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 Palacio de Gobierno del Estado de Jalisco. Go for a jaunt from Guadalajara to Zapopan to see El Diente about 38 minutes away. There's still lots to do: see the interesting displays at Instituto Cultural Cabanas, pause for some serene contemplation at Templo de Nuestra Senora de Aranzazu, explore the world behind art at Museo Pantaleon Panduro, and don't miss a visit to Plaza Universidad.

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 Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve. Go for a jaunt from Tulum to Playa del Carmen to see Fernando Rodriguez about 1h 5 min away. Spend the 3rd (Fri) among aquatic life with a scuba or snorkeling tour. There's much more to do: explore the ancient world of Tulum Archaeological Site, make a trip to Plastic Flamingo, relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas, and view the masterpieces at Art Gallery Miniature.

To find reviews, ratings, maps, and other tourist information, use the Tulum holiday maker app.

You can fly from Guadalajara to Tulum in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. The time zone difference moving from Central Standard Time (CST) to Eastern Standard Time (EST) is 1 hour. 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 Off-Road Tours. Change things up with these side-trips from Phoenix: Chandler (Zelma Basha Salmeri Gallery & Mesquite Groves Aquatic Center), Clarkdale (Clarkdale National Historic District & Townsite, Arizona Copper Art Museum, &more) and Catch-and-Release Fishing Lake (in Anthem). There's still lots to do: see the interesting displays at Musical Instrument Museum, explore the engaging exhibits at Children’s Museum of Phoenix, and walk around Thunderbird Paseo Park.

To see maps, other places to visit, traveler tips, and more tourist information, read our Phoenix trip itinerary builder website.

Traveling by flight from Tulum to Phoenix takes 8 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. The time zone difference when traveling from Tulum to Phoenix is minus 2 hours. Expect a bit warmer temperatures when traveling from Tulum in September; daily highs in Phoenix reach 99°F and lows reach 78°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 7th (Tue) early enough to travel back home.