4 days in Mexico City & Playa del Carmen Itinerary

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

Start off your visit on the 9th (Mon): hit the best photo ops around with an inspiring photography tour, then contemplate the long history of Basilica de Santa Maria de Guadalupe, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Catedral Metropolitana de la Ciudad de Mexico, and finally don't miss a visit to Zocalo. On your second day here, explore the ancient world of Zona Arqueológica de Teotihuacan Estacionamiento Puerta 5, admire the masterpieces at Palacio de Bellas Artes, then admire the landmark architecture of Palacio Postal, and finally get a new perspective on nature at Museo Nacional de Antropologia.

To see traveler tips, maps, other places to visit, and tourist information, read Mexico City sightseeing site.

The Route module shows you all the different ways you can get to Mexico City. In September, daytime highs in Mexico City are 26°C, while nighttime lows are 16°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 10th (Tue) early enough to fly to Playa del Carmen.

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

On the 11th (Wed), kick your exploration up a notch at Xel-Ha Park by Xcaret. Here are some ideas for day two: don't miss a visit to Quinta Avenida and then find something for the whole family at Xcaret.

For ratings, more things to do, photos, and tourist information, read our Playa del Carmen online vacation planner.

Traveling by flight from Mexico City to Playa del Carmen takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. The time zone difference moving from Central Standard Time to Eastern Standard Time is 1 hour. Traveling from Mexico City in September, expect Playa del Carmen to be somewhat warmer, temps between 34°C and 26°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 12th (Thu) so you can fly back home.