Mexico Route: 9 Places to See, from Cancun to Oaxaca
Explore Mexico's most visited destinations spanning 6,969 km across the country. This route covers 10 iconic locations including Caribbean beaches in Cancun, colonial cities like San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato, ancient Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza and Tulum, and natural wonders like Copper Canyon.
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- San Miguel de Allende
- End
- Monte Alban
- Stops
- 9
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- San Miguel de Allende
- Copper Canyon — Vast network of six canyons in the Sierra Madre, larger than the Grand Canyon, accessible by the scenic Chihuahua-Pacific Railway through 86 tunnels and 37 bridges.
- Mexico City
- Puerto Vallarta — Coastal resort town on the Pacific with dramatic cliffside beaches, a charming historic waterfront, and gateway to Sierra Madre mountains.
- Chichen Itza — Monumental Maya-Toltec archaeological site renowned for its pyramid temple, astronomical observatory, and sophisticated pre-Hispanic engineering.
- Cancun
- Guanajuato — Colonial silver-mining city in a narrow valley with pink and green sandstone mansions, underground traffic tunnels, and colorful pedestrian-friendly alleyways.
- Oaxaca
- Monte Alban — Mountain-top ancient Zapotec capital city with impressive ruins and panoramic valley views, located near Oaxaca in south-central Mexico.
Useful for your trip
- Transport
- Explore Copper Canyon via the Chihuahua-Pacific Railway, which passes over 37 bridges and through 86 tunnels, rising to 8,000 feet and offering spectacular scenery.
- Tip
- In Guanajuato, most traffic is served by underground tunnels, making the city excellent for pedestrians exploring its colorful streets and alleyways.
- Tip
- Visit Monte Alban archaeological site perched on a mountain to see the ancient Zapotec capital with impressive valley views.
- Food
- In San Miguel de Allende, dine in great restaurants while exploring galleries and visiting nearby hot springs.
- Food
- In Cancun's downtown El Centro area, find cheap eating options and salsa clubs with authentic Mexican atmosphere.
- Tip
- In Oaxaca, visit the charming town square at the city's heart to see colonial landmarks like the Santo Domingo church and relax at outdoor cafes.
- Timing
- Visit Chichen Itza during spring or fall equinox when the sun creates a light show on the Temple of Kukulkan pyramid stairs.
- Tip
- At Tulum, swim at the secret beach surrounded by palm trees and sunbathing iguanas, and view murals inside the Temple of the Frescoes.
- Timing
- In Puerto Vallarta, humpback whales can be seen between December and March, while giant manta rays and dolphins are viewable year-round.
- Transport
- Tulum ruins are an hour's drive from Cancun, making it accessible as a day trip from the resort city.
Video on this route
10 Best Places to Visit in Mexico - Travel Video