9 days in Mexico Itinerary

Boasting a coastline made for perfectly framed photographs of romantic sunsets, Puerto Vallarta continuously ranks among the world's top tourist resorts.

On the 5th (Sun), whizz through the canopy at some of the top local zipline courses and adventure parks, then take in the waterfront at Malecon Boardwalk, and then make a trip to Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe. On your second day here, explore the galleries of Galleria Dante, appreciate the extensive heritage of Zona Romantica, and then get up close to creatures of the deep with a dolphin and whale watching tour.

For photos, other places to visit, and more tourist information, you can read our Puerto Vallarta tour planner .

New York City, USA to Puerto Vallarta is an approximately 9-hour combination of bus and flight. You can also fly; or drive. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 1 hour traveling from New York City to Puerto Vallarta. Prepare for much hotter weather when traveling from New York City in January: high temperatures in Puerto Vallarta hover around 80°F and lows are around 62°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 6th (Mon) to allow time to travel to Mexico City.

Breathtakingly large, Mexico City provides a home for almost 9 million people living in nearly 1,700 distinct neighborhoods.

Kick off your visit on the 7th (Tue): examine the collection at Museo Frida Kahlo, see the interesting displays at Museo Nacional de Antropologia, then admire the masterpieces at Palacio de Bellas Artes, and finally take in the spiritual surroundings of Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana). Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 8th (Wed): take an in-depth tour of Museo del Templo Mayor, then appreciate the extensive heritage of Zocalo, and then admire the landmark architecture of National Palace (Palacio Nacional).

For other places to visit, photos, reviews, and tourist information, use the Mexico City trip itinerary planner .

Fly from Puerto Vallarta to Mexico City in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of flight and bus; or drive. Prepare for slightly colder weather when traveling from Puerto Vallarta in January: high temperatures in Mexico City hover around 69°F and lows are around 44°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 8th (Wed) so you can travel to Playa del Carmen.

The tourist hub of the popular Mayan Riviera, upscale Playa del Carmen remains the jewel of Mexico's Caribbean coastline.

Get out of town with these interesting Playa del Carmen side-trips: Tulum (Tulum Archaeological Site & Amore Latino Tulum), Cobá Zona Arqueológica Cobá (in Coba) and Chichen Itza (Temple of the Bearded Man & Chichen Itza). The adventure continues: find something for the whole family at Xcaret, discover the deep blue sea with a scuba or snorkeling tour, make a trip to Quinta Avenida, and get outside with Outdoor Activities.

To find more things to do, photos, and tourist information, read Playa del Carmen driving holiday planner.

Fly from Mexico City to Playa del Carmen in 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and flight; or drive. You'll lose 1 hour traveling from Mexico City to Playa del Carmen due to the time zone difference. Traveling from Mexico City in January, you will find days in Playa del Carmen are a bit warmer (78°F), and nights are warmer (66°F). Finish your sightseeing early on the 12th (Sun) so you can travel back home.