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 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 lots more to do: observe the fascinating underwater world at Acuario Michin Guadalajara, don't miss a visit to Plaza Universidad, pause for some serene contemplation at Templo de Nuestra Senora de Aranzazu, and explore the world behind art at Museo Pantaleon Panduro.

To find where to stay, traveler tips, other places to visit, and more tourist information, use the Guadalajara holiday builder tool.

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 difference moving from Mountain Standard Time to Central Standard Time is 1 hour. Plan for colder temperatures traveling from Phoenix in August, with highs in Guadalajara at 80°F and lows at 61°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 29th (Sun) early enough to catch the flight 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 Zelma Basha Salmeri Gallery. Change things up with these side-trips from Phoenix: Clarkdale (Clarkdale National Historic District & Townsite, Arizona Copper Art Museum, &more), Mesquite Groves Aquatic Center (in Chandler) 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 get interesting insight from Tours.

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.