From Mountains to Margaritas: My Ultimate Mexico Itinerary
I didn’t travel solo in Mexico this time—I was joined by my family friend Thomas, and together we set off on a three-week adventure.
Monterrey Beginnings: Tacos, Music & Festival Vibes
Our journey began in Monterrey, a city that quickly proved to be the perfect introduction to Mexico. I flew in from Guatemala City via Cancún, and despite having to re-check my luggage and switch airports, the journey was surprisingly smooth. After landing, I waited a couple of hours for Thomas to arrive, and just like that, our trip officially began.
The main reason we chose Monterrey as our starting point was the Tecate Pal Norte Festival, and we had already committed to making the most of it with VIP single-day tickets (cost approximately $300 USD per ticket). But before diving into the music scene, we had something equally exciting on our agenda: tacos.
The night before leaving Guatemala City, I had dinner at Flor de Lis, where I ended up chatting with Chef Nick. Somewhere between courses, he insisted we had to try a specific taco spot in Monterrey “Tacos del Muerto“—one that had gained serious recognition, even earning a Michelin mention in 2025. Naturally, we took his advice seriously. So on our very first day, we made it our mission to track down these “to-die-for” tacos. We arrived early in the morning, just after opening, which meant the queue was manageable and the wait relatively short. We tried both the beef and pork tacos—and honestly, they lived up to every bit of hype. Simple, rich, and packed with flavour. Thank you, Chef Nick, for that unforgettable recommendation. The rest of the day was slow and easy. We wandered through the city, soaking in the atmosphere and doing a bit of last-minute shopping—mainly hunting for festival outfits and anything we might have forgotten.
Then came Sunday: festival day.
Tecate Pal Norte did not disappoint. The atmosphere was electric from the moment we arrived. Upgrading to VIP was one of the best decisions we made—not just for the priority entry, but for the overall comfort. Dedicated areas, shorter queues for drinks and food, and—most impressively—clean toilets that were maintained constantly. A luxury I’m definitely not used to at music festivals. As for the music, the lineup was incredible, but two performances stood out. Halsey delivered a powerful and emotional set, while The Killers absolutely stole the show. I’ve been lucky enough to see them twice in the past few years, but both times were indoor concerts. Seeing them live in an open-air festival, surrounded by thousands of people, all singing along—it was a completely different experience. Bigger, louder, and somehow more personal at the same time.
Monterrey set the tone for the rest of our trip: incredible food, unforgettable music, and the kind of spontaneous moments that make travelling so special.
From Monterrey to Mexico City: Balloons, Pyramids & Foodie Finds
The morning after the festival, slightly sleep-deprived but still riding the high of the weekend, we boarded a coach bus to Mexico City. We chose FlixBus, with tickets costing around $55 USD each. The journey itself was… long—about 17 hours—but surprisingly manageable. The bus was clean, comfortable, and nearly empty, which meant we each got a double seat to stretch out and actually get some rest. Not exactly luxury travel, but definitely better than expected. We arrived in Mexico City just after 10:30pm, so I had booked a hotel conveniently located right across from the bus station. It was one of those practical decisions you’re very grateful for when arriving late in a massive city.
But there was no time to slow down.
The next morning, we had an early start for something I had been really looking forward to—a hot air balloon experience over Teotihuacan, booked through GetYourGuide (around $268 USD per ticket, including transport and extras). It was my first time in a hot air balloon, and honestly, it exceeded every expectation. Floating silently above the ancient pyramids as the sun rose was one of those surreal, pinch-me moments. Seeing the vastness of the site from above gave it a completely different perspective—peaceful, almost otherworldly. After landing, we were treated to a buffet-style breakfast… and tequila tasting. Yes, at 10am. And no, we did not say no. From there, we continued on to visit the iconic Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the world. Even if you’re not religious, the scale and atmosphere of the place are incredibly impressive. We made it back to the city around 2pm, grabbed our bags from the hotel, and relocated to our next stay, where we’d spend the following two nights.
We didn’t have a strict itinerary for Mexico City—and honestly, that made it even better. Our first afternoon and evening were all about wandering. We explored different neighbourhoods, stumbled upon small streets, parks, and hidden corners, just letting the city reveal itself naturally. Dinner that night was at Cerrojo Zócalo—and wow, what an experience. We ordered guacamole with chips, tacos, and grilled prawns. Everything tasted incredible, but what really stood out was the presentation. Every dish looked like a piece of art. One of those meals where you pause before eating just to take it all in. The second day followed a similar rhythm—no plans, just exploring. There’s something special about Mexico City when you slow down and let yourself get a little lost. That evening, we tried Marmota (thank you, Christine, for the recommendation). It turned out to be a hidden gem. We ordered oysters, hot chips with parmesan and garlic, burrata, and their famous grilled cheese. Safe to say, we completely over-ordered—we couldn’t even finish everything. But every bite was worth it. The vibe was effortlessly cool, the food was rich and comforting, and it ended up being one of those dinners you keep thinking about long after the trip ends.
Road Tripping Mexico: Volcano Views, Coastal Stops & Hidden Gems
The next morning, we picked up our rental car and officially began the road trip portion of our adventure. I had booked everything through Booking.com, and the process was seamless—and surprisingly affordable, even with full coverage insurance included. (Mas by MEX, $175 USD for five days)
Our first stop: Pico del Aguila.
I knew going into it that this hike would be short but intense—around 700 metres of elevation gain in just around 3 kilometres (as we accidentally chose the longer trail). After a bit of research, we decided to skip the guided tours and tackle it on our own. Fully equipped with snacks, downloaded trail maps, and layers for the unpredictable mountain weather, we set off. And wow—the trail did not ease us in. From the very beginning, the incline was relentless. We started on a cement road that quickly turned into a dirt path before leading us into the forest. Within the first stretch, our pace slowed dramatically, and the number of breaks increased just as quickly. About halfway through, we reached an open grassy section—suddenly above the trees, and even above the clouds. Standing there, looking out over the vast expanse of Mexico City stretching endlessly below us, made every step worth it. But we weren’t done yet. The final section involved scrambling over rocks before reaching a semi-flat area where we paused to catch our breath and gather enough energy for the last push. In total, the climb took us around 2.5 to 3 hours. At the top, the views were nothing short of incredible. If I’m being honest though, I was more nervous about the descent—my knee had already started protesting on the way up. We decided to take a different trail down, which turned out to be more adventurous than expected. It involved navigating large rocks, unclear paths, and relying heavily on offline maps… and intuition. There were definitely moments of panic when it felt like we might be lost. A few slips, a couple of scratches, and a lot of cautious steps later—we made it back down safely. And straight to a restaurant. Priorities. Food and a cold beer never tasted better.
A Quick Stop in Morelia
Our stop in Morelia was short—but surprisingly memorable.
We arrived in the evening after a long day of driving, and what should have been a smooth check-in turned into a last-minute scramble when our original accommodation was suddenly cancelled. Not ideal after hours on the road. Luckily, we managed to find another hotel with parking and a 24-hour reception, which ended up being an unexpected upgrade. Too tired to explore that night, we kept things simple and headed straight to bed.
The next morning, we finally got a glimpse of what Morelia had to offer—and it didn’t disappoint. With its elegant colonial architecture, warm pink stone buildings, and relaxed atmosphere, the city felt charming and authentic from the very first steps. We wandered through the historic centre, soaking in the quiet morning vibe, grabbing a coffee, and enjoying the slower pace before hitting the road again. Even though our visit was brief, Morelia left a strong impression. It’s one of those places that feels understated but beautiful—and definitely worth a longer stop if you have the time.
Coastal Vibes in Zihuatanejo
After a short wander around Morelia’s charming streets the next morning, we were back in the car and on our way to Zihuatanejo. After hours on the road, arriving here felt like a breath of fresh air. Compared to some of the bigger, busier destinations, this small beach town completely surprised me—in the best way. It had such a relaxed, authentic vibe. We strolled around, spent some time by the beach, and, as always, planned our next meal. We ended up at a cozy Italian spot “Aroma Cocina” (definitely worth reserving in advance—we got lucky with the last available table). The pizza? Absolutely delicious. Zihuatanejo wasn’t about ticking off sights or rushing from place to place—it was about enjoying the moment. And honestly, it ended up being one of my favourite stops of the entire journey.
Mixed Feelings in Acapulco
Acapulco was a place I had been curious about for a while—famous, vibrant, and once considered one of Mexico’s most iconic beach destinations. We arrived around lunchtime and headed straight to eat, stopping at Umami Sushi Acapulco. It turned out to be a great choice—fresh gyoza, salmon sashimi, and a tuna poke bowl that hit the spot after the drive. And of course, I couldn’t resist trying their avocado martini—unexpected, but surprisingly good. Inside our fortune cookies, we found a message: “Aprende de los errores, ellos son maestros” (Learn from your mistakes, they are your teachers). A nice little travel mantra.
After checking in, we spent some time by the pool before heading out to explore. The beaches were beautiful, no doubt about that, but the overall vibe felt very busy and quite touristy. It had energy, but not quite the kind I personally connect with. Acapulco has its charm and its history, but for me, it didn’t stand out as much as some of the other places on this trip. Looking back, I would probably choose to spend more time somewhere like Zihuatanejo instead.
Falling for Oaxaca
Oaxaca was love at first arrival.
After one of the longest drives of our trip, we rolled into the city in the afternoon—tired, hungry, and ready to slow down. Our first stop? Food, of course. We found a spot for a late lunch (that easily turned into dinner) and ordered a mix of tacos, avocado dishes, and tuna carpaccio (Restaurante Casa Hidalgo). Every bite was incredible—rich, fresh, and full of flavour. When we arrived at our hotel, we were welcomed with a shot of tequila—an introduction to Oaxaca that felt perfectly on brand. From that moment on, I knew this place was going to be special.
The next morning, with no real plan, we set out to explore—and somehow ended up on a spontaneous mural hunt. Colourful street art, hidden corners, and creative energy seemed to be everywhere. Oaxaca felt vibrant yet relaxed, artistic yet deeply rooted in tradition. Even though our stay was short, it left a lasting impression. It’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down, look closer, and stay a little longer than you planned.
Final Stop: Puebla
Puebla was our final stop before heading back to the airport—and it felt like a calm, gentle ending to a fast-paced journey. We arrived in the early afternoon after a 5–6 hour drive, checked into our hotel, and headed straight out to explore the historic centre. The city immediately stood out with its colourful buildings, elegant streets, and beautifully preserved colonial architecture. With limited time, we kept things simple—wandering through the main squares, popping into small cafés, and enjoying the relaxed atmosphere. After days of constant movement, Puebla felt slower, quieter, and exactly what we needed. Knowing we had an early flight the next morning, we didn’t stay out long. Just a short evening stroll, something to eat, and an early night. It may have been a brief visit, but Puebla was the perfect final note—peaceful, charming, and effortlessly beautiful.
Final Thoughts
Looking back, this road trip was fast-paced—maybe even a little rushed at times. It often felt like we were hopping from one destination (and one incredible meal) to the next. Not that I’m complaining. But if I were to do it again, I’d slow it down—stay two nights in some places, give myself more time to fully soak it all in. Still, with the time we had, we made the most of it. And it turned into an unforgettable journey filled with breathtaking views, spontaneous moments, and some of the best food I’ve ever had.
A Stressful Start to Cancún
Not every part of a trip goes to plan—and our journey to Cancún was a perfect example of that.
Before catching our flight, we needed to return our rental car. The plan was simple: wake up early, allow plenty of time, and head to the airport stress-free. Reality, however, had other ideas. I couldn’t sleep at all that night, so somewhere between exhaustion and practicality, we decided to just leave around 3am. By 5am, we had arrived at the airport, feeling confident we were well ahead of schedule. That confidence didn’t last long. We followed the drop-off instructions provided in our booking, but there was no sign—literally—of any rental car return area. After circling multiple times with no luck, I jumped out of the car and went inside to find someone from the rental company. At first, the office was closed, but eventually someone appeared. Communication was… challenging. No English, just a mix of gestures and basic words. Eventually, I understood the issue: there was no drop-off at the domestic terminal. We had to go to the international terminal instead. Not ideal—but we didn’t have a choice. Back in the car, we followed the directions to the international terminal, hoping things would finally fall into place. Instead, we were met with blocked entrances, unclear signage, and zero indication of where to actually return the car. With every wrong turn, traffic began to build, and suddenly it was 6am—and we were still driving in circles, asking anyone we could for help. At that point, stress had fully taken over. Then finally—after asking multiple people and nearly giving up—we spotted it. A random wall with the rental company’s name: Mex Rent A Car. Relief doesn’t even begin to cover it. I have never been so happy to return a car in my life. And yes, there were tears. It was one of those overwhelming moments where everything just hits you at once. We handed over the keys and immediately rushed through check-in and security, making it to our gate just 10 minutes before boarding. At that point, there was only one logical next step: a glass of wine.
Slowing Down in Cancún: Beaches, Day Trips & One Very Good Decision
After the chaos of getting there, Cancún finally delivered the reset we needed.
Tuesday – The flight was short—just a couple of hours—and, thankfully, everything on arrival went smoothly. We picked up our new rental car (a much better experience this time) and headed straight to our all-inclusive resort (Seadust), booked through Expedia. Yet again I booked our rental car via booking.com (with Alamo, cost $ 380 USD, full protection insurance including). Check-in was quick, easy, and exactly the kind of stress-free moment we were craving.
Wednesday & Thursday – The original plan was to use the resort as a base and explore the Yucatán Peninsula straight away. But after five intense days of road-tripping, we made a collective decision: do absolutely nothing. And honestly? Best decision ever. We spent two full days by the pool and the sea—resting, eating, sipping wine, and working on our tans. The resort delivered on every level: great facilities, delicious food, and genuinely good service.
Friday – Our first proper day trip had to be Chichén Itzá—one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. We decided to visit independently and just pay the entrance fee rather than booking a guided tour. We spent about an hour wandering around, taking photos, and soaking in the scale of the place. It’s one of those landmarks that feels surreal to see in real life. Afterwards, we made a quick stop at Cenote Ik Kil—a stunning natural sinkhole surrounded by lush greenery.
Saturday – Saturday brought something a little different—a surf lesson. The waves were small, but that actually made it perfect for practicing technique: catching waves independently, improving turns, and learning how to read the ocean better. Later that day, we did something a bit more permanent—we headed to a tattoo studio and got new tattoos to remember Mexico by. Safe to say, it turned into a pretty perfect day.
Sunday & Monday – Two more days of pure relaxation. Beach, sun, food, repeat. We also squeezed in some light exploring—wandering into a small nearby village, browsing local shops, and just enjoying the slower pace of this part of the trip.
Tuesday – We decided to venture further and booked a three-hour boat tour via GetYourGuide ($65 USD per ticket) to explore Las Coloradas. On the way, we stopped in Valladolid—a small, colourful town with a really charming vibe. Definitely worth a quick visit. The boat tour itself was interesting—we saw pelicans (one of which bit me, by the way 😅), crocodiles, and other wildlife, along with the famous pink lagoons. That said… the journey was long. Around 3.5 hours each way. Worth it? Maybe. But if I were to do it again, I’d combine it with another stop like Chichén Itzá and make it one bigger day trip instead.
Wednesday – This was the day I had been most excited about—a catamaran trip to Isla Mujeres. We booked through GetYourGuide (approximately $65 USD) again, and upon arrival, were offered an upgrade to a VIP catamaran: fewer people (only 20), an extra stop, and an open bar—including wine. At first, we hesitated. Another $60 USD per person? Then we thought—why not? Best decision ever. The day was perfect. Snorkelling in crystal-clear water, drinks on deck, a buffet lunch, swimming stops where we jumped straight off the boat… and then two hours of free time on the island. On the way back, the tequila started flowing—straight from the bottle—and the vibe turned into a full-on party at sea. One of the best days of the entire trip.
Thursday – For our last full day, we squeezed in one final road trip—visiting Tulum and Playa del Carmen. Tulum didn’t quite live up to the hype for me, but Playa del Carmen? I loved it. Yes, it’s touristy—but the vibe, the cafés, the bars, and the little artistic shops on every corner made it feel lively and fun. We spent a couple of hours wandering before heading back to the resort to soak up our final beach afternoon.
Friday – Our flight back to Mexico City was at 9am, so we were up early again—this time around 6am. We returned the rental car… and, thankfully, this time it was completely stress-free. A much better ending to our Cancún chapter.
Final Thoughts on Cancún
This part of the trip was exactly what we needed—a mix of adventure and pure relaxation. From ancient ruins and pink lagoons to lazy beach days and unforgettable boat parties, it had a bit of everything. If anything, it reminded me how important it is to slow down sometimes… even in the middle of a busy itinerary.
A Solo Ending in Mexico City
The final days of our trip looked a little different. Thomas was flying home on Saturday, while I stayed on until Monday—so this part became a mix of shared moments and a bit of solo travel. We were lucky enough to check in early, and since we were absolutely starving, we dropped our bags and headed straight out for lunch. Feeling adventurous, we chose a restaurant known for its more unusual Mexican delicacies—yes, including crickets (Templo Mezcaleria). I’m really glad I tried it… but would I order it again? Probably not. After lunch, we spent a few hours wandering through the streets, soaking in the energy of the city one last time before heading back to the hotel to rest. Later that evening, we kept things simple and had a small dinner at the hotel restaurant. I ordered tortilla soup, which turned out to be incredibly flavourful and more than enough after a long day. Since Thomas had an early flight the next morning, we spent a quiet night in—no big plans, just winding down after weeks of travelling together.
The next morning, my solo exploration began. I had a tour booked to the Frida Kahlo Museum via GetYourGuide ( $82 USD) —and it was easily one of the highlights of my time in Mexico City. There was something incredibly powerful about being in the very place where Frida Kahlo lived and created her art. Walking through her home, seeing her studio, her personal belongings—it made everything feel so real and intimate. It’s one of those experiences that stays with you long after you leave. After the tour, I stopped for lunch at NUDO Ramen and ordered a delicious Tom Kha-style soup. What made the experience even better was the staff—they offered me small tasting samples when I couldn’t decide, which made choosing not only easier but also really fun. A small gesture that made a big impression.
My final day was intentionally slow. After weeks of moving, exploring, and constantly being on the go, it felt right to pause. I went for a short walk, but mostly stayed at the hotel—packing, reflecting, and already starting to plan my next adventure… a birthday trip to New York. Because if there’s one thing travel does, it’s make you want more of it. And just like that, my Mexico journey came to an end—full of contrasts, unforgettable moments, incredible food, and a few chaotic stories that, in hindsight, made it all even better.
Final Thoughts
Looking back, this journey through Mexico was everything I could have hoped for—and more. It wasn’t perfect. There were early mornings, wrong turns, missed signs, long drives, and a few stressful moments along the way. But somehow, those are the parts that now feel just as memorable as the highlights. Because in between the chaos, there was so much beauty.
Sunrises over ancient ruins.
Endless plates of incredible food.
Spontaneous moments that were never planned but turned out to be the best ones.
And places that each left their own unique mark—from vibrant cities to quiet small towns.
This trip reminded me that travel isn’t about everything going smoothly. It’s about the stories you collect, the people you meet, and the way each experience—good or bad—shapes the journey. If I were to do it again, I might slow down a little. Stay longer in certain places. Leave more room for stillness. But would I change anything? Probably not. Because this trip, in all its chaos and magic, was exactly what it was meant to be.
