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