13 days in Guadalajara, Tulum & Phoenix Itinerary

One of Mexico's cultural hubs, Guadalajara represents the home of mariachi music and hosts numerous large-scale events, ranging from international film festivals to celebrated book fairs.

Bring the kids along to Acuario Michin Guadalajara and Instituto Cultural Cabanas. Go for a jaunt from Guadalajara to Zapopan to see El Diente about 38 minutes away. There's still lots to do: get a sense of history and politics at Palacio de Gobierno del Estado de Jalisco, admire the masterpieces at Museo de Arte Huichol Wixarica, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Templo de Nuestra Senora de las Mercedes, and take in the spiritual surroundings of Santuario de Nuestra Senora de la Soledad.

To find other places to visit, traveler tips, reviews, and other tourist information, you can read our Guadalajara day trip planner.

Phoenix, USA to Guadalajara is an approximately 6-hour flight. You can also drive; or do a combination of bus and car. The time zone changes from Mountain Standard Time (MST) to Central Standard Time (CST), which is usually a 1 hour difference. Traveling from Phoenix in August, expect Guadalajara to be cooler, temps between 80°F and 61°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 29th (Sun) so you can fly to Tulum.

The only Mayan site built to overlook the ocean, Tulum remains a coastal paradise preserving the last vestiges of a pre-Hispanic civilization.

Bring the kids along to Xcaret and Climbing Tours. Change things up with these side-trips from Tulum: Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve (in Sian Ka'an) and Fernando Rodriguez (in Playa del Carmen). Spend the 3rd (Fri) among aquatic life with a scuba or snorkeling tour. There's much more to do: delve into the distant past at Tulum Archaeological Site, shop like a local with Art Gallery Miniature, view the masterpieces at Balam Art On Feathers, and contemplate the waterfront views at Casa Cenote.

For photos, where to stay, more things to do, and other tourist information, read Tulum holiday planner.

You can fly from Guadalajara to Tulum in 4.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 1 hour traveling from Guadalajara to Tulum. Traveling from Guadalajara in August, expect Tulum to be somewhat warmer, temps between 86°F and 72°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 3rd (Fri) so you can catch the flight to Phoenix.

Phoenix is the capital and most populous city of the U.S. state of Arizona. Kids will enjoy Horseback Riding Tours and Mesquite Groves Aquatic Center. Change things up with these side-trips from Phoenix: Zelma Basha Salmeri Gallery (in Chandler), Clarkdale (Clarkdale National Historic District & Townsite, Arizona Copper Art Museum, &more) and Catch-and-Release Fishing Lake (in Anthem). The adventure continues: see the interesting displays at Musical Instrument Museum, walk around Thunderbird Paseo Park, have fun and explore at Children’s Museum of Phoenix, and head outdoors with Outdoor Activities.

For where to stay, ratings, photos, and other tourist information, refer to the Phoenix day trip planning website.

Fly from Tulum to Phoenix in 8 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 2 hours traveling from Tulum to Phoenix. Traveling from Tulum in September, expect Phoenix to be a bit warmer, temps between 99°F and 78°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 7th (Tue) early enough to travel back home.