11 days in Central Mexico and Gulf Coast Itinerary

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

Kids will enjoy Museo Nacional de Antropologia and Zocalo. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Mexico City: Zona Arqueológica de Teotihuacan Estacionamiento Puerta 5 (in San Juan Teotihuacan) and Catedral de Texcoco -La Inmaculada Concepcion (in Texcoco). And it doesn't end there: explore the world behind art at Palacio de Bellas Artes, take in the spiritual surroundings of Iglesia de San Francisco, take in the exciting artwork at Yawi Arte Tradicional, and take in the architecture and atmosphere at Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe.

To see ratings, photos, where to stay, and more tourist information, go to the Mexico City online trip itinerary builder.

In December, daily temperatures in Mexico City can reach 26°C, while at night they dip to 9°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 28th (Wed) so you can drive to Cuernavaca.

Cuernavaca is the capital and largest city of the state of Morelos in Mexico. On the 28th (Wed), take in the exciting artwork at NM Contemporaneo, galeria de arte.. On the 29th (Thu), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: explore the ancient world of Archaeological Zone of Xochicalco, take in nature's colorful creations at Jardines de Mexico, and then relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas.

For traveler tips, maps, other places to visit, and tourist information, you can read our Cuernavaca online trip itinerary maker.

Traveling by car from Mexico City to Cuernavaca takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Prepare for a bit warmer weather when traveling from Mexico City in December: high temperatures in Cuernavaca hover around 31°C and lows are around 15°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 30th (Fri) to allow enough time to take a bus to Puebla.

Recognized as a World Heritage Site thanks to its photogenic colonial buildings, Puebla remains one of Mexico's top destinations for architecture enthusiasts.

Family-friendly places like Africam Safari and Acuario Michin Puebla will thrill your kids. There's lots more to do: take in the architecture and atmosphere at Rosary Chapel (Capilla del Rosario), see the interesting displays at Museo Amparo, admire the striking features of La Compania Templo del Espiritu Santo, and make a trip to Zocalo.

For ratings, photos, maps, and tourist information, use the Puebla journey planner.

Getting from Cuernavaca to Puebla by bus takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: drive. Plan for a bit cooler temperatures traveling from Cuernavaca in December, with highs in Puebla at 26°C and lows at 7°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 2nd (Mon) so you can drive to Xalapa.

Xalapa is the capital city of the Mexican state of Veracruz and the name of the surrounding municipality. Start off your visit on the 3rd (Tue): examine the collection at Museo de Antropologia de Xalapa, walk around Parque de los Tecajetes, and then walk around Juárez Park.

To find more things to do, traveler tips, ratings, and tourist information, refer to the Xalapa trip maker site.

You can drive from Puebla to Xalapa in 2.5 hours. You will have some time to spend on the 4th (Wed) before leaving for home.