies, happy hearts, and a new love for Mexican cuisine.
🏛 2nd Stop: Valladolid – History & Culture in One Day
Just 1 hour by ADO bus from Cancun, Valladolid is a charming colonial town that serves as a perfect base for visiting Chichén Itzá.
Highlights:
Stayed at Hotel Mesón del Marqués, conveniently close to the ADO station.
Visited Casa de los Venados – a private home museum with an incredible collection of Mexican folk art. Entry by donation (min. $100 MXN). I wish we had more time to look at all the incredible art.
Early morning trip to Chichén Itzá, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Arrived at 9am to beat the heat and crowds. You can opt for a guided tour or prep with a YouTube video like we did.
Our hotel arranged the taxi driver and he waited up to 4 hours while we explored the ruins. I would love to visit this site again, it still has me wondering.
🌴 3rd Stop: Tulum – Overpriced & Underwhelming
If there's one place we don’t recommend, it's Tulum.
What went wrong:
Taxi prices were outrageous. Expect to be charged over 5x the fair rate from town to the beach zone.
You must pay to access the beach unless you're staying at a beachfront hotel—or sneak in through one.
Overpriced and underwhelming experience. Had a not so peaceful ride their tour qaud bikes along the highway (we thought we might have been scammed or being taken somewhere else)
What we did enjoy:
We loved our accommodation, a tree cabin nestled in the jungle in the hotel zone.
A Cenote tour that included swimming in crystal-clear underground pools (despite a sketchy quad bike ride to get there).
Beer was cheaper than water
💧 4th Stop: Bacalar – A Hidden Gem on the Lagoon
Must visit! Bacalar felt safe, local, and vibrant—a breath of fresh air after Tulum.
Highlights:
Spent an afternoon on Laguna Bacalar with a boat tour ($500 MXN / $50 NZD) including drinks and swim spots near lake cenotes.
Stayed at The Yak Lake House Hostel, a friendly, secure spot where we finally met other Kiwis and Aussies! They have lots of activities and events at the hostel.
Found fresh produce and delicious food that had been hard to come by in the cities.
🌀 Note: We left early due to a category 5 hurricane approaching the Yucatán Coast.
🌆 5th Stop: León – Leather Capital of Mexico
We arrived in León late and stayed with local friends—making this stop even more special.
What to Know:
León is Mexico’s leather capital. I couldn’t resist buying 2 pairs of cowgirl boots for just $800 MXN ($80 NZD) each.
The local food scene was incredible, especially when guided by locals.
This is where I learn't tacos are a normal meal any time of day—breakfast, lunch, and dinner!
🌈 6th Stop: San Miguel de Allende – Colorful & Magical
Just 1.5 hours from León, San Miguel de Allende was pure magic.
I brought art from a local artist and so many colourful pom poms from their gift shops. We spent only 1 night here, I could have happily spent another night here.
What to Do:
Enjoy rooftop dining and sunset cocktails with panoramic views.
Shop for handmade art, textiles, and pom poms in charming gift shops.
Stay longer than one night if you can—this vibrant town stays lively 24/7 with street food available at any hour.
🥃 7th Stop: Tequila – Great for a Day Trip
Our final stop was the iconic town of Tequila—and it was underwhelming.
Pros:
Casa Sauza Tequila Tour: English-speaking guide, lots of tastings, and we learned how to identify real tequila (look for "100% agave").
Cons:
Felt unsafe at night with roaming dogs and loud cars.
Too many day tourists and not enough to do in the evening.
If visiting Tequila, make it a day trip—not an overnight stay.
🌮 Final Thoughts: Is Mexico Worth Visiting?
Yes, absolutely.
I went for the authentic food and real margaritas, and I got that—and so much more.
What I Loved:
Warm, friendly locals who made us feel welcome. Felt safe 95% of the time.
Incredible, fresh food that varied by region.
Diverse experiences: ocean adventures, ancient ruins, magical towns, and culinary discoveries.
What to Watch Out For:
Avoid going out at night in unfamiliar areas.
Be cautious in places like Tulum and Tequila, which felt less safe and more tourist-trappy.
🇲🇽 Top 3 Must-Visit Places in Mexico:
Isla Mujeres – Caribbean perfection with whale sharks and beach vibes
Bacalar – Lagoon life and fresh, local charm
San Miguel de Allende – Color, art, and rooftop magic
❌ Places to Avoid:
Tulum – Overpriced, overrated, and under-delivering (unless you don’t mind paying premium prices for basic experiences)
