A 7-day Mexico Itinerary Covering Mexico City and Merida

A 7-day easy Mexico itinerary covering Mexico City and Merida | With costs and a detailed itinerary | Great for a solo traveller and a first-timer | Safe and fun

I’d been lusting after Mexico for quite a while but was worried about things one reads in the newspapers regarding safety, especially as a solo female traveller. And then, when the opportunity came to travel to Canada on a cheap fare, I thought, why not club it with a visit to Mexico? As soon as the germ of the idea sprang up, I was obsessed with it. Everyone discouraged me, but it’s easy to feel afraid when you know nothing about it.

Mexico is a wonderful destination for those who want to experience a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. The country is in North America, bordered by the United States to the north and Belize and Guatemala to the south. Its history and culture have been shaped by the indigenous people, Spanish colonialism, and modern-day American culture.

Mexico is known for its lively cities, stunning beaches, and delicious food. Some of its most popular tourist destinations include Mexico City, Puerto Vallarta, Oaxaca, Guadalajara, and the Yucatan Peninsula. If you choose carefully, you can have a really fun, stress-free holiday in the country.

As a first-timer, I chose Mexico City and Merida as my bases. Mexico City because it represents Mexico in a nutshell and needed to be done, and Merida because it is among the safest cities in Mexico and easy to do.

This itinerary can be done alone, is cost-efficient and safe, and allows one to experience the local culture. 

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The Basics

Safety

Mexico is NOT dangerous for travellers, even solo travellers, at least not in the parts I went to. If you take basic precautions, you should be okay. Choose safe cities, avoid venturing out after sunset, use trusted Airbnb stays and experiences, and use Uber or ADO buses to travel. Here’s a Facebook group for solo female travellers to Mexico in which you can learn more about solo travelling as a woman in Mexico.

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Language

Not speaking Spanish can be a disadvantage in parts of Mexico. And even if you tell them, No hablo español, señor, they will insist on continuing in Spanish. I solved this by accosting a foreigner (gringo) who spoke both Spanish and English and having her translate for me. And Google Translate helps. While visiting a museum, use Google Translate (point your phone to it and take a picture) to get the English translation of the (mostly) Spanish inscriptions. Not knowing Spanish has been a major challenge to trying street food, too. Moreover, most local websites are in Spanish (Aeromexico, Telcel, public Wi-Fi), and while Google translates, sometimes it misses. However, the more you move towards the Caribbean side of Mexico, the more it improves. In Cancun, for example, I had no trouble communicating.

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Currency

Exchange currency or withdraw money at the Mexico City International Airport (the ATM machines are located right before the exit, downstairs in the Airport Arrivals section). While withdrawing, decline the suggested conversion fee (not the transaction fee). Banks take 0.8–1.2% of the withdrawal amount as a transaction fee. Citibanamex and HSBC charged me less (compared to Santander). Withdraw as much as you’re comfortable with, since you get charged for each transaction. Allocate around 1000 MXN per day if your accommodation and tours are paid for. For my 7-day trip, I withdrew 8,000 Mexican pesos. Credit cards are accepted in most major shops and establishments.

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SIM card

Get the Telcel Amigo Chip Express, which comes with a default of 300 MB free for 200 MXN. Top it up with an unlimited plan, i.e., Paquete Amigo Sin Límite (I added 3 GB valid for 30 days for 300 MXN). Telecel SIM cards are available in most supermarkets and grocery stores; just go to the counter and ask for it. Pro tip: enquire for a Telcel ‘chip’ and not ‘SIM’.

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Transportation

Uber is a cost-effective and secure way to get around in Mexican cities. It costs about 2 USD per kilometre to travel in an Uber in Mexico City. There’s an alternative to it as well, which is Didi.

In Merida, you can walk from one place to another, but Mexico City is massive, requiring cabs to travel between locations. Mexico City also has a major traffic problem. Do not plan back-to-back tours, as I did. I have to also add that I found street crossing a challenge and merely followed the crowds, hoping for the best.

Mexico has a popular bus service connecting major cities, the ADO (Autobuses de Oriente). I only used it for the trip from Merida airport to my hotel, but the buses are known to be economical, clean, safe, and well-equipped. Think Flixbus of Mexico. Check out Busbud to look up routes and reserve your tickets since the official website is in Spanish.

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Flying from India

You can get visa-free entry to Mexico if you have a US or a Canada visa. You’ll most likely enter Mexico through either a Canadian or US city. Flair Airlines and Aeromexico run promotions to various cities in Mexico from the US and Canada. I flew from Vancouver via Aeromexico (with a 10 kg luggage limit and a USD 200 one-side fare).

If you’re from India, you might be able to snag reasonably priced Mumbai-Cancun tickets through Turkish Airlines. I flew back via Turkish Airlines from Cancun (USD 700 one-way fare).

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Staying

Mexico City

For a solo female traveller, the recommended areas to stay in Mexico City are Roma, Condesa, and Polanco. Casa Pancha in Condesa and Hotel MX Roma are both great choices, with rooms costing around USD 40–70, depending on how far out you book. Staying in a hotel in the upscale area of Polanco is more expensive. Hotel El Ejecutivo by Reforma Avenue which is located close to Polanco is recommended.

Booking.com

Mexico City is safe enough for women. Centro has a strong police presence. La Condesa and Roma areas are very safe. Having said that, I didn’t venture out after 8 p.m. (sundown) and carried a front-hold bag at all times. I took Uber everywhere.

Merida

Merida is a safe city, so it’s alright to stay in most areas. There are plenty of inexpensive and remarkable places near the centre for you to consider, such as Hotel La Piazzetta and Hotel La Catedral Merida.

Booking.com

Cancun

You might need to travel to Cancun, as that’s where most international flights depart and arrive from. I stayed for one night at Casa Tauch Guest House (USD 40 per night). This was an amazing small place located near the Ado bus station in the city centre. But the only thing I did in Cancun was to stay overnight.

Now, let’s dive into the 7-day easy Mexico itinerary covering Mexico City and Merida.

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Day 1: Arrival in Mexico City

Mexico City, also known as Ciudad de México or CDMX, is the bustling capital city of Mexico. It is a vibrant metropolis that blends its rich cultural heritage with modernity. Visitors can explore the city’s historic centre with its beautiful colonial buildings, museums, and cultural landmarks. The city is also known for its delicious street food, ranging from tacos and tamales to churros and chilaquiles. Mexico City is located at the heart of Mexico in the Anahuac Valley (Valley of Mexico) and has a population of 127 million.

Mexico City is enormous! Do not underestimate its scale and the level of chaos. Even two weeks might not be enough time to uncover the city. There are 180 museums in the city, (arguably) the second largest in the world after London , and there are so many neighbourhoods and activities to discover! So, whatever you do, wherever you go, allow enough time to explore the city without it getting overwhelming.

Now, let’s start the Mexico City exploration in the 7-day Mexico itinerary.

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Morning: The Historic Center

Mexico City’s Centro Historico is the heart of the city, known for its stunning buildings, restaurants, and commercial establishments. It’s home to many iconic landmarks, such as the Metropolitan Cathedral, the National Palace, and the Templo Mayor archaeological site. But Centro is chaos. Taking deep breaths will help you cope with the stress of the heat and the crowds, and a free walking tour is a great way to get a quick overview of the area.

Here are a couple of free walking tours that take you around. I had the good fortune to have Luis from Viva La Vida Mexico Experiences as my tour guide and to be the only one on the tour. He later took me to the Coyoacán neighbourhood and became more of a friend than a guide. The free tours start at various times during the day, but most commonly at 10:30 and 11 AM, with a meeting point in front of the Círculo Mexicano Hotel.

What will you see on Centro’s free walking tour?

Afternoon: Coyoacán

Coyoacán is a charming neighbourhood located in the south of Mexico City, known for its cobblestone streets, colourful buildings, and bohemian atmosphere. Visitors can explore the lively markets, artisanal shops, and beautiful colonial buildings, such as Casa Azul and the San Juan Bautista Church. There are several afternoon tours of the neighbourhood departing from Casa Azul.

Undoubtedly, the most important edifice in the Coyoacán neighbourhood is Casa Azul.

Casa Azul, or the Blue House, is the former home of the iconic Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. Located in Coyoacán, the Blue House has been turned into a museum dedicated to the life and work of Frida Kahlo. The museum houses a collection of her personal belongings, including her easel, paintbrushes, clothing, and some of her most famous self-portraits. The entry ticket is priced at 250 MXN (USD 14) from Monday to Friday and 270 MXN on weekends. This is the official site to buy tickets. Pre-booking is recommended. Slots come in 15-minute chunks. Reach ahead of time and queue up for entry. I took the slot at 5 PM (last entry) and could stay until closing time at 6 PM. There is an extra charge to take pictures inside the rooms, about 30 MXN, I think. Timing: 10 AM to 6 PM (5 PM last entry) Open all days.

Is it worth going to Casa Azul? That’s debatable. I’d say only if you already know something about Frida Kahlo and are a fan. She was an iconic artist with an interesting life story and is considered a national treasure in Mexico. If you want to know more about her, read I Paint My Own Reality, or watch the movie Frida. If you are short on time, though, skip Casa Azul. There are far better museums in Mexico City.

Optional Visits

Near the Frida Kahlo Museum, at Avenida Francisco Sosa 383, Santa Catarina, is Casa Alvarado. This is where Nobel Prize winner and poet Octavio Paz lived out his last days. It is now the home of the Fonoteca Nacional, the National Sound and Music Library. Swing by if you have the time.

Visit the Floating Gardens of Xochimilco, which is close to Coyoacán. Since I was limited on time, I didn’t go there. Moreover, it sounded touristy, and having experienced Mexico City’s painful traffic by then, I knew I wasn’t going to make it on time.

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Day 2: The Teotihuacan Pyramids

​Teotihuacan is an ancient Mesoamerican city located an hour (50 km) from Mexico City. It was inhabited as early as 200 BC and thrived during the time of the Romans. The Aztecs found the abandoned city in the 1400s and named it Teotihuacan (“the place where the gods were created”). Much of Teotihuacan remains a mystery.

The pyramids are arranged in a grid style, covering 20 square kilometres. The Pyramid of the Moon, the Pyramid of the Sun, the Ciudadela (“Citadel”) and the Temple of Quetzalcoatl (the Feathered Serpent) are the main edifices. The Avenue of the Dead (40 meters long) connects them. Teotihuacan is a UNESCO world heritage site, but, apparently, the adjoining village is one of the poorest in Mexico! Keep an eye out for the four-petal flower motif (a symbol for opposing energies and also the prevalent​ cooperative government) and the obsidian wares being sold on the premises. The Teotihuacan built weapons made from obsidian and grew rich trading in them.

I used an Airbnb experience to visit Teotihuacan | Entry Timings: 8:00 AM − 5:00 PM. The last entry is at 3 PM. A good idea is to visit on a Monday when most museums in Mexico City are closed| Entry fee for foreigners: 90 MXN (USD 5)

A 7-day safe and easy Mexico itinerary covering Mexico City and Merida | Great for first-timers 

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Day 3: Explore Mexico City

Morning: The National Museum of Anthropology

The National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City should be the first place to visit for travellers to Mexico and literally anyone interested in the cultural heritage of Mexico and Mesoamerica. It is an impressive museum that can take a whole day to explore. Some of its notable exhibits are the Aztec Hall, which features the famous Aztec Calendar Stone; the Maya Hall, showcasing ancient Maya art and architecture; and the Oaxaca Hall, which displays artefacts from the Zapotec and Mixtec civilizations. Other highlights include the Hall of Mesoamerican Culture, which explores the cultural diversity of ancient Mesoamerica, and the Hall of Contemporary Indigenous Peoples, which showcases the art and culture of Mexico’s indigenous communities.

I was told that Sundays have free admission, but realised on arrival that this only applied to Mexican nationals or foreigners with residency proof in Mexico City. It wasn’t too crowded, despite the free entry. My only gripe was that most inscriptions were in Spanish, and I had trouble understanding the exhibits.

Museo Nacional de Antropología, Av. Paseo de la Reforma (10 AM to 6 PM) | Ticket price: 90 MXN (around $5) | Free guided tours in English are offered Tuesday through Saturday at various times, starting at 10:30 AM.

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Afternoon: Lunch in Chapultepec Park

The Museo Nacional de Antropología is located in Chapultepec Park, which is a vast urban oasis located in the heart of Mexico City. The park offers a peaceful escape from the bustling city, with beautiful gardens, lakes, and walking trails. Because I went on a Sunday, it was teeming with people, and a peaceful oasis it was not. I spent a couple of hours loitering around the park, avoiding getting trampled on in the weekend market, then picked up some food and people-watched. The nearby Chapultepec Castle is apparently a must-do, which I skipped because I had other things planned.

The Palacio de Bellas Artes (Palace of Fine Arts)

While entry to the Museo Nacional de Antropología was not free, the Palacio de Bellas Artes allows free entry on Sundays for everyone. Join the crowds to gawk at the impressive murals of Diego Rivera, David Alfaro Siqueiros, Roberto Montenegro, Jorge González Camarena, and a few others. If you didn’t know this already, Diego Rivera was Frida Kahlo’s husband and a revered Mexican muralist. Their marriage was a stormy and scandalous one, and the stuff of legends (and much gossip!).

Palacio de Bellas Artes (10 AM to 5 PM) | Ticket price: 80 MXN usually (around $4.5) | Free entry on Sundays The concert hall hosts ballet performances that are well worth watching, although pricey at 12–1400 MXN or about 70 USD.

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Evening: The Neighbourhoods of Roma and Condesa

I did a free tour with Estacion of the neighbourhood of Roma and Condesa. This was a relaxing way to end my stay in Mexico City. This modern, upscale neighbourhood is a great area to walk around and experience the lives of upwardly mobile Mexicans. The place is dotted with parks, restaurants, cafes, bars, and boutiques.

The key landmarks to check out in Roma are

• Parque México – a popular park with a lake, fountains, and a walking track.
• Mercado Roma – a gourmet food market with a variety of international and local food vendors. If a traditional Mercado frightens you, this is where to go.
• Plaza Luis Cabrera – a picturesque square surrounded by restaurants and cafes.
• Casa Lamm – a cultural centre housed in a historic mansion with galleries, bookstores, and a cafe.
• El Péndulo – a popular bookstore with a unique tree-like structure and a cafe.

The key landmarks to check out in Condesa are

• Parque España – a large park with a central fountain, playgrounds, and sports facilities.
• Casa de Las Brujas – a striking art deco mansion with a history of alleged witchcraft.
• Edificio Condesa – a distinctive art deco building with a clock tower and a rooftop bar.
• Avenida Amsterdam – a tree-lined avenue with art nouveau mansions, restaurants, and cafes.
• El Hipódromo Condesa – a historic horse racetrack and park with jogging trails and a lake.

Now we come to the Merida part of the 7-day easy Mexico itinerary.

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Day 4: Arrival at Merida

About Merida and the Yucatan Peninsula

Merida is the capital city of the Yucatan Peninsula, a region known for its rich cultural heritage, ancient Mayan ruins, and beautiful beaches. The colonial city of Merida is a good base for exploring Yucatan. Merida is located in southeastern Mexico. It’s not too far from some of the more popular Mexico travel attractions, such as Cancun, Tulum, and Riviera Maya (which I skipped because… touristy much?!). Also, Merida and the Yucatan Peninsula are counted among the safest places in Mexico.

** The Tren Maya (also known as the Mayan Train or Maya Train) will be a good alternative way to traverse the Yucatán Peninsula. The 1,525-kilometre (948-mile) route will connect Chiapas, Tabasco, Campeche, Yucatán, and Quintana Roo. It is supposed to start operations in 2024.**

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Travel to Merida

I took the Aeromexico flight that left Mexico City at 10:45 AM. It cost me USD 125. Once you land, go to the arrivals section and head to the exit. Right beside the exit is the ADO bus counter. Take a bus to the city centre (there are two stops: Parque de Santa Lucía and Centro Histórico). The charge is 45 MXN (cash only). An Uber costs 140 MXN.

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In Merida

As soon as I landed, I took a free walking tour of Merida | from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. It was a relief to go for a walk in the evening when it wasn’t so hot. Some of the places we visited were

Plaza Grande: This is the main square in the city and the heart of the historic centre. It is surrounded by beautiful colonial buildings and is home to the Cathedral of Merida, the Palacio Municipal, and the Casa de Montejo.

Cathedral of Merida: This impressive church was built in the 16th century and is one of the oldest cathedrals in the Americas. It features a blend of architectural styles, including Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque.

Palacio Municipal: The Municipal Palace is a Spanish-style arched city hall still used as the seat of the local government in Merida. Visitors can enter the building and explore the public areas, including the main lobby and the courtyard. Inside, one can admire a collection of murals painted by Fernando Castro Pacheco, depicting scenes from the history of the city and the state, including the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors, and the Mayan civilization. Free walking tours are conducted on the bottom floor of the Municipal Palace at 9:30 AM.

Palacio de Gobierno: This is the government palace of the state of Yucatan and is located on the east side of Plaza Grande. It features beautiful murals depicting the history of Yucatan.

Casa de Montejo: This is a colonial mansion that was built in the 16th century by the Montejo family, who were the founders of Merida. It is now a museum that showcases the history of the city and the Yucatan region.

San Ildefonso Cathedral: This is another impressive church built in the 16th century and featuring a stunning façade with intricate carvings and sculptures.

These can be seen through some exciting city tours.

 

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Day 5: The Uxmal Mayan ruins

Uxmal (pronounced oosh-mawl), is a UNESCO World Heritage Mayan archaeological site located an hour from Merida and four hours from Cancun. The ruins offer a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the ancient Maya civilization, with towering pyramids, elaborate courtyards, and a unique blend of Puuc and Chenes architectural styles. The city was built in the 6th century A.D. and abandoned (no one knows why) in 10 AD. What I found interesting was how advanced the Mayans were and that they learned from and gave back to nature. Every piece of architecture had meaning. Each individual lived for the community.

I used an Airbnb experience | Entry Timings: 8 AM – 4 PM | Entry fee for foreigners: (441+90) = 531 MXN (or USD 30)

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Day 6: Explore Merida

Morning: Mercados and a Food Tour

​Because I cannot speak Spanish, I had some challenges trying Mexican street food. To make it easier, I joined a great food tour. I didn’t become a fan of Mexican food after that, but it did have its moments. The Oaxaca- Empanadas, mamey sorbet (from Dulcería y Sorbetería Colón), and Chaya juice were my favourites. Some popular Yucatan dishes are cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork with achiote), relleno negro (a filling made with turkey, pork, and chilli peppers), and Marquesita (crepe, rolled like a taco, filled with cajeta, condensed milk, jam, cheese, etc.). We visited Mercado Lucas de Galvez Market and Mercado San Benito, which are next to each other, as part of the food tour.

Alternatively, visit the Anthropology and History Museum of Merida. Located in a 16th-century colonial building, the museum showcases the history and culture of the Yucatan region, with an emphasis on the Maya civilization. For that, you will need to head to Paseo de Montejo.

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Early evening: Paseo de Montejo

Paseo de Montejo is a wide, tree-lined boulevard that was modelled after the Champs-Elysées in Paris . It is lined with beautiful mansions and is a popular spot for strolling, shopping, and dining. It is best to visit Paseo de Montejo late afternoon to enjoy the cool dusk and see the buildings change colour and vibe from sunlight to night. Start from Monumento a la Patria and walk towards downtown.

The most beautiful section of Paseo de Montejo is between the Montejo Monument at Plaza Santa Ana and the Monumento a la Patria. If you take a leisurely walk, this 1.6-kilometre section should take about 30 minutes to complete. The most notable buildings along the stretch are ​Quinta Montes Molina, El Minaret, Palacio Canton/now the Anthropology Museum, Montejo 495 (guided visits Tuesday to Sunday 9 am to 5 pm), Casas Gemelas, and Casa Peón de Regil. While Paseo de Montejo was rated as the top activity in Merida on Tripadvisor, I felt it was overhyped.

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Night: A free entertainment event

To encourage tourism and promote the city’s cultural offerings, Merida hosts a variety of free entertainment events each night. These events include music and dance performances, theatre shows, and art exhibitions, which take place in public spaces throughout the city. The list is available here.

The ones I went to were

• Every Monday at 9 PM, the Plaza Grande by the Palacio Municipal comes alive with Vaquería, a traditional dance and celebration from Yucatán.
• Tuesday at 8:30 PM there is dancing at Parque de Santiago, but this isn’t a show! Instead, there is a live band and music, and local people come to dance to it. It is a fun event where you can join in, too!
• On Wednesdays, at 9 PM, the University of Yucatán Ballet Folklórico performs in the Teatro Peón Contreras. Admission is 50 MXN. The Olimpo Cultural Center, on Calle 62, hosts live music and theatre performances, free of charge.
• On Saturdays at 8 PM, a game of “Pok ta Pok” is played on the esplanade of the Catedral de San Ildefonso. This is something I badly wanted to see but missed. Pok ta Pok is played by two teams that try to hit a ball through a hoop using only their hips, elbows, and knees. The games are often accompanied by traditional music and dance performances, making it a fun yet great cultural experience.

Merida was so delightful; it must be a wonderful place to live.

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Day 7: Chichen Itza to Cancun

When I was designing my vacation, with no knowledge of Mexico, the only place I recognized was Chichén Itzá, as it was one of the new seven wonders of the world. Naturally, I had to visit it. But on a seven-day itinerary, you are so pressed for time that I wondered how I could do this and also arrive in Cancun for my flight back. I searched a lot, and I found two options. Option (1) Do a group tour that starts in Merida and ends in Merida and take an early morning ADO bus to Cancun on the day of my flight; or (2), lo and behold the perfect solution: take a group tour that starts in Merida and ends in Cancun! There really is a solution for all travel needs, if you look hard enough.

But first, the overview.

Chichen Itza is one of the most famous archaeological sites in Mexico, renowned for its impressive Mayan structures and rich history. This UNESCO World Heritage Site includes the iconic Kukulkan Pyramid, the Temple of Warriors, and the largest ball court in Mesoamerica. Chichen Itza is a must-visit for anyone interested in ancient civilizations and their engineering marvels. It is one of the seven new wonders of the world.

Cenotes are natural swimming holes that are unique to the Yucatan Peninsula. These stunning sinkholes were formed by the collapse of limestone bedrock, revealing crystal-clear pools of freshwater below. Cenotes are not only a refreshing escape from the heat but also an important cultural and ecological feature of the region, with many of them holding spiritual significance for the ancient Mayan people.

Valladolid is a charming colonial town located in the heart of the Yucatan Peninsula. I briefly considered staying at Valladolid during my trip but decided against it. It is located about 45 minutes from Chichen Itza but sounded boring compared to Merida, and very few tours ran from it. So, pass.

I took the SAT Mexico Tour to the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza, Cenote & Valladolid Tour from Merida to Cancun (This isn’t available right now but there are great alternatives. Just ask the tour bus to drop you in Cancun). 

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Departure from Cancun

Cancun is a popular resort town located on the Caribbean coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities, from swimming, snorkelling, and sunbathing to shopping, dining, and exploring nearby Mayan ruins. The city also serves as a gateway to other destinations in the Riviera Maya, such as Tulum and Playa del Carmen.

If you have the time, you could try the following places in Cancun:

Xcaret Park: This eco-archaeological park offers a variety of activities, such as snorkelling, swimming with dolphins, touring underground rivers, and viewing wildlife. The park also features cultural performances and a Mayan ball game.

Isla Mujeres is a secluded island near Cancun famous for its beaches and crystal-clear waters. Visitors can swim, snorkel, or scuba dive around the island’s coral reefs.

Coco Bongo is a well-known nightspot in Cancun that provides a lively atmosphere featuring acrobats, dancers, and live tunes. It’s famous for its Vegas-style performances and is a top spot for party lovers.

When in Mexico, do not forget to try their unique liquor.

Mexico has an array of interesting liquors to try, but Tequila and Mezcal are the most known to the world. Both are agave (local cactus) spirits, but tequila is a kind of mezcal, which comes from the region of tequila. And tequila can only be made from one kind of agave plant: Blue Weber Agave.

The most popular mezcals to bring back are 400 Rabbits (400 Conejos Mezcal) and Bruhada.

Merida has another popular local alcohol called Xtabentún, which is an anise liqueur made in the Yucatan region from anise seed and fermented honey produced by bees from the nectar of Xtabentún.