travel route mexico

Mexico Travel Guide

Last Updated: May 2, 2024

While most people visit Mexico for its big tourist centers like Tulum , Cabo, Cancun , or Cozumel, there’s a lot more to the country than just its luxurious resorts.

Now, I’ll be honest: I was late to visiting Mexico.

But when I did, I fell in love with it. Mexico is an incredible destination with a rich history, amazing food, and friendly people.

It’s an awesome country to backpack around, drive through, or just vacation in. There’s a ton of stuff to do here, and the locals are some of the friendliest people on the planet.

From Mayan ruins to pristine beaches to Mexico City’s art and food and Oaxaca’s mezcal scene, Mexico has it all.

And the food? World-class. Gorge yourself on delicious tacos, tostadas, tamales, sopas, seafood, and mole (to name a few items from Mexico’s very long list of traditional dishes).

I could go on forever as to why I love this country. Whatever amount of time you’re planning to visit is not enough — you’ll always leave wanting more.

This Mexico travel guide will help you get out of the touristy towns, explore the country, and fall in love with what you discover!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Mexico

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in mexico.

1. Explore Oaxaca

Located in a valley surrounded by craggy mountains in southwestern Mexico, Oaxaca and its surrounds have been inhabited for thousands of years by indigenous Zapotec and Mixtec peoples. A city of colorful buildings, scenic rooftop restaurants and bars, street art, historic Spanish colonial churches, cobblestone streets, and many parks, it’s a center for heritage tourism. It’s also one of the gastronomic hotbeds of Mexico as well as the hub of mezcal production too. With fascinating museums, bustling markets, historic buildings, delicious food and much more, there really is something for everyone in Oaxaca . I loved my time there ! You must visit!

2. Tour Mexico City

Found in the Valley of Mexico at an altitude of around 2,225 meters (7,300 feet), Mexico City is a sprawling, chaotic, messy city in the best way possible. Originally built over a lake, it has some 150 world-class museums, sprawling markets, tons of historic buildings, city squares, and more. In the historic center, you can visit the impressive main square (the only one bigger in the world is Red Square in Moscow). To the south of the city there’s a network of beautiful canals, and Teotihuacan, the City of the Gods, is just a 45-minute drive away. The city also has an incredible foodie scene and is fast becoming one of the centers of gastronomy in the world.

3. Relax on the Pacific Coast

Vacation spots like Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, and Sayulita on Mexico’s Pacific Coast offer just as many epic beaches and resort properties as the Caribbean Coast. Go to Puerto Vallarta or Los Cabos to hang out on the pristine white sandy beaches, or head to Sayulita to check out the busy surf scene. Surf and enjoy watersports, visit historical monuments, and check out all the local art by day. By night, you can indulge in sunset cocktails, enjoy fresh shrimp tacos or seafood skewers, and salsa the evening away.

4. See the Mayan Ruins

Mexico is filled with ruins. You have Chichén Itzá, which dates back to 550 CE and is one of the largest (and most popular) Mayan sites in Mexico for its enormous Kukulkan Pyramid (which is considered one of the new Wonders of the World). Other ruins worth visiting are the Tulum Archaeological Zone, the Palenque Archaeological Zone, the Calakmul ruins (which are inside the huge Calakmul Biosphere Reserve), the ruins at Ek Balam, and so many more! Admission is 571 MXN for the Wonder of the World Chichén Itzá while the rest cost anywhere from 80-500 MXN.

5. Visit a volcano

Other things to see and do in mexico, 1. wander through mexico city’s chapultepec park.

Chapultepec is one of the largest city parks in the world, spanning over 1,700 acres. It encompasses the Mexico City Zoo, La Feria amusement park, and the Museum of Anthropology, which houses a vast collection of sculptures, jewels, and artifacts from ancient Mexican civilizations. The museum costs 85 MXN, as does the Chapultepec Castillo (Castle) which houses the National History Museum. You can also rent a rowboat or paddle boat and go out on Chapultepec Lake for 60 MXN. Entry to the park itself is free.

2. Visit the markets

Just about every town in Mexico has a busy, diverse market where you can enjoy traditional food, pick up some bargain items, and purchase souvenirs. Two of the best are the Mercado Ciudadela in Mexico City (for handmade textiles and artwork), and Oaxaca’s Mercado Benito Juárez (for local foods like fresh ground coffee beans, juices, and grasshopper tacos). If you’re in Merida, check out Mercado Santa Ana for their Yucatecan cuisine, like cochito horneado , a marinated pork dish that is slow-cooked in underground pits, or head to El Mercado Lucas de Galvez for their specialty seafood cocktails (the locals swear by it to cure your hangover).

3. Explore Zócalo (Plaza de la Constitución)

Zócalo is the main plaza in the heart of Mexico City. It dates back to the Aztecs, encompassing both the Templo Mayor (an ancient Aztec temple) and the Palacio Nacional (a colonial palace with offices of Mexico’s president). Situated just off the Zócalo is La Catedral Metropolitana, a magnificent cathedral with a gold altar. It’s a perfect example of Spanish colonial architecture.

4. Go diving

The seas surrounding Mexico have some of the world’s best diving spots thanks to their diverse marine life, large coral reefs (including the second largest reef system in the world, the Great Maya Barrier Reef), and excellent visibility. The Gulf of Mexico is home to five different species of sea turtles, blue whales, lemon sharks, and dolphins, and so much more! Aside from diving, the waters are popular for snorkeling, sports fishing, waterboarding, surfing, and more or less any other watersports. A two-tank dive starts at 2,800 MXN. Some of the best places to dive in Mexico are Discovery Bay, Cenote Dos Ojos, Revillagigedo Islands, and Isla Mujeres.

5. Relax in Cancún

Depending on what you’re looking to do, Cancún can offer you a crazy-fun party in the sun or some quiet and hidden local markets and restaurants. You have spas, resorts, and picturesque beaches as well as Mayan ruins, archaeological sites, and little nearby villages. There’s a ton to see and do here if you leave the resorts!

6. Get lost in Guadalajara

Guadalajara is the second-largest city in Mexico and is known for its tequila and mariachi. It’s chock full of museums, such as Cabañas (a UNESCO building with incredible murals), MUSA (paintings & sculptures by local artists), and the Páramo Galeria (contemporary art); nightlife venues, and a labyrinth of old colonial streets. Visit the Hospicio Cabañas, a hospital built in the 19th century, and then spend some time at the Guadalajara Cathedral. The cathedral’s Gothic interior features artworks from famous Mexican artists like Murillo (a Baroque painter).

7. See Teotihuacan

The Aztec empire left an enormous mark on Mexico. Don’t miss the awe-inspiring Aztec pyramids at Teotihuacan, located 48 kilometers (30 miles) outside of Mexico City. Teotihuacan was founded as early as 400 BCE, but its biggest structures weren’t completed until around 300 BCE. Its three giant pyramids are known as the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of Moon, and the Temple of the Feathered Serpent, and they dominate the landscape. If you’re going to visit just one Aztec site, this is it. It’s unsheltered here, so bring sunscreen and a hat. Admission is 85 MXN. Full-day guided tours from Mexico City cost 880 MXN.

8. Visit the bizarre Island of Dolls

Known as “La Isla de la Muñecas” in Spanish, this is perhaps one of the creepiest tourist attractions in the world. Decades ago, a hermit named Don Julian Santana moved here, learned a girl drowned in the nearby lake, and started collecting and hanging dolls all over the island to please the drowned girl’s spirit. It’s creepy. Like beyond creepy. You’ll have to hire a boat from Xochimilco to get there but it’s worth it!

9. Honor the Day of the Dead

Yearly on November 1st and 2nd, Mexico celebrates a major festival: Día de Los Muertos. The festival is a vibrant and lively affair with celebrations for those who are gone but not forgotten, including parades and elaborate and colorful costumes. Families also commemorate their dead relatives by setting up ofrendas , or altars, with pictures of the deceased, candles, yellow marigold petals, and food. This meant to encourage the deceased to cross back over into the land of the living and join in the celebrations. Oaxaca or Mexico City are the two best places to experience this celebration.

10. Visit the UNAM Botanical Garden

If you need to escape the hustle and bustle of Mexico City for a little while, the Botanical Garden at the National Autonomous University of Mexico is the perfect place. Keeping with the Aztec traditions of having gardens for both medicinal and ornamental purposes, there is also an added focus on conservation and environmental education here. Built on top of and around lava formations from the eruption of the volcano Xitle (which happened over 2,000 years ago), visitors can explore the naturally formed grottoes, ponds, and waterfalls. This garden has the most diverse cactus collection in the world (800 different kinds!), and ponds full of koi and turtles, an orchidarium, and a medicinal garden. Admission is free.

11. Relax on Isla Holbox

Holbox is an island located off Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula and is home to white sand beaches and crystalline waters. It is a relaxing, slow-paced island that’s easy to get stuck on. One day can easily turn into a week. It’s an island paradise where you can relax in a hammock on the beach, hike in the jungles, swim, dive, snorkel, and everything in between! While it used to be a hidden gem, it’s slowly becoming more and more popular (and developed). Be sure to see bioluminescent waters here. From Cancún, you can get to the ferry port at Chiquilá in around two hours by bus. The ferry takes 25 minutes and costs 220 MXN. If you just want to visit for the day, full-day tours from Cancún/Playa del Carmen cost 3,000 MXN.

12. Visit Mérida

Mérida is one of my favorite places in all of Mexico. It is a safe and wonderful city filled with history, cool mezcal bars, and some of the best food in the country. Some of my favorite places to eat and drink in town are La Chaya Maya Casona, Acervo Mezcalero, La Negrita Cantina, and Café Créme. Also, don’t miss the nearby Uxmal ruins, which are just one-hour away. There are also some cool museums here, like the Folk Art Museum of Yucatan, the Yucatan Music Museum, and the City Museum (which has all kinds of Mayan artifacts). For accommodation suggestions, check out this post on where to stay in Merida .

13. Enjoy San Cristóbal de las Casas’ architecture

San Cristóbal is a highland town known for its charming colonial architecture. There are narrow cobblestone streets, local craft markets, and the entire area is enveloped in pine forests. Don’t miss the town’s 16th-century cathedral, and if you want to get out and explore the nearby nature, take a boat tour of the Cañón de Sumidero. You’ll see tons of birds, monkeys, and crocodiles. For a view of the town and surrounding area, visit the Guadalupe Church to enjoy the view from the roof. Free Walking San Cristóbal offers daily tours if you want a guide to show you the highlights.

14. Sample the Cenotes of Yucatan

Cenotes are natural sinkholes that are full of groundwater. They were used by the Mayans as sources for freshwater, however, today they are popular swimming holes for locals and tourists alike (you can even scuba dive in some). There are tons of them all around the Yucatan Peninsula. Some are completely exposed, some are walled in by cliffs, and some are covered entirely by caves. Calavera, Cristalino, Casa Cenote, Yaxmuul, Choo-Ha, and Escondido Cenote are some of the most popular cenotes in the region. If you’d rather do a tour, you can join a cenote tour for around 1,350 MXN.

15. Visit Sayulita

Located on the Pacific coast, Sayulita is a hip beach town with a lively community of expats and surfers. The town has a laid-back vibe owing to the sizable surfing and yoga community. It’s a great place to surf and there are plenty of yoga retreats available here. You can also take a jungle trek, go zip lining, ride ATVs along the coast, and simply soak up the sun on the beach. It’s the perfect place to chill for a few days. Canopy tours start at 1,800 MXN.

16. Explore Campeche

Campeche is located just south of Merida on the Yucatan. It’s home to UNESCO World Heritage colonial architecture, including fortified walls and over 2,000 historic buildings. Visit the Museo De La Arquitectura Maya for Mayan history and antiquities, see the Mayan ruins at Edzná (which is just 45 minutes away and sees very few tourists), and wander the old city wall to take in the view.

  For information on specific cities in Mexico, check out these guides:

• Cancún Travel Guide
• Mexico City Travel Guide
• Oaxaca Travel Guide

Mexico Travel Costs

Accommodation – In Mexico, hostels start at 250 MXN per night for a dorm bed, but average closer to 300 MXN. Private hostel rooms cost anything from 600-1,900 MXN per night. Prices are usually a bit lower in the low-season or shoulder-season. Free Wi-Fi and free breakfast are both common, as are self-catering facilities.

For those traveling with a tent, a basic plot for two people without electricity costs around 200 MXN per night.

For budget hotels, expect to pay 700 MXN for a basic room in a two-star hotel. These two-star rooms typically include an en-suite bathroom and free Wi-Fi, but not always air conditioning.

Airbnb is also an option in Mexico, with private rooms starting around 300 MXN but averaging much more (usually between 600-1,200 MXN). Entire homes and apartments average around 1,000-1,800 MXN although you can find them for as little as 600 MXN if you book early.

Food – You’ll find a lot of rice, beans, fruits, and veggies like tomatoes, corn, avocado, and peppers in Mexican cuisine, which is a mix of Mayan, Aztec, and Spanish traditions. Typical Mexican dishes include tacos, mole (a sauce with lots of ingredients, often including chocolate), salsa, enchiladas, tamales (stuffed corn pockets), pozole (hominy stew topped with onion, avocado, and chili), and guacamole.

Street stalls and markets are the best way to go for authentic and inexpensive food. Tacos, quesadilla, sopas, tortas, and other street foods are generally 15-45 MXN. Sometimes, you’ll find tacos for as cheap as 10 MXN. In Mexico, street food is the best — and most affordable — option.

A meal at a local Mexican restaurant serving traditional cuisine costs around 150 MXN. Look for the ones filled with locals as that is generally a sign that the food is really good. Expect to pay around 300 MXN for a multi-course meal in a mid-range restaurant.

A beer is about 20 MXN in the street but double that at a restaurant, while a cocktail shouldn’t cost more than 80 MXN in most places. A combo meal at McDonald’s costs around 120 MXN and a cappuccino costs around 50 MXN.

Tap water is not safe to drink in Mexico. If you’re buying bottles of water, expect to pay 15 MXN (less if you buy in bulk but a more environmentally friendly (and cheaper) solution is to bring a portable water purifier ( LifeStraw makes a good one.

If you plan to cook your meals, expect to pay between 750 MXN per week for groceries including rice, vegetables, chicken, and beans.

Backpacking Mexico Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Mexico, expect to spend around 800 MXN per day. This budget gets you a hostel dorm, street food and self-cooked meals, public transportation, and a few attractions (such as museums and galleries) each day. If you plan on eating out more or drinking, you’ll need to add another 100 MXN per day.

On a mid-range budget of about 1,800 MXN per day, you can stay in a private hostel room or Airbnb, eat out at restaurants serving cheap traditional cuisine for every meal, visit more attractions, enjoy a few drinks, and take the occasional taxi to get around.

On a “luxury” budget of 3,600 MXN or more per day, you can stay at a hotel, eat out for all your meals, enjoy plenty of drinks, take taxis everywhere or rent a car, and do some guided trips and tours. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in MXN.

Mexico Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Mexico is incredibly budget-friendly. Unless you’re splurging on food or resorts, it’s really easy to visit on a budget. That said, it never hurts to save more money! Here are some ways to save in Mexico:

• Shop at the markets for food – Mexico’s markets are a great place to eat inexpensively and stock up on food for day trips. Most towns have a local market selling fresh fruits, veggies, and other goods for cheap.
• Eat street food – Street food is the best food in the country — and the cheapest. Stick to street stalls to save money and enjoy the country’s best eats.
• Take a free walking tour – Many cities have free walking tours that give you a solid introduction to the main sights. Both Mexico City and Oaxaca have excellent free tours — just be sure to tip your guide!
• Travel off-season – By traveling between late April and early December, you can pick up bargain accommodation, food and travel rates as this is low season.
• Venture inland – Mexico’s coasts are the most famous, most touristy parts of the country, but the interior has an amazing amount to offer. Prices are cheaper, and you’ll be more likely to meet some locals if you head away from the coast.
• Stay with a local – Use Couchsurfing to stay with locals and connect with people who can share their insider tips and advice. Just make sure to send your requests early.
• Embrace “comida corrida” – This hearty mid-day meal option is usually available between 2pm-4pm and is often quite affordable. It’s a set menu, but it’s much cheaper than most lunch or dinner options. If you plan on eating out on a budget, aim for places that offer comida corrida.
• Drink less – Alcohol is cheap in Mexico, but it’s definitely more expensive at bars and clubs. Try to buy your alcohol from a local store instead of drinking at the bar if you’re on a budget.
• Skip the taxis – Taxis are overpriced and not always safe. Skip them. If you do need a taxi, don’t just hail one on the street. Head into a nearby hotel/hostel and ask them to call one for you. Only get in taxis that use a meter.
• Being a water filter – Since the tap water here isn’t safe to drink and single-use plastic is bad for the environment, bring a water bottle with a built-in filter. LifeStraw makes reusable bottles with a built-in filter so you can ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Mexico

Hostels are plentiful in most of Mexico’s cities. Here are some of my favorite places to stay in Mexico:

• Suites DF Hostel (Mexico City)
• Mexico City Hostel (Mexico City)
• Hostel Ka’beh Cancún (Cancún)
• Mama’s Home (Tulum)
• Gran Hostal (Playa del Carmen)
• Casa Angel Youth Hostel (Oaxaca)

How to Get Around Mexico

Public transportation – Public buses (also known as camiones ) are the most common way to get around in cities and towns (and to nearby villages). These buses are also the cheapest, costing no more than a few pesos per journey. In some cities, smaller microbuses have replaced the older buses, but the cost is still the same.

Mexico City and Guadalajara have subway systems. One-way tickets for the subway and the bus system are around 5 MXN. In Mexico City, you’ll have to buy a rechargeable Metro Card at any of the Metro stations for 15 MXN, and you can use the card for the Metro, Metrobús, Light Rail, Ecobici, Trolleybus, RTP buses, and on Cablebús.

Bus – Most of Mexico is served by buses. On longer journeys, make sure to take an express bus (called a “directo”) if you can as they are much faster and stop less. A bus from Puerto Vallarta to Guadalajara (5.5 hours) costs around 585 MXN. A bus from Cancún to Mexico City (27 hours) costs around 1,800 MXN. A bus from Puebla to Mexico City (2 hours) costs around 200 MXN.

Some of the biggest and most reliable bus companies include:

• Primera Plus
• Estrella de Oro
• Omnibuses de Mexico
• ETN (Enlaces Terrestres Nacionales)

Most cities have a central bus terminal from where all long-distance buses depart. You can show up to buy your ticket, or research routes and ticket prices via each company’s website.

To find bus routes and prices, use BusBud .

Train – There are virtually no passenger train services remaining in Mexico. For long-distance travel, you’ll need to fly or take the bus.

Flying – For long journeys, consider flying. The route from Cancún to Mexico City by bus takes 27 hours and costs around 1,800 MXN but a flight starts around 470 MXN and only takes two hours. A one-way fare from Mexico City to Guadalajara is about 525 MXN. Even a four-hour flight from coast to coast from Cancún to Puerto Vallarta is just 1,200 MXN one-way.

Aeroméxico is the biggest airline in Mexico, but low-cost carriers are becoming more popular. These include:

• VivaAerobus

Car rentals – Car rentals are surprisingly affordable in Mexico. You can find week-long rentals for around 3,000 MXN. Renters must be 21 years of age and have had their license for at least two years. Some companies require renters to be over 25 and it’s best to carry an International Driving Permit (IDP). Avoid driving at night, when crimes against drivers are more likely to occur. Also, don’t leave any valuables in your vehicle overnight as break-ins can occur.

For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars .

When to Go to Mexico

Summer (June to October) is the rainy season in Mexico, but this is mostly just in the center of the country. You can expect it to rain each day heavily, but the downpour is usually short. It hardly ever rains in the northern part of the country, and humidity is thick in the south and along the coastal areas. Temperatures during this time hover somewhere between 26-32°C (79-90°F).

September to the middle of October is hurricane season and is not a good time to visit.

December to the end of April (winter) is the busiest tourist season as temperatures are hot, but the coastal areas provide plenty of relief for vacationers. This is the best time to visit if you’re looking to take advantage of Mexico’s tropical environment. It’s the dry season, so you’ll experience very little rain. You can expect big crowds as people flock to the resort areas around Cancún and Puerto Vallarta.

The average daily temperature during this time is 28°C (82°F). But if you’re in the mountains, pack lots of layers! It can get frigid, especially in the evenings.

How to Stay Safe in Mexico

The media (especially the American media) likes to paint Mexico as a dangerous place to visit but the reality is far more complex. While petty theft is very common in Mexico, most of the serious conflicts occur between the authorities and Mexican drug cartels. The people who tend to be involved in major incidents are usually doing drugs or taking part in sex tourism. Avoid those, and you’ll drastically increase your chances of staying safe.

Moreover, where you are greatly influences how safe you are. Yucatan and Oaxaca are incredibly safe states to visit while states near the US border are less so and more likely to experience violence and crime.

Officials looking for bribes are pretty common in Quintana Roo, as is drug-related violence due to tourists looking for drugs there. States near the southern border can also be sketchy and it’s wiser to keep an eye out on your stuff there though violent crime is pretty uncommon.

So don’t believe the media that “Mexico is unsafe.” Mexico is like any big country – some parts are safe, and some parts aren’t. Use some common sense when you travel: don’t flash your money, avoid wearing expensive watches or jewelry, don’t walk along drunk at night, make copies of your passport and official documents, and tell people where you are regularly.

Another important safety tip to keep in mind is about the water. While Mexico’s water purification and treatment systems have improved, it still is not safe to drink ordinary tap water when visiting. Luckily, bottled water is available everywhere. Bringing water filter like LifeStraw is advised as it has a built-in filter so your water is always clean and safe.

Keep an eye out for common scams against tourists , such as fake ATMs, taxis that don’t use a meter, and questionable tour operators.

The emergency services number in Mexico is 911. However, if that doesn’t work (since it isn’t in use in every region of Mexico), try 066.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past.

Mexico Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Mexico Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Mexico and continue planning your trip:

The 5 Best Hotels in Mexico City

The 20 Best Things to Do in Mexico City

The 5 Best Hotels in Oaxaca

Where to Stay in Oaxaca: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

How to Spend 5 Days in Oaxaca

The 15 Best Things to Do in Oaxaca

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The following Mexico itineraries span the entire length of this incredibly diverse country, from the deserts and jaw-dropping canyons of the north to the grand colonial cities of the centre and the Mayan ruins, beaches and jungles of the south. Given the vast distances involved, you may not be able to cover everything, but even picking a few highlights will give you a deeper insight into Mexico’s natural and historic wonders. If you're considering taking a trip to Mexico, check out our tailor-made trip service for help with the planning and booking from a local expert.

Itinerary tips from Ariadna: your Mexico Travel Expert

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The Magic of the Yucatan and Mexico City

Explore the magic of the Yucatan Peninsula: from colonial towns like Merida to Archaeological sites like Uxmal and Calakmul, close to the Guatemala border, to beaches in Bacalar and Tulum, this itinerary shows you the real Yucatan before heading out to explore Mexico City.

Mexico City, Oaxaca & the Yucatan

Explore Central Mexico with its ever-busy capital Mexico City, visiting Teotihuacan and the famous museums in the city. Further on to Oaxaca City, the gateway to the Archaeological Site Monte Alban. Afterwards, continue to the white beaches of the Yucatan: Cancun and Isla Holbox await.

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Marvelous Mexico: From Yucatan to Mexico City

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Mexico's Highlands and Coast

Discover Mexico City's historic highlights and the wonders of sites like Teotihuacan, Campeche and Palenque before you jet off to the Central HIghlands. Discover archeological ruins and traditional tribal villages, then fall for the charms of Mexico's old colonial cities and glitzy Caribbean coast.

Mexico's Mayan Trail

Follow the Mayan Trail around Mexico on this archaeological adventure. Begin your journey with a refreshing taste of sea and salt air in the Yucatán Peninsula on one of Playa del Carmen's gorgeous Caribbean beaches before heading off to discover magical Mayan ruins and glorious colonial towns.

"Planning your adventure in Mexico isn't just about organizing a trip; it's about diving into a vibrant cultural experience," shares our Mexican travel expert , Ariadna. Understanding the significance of a carefully crafted itinerary in Mexico, a country teeming with rich history and breathtaking natural beauty, is crucial. Mexico is a colorful tapestry of age-old traditions, diverse landscapes, and deeply rooted cultural encounters. 

From the historic streets of Mexico City to the pristine beaches of its coastal towns, each region boasts its unique charm and attractions. A personalized itinerary guarantees a thorough introduction to the distinct elements and cultural highlights that make Mexico an incredible destination to explore.

With years of experience and intimate local knowledge, I'm here to guide you through the intricacies of creating your perfect itinerary. Whether you're eager to unravel the mysteries of ancient ruins, indulge in the lively local cuisine, or uncover the hidden natural wonders of both the mainland and coastal areas, a well-planned itinerary ensures a seamless and enriching journey tailored just for you.

Let's collaborate to craft a journey tailored to your preferences and expectations , ensuring your Mexico adventure is truly memorable.

If you are planning your travel to Mexico yourself, use these itineraries created by our travel writers as a starting point for inspiration.

See our itineraries below, or get inspired by duration: 7-days - 10 days - 14 days - 3 weeks

Enjoy the perfect blend of gastronomic delights and cultural treasures on 7-day Mexican journey .

Start in Mexico City and enjoy a traditional welcome dinner on day 1 . Day 2 will begin with a visit to the vibrant Mercado de La Merced, followed by an interactive cooking class, and then you'll travel through the historic center, including the Zocalo and the National Palace. On day 3 , you'll travel to the ancient pyramids of Teotihuacan, followed by a sampling of regional cuisine.

On day 4 , you'll fly to Oaxaca , known for its culinary diversity. Here you will enjoy the flavors of the sea and local delicacies. Day 5 is set aside for a culinary master class exploring Oaxacan cuisine, after which you will embark on a cultural tour of the city. On day 6 , you'll travel to the magical city of Tulum , where you'll participate in a wine and tequila tasting followed by a sunset dinner on the beach.

On day 7 , you'll explore the cultural treasures of Tulum and end your trip with a grand feast of Yucatan delicacies. This carefully crafted itinerary combines the culinary and historical wonders of Mexico, and each day focuses on the rich cultural tapestry of this vibrant country.

Tulum, Mayan ruins, Mexico © DC_Aperture/Shutterstock

Experience an extraordinary 10-day journey through Mexico , rich in cultural experiences and natural beauty. Begin your journey in vibrant Mexico City with a warm welcome dinner on day 1 . Day 2 is a deep dive into the city's history and art at places like the Palacio de Bellas Artes. On day 3 , you'll travel to the ancient Aztec ruins of Teotihuacan with its majestic pyramids.

On day 4 , you'll travel to the colonial city of Guanajuato , exploring its colorful streets and underground tunnels. On day 5 , you'll visit the picturesque city of San Miguel de Allende , known for its baroque architecture. On day 6 , fly to Mérida, a city known for its rich Mayan and colonial heritage.

Days 7 and 8 you will spend in the Yucatan Peninsula , discovering ancient Mayan ruins such as Uxmal and Chichen Itza and relaxing in picturesque cenotes. On day 9 , you'll travel to the paradisiacal coastal city of Tulum, where pristine beaches and vibrant nightlife await. End your trip on day 10 with a farewell dinner in Tulum, reflecting on unforgettable experiences and Mexico's diverse cultural scene.

San Miguel De Allende street in Mexico © Shutterstock

Take an exciting 14-day Mexican adventure that seamlessly blends cultural immersion and natural wonders. Begin your journey in Mexico City with a traditional welcome dinner on day one . Immerse yourself in the city's artistic and historical richness on days 2 and 3 , exploring iconic landmarks.

Days 4 and 5 will take you to the ancient and mysterious Teotihuacan, and on day 6 you'll fly to Oaxaca. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Oaxaca with a hands-on cooking class on day 7 , complete with a cultural tour. On day 8 , head to the coastal paradise town of Puerto Escondido .

On days 9-11 , discover the wonders of Chiapas , from the awe-inspiring Sumidero Canyon to picturesque San Cristobal de las Casas. On day 12 , fly to the Yucatán Peninsula, where you can explore the archaeological wonders of Chichen Itza and relax in charming cenotes on days 13 and 14 . Conclude your journey with a visit to Mérida , capturing the essence of Mexico's diverse cultural traditions and breathtaking landscapes that define this extraordinary country.

A balloon vendor in front of the Catedral de San Ildefonso in Merida Mexico

Immerse yourself in an exciting 3-week Mexican trip that seamlessly blends cultural discovery with natural wonders. In the first week , dive into the heart of Mexico, starting in Mexico City and exploring its historic gems, from the Zocalo to Teotihuacan. Week 2 will take you to the enchanting southern region, where San Cristobal de las Casas and Palenque offer a rich tapestry of indigenous cultures and ancient Mayan ruins.

Transition to week 3 begins with a visit to Mérida, which offers colonial charm and access to Uxmal and Celestun. The journey continues through Valladolid , Playa del Carmen and ends in Cancun . Discover colonial cities, pristine beaches and archaeological wonders for a comprehensive exploration of Mexico's diverse landscapes and cultural heritage. This thoughtfully designed 3-week itinerary promises unforgettable and fulfilling experiences in the most diverse corners of this extraordinary country.

Cancun in Mexico © Shutterstock

This amazing Mexico tour will lead you to the heart of Mexico, as you visit Mexico City for a brilliant cooking class, Merida to see the Mayan ruins and plenty more unbelievable places and experiences.

Begin your Mexican journey in Mexico City. Upon arrival, meet your private shuttle for a hassle-free transfer to your accommodation. Begin your exploration of the city with a walking tour of the center, visiting cultural highlights such as the Palace of Arts and Diego Rivera's murals at the National Palace.

Next, the cities of Puebla and Cholula await to explore their historical and architectural wonders, including the 16th-century cathedral and ancient pyramids. Continue your odyssey in Oaxaca, exploring Monte Alban, the petrified waterfalls at Hierve el Agua, and the significant ceremonial center of Mitla.

Fly to Mérida for colonial charm and tours of cultural gems. Explore the archaeological wonders of Uxmal and Cabaj with a knowledgeable local guide. Finish your expedition with a visit to Chichen Itza and a serene night on a Caribbean beach before heading home.

Monte Alban © Shutterstock

This three-week Mexico itinerary focuses on the southern and central parts of the country, traditionally the most popular targets for independent travellers.

Upon arrival at Mexico City International Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel in the city center. Your tour includes a general city tour and a visit to the pyramids of Teotihuacan. Visit the Frida Kahlo Museum and the Xochimilco floating gardens in Mexico City. Then, fly to Puerto Escondido for a relaxing beach vacation. 

From there, head to the Yucatán Peninsula, visiting Valladolid , conveniently located near major archaeological sites such as Chichen Itza, Tulum, Ec Balam and Coba. Explore the impressive ceremonial centers of Ec Balam and depart for Mérida, stopping at Chichen Itza and Cenote on the way. In Mérida, you'll have a free day or optional excursion to the Celestun Biosphere Reserve. 

Drive to Campeche , then to Xpujil in the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve with an optional visit to the Becan archaeological site. Continue to Bacalar to see the stunning Lake of the Seven Colors and attend optional activities. Finally, drive to Playa del Carmen with an optional visit to Tulum, and then finish your trip in Cancun.

Rough Guides tip: If you planning a trip to Cancun, be sure to choose the best place to stay in the city .

Cenote San Lorenzo Oxman near Valladolid © Shutterstock

Mexico is home to exceptionally varied landscapes and ecosystems, but you can get a decent taster in two to three weeks. This tour starts at the US border and works south.

Set off on an exciting adventure through Baja California , starting with the awe-inspiring gray whale migration in Guerrero Negro and San Ignacio. Explore ancient rock art in the Sierra de San Francisco, easily accessible from San Ignacio or Mulege. 

South of Mulege, Bahia Concepcion is home to unspoiled beaches ideal for kayaking or relaxing. Adventurous travelers can take a day trip from La Paz to Espiritu Santo Island, where sea lions, dolphins and whale sharks can be seen.

Ride the spectacular Copper Canyon Railroad from La Paz to Los Mochis and explore the Sierra Tarahumara hiking trails and Raramuri settlements. Head south along the Pacific Ocean to the unspoiled coast of Costalegre or head inland to climb the Nevado de Colima and Popocatepetl volcanoes. End your trip with thrilling rafting, kayaking and canyoning in Jalcomulco, near Xalapa , capturing the essence of Mexico's diverse and colorful natural landscapes.

Playa del Coco beach and the road Transpeninsular, Baja California Mexico.

Spanish Mexico was fuelled by silver, leaving a rich architectural and cultural legacy in the heart of the country. Take at least two weeks to travel this route between Mexico City and Monterrey .

Start in Taxco, the country's silver capital. Admire the colonial, whitewashed houses and cobblestone streets while shopping for jewelry. North of Mexico City is Real del Monte, Hidalgo, a charming mountainous place with a unique Cornish heritage. Next, visit Guanajuato to explore its lively cafes, bars, and intriguing sites such as restored mine shafts and 19th-century mummies.

A short bus ride will take you to San Miguel Allende, a beautifully preserved town teeming with art galleries and craft shops. Nearby is Pozos, a romantic, less developed version of San Miguel known for its extensive abandoned mine workings. In San Luis Potosí, immerse yourself in vibrant city life amid elegant Baroque buildings and museums, including one dedicated to sculptor Federico Silva.

Zacatecas , the capital of northern Bahia state, boasts a rich silver history with attractions such as the restored El Eden mine and exceptional art collections. Finish your journey in Real de Catorza, a mesmerizing semi-tropical town with colonial hotels, ruined mines, and ghostly desert landscapes, en route to Monterrey.

Taxco Guerrero Mexico a colorful town © Shutterstock

Mexico's charms are evident throughout the year , and each season offers a unique experience. The best time to visit is the dry season, which runs from December through April . During this period, the weather is sunny and warm, creating ideal conditions for exploring Mexico's rich cultural heritage and diverse landscapes.

Late spring and early summer ( May - June ) and fall ( September - November ) bring pleasant weather, making historic cities such as Mexico City, Guadalajara and Oaxaca attractive places to visit. Outdoor enthusiasts can indulge in outdoor activities amidst the spectacular scenery of the Yucatán Peninsula and Sierra Madre.

Summer ( July and August ) is ideal for beach lovers, especially in coastal harbors such as Cancun and Tulum. While temperatures can be higher inland, coastal areas offer a refreshing vacation.

Mexico's diverse seasons cater to a variety of interests, from cultural exploration to seaside vacations and adventure travel.

Find tons of ideas for your Mexican adventure in our guide to the best vacation spots in Mexico .

The Rough Guides to Mexico and related travel guides

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

Travel advice for Mexico

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for visiting Mexico

• Visa and entry requirements Mexico
• Crime and personal safety tips Mexico
• Eating and drinking in Mexico
• How to get to Mexico
• Getting around Mexico: Transportation Tips
• Travel Tips Mexico for planning and on the go
• Best time to visit Mexico

Find even more inspiration for Mexico here

written by Ties Lagraauw

updated 29.08.2024

Ties is a true world explorer - whether it be for work or leisure! As Content Manager at RoughGuides, and the owner of Dutch travel platform Reis-Expert.nl , Ties is constantly on the move, always looking for new destinations to discover.

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Home » North America » Mexico » Backpacking Guide

Backpacking Mexico Travel Guide (2024)

Spread over a swathe of latitudes, encompassing a myriad of climates and culture, lies Mexico. It’s the land of taquitos , carnitas , frijoles , y pico de gallo . 

Mexico is home to peyote, mountain retreats, margaritas by the beach… and the drug smuggling, body disappearing cartel lords.

It’s a contrast intimidating enough that some travellers never leave their resort! But you’re a backpacker and you want adventure .

Backpacking Mexico is the best way to see real Mexico . You can indulge in cenote diving, street food hauls, cheap tequila, and perfecting your Spanish skills. Travelling is also about exploring places you’ve been told to avoid.

Travelling Mexico offers this in spades. You can dip in and out of the tourist trail and see up close how much better the town an hour away with no tourists is compared to Cancun…

But with options coming out of the wazoo, you need solid pointers to set you off on your adventure in the right way. That’s where this backpacking Mexico guide comes in.

I’ve got you a nice framework to hang your wanderlust from, to take your travels with ease. I want to inspire you to eat more than tacos and see something other than Cabo. Mexico is too freaking awesome squander in the tourist hotspots!

Vamos, amigos! Let’s talk backpacking Mexico .

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Why Go Backpacking in Mexico?

Backpacking Mexico satisfies the traveller’s trifecta of needs: it’s cheap, the food is to die for, and both the culture and landscape are suitably removed from your own that you feel you’re being let in on a secret. The secret being this is how life should be .

Plus, ahem, I hear the peyote is pretty good. 😉

Sure, many people from the USA vacation in Mexico. In fact, there are close to a million of them living in Mexico.

So I’m not sure why they get so mad about the Mexicans living in the United States, but I digress. To truly travel Mexico, to go backpacking in Mexico, a certain peeling back of the veil is required.

With free-flowing beer and tequila, plenty of sunshine, and just the perfect lack of responsibility to a job, things can get pretty loose in Mexico. And when you wake up from the back of a friend of a friend’s pickup truck, head still cloudy from that deceptively delicious tequila you might find yourself thinking, hmm perhaps I might do something a little less hedonistic today .

The promise to not party quite so much is a familiar one for many backpackers that might be falling into a traveller trap . Luckily for them, Mexico is overflowing with reasons to go hiking with a side of cerveza (rather than cerveza with a side of stumbling through the back door of a beach bar).

Mexico has both jungles and deserts – both of which are overlooked in favour of its incredible beaches! There are volcanoes to climb, waves to catch, and even oodles of spiritual retreats .

And don’t even start me on the food… Vietnam was my food mecca in Asia, but Mexico makes me moan and groan with culinary delight in the Americas.

Tacos, amigos, tacos! And Oaxacan cheese, mmmmmhm yum…

Backpacking Mexico also allows you to slow down your travels with a 6-month tourist visa offered to most travellers. In this time you can truly sink your teeth into the vibrant culture, learn the language , visit the city with the most number of museums in the world, and listen to the locals about the blend of mestizo, Indigenous, and Afro-Latino cultures that come together in the big, the bold, the beautiful United Mexican States.

Oh Mexico, I miss you!

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Best Travel Itineraries for Backpacking Mexico

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Look, you won’t be able to see all of Mexico in one trip. Mexico is deceptively big! It’s about three times the size of France and each state is vastly different.

With that in mind, time and geography are your biggest concerns when planning where to backpack in Mexico. If you’re limited in time, it’s best to stick to one region and do it thoroughly .

Decide what your priorities are when choosing where to go and where to stay in Mexico . Are you interested in Mayan ruins, jungle adventures, catching some waves, or eating your way through venerable piles of tamales?

Some states are more tourist-friendly with more hostels, buses, and a police presence. Other states require you to travel off the beaten path and really keep your wits about you. I’m no believer in overhyping the dangers of travel, but I did see the occasional body slung over a bridge in rural Mexico.

However, I very much strayed from the relative safety of the turquoise waters and “gringo trail”. So your adventure in Mexico is likely to be very safe! Anyway, that wee caveat aside, here are a few ideas for your Mexico backpacking itinerary.

When planning where to backpack in Mexico, I think a loose plan is better than a regimented itinerary. So feel free to adapt these to your interests!

2-Week Itinerary for Backpacking Mexico: Explore the Riviera Maya

With just 2 weeks in Mexico, it’s to fly into Cancun. Spend a night there if necessary, but stay somewhere downtown so you don’t feel like you’re in a Disneyland version of Mexico. Eat a bunch of tacos and grab a cerveza or two at a local joint where you’ll be introduced to mariachi music.

From Cancun, it’s just a few hours by bus to Chichen Itza. You can stay at a hotel just up the road from this ancient Mayan city to get there early and beat the crowds. It’s worth it to splurge on a guide to learn all about this awe-inspiring place that’s one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Next up, spend some time walking the cobblestone streets of Valladolid. This colourful colonial town is gorgeous and super laid back with access to cenotes to dive into and cool off in.

If you need some more excitement, you can reach the ruins at Ek Balam. Unlike Chichen Itza, you can still climb to the top of the main pyramid here.

Backpackers in Mexico could find really cool hostels in Valladolid where they can mingle, socialize, and immerse themselves in the delightful Latino ambiance.

After a few days in Valladolid, head back to the coast to the trendy town filled with things to do. Hopefully, you’re not sick of ruins because the ones here are probably the most beautiful! You can spend the rest of your time bumming on the beach and bouncing around the restaurants and bars. You could even consider renting a car in Tulum to truly be able to explore everything the area has to offer with ease!

Continuing back up the coast, you’ve got a few choices for where to stay. Playa del Carmen or Cozumel are both good options. You could do Cozumel on a day trip if you’re pressed for time and Playa Del Carmen is well connected to Cancun Airport.

If you want something quieter, check out Puerto Morelos . Enjoy a few relaxing days before you have to get back to Cancun to catch your flight. If you want to head over to the other coast for a few days, there are some epic hostels in Campeche to call home whilst you explore this historic colonial city.

Or, another favourite is to check out some of the amazing places to stay in Merida , which is a super chill spot ideal for digital nomads.

1-Month Itinerary for Backpacking Mexico: From the Centre to the Coast

Rather than starting out in Cancun (because, all due respect, FUCK Cancun) this trip starts in the capital. Fly into Mexico City AKA Cuidad de Mexico and dedicate at least a few days to this mega-city. Did you know that Mexico City has more museums than any other city?

Honestly, I could probably up and move to Mexico City. But this is a travel guide – not a list of places you might find the author when she has another quarter-life crisis.

The ancient city of Teotihuacan  is a must. Also known as the Birthplace of the Gods, it was once one of the biggest cities in the world, extending its influence across the region and beyond. I’d highly recommend learning Spanish if only to talk to the locals here about the majesty of Indigenous Mexican culture.

After taking in all that CDMX has to offer, it’s time to chill out a bit. A short bus ride will take you to one of the most beautiful towns in Mexico, San Miguel de Allende.

From here, you should check out Guanajuato as well. This city is known for its silver mining history and colonial architecture. It’s also famous for its mummies on display from a cholera outbreak during the mid-1800s if you’re into that dark tourism stuff.

Ok, indulging in oddities aside, now it’s time to head back to the big city – Guadalajara. While Guadalajara has found itself sandwiched between Mexico City and Puerto Vallarta leading to it being overlooked a little, there are definitely a lot of cool hostels in Guadalajara and some damn fine food too.

Just an hour or so down the road from the city is Lake Chapala . There are plenty of villages around the lake where you can stay, including Ajijic . Spend a couple of days here chilling out and enjoying the natural beauty in one of Mexico’s top ex-pat destinations.

After that action-packed trip, it’s time to head to the beach. Puerto Vallarta and the surrounding area is the perfect spot to end your month-long adventure backpacking Mexico. If Puerto Vallarta gets a bit much, you can always head up the coast to Sayulita or down the coast to Bucerias .

3-Month Itinerary for Backpacking Mexico: The Combo

With 3 months of backpacking Mexico, you can traverse the country if you move like a firecracker’s been set off in close proximity to your bum. Of course, you always have the option of lingering a while in places you like.

A good strategy would be to start in one corner of the country and book your flight out of another. For example, you could start off staying in Cabo and end by flying out of Cancun. I could think of worse places to bookend an extended backpacking trip!

With 3 whole months, you can visit all the places mentioned in the itineraries above and add a few others. Definitely go ahead and add some time in the states of Baja California and Oaxaca . They have tons of beaches, gorgeous colonial towns, and abundant nature. If you’re into surfing, you’ll love both of them too.

Also, you HAVE to try Oaxacan cheese… and chocolate. Mmm, I’m freaking salivating just thinking about it! Oaxacan food is insane.

Having more time in the country means you can check out some places a bit more off the beaten path. Staying in Monterrey  (way up north) and Puebla  (near Mexico City) get way fewer foreign visitors, so these are cool places to visit if you’re interested in seeing the less-touristy real side of Mexico.

There are so many quaint little towns, remote beaches, and natural wonders across Mexico that you can fill in 3 months. Slow down, take it all in, and enjoy. And don’t forget to sample a taco from each and every state you visit!

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So the best-of lists will inevitably ruffle some feathers, as we all have our secret wee spots that hold a special place in our hearts! Besides, Mexico is simply packed to the brim full of fascinating and beautiful places to visit. I’d hope that each and every one of you budding backpackers of Mexico throw all your fucks to the wind and hitchhike to large amber markets and clandestine hippy congregations in the jungle.

But, you know what, from time to time, popular places to visit remind us why they became popular in the first place: Mexico has some truly awesome cities full of marching bands, salsa verde, clear watered cenotes, and dreamy surf breaks. You can learn to dive one week, and hike a volcano the next. There are museums and art galleries contrasted with backcountry roads.

Inevitably you’ll discover your own hidden gems but these places to visit in Mexico are a good start!

Backpacking Mexico City

Mexico City, home to over 20 million people, is one of the largest cities in the world. Many travellers choose to skip it and head straight to the coast, but these travellers are nincompoops!

Backpacking Mexico City is vital to truly travel to Mexico. You’ve got to see how a capital city seethes with energy to understand what’s at the heart of a country.

And what’s at the heart of Mexico City? A city of contrasts.

LGBT travellers will revel in the delights of Zona Rosa , and all travellers will enjoy the diversity of nightlife. There are high-end cocktail bars, clubs home to DJs that can make the whole place pulse, and streets that come to life with Mariachi bands.

What Central Park is to New York, Chapultepec is to Mexico City. This massive green space is an excellent place to spend a leisurely day in botanical gardens, a castle, and even an old-people zone. Be sure to head inside to explore the only royal castle in the Americas, but get there early; the lines are crazy by the afternoon!

No trip to Mexico City would be complete without a bit of mariachi and tequila . You can easily get a dose of both by visiting the Museum of Tequila & Mezcal and then getting dinner in Plaza Garibaldi .

Here, roaming mariachi bands are available for hire. Order up some tacos al pastor and a cold one and enjoy this traditional Mexican music.

Backpacking Tulum

The Riviera Maya may be famous for its flashy resorts, but that doesn’t mean it’s not for backpackers! You can pick one of the Riviera’s more alternative towns – Tulum – as your place to start backpacking this coastline. You just have to know where to stay in Tulum !

Tulum is surrounded by lush sub-tropical jungle and has a glittering, turquoise water beachfront. There’s also a lot of epic street art here.

Tulum seems to attract hippies that are “lost with purpose” but can always be found with good weed. 😉 So safe to say, that just because Tulum is in the Riviera Maya doesn’t mean it’s expensive and out of reach of the backpacker.

If you’re backpacking with friends, you can even find cheap vacation rentals in Mexico ‘s answer to Byron Bay. And, thankfully, it’s not Cancun, because as mentioned… with all due respect FUCK Cancun.

There are plenty of awesome things to do in Tulum, and you can easily find a cheap dorm bed and rent a bicycle for your stay to explore the ruins and beaches. The most affordable accommodation is in the town (about a 10-minute bike ride from the beach). Tulum is even a decent place to base yourself for an excursion out to Chichen Itza or other Mayan ruins!

So whether you get sucked into the hammock life or you learn how to freedive to explore the cenotes, Tulum will jump to the top of your list of favourite places in Mexico.

For me, when I visit Tulum I prefer to stay outside of the town itself and grab a hostel in Bacalar instead.

Backpacking Cozumel (and other epic Islas )

Technically, Cozumel and the other more famous islands off the coast of Mexico are all still in the Quintana Roo state just like Cancun and Tulum. In fact, getting from Cancun to Cozumel is quite an easy trip , but as I might have mentioned – I don’t like Cancun.

The trouble is, I like everything around Cancun. Like Cozumel!

Cozumel is a decent-sized island smudged off the coast of Playa del Carmen. It’s most famous for the incredible SCUBA diving you can do around the area.

The water temperature remains around a balmy 27 degrees year-round and the visibility is almost always amazing! There is an abundance of marine life that you can see.

Another pretty unique aspect of travelling to Cozumel is cenote diving. Mexico is the only place in the world you can cave dive through this magical cave network and this is really a must-do for water babies!

Isla Mujeres is a smaller version of Cozumel. The SCUBA diving is also incredible here and your choices of where to stay range from high hotels to shabby beach bars. The broke backpacker will find themselves right at home in one of the many budget hostels.

Backpacking Isla Holbox

Hey, let me start off by saying I absolutely LOVE Isla Holbox to my core: that’s why I now tell people to stay away – I’ll be doing the same . Even in the last few years, high levels of tourism are ruining this amazing natural space. 

The truth is, a tiny sand island with poor infrastructure simply cannot withstand constant construction of fancy hotels and growing traffic. The island is flooded for most of the year, the mosquitos are unbearable, and nature is taking the brunt of the repercussions. If you do decide to visit anyway, please try and be a responsible traveller and leave as little trace as possible!

Backpacking Playa Del Carmen

When you’re heading to Riviera Maya, there are a few things to say about Playa Del Carmen. I’ll start off by saying it’s far from the most ideal, dirtbag backpacking destination, but in the same breath, I had an absolutely amazing time here. 

It’s undeniable: you’re going to be in close proximity to painful levels of tourism. It’s a major city on Mexico’s Caribbean coast so you can start to create a picture from that. 

What is Playa Del Carmen’s absolute shining perk is its location. It’s the central point for all the best places to visit in Riviera Maya and an awesome place to enter Mexico. 

Arriving from Europe, Cancun airport is easily the most convenient place to get to. But, as you’ve probably noticed by now, I am no fan of that monster. Instead, we got invited by a mate for a bit of Couchsurfing and were instantly welcomed into Mexico with a cold beer, amazing food, and beautiful beaches. 

If you want a base to explore Quintana Roo and Riviera Maya, Playa Del Carmen is the one. You’re slap bang in the middle to head to Tulum’s Mayan Ruins, Valladolid’s cenotes, Cozumel’s blue waters, Isla Holbox’s remoteness, and Isla Mujeres’ paradise. 

So it might not sound like a backpacker’s ideal candidate for a Mexico itinerary. But if you can see beyond cringey, sunburnt vacationers, I can assure you, Playa Del Carmen is one big happy memory.

Backpacking Oaxaca

When it comes to a backpacking trip to Mexico, few places are as awesome as Oaxaca. This state in southern Mexico is famous for its mouth-watering cuisine and indigenous cultures. There are some epic places to stay in Oaxaca , I’m pretty sure you’ll fall in love with the place!

Several indigenous languages are spoken here, but your broken gringo Spanish will still get you by. You could stay a while and go from broken to passable Spanish, though.

The hub of Oaxaca City is where your trip here will likely begin. You can easily spend a couple of days here strolling around the tranquil downtown streets and sampling the local cuisine.

You’ll find numerous epic hostels in Oaxaca as well. Be sure to add a day trip out to Monte Alban – one of the most impressive ruins in the country.

Yes, you can party in Oaxaca City . You can go hiking in the surrounding areas, too.

In fact, there are many villages known as the Pueblos Mancomunados that run an ecotourism project. The money that you do spend here goes directly back to the Indigenous communities. So not only do you get to enjoy hiking through the Mexican mountains, but you also get to give back.

Indigenous culture is strong throughout the whole state of Oaxaca. There is one of Mexico’s mejor festivals –  Guelaguetza – held annually that celebrates the strong Indigenous heritage.

Another big reason I fell in love with these colourful cities was the food. I honestly can’t overhype the Oaxacan cheese ; it’s this glorious ball of stringy, mozzarella-esque (but with stronger, more aged cheese flavour) that just goes well with everything!

And as you head south in the state, you will come to the town of San Jose del Pacifico . This town is famous because its magic mushrooms fall into a deliciously legal grey area.

Unsurprisingly, many people “find themselves” here. 😉 But, it does have a very laid-back vibe, hostels covered in trippy artwork, traditional temazcal sweat lodge ceremonies, and of course, a very encouraging attitude toward mushroom taking.

It actually gets a little chilly up in the mountains so be sure to pack a jumper! And, maybe it goes without saying, but a lot of the hippy stuff actually has deep spiritual roots in Indigenous culture – so be respectful. 🙂

Backpacking Puerto Escondido

Within the state of Oaxaca is another laid-back hippy gem – Puerto Escondido . But instead of the Mexican mountains and magic mushrooms, you’ve got epic surf and doobies in hammocks! 😉

There are surf lessons available for those who have always wanted to stand up on a board but never quite got there! But both beginners and pros will be delighted by the swell here. There are the pumping Mexican Pipeline 20 ft waves, and also smaller waves at beaches nearby.

If surfing isn’t your thing – no worries! You can chill on the beach, chill in a hammock, or chill in style at one of the many beach bars. Actually, the SCUBA divers will love the opportunities to see manta rays, oysters, turtles, and a whole host of tropical fish!

Puerto Escondido also offers more than just the beach. There’s a bioluminescent lagoon that is particularly epic to swim in at night.

While in recent years Puerto Escondido has become more popular, it’s certainly not super flashy or fancy. You’ll see plenty of tourists but more of the broke backpacker/surfer type, as well as quite a few Mexican tourists. This laid back vibe means that you never feel like you’re rushed or stressed like you often do in resort towns.

Plus, not everything has been made 200000x more expensive just because it’s a tourist town. Yeah, Cancun, I’m looking at you…

Honestly, there are so many things to do in Oaxaca that it should be on every backpacker’s to-do list in Mexico, but I can’t stress how epic Puerto Escondido truly is. Come, relax, and let the beach work its magic.

Backpacking Banderas Bay

Located on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, Banderas Bay is one of the biggest tourist draws in the country. Here you’ll find plenty of beaches and chilled out Mexican towns.

You could spend your entire trip in Mexico bouncing around the bay. Just be warned that you may love it so much that you decide to move there. Trust me – I know from experience.

Puerto Vallarta is the main city in the area and is where you’ll fly into. While it’s famous as a Spring Break and retiree destination, PV is definitely not only for drunk high school kids and old farts. There are many amazing neighbourhoods , each unique and different.

This is easily one of the best beach towns in Mexico . Just go to the main square on a Sunday night and dance with the locals, and you’ll forget that you’re in a super popular tourist destination.

From PV, you can catch a bus up and down the bay to visit several different towns. Bucerias is located just an hour up the coast and it’s a much smaller, more chilled-out spot.

Keep going and you’ll reach Sayulita , which attracts surfers, yogis, and hippies alike. There are heaps of great Sayulita hostels to check out too.

Head in the other direction from PV and then catch a boat to Yelapa . It’s not an island but it sure feels like one!

This town has attracted the likes of Bob Dylan and members of the Grateful Dead. Come check it out for a few days and you’ll see why.

Backpacking Baja California

The wonders of Baja California have long been known to surfers making their way south of the border from the other California. This peninsula extending into the Pacific Ocean is home to some epic waves up and down the coast. Popular spots for surfing include Rosarito Beach and Ensenada.

On the other side of the peninsula, you’ll find beaches better suited for sunbathing and relaxing. Most towns in the south also have diving, kayaking, fishing, and even whale watching from December to April. The most booming tourist towns on the peninsula are located in the Los Cabos area , including Cabo San Lucas .

In between the coasts, Baja California is home to some pretty wild, and almost alien landscapes — as well as some pretty epic hiking trails to go along with it!

Here you’ll find vast deserts and dormant volcanoes. The peninsula is also home to some very famous and thought-provoking cave art. The best place to check it out is the Sierra de San Francisco, which was even declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Baja is popular with sailors, retirees, backpackers, and domestic tourists alike. There are plenty of ritzy rich and famous-only areas, and also plenty of loveable dive bars too.

I think the Baja offers a glimpse into how tourism can affect a place. It can be done really tastefully (and IS done tastefully in some parts of the Baja) and how it can spiritually bankrupt a place.

The American dream can feel at times like a morally bankrupt race to stay in Cabo the longest. Don’t be those tourists.

Getting off the beaten track along this peninsula will reward you a hundredfold. It’s a place where the desert bleeds into the sea. Manta rays, whales, and turtles call this part of the ocean their home.

You don’t need to eat lobster in a fancy restaurant surrounded by washed-up white folks to have a good meal here. Simply explore off one of the trails and treat yourself to some street food.

Backpacking Chiapas

Chiapas is secretly not-so-secretly my favourite state in Mexico . It’s deeply interesting, absolutely stunning, and just a little bit complicated. There’s a sex joke, or at least a relationship joke in there somewhere but I’d be digging.

Anyway, Chiapas, you’re my favourite.

The state itself borders Guatemala to the south and shares many of the same Mayan Indigenous groups. Over 10% of Chiapas don’t speak Spanish as a first language and are of Mayan descent. They’ve never been represented very well politically in Mexico, and this lead to the Zapatistas movement briefly declaring war on the Mexican government.

I say all of this because it pays to show respect in this beautiful state. There are countless secret cenotes, soaring mountains, and eclectic towns nestled in the jungle.

Many people get drawn to the spiritual energy that surrounds the ancient ruins of Palenque and semi-permanently live within the nearby jungle. While 99% of them have good intentions, there is the occasional story of tourists doing a few too many drugs and annoying the locals here.

San Cristobal de las Casas is another incredibly beautiful spot in Chiapas. The iconic yellow churches are home to a blend of Mayan and Catholic traditions involving animal sacrifice.

With so much of the state being Indigenous and historically not having been treated very well, I’d think twice before sticking your nose in every church service just to see if they’re slaughtering chickens. If you get invited along to a service then be mindful that this is someone’s belief system, even if you don’t agree with it.

I mean, you probably know all this! San Cris (as it’s affectionately known) is also a great place to buy amber and macrame supplies. You’ll find plenty of artisans from throughout Latin America stocking up on supplies here and one of my favourite backpackers – Puerta Vieja Hostel .

The city of Comitan is not on many tourists’ to-do lists but is home to the best torta (essentially a deep-fried sandwich) I’ve ever had! It’s the best road trip food known to man!

Be sure to check out as many waterfalls as possible on your trip through the state, too. They’re truly out of this world.

Off the Beaten Path Travel in Mexico

In a country this massive, it’s really not that hard to get off the beaten path in Mexico. Even in popular tourist destinations like Puerto Vallarta, all you need to do is walk a few blocks away from the beach and you’ll be surrounded by locals.

Generally speaking, the further away you are from la playa , the fewer gringos you’ll see. If everyone is here for margaritas on the beach, then you just have to go do shots of tequila in the desert.

A great city to explore that’s a bit more off the beaten path is Monterrey . It’s the third biggest city in Mexico and the closest to the US, yet very few foreign tourists make it here. Once an incredibly dangerous city, Monterrey has undergone quite a transformation in recent years.

It’s surrounded by mountains and full of culture, making it a great base for a couple of days. You can elevate your experience by staying in a locally hosted Airbnb in Monterrey , providing an authentic touch to your adventure.

Another fun city that’s worth checking out is Mazatlan. While it’s true that Mazatlan is a popular spot for retirees, not that many travellers make it here. The city hosts one of the biggest Carnival celebrations in the world, so try to time your visit to be here then. You can drink margaritas as big as your head while stumbling up and down the Malecon listening to live bands.

Finally, there is an incredible spot in the state of San Luis Potosí called Huasteca Potosina . This is one of the many smaller towns that are bursting at the seams with Mexican culture and vibrancy but is completely off the itinerary of most travellers.

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

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The perfect Instagram shot and the delightfully phone-less adventures are all on offer in Mexico. Backpackers are spoilt for choice when it comes to landscapes, cultures, and even beers on offer! Narrowing down the top 10 things to do in Mexico is always difficult – but use these to inspire you to find your own top 10 must-dos!

1. Visit Chichen Itza

This ancient Mayan city is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and one of the most incredible places you can go to in Mexico. You can visit the ruins easily from anywhere in the Riviera Maya. Definitely be sure to spend at least half a day here taking it all in. The highlight is the impressive Temple of Kukulkan, which was built to honour a Mayan feathered serpent god.

In my opinion, this is one of those “tourist” things that does live up to the hype. The grounds themselves are quite large so you never feel claustrophobic with the crowds.

Entry is free for Mexicans, and pretty reasonable for everyone else. If you’ve got the gift of the gab you might find yourself a way to shave the cost down a bit.

2. Eat all the Tacos

… But also all the food that ISN’T tacos! There are so many different types and flavours of tacos it’ll make your head spin. Whether you’re eating them at a street vendor or in a beachside bar, delicious tacos will be there to join you.

Forget about tacos with ground beef, lettuce, and cheese. Those aren’t real tacos. Instead, try the local specialties such as tacos al pastor or fish tacos on the coast.

I had this incredible taco while out with a couple of local mates. Utterly spent and drifting up in food heaven, I asked, “So what was in that?” “Lengua, chica.” Tongue tacos… Yeah, they’re freaking AMAZING.

3. Museum Hop in Mexico City

I always blow peoples’ minds when I tell them that Mexico City has more museums than any other city in the world. At over 150+ by the last count, CDMX really is a city full of museums.

Some of the best include the Museum of Anthropology and the Frida Kahlo Museum. Be sure to spend at least a few days in the capital and check out a handful of museums while you’re there.

4. Swim in a Cenote

A cenote is a natural sinkhole that’s formed when a cave ceiling collapses. They were considered sacred to the Mayans and were often used as sacred water sources and occasionally as places of sacrifice.

You can find cenotes all over the Yucutan peninsula, so you’ve got plenty of choices. These are also great places to learn how to snorkel or scuba dive.

For those with the appropriate skills, you can even go cave diving. The same limestone earth that causes the cenotes also creates an intricate system of caves to go diving through. You can dive through one cenote and pop up in an underground cavern… Talk about freaking EPIC!

Even without risking death in the depths of a Mexican cave system, you can still enjoy the crystal clear waters of these cenotes.

5. Listen to Mariachi

Mariachi is a traditional type of Mexican musical group. It’s popular all over the country.

In addition to their great music, the mariachi bands are famous for their traditional outfits. Mariachi bands are not that hard to find, as they play in restaurants, bars, and live music venues all over Mexico. Plaza Garibaldi in Mexico City is one of the best places to hear some mariachi.

I love the all-female mariachi band – same fiesta energy, but make it fuck the patriarchy. 😉

6. See the Lucha Libre Fights

The high-flying, colourful mask-wearing luchadores of Mexico’s famous style of wrestling put on an amazing show. Lucha libre is a huge part of Mexican culture and thus a can’t-miss when backpacking Mexico. The best place to see the fights is Arena Mexico in Mexico City, but there are also great fights in Guadalajara.

7. Hit the Beach

Most travellers to Mexico have some beach time planned – and for good reason! Mexico is home to every kind of beach you could imagine.

There are white sand beaches with turquoise water. Others have great waves for surfing. Hell, there are even nudist beaches if that’s your scene!

Go ahead and order up a margarita, kick back, and relax. But, if I can rain on your beachy parade for a moment, alcohol and the beach actually don’t always mix hella well. It’s way too easy to drown in the waters of a foreign country.

8. Drink Tequila (and Mezcal)

Nobody does tequila quite like Mexico! This world-famous booze is distilled from the blue agave plant and is known to be the start (or end) to wild nights. It actually comes from the town of Tequila, which you can visit easily from Guadalajara.

You’ll also want to try some mezcal, which is kind of like tequila’s older, more civilized cousin. Even the best tequila can whisper bad ideas to you like take your shirt off and climb a street pole…

Mezcal, on the other hand, will hold your hand and lead you gently to the altar of drunken oblivion. One minute you’re laughing and having a good time; the next minute you’re singing Billy Joel in a remote Mexican town in which you are the only English speaker. Yeah, mezcal is a deliciously sneaky drink!

Whichever one you order, don’t try to do it as a shot with salt and lime. That’s insulting to good tequila. Just sip it casually and enjoy!

9. Explore a Local Market

Markets are the lifeblood of any city. If you want to put your Spanish to the test, you need to avoid the gringos. To avoid the gringos, head deep into the bowls of a Mexican market.

You can barter for new clothes, pieces of high-quality amber, and then wash it all down with carnitas or tamales. I personally come to Mexico with an empty backpack and buy all my clothes in San Cristobal De Las Casas.

You’ll be sure to find dozens of macrame artists plying most marketplaces too. Give it long enough travelling Central America , and you might find yourself amongst the throng of macrame-making hippy vendors!

10. Hike a volcano

Yes, Mexico has epic beaches. Mexico also has its share of famous desert landscapes. (Peyote calls the desert its home actually…) But Mexico isn’t done with nature just yet.

3 of the most famous volcanic peaks in Mexico are Iztaccíhuatl, Pico de Orizaba, and Popocatépetl – all within a few hours from Mexico City. Iztaccíhuatl is so high that you can experience mal de montaña (altitude sickness) so be prepared.

If you’re not into hiking, you can see these stunning structures in some of Mexico’s Pueblos Mágicos and enjoy leisurely strolls in the cute towns around them. There are hostels in Puebla that make it great for solo travellers too.

Although on a sombre note, the glacier Ayoloco that used to grace Iztaccíhuatl has been declared extinct. There is a memorial plaque there, and I have to say, it’s such a tender moment to face the future in such a way like this. As humans we can’t help but anthropomorphize; yet there is real grief for the global inaction to do anything to limit the death of another glacier.

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These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

When backpacking Mexico, you’re spoiled for choices as far as accommodation goes. In popular tourist areas and the big cities, you’ve got great Mexican hostels to choose from.

It’s also easy to find a decent hotel without spending too much, and eco-friendly accommodation is also on the rise. While Mexico isn’t as cheap as travelling Southeast Asia, it’s definitely not expensive!

But in order to save your coins, your best bet is to live the hostel life . Luckily, the hostel scene in Mexico is full of dreamers and artists. So many of the hostels have such incredible artwork – and if painting is a skill of yours there might be a way to score yourself free accommodation in exchange for contributing to the art of the hostel.

The average price for a hostel ranges between $10 – $20 per night . There’s not much better than chilling in a hostel by the beach and being able to surf all day before enjoying a cerveza and lime at sunset.

When that one guy at the hostel has told you the story about how he almost became an international drug smuggler but then he remembered about his ethics so he just dodged taxes instead, booking an Airbnb can seem more appealing for a night. Mexico has a huge range of good quality – and relatively cheap – Airbnbs available too. Sometimes you need a vacation from your vacation, right?

In between swanky Airbnbs and party hostels are a bunch of great guesthouses and homestays. Many of these aren’t listed online but are well known via word of mouth.

Wherever you choose to stay in Mexico, it’s not going to be expensive – but it will be a great time!

And here’s a quick insider tip: If you want to see all – and I mean ALL – hostel options in Mexico, be sure to check out BOOKING.COM . You can even filter your personal travel needs to find the perfect place for you.

The Best Places To Stay in Mexico

Mexico can be an incredibly cheap place even if you’re travelling solo . It can also be incredibly expensive – all you have to do is stay in some glitzy hotel in Cancun and buy marked-up drugs and never leave the resort. Damn you, Cancun.

Anyway, enough of my gripes with the world’s biggest waste of time. The cost of backpacking in Mexico will depend on a lot of factors.

If you do everything the local way, your money will go very far here! It’s definitely possible to get by on $40-50 a day and live VERY comfortably.

If you’re into street food and hole-in-the-wall local joints, your food bill in Mexico will be very small. Many local restaurants often have a set menu at lunch for just $3 – $4 that will keep you full.

A great thing about travelling in Mexico is the wide array of cheap or free activities . It costs nothing to sit on the beach, after all.

There are plenty of parks, town squares, and beautiful churches you can visit for free. Museums are less than $10. Chichen Itza is the only place to see ruins which are quite expensive at around $30.

You can also pick up an eSIM for Mexico before you travel for pretty cheap, depending on how long you visit for it can cost just over £1 a day for unlimited internet.

A Daily Budget in Mexico

Your daily budget will of course vary depending on your personal style and what you wish to do. The table below however is intended as a guide.

Money in Mexico

Mexico’s currency is the peso (MXN). Find out how much your money is worth today by using the up-to-date converter below.

You’ll need cash for things like local bus rides, street food, and tips. You’ll be able to use a credit card easily, especially in big cities and beach towns. Make sure you have a card that has no foreign transaction fees and don’t forget to tell your bank where you’re headed.

You should always hide some emergency cash on you. You never know when a bribe legitimate “fine” may be required to get you through a checkpoint.

All the major cities and town will have a variety of banks but be aware that smaller towns and villages may not. It’s also possible they will run out of cash fairly quickly, so make sure you keep a decent (but not too decent) amount of cash on you. You may be charged a fee at the ATM by both the local bank and your bank.

For all matters of finance and accounting on the road, The Broke Backpacker strongly recommends  Wise  – The artist formerly known as Transferwise! Our favourite online platform for holding funds, transferring money, and even paying for goods,

Wise is a 100% FREE platform with considerably lower fees than Paypal or traditional banks. Really, it even beats out Western Union .

Travel Tips – Mexico on a Budget

While the $1 beers and $3 lunches can make budget backpacking a breeze here, it’s still easy to slip over your budget when you’re in beach mode. Other than the standard budget backpacking tips there are a few extra tips I’d suggest for those backpacking Mexico.

• Camp: Camping in Mexico isn’t very common, but there are definitely places where it’s an option. Your safest bet is to travel in a campervan and find official campgrounds. Tent camping is possible in some places, including the beach towns of Bucerias and Sayulita, north from Puerto Vallarta. Or, if you’re feeling real adventurous and want to save some cash, consider picking up a  backpacking hammock . Honestly, almost anywhere can become a camping spot in Mexico if you’re discreet enough.
• Cook your own food:  If you are on a tight budget, you can save money by cooking your own food – I recommend bringing a  portable backpacking stove .
• Book your transportation early:  Plane tickets are much cheaper if you purchase them in advance, especially with Mexico’s budget airlines.
• Couchsurf:  Especially in the big cities in Mexico, it’s not too hard to find a host whose couch you can crash on. They might be expats who are working there or locals. Learn how to couchsurf to make some real friendships and see this country from the perspective of locals.
• Hitchhike: Depending on where you are in the country, attitudes will vary to hitchhikers. Some people will be kind of confused and others will spot a fellow macrame-making-patched-up-clothes dirtbag and pick up instantly. It helps to speak Spanish so you can explain what you’re doing and don’t end up paying for a ride you didn’t want to. Still, it will open your travels to more adventures and will save you dollaroonies.

Why You Should Travel Mexico with a Water Bottle

Because plastic sucks, spending money on water served in plastic is dumb, and, ultimately, we’re better than that.

Single-use plastic is shit. It’s poisoning our planet, and we only get one of those. Please, stop using it: we can’t save the world overnight, but we can at least be a part of the solution and not the problem.

When you travel to some of the world’s most remote places, it’s important to strive to leave it better than when you arrived. That’s when travel becomes truly meaningful. Well, that’s what we believe at The Broke Backpacker .

Whether you buy a fancy filtered bottle or just contract Giardia and develop a constitution of steel after the fourth round of antibiotics. The point is the same: do your part. Be good to this beautiful spinning top we love to travel to.

That said, you should totally get a filtered water bottle . They’re a bloody dream!

You can drink water from ANYWHERE. And you won’t be spending a cent on bottles of water either. These things ARE the best thing since sliced bread.

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

We’ve tested the Geopress  rigorously  from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!

The most popular time to visit Mexico is generally between December and April . These are the driest and coolest months in coastal destinations like Puerto Vallarta and Cancun. Of course, this is also high season.

That means the biggest crowds and the highest prices. Consider travelling in the shoulder season if you don’t mind a little heat and possibly rain. Your wallet will thank you!

Keep in mind that Mexico is a huge country with diverse landscapes. While it’s almost always hot on the coast, it can get downright chilly in Mexico City and other places at a higher elevation. You may actually need some warm clothes for the winter months.

With a country as big as Mexico, there are multiple “best times of the year” to visit. But in general, accepting a little bit of rain along the coast and slightly colder temperatures at altitude, and visiting outside of December – April will have you a cheaper and less crowded backpacking trip.

If you’re living the boat life and sailing the coast of Mexico, you’ll want to avoid July – October as this is hurricane season. The Baja fills with sailors during December – April, too, so it really depends what you want to get out of your trip to Mexico as to when the best time to visit is.

What to Pack for Mexico

What you decide to pack will depend on where you’re going, what activities you have planned, and what the weather will be like. If you’re just going to hang on the beach, you can just show up in your swimsuit and tank top and be ready to rock. Buuuuttt, bring a pair of nicer clothes if you want to go out to the clubs.

Be sure to pack some decent shoes if you plan on exploring the cities, and good hiking shoes and clothes for any outdoor activities. It’s also a good idea to bring an extra day bag to carry with you to the beach or for big sightseeing days.

But, on every backpacking adventure, there are a few things I never leave off my travel packing list !

Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

Sea To Summit Micro Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

Monopoly Deal

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

Grayl Geopress Water Bottle

Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!

If all of your opinions on Mexico are based on what you hear on the news, you’ll think Mexico is one of the most dangerous countries in the world. While it’s definitely true that the drug cartels are ruthless and that there are plenty of places you don’t want to travel to, most places of interest to travellers are quite safe.

Sure, bad shit happens occasionally, but the same is true for places like Paris, Las Vegas, and Bangkok; there are horror stories of humanity’s worst whenever there is a lot of us gathered in one place.

For the most part, travelling in Mexico is quite safe . Even in Mexico City, you’re fine walking around by yourself as long as you exercise some common sense.

If you stick to the standard backpacking safety tips – you’ll be more than ok.

One thing to watch out for in Mexico is taking random taxis. They’re not all legit, and there are plenty of stories of people getting ripped off and robbed.

Uber is big in most places you’ll likely visit and is super cheap, so just get a local SIM card and stick with that. Try to find an official taxi stand if you need to just hail a cab, or have someone call one for you.

Wherever you go, always keep an eye on your drink. Even better, just stick to beer and ask them not to open the can or bottle until it’s in your hot, little hands.

And, my final tip would be to keep an eye on local news. If you know something cartel-related went down in a certain area, then wait until it’s blown over before you travel there. Not all places will be safe all of the time, and not all places will be dangerous hellscapes.

Sex, Drugs, and Rock ‘N Roll in Mexico

One thing’s for sure about Mexicans – they like to party, and they like it loud! In places like Mexico City, Cancun, Play Del Carmen, and Puerto Vallarta, it’s not hard to find a party that’s going on all night long.

Mexicans love their music, so there’s usually a band or a DJ playing. It might be a local mariachi band, it might be a heavy metal band from the US, or it might be a German house DJ. If you’re looking to rock out and dance the night away, you’ve come to the right country.

When it comes to drinking – again, Mexico loves to drink! If you want to go local, try a michelada . It’s basically a Bloody Mary but with beer instead of vodka. Or try a calimocho – wine and coca-cola!

Those looking for something stronger you can opt for tequila or mezcal. After all, the best stuff in the world comes from right here in Mexico.

As far as drugs go in Mexico, they’re obviously around. As a gringo tourist, don’t be surprised if people approach you to offer you drugs.

I don’t recommend buying drugs from a random guy on the street anywhere , but I know some of you will probably do it anyways. Drugs on the road are inevitable so you might as well learn about them and do it properly!

I got caught smoking a joint in San Cristobal De Las Casas – and it’s not my favourite memory. Luckily, I had my charming Argentinian companion to smooth talk our way out of it with a small bribe. 

They are cracking down at the moment on weed in Mexico. I’ve also been stopped and searched randomly in transport stations so, in my experience, it’s not worth travelling with or smoking in public now. 

There’s plenty of hostels, guesthouses, and beaches that are cool with it. Judge the vibe, ask locals, and make your own judgement.

If you’re looking to roll, trip, etc., it’s definitely possible. Again, be extremely wary of buying anything off the street. A better idea is to find the hippies, stoners, punk rockers, and the like. They’ll know where to find something without you getting ripped off or busted.

And as for sex and love while travelling Mexico? Oh man, the Mexican passion is not exaggerated – for all genders! Being a sexy foreigner bodes well for trying your luck dating in Mexico.

Plus, the backpacker scene is far from abstinence-only. 😉 Through it all, treat each other well. Free love is about love as much as it is about sex!

Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Mexico

Right, now let me be the first to admit that my travels sometimes involve some sketchy activities! But rather than ignore my wild side, I just insure in with World Nomads! That way, I can still have my adventures while knowing if shit hits the fan – I’m covered by good insurance .

World Nomads are a flexible and affordable travel insurance option and I’ve trusted them for years.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Mexico is a super accessible country within the Americas. There are direct flights from multiple cities within the USA and Canada, as well as direct flights from Europe. You can always cross the land borders from the US, or from parts of Central America.

What this means is that Mexico fits in well with almost any backpacking itinerary! You can fly in directly from Europe or North America and explore Mexico for as long as your visa allows you. Or, your Mexico backpacking route can be part of a longer overland travel adventure through Latin America if you cross the southern border.

Personally, I flew into Mexico once and crossed the Southern border another time. I know other people may have a different experience, but I found flying in easier in terms of paperwork and bureaucracy. There was a convoluted hold-up at the land border that ended up requiring a long discussion and a stroke of luck to get me across!

Entry Requirements for Mexico

The entry requirements for Mexico vary depending on your nationality. Citizens of 65 different countries are allowed to visit Mexico visa-free. Typically, tourists and business visitors can stay up to 180 days. Make sure you read up on the visa policy of Mexico if you’re not clear.

If they give you a tourist card as you enter, hold onto this: you will need to present it as you are leaving and you’ll be held up and fined if you don’t. Though, you may not receive one depending on how you enter.

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Mexico is quite well connected – especially the major centres! There is, at the very least, a bus or a colectivo that will take you close to where you want to go. Mexico ADO buses are the easiest option for getting between popular tourist destinations. Mexico City has its own metro.

Many of the regional centres are connected via planes that aren’t so expensive! Within major centres, you’ll find Ubers, taxis, and even the metro. Generally speaking, no transport in Mexico is overly expensive but taxis can sometimes overcharge you.

Many of the places you’ll want to visit in Mexico will have an airport or at least one close by. Thanks to budget airlines such as Volaris and Viva Aerobus, flying around Mexico doesn’t have to break the bank. You can find cheap airfares , especially when booking in advance.

Just keep in mind that you’ll have to pay extra for a checked bag. It’s worth it to try and go carry-on only if you plan on taking a few flights. Flights within Mexico can be quite cheap. It’s possible to fly for $50 or even less, but remember you’ll probably have to pay $25 or so for a bag.

I always like to joke that bus travel in Mexico makes the US look like a third-world country. Compared to the hell on Earth that is a Greyhound, bus travel in Mexico is quite comfortable. I’m talking comfortable reclining seats, TV screens, and even a free bagged lunch!

Imagine taking the bus from Mexico City to Oaxaca in what feels like business class of Luftansa. Some of the best companies include Primera Plus and ETN.

Long-distance buses usually cost between $25-50 and are super comfortable

For travelling around a destination, you’ve always got the option of super-cheap local buses. Taxis are plentiful but are known for price gauging in many places. A better idea is to have Uber ready to go on your phone or arrange a cab through your accommodation.

This is only an option in a select few big cities like Guadalajara or Mexico City. Even in the capital, rides are super cheap at around $0.30.

Women should be aware that there’s a special car for women and children at the end of the line. It’s a wise idea to make use of these, especially at rush hour. Men can be a bit “grabby” when the crowd is pushing on and off the train.

Many people choose to rent a car in Mexico. It’s actually quite easy, relatively affordable, and a good option if you are short on time in Mexico.

Although drivers are chaotic, with extra caution, you should be safe driving around tourist areas. But be aware that muggings and robberies are very common when gringos are driving outside of these comfort zones.

Wherever you are, be sure you’ve got good insurance on the car and know all the details of the plan.

Hitchhiking in Mexico

Hitchhiking?! In Mexico?! Surely not!

Nah, mate, of course you should hitchhike Mexico !

Like with most hitchhiking , you need a little experience, patience, and good instincts. It also helps to speak a little Spanish when hitching in Mexico so that you can fully explain what you’re doing and where you want to go.

Your hitching luck will depend on what state you’re in. When I was in the Yucatan, Riviera Maya, Chiapas, Oaxaca and anywhere close to Mexico City I had good luck. I think if you’re close to places where raggedy, hippies from throughout Latin America congregate then chances of scoring a ride are high!

The states I mentioned before are known for various reasons (either they have good drugs, good jewellery supplies, or are known to be good for selling jewellery) to be favourites of the Latina vagabonds. So most drivers knew what hitchhiking was all about.

But as with hitchhiking in any country, say no to the rides that don’t feel right. It’s not worth it.

Also, explaining in Spanish that you’re on an adventure and that you’re happy to shout lunch (but not pay for the ride) goes a long way. Some of the best conversations and side quest adventures I had in Mexico came from hitchhiking with my chicken!

My chicken and I went swimming in cenotes, ate many bomb-ass tacos, and even went to a full moon ceremony on the beach (don’t ask, I was on my “journey”) all with people we met hitchhiking! I also met some amazing kiwi lads driving a van around Mexico and we spent about 5 days travelling together after I hitched a ride with them! You never know what funny story is going to come out of a hitchhiking adventure.

Well, I mean, sometimes it sucks too. It rains, you get food poisoning, you end up walking 20 kilometres because you can’t be bothered waiting for a ride. But on the whole, the randomness of life rewards you.

Onwards Travel from Mexico

Mexico is the perfect jump-off point for your adventures in Latin America. Those looking to travel by land have the option of heading into Guatemala or Belize. It’s not hard to arrange bus trips to these neighbouring countries.

You’ve only just started exploring my favourite region on Earth! Backpacking Central America is up there with my favourite adventures of all time!

Alternatively, cheap flights are available to most countries in Central America or the northern part of South America. If you’re looking to visit the Caribbean or backpack Cuba , you can find good deals on flights out of Mexico City and Cancun.

• Backpacking Belize
• Backpacking Guatemala
• Backpacking South America
• Backpacking The United States

The Mexican Peso is not exactly a strong currency – so Mexico isn’t the place for Western backpackers to come and make their fortune. Still, there are some employment opportunities for those wishing to remain longer in Mexico and get to know the culture.

The most obvious option for paid work is teaching English. Other than that there are plenty of volunteering projects and opportunities in the country.

Just be sure to check the visa situation as technically you need to be a resident in Mexico before earning any money in the country. This can be a grey area for digital nomads in Mexico .

But as the internet gets better and the beaches stay magical, Mexico is fast becoming a bit of a digital nomad hub! You can expect to find a few people making money from their laptops as they counter the hustle with chilling in the hammock during their off days.

A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!

An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.

Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and  ditch the plastic .

Teaching English in Mexico

Teaching English in Mexico is a great way to earn some extra dollaridoodles for your journey. It’s by no means a get-rich scheme, but it’s easy to get work, you’ll learn a lot, and hopefully help some people develop life skills in the process!

You can also teach English online to make yourself completely remote. Though, be aware that the internet connection isn’t always trust worthy in those budget hostels. 

You don’t need to have to have a degree but a TEFL certificate is unbelievably useful. You  improve your English and teaching skills to really change up your abilities and opportunities. As a Broke Backpacker reader, you can get a 50% discount on TEFL courses with MyTEFL . Simply follow the link or enter the code PACK50 .

Volunteering in Mexico

Volunteering abroad is an amazing way to experience a culture whilst giving something back. There are loads of different volunteer projects in Mexico ranging from teaching to animal care to agriculture to pretty much everything.

Mexico is constantly in need of volunteers, especially in social work and healthcare. English teachers are in high demand throughout the country, while rural areas present more unique opportunities like farming and helping with eco-projects. Most nationalities are able to volunteer in Mexico visa-free for up to 180 days. 

Volunteer programs run through reputable work exchange programs are usually very well-managed and reputable. However, whenever you are volunteering, do stay vigilant – especially when working with animals or children.

If you want to find volunteering opportunities in Mexico, then we recommend that you Signup for Worldpackers . With a Broke Backpacker discount, it’s only $39 a year – so it’s worth giving it a shot.

Mexican culture is colourful and intoxicating.

Did you know that Mexico is the 11th most populous country in the world? As of 2023, the population of Mexico is estimated at over 130 million. It’s also far and away the most populous Spanish-speaking country: Columbia comes in second and is home to only about 50 million people.

The population of Mexico is also super diverse. The Mayan and Indigenous cultures have never truly gone away, and particularly in southern Mexico, they remain extremely rich and thriving. Each group has their own language, customs, and traditions – although they often are inspired by each other and by certain aspects of Catholicism.

This leads to a church in San Cristobal de las Casas regularly sacrificing chickens in an otherwise Catholic Church. Actually, this is quite emblematic of Mexican culture at large.

Elements of Spanish culture and the Catholic Church, Indigenous cultures, and even Afro-Caribbean culture all come together and fuse to become Mexican . The majority of Mexicans are known as Mestizos, which means they identify as having both indigenous and European elements.

And a running joke amongst Mexicans is the word ahorita . Actually, there are a few words endemic to Mexican Spanish that always make me chuckle as it takes me back to being there. ( “No mames guey!)

But ahorita is special because it unites all the different and diverse cultures of Mexico. It vaguely means “soon” but embodies their cultural lateness. 😉 There is such thing as “Mexican Time” and you might as well practise patience and get on board!

Useful Travel Phrases For Mexico

Mexico is the largest Spanish-speaking country in the world, but it’s also home to nearly 70 native languages. While all 132 million of its inhabitants are considered Mexican, this is an incredibly diverse country. The culture and customs of Mexico change as you move across the country, ensuring there’s something new to discover everywhere you go.

Below are some useful Spanish phrases for backpacking Mexico. While many people speak English in tourist areas and cities, once you get outside these areas, Spanish will carry you a long way!

Hola = Hello

Cómo estás? = How are you?

Estoy bien = I’m fine

(Muchas) gracias = Thank you (very much)

De nada = You’re welcome

Una cerveza por favor = A beer please 

La chela = The beer (slang)

Salud! = Cheers! (directly translates to ‘health’.)

Tienes fuego? = Do you have a lighter?

Sin bolsa de plastico = No plastic bag

Lo siento = I’m sorry

Dónde está el baño? = Where is the bathroom?

Qué es esto? = What’s this?

Cuánto? = How much?

Adiós = Goodbye

Quiero tacos al pastor = I want (spit-grilled) pork tacos

What To Eat in Mexico

Eating will definitely be a highlight of your experience backpacking Mexico. This country takes its culinary arts seriously, and it shows. I could make a guide this long and just about Mexican food.

Mexican cuisine is famous all over the world, and for good reason. Each region has its own flavours and unique dishes, ensuring there’s something new to try everywhere you go.

Make sure to find out what the local specialities are in each place you visit and give them a try. Eating your way across Mexico is a foodie’s dream come true!

One thing that my heart bleeds for is mole . This sauce is often made my hardworking women using equipment that dates back pre-Colombian with all kinds of ingredients including vegetables, coffee, and even cacao. It’s something you’ll only find in Mexico and I miss it dearly.

We can’t mention Mexican food without talking about the drink as well. You can even take a train ride called the Tequila Express; it leaves from Guadalajara on the weekends and includes snacks, live music, a tour of the distillery, and of course, lots and lots of tequila.

Popular Mexican Dishes

• Tacos – Everywhere you look, there are tacos in Mexico. Typically they’re pretty small and come with a simple filling. You’ll find tacos al pastor, chorizo, and steak, servied with onions, cilantro, salsa, and hot sauce.
• Tortas – Mexican’s answer to a club sandwich. You’ll get a lot of the same fillings as you’ll find in tacos but in between two pieces of fresh bread instead. This lunch fills you up and doesn’t cost very much.
• Ceviche – Peru may be more famous for ceviche, but Mexico does this dish of raw fish, lime juice, and chillies exquisitely too. You’ll find the best ceviche in coastal towns.
• Aguachile – This is kind of like ceviche, but with shrimp and far spicier. Cucumbers are usually added on the side to help you cool down. It burns, but it burns so good!
• Mole – This homemade soul sauce is used in several different dishes. Both Puebla and Oaxaca claim to have invented mole sauce and are excellent places to try it. It comes in all shapes and forms and it’s worth trying all of them.
• Chilaquiles – Ever had nachos for breakfast? Well, you can do that in Mexico! Chilaquiles are made by taking yesterday’s tortillas, cutting them up, and frying them. They’re then covered in a red or green sauce and given a side of beans.
• Pozole – This is a traditional soup popular all over Mexico. It’s made with hominy (dried maize) and pork and topped with shredded cabbage, radishes, onion, chili peppers, and salsa.
• Churros – When you’re ready for dessert, nothing beats a churro. These pieces of fried dough covered in cinnamon are delicious, especially with that chocolate dip!

A Brief History of Mexico

Mexico has been populated with complex and diverse civilisations for over 13 000 years. The most famous of these civilisations were the Aztec and the Maya – although there were others.

What’s extra remarkable about these civilisations is that they arose in lands without major rivers (although cenotes were used as water sources) and without beasts of burden. This means the complex agricultural and architectural wonders were almost entirely dependent on human labour!

As is well known, the Spanish invaded in 1521. What evolved over the 300 years between their invasion and Mexican independence was a stratification that still impacts society today.

At the top of the hierarchy with all the political power were the Spanish who sailed over from Spain. Then it was the creoles or the Spanish people born in Mexico.

Lower down were the mestizos or “mixed” Spanish and Indigenous. Lower still were the Indigenous and the indentured African labourers.

While all three lower classes often ran into conflict with one another, they all resented the Spanish. They could find enough common ground to incite revolution; by 1821, the war of Independence was won.

What followed was quite some turmoil largely due to the stratification under Spanish rule. For a brief moment in history, there was the Mexican Empire which included a hefty chunk of the Americas from California and Texas all the way down to Costa Rica.

This was short-lived and so was the Mexican Empire. It was eventually followed by a dictatorship in the late 19th century. While it did modernise much of Mexico, it further divided society and oppressed the lower classes.

The Mexican Revolution which formalised the United Mexican States that we know today occurred during 1910 – 1920. It was incredibly complex and incredibly brutal – up to 10% of the population died.

Out of the civil war – in which you can’t really declare winners – came the PRI political party who ruled Mexico almost unopposed until the early 2000s. The 20th century in Mexico saw great improvements to standards of living, a general stabilising of the political turmoil, and even some good steps forward for equality between class, race, and gender.

However, culturally the country remained quite conservative and never saw economic gains that brought it on par with its wealthier northern neighbours. Plus, new trafficking routes opened up off the back of existing routes that used to be used to smuggle in bootleg booze during the US prohibition.

With the rise of Escobar down in Colombia, there became an influx of product (cocaine) and the US was certainly buying. While it’s hard to sum up the complex causes of a drug war, the corruption of the long-standing PRI party and a society battered by inequality and poverty certainly didn’t help.

Even when PRI was ousted by the right win PAN party in the early 2000s, there wasn’t a reprieve to the drug war or poverty. In fact, the drug war escalated and poverty didn’t markedly improve.

As the drug war between the cartels and the government – and at times the USA agents as well – has only intensified over the last 15 years, you can’t help but notice no one is winning. There aren’t easy answers, but surely prohibition of drugs isn’t helping. If you make a valuable product illegal, it only incentivises cartels to risk more lives in order to make money.

Also, the exchange of illegal products between Mexico and the USA has never been one way. The cartels get much of their firepower from the USA. And even with the drug war declared over in 2017 by the left-leaning President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, many issues stemming back to Imperial times still linger over Mexico.

However, Mexico is resilient. The Mexican people are proud and refuse to stand by and watch their country slip away from them. It simply remains to be seen how to untie some of these complex knots of politics today.

There’s no shortage of must-try experiences in Mexico. In fact, there are so many of them that you’ll just have to keep coming back. Even if you can spend a few months in Mexico, you won’t be able to do it all!

Mexico has so many beautiful beaches and all the fun activities that come along with them. You should definitely be sure to do some snorkelling, diving, fishing, SUPing, surfing, and whatever else is available!

Sports are huge in Mexico, especially football and lucha libre . Check the schedule for the local football clubs and see if they do lucha fights where you’re travelling to.

Hit a local cantina before the game or the match and soak up the lively atmosphere. Joining the locals to cheer on their favourite team and luchadores is tons of fun and a great insight into local culture.

Scuba Diving in Mexico

If you’re a diver, you’re going to love Mexico. There are several world-class dive sites around the country for you to explore. The best spot if you want to base your trip around diving is the Riviera Maya. There are several great dive sites around Cancun, and you can also easily find good hostels in Cozumel and nearby Isla Mujeres.

For a unique scuba experience, why not go diving in a cenote? These underground sinkholes are fascinating to explore below the surface. It’s easy to arrange a cenote diving trip from major tourist hubs like Cancun or Playa del Carmen.

On the other side of Mexico, there’s diving available in Cabo, Puerto Vallarta, and Acapulco as well. Just be aware that the water over here can be quite cold and may require a warming dry suit. It’s worth it as you may see giant rays or even whales while diving on the Pacific Coast.

Surfing in Mexico

Mexico is an incredible destination for surfers. You’ve got a wide variety of breaks and lots of swell here.

In many places, you can ride some epic waves with little to no crowd. It helps that there are about 2,500 km of Coast. Surfing is also an option year-round in Mexico.

Some of the best places to go surfing include Baja California, Sayulita, and Puerto Escondido. You don’t need to bring your own board as there are always some available for hire. If you’re like me and can’t stand on a board of any kind, there are several options for surf classes in the more popular destinations.

So your backpacking Mexico route is taking form! But there’s always more questions to ask. Here’s a little more travel advice I’m gonna throw in there!

How long does it take to backpack through Mexico?

At least 3 weeks is essential if you want a good feel for the country. But Mexico is massive . You could have a lifetime in Mexico and you’d still find unexplored places! You could easily find yourself heading to the Guatemalan border after 6 months to renew your visa for another 6 months.

Can you live off $1000 a month in Mexico?

Er, yeah, definitely. If you want to rock up to Mexico and spend $1000 a month then good for you. I hope you spend it wisely and help some good people out. Realistically, you can spend much less than that and live very comfortably.

What’s the best thing to eat while backpacking Mexico?

Oh boy, where do I start!? Tacos, quesadillas, beans, guacamole, oh and don’t forget about all the fruit. Mexican food is world-class. Not always vegetarian friendly, but they do put their heart and soul into their cooking.

Is Mexico safe to backpack?

For the most part, yes. Mexico welcomes thousands of tourists every year, and most of them will tell you they had a perfectly safe visit. But that doesn’t mean things can’t happen. Be a smart tourist, and follow the same rules as you would anywhere else.

Mexico is one of the most vibrant and diverse countries that you’ll ever go backpacking in. The landscapes are wild and varied: there’s desert, jungle, mountains, and of course, the beaches. And then the cultures are just as mixed and vibrant to match.

Whether you breeze in for a surfing holiday or commit to serious hitchhiking and volunteering for six months or so, Mexico will leave a big fat mark on your heart. This country is so much more than its all-inclusive resorts and cartel wars. It really is a country that keeps on giving.

When you go backpacking Mexico you understand the long-reaching impacts of long ago historical events. Buuuttt, you also get to enjoy cheap tequila lazy days in the sun. It’s all about balance!

I only have one more thing to say before I sign off. Because ultimately, I can write a big-ass guide on Mexico but nothing really prepares you for the majesty (or complexity) of this country.

So, be good to Mexico. There’s been a lot of crazy shit happening here over the years. And while almost everyone you meet will be eager to show the best side to Mexico, you don’t want the locals getting burned by overly inebriated or ignorant backpackers on top of everything else.

But, I have no doubt you broke backpacker will take to this great nation and have an experience of a lifetime. Hopefully, I’ll see you out here someday and we can share a taco (or seven)! Vamos, amigo, it’s time you go backpacking Mexico. 

• Is Mexico City safe?
• The Art of Slow Travel
• Buying a SIM card in Mexico
• The Mexico Archives

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hey, i just had a bad experience with the cops in mexico and want to create a fb community about this topic. ” pick on a cop ” on FB.

take care and travel safe!

If I fly to the USA and then want to start my backpacking from there, entering Mexico via McAllen TX by car, how do I get my FMM for 180 days? You only really mention the southern boarder in this article (I’m British).

I’d like to add some information about hitchhiking in Mexico: It is extremely easy, as a solo female traveller I hardly wait more than 15 minutes and payment is not expected. However, as a solo female traveller it might happen that guys ask you for sex (although it is extremely rare, to me it happened only once in 3 months of hitchhiking all over the country), just say no and act confidently and don’t allow guys to overstep your boundaries. A much more common occurrence is drivers giving you food, beer or soft drinks and sometimes even inviting you to stay at their house! Mexico really is one of my favourite countries for hitchhiking.

Wow, I’m Mexicana and have done a lot of the recommendations that you have mentioned but you definitely have gone into depth on the back packing. Next year I’ll be doing the back packing and bringing my American boyfriend who is skeptical about traveling to Mexico. Your guide is definitely going to help him feel more comfortable. By the way do you sell this guy on website or Amazon? Thank you so much for the information. Happy travels

Ahhh what a fantastic guide! Thank you so much for all this quality info! Our two month trip through Mexico starts tomorrow and we couldn’t be more excited! Will definitely be heading to Puerto Vallarta for at least a week of it during November. Envy you and your living there for six months – what a dream come true that is! Maybe see you there! Cheers

Definitely sounds like a great time! I’d love to do a solo trip like this someday!

This blog post is so helpful! It has EVERYTHING I need for my upcoming trip to Mexico for a month, although I definitely need to learn some Spanish. Thank you!

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2 Weeks in Mexico: 2 itineraries

DISCLAIMER: This post might have links to travel services and products that we enjoy. We might make a commission from it at no extra cost to you.

Mexico offers the typical, yet stunning tropical beaches and archaeological ruins. It is a country to visit because of its colourful colonial houses. If you love Mexican food, this trip has to be done at least once in your life.

Notably, it has awe-inspiring architectural wonders such as the Aztec ruins and itscuisine that is among the best in the world. The country has something unique to offer for every destination you will go to – from beautiful beaches, fun water activities, hiking, and bustling city, to yummy dishes.

With so many things to see and do, proper planning is your best tool to make the most of your 2 weeks in Mexico. After all, 10 million tourists can’t be wrong. I have prepared a two-week travel guide on the Land of the Aztecs.

>> Check out our 2 weeks in South America itineraries and 2 weeks in Costa Rica

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING MEXICO

It pays to learn some Spanish words or phrases when you visit Mexico. Finding an English-speaking local or staff in hotels or restaurants should be easy if you visit major cities like Mexico City or Cancun. 

Another important reminder when you visit Mexico is to always be vigilant. Mexico is notorious for its crime rate, but this varies from one city to another. Many people ask if Mexico City is safe to travel to. But each city and regions have a crime rate.

Regardless, keeping your eyes open and staying aware of your environment will go a long way. 

Always be aware of your surroundings and never leave your personal belongings unattended, especially in areas flocked by tourists. There are things you can do to ensure your safety when travelling alone or for the first time .

Finally, beware of common taxi scams in Mexico. Make sure you only hire authorized taxis that can be found in designated taxi stands. Other tips below will help you plan and write a suitable itinerary for you.

When is the best time to go to Mexico

The best time to visit Mexico is anytime outside of the hurricane season . Mexico enjoys great weather nearly all year round. This means that you should have no trouble finding an activity to enjoy any time of the year. 

The best time to go is anywhere from November to March or April, which marks the dry season in the country. During this time of the year, you can expect a beautiful coast with mostly sunny days and cooler nights.

Mexico’s highest and busiest seasons are between mid-November, it peaks in December and lasts until January, while you might want to avoid the wettest months for August, Sumpter, and October.

Getting around

Most parts of Mexico are on the mainland, and one can only assume it will be easy to travel by car. However, that’s the case in most situations, not all the time. A lot of cities in Mexico, including its capital, sit on top of or near mountains making travelling between cities by car a challenge at times.

While taking the bus is possible in Mexico, in many situations, it’s easier to take a domestic flight. You can also rent a car if you plan to visit places that are near one another. You can travel on foot or use a city bus within the city.

You should also install a ride-hailing app such as Uber, Ola, and Cabify, which will save you time and money. You can also use traditional taxis but beware of common taxi scams in Mexico. Make sure you only hire authorized taxis that can be found in designated taxi stands

Language and currency

Spanish is the main language in Mexico. In big cities such as Mexico City or touristy places like Cancun, many locals speak English, especially young people. In smaller cities or rural towns, Spanish will be required.

You should learn basic phrases before you go to Mexico and install a translator app on your phone.

The Mexican Nuevo Peso is the main currency of Mexico , but some places might accept USD. Cash is still the king here, but many businesses related to tourism accept payment with a bank card.

ATMs are common all around Mexico, especially in places with foreign visitors. It’s still better to move around with enough cash with you instead of expecting to be able to pay with a credit card.

Cost of a 2-week vacation in Mexico

Mexico has gained so much popularity in the last few years specifically from US citizens, Canadians, Europeans, and even all the way from Australia.

This has caused prices to be much higher, especially in accommodation. Regardless, it’s still affordable and still quite in line with the cost of visiting Latin America. Here are some ideas on what 2 weeks in Mexico budget looks like:

• Affordable : For budget-conscious travellers, expect to spend around $1000-$1,200 . This covers basic accommodations like hostels or budget hotels, eating at local taquerias, using public transportation, and enjoying free or low-cost activities.
• Mid-range : A comfortable trip might cost $1,500-$3,000 . This includes staying in mid-range hotels, dining at a mix of local and tourist-oriented restaurants, renting a car or using inter-city buses for travel, and participating in paid excursions like guided tours or snorkelling.
• Luxury : For a luxury experience, anticipate spending $3,500-$7,000 or mor e. Luxury travellers can enjoy top-tier resorts, gourmet dining, private tours and experiences, and internal flights to maximize their time exploring different regions.

Your flights and travel insurance are not included in the calculation . So, if you’re flying all the way from Europe, Asia, or Oceania – look up the flight costs to get a better idea.

What to pack

When deciding what to pack for Mexico, consider the climate of your intended cities and activities. The areas near the beach are expected to be warm and humid depending on the time of year. Make sure you pack lightweight cooling for the beach destinations. 

For those visiting cities or areas in a higher elevation, it is best to pack clothes for the cool weather as they can be quite chilly. If you plan to do some hiking, which is a good idea for Mexico, pack your hiking boots if it’s more than a day.

All nationalities visiting Mexico are required to carry a valid passport upon entry to the country. Make sure it is valid for 6 months by the time of your arrival in Mexico. All visitors must also obtain a tourist card . This is given to you during your point of entry.

You have to make sure to keep that as you need to show that card when you leave Mexico again.

Other basic travel tips

For more extra tips when planning your travel, here are some websites I love using. I book and buy my accommodation, flights, and bus tickets, find great tours, and even purchase affordable travel insurance.

Many of these travel tools allow me to plan in advance but also allow me to cancel in case my plans change without paying an extra fee or very little.

PINNED MAP OF TOP THINGS TO SEE IN MEXICO

Click the icon on the top right to enlarge the map. Credit: map data: Google

2 WEEKS IN MEXICO ITINERARY

Mexico is teeming with options for all kinds of travellers of all ages. It is a great family-friendly destination because you have many activities to enjoy and sights to see.

On the other hand, for those looking for a romantic getaway or childfree experience, there are lots of resorts that are adulty-only making your trip much more relaxing.

Here are two unique travel itineraries for 2 weeks in Mexico. I also added some recommendations on what to see and what you can expect. Remember, you can do these itineraries in different orders as long as you’re starting and ending in a city that has a major international airport.

RELATED ITINERARIES: 2 weeks in Brazil and 2 weeks in Peru

Itinerary #1: Tulum/Cancun, Merida, Campeche, Oaxaca, Mexico City

This itinerary is perfect for people who are visiting Mexico for the first time. This 2 weeks in Mexico itinerary highlights the best places to visit in the country and allows you to maximise your time.

Tulum or Cancun for 3 days

Start your trip to Mexico by relaxing on the Caribbean Sea . Soak up its crystal clear turquoise waters and sandy white beaches. During the day, do fun and adventurous water sports and visit historical spots. At night, get your groove on and go party or explore the Yucatan state through its local cuisine.

Known as the town in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, Tulum is a popular choice for tourists. It has a wealth of attractions within Tulum and is close to other tourist attractions on the Yucatan Peninsula (especially the cenotes). If you like photography, visit the most Instagrammable places in Tulum .

This pre-Columbian Mayan City is rich in culture and history. It remains a great choice of place to go for those who want both natural and historical attractions.

However, if you prefer being in a bigger city with lots of 5-star resorts to choose from, Cancun is a perfect choice . The international airport near Tulum is also located in Cancun anyway.

Either way, if you change your mind in the middle of your stay, Tulum is only less than 2-hours away from Cancun.

Merida for 3 days

Merida is another city in the Yucatan peninsula and actually is the capital of the Yucatan state. It’s located on the west side. It’s not a coastal city, but Sisal and Progreso, which are waterfront towns, are only over an hour away from Merida.

The city is where Mayan culture meets colonial architecture. There are lots of beautiful cathedrals, cobblestone alleys, and relics of Mayan temples. Merida is an incredible city to learn more about Mexico’s history and how it became the country it is today.

It’s less hectic than Mexico City and Oaxaca, an excellent place to start a heritage and cultural adventure after your relaxing trip to Cancun and Tulum.

There are plenty of ways to get from Cancun to Merida. If you have a rented car , you can drive it yourself or hire a private car with a driver. The journey will take about 4-5 hours. For those on a budget, you can take the ADO Bus, but the journey is really long. There are also flights from Cancun to Merida which will be the fastest way.

Campeche for 2 days

Campeche is both a state and a city. Campeche state is just south of the Yucatan peninsula, and Campeche is a coastal city in the northwest of the state, south of Parque Natural Petenese – Ria Celestun.

A visit to Campeche is another opportunity to learn about Spanish architecture and its influences during the colonial era of Mexico. V arious Spanish impacts still have a massive presence in Campeche, from the preserved fortress, cathedrals, cobblestone streets, and traditional houses.

Campeche is the only walled city in Mexico, and it still exists. You will also find Mayan historical sites and an archaeological museum.

The drive between Merida and Campeche City is only a little over an hour . This means that you can even charter a private car with a driver if you’re not renting a car while spending 2 weeks in Mexico. A bus ride would take around 3-5 hours.

Oaxaca for 3 days

As a city located in central Mexico, Oaxaca is noted for its colonial landscape, with many preserved historical buildings found in the city and being on an elevation region. These colourful buildings are built using green volcanic stone, which gives them that distinctive look.

Whether you like to marvel at colonial architecture or discover more about the regional history of Mexico, Oaxaca is the destination for you.

Oaxaca has a nice cool climate and is surrounded by the Sierra Madre mountains. It’s also popular for its lively markets that sell food, souvenirs, and traditional goods. A lot of visitors to Mexico love how culturally diverse Oaxaca is, and it’s obvious from its colourful and unique handicrafts.

The best way and honestly the only recommended way, to travel between Campeche and Oaxaca is to take a domestic flight. You most likely have to connect in Mexico City, and the travel time is around 5 hours.

Mexico City for 4 days

If you want to get a mix of urban and historically rich attractions, Mexico City is one of the best places to visit. It is where you will be able to fulfil your desire for historical and cultural explorations as you marvel at the city’s architecture.

The buildings that are filled with cultural relevance thrive alongside modern architecture. Mexico City also has an irresistible culinary scene that is worth exploring.

You can fly directly from Oaxaca to Mexico City. The journey takes around a bit over an hour and costs about $60. There’s also a bus option. However, it can be a long trip. If you have a rented car , it’s about a 6-hour trip.

Itinerary #2: Mexico City, Chiapas, Yucatan Peninsula

This 2 weeks in Mexico itinerary is suitable for people more interested in relaxing on the beaches of Yucatan and includes a little sprinkle of cultural and heritage exploration.

This 14 days in Mexico itinerary is also slow travel, meaning you don’t have to spend or waste too much time in airports, buses, driving, or moving around.

Mexico City is an ideal place to start; it’s the capital city and has the biggest international airport. Whether you are coming from the US, Canada, Europe, or even Japan, you will be able to find a direct flight that will land in Mexico City.

For four days, you can explore the city’s top attractions which are all about cultural activities that showcase Mexico’s Mayan and colonial-era heritage. There are also lots of natural wonders to explore.

Due to its location, Mexico City has loads of day trips to immerse yourself in, such as hiking and visiting national parks and small towns.

Oaxaca for 4 days

Oaxaca is another ideal city to visit if you want to learn more about the country’s culture and heritage. Not only Mayan and colonial-era relics can be found in Oaxaca, but it also offers indigenous people’s heritage which is all displayed proudly through handicrafts that can be found in local markets all over the city.

Getting to Oaxaca from Mexico City is pretty easy. You can take a direct flight that is only over an hour and costs not more than $60.

You can also take a bus, it will take longer, but it’s cheaper. Driving is also an option, although, with this 2 weeks in Mexico itinerary, I don’t recommend you rent a car.

Yucatan Beaches and Chichen Itza for 5 days

Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum are the three most popular beaches in the Yucatan region. The waters in this area are incredible and spectacular. Whether you simply want to lie on the beach, go crazy with water activities, or even party – Yucatan’s beaches have something for you.

Cancun is a city located in the Yucatan Peninsula region of Mexico, it’s a city that is known to border the Caribbean Sea. You will most likely arrive in Cancun to start your beach hopping in the region. Cancun is divided into two areas, each offering a unique kind of experience. 

El Centro is the downtown area wherein you can experience the ‘real Mexico’ as it is filled with colonial buildings and historical attractions. The other area is the Cancun Hotel Zone (Zona Hotelera). It is close to the beach and has hotels and luxury resorts. 

Both Playa del Carmen and Tulum are located south of Cancun. These two towns can also get busy. However, there are fewer massive luxury resorts here. There are more guest houses and mid-range hotels, especially in Tulum.

These two towns are more suitable for people who want to get away from a big crowd of tourists and prefer a laid-back experience, although bars and parties can easily be found as well.

Lastly, Chichen Itza is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico and the Yucatan region. This is a massive pre-Columbian city built by the ancient Mayans. It is also classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Also, as one of the World’s New Seven Wonders, this site plays a key geopolitical role. It provides a glimpse into the Mayan construction techniques and an insight into how the ancient Mayans lived.

You can take a flight from Oaxaca to Cancun , although it usually takes a connection to Mexico City. The journey shouldn’t take longer than 6 hours though, and the ticket price is less than $100.

THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN MEXICO

Mexico’s top attractions include water activities, visiting historical sites, exploring UNESCO heritage locations, trying out local dishes, going hiking, and learning about its interesting history.

Below is a list of the must-see places in each popular city in Mexico. Make sure to add these best places to visit in your two weeks in Mexico itinerary.

Mexico City

• Floating Gardens of Xochimilco
• National Palace
• Templo Mayor
• Hike the Cumbres del Ajusco National Park
• Day trip to Teotihuacán – you can book a tour with a guide or explore the ruins with a hot air balloon ride
• Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral
• The Angel of Independence
• Explore Puebla, Cholula, & Tonantzintla – you can book a guided tour to visit all three places in one day
• Museo Nacional de Antropología
• Tula and the Tollán Ruins
• Hot Spring os Tolatongo Caves – book a tour from Mexico
• Soumaya Museum
• Templo Mayor Museum (Aztec)
• Zona Arqueológica Tenayuca I y II
• Frida Kahlo Museum – join a 3-destination tour featuring Coyoacán, visit Frida Kahlo Museum, and ride a traditional boat through Xochimilco
• Hike Cerro del Ajusco
• Summit the Nevado De Toluca – hike with professionals
• Parque Nacional Grutas de Cacahuamilpa
• Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl – join an incredible volcanic trek with a lunch and a guide
• Jardin Etnobotanica el Oaxaca
• Mercado Benito Juarez
• Museo de Sitio de Monte Alban
• Puerto Escondido
• Playa Zipolite
• Join a full-day tour of Oaxaca if you have limited time
• Zócalo Oaxaca
• Plaza de la Danza
• Zona Arqueológica de Monte Albán – book a half-day trip
• Zona Arqueológica de Atzompa
• Hierve el Agua, Tule Tree, Mitla and Mezcal – join a full-day distillery tour
• Zona Arqueológica San Jose El Mogote
• Hike Cerro Zempoaltepetl
• Join an Oaxaca traditional cooking class or a vegetarian cooking class , you can also simply do a food tour
• Campeche Archaeological Zone
• Malecon de Campeche
• Puerta de Tierra
• Wander through its colourful streets
• Fortress Walls
• Shop for Handicrafts
• Mayan World Museum of Mérida
• Zona Arqueológica de Uxmal – book a full-day tour
• Quinta Montes Molina
• Palacio de la Música
• Visit Cenote Noc Ac – book a Cenotes tops attraction tour
• Walk around Acuaparque
• Chichén-Itzá – join a guided tour
• Day trip to Reserva Ecológica Cuxtal
• Explore Reserva Estatal Geohidrológica
• Hike to Punta Lastre
• Explore Merida through a food tour or a cooking class
• Parque Natural Petenes – Ría Celestún
• See the pink beach at Playa Las Coloradas – a combo tour of Playa Las Coloradas and Chichen Itza

Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum

• Museo Maya de Cancún y Zona Arqueológica de San Miguelito
• Eco-friendly whale shark swim – Riviera Maya and Whale Shark tour
• Check out Captain Hook Cancun
• Cenotes swimming – book a package tour for Cenotes, Chichen Itza, and Valladolid
• Snorkel the Underwater Museum (MUSA) – Isla Mujeres
• Swim at Playa Delfines
• Dance at an adult-only boat party
• Visit Chichen Itza Maya Ruins
• Drive an ATV and try zipline – get on a fun tour
• Xcaret – an amusement that offers night shows, cave boat ride, and water activities – get your ticket
• Scale the Scenic Tower (Torre Escénica del Embarcadero de Cancún)
• Tulum Ruins – you can combine this with a reef snorkelling, Cenote, and cave visit
• You can also get to the pink beach of Playa Las Coloradas from Cancun
• Sail to Isla Mujeres – on a Catamaran cruise
• Punta Cancun Lighthouse
• Try out jetski , speedboat , or parasailing combo

Playa del Carmen:

• Gran Cenote
• Cenote Calavera
• Tulum Ruins
• Walk around 5th Avenue – or join a 3-hour local food walking tour
• Cenote Escondido
• Swim with sea turtles
• Day trip to Riviera Maya on buggy tour with Cenote swim – read the reviews
• Try parasailing
• Parque Nacional de Tulum
• Check out Rio Secreto’s Caves – book a tour
• Boat trip to Cozumel
• Get a round-trip ferry to and from Cozumel from Playa del Carmen – see the price
• Book an ultimate tour to save time – see the cost and reviews
• Tulum Archaeological Zone
• Great Cenote – you can also do the bike tour
• Tulum Hotel Zone
• Laguna Kaan Luum
• Full-day archaeological tour with lunch – from Tulum or Coba
• Mayan Canals

Chichen Itza

• Chichen Itza with Cenote, and Valladolid – see the tour cost or this one
• Temple of Kukulkan
• Temple of the Warriors
• Main Ball Court
• Temple of the Skulls

MUST-TRY MEXICAN DISHES, DRINKS, AND SNACKS

Mexican cuisine is one of the most popular cuisines in the world. It is known for its use of staple ingredients such as corn, tomatoes, chia, avocadoes, chilli, beans, and more.

There are many notable dishes from Mexican cuisine that are an absolute must-try when you want to enjoy the authentic flavours of Mexico. 

If there is one dish that best describes Mexico, it would be a taco . Taco is also one of the most popular dishes in the world and can be served in a variety of ways. You can find vegetarian versions of tacos.

Surprisingly, Taco showcases just how versatile it is. The traditional recipe for a taco is a corn or wheat tortilla filled with several toppings that range from meat to vegetables and fruits. 

Elote is one of the most popular street food items in Mexico. It is also a great choice for vegans travelling in Mexico . Finding a stall that sells elote should be easy as they are everywhere in Mexico. 

This dish is essential Mexican grilled corn. Once the corn is grilled, it is coated with salt, pepper, lime juice, mayonnaise, and chilli powder. 

Enchilada is another popular Mexican dish that is a must-try when you visit. This, too, is made with a corn tortilla that is rolled with filling before it is covered in chilli sauce. 

Among the ingredients used as fillings include meat, beans (for vegans), potatoes, cheese, or vegetables. That is the beauty of this dish – it can be customized to suit your liking. 

Guacamole is another dish that has been popularized by Mexico all over the world. This is an avocado-based dip or spread that was first introduced during the time of the Aztecs. And yet, it remains to be popular in the present day and has become an international favourite. 

ACCOMMODATIONS IN MEXICO

You should also book your hotel as soon as your know the dates that you’re going epseically if it’s during Christmas – the peak season. Here’s a list of places you can look into depending on your budget:

• Affordable: Hotel H – Adults Only or Panorama Hotel
• Mid-range: Hotel Catedral or MC Suites
• Luxury: Hotel Marquis Reforma or Gran Hotel
• Affordable: Los Nardos Hostel or Hostal Lyz de Luna Nuyoo
• Mid-range: One Oaxaca Centro or Hotel Dainzu
• Luxury: Hotel Siglo XVII Art Gallery or Hotel PArador de Alcala
• Affordable: La Luz Hostal Cancun or Hostalito
• Mid-range: Adhara Hacienda Cancun or Bed and Breakfast Pecari
• Luxury: The Royal Cancun Suites Resort or Renaissance Resort
• Special Resorts: Royalton All-inclusive, Adults-only or Atelier Playa Mujeres (all-inclusive resort)

Playa del Carmen

• Affordable: Wabi Hostel or Casa Fausta
• Mid-range: Hotel 12 BEES or Hotel Kinbe
• Luxury: The Reef Coco Beach & Spa (optional all-inclusive) or El Taj Oceanfront Condo Hotel
• Special Resorts: Hotel Xcaret Arte (adults-only)
• Affordable: Hostel Dona Luchua or Huaya Camp or The Reserve Tulum
• Mid-range: Casa Almendro or Kin Ha Hotel or IIK Tulum Condo
• Luxury: The Waves or Hotel Casa Tortuga or Aloft Tulum
• Affordable: Hostal La Ermita or Hostel San Jose
• Mid-range: Ontico Urban Design Hotel or Hotel Plaza by Kavia
• Luxury: Villa Orquidea or Fiesta Americana Merida
• Affordable: Lagoa da Chica or Moradas do Campeche or Santa Genoveva
• Mid-range: Tulipane Florianopolis or Pousada Old Beach or Hotel Natur
• Luxury: Hibisco Guest House or Vila Tamarindo Eco Lodge or Ilha Faceira

SUMMARY OF 2 WEEKS IN MEXICO

Mexico is a polarizing country. While many fear about the threats to safety and crime, it does not seem to faze the huge influx of tourists who come to the country year in and year out from all over the world. Mexico is also a great country to visit if you want to experience the beauty of the Caribbean Sea without spending too much.

Its rich history, culture, and abundance of natural beauty seem to be worth the hassle of going to Mexico. With proper planning, you can ensure a safe and worthwhile travel experience. I hope that these 2 weeks in Mexico itineraries have helped you plan your trip.

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The Ultimate 2 Weeks in Mexico Itinerary

Mexico is both enormous and endlessly captivating to visit: a 2 weeks in Mexico itinerary has almost limitless cities, towns, mountains, deserts, and–of course–beaches to choose from… so how do you narrow it down?

After spending 6 weeks carving a Mexico backpacking route through some of the country’s most beautiful spots, ranging from wildly popular places to those almost totally devoid of tourists, we put together this itinerary for first-time visitors to Mexico.

Since then, we’ve returned to Mexico on more multi-week trips, becoming even more passionate about Mexico trip planning in the process.

We recommend this Mexico itinerary to first-timers for a few reasons, starting with the fact that it sticks to some of Mexico’s safest regions.

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

It’s also fairly simple to get to each destination.

And finally, this Mexico itinerary samples cities, towns, waterfalls, ruins, and beaches–in other words, it has a little bit of everything.

Will you be able to cover everything in the country with only 2 weeks in Mexico? Absolutely not–we have a personal Mexico travel bucket list that is several lifetimes long.

But if you’re looking to fall in love with Mexico in 2 weeks, this is how to do it.

Table of Contents

How We Structured This Itinerary for Mexico

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Like many of the suggested travel itineraries here on Our Escape Clause, this one doesn’t cover 14 solid days but instead provides a plan for 11 days.

This is to allow a few spots blank to serve as travel days between regions and to enter and leave the country.

This 2 week Mexico itinerary can be enhanced by completing parts of it–the Yucatan, for example–as a road trip.

Ultimately, we designed this route with both backpackers and mid-range travelers in mind (and we have personally traveled through Mexico extensively at both price points, and have also sampled the all-inclusive scene).

If you’re planning a trip to Mexico hoping for something that feels very adventurous but is also fairly accessible, while also introducing you to the incredible diversity of the country, this is the itinerary for you!

If you’d like to stick to one particular region of the country, we absolutely adore road tripping the Yucatan peninsula and give a detailed suggested route for that here .

Mexico City: 3 Days

The highlights of visiting mexico city.

Mexico City is one of our favorite cities in the world and the perfect start to a 2 week Mexico itinerary.

It’s enormous, bustling, full of delicious food, and home to the only castle in North America to actually be home to sovereign rulers.

With more than 9 million residents, it’s the largest city in North America!

While you’re in town, don’t miss visiting the famous Anthropology Museum , checking out the ruins of Teotihuacan and Templo Mayor, admiring the beauty of Palacio de Bellas Artes, and, of course, eating as many tacos al pastor as you can.

Things to Consider in Mexico City

Though Mexico City is generally safe for travelers (like many large cities, it has some dangerous neighborhoods, but as a tourist, you’ll have no reason to ever be near them), if you’re not used to traveling in large cities or in Latin America in general, you may consider taking a guided tour on your first day in town to help ease you into the city and get your bearings.

Typically speaking, Mexico City’s public transportation is the best way to get around–their subways and buses may be crowded, but they are incredibly inexpensive, efficient, and safe.

It is recommended to avoid hailing taxis on the street–if you need one, call an Uber instead.

If you would prefer a bit more structure on your first day in Mexico City, check out this  Mexico City walking tour !

Where to Stay in Mexico City

The Centro Historico neighborhood is home to many of Mexico City’s tourist attractions and makes a great, central location to stay in during your first time in Mexico City.

If you’d prefer something a little trendier, the neighborhoods of Roma and Condesa are wildly popular with people seeking a slightly more residential feel and plenty of access to pretty parks and delightful coffee shops.

Here are a few well-reviewed Mexico City hotels that feature excellent reviews and location scores, free wifi, and mid-range prices!

Centro Historico: Hotel Catedral — Less than 400 meters from the Zocalo that the hub of Mexico City tourism, this hotel makes a great choice for a first-time visitor to Mexico.

Check rates & book your stay at Hotel Catedral!

Centro Historico:   Hotel Punto MX — Similarly located to Hotel Catedral, this hotel’s central location is a major selling point to first-time visitors to Mexico.

Check rates & book your stay at Hotel Punto MX!

Roma: Casa Colima — Well-reviewed and much more affordable than staying right near the Zocalo, this hotel in the laid-back neighborhood of Roma makes a great base while in Mexico City.

Check rates & book your stay at Casa Colima!

Condesa: Casa Condesa Amatlan 84 — If you’re looking for something midrange in the trendy neighborhood of Condesa, this is your spot! Both the location and staff at this property have glowing reviews.

Check rates & book your stay at Casa Condesa Amatlan 84!

Chiapas: 4 Days

The highlights of visiting chiapas.

Chiapas is one of our favorite absolute favorite states in Mexico, and probably the most off the beaten path destination for someone’s first trip to Mexico that is included on this itinerary.

Quiet and less touristy than some other Mexican destinations while still having plenty of tourism infrastructure to accommodate first-time visitors, Chiapas is home to incredible nature.

Don’t leave Chiapas without staring up at the magnificence that is the El Chiflon waterfall (and ideally, several other waterfalls in Chiapas ), taking a horseback ride to the Templo de San Juan to step foot inside what is still the most unique house of worship we have ever entered, climbing over the ruins of Palenque, riding a boat through Sumidero Canyon, and swimming in the beautiful Agua Azul waterfalls.

Chiapas is the Mexico we dream about: home to friendly people, incredible nature, tasty food, and the lowest prices you’ll find on this 2 weeks in Mexico itinerary, don’t be surprised if it becomes your favorite stop on this itinerary!

Things to Consider in Chiapas

Chiapas is fairly rural, so for a first-time visitor to Mexico, we recommend seeing most of the above highlights on a guided tour.

This is easier than it sounds–the city of San Cristobal de las Casas, where we recommend you base yourself in Chiapas, is home to dozens of small tourist agencies willing to book you on tours to any and all of the above destinations for incredibly low prices.

Think $15-20 USD for a full-day tour, depending on what you are doing, and around $10 USD for a half-day tour.

Simply go in and arrange what you want to do the next day the afternoon beforehand, and you’re good to go!

Don’t be afraid to shop around–while prices are generally similar throughout the city, you may want to stop in a few shops before committing to ensure who you book through is selling at a fair price.

If you’d like to plan ahead in order to save money and stress, we love booking tours and attractions through Get Your Guide .

They’re very reliable, however, we found online tour prices more inflated in Chiapas than in many other places in Mexico or across the world.

In Chiapas, you’ll definitely get better deals by waiting and booking your tours on the ground!

Where to Stay in Chiapas

With 4 days in Chiapas, the question of where to base yourself is easy: San Cristobal de las Casas.

The capital of and largest city in Chiapas, San Cristobal de las Casas is easy and comfortable to travel in, while also being colorful and beautiful in its own right.

In San Cristobal de las Casas, you’ll find plentiful food options from grocery stores to restaurants to street food, ATMs, big box stores if you need to pick up anything in particular, tourist agencies to book excursions through, and plenty of places to stay.

Though we stayed in an Airbnb during our time in Chiapas, here are a couple of hotels that we would consider staying in if we visited Chiapas again (like all of our hotel recommendations, they are midrange, with wifi, a great location, and excellent ratings).

Mision Grande San Cristobal de las Casas — Located right in the center of town, Mision Grande makes a great base for exploring Chiapas.

Check rates & book your stay at Mision Grande San Cristobal de las Casas!

Hotel Posada Primavera — Set a mere 200 meters from the San Cristobal Cathedral and featuring an adorable courtyard, Hotel Posada Primavera is another great option for a base in Chiapas.

Check rates & book your stay at Hotel Posada Primavera!

Beaches of the Yucatan: 4 Days

The highlights of the yucatan peninsula.

The Yucatan Peninsula is made up of two Mexican states (Yucatan and Quintana Roo), and it’s this peninsula where a lot of Mexico’s most popular attractions are found.

Tourism hot spots like Playa del Carmen, Cancun, Cozumel, and Tulum are all located here, as is Chichen Itza, the pink lakes of Mexico , and more cenotes than you can count.

Your time on the Yucatan peninsula is perfect for soaking up the sunshine on the beach, going scuba diving or snorkeling, sailing in the Caribbean, swimming in cenotes, climbing ruins, and enjoying delicious seafood.

Things to Consider

These four days will undoubtedly be among the most expensive and crowded of your 2 weeks in Mexico.

The Yucatan peninsula is beautiful, exciting, and has an international reputation for being safe, so tourists flock there and tourism-driven services follow.

This is not a reason to stay away, but it is something to be aware of.

Expect higher prices and bigger crowds wherever you go!

If you’re comfortable with independent travel, you might want to consider renting a car to visit lesser-known ruins in the area such as Coba or Ek Balam (or simply use your wheels to beat the crowds to the ruins of Tulum and Chichen Itza).

A car also gives you access to more offbeat cenotes, and if you’re willing to drive a few hours out of the way, Mexico’s famous pink lakes.

If you’d prefer to keep it simple and stick with groups in this part of Mexico, don’t worry: tours abound in the area for just about anything you can imagine.

We adored our in-depth Yucatan peninsula road trip and, if you’re considering driving, highly recommend searching for the best rates and inclusions through Discover Cars .

Where to Stay in the Yucatan

Choosing where to stay for your time in the Yucatan peninsula is going to be one of the hardest choices when putting together your 2 weeks in Mexico itinerary.

We recommend Playa del Carmen for new travelers or those who want to be close to plenty of tours and resources, Tulum for those looking for the ultimate trendy atmosphere (and are willing to pay for it–Tulum is incredibly pricey), or the island of Cozumel if scuba diving is your goal.

Isla Holbox is perfect if you’re looking for an out-of-the-way, more laid-back destination, far away from high rises and resorts.

Cancun, though not the prettiest town, does undeniably have some of the best beaches in the region (they built Cancun where they did for a reason!).

Isla Mujeres is the perfect option for travelers wanting some laid-back island vibes without traveling far: it’s located only a short ferry from Cancun.

For travelers hoping to experience what Tulum used to be (or so they say!), Bacalar is magnificent.

Not invested in beaches and more interested in ruins and cenotes? Valladolid is one of our personal favorite places in Mexico and a fabulous option (your life will be much easier with a car here, though).

Keep in mind that the area’s largest (and generally cheapest to fly in and out of) airport is in Cancun, though Cozumel does have its own airport as well.

Here are a couple of well-reviewed Yucatan peninsula hotels that feature excellent reviews and location scores, free wifi, and midrange prices.

Playa del Carmen

Suites Corazon — Only a 1-minute walk from Playa del Carmen’s 5th Avenue and featuring a rooftop pool, you can’t ask for a better location at a better price in Playa del Carmen!

Check rates & book your stay at Suites Corazon!

Azura Boutique Hotel — Set in the heart of downtown Tulum, this location is within easy walking distance to shops & restaurants, and a quick 15-minute bike ride to the nearest beach!

Check rates & book your stay at Azuea Boutique Hotel!

We also have many more detailed hotel recommendations in our Yucatan itinerary post !

You could spend a lifetime uncovering gems in Mexico.

If you have more time, our first recommendation would be to consider adding on some time in Oaxaca to your Mexico itinerary.

Both Oaxaca City and the Pacific coast (we based ourselves in Puerto Escondido ) are incredible places to visit–Oaxaca City is home to some of Mexico’s best food and the Pacific coast offers a rugged beauty distinct from the Caribbean coast in the east, plus some amazing surfing.

If you’d prefer to head further north, Puerta Vallarta is a Pacific beach town popular with expats and travelers alike.

From there, you could travel all the way to Baja California and hit up Cabo San Lucas .

Though you have to be cautious with your safety and we wouldn’t recommend it to first-time visitors to Mexico unless they are very experienced in Latin America, the stunning Copper Canyon (larger than the Grand Canyon by some measures!) is also in the north.

Near Mexico City, consider hitting up popular Puebla, beloved San Miguel de Allende , and colorful Guanajuato, known for its very Instagrammable brightly colored houses.

In the Yucatan peninsula, your options are limitless, but consider stays in Merida and Valladolid –both offer great access to attractions like ruins and cenotes with fewer of the crowds that the Yucatan often brings, as they don’t have immediate beach access.

For a different kind of Mexico experience, head to Bacalar–this small town is set on a lake so bright, you’ll think you’re looking at the Caribbean.

During most of your 2 weeks in Mexico, you’ll find you have a couple of different choices for traveling between regions.

More most travelers, the best choice will be either using the ADO bus system, which is comfortable and cheap but eats into your 2 weeks in Mexico itinerary, or flying on a domestic flight, which is faster but much more expensive.

Check prices on both before deciding what to do!

We used the ADO buses for the bulk of our travels through Mexico as we weren’t on a strict timeline, but with limited days in Mexico, flights might be a smoother option.

Mexico has several domestic carriers that offer budget flights, but Volaris and AeroMexico are among the most popular.

Mexico is fabulous to visit at any time of year, but for this 2 weeks in Mexico itinerary specifically, there are a couple of Mexico travel tips to keep in mind.

Fall will see heavy rainfall in Chiapas, making certain rural sights harder to access, and that time also coincides with hurricane season on the Yucatan peninsula, which takes place between roughly July and October.

For those reasons, you may want to be hesitant about planning a trip using this Mexico itinerary during those months.

Also keep in mind that December through April (aka, Christmas through Spring Break) is the high season on the Yucatan peninsula, where crowds will be at their heaviest.

We’ve visited during this time and didn’t have a problem, but if you are wary of visiting during peak season, it’s something to keep in mind.

There’s no getting around it: any post about planning a travel itinerary for Mexico requires a discussion about safety.

In the international media, Mexico does not have the best reputation for safety.

Yes, the Mexican government and people do still have to grapple with the very real issues that the cartels create for Mexico.

And yes, no destination–Mexico included–is immune to occasional tragedy that touches tourists.

That being said, generally speaking, as a cautious visitor, there should be no reason to worry excessively about cartel violence when visiting touristic parts of Mexico.

By using common sense, planning a route through safe areas, not buying or using drugs, and not engaging with any aspect of the prostitution trade, you can lower your risk of violence at the hands of a cartel to roughly zero during your 2 weeks in Mexico.

Mexico is an enormous country, the 16th largest in the world by geography.

What happens in Ciudad Juarez or Acapulco is not going to impact you as a tourist in Playa del Carmen, San Cristobal de las Casas, or Mexico City.

Yes, traveling in Mexico requires caution–but I’m willing to guess that you’ll end up feeling safer in Mexico than you think before you arrive.

When we followed our Mexico backpacking route for six weeks, we visited nine different destinations (not including day trips from those places) and behaved just as we would at home–carrying our camera, taking photos, speaking with locals, using public transportation–and never once felt threatened.

We’ve returned for multiple trips since, falling more in love with Mexico travel each time we visit.

Be cautious: don’t visit Mexico without travel insurance! We use and recommend  Safety Wing  for their affordability, ease of purchasing, and the clarity of their contract.

Can you travel through Mexico without speaking Spanish?

Would it make your 2 weeks in Mexico immensely easier and more fruitful to learn even a little Spanish before you go?

Again, yes–absolutely.

Jeremy speaks quite a bit of Spanish, and I speak some (I can hold short conversations for a few minutes, he can talk for hours at a time), and it definitely made our trip to Mexico easier than it otherwise would have been.

Unlike in many parts of the world where people speak at least some English, Mexicans tend to speak Spanish only.

After all, Mexico is dominated by the Spanish language and is surrounded in large part by other Spanish-speaking countries–like in the US to the north, there’s little motivation to learn additional languages in Mexico like there is in, say, Switzerland.

(And, it’s worth noting that for many Mexicans, Spanish is not their first language, either: listen closely, and you’ll probably hear Native languages on your trip, in Chiapas in particular).

If you don’t speak Spanish now, start learning–even basic phrases and numbers can help.

If all else fails, remember that Google Translate and writing phrases down in advance to show people can go a long way.

We’ve found that Mexicans are almost always willing to help you get around!

Travel Insurance — We don’t ever suggest traveling without travel insurance–anything can happen, and an epic 2 week trip to Mexico is definitely a case of better safe than sorry.

We use and recommend  World Nomads for trips to Mexico.

Pacsafe Travelsafe   — The best way to keep your belongings safe in hotel rooms: simply fill it with your valuables and attach and lock it to the sturdiest thing in your room (we usually use a pipe or the base of a sink or toilet), and voila!

Your things will be safe while you’re out exploring Mexico.

Sunscreen — On the beaches of the Yucatan peninsula, be sure that your sunscreen is reef-safe!

You’ll almost certainly pay more for sunscreen in Tulum or Playa del Carmen than at home, too.

Comfortable Day Bag  — We currently use  Pacsafe’s sleek anti-theft backpack  and love it, but if you don’t want to shell out the cash for this trip, that’s totally understandable.

Just aim for something comfortable to wear, not flashy, and medium-sized–we used a  Northface Jester backpack  for years and loved it as well.

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

20 thoughts on “The Ultimate 2 Weeks in Mexico Itinerary”

Good job guys. Mexico City sounds inspired. Love how awesome public transport is. These days we just Uber or take public transportation. Or we rent cars like here in New Zealand and ferry around. Unless we have no other options, never doing the taxi or transport or tuk tuk thing again. Not convenient, inefficient and usually time consuming too. Thank goodness for evolution :)

We definitely loved Mexico City’s public transport! Each ride is roughly around $0.25 USD, too, making it among the most affordable public transportation we’ve experienced.

One other positive about roadtripping is the roads are amazing. They tend to be well maintained and out of the town’s not used as much. In recent years there’s been a surge of new roads opening. Example from Guadalajara to P.V. P.V. north past Sayulita and Tepic to San Blas

You must have had a fabulous time in Mexico, Jeremy and Kate! You’ve chosen to visit some of the most spectacular cites there and I would love to use your itinerary as soon as possible. Is Mexico a good road trip destination? :)

We definitely did! I wouldn’t really recommend Mexico as a road trip destination within itself for people who aren’t extremely familiar with the country–there’s too many factors, including rough roads in some areas (though there are exceptionally good roads in some places as well). In specific places like the Yucatan, it can work!

That waterfall picture just made my jaw drop – I had no idea how badly I wanted to visit Mexico! Thanks for sharing this article – I’ll definitely get back to it!!

Thank you! Mexico is incredible–we loved it even more than we thought we would. :-)

I see some beauty of the world only reserved in Mexico! I am really impressed. These awesome natural beauty make me dreamy to visit Mexico at least once in my life. Thanks for sharing the nice post and photos.

Yes, it definitely is! We adore Mexico, can’t recommend a visit enough.

You should visit Baja and Monterrey too! Both are in Northern Mexico

Both are on the list! Despite spending a few months in Mexico by now, somehow our list of places to visit just keeps getting longer…

Hello, This trip sounds amazing and I would love to do it:) I was wondering for booking the tours when you are in Chiapas, are there English speaking ones? Thanks:)

Hi Chesney!

I’m sorry, I honestly can’t remember–I know most if not all of our tours took place in Spanish, but I can’t recall if there were English options as well.

Looking on Get Your Guide, most of the tours seem to be advertising Spanish-speaking drivers, so I wouldn’t count on it. I wouldn’t necessarily consider that a deal-breaker, though, because tours in Chiapas are more transportation than anything else.

Thankyou. Some amazing tips and itineraries you have provided. We are hoping to visit there soon

Thank you for the article. Mexico is one of my favourite countries in the world and I’ve been there 7 times so far, including during a return motorcycle trip from Canada to Panama. Just about to make it 8 times this year. I usually travel by car or motorcycle and have found the people to be downright hospitable and amazingly friendly. I tend to avoid the regular gringo tourist areas and love the diversity of terrain all over. Never had any issues, except “pesky locals” insisting on accompanying me along the way to make sure I find the right road to where I need to go. Looking forward to my 3 days in Mexico City and subsequent motorcycle rental for an open ended ten day exploration.

Sounds like such a wonderful adventure! Eat some tacos for us. :-)

Hi there! My family and I are planning a three week trip to Mexico and this article was so incredibly helpful. Where would y’all recommend flying in and out of? We would be coming from Atlanta, GA.

Thank you again!

So happy to hear that!

You have a few options for flights if you follow this route: book round-trip tickets to one end of the itinerary (so Mexico City or Cancun, most likely) and then a domestic flight in Mexico to reposition yourselves going home, or opt for two one way tickets, one to each end of the route.

I’d suggest pricing things both ways and seeing what comes up, especially since there are often flight deals to those cities (especially coming from Atlanta!).

Thanks for the detailed post! What was your estimated expense on this trip? We are a couple planning to visit in May and usually prefer mid-range stays – nothing too fancy as long as it is at a convenient location.

Honestly, it would be very difficult to say, especially as prices vary so dramatically across the country (Chiapas will be a fraction of the price of the Yucatan, for example) and also because prices have been so volatile over the past few years.

Lodging and transportation will almost certainly be your biggest expenses, though, and you should be able to estimate those fairly well before arriving!

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The Ultimate Backpacking Mexico Itinerary

Posted on Last updated: June 11, 2024

Need a Mexico Itinerary? In this post, I’m sharing with you my ultimate Mexico backpacking route and fun facts about Mexico backpacking.

Having lived and traveled extensively in Mexico for 5 years I’ve put everything I know about my second home into this post. Although all of the information in this post is great for anyone traveling or backpacking in Mexico, it does contain a lot of information specifically for Solo females traveling in Mexico.

Thi post contains lots of general backpacking Mexico information and Mexico itinaries, but I’ve linked to lots of different more detailed blog posts that I have written so you can get even more information about traveling in Mexico. In this guide, you will find a 4 week Mexico itinerary and if you don’t have that much time I’ve also done a 3 week Mexico itinerary, a 2 week Mexico itinerary and even a 1 week Mexico itinerary.

Basically, If you are planning a trip to Mexico here on my blog you are going to find everything you need to backpack Mexico with confidence. And here are some epic Mexican quotes to get you excited about your trip.

Getting Around Mexico

Traveling around Mexico is actually pretty easy. As there isn’t a cross-country train service the two options are, bus or plane . The buses in Mexico are pretty cheap, very reliable, and easy to use. But it is a large country and so the journeys can be long. If you are pushed for time I recommend making some of the longer journeys by plane rather than by bus. I’ve made recommendations below, but just take a look at the map above and you can see the distances.

To help you decide where to go in Mexico, on the 4 week Mexico Itinerary I’ve tried to add in some stops between places so you could quite easily do this whole route by bus if you wanted to. That said you might prefer the comfort of flying. Flights are generally reasonable, so long as you book in advance. 

Quick Tip : I highly recommend booking all of your Mexico transportation with GottoGo . You can search for buses, shuttles, ferries, and Flights on their website. What I love most about them is their customer service. I know these guys personally from my time living in Guatemala and they look after their customers. If anything happens and you get delayed and miss your bus, you can just call them and they are always there to help. If you book through them you will pay a little more than if you book in person at the bus station. But it’s worth it for the ease and security. Click here to search for transportation in Mexico.

The Best Backpack Route Mexico

Ok so here it is, what you have all been waiting for my Mexico travel route to help you figure out where to go in Mexico.

As most people fly into Mexico City I’m going to start there. But you could also do this in reverse and fly into Cancun airport. Likewise, if you are traveling overland you can either cross the border from Belize up to Chetumal in Mexico.

If you do this then I’d start in Bacalar and then work your way around Yucatan before flying from Cancun to Chiapas, then continue the route from there. Or if you cross the border from Guatemala then you will arrive at San Cristobal de las Casas first.

From there you can pick up the route and go either way. 

• Mexico City (CDMX)
• Guadalajara
• Sayulita / Nuevo Vallarta / Riviera Nayarit
• Puerto Vallarta
• San Cristobal de las Casas
• Chichen Itza
• Isla Holbox
• Playa del Carmen
• Isla Mujeres

Yes, there are areas I’ve skipped, but you can easily add them to your Mexico backpacking itinerary if you have more time. For some recommendations of the best places to visit in Mexico check out this blog post .

The same goes for removing things if you have less time. This Mexico backpacking route is suitable for solo female travelers , I’m not advising you to go anywhere unsafe.

This Mexico travel route starts in Mexico City and ends in Cancun and I have it marked in on the map above in this direction. In this, I have included the best tourist places in Mexico as well as some Mexico points of interest that you should try and visit if you can.

Of course, it goes without saying that there are many incredible places to visit that aren’t considered tourist destinations in Mexico. So if at all possible try and leave some time in your schedule to get off the beaten track a little and explore some new places.

Quick Tip:  Book accommodation, tours, and transport ahead of time online to save money and stress.  Best Mexico Tours :  Click here to check out the top Mexico tours Best Mexico Accommodation: Click here to check out the best accommodation in Mexico Best Mexico Transport: Click here to book a bus, ferry, or train in Mexico

Mexico Adventure Travel Musts

If you are looking for some adventure highlights in Mexico there are a few things you should think about doing. One of my favorite fun facts about Mexico that surprises people is the country is fantastic for Scuba Diving . There are so many incredible diving adventures to have in Mexico that I wrote a whole blog post about them that you can read here . 

Another must-do while backpacking in Mexico is exploring some of the ancient ruins. Everyone knows about the world wonder that is Chichen Itza . But the Riviera Maya is teeming with ruins. You have Tulum , Coba , Ek Balam , and some off-the-beaten-track ruins . Then you also have Aztec ruins just outside of Mexico City Teotihuacan to be explored. Check out this hot air balloon tour over Teotihuacan . You can even check out the Calakmul Ruins hidden deep in the jungle too.

Some other Mexico highlights include:

• Taking a cooking class or doing a food tour
• Swimming with Whale sharks
• Diving with Bull Sharks
• Swimming in Cenotes
• Go to a yoga retreat
• Visit Sian Ka’an Biosphere  

QUICK TIP: Book your tours, rental cars, and transfers through my local contacts I’ve been working with Living Dreams Mexico for years and they are who I send all my family and friends to when they visit the Riviera Maya. I really can recommend them enough for private tours and experiences. They have solid 5* reviews on Trip Advisor and Google from almost 4000 reviewers! You can view all their tours here. If you’re looking for private airport transfers and rental cars then Vanessa and Oliver from Turismo Channel are personal friends of mine and I can 100% recommend them to make an inquiry click here and complete the form . Someone will be in touch within 24 hours.

Where To Go In Mexico | Mexico Trip Itineraries

It’s really hard to give you a one-size-fits-all best places to visit in Mexico travel itinerary , but I’m going to try. Of course, the more time you have the more places you can explore. My advice would be if you have more time to stop off at some of the smaller pueblos in between the main ‘tourist’ cities and pueblos. Less is more in Mexico so don’t try and cram in too much. Instead, take your time to get to know a place by staying a little longer.

On this where to go in Mexico trip itinerary, I’ve included the most popular places people visit and linked to more detailed helpful guides if I have them. This is not only a backpack route Mexico but will also suit other types of travelers too as it includes all of the main tourist attractions you will not want to miss while in Mexico. PS read these travel tips for Mexico before you plan anything.

Recommended Mexican Tour Companies These are companies I 100% recommend booking activities within Mexico.   Where Sidewalks End – One of my favorite Mexican based. companies offering boutique travel experiences you won’t find anywhere else.  Turismo Channel – If you are traveling to Playa del Carmen then I recommend booking through my friend Vanessa at Turismo Channel. You can check out their tours by  clicking here  and us code  claire10off  for 10% off group toursYou can also  send her a WhatsApp message  quoting the code to receive the discount.

One Month in Mexico

If you have one month in Mexico, this is the 4 week Mexico itinerary I would recommend you take time to see as much of Mexico as you can.

4 week Mexico itinerary:

Mexico City (3 nights) – 3 nights is the minimum I would personally recommend staying in Mexico City. If you can spare an extra day, then stay for 4. I wrote a full accommodation guide to help you decide where to stay in Mexico City. But wherever you stay, I use Uber to get pretty much everywhere as it is so cheap. Things I’d recommend are visiting Tenochtitlán and going to the Lucha Libre wrestling ! If you want, you can also figure out how to visit Las Grutas de Tolantango from here too!

Guanajuato (1 night) – From Mexico City take a bus to Guanajuato which is about a 6-hour bus ride, or a short flight away. Here you can enjoy the colonial architecture and soak up your first taste of a Mexican pueblo. To make the most of your time here I’d recommend doing this tour from Guanajuato City to San Miguel de Allende .

Guadalajara (1 night) – Take another flight or the bus is just over 3 hours to Guadalajara . I’d suggest exploring Guadalajara and then head down to Lake Chapala , this can also be done as a day trip easily if you don’t want to move around so much. T equila is also a short day trip if you have time. You can take the Tequila express train from Guadalajara and back in a day. 

Chapala (1 night) – From Guadalajara , you can easily take a bus, or rent a car and drive to Lake Chapala. Spend at least 1 day here, more if you can as there are other places around the lake to explore. I love neighboring Ajijic oh and try to visit the Thermal Spa. If you spend the night in Chapala I highly recommend staying in Villa 1927 Arthotel Boutique right on the lake.

Puerto Vallarta (2 nights) – Time to hit the beach! The flight here from Guadalajara / Chapala is 50 minutes and the bus is just under 6 hours, so it’s all going to depend on time. Puerto Vallarta is a popular Mexican coastal town, but not as ‘gringoed’ as the Riviera Maya . It’s also a super nice drive if you want to rent a car . If you drive on the northern road you can hit up Sayulita and anywhere else in Nayarit first. Or if you go on the southern road then go to PV first and head to Nayarit after.

Sayulita : From Puerto Vallarta, if you have time I would also strongly recommend paying a visit to Sayulita. You can read all about how to get to Sayulita here . There are so many things to do in Sayulita you can easily stay here a few days or weeks if you have the time. Number 1 thing to do of course is surfing ! Wondering where to stay in Sayulita , don’t there are many amazing properties, you will be spoilt for choice! You can book a surf trip in Mexico with Thermal

Oaxaca (2 nights) – You are going to need to fly this leg of the journey unless you don’t mind a 20-hour bus ride! But you can’t skip Oaxaca. If for nothing else, this is where you are going to be eating some of the best Mexican food . Plus Oaxaca city is beautiful and full of brightly colored colonial buildings. If you have some more time then head to the beach town of Puerto Escondido for some chilled beach and surf town. I’d strongly recommend trying to fit in at least 2 nights here if you can!

Veracruz (2 nights) – To get here by bus it’s likely to take 6 hours, or you can fly but as there are no direct flights it will take you just as long. Like most places on this list, you are going to want more than 2 days here, but if it’s all you have then it will do. In Veracruz, you will find mountains, volcanoes, Magic Towns , rivers, the ocean , forests, amazing waterfalls , archeological sites , and a lot of good seafood! I have so many friends from here and all they talk about is how amazing the food is!

San Cristobal de las Casas (2 nights) –  Oh how I love San Cris if it didn’t get so cold here during the winter and there was a beach close I’d move there in a flash! Ok so to travel here by bus from Veracruz will take about 8 hours. So if you need to save time then skip Veracruz and just come directly from Oaxaca. But whatever you do, don’t skip San Cris. There is a lot to do here and you could easily spend a week or more here hiking, chasing waterfalls , and shopping for textiles and precious gems at rock bottom prices. 

Palenque (1 night) –  I’ve added in a stop at Palenque to break up the long-ass bus journey from San Cris to Campeche (if you want to take the bus. If you are planning on flying, then just fly direct from Tuxtla airport (just outside San Cris) to Merida and skip Palenque and Campeche. If however, you are interested in learning more about Mayan Culture then I recommend visiting Palenque. It’s about a 7-hour bus ride, or you can fly direct on a small plane here. 

Campeche (1 night) – The bus ride from Palenque to Campeche takes just under 6 hours on a direct bus. Campeche is often forgotten about by visitors to Yucatan. Most people skip over it in favor of Merida. But if you can I’d recommend stopping here for at least a night. UNESCO named it as a model of a colonial baroque city planning. Not only is it a World Heritage Site because of its beautiful colonial architecture, but it also has 17 archaeological sites including Calakmul, which is the largest Mayan city that has been discovered.

If you like this Ultimate Mexico backpacking itinerary and fun facts about Mexico backpacking, save it in your  Stipple trip planner  where you will find destinations, things to do, and accommodation all in one place without juggling between several apps.

Merida (2 nights) – Merida is the capital of Yucatan and it is brimming with culture! It can get very hot in the summer months, so be sure to book accommodations with AC if you can. As well as exploring the city from here you can easily access Chichen Itza . So you could save time by skipping Valladolid and spending a night at Chichen Itza and just see Chichen as a day tour. Then you can head directly to Holbox , or to Playa del Carmen by bus.

Chichen Itza (1 night) – If you have the time I recommend spending the night at Chichen Itza to see the light show ! Then get up early the next morning and explore during the daylight before all of the tour buses turn up! Or if you really want to save time then you can fly to Chichen Itza with Fly Cozumel.

Valladolid (1 night) – This is a place you can skip if you need to make up time. But it’s a nice little pueblo that can help to break up the journey if you have time. Buses run directly here from Merida, and Colectivos run from Chichen Itza . Both are frequent and the journey is short. 

Isla Holbox (2 nights) – To get to Holbox from Merida or Valladolid is a direct bus to Chiquila and from there you will need to take a boat out to the Island. Click here for a full breakdown of how to get to Isla Holbox . Holbox is where I go on vacation. If I need a weekend away from work and need to go somewhere I can completely relax and get offline, I come to Holbox . Be warned you will not get hardly any signal here, and wifi is inconsistent at best. But it’s about as close to paradise as you can get. Want to do some activities while on the island? Take a read of my guide to Holbox here .

Playa del Carmen (2 nights) – Yes, I know I may be biased as I lived here for a few years. But once you arrive in the Riviera Maya, Playa really is the best place to base yourself. It’s cheaper and easier to navigate than Tulum and Cancun and you can walk pretty much everywhere. Plus it’s easy to take colectivos to Cancun , Puerto Morelos , Tulum , and even to Bacalar (although I’d recommend taking the bus). Plus it’s just a short ferry ride to Cozumel .  You can take a bus or colectivo direct from Chiquila to get here. There is so much to see and do 2 days can easily become 2 months… or in my case 3 years haha.

Tulum (1 night) – One night is enough to check out Tulum. Arrive early and visit the Tulum ruins then spend the rest of the day exploring Tulum , or just chill on the beach. If you can spare a few extra days head to Coba ruins and go diving in some Cenotes . If you have time I’d also highly recommend trying to do a tour of Sian Ka’an . It’s not cheap but so worth it! You can either take an ADO bus here from Playa or hop in a colectivo .

Bacalar (2 nights) – It’s going to take you the best part of a day to get here from Tulum , but it will be worth it for the view. Bacalar is beautiful and here you can chill for a couple of nights and reflect on the amazing time you have had exploring Mexico! You can take an ADO bus from Tulum , or a colectivo. Personally, I’d choose the bus for comfort unless you are on a very tight budget. 

Cancun / Isla Mujeres (1 night) – Time to start making your way back to the airport! It will take you most of the day to get from Bacalar to Cancun . You can either stay at a hotel close to the airport or if you have more time skip Cancun and stay in Isla Mujeres… This won’t work if you have a morning flight. but if you have an afternoon or evening flight I’d recommend it so you can check out one of the most beautiful beaches in the world!

3 Week Mexico Itinerary

Only have three weeks in Mexico? No problem. You won’t be able to see the whole of Mexico during this time, but with this itinerary, you can make the most of your 3 weeks in Mexico.

3 week Mexico itinerary

• Mexico City (3 nights)
• Guanajuato / Guadalajara/ Tequila (2 nights)
• Puebla (2 nights)
• Oaxaca (2 nights)
• San Cristobal de las Casas (2 nights)
• Merida (1 night)
• Valladolid / Chichen Itza (1 night)
• Holbox (2 nights)
• Tulum (1 night)
• Bacalar (2 nights)
• Playa del Carmen / Cozumel (3 nights)

2 Week Mexico Itinerary

Got two weeks in Mexico? Then use this Mexico itinerary to help you make the most of your short vacation. I’m not going to lie, 2 weeks in Mexico is nowhere near enough time, but you can see a few of the most popular places and get a feel of the Country. You will need to fly between some places if you want to make the most of your time. But in some places, you can catch a bus and it won’t take longer than half a day.

Mexico 2 week itinerary:

• Merida (2 nights)
• The Riviera Maya (3 nights)

Two Weeks in Yucatan

I’ve created this 2-week road trip itinerary for Yucatan as in reality 2 weeks in Mexico just isn’t a lot of time. Personally, I’d visit half as many places as I’ve added to this list. But if you do only have 2 weeks and want to fit in as much as you can, then this is what I would recommend doing. 

Yucatan 2 week itinerary:

• Holbox (3 nights)
•   Merida (1 night) 
• Campeche (1 night)
• Valladolid (2 nights) to visit Chichen Itza
• Bacalar (2 nights) – or 1 night in Mahuale and 1 in Bacalar
• Playa del Carmen (3 nights) or 2 nights and one night in Cozumel to go diving. Make sure you rent a car in Cozumel and do a lap of the Island!

1 week in Mexico

1 week in Mexico is really not enough time. But if it’s all the time you have, then it’s all the time you have. You can make the most of your time by flying from place to place, otherwise, you will be wasting 3 days on a bus. I’d strongly recommend only packing hand luggage as the budget Mexican airlines like to charge a lot of money for baggage ! 

See my Ultimate Mexico packing list on Amazon !

Although you could easily spend 7 days in any one of these places If you want to cover as much ground as possible in your 7 days in Mexico then with this you will be able to visit 3 very different places in Mexico to give you a real feel for just how diverse and wonderful a country Mexico really is.

1 week Mexico itinerary:

• Mexico City (2 nights)
• Riviera Maya (2 nights)

On this Mexican itinerary, you will fly into Mexico City and then fly out of Cancun . If you are backpacking and coming up from Guatemala then I recommend taking a bus from Guatemala to San Cristobal and then heading to Oaxaca for a night or 2 before traveling to Cancun . 

I’ve not specified where you should visit in the Riviera Maya, because that really is up to you. Personally, I would choose Playa del Carmen and Tulum over Cancun . But then there is also Holbox , Isla Mujeres, and Cozumel to choose from. If you want to explore, choose Playa del Carmen as it’s pretty central. If you just want to crash on a beach for a few days, choose Holbox or Isla Mujeres.

Did You Get Travel Insurance Yet? The Insurance companies I recommend are  Hey Mondo and Safety Wing Hey Mondo  is great if you are looking for a great value flexible policy. They offer single-trip cover, annual multi-trip cover, and long-term travel cover. Safety Wing  is great value, with monthly coverage starting at $45.08. It’s super easy to use, and it just renews each month. I currently use them as they offer me free cover for my son as part of my policy. Read my full  travel insurance post  here, where I go into detail about all companies. 

The Best Hostels in Mexico

I’ve listed all of the best hostels in Mexico here on this page . However, I do also have more detailed accommodation guides for Mexico City , Cancun , Playa del Carmen , Cozumel , Holbox , and Tulum .

Other Important Things to Consider When Backpacking in Mexico

There are some other common questions people ask about when traveling to Mexico so I’ve tried to answer them as best I can here.

If you are wondering what to pack I have some great packing guides you can read:

The Ultimate Packing List For Mexico

Other than that there isn’t much you really need. Most countries can enter Mexico on a tourist ‘visa’ which is good for 180 days. After 180 days, you will need to leave the country. If you want to return you will need to stay away for at least 3 days before re-entering. If you enter overland then make sure you tell them you will be in Mexico for longer than a week and make sure you pay the fee for the full 1890 day visa. If you don’t they will only give you 7 days to transit. If you fly into Mexico the cost is covered as part of your ticket, so you don’t need to worry.

Quick Tip : View my full Mexico packing guide here including a downloadable checklist. And check out my Mexico Essentials shopping list here .

Mexico Travel Guide Planning

🧳 Any recommendations on what I should pack for Mexico?

Yes! I have created a whole packing guide to Mexico which you can read here and you can also check out my packing list for Mexico on Amazon here .

🚗 Where can I book bus or private transportation while I’m in Mexico?

I strongly recommend using GottoGo . You can book almost all transport in the major Mexican tourist destinations through them online. They don’t just cover buses they also cover shuttles, ferries, and private drivers.

🎫 Where can I buy tickets for museums, attractions, and tours in Mexico?

First and foremost check out all of the amazing Mexico tours Where Sidewalks End has. They are a small local company and they have some really special experiences.

For everything else I recommend either Viator  or GetYour Guide . 

If you are traveling to Cancun you can use GoCity and save up to 55% of the initial cost of entrance tickets to various museums, tours, and attractions!

If you are traveling to Playa del Carmen then I recommend booking through my friend Vanessa at Turismo Channel. You can check out their tours by clicking here and using the following discount codes for the best prices clairecaroff (car rental), claire10off (for 10% off group tours), claireprivate (for a discount on private tours). You can also send her a WhatsApp message quoting the above codes to receive the discount.

👩‍⚕️ What is the best insurance to have while traveling?

I recommend using Heymondo for a great value policy. The app also offers you 24/7 Dr Chat. For Digital Nomads check out SafetyWing  digital nomad insurance.

I have also written a blog post covering all my recommended travel insurance here

✈️ Any flight recommendations?

WayAWay offers you cheap flights with cashback. You can use this code CLAIRE22 to get 10% off. Otherwise Skyscanner or Expedia are my go-to flight searching platforms.

📱What do you use for internet connection while traveling?

I’m a big fan of personal WiFi devices and they have saved my ass so many times when traveling. I wrote a full review of the top travel WiFi devices you can read here . I personally use GlocalMe  as I can either pop in a physical sim card or use their local carrier.

With regards to my phone connection, I use e-sims while traveling, so rather than having to swap out my regular sim card I can download the app and buy a virtual sim card. I recommend using either Airhub or Alosim . Both have great coverage of multiple countries and are very easy to use.

🛏️ What is the best platform to use for booking accommodation?

The 3 best platforms that I normally use are Booking.com , Hotels.com , and Expedia  They offer great deals and multiple options. I always check all three to be sure of the best deals.

🛅 Do you have any luggage recommendations for traveling?

I do have a complete list of the best packing and luggage products that I recommend, you can check the list here . I’m currently traveling with this suitcase and this backpack. 

Solo Female Travel Mexico

Looking for solo travel Mexico information? I personally traveled to Mexico solo and had no issues at all. I’m not denying that there are some safety issues you need to take seriously, however, if you are planning a trip to Mexico alone I have a few guides you can read that will help you get prepared.

Is it safe to travel to Mexico alone? Absolutely! Do you need to be prepared? YES

Fun Facts About Mexico Backpacking: Final Thoughts

And that’s it! My where to go in Mexico ultimate Mexico backpacking route! I hope it has been of use to you as you prepare for backpacking in Mexico. Feel free to reach out if you have any specific questions that I don’t answer on this Mexico blog!

Tuesday 29th of March 2022

Thank you so much for the extremely insightful article! I do have question, would you recommend pre-booking all buses? :)

Moon Palace

Thursday 1st of July 2021

Mexico is wonderful, has a lot to know and gives a great cultural experience to the visitor who dares to travel alone. Besides, Mexicans are very kind and friendly people wherever you go and they will make you feel as if you were in your own country.

© 2023 Claire’s Itchy Feet  

Backpacking Mexico – 4 Week Mexico Itinerary (2024)

Planning a backpacking Mexico itinerary?!

Putting together your Mexico itinerary 1 month can be very overwhelming, and believe me, I’ve been there… but fear not, because in this post I’ve got you covered with everything you need to know about backpacking in Mexico!

Mexico is a much larger country than you think and I recommend spending at least 1-month to experience some of the top places to see in Mexico.

Backpacking Mexico for one month is a decent amount of time to discover the country’s most beautiful beaches, raging waterfalls, ancient Mayan ruins, delicious cuisine, rich culture, and many more fantastic things that Mexico has to offer.

In this guide, you will find my recommended 1-month backpacking route beginning in Mexico City and ending in Cancun, plus all of the best things to do in each location.

Table of Contents

BACKPACKING MEXICO – OVERVIEW

There is no wrong or right way to go backpacking in Mexico as people have different tastes and different interests.

This 4 week Mexico itinerary is based on my own experience with a mixture of cities, beaches, waterfalls, cenotes, and islands that I visited and that I’m sure you will enjoy too!

Here is a quick overview of how to spend 4 Weeks In Mexico:

• Mexico City – 3 days
• Oaxaca – 2 days
• Puerto Escondido – 3 days
• Tuxtla Gutiérrez – 2 days
• San Cristobal De Las Casas – 3 days
• Comitan – 2 days
• Bacalar – 3 days
• Tulum – 4 days
• Valladolid – 2 days
• Cozumel Island – 2 days
• Cancun – 2 days

Some other places to visit in Mexico that I haven’t listed on this one month Mexico itinerary are Puebla, Palenque, Campeche, Merida, Holbox , Playa del Carmen, and Baja .

Feel free to chop and change things around on my suggested itinerary with some of the locations I have listed above.

If I had more time, I would’ve loved to have checked out more of these top places to see in Mexico. Unfortunately, I didn’t, but now I have a good enough reason to go back!

MEXICO BACKPACKING ROUTE

See below for an overview of our backpacking route Mexico.

HOW TO GET AROUND MEXICO?

The two best ways of getting around Mexico are by bus or renting a car.

The most common means of transport for the majority of people backpacking Mexico is by bus.

The major roads between each location are generally well maintained, although, they can be windy in some mountainous areas, which might make your gut churn.

Make sure to get motion sickness tablets before setting off, and you’ll be just fine!

The average bus journey will cost around 300 – 400 Pesos for a 10 – 12 hour journey. There are many overnight buses available which are common among backpackers to save money on 1-night accommodation.

Some of the major long-distance Mexican bus companies are ADO, ETN, OCC, and Primera Plus.

Click here to check all routes, timetables, and ticket prices online, and book ahead of time to secure your seat.

If for some reason you can’t book the bus online, you’ll have to head to the main bus station in whichever town you’re in and purchase a ticket.

It’s best to go to the bus terminal the day before you intend to travel to secure a seat on the bus. 

RENT A CAR:

Renting a car is another option, although it will cost you a lot more as opposed to taking the bus.

I don’t recommend this option as the distances between the locations are very long.

The upside to renting a car in Mexico is having the freedom to explore off-the-beaten-path locations that aren’t on the typical tourist trail.

Car Rental – Search, Compare & Save!

Discover Cars are one of the world’s largest online car rental platforms with vehicles in 10,000+ locations.

Find the right car, in the right place, for the best price guaranteed!

WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT MEXICO?

The best time to go backpacking in Mexico is in the dry season which is between the months of December – May when temperatures are moderate and there is minimal rainfall.

The wet season in Mexico is from June to November and it can get quite chilly during these months.

The upside to backpacking in Mexico in the wet season is that things are generally quite cheaper as it’s the low season with fewer tourists.

VISA FOR MEXICO

Mexico is visa-free for travelers from over 65 countries and you can stay in Mexico for up to 180 days.

I recommend checking the full list of nationalities that are eligible for the free tourist visa before coming.

4 WEEK MEXICO ITINERARY

Now that you’ve got a bit of an overview of which Mexico route to take, how to get around, and the best time to visit, let’s get to the fun stuff!

So, without further ado, here is a complete 4 weeks in Mexico backpacking itinerary!

DAY 1, 2 & 3: MEXICO CITY

Let’s start this Mexico 4 week itinerary with Mexico City, also known as CDMX.

Mexico City is most famous for being one of the oldest and largest cosmopolitan cities in the world and what better place to begin your Mexico itinerary than right here in the country’s capital?!

There is no shortage of things to do here, and this is only one of the reasons to visit Mexico City!

For instance, experience the rich cultural heritage, marvel at the colonial architecture, discover unique street art, check out the Teotihuacan Pyramids (UNESCO World Heritage site), and much much more!

TOP THINGS TO DO IN MEXICO CITY

Here is a list of top places to see and fun things to do in Mexico City which will be sure to keep you busy for 3 days:

• Metropolitan Cathedral in Constitution Square
• Palacio de Bellas Artes
• Frida Kahlo Museum (La Casa Azul)
• Arena Mexico (Lucha libre wrestling)
• Teotihuacan Pyramids

BEST TOUR IN MEXICO CITY

The best trip you can join is the Teotihuacan, Guadalupe Shrine, and Tlatelolco Tour !

It includes transportation, Tequila tasting, the entrance fees, and a fun guide to spend the day with!

MY EXPERIENCE IN MEXICO CITY

I happened to be in Mexico during the time of Dia de Los Muertos (the Day of the Dead festival) and I spent my 3 days in Mexico City enjoying all of the festivities around this!

Click here to see the full blog post of my experience at the Day of the Dead festival in Mexico City!

Needless to say, if you plan your Mexico one month itinerary around this period, I highly recommend you stop and enjoy the festival.

WHERE TO STAY IN MEXICO CITY

There are thousands of accommodations in Mexico City , so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay to suit the needs of luxury travelers, budget backpackers, and everyone in between.

See the list of accommodations in CDMX that I personally recommend to start your Mexico travel itinerary 1 month.

LUXURY: Viadora Apartments

MID RANGE: Ibis Styles Zona Rosa

BUDGET: Mexico City Hostel

For More Options In Mexico City, Search On Booking.com

Day 4 & 5: oaxaca.

Oaxaca, pronounced wah-hah-kah , is one of the best cities to visit when backpacking Mexico!

Located in the Central Valley Region of the state, this incredible city within Mexico is full of hidden gems, amazing architecture, and beautiful cobbled streets.

Oaxaca is most popular for its vibrant street scene, tequila and mezcal distilleries, the ancient Monte Alban and Mitla ruins, Hierve El Agua petrified waterfalls, and much more!

BEST THINGS TO DO IN OAXACA

There are a number of epic things to do in Oaxaca so I recommend booking a tour to make the most out of your time during your visit and ensure you get to see and experience as much as possible. 

I’ve written a separate blog post of awesome tours in Oaxaca that you can check out and see which tour best suits you, otherwise, scroll down to see my top recommended tour of Oaxaca. 

I’ve also written two more detailed guides of Hierve El Agua and Mitla Ruins , both of which are located in Oaxaca. 

FULL-DAY TOUR OF OAXACA

Embark on a day of adventure around the city of Oaxaca.

This tour in Oaxaca is perfect for you to experience basically everything Oaxaca has to offer, in just one day.

A few of the highlights en route include Hierve el Agua’s petrified waterfalls, Mezcal factory, El Tule Tree, and the archeological zone of Mitla.

Air-conditioned transportation is included as well as a bilingual tour guide, entrance fees, and Mezcal tasting.

BEST TOUR IN OAXACA

The best tour you can join in Oaxaca is the Hierve el Agua, Tule Tree, Mitla and Mezcal Distillery Tour !

It includes transportation, a fun guide, and they have hundreds of positive reviews!

WHERE TO STAY IN OAXACA

Oaxaca City has hundreds of accommodations to choose from so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay to suit the needs of luxury travelers and budget backpackers.

See the list of accommodations below that I personally recommend for a rest on your backpacking Mexico route:

Luxury: Quinta Real Oaxaca

Mid Range: Hotel Casa De La Tia Tere

Budget: Selina Hostel

For More Options In Oaxaca, Search On Booking.com

Day 6, 7 & 8: puerto escondido.

When you backpack Mexico, Puerto Escondido is one of the most popular destinations to see on the southwest coast of Oaxaca state.

There are many awesome things to do in Puerto Escondido and I guarantee that once you arrive, you won’t want to leave!

Puerto Escondido has made its mark on the map for its world-renowned surf beaches, but there are plenty of other great things to do other than surfing.

From secluded beaches to raging waterfalls and everything in between, Puerto Escondido is definitely not to be missed!

FULL BLOG POST → THINGS TO DO IN PUERTO ESCONDIDO

BEST TOUR IN PUERTO ESCONDIDO

The best tour in Puerto Escondido is the Bioluminescent Lagoon Boat Ride !

It includes transportation, the boat ride, and endless memories to make in the lagoon!

WHERE TO STAY IN PUERTO ESCONDIDO

Puerto Escondido has hundreds of accommodations to choose from so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay to suit the needs of luxury travelers and budget backpackers.

See the list of accommodations below that I personally recommend.

Luxury: Posada Real Puerto Escondido

Mid Range: Casa Losodeli

Budget: Casa Daikiri

For More Options In Puerto Escondido, Search On Booking.com

Day 9 & 10: tuxtla gutiérrez.

Tuxtla Gutiérrez often gets overlooked by most travelers on their Mexico travel route but it’s not to be missed, in my opinion. 

Home to the incredible Sumidero Canyon and Cascada El Aguacero , an overnight stay in Tuxtla to visit these two epic locations is 100% worth adding to your Mexico itinerary. 

CASCADA EL AGUACERO

Cascada El Aguacero is one of the most impressive waterfalls I have ever seen!

Located just 1-hour drive from Tuxtla City, El Aguacero Waterfall features a downpour of silvery curtain-like falls with multiple tiers that flows seamlessly into Cañon Río La Venta.

I guarantee you will be in complete awe once you take your first steps upstream and see the towering canyon walls that envelop the river.

Cascada El Aguacero will soon present itself as you come around the bend, so be prepared for that also!

El Aguacero is broken up into different streams that flow down the cliff face in a curtain-like way and a number of freshwater rock pools have been formed because of this. 

My friends and I climbed up to explore the multiple cascades beneath the main falls. We also found some epic caves and tunnel shoots behind the curtain of falls and enjoyed a natural shower while we were at it.

I have put together a separate blog post on El Aguacero Waterfall which includes a detailed guide on how to get there, how much it costs, and what to expect.

FULL BLOG POST → CASCADA EL AGUACERO

BEST TOUR IN TUXTLA GUTIÉRREZ

The best day trip in Tuxtla Gutierrez is the Sumidero Canyon & Chiapa de Corzo Tour !

It includes hotel transfers, the river cruise, a fun local guide, and you’ll see countless stunning spots!

SUMIDERO CANYON

Sumidero Canyon (Cañon Del Sumidero) is one of the best day trips to be had from Tuxtla!

Cruise along the river in a boat between the towering Sumidero Canyon walls and drive the road at the top of the canyon to 5 different panoramic viewpoints.

Canñon Del Sumidero is widely known for its abundance of wildlife, including monkeys, birds, and even crocodiles that reside in and around the canyon, and for its grandeur size which is something you have to see with your own eyes!

The Sumidero Canyon Tour is a full-day activity that begins at 9:30 am with a hotel pick-up, a short 45-minute drive west to Cañon de Sumidero, a visit to the 5 panoramic viewpoints, a boat trip along the river ‘Rio Grijalva’ down inside the canyon and a stop into the magical town of Chiapa de Corzo before returning to Tuxtla in the afternoon.

You can book the Sumidero Canyon Tour online in advance with Viator , which has great reviews and dozens of bookings.

This will save you from having to haggle for a good price with the local tour companies in the city.

WHERE TO STAY IN TUXTLA

Tuxtla City has dozens of accommodations to choose from so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay to suit the needs of luxury travelers and budget backpackers.

LUXURY: Marriott Tuxtla Hotel

MID RANGE: Holiday Inn Tuxtla

BUDGET: Hostal Tres Central

For More Options In Tuxtla, Search On Booking.com

Day 11, 12 & 13: san cristobal de las casas.

San Cristobal de las Casas is definitely not to be missed on your Mexico itinerary!

Boasting European architecture, vibrant street art, artisan markets, buzzing nightlife, nature parks, cultural experiences, and much more!

THINGS TO DO IN SAN CRISTOBAL DE LAS CASAS

Here is a list of the top things to do in San Cristobal that will keep you entertained for a few days:

• Climb the stairs to Guadalupe Church
• Try the wine and tapas at La Viña de Bacco
• Buy souvenirs at the Artisan Market
• Wander through the Municipal Market
• See the natural archway at Arcotete Park
• Day trip to Cascada El Chiflon
• Visit the Casa Na Bolom Museum
• Chocolate tasting at the Kakaw Museum
• Get lost in the streets of San Cristobal
• Cañon Del Sumidero Tour
• Have lunch at Casa De Familia
• Check out the De Dulces Artisan Market
• Discover the many churches in San Cristobal

FULL BLOG POST → THINGS TO DO IN SAN CRISTOBAL

BEST TOUR IN SAN CRISTOBAL DE LAS CASAS

The best tour you can take in San Cristobal is a Tour of Agua Azul, Misol-Ha Falls and Palenque Mayan Ruins !

It includes hotel transfers, breakfast, all entrance fees, travel insurance, and a fun guide to share the day with!

WHERE TO STAY IN SAN CRISTOBAL

San Cristobal de las Casas has hundreds of accommodations to choose from so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay to suit the needs of luxury travelers and budget backpackers.

LUXURY: Hotel Bo

MID RANGE: Hotel Casa De Familia

BUDGET: Puerta Vieja Hostel

For More Options In San Cristobal, Search On Booking.com

Day 14 & 15: comitan.

Comitan is the fourth largest city in Chiapas state, but it’s not the city that you come here for, it’s the nearby lagoons, waterfalls, and ancient ruins that make this place a worthy addition to your itinerary of Mexico!

2 days in Comitan is a decent amount of time to get a taste of this beautiful region when backpacking in Mexico.

THINGS TO DO IN COMITAN

The 3 main tourist spots to check out in Comitan are:

• Cascadas El Chiflon
• Lagunas de Montebello
• Archaeological Zone Chinkultic

I personally only visited one of these locations, Cascadas El Chiflon , which is easily one of the  most incredible waterfalls I have ever seen! 

Boasting not just one but five EPIC waterfalls and turquoise-colored cascades flowing down a lush green valley which can all be explored via an easy walking trail.

Full Blog Post → Cascadas El Chiflon

BEST TOUR TO CASCADAS EL CHIFLON

The best way to discover the waterfalls is to join a Tour To Cascadas El Chiflon & Montebello Lakes !

It includes hotel transfers, national park fees, a stop at Cascadas El Chiflon, and a fun guide!

WHERE TO STAY IN COMITAN

Comitan has dozens of accommodations to choose from so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay to suit the needs of luxury travelers and budget backpackers.

LUXURY: City Express by Marriott

MID RANGE: Hotel La Finca

BUDGET: Hotel Clasico Colonial

For More Options In Comitan, Search On Booking.com

Day 16, 17 & 18: bacalar.

Bacalar is home to the biggest and most beautiful lagoon in all of Mexico!

Bacalar Lagoon is commonly referred to as Laguna de Siete Colores (lagoon of 7 colors), boasting 7 different shades of blue and it’s truly one of the country’s best-kept secrets.

Bacalar is one of only a few Pueblos Magicos (Magical Towns) in the country, located less than one hour from the Belize border in Quintana Roo, Southeast Mexico.

THINGS TO DO IN BACALAR

There are plenty of things to do in Bacalar to keep you entertained for a few days!

See the list below of 9 Awesome Things To Do In Bacalar :

• Sunrise kayaking on Bacalar Lagoon
• Visit Fort San Felipe 
• Have dinner at La Playita
• Go sailing on Bacalar Lagoon
• Watch the sunrise in Bacalar
• Visit the Bacalar Cenotes
• Eat vegan burgers at Mango y Chile
• Take a photo at the Bacalar sign
• Visit the Pirates Channel Shipwreck

FULL BLOG POST → AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN BACALAR

BEST TOUR IN BACALAR

The best trip you can join is the Bacalar Lagoon Sightseeing Boat Tour with Open Bar !

It includes hotel transfers, the boat ride, unlimited drinks and fruits, and a fun guide!

WHERE TO STAY IN BACALAR

Bacalar has hundreds of accommodations to choose from so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay to suit the needs of luxury travelers and budget backpackers.

Luxury: Hotel Makaabá Eco-Boutique

Mid Range: Hotel & Suites Oasis

Budget: Yaxche Centro Hostal

For More Options In Bacalar, Search On Booking.com

Day 19, 20, 21 & 22: tulum.

Next up on this Mexico backpacking itinerary is Tulum!

Full of tropical beaches, amazing cenotes, Mayan ruins, and vibrant nightlife, it’s no wonder everyone seems to be flocking to Tulum as it’s one of the must-see places to include in your Mexico backpacker route!

THINGS TO DO IN TULUM

There are many things to do in Tulum that you could easily spend weeks or even months here!

See the list below of Epic Things To Do In Tulum:  

• Swim at Playa Paraiso
• Visit the Tulum Ruins
• Take a photo of the bent palm tree
• Visit Grand Cenote
• Watch the sunrise at Sunrise Beach
• Clan Destino Bar & Cenote
• Mirador Tulum Beach
• Raw Love art installation
• ‘Follow That Dream’ sign
• Discover El Cenote Encantado

FULL BLOG POST → EPIC THINGS TO DO IN TULUM

BEST TOUR IN TULUM

The best trip you can join in Tulum is the Magical Cenote and Paradise Lagoon Snorkeling Tour !

It includes hotel transfers, snorkeling gear, bottled water, and a fun guide to share the day with!

WHERE TO STAY IN TULUM

Tulum has hundreds of accommodations to choose from so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay to suit the needs of luxury travelers and budget backpackers.

See the list of accommodations below that I personally recommend in Tulum during your one month in Mexico trip.

Luxury: The Beach Tulum

Mid Range: Playa Esperanza Hotel

Budget: Che Tulum Hostel & Bar

For More Options In Tulum, Search On Booking.com

Day 23 & 24: valladolid.

The small charming town of Valladolid is another one of my favorite places to visit in Mexico!

Widely known for its colorful street scenes, colonial architecture, and phenomenal Cenotes, Valladolid is totally worth exploring! 

Oh and I forgot to mention, Valladolid was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998. So yeah, another great reason to check this place out!

THINGS TO DO IN VALLADOLID

During your visit, I recommend doing these few things to make the most of your experience in Valladolid:

• Explore the town on foot
• Visit the Valladolid Cenotes
• Discover the Chichen Itza ruins

BEST TOUR IN VALLADOLID

The best trip you can join in Valladolid is the Chichen Itza and Izamal Tour With Cenotes !

It includes hotel transfers, lunch and bottled water, the entrance to the cenote, and a fun guide!

VALLADOLID CENOTES

If you don’t know what a Cenote is, it’s basically a natural sinkhole filled with fresh groundwater which is typically a vibrant blue or crystalline color due to the surrounding limestone rocks. Pretty awesome right?!

Not sure what to wear when spending 1 month in Mexico? Check out this Mexico Packing List for some outfit inspo!

The 4 Best Cenotes in Valladolid that you absolutely must see are:

• Ik Kil Cenote
• Suytun Cenote
• Cenote Oxman
• Cenote Zaci

Click on the links above to see detailed guides on each of these Valladolid Cenotes including where to find them, how much they cost, and what to expect!

CHICHEN ITZA TOURS

Chichen Itza is one of the most impressive and most preserved Mayan ruins in Mexico and it’s definitely not to be missed.

You can visit these incredible ruins near Valladolid either DIY or with a tour.

See below the Best Chichen Itza Tours and book online in advance.

WHERE TO STAY IN VALLADOLID

Valladolid has hundreds of accommodations to choose from so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay to suit the needs of luxury travelers and budget backpackers.

Luxury: Mayan Majesty Boutique Hotel

Mid Range: Hotel 41 Valladolid

Budget: Hostal Tunich Naj

For More Options In Valladolid, Search On Booking.com

Day 25 & 26: cozumel island.

Cozumel Island is one of the best tropical island destinations in the country and a must-visit when backpacking Mexico.

Daily ferries depart Playa del Carmen bound for Cozumel Island and the journey takes around 45 minutes.

THINGS TO DO ON COZUMEL ISLAND

See the list below of 9 Fun Things To Do In Cozumel Island to help you plan your trip: 

• Rent a Jeep and drive around the island
• Cozumel snorkeling tour
• Watch the sunrise at the beach
• Check out Chen Rio Mirador
• Beach hop on the east coast
• ATV and Cenote adventure tour
• Live music at Woody’s
• Visit Punta Sur Eco-Park
• Swim out to the Cozumel shipwreck

FULL BLOG POST → THINGS TO DO IN COZUMEL ISLAND

BEST TOUR IN COZUMEL

The best trip in Cozumel Island is the Snorkeling Tour to Palancar, Columbia and El Cielo Reefs !

It includes snorkeling gear, drinks and snacks, a stop at the famous reefs, and a fun guide!

WHERE TO STAY IN COZUMEL

Cozumel has hundreds of accommodations to choose from so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay to suit the needs of luxury travelers and budget backpackers.

Luxury: Fiesta Americana Cozumel All-Inclusive

Mid Range:  Hotel Mary Carmen

Budget: Hostel Tropico 20º

For More Options In Cozumel, Search On Booking.com

Day 27 & 28: cancun.

Last but not least on this backpacking Mexico travel guide is Cancun, one of the most well-known destinations in Mexico and perhaps the entire world.

Cancun is most famous for its buzzing nightlife scene, pristine white sand beaches, and all-inclusive resorts. Safe to say that Cancun is an awesome place to spend your last couple of days!

I personally didn’t check out the town or book any activities in Cancun, I booked into an all-inclusive beach resort, put my feet up, and enjoyed the sun, the sand, and the ocean!

If you want to explore more of what Cancun has to offer, scroll down to see a list of recommended tours I suggest joining on your Mexico backpack route.

BEST TOUR IN CANCUN

The best trip in Cancun is the Isla Mujeres Catamaran Tour !

It includes the catamaran ride, open bar, snorkeling equipment, free time in Isla Mujeres, and a fun guide!

WHERE TO STAY IN CANCUN

Cancun has countless accommodations to choose from so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay to suit the needs of luxury travelers and budget backpackers.

See the list of accommodations below that I personally recommend in Cancun when backpacking through Mexico.

LUXURY: Kempinski Hotel Cancun

MID RANGE: Hotel NYX Cancun

BUDGET: Hotel Casa Mallorca

For More Options In Cancun, Search On Booking.com

Things to know before backpacking mexico.

The currency in Mexico is the Mexican Peso (MXN) and the exchange rate is approximately $1 USD = 18 MXN.

Mexicans generally prefer to receive cash for goods rather than a credit or debit card payment.

For any online bookings such as tours, accommodations, or private shuttles, using your credit or debit card is acceptable.

There are plenty of ATMs in Mexico where you can easily withdraw cash.

To be on the safe side, I recommend purchasing a Hidden Money Belt to keep your cash out of sight.

WHAT TO PACK FOR MEXICO

When planning your Mexico 1 month itinerary, here is a list of items I highly recommend bringing with you.

Must-Have Travel Essentials

Hidden money wallet.

Keep your cash and other valuables safe with this anti-theft hidden money wallet!

Reusable Water Bottle

The GRAYL GeoPress is the best reusable bottle that allows you to purify water from anywhere!

Travel Backpack

The Nomatic Travel Backpack has 20+ innovative features, perfect for everyday use!

Quick-Dry Travel Towel

The most compact, lightweight, and quick-dry towel for traveling!

Portable PowerBank

Keep your phone, laptop, and accessories charged while you’re on the go with the Anker PowerBank!

More Mexico Travel Guides

Click the button below to view all articles related to Mexico!

FINAL THOUGHTS – MEXICO ITINERARY

Having only done only a little bit of research before backpacking in Mexico, I can honestly say this incredible country exceeded expectations.

The epic landscapes, kind people, delicious food, and perfect weather were just some of the reasons that made this a trip to remember!

If you have any questions about this itinerary for a month in Mexico or want help with your Mexico itinerary 4 weeks, please leave me a comment below this post and I will get back to you as soon as I can.

For a quicker response, be sure to join Jonny Melon’s Travel Tribe on Facebook and post your questions or recommendations to our awesome community.

TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or it’s your first trip overseas, here are some useful travel resources to help you kick-start your next adventure!

Search and book accommodation worldwide.

Compare and book cheap flights to anywhere.

Find tickets, tours, and experiences around the world.

Book buses, trains, and transfers online in advance.

Search all rental cars in your next destination.

Need travel insurance for your next trip?

THANKS FOR READING

Hey friend, thanks for reading this Mexico backpacking itinerary 1 month!

Please know this post may contain affiliate links. When making a purchase through one of my links, I earn a small kickback at no extra cost to you and it’s a big help to keep the site up and running. Rest assured, I only promote products and services that I personally use and recommend.

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2 thoughts on “Backpacking Mexico – 4 Week Mexico Itinerary (2024)”

What would you estimate the cost to be depending on which route you take (mid range, luxury, budget)?

Hi Louie, I would suggest somewhere between $3000-$5000 for your one month in Mexico backpacking adventure.

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Mexico 7 Day Itinerary | The Ultimate Guide to Exploring Mexico in 1 Week

With ancient ruins, stunning beaches, vibrant cities, and incredible cuisine, Mexico has so much to offer visitors. Trying to the best of Mexico in just 7 days may seem daunting, but it’s possible to achieve this if you plan wisely, and follow the different recommendations and 7 Day Mexico Travel Itinerary , shared below. .

This 1 week Mexico itinerary will help you maximize your vacation and see some of the best attractions this diverse country has to offer. Whether you want to relax on the beach, explore ancient cultures, or experience Mexico’s famous nightlife, this guide has you covered.

PS – Before you head to Mexico and discover the beauty of the Top Mexico Sights and Attractions , during your 7 Day Mexico Travel Itinerary , as  listed below, check out these 20+ Travel Hacks and Resources , that will elevate your Travel experience to a different level all together.

Top Rated Attractions in Mexico City

Where to stay in mexico city, top attractions outside mexico city, where to stay in valladolid, where to stay in tulum, top things to do in oaxaca, day 6: monte albán, day 7: travel to puerto escondido, day 8: depart from mexico city, other can’t-miss destinations in mexico, how’s this 7 day mexico itinerary sound.

• Travel Tips for your 7 Day Mexico Itinerary 

Mexico 7-Day Itinerary FAQs

Share this:, 7 day ultimate mexico travel itinerary, day 1: arrive in mexico city.

The vibrant streets of Mexico City | Photo by Pyro Jenka on Unsplash

Kick off your trip in Mexico’s bustling capital, Mexico City. Fly into Benito Juárez International Airport and take an Uber or taxi to your hotel downtown, or book your airport transfer here.

Spend the afternoon exploring the Historical Center (Centro Histórico), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander the massive main plaza,  Zócalo , view the impressive Metropolitan Cathedral, and admire the ruins of the Templo Mayor , an Aztec temple discovered beneath the city streets.

Grab dinner at one of the city’s many taco joints before heading to an evening mariachi performance. Mariachi bands can often be found in Garibaldi Plaza, where you can soak in Mexico’s iconic music over a margarita or two.

Here are some interesting facts about Mexico – it boasts incredible biodiversity, is the most populous Spanish-speaking country in the world, and is known for mariachi music, tacos, and tequila!

• Metropolitan Cathedral
• Templo Mayor
• National Museum of Anthropology
• Chapultepec Park
• Frida Kahlo Museum

Mexico City, which is one of the Best Cities in Latin America , has accommodation options to fit any budget. For your first night, book a hotel near the Historic Center to be close to the action.

Mid-range options like Hampton Inn & Suites Mexico City – Centro Histórico and budget picks like Hostel Home offer excellent value.

Day 2: Teotihuacan & More Mexico City

Teotihuacan Archaeological Site | Photo by Alejandro Morelos on Unsplash

Rise early and take a day trip to the impressive Teotihuacan archaeological site , located about an hour outside Mexico City. It is one of the Top Iconic Attractions of Mexico . Walk the Avenue of the Dead and climb to the top of the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon for breathtaking views.

After exploring the ruins, head back to Mexico City. In the afternoon, visit Chapultepec Park and Castle and browse the world-class artefacts at the National Museum of Anthropology.

In the evening, indulge in delicious street food at a local mercado before hitting the trendy bars and clubs in the Condesa or Roma neighbourhoods. Try mezcal cocktails at a hip mezcaleria like Licorería Limantour.

• Pyramids of Teotihuacan
• Valle de Bravo

PS – If you have time on your hand, you can modify this 7 Day Mexico Itinerary, by adding another day or two in Mexico City, and covering other top sights in and around Mexico City, as recommended in this 3 Day Mexico City Itinerary.

Day 3: Travel to Chichen Itza & Valladolid

Chichen Itza – One of the Most Popular Sight and Attraction of Mexico

Take an early morning 1 hour flight from Mexico City to Cancun. Pick up your rental car and drive 2.5 hours west to the magnificent ancient city of Chichen Itza – One of the Most Popular Sight and Attraction of Mexico. Chichen Itza, is one of those Places that you should Visit Once in a Lifetime , and without visiting Chichen Itza, your Mexico Trip will be incomplete.

You’ll have ample time to explore El Castillo pyramid , the ball court, observatory, and other structures.

After, drive 30 minutes west to the laidback colonial town of Valladolid to spend the night.

• Casa Valladolid Boutique Hotel – mid-range bed & breakfast with pool
• TecnoHotel Valladolid – budget hotel in downtown
• Casa San Roque Boutique Hotel – splurge-worthy luxury option

PS – Useful Travel Resources to use while heading to Mexico to experience the Best of Mexico with this 7 Day Mexico Trip Guide

• Book your Rental Car in Mexico on Discover Cars and RentalCars.com
• Book the best  Mexico Tours at GetYourGuide or Viator
• Book your Accommodation in Mexico on Agoda or Booking.com
• Get an eSIM by Airalo to stay connected and Save on Roaming Fees
• Sign up for a Priority Pass before flying to Mexico, to enjoy premium Airport Lounge access.
• Sign up for a Travel Insurance to enjoy a hassle free vacation in Mexico.

Day 4: Cenotes & Tulum

The Beauty of Cenotes | Photo by The Free Birds on Unsplash

Wake up early and drive 25 minutes to Ik Kil or other famous cenotes near Valladolid for a refreshing swim. After, make the 1.5 hour drive east to Tulum. The best time to experience the true beauty of these cenotes in Tulum is when there are no crowds. October to April is the best time to visit Tulum , however be wary of the crowds and costs, as its also the peak tourist season of Tulum . So its better, to book all your accommodations and Tulum tours and excursions well in advance, and try to visit the cenotes in the mornings, before the crowds start pouring in.

Check into your beachside cabana and spend the afternoon relaxing on the sand. Wander Tulum’s shops and restaurants before grabbing dinner.

• Le Selva Appartments
• Hotel Diamante K – mid-range beachfront hotel
• Nest Tulum – upscale oceanview villa resort

Day 5: Travel to Oaxaca

Colourful souvenirs in Oaxaca, Mexico | Photo by analuisa gamboa on Unsplash

After a relaxing beach day in Tulum, take an early morning flight to Oaxaca City . You’ll have the afternoon and evening to explore Oaxaca’s charming colonial center, browse colorful markets, and sample its renowned cuisine.

Walk down Calle Alcalá to the Zócalo and browse the artisan goods at the Benito Juárez Market.

For dinner, try Oaxacan specialties like tlayudas, moles, chapulines (fried grasshoppers) and mezcal cocktails. Check into your hotel in Oaxaca and rest up for the days ahead.

• Walk Calle Alcalá and explore markets
• Try Oaxacan food like mole, tlayudas, and chapulines
• Drink mezcal cocktails
• Explore churches like Santo Domingo
• See cultural sites like the Rufino Tamayo Museum

Zapotec Ruins of Monte Alban | Photo by Matthew Essman on Unsplash

Dedicate this day to exploring the impressive Zapotec ruins of Monte Albán just outside Oaxaca City. Walk the expansive site and climb to the top of the pyramids for magnificent valley views.

After, head back downtown to visit sites like the Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca and the Mercado 20 de Noviembre.

End your day sampling more top Oaxacan restaurants for dinner and drinks.

The beach town of Puerto Escondido | Photo by Lorraine Mojica on Unsplash

Catch a morning 1-hour flight or 6-hour bus ride from Oaxaca City to Puerto Escondido . Check into your beach accommodation and head straight to the sand.

Spend the afternoon relaxing on Playa Zicatela , taking a surf lesson, or browsing the shops and small restaurants in the laidback town center.

Watch the sunset while sipping a Pacifico beer beachside before enjoying a final fresh seafood dinner at a restaurant like El Cafecito.

The next morning, make the short flight back to Mexico City in time for your international departure.

While this 7 Day Mexico itinerary covers some of the best attractions in Mexico, there is so much more to see throughout Mexico. If you have extra time, also consider visiting:

• Isla Holbox
• Tulum & the Riviera Maya
• Chichen Itza
• Mexico City Day Trips like Puebla, Valle de Bravo, or Cuernavaca

Trying to see Mexico in just one week is ambitious, but this action-packed Mexico itinerary is designed to help you maximize your time.

You’ll get a taste of Mexico’s best offerings: culture, beaches, food, and nightlife. This route takes you from energetic Mexico City to charming Oaxaca and sunny Puerto Escondido, with a nice mix of must-see attractions of Mexico and relaxation.

With early mornings and late nights, you may feel tired by Day 7. But you’ll head home with an excellent introduction to Mexico’s diversity. This 7 Day Mexico Travel Itinerary can serve as a taster before you plan a longer trip focused on certain regions.

Have another destination in mind? You can easily adapt this template to craft the perfect week-long itinerary for many places, whether that’s Italy, Japan, Costa Rica or elsewhere.

Wherever you go, advanced planning lets you make the most of your limited time. Follow this strategy to ensure your next quick getaway feels like you were gone for much more than just 1 week!

Travel Tips for your 7 Day Mexico Itinerary  

• Book flights early  – With all the internal flights, book tickets 2-3 months in advance for the best fares.
• Pack light – You’ll be hopping around a lot, so pack a carry-on-size bag. Only bring essentials like swimwear, sun protection, walking shoes, lightweight clothes, and prescription medications. Refer to this what to pack for Mexico guide for more specific recommendations.
• Arrange airport transportation  – Pre-book shuttles or taxis to/from airports to make transfers smooth.
• Charge devices  – Many long travel days, so bring a portable charger and charge devices each night.
• Withdraw pesos  – Stop at ATMs when you arrive to take out cash for the week. Many vendors only accept cash.
• Learn Spanish phrases  – Locals will appreciate you making an effort to speak Spanish when possible.
• Pack medications  – Bring any prescription meds plus OTC pain/upset stomach relievers in case you don’t feel well.
• Wear sun protection  – The Mexican sun is strong. Wear sunscreen, hats, and cover-up clothes when outdoors.
• Stay hydrated  – Drink plenty of bottled water and hydrating drinks throughout your travels.
• Respect cultural sites  – When visiting ruins and churches, dress modestly and behave respectfully.
• Have small bills  – For markets, street food, and tipping, have plenty of 10, 20, and 50 peso notes on hand.
• Purchase travel insurance  – In case of any last-minute changes, travel insurance provides helpful coverage.

What are the must-see places in Mexico in 7 days?

The top destinations to see in a week in Mexico are Mexico City, Oaxaca, and Puerto Escondido, with options to also add cultural sites like Teotihuacan or beach spots like Tulum.

How many days do you need in Mexico City?

2 full days is ideal for seeing the main attractions in Mexico City like the Zocalo, Templo Mayor, museums, and experiencing the food and nightlife.

Is it better to fly or drive in Mexico for a 7 day trip?

With limited time, it’s best to maximize destinations by flying between major hubs like Mexico City, Oaxaca City, and beach towns.

What is the best route to see Mexico in 7 days?

A great 7 day Mexico route is Mexico City – Oaxaca City – Puerto Escondido – Mexico City. This covers top highlights from cuisine to culture to beaches.

What is the cheapest way to travel Mexico for a week?

To save money in 7 days in Mexico, take buses between destinations, stay in budget hotels or hostels, and eat street food and at mercados.

How should I prepare for a 7 day trip to Mexico?

To prepare, book inter-Mexico flights, arrange airport transfers, research top attractions, pack light, and brush up on Spanish phrases.

How much does it cost to travel Mexico for 7 days?

Expect to budget around $100 USD per day minimum, not counting flights. With mid-range choices, plan for $700-$1,000 total for 7 days in Mexico.

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The Ultimate 4-6 Week Mexico Itinerary

Let’s face it. We’ve all been guilty of spending too much of our precious time running around trying to spin too many plates. If the last couple of years has taught us anything, it’s to slow down and focus on what really matters. What makes you happy.

Has there ever been a better time to take a month or two out for yourself? To re-set. To re-energise.

And what better way to do that than to embark on a bucket list trip . And what better place to reboot than magical Mexico.

So, to help you out, we’ve put together our top picks of our favourite authentic Mexico travel destinations . In fact, our Undertourists Mexico Itinerary will help you plan an unforgettable Mexico trip.

Escape the tourist crowds in Cancún and Baja and discover authentic Mexico with our ultimate Mexico itinerary. Embrace local travel in this car-free adventure perfect for independent travellers.

Strap in. It’s time to hit the road.

How long should you spend in Mexico?

Whether you’ve got two weeks or two months, there’s always an opportunity to put together an unforgettable Mexico itinerary.

In two weeks, you can travel through the Mexican states of Quintana Roo, Yucatán and Chiapas . Relax in shimmering Laguna Bacalar, and discover amazing Mayan sites like Tulum, Cobá, Palenque, Chichen Itza and Uxmal. Hang out in cultural Mérida, hit the highlands at San Cristóbal de las Casas and take a boat trip through the stunning Cañón del Sumidero.

With 4 weeks you can do this and much more on an epic overland journey from easy-to-access Cancún in the east to bustling Mexico City in central Mexico. Discover cultural riches, stunning beaches, ancient Mayan sites and one of Latin America’s best capital cities.

Add in two more weeks and you can continue further west to alternative Guadalajara via gorgeous Guanajuato and monumental Morelia.

Whether your Mexico itinerary is two weeks, one month or more, be warned… you may find it difficult to leave!!

Related read: Tips for Planning the Ultimate Trip to Mexico

When is the best time to visit Mexico?

Before we jump into the amazing places you’ll explore on our Mexico itinerary, it’s important to consider when is the best time to visit Mexico . As a responsible traveller, you’ll want to ensure that you’ve done your planning, particularly since Mexico has a distinct hurricane season, which would be best to avoid.

Having said that, Mexico remains an ideal off peak travel destination. Visit in low season to avoid the crowds and take advantage of some bargain prices in less popular places.

The best time to visit Mexico is in late September to November , for good weather without the crowds. Just be aware that there can be some rain in coastal areas. May and June are also some of the best months to visit Mexico, although temperatures can get a little hot and you may experience some rain on the Pacific coast.

Whenever you decide to visit Mexico, we recommend avoiding high season (December to April), when tourist crowds can often overwhelm local destinations with limited infrastructure. It’s also best to avoid hurricane season (late June to September) which can seriously hamper overland journeys!

Related read: Is it Safe to Travel to Mexico?

What’s the best way to get around Mexico?

Now you’ve got the low-down on the best time to visit Mexico, let’s take a quick look at how to get around. After all, it’s pretty difficult to take on an epic Mexico itinerary without getting your head round the transport options!

In case you’re worried about how difficult getting around Mexico can be, the good news is that generally speaking bus travel on our Mexico itinerary should be safe, affordable and comfortable. You’ll be able to reach all of these incredible destinations without the hassle, carbon impact and cost of a hire car. Not only are bus journeys the best choice for sustainable travel, but you’ll also get to meet other travellers and locals too.

Ado serves the majority of routes in the Yucatán , Chiapas and beyond and is a great choice. OCC is also a good option. Primera Plus and ETN serve central and northern routes.

Search for bus tickets on 12Go .

Related read: Road Trips in Mexico: The Best Routes

The Ultimate DIY Mexico Itinerary | Authentic Mexican destinations

Now you know the best time to visit Mexico and the best way to get around Mexico. So there’s only one thing left to do…discover authentic Mexican destinations on our epic Mexico itinerary.

Beach bar at the Laguna Bacalar in Mexico.

Day 1-4 | Bliss out in Bacalar

Grab a cheap flight to Cancún and jump on an ADO bus from the airport south to Bacalar, close to the Belize border. Here you’ll find the gorgeous blue waters of Laguna Bacalar – one of the best chill out spots we’ve ever been to! This is a perfect place to unwind, sample some local beers and decompress before your big adventure. Kick back for a couple of days before the real adventure begins.

Day 5-7 | Discover the treasures of Tulum

Now you’ve found your zen, it’s time to hit the next destination of our Mexico itinerary – Tulum. As a popular choice for tourists in Mexico, this is one place you’ve probably heard of! Whilst admittedly quite touristy, travel off-season and you’ll get the chance to enjoy the stunning Tulum ruins, discover sparkling cenotes (sink holes) and explore the forested ruins of Cobá.

On balance, we feel that these makes Tulum a good place to base yourself for a couple of days. And that’s why we’ve included it in our Mexico itinerary! Stay in local guesthouses, eat local, and take local colectivos for a more enriching and authentic travel experience.

Related read: Where to Stay in Tulum: Budget Beachfront Accommodation

Tulum Ruins at the Atlantic Ocean in Mexico.

Day 8-10 | Explore Mayan Mérida

So you’ve soaked off in cenotes and got a taste for mesmerising Mexican ruins… it’s time for week two of our Mexico itinerary. Next stop is Yucatán’s delightful cultural capital – Mérida . Wander around beautiful museums and colonial houses. Cycle around the traffic-free streets on Sunday morning before sampling some of the best cochinita and lechón tacos in Mexico at the authentic food stalls in Parque Santa Lucia. In the evening catch a free concert in the lively main square as the sun sets.

Mérida also makes a great base for a DIY tour to the mighty Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza, or an organised day tour to Uxmal . These two ancient sites are major highlights of any trip to Mexico.

Related read: Restaurants in Yucatan, Mexico: Five Culinary Experiences

Temple in Uxmal, Mexico.

Day 11-13 | Pick up the pace in Palenque

Half way through the second week of our Mexico itinerary, and it’s time to discover some of our favourite hidden gems in Mexico. To get some real off-the-beaten track adventure, head next to Palenque town and hop in a local colectivo to the backpacker’s area of El Panchan. Wake up to the reverberating calls of howler monkeys before exploring the jungle-clad ancient ruins of magnificent Palenque.

The next day, head deeper into the jungle to visit Yaxchilan and Bonampak, ancient Mayan sites located near the banks of the Usumacinta River. Travel by jeep and lancha (boat) to reach these hidden sites. And you’ll be rewarded with stunning sculptures and fascinating frescoes.

It’s best to take a day tour with one of the companies in Palenque Town. We would recommend Transportadora Turística Tulum . Whilst you can visit both independently, it’s tough logistically and not necessarily cheaper.

The Palenque temple ruins in Mexico.

Day 14-17 | Hit the highlands in San Cristóbal de las Casas

For something completely different, week 3 of our Mexico itinerary takes you away from the sweat-laden jungle and into the cool Mexican highlands. The captivating mountain city of San Cristóbal de las Casas has a really relaxed and inviting vibe. It’s the kind of place you plan to stop for a couple of nights and find you’re still there after a couple of weeks!

After taking a free walking tour, check out the fabulous eating and drinking options along the pedestrianized section of Real de Guadalupe. The next day, hike up to the stunning city viewpoints of Cerro de San Cristóbal or Cerro de Guadalupe. And don’t forget to sample a couple of shots of pox – a potent local liquer.

To top it all off, take a hostel tour to the stunning vistas and waters of wildlife-rich Cañón del Sumidero. It’s one of the best day trips in Mexico.

Related tour: Sumidero National Park Full-Day Trip from San Cristobal

San Cristobal de las Casas Mexico

Day 18-21 | Relax in the playas of Puerto Escondido

From San Cristóbal de las Casas, take the long bus journey ride south down to the stunning Oaxacan coast to chill out and reflect on your amazing Mexico adventure so far. This section of our Mexico itinerary offers lots of different beach options to suit all tastes and budgets.

Try the surf town of Puerto Escondido (‘hidden port’), with it’s choice of four distinct beaches. Love sea swimming or want to learn to surf? Then head to buzzy Playa Carrizalillo. Fancy lounging in a hammock, cold beer in hand, as you gaze across the inviting sea? Then La Punta de Zicaleta is the place for you. Plus, mellow Puerto Escondido has a great variety of accommodation, nightlife, food options and fab ice cream.

Alternatively, head further along the coast to laid back Mazunte. This yoga-lovers paradise has an extremely chilled-out vibe, a lovely walk to rocky cape Punta Cometa and great coffee. Or how about Zipolite? You’ll find a clothing optional beach, good surf and a great bohemian feel. Whatever you get up to, you’ll get to hang out in some of the best beaches in Mexico.

Beach at Puerto Escondido in Mexico.

Day 22-24 | Eat delicious food in Oaxaca

When you’ve had your fill of beach, head on up to Oaxaca, one of the better known tourist spots and still a fabulous city, although a bit tourist-weary these days. In week 4 of our Mexico itinerary, you’ll get to gorge on delicious mole sauces, tempting tlayuda (‘Mexican pizza’), reviving local chocolate, coffee and mezcal.

Oaxaca has it all – culture, shopping, beautiful churches, contemporary art and unrivalled local gastonomy . Oaxaca is also a great place to learn Spanish or take a cooking class. Don’t forget to take a day trip to the stunningly sited ruins at Monte Albán and the spectacular mineral springs and rock formations of Hierve El Agua. Or if that sounds too adventurous, take tour around one of the many local mezcalarias to discover the secrets of now famous Mexican mezcal.

Delicous Oaxaca Mole in Mexico.

Day 25-28 | Mix it up in magical Mexico City

For more of Mexico’s famous culture and cuisine, our Mexico itinerary takes you north to the vibrant capital. For the first couple of days, focus on CDMX’s downtown delights – the Zócalo (main square), Catedral, Templo Mayor and Palacio Nacional.

Next, soak up more culture in one of the world’s top museums, the Museo Nacional de Antropología . Then head out to the famous Frida Kahlo house in the southern district of Coyoacán to find out more about this icon of Mexican art. For foodie delights, spend your evenings in the trendy neighbourhoods of Condesa and Roma. You’ll get a taste of the city’s heaving taco joints, swanky restaurants and hip bars.

Finally, make time for a trip to the majestic pyramids of Teotihuacán, easily visited by bus from the Autobuses del Norte (line 5, metro).

Teotihuacan temple in Mexico

Day 29 | Discover the ‘pueblo mágico’ of Puebla

After fun, food and culture in the capital, strike out to nearby Puebla – a quintessential pueblo mágico (magical town) . Leave the day trippers to return back to Mexico City and stay over at Puebla to soak up the local vibe. Enjoy local dishes and shopping for colourful ceramics. Get a great rate on Puebla’s hotels, hostels and guesthouses and save yourself a night of pricier accommodation in Mexico City.

Day 30-33 | Guanajuato

In the final section of our Mexico itinerary, it’s time to travel north to gorgeous Guanajuato, one of the most underrated destinations in Mexico. Take a ride on the local funicular for unforgettable panoramic views. Stroll down picture perfect lanes to discover manicured Jardin de la Union, stately Basílica Colegiata de Nuestra Señora de Guanajuato, and the brilliantly baroque Templo de la Compañía. Get your cultural fill of museums, theatres and art galleries. And spend your nights hanging out at one of the many hip student bars.

Church and city center of Guanajuato in Mexico.

Day 34-36 | Morelia

For the penultimate stop on our Mexico itinerary, head to little visited Morelia – the capital of Michoacan state. Gaze at its fabulous rosy pink cathedral and aqueduct. Marvel at the mega murals of its famous son José María Morelos. And enjoy the relaxed outdoor café culture and local sweets.

For adventures outside of the city, visit historical Pátzcuaro. It’s packed full of beautiful churches and presided over by a stunning lake fringed by Purepecha villages offering fabulous handicrafts. You can also check out the impressive archeological site of Tzintzuntzan. It’s a short drive or shared taxi ride away and offers great views of the lake and surrounding countryside.

Morelia also makes an excellent base for the annual monarch butterfly migration in the nearby sanctuary reserve.

Day 37-39 | Guadalajara

For the final stop of our epic Mexico itinerary, head to Mexico’s second largest city, Guadalajara. Less frenetic than the capital, but just as jam-packed with unique local culture, sights and gastronomy. What’s more, Guadalajara is the birthplace of Mariachi music, as well as the home of Mexico’s most well-known export… Tequila !

Start by checking out the city’s fabulous churches, museums and Orozco murals. Then, head out to the nearby agave fields and distilleries to sample the different varietals of tasty Tequila.

Finish our Undertourists Mexico Itinerary by putting your new-found Tequila knowledge to good use in the awesome and welcoming bars in fabulous Guadalajara.

A perfect way to end your epic adventure and raise a glass or two to magical Mexico.

Related tour: Jose Cuervo Distillery & Tequila Town Tour

Time to travel better

So whether you’re dreaming of shimmering waters, golden beaches, bustling cities or ancient treasures, our Mexico itinerary has got you covered. Explore authentic Mexican destinations, visit off-season and choose local travel, food, tours and accommodation. This is your chance to travel better.

Visit www.undertourists.com/be-an-undertourist to pledge your commitment to travel better.

For more hidden gems in Mexico, check out the below posts:

• Taking the Copper Canyon Train in Mexico
• Guadalupe Canyon: A Hot Spring Oasis in Mexico
• Visiting Teotihuacan, Mexico: Tips for Your Trip
• A Culinary Adventure at Mesones Sacristía Featuring Mole Poblano Sauce
• Sayulita Surfing: A Boho-Chic Surfers Paradise

We are Gio & Soph - top travel bloggers and co-founders of responsible travel website We Are The Undertourists. On a mission to help you travel better. We offer free travel guides, tips, info and inspo on local travel in alternative places. Plus a chance to help Make Travel A Force For Good.

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A First-Time Mexico Itinerary For a 100% Independent Trip

This Mexico itinerary is for everyone looking to have a well-rounded experience in the country. It’s a mix of culture, history, beaches, and many many opportunities for tasty tacos !

When thinking of Mexico, most people choose to only explore one of its features: the beaches.

But one of the essential things to know about Mexico is that it’s not only about Cancún , Acapulco , or Playa del Carmen . Mexico is actually a fantastic travel destination, with a lively and vibrant culture, delicious food, and centuries of fascinating history – how many countries pack all of these?

That’s why I’m sharing a full Mexico itinerary for travelers looking for more than “just” world-class beaches and go deeper into the local culture. 100% based on my own travel experience.

You’ll need at the very least 10 days to follow this journey.

Mexico Itinerary: Summary

Mexico itinerary daily plan.

In case you need a bit more detail, I’m sharing a day-by-day plan for this itinerary, based on my journey in Mexico.

• Day 0: Mexico City . Arrive and relax.
• Day 1: Mexico City . Centro Historico & Roma.
• Day 2: Mexico City . Day trip to Teotihuacán.
• Day 3: Mexico City . Chapultepec & Condesa.
• Day 4: Mérida . Early flight to Mérida and explore the city.
• Day 5: Mérida . Option of seeing Uxmal.
• Day 6: Valladolid . Early bus from Mérida, stop in Chichen Itza and explore Valladolid for the rest of the day.
• Day 7: Valladolid . Explore cenotes and Ek Balam ruins.
• Day 8: Tulum . Late bus to Tulum.
• Day 9: Tulum . Trip to Akumal, or Si’an Kaan Reserve, or Gran Cenote.
• Day 10: Tulum . Day trip to Coba just beach time if you’re feeling “ruined-out”.
• Day 11: Tulum . Beach time.
• Day 12: Tulum . Beach time.

Mexico Itinerary – Map

Things to know about this Mexico itinerary

• It starts at Mexico City and ends in Tulum . If possible, book an open-jaw ticket from Cancún or Cozumel airports so that you don’t have to go back to Mexico City to get your flight back home.
• The main stops have a bit of everything: the urban side in Mexico City , the colonial side in Mérida , the cultural Mayan heritage in Valladolid and some (well-deserved) beach time in Tulum . ( blue pins on this map ).
• In between, there’s plenty of options to visit Mayan ruins, natural parks, and other towns ( green pins on this map ).
• I avoided Cancún and Playa del Carmen on purpose. Nothing about it is the real Mexico .
• The intention was not to rally course Mexico. It’s a huge country and it tries to hit a balance between having a well-rounded time experience while keeping logistics and hassle to a minimum. If you have more time, find some more suggestions of places to go further below .
• You don’t need any tours or private transfers. To get around, I used am internal flight MEX-MID (with Interjet) and ADO buses .

Mexico City

Why is Mexico City worth to visit?

While I did prefer other places in Mexico, I honestly feel no Mexico itinerary is complete without Mexico City . It allows you to know the most urban and cosmopolitan side of Mexico and especially understand much better its culture and history.

Don’t overlook Mexico City or even skip it because of concerns with safety .

What to do in Mexico City

The largest city in the Western Hemisphere is bustling with life. From its top-notch museums to the hundreds (thousands?) of taquerías competing for the best tacos al pastor ; from the hip districts of Roma and Condesa to the massive pyramids of Teotihuacán , there’s a lot to wonder about here.

Don’t underestimate your time in Mexico City, I suggest three full days, at least. Read on to know more about how to plan your time in Mexico City .

Where to stay in Mexico City

In my opinion, the single most important decision you need to make when planning a trip to CDMX is where to stay. Staying at a safe and well-connected area is already a half guarantee you’ll have a hassle-free and efficient trip.

I recommend staying at Roma , Condesa , or alternatively at the El Centro districts.

• 👀 My favorite sight: day trip to Teotihuacán.
• 🗓️ My favorite activity: the cooking class with a Mexican mum .
• 🌮 My favorite place to eat: El Pescadito (I still daydream about those fish tacos).
• 🍸 My favorite place to go for a drink: Pulqueria Insurgentes .
• 📚 Read more: my Mexico City 3-day itinerary .

Why is Mérida worth to visit?

Known as the safest city in Mexico, Merida has plenty of reasons to be memorable: the friendly people, many of Mayan descent, the unique Yucatán cuisine, a fun nightlife.

Apart from a strong Mayan cultural appeal, one of Mérida ’s biggest draws is its architecture. The pastel colors of the houses, a gorgeous display of mints, pinks, and peach facades. The large central plazas dominated by towering cathedrals are natural meeting points for locals that come alive during weekends with local markets and cultural events. All of this adds to the colonial vibe of Mérida , which will put you in constant awe.

What to do in Mérida

All streets converge to the main square Plaza Grande boasting the imponent Catedral de San Ildefonso and the white limestone Iglesia de la Tercera Orden . This is the beating heart of the city.

The leafy Paseo Montejo – inspired by Paris’ Champs-Elysées – is a local’s favorite, as they flock here especially each Sunday morning when car traffic is closed.

Mérida is also a great place for gastronomy. Explore the vibrant Mercado Lucas De Galvéz and taste the local ingredients: chaya (similar to spinach), huaya (a type of lime only grown in Yucatán ) or – if you dare – the almighty habanero peppers. Indulge in the authentic Mayan food, including cochinita pibil , tender slow-cooked pork, and my favorite sopa de lima , a hearty lime-infused chicken soup.

In the surroundings, explore the Cuzama and San Antonio Mulix cenotes and the Uxmal archaeological site, just an hour southwest of Mérida.

Where to stay in Mérida

I stayed in Hotel Zamna. It was okay , from service to breakfast. Because we walked everywhere, I found it a bit too far away from all the action. For the same price range, I’m sure there are far better options.

Streets in Merida are numbered (even numbers run vertically, odd horizontally). Aim to stay in the center of the city, next to Plaza Grande , between Calles 45 and 69 – the yellow shaded area on the map below.

• ↪️ How to get there: by plane from Mexico City .
• 👀 My favorite sight: people-watching at Plaza Grande.
• 🗓️ My favorite activity: walking Paseo de Montejo on a Sunday morning and seeing all the locals biking, jogging, and having a great time.
• 🌮 My favorite place to eat: La Chaya Maya (very touristy but very good!)
• 🍸 My favorite place to go for a drink: La Negrita

Why is Valladolid worth to visit?

Even though Valladolid is in the route of the millions of tourists from Cancún on their way to Chichen Itza , the town manages to keep an off-the-grid vibe and remains beautifully faithful to its laid-back way of living. It’s an amazing opportunity to experience the authentic Mayan culture and history.

Valladolid is a breath of fresh air, you feel you are in the real Mexico. I don’t want to oversell it too much, but this was probably my favorite stop in my Mexico itinerary. I felt in the set of Coco movie all the time.

What to do in Valladolid

Located deep in Yucatán ‘s peninsula, Valladolid is a small town but packs a punch. Make sure you stay for at least a night or two to wander through its colorful streets, see the majestic Iglesia de San Gervasio beautifully lit at night, or hunt down one of the carts selling marquesitas (Nutella and cheese crepes) in the main square.

One of the best things in Valladolid are the numerous cenotes this region has to offer, including Cenote Zaci , right in the middle of the city!

If you run out of things to do in the city, rent a car or a scooter and venture out to the surroundings of Valladolid where there are awesome things to see such as Chichen Itza (you’ll easily get there before the crowds) or the less touristy Ek Balam ruins.

Where to stay in Valladolid

Valladolid is a small town, so aim to find near the main square and you’ll be in walking distance of the best restaurants, bars, and sights. Here’s a selection of hotels in the best area to stay .

The place I stayed – Colonte Hotel Origen – was definitely the BEST hotel I stayed in Mexico and one of the best ever. Could easily stay there for a month.

• ↪️ How to get there: by ADO bus from Mérida. Tip: you can leave Mérida early in the morning, stop in Chichen Itza (and Ik-Kil Cenote ) for a few hours and then continue to Valladolid . There’s luggage storage available.
• 👀 My favorite sight: although quite busy, Cenote Suytun .
• 🗓️ My favorite activity: swim at Cenote Zaci , a few steps away from the main square.
• 🌮 My favorite place to eat: Yerbabuena Del Sisal (at this point, my body was in need of non-mexican ingredients)
• 🍸 My favorite place to go for a drink: Conato (ask for a table at the terrace!)

Why is Tulum worth to visit?

The best way to end any one or two-week itinerary is with a few days at the beach. The good news is that there are a plethora of choices in the Riviera Maya area.

The bad news is that very few of them are not overrun by tourists. Honestly, the photos of megaresorts in Cancún and the huge shopping malls in Playa del Carmen gave me anxiety. I mean, how unauthentic can this place be?

We ended up choosing to stay a few days in Tulum , a chance to see an Instagram-ready millennial version of Mexico.

What to do in Tulum

The pristine beaches are undoubtedly Tulum ‘s major attractions. Keep in mind they can get a bit windy, which can be a blessing if you like to kitesurf or windsurf, for instance. Head to the public beaches Santa Fe , Pescadores or Las Palmas or directly to the beach sections in front of resorts and clubs, where you can rent out a day bed.

You can also go for a swim at one of the dozens of cenotes in the Tulum area; the most popular is Cenote Dos Ojos (get there early to beat the crowds!) Nearby, the Sian Ka’an Biosphere makes a great day trip, boasting a natural park with turtles, dolphins, and endless bird and fish species. The best snorkeling is done at off the beaten track seaside town of Akumal though.

But hey, there’s history in Tulum too! Tulum Ruins may not the best the largest or more impressive Mayan ruins in Mexico, but the spectacular location on a cliff next to the beach makes it a must-go. Coba is another archaeological site worth to go, with much fewer tourists than Chichen Itza and with the possibility of climbing the main pyramid!

Where to stay in Tulum

Tulum is divided into two areas, separated by a huge national park.

One on hand, Tulum Beach where all the posh and hip resorts are located. Expect Instagram high prices. Stay here if your budget allows (and by this I mean if you have a big fat wallet able to pay for $300/night resorts), stay at one of the seaside hotels by all means.

However, if you’re like me, you’ll want to stay at Tulum Town, where hostels, guesthouses, and other cheaper accommodation are located. It’s not exactly the prettiest of cities, but it has much better infrastructure, including affordable restaurants, shops, and supermarkets (after all, it’s where locals live too).

When looking for a place to stay in Tulum , ask them if they have bikes to make your daily commute to the beach easier. I’ve made a shortlist of places to stay with bikes available but you can also go with my choice:

• ↪️ How to get there: by ADO bus from Valladolid . You can also rent a car for this leg of the journey and stop on the Coba ruins on your way there.
• 👀 My favorite sight: the gorgeous Playa Las Palmas.
• 🗓️ My favorite activity: biking everyday from the main town to the beach.
• 🌮 My favorite place to eat: Antojitos La Chiapaneca (probably the best meat tacos I’ve had in Mexico!)
• 🍸 My favorite place to go for a drink: Mateos (aim to go at sunset if possible)
• 📚 Read more: I love this unhipster Tulum travel guide . After all, we can’t all be Insta famous.

Planning a trip to Mexico

How can i find the cheapest flights to mexico.

If you haven’t booked your flight yet, try Skyscanner to find the cheapest possible fare to Mexico.

Internally, I just took one flight from Mexico City (MEX) to Mérida (MID) . There are many airlines doing this route ( Interjet , Volaris , Aeroméxico , etc) so competition is high and fares are low. If you have more time though, you may want to take a bus and spend some days at Oaxaca and/or Campeche .

When is the best time to go to Mexico?

The best time to go to Mexico will depend on the places you’re going. In general, aim to visit between December and April. These are the “coolest months”, although temperatures can still reach averages of 28 degrees Celsius in some places.

The weather switches to the rainy season in May/June, lasting until October. This period will also include the hurricane season. Weather is impacted on the Caribbean coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, the Gulf Coast, and even the Pacific coast.

For Mexico City in particular, keep in mind December and April are the winter months and can get colder than you may expect. If you are susceptible to air pollution, you might want to consider coming during the wet season (between May and September).

What other places can I add to this itinerary?

I did miss out on a lot of places when creating this itinerary. To properly explore most of Mexico, you’ll probably need a month, at the very least.

Here are some other ideas of local and authentic places to go in Mexico, in case you have more time or are looking to do some detours.

• Guadalajara
• Puerto Vallarta

Let me know in the comments below which other places I should visit next time I’m in Mexico. Looking forward to your suggestions!

Have you used this Mexico itinerary on your trip? Please share your feedback below and let me know what is missing!

You might also like these articles 💬

3 Days in Mexico City: Full Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

Valladolid, Mexico: A Complete Travel Guide

Is Mexico City Safe? 11 Useful Tips For a Safe Trip

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5 comments 💬

Really helpful itinerary for our mexico trip thanks!

Awesome, enjoy!

Very informative article. Looking forward to planning our trip to Mexico very soon. Thanks.

Enjoy your trip Janelle!

Riviera nayarit is a fantastic area to explore so many beach villages!! See it now! Big changes coming! Sayulita, San Pancho, lo de Marcos, guayabitos and best beach, CHACALA beach and quaint artsy village

Destinations🌎

2 Weeks in Mexico Itinerary – A Brilliant Mexico Road Trip

Ready for an adventure around Mexico? Of course, you are. Don’t miss this perfect Mexico itinerary. 

My five-week trip to Mexico left me a little bit dazed, to be honest.

It was a riot of colour, a sensory assault that left me reeling – not to mention with a jam-packed memory card from trying to capture a fraction of my hugely positive experience. 

I spent two and a half weeks on the road discovering different parts of Mexico. 

Along the way, I stopped off in Tulum , Merida , Campeche , San Cristóbal de las Casas, Oaxaca and Mexico City before whizzing back to the Yucatan Peninsula to catch my flight from Cancun. 

That’s a whopping 3,420 km on the road. 

In fact, my only regret after exploring and eating my way around some of Mexico’s incredible destinations? That I didn’t have even more time.

That aside, my trip to Mexico was brilliant – this guide will walk you through my two-and-a-half-week itinerary with suggested stops and must-see spots to help you plan your own amazing trip. 

I’ll warn you – this is a hectic itinerary. If you want to take it slower, I’d suggest choosing 3 destinations you want to see the most and spending more time in each of them. 

Either way, this guide should help you plan the perfect Mexico road trip itinerary. Let’s go. 

Watch my the accompanying video from my Youtube Channel PS – drop it a subscribe for cool travel tips and inspiration for your next trip!

Handy Tips for Planning Your Mexico Itinerary 

Group tour or independent travel .

Whether you take on a group tour or opt to go solo around Mexico is totally up to you. I planned my trip independently, but there are plenty of perks that come with choosing group trips.

There’s no denying that opting to travel independently gives you complete flexibility and control in terms of your itinerary – but that can also leave you paralyzed by choice. 

If you did want to opt for a group tour, I couldn’t recommend G Adventures enough. This tour allows you to explore Mexico City and the Yucatan Peninsula in all it’s glory – and the best part is that all the travel is pre-planned for you. No stress, just incredible experiences.

If you’re not quite sure that a group tour is for you, I recommend opting for something like this Merida and Tulum tour as part of your journey to give you a taste of the lifestyle.

What to Pack for Your Mexico Itinerary

Mexico’s waters are a haven of adventure, and so you’ll need to pack a decent swimsuit like this one to make the most of it. Or trunks , if that’s more your style.

It’s no secret that Mexico is HOT. And it’s really not worth the risk of burning, so make sure to pack sunblock, a wide-brimmed hat or a cap , and a pair of polarized sunglasses to protect your peepers.

Do not underestimate how much you’ll be walking on your trip – a pair of comfy shoes for exploring ruins and landmarks is a necessity. 

If you’re moving around the country a lot, it’s a good idea to choose a carry-on backpack that can save you money (and sore shoulders).

Read my guide to Mexico here for more tips on what to pack.

Useful Resources 

When planning a Mexico trip, there are a number of useful resources and tools to make your Mexico two week itinerary extra pleasant. These are my top picks:

Skyscanner – The top flight search site. It makes it convenient and affordable to book flights from anywhere in the world.

Booking.com – Search for a wide selection of hotels to suit all budgets. 

Tripadvisor – The best place for real-life restaurant reviews and other tourist’s experiences whilst on the go.  

Get Your Guide – Pre-planned tours to make your trip simple. From foodie tours to adventure activities, this should be your first point of call.

Viator – Another great option if you’re looking to embark on a group tour during your Mexico adventure. Find great prices for pre-planned tours and trips.

Rentalcars.com – The best place to discover cheap and reliable rental cars, no matter where you are in the world.

Getting Around 

In my personal experience, the easiest way to travel around Mexico is via car, mainly because if means that you don’t need to rely on timetables to travel around.

If you do decide to hire a car for a Mexico road trip, be sure to take out the full insurance. Hiring cars in Mexico is cheap but it’s worth taking out the insurance to cover mishaps like punctures or chipped windscreens or breakdowns. You don’t want to be left on the side of the road with no cover to help and huge bills.

If you’re not keen on driving, the ADO bus system is extensive and covers all of the destinations I’ve featured. Buses are clean and comfortable in Mexico and are reliable methods of transport.

This Mexico itinerary is a whirlwind and there are quite a few long days on the road. If you want to take it a lot easier, I’d focus on one area instead, like the Yucatan Peninsula. You could easily spend two weeks in Tulum, Valladolid, Merida and Campeche – a trip that’s easy to do via coaches too.

2 Weeks in Mexico Itinerary: The Ultimate Road Trip

Tulum – (days 1-3) .

Tulum is one of the places to visit in Riviera Maya . It is Mexico’s boho-chic beach paradise. It’s a sultry combination of ancient Mayan ruins, gorgeous beaches and laid-back parties under the stars.

Now, Tulum is a bit Marmite – some people totally love the carefree and relaxed atmosphere, while others bemoan days gone by when Tulum was a hidden gem only visited by those in the know. 

While those days may be long gone, Tulum still works its magic and I totally fell under its spell. 

I won’t lie, I came to Tulum for the beaches and cenotes (those are the limestone caverns and swimming holes for which the Yucatan Peninsula is famed).

It only took a couple of days for me to realise there was so much more to it than those two things, so you should really get out and explore while you’re there. 

Sian Ka’an Nature Reserve 

An extensive nature reserve that begins at the end of Tulum beach. Spread out over an area of 2,797 km², the reserve was honestly one of my favourite spots in Tulum.

The pristine beaches are draw enough but if you have enough time, explore the huge coastal lagoons and the marine section of the park where you can often spot several species of dolphins. 

Book a tour of Sian Ka’an Nature Reserve 

Muyil Ruins

You can go to the other side of Sian Ka’an reserve to see the Muyil Ruins and take a boat ride through the lagoons that form the northern section of Sian Ka’an. 

The ruins are all that is left of a Mayan complex that flourished in this spot between 250AD and 1600 when the Spanish conquistadors reached the Yucatan.

Buried amidst the jungle, walking around the site (which is never very busy) is the closest thing to being Lara Croft you’ll experience in real life. 

Azulik Uh May 

Want to see something completely bonkers (in the very best way?) then you have to see Azulik Uh May. This large-scale art installation is located in the jungle, about a 45 minute drive from Tulum.

The project aims to help connect visitors with the local environment and provide a sense of destination.

Sure, it might sound a bit airy-fairy, but it’s an accurate description – the only way to find out what I mean is to go and see it for yourself.

Suggested Stay: Outsite Tulum 

I stayed at the newly-opened Outsite in Tulum for the two weeks I was in Tulum and would recommend it, with a few quibbles.

The rooms are gorgeous – particularly if you’re lucky enough to bag one of the ones overlooking the jungle with a private balcony where you can chill with nothing but greenery as far as the eye can see. 

My quibbles mainly stemmed from the fact that this is a co-working and co-living space, so it was disappointing that the wifi was pretty bad and the coworking space was not up to scratch.

But as most of you won’t need to work during your trip, it’s a great value place to stay on Tulum Beach. 

Check rates and availability at Outsite Tulum.

I’ve written a separate article (with an accompanying Youtube video) about my time in Tulum and all the brilliant things I got up to during my time there. Go and check it out.

Merida – (Days 4-6)

Five hours’ drive from Tulum 

Merida is the capital of the Yucatan state and another popular stop for travellers visiting Mexico thanks to its charming combination of colourful buildings, unique culture – not to mention some ridiculously good food. 

I loved Merida so much, I actually visited twice! First, for my first couple of days in Mexico and then again once we left Tulum – that’s a big hint for you to totally add it to your Mexico itinerary.  

Gran Museo del Mundo Maya

There’s no missing the award-winning architecture of the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya . This ambitious museum in the north of the city is a striking arrangement of silver metal surrounded by green piping. 

Inside, it’s much more sedate – walking visitors through the history of Mayan culture and showcasing the Yucatan’s pre-conquistador heritage. 

Tacos at Wayan’e 

If I give you two pieces of advice for Wayan’e they would be: 

• Go early 

That’s it. 

There’s a reason that this taqueria (which has a couple of branches in Merida) has a reputation for serving the best tacos in the city.

The extensive menu features traditional Yucatan fillings such as chaya con huevo (Mexican spinach and egg) or crispy pork belly doused in chilli. Priced at around 14 pesos per taco (less than £1 /$1), there’s no reason not to try as many as you possibly can. 

Cocktails at Rosa y Xocolate 

I’ll make a little bet with you. If you search for Merida on Instagram, I’ll wager that the bright pink building of the boutique hotel Rosas y Xocolate features heavily in the results. 

Ignore or embrace the fact that it’s an Instagrammer’s dream and turn your attention to their really rather brilliant cocktails instead. 

There’s even a pretty rooftop bar with views of the city that’s open in the evenings at the weekend.  

Suggested Stay: Sercotel Casona 61

If you do go to Merida and you’re looking for somewhere stylish to plump down, Sercotel Casona 61 was one of my favourite stays of the trip.

Our room even came with a private rooftop terrace with a small pool. Strongly approve. 

Check rates and availability at Sercotel Casona 61.

Read My Merida Travel Guide

Campeche – (Days 6-7)

Two hours’ drive from Merida 

Not that many tourists make it to Campeche, which is a total shame as the old colonial centre is hella pretty and it’s got its own kind of cool, unpretentious sort of sleepy but totally wow thing going for it. 

Like so many other destinations in the Yucatan region, Campeche is beautiful and incredibly well preserved. So much so that it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

One of the best things to do is simply stroll around and take it all in in its majestic glory. 

Sundowners at Casa Vieja del Rio 

The cocktails at Casa Vieja del Rio are just as good any time of day, but its the views at sunset that make this place really special.

Just a stone’s throw away from the cathedral – the long outside terrace at Casa Vieja del Rio is the perfect place to watch as the warm hues of the setting sun bathes the cathedral in its golden light. 

Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral 

I’ll have to make a confession – I didn’t go inside Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral but the exterior is beautiful enough to catch your eye.

Rising from the edge of the main square, the baroque exterior dominates the centre of Campeche in the best way possible. 

Check out the Crazy Facade of the Ex Templo de San Jose 

Can we all just take it as a given that the architecture in Campeche is something else… but once in a while you come across a building so cool that it stops you in your tracks. The Ex Templo de San Jose is that building. 

Used as a Franciscan temple and then (rather bizarrely) as a lighthouse, be sure to check out the colourful tiled facade as you walk around the city. 

Walk the City Ramparts 

Campeche used to be a huge trading hub and, as such, was subject to a number of ferocious pirate attacks. The king of Spain ordered that a protective wall be built around the city – parts of which still stand today. 

You can walk along the sturdy ramparts or visit one of the bastions – one contains a botanical garden, while another houses a small museum on the history of the city.

Suggested Stay: Hotel Socaire 

A short walk from the Parque de la Independencia and the seafront, this spacious hotel boasts a swimming pool and comfortable rooms for your stay. 

Check rates and availability at Hotel Socaire

Read my Campeche Travel Guide or my Campeche Hotel Guide

On the road between Campeche and San Cristobal de las Casas  I’m straight up telling the truth when I say that we felt completely safe throughout the whole of the road trip but there was one section of the road trip that I was a bit worried about before we tackled it… the road between Palenque and San Cristobal de las Casas.  Driving the road was actually totally fine (apart from the ridiculous number of topes – vicious speed bumps along it that threatened to total the car) but there were loads of Tripadvisor reports of unofficial blockades and armed robberies and we were the teeeniest bit apprehensive during the drive – but it all turned out to be totally OK.  We checked before we set off and were told that it’s fine as long as you drive in daylight.

San Cristobal de las Casas – (Days 7-9) 

Nine hours’ drive from Campeche 

I probably wouldn’t have made it to San Cristobal de las Casas were it not for a tip off from a friend (hey Mike) who rode from Alaska to the Southern tip of South America (yes, you heard me right – that is a freakishly long way). 

Anyway, to cut a long story short, Mike listed San Cristobal as one of his favourite spots from the trip and so I put it on the itinerary. 

I’m SO GLAD that I did – tucked away in the heady mountains of the Chiapas region, San Cristobal is a distinct destination that felt worlds away from the other places we visited on the trip. 

The region still has a large indigenous population and Tzotzil and Maya culture make their presence known in San Cristobal and its surrounds. 

Church of San Cristobalito 

If you want to catch the best views of San Cristobal de las Casas, climb the hills to one of the two churches perched above the town.

The Iglesia de San Cristobalito is the first of these two – with a pretty white and red facade.

The views are the real draw though – just be warned that it is a steep walk to get there. 

Iglesia de Guadalupe 

The second of the two churches with panoramic vistas is the Iglesia de Guadalupe. Like that of San Cristobalito, the biggest attraction is the views – reached via a steep flight of stairs and looking down to the town and beyond. 

Casa Na Bolom

Housed in the former home of archeologist Frans Blom and his wife, Gertrude Duby Blom, Casa Na Bolom provides and interesting perspective on the lives and tradition of the local indigenous peoples in the Chiapas region. 

Your visit starts with a short video, which looks at the work of the two founders and the heritage they sought to record and preserve – after which you move onto the small museum itself. 

Don’t forget to take a walk through the cool botanical gardens at the back once you’re done. 

Iglesia de San Juan, Chamula 

Although it’s not in San Cristobal de las Casas itself, a visit to the Iglesia de San Juan in the small town of Chamula – about 15 minutes’ drive from San Cristobal – is an absolute must. 

Even though I’ve travelled pretty extensively, the Iglesia has to be one of the most memorable – and certainly unique – things I’ve seen during my time on the road. 

It looks like a normal church from the outside, but as soon as you pay the entrance fee and walk inside, it’s clear that this is going to be a little different. 

A fug of copal hangs in the air, mixed with the smoke of the thousands and thousands of candles that line the exterior walls.

Locals sit on the floor, scattered with pine branches, praying around small fires lit on the ground, drinking the local spirits pox and fizzy drinks in order to burp and bring out the evil spirits. 

The practices are a blend of Catholicism and indiginous beliefs that have clung on throughout the centuries – it’s totally fascinating to watch and one of the most distinct things you will see on your Mexico itinerary. 

Suggested Stay: Hotel Docecuartos 

A small hotel of just twelve rooms (hence the name), Hotel Docecuartos was the perfect base for my time in San Cristobal de las Casas.

Spacious rooms are set around a central courtyard and the hotel itself is mere minutes away from many of San Cristobal’s liveliest streets and biggest sights. 

Check rates and availability at Hotel Docecuartos

Oaxaca 3 days (Days 9 – 12) 

Nine hours’ drive from San Cristobal de las Casas 

Chances are you’ve heard of the state of Oaxaca – the land of the seven moles, folklore, colour and a city that’s also, rather confusingly, called Oaxaca. 

I’ve wanted to go to Oaxaca for such a long time thanks to its reputation as one of the culinary capitals of Mexico – and I took complete advantage of the opportunity to eat as much food in and around Oaxaca as I possibly could. 

Don’t think Oaxaca is only about the food though (though it is soooooo good) – the colourful old town is a riot of activity, fiestas and cool hangouts. You can’t help but fall the teeniest bit in love with it. 

Templo de Santo Domingo

Oaxaca has a lot of churches (and I really mean a lot) but the Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzman is the best-known landmark , thanks to its dramatic Baroque architecture and elaborate interior.

The carved facade is a showstopper – even by Mexican standards, particularly in the warm glow of sunset.

Explore the Markets 

Oaxaca is brimming with a wealth of markets – from clothing to food – there’s pretty much a market for everything.

My personal favourite was the huge Mercade de Abastos, which sells everything from freshly milled chilli paste to fruits and veg and fresh masa for making tortillas. Walking around it is a full-on sensory experience – wear comfortable shoes. 

Check out the Scenery at Hierve el Agua 

You can’t visit Oaxaca without checking out the stunning landscapes at the nearby Hierve el Agua.

A series of natural springs looking out at an expansive panorama of jaw-dropping views, Hierve el Agua is a nice place to spend a morning or afternoon. Don’t forget to bring your swimsuit and take a dip.

If you’re feeling energetic, you can also hike to the petrified waterfalls further down the valley. 

Visit the Sunday Market at Tlacolula 

Oaxaca state is big on its markets – each day of the week sees a market day in one of the towns and villages surrounding Oaxaca City.

Sunday is Tlacaloula – pretty much the biggest of them all. 

The market is vast – with lots of freshly-cooked food for you to dig your teeth into (please, please try the barbecued chicken and also the fresh quesillo cheese – you won’t regret either).

Go earlyish – it starts winding down by about 4pm. 

Visit a Mezcal Distillery

Mezcaaaaaal. If you’ve never had the pleasure of sipping on a glass of tequila’s smokier, smoother cousin, Oaxaca is the place to fix that.

While there are many mezcalerias in Oaxaca itself, it’s much more fun to hop in the car and drive out to one of the hundreds of distilleries dotted in the surrounding areas. 

The area around Santiago de Matatlan is well-known for its mezcals – we visited the cool Gracias a Dios distillery for a tour and tasting and it was brilliant.

Learning about how the mezcal was made and the different flavours was a real treat – plus it’s the perfect place to pick up a bottle or two to bring home. 

Suggested Stay: Casa Oaxaca 

Oaxaca isn’t short on cool places to bed down for your trip but Casa Oaxaca is a winner. With just seven rooms and an outdoor pool, it’s a chill but beautifully-styled hotel in a great location. 

Check rates and availability at Casa Oaxaca  

Read my Oaxaca Guide

Mexico City – (Days 12-14) 

Six hours’ drive from Oaxaca 

OK guys, your 2 weeks in Mexico is pretty much over… but not quite. Last, but by no means least, it’s time to swing by Mexico’s crazy capital, Mexico City . 

Mexico City is often billed as a super-city thanks to its insane size (currently over 25 million inhabitants and counting).

It’s massive too – spread out across a shallow mountain bowl almost two and a half thousand metres above sea level. 

If that doesn’t make you dizzy, the heady combination of sights, old and new, stellar restaurants, cool bars and unique finds totally will. 

Eat at Pujol, Mexico City’s Best Restaurant 

Mexico City is a foodie’s paradise, so you know there has to be something really special going on for a restaurant to consistently be named as the city’s best for almost two decades.

Special is about the right way to describe Pujol . 

Named as one of the best restaurants in the world, tables at Enrique Olvera’s fine-dining eatery are notoriously tough to get (I’d recommend booking a couple of months in advance if possible) but absolutely worth the effort. 

Olvera deftly combines traditional indiginous ingredients and cooking styles with contemporary touches, walking diners through a culinary journey of his much-beloved country.

There’s even a mole that’s been cooking for over five years – a tongue-tingling experience you won’t forget. 

Diego Rivera Murals at Palacio Gobierno 

Diego Rivera and his contemporaries (including his wife Frida Kahlo) heralded a golden age in Mexican art – a reckoning with Mexico’s often violent past and a vision for a better future.

Never is this more clear than in the vast murals in the Palacio Gobierno. Throughout the murals, Riviera looks at Mexico past, present and future – each painting filled with a richness of symbolism and detail. It’s an absolute must for your time in the city. 

Templo Mayor 

Prior to the arrival of the Spanish Conquistadors, Mexico City was a well-developed city known as Tenochtitlan – the capital of the Aztec states of Tenochtitlan, Texcoco, and Tlacopan.

Little evidence of this pre-colonial existence remains – the Spanish pretty much razed the city to the ground during the conquest, which is why Templo Mayor is so special. 

Steps away from Mexico City’s Zocalo, the temple is pretty much the only remaining pre-conquest structure standing in Mexico City.

You can take a peek at the temples from above or pay to visit for a closer look. 

Palacio de Bellas Artes

The Palacio de Bellas Artes is one of my favourite spots in Mexico City. 

The striking architecture houses another jaw-dropping display of large-scale murals (this time not only by Riviera but also contemporaries such as Rufino Tamayo and David Alfaro Siqueiros). 

You can also find a number of temporary exhibitions displayed in the cultural centre.  

Drinks at the Torre Latinoamerica 

I mentioned Mexico City’s vast size, but it’s difficult to really grasp just how big this city is until you see it from above.

Truck up to the 41st floor of the Torre Latinoamerica and nab a seat next to the panoramic windows and soak it all in.

You can pay to visit the viewing platform three floors up, but a drink at the bar is a much more relaxed way to take it all in. 

Casa Azul – Frida Kahlo Museum 

Mention the words Mexico City and chances are you’ll think of Frida Kahlo. A pioneer in Mexican Folk Art, Frida’s distinctive and unflinching style is never more apparent than during a visit to the Casa Azul. 

Housed in what was Kahlo’s childhood home, and then where she lived with Diego Rivera until her death, it’s one of the most visited museums in the city. Book ahead or go early. 

Gorge on Tacos at Los Cucuyos 

When I say taco, you say Los Cucuyos. 

People. We need to talk about these tacos. I ate a lot of tacos during my Mexican road trip and these tacos blew my mind. 

Join the inevitable queue and prepare your stomach for some serious taco action – slow-cooked meats in buttery juices, caramelized longaniza sausage, all accompanied by a touch of fiery chilli sauce and some sharp lime juice – absolute perfection. 

Suggested Stay: Hotel Villa Condesa 

Chic Condesa is a cool place to base yourself during your time in Mexico City and this lovely boutique hotel is a complete winner.

Contemporary and airy rooms are tucked away in this small bed & breakfast with an open courtyard. 

Check rates and availability at Hotel Villa Condesa

Optional: Drive back to Cancun 

Cancun was the last stop on my Mexican road trip before catching the flight home – a long drive back via Villahermosa (an unremarkable city we arrived late in and departed early from).  

As a treat, I booked us into the Intercontinental for one last spot of chillin’ out maxin’ relaxin’ all cool by the beach.

I’ve been to Cancun before and, aside from the chance to hang out in posh hotels on a beautiful stretch of coastline, can’t say I’ve ever been blown away by it, but the Intercontinental was great and the perfect way to round off the trip.

I’d highly recommend if you’re staying in Cancun at the beginning or end of your Mexico itinerary. 

Check rates and availability at the Intercontinental Cancun.  

After that, it was time to bid adieu to Mexico and hop on good old British Airways for the flight home. 

And that was it. Almost 3,500 kilometres later the Mexican road trip was over. 

I’d been in Mexico for almost five weeks and had so many incredible experiences – from stargazing under inky black skies to learning to cook up a storm and taking some hair-raising drives but not once did I feel threatened or in any way unsafe. 

It was a trip I’ll never forget and I’m so looking forward to my next trip to this fabulous country.

Got any suggestions for spots to visit on a Mexico road trip? Drop them in the comments below. 

But for now, it’s time to say adios. I hope you have a brilliant trip. 

Planning Your Mexico Itinerary? Read Next 

• Mexico Travel Tips – What to See + How to Plan Your Mexico Travels
• Unmissable Things to do in Mexico City
• Cool Places to Visit in Tulum – spots you shouldn’t miss 
• Why You Need to Visit Merida, Mexico
• When’s the Best Time to Visit Central America?
• The Best Time to Visit Mexico

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I’m Julianna Barnaby - a professional travel writer and geek extraordinaire. I started The Discoveries Of to help you to discover the best of new destinations from around the world.

Discovering new places is a thrill - whether it’s close to home, a new country or continent, I write to help you explore more and explore differently.

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THE ULTIMATE BACKPACKING ROUTE FOR MEXICO (full itinerary)

Mexico is a country of vibrant culture, stunning scenery, and rich history, making it an ideal destination for backpackers looking for adventure and a unique travel experience. Whether you’re a first-time backpacker or a seasoned traveler, Mexico offers endless opportunities to explore its diverse landscapes, indulge in its world-renowned cuisine, and immerse yourself in its fascinating culture. From the bustling streets of Mexico City to the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean coast, Mexico has something for everyone. In this blogpost, I will show you my ultimate backpacking route through Mexico, covering some of the country’s most iconic destinations and hidden gems, as well as some practical tips to make your journey smooth and unforgettable.

I recently just got back from a 5 month solo backpacking trip through Mexico, and even after that I didn’t get to see everything because Mexico is HUGE. Below is the route I took and I honestly think it was the best route to take if you’re really trying to experience the beauty this country has to offer, I suggest the slow travel route through the reliable bus system of Mexico. I also suggest having this as a loose itinerary and not booking too ahead of time just in case you are loving the place you are visiting and want to spend more time there- room for spontaneity is key when traveling (if you have time).

Table of Contents

IS MEXICO SAFE FOR SOLO FEMALE TRAVELERS?

YES ! I personally did never felt unsafe during my 5 months exploring through Mexico. There are many hostels throughout the country and many travelers making the same journey as well. If you are nervous, stick to more popular destinations first than ask your hostel about the other places you are going to, but like I said, I visited a lot of cities and towns throughout Mexico and never felt unsafe. It also doesn’t hurt to have a basic understanding of Spanish before you go so you can get around easier.

A lot of people assume Mexico is dangerous because of the gang related activities like the cartel, however, they aren’t really interested in messing with the tourists as it would shed a bad light on the country. Like any place, there are areas to avoid and minor crimes to look out for (petty crimes like stealing, pickpocketing, etc.).

Read more on 7 basic travel tips for any female solo travelers to help you stay safe and confident wherever you go here.

USEFUL THINGS TO KNOW:

Before you go:

• 20 things to know before you go to Mexico
• Everything you need to be packing for Mexico

Useful websites & apps to use on your mexico journey:

• google maps
• google translate

Seasons to be aware of in Mexico:

• Whalesharks: “Whale shark season in the Yucatan Peninsula, including Cancun, Isla Mujeres, and Isla Holbox, runs from June to September. Whale shark season in Baja California Sur runs from October to May”
• Turtle releasing: on the Pacific coast you can release turtles from August-December
• Bioluminescence: bioluminescent plankton in Isla Holbox from April-November but you can see them in a lagoon near Puerto Escondido almost all year round (go when there is no moon out for better visibility)
• Butterfly migration in Michoacan: November-March

If you’re a nature lover and want to make sure you’re seeing the most nature possible, I made an Ultimate Nature Travel Guide for Mexico you can checkout here!

SAMPLE ITINERARY: *you can do this route from West to East or East to West of Mexico, this is West to East*

Since I was starting from the west coast of the US, I chose to fly from LA to Puerto Vallarta. However, I wasn’t aware of the beauty in Baja California until after I started my Mexico journey started. So if I was to start again, I would actually fly from San Diego to Tijuana then Tijuana to Cabo to explore and do a work exchange in Baja California then fly from Baja California to Puerto Vallarta.

Fly into Puerto Vallarta , spend 3 days there then take a bus 40 minutes away to the little surf town of Sayulita .

I spent a month in Sayulita doing a work exchange in a surf hostel and loved every minute of this little slow town. Spend at least a week in Sayulita (you will love it I promise) then head back to Puerto Vallarta.

*you can either take a bus to Guadalajara & Tequila then take a bus to CDMX or take a flight for $40USD to Mexico CIty (CDMX)* I chose to skip Guadalajara although I wish I hadn’t since it was on the way already.

From Mexico City you can take a ton of day trips! Day trips you can take from Mexico (inorder) I took were:

• Grutas de Tolantongo for the hot springs, full video on how to get there without a tour here
• San Luis Potosi for the various waterfalls and blue waters
• Nevado De Toluca to hike the volcano
• Tepoztlan a pueblo magico that has a great mountainscape for hiking
• Michoacan to see the butterfly migration
• Cholula to hike the second and third highest volcanoes in Mexico and eat yummy vegan food
• Guanajuato (my friends went here however I did not- i heard it was a cute colorful town)
• Teotihuacan (pyramids near Mexico City that have hot air balloons)

After taking some day trips, you can take a bus from Mexico City to Oaxaca City . You really only need 3 days there to try the famous mole, go to Hierve de Agua and Monte Alban. Before leaving Oaxaca City make sure to withdraw some cash since there are no ATM’s until Puerto Escondido.

The best way to get to the coast and see some beauty along the way is to take a the Lineas Unidos bus from Oaxaca City to San Jose del Pacifico . San Jose del Pacifico is a small mountainous town that is known for its famous mushroom journey and beautiful sunsets. You can find the cozy cabin mountain vibes here that allow you to disconnect and enjoy the scenery. I stayed at Bostel Rancho Viejo Hostel and it was probably one of the nicest hostels I have ever stayed at- it felt like you were renting a cabin with other travelers. I also heard La Cumbre was a great hostel with mushrooms being sold at the check in counter. *you can spend max 3 days here & BRING CASH BECAUSE THERE ARE NOW ATMS*

From San Jose del Pacifico you can take a van aka “the bus” (the same kind of van you took there) towards the ocean coast to Zipolite . I loved Zipolite! It’s known for its legal nude beach and a chill hippie town vibe. *there are NO ATM’s here*

• you can visit Playa Del Amor and Playa Zipolite (both nude beaches) and eat at the yummy Mai Mai Thai Cuisine restaurant for some yummy food

From Zipolite you can head to the next little hippie town which is only 10-15 minutes away by collectivo, Mazunte , which has more restaurants, shops, and things to do. In Mazunte definitely hit up El Tiburon smoothies for a really delicious smoothie or juice and head to Punta Cometa to watch the sunset. If you stay at Cabanas __ here you will see the most beautiful sunrises from your room on top of the hill.

From Mazunte, you can take a collectivo to San Augustine and take the bus to Puerto Escondido. Puerto Escondido is another surf town on the Pacific Coast of Mexico but is much larger than Sayulita. Here there is more of a party scene, restaurants and professional surfing. This is also another place I did a work exchange, I stayed in Centro and volunteered at Puerto Dreams Hostel with Worldpackers! You can look into and apply to the here.

My Ultimate Puerto Escondido Travel Guide with 50 pinned locations including hidden waterfalls, the best snorkeling spot, and hidden hot springs.

For better surfing (especially for beginners/intermediate surfers) you can take a collectivo, taxi then a boat to a little “island” called Chacahua . I loved Chacahua! It is a TINY little beach town surrounded by a lagoon and ocean; it is a beautiful place to disconnect, focus on surfing and camp on the beach. If you have a tent (which I could use free by working at the hostel) you can just camp on the beach and wake up to beautiful sunrises.

Just take the same route back towards Puerto Escondido and take the bus to Tuxla or I personally chose to catch the sunset at Punta Cometa in Mazunte, eat dinner at my favorite vegan Moroccan place and then take a taxi to catch the night bus from Pochutla to Tuxla.

In Tuxla my friend and I stayed at Hostel Centro Tres for two nights (although you could do one night here) so we could visit Sumidero Canyon the next day. The hostel offers a pretty nice tour that takes you to the Canyon, plus 4 miradors and drops you off in San Cristobal De las Casas -and yes you can take your bags into the tour van to bring with you to San Cristobal de las Casas.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a beautiful town that is very lively, has a lot of good restaurants (many vegan options), and markets. Many people take tours from the famous Cascada El Chiflon and Lagos de Montebello, but I chose to take a bus from San Cristobal De las Casas two hours away to Comitán to avoid taking a tour.

In Comitan a friend and I stayed at the GOES Place (300 pesos for one night so 150 peso each) which was literally a 5 minute walk from the collectivo pick up to head to the waterfalls- video with all the details you need below. *you can get it for cheaper in person, pay for one night then ask to pay in cash and it will come out to 300 pesos per night)

Take a bus back to San Cristobal de las Casas to catch a night bus to Palenque . The actual drive to Palenque is only 5 hours but the bus takes a different route when it’s nighttime to avoid a dangerous road, so the bus ride is about 10/11 hours long. You can either visit for one day or two days. I suggest at least two so you don’t feel rushed, especially if you are going to see the ruins. In Palenque, you can visit Cascada Agua Azul, Cascada Misol-Ha and the Palenque Ruins.

From Palenque you can take a night bus towards Merida since the journey is about 12 hours. There are many cenotes near Merida that you can visit by renting a moped to visit them. I liked Merida, however I think the best cenotes were in Valladolid. To visit the cenotes in Merida you need to drive an hour and a half away to get to them.

From Merida, you can take a bus two hours away to Valladolid which is a good halfway point between Merida and the coast. I suggest at least 3 days in Valladolid so you can go explore the cenotes, Chichen Itza (one of the wonders of the world) and enjoy the cute town!

From Valladolid you have a couple options to either go to Cancun or go up to Chiquila to visit Isla Holbox. I actually skipped it since there wasn’t enough time for me to explore but I’ve heard great things about Isla Holbox so you should definitely go (although it is expensive so budget well for this).

You have two options once you get to Cancun: bus down the coast and hit Tulum, Playa del Carmen and end your Mexixo journey in Bacalar before heading towards Belize to continue to Central America OR you can go down to Bacalar, hit Playa del Carmen and Tulum on your way back up to Cancun and take a flight from there.

From Cancun I took a Bacalar (since I wasn’t continuing on to Central America)! My friend stayed at Casa Lahar hostel which was a little out of the way (40 minute walk from Centro) but also it was $15 a night and right on the lagoon. You can stay in Bacalar for at least 3 days and then take a bus to Tulum .

In Tulum you can explore cenotes, enjoy the beaches and ruins. You can take a bus north towards Playa del Carmen to explore the party scene on 5th avenue and island hop to Cozumel to snorkel and dive. You can continue heading back up the coast back to Cancun and then island hop to both Isla Mujeres and Isla Contoy as well.

This itinerary just hits most of the main points of Mexico but like I mentioned before, MEXICO IS HUGE! If you truly want to see the most of Mexico I would definitely suggest at least 3 months, but you can always focus on one or two states at a time.

If you want the grand tour of Mexico, all the places below I highly recommend:

• 2- 3 days Puerto Vallarta
• 1 week in Sayulita
• 2-3 days in CDMX
• 2 days in Grutas de Tolantongo
• 3-4 days in San Luis Potosi
• 3-4 days Cholula
• 2-3 days in Oaxaca City
• 2-3 days in San Jose del Pacifico
• 2-3 days in Zipolite
• 2-3 days in Mazunte
• 1 week in Puerto Escondido
• 2-3 days in Chacahua
• 1-2 days in Tuxla
• 2-3 days in San Cristobal de las Casas
• 2-3 days in Merida
• 3-5 days in Valladolid
• 3 days in Isla Holbox
• 2-3 days in Cancun
• 3 days on Isla Mujeres
• 2-3 days in Playa del Carmen
• 2-3 days on Cozumel
• 5 days in Tulum
• 3-5 days in Bacalar

I hope this blogpost helped you get a good idea on how to get around and what to see in Mexico during your backpacking trip. Make sure to subscribe to my blog so you dont miss out on future blog posts with travel tips and itineraries.

Happy traveling xx

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Mexican Routes

Mexico Online Travel Guide & Tourist Information

How to plan a trip to Mexico?

So, you have decided to spend your holiday in Mexico and want to get to know this beautiful and enormous country, but don’t know where to start? Are you interested in cultural attractions, adventure, beach resorts, or colonial towns?

Mexico is often associated with spring-breaking holidays and beach resorts in Cancun or Los Cabos, but that’s not all. The country boasts a rich variety of climates and natural wonders that cater to a wide range of interests and preferences.

From the lush jungles to the vast arid desert landscapes, Mexico offers many natural wonders to explore. The country is home to stunning beaches, ancient archaeological sites, vibrant colonial cities, and breathtaking natural attractions.

What is “Mexican Routes” about?

MexicanRoutes is the most comprehensive online travel guide to Mexico, the best solution for backpacking, and road trips around Mexico, or just to get an idea of where to go and what to see in this amazing and beautiful country.

Here you will find all the necessary tourist information: historical facts, tourist attractions, suggested routes, recommendations on how to get around, tourist tips, local cultural traditions, holidays and festivals, cuisine, and much more.

Everything you need to know about Mexico

• More than 250 Mexican destinations: towns and villages
• More than 100 archaeological zones
• Suggested travel routes for your visit to Mexico

Search by category or by state, to read about more than 500 Mexican destinations: towns, villages, resorts, archeological sites, protected natural areas, history facts, tourist attractions, how to get there, getting around, and things to do.

We plan travel routes based on the custom choices you have made. This saves you time and allows you to maximize your precious vacation hours. Just go to the travel routes section and choose the best route for you. All routes are free.

Mexico quick facts

• Mexico is a federal republic in the southern portion of North America.
• The official name of Mexico is the United Mexican States.
• Mexico is the 14th largest country by land area.
• National Day: 16th September.
• The national symbol of Mexico is the golden eagle which features prominently on the coat of arms.
• The national language of Mexico is Spanish.
• Mexico uses the Mexican peso, 1 USD = 21 MXN (2022)

Administrative division of Mexico

• Mexico is divided into 31 states + Mexico City.
• Each state is divided into municipalities.
• There are 2448 municipalities in Mexico

Mexico City is a special political division that belongs to the federation as a whole and not to a particular state. Before 2016 was known as the Federal District, its autonomy was previously limited relative to that of the states.

Mexico City is divided into 16 boroughs.

What Mexico is famous for?

Places to visit in mexico:.

Mexico has a lot to offer as a holiday destination, including good value for money, a rich cultural heritage, and stunning scenery. Mexico has many must-see sites: nearly 5 million square kilometers of coastline, desert, rainforest, and mountains.

Mexico is a land of beauty, with high mountains and deep canyons, vast deserts, and dense tropical forests. Mexican culture is rich in history and traditions. Mexico is the product of a rich pre-Hispanic heritage and 3 centuries of Spanish rule.

Mexico is also known by:

• Pre-Columbian archaeological zones
• Resorts & Beaches
• Natural areas
• Mexican street food
• Mayan ancient ruins & pyramids
• Mariachi & musica ranchera
• The Day of the Dead
• Mexico is home to Tequila, Mezcal, and Corona beer

What is the best time to visit Mexico?

The best time to visit Mexico is between December and April when there is no rain.

The Caribbean coast can be affected by the hurricane season, which runs from June to November. The official hurricane season in Mexico arises at the start of June and at the end of November and the highest risk of hurricanes is between September and October.

The coolest months in Mexico tend to vary by region, but as a general rule of thumb, the rainy season runs from May to September.

Is Mexico safe for travel?

Mexico is a very large country, and many areas are safe to visit. Hundreds of thousands of travelers visit Mexico annually, and most of these visitors never become crime victims.

In most parts of Mexico, tourists need only exercise the caution they would in any vacation spot – pay attention to its surroundings, wear a money belt, and avoid dark and deserted areas – to avoid becoming crime victims.

You better must use apps like Lyft or Uber or order taxis at government-regulated taxi stands to obtain on-demand transportation services, and they are forbidden to travel from one city to another by road at night.

In light of escalating drug-related crime in Mexico’s big border cities, you better avoid Ciudad Juarez, Nogales, and Tijuana.

The US State Department has classified five regions of Mexico as unsafe for tourists: Colima, Guerrero, Michoacán, Sinaloa, and Tamaulipas.

But despite these warnings, the same US State Department’s website has classified Mexico in general as Country Level 2, the same level that has been awarded to countries such as France, Italy, and the United Kingdom.

Mexican travel routes & destinations

• The Mystery & Origin of the Maya Culture
• Colonial experience
• The fascinating encounter between history & modern-day Mexico

Suggested travel routes:

• Colonial Mexico tour
• Yucatan Peninsula tour
• Central and Southern Mexico tour
• Colonial Mexico and Yucatan

Tourist Assistance + Emergency Numbers

You can dial 078 from any phone, where you can find free information about tourist attractions, airports, travel agencies, car rental companies, embassies and consulates, fairs and exhibitions, hotels, hospitals, financial services, migratory and other issues.

Or dial the toll-free (in Mexico) number 01-800-006-8839 .

You can also request information at SECTUR

Emergency numbers

General Information: 040 (not free)

Radio Patrols: 066 Police (Emergency): 060 Civil Protection: +52(55)5683-2222 Anonymous Complaint: 089

Setravi (Transport Mobility): +52(55)5209-9913 Road Emergency: 074

Cruz Roja: 065 o +52(55)5557-5757 Firefighters: 068 o +52(55)5768-3700

Have a good travel!

Contact us:

• All Categories Archaeological Sites Blog Cenotes & Grottoes Colonial History    Aztec Civilization    Conquest    Maya Civilization    Olmec Civilization Holidays & Festivals Islands Local Guides & Tours Mexican Routes Mountains & Volcanoes Mythology & Religion Nature & Wildlife Nature Wonders Pueblo Magico Ranches & Haciendas Reservas Naturales Resorts & Beaches Rivers, Lakes & Lagoons States    Aguascalientes    Baja California Norte    Baja California Sur    Campeche    Chiapas    Chihuahua    Coahuila    Colima    Durango    Guanajuato    Guerrero    Hidalgo    Jalisco    México    Mexico City    Michoacán    Morelos    Nayarit    Nuevo León    Oaxaca    Puebla    Querétaro    Quintana Roo    San Luis Potosí    Sinaloa    Sonora    Tabasco    Tamaulipas    Tlaxcala    Veracruz    Yucatán    Zacatecas Theme Parks Towns & Cities Villages

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MyFunkyTravel

Backpacking | Budget Travel | Living Abroad

Mexico Backpacking Route

Our Mexico backpacking route takes in the best the south of the country has to offer. If you follow it, you’ll travel from the tranquil seas of the Caribbean to the giant waves of the Pacific via a host of a ancient Maya cities, jungle ruins and pleasant mountain towns. The route then cuts through Mexico’s cultural heartland before ending up in the enormous capital city, one of the largest and liveliest on the planet.

Table of Contents

Backpacking mexico – route info, 2. playa del carmen, 4. chichen itza, 6. campeche, 7. palenque, 8. san cristobal de las casas, 9. zipolite & mazunte, 10. puerto escondido, 12. huautla de jimenez, 14. mexico city & around, mexico backpacking route – how long to spend in each place.

TIME NEEDED – 5 weeks

If you’re not that fussed with beaches or not that interested in the Maya ruins, you could probably do this route in a month or less by spending less than the suggested amount of time at some of the destinations. Overall though about 5 weeks would be a suitable time-span.

POSSIBLE BUDGET – £800-1250 | €900-1400 | US$1100-1700 | 22,000-34,000 Mexican Pesos

Mexico is really good value on the whole and if you’re heading here from the States, immediately you will appreciate how much more you can get for your money. However heading north from Central America, it will seem slightly more expensive.

This budget is based on December 2020 exchange rates. For more see our more detailed backpacking budget for Mexico , which includes some example prices for things such as bus travel and accommodation.

MEXICO BACKPACKING JOBS & WORK EXCHANGES

You can save money whilst travelling in Mexico by looking for work exchanges or short-term jobs. Sign up to Worldpackers to get access to 264 work exchanges in Mexico (at time of writing). You can get $10 off the annual membership fee by using the Worldpackers discount code “MYFUNKYTRAVELWP”.

TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR BACKPACKERS IN MEXICO

The cost of travel insurance isn’t included in the budget figures above. You can get a quote in less than a minute from Heymondo who provide well reviewed international travel insurance for backpackers.

A 5 Week Itinerary for Backpacking in Mexico

If you’ve had a long flight in then you may wish to book a hotel for a night in Cancun to get some rest. However there are nicer places further South, that are generally much more to the liking of backpackers, also with great nightlife and much more geared to budget travel.

Playa del Carmen is a really fun place to hang out for a few days. Yes it’s touristy but it’s nowhere near as trashy or expensive as Cancun and there are many hostels catering to backpackers. The beaches are great and the nightlife is pumping with many bars and clubs offering cheap drinks deals with themed nights and special offers throughout the week. The nearby island of Cozumel is also a nice option if you want some additional beach time.

There are many reasons why travellers head here. Its gorgeous beach, which is among the best on the Riviera Maya, fantastic diving opportunities and visits to well preserved Mayan ruins are among the best things to do in Tulum . Therefore you can get a dose of culture and history too before cooling off in the crystal blue waters of the Caribbean Sea. At night, it’s nowhere near as lively as Playa del Carmen and is a much quieter destination overall, with yoga retreats recently cropping up on its cliffs.

One of Mexico’s most famous sites. Chichen Itza is a complex of Mayan ruins, with the enormous pyramid known as El Castillo, its centrepiece. There are limited budget accommodation options nearby so it’s probably best to just stop here for an afternoon to break up the journey between Tulum and Merida.

The state capital of Yucatán, Merida is one of the biggest cities on this route and it also features in our rundown of the cheapest cities to live in Mexico . However it’s by no means overwhelming with around 750,000 residents and a laid back atmosphere. It’s a fascinating cultural destination, founded by the Spanish in the 16th Century. Merida is a city of plazas, palaces, cathedrals and museums. While it may only take a couple of days to discover the city, there’s plenty to see and do around the town with nearby Maya ruins, a wildlife refuge and the famous cenotes.

In some respects, Campeche is not dissimilar to Merida. It’s a bit smaller but is another city with Spanish origins and its colonial old town has been declared a UNESCO world heritage site. The nearest maya ruins are at Edzna, a relatively small site around an hour away.

Palenque is a large site that was once home to an ancient Maya city. Its ruins are some of the best preserved in the whole region, largely thanks to the jungle which offers natural shelter. It could take the whole day to explore the site but there’s little to do in the nearby modern-day town itself. You can either stay there or find somewhere on the edge of the national park near the ruins.

Arguably the prettiest town on the route, San Cristobal de las Casas is full of colourful buildings and cobblestone streets. Its highland location offers a pleasant break from the heat and it can get quite chilly at night. Just strolling around the town is enjoyable enough and if you fancy a longer stay there are volunteering opportunities as well as a host of reasonably priced Spanish language schools.

Zipolite and Mazunte are two beach villages on Mexico’s rugged Oaxaca Coast. It takes only about 10 minutes and costs only a few pesos to travel from one to the other in a colectivo so you can choose to base yourself in one and visit the other or spend a couple of days in each.

Zipolite is the livelier of the two although that’s only a relative concept. Both places are very small and although there’s only a limited amount of things to do, it’s about the only place in Mexico where you can still find a cheap bungalow/hut on the beach and fall asleep accompanied by the sounds of Pacific Ocean waves crashing into the shore. Zipolite is also Mexico’s only beach where you can go nude, while Mazunte has a growing reputation for impromptu live music. Like many destinations on this route, the ease of getting marijuana is an appeal to some travellers too.

A bit further up the coast, you reach the much larger Puerto Escondido, which is popular with both domestic and international travellers. It’s a big surfing destination with some seriously large waves, which make swimming virtually impossible. There’s also a turtle conservation programme and you can assist every day at 5:00 pm when baby turtles are released into the sea.

The city of Oaxaca is the capital of the state of the same name but it’s a slow ride up from Puerto Escondido, which can take as long as 8 hours by road. It’s the state’s main cultural centre with a couple of interesting museums and a walkable city-centre.

Nearby Monte Alban is another UNESCO world heritage site and one of the most impressive ruins sites in Latin America. Meanwhile every Thursday and Saturday, trips run to the village of Teotitlán del Valle by the non-profit Fundacion en Via  and it’s a good opportunity to meet locals and make a positive contribution to fighting poverty in the region, whilst also having an interesting experience.

One of the most curious destinations on this Mexico backpacking route. Huautla de Jimenez is a remote mountain town that was popular with hippies in the 1960’s and the extremely strong psilocybe mushrooms that grow here during the wet season still attract some foreigners. Shamanic rituals take place during this period but visitors also come to explore the misty mountain range that surrounds the town and it’s a funky little place to hang around for a few days.

Many travellers visit Puebla as a day-trip from the capital but given it’s en-route, it’s well worth stopping off here for a few nights to catch your breath before heading to Mexico City. Puebla is a city of around 1.5 million people so it’s a pretty big place with lots of beautiful buildings and interesting landmarks, not to mention lots of tasty and cheap street-food. It’s surrounded by snow-capped mountains and volcanoes so it’s also well worth heading out of town and exploring the natural surroundings for a final dose of fresh air before the smog of the capital.

Mexico City is one of the highest capital cities in the world and it is blooming enormous! First-time visitors often find visiting an overwhelming experience and it’s not easy to know where to base yourself or where to begin.

Like any large city it has its hassles but the tourist areas are not considered dangerous and there is a heavy police presence in the old city. The giant Zócalo, the city’s main plaza and one of the largest squares in the world is a good starting point and there are many interesting museums and cultural sites nearby that document various periods of Mexican history. For a more modern-day experience take in a football match at the giant Estadio Azteca or get to grips with the entertaining world of lucha libre, a Mexican form of professional wrestling ( live shows take place on Fridays at 20:30 ).

There are also a number of day-trips that can be done from Mexico City. A visit to the vast archaeological site at Teotihuacan, northeast of the city is one of the most popular. Nature and adventure sports lovers would be wise to check out Valle de Bravo and/or the Desert of the Lions National Park. Meanwhile new-age Tepoztlan is reportedly a UFO hotspot with a large number of the town’s residents having reported seeing one!

The Mexican capital is also one of the best cities for street art and exploring some of its more arty districts is another good plan for anyone with a few hours to kill. Mexico and particularly Mexico City also features in our 2020 rundown of the best countries for digital nomads .

Mexico Map & Itinerary Overview

Our Mexico travel itinerary is convenient in that it starts in Cancun and ends in Mexico City, which are home to the two busiest airports in the country and the ones with by far the greatest options in terms of international flights. One of the problems with travel in Mexico is that domestic flights can be quite pricey so if you just head off with no real plan, it’s quite possible you’ll end up somewhere quite isolated. That could leave you having to fork out a considerable amount just to fly somewhere with an international airport or alternatively having to backtrack on a long bus journey.

Mexico is deceptively big and to put that into some perspective, a direct flight from Cancun in the South-east to Tijuana in the North-West on the US border takes around 5 hours. Therefore unless you have months to spare, it’s best to base your trip around one or two parts of the country rather than attempting to go everywhere. The Mexico backpacker trail primarily focuses on the South of the country, which is home to most of the more popular travel destinations and is generally considered to be safer than the North.

This route summarises a typical path travellers in the country take and you could easily just do it in reverse. There may be something to be said for ending your trip with some relaxed days on Mexico’s Caribbean coastline.

If you followed the above route exactly, a 5 week trip would mean you’d have on average 2 or 3 days in each place. If you’re not a beach lover, you can easily spend less time on the coast and more in the more cultural and historical destinations (or vice-versa).

Check out our North America travel blog for some ideas of how to extend your trip in the region.

Check out our other routes in the region!

south america | brazil | patagonia | central america |  california | panama | jamaica

This article was updated in December 2020.

Use the comments section for any questions on our Mexico route. We aim to reply to them all!

5 thoughts on “ Mexico Backpacking Route ”

Keep this going pleaѕe, great job!

Hi, It was nice to read about the places you visited. My friend and I will travel in March for three weeks in Mexico. Can you tell if there are special bus passes to travel by bus? Or do we have to take each time a ticket and make a reservation? Is Mexico in March very busy and do we have to book places to stay? Things we would like to do is Puebla (cholula, tehuacan), Oaxaca (Monte alban, Mitla, some Indian villages), Pacific Ocean (Zipote,Puerto Escondido ), Veracruz (Pueblos Magicos Xico en Coatepec) , Palenque (Cascadas de Misol-Ha, aqua azul, sumidero kloof ) tulum, vila hermosa Merida, Olmeca. We arrive in MEX 9 march at 20.30h and depart in Cancun 30/3 at 16h

We probably have to much on our program and will have to make a choise. We also have to visit for sure my friends that live in Coatepec. It’s 40 years wee haven’t seen eachother.

Thanks in advance for your advice. Daniëlle

Hi Daniëlle,

As far as I know, there are no bus passes you can get. There are lots of different companies running routes across Mexico so each time you need to make a separate booking. You can normally just buy tickets on the day of travel.

Think the coastal regions can be quite busy in March because it coincides with Spring Break in the US. Places like Zipolite, Escondido and particularly Tulum and Cancun are likely to be busy but inland areas less so.

In terms of your schedule, yes perhaps you will have to pick and choose a bit or maybe take a couple of internal flights if your budget allows to cut down on the travel times.

I will only have 10 days in mexico this spring. Is it possible to do a section of this trip and have proper transportation options to and from point A and point B?

Hey, Yes there’s no reason why not. The section from Cancun to Merida could work for example with international airports in both (although you may find it better to get an internal flight from Merida to Mexico City/Cancun and then get a flight back to wherever you’re from).

Another option may be to fly to Puerto Escondido and spend days exploring the coast near there and the state of Oaxaxa. Or you could do Puerto Escondido to Mexico City (or vice-versa) but you’d be cramming a lot in so you’d be wise to skip a couple of destinations and maybe take a flight or two for the longer journeys seen as you’ve only got 10 days.

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The 15 best places to visit in Mexico

Oct 9, 2023 • 13 min read

Explore Mexico's stunning landscape and see the best the country has to offer © Thomas Barwick / Getty Images

Cantinas and cathedrals. Art and archaeology. Mariachis and mountains. Ruins and rainbow reefs. Mexico makes a mesmerizing escape for lovers of adventure, romance, history, culture, food, and fiery festivals .

Then there are the much-lauded  beaches with clear, blue waters you’ll want to step right into and silent paradise islands without a soul in sight. From the deep canyons of Chihuahua to the peaks of Veracruz, these are the best places to visit in Mexico .

1. Mexico City

Best place for art and vibrant culture

Wondering where to go for your first trip to Mexico? Start in the bustling capital that brims with skyscrapers, markets, gardens and parks , awe-inspiring museums and more than 22 million residents.

Top Mexico City sights include “Casa Azul,” better known as Museo Frida Kahlo , where the celebrated artist lived and died. High-spirited high jinks and chihuahua-sized micheladas are on offer when catching a lucha libre (Mexican wrestling) match at the sprawling Arena México .

For artsy folks, Mexico City is where many of the country's top muralists left behind their most important works. Peruse Diego Rivera's cinematic murals in the Palacio Nacional and the social-realism work of José Clemente Orozco in the Palacio de Bellas Artes .

For a taste of culture, float along the ancient canals of Xochimilco with a mariachi band serenade, or savor piping-hot tacos from the many street-food stalls in the downtown areas before catching a show at one of the city’s 160-odd theaters. You might be lost for words, but you’ll never be short of things to do in Mexico City.

Planning tip : Couple your Mexico City stay with a trip to see the pyramids at Teotihuacán . This archaeological site is located 50km (31 miles) northeast of Mexico City, and it was one of the largest in the Americas in the pre-Columbian era. Visit during the vernal equinox to celebrate spring.

2. Isla Holbox

Best island for bioluminescence and flamingos

For its size, Isla Holbox packs a strong biodiversity punch. Only a mile wide and 26 miles long, this is one of the best places to visit in Mexico to see bubblegum-pink flamingos in the wild (head to Punta Mosquito), catch a glimpse of whale sharks (between mid-May and mid-September), and witness the mesmerizing show of bioluminescent phytoplankton glimmering in the water. Comparable to sparkling underwater fireworks, these glowing micro-organisms are best seen on moonless nights.

Holbox (pronounced hol-bosh) is a laid-back dream of an island off the northern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula .

With no vehicles to disturb the peace (cars are banned), sandy streets lead to endless beaches with warm, inviting water that’s waist-deep at most for adults. The island’s one alleged drawback? Questionable wi-fi, which encourages travelers to disconnect.

3. San Miguel de Allende

Best place for craft shops and folk art

This Mexican beauty has it all: a fantastic spring-like climate, extraordinary light, breathtaking architecture, superb handicraft shopping, and well-attended art workshops. With a high gallery-to-resident ratio, San Miguel de Allende is one of the best places for creative types to visit in Mexico.

The cobbled city has been luring retirees and bewitching artists since the first art institute opened in a former convent back in the 1930s. It then enticed Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, and Neal Cassady, who came to drink, write and read poetry in the 1960s (the latter stayed there until his death).

Today, San Miguel de Allende’s narrow, sloped streets house boutiques and cafes that dangle multicolored ribbons from wrought iron window bars, and its vibe is akin to a sepia-toned postcard from the past.

Buildings in the historic district adhere to a color code of saffron, rusty orange, ochre, terracotta, and mustard yellow. Grab a birdseye view of them from one of the city’s numerous rooftops, like Luna Rooftop Tapas Bar at Rosewood San Miguel de Allende, a firm favorite.

Planning tip : San Miguel de Allende is a three-hour drive north of Mexico City in the state of Guanajuato . Visit in spring to see the purple jacaranda trees in full bloom.

Best place for lagoon living and Maldives vibes

Everything about Bacalar is magical. Not only was it recognized by the Mexican government as a Magic Town ( Pueblo Mágico ) in 2006, but it’s also known for its ethereal jewel-toned lagoon, serene spas offering Mexican healing rituals and a distinct bohemian vibe.

Diners enjoy live music sessions beside bright indoor murals at tropical restaurant-meets-gallery El Manati , and wellness-minded travelers experience temazcal sweat ceremonies and copal cleansings at Casa Hormiga boutique hotel.

The prized activities in Bacalar are kayaking, paddleboarding and boating on the 26-mile Bacalar Lagoon , which is known as the Lagoon of Seven Colors (Laguna de Los Siete Colores) due to its mesmerizing gradient of blues and greens.

The town also has a 90m-deep (295ft) cenote (freshwater pool) and an old Spanish fortress . Nicknamed “the Maldives of Mexico,” unhurried Bacalar is one of the best places to visit in Mexico to get away from it all.

Planning tip : Bacalar is in the state of Quintana Roo, close to Mexico’s border with Belize. To get there using public transportation, take the ADO bus from Cancún, Playa del Carmen or Tulum.

5. Guadalajara

Best city for mariachi music, tequila and fine dining

Guadalajara , Mexico's second-largest city, is a dynamic cultural hub in the state of Jalisco. This is the tequila-producing region where Mariachi music was born, as well as charrería , Mexico’s national sport (don’t miss September’s annual International Mariachi and Charrería Festival).

Must-sees in Guadalajara include a lienzo (a charrería arena), the vivid frescoes of the Instituto Cultural de Cabaña – a testament to the genius of one-handed muralist José Clemente Orozco – and the three-story Mercado San Juan de Dios , Latin America’s largest indoor market.

Despite being deeply rooted in tradition, Guadalajara has recently gained recognition for its modern gastronomic excellence with multiple appearances on the coveted World’s 50 Best lists. Delight in upscale, globalized Mexican cuisine and cocktails at Alcalde and El Gallo Altanero.

Planning tip : Guadalajara's allure extends beyond its city limits. Use it as your gateway to Lake Chapala (one of the largest freshwater lakes in the country), the agave-clad fields of Tequila, or other charming Magic Towns like Tlaquepaque or Tapalpa.

6. Puerto Vallarta

Best place for sand, adventure and LGBTIQ+ events

With climactic and wild scenery, Puerto Vallarta is a popular vacation destination for Mexicans and foreign travelers alike. Framed by the Sierra Madre Mountains and the Bahía de Banderas (Bay of Banderas), it's a place where thrill seekers conquer rugged terrain and rappel down waterfalls, and families frolic on sun-kissed beaches – Playa Conchas Chinas , Playa Las Gemelas and Playa Mismaloya are noteworthy sandy spots.

The city is also popular among LGBTIQ+ travelers; there are gay-friendly Puerto Vallarta hotels, beach bars, restaurants, and nightlife establishments. Lovers take to the Zona Romantica (Romanic Zone) for alfresco meals, and strolling along the picturesque Malecon boardwalk, with its numerous bronze sculptures and street performers, is one of the best free things to do in Puerto Vallarta.

There's also plenty going on in the ocean, where you can see humpback whales breaching on the horizon, pods of dolphins rising from the waves, and mother turtles arriving to lay their eggs.

Planning tip : The best time to visit Puerto Vallarta to witness a baby turtle release is between July and December. Selected hotels like Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa host newborn turtle release ceremonies.

7. Playa del Carmen

Best place for beach-meets-city vibes

Playa del Carmen is the best of both worlds: a thriving city with a bounty of enticing restaurants and pinch-me-please white sand beaches (one is even connected to a cenote). The palm-lined Quinta Avenida is the city's bustling artery with an eclectic mix of shops, lively street performances, and gourmand-pleasing international eateries.

In this versatile beach destination, families build sandcastles alongside digital nomads and solo travelers seeking spirited adventures, while night owls congregate around Calle 12 (12th St) for throbbing nights at Mandala, La Vaquita and Coco Bongo. Another Playa del Carmen accolade is the variety of rooftop bars, from the sleek UMI Rooftop and Tokyo Kitchen to the laid-back BeRoof .

From Playa (as locals call it), day trips to Riviera Maya towns like Akumal (known for turtle encounters) are all within easy reach using colectivos (minivans). There is also a direct ferry to Cozumel with Winjet or Ultramar .

8. Chichén Itzá

Best place to see pre-Columbian architecture

If you’ve always wanted to see one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Chichén Itzá is one of the best places to go in Mexico. With origins dating back to the 5th century, this is undoubtedly the most popular of Mexico's ancient sights.

From the imposing, monolithic El Castillo pyramid (where the shadow of the plumed serpent god Kukulcán creeps down the staircase during the spring and autumn equinoxes) to the Sacred Cenote and curiously designed El Caracol observatory, Chichén Itzá is spectacular.

Planning tip : Book a Chichén Itzá tour with an English-speaking guide to learn about the mind-blowing legacy of Maya astronomers . Note that the heat, humidity and crowds in Chichén Itzá can be fierce, so try to explore the site either early in the morning or late in the afternoon, though keep in mind that the 5pm closing is a hard exit. There is also a post-sunset sound-and-light show .

9. Zihuatanejo

Best place for an Old-Mexico feel

Zihuatanejo benefited from the fortunes of neighboring resort town Ixtapa, which Mexico’s tourism body carefully developed in the 1970s. This was a direct attempt to replicate the Caribbean splendor of Cancún on the Pacific coast.

Ixtapa’s hotspot status trickled 6.5km (4 miles) south to Zihuatanejo, which feels like a sleepy fishing village elevated by a handful of relaxed seaside sanctuaries like Thompson Zihuatanejo on Playa La Ropa .

In this blissed-out traditional Guerrero town, there are storied, curiously named beaches that are great for surfing, diving, fishing and seafood-feasting in the presence of crashing waves.

Take a walk on Playa Las Gatas (Cat Beach), reportedly named after land wildcats or the whiskered nurse sharks in Zihua’s waters, or make a dash for the aforementioned Playa La Ropa (Clothes Beach), the town’s most popular beach, which incorporates a legend of a Spanish shore wreckage containing washed silk clothes.

Best place for quiet beaches

La Paz , the capital of Baja California Sur, has something for every kind of beach lover. The city is a delightful springboard to adventures on the Sea of Cortez, home to 39% of the world’s marine mammals.

Around 40 minutes from La Paz, Playa El Saltito feels tranquil and isolated during the sweltering days, and its crystal waters come alive with bioluminescence at night. Though competition is tough, Playa Balandra , with its unique mushroom-like rock formation, is heralded as one of Mexico’s most beautiful beaches.

The impossible-to-miss destination in the region is the Unesco-listed Espíritu Santo  island, where you can camp under a canopy of stunning stars, snorkel with playful sea lions and even peek at congresses of clumsy blue-footed boobies. A number of operators run activities here, including kayaking and snorkeling.

Best place for wellness and boho vibes

Over the years, Tulum shed its former name (Zama), and its position as a secluded and sleepy beach-meets-jungle town in Riviera Maya and subsequently ripened into a world-famous pilgrimage for honeymooners, hedonists and holistic tourists. The spirituality-focused traveler will find a host of things to do in Tulum ranging from cacao ceremonies to pre-Hispanic sound healing and open-air rooftop yoga classes.

Tulum is a well-rounded destination with scrumptious restaurants and bars, and accommodations for all budgets, from waterfront shacks to top-end resorts and thatch-roofed boutique boltholes like La Valise Tulum .

The beaches are postcard-ready, the most celebrated stretch being Playa Ruinas with its strikingly well-preserved Maya ruins perched on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea. There are also numerous attractions in the surrounding area, such as the massive Reserva de la Biosfera Sian Ka’an , the secluded fishing village Punta Allen and the ruins of Cobá .

Planning tip : Tulum Pueblo (the town center) is where the really cheap eats and sleeps are found, but it’s a 20-minute bike ride or 12-minute taxi to the beach. Plan ahead to find well-priced beach accommodations if that’s where you’d prefer to stay.

12. Los Cabos

Best place for glitz, glamor and parties

Sister cities Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo need no introduction. The former is notorious among party-hearty North American crowds, while the latter is more sedate with art galleries, celebrity-frequented luxury resorts, upscale boutiques and over-the-top decadent tequila tasting rooms.

Together, these perennially sunny spots on the southernmost tip of the Baja California Sur peninsula have become two of the top places to see in Mexico.

Under the blazing Cabo sun, golfers chase their dreams on emerald greens designed by legendary champion Jack Nicklaus, and surfers tackle world-class surf breaks.

Not many beaches are safe for swimming, but other outdoor pursuits like deep-sea fishing, spotting sea lions and whale watching (from mid-December to mid-April) keep water babies coming back.

13. Pico de Orizaba

Best place for a superlative trek

Pico de Orizaba is a symmetrical, snow-capped volcano on the border of Puebla and Veracruz states. Also called Citlaltépetl, it’s the highest peak in Mexico and the third-highest mountain in North America, with a summit elevation of around 5636m (18,491ft) above sea level.

Dormant but not extinct, the last recorded eruption was in 1846, and it is one of the most popular places to visit in Mexico for serious climbers – professionals prep there before taking on Mount Everest. Treks start from the small village of Tlachichuca, and the ascent requires some technical skills – Pico de Orizaba is the ultimate trekking and climbing challenge in Mexico.

If sea-level thrills are more to your liking, there's plenty on offer in the town of Orizaba, including a beautiful riverside walk, a couple of impressive museums and galleries and a unique "Iron Palace. " The perfect introduction to Veracruz state's most appealing town is to hop into the cable car up to the park atop 1240m (4068ft) Cerro del Borrego.

From this lofty, green perch, you can admire the domes and bell towers of the city's many historic churches and the surrounding mountainous terrain, including the snowcapped summit of Pico de Orizaba.

14. Copper Canyon Railway

Best train ride

The Ferrocarril Chihuahua Pacífico (Copper Canyon Railway) remains one of Latin America’s best rail trips. Also known as the Chepe Express (from the “Ch” of Chihuahua and “P” of Pacífico), trains climb from sea level at Los Mochis to the town of Creel via the sensational rocky landscapes of the rust-hued Copper Canyon (the “Grand Canyon of Mexico”).

Vistas from your window during the train journey include alpine forests, subtropical valleys, Tarahumara villages and glimpses of some of the world’s deepest canyons.

Overnight en route at cinematic lodges overlooking the canyon's edge, or stay for days of exploring, hiking, horseback riding and even zip-lining in one of the best places to see in Mexico.

15. Oaxaca City

Best place for mezcal and cultural celebrations

Once the capital of the Zapotec Civilization, the state of Oaxaca is now better known as Mexico’s primary mezcal-producing region. Fine mezcals distilled around the state make their way to low-lit, atmospheric establishments in Oaxaca City like La Popular, El Destilado and La Mezcalerita, and savvy locals guide thirsty patrons on popular tours to experience the city one smoky sip at a time (check out Mezcouting and Oaxacking ).

The frequent colorful fiestas in Oaxaca City also win smiles from cultural travelers. The city’s population swells at the start of November during Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) festivities, when Mexican families honor and celebrate their lost loves with round-the-clock vigils, joyful offerings, and parades.

One of the most unique things to see in Oaxaca City is the merrymaking during Noche de Rábanos (Night of the Radishes) on December 23. During this competition dating back to 1897, the young and old carve radishes into scenes that are displayed in Zócalo to much fanfare.

Planning tip : Venture two hours outside of Oaxaca City to reach Hierve el Agua , a jaw-dropping petrified waterfall-like formation. You can take a bus, rent a car or hire a driver to take you to these mineral-rich infinity pools.

This article was first published Jun 24, 2021 and updated Oct 9, 2023.

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Boeing Starliner’s Future Is Unclear, Even After Safe Landing

Two NASA crew remain on the International Space Station after the troubled vehicle they rode undocked and then landed in the New Mexico desert.

Starliner Returns to Earth Without NASA Crew

Because of safety issues, nasa officials decided the boeing spacecraft should return to earth without the two astronauts who had traveled aboard it to the international space station..

“And we just heard confirmation that the umbilicals are retracting and hooks are beginning to drive.” “Separation confirmed. Starliner is now backing away from station and starting its return to Earth. Starliner’s thrusters will then complete two short firings to gradually increase the separation speed to help the spacecraft carefully move away from the orbiting lab.” “We have one more burn to go. But they have confirmed that Starliner has crossed the keep-out sphere, or the K.O.S., which is an imaginary 200-meter sphere centered on the International Space Station that helps flight controllers here on the ground monitor the arrival and departure of visiting vehicles.” “Station, Houston, Space to Ground two, Starliner has exited the keep-out sphere.” “Forward heat shield and drogues out.” “Really interesting view of this coming down from in the vicinity of the landing site. Again, this is a view from a little lower than the WB-57 we were seeing.” “Touchdown. Starliner is back on Earth. That landing coming at 11:01 and 35 seconds Central time, 10:01 and 31 seconds Mountain time at White Sands Space Harbor.”

By Kenneth Chang

The Starliner has landed.

Boeing’s troubled spacecraft has finally come home, but the two NASA astronauts who traveled in it to the International Space Station in June remain in orbit.

Because of problems with Starliner’s propulsion system during its approach to the space station in June, NASA officials decided not to put the astronauts, Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore, on Starliner for the return trip. They will spend an additional five months on the space station as part of the crew before coming back to Earth around February in a spacecraft built and managed by SpaceX.

For the most part, the undocking and atmospheric re-entry of Starliner proceeded smoothly. So did the capsule’s landing under parachutes at White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico at 12:01 a.m. Eastern time on Saturday (10:01 p.m. Friday local time). That supported the earlier assertions of Boeing officials that the company’s vehicle was safe for the astronauts.

The #Starliner spacecraft is back on Earth. At 12:01am ET Sept. 7, @BoeingSpace ’s uncrewed Starliner spacecraft landed in White Sands Space Harbor, New Mexico. pic.twitter.com/vTYvgPONVc — NASA Commercial Crew (@Commercial_Crew) September 7, 2024

“It would have been a safe, successful landing with the crew on board, had we have had Butch and Suni on board,” Steve Stich, manager of the commercial crew program at NASA, said during a news conference early Saturday morning after the landing.

But the difficulties during the mission and the extended stay in orbit for the two astronauts have embarrassed Boeing , and there could be uncertainty how much the company is willing to continue to invest in the Starliner program.

During the news conference, Mr. Stich referred to the next Starliner flight as Starliner-1 — the designation of the first operational mission after NASA certifies the vehicle as ready for taking crews of four to and from the space station.

He talked about changes that engineering teams that Boeing has formed to come up with changes needed before the next Starliner flight, in particular how to avoid overheating of the thrusters.

“That work has already started, and that’s really the path to Starliner-1,” Mr. Stich said. He also said that engineers need to delve into the data collected during the test flight before deciding on a plan and a timeline.

NASA initially announced that two high-level Boeing space officials would take part in the Saturday news conference, but then they did not. “They deferred to NASA to represent the mission,” said Joel Montalbano, deputy associate administrator of NASA’s space operations mission directorate.

Boeing did release a statement quoting Mark Nappi, vice president and program manager for Starliner.

“I want to recognize the work the Starliner teams did to ensure a successful and safe undocking, deorbit, re-entry and landing,” he said. “We will review the data and determine the next steps for the program.”

Mr. Montalbano said Boeing played a key role for the International Space Station, the commercial crew program with Starliner and in manufacturing the core stage of the new Space Launch System. “Their work is critical our success, and we fully expect calling to continue all three of those programs,” he said.

Before the undocking, Ms. Williams, who several years ago had given this vehicle the name Calypso, thanked the mission control team.

“It is time to bring Calypso home,” she said. “We have your backs and you’ve got this. Bring her back to Earth. Good luck.”

In turn, Chloe Mehring, the flight director, thanked the astronauts, who have spent years preparing for this flight. “We remember every setback and every revelation with you,” Ms. Mehring said. “The teams on the ground have worked countless hours over the last few weeks, months, and, for a group of us, years to bring Calypso back, and we’re ready to that today.”

Starliner began its trip back to Earth by retracting hooks that had held it tight to the space station. Springs on the spacecraft then pushed it away from the docking port. At that moment, it was about 260 miles above central China.

A series of thruster firings gently nudged Starliner up and over the space station.

At the higher altitude, it is moving more slowly than the space station and the distance between them is growing quickly.

That was an uneventful beginning to the end of the mission, which launched in June, on a test flight that was the first time Starliner carried people to orbit. The flight was intended as a final shakedown before NASA certified the spacecraft for once-a-year missions taking astronauts to and from the space station.

The vehicle’s propulsion system experienced problems during its approach to the space station, including several balky thrusters and leaks of helium, a gas used to push propellant in the weightlessness of orbit. Although Starliner was able to dock successfully, the cause of the problems is still not fully understood, and NASA officials decided it would be safer for Starliner to return without anyone aboard.

As it moved into position to re-enter the atmosphere, Starliner conducted test firings of 12 thrusters on the crew capsule section of the spacecraft. One did not work, but that does not pose a problem, because there are two redundant systems of six thrusters each.

“This one, for some reason, just never fired,” Mr. Stich said.

It was, however, crucial that the redundant thruster did work for Starliner’s successful survival through the searing passage through the atmosphere.

The flight controllers also fired 10 of the thrusters on service module — the cylindrical section below the crew capsule — and those all worked as expected.

At 11:17 p.m., the large thrusters on Starliner fired for almost a minute to drop Starliner out of orbit. It then discarded its service module — the cylindrical component below the crew capsule that contained the troublesome thrusters.

The crew capsule re-entered Earth’s atmosphere over the central Pacific, traveling to the northeast, crossing northwest Mexico en route to touching down in the Chihuahuan Desert.

People in New Mexico , Arizona and northern Mexico shared videos on the social network X showing the heated spacecraft streaking through the night skies. Soon after, Starliner descended under three parachutes, with its final impact on the desert floor cushioned by airbags at the bottom of the capsule.

The two Starliner astronauts left behind by the spacecraft will become full-fledged members of the space station crew. NASA calls each rotation of crew members an “expedition,” and Ms. Williams and Mr. Wilmore will now be part of Expedition 72.

Later this month, two other astronauts, Nick Hague of NASA and Aleksandr Gorbunov of Russia, are scheduled to launch to the space station in a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule. They too will serve as part of Expedition 72.

For Ms. Williams and Mr. Wilmore to have seats on the return trip to Earth next year, two other NASA astronauts who had been scheduled to serve on Expedition 72 — Zena Cardman and Stephanie Wilson — were bumped from the mission, known as Crew-9.

Kenneth Chang, a science reporter at The Times, covers NASA and the solar system, and research closer to Earth. More about Kenneth Chang

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Mexico Travel Advisory

Travel advisory september 6, 2024, mexico - see state summaries.

Reissued after periodic review with updates for Chiapas, and Durango.

Country Summary:  Violent crime – such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery – is widespread and common in Mexico. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in many areas of Mexico, as travel by U.S. government employees to certain areas is prohibited or restricted. In many states, local emergency services are limited outside the state capital or major cities.

U.S. citizens are advised to adhere to restrictions on U.S. government employee travel. State-specific restrictions are included in the individual state advisories below. U.S. government employees may not travel between cities after dark, may not hail taxis on the street, and must rely on dispatched vehicles, including app-based services like Uber, and regulated taxi stands. U.S. government employees should avoid traveling alone, especially in remote areas. U.S. government employees may not drive from the U.S.-Mexico border to or from the interior of Mexico, except daytime travel within Baja California and between Nogales and Hermosillo on Mexican Federal Highway 15D, between Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey on Highway 85D and between Ciudad Juarez and interior cities as noted in the Chihuahua section. Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Mexico.

Do Not Travel To:

• Colima state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Guerrero state  due to  crime .
• Michoacan state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Sinaloa state due to  crime  and  kidnapping
• Tamaulipas state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping.
• Zacatecas  state due to  crime  and  kidnapping .

Reconsider Travel To:

• Baja California  state due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Chiapas state  due to  crime .
• Chihuahua state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Guanajuato state  due to  crime .
• Jalisco state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Morelos state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Sonora state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .

Exercise Increased Caution When Traveling To:

• Aguascalientes  state due to  crime .
• Baja California Sur state  due to  crime .
• Coahuila state  due to  crime .
• Durango state  due to  crime .
• Hidalgo state  due to  crime .
• Mexico City  due to  crime .
• Mexico State  due to  crime and kidnapping .
• Nayarit state  due to  crime .
• Nuevo Leon  state due to  crime .
• Oaxaca state  due to  crime .
• Puebla state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Queretaro state  due to  crime .
• Quintana Roo state  due to  crime .
• San Luis Potosi state  due to  crime and kidnapping .
• Tabasco state  due to  crime .
• Tlaxcala state due to  crime .
• Veracruz state  due to  crime .

Exercise Normal Precautions When Traveling To:

• Campeche state
• Yucatan state

Visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .

If you decide to travel to Mexico:

• Keep traveling companions and family back home informed of your travel plans. If separating from your travel group, send a friend your GPS location. If taking a taxi alone, take a photo of the taxi number and/or license plate and text it to a friend.
• Use toll roads when possible and avoid driving alone or at night. In many states, police presence and emergency services are extremely limited outside the state capital or major cities.
• Exercise increased caution when visiting local bars, nightclubs, and casinos.
• Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
• Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  X/Twitter .
• Follow the U.S. Embassy on Facebook and X/Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Mexico.
• Mariners planning travel to Mexico should check for U.S. maritime  advisories  and  alerts , which include instructions on reporting suspicious activities and attacks to Mexican naval authorities.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .
• Visit the CDC page for the latest travel health information related to your travel. 

Aguascalientes state – Exercise Increased Caution

Exercise increased caution due to crime.

Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Aguascalientes state.

Baja California state – Reconsider Travel

Reconsider travel due to crime and kidnapping.

Transnational criminal organizations compete in the border area to establish narco-trafficking and human smuggling routes. Violent crime and gang activity are common. Travelers should remain on main highways and avoid remote locations. Of particular concern is the high number of homicides in the non-tourist areas of Tijuana. Most homicides appeared to be targeted; however, criminal organization assassinations and territorial disputes can result in bystanders being injured or killed. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

U.S. government employees must adhere to the noted restrictions:

• Mexicali Valley:  U.S. government employees should avoid the Mexicali Valley due to the heightened possibility of violence between rival cartel factions.  The boundaries of the restricted area are: to the east, the Baja California/Arizona and Baja California/Sonora borders; to the south, from La Ventana (on Highway 5) due east to the Colorado River; to the west, Highway 5; and to the north, Boulevard Lazaro Cardenas/Highway 92/Highway 1 to Carretera Aeropuerto, from the intersection of Highway 1 and Carretera Aeropuerto due north to the Baja California/California border, and from that point eastward along the Baja California/California border.
• Travelers may use Highways 2 and 2D to transit between Mexicali, Los Algodones, and San Luis Rio Colorado during daylight hours. Travelers may also use Highways 1 and 8 to transit to and from the Mexicali Airport during daylight hours.  Travel on Highway 5 is permissible during daylight hours.

To view a map of the restricted areas, visit https://mx.usembassy.gov/maps-of-restricted-areas There are no other travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Baja California state. These include high-traffic tourism areas of border and coastal communities, such as  Tijuana ,  Ensenada , and  Rosarito .

Baja California Sur state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Baja California Sur state.

Campeche state – Exercise Normal Precautions

Exercise normal precautions.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Campeche state.

Chiapas state – Reconsider Travel

Reconsider travel due to crime.

U.S. government employees may not travel to the municipality of Ocozocoautla and to the following restricted areas in the southeastern region. All areas within the boundaries, including highway and roads unless specifically exempted, are restricted. East-Northeast Boundary: the eastern boundary follows the Mexican-Guatemalan border from the southern point on the Pacific coast, along the border, to the northern end point east of Netzahualcóyotl. Northern Boundary: from Netzahualcóyotl in a straight line southwest towards the northern limit of Ocosingo. Western Boundary: from Ocosingo in a straight-line south to El Ocote, from El Ocote in a straight-line west to San Francisco Pujiltic, from San Franciso Pujiltic southwest to just north of Mapastepec. South-Southwest Boundary: Highway 200 from Mapastepec to Tapachula. All towns along this highway are not restricted. The area to the north of highway 200 defines the southern boundary of the restricted area. From Tapachula, the restricted area boundary is north and east of the city limits and then extends southeast to the Pacific coast at Tres Hermanos San Isidro.

 U.S. government employees may travel to Tapachula within the city limits and on Highway 225, from Port Chiapas to Tapachula, including the Tapachula Airport.

To view a map of the restricted areas, visit https://mx.usembassy.gov/maps-of-restricted-areas

Chihuahua state – Reconsider Travel

Violent crime and gang activity are common. Most homicides are targeted assassinations against members of criminal organizations. Battles for territory between criminal groups have resulted in violent crime in areas frequented by U.S. citizens and U.S. government employees, including restaurants and malls during daylight hours. Bystanders have been injured or killed in shooting incidents. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

U.S. government employee travel is limited to the following areas with the noted restrictions:

• Ciudad Juarez:  U.S. government employees may travel to the area of Ciudad Juarez bounded to the east by Bulevar Independencia; to the south by De los Montes Urales/Avenida Manuel J Clouthier/Carretera de Juárez; to the west by Via Juan Gabriel/Avenida de los Insurgentes/Calle Miguel Ahumada/Francisco Javier Mina/Melchor Ocampo; and to the north by the U.S.-Mexico border.  Direct travel to the Ciudad Juarez airport (officially called the Abraham González International Airport) and the factories located along Bulevar Independencia and Las Torres is permitted.  Travel to San Jerónimo is permitted only through the United States via the Santa Teresa U.S. Port of Entry; travel via Anapra is prohibited.

U.S. government employees may only travel from Ciudad Juarez to the city of Chihuahua during daylight hours via Federal Highway 45, with stops permitted only at the Guardia Nacional División Caminos station, the Umbral del Milenio overlook area, the border inspection station at KM 35, and the shops and restaurants on Federal Highway 45 in the city of Ahumada.

• U.S. government employees may travel between Ciudad Juarez and Ascension via Highway 2.
• Nuevo Casas Grandes Area (including Nuevo Casas Grandes, Casas Grandes, Mata Ortiz, Colonia Juárez, Colonia LeBaron, Paquimé and San Buenaventura):  U.S. government employees may travel to the Nuevo Casas Grandes area during daylight hours via Mexico Federal Highway 2, and subsequently Federal Highway 10, to Nuevo Casas Grandes.  Employees are permitted to stay overnight in the cities of Nuevo Casas Grandes and Casas Grandes only.
• City of Chihuahua:  U.S. government employees may travel at any time to the area of the city of Chihuahua bounded to the north by Avenida Transformación; to the east by Avenida Tecnológico/Manuel Gómez Morín/Highway 16/Blvd.José Fuentes Mares; to the west by the city boundary; and to the south by Periférico Francisco R. Almada.
• U.S. government employees may travel on Highways 45, 16, and 45D through the city of Chihuahua and to the Chihuahua airport (officially called the General Roberto Fierro Villalobos International Airport). 
• U.S. government employees may travel to Santa Eulalia to the east of the city of Chihuahua, as well as to Juan Aldama via Highway 16 to the northeast.
• U.S. government employees may travel south of the city of Chihuahua on Highway 45 to the southern boundary of Parral, including each town directly connected to Highway 45, including Lázaro Cárdenas, Pedro Meoqui, Santa Cruz de Rosales, Delicias, Camargo, Ciudad Jiménez, and Parral itself.
• U.S. government employees may only travel on official business from the city of Chihuahua on Highway 16 to Ciudad Cuauhtémoc bounded by Highway 21 to the north and east, Highway 5 to the west, and Bulevar Jorge Castillo Cabrera to the south. 
• Ojinaga:  U.S. government employees must travel to Ojinaga via U.S. Highway 67 and enter through the U.S. Port of Entry in Presidio, Texas.
• Palomas:  U.S. government employees may travel to Palomas via U.S. highways through the U.S. Port of Entry in Columbus, New Mexico, or via Highway 2 in Mexico.

To view a map of the restricted areas, visit https://mx.usembassy.gov/maps-of-restricted-areas U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Chihuahua, including  Copper Canyon .

Coahuila state – Exercise Increased Caution

Violent crime and gang activity occur in parts of Coahuila state. 

U.S. government employees must adhere to the following travel restrictions:

• Zaragoza, Morelos, Allende, Nava, Jimenez, Villa Union, Guerrero, and Hidalgo municipalities : U.S. government employees may not travel to these municipalities.
• Piedras Negras and Ciudad Acuña:  U.S. government employees must travel directly from the United States and observe a curfew from midnight to 6:00 a.m. in both cities.

To view a map of the restricted areas, visit https://mx.usembassy.gov/maps-of-restricted-areas There are no other restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Coahuila state.

Colima state – Do Not Travel

Do not travel due to crime and kidnapping.  

Violent crime and gang activity are widespread. Most homicides are targeted assassinations against members of criminal organizations. Shooting incidents between criminal groups have injured or killed bystanders. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.  

Travel for U.S. government employees is limited to the following areas with noted restrictions: 

• Manzanillo:   U.S. government employee travel is limited to the tourist and port areas of Manzanillo.  
• Employees traveling to Manzanillo from Guadalajara must use Federal Toll Road 54D during daylight hours.  

To view a map of the restricted areas, visit https://mx.usembassy.gov/maps-of-restricted-areas U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Colima state. 

Durango state – Exercise Increased Caution

Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Durango state.

• West and south of Federal Highway 45:  U.S. government employees may not travel to this region of Durango state.

To view a map of the restricted areas, visit https://mx.usembassy.gov/maps-of-restricted-areas There are no other restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Durango state.

Guanajuato state – Reconsider Travel

Gang violence, often associated with the theft of petroleum and natural gas from the state oil company and other suppliers, occurs in Guanajuato, primarily in the south and central areas of the state. Of particular concern is the high number of murders in the southern region of the state associated with cartel-related violence. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

• Areas south of Federal Highway 45D:  U.S. government employees may not travel to the area south of and including Federal Highway 45D, Celaya, Salamanca, and Irapuato.

To view a map of the restricted areas, visit https://mx.usembassy.gov/maps-of-restricted-areas There are no other restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Guanajuato state, which includes tourist areas in:  San Miguel de Allende ,  Guanajuato City , and  surrounding areas.

Guerrero state – Do Not Travel

Do not travel due to crime.

Crime and violence are widespread. Armed groups operate independently of the government in many areas of Guerrero. Members of these groups frequently maintain roadblocks and may use violence towards travelers. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping in previous years.

U.S. government employees may not travel to any area in the state of Guerrero, including to tourist areas in  Acapulco ,  Zihuatanejo , Taxco , and  Ixtapa .

Hidalgo state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Hidalgo state.

Jalisco state – Reconsider Travel

Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Jalisco state. In Guadalajara, territorial battles between criminal groups take place in tourist areas. Shooting incidents between criminal groups have injured or killed innocent bystanders. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

• Jalisco-Michoacan border and Federal Highway 110:  U.S. government employees may not travel to the area between Federal Highway 110 and the Jalisco-Michoacan border, nor travel on Federal Highway 110 between Tuxpan, Jalisco, and the Michoacan border.
• Federal Highway 80:  U.S. government employees may not travel on Federal Highway 80 south of Cocula.

To view a map of the restricted areas, visit https://mx.usembassy.gov/maps-of-restricted-areas There are no other restrictions on travel for U.S government employees in Jalisco state which includes tourist areas in:  Guadalajara Metropolitan Area ,  Puerto Vallarta (including neighboring Riviera Nayarit) ,  Chapala , and  Ajijic .

Mexico City (Ciudad de Mexico) – Exercise Increased Caution

Both violent and non-violent crime occur throughout Mexico City. Use additional caution, particularly at night, outside of the frequented tourist areas where police and security patrol more routinely. Petty crime occurs frequently in both tourist and non-tourist areas.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Mexico City.

Mexico State (Estado de Mexico) – Exercise Increased Caution

Exercise increased caution due to crime and kidnapping.

Both violent and non-violent crime occur throughout Mexico State. Use additional caution in areas outside of the frequented tourist areas, although petty crime occurs frequently in tourist areas as well. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping. There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Mexico State.

Michoacan state – Do Not Travel

Do not travel due to crime and kidnapping.

Crime and violence are widespread in Michoacan state. Travel for U.S. government employees is limited to the following areas with the noted restrictions:

• Federal Highway 15D:   U.S. government employees may travel on Federal Highway 15D to transit the state between Mexico City and Guadalajara.
• Morelia:  U.S. government employees may travel by air and by land using Federal Highways 43 or 48D from Federal Highway 15D.
• Lazaro Cardenas:  U.S. government employees must travel by air only and limit activities to the city center or port areas.

To view a map of the restricted areas, visit https://mx.usembassy.gov/maps-of-restricted-areas U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of the state of Michoacan, including the portions of the  Monarch Butterfly Reserve  located in Michoacan.

Morelos state – Reconsider Travel

Reconsider travel due to crime and kidnapping.

Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Morelos state. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Morelos state.

Nayarit state – Exercise Increased Caution

Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout Nayarit state.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S government employees in Nayarit state.

Nuevo Leon state – Exercise Increased Caution

Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state. There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Nuevo Leon state.

Oaxaca state – Exercise Increased Caution

Criminal activity and violence occur throughout the state.

U.S. travelers are reminded that U.S. government employees must adhere to the following travel restrictions:

• Isthmus region:  U.S. government employees may not travel to the area of Oaxaca bounded by Federal Highway 185D to the west, Federal Highway 190 to the north, and the Oaxaca-Chiapas border to the east.  This includes the cities of Juchitan de Zaragoza, Salina Cruz, and San Blas Atempa.  
• Federal Highway 200 northwest of Pinotepa:  U.S. government employees may not use Federal Highway 200 between Pinotepa and the Oaxaca-Guerrero border.

To view a map of the restricted areas, visit https://mx.usembassy.gov/maps-of-restricted-areas There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees to other parts of Oaxaca state, which include tourist areas in:  Oaxaca City ,  Monte Alban ,  Puerto Escondido,  and  Huatulco .

Puebla state – Exercise Increased Caution

Exercise increased caution due to crime and kidnapping.

Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Puebla state.

Queretaro state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Queretaro state.

Quintana Roo state – Exercise Increased Caution

Criminal activity and violence may occur in any location, at any time, including in popular tourist destinations. While not directed at tourists, shootings between rival gangs have injured and killed innocent bystanders, including U.S. citizens. Violent crime, including homicides and assaults, has increased in Tulum.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Quintana Roo state. Exercise increased caution after dark in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum and remain in well-lit pedestrian streets and tourist zones.

San Luis Potosi state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in San Luis Potosi state.

Sinaloa state – Do Not Travel

Violent crime is widespread. Criminal organizations are based in and operating in Sinaloa.

Travel for U.S. government employees is limited to the following areas with the noted restrictions:

• Mazatlan:  U.S. government employees may travel to Mazatlan by air or sea only, are limited to the Zona Dorada and historic town center, and must travel via direct routes between these destinations and the airport and sea terminal.
• Los Mochis and Topolobampo:  U.S. government employees may travel to Los Mochis and Topolobampo by air or sea only, are restricted to the city and the port, and must travel via direct routes between these destinations and the airport.

To view a map of the restricted areas, visit https://mx.usembassy.gov/maps-of-restricted-areas U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Sinaloa state.

Sonora state – Reconsider Travel

Sonora is a key location used by the international drug trade and human trafficking networks. Violent crime is widespread. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping. Travelers should maintain a heightened level of awareness of their surroundings in all their travels in Sonora.  Security incidents may occur in any area of Sonora.

• Travel between Hermosillo and Nogales:  U.S. government employees may travel between the U.S. Ports of Entry in Nogales and Hermosillo during daylight hours via Federal Highway 15 only. U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures. Travelers should exercise caution and avoid unnecessary stops as security incidents, including sporadic, armed carjackings, and shootings have been reported along this highway during daylight hours. Travelers should have a full tank of gas and inform friends or family members of their planned travel.
• Nogales:  U.S. government employees may not travel in the triangular area north of Avenida Tecnologico, west of Bulevar Luis Donaldo Colosio (Periferico), nor east of Federal Highway 15D (Corredor Fiscal). U.S. government employees also may not travel in the residential and business areas to east of the railroad tracks along Plutarco Elias Calle (HWY 15) and Calle Ruiz Cortino, including the business area around the Morley pedestrian gate port-of-entry. U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications in Nogales due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures and the danger of kidnapping and other violent crimes.  
• Puerto Peñasco:  U.S. government employees may travel between Puerto Peñasco and the Lukeville-Sonoyta U.S. Port of Entry during daylight hours via Federal Highway 8 only. They may not travel on any other route to Puerto Peñasco. U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications in Puerto Peñasco. due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures and the danger of kidnapping and other violent crimes.
• Triangular region near Mariposa U.S. Port of Entry:  U.S. government employees may not travel into or through the triangular region west of the Mariposa U.S. Port of Entry, east of Sonoyta, and north of Altar municipality.
• San Luis Rio Colorado, Cananea, and Agua Prieta : U.S. government employees may travel directly from the nearest U.S. Port of Entry to San Luis Rio Colorado, Cananea (via Douglas Port of Entry), and Agua Prieta, but may not go beyond the city limits. Travel is limited to daylight hours only. Travel between Nogales and Cananea via Imuris is not permitted. U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications in these cities due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures and the danger of kidnapping and other violent crimes.
• Eastern and southern Sonora (including San Carlos Nuevo Guaymas and Alamos):  U.S. government employees may not travel to areas of Sonora east of Federal Highway 17, the road between Moctezuma and Sahuaripa, and State Highway 20 between Sahuaripa and the intersection with Federal Highway 16. U.S. government employees may travel to San Carlos Nuevo Guaymas and Alamos; travel to Alamos is only permitted by air and within city limits.  U.S. government employees may not travel to areas of Sonora south of Federal Highway 16 and east of Federal Highway 15 (south of Hermosillo), as well as all points south of Guaymas, including Empalme, Guaymas, Obregon, and Navojoa.  U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications in these areas due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures and the danger of kidnapping and other violent crimes.

To view a map of the restricted areas, visit https://mx.usembassy.gov/maps-of-restricted-areas U.S. government employees may travel to other parts of Sonora state in compliance with the above restrictions, including tourist areas in: Hermosillo , Bahia de Kino , and Puerto Penasco .

Tabasco state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Tabasco state.

Tamaulipas state – Do Not Travel

Organized crime activity – including gun battles, murder, armed robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, forced disappearances, extortion, and sexual assault – is common along the northern border and in Ciudad Victoria. Criminal groups target public and private passenger buses, as well as private automobiles traveling through Tamaulipas, often taking passengers and demanding ransom payments.

Heavily armed members of criminal groups often patrol areas of the state and operate with impunity particularly along the border region from Reynosa to Nuevo Laredo. In these areas, local law enforcement has limited capacity to respond to incidents of crime. Law enforcement capacity is greater in the tri-city area of Tampico, Ciudad Madero, and Altamira, which has a lower rate of violent criminal activity compared to the rest of the state. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

• Matamoros and Nuevo Laredo:  U.S. government employees may only travel within a limited radius around and between the U.S. Consulates in Nuevo Laredo and Matamoros, their homes, the respective U.S. Ports of Entry, and limited downtown sites, subject to an overnight curfew.
• Overland travel in Tamaulipas:  U.S. government employees may not travel between cities in Tamaulipas using interior Mexican highways. Travel between Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey is limited to Federal Highway 85D during daylight hours with prior authorization.

To view a map of the restricted areas, visit https://mx.usembassy.gov/maps-of-restricted-areas U.S. government employees may not travel to other parts of Tamaulipas state.

Tlaxcala state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Tlaxcala state.

Veracruz state – Exercise Increased Caution

Violent crime and gang activity occur with increasing frequency in Veracruz, particularly in the center and south near Cordoba and Coatzacoalcos. While most gang-related violence is targeted, violence perpetrated by criminal organizations can affect bystanders. Impromptu roadblocks requiring payment to pass are common. There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Veracruz state.

Yucatan state – Exercise Normal Precautions

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Yucatan state, which include tourist areas in:  Chichen Itza ,  Merida ,  Uxmal , and  Valladolid .

Zacatecas state – Do Not Travel

Violent crime, extortion, and gang activity are widespread in Zacatecas state. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

• Zacatecas City : U.S. government employee travel is limited to Zacatecas City proper, and employees may not travel overland to Zacatecas City.
• U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Zacatecas state.

Travel Advisory Levels

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