We’re planning a 15-day family trip in February 2026 (with 3 teens). We’ll be visiting friends who live in Puebla. Initially, I was thinking of the Yucatán, but after reading up on it, I don’t think it’s the right fit for us (too crowded, too touristy).
So, we’re leaning toward something like this:
- Mexico City: 2 days (Teotihuacán + city)
- Puebla: 3 days
- Tehuacán: 2 days (to break up the trip—is this a good choice? Is there enough to do for 2 days?)
- Oaxaca: 3 days (Hierve el Agua, Monte Albán, city/tours)
- Pacific Coast: 4 days (snorkeling, excursions)
Does this seem balanced? We’d like to end on the coast for some relaxation, ocean time, and fun for the kids. I’ve seen lots of excursions offered along the coast but can’t decide where to stay. Puerto Escondido? Huatulco? The beaches seem better for snorkeling in Huatulco, but I’ve read mixed things, and it’s farther away. What do you think?
For transportation, is this doable by bus? I’m struggling to find a decent bus between Tehuacán and Oaxaca (overnight schedules), and I’m not sure how to get around the coast. Also, how do we handle luggage between cities? We usually rent a car.
Finally, I’d love feedback on the Pacific Coast excursions—I get the feeling some are worth it and others aren’t. Is bioluminescence really magical? Are dolphin-watching tours ethical and not too "factory-like"? (We skipped them in Quebec and just watched whales from shore.) Can you see sea turtles up close?
If you love volcanoes and hiking, Popocatepetl isn't far. I climbed it in my youth and have great memories of it! The starting point is around 4,000m.
Even if you don’t go all the way to the summit (at 5,400m), the area is amazing!
Personally, I much preferred the Caribbean coast (Yucatán, Quintana Roo) to the Pacific coast—but since my trips to Mexico (in the 80s), things have probably changed a lot in terms of crowds. Back then, the Pacific coast was as busy as the Caribbean, but there are more sights to see and more beautiful beaches on the Caribbean side.
Puerto Escondido? Meh...
Plus, in Yucatán, you’ve got Mayan sites (Palenque, Uxmal, etc.), San Cristóbal de las Casas and its indigenous villages, cenotes, and more...
Snorkeling: Xel-Há, Tulum, and plenty of other spots!
First off, you're absolutely right not to consider the Yucatán Peninsula for the reasons you mentioned.
Does this seem balanced?
No, you don’t have enough time to properly see everything you’re planning.
- Two days in Mexico City and its surroundings (Teotihuacán) is clearly not enough for one of the world’s largest metropolises. You’d need at least double that time.
- Three days in Puebla: if it’s to spend time with your friends, that’s fine, but otherwise two days is enough.
Tehuacan for 2 days (to break up the trip—is this a good choice? Is there enough to do for 2 days?)
Great idea. There’s plenty to do for two days, or even more (hiking), but strictly speaking, one day/one night is more than enough to visit the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Biosphere Reserve.
Oaxaca for 3 days: Hierve el Agua, Monte Albán, city/tour
Three days is the bare minimum for this stunning colonial city.
I can’t give you much info on the Pacific Coast since we haven’t been there, but just so you know, the mountain road to get there is long and challenging and takes nearly a full day (or an overnight stop!).
Our trip is recent—it’s from 2023. You can check out the stops you mentioned via these links:
- Mexico City:
- Puebla and Cholula
- Tehuacán-Cuicatlán
- Monte Albán
- Hierve el Agua
- Oaxaca
Thanks for your reply.
I figured that if the Yucatán is so popular, it must be incredibly rich in landscapes and sites, and the photos of "deserted" sites are dreamy. But we really prefer a place that’s a little less stunning but less crowded and more "authentic." Plus, fitting the Yucatán into 15 days along with Mexico City/Puebla would force us to rush too much.
For Puebla, I’ll let our friends advise us, but I did quickly spot a few things, including the volcano.
For snorkeling, we were maybe thinking of doing a trip to Huatulco.
You're right, we're only spending a short time in Mexico City. Mainly because we prefer to devote more time to places that are more "natural" and we're not big fans of big cities, but also because time is limited. I was thinking of 2 full days—1 in Teotihuacán and 1 just in the city. What do you absolutely recommend seeing in the city?
The 3 days in Puebla are actually to spend time with our friends. The plan was to see Puebla, Cholula, get a closer look at the volcano, and just relax with them by their pool :-)
I was considering skipping Tehuacán to gain 2 days and either doing it as a day trip from Puebla (but isn’t that too long?) or cutting it out entirely. But now you’ve made me doubt. Is it really worth it, and is it completely different from the rest? What else would you recommend in Tehuacán besides the walk in the "cactus forest"?
I understood that a highway now connects Oaxaca and Puerto Escondido, making the trip much more pleasant and faster. The bus ride seems short now.
We really want to end our trip by the sea—for the kids, but also for us. As long as it’s not too crowded. I have no idea which beach town to choose, though. The idea is to spend 3 full days there, do some snorkeling, and take a few excursions.
As long as it’s not too crowded. I have no idea which beach town to pick, though—the plan is to spend 3 full days there, do some snorkeling, and take a few excursions.
Puerto Ángel was quieter than Puerto Escondido… and better for snorkeling, especially at Playa Estacahuite.
What do you absolutely recommend seeing in the city?
You’ll understand that it’s impossible to answer such a question, since my answer would inevitably be subjective.
I’d considered skipping Tehuacán to save 2 days and doing it as a day trip from Puebla
That would be a shame! A round trip from Puebla in one day just isn’t practical or doable.
I really think you should simply drop Mexico City and Teotihuacán (two days is a waste of time) and head straight to Puebla, then focus your trip entirely on the states of Puebla and Oaxaca. Trust me, there’s plenty to do, and you’ll barely have enough time—especially if you also want to get close to Popocatépetl.
Book a multi-destination ticket: France–Puebla, then Oaxaca–France on the way back, without stopping in Mexico City. And go directly through the airline.
I was actually hoping for a subjective answer about Mexico ;-) Of course, I’ll still look into the recommended spots to see if they match our tastes.
It bums me out to skip Teotihuacán—it seems like such a grand site. And taking three flights in a row to go straight to Puebla makes me a little nervous.
For Tehuacán, what do you recommend that would make a longer stay worthwhile?
I was really looking for a subjective answer about Mexico
Well, in my opinion, if you’re absolutely set on seeing Teotihuacán, make sure to visit the stunning National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City, the essential companion for understanding Mexico’s pre-Hispanic cultures. It’s one of the most important museums in Latin America. It’s a bit out of the way and will take you a whole afternoon. In the morning, you’ll only have time to see the Zócalo and its surroundings, especially Diego Rivera’s murals in the presidential palace—paintings we couldn’t see because it was closed that year. Lucky you! 😛
Watch out! The museum and the Teotihuacán site are closed on Mondays, like all museums and archaeological sites in Mexico.
For Tehuacán, what do you recommend that would encourage a longer stay?
The problem is, you can’t squeeze into a size 35 shoe if you wear a 42! You’ll have to make choices. So, head straight to Puebla after your two quick days in Mexico City!
Hi Marie,
I did this trip in 2022.
Briefly:
2 days for Mexico City + Teotihuacan is really too short. Three would be a minimum.
Puebla: take advantage of your hosts' local knowledge (you can get closer to Popo from Puebla).
Tehuacan: you can skip this stop. We took the direct Puebla-Oaxaca bus, which was very comfortable. There are several bus categories in Mexico, some with all the comforts—like a movie screen on the back of the seat in front of you, just like on a plane—for not that much more.
However, Oaxaca-Puerto Escondido is a bit of a hassle because it's a mountain road. Plan for at least 8 hours, and most are overnight buses (forget the usual bus comfort). I think the road to Huatulco is better.
If you want a comparison between Huatulco, the Mazunte area, and Puerto Escondido, I can do that—I’ve been there.
Happy planning!
Oh! I just found out that the highway connecting Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido has been open for a year now, cutting the trip from 8 hours down to 2 or 3. That’s really great!
Hi,
Thanks for the info. We actually saw that the highway was open, which is why we liked the bus option—it’s not that long.
But I get the feeling that getting around along the coast isn’t so easy without a car. We’re thinking about renting one for the last few days of our trip. We’re planning to head to Huatulco because we really want to finish with some snorkeling.
My friend who lives in Puebla just did a day trip to Teotihuacan, round-trip. She thinks it’s still worth it. We’ll probably decide when we’re there...
Since we’re not big fans of big cities, I’d rather skip Mexico City than the rest. I know my kids won’t be thrilled, except for the pre-Columbian site. I’ll see if adding one more day is doable—that’s the most I can manage.
Did you mean Tehuacan, which is between Puebla and Oaxaca?
If you're referring to the (magnificent) ruins of Teotihuacan, it all depends on your arrival time from France. You might be able to arrange a visit by checking with your hotel and thus cut one night from your stay in Mexico City.
Yes, sorry—I was talking about a day trip from Puebla to Tehuacán and back.
Actually, I keep changing my mind these days. Renting a car in Mexico City with a return to Mexico City is really cost-effective, but it means a lot more driving. I’m checking if we can do:
- 2 days in Mexico City
- 3 days in Puebla
- 3 days in Oaxaca
- 3 days in Huatulco
- 1 or 2 days in Puerto Escondido
- 2 days in Tehuacán
And then fly out of Mexico City.
For the car, it's definitely more complicated to return it in Mexico City. If you're renting a car anyway, why not from Puebla? The Mexico City-Puebla trip is nothing. And traffic in Mexico City is pretty hellish.
Below, I’ll share my public transport route to Huatulco, with descriptions of the different spots.
Puebla-Oaxaca: Comfortable buses—I think it’s ADO. Check with friends once you’re in Puebla.
Oaxaca-Puerto Escondido: In 2022, there was only one local company, and all departures except one were overnight (but the highway wasn’t open yet). That might’ve changed. Maybe it’s also possible to rent a car in Oaxaca and drop it off in Puerto Escondido without having to return it. Worth looking into.
There’s an ADO bus that goes from Puerto Escondido to Huatulco. Make sure the bus actually goes to Bahías de Huatulco.
Huatulco-Mexico City: Take a flight. There are discount airlines that offer this route. Viva Aerobus and Volaris both do it.
A few words about Puerto Escondido.
The two main beaches: a long beach stretching south (Playa Zicatela) with huge waves, very popular with surfers and the crowd that hangs around them (early 20s). Gorgeous beach, but the waves are *massive*.
A smaller beach (Playa Carrizalillo) where you can swim without risking a broken neck, with perfect waves for beginners. Instructors give hour-long lessons, which could be great for your teens. You access this beach from downtown Puerto Escondido via a staircase with about a hundred steps (which you’ll have to climb back up). Since the beach is small, it’s often packed. People set up at a shaded table at a little eatery (just order something) and go back and forth to the ocean.
A few words about Huatulco
The main village is La Crucecita (pretty), which leads to a small, often crowded but very local beach (Bahía de Santa Cruz), or Playa Chahue (less crowded but big waves).
Huatulco is a series of small beaches and coves, and you can get to them by taxi—the fares are posted at the taxi company. Huatulco is also where Mexican families go, which makes a nice change from beaches full of only tourists.
For snorkeling:
Playa La Entrega, Playa La India, Playa El Maguey—all easily accessible by taxi at a good price. They’re very popular, though, so they get crowded, which scares off the fish.
Playa San Agustín, in a national park, is more recommended for snorkeling, as long as you don’t arrive at the same time as the dozen tourist boats that go there every day. Since it’s 45 minutes from Huatulco, renting a car would be best.
My favorite snorkeling spot was Bahía Conejos. It’s super quiet. You go down a trail from the road, end up at one end of the beach, and have to walk to the other end, where there are beautiful corals and lots of fish. There’s just one big hotel in the distance—nothing else. Absolute tranquility.
There you go—I think I’ve given you a better idea. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate!
I came across your post about Huatulco and Puerto Escondido. I thought this thread was long gone!
Thank you so much for all this info—it’s been a huge help. I’ve kept researching since our trip is taking shape, and we’ll be booking our tickets very soon.
For now, I’ve found some for 820 € including baggage from the provinces. That seems like a good price to me.
I think we’ll make two stops along the coast:
- Oaxaca → Puerto Escondido area by bus
- Car rental there + 2 nights
- Head to Huatulco for 3 days
- Return the car in P. Escondido, then catch a flight to Mexico City to connect with our return flight.
Thanks for the snorkeling-friendly beach names! I saw that boat tours are also organized to reach secluded beaches, like La India. Do you recommend them? There are so many options that I’m not sure how to pick a reliable one.
From Huatulco, I saw there’s an excursion to waterfalls, but it seems really long and rough—I’m not sold yet. Is it worth it?
Finally, I’m looking for where to stay for the 2 days near P. Escondido. Accommodations seem cheaper there than in Huatulco, and we might be able to find something by the sea. There are places in Puerto Ángel—it looks like a nice village and not too crowded. I’d love your thoughts if you know it. Is it lively enough to easily find somewhere to eat in the evening?
I saw that boat tours are also organized to reach isolated beaches, especially La India. Do you recommend them? There are so many options that I’m wondering how to choose someone reliable.
There aren’t any truly isolated beaches. For La India, finding a boat will be very easy—you’ll have plenty of choices, but you won’t be alone, far from it. With a car, you’ll have more freedom. I’d recommend Playa Conejo again for its tranquility and the best snorkeling I’ve done in the area.
Finally, I’m looking for where to stay for 2 days near P. Escondido. Accommodations seem cheaper there than in Huatulco, and we might be able to find something by the sea. There are places in Puerto Angel—it seems like a nice village and not too crowded. I’d love your thoughts if you know it. Is it lively enough to easily find somewhere to eat in the evening?
Puerto Angel is nice for an afternoon visit, but I’m not sure it’s lively enough for dinner in the evening. My recommendation in the area is San Agustinillo.
Noted for San Agustinillo, thanks! I'm actually looking for accommodations now, since we've finally booked our tickets 😎
By the way, I'd love some advice on the best areas to stay in, especially for:
Oaxaca (given we'll visit Monte Alban, the waterfalls, and want to explore the city on foot and reach restaurants easily). We’ll likely have a car.
Huatulco: The goal here is to be within a reasonable walking distance of a beach (if possible), not in the mega-touristy hotel zone, but still able to walk to a "lively center." We’ll have a car.
Mexico City: We’ll only be there briefly, just long enough to see Teotihuacan and a quick tour of one or two neighborhoods. We’re looking for a well-connected area with good transport options, family-friendly and pleasant.
There’s a small change in our plans since we arrive at 3:30 AM in Mexico City. We’ll head straight to Puebla to stay with friends—it’ll be easier to settle in with the kids. We’ll save Mexico City for the end.
I haven’t decided yet between flying back or taking the overnight bus (from Puerto Escondido to Mexico City). I’m trying to find out about nighttime "safety" and whether it’s possible to sleep or if it’s too uncomfortable.
For accommodation:
Oaxaca: There are plenty of options, and the city isn’t very big, so it’s easy to walk to restaurants.
Huatulco: I suggest staying in La Crucecita, a charming village about 1 km from Santa Cruz Beach. You can walk there via a flower-lined pedestrian path. It’s livelier in the evenings than Santa Cruz, with more restaurants.
Mexico City: It’s huge. The Condesa and La Roma neighborhoods are the most vibrant at night. The metro covers the whole city. For Teotihuacan, check with your hotel—most offer tours.
Return trip Puerto Escondido–Mexico City: I’d go with flying. Volaris and Viva Aerobus have cheap flights.
Hi there, I was there in September '24 solo. Flew and took buses.
For Oaxaca, stay in the city center. You can do everything on foot. Some great restaurants there.
In Mexico City, stay near the Palacio de Bellas Artes. The other neighborhoods aren’t as nice. You’ll be able to visit everything on foot.
As for the return trip from Puerto to Mexico City, you’ll need to change your bus plan. I went from Oaxaca to Puerto, and it took 4.5 hours instead of the promised 3. Lots of mountains and roadwork.
So, I’d recommend flying instead—it’s much better.
Thanks to both of you for your replies. I’ll check out the neighborhoods you mentioned for Mexico City.
For the Pacific Coast, I’m struggling to find what I’m looking for in terms of accommodation.
I’ve given up on the idea of spending 2 days in P. Escondido and 3 in Huatulco because it’ll mean moving around too much. I’d rather settle in one place and explore from there. So, I’ve been looking around San Agustinillo or Huatulco (near Crucecita). But it’s not easy to find a house that’s big enough, within walking distance of the beach, and at a reasonable price.
Around San Agustinillo, I find more options, but it seems like there’s a lot more "wildlife" in that area because of all the vegetation. One of us really can’t handle geckos if they manage to sneak inside the house. I’ve also read there are quite a few scorpions. It’s a shame because the houses look amazing with ocean views and great amenities. But I get the feeling Crucecita is less wild and might have fewer of these issues... The downside is that Huatulco is more on the edge, so it’ll be harder to explore the other side of the coast... Ugh, what a headache.
Do you know of any sites other than Airbnb, Abritel, etc., for rentals in the area?
Hello,
If you're no longer staying in Pto Escondido, it might be better to leave via Huatulco Airport, which is located between La Crucecita and Mazunte.
I have a few questions, still about accommodations, specifically in Huatulco:
- The city is divided into sectors, which are often mentioned in listings. I found a map of the sectors to better understand, but I’m not sure which ones to prioritize for rentals. Do you have any tips?
- I’ve read that it gets *really* hot on the coast in February/March. Is having outdoor space—like a terrace or patio—still important, like it is in the south of France, for example? Or will it just be too uncomfortable because of the heat? I can’t quite wrap my head around how intense the heat and humidity will be.
Huatulco is located in the center of a series of small beaches easily accessible by car, which shouldn’t cause any issues for you. The main village is La Crucecita, well situated for exploring the beaches on both the north and south sides. Two nearby beaches: Chahue, which is hard to swim in due to huge waves (but very pretty), and Santa Cruz, a favorite spot for Mexican families, with a great local vibe. It gets crowded in the afternoon and can be a bit dirty at times, but it empties out completely in the evening. There are a few accommodation options in Santa Cruz—I stayed there but wouldn’t recommend the place I stayed. It’s *brutally* hot on the west coast at this latitude (worse in April). If you can, opt for a place with a pool and some shade, either in Santa Cruz or near Playa Chahue. But since you’ll have a car, you might find something elsewhere (avoid Santa María de Huatulco—it’s a dull, uninteresting town).
I finally found accommodation in La Crucecita in the east, with a pool. And we’ll have a car.
I’m looking for a family-friendly discovery activity. I came across Yoo'Nashi (an ecotourism and community project that organizes hikes and workshops with local communities). Have you heard of it? I’m struggling to find reviews.
Is it worth taking a day trip to Mazunte from Huatulco in your opinion?
Yoo'Nashi, I don’t know them, but I checked out their website—seems good to me!
Since you’ll have a car, you can explore the many small beaches in the area. Very Mexican vibe. Beaches are busier to the north, quieter to the south. I recommend La Bocana—it’s the prettiest in my opinion (though the waves are huge).
As for the detour to Mazunte, it depends on how much time you have. Here’s a quick rundown of the area. Mazunte’s beach isn’t very big, and the vibe is pretty granola-cool. Personally, I prefer San Angustinillo—a fishing village with a gorgeous beach. Further south, there’s Zipolite, Mexico’s only nudist beach, with a pretty colorful crowd, thanks. It’s a major spot for hippie babas cools but is turning into a gay destination. Then there’s Puerto Angel, a small, charming fishing port.
Speaking of which, I’m reconsidering whether to rent a car or use buses/taxis/Uber.
Car rentals seem really expensive for just 5 days, plus the insurance terms aren’t very clear.
If anyone knows a reliable rental company in the area (Puerto Escondido or Huatulco), I’d love to hear about it!
Just a quick practical tip about Huatulco right now—the road out of Huatulco toward Zipolite, Mazunte, etc. is under construction and closed to traffic for part of the day. This morning, we left Zipolite and the road was closed from 8 AM to 1 PM, then again from 3 PM to 6 PM.
The "rapid" buses??? I wouldn’t say that. For example: Mazatlán–Puerto Vallarta = 9 hours by bus for just over 400 km. I get the feeling it’s like that everywhere—don’t be in a hurry.
If you compare it to getting around in Quebec, you might say it’s not fast, but in many places around the world, locals would love to be able to cover 400 km in 9 hours!
Besides, why rush when you're traveling?
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I’m heading to Guatemala for 18 days in August with my 11-year-old and I’m wondering if renting a car makes sense—not so much because of the road conditions, but because I’d like to spend about 3 days in Livingston. Since it’s only accessible by boat, I’d have to leave the car in Río Dulce. Maybe possible at a hotel, but that means paying for a rental for 3 days without using it...
Same issue for Semuc Champey—it’s only reachable by 4x4, and I won’t be renting that type of vehicle.
Also, has anyone traveled from Panajachel (Lake Atitlán) to Cobán (to explore the caves and waterfalls in the area)?
According to Google Maps, it’s a 6-hour, 44-minute drive... so whether by car or minibus, it’s *really* long (same for Cobán-Flores later).
Are there any interesting stops along the way where I could spend a night? And if I’m not renting a car, is it possible to take two private shuttles for this route?
Hello,
We're planning 15 days in Chiapas. We already spent 3 weeks in the Yucatán 4 years ago.
What would you recommend in Chiapas? Our idea is to rent a car so we can move around freely—there’ll be two of us.
Thanks for your tips on great places to stay, restaurants, and sights to visit!
In 2024, I spent two months solo in El Salvador. While I’m still putting together my travel journal on Myatlas, here’s a quick recap.
It’s a country where it’s really easy to travel without a guide or agency.
SAFETY:
For a long time, the country was considered one of the most dangerous in the world because of the "maras," ultra-violent gangs. But today, I think it’s the safest country in Latin America.
BUDGET:
For French tourists, the country is very affordable, especially in the less touristy regions.
TRANSPORT:
I got around everywhere by local bus.
Local buses go everywhere and run all the time. For me, it’s the best way to travel in El Salvador—you’re fully immersed, moving at the pace of the locals, and interacting with Salvadorans who are eager to connect with travelers.
I saw all sorts of things on those buses—I’ve got dozens of stories!
PEOPLE:
I’m used to traveling all over Latin America, and for me, Salvadorans are the warmest and most welcoming. Everywhere you go, people say, "Welcome to El Salvador!"
The connections and long conversations with locals were my favorite part of the trip.
TOURIST CROWDS:
The country isn’t well-known among European tourists, but Americans and Quebecers visit. Overall, it’s still pretty low-key, especially compared to other Central American countries. That said, tourism has been growing since security improved significantly.
WHAT I LOVED ❤️
-Suchitoto, one of the most beautiful colonial towns in Central America.
-The volcanoes—there are so many! Santa Ana is the most touristy.
-The lakes—also plentiful. Coatepeque is the most famous, but there are lots of lagoons too.
-The mountainous regions, where the cooler weather is a nice break: La Palma, Perquín, Cerro El Pital, etc.
-The charming villages along the Ruta de las Flores, especially Nahuizalco with its nighttime atmosphere and food stalls. Juayúa and others are great too.
-The conversations with people who lived through the horrors of the civil war in Perquín and Cinquera. I met one of them by chance while waiting for a bus.
For surfers, El Salvador is a paradise, with world-famous beaches.
WHAT I LIKED LESS:
I loved almost everything, but I found the archaeological sites a bit underwhelming. Joyabaj de Cerén is billed as the "Pompeii of El Salvador," which is a stretch (though it *is* a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its historical value).
I’ve been reading some really conflicting info about the best ways and advantages of exchanging euros for Mexican pesos. For those with recent experience, could you shed some light? Is exchanging at the airport currency exchange offices more worthwhile? Other advice suggests that withdrawing with an international bank card is the best option. Thanks for sharing your experiences on this!
Philippe
Hi,
We’re planning a trip to Mexico this summer (loop through Yucatan, Quintana Roo, Campeche). We’re thinking of using public transport or possibly renting a car. The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs website has a lot of recommendations. Are these states safe for solo travelers? Are there any precautions we should take or areas to avoid?
Thanks,
Hi everyone, I’m planning to go to Panama in December and I’d like to know which city is closest to the Panama-Costa Rica border—and just across the border in Costa Rica—to buy the cheapest bus ticket? Just so I have proof of onward travel when I take my flight, thanks.
When planning a trip to Panama, you often hear about Panama City, Bocas del Toro, Boquete, or even San Blas. Yet, there’s a region that remains relatively under the radar in travel guides: the Arco Seco.
Located on the Pacific coast, between the provinces of Panamá Oeste, Coclé, Herrera, and Los Santos, the Arco Seco enjoys a generally drier climate than the rest of the country. Even during the rainy season, you’ll often find more sunshine here than in other parts of Panama.
For travelers who love alternating between beaches, nature, hikes, and local discoveries, this region is definitely worth a detour.
A few ideas for visits:
• The beaches of La Ensenada, El Palmar, Punta Barco, and Coronado
• Surfing at El Palmar, one of the most well-known spots on the Pacific coast
• Kitesurfing at Punta Chame, which is highly reputed!
• El Valle de Antón, nestled in an ancient volcanic crater, with its hikes, waterfalls, artisan market, and hot springs
• Various hikes offering stunning panoramas
• The waterfalls in the San Carlos and El Valle areas
• Golf at Vista Mar or Coronado
• Fishing villages where you can still buy freshly caught fish directly from local fishermen
What I particularly love about this region is that it lets you discover a more authentic and peaceful side of Panama while remaining easily accessible from Panama City.
I’ve been living in San Carlos for several years now, and I’m still discovering new places, trails, beaches, and hidden gems.
If anyone is planning a trip to this region and has questions, I’d be happy to share my favorite spots and personal recommendations.
I’m reaching out to tap into your knowledge and experiences, as my partner and I are heading to Guatemala and Belize for the entire month of February 2020, and we could really use some tips.
I was thinking of spending 20 days in Guatemala and 10 days in Belize, especially since our flight arrives in Guatemala City and departs from Belize.
We were considering hiring a driver-guide for part of our time in Guatemala. Which part do you think would be best? We’re choosing this country for all the culture and traditions it has to offer, so skipping a guide entirely would be a shame—but I can imagine it’d be tough to keep one for all 20 days.
So maybe a week or ten days. What kind of budget should we plan for? And most importantly, do you have any contacts for reliable driver-guides?
Thanks in advance for your valuable advice.
Marilyne
Hi there! We’ve decided to head to Panama this summer and would love to do a road trip with a rental car—there are four of us, and our kids are 20 and 23. Do you have any recommendations on must-see spots and things to avoid? Any great tips for accommodation, restaurants, or activities? Thanks so much for your help
Hello,
We’re heading to Playa del Carmen for two weeks in August with our 4-year-old child.
We’ve seen that you can visit places like Tulum or Cozumel on your own using colectivos. For Coba, we’re hesitant to go alone because we’d like to see the cenotes and the Mayan village.
But we’d prefer to find a French-speaking agency that guarantees small-group tours, especially for Sian Ka’an.
We’d rather avoid the "mimi tours" even though they’re recommended by a lot of people and the *Guide du Routard*, based on the reviews we’ve read.
I’m interested in the agency Muuch Ximbal, which seems to offer slightly different outings. There’s also H and L Tours or Delphine Fautré’s agency (though the last two don’t list excursion prices). We also found Promomaya, but apparently, they don’t have an on-site agency.
Do you have any tips or other agencies to recommend?
We’d also like to swim with dolphins but outside of the Xcaret and Xel-Há parks. Do you know of other ways to swim with them, maybe even in the open sea???
I’ve also seen that it’s possible to swim with whale sharks—is this doable with a 4-year-old who doesn’t like putting her head underwater yet? Have any of you done it? This excursion is quite expensive, and I’d be okay with swimming with them, but just sailing on a boat without being able to see them would be disappointing.
PS: Our Spanish isn’t very good.
Thanks in advance for your replies.
we’re traveling as a couple to Guatemala from Feb 8 to 22.
We’ve realized that given the distances, it feels a bit short.
So, we’ve decided to limit ourselves to:
- Antigua: 3 nights (from Feb 8 to 11), including the arrival day
- Lake Atitlán: from Feb 11 to 14 – 3 nights in San Juan La Laguna, including the morning trip from Antigua to Lake Atitlán
- Chichicastenango: from Feb 14 to 15 – 1 night to attend the Sunday market and visit the cemetery
We have 7 days left that we’re not sure how to organize to cover:
Flores – Tikal – El Remate, then head back to Guatemala City for our flight on Feb 22.
Actually, I have a few questions:
Do you think the time in Antigua and at the lake is enough?
We might do the Pacaya Volcano, which is accessible for beginners, and that’s it.
Should we spend a bit more time at these two spots: Antigua and the lake? If so, we’d have to skip the Chichicastenango market.
We’re also thinking of leaving Chichicastenango to head to Flores, then staying overnight in El Remate. Does that seem doable in one day?
We’ve noted that the trips are long, and since we don’t want to rush, we’ve reduced the number of accommodations. Even though we know we won’t see everything, we don’t want to miss the must-sees.
We’re also wondering if we’ve planned the route in the right direction, or if we should head straight to Tikal when we arrive.
Anyway, I know this is long, but we’re a bit lost.
Thanks so much for your help!
Annick
My partner and I would like to travel to Mexico during the Christmas holidays. We’re well aware that this is a peak tourist season, but it’s the only time of year when we can take a long trip (over two weeks) due to work commitments.
We’re looking to avoid overly touristy areas and travel independently (renting a car). We want to explore Mexico’s history, take our time, and enjoy nature and the sea.
I’ve never been to Mexico before, and I’m considering the following regions (not all of them, of course): Yucatán (outside Quintana Roo), Baja California, Oaxaca, or Chiapas.
I’ve more or less ruled out Chiapas for safety reasons (even though the nature there looks amazing), and I’d love to hear your thoughts on the other regions. From experience, I know that even in highly touristy areas, you can often find quieter spots with good planning and by avoiding the main hotspots. For example, we were in Thailand last year during the same period, and aside from 2-3 places, we had a very peaceful trip—sometimes even being the only Westerners around. Would the same be true for Yucatán or Baja California?
Do you have any recommendations for nice, less touristy spots? What are your thoughts on the regions I mentioned?
Thanks so much for your help, and I hope you have a great weekend!
Hi there,
We’ve had to change our plans, so we’re heading to Guatemala from October 16 to 25, 2025 (in just 6 days 😱 😊😕), with two kids aged 8 and 10. No time difference for us.
Here’s our itinerary:
Day 1: Morning: Arrival in Guatemala City at 9 AM. Drive to Antigua (1-hour shuttle) / Afternoon: Stroll around Antigua / Night: Antigua
Day 2: Explore Antigua / Night: Antigua
Day 3: Visit the area around Antigua OR hike a volcano (Acatenango?) / Night: Antigua
Day 4: Drive to Chichicastenango for the big market (how many hours?) / Afternoon: Iximche ruins? Or the hanging bridges at Atitlán Reserve? Or spend the day in Chichicastenango / Night: Panajachel
Day 5: A day by boat visiting villages around the lake and checking out local crafts (which villages to pick?), Night: Panajachel
Day 6: Drive to Flores with 1 stop? Should we go to Semuc Champey? (how many hours?), Night: ??
Day 7: Drive to Flores (how many hours?), Night: Flores
Day 8: Yaxha (1.5-hour drive each way with a driver), Night: Flores
Day 9: Day trip to Tikal, Night: Flores
Day 10:: Flight from Flores to Guatemala City, then departure at 4:30 PM
About hiking a volcano, I’ve read mixed reviews. Some say it’s easy, others say it’s tough.
Is there a kid-friendly hike where we could see lava from a volcano? Is it only visible at night? Do we *have* to sleep at the top and come down the next day?
I’ve heard of people doing it with 2-year-olds by carrying them, and others using horses—but I guess the horses don’t go all the way up? Seeing a real volcano would be amazing! I think it’d be a memorable experience for the kids. It’d be so cool to say, "We did that as a family!" But maybe it’s way too hard and a bad idea...
I’m struggling to find reliable info on travel times:
- How long is the drive from Antigua to Chichicastenango, please?
I’ve read shuttles leave at 7 AM and arrive at the market by 8:30 AM, but I’ve also seen people say it’s a 4-hour trip 😕.
Are the times on Google Maps reliable?
A blog mentioned visiting Chichicastenango’s market in the morning and Iximché in the afternoon. That seems like a lot of driving, especially after leaving Antigua in the morning. What should we do in the afternoon instead?
Days 6 and 7: The trip from Panajachel to Flores. Any advice on taking an overnight bus?
Should we go during the day with a stop at Semuc Champey? Or fly and spend the extra day somewhere else?
Day 8: Is a full day at Yaxha too much?
Thanks so much for your help—it’s *so* valuable with such short notice! 😅 😅 😅 THANK YOU
PS: If you have recommendations for private drivers, shuttle services, or any firsthand experience, I’d love to hear it!
Hi, a friend will be in Panama at an all-inclusive resort and was wondering if it's worth visiting the Canal in a single day, and also which attractions shouldn't be missed.
Is it better to choose a package deal? What's the recommended mode of transport for this trip?
Thanks
We’re a retired couple in our 70s looking to spend six weeks in Costa Rica between mid-January and mid-March 2026. We’d like to stay in comfortable bungalows (2x3 weeks) and rent a car for the entire period. We enjoy light hiking and some beach time, but we also love relaxing on a shaded veranda, reading, and unwinding. Which places would suit these preferences? We have a lot of experience with this kind of stay in the French West Indies or Indian Ocean islands but have never been to Central America. Does anyone have good tips?
Hi there, after my trip to Nicaragua in January, I’m planning to visit Honduras and El Salvador during the same journey. Can anyone tell me where to cross the border from Nicaragua to Honduras by bus? Is it doable? Safe? And most importantly, what’s a good route to take and what’s worth seeing in Honduras in a safe way?
Is it better to travel with a group (through an agency) or is solo travel no problem?
P.S.: And for El Salvador, same question—what’s a good route and what’s generally worth seeing? Is it better to start in the south (El Salvador) and then head north to Honduras before continuing to Guatemala, or...?
I spent two months alone in Guatemala this summer, without a guide or agency, and I’d love to share a quick recap of my impressions.
● First off, it’s really easy to travel without a guide or agency.
If you want a guide for excursions, you can easily find one through the many agencies in Antigua or Panajachel. In Flores, there are also plenty of agencies offering multi-day jungle treks.
● I got around by shuttle for part of the "classic" and more touristy route. To step off that path, I took "camionetas" (chicken buses) or minibuses.
For me, "camionetas" are the best way to get around Guatemala. They let you travel everywhere, fully immersed, at the local pace. They run all the time and are even an adventure in themselves.
Shuttles are direct, but local buses aren’t.
No matter how you travel, trips take a while because roads are often in bad shape, and in the mountains, you can’t overtake.
● As for safety, there’s nothing unusual compared to other Latin American countries. Just keep in mind it’s not Europe. As a solo woman, I try not to draw too much attention—though traveling alone already does that. Like in other countries, I was often asked where my kids and husband were, and I just gave whatever answer I felt like.
● Budget-wise, Guatemala isn’t too expensive for French tourists, but Antigua and Panajachel—two very touristy spots—are pricier.
● Guatemala is a small country but incredibly rich in culture and nature (volcanoes, mountains, beaches, etc.). You can easily spend several days (or even weeks) in each region.
● My top picks ❤️:
- The Mayan markets, especially the one in San Francisco El Alto
- The Ixil Triangle: Nebaj, Chajul, Acul
- The stunning landscapes around Todos Santos Cuchumatán
- Antigua, very touristy but beautiful
- Lake Atitlán, also touristy but gorgeous
I planned to climb Pacaya Volcano, but early in my trip, there was an earthquake in Antigua, and by the end, I wasn’t in the mood. Climbing Acatenango is more spectacular but also more challenging.
● Biggest highlights ❤️ ❤️:
- Tikal—it’s THE must-see site, an incredible mix of archaeology and nature!
- The Joyabaj Fair, which I hadn’t planned to visit but ended up spending a week at: Mayan ceremonies, equestrian parades, diverse dances, processions with Mayan priests, and especially the "palo volador"—the highlight of the festival!
● Small letdown 👎:
- Ranchitos del Quetzal, where I went hoping to spot the quetzal. I knew it wasn’t the right season, but I was still disappointed—I didn’t see any other birds either, and the hiking options were limited. It also took me a slight detour from Cobán.
If you have any questions, I’d be happy to answer them.
● If you’re interested, I kept a more detailed travel journal, and I’m working on another one just about the Joyabaj Fair:
Hi everyone,
There’s not much info out there on Nicaragua in general, which is why I posted my questions here on the forum... but didn’t get many answers since it’s tough to find any anyway.
It’s a stunning country, but my experience was mixed.
There are areas with very few tourists (which is exactly what we were looking for), but as a result, there’s almost no way to get around (unless you walk, and even that’s not easy or always possible) and no real tourist infrastructure.
Finding info is nearly impossible—there’s practically nothing, so it’s hard to know what you’ll find in a given place, whether it’s worth taking a 12-hour bus ride across the country, only to turn around 48 hours later.
The easy and pleasant spots: Granada, Ometepe, San Juan del Sur and the Pacific beaches, León, and the Corn Islands. These are the places mentioned in guidebooks (the rest is jungle to the east, not many roads south of the lake, and no boats on the lake either—except for the Rivas-Ometepe connection). Venturing off the beaten path is really tough.
The Caribbean coast: aside from the Corn Islands (which are very touristy but not easy to reach by ferry from Bluefields), or if you want to take a flight with La Costeña, book in advance—there are often very few seats! The rest isn’t particularly satisfying, especially Pearl Lagoon, where swimming isn’t possible due to unsafe water. Don’t expect a postcard-perfect setting. But everything’s worth it if you have the time...
Buses: there are plenty, and they’re super cheap—but be warned, they stop everywhere, take forever, and are loud (though kind of charming in a vintage way). Too many buses can ruin a trip.
Lodges: affordable on a small budget, except in Managua and along the entire Caribbean coast! For example, beaches like El Tránsito (which is gorgeous) charge at least $50 or $60 per night for a basic room. Good to know.
In Matagalpa, we tried to rent a motorcycle to get around—impossible. I asked everywhere, but there was no way. So we cut our stay short because once you’ve explored Selva Negra, there’s not much else to do (an 8-hour bus ride to see a waterfall? No thanks). These might seem like small details, but they really matter when you want to enjoy where you are and discover nice spots—you end up stuck.
Bring plenty of mosquito spray + oral antihistamines: mosquitoes and bites are a *serious* nuisance. (I got over 200 bites in one go during a trip to a humid tropical forest, even though I was covered and protected.)
All in all, it’s an adventurous, exploratory trip. The people are great, and we never felt unsafe (even though some travelers have had *really* bad experiences). I thought there’d be a carnival since it was the right time of year—nothing. No dancing, not festive at all (compared to Brazil, for example, it’s the complete opposite).
We saw animals, but no toucans, for example!
For a beautiful, pristine, and well-organized trip, everyone agrees—go to Costa Rica, but be prepared to pay a lot more. Nicaragua is something else entirely. For surfers, though, it’s amazing! Personally, I love watching fish in clear, calm waters, hiking in nature, and swimming—I think I picked the wrong destination, but I’m glad I got to experience this totally wild side of Central America! :-)
Here’s our itinerary for 15 days in Guatemala.
Does it seem logical in terms of distances to avoid overly long trips? If not, which stop should we cut?
- Antigua
- Atitlán
- Lanquín
- Río Dulce
- El Remate – Flores
- Guatemala City
Could you help me estimate the approximate travel time for these routes by tourist bus or shuttle?
- Atitlán – Lanquín
- Lanquín – Río Dulce
- Río Dulce – El Remate
- Flores – Guatemala City
Hi everyone,
I’m so happy 🙂 to be traveling again after 5 years without a trip. I’m heading back to Costa Rica for 18 days from December 12th to 30th with a friend. We’re doing San José-Sarapiquí (2 nights), then Sarapiquí-Tortuguero (3 nights), then from Tortuguero heading to the Cahuita and Puerto Viejo area. We’ll spend about ten days in that region, then make a 2-day stop somewhere before flying back out of San José.
From what I’ve read on this blog, Puerto Viejo seems like the "rasta," party-friendly spot, which is honestly the kind of place I tend to avoid—too touristy. I’m looking for places surrounded by beautiful nature. I’ve already spent several weeks in Drake Bay (in 2019 and 10 years before that) and loved it. My friend also wants to visit the Bri Bri.
Could you recommend some authentic spots in this southern Caribbean area? Your favorite places—whether it’s sights to see, accommodations, or even your favorite little restaurants 😛?
What’s the most authentic way to visit the Bri Bri? What’s your take on that?
And finally, what beautiful stop would you recommend before heading back to San José?
A huge thank you to everyone!
Have a great day,
Zineb
We’d like to do a tour to Yaxchilan and Bonampak from Palenque, but it seems there are tons of travel agencies offering this tour. We’ve also read about a lot of disappointments... any recommendations?
Hi,
I’m heading to Cancun next January and I’m looking for a rental car.
I’m overwhelmed by all these cheap offers from sites like Booking, Carigami, and others...
Some reviews mention extra insurance fees that had to be paid on the spot.
I’d love to hear about your experiences—what company did you use? Were you charged any additional costs?
A lot of ads redirect to Touracancun, but they don’t seem trustworthy to me.
Thanks for your feedback!
My son is finishing up a year of working holiday in Canada soon. His plan is to take a bus from Montreal to Florida on 10/26, stay there for a few days, then fly to Cancun, Mexico. From there, he doesn’t have a precise plan yet, except to head down to Panama if the security situation in the countries he’ll cross allows it. Then, in March 2026, he’ll take a flight to Martinique, where he’d like to either find a sailboat (as crew) for the return transatlantic crossing (option 1) or do a sailing internship that includes the crossing (option 2).
So my questions are:
- Will he be able to re-enter Mexico without an exit date or proof of a flight back to Belgium? Would being able to prove his return by sailboat with a specific date (option 2, the sailing internship) make things easier?
- Are there any countries to avoid between Mexico and Panama? He’s traveling backpacker-style on a small budget.
Hi everyone, absolute travel lovers after our 20 trips to the USA, we’ve decided to head to Mexico in February (flight already booked: Nice to Cancun on February 20th, returning on the evening of March 1st).
I’m mainly hesitating about trying to do too much, as usual when discovering a new country. Here’s my itinerary—I’m unsure about a few things:
- **Day 1**: Should we stay relaxed at the resort we booked, or should we do Isla Mujeres instead? If we stay, when’s the best time to visit the island?
- **Day 3**: If we visit Chichén Itzá right at opening, will the Ik-Kil cenote be quieter in terms of tourists? If not, which cenote nearby would you recommend?
- **Big decision**: Should we go all the way down to Bacalar or not? After that, it feels a bit rushed. **Day 6** is mandatory, or are there other options? Honestly, I’m counting on your advice!
For context, we’re a family of four (with very grown-up kids who are used to traveling), and we’ve already rented an SUV for this period. Thanks in advance for your help—it’ll be invaluable!
**Departure – February 20th**: Arrival in Cancún
Arrival at 8:20 PM, pick up rental car.
Overnight in Cancún.
**Day 1 – February 21st**: Isla Mujeres
Ferry from Cancún to Isla Mujeres.
Playa Norte, snorkeling, golf cart tour.
Return to Cancún. Overnight in Cancún.
Drive (~3.5h). Settle in Tulum.
Visit the Mayan ruins of Tulum (stunning ocean view).
Swim in Gran Cenote or Cenote Calavera.
End the day at Playa Paraíso.
Overnight in Tulum.
**Day 6 – February 26th**: Sian Ka’an Reserve
Guided excursion:
Option Muyil (half-day): boat tour + swim in the Mayan canal.
Option Punta Allen (full-day): dolphins, turtles, snorkeling on the reef.
Overnight in Tulum.
**Day 7 – February 27th**: Tulum → Akumal → Playa del Carmen
Morning: snorkeling with turtles in Akumal.
Lunch, then drive to Playa del Carmen.
Evening on 5th Avenue.
Overnight in Playa del Carmen.
**Day 8 – February 28th**: Playa del Carmen → Puerto Morelos
Free morning in Playa del Carmen (beach or Cenotes Azul & Cristalino).
Afternoon: drive to Puerto Morelos (~30 min).
Overnight in Puerto Morelos.
**Day 9 – March 1st**: Puerto Morelos → Cancún → Return flight
Relaxing morning in Puerto Morelos.
Drive (~30 min) to Cancún Airport.
Return rental car. Return flight.
Back in 2002, we spent two weeks in Playa del Carmen. We did day trips to Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, Chichén Itzá, Tulum, and Xcaret.
We’re heading back at Christmas with our two daughters, aged 15 and 19. I’m sure it’s changed a lot with the booming tourism.
Flights are booked: Paris-Cancún on 19/12 (arriving at 8:20 PM) and Cancún-Paris on 01/01 at 1:30 PM. We’re still finalizing the itinerary because we want to explore but don’t want to switch hotels too often. We’ll be there for 13 nights and 12 days, so we’re choosing among:
- Playa del Carmen
- Cozumel
- Holbox
- Valladolid
- Tulum
- Mahahual
We won’t do everything, so any tips would be great! I’m also unsure if renting a car is the best option.
Hi, can you tell me if there’s a bus or shuttle from Alajuela to the Nicaragua border via Los Chiles? I’d like to avoid going through San José.
Thanks for your help!
A fantastic trip, dominated by the Altiplano, volcanoes, and especially the Mayan people!
Our route: Antigua – San Lucas de Toliman (Lake Atitlán) – Chichicastenango – Sayaxché – El Remate – Flores – Río Dulce – Livingston – Antigua
I won’t describe our trip in detail but will highlight a few points that go beyond the usual routes and really won us over.
In Antigua, it’s easy to take a chicken bus from the bus station next to the central market in the eastern part of the city to visit nearby villages. We went to Santa María de Jesús on a Sunday without seeing any other Westerners. We got lost in its colorful market, ate at a *comedor* with local dishes we didn’t find anywhere else, and were surrounded by incredibly welcoming Mayans.
Several villages around Lake Atitlán are well-covered by travelers and guides like *Routard* and *Lonely Planet*, but if you want to stay somewhere more authentic, I recommend San Lucas de Toliman (we stayed at *Casa Qatzil*—great place!). It’s in the southeast of the lake, with a market on Tuesdays and Fridays, a central square full of locals (more of those super-friendly Mayans!), and the option to visit other villages by *lancha* (boat) for the day. A walk toward the lake lets you pass by the washhouses, and there are hikes accessible by *pick-up* (shared transport), like the twin volcanoes Tolimán and Atitlán or Cerro del Oro (less challenging!). We loved visiting Santa Catarina Palopó—get lost in its maze of steep alleys, admiring the blue facades with their characteristic paintings. There are direct *chicken bus* connections to Chichicastenango in 1.5 hours. Cheap and convenient, though a bit bumpy!
Chichicastenango is famous for its market, described as the largest in Central America, on Thursdays and Sundays. A flood of tourists arrives between 10 AM and 1 PM, shuttled in by organized buses from Lake Atitlán and Antigua. But if you have time, stay overnight the day before and enjoy the market before 10 AM or in the afternoon. This little town (more of those welcoming Mayans!) is worth lingering in for a day or two to visit the cemetery, extraordinarily colorful and a site of Mayan rituals. Also take time to go to *Plaza Baktun*, a site considered sacred in Mayan culture where religious ceremonies take place around seven sculptures several meters tall.
The ruins of Aguateca are barely excavated (most structures are still covered in vegetation) and are only accessible by boat, traveling up a tributary of the Río de la Pasión to the sound of howler monkeys and birdsong (1.5 hours from Sayaxché). We felt like we got a sense of daily life in the ancient city—not just its religious dimension—with its ravine for sheltering women and children during attacks, its cliff, and defensive walls. Alone with our *lancha* driver, who acted as our guide in the barely cleared jungle, this site doesn’t overlap with Tikal at all—the vibe is completely different.
We stayed in El Remate instead of Flores to visit Yaxhá and Tikal, at *Posada Ixchel* (great place!). This quiet little town lets you stroll along the lake and hike in *Cerro Cahui*, a protected biotope leading to a viewpoint. Plus, it’s on the way to the sites, saving 45 minutes per trip.
Feel free to ask me questions about the places, accommodations, etc.—I’d be happy to answer!
