If you are looking for a trip to Mexico but don’t know where to go, here is an idea for a trip to Oaxaca and Playa del Carmen. An eight-day trip where you will be able to understand the beauties that these states have for you.
On your trip to Oaxaca, you will have a tour of the city to know its history, streets, and culture. While on your journey to Playa del Carmen, you can enjoy its beaches and take a short walk through Tulum.
Let these two states make you fall in love with their beauty, culture, and delicious food. Then, in your free time, we can give you recommendations of places to visit or activities to do. Enjoy your trip to Oaxaca and Playa Del Carmen.
With Rutopia, you can enjoy these eight days of discovering Oaxaca and Playa del Carmen. Book your trip here.
Day | Highlights | Place |
1 | Arrival in Oaxaca, Free Time in Oaxaca | Oaxaca |
2 | Historical Tour of Oaxaca City | Oaxaca |
3 | Archeology and handicrafts in Monte Alban, Arrazola, Cuilapam and Coyotepec | Oaxaca |
4 | Oaxaca to Playa del Carmen by Oaxaca International Airport (OAX), Free Day in Playa del Carmen | Oaxaca to Playa del Carmen |
5 | Classic Tulum Bike Tour with guided visit to Archeological Site of Tulum | Playa del Carmen |
6 | Río Secreto: The Mayan Underworld | Playa del Carmen |
7 | Free Day in Playa del Carmen | Playa del Carmen |
8 | Playa del Carmen to Cancun, Departure | Playa del Carmen to Cancún |
Day 1: Arrival in Oaxaca, Free Time in Oaxaca
Transfer from Oaxaca International Airport to Oaxaca. Enjoy your trip in Oaxaca.
Arriving in Oaxaca, you will enjoy your free time. It is recommended to visit some museums such as the Textile Museum or the Museum of Cultures, with exciting exhibitions.
Visit the Ethnobotanical Garden, or enjoy a mezcalería in an outdoor café. Have a lovely afternoon in a café and enjoy the traditional chocolate drinks that Oaxaca has to offer.
In the evening, head into town for a drink at a trendy bar and then have a cup of esquite banquetero back at the hotel.
Day 2: Historical Tour of Oaxaca
Spend some time exploring Oaxaca in your trip on a guided city tour as you discover this city’s rich cultural, historical, and gastronomic offerings.
The tour includes visits to the 16th-century Aqueduct, Garcia Vigil Street, and the Seminary of the Holy Cross. The latter studied both Benito Juarez and Porfirio Diaz, known as the hero of the French intervention and president for 31 years.
Further on, you will find the house where Juarez spent his adolescence, as well as the temple of Nuestra Señora del Carmen.
Afterward, you will arrive at the temple of Santo Domingo, home of the museum of cultures and the site that holds the treasure of the Seventh Tomb of Monte Alban. Don’t miss its impressive baroque decoration. Likewise, visit the Novo-Hispanic mansions on Alcalá Street, the Cathedral, and the Plaza de la Constitución with its authentic art nouveau kiosk and its colorful markets full of delicious aromas and flavors.
Day 3: Archaeology and handicrafts in Monte Albán, Arrazola, Cuilapam and Coyotepec
On your trip through Oaxaca, get ready for a morning full of archaeological sites, history, and Oaxacan handicrafts. First, you will visit the archaeological site of Monte Alban, the cradle of the Zapotec civilization.
The tour continues to the community of Arrazola, known for its alebrijes carving and painting workshops. Later, you will visit the ancient convent of Santiago Cuilapam. Finally, the trip ends in Coyotepec, where Doña Rosa is waiting to show you her black clay workshop.
Day 4: Oaxaca to Playa del Carmen via Oaxaca International Airport (OAX), Free day in Playa del Carmen
After a short drive to Oaxaca, you will transfer to Playa Del Carmen.
You will have a day at leisure to explore and get to know Playa del Carmen. Known for being in the heart of the Riviera Maya, it is teeming with various marine life, white sandy beaches, and impressive underwater caverns such as cenotes and rivers.
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Day 5: Classic bike tour of Tulum with a guided visit to the archaeological site of Tulum.
You will ride quiet roads and forest trails through town to see the variety of natural, cultural, and historical attractions this town is famous for.
You will also dive into a refreshing cenote, learn about Mayan traditions and beliefs, the art of native beekeeping, and where to find the best tacos, mojitos, ice cream, and music in town.
Day 6: Rio Secreto: The Mayan underworld
Rio Secreto is a nature reserve located just minutes from Playa del Carmen.
You will have the opportunity to explore one of the greatest wonders of the natural world: one of the largest subway river systems in the world. Here, the history of the planet is written in thousands of geological formations. In addition, you can learn and connect with the culture as you swim and refresh yourself in its delicious freshwaters.
As you make your way through the caves, your guide will explain the history of the features and formations of this geological library.
Day 7: Free day in Playa del Carmen
A free day to explore the city of Playa del Carmen. You can stroll the streets, go to a bar, or relax on the beach. In the evening, we will recommend a local restaurant for you to enjoy the last dinner of your trip.
Day 8: From Playa del Carmen to Cancun for departure
You will be transferred from your hotel to the Cancun International Airport.
It is a 1 hour and 3-minute drive, where you will pass through Yucatecan villages and see a bit of the Caribbean Sea.
We hope you enjoyed your trip to Oaxaca and Playa del Carmen and liked the activities. Oaxaca has many histories and historical places to visit; fill yourself with its culture and delicious hot chocolate. In contrast, Playa del Carmen will make you connect with nature and give you some time to enjoy its delightful weather.
This itinerary is designed for you to enjoy a trip to Oaxaca and Playa del Carmen at your leisure and with our recommendations. Suppose you are interested in a trip like this and know what other activities these states offer. Then, tell us your travel idea here.