Mexico adventure tours - 5 fully customisable itineraries

Get ready for an unforgettable journey into the heart of Mexico, where adventure knows no bounds. With our 5 fully customised itineraries, you can create your own unique Mexico adventure tour to suit your unique wishes. Immerse yourself in the heart of rich Mayan culture, explore diverse landscapes and experience unforgettable moments to remember for a lifetime.

How to plan an adventure tour of Mexico?

Planning a Mexico adventure tour is an exciting task that promises an unforgettable experience.

Start by identifying your interests and preferences for adventure. Are you drawn to historic sites, dense jungles, pristine beaches or bustling cities?

Determine your goals to shape your itinerary. Mexico offers many destinations, from the ancient ruins of Chichen Itza to the bustling streets of Mexico City. Explore these places to create a list of must-see sites.

Already decided on ideas for your tour? That's where we come in! Contact us to discuss your preferences and interests. Our Mexico travel experts will work closely with you to create a customised itinerary that fits your vision of adventure.

Best adventure activities in Mexico

Mexico, a land of breathtaking scenery and rich history, beckons adventurers from all over the world. From the depths of mystical cenotes to the heights of ancient pyramids, Mexico offers a treasure trove of exciting experiences. 

Here are the best adventure activities to ignite your appetite for adventure and immerse you in the heart of Mexican beauty and culture.

Swimming in Cenotes

Explore Mexico's mystical underground world by taking a dip in the cenotes. These natural sinkholes, scattered throughout the Yucatan Peninsula, offer a unique and refreshing adventure. Swim in crystal clear water surrounded by spectacular limestone formations that create an otherworldly experience.

Teotihuacan Pyramids Tour

Travel back in time on an adventure tour to the ancient pyramids of Teotihuacan near Mexico City. Climb the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon for breathtaking views and immerse yourself in the history and mythology of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Rough Guides tip: Find tons of ideas for your Mexican adventure in our guide to the best vacation spots in Mexico.

Sumidero Canyon

Take an exciting boat trip through the Sumidero Canyon in the state of Chiapas. High cliffs, lush vegetation and diverse wildlife make this an unforgettable adventure. Don't forget to keep an eye out for crocodiles sunbathing on the banks of the river.

Agua Azul Waterfalls

Discover the mesmerising turquoise waters of the Agua Azul waterfall in the state of Chiapas. Follow jungle trails to see a series of cascades perfect for swimming and enjoying the natural beauty of this hidden gem.

Chichén Itzá Tour

No Mexico adventure would be complete without a visit to the legendary city of Chichen Itzá. Explore ancient Mayan ruins, including the famous Kukulkan pyramid. This archaeological site rich in history and culture offers a rich experience for history buffs and adventurers alike.

Adventure Tour #1: Mexico's Highlands and Coast

With this 10-day Mexico's highlands and coast adventure, you'll discover the historic sites of Mexico City and wonders such as Teotihuacan, Campeche and Palenque, before travelling to Central Mexico.

Itinerary overview

The adventure begins in Mexico City, where you will be transferred to a city centre hotel near the famous Zocalo Square. The first two days will be spent exploring the city on your own and taking a historical tour of its main attractions.

On the third day, you will visit the stunning archaeological complex of Teotihuacan and have free time in the afternoon. On day four, the adventure continues in the town of Tuxtla Gutierrez, where there will be an excursion to the stunning Sumidero Canyon, before travelling to San Cristobal de las Casas.

Day five offers a city tour of San Cristobal de las Casas, and on day six you'll head to the picturesque Agua Azul Waterfall. Day seven is dedicated to exploring the famous archaeological site of Palenque, located in the rainforests of Chiapas.

On day eight you will visit the intriguing archaeological site of Uxmal, and on day nine you will visit the famous Chichen Itza before heading to Riviera Maya for your final night.

Day ten is a free day to explore on your own before departing Cancun airport.

Check out this 10-day itinerary:

Day 1

• Arrival at Mexico City Airport
• Transfer to the hotel
• Free afternoon to explore the city
• Overnight in Mexico City

Day 2

• Mexico City Historical Tour
• Visiting the colonial National Palace, the Zocalo square and the Metropolitan Catherdral
• Guided tour of the Anthropology Museum
• Free time in the evening
• Overnight in Mexico City

Day 3

• Full-day Teotihuacan Pyramid Tour
• Overnight in Mexico City

Day 4

• Morning transfer to Tuxtla Guttierez airport
• Sumidero Canyon and Chiapa Corzo Tour
• Evening check-in and overnight stay in San Cristobal De Las Casas

Day 5

• Morning tour of San Cristobal De Las Casas
• Meeting with the native community of Zinacantan
• Afternoon visit to San Juan Chamula
• Overnight in San Cristobal De Las Casas

Day 6

• Morning departure for Agua Azul Falls
• Afternoon check-in and overnight stay in Palenque

Day 7

• Visiting the archaeological site of Palenque
• Afternoon tour of the colonial town of Campeche
• Check-in and overnight in Campeche

Day 8

• Morning exploration of the fascinating archaeological site of Uxmal 
• Guided tour of Merida, the colonial capital of Yucatan
• Overnight in Merida

Day 9

• Transfer to Chichen Itza Maya Ruins
• Afternoon check-in Riviera Maya

Day 10

• Leisure day 
• Afternoon departure from Cancun Airport

Excited by the possibilities? Book this trip now.

Adventure Tour #2: The Best of Mexico

This 15-day Mexico itinerary over Chiapas to Cancun combines the metropolitan glamour of Mexico City with its fabulous museums and pyramids an outdoor adventure in Chiapas with a visit to Sumidero Canyon, and the fascinating wildlife and cultural heritage of the Yucatán.

Itinerary overview

The journey begins in Mexico City, where on day two you'll explore the city's UNESCO-listed historic centre.

Days three and four include joint excursions to the Frida Kahlo Museum, Xochimilco, the Basilica of Guadalupe and the pyramids of Teotihuacan. On the fifth day, you will fly to Tuxtla Gutierrez, from where a transfer will take you to Sumidero Canyon.

Day six is a joint excursion to the Indian settlements around San Cristobal de las Casas, and on day seven is a joint excursion to El Chiflon Waterfalls and Montebello Lakes.

A joint excursion to Agua Azul waterfalls and Misol Ha pools is scheduled for the eighth day. Day nine includes a joint day excursion to the archaeological sites of Yaxchilan and Bonampak and day ten to the archaeological site of Palenque.

Day eleven includes a full-day excursion to Celestun and on day twelve you will visit Chichen Itza, one of the new 7 Wonders of the World. The thirteenth and fourteenth days are free days for shopping or relaxing.

Finally, on the fifteenth day you will say goodbye to the Mayan Riviera and your driver will take you to Cancun airport for departure.

Check out this 15-day itinerary:

Day 1

• Arrival at Mexico City Airport
• Private transfer to your hotel
• Leisure afternoon in the city
• Overnight in Mexico City

Day 2

• Morning tour of the historical centre of Mexico City Tour
• Visiting the colonial National Palace, the Zocalo square, the Metropolitan Cathedral and Palacio de Bellas Artes
• Afternoon tour of the National Museum of Anthropology and History
• Overnight in Mexico City

Day 3

• Shared day tour to the Frida Kahlo Museum in Coyoacan
• Afternoon visit to Xochimilco, known as the floating gardens 
• Overnight in Mexico City

Day 4

• Full-day shared tour to the Basilica of Guadalupe
• Followed by archaeological site of Teotihuacan
• Overnight in Mexico City

Day 5

• Private transport to the airport & flight to Tuxtla Gutierrez/Chiapas
• Transfer from the airport to Sumidero Canyon
• Exploration of Sumidero Canyon National Park
• Check-in and overnight stay in San Cristobal de las Casas

Day 6

• Full day shared tour to visit Indian communities
• Stop in San Juan Chamula & Zinacantan
• Overnight in San Cristobal de las Casas

Day 7

• Shared day tour to el Chifron waterfalls and Montebello Lakes
• Overnight in San Cristobal de las Casas

Day 8

• Pick-up from the hotel and drive towards Agua Azul falls through beautiful mountain landscapes
• Swimming under the falls (depending on the weather conditions)
• Continue to Misol Ha pools
• Evening check-in and overnight in Palenque

Day 9

• Day Tour to Bonampak and Yaxchilan
• Overnight in Palenque

Day 10

• Palenque to Merida
• Overnight in Merida

Day 11

• Day Tour to Celestun
• Overnight in Merida

Day 12

• Merida to Playa del Carmen with a visit to Chichen Itza
• Overnight in Playa del Carmen

Day 13

• Free Day at the beach
• Overnight in Playa del Carmen

Day 14

• Free Day at the beach
• Overnight in Playa del Carmen

Day 15

• Transfer and departure from Cancun

Excited to discover? Waste no time and book this trip now.

Adventure Tour #3: Mexico's Mayan Trail

Follow the Mayan Trail around Mexico on 7-day Mexico mayan trail adventure. It begins with arrival at Cancun International Airport and a transfer to Playa del Carmen for a rest.

Itinerary overview

On the second day, you will travel to Tulum to see the archaeological sites and then travel to Chetumal, the capital of the state of Quintana Roo, where you will stay overnight. Day three is dedicated to exploring the cultural treasures of Chetumal.

On day four, an early start will take you to the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, located at the base of the Yucatán Peninsula. Day five - tour the city of Campeche, one of the states of the Yucatan Peninsula, to immerse yourself in its ancient history.

Day six is a visit to the legendary archaeological site of Chichen Itzá (Chichén Itzá). Finally, on the seventh day, you will have a full day at leisure before departing from Cancún airport.

Check out this 7-day itinerary:

Day 1

• Arrival at Cancun Airport
• Transfer to Playa del Carmen and check-in
• Leisure time in the afternoon
• Overnight in Playa del Carmen

Day 2

• Morning departure for Tulum
• Tour of the Mayan ruins of Tulum
• Visiting the amazing Bacalar Lagoon
• Evening check-in and overnight stay in Chetumal

Day 3

• Morning discovery of the famous cultural area of Chetumal
• Visit to the modern Maya museum
• Exploration of the archaeological sites of Kohunlich
• Afternoon tour of Bekan village
• Evening check-in and overnight stay in Chicanna

Day 4

• Morning departure for the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve
• Full day tour of the reserve
• Afternoon check-in in Campeche
• Free time in the evening to explore Campeche

Day 5

• Morning guided city tour of Campeche
• Transfer to the Maya civilization archaeological site of Uxmal
• Afternoon tour of Merida, the colonial capital town of Yucatan
• Check-in and overnight stay in Merida historical center

Day 6

• Morning departure for Chichen Itza
• Visit to the colonial town of Valladolid
• Afternoon check-in and overnight stay in Playa del Carmen

Day 7

• Full day to explore Playa del Carmen at leisure
• Afternoon transfer and departure from Cancun airport

Feeling curious? Take a step forward and book this trip now.

Adventure Tour #4: Marvellous Mexico: From Yucatan to Mexico City

This 18-day trip from from Yucatan to Mexico City starts on the wonderful coast of Yucatan, exploring the beaches and archaeological highlights.

Itinerary overview

The journey begins with arrival at Cancun Airport and a transfer to your hotel. Days two and three include exploring the archaeological sites of Tulum and Coba. On the fourth day, you'll go to Ec Balam and the Cenote Maya.

On day five, you will depart Cancun for Mérida with a stop at the legendary archaeological site of Chichen Itza. Day six includes a tour of the Puuc route.

Day seven is a transfer from Mérida to Campeche with visits to the cenotes and Uxmal. On day eight, you will travel by public bus to Palenque. On the ninth day, a day trip to Yaxchilan and Bonampak is planned. The tenth day is dedicated to the Palenque archaeological site.

Day eleven includes stops at the Indian settlements of San Juan Chamula, Zinacantan and Sumidero Canyon. Day twelve is a transfer to Tuxtla Gutierrez for the flight to Oaxaca.

Group excursions to Mitla, Teotitlan del Valle and Monte Alban are scheduled for the thirteenth and fourteenth days. On the fifteenth day, you will return to Mexico City.

On the sixteenth and seventeenth days, joint city tours are scheduled. On the eighteenth day, a shared transfer will take you to the airport for your international flight.

Check out this 18-day itinerary:

Day 1

• Arrival at Cancun Airport
• Private transfer to Cancun on the Riviera Maya
• Check-in to your hotel
• Leisure time in the evening

Day 2

• Morning departure for a full day shared day
• Visit Tulum Archaeological Site 
• Leisure time at Playa Paraiso
• Traditional Yucatecan dinner in a restaurant on the way to Coba
• Exploration of the highest pyramid of the Yucatan peninsula in Coba
• Return to and overnight stay in Cancun

Day 3

• Leisure beach day in Cancun
• Overnight in Cancun

Day 4

• Morning shared excursion to Ek Balam archaeological site
• Visit to the Cenote Maya
• Return to and overnight stay in Cancun

Day 5

• Shared transfer from Cancun to Merida
• Visit Chichen Itza on the way: explore El Castillo and the Ball Court of Chichen Itza
• Check-in and overnight stay in Merida

Day 6

• Shared trip to Puuc
• Discover Kabah, the biggest religious centre in the region
• Overnight in Merida

Day 7

• Private transfer from Merida to Campeche
• Visit one of the many cenotes on the way
• Explore Uxmal, the main city of Puuc
• Check-in and overnight stay in Campeche

Day 8

• Travel from Campeche to Palenque by public bus
• Pick-up in Palenque and transfer to your hotel
• Overnight in Palenque

Day 9

• Shared day tour to Yaxchilan Site
• Followed by visiting Bonampak Maya Archaeological Site
• Evening return and overnight in Palenque

Day 10

• Morning departure for a full day shared tour
• Explore the Palenque Archaeological Aite
• Continue to Misol Ha pools
• Visiting the wonderful Agua Azul Falls (swimming depends on weather conditions)
• Evening check-in and overnight stay in San Cristobal

Day 11

• Visiting the Indian communities of San Juan & Zinacantan
• Discovery of Sumidero Canyon National Park
• Overnight in San Cristobal

Day 12

• Morning transfer to Tuxtla Gutierrez airport
• Flight to Oaxaca & private transfer to your hotel
• Afternoon at leisure
• Overnight in Oaxaca

Day 13

• Shared day tour to Mitla Tule and Teotitlan
• Overnight in Oaxaca

Day 14

• Shared day trip to Monte Alban
• Overnight in Oaxaca

Day 15

• Pick-up from your hotel and transfer to Oaxaca airport
• Flight to Mexico City & private transfer to your hotel
• Free time in the evening
• Overnight in Mexico City

Day 16

• Morning shared tour of the historical centre of Mexico City
• Visiting the colonial National Palace, the Zocalo square, the Metropolitan Cathedral, Palacio de Bellas Artes and the Anthropology Museum
• Afternoon tour of Teotihuacan Pyramids
• Overnight in Mexico City

Day 17

• Shared day trip to the Frida Kahlo Museum in Coyoacan
• Afternoon exploration of Xochimilco, known as the floating gardens 
• Overnight in Mexico City

Day 18

• Shared transfer to Mexico City airport
• Departure

Feeling curious? Take a step forward and book this trip now.

Adventure Tour #5: Mexico's Churros and Chiapas

This 7-day Mexico churros and Chiapas adventure begins in Mexico City and takes you through the stunning landscapes of Chiapas and Palenque.

Itinerary overview

The first day begins with arrival at Mexico City International Airport, from where you will be transferred to your hotel. On the second day, you will fly to the state of Chiapas. Here you will go on a tour of the Sumidero Canyon.

Day three begins with a sightseeing tour of San Cristobal de las Casas and a visit to San Juan Chamula.

Day four is spent exploring natural wonders including Rancho Nuevo de Aceves and the stunning El Ciflon waterfalls, as well as the picturesque Montebello Lakes National Park.

On the fifth day, you'll head to the Agua Azul waterfalls, and on the sixth day, you'll visit the archaeological sites of Bonampak and Yaxchilan.

Day seven concludes your journey through the state of Chiapas: you will be transferred to Palenque or Villahermosa airport for your onward journey.

Check out this 7-day itinerary:

Day 1

• Arrival at Mexico City airport
• Transfer to your hotel near Zocalo square
• Enjoy the afternoon at your own leisure
• Overnight in Mexico City

Day 2

• Morning departure to Chiapas on a domestic flight
• Guided tour of Sumidero Canyon
• Visiting a small village in the city of Chiapa de Corzo
• Afternoon tour of the charming colonial town of San Cristobal de las Casas
• Check-in and overnight stay in San Cristobal

Day 3

• Morning city tour of San Cristobal
• Meeting the native highland community of Zinacantan
• Visiting indigenous people of San Juan Chamula
• Overnight in San Cristobal

Day 4

• Morning exploration of Rancho Nuevo de Aceves
• Visiting the impressive Cascadas El Chiflon waterfalls
• Afternoon discovery of Montebello Lakes National Park
• Free time in the evening
• Overnight in San Cristobal de las Casas

Day 5

• Morning departure fot the spectacular Agua Azul Falls
• Afternoon tour of Palenque
• Check-in and overnight stay in Palenque

Day 6

• Morning exploration of the archaeological site of Bonampak
• Move on by boat on a Usamacinta River
• Discover the ruins of Yaxchilan, located on the riverbank of Usamacinta
• Transfer back to and overnight in Palenque

Day 7

• Transfer to Palenque or Villahermosa airport
• Departure

Ready to embark on an adventure? Book your trip now.

Tips for your Mexico adventure tour

Browse our customisable Mexico itineraries, talk to our local Mexico travel experts and how to get to Mexico. Whether it's hiking Copper Canyon, exploring Mayan ruins, or experiencing the local cuisine, we can accommodate every aspect of your trip.

For more inspiration for your trip to Mexico, see The Rough Guide to Mexico and our list of best things to do in Mexico.