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 Instituto Cultural Cabanas and Expiatory Temple. Go for a jaunt from Guadalajara to Zapopan to see El Diente about 38 minutes away. The adventure continues: observe the fascinating underwater world at Acuario Michin Guadalajara, make a trip to Plaza Universidad, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Santuario de Nuestra Senora de la Soledad, and get a sense of history and politics at Palacio de Gobierno.

For photos, where to stay, and tourist information, you can read our Guadalajara road trip planner.

Phoenix, USA to Guadalajara is an approximately 6.5-hour flight. You can also drive; or do a combination of bus and car. The time zone difference moving from Mountain Standard Time to Central Standard Time is 1 hour. Expect cooler temperatures when traveling from Phoenix in August; daily highs in Guadalajara reach 80°F and lows reach 61°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 29th (Sun) so you can travel 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 Parque De Cenotes Yax-Muul. Change things up with these side-trips from Tulum: Fernando Rodriguez (in Playa del Carmen) and Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve (in Sian Ka'an). Spend the 3rd (Fri) among aquatic life with a scuba or snorkeling tour. There's still lots to do: explore the ancient world of Tulum Archaeological Site, explore the galleries of Art Gallery Miniature, take in the exciting artwork at Balam Art On Feathers, and take in panoramic vistas at Tulum Tower.

For other places to visit, maps, reviews, and other tourist information, read our Tulum journey builder app.

You can fly from Guadalajara to Tulum in 7 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 1 hour traveling from Guadalajara to Tulum. Prepare for a bit warmer weather when traveling from Guadalajara in August: high temperatures in Tulum hover around 86°F and lows are around 72°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 3rd (Fri) so you can travel to Phoenix.

Phoenix is the capital and most populous city of the U.S. Kids will enjoy Horseback Riding Tours and Musical Instrument Museum. Change things up with these side-trips from Phoenix: Clarkdale (Clarkdale National Historic District & Townsite, Arizona Copper Art Museum, &more), Catch-and-Release Fishing Lake (in Anthem) and Chandler (Zelma Basha Salmeri Gallery & Mesquite Groves Aquatic Center). There's much more to do: see Off-Road Tours, walk around Thunderbird Paseo Park, and explore the engaging exhibits at Children’s Museum of Phoenix.

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 9.5 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.