How to Make the Most Out of a Mexico City to Tulum Vacation

Last year, nearly 700,000 tourists flew to Mexico City, making it second only to Cancun in terms of international popularity. With such vibrant and numerous restaurants and cultural sites to choose from, visitors could easily spend their entire trip exploring Mexico City.

What if you're feeling more adventurous and want to see more of the country while you're here? By making your way toward Cancun, you can see a long stretch of beautiful coastline and shorten your flight home.

If you want to skip the most tourist-heavy city in the country, travel from Mexico City to Tulum. There are plenty of places to enjoy along the way!

Read on for a dreamy itinerary that will take you from Mexico City to Tulum.

Mexico City Highlights

There are so many things to do in Mexico City that it's hard to narrow down the options to fit a few short days. However, there are some must-see sights, neighborhoods, and Mexico City attractions that you won't want to miss.

If you're looking for a variety of worldly dining experiences, head to the neighborhood of Colonia Juárez. For Mexican-Indian fusion, book a reservation at Masala y Maiz. If brunch is your forte, try Niddo on a sunny late morning.

Mexico City is also the perfect spot for art lovers who can visit Diego Rivera's famous mural, The History of Mexico, free of charge at the Palacio Nacional. You can also see some of Frida Kahlo's original artwork in her home-turned-museum, Museo Frida Kahlo. This stunning home with its memorable blue exterior, is also exciting for architecture aficionados.

Finally, don't miss out on Mexico City history and make pit stops at Monumento a la Revolución and Templo Mayor.

Veracruz Highlights

Head about five hours east of Mexico City to enjoy Veracruz, a city that predates the Aztecs and has seen much of Mexico's evolving history. Expect to spend quite a bit of time outdoors exploring the city's rainforests and historic sites.

When you're this close to the Gulf of Mexico, you won't want to skip out on the seafood. Make a stop at Palapa Perea for fresh seafood empanadas, octopus, and more. Before you leave Veracruz, make sure to spend a morning getting your caffeine buzz in Coatepec, the Coffee Capital of Mexico.

Though only experienced backpackers should attempt the week-long trek up Pico de Orizaba, the highest peak in the country, you can still enjoy less strenuous day hikes along the lower portion of the active volcano afterward if you need a break from the heat. Head to Acuario de Veracruz, Veracruz's renowned indoor aquarium.

Because there are so many historic sites in Veracruz, we recommend booking at least one tour. El Tajin, San Juan de Ulúa Fortress, and Quiahuiztlan are all great options.

Campeche Highlights

All of the Mexican coastline is gorgeous, but there's not quite as much for tourists to see between Veracruz and Campeche. Because this marks a 13-hour drive, we recommend hopping on a domestic flight to the Campeche airport. Campeche is the perfect city for seasoned travelers who love to escape the crowds.

Campeche is a great place to enjoy fine dining without the elevated prices. Book a reservation at La Pigua for five-star seafood, or head to La De Las Murmullos for French-Mexican fusion food. If you'd rather keep things casual, head to La Maria Cocina Peninsula or enjoy the Calle Campeche street cafes.

Marking the halfway point of your trip from Mexico City to Tulum, Capeche is the perfect spot to take things slow. Strolling around downtown, you'll encounter churches, shops, and restaurants painted in bright and cheerful pastels that will leave you feeling refreshed and inspired.

Mérida Highlights

You can reach Mérida by car in about two hours, and you won't want to miss this final stop before exploring Tulum. This Yucatan state is renowned for its dozens of cenotes, the underground caves that permanently contain water. Cenotes are best reached by snorkeling or scuba diving, but other guided tours exist for people who'd rather stay dry.

While you're in Mérida, you won't want to miss out on Taqueria La Lupita, a moderately priced taco spot that was recently featured on a Netflix show. If you're in the mood for fine dining and sophisticated ambiance, book a reservation at Cienfuegos, known for its perfectly cooked steaks.

If you happen to be in Mérida on a weekend, take a tour of Misnébalam, a ghost town located just outside of the city. This abandoned city is rumored to be haunted, particularly by a little boy named Juliancito. With the right tour guide, you may find yourself sporting goosebumps in the middle of the day!

Tulum Highlights

If your final destination is Tulum, you have a few options. You can either stay in Cancun and make a day trip down to Tulum, or you can stay in Tulum before making the two-hour trek up to Cancun to catch your flight home.

Tulum earns its name from its famous historic landmark, one of the best-preserved Mayan ruins in the nation. To get the most out of your time at the ruins, make sure to book a tour guide who can fill you in on what you're looking at.

While you're there, make sure to visit the Punta Laguna Nature Reserve, where you're almost guaranteed to come face-to-face with a spider monkey. If you didn't get enough of the cenotes in Mérida, you can take a few more snorkeling trips, where you may also encounter a few sea turtles.

Need Transportation from Mexico City to Tulum?

Mexico City is one of the most popular destinations for international tourists, second only to Cancun. If you want to make the most of your time in Mexico, plan a trip that spans from Mexico City to Tulum before heading home via the Cancun airport.

Do you need private transportation during your time in Cancun? Contact us and let us know more about your travel plans so that we can find transportation solutions that work for you.