rod_lop_cab

Hello there,

We are from Costa Rica and staying in mexico city, Zocalo, from April 29th to May 2nd, 2017, 2 persons, arriving at about 10 am and departing at 10 am.

We like to do things on our own without talking big tours or going very long distances, We are not into museums or churches, We like to see the places but not spending 3 hours on a building.

We were thinking:

Saturday April 29th: arrival, after lunch, explore the Zocalo area and some local markets (any recommendation?) at night go to see the Lucha Libre in Arena Coliseo with the Turibus, they include a city night tour and then garibaldhi on our own (Arena Mexico is not available on Saturdays), go back on our own to the hotel in Zocalo using Uber.

Sunday April 30th: early morning departure on our own to Teotihuacan, can we include a visit to Xochimilco on this day?

Monday May 1st: any recommendation on what to do?

May 2nd to 5th, taking a local flight to Merida arriving at 1 PM, We will have a car rental in the airport, so far I just know that we are exploring the town, going to sotuta de peon, progreso beach, and the maya pan site, visit chichen itza on our last day on my way to Cancun.

Thanks in advance for any recommendation on how to get the best smart itinerary possible in order to take advantage of the time.

Best regards,

november_moon

I haven't been to Mexico City (yet), but I have been to Merida, so I will comment on that. So you have 3.5 days in Merida, right? And the last day includes a drive to Cancun? So really you have 2.5 days in Merida itself and then a day to drive to Cancun with a stop at Chichen Itza. With that time, I would take only 1 day trip out of Merida, not 2 - so choose Sotuta de Peon and Mayapan for a day trip or Progresso, but not both because otherwise you won't have much time for Merida itself.

kja

Is there any chance that you could reverse the order of these visits? Merida has many enjoyable outdoor events on weekends.

Personally, I would make the Ruta Puuc a MUCH higher priority for the Merida area than any of the places you list, and to see it well requires at least two days. Uxmal alone could easily take the better part of a day.

But perhaps I don't understand your priorities?

If you haven't already done so, I strongly encourage you to consult some good guidebooks, perhaps the Moon Guide or Rough Guide.

Good luck!

Rohelio

WOW, that is a lot on your plate, as I have been to almost all of the destinations...
Let's be realistic here for a minute. Mexico DF used to be the largest city in the world (not anymore) and with that comes the largest traffic jams you will ever encounter. Do Not rent a car, use taxis and subways. For Tieoatehuacan on your own, get to the main bus station norte at gate number 8 and buy your direct ticket for the pyramids. You will spend most of the day there, this place is humungas. Do have lunch at LA GRUTA outside gate 5, you will never forget it.
You cannot go to Xoximilco the same day, impossible. This could be a very long thread if I was to answer all. Mexico city un soooo incredible to see and yes, do take the Turibus, they run from 9 to 9 with the get on and get off option.
Merida too is a great destination, but you could easily fit 100 Meridas in Mexico DF... Lucky you, take your time and appreciate.

cybor

Not sure what your goals are but there are far nicer beaches on the gulf than Progreso. That said, Progreso does have more shops and restaurants on the beach.
Not sure what the Maya pan site is.
Also (not trying to be contrary) Merida is a very large city and not a town. I only say this so you'll know that there is an incredible amount of things to do and see in Merida.
Give us a bit more info about your likes and we can further help.
Mexico City and Merida are a good combo.
You'll be on the move a lot but you'll get a good taste of two entirely different cultures.