👋 Hola! My identify is Trisha. Earlier than I moved to Mexico completely, I went backpacking across the nation. On this put up, I’ll share with you my backpacking Mexico itinerary, together with security precautions and money-saving ideas.
📬 Hiya Trisha! I don’t know something about Mexico and since you reside there, I made a decision to succeed in out! I really like all of your Mexico content material, by the way in which so thanks a lot! I solely have 3 weeks in Mexico and I bought so overwhelmed once I seemed on the map. That nation is so massive so I don’t actually know methods to plan my Mexico backpacking! I do know you lived in lots of locations and areas in Mexico so please give me some ideas and recommendation! Thanks for all the nice content material you set on the market. It’s serving to me rather a lot!
Katie Barnett, United Kingdom
Hello Katie!
I’m glad you determined to go to Mexico! For positive, 3 weeks backpacking Mexico is doable however I do imagine you’ll find yourself staying extra. That’s what occurred to me and now I bought my Mexican residency! I’ll solely provide you with a backpacking Mexico itinerary that I’ve expertise in and areas that I like to recommend.
Sadly, I don’t have the Quintana Roo and Yucatan space right here as I haven’t been south. I’m not an knowledgeable in that space. It’s additionally costly and never too secure for overseas backpackers. If there’s something that wasn’t answered on this put up, be happy to contact me and I’ll replace this put up. Good luck in your journey!
Xx,
Trisha
In a rush? Listed below are my high suggestions on your journey to Mexico:
🇲🇽 Mexico Journey Planner: I have been residing in Mexico since 2018 and I may help you propose your journey by way of a 1-1 chat. Chances are you’ll ebook a name with me right here.
🏄 Issues to do in Mexico: Use the code PSIMONMYWAY10 to get a ten% low cost on actions in Mexico!
🛏️ Lodging: I solely ebook lodging on Reserving.com since they’ve an choice to pay on the property. This manner, I can examine if the lodge reservation is a rip-off or not.
✈️ Low-cost flights to Mexico: I take advantage of WayAway due to the perks of getting a cashback on each flight I ebook!
🚗 Rental vehicles in Mexico: Driving in Mexico is enjoyable and secure! You possibly can hire a automobile right here for as little as $25 per day!
🚌 Busses in Mexico: Busses in Mexico are snug and cheaper than home flights. If in case you have time and need to save on value, purchase bus tickets on-line!
🛜 Mexico E-SIM: Buy an E-SIM for Mexico for as little as $6 per day. You possibly can customise your information plan right here.
🚑 Mexico Journey Insurance coverage: Don’t journey to Mexico with out insurance coverage. I take advantage of Ekta Touring for Mexico journeys not longer than 10 days and SafetyWing for month-long journeys.
Backpacking Mexico Solo: Is It Protected?
I have lived in many alternative areas in Mexico since 2018; security is subjective and private. Though I have to admit, once I first went to Mexico in 2013, I wasn’t very nervous about security since I used to be coming to stick with mates. Many areas in Mexico are usually not secure, however I’m not together with these on this backpacking Mexico itinerary.
I may even write about routes I’ve private expertise in. One other important factor to notice about security in Mexico: I do know you’re nervous about cartels and such issues, however they won’t do something to interrupt tourism in Mexico. Sadly, the world of Quintana Roo (the place Cancun, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen is), is changing into very harmful as time passes even when there are various vacationers nonetheless visiting.
📹 Watch Reel: I traveled to Acapulco alone, essentially the most “harmful” place in Mexico
Each nice journey begins with a plan—be sure that TRAVEL INSURANCE is a part of yours!
Solo Backpacking Mexico Itinerary #1: Central Mexico
An important factor to know when planning your backpacking Mexico itinerary is that you’ll at all times begin in Mexico Metropolis. Until you’re coming from the USA which has direct flights to each main metropolis/state in Mexico.
💃🏽 Why go to Central Mexico: Central Mexico is the nation’s cultural capital. That is the place you’ll see all the normal Mexican cities on Instagram and Pinterest. Central Mexico is the long-lasting imagery of Mexico on social media. It’s a good place to begin your journey and expertise the actual tradition of Mexico.
👮 Security in Central Mexico: Typically secure however Mexico Metropolis has areas that it’s a must to keep away from. The remainder of the locations in Central Mexico are okay and also you don’t must be extraordinarily vigilant.
Right here’s a doable Centram Mexico Backpacking itinerary for 10, 15 and 30 days:
| Length | Route & Instructed Days |
|---|---|
| 10 Days | Mexico Metropolis (3 days) → Teotihuacán (1 day) → Puebla (2 days) → Cholula (1 day) → Cuernavaca (1 day) → Taxco (2 days) |
| 15 Days | Mexico Metropolis (3 days) → Teotihuacán (1 day) → Puebla (2 days) → Cholula (1 day) → Cuernavaca (1 day) → Taxco (2 days) → Querétaro (2 days) → San Miguel de Allende (2 days) → Guanajuato (1 day) |
| 30 Days | Mexico Metropolis (5 days) → Teotihuacán (1 day) → Puebla (3 days) → Cholula (2 days) → Cuernavaca (2 days) → Taxco (2 days) → Querétaro (3 days) → San Miguel de Allende (3 days) → Guanajuato (3 days) → Morelia (2 days) → Pátzcuaro (2 days) → Toluca (2 days) → Valle de Bravo (2 days) → Xilitla (2 days) → Actual de Catorce (2 days) |
Prime Locations To Add To Your Central Mexico Itinerary
- Mexico Metropolis – A vibrant mixture of historical past, artwork, and meals. Protected neighborhoods like Roma and Condesa are excellent for solo wandering, plus there’s infinite tradition to soak in.
- Teotihuacán – Stroll amongst historical pyramids and channel your interior explorer. The dawn scorching air balloon journey? Completely price it.
- Puebla – Colourful streets, gorgeous church buildings, and the most effective mole poblano. It’s charming, walkable, and filled with historical past.
- Cholula – House to the world’s largest pyramid (hidden below a hill!). Cute cafés and a relaxed vibe make it an awesome cease.
- Cuernavaca – Generally known as the “Metropolis of Everlasting Spring,” it’s a peaceable escape with lush gardens and colonial allure.
- Taxco – A dreamy silver city with cobblestone streets and gorgeous mountain views. Excellent for sluggish journey and boutique procuring.
- Querétaro – Underrated however attractive! Colonial streets, vigorous plazas, and a secure, welcoming ambiance for solo vacationers.
- San Miguel de Allende – Artsy, colourful, and stuffed with expats. It’s bought a magical vibe, excellent for solo wandering and rooftop sunsets.
- Guanajuato – A maze of alleys, vibrant homes, and underground streets. It’s quirky, enjoyable, and stuffed with surprises.
- Morelia – Gorgeous pink stone structure and a relaxed tempo. Nice for historical past lovers and foodies.
- Pátzcuaro – A lakeside city with indigenous tradition and artisan markets. Tremendous cozy and genuine.
- Toluca – Well-known for the Nevado de Toluca, a wide ranging volcano hike that’s completely doable solo.
- Valle de Bravo – A lakeside retreat with journey sports activities, cute cafés, and a chill vibe. Nice for unwinding.
- Xilitla – Surreal gardens and waterfalls within the jungle. Appears like stepping right into a dream.
- Actual de Catorce – A mystical desert city with ghost-town vibes and gorgeous landscapes. Excellent for a reflective solo escape.
Day by day Funds Pattern For Backpacking Central Mexico
Central Mexico is the most affordable space within the nation. You could find $7 USD lodging right here and eat for $1 USD. That is the baseline of pricing in Mexico and in all places else is costlier. Right here’s a each day funds pattern for a solo backpacker:
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Backpacking Mexico Itinerary #2: Oaxaca State
I am going to Oaxaca yearly not just for day of the lifeless however the coast is so stunning and so distinctive! Oaxaca is the identify of the state and the capital can be known as Oaxaca. I’ve finished a Oaxaca highway journey twice and I’m planning on doing it the third time! From mountains to stunning cities to seashores, Oaxaca has all of it so it deserves to be on this backpacking Mexico itinerary though you may mix it with the Pacific Coast itinerary.
- 💃🏽 Why go to Oaxaca: Oaxaca is the cultural capital of Mexico. The meals is nice, the tradition is vibrant and it is usually one of many most cost-effective locations. You possibly can’t go backpacking in Mexico and skip Oaxaca – it is a must-see!
- 💲 Oaxaca costs: The town could be very low cost. I stayed in hostels in Oaxaca for $10 USD per evening however if you go to the coast and the seaside areas, dorm beds can begin at $25 USD per evening. The coast of Oaxaca is especially well-known to surfers.
- 👮 Security in Oaxaca: Like Mexico Metropolis, some areas of Oaxaca Metropolis are usually not secure however the remainder of the Oaxaca state are small cities so it’s tremendous secure!
Oaxaca Metropolis
Oaxaca Metropolis is culturally wealthy. In case you are a fan of meals, that is the most effective place to discover the meals of the state. They’ve all the great things right here as Oaxacan meals is synonymous with Mexican delicacies. Folks really come to Oaxaca Metropolis due to its widespread websites like Hierve del Agua. Nonetheless, that is exterior the town. You continue to must journey to go right here.
Throughout the metropolis, you may go to the Zocalo markets, discover the numerous eating places, uncover the nightlife, and simply admire the colours of Oaxaca de Juarez. You don’t must go far – there are such a lot of issues to do in Oaxaca! Hostels in Oaxaca Metropolis are tremendous reasonably priced and are within the heart. Oaxaca is a strolling city and when you ever use a taxi, use the Didi app. Uber just isn’t a typical taxi app in Oaxaca.
San Jose del Pacifico
San Jose del Pacifico is kind of a drive from Puerto Escondido. The roads are winding and when you find yourself the motive force, you’ll really feel prefer it by no means ends! I’m at all times the assigned driver of my group(s) so I drove this freeway twice and I LOVE IT! Pine bushes, chilly climate, and tremendous good lodging – San Jose del Pacifico is a Oaxacan gem!
There aren’t many issues to do in San Jose del Pacifico but it surely’s well-known for the mushrooms. Folks come right here to expertise mushrooms and deep within the forest for the expertise. It’s additionally on the way in which to the coast of Oaxaca so that you’ll cross by it it doesn’t matter what. Lease a cabin for an evening and benefit from the quiet within the woods. San Jose del Pacifico is chilly so be sure you have correct clothes.
Huatulco
Inside Huatulco, there are already many seashores and little treks round – you’ll positively take pleasure in these locations when you have your individual transport. If you wish to save on prices, taxis inside Huatulco are additionally very low cost (about $2 USD per journey).
Huatulco is legendary for its 7 bays (Bahias de Huatulco) and there are boat excursions that do these. There have been days that we didn’t use the automobile since these bays are usually not accessible by land. I stayed in Hostal Azul y Blanco Huatulco and paid $18 USD per evening for a mattress in a dorm. It’s well-located and the backpackers right here at all times hanging out and doing actions collectively.
This hostel can be within the heart the place the supermarkets, banks, and well-known landmarks are. I didn’t must take a taxi and all the things is walkable. Simply don’t stroll at evening as a result of theft in Huatulco is quite common.
Mazunte
Mazunte is considered one of my favourite pueblo magicos in Mexico and I preserve coming again! That is really named as one of many greatest seaside cities in Oaxaca. It someway has the Sayulita way of life I’m used to however smaller and quieter. There are a lot of out of doors actions like hikes and within the night, the bars and eating places are tremendous vigorous! It’s additionally one of the crucial “instagrammable” locations I’ve been to in Mexico. Every little thing seems to be so cute!
There are a lot of Mazunte accommodations however I at all times keep in Balamjuyuc as a result of it’s tremendous low cost and it’s situated on a cliff close to Punta Cometa. Each my 2020 and 2021 teams stayed on this place and we paid $45 USD (divided by 4) per evening for a shared cabana.
Zipolite
Zipolite just isn’t an precise city like Mazunte. It’s really a seaside within the municipality of Pochutla. It’s simply so humorous that the identify Zipolite is extra well-known than the city it’s in. Playa Zipolite is the one nudist seaside and Mexico so that you higher not skip this. This can be a very attention-grabbing tradition and even when it’s simply quarter-hour away from Mazunte, the vibe is completely totally different.
Except for solar tanning nude on the seaside, I additionally had the most effective therapeutic massage of my life right here! I’m very choosy with my massages and imagine me that I’m not exaggerating that that is the most effective therapeutic massage of my life. I’m additionally Asian so I take good massages significantly. Her identify is Jessica, she’s a neighborhood in Zipolite. Her telephone quantity is +52 222 719 4231. She doesn’t have a Whatsapp however you may name her immediately.
Puerto Escondido
Puerto Escondido is my favourite! This vacation spot has at all times linked to me in so some ways and types however I truthfully haven’t had the calling to stay right here. I simply love coming right here to make it my solo getaway.
There are a lot of issues to do in Puerto Escondido and I haven’t actually up to date my listing. Each time I come right here, I simply go go to mates and do nothing. On my April 2021 journey, I didn’t even have one single image on my digital camera! I used to be very glad to see my mates who stay in PE so I forgot concerning the work.
However my greatest PE recommendation is to only flow and don’t plan your days. Simply see the place your toes take you as a result of it should at all times take you someplace. That’s the fantastic thing about Puerto Escondido. There are a lot of hostels in Puerto Escondido and relaxation assured that you just’ll adore it right here due to the younger vibe. You’ll meet many backpackers right here and for positive, this is among the locations in Mexico that you’ll keep longer.
Backpacking Mexico Itinerary #3: The Pacific
I spent many of the years residing in Mexico right here so I’m fairly biased with this vacation spot. The Pacific Coast of Mexico is greatest for vacationers who love the seaside and nature. It’s usually in comparison with Cancun and the Yucatan space however truthfully, they don’t have mountains within the south and we do have it right here!
💃🏽 Why go to the Pacific: I spent many of the years residing in Mexico right here so I’m fairly biased with this vacation spot. The Pacific Coast of Mexico is greatest for vacationers who love the seaside and nature. It’s usually in comparison with Cancun and the Yucatan space however truthfully, they don’t have mountains within the south and we do have it right here!
💲 Pacific costs: Costs listed here are nonetheless cheaper than within the south. Additionally, you will see plenty of Mexican cultures right here. It’s usually in comparison with Quintana Roo however the worth is manner cheaper.
👮 Security within the Pacific: VERY SAFE! As I stated, there are various shootings which are occurring in Tulum and Playa del Carmen now so plenty of my expat mates who stay there transfer to the Pacific to have a safer high quality of life however cheaper.
Guadalajara
What I beloved about residing in Guadalajara is that could be very culturally wealthy. Actually, it’s thought of the cultural heart of Mexico. Mariachi is from right here. Truly, it originated from the state of Jalisco however you will note plenty of Mariachi bands in each nook of GDL.
The nightlife can be very vibrant because the Avenida Chapultepec is vigorous 24/7. I keep in mind assembly my first mates there (exterior of the folks I already know) once I randomly joined a salsa class in the course of the Chapultepec.
That’s additionally the place all of the bars and eating places are. They’re at all times full so on Saturdays, we at all times be sure that to exit earlier than 8 pm. In any other case, there might be no tables!
There’s a very wealthy hostel tradition in Guadalajara and nearly all backpackers I do know stopped right here at one level. There’s additionally a neighborhood of German alternate college students right here so count on to see them round. Guadalajara has the most effective Universities within the nation.
Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is among the areas in Mexico that I stayed essentially the most. I lived right here for one yr earlier than shifting to Baja California and it’s an awesome space for expats and backpackers alike!
I first traveled to Puerto Vallarta on a funds in 2018. It’s notoriously well-known to Canadians and People so I used to be nervous about bills right here. I believed it might be a resort metropolis like Acapulco.
To my shock, Puerto Vallarta remains to be cheaper than any Mexican seaside areas and I actually had enjoyable a lot that I needed to stay right here! The Mexican tradition in PV remains to be very evident regardless of its American/Canadian expat tradition.
There are a lot of lodging varieties in Puerto Vallarta. Nonetheless, if you search on Google, it should solely provide you with outcomes on the all-inclusive stays since this space is well-known for that.
Only a few vacationers know there are plenty of hostels in Puerto Vallarta which are within the heart and begin at $12 USD per evening at a dorm.
Sayulita
I spent an terrible lot of residing in Sayulita so that you’d see my weblog each time you Google search Sayulita. I initially got here right here to volunteer at a hostel and two years after, I discovered myself nonetheless residing there!
Sayulita is a really vibrant city and also you’ll positively benefit from the younger tradition right here. Truly, it’s a hippie city and can be an expats hub. You’ll not discover many Sayulita hostels, sadly. The tradition right here is trip leases and Airbnbs.
I can go on and on about my life in Sayulita as a backpacker and an expat however one factor I must let you know is that you shouldn’t skip it! That is essentially the most stunning place in Mexico and I’m very positive you’ll take pleasure in it!
I’ve to confess it’s costlier than Puerto Vallarta however I can hook you up with some volunteering gigs right here to avoid wasting on lodging.
San Pancho
Simply 10 minutes from Sayulita is San Pancho. Manner quieter and manner hippier than Sayulita so that is good for you in case you are on the lookout for one thing tranquil. I forgot to say that Sayulita is a celebration city.
You will notice an enormous distinction between these two small cities regardless of their shut proximity. San Pancho has an older viewers however they’re additionally tremendous cool and laid again!
You possibly can both keep in Sayulita or go to San Pancho for a day journey (or vice-versa). Though I might say that Sayulita is cheaper than San Pancho. FYI, San Pancho can be known as “San Francisco” so if you analysis, simply sort San Francisco Nayarit.
Mazatlan
Mazatlan just isn’t a well-known vacation spot. It’s extra of an expat vacation spot than a backpacker. Nonetheless, in order for you a non-crowded and notorious vacation spot, add it to your listing!
From Mazatlan, you may simply take a ferry to Baja California (12 hours) and proceed your backpacking Mexico itinerary.
Backpacking Mexico Itinerary #4: Baja California
💃🏽 Why go to Baja California: I moved right here in September 2021 (from Sayulita/Puerto Vallarta) and I’ve been loving it! Baja California is sort of a totally different nation. With its deserts and seashores, you’ll by no means suppose you’re in Mexico!
💲 Baja California costs: Baja California is the costliest space in Mexico as a result of it’s very near the US. I wouldn’t think about this as a backpacking space however when you have additional, you need to go to!
👮 Security in Baja California: SUPER DUPER SAFE. Because it’s an American hub, they’ll by no means do something unhealthy to interrupt the tourism right here. I am going out right here and stroll to my home even within the wee hours of the morning.
Los Cabos
Everyone knows how Cabo is a well-liked get together spot to not point out many People come right here for a weekend to get together. My mates at all times thought there isn’t any manner you can stay healthily in Cabo and/or keep away from events however that’s not the case on a regular basis.
What you’ll love about backpacking in Los Cabos is that it is rather numerous and our seashores are nothing like mainland Mexico. You want a automobile to go round Cabo (which is unlucky) however when you drive round, there are various hidden seashores that aren’t widespread to vacationers!
Todos Santos
Not my favourite vacation spot as a result of it’s costly. You possibly can volunteer at a hostel right here (there’s just one) to have the ability to afford touring round Todos Santos.
What’s so nice about Todos Santos is the neighborhood of locals. I’ve met plenty of cool folks right here who initially backpacked to Todos Santos and by no means left!
One other good factor I can say about Todos Santos is that the seashores are at all times empty! There are additionally so many hikes and out of doors actions!
La Paz
La Paz is essentially the most Mexican in Baja California Sur. It’s nonetheless not an American/Canadians favourite so if you come right here, you’ll nonetheless see plenty of Mexican tradition. Other than that, there are extra issues to do in La Paz than Todos Santos or Los Cabos. You don’t must drive out – inside the metropolis, you are able to do plenty of actions!
There are a lot of hostels in La Paz that may even settle for you for volunteer work. These hostels are near the Malecon, which is the middle of downtown. Some eating places additionally settle for volunteers plus there’s additionally plenty of work at dive retailers!
Baja California Norte
In case you want to proceed your journey, you may go all the way in which as much as San Diego, California. This drive is considered one of my favourite since you are driving by way of the deserts of Baja California. It actually is a good out of doors expertise.
Baja California is a well-liked route for motorbikes and van rides. Some even go as much as Oregon from Baja! The roads are flat however beware as a result of there are plenty of abandoned areas the place you will be misplaced.
I’ll make one other put up about my Baja California highway journey quickly! For now, I stay right here so when you ever determine to return, get in contact with me.
Backpacking Mexico FAQ
How a lot does it value to go backpacking in Mexico?
Backpacking Mexico is reasonably priced, with prices various primarily based on journey type. On common, funds vacationers spend $35–$75 per day, overlaying lodging, meals, transport, and actions.
What are you able to see in Mexico in 3 weeks?
So much! Once more, you may’t see the entire nation for less than three weeks so I divided the Mexico backpacking itinerary by space particularly Central Mexico, Oaxaca, the Pacific, Baja California, and Riviera Maya. Every of those areas is achievable by three weeks however be happy to mix them if you want. I truthfully don’t know the tempo of your travels so it’s as much as you what to see in Mexico in 3 weeks!
When is the most effective time to go backpacking Mexico?
The greatest time to backpack Mexico is throughout the dry season (November–April) when the climate is nice, and there’s minimal rainfall. The most effective months for solo journey is November & March when there are fewer crowds, gentle climate, and budget-friendly costs. December & January have festive vibes and are excessive seaons, however ebook lodging early.
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