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If you’re thinking about taking a trip south to Mexico, but aren’t sure where to start, you’re not alone. It’s a wildly diverse country with more things to do and places to see than most. Let me tell you, taking one of the best tours in Mexico is where it’s at. No matter how much you try to fit in on your own, there is just so much one person can plan and strategise in a trip. Instead, leave it to the experts and follow along on a tour that caters exactly to your budget, level of service, and interests.
Want to visit all the best beaches? Tick off as many Mayan ruins as possible. Or get your heart rate up with plenty of hikes? There is a tour for every type of traveller, most leaving from the big hubs like Mexico City, Oaxaca, and Cancun.
Here’s my pick of the top tours and trips around this colourful country:
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Best Multi-Day Tours in Mexico
Joining a multi-day tour around Mexico is definitely one of the best ways to see and experience as much of the country as possible, without having to Google directions and attractions 24/7. A few days or a few weeks on a tour can offer the perfect balance between adventure, culture, history, and relaxation. It’s the perfect way to travel around Mexico.
And this is particularly important for a place like Mexico. With sprawling cities, tourist trap beaches, and ruins that require advanced ticket purchases, it’s better to have someone leading the way than organising it all yourself.
In Mexico, you’ll get to visit ancient Mayan and Aztec ruins like Palenque or Teotihuacan, explore exciting small towns and city centres like Oaxaca or San Cristobal de las Casas, and tick off a bunch of natural wonders like waterfalls, volcanoes, and cenotes, all without lifting a planning finger. Tours also mean insider insights – guides who know the ins and outs of a city, how to avoid the tourist traps and give you the most authentic Mexico tour experiences possible.
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1. Essential Central Mexico – Overall Best Multi-Day Tour in Mexico
Trip Details:
- Days: 9
- Price: 862
- Group Size: average 12, max 16
- Fitness Required: light
- Accommodation Type: tourist-class hotels
- Meals Included: eight breakfasts, one lunch
- Service Level: standard
The essential Central Mexico tour is pretty much as it sounds – an essential introduction to the colourful, exciting, and vibrant country. It begins in the coastal Pacific city of Puerto Vallarta and travels inland to finish in Mexico City. On route, you’ll pass through Guadalajara, a small town in Guanajuato, and San Miguel de Allende – one of my personal favourite cities known for its incredible culture and art scene.
The tour is suitable for anyone with an interest in Mexican history, stunning scenery, and delicious food. Because of the towns you’ll pass through, this is an excellent tour for those with a particular focus on architecture and art. It’s reasonably priced, making it an affordable option for backpackers and solo travellers trying to pack a lot into a trip.
The tour is less suited for families and active adventurers. But while there are no intense hikes involved, there is a lot of walking. In other words, bring your most comfortable walking shoes. Only children over 12 are allowed to join this trip to Mexico, and of course, they wouldn’t be allowed to do the tequila tasting at the distillery.
Cons to consider:
- Must be above 12 years old, which means no young families.
- Only breakfast and one lunch are included; expect to spend between $245 and $320 on meals.
- Three long days travelling on buses. You see a lot but not very in-depth because you will be moving around every one or two days.
2. Mexico City to Oaxaca: Pottery & Aztec Pyramids – Best Creative Multi-Day Tour in Mexico
Trip Details:
- Days: 7
- Price: $966
- Group Size: average 12, max 16
- Fitness Required: light
- Accommodation Type: classic hotels
- Meals Included: six breakfasts
- Service Level: standard
If you’re interested in Mexico’s inland cities, this week-long trip between Mexico City and Oaxaca is the perfect introduction. It’s curated for those with an interest in arts, crafts, and history. You’ll start in the inspiring Teotihuacan’s Sun and Moon Pyramids, wander through Puebla’s famed Talavera pottery studios, and end with a complete immersion in Oaxaca’s artisan scene. By this, I mean mezcal tastings, mole cooking demonstrations, and workshops to learn how to make your own alebrijes.
The trip includes private and public transportation, as well as six breakfasts. It’s designed to tap into the rich heritage of Mexico’s craft and ancient cultures, whether it’s making pottery, painting folk art, or savouring centuries-old recipes. It’s excellent for creative individuals, food enthusiasts, and culture enthusiasts. But it’s also ideal for solo travellers, couples, and families (just as long as your kids are above the age of 12). There is some light walking involved, but no extreme hikes or treks are required. It’s also ideal for those short on time and wanting a deep dive into Mexico’s creative scene.
Cons to consider:
- Meals are limited on this creative Mexico vacation. Only six breakfasts are included, so expect to spend roughly $200 to $260 extra on food
- The tour ends in Oaxaca, which means you’ll have to have a multi-city return flight or return to the city you flew into. But there’s plenty of great places to stay here either way.
- Light activity only. This means your craving for big hikes and rewarding views might be unsatisfied
3. Viva Mexico: Ancient Ruins & the Mayan Riviera – Multi-Day Tour in Mexico for Young Adults
Trip Details:
- Days: 14
- Price: $1356
- Group Size: average 14, max 18
- Fitness Required: average
- Accommodation Type: simple and clean hotels and hostels
- Meals Included: one breakfast only. Allow $350 – $455 for meals
- Service Level: basic
Over fourteen days, this tour journeys from the cultured capital of Mexico City to Tulum, weaving its way through cultural, historical, and, of course, some exquisite natural highlights along the way. It begins with a guided stroll through the trendiest neighbourhoods in Mexico City – Condesa and Roma, with street food crawls and some very necessary iced drinks. From there, you’ll head to Oaxaca, San Cristobal de las Casas, Palenque, Bacalar, Valladolid, and eventually end in Tulum, where there are some great things to do.
This tour packs in a serious punch, with some of the country’s best highlights. Among them? Street markets, artisanal workshops, boat trips through the Sumidero Canyon, and exploring ancient ruins at Chichen Itza and Palenque. There is even a waterfall visit in the mix.
For two full weeks, including accommodation and travel costs, $1356 is a steal, if you ask me. It’s also recommended for 18-year-olds to thirtysomethings, keeping things young, fresh, and social. Accommodations range from affordable hotels to hostels. With this, it’s an epic choice for solo travellers and backpackers.
Cons to consider:
- Only a few meals are included. Budget an extra $350 to $455 for meals.
- The pace is quick and busy over fourteen days of this Mexico budget tour. Days are full, and there is little downtime. Come energised and ready for adventure.
- Accommodation and travel days aren’t glamorous. While comfortable, most accommodations are simple hotels and hostels. One night will be spent on an overnight bus.
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Get Yours Here Read Our Review4. Mexico Family Journey: The Heart of the Yucatán – Best Multi-Day Tour in Mexico for Families
Trip Details:
- Days: 8
- Price: $3665
- Group Size: small group – max 20
- Fitness Required: light
- Accommodation Type:
- Meals Included: Seven breakfasts, five lunches, one dinner
- Service Level: luxury
Travelling with kids can be tricky at the best of times. If you’re interested in taking all the planning and organising off your hands, this family-friendly tour across Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula begins and ends in Playa del Carmen, with seven nights in kid-friendly hotels. It’s perfect for travellers with young kids, with highlights including a day-trip jeep safari on the island of Cozumel, plenty of beach time, exploring ruins, and expert-guided tours of Chichen Itza’s iconic El Castillo Pyramid. Other interactive extras include cooking classes, cenote swims, jungle adventures, snorkelling, and wildlife spotting at the Celestun Biosphere Reserve.
Designed for families with kids above the age of seven, this is one of the best Mexico tour packages for families. It’s a good balance between culture, active fun, and a bit of downtime. I recommend it for parents looking for a tour with educational value and a multi-generational shared adventure. This is one of those trips you and your kids will remember for years to come.
Cons to consider:
- It’s expensive. One of the priciest on this list, in fact. However, you do pay for what you get, which is luxury accommodation, private transfers, and tours designed to keep both kids and adults interested.
- Optional extras push the price even higher. For example, a day trip to Tulum.
- Solo travellers can upgrade their experience to a private room for $908. This cost makes it more worthwhile to choose another trip better suited to solo travellers.
5. Mexico Coast-to-Coast: Puerto Vallarta to the Mayan Riviera – Best Extra-Long Multi-Day Tour in Mexico
Trip Details:
- Days: 22
- Price: $3289
- Group Size: average 12, max 16
- Fitness Required: average
- Accommodation Type: tourist-class accommodations with character
- Meals Included: 21 breakfasts, one lunch
- Service Level: standard
Twenty-two days on a tour might sound like a lot, but with so much to see and do, it’s the best way to see as much as possible and get as good a feel for the country as you can. This expedition starts on the Pacific Coast in Puerto Vallarta and ends on the Caribbean shoreline at Playa del Carmen.
Along the way, you’ll explore a range of stunning destinations like Guadalajara (where you will dance to mariachi and taste local tequila), the colonial towns of Guanajuato and San Miguel de Allende, Aztec pyramids at Teotihuacan, and the vibey streets of Mexico City. And that’s just scratching the surface.
This Mexico tour offers 21 nights in tourist-class hotels, all breakfasts, and one lunch. Though most meals are at your own expense, it allows you more autonomy over the food you prefer. With a maximum of 16 people on tour with you, it’s an immersive and personalised coast-to-coast tour recommended for anyone from couples to solo travellers to easy-going adventure seekers to history fans. Seriously, this one is pretty much just an all-rounder for those who have a bit of spare time to spend.
Cons to consider:
- There is no hiking or intense activity, which, depending on your personality, could be considered a bad or a good thing.
- Not all meals are included. For such a long trip, you can expect to pay around $595 to $775 for other meals and food.
- The itinerary is full, with some long bus trips and even a plane transfer. It’s suited for those who love variety but could be potentially tiring.
6. Cancún Escape: Beaches, Cenotes, & Crystal-Clear Water – Best Multi-Day Tour in Mexico for Couples
Trip Details:
- Days: 4
- Price: $253
- Group Size: average 16, max 24
- Fitness Required: medium
- Accommodation Type: clean hotels and hostels
- Meals Included: 3 breakfasts, one lunch
- Service Level: basic
Spanning just four days, this Cancun tour is a great way to explore the Mexican Riviera if you just have a few days to spare. It’s based in the vibrant beachfront town of Cancun, in a hostel in the famous Hotel Zone, although you’ll spend your days around the area experiencing different places and activities. Your days will be spent between guided excursions and free leisure time. Some of the highlights include a hands-on Yucatan cooking experience, a refreshing jungle swim, and days lounging about on the gorgeous white sand the region is so famous for. Then there are the optional day trips, such as those to Isla Mujeres or Playa del Carmen.
At such a low price, you can expect basic hotels and hostels, affordable public and private transportation, and a lot of optional activities. You’re paying for a basic Mexico budget tour here. It’s recommended for travellers between the ages of 18 and 35, making this a fun tour for young adults seeking to socialise, relax, and discover Mexican culture without overspending.
Cons to consider:
- Accommodation is modest and not luxurious.
- Only breakfast is included, which means budgeting an additional $80 to $105 for meals.
- Cancun is a tourist centre and won’t provide the most authentic Mexican experience.
7. Mexico Real Food Adventure – Best Multi-Day Tour in Mexico for Foodies
Trip Details:
- Days: 8
- Price: $2165
- Group Size: min 1, max 12
- Fitness Required: medium
- Accommodation Type: hotels
- Meals Included: seven breakfasts, six lunches, one dinner
- Service Level: standard
If you’re interested in spending a full week exploring Mexico but are not too sure where to start, this eight-day journey is a good option. With a definite focus on tasting your way through the country through food, the tour starts in Mexico City and ends in Oaxaca, travelling through Puebla along the way. The two highlights are a visit to the San Pedro Tlauhac Community and the Mitla Archaeological Site. But the most remarkable thing about this tour is that it only really covers three major destinations, meaning you’ll get a reasonable amount of time and a proper feel for each place.
The theme is food-based, so this one is definitely for the foodies. Those with a common interest in the spices and fresh ingredients of Mexico will be thrown into a world of local cuisine. With this, the tour includes all breakfasts, six lunches, and one dinner, kicking off with a taco crawl in Mexico City. Throughout this Mexico holiday, you’ll visit markets, do cooking classes, and learn about traditional chinampa farming.
Cons to consider:
- If you’re a vegan or a vegetarian, you might need to skip out on some important activities and meals.
- Mexico is hot and humid, and those particularly affected by heat might find walking and exploring tiring.
- Be prepared for some long drives between destinations. This tour covers a lot of ground.
8. Mexico Unplugged – Best Cultural Trip in Mexico
Trip Details:
- Days: 15
- Price: $2156
- Group Size: min 1, max 16
- Fitness Required: medium
- Accommodation Type: hotels
- Meals Included: six breakfasts, four lunches
- Service Level: standard
Fifteen days might sound like a lot of time, but honestly, it’s just the tip of the iceberg of a country as huge and varied as this one. This tour is designed for those who want to experience a diverse mix of landscapes, cultures, and ancient historical sites all in one. Activities include archaeological tours, pasita tastings in Puebla, and market crawls through the bustling Oaxaca. You’ll learn about pre-Hispanic culture in San Cristobal de las Casas and experience the magic of the past at Chichen Itza and Palenque. Throw in some incredible meals and beach sessions, and it’s hard to go wrong with this one.
The tour is geared towards explorers – those who like to experience different places and cultures with a hands-on approach. While you don’t need to be extremely fit to partake in most activities, there is a fair share of walking involved in the itinerary. It includes only around half of the breakfasts and a few lunches. I rate this as an incredible tour for adventure-seekers who don’t feel like sweating through their clothes within an hour of getting dressed. If you know, you know.
Cons to consider:
- The pace is relatively fast, with travel between cities every one to two days. Long days of travel might not be everyone’s cup of tea.
- There are some small extras, like museum entrances, ruin tours, and adventure fees, which add up.
- There is a fair share of outdoor excursions on this trip to Mexico, which involve being in the humidity and heat. Pack accordingly, and expect high humidity and heat.
Best Day Tours from Mexico City
If a multi-day tour sounds a bit intimidating, social, or draining for you in any way, you always have options. One of the best compromises is to take a day tour – a trip that lasts a couple of hours to one day, exploring one niche area or attraction. Believe it or not, there is a lot you can accomplish in one day, especially with the local knowledge and guidance of a guide.
Mexico City day tours typically involve cultural attractions or hikes in the nearby mountains. Here are three favourites:
1. Hot Air Balloon Flight over Teotihuacan
In this morning excursion, you’ll be able to admire the ancient landscape from a different perspective from the comfort of a shared hot air balloon. You’ll leave early in the morning for the best sunrise lighting and views, on a flight that lasts between half an hour and 50 minutes. If the views aren’t enough to get you up and rearing for the day, the tour includes a coffee break before the flight, and a traditional Mexican breakfast served at the balloon port after the flight.
The tour includes round-trip transfers from Mexico City (which are optional) as well as free time to explore the archaeological sites in the Teotihuacan Valley, the ancient ruins you would have spent the morning cruising over in your hot air balloon. Bucket list experience, this one!
2. Visit the Tolatongo Caves and Hot Springs
Over the course of this twelve-hour full-day tour, you’ll be able to explore the gorgeous hot springs and cave formations of the Tolantongo Caves with just a small group to share the experience with. As one of the best tours in Mexico, this one includes plenty of free time to explore at your own pace, as well as optional extras like a zip line adventure. If it wasn’t a given, there is enough time to dip into the hot springs and absorb all the ancient energy and wellness goodness of the waters.
This is a simple trip that doesn’t include meals or snacks. Just return transfers and tickets for all the destinations, but it’s perfect for a short backpacking trip in Mexico City.
3. Hike to Iztaccihautl Volcano with an Alpinist
Hiking is one thing, but trekking through the Iztaccihuatl Volcano and mountains with a specialised alpinist is another. Your guide will be well-versed in all things mountain landscape and geology. This hike starts early in the morning when you’ll be collected and driven to La Joya in Paso de Cortes. Not only is this site incredibly scenic (I’m talking sweeping views of the Popocatepetl and Puebla Valley), but it’s also historically an area where Hernán Cortés passed through on his way to Tenochtitlan.
Bring your comfiest hiking boots, as you’ll summit from 13 thousand feet to 14,271 feet above sea level to get to the best views of the volcanoes. Plus, on the way home, the tour passes the Parque Nacional Izta-Popo. Hiking a volcano in the morning and being tucked up in your Mexico City digs by evening sounds ideal!
Best Day Tours from Oaxaca
Oaxaca is one of those regions where you can pack the entire contents of the region into one or two full days. And the best way to do so? On a guided tour. Tours from Oaxaca usually involve round-trip transport, expert guides, entrance fees, and interactive hands-on experiences. Here’s a taste of what you can expect:
1. Visit the Hierve el Agua
This full-day Mexico tour ventures east of Oaxaca to the Hierve el Agua, a stunning geological formation with petrified waterfalls and turquoise mineral pools. The itinerary starts with a few hours of hiking the scenic cliffside trails and cooling off in the gorgeous pools. Next, you’ll pass by Mitla’s Zapotec ruins and dine your heart out on a traditional Oaxacan buffet lunch.
Spend the afternoon getting creative, learning about the regional weaving traditions, how locals dye their materials, and other techniques passed down from generation to generation, before visiting one of the oldest and widest trees in the world!
2. Mount Albán & Cuilapam de Guerrero Full-Day Tour
This tour doesn’t take you far out of the city but rather packs in a lot of historic and ancient places into a short time frame. Passing the Monte Alban Archaeological site, Arrazola, the Convent of Cuilapan, and the San Bartolo Coyotepec, it’s a good option for those trying to fit a lot of sightseeing into one day.
Just take note that meals and tickets to the Archaeological Zone and Cuilapam Museums are not included in the tour rate. But hey, you’ll be back at your hostel in Oaxaca in time for dinner anyway!
3. Learn to Hand Embroider with Locals
Hand embroidery is a big part of Mexico’s traditional culture. This intimate group activity is hosted by an embroidery artist and founder of the local organisation ‘Textile Milagros’ at a creative cafe location. The host will begin by sharing a bit of history and context about embroidery and Oaxacan textiles in particular, weaving (pun intended) the story into how it has impacted the history of Mexico’s female population.
You’ll then choose your own materials and pattern to follow and dive headfirst into a hands-on class to create your own little piece of embroidery artwork.
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View on OspreyQuick Guide to Visiting Mexico
Whether chasing the best taco stand in Oaxaca, dipping in the refreshing cenotes in the Yucatan peninsula, or experiencing the vibrant nightlife of Mexico City, this quick guide should give you the basic dos and don’ts for your trip to Mexico, from what to pack and when to visit:
Best Time to Visit Mexico
Mexico is no doubt a year-round travel destination, but when you visit can make a big difference in what you’re looking to experience. The best time usually falls between November and April, when the weather is dry, warm, and mostly sunny. This is the best time for beach days, outdoor adventure, and even exploring cities without worrying about a monsoon downpour taking you out every afternoon. However, it’s also peak tourist season, so please manage your expectations and be aware that crowds will be larger and prices are usually higher.
May to October is Mexico’s rainy season, which usually consists of short, sudden bursts of rain and doesn’t necessarily mean entirely rainy days. If you’re hiking through the interior or looking for a good deal, this is a great time to visit for lush landscapes and lower prices.
Hurricane season hovers around September, usually affecting the Gulf Coast and Yucatan Peninsula. Just keep an eye on the forecast before flying into the eye of a storm. No surprises here.
One last thing: Festivals! There are some incredible events worth basing a trip around. Día de los Muertos (The Day of the Dead, in late October), Semana Santa (Holy Week in March), and Cinco de Mayo (5th May) are a few examples.
Travel Insurance for your Mexico Trip
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What to Pack for Mexico
Packing for one of the best Mexico tours all depends on where you’re headed. Are you going to spend most of your time on the beach, exploring cities, or hiking through the jungle? Versatility is key. I like to travel with lightweight layers to make sure I’m prepared for anything and everything. Plus, good medications. You never know if a foreign country is going to have the meds your body is accustomed to.
- Suncream that is reef-safe to protect the coral and cenote sealife
- Travel-size bug repellent
- A quick dry towel or sarong for the beach
- Water shoes for the rocky cenotes
- A lightweight raincoat
- Your best Spanish translation app or book (old-souls, I see you)
- Electrolyte tablets for the odd tummy bug
- A lock to stash your things safely in a hostel
- A compact umbrella for monsoon rains
- Photocopies of all your documents (passports, visas, hotel bookings)
Things go wrong on the road ALL THE TIME. Be prepared for what life throws at you.
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Buy on REIFinal Thoughts on the Best Mexico Tours
Mexico is one of those countries that has more to see than you could possibly fit into one trip. It’s bursting at the seams with flavour, culture, history, and adventure. The best way to experience its many sides is undoubtedly by joining a tour in Mexico curated specifically for the type of activity you’re after.
Whether you want to taste as many tacos as possible in Mexico’s major cities, spend time lounging on the beaches around the Yucatan Peninsula, or hike up the steep steps of Aztec and Mayan ruins, there is a tour in this country that will meet all your wishes. If I had to pick one Mexico tour as a highlight, it would be the Essential Central Mexico trip. It’s the perfect blend of history, food, art, and local interaction, stretching across two of my favourite cities, Mexico City and Oaxaca.
- Check out our ultimate guide to backpacking around Mexico.
- Check out where to stay in Mexico for some dope accommodation
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in Mexico.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
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