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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 .

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!

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 backpacking 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 backpacking 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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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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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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). As of April 2023, the exchange rate hovers around 18 MXN to $1 USD .

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!

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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
• Why Central America is perfect for North Americans

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

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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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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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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

The best 2 weeks in mexico itinerary for first time visitors, more than 2 weeks in mexico, getting around during 2 weeks in mexico, when to plan a trip to mexico, safety when traveling in mexico, do you need to speak spanish in mexico, what to pack for 2 weeks in mexico.

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: April 30, 2024

Wondering where to go in Mexico and need a Mexico Itinerary? In this post, I’m sharing with you my Mexico backpacking route and fun facts about Mexico backpacking. I’ve lived and traveled extensively in Mexico and 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 female travel Mexico.

So, if you are planning a trip to Mexico here on my blog you are going to find everything you need to backpack Mexico .

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. 

I have extensive travel guides detailing the best ways to travel and fun facts about Mexico:

The Best Way To Get From Cancun Airport To Tulum

How to get from Cancun airport to Playa Del Carmen

How To Get From Playa del Carmen To Tulum

How To Get To Cozumel – Cancun To Cozumel

How to get from Tikal in Guatemala to Tulum in Mexico

How To Get To Isla Holbox Mexico

How to Get to Sayulita

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 route I would recommend you take time to see as much of Mexico as you can.

Mexico itinerary for 1 month:

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!

Three Weeks in Mexico

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.

Mexico itinerary for 3 weeks

• 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)

Two Weeks in Mexico

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 two 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!

A 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.

Backpack Mexico itinerary for 1 week:

• 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.

Claire Summers

Hi I’m Claire!

At 34 I sold all my worldly possessions that wouldn’t fit into 3 boxes or my backpack and hit the road.

I started Claire’s Itchy Feet to inspire women to pack their bags and travel more. With no plans to stop anytime soon I’m always looking for my next adventure be it attempting to surf or climbing a volcano I’ll try (almost) anything once!

© 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.

Click here to find out how you can support the site organically .

Many thanks!

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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Backpacking mexico 2024: everything you need to know.

Our Experience Backpacking Mexico

Please note this backpacking Mexico guide is focused on the Yucatan Peninsula, Quintana Roo, Chipas areas. Other areas are included for reference in the suggested itinerary routes, but we have not personally visited other areas than the states listed above.

The reason we only visited these areas is because it’s a perfect introduction to Mexico and you get to see a variety of different sides to Mexico when you’ve got time restraints, plus if you want to backpack Central America in general, then this Mexico route will set you up perfectly for backpacking Guatemala , Nicaragua and El Salvador .

As part of our backpacking Central America itinerary, we found ourselves visiting Mexico. I loved everything about Mexico, from it’s fantastic food, wonderful sights, relaxing beaches, great people, and the best margaritas, it was truly an experience I’ll never forget.

And since I feel like I’ve only scratched the surface with Mexico, I will definitely be returning in the future. It was truly one of the best backpacking destinations I’ve visited so far .

There is a stark contrast between the “tourist” Mexico, which I consider to be the resorts of the coastal towns, and rural Mexico, which is much more authentic, and better [in my opinion], but I’ll take you through all aspects of Mexico.

We spent a total of 22 days in beautiful Mexico and below I take you through all the cool things to do in Mexico including sample itineraries, practical information and basically everything you need to know about backpacking Mexico.

Since we were there just under 3 weeks, I guess this will be a three week backpacking trip in Mexico, with some other sample itineraries which will be a little longer and shorter.

So, if you’re planning a trip to Mexico, sit back, grab a coffee, and let’s get right to it with your ultimate guide to backpacking Mexico!

Quick Things To Learn About ...

At the time of our travels in 2019, certain areas of Mexico are safe and others are not. The tourist areas have had threats, but in general security is high. Rural Mexico and Mexico City are higher risk, but monitor travel advice websites and new sources for advice. Word of mouth from locals and other travellers is also good. Take normal precautions, such as hiding money and expensive items and avoid getting drunk alone at night.

Make sure you have Hepatitis A & B, and Typhoid. Optionals are Yellow Fever and Rabies. Zika is present so take precautions. Speak with a travel doctor before backpacking Mexico.

There are a few companies offering good coverage in Mexico. These include TelCel and Movistar. Both are super cheap. You don’t need your passport to buy either. But you’ll find decent WiFi across Mexico too.

In the tourist traps of Cancun and Mexico, there are “tourist” atms which charge crazy fees for withdrawals. Opt for local bank ATMs. We use Revolut and Monzo for the best exchange rates and free withdrawals.

It was first populated more than 13,000 years ago and had a complex range of indigenous people, including the Mayans before being conquered by the Spanish in the 16th century. It gained independence in 1810. The drug war in Mexico is well known and still present. This has resulted in a lot of crime and death throughout the country.

It’s customary to tip 10% in Mexico, double check that it hasn’t already been added to the bill (this is usually done in resorts).

Currency in Mexico is Mexican Peso, but if you are visiting the coastal resorts primarily, such as Playa Del Carmen, Cancun and Tulum, then you will find they all take US dollars (with a terrible exchange rate).

Oh, Mexicans love to party! You’ll find countless opportunities to drink beer, tequila and Margaritas, especially in the resorts of Cancun and Playa Del Carmen. Personally Canun was my favourite for partying.

Risk of Malaria is low but present throughout the year in some rural areas of Mexico. Low risk is present in the state of Chiapas, and very low risk in Quintana Roo, Sinaloa, Durango and the Yucatan Peninsula. Use deet and cover up to minimise risk. If you are backpacking Central America in general, then we recommend anti-malarials.

The dominant religion in Mexico is Christianity which accounts for around 85% of the population. There is often a unique blend of Mayan and Christianity too. Watch out for religious public holidays which can pop up without you knowing.

The official languages in Mexico include Spanish, and Mayan. Plenty of tourist towns speak English, but it’s always fun to speak Spanish. Hola is hello, Gracias is thank you and por favor is please!

Mexico uses Type A and Type B sockets. So American appliances will be fine.

Before traveling anywhere, make sure you have your travel insurance in place. We recommend SafetyWing. ‍

Here's a few reasons ...

• They Cover for Covid-19
• You can pause and restart policies each month
• They are more affordable than many providers

For more info, check out my in-depth SafetyWing review .

Best places to visit In mexico

Mexico is bursting with amazing places to visit, but to help narrow it down, I will list the most beautiful places in Mexico to visit.

So, if you’re wondering “where are the best places to visit in Mexico?”, then keep reading...

Playa Del Carmen

Playa Del Carmen is one of the popular “holiday” spots in Mexico thanks to its beautiful beaches, cheap cocktails, buzzing nightlife and fun things to do.

I really liked Playa Del Carmen. It’s got a really cool strip of bars and restaurants called “Fifth Avenue” that’s super fun in the evenings.

If you’re a solo backpacker, then get yourself on a pub crawl and get ready to meet lots of other people!

It’s also a great spot for families and couples, so in general it’s a good place to go backpacking in Mexico.

I personally loved all the beautiful beaches on offer and you can check out my whole post about them here.

Tulum is another beach side destination on the rise. It’s still a lot quieter than its counterparts (Cancun and Playa Del Carmen), but it’s actually being built at such a quick rate that it will eventually be bigger than Cancun.

Tulum is filled with great cenotes (land that has fallen away to create a pool that you can swim in!), beautiful Mayan ruins by the sea, great restaurants and stunning beaches.

The only downfall about Tulum is the expensive taxi rides. There is no way around it, but the taxis cost around $20 for a 10 minute drive.

Another cool thing about Tulum is all the quirky and cute hotels on offer. You can stay in some absolutely beautiful properties.

Brad and I stayed at the Alea Tulum which is a fairly new property, but it’s across the road from a cenote and it’s a beachfront property with stunning views...what more could you want!?

You can read about our stay here.

Ah Cancun, the man-made city built for tourism. Cancun is home to the best beaches in Mexico (in my humble opinion).

The water is beautifully blue and it’s clear as day. It’s also warm which makes it perfect for swimming in.

Cancun itself is a proper tourist town with massive hotels, resorts, super clubs, and much much more.

You can stay in Cancun Downtown and get the R1 bus into Cancun Hotel Zona for less than $1, or you can stay in the Hotel Zona.

Personally, I think staying in the Hotel Zona is the best choice because you’re so close to the beach and all the great things to do.

And you can’t possibly go to Cancun and not make a stop at the famous CoCo Bongo club (more on that later!)

If you do wish to stay in Cancun Downtown, there is still lots going on, from live music, markets and more.

It really depends on what you want. We stayed in the Selina Hotel Zone property which had a fantastic swimming pool and in a good location.

We stayed in both a private double room and a dorm room, and out of the two, I preferred the double room.

Hotel stays in the Hotel Zona area are much more expensive, but the Selina is reasonably priced!

Read Also: The top things to do in Cancun

Okay, let’s step away from the “tourist” Mexico and get deep into real Mexico which will give you a chance to see the authentic side of backpacking Mexico.

Palenque is actually my favourite place in Mexico (so far) and it’s located in Chiapas state.

It’s a laid back town which acts as a base to explore the Palenque ruins (some of the best Mayan ruins in my opinion), and some fantastic nearby waterfalls.

What I love even more about Palenque is that it’s super cheap. We headed out for dinner and drinks and spent less than $10 each for 3 dishes, and 3 cocktails each!

I’d say you could easily spend 3 nights in Palenque and never get bored. You can also do day trips to San Cristobal if you don’t plan on going that far on your backpacking Mexico trip.

You can find out all you need to know about great things to do in Palenque in my backpacking Palenque guide here.

[PS, if you’re doing the coastal route through Mexico, then this is where you can get into Guatemala at ease)

Ah, Valladolid. Another of the best places in Mexico to see. It’s located on the Yucatan Peninsula and it’s a charming town filled with amazing cenotes.

It’s actually the king/queen of cenotes.

But, the town itself is super charming with brilliant restaurants, charming coffee shops, unique sights and much more.

It’s also a great base if you want to visit nearby Chichen Itza.

The best way to get around Valladolid is via moped and there is one company in which you can rent from in town called "Scooter Valladolid".

Also, there is a time zone change in Valladolid from Chiapas and Quintana Roo, so remember to double check if you’re getting buses in Mexico. (We almost missed ours).

You need about 2-3 nights in Valladolid to really experience everything and make sure you visit all the amazing cenotes that surround you.

But to find out more about the best things to do in Valladolid as part of backpacking Mexico, then check out my in depth guide.

Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza is probably one of the most famous things to do in Mexico and it’s always part of a backpacking Mexico itinerary.

Actually, out of all the Mayan ruins I’ve seen across Central America, this was my least favourite.

Not that the temple isn’t impressive, but I think the ridiculous entrance fee is what bothered me. This year it went from around $10 to $25 dollars in the last year...I don’t believe it’s worth that price.

You can actually stay right next to the archaeological site if you wish, or you can stay in Valladolid and commute from there.

Some people also choose to go on day trips direct from Cancun or Playa Del Carmen.

San Cristobal

San Cristobal is located in the state of Chiapas and it’s known for its beautiful and well preserved colonial style architecture.

It’s also well known for it’s amazing markets and if you need to find souvenirs then you’ll find everything you need here.

This is a great town to take a walking tour which typically takes 3 hours to see the whole town. There are some stunning places to be seen and I wish we did get the chance to visit here.

But it’s on my list for the next Mexican itinerary we plan. If you’ve been then you can comment your recommendations below and I can pop them in!

Mexico City

The capital of Mexico is Mexico City and Bradley and I were only in Mexico City for a stopover, so we didn’t get to explore.

However, it’s again on my list of places to visit in Mexico for our next trip and I know for a fact that lots of people love it. We met 4 or 5 backpackers on our trip who said how great Mexico City was.

• Isla Holbox

Last but not least on our list of places to visit in Mexico for your backpacking Mexico adventure is Isla Holbox. This is an island located in the north of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, in Quintana Roo State.

It’s a backpacker hub thanks to its beautiful waters, stunning beaches, ample drinking opportunities and much more.

It’s super easy to get there via ADO bus from both Cancun and Playa Del Carmen. This will take you to the port and you can get a boat over to the island!

There are also lots of accommodation offers, but they are a little on the pricey side and I think that’s because they’re on an island. ‍

Our 10 favourite things to do in Mexico

There are hundreds of amazing fun things to do in Mexico and if I listed them all, I’d be here forever, so I’ve founded up the highlights of our trip and conducted them into a list of the top 10 things to do on a backpacking Mexico adventure.

1. Visit the beautiful beaches in Playa Del Carmen

As I mentioned above, I think Playa Del Carmen is home to some of the best beaches in all of Mexico.

What’s great about them is they’re clean, the water is clear and blue, and there is so much opportunity for snorkelling, watersports and swimming.

There are also some brilliant beach clubs located along the front and you can pay a set fee (not overly expensive) and use that towards food and drink all day whilst you relax on the beach front= perfection.

There is also lots of opportunities for beach massages, so basically if you love fun in the sun and you want to relax, then the beaches of Playa Del Carmen will not disappoint you.

2. Party at Coco Bongo

The world famous Coco Bongo is inspired by the same club that was in the movie “The Mask” (iconic Jim Carrey). Anyway, this is a sort of half club, half show experience.

You pay a set amount and you get entrance and unlimited drinks all night. The basic package will get you a spot on the dance floor and free drinks, or you can upgrade to “gold” (which Bradley and I did) and you get a seat at the top along with “premium” drinks.

It’s around $120 and you get 7-8 shows featuring The Mask, Moulin Rouge, Queen tribute, Michael Jackson tribute and many more.

Then the in between moments are filled with classic 70s, 80s and 90s pop!

It’s a really good night and if you go gold, you have a waiter who brings your drinks to you all night so you don’t have to wait at the bar.

We had a fantastic night and think it was totally worth the money. Also, if you book online you get 5% off, BUT if you want to return for another night, they give you more than 50% off, so it’s an excuse to go again (or give the code to a friend! lol)

There are two Coco Bongo clubs in Mexico, one in Cancun and one in Playa Del Carmen.

The Cancun version is the original and the biggest and it’s the one Brad and I went to, but they both offer the exact same thing.

[PS, it’s also cheaper by around $10-20 if you go on a weekday rather than a weekend]

What I will warn you is that, it’s a little sleazy. They have wind machines that basically go off if a girl is standing over it, and it’s all on a big screen.

Yes, I don’t agree with that, but also, everyone is well aware of what’s going to happen when they stand there. So if you take offence easily, then you probably will be offended.

3. Explore the Palenque ruins of Mexico

The Palenque Ruins are amazing and they’re the cheapest ruins we visited in Mexico, and probably all of Central America.

It’s only 75 pesos entrance (approx $4) and you have full access to some amazing ancient ruins , which aren’t overly busy.

They are beautiful and you can climb up and within them, which is cool. The great thing is that the ruins are dotted all over the place in the forest/jungle and you can spot some just covered by leaves and trees.

You can take a picture of the big map on the entrance to plan your route.

I suggest bringing a picnic as there are lots of nice places to sit. You’ll also find yourself walking through some beautiful waterfalls, which are an added bonus to the day.

There is lots of opportunity to buy souvenirs as people selling the same crap are everywhere.

You can do the ruins via a tour from the main town and combine it with a waterfall tour (AMAZING waterfalls), or you can easily go on your own, which I’ve talked about in my backpacking Palenque guide.

4. Visit the Tulum ruins

Another one of the best things to do in Mexico is the Tulum Ruins. They’re completely different from the Palenque ruins, so you won’t feel like you’re seeing the same thing twice.

Actually the Tulum ruins are located on the beachfront, which means they have a stunning backdrop.

They are also cheap to visit at 65 pesos each and I think these ruins were very picturesque.

You should bring your swimming costume as you’ll have the chance to swim in the sea via a “secret beach” only accessed via the ruins.

We visited around 3pm when the weather was “cooler” and we got stuck in a downpour of rain and had to hide under a tree for about an hour...it was an adventure, then our bike got a flat tyre so we couldn’t ride it back to our hotel and instead had to pay $25 for a 10 minute taxi drive…

Even that was a challenge as no one wanted to take our bikes! Haha

At the ruins there is a package on offer that’s around $20 that takes you snorkelling too, so if you want the chance to see some fish, then this is a fair deal.

We thought about doing it, but since we arrived so late (classic Brad and Caz), we didn’t have enough time left.

5. Eat traditional Mexican food

I simply had to put this on my list of great things to do in Mexico.

Basically, I've been obsessed with Mexican food all my life and Bradley and I make a lot of Mexican food at home, so when I knew I was going to Mexico, I could not wait to eat all the food I could.

It didn’t disappoint, the food in Mexico is amazing. I loved the fresh, (cheap) tacos, yummy enchiladas, guacamole and of course I’ve developed a love (cough addiction cough) to margaritas.

Personally, I think the more “local” a place is, the better the food. But you really can’t go wrong, the food is both delicious and well priced.

6. Discover waterfalls in Chiapas

You can take a waterfall tour from Palenque for around 300 pesos, which is about $15 which includes you’re entrance to waterfalls and your transport there and back. Not too bad.

You’ll get to visit some really cool waterfalls, and the first one,Misol-Ha, you can swim in! It’s a towering waterfall and it’s pretty epic. You can also fly drones here so get ready to get some cool shots.

The second waterfall you visit is called Agua Azul and it’s spectacular. It’s like cascades of different waterfalls and there are so many beautiful pools, in stunning blue colours. It’s a very picturesque waterfall with the chance to swim too.

This was my favourite and it takes a lot for me to be impressed by waterfalls nowadays (I’ve seen so many), but this one did.

The area in which it is also has lots of little restaurants where you can chill and Brad and I had 3 empanadas for 20 pesos each (less than $1) and vodka and orange juice for less than $2, which was fun.

Fun moment...when we visited, the heavens opened and it was torrential rain, for the whole.damn.time. Note to self: check the weather forecast.

So, we didn’t fly our drone, and we didn’t get to swim in the second one, which was super annoying because it looked so amazing, but the vodka helped us get over the pain.

Also, I lost a memory card the day after, which had all my photos of the waterfall, including a lot of my photos from Laos and Vietnam that I hadn’t yet transferred onto my hard drive, so I was pretty bummed about that, BUT lesson learnt, I transfer more often now.

Kind of made that sound like a disaster day, but if you go when the sun is shining, it will be even better haha

This is definitely one of the best things to see in Mexico!

7. Visit Cenote Suytun and other cenotes in Valladolid

So if you’ve been on Instagram searching travel related hashtags, then the chances are, you’ve seen this cenote.

Instagram is exactly where I saw it,and I saved the picture and knew I had to visit once I started backpacking Mexico.

So, Cenote Suytun is truly as beautiful in person as it is in the pictures. It’s under a cave and a little platform has been created so you can walk out onto it where a beam of light shoots through.

This does make for a pretty picture, but if you want to avoid the crowds, then go when it first opens at 8 am which is what Bradley and I did and we got some cool pictures.

You can swim here, but there are big black fish, so no thank you.

There are also lots of other cenotes in the area, like lots and lots and you could spend two whole days going to them all, but I’ve spoken about them all in my Cenote Suytun post which will tell you all you need to know about visiting there and other nearby cenotes in Valladolid.

8. Visit Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza (as mentioned before) is probably one of the most famous attractions in all of Mexico.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s beautiful, and if you’re only going to be visited just one Mayan site on your backpacking Mexico itinerary, then this should definitely be a go to place.

My only problem is the touristification of it: it’s overpriced, and honestly, it’s just one big “market” with people selling overpriced stuff. Rows and rows and rows, then more rows of people. It takes away from the experience for me….

But, it’s still an impressive temple!

If you want to avoid the mass crowds, then I suggest going super early which you can do if you have your own transport (car or moped), or you take an organised tour that leaves super early.

PS, do NOT buy your souvenirs here. They charge about $20 for something that costs $1 to make, and if you do buy it, then you just ruin it for the rest of us who don’t want to be ripped off so obviously.

If you’re in Cancun, there is a massive supermarket there, (super modern), and it has all the same stuff for less than $2-3, so buy your souvenirs there and thank me later.

9. Have fun at Venture Park

Brad and I are big kids at heart. If we find a waterpark, or amusement park, then you’ll probably find us there.

The great thing about Ventura Park in Cancun is that it’s both a waterpark, amusement park and then some!

You can go race go-karts, do ziplining, try your hand at some scary VR and so much more.

Oh, and it’s $30 for all entrance…..for everything, including transport there and back, and unlimited food all day ...oh and you can add on unlimited alcoholic drinks package for $7 more...trust me, margaritas all day in the sun whilst you’re bobbing along the lazy river...is super fun.

We did the lazy river and got off at each bar, so we essentially bar hopped the lazy river= awesome.

The entrance is always 50% off when you book online 5 days in advance...but top tip: we booked 2 days in advance, and we messaged the live chat team and asked if we could get the 50% discount, and it was no problem, plus they gave us the drinks package at half price too.

So, basically you’ll always get 50% off, just message them online :)

It’s such a fun day out, and you start your day around 10 and finish at 5! We had such a brilliant day.

It’s a small park in comparison to massive famous waterparks, but there is enough to keep busy, and all the ziplining is such fun.

You can also do bungee jump and bungee swing, (we did the bungee swing), and that’s included in the price. In the UK, these are super expensive, so for $30, I was VERY happy!

Food was decent too, the only extras you need to pay for is your locker, if you want one.

This is the website.

10. Experience epic sunsets in Cancun

The sunsets in Cancun are out of this world. Stunning pinks, oranges and reds take over the sky, and there are so many great sunset spots.

You can sit in the water, sit on the beach with an ice bucket of beers and some music, or sit on one of the many restaurants that are beachfront.

Either way, it’s going to be pretty epic.

So this is just a fine selection of all my favourite things to do in Mexico. Of course there are many more to do, but these are my top choices!

Choosing your Mexico itinerary

Mexico is a BIG country, so when people ask us “where should I go in Mexico?” or “how long should I backpack Mexico?”, it’s often really hard to give a straight answer.

It depends on what you want and of course, how much time you can spare! So to help you decide, we’ve created 4 sets of itineraries based on the places we’ve been and a few more that we haven’t been. The 3 week itinerary is the itinerary we did, and the 4 week is the one we would have done had we had more time!

So, the question is, what are you looking for?

• 1 WEEK MEXICO ITINERARY
• 2 WEEK MEXICO ITINERARY
• 3 WEEK MEXICO ITINERARY
• 4 WEEK MEXICO ITINERARY

1 Week Mexico Itinerary ideas

If you’ve only got a week backpacking Mexico then I suggest you see the hotspots of the coast which are as follows:

Cancún> Isla Holbox> Playa Del Carmen> Tulum

Cancun : 2 nights: you can spend one night at the start and one night at the end of your trip if you’re flying in and out, but from there you can do a day trip to Chichen Itza if you wish.

Isla Holbox: 2 nights: this beautiful island is worth a stay with its beautiful blue waters and snorkel.

Playa Del Carmen: 2 nights: You can check out all the beaches.

Tulum : 1 nights: Tulum ruins and beautiful cenotes!

Total: 7 nights

2 Week mexico Itinerary ideas

Our Mexico travel itinerary went something like this and I felt we got to see lots of the best Mexico has to offer!

Cancun: 4 nights: Spend 4 nights relaxing on the beach, heading to Ventura Park, snorkelling, visit nearby islands, seeing CoCo Bongo and much more.

Playa Del Carmen: 2 nights View the beautiful beach of Playa Del Carmen and try day excursions.

Valladolid : 3 nights: Explore the beautiful cenotes around the area, the lovely bars and restaurants and of course the famous Chichen Itza.

Tulum : 2 nights: Visit the beautiful cenotes in Tulum as well as the brilliant and beautiful Tulum ruins.

Palenque: 3 nights: Marvel at the amazing Palenque ruins then take a day trip exploring the stunning waterfalls in close proximity.

Fly home from Palenque to Cancun, then onwards, or even Mexico city and onwards, or cross over the border to Flores Guatemala .

One more night in Cancun or Mexico city for flying.

Total: 14 nights

3 Week Mexico Itinerary ideas

If you've got some extra time in Mexico, then follow this 3 week itinerary for Mexico to cover all basis and experience it all.

Cancun: 4 nights: Spend 4 nights relaxing on the beach partying at CoCo Bongo, etc

Playa Del Carmen: 2 nights View the beautiful beaches of Playa Del Carmen.

Valladolid : 3 nights: Explore the amazing cenotes around the area via moped and visit the famous Chichen Itza and Coba via day trips.

Tulum : 2 nights: Visit the fantastic cenotes in Tulum as well as the brilliant and beautiful Tulum ruins.

San Cristobal: 3 nights: Take walking tours and embrace the beauty of this cute colonial town.

Mexico City: 3 nights: Be amazed by the chaos of Mexico city. Eat, drink, explore and party in the capital.

Total: 21 nights (including travel time)

4 Week Mexico Itinerary ideas

The 4 week itinerary will allow you to see a lot of the coast and some of rural Mexico. Basically for a 4 week itinerary, I suggest the exact same as the 3 week backpacking Mexico itinerary, but adding on these stops: Isla Holbox and Río Lagartos (which is the famous pink lake).

When is the best time to visit Mexico?

Mexico is widely regarded as one of the best warm places to visit from January til around March time. Which is exactly when we chose to visit!

The dry season of Mexico runs between December to April (which is why everyone flocks to the beaches during winter vacation in the UK and USA!)

There will be little rain and temperatures can hit around 30 degrees Celsius.

Of course, if you go out of season, then this will be the cheapest time to go to Mexico, but you may have to contend with bad weather.

We visited in January and the weather was excellent. There was the odd shower, and only one day of bad rain all day (Palenque at the waterfalls), but other than that, it was perfect weather!

Backpacking Mexico: Sorting your Mexico visa

When it comes to sorting a visa for backpacking Mexico, you’ll be pleased to hear that it’s actually not that difficult for most people.

If you’re travelling on a UK or Irish passport, then you won’t need a visa beforehand, you will be granted a visa on arrival and you will need to fill in an immigration form which you will have to return when you leave Mexico.

So don’t lose it. If you do, you’ll have to pay $500 Mexican Pesos.

You can stay in Mexico up to 180 days, and yes you can leave and re-enter, because we did and had no issues.

The Departure Tax: Okay, there really is a lot of confusion over the departure tax. MOST airlines include it within the ticket, so you won’t have to notice it.

But apparently some don’t and when you leave the country via land border, they will demand a fee, which is around $25 US dollars.

Now, apparently you can pay this tax before hand at any bank. Either way, no one said anything about this when Bradley and I were there at the airport when they let us in, or otherwise.

So when we left Mexico to Flores, Guatemala, we were asked to pay a fee in cash.

We had no cash, and I refused to pay the fee, especially since we were going to return to Mexico after our time in Central America, for a flight back home.

Anyway, I explained this to the immigration officer, that we were coming back in 6 weeks, and he eventually just said okay…

And when we went to the airport, we were never asked for a fee, so I am unsure why we “had” to pay it at the land border…

If you’re travelling on a US passport, you can enter Mexico for up to 180 days visa free.

How Do You Get To Mexico?

There are a variety of ways to get to Mexico depending on where you are coming from.

If you are coming from the UK, you can fly with Thomson airways and Thomas cook for super cheap.

We flew with Thomas cook and the flight was direct, cheap and excellent (we flew premium economy on our return flight and I recommend paying the extra for the upgrade).

Actually, if you’re wondering how long does it take to get to Mexico via a direct flight: it’s about 10 hours.

You can check Skyscanner for the best prices on the web. We actually only booked 10 days before we left and still got a flight for under £200.

If you’re coming from the USA, you might be wondering, can you drive to Mexico, well yes! you have the option to drive to Mexico through San Diego, or other crossing parts, or of course you can get super cheap flights from Florida, Chicago and Boston. (less than $100).

Same applies to Canada!

If you’re backpacking Central America but have started from Panama/Costa Rica, then you can get flights and buses the whole way to Mexico City or Cancun.

They’re super long but doable. Tica bus is the company we use for all our long haul journeys throughout central america, and they pretty much dominate the bus scene. This is their website.

Basically Mexico is a super easy place to get into and out of which makes backpacking Mexico even more appealing.

Getting around Mexico

Wondering how to get to Mexico? Don’t worry!

For backpackers, the best way to get around Mexico is via bus. Mexico bus routes are quite well established long haul bus situation, and each area of the country has one company that has a hold on them.

For example, in the states we visited, ADO bus are the main company and they are the company we used for our entire backpacking Mexico route.

You can’t book online as you need a Mexican credit card, but just head to an ADO bus station and book your tickets there. They take card which is handy.

We used ADO from Cancun all the way to Palenque (stops in between), and then to Valladolid, etc.

They are comfortable, average priced, and usually on time!

There are a lot of local airports in Mexico, so if you’re budget can stretch to it, then you can get around quicker by flying from place to place. You can get a flight to Palenque, Mexico City, Cancun, etc.

The further you book in advance, the better the deal.

Below I discuss the easiest way to get to each place based on our itinerary samples above: starting in Cancun.

There is no uber in this part of Mexico (I know Mexico city has uber), but the taxis are expensive because they are owned privately. This is the case for Tulum and Playa Del Carmen, Cancun.

If you want to get around cheaply, then think like a local. Get the collectivos or local buses to get from place to place, and if you’re confused, simply ask a local for advice. They’re happy to help!

It’s SUPER cheap to rent a car in Mexico. When you book in advance you can get some for as little as $1 a day.

You need a credit card to rent, and Brad and I had only taken debit cards with us, so we couldn’t rent!

But I highly recommend driving, as you will get to see so much more of the country and you can make even more unique stops along the way.

Fuel is cheap too.

I was using Rental Cars for my searches!

Check out our guide on the best car rentals in Cancun for some more top tips here.

GETTING FROM CANCUN TO PLAYA DEL CARMEN

The easiest way is to get a bus via the ADO station. It’s less than $8. If you wish, you can also get a shared taxi, which will likely be a little quicker.

GETTING FROM PLAYA DEL CARMEN TO TULUM

The same applies from Cancun to Tulum and Playa del carmen to Tulum. Get the ADO bus. There is only a couple of tours between these destinations, so if you wish and your budget can afford too, then get a taxi between them.

GETTING FROM CANCUN TO PALENQUE

You can get a direct bus from both Playa Del Carmen and Cancun. There are a few timing options, but I recommend the overnight bus that leaves around 6pm and gets you to Palenque for around 7am.

There are different price levels with ADO such as a basic fare, (no onboard toilet), a medium fare (toilet, plug sockets) and a luxury fare, which includes snacks, drinks, onboard entertainment etc.

We splashed out and did that, and it was freezing on board because of the strong air con and no blankets offered.

We actually did that in order to get a better sleep, but it didn’t work, so I’d just pay the middle rate!

GETTING FROM CANCUN TO VALLADOLID

You can get the ADO bus again which only takes about 2 hours. Or you can arrange a taxi transfer, or even drive yourself if you opted for the car for a few days.

If you have a car you can drive to Chichen Itza super early to beat the crowds.

GETTING FROM VALLADOLID TO CHICHEN ITZA

I thought I would quickly mention this, you can get to Chichen Itza from Valladolid via moped rental ($20 for 24 hours), or you can get the local mini buses (collectivo) from the bus station, which are only a couple of dollars.

Finding the best Accommodation in Mexico

If you’re worried about knowing where to stay in Mexico, then look no further.

You’ll be happy to hear that hotels in Mexico are plentiful and have something to suit every budget. We got to stay in some fantastic places.

Just a note, we always use booking.com to search for Mexico accommodation. We use them about 90% of the time and Airbnb the other 10%.

We find they are the cheapest (they have a price promise, so the hotel direct won’t ever be cheaper) and you get a genius discount (15%), free breakfast on some rooms, late checkout, early check, and we’ve even had free sims and free bike rental!

So, if you’re looking for the number one way to find the best places to stay in Mexico, then I say Booking.com

If you want to book, I’ve listed the destination pages from the backpacking Mexico itineraries, but a quick heads up, if you book through any of these links we get a small commission.

This is at no extra cost to you at all, and it helps our website produce these awesome backpacking guides for you! So...thank you!

• Playa Del Carmen ‍
• San Cristobal ‍
• Mexico City ‍

If you’ve never booked with booking.com before, you can use this link to get 10% off your first booking.

Of course there are other ways to book hotels and hostels in Mexico. Some alternatives are listed below.

• ‍ Airbnb (Love it for unique accommodation and longer term stays)
• HostelWorld

I’ll also list where we stayed in Mexico for reference and we’ve written some blog posts on some of them.

• ‍ Playa Del Carmen: Magic Blue Boutique Hotel ‍
• Tulum: The Alea Tulum ‍
• Palenque: Hotel Mision ‍
• Cancun: Selina ‍
• Valladolid: Gayser Apartments

mexico travel guide: How to dress

If you’re wondering what to wear in Mexico, then I’ve got you covered.

Mexico is a Christian country, which means there isn’t any strict religious dress codes. Of course, walking around naked might be frowned upon (I’m sure that applies to any country), but you can wear swimwear, shorts etc with ease.

I personally recommend light clothing as it gets super warm. I’m talking cotton trousers, shorts and tops.

Bring sunglasses and when you are out on day trips, I recommend bringing a rain poncho with you in case you get wet by a random rain storm.

You can get the rain ponchos for less than $2.

In general the climate in Mexico is warm all throughout, but in some cases bring a light jacket if it gets colder in the evening.

What to pack for Mexico

This list certainly won’t have absolutely everything you need for a backpacking Mexico itinerary, but it should get you started on your packing list for Mexico.

As part of this packing list, to help you out, we’ve included links to Amazon to the products, where we will earn a small commission if you purchase via one of the links.

Every backpacker needs a decent rucksack for backpacking Mexico. You can opt to take suitcases with you, but backpacker is far easier and much more convenient if you’re travelling to lots of different places in a country. We recommend Osprey rucksacks as they’re high quality and easy to open. Brad’s been using the same one for almost 4 years now. They do men and women backpacks.

Do not skimp on high quality shoes when travelling. You’re going to be walking a lot. Personally I wear Skechers go walk and I’ve been using them for 3 years that they are perfect!

If you plan on doing a lot of hiking and adventurous activities, invest in a pair of good quality hiking shoes. You can hang them onto your rucksack.

Brad LOVES these flip flops and I have to say they’re the best pair he has ever bought. They are high quality, comfortable and you can open beer bottles with them (oh yeah!). He uses them for the beach, walking up mountains, long walks, everything and they last long!

As said before, it’s a good idea to have a light jacket for your evenings. Some places it can get a little chilly so this will make you more comfortable.

If you want to stay cool, then wear cool long trousers, these are good in the evening to help cover your legs from bug bites.

Keep your head protected from the intense sunshine!

Super lightweight and breathable means these are perfect for backpacking Mexico.

Certain areas of Mexico are prone to mosquitoes, so use deet to keep them at bay. I recommend at least 50% deet.

Protect your skin. You still tan with sunscreen on! Get a high factor and note that it will be more expensive when you arrive to purchase, so it’s best to bring before you go backpacking Mexico.

You’re going to want to document your travels and if you want a camera that takes high quality pictures and super high quality videos, then I suggest the Canon G7x Mark II. It’s what we use for 80% of our pics and videos. Get a Go Pro for cool underwater pics.

It’s good to invest in a decent one which will work for a variety of different countries in the world.

What to read whilst backpacking Mexico

Mexico has a pretty interesting country with an interesting past, so if you’re interested in learning about the history then you can check out some books here.

When backpacking Mexico you’re not going to want to carry lots of books with you, so a kindle is a great way to read books on the go without extra weight. The Kindle Fire can double as a tablet which is good for checking emails, social media, watching Netflix, etc.

An interesting take on the history of Mexico and very highly rated!

Classic Lonely planet will give you lots of information on backpacking Mexico. It’s hard for a book to keep up-to-date, but it’s a good starter read. You usually find older editions in hostels.

I prefer Rough Guides as they have some awesome travel itineraries in their books, so these are great for planning your trip.

Spanish is spoken all across Mexico and central america (and south!) so it's super useful to learn a few phrases to help communicate with locals and haggle better.

If you'd like to know more about Mexican politics, history and everything in between then this is a great book! 

Eating and Drinking in Mexico

Well, this is probably one of my favourite things to do in Mexico. The food and drink is out of this world.

Before I went to Mexico, I’ve always eaten Mexican food and actually Brad and I make it quite frequently back home...fresh guacamole is our thing.

So, I was super excited to eat food in Mexico, and it did not disappoint.

Breakfast tends to be some forms of beans, eggs, or even breakfast tacos. Lunch is tacos, quesadillas, Mexican bean soup is good, and dinner is more of the same but add on fresh guacamole and you’re sorted.

There are lots of different meats and flavours going on, so you’ll be spoilt for choice and find that everything tastes different even if it has the same name.

If you want to divert away from Mexican food, there are lots of other restaurants in Mexico that serve Italian, American and even Asian cuisine, so you’ll find something to suit everyone.

Obviously, the more rural you go, the less choice you will have.

Useful online tools for Your Mexico trip

After spending almost 3 weeks backpacking Mexico, we found lots of useful tools that helped make our Mexico travel trip so much easier. Below we list some you might find useful.

Booking.Com : I’ve mentioned about how useful they are for finding cheap hotels in Mexico, but they also have an app which can be used offline which means once you book a hotel, it will be saved to the app and you can get the address for the taxi drivers!

You can also chat easily with the property through their in-app messaging system.

Google maps/Maps. Me: Personally we prefer google maps, both work offline (you download google maps online for it to work offline) and you can get from A to B even when you have no WiFi or data.

Skyscanner: We used Skyscanner to book all our flights! So if you’re wondering where to fly into Mexico they can help.

Mexico Budget: The cost of backpacking Mexico

I bet you’re now wondering, “how much is it going to cost to backpack Mexico?” and I will be totally honest with you.

Everything near the coast is more expensive, but there are ways to do it on the cheap, but once you hit the more authentic areas of Mexico such as Palenque, Valladolid, etc, it’s super cheap all the time.

But here are some figures to help you plan your Mexico backpacking budget.

When in the beachside resorts of Mexico, I think you should aim for a budget of around $50-60 a day. You could do it in less, and you could also do it with more. But this is an average.

When you’re backpacking the rest of Mexico, you could easily survive on a budget of $30-35 a day.

This is also assuming you are staying in a hotel room (double/twin room with aircon), eating out 2-3 times a day, having a few alcoholic drinks and doing tours and sights etc.

Obviously, if you don’t drink, are staying in a hostel dorm, cook your own meals and can live with just a fan, then things will be a lot cheaper...but that’s not how we travel!

Budget for food

Even in the most touristy areas you can find cheap food if you eat local. We found some great taco joints in Tulum and Playa Del Carmen that were super cheap and delicious.

But in comparison to UK prices, even restaurants in Playa Del Carmen, Tulum and Cancun are cheaper than London prices!

Plus alcohol is cheap in general. If you want to go super budget you can stick to meals from 7-Eleven, or fast food chains such as McDonalds.

Once you head inland, meals range around $3-4 which is pretty decent I’d say!

Budget for alcohol

Speaking of alcohol, Mexico is home to cheap tequila and beer. You can get 2-4-1 offers almost everywhere and even then it works out around $2 a drink.

You can easily find cheap drinks, and if all else fails, the 7-Elevens sell cheap alcohol too.

You can get vodka, wine, cider, beer, etc all throughout Mexico.

Budget for sights

Most sights inland cost on average $4-5 entrance.

Of course once you head to the tourist beach resorts, things get a little out of hand, so bare this in mind when creating a list of great things to do in Mexico!

I hope this helps clear up the cost of backpacking Mexico.

Drone laws in Mexico

Mexico drone laws are quite fair. Drones can be flown in Mexico, which is great, but there are restrictions on where.

If you want to fly your drones on beaches, you can, but make sure it isn’t busy, or better yet, fly from the resort you’re staying at.

You cannot fly your drone at Mayan ruins, and you’ll see countless signs stating that drones cannot be flown, so respect this.

Some places will allow you to fly a drone if you pay a fee, this can range from a couple of dollars to around $25 so it’s up to you to decide whether to pay it or not. This tends to be the case on “private property” where they know foreigners like to drone.

Tip: don’t drone in side cenotes, the caves interfere with the drone and A LOT of drones have died a death and dropped into the water. But we flew our drone fuss free in the places we wanted to. If you want a great travel drone then we use the Mavic Pro which is super high quality and worth every penny. But if you want a drone that’s a little cheaper and smaller then the is a good option.

Final thoughts and advice from our Mexico Itinerary

I honestly loved Mexico. Being there just made me want to return and see even more of the country.  I think it’s one of the best backpacking destinations in the world.

But I feel our route allowed us to see all the different aspects of what Mexico has to offer. From beautiful beaches, great food, Mayan ruins, stunning waterfalls and so much more.

We often get asked if Mexico is safe to travel, and I think yes. We never encountered any issues on our journey, but of course there is an active drug culture in Mexico so it’s important to firstly not get involved with drugs, and just keep an eye on the news.

There will be some towns in Mexico that are unable to travel, but again, monitoring the situation online will show you.

Just remember, no matter where you go in the world, absolutely everywhere has bad parts and good parts. But that shouldn’t be a reason not to go, just be aware and sensible and the chances are you will be absolutely fine.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this backpacking Mexico guide. Please comment below if you’ve been to Mexico, or are planning a trip to Mexico then comment below!

Happy travels

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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.

View all posts

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Mexico Travel Guide

Sun-soaked beaches, tasty tacos, and mariachi beats; Mexico is a fiesta-filled paradise of spicy flavors and caliente vibes!

Best time to visit Mexico

Travel insurance for mexico, best places to visit in mexico, 10 best things to do in tulum, mexico, 10 best things to do in bacalar (mexico’s blue lagoon), 9 best things to do in valladolid, mexico, 8 unmissable things to do in holbox, mexico, map of mexico, weather in mexico.

Mexico’s weather is beautiful, tropical, and warm most of the year. The dry season falls between November and April, with clear blue skies, perfect for beach enthusiasts. The wet season runs from May to October, bringing occasional rain and lush, vibrant landscapes.

How to Travel Safe

How to travel cheap.

• Find Hotels via Booking.com
• Find Hostels via Hostelworld
• Find a Rental Car via Sunny Cars
• Find Flights to Mexico via Skyscanner
• Get a Travel Insurance via Heymondo
• Book Tours & Attractions via GetYourGuide
• Book a Bus/Train/Transfer via 12Go
• Get a Visa via iVisa
• How to pack light for your trip
• How to plan your trip our tips

Why is Mexico worth visiting?

Packed full of diverse landscapes, pristine beaches, ancient ruins, and lively cities, Mexico deserves a prime spot on every traveler’s bucket list. Beyond the breathtaking scenery, Mexico boasts some of the most vibrant food and culture—making it an absolute must-see destination!

Is Mexico cheap to visit?

Your budget will thank you in Mexico! Luxurious options are available, with plenty of expensive resorts and eateries. However, you can also indulge in mouthwatering street quesadillas, explore historic sites, stay in boho hostels, and relax on pristine beaches—all without breaking the bank. 

Can I drink tap water in Mexico?

Tap water isn’t safe to drink in Mexico. Bring a reusable water bottle with a built-in filter system to guarantee that your water is always safe to drink while being eco-friendly and reducing single-use plastic. 

Do I need a visa for traveling in Mexico?

Good news! Most countries can travel to Mexico without getting a visa before they travel. You’ll get a stamp on arrival with the length of stay, usually between 90 and 180 days, making it easy to travel to this beautiful country. 

Tip: Check your country’s entry requirements before you travel. 

What language do they speak in Mexico?

The official language spoken in Mexico is Spanish, with a slightly unique dialect known as Mexican Spanish, but the differences are small. Although Mexico is a popular travel spot, many locals don’t speak English, so learning a few phrases can help, and Google Translate will be your best friend!

Do I need travel insurance for Mexico?

Travel the breathtaking country of Mexico worry-free by purchasing travel insurance before your trip. This will protect you against unplanned events like medical emergencies, delayed flights, or lost luggage.

Is Mexico safe?

Despite media representation, most criminal activities happen away from tourism, and an emphasis has been put on protecting travelers. Like any destination, always keep valuables out of site, stay in well-traveled areas, and avoid walking alone at night.

What power plug type does Mexico have?

Mexico uses two plug types: Type A with two flat parallel pins and Type B with two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin. Keep your devices connected by purchasing a travel adapter before your travel, and let the exploration begin!

Why do people love Mexico?

From the vibrant street food to breathtaking diversity, Mexico is loved by so many. Whether you’re looking to relax on pristine beaches, explore UNESCO World Heritage sites , or jump into crystal blue cenotes, this country offers so many unforgettable experiences! 

Travel to Mexico 

Imagine a country where ancient ruins whisper tales of the past, vibrant markets tease your senses, sparkling turquoise blue waves crash into palm-tree-lined beaches, and lively fiestas paint the streets with colors. Mexico is a paradise for travelers seeking a perfect blend of culture , adventure, and relaxation. 

How to plan your trip to Mexico

Looking to plan the ultimate adventure? Follow our Mexico travel guides ! Whether you’re backpacking around the Yucatán Peninsula , visiting the surfer’s paradise of Baja California, exploring the underwater world of cenotes, or catching rays on the white sand beaches of Isla Holbox , there are so many extraordinary things to do in Mexico . 

To really experience this fantastic country, we recommend renting a car and spending at least two weeks exploring and eating lots of delicious Mexican food—yum!

Organizing your dream vacation in Mexico ? With two distinct seasons and cultural celebrations, find out when the best time to visit Mexico is based on your preferences. 

Dry Season (November-April): The weather in Mexico during the dry season is usually around 28°C, making it the coolest and clearest time to visit. Although these months see the most crowds and high prices, the dry season is the perfect time to explore ancient ruins, lounge on the sandy shores, and indulge in water activities, particularly in coastal towns like Holbox and Tulum . 

Wet Season (May-October): For those seeking more tropical vibes, outstanding surf, and lush landscapes, the wet season is the best time to holiday in Mexico . While brief afternoon showers are expected, these typically only last for a short time, and you’ll often see beautiful sunshine the rest of the day. This is also an amazing time to visit for those backpacking on a budget, as it’s considered the low season, so prices tend to be lower, and crowds are few and far between. 

Tip: Hurricane season coincides with these months, particularly in September and October, so always keep an eye out for any warnings and follow the advice of local authorities. 

Best time to visit Mexico for festivals: If you’re after something a little different and want to experience the truly unique festival of Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead), where streets come alive with colorful processions, traditional costumes, and a profound sense of remembrance, head to Mexico for the 1st and 2nd of November; the atmosphere is like no other! 

Coastlines and beaches in Mexico

With over 5,000 miles of coastline, Mexico has countless breathtaking and diverse beaches. To the east, you’ll find the picture-perfect beaches of the Gulf of Mexico, while to the west is the untamed and surfer-friendly Pacific Ocean.

From Cancun to Tulum , the Caribbean coastline invites you to indulge in paradise. With its crystalline turquoise waters and pristine white beaches, these destinations redefine luxury. Cancun, a buzzing resort city, offers vibrant nightlife and water activities, while Tulum’s bohemian charm and ancient Mayan ruins provide a serene escape.

Nearby, nestled off the Yucatán Peninsula , is the untouched beauty of Isla Holbox , a car-free haven and a sanctuary for those seeking tranquility amid nature’s wonders. Accessible by ferry, this island paradise offers miles of unspoiled beaches where soft white sand meets the clear, shallow waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Heading west, the Pacific coastline unveils a different kind of beauty. Puerto Vallarta enchants with its colorful streets, colonial architecture, and long sandy beaches, while the nearby Riviera Nayarit beckons with secluded coves and lush landscapes. Sayulita is a must-visit if you’re in the area; a colorful, bohemian beach town home to incredible surf and stunning deserted beaches. 

The Baja California Peninsula is the place to go for those seeking a tranquil retreat and home to out-of-this-world gems From Cabo San Lucas, with the iconic Arch of Cabo San Lucas, to La Paz, known for Balandra Bay, with half-moon-shaped coves offering panoramic views; two spots not to be missed. 

Whether you’re seeking a peaceful off-grid retreat, a crazy surf adventure, or boho beach vibes, Mexico has a stretch of sand perfectly suited to meet your vacation needs.

Food, culture and religion in Mexico

Mexico is a sensory fiesta of food, culture, and religion , painting a vivid portrait of a nation steeped in tradition. 

Food: Amidst the bustling streets and lively markets, the aromas of flavorsome dishes fill the air, like tamales, tacos, tortas ahogadas, and zesty salsas, enticing locals and visitors alike; you’ll never be short of options and new delicious things to try. 

Religion: The iconic churches and cathedrals scattered across the country, such as the Metropolitan Cathedral in Mexico City and the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, stand as architectural marvels, with around 85% of the population following the Catholic faith. Religion isn’t just a set of beliefs in Mexico; it shapes the bright festivals like Día de Muertos, celebrating the beauty of life.

Culture: From the vibrant hues of traditional folk art and the rhythm of mariachi bands to the centuries-old rituals woven into everyday life, Mexico’s cultural heritage is palpable. Wander through the awe-inspiring Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza or the charming colonial architecture of cities like Oaxaca. The country is filled with magnificent history! 

Why you should travel to Mexico

Embarking on a Mexican adventure is a journey that promises memories of a lifetime! Picture yourself on sun-soaked beaches, where you can leisurely sip on a margarita and soak up the laid-back vibes. The country’s culinary scene is a festival for your taste buds – think sizzling street tacos, zesty salsas, and refreshing guacamole. 

Delve into Mexico’s rich history by exploring one of the many UNESCO World Heritage sites or stroll through charming colonial streets where every building has a story to tell. And let’s not forget the breathtaking landscapes – from the turquoise waters of Holbox to the lush jungles and cenotes hiding ancient secrets. These are just a few of the best places in Mexico waiting to be discovered! 

Mexico has it all: mouth-watering food, cultural treasures, and breathtaking natural beauty. With unreal experiences awaiting every type of traveler, traveling Mexico deserves a prominent spot on your bucket list.

Safety and travel advice in Mexico

With its diverse landscapes and colorful cities, Mexico is a fantastic destination. But like any country, being well-informed is crucial for a safe trip. The following information provides a breakdown of essential safety tips to help visitors maximize their travels. 

Crime and safety in Mexico : Mexico has a reputation for crime. Still, it’s important to note that most travelers have a safe visit to the country, and many of the issues reported in the media tend to be off the beaten track. Stick to well-traveled, well-lit areas, keep valuables secure and out of sight, and always be vigilant of your surroundings. Engaging with the local culture is encouraged, but exercise the same caution you would in any unfamiliar destination.

Learn more about travel safety .

Natural Disasters: Mexico is susceptible to natural disasters, particularly hurricanes, volcanic eruptions, and earthquakes. Stay informed about weather conditions, register with your embassy to receive emergency updates during your trip, and always follow the local authority’s advice. 

Driving in Mexico: If you’re planning to rent a car or motorbike in Mexico, ensure you hire from a reputable rental agency, follow traffic rules, and be cautious of poorly maintained roads. If you take a taxi, use licensed vehicles from authorized taxi ranks or through your hotel, and ensure the meter is turned on before setting off. 

Tip: We recommend renting a car through Sunny Cars , as your insurance is included. 

Travel Insurance: Make sure to purchase comprehensive travel insurance before you embark on your travels in Mexico . This will protect you from unforeseen issues – for example, flight cancellations due to poor weather, lost baggage, or a hiking injury.

Find the best travel insurances .

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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Mexico Itineraries

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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

Recommended mexico itineraries, 7 day mexico itinerary, 10 day mexico itinerary, 14 day mexico itinerary, 3 week mexico itinerary, the heart of mexico itinerary, the best beaches itinerary, the best outdoor itinerary, ruta de la plata, the best time for a mexico holiday, tailor-made travel itineraries for mexico, created by local experts.

17 days  / from 1590 USD

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.

15 days  / from 1430 USD

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.

18 days  / from 1735 USD

Fascinating Mexico: From Guanajuato to the Yucatan

Discover Mexico from fascinating San Miguel de Allende over busy Mexico City all the way to the Yucatan Peninsula. This itinerary combines public transportation with domestic flights to ensure you can make the most of discovering fascinating Mexico within two weeks.

"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.

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.

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 traveling to 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

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written by Ties Lagraauw

updated 22.01.2024

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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Mexico Travel Guide

Last Updated: November 10, 2023

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).

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 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

Is Tulum Safe?

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• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

Road trip Mexico: The best itineraries for 10, 15, 21 days and 1 month

Visiting mexico by car: the 4 best road trip itineraries.

You’re planning a road trip in Mexico and you’re looking for the best itinerary?

You’ve come to the right place!

Mexico is a huge country that covers an area as big as several European countries combined.

Renting a car is the best way to explore this vast land full of stunning natural and archaeological sites, and stop whenever and wherever you want!

To help you plan your road trip in Mexico, I have prepared 5 itineraries for different durations: 1 week, 10 days, 2 weeks, 3 weeks and 1 month.

And at the end of this guide, I will also give you my list of the best accommodations in Mexico depending on your budget as well as my best tips to enjoy the perfect road trip.

Quick note: if you want to only visit the Yucatan Peninsula during your road trip, you should rather read my other article: Road Trip in Yucatan: The 5 Best Itineraries .

How to choose the best airport for your road trip in Mexico?

Rent a car for your roadtrip in mexico.

• 1) Mexico City (2 days)

2) San Cristobal de las Casas (3 days)

3) palenque (1 day), 4) merida (2 days), 5) chichen itza and riviera maya (2-3 days), 1) cancun (1 day), 2) ek balam and chichen itza (1-2 days), 3) merida, uxmal and kabah (1 day), 4) campeche and edzná (1 day).

• 5) Palenque (2 days)

6) San Cristobal de las Casas (2 days)

8) balamkú and calakmul (2 days), 9) tulum (2 days), 10) cancun (1 day), 1) mexico city (2-3 days), 2) cholula and puebla (1 day), 3) oaxaca (3 days), 4) san cristobal de las casas (3 days), 5) palenque (1 day), 6) campeche (1-2 days), 7) merida (2 days), 8) chichen itza and valladolid (1 day), 9) holbox (2-3 days), 10) tulum (2 days), 11) playa del carmen (2-3 days), 2) oaxaca (4 days), 3) tuxtla gutierrez (2 days), 6) calakmul (1 day), 7) bacalar (2-3 days), 8) merida (3 days), 9) valladolid (3 days), 10) tulum (4 days), 11) holbox (2-3 days), 12) cancun (1-2 days), mexico city, playa del carmen, san cristobal de las casas, my tips for visiting mexico by rental car, how to choose the right moment for your mexico road trip, you’re traveling in mexico these articles will help you.

The answer depends on how much time you have and what you want to see. You have two main options: start in Mexico City and end in Cancun , or make a loop from Cancun if you only want to explore the Yucatan Peninsula.

You can also do the trip in reverse (Cancun to Mexico City), but personally I think the best way to finish a trip to Mexico is relaxing on the beach 😉

Both Mexico City and Cancun airports have many flights from North America and Europe, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding airline tickets to Mexico!

To get the best deal on plane tickets, I recommend you use our comparison tool in partnership with Skyscanner: It is the best way to pay the lowest price for your international flight and your domestic flights in Mexico!

The best way to discover Mexico and enjoy your stay is to rent a car !

I always use Rentalcars.com to rent a car , because:

• You can easily compare the rental cars prices between all the agencies: for sure the easiest way to find the best rate!
• Cancellation is often offered free of charge: no need to worry if you change your mind
• Rentalcars offers full insurance coverage at a lower price than the rental companies , so it’s an instant saving with no effort

To find your rental car at the lowest price, just click on the green button :

Road trip to Mexico: 10 days

This is the itinerary I recommend you to see the most in a 10 days road trip in Mexico :

• Chichen Itza
• Riviera Maya

To see the complete itinerary with all the details for your 10-day road trip in Mexico , click here: Recommended 10-Day Itinerary in Mexico .

1) Mexico City (2 days )

Mexico City is a wonderful place to visit , with so much to see and do in just two days.

Some of the best things to do in Mexico City in 2 days are:

• Explore the historic center with the Zocalo, the cathedral, the Templo Mayor, Diego Rivera’s murals in the Palacio Nacional, and the Casa de los Azulejos (House of Tiles)
• Watch the spectacular show of the Ballet Folklorico de Mexico
• Browse the San Juan market for exotic foods
• Visit the famous National Museum of Anthropology and Chapultepec Castle in Chapultepec Park. Buy your tickets here!
• Discover Frida Kahlo’s Blue House in Coyoacan – Get your tickets here! (prior booking is required)
• Enjoy a boat ride on the Aztec canals of Xochimilco
• Wander around the trendy neighborhoods of La Roma and La Condesa
• Experience the lively atmosphere of Plaza Garibaldi
• Have fun watching Mexican Lucha Libre (wrestling)

Read also: My Ultimate Guide to Mexico City!

If you have some extra time, you should definitely visit Teotihuacan , one of Mexico’s most impressive archaeological sites.

This tour from Mexico City is a great choice, as it includes the hotel pick up, a morning guided tour (to avoid the crowds), as well as a tasting of mezcal, tequila and pulque, three typical Mexican drinks. You can book it here:

Check out: My Complete Guide to Visit Teotihuacan!

Head to San Cristobal de las Casas in the State of Chiapas from Mexico.

Day 1 – Discover the city and its attractions.

• You can read my article Top 15 Best Things to Do in San Cristobal de las Casas here!

Day 2 – Visit the stunning El Chiflón waterfalls and the Montebello Lakes National Park, two of the most amazing places in Chiapas .

The journey is quite long, so you may want to join this day tour, which includes hotel pick-up. You can book it here:

You may find these articles interesting:

• How to Visit El Chiflón?
• My Complete Guide to the Montebello Lakes!

Day 3 – The Sumidero Canyon : visit its viewpoints and enjoy a boat ride from Chiapa de Corzo’s dock. – Book the Sumidero Canyon tour here !

The journey from San Cristobal to Palenque takes about 5 to 5h30 so here is my suggestion for making the most of your day:

• In the morning: stop by the sites of Toniná, Agua Azul, and Misol Ha on your way.
• Have a lunch break when you reach the city of Palenque
• In the afternoon: explore the Archaeological Site of Palenque (3 hours)

Day 1 – Today you have an 8-hour drive ahead of you.

Depending on your arrival time, explore the city of Merida , the capital of the Yucatan State.

• Check out My Top 20 Things to Do and See in Mérida!

Day 2 – Since this 10-day road trip in Mexico by car does not allow you to see everything, I offer you two options:

Option 1: The site of Uxmal one of the most beautiful Mayan sites in the Yucatan . You can also visit the Chocolate museum and the site of Kabah.

• Book the tour to Uxmal and Kabah here!
• To read: my Definitive Guide to Uxmal !

Option 2 : Celestun is the best place to see flamingos in Mexico! You can spend the day there (beach, ecotourism, etc.)

• Book your pink flamingo tour in Celestun now!
• Check my Complete Guide to Celestun for all the activities you can do!

Day 1 – In the morning, visit the city of Chichen Itza , one of the New 7 Wonders of the World . – Here’s My Definitive Guide to Chichen Itza + Tips !

To avoid the long lines and crowds , book your tickets to Chichen Itza with skip-the-line access here:

In the afternoon, discover the colonial city of Valladolid

Day 2 – Visit Tulum : the ancient ruins, the stunning beaches like Playa Paraiso and Playa Las Palmas, the amazing cenotes, and more.

Those articles might interest you:

• The 21 Best Things to See and Do in Tulum!
• The 15 Most Beautiful Cenotes in Tulum

Day 3 – You will have wonderful day in Akumal , the best place to swim with turtles in Mexico!

The beautiful reptiles are protected and that’s why it is mandatory to be in a small group tour with a guide to see them.

You can book the tour here:

You can also enjoy its beautiful beaches and snorkeling in Akumal Bay, Half Moon Bay and Yal Ku Lagoon .

• More reading: The Best 17 Things to Do in Akumal !

Road trip in Mexico: 2 weeks

For a 2-week road trip in Mexico , you will the most beautiful places in Yucatan and Chiapas: Cancun, Chichen Itza, Merida, Campeche , Palenque, Bonampak and Yaxchilan, San Cristobal de las Casas, Balamku, Calakmul and Tulum.

• To discover the detailed itinerary with all my tips (and the list of the best hotels for all budgets!), check out my article: The Best 2-week Itinerary in Mexico.

After picking up your car in Cancun, you can start enjoying your trip: the beaches, the archaeological site El Rey, the Mayan museum.

You can also dive in the MUSA, which is the largest underwater museum in the world, with about 500 sculptures! Book your diving tour here!

If you are looking for some fun nightlife in Cancun , here are some options:

• City Nightclub (the biggest nightclub in the country!)
• The famous Coco Bongo Club (get your tickets here)
• Xoximilco Cancun to enjoy a Mexican party with dancing, mariachis, Mexican food and open bar (beer or tequila). Buy your tickets for Xoximilco here:
• Check out my complete guide: The 30 Best Things to Do in Cancun!

Day 1 – Start your 15-day road trip through Mexico by visiting Ek Balam , which was an important capital of the Mayan culture.

After the visit, you can cool off at the Xkeken and Samulá cenotes (which are next to each other), or Cenote X-Canché

In the afternoon, discover Chichén Itzá, a UNESCO world heritage site: the temple of Kukulcán, the astronomical observatory, the Mayan ball game, and more.

• For more information, take a look at my Complete Guide to Chichen Itza.
• Chichen Itza can get very crowded. To avoid the long lines, get your skip-the-line tickets here:

Start your day by exploring Merida : the Plaza Grande (where you can find the Macay museum, the cathedral, the Casa de Montejo, and the best part is that they are all free😃!), the colorful colonial houses on 64th street, and the local market.

• If you want to learn more about the amazing attractions that Mérida has to offer, check out my Definitive Guide to Mérida

In the afternoon, visit Uxmal , a Maya site famous for its stunning Puuc-style architecture, and then Kabah just 20 min away. You can read: My Complete Guide to Uxmal and Kabah

Head to Campeche for a night stay.

Enjoy the beautiful historic center of Campeche : visit the Baluarte San Francisco, Baluarte San Carlos, the Museum of Mayan Architecture, the main square with the cathedral, the cultural center El Palacio and Casa no6.

• For all the best attractions of Campeche, check out the Top 20 Things to Do in Campeche!

In the afternoon, explore Edzná, one of the most important Mayan sites in the Yucatán , which is still not very crowded by tourists. You can read: My Complete Guide to Visit Edzná !

5) Palenque ( 2 days)

Day 1 – Today you will start a new part of your 15-day road trip through Mexico, as you leave the Yucatan Peninsula and head to Chiapas.

You will need to wake up early, as you have a 5-hour drive ahead of you!

Explore the Archaeological Site of Palenque , which was once an important trading center thanks to its strategic location between the coast and the mountains.

Day 2 – Bonampak and Yaxchilán

• Bonampak is famous for its frescoed murals, the most complete representation of a pre-Hispanic civilization discovered so far!
• Yaxchilan boasts its sculptures that are masterpieces of Mayan art.

The roads are poorly marked and the signal (for GPS, etc.) in the Lacandon jungle is very weak. Besides, to get to Yaxchilan you have to leave your car and take a boat on the Usumacinta river.

So I suggest you take the guided tour from Palenque , which includes pick-up from your hotel, entrance fees and boat, plus breakfast and lunch.

You can book here:

Day 1 – Drive from Palenque to San Cristóbal de las Casas (5h)

On the way you can stop by the waterfalls of Misol Ha and Agua Azul , as well as the Mayan site of Toniná.

Day 2 – Tzotzil villages and San Cristóbal de las Casas

Start the day by visiting Zinacantán and San Juan Chamula , two traditional Tzotzil communities.

You can book the tour from San Cristobal (click here!)  which includes demonstration of handicraft techniques and tasting of pox, a liquor from Chiapas.

Go back to San Cristobal de las Casas and explore:

• Calle Real de Guadalupe with its restaurants and cafes
• The Church of Guadalupe
• The Textile Center of the Mayan World with its 500 textile pieces from Chiapas and Guatemala
• The handicrafts market
• The zocalo with the cathedral

Check out My Complete Guide to San Cristobal de las Casas !

Day 1 – Continue your 2-week road trip in Mexico to the archaeological site of Balamkú hidden in the dense jungle.

It’s a long drive, it will take you round 9 hours.

So, if you leave very early , you will have time to visit Balamkú , or else you will have to go straight to Xpujil to spend the night.

Day 2 – Today you will visit Calakmul , which is a Biosphere Reserve and a World Heritage Site by UNESCO .

• Read my Definitive Guide to Calakmul!

I suggest you arrive as soon as the site opens to give yourself enough time to explore Calakmul (because there is so much to see!) and drive to Tulum (4h) the same day.

The Tulum region has the most beautiful beaches on this road trip in Mexico for 14-15 days!

Day 1 – Start with the archaeological site of Tulum , then head to a cenote to refresh yourself. Check out My List of the Best Cenotes in Tulum!

Take a stroll along the beaches of Tulum and find your favorite beach: Playa Paraiso , Xpu-Ha , Xcacel , etc., there are plenty of options!

• To discover all the most beautiful attractions in Tulum , don’t miss my Top 21 Things to Do and See in Tulum !

Day 2 – Explore the Sian Ka’an reserve, a paradise of biodiversity

You will have to choose between two access points:

• Muyil to discover the swamps, the freshwater lagoons, the ruins of Muyil – Book the Muyil tour here
• Punta Allen for the beach, the saltwater lakes, to snorkel in the coral reefs and see the dolphins. – Book the tour to Punta Allen here!

This is the end of this 2 week stay in Mexico .

Go back to Cancun to return your rental car and catch your flight home.

Roadtrip to Mexico: 3 weeks

For a 3-week road trip in Mexico , I have created this itinerary from Mexico City to the Riviera Maya .

It will let you discover the main attractions of the states of Puebla , Oaxaca , Chiapas, Campeche, Yucatan and Quintana Roo .

• Check my detailed itinerary with hotels and all my travel tips here: The Ultimate 3-week Itinerary for Mexico!

Begin your 21-day road trip in Mexico with Mexico City, the capital.

Here’s what you can do in 2 or 3 days in Mexico :

• Visit the Chapultepec Castel and the National Museum of Anthropology , one of the most important museums in the world – Buy your tickets with guided tour here!
• Spend half a day in the historic center of Mexico City with the cathedral, the main temple, the Government Palace, the Zocalo, the Casa de los Azulejos, the Palace of Fine Arts
• Watch the Mexico City Folkloric Ballet Show
• Visit Frida Kahlo’s house in the district of Coyoacan and enjoy a boat ride through the canals of Xochimilco . Book your visit here!
• See the mariachis at Plaza Garibaldi – Book your night with the mariachis here!
• Stroll through the neighborhoods of Roma and Condesa with their parks, bars, restaurants, terraces and shops.
• Take the Mexico City Tourist Bus – Get your tickets here!
• Explore Teotihuacan, which is Mexico City’s most important must-see! – Book your guided tour of Teotihuacan now!
• Watch the lucha libre (Mexican Wrestling) – Reserve your seat here ! (mask and tequila included)

If you want to know everything about Mexico City, check out My Ultimate Guide to Mexico City !

Leave Mexico City and head to the State of Puebla .

Start by visiting Cholula where you will find the largest pyramid in the world , with a volume 4 times bigger than that of the Great Pyramid of Giza !

Next, head to the beautiful city of Puebla , whose historic center is a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Puebla has a lot to offer , for example:

• The magnificent Puebla Cathedral, the second largest in Mexico
• The Palafoxiana library , the 1st public library in the Americas
• The Amparo museum with its nice rooftop terrace
• El Parian market , where you will find talaveras and other typical handicrafts
• The colorful facades of the Calle de los Sapos
• Discover the secret tunnels (17th-19th centuries) that connect the Ovando Bridge and the Historical Passage 5 de Mayo

Check out my article on The 25 Things to Do in Puebla , where I share the best attractions and activities in and around this beautiful city!

Continue your 3-week road trip in Mexico to the state of Oaxaca , famous for its cuisine and cultural diversity.

Day 1 – Visit Oaxaca de Juarez , the beautiful capital of the state

• Discover the church and ex-convent of Santo Domingo de Guzman, which houses the museum of cultures and the famous ethnobotanical garden of Oaxaca .
• The Mercado 20 de Noviembre , Oaxaca’s most popular market, with its grilled meats aisle nicknamed “ Pasillo de Humo ”.
• Stroll along the Andador Turistico , the main square, the Metropolitan Cathedral of Oaxaca, and the Government Palace.

I suggest you also read: The 20 Best Things to Do in Oaxaca (city)

Day 2 – See Oaxaca’s wonders: the world’s largest tree by trunk volume, Santa María del Tule ; the artisan village of Teotitlán del Valle ; the Zapotec ruins of Mitla ; and the mineral springs and waterfalls of Hierve el Agua.

You can book this tour from Oaxaca that includes all these attractions, with a visit to a mezcal distillery where you can sample the local spirit , made from the agave plant.

Day 3 – Today you can explore Monte Alban , a site that was inhabited by the Olmecs , Zapotecs , and Mixtecs for over 1500 years.

You can join this great tour to Monte Alban from Oaxaca that also includes:

• A visit to San Antonio Arrazola to see how the colorful Alebrijes (traditional Mexican folk art) are made.
• A stop at the former Dominican monastery of Cuilapam de Guerrero .
• A tour of San Bartolo Coyotepec , famous for its “barro negro” , or black clay pottery.

Day 1 – Travel to San Cristobal de las Casas, a charming colonial city in the state of Chiapas.

It’s a long journey of about 9 hours, so you should leave early to have some time to explore the city.

• For more information: Top 15 Things to Do in San Cristobal de las Casas!

Day 2 – In the morning, head to El Chiflón Waterfalls . You can admire all 5 waterfalls along a scenic trail (1h-1h30 visit).

Continue to the Montebello Lakes , a huge Biosphere Reserve located on the border with Guatemala .

The drive from San Cristobal to El Chiflón and Montebello is long and challenging, so I recommend booking this tour (click here to book!) that includes hotel pick-up, transportation, entrance fees, and the guide.

Day 3 – Since this is your last day in the region, I suggest you choose between two options:

• Option 1: The Sumidero Canyon , a breathtaking canyon that you can explore with a boat tour on the Grijalva River and then enjoy the views from its scenic overlooks. – Book your Sumidero Canyon tour now!
• Option 2: the traditional villages of Zinacantán and San Juan Chamula , where you can learn about the culture and customs of the indigenous communities. – Book your visit to the villages now!

Today, explore Palenque , one of the most important ancient cities in Mesoamerica!

To get from San Cristobal de las Casas to Palenque , you will need to travel for about 5h30

For some stops on the way, try: the ruins of Toniná, the waterfalls of Agua Azul, and the spectacular Misol Ha.

• Check out my complete guide: How to Visit Palenque

Keep going on your 21-day road trip through Mexico and visit the charming colonial city of Campeche .

In 1 or 2 days in Campeche , you can wander around the city walls , see the museum of Mayan architecture, walk along the waterfront facing the Gulf of Mexico , taste Chocol’Ha chocolates , and much more!

• Check out: My Complete Guide to Campeche!

Spend 2 days in Mérida on your 21-day Mexico road trip.  You can:

• See pink flamingos in Celestun’s biosphere reserve on a boat tour (1h30-2h30). Admire these birds and their habitat.- Book your Ceslestun excursion here!
• Explore Merida , Yucatan’s capital and Mexico’s safest city. Enjoy its colonial architecture, markets, cuisine, and culture. Read My Complete Merida Guide!
• Visit Uxmal , an ancient Mayan ally of Chichen Itza. Also see the chocolate museum and Kabah, another Mayan city. – Book the Uxma and Kabah tour here!

Visit Chichen Itza , the world’s most famous Mayan site. Marvel at Kukulkan’s pyramid, the Warriors’ Temple, the Observatory, and more – Buy your fast-track tickets to Chichen Itza here!

• For more details and tips on Chichen Itza, see my Complete Guide to Chichen Itza!

Then, cool off in a cenote. There are many cenotes near Valladolid, and you can choose one with my Guide to the 21 Best Cenotes in Valladolid .

Discover Valladolid , a beautiful colonial town with a rich history and culture. You can visit the Francisco Canton park, the San Servacio church, the San Roque museum, the lovely Calzada de los Frailes, and the San Bernardino Convent.

• Here is my guide What to See and Do in Valladolid?

Spend a few days on Holbox island on your 20-21-22 day Mexico road trip .

In 2-3 days , enjoy Punta Mosquito and Punta Cocos’ sandy beaches, a boat tour (to Isla Pájaros, Laguna Yalahau and Isla de la Pasión), and more.

• Read: How to Visit Holbox?

Day 1 – Leave Holbox and head to Tulum , in the Riviera Maya . Visit the amazing ruins of Tulum , its stunning cenotes, the Beach Strip and its sandy beaches.

Check out my guides:

• The 21 Best Things to Do in Tulum

Day 2 – Explore the Sian Ka’an reserve , south of Tulum . You can choose between:

• Muyil (half day) to see the Mayan site of Muyil, the mangroves, the jungle – Book the Muyil tour from Tulum
• Punta Allen (1 day) which offers a more complete experience . You will be able to see the beach of the Sian Ka’an coast, take a boat trip to see dolphins, etc. Book the tour to Punta Allen

Day 1 – Start with a visit to the Rio Secreto caves , an incredible guided tour to navigate an underground river with a guide.

It is mandatory to book in advance:

Next, head to Xpu Ha , one of the most beautiful beaches in the Riviera Maya . You can also visit the Cenote Azul , which is very close by.

Day 2 – Cozumel Island

To get to Cozumel, you have to take the ferry from Playa del Carmen – Get your ferry tickets here!

There is a ton of things to do and see in Cozumel , I suggest you make your choice among these options:

• Discover Punta Sur : with snorkeling and lunch at a beach club – Book the jeep tour to Punta Sur here!
• Entrance ticket to Chankanaab with access to the park and snorkeling with guide – Book your tickets here
• Snorkeling tour in 3 reefs, ideal for families – Book the snorkeling tour here
• Electric bike tour with cenote, snorkeling, beach and tequila tasting – Book the tour here
• Tour to El Cielo to see starfish , as well as the Palancar reef – Book the tour to El Cielo here
• Jungle adventure with quad biking, cave exploration, cenote and tequila tasting – Book the adventure tour here
• Go to Playa Mia Gran Beach Park which offers more than 20 activities.
• Tour aboard the Atlantis XII submarine so you can explore the Chankanaab reef – Save your spot on the submarine now

To read: My complete guide on The 15 Best Things to Do in Cozumel!

Day 3 – Spend the last day of your roadtrip in Mexico in Playa del Carmen .

You can enjoy the beaches and stroll along Quinta Avenida.

I invite you to read my articles:

• Playa del Carmen: Top 30 Things to Do and See!
• How to Visit Playa del Carmen on a Budget
• 12 Cenotes you can’t miss in Playa del Carmen

Road trip in Mexico: 1 month

One month in Mexico lets you see many attractions at a relaxed pace.

Some must-see places in Mexico with my itinerary are:

• Mexico and Teotihuacan
• Oaxaca : Monte Alban and Hierve el Agua
• Chiapas : Sumidero Canyon, San Cristobal de las Casas, the Tzotzil villages, El Chiflón, Montebello, Palenque
• Bacalar Lagoon
• Mérida and the flamingos of Celestún
• Ek Balam and the pink lakes of Las Coloradas
• Tulum : the city of Cobá, swimming with turtles in Akumal, Sian Ka’an

And let’s not forget the cenotes and beaches!

• Find the best One-Month Mexico to Cancun road trip  in my article: 1 Month in Mexico: The Best Itinerary!

Begin your 30-day Mexico road trip in Mexico City.

• Don’t miss anything in the capital with this Complete Guide to Mexico City !

Some things to do there are:

• Frida Kahlo’s house and the boat ride in Xochimilco –  you can book your tour here!
• The mariachis in Plaza Garibaldi
• The National Museum of Anthropology and the Chapultepec Castle – Buy here your tickets with guided tour !
• The city of Teotihuacan , Mexico’s must-see site –  Book your early morning guided tour here to avoid the crowds.

My advice A great way to explore the city is the tourist bus that shows you the main attractions.

You can buy tickets for the bus here ,  valid for a day on 4 itineraries:

Day 1 – It takes about 5h45 to drive from Mexico City to Oaxaca de Juarez.

If you prefer to make a stop on the road, you can spend a night in Tehuacan and visit the Helia Bravo Hollis Botanical Garden in the Tehuacan-Cuicatlan Biosphere Reserve.

Day 2 – Visit the city of Oaxaca : the convent of Santo Domingo de Guzman, the museum of cultures, the ethnobotanical garden, the 20 de noviembre market, the Calle Macedonio, the handicraft market, etc.

• Check out: The 20 Best Things to Do in Oaxaca (city)

Day 3 –  Visit Monte Alban , a major archaeological site in Mexico and an Oaxaca road trip highlight.

Stroll through the surrounding villages: Cuilapam de Guerrero to visit its Dominican convent, San Antonio Arrazola or San Martin Tilcajete to discover the alebrijes manufacturing workshops and San Bartolo Coyotepec for the “ barro negro ” pottery.

You can also book the Monte Alban Tour with hotel pick-up in Oaxaca. It includes the villages route:

Day 4 – Visit Santa Maria del Tule , Teotitlan del Valle, the site of Mitla and  Hierve el Agua . –  Book the Hierve el Agua tour now!

Day 1 – Today you will travel from Oaxaca to Chiapas . It will take you about 8 hours to reach the city of Tuxtla Gutierrez.

You can go to the Marimba Park , where people gather to dance (from 6 pm to 8 pm) to the rhythm of the marimba .

Day 2 – Discover the Sumidero Canyon , a must on your 1 month road trip in Mexico .

Drive along the scenic route of the viewpoints , then enjoy the boat ride on the Grijalva River from the pier of Chiapa de Corzo .

Then visit the traditional town of Chiapa de Corzo before returning to Tuxtla Gutierrez .

If you prefer, you can join the Sumidero Canyon Tour (click here to book!) with pick up at your hotel,  the boat, the viewpoints and free time in Chiapa de Corzo.

• For more information, check out: How to Visit the Sumidero Canyon?

Day 1 – Spend the day visiting San Cristobal de las Casas, the charming cultural capital of Chiapas .

• Check out the Top 15 Things to Do in San Cristobal de las Casas!

Day 2 – El Chiflón and Montebello Lakes are two magnificent sites you can’t miss on your road trip in Chiapas !

Leave early in the morning because the trip is long .

Start at El Chiflón to see its 5 turquoise waterfalls: El Suspiro, Ala de Ángel, Velo de Novia, Arcoíris and Quinceañera.

Then continue on to Lagunas de Montebello National Park which is home to 59 lakes! I suggest you go to Lake Tzizcao, then Lake Pojoj, Cinco Lagos and Lake Montebello.

• I recommend this small group guided tour with hotel pick up , visit to El Chiflón and Montebello Lakes :

Day 3 – The Tzotzil villages of Zinacantán and San Juan Chamula

These towns are 20 minutes away from San Cristobal. For a guided tour with more information, you can Book it here!

Today you will visit Palenque , a Chiapas road trip must-see!

You can drive from San Cristobal de las Casas (5h30) or stop at Toniná, Agua Azul waterfalls, or Misol-Ha.

Discover the great Mayan city of Calakmul , declared a Biosphere Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Then, head to Xpujil and spend the night there.

• Don’t miss The Complete Guide to Calakmul!

Next, visit Bacalar, famous for its stunning 7-color Lagoon.

You can take a catamaran tour (click here!) with music and drinks, or a stand up paddle tour at sunrise ( book it here! )

• Check out The 17 Best Things to Do in Bacalar!

Day 1 – Visit Merida , the capital of the Yucatan.

Wander around the Plaza Grande, Casa de Montejo, the cathedral, the Macay museum, Paseo Montejo and Parque Santa Lucia.

For a foodie treat in Mérida, try this gastronomic experience that includes a market visit and a Yucatan cuisine cooking lesson.  Book it here:

Day 2 – Uxmal, Kabah, the Chocolate Museum

Today, visit Uxmal , a Mayan site with the Pyramid of the Magician, the Great Pyramid, the Governor’s Palace, the Mesoamerican ballgame court , and more.

See the Choco-Story chocolate museum near Uxmal’s entrance. Enjoy a tropical garden, a Chaac ceremony, and Mayan chocolate.

Kabah , 20 minutes away, is also worth a a quick visit.

• Read my Ultimate Guide to Uxmal!

If you prefer, you can book a Uxmal and Kabah tour from Mérida (click here!)

Day 3 – Watch the flamingos at the Celestun Biosphere Reserve

Afterwards, you can enjoy the beach, stroll through the town of Celestún and do ecotourism at Jaltún Park.

• Read: How to See the Flamingos in Celestun?

For a hassle-free Celestun trip with Merida pick-up, book this tour (click here!) . It includes the boat ride to see the flamingos and lunch on the beach.

Day 1 – Visit Chichen Itza , the most powerful city in the Yucatan Peninsula! Read my article on Chichen Itza

My advice Chichen Itza can get very crowded. To avoid long lines, book your fast-track tickets to Chichen Itza here :

In the afternoon, visit the yellow city of Izamal : Itzamná Park, 5 de Mayo Park, the neighborhoods of San Ildefonso, Los Remedios and El Gallito, and the Convent of San Antonio de Padua.

Don’t miss the pyramids (free admission!) Kinich Kakmó (112 ft) and Iztamatul (72 ft) that offer a beautiful view of the surroundings!

• Read my complete guide: Visit The Yellow City of Izamal in Mexico!

Day 2 – Visit some cenotes in Valladolid. There are many amazing ones to choose from! See my TOP 21 of the Cenotes of Valladolid

Explore Valladolid’s colonial city: What to See and Do in Valladolid?

Day 3 – Visit Ek Balam , and the biosphere reserve of Rio Lagartos, where you can admire the famous pink lakes of Las Coloradas.

Day 1 – Start the visit of Coba, which was a major Mayan city, and admire Nohoch Mul (137 ft), the second highest pyramid in the Yucatan Peninsula .

Then head back to Tulum . Stroll along the Beach Strip (restaurants, bars, stores) and enjoy the beaches.

• To learn everything about Tulum , here is My Definitive Guide to Tulum

Day 2 – Visit the Ruins of Tulum , go down to the beach of the ruins and then cool off in a cenote.

• Choose from my TOP 15 of the Cenotes to Visit in Tulum !

You can also book this Tulum tour (ruins and cenote) with pick up at your hotel. Book it here:

Day 3 – Spend the day in Akumal, the best place to swim with turtles in Mexico !

Sea turtles are protected: you need a guide and follow rules to not disturb them. ❤️

Take the tour from the beach or this complete tour with hotel pick-up in Tulum . It includes snorkeling with the turtles, a cenote and a grotto.

Book it here:

• Check out: My Complete Guide to Akumal!

Day 4 –  Don’t miss the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve on your 30-day Mexico road trip.

You have to choose between two entrances:

• Punta Allen (recommended) to take advantage of the beach, go on a boat ride, snorkeling in the coral reef – Book the day tour to Punta Allen now!
• Muyil , to discover the interior of the reserve with swamps, lagoons and the ruins of Muyil- Book the half day tour to Muyil now!

Head to the port of Chiquilá to take the ferry (20 min) to reach Holbox .

Enjoy an island paradise with sandy beaches and no mass tourism near Riviera Maya!

• See all Holbox offers in My Definitive Guide to Holbox!

Enjoy the last stage of your 1-month Mexico road trip ! You can:

• Visit the beaches of Cancun
• Enjoy the panoramic view from the top of the Scenic Tower (110m high)
• Go to Market 28
• Dive in the waters of the MUSA, the world’s largest underwater museum – You can book the snorkeling tour at MUSA here!
• Go kitesurfing at Isla Blanca
• Party in a Mexican fiesta with a typical lunch, mariachis and open bar – You can book your place in Xoximilco Cancun here!

Check out my complete guide: Top 30 Things to Do in Cancun

Where to sleep in Mexico during your road trip?

Click on each itinerary to find the best hotels for each stage.

Here are the best accommodations in Mexico’s Main Destinations :

• Hostel Mundo Joven Catedral (historic center): one of the best hostels in Mexico City . Clean dorms and rooms, amazing rooftop terrace with bar , great atmosphere and an exceptional view over the cathedral and the Zocalo, starting at 15$usd for a dorm and 32 $usd for a private room!
• Hotel Villa Condesa (Condesa): if you are looking for a romantic hotel in Mexico City , this is a little oasis in the heart of La Condesa. It is an elegant house with small green terraces and tastefully decorated rooms. Rooms are spacious, breakfast is very good and the service is particularly attentive. Around  160$usd per night!
• Casa Goliana (Roma Norte): high-end hotel with the best value for money in its category, located in an early 20th century house, typical of the Roma area. Rooftop terrace, comfortable rooms, very attentive staff, and good breakfasts. Around  190$usd per night
• Four Seasons Hotel Mexico City (Juarez): this 5 star hotel is one of the best hotels in Mexico City , ideal for a business trip or a romantic stay . Located on Paseo de la Reforma between Colonia Juarez and Roma Norte. A large indoor garden, gym, swimming pool, spa, restaurant, and bar, Around 640$usd per night!
• Mayan Monkey Cancun : hostel with a festive atmosphere in Cancun’s hotel zone , very close to the beach and bars. Terrace, outdoor pool, bar with happy hour , air conditioning, ping-pong, good wifi. Private rooms and dorms, from only 24$usd!
• Bed and Breakfast Pecari : if you are looking for more comfort, I recommend without hesitation this establishment. It is a beautiful Bed and Breakfast located in a quiet street near the city center and the ADO bus station, with a relaxation area by the pool, spacious rooms, and a good breakfast, starting at 50$usd per night!
• Beachscape Kin Ha Villas & Suites: rooms, suites, and villas for 2 to 12 people with direct access to the beach . Outdoor pool, children’s pool, gym, restaurant, beach bar. Breakfast included, starting at 218$usd per night.
• The Royal Sands Resort & Spa : spacious rooms and suites with ocean views, in the heart of Cancun’s hotel zone. Large outdoor pool, gym, spa, fine restaurants, sports bar and many activities. All inclusive, starting at 485 $usd per night

My tip For more options, you can visit my article about the best hotels and resorts in Cancun and find your perfect hotel. Here is the link: Where to Stay in Cancun?

• Che Playa Hostel & Bar Adults Only : great hostel to meet other travelers and party , with a rooftop terrace that has a bar and a small pool, with several offered activities . Clean, with good wifi and a great welcome. From only 13 $usd for the dormitory or 37 $usd for a private room!
• Hotel Lunata : a charming hotel with hacienda style decoration, which is hidden on Quinta Avenida, very close to the beach . Quiet, with a garden, rooms with balcony, and has very friendly service. From only 82 $usd per night!
• Porto Playa Condo Beach Club : here you will find a spacious apartment ideal for a family , with fully equipped kitchen, living room and terrace. The hotel has a large swimming pool , a gym and a restaurant, starting at 172 $usd per night!
• The Reef Playacar Resort & Spa : located on the beautiful beach of Playacar , just a few minutes from Fifth Avenue . Ideal for a romantic stay , with a beautiful tropical garden, two pools, a gym and a spa. 200 $usd with the “all inclusive” formula.
• Hotel Xcaret Mexico All Parks All Fun Inclusive: it is definitely the best hotel in Playa del Carmen! Ideal for couples and families with children as this luxury hotel offers an exceptional package including meals and access to its parks (Xcaret, Xplor , Xplor Fuego, Xenses, Xoximilco, Xel-Ha and Xenote). Starting at 860 $usd per night, all inclusive.

My tip Check out my comprehensive guide to find the perfect hotel or resort for your stay . Here’s the link: Where to Stay in Playa del Carmen?  

• The Coffee Bean Hostel : A very cozy hostel with nice common areas, a restaurant and bar, a garden, terrace with hammocks, pool tables and several breakfast options, starting at 12 $usd in a shared dorm!
• Parador Margarita : Only 3 blocks from the main square and the bus station, it is a small haven of peace with a garden and very comfortable beds. Wifi and breakfast are included, only 46 $usd per night!
• Hotel Diego de Mazariegos: A magnificent 18th century mansion with a preserved Mexican colonial style, a charming interior courtyard with a fountain and classic decoration in warm tones. The hotel has two restaurants and a bar. Wifi and breakfast included, from only 73 $usd per night!
• Casa Lum Hotel Boutique: My favorite hotel in San Cristobal de las Casas ! It is a small and sophisticated hotel decorated between modernity and traditional design. Includes a great restaurant, a terrace with a panoramic view over the city and a garden. A few steps from the main square, it is the ideal place for lovers, from 164 $usd per night!
• Mayan Monkey Tulum:  An excellent value for money . Nice modern hostel with a good atmosphere, a pool, bar and garden. Including fast wifi, kitchen access, yoga classes, coworking spaces, and bike and motorcycle rentals. Dorms and private rooms starting at only 24 $usd per night.
• Casa Almendro:  If you are looking for a little more comfort, you will like this small cheap hotel in the center of Tulum . It’s a green oasis with a rooftop terrace with chairs and hammocks. There are king size beds and breakfast is included, from only 50 $usd per night!
• Diamante K:  Is a high-end hotel but at a very fair price , which is exceptional in Tulum, especially for a hotel with direct access to the beach in the hotel zone! Bohemian chic atmosphere, including a restaurant, hammocks and beds on the private beach, and a massage service. Bungalows are 207 $usd per night.
• Habitas Tulum: This small eco-friendly hotel with a chic design is ideal for a romantic stay in Tulum . It is a true oasis of peace, hidden among the palm trees, with a magnificent swimming pool and a private beach. There are also yoga classes on the terrace at sunset. From 371 $usd per night!
• Kanan Tulum- Adults Only: This is the ultimate option for a luxury stay in Tulum . It is an ecological hotel for adults only, located on a beautiful private beach with hammocks and beds. With a fantastic rooftop terrace with a bar; the hotel also has an excellent restaurant, great rooms and a very friendly welcome. From 566 $usd per night!

Doing a road trip in Mexico by car is definitely the best way to explore this country!

Here are some of my latest tips for your road trip in Mexico:

• Don’t drive at night:  roads are poorly lit and there is a higher risk of accidents. Also, many areas of Mexico are not safe during these hours.
• Expect checkpoints by police, army, or locals. Don’t panic, they are routine.
• Sometimes people take over checkpoints to protest.  Give them a coin to pass.
• Watch out for speed bumps, called “topes”.  They are high and can damage your car.
• You need a valid driver’s license in Mexico . An international one is not required.
• Choose toll roads, called “de cuota”. They are better and safer than free roads.
• Get a TAG (electronic toll plate): the app lets you recharge it ( Android – Iphone) or at a point . It also helps you calculate your road trip budget (tolls + gas)!

Renting a car is for sure the best way to explore the country and make the most of your stay!

To rent a car, personally, I always use Rentalcars.com, for a few reasons:

Simply click on the green button to find your rental car at the best price:

The best time for a Mexico road trip depends on the region.

Generally, November to February is good : less rain, heat, and humidity.

Avoid the rainy season (May to October): more rain, cloudy water, and possible hurricanes (especially in September).

My advice  You can still go to Mexico in the rainy season. Many travelers enjoy it.

Discover all my articles about Mexico : All my articles to help you plan your trip to Mexico are listed there.

• The 35 Best Things to Do in Mexico
• Yucatan Peninsula : Top 20 things to Do and See
• Cancun : the 35 Best Things to Discover
• Playa del Carmen : Top 30 Things To Do and Must-See Attractions
• Itinerary : 10 days in Mexico – Mexico City, Chiapas and Yucatan
• Itinerary : 2 weeks in Mexico   – Best itinerary to discover the Yucatan Peninsula and Chiapas!
• Itinerary : 3 weeks in Mexico – Mexico City, Puebla, Oaxaca, Chiapas, Campeche, Yucatán and Riviera Maya
• Itinerary : 1 month in Mexico – My Epic 30-31 Days Itinerary from Mexico City to Cancun
• Itinerary : 1 week in Yucatan – The Ultimate 6, 7 or 8 days Itinerary
• Itinerary : 10 days in Yucatan – Best Itinerary for 9, 10 or 11 Days in Yucatan
• Itinerary : 2 weeks in Yucatan – Epic Itinerary + All my Best Tips!
• Itinerary : 3 weeks in Yucatan – Best things to do in 20-21 days
• Itinerary : 1 month in Yucatan – Yucatan Peninsula in 29, 30 or 31 days from Cancun
• Road trip in Yucatan : The best itineraries for 7, 10, 15, 21 days and 1 month

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I have created this blog to give you all my best tips to plan your next trip to Mexico, regardless of your budget. I share detailed itineraries, advice about places to visit as well as recommendations for transportation, hotels and restaurants. I hope I will also help you to discover amazing off the beaten path destinations in Mexico!

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Tulum’s Best Restaurants: A Food Lover’s Guide for Every Wallet

40 Best Free Things to do in Mexico City: The Definitive Guide

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• All our Guides about Mexico

5 of the best road trips in Mexico

Jun 13, 2023 • 5 min read

From beaches to deserts and everything in between, Mexico has some great road-trip routes © Matthias Clamer / Getty Images

Itching to hit the open road in  Mexico ? We have five epic drives to fuel your wanderlust.

Winding through the country's most stunning regions, these classic itineraries take you to jungle-set Maya ruins, dramatic turquoise coastlines and culturally rich colonial cities, not to mention a slew of remote places best reached by car.

The distances provided are not direct between the start and end points, but assume some diversion from the main route, allowing you to explore more of each region. Here are the best road trip routes in Mexico.

1. Drive Baja California

Best road trip for coastlines Tijuana–Los Cabos;   1600km/1000 miles 

Graced with astonishing desert-meets-sea landscapes, otherworldly rock canyons and traffic-free highways, Baja is made for road-tripping. As you traverse the world's second-longest peninsula, the road zigzags between the coastlines of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez, offering glimpses of a Mexico that time forgot.

Start the multi-day tour with some wine-tasting at the  Valle de Guadalupe  vineyards before venturing south to laid-back beach town and fish taco mecca Ensenada . Further south await the pristine islands of Loreto with some of the most biologically-diverse waters on earth.

From there, the road leads to under-the-radar La Paz before it splits west to surf haven Todos Santos and southeast to  Cabo Pulmo , Baja's top dive site . On your final stop, celebrate the long journey in the festive sister resorts of Los Cabos .

Planning tip:  Consider a road trip in February or March when you can spot blue whales off the coast –  the largest animal on the planet.

2. Cruise the Yucatán Peninsula 

Best road trip for cenotes and Maya ruins Cancún–Puerto Morelos; 1100km/680 miles 

This loop route showcases the most fascinating sights on the Yucatán Peninsula , from jungle ruins and cenotes (limestone sinkholes) to old-world colonial cities and white-sand beaches hugging an aquamarine coastline. As you roll west from Cancún, stop in Valladolid for a dip in an enticing cenote (the Maya believed these natural pools to be gateways to the underworld).

Nearby, don't miss the impressive Maya ruins of  Chichén Itzá , but get there early to beat the crowds. Foodies will be licking their chops in Mérida , Yucatán's colonial capital that wows visitors with its extraordinary regional cuisine and vibrant cultural scene.

Next, head southeast to enjoy a leisurely cruise through rolling hills dotted with Maya ruins on the seldom-visited Ruta Puuc. East of Maya country, along the Mexican Caribbean, you'll encounter the impossibly blue waters of Laguna Bacalar,  Tulum 's dramatically situated clifftop ruins and primo reef diving in  Cozumel and Puerto Morelos.

3. Head for the Oaxaca Coast 

Best route for foodies Mexico City–Lagunas de Chacahua; 850km/530 miles 

The road to the Oaxaca coast serves up a feast for the senses as you visit Mexico's top foodie destinations, marvel at mountaintop Zapotec ruins and linger on sublime beaches. After some excitement in Mexico City , drive south and stop for lunch in culinary capital Puebla , known for its exquisite moles. About four hours away lies cultural colossus Oaxaca City , yet another foodie paradise and a great base to visit the ancient Monte Albán ruins.

As you continue south, take a break to sample mezcal in Miahuatlán and then perhaps a stopover in San Jose del Pacífico, a misty mountain town renowned for its magic mushrooms. Yep,  those  magic mushrooms. From there, the route snakes down a windy mountain road to a spectacular coast where you can enjoy carefree beach-bumming in San Agustinillo , big-wave surfing in Puerto Escondido and the unspoiled charms of Parque Nacional Lagunas de Chacahua .

4. Follow the Central Pacific Coast 

Best road trip for seafood and water sports Mazatlán–Puerto Vallarta; 440km/275 miles  

Kick things off in true  norteño  (northern) fashion in  Mazatlán , where an exciting cultural renaissance is flourishing in its revamped Old Mazatlán quarter. As you move south in the Central Pacific Coast , take a detour to the tiny island of Mexcaltitlán, a shrimping village believed to be the ancestral homeland of the Aztecs. Next, look for the turnoff to Chacala, a delightful palm-fringed cove where thatched-roof restaurants prepare delectable  pescado zarandeado  (northern-style grilled fish).

About an hour down the coast, you'll reach the neighboring beach towns of San Francisco (aka San Pancho) and  Sayulita , family-friendly places with fun-filled outdoor activities such as surfing, kayaking and turtle releases. En route to  Puerto Vallarta , drop by the scenic peninsula of Punta de Mita and delight in scrumptious seafood at oceanside restaurant Tuna Blanca . 

Planning tip:  Once in Vallarta, you won't want to miss the stretch of secluded beaches lining the jungle-backed southern coastline. 

5. Explore around Mexico City

Best road trip near the capital Mexico City–Parque Nacional Cumbres del Ajusco; 300km/185 miles 

This short but sweet tour packs quite a punch as it circles around the edges of Mexico City's southern border states. Start things off with some serious wow factor on a hike in Itza-Popo Zoquiapan National Park, home to two of Mexico's most impressive volcanoes, the active Popocatépetl and the dormant Iztaccíhuatl (aka El Popo and Izta).

Next, follow the highway southwest for an overnight stay in Tepoztlán , an important Náhuatl center where you can climb up to a clifftop Aztec temple. After that, swing by Cuernavaca and check out Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés' old digs at the imposing Palace of Cortés .

Planning tip:  Make your final stop at Parque Nacional Cumbres del Ajusco and scale Mexico City's highest peak (Pico del Águila), or simply chill out over a hot champurrado (a comforting corn-based drink) and fresh-made quesadillas at a roadside eatery nestled in the park's fragrant pine forest.

Tips for driving in Mexico 

If possible, stick to driving on the toll (cuota) highways. Avoid driving at night to reduce the risk of accidents. If stopped by traffic police, remain calm and stay in your vehicle, you'll often be let off with a warning. Be wary of unmarked speed bumps and ubiquitous potholes. For emergency roadside service, call 078.

This article was first published Apr 20, 2021 and updated Jun 13, 2023.

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Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

4 Things To Know Before You Road Trip Through Mexico

• Destinations
• Mexico and Caribbean

Our first road trip through Mexico was in 2009. On our second trip 8 years later, we made Mazatlan our winter home. Last December, we entered Mexico for the fifth time. Over those 12 years, roads have improved a lot. Because of COVID, port of entry requirements had changed but have now returned to normal. Sadly, travel advisories due to crime have gotten worse for the whole of Mexico. Certain cities, Mazatlan included, have become better. However, COVID has become a new area of consideration. 

That is why we drive instead of fly; it’s still the safest way to travel in regards to COVID. We are not dependent on a public conveyance’s safety protocols and neither do we have to be thrown into big groups at close quarters.

It is also way cheaper. A direct flight from Mesa to Mazatlan costs about $700 per person in January. From our home in Mesa, Arizona driving through the states of Sonora and Sinaloa to Mazatlan is 906 miles. We spend only about $100 for fuel, $200 for 2 nights’ stay at hotels, and another $100 for tolls. We choose hotels with breakfast included, which gives us items for day snacks in the car. At the end of the day, we have dinner at the next hotel. All of this saves us almost $1,000.

Having a car in Mexico gives us some intangible benefits. We can bring as much as we need, like my husband’s golf and tennis paraphernalia, or my many outfits and pairs of shoes. And we can bring back things for the home, like bulky décor items and annual supplies of cheaper items. Finally, the car allows us to make day trips to nearby small towns or even farther destinations.

1. The Quality Of Roads

The first thing to consider is the quality of the roads you will need to drive through. The great news is that the roads we take have improved a lot since our first road trip when we took our 24-foot Class C motorhome through the country. Mexico 15 , the highway that connects Arizona to Mazatlan, is part of the CANAMEX corridor from Canada to Mexico. In 2009, it was sadly peppered with holes; just fewer ones for the CUOTA (toll) vs the LIBRE (free) road that runs parallel. When we returned in 2017, we were pleased to find that the section through Sonora was almost completely concrete.

By our third and fourth trips, libramientos (bypasses) around the busy cities of Ciudad Obregon and Hermosillo in the state of Sonora, respectively, had been built. By our fifth trip, we noted that the entire trip had been reduced by at least an hour and a half. When the Sinaloan section improves, we can expect another reduction that will make the entire trip doable in 2 days instead of 3!

Be prepared for the kinds of roads you will have to traverse. Have your vehicles thoroughly checked and make sure all your tires, including the reserve, are ready for the trip. You must get Mexican vehicle insurance (see below) that gives you road assistance protection in Mexico. And check if you have what you need for emergencies like a first-aid kit, personal urinals, and a cooler for food and drinks. 

2. Port Of Entry Requirements

Entry requirements have returned to normal. There is no longer a need for negative COVID tests, nor even proof of vaccination. On our route, there are two international ports of entry for passenger vehicles : Deconcini and Mariposa. We prefer the latter since it bypasses the Mexican border town of Nogales and leads directly to the Mexico 15D. As they say, border towns are more troublesome. Deconcini is a one-lane port of entry and goes through Grand Avenue in the town of Nogales before reaching Mexico 15. Both just let you through: the processing of permits is done at KM 21 down the road on Mexico 15D.

The process takes about 1-2 hours. Be prepared with your documents for the FMM (Forma Migratoria Multiple) for tourists, the TIP (Temporary Import Permit) for the vehicle, and the vehicle insurance. On our first trip, it took longer not only because it was our first time but because we had a scooter attached to our RV. Since we were not going to use it around Mexico, we were not prepared for its permit processing. The authorities said we still needed a permit or we would not be able to bring it back into the U.S.

We learned that the best thing is not to bring anything that you will not use. We also learned that the following steps save time: 

• Fill out both permits (FMM and TIP) online
• Bring the original and copies of all required documents if you don’t fill them out online
• Purchase vehicle insurance before entering Mexico
• Have Mexican pesos
• Know a little bit of Spanish

3. The Risk Posed By Crime

Certainly, the prevalence of crime is what stops many people from visiting Mexico. The state of Sonora is at U.S. State Department Travel Advisory Level 3, meaning “Reconsider Travel.” I remember that a few years ago, nine members of a Mormon family were massacred near the town of Bavispe, Sonora, 70 miles south of the U.S. border, and only 5 and a half hours from where we usually stay for the first night. Worse, Mazatlan itself is at Travel Advisory Level 4, meaning “Do Not Travel.” In fact, it is where El Chapo was arrested. So why do we still spend winter in Mazatlan and drive through possibly troublesome spots to get there?

I did research and found something that helped guide us: the list of 50 Most Dangerous Cities of the World produced by the World Population Review. We first looked at it in 2019 , and it was just recently updated for 2021 . If a city’s murder rate is from 35-111 per 100,000 people, it is included on the ranked list. Here is the table of the top five countries that have the most dangerous cities, comparing the 2 years:

The main change is at the top: Mexico has added three more cities, while Brazil delisted four. But here is the interesting fact: Mazatlan was #46 in 2019 — still below the USA cities of St. Louis (#13), Baltimore (#21), New Orleans (#44), and Detroit (#45) that year. That was my source of comfort then. In 2021, it was no longer even part of the list! That is my best source of comfort now. Please look at the list when you choose destinations in Mexico you want to visit.

Still, we take necessary precautions and inform the U.S. State Department of our itinerary so that they know how to get in touch with us whenever an emergency arises ( please see this article on STEP, the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program ). The list of other precautions we follow, aside from staying only at cities not on this list, are

• Travel only during midday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
• Stop only at U.S. hotel chains with breakfast included
• Bring snacks for the drive, then dine inside the hotel upon arrival
• Limit gas/rest stop to one per day, using only big and new PEMEX (government) stations.

4. The Risk Of COVID

COVID has introduced a new concern. What gave us the courage to travel to Mexico last December was that even with cases from the Omicron variant surging in other parts of the world, including the U.S., it was not quite the same in Mexico. Cases had quadrupled in the world and the U.S. but it has only doubled here. Besides, it has also reached a respectable percentage of fully vaccinated (2 doses) at nearly 60 percent, near that of the U.S. (64 percent at the time of this writing).

The CDC has a separate travel advisory for COVID . They do not advise any travel to Level 4 countries and recommend full vaccination to Level 3 countries. We prefer to look at the Mexican way , which details the COVID status in different parts of the country. It’s a “traffic light” system of coding cities and states as green, yellow, orange, and red. Green means almost normal except for masks, social distancing, temperature monitoring, and hand sanitizers. Yellow limits capacities, with more limitations for orange, and a complete lockdown for red.

Mazatlan and the whole route we took was coded green. In fact, Sinaloa has remained green; Sonora, however, has turned yellow. It would be best to bring your COVID kit of maximum protection masks, hand sanitizers, a temperature monitor, an oximeter, rapid antigen test kits, and immune system boosting supplements like zinc, vitamins C and D, NAC, quercetin, etc.

Yes, these are what we consider whenever we road trip into Mexico: the quality of roads, port of entry requirements, and crime and COVID risk. As you can see, we take pains to research, prepare accordingly, and take a lot of precautions for the privilege of enjoying what Mexico offers: a perfect climate, good food, golden beaches, and friendly people for truly inexpensive and fun winter breaks.

Carol retired as a CEO for pioneering IT companies in the Philippines. Curious about the world she missed while stressing out working, she migrated to the U.S., ended up an adjunct professor and small business counselor while babysitting her grandson during the day. That is, until she met her travel partner on the internet! After the wedding ceremony, they honeymooned for eight years in an RV to 49 states, nine Canadian provinces, and six Mexican states.

They now call Mesa, Arizona, home. From this base, they embark on great road trips to meet family at reunions in picturesque resorts around the U.S. Visits to their kids’ homes in Anchorage, Boise, and Denver (his) and in San Francisco, Calgary, and Melbourne (hers) allow for exploring the U.S., Canada, and Australia. Carol has been to 48 countries but their 3-month all-inclusive winter escapes to Mexico in Mazatlan, Cancun, or Cozumel are their best times.

Carol maintains a blog, Carolina: Cruising Past 70 , and has published two travel books: Carolina: Cruising to an American Dream about her RVing years and Cruising Past Seventy: It's Not Only About Outer Journeys . It's Also about Inner Ones , is a collection of her most widely-read blog posts and articles. She has a BS in math, MBA, and DPA.

Which Route To Take While Driving Through Mexico

The drive through Mexico and Central America is a wonderful experience, however, it’s not an adventure for everyone. What type of person would like this sort of trip? First and foremost, you got to like driving. Any way you look at it, this trip is over 4000 miles of driving. If the open road turns you on, then this is a great trip for you.

Take Your Time Driving Through Mexico

Even though you could rush the trip, ideally, it is better to have an open agenda that isn’t too pressured by time. You don’t need tons of money but you should have a nice reserve for emergencies and potential car issues.

Places and conditions change, thus be prepared to make variations or detours altered from the original directions; though generally speaking things in Central America change slowly—except for Costa Rica where it seems different every time I go back, which has been every six months for the last decade.

There is no one correct way of doing anything and therefore if you find a way or route that you feel is easier or less complicated, please send your comments to us at DriveMeLoco so that your information may be included in the next publication and so that the loco community gets updated. We are stronger together.

There are three main routes through Mexico, one is along the Atlantic Coast (actually the  Gulf of Mexico ). The second is through central Mexico and Mexico City. The third is by the way of the Pacific Coast.

From Texas the four main entry points are:

• Piedras Negras
• Brownsville

The Pacific Route

There are several east-west, north-south links as you journey south through Mexico. The Pacific Coast route is the hands-down favorite among travelers and surfers. The roads are better overall, drivers don’t have to circumnavigate Mexico City, and there are plenty of beautiful sites along the way. I have driven all three routes and the Pacific Coast is my favorite by far, you won’t want to miss the following cities:

The route detailed in the city-by-city portion of this guide is the Pacific Coast route of Mexico, until Chiapas where I recommend diverting to the interior to see the jewels left by the Mayan civilization. From Chiapas, I always take the route into Guatemala heading directly for Antigua—Antigua is one of my favorite cities in all of Central America.

The Central Mexico Route

The Central Mexico route bogs you down around Mexico City, but this is the route most of the trucking companies and RVers take. Therefore, you’ll have plenty of accommodation and food options. Mexico City is an amazing place, but driving in Mexico City is not for the faint of heart. You could take one of the other routes and fly to Mexico City for a week to see the sites without having to drive it.

The Atlantic Route

The Atlantic route is just plain hard on vehicles and the scenic delightful places are fewer. My recommendation is to head for the Pacific Coast and then south through Mexico. However, if you got your heart set on the Atlantic please check out this post here .

From Guatemala you have two choices, continue through El Salvador or through the beautiful rolling hills of Honduras. Surfers may want to head to El Salvador and hit all the great point breaks. If you need a break from all the great waves you got in Mexico and would like to do some diving or spend some time in Copan exploring the Mayan ruins, then Honduras has some great options. If you are into diving there is some excellent diving in the east coast of Honduras.

Gringo Behavior on All Routes

Most often once officials see your gringo face an unrestrained passage can be expected, usually, they ask a few questions and check your paperwork and send you on your way. In all my years of travel, I have only been hustled by the police around the USA border, most of the other officials are quite friendly.

In situations where you are motioned to pull over the officers will ask a few general questions and then check your vehicle or migration paperwork. No problem, always present a polite and respectful attitude and the officers will do the same. Idiotic, disrespectful travelers can expect a synonymous response from officials. The law of karma is always strong.

If you are traveling with a fluent Spanish speaker, have that person deal with the officials. All things being equal in these situations, have a woman talk to a man and a man talk to women when dealing with border officials or customs inspectors.

Have a great trip, be safe, and don’t drive at night.

Derek, Author Gringo Guide Ojai, California

Last Updated: August 2021

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15 comments.

I can’t find your contact info on your website so I apologize if this is the wrong place to post our questions.

My partner and I are thinking of driving through central america start from LA. Is it possible to drive through all seven countries (Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama) ? Is it safe ? How many days do we need if it is possible ? We will fly back to LA from the last country. Do you happen to know the visa requirement for each country ?

When was the last time you drove through Mexico? If I’m coming from FL, would you recommend to go to the Pacific Coast Route?

Michael Scott

Hi, Im a Tico living in the US East coast fixing to move my family back to CR, however due to personal issues, flying isnt a choice at the moment but driving there, with a pit stop in Antigua then straight to Escazu for us..anyways, what route do you recomend to us, also what are the gas prices like from your point of view (driving full size 2002 Land Rover V8)..just any additonal info in your prospective would be great..thanks in advanced!

Would it be ridiculous to try driving a basic Honda Civic from the USA to Costa Rica? The Civic is supremely reliable, sips the fuel, has good traction and can handle some pretty washed out gravel roads. It won’t mind a few scratches and minor dents either.

But do I really need some 4WD SUV type machine for such a trip?

Gringo Guru

Depends on your objectives. I think the Pacific route offers the most diversity—but it’s not the quickest.

~ Gringo Guru

I love Antigua and think that’s a great place to hang—I always stop there for a few days on each trip south. Current gas prices can be found here: http://www.mexicomike.com/database/runner/public/mx_fuel_prices_list.php . Coming from the East Coast I recommend the closest route to get you to your destination and for you that’s the Gulf Route .

All that info is in the book—and yes, you can visit Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama on the trip.

joseph perez

I have been reading through your site: and I think it is relevant to the website I am promoting.

I was wondering if you might consider posting an original article/content with link to my client to be published as: guest post or sponsored post, preferably create new page or within your blog page.

If this is something you may be interested in, you have any questions or would like any further info please let me know.

Look forward to hearing from you.

Kind Regards,

Joseph Perez Web outreach team

What kind of vehicle, brand, model, etc. is recommended for the drive to Costa Rica and touring the countryside in Costa Rica?

Hey there, There are two of us planning on passing through Mexico Summer 2013 (June-Aug). For Mexico we were originally planning on going down the west coast, then were considering more central route/passing through Mexico City. The reason for the route change was that it appears as if most the tolls roads, which are claimed to be safer & faster, head towards Mexico City.

So, was wanting your opinion on which way to go, any certain areas you’d recommend avoiding, or any general advice regarding route to take.

Thanks, really appreciate it. RF

john hotmail new finnegan

I am in Costa Rica now with my U.S. car. I was told by a person(gringo) that if I drive to Panama I cannot return to Costa Rica for three months with my car. Has the law changed? Thanks. John

I am looking for road partner from New mexico/texas border to limon costa rica. I speak fluent spanish and taking my old but reliable subaru.

Jim McCarthy

Ready to go any time,..have new jeep.Would have to split expenses.Please call ASAP.I am in Arizona,…928 710 2950

Yea, the central route is becoming more popular these days as the coastal route has more narco activity. Those toll roads can sometimes be very lonely places, I’d recommend traveling caravan style if possible.

Anything with high clearance and good shocks, 4×4 is the best alternative.

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Mexico Road Trip: All You Need To Know About Driving in Mexico

• 03 September, 2021

Crystal Egan

• 43 Comments
• 73266 Views

This page may contain compensated links. For more information read our disclaimer .

Picture this.  You’ve just tossed all your belongings into the back of your car to embark on a Mexico road trip. You’ve planned it all and you want to go off the normal tourist trail to explore the “real”  Mexico .

You’ll drive through deserts filled with cactuses, explore colorful colonial cities and visit ancient ruins. Cruise past jungle (and maybe even spot a wild big cat), over misty mountain ranges and pull up at the most beautiful secluded beaches you’ve ever seen. Dive into the crystal-clear waters of a cenote, spot incredible sea life just offshore and marvel at bright pink flamingoes milling around in shallow lakes. This is what it’s like driving in Mexico, on the ultimate road trip of a lifetime.

We have done two Mexican road trips in our time and we have written this guide to really help you to plan and embark on your own ultimate road trip to Mexico!

MEXICO ROAD TRIP PLANNER 2022 – CONTENTS

❶ Car Rental in Mexico ❷ Driving in Mexico Tips ❸ USA into Mexico ❹ Choose a Mexican Road Trip

❺ Road Trips in Northern Mexico ❻ Road Trips in Central Mexico ❼ Road Trips in the Yucatan Peninsula

HOW TO RENT A CAR IN MEXICO

Renting a car in Mexico is super easy. It’s generally the same as it is anywhere else in the world. To rent a car in Mexico, you have to be 21 years old or over (max 75 years old) and have held your license for a minimum of two years. Drivers under 25 may incur a young driver surcharge. These guidelines may vary between rental suppliers though.

When I rent a car, I always check the prices online across a variety of offers to get the lowest price. However, I almost always end up going with Hertz Car Rental as they have great prices and are very trustworthy.

Do you N eed an International Driver’s License in Mexico?

Foreign drivers licenses are recognized in Mexico so long as they are written in English or Spanish. You are fine to both rent a car and drive in Mexico with a driver’s license written in English or Spanish. The License must be valid for the entire rental period.

An International Driving Permit (IDP/IDL) or an official translation in English is strongly recommended if your domestic driver’s license is not in English (Arabic, Japanese, Mandarin, etc) when renting a car or driving in Mexico. If you have an IDL, you must present both this and your domestic driver’s license to the office when you rent a car.

In Mexico, if you are pulled over by police it is highly unlikely they will ask to see an international driver’s license. But it can happen. Unfortunately, even if you are in the right and have done nothing wrong the police may still ask you for a bribe. It is up to you whether you want to fight it or pay it. Usually, police don’t want to cause a scene so you could ask to be taken to the official office for processing as a way to get out of paying a bribe. Our experience with police has, for the most part, been amazing. But we did have to pay $5 for a broken tail light once. We think that’s pretty fair though.

Car Rental Dangers

As with everywhere in the world, you need to cover your butt when renting a car. And I’m not just talking about insurance here. I’m not going to tell you how much insurance coverage you should opt for when renting as that is up to you.

What I do strongly recommend though, is to not only scrutinize the check-out form (the diagram of a car that the rental company uses to mark down the condition of the car) but to also run your phone’s video camera over the entire car when you pick it up. It’s not enough to just take photos because you might miss important parts of the car. Don’t forget to take a quick picture of the fuel gauge to easily remember the level!

To see how we film over a car when we pick them up from the car rental agency; watch this video . Recording a video has saved us from paying unfair damage costs on at least two occasions.

DRIVING IN MEXICO: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The roads in Mexico are bad. Honestly, driving in Mexico is an extremely intense experience, only made better by knowing what you’ll be getting yourself in for.

Look out for topes

Topes are speed bumps in Mexico. Look out for the signs, they are easy to miss! The signs vary between each signpost and they aren’t like the ones you might be used to at home. Some signs are even hand-written by residents of the area!

Topes can be found on major highways and in small towns. Some topes are actually built by locals out of dirt and concrete, and sometimes they aren’t even signposted at all! Hitting one going too fast could really damage your car. For this reason, it’s better to avoid driving at night. If you must drive at night, we recommend you use the paid roads ( carretera cuota) if you have the option.

Carretera Cuota vs Carretera Libre

The best roads to drive on in Mexico are called cuota and they are good quality and FAST. However, you do have to pay for these and they are surprisingly expensive. But you’ll save a lot of driving time and avoid the endless topes.

All cuota roads are paid for by cash (no credit cards) so keep lots of money for them. If you have rented a car you may have a tag in it that allows you to go through and pay with the rental agency at the end.

Otherwise, you can also use the secondary free highways called libre , which usually run alongside the quota highways and go through all of the small towns along the way. It will take a much longer time to use these roads, and there will be loads of topes on them.

Expect delays

As mentioned Mexico’s roads aren’t the best. We would compare the time that Google Maps said it would take with how long it actually took us and it would almost always take twice as long as what Google Maps had said. There are also lots of military stops, especially between states. You are required to line up, then let them search the car before you’ll be able to move on.

Safety While Driving in Mexico

The #1 concern for everyone considering this type of travel is: “is it safe to road trip through Mexico?”

Firstly, driving through Mexico is quite safe, for the most part. There are some occurrences of drug-related violence which I will talk about below. To avoid drug violence, you need to plan your route according to the latest news. Mostly, however, it is the lack of quality of the roads that will be the biggest problem for you on this trip. You will need to take most of Mexico’s roads slowly and tentatively, always being alert. Don’t try to rush this road trip, as that will cause fatigue.

If you’re headed out on a less-explored route, you may like to know the current conditions of the road (spoiler: it’s probably terrible, hah ), whether there is gang presence there, and how many gas stations you’ll likely come across.

Since there isn’t much online about these sorts of things, you might find it useful to ask a forum about your planned route. Expats in Mexico is a great Facebook group to join (or search Facebook for ‘Expats in Whatever City You’re Headed To ‘). No doubt you’ll easily find someone who has recently done the same route and is happy to give you advice.

Drug Violence in Mexico

Possibly one of the scariest problems you might encounter while doing your road trip through Mexico would be the drug-related problems, especially if you are driving south coming from the USA .

If you are crossing from the USA, log all your plans with family or friends. Do a bit of research into which entry/exits are better than others. Here’s a great forum with this exact question asked. However, it will really depend on where you plan to cross.

Driving in Mexico isn’t Cheap

It’s actually quite expensive. Expect petrol to be the same price as home (possibly even more expensive) and the tolls on the highways too. Everything else is cheap in Mexico, but driving is definitely not!

CROSSING INTO MEXICO FROM THE USA

Are you coming from a road trip from the USA ? When you drive your American (or Canadian) registered vehicle into Mexico from the USA you will need to buy insurance and fill out the required paperwork either at the border or before you leave. You may also need to purchase a Temporary Import Permit for your vehicle. Read on for more details.

If you are traveling to Mexico by car, it is Mexican law that all drivers have insurance, and you will need to prove your insurance once you have crossed the Mexican border.

What you will need to show at customs:

• Passport of the registered owner (original and 1 copy).
• Vehicle registration (original and 1 copy).
• Drivers license of the registered owner (original and 1 copy).
• Mexico Tourist Card you received when you crossed the border

At the border the owner of the vehicle gains entry at immigration, their passport is stamped and they are given a Mexico Tourist Card. The owner of the vehicle may also be required to obtain a Temporary Import Permit for the vehicle as well.

The Mexpro website explains that if you plan to drive a vehicle beyond the  Mexico Free Zone  you will need to purchase a Mexico Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit (TIP). This permit can only be obtained from Banjercito, which is the official Mexican issuing agency. 

If you are only doing a short road trip through Mexico, you may be in luck. You won’t need a TIP if you are driving your car in any part of the Baja Peninsula or the Sonoran Free Zone.

Mexico Vehicle Insurance

Insurance is mandatory in Mexico, and you will have problems with the police if you don’t purchase it. You can buy it at the border, or many companies exist online that piggy-back on your USA car insurance.

Some American policies cover you in Mexico, but they may have limitations. If you are taking a USA rental car, verify the insurance and terms of driving in Mexico with the rental agency. If insurance is not included, add it to your rental policy.

Mexico car insurance companies:

• ICI Insurance Agency
• Sansborns Mexico Insurance
• Mexico Auto Insurance
• Bajabound (cheaper to call than online)

Note that you must maintain your home country comprehensive/collision insurance while you are in Mexico.

Do You Need to Speak Spanish?

You won’t NEED Spanish while on the road in Mexico, you can definitely get by without it. Many Mexicans speak English, especially the ones who work in the tourism sector. But I do suggest you spend some time learning if you want to make the most out of your travels and get the local prices, etc. You can take private lessons all around Mexico for as little as $5 USD an hour. 

Right. Enough of the formalities, let’s decide where to go on a Mexico road trip!

WHERE TO GO ON A ROAD TRIP IN MEXICO

Going on a road trip really is one of the best ways to explore Mexico. Not everything can be accessed by a colectivo, bus or even a taxi. Mexico is incredibly diverse, and having your own transport will allow you to experience more and enjoy this amazing country in an immersive way.

What road trip route you decide to take will probably depend on where you leave from and how much time you have. Below, we have color-coded each recommended road trip in Mexico on a map. We have also listed how long you will need to complete that road trip. If available, we give you the opportunity to read even more about each destination so you can plan accordingly.

Where to Stay on Your Mexico Road Trip

Our best recommendations on where to stay during this road trip are at the bottom of each section. We tend to suggest value-for-money hotels with private rooms in an intimate setting. Only hotels that are packed with character, have great ratings, and excellent service passes our recommendations test. Plus, all these hotels have FREE parking, either securely on site or on the street nearby.

We also rave about Booking.com as the best hotel booking agency since they consistently have the lowest price and amazing loyalty discounts that are put on automatically after your first few bookings with them.

Mexico Road Trip Map

This custom map of all the road trips in Mexico includes all of the best Mexican road trips, and where you should stop to sightsee and/or stay a night or two.

To open any of the road trip maps into your own Google Maps app, simply tap the small square icon on the top right-hand side of the map when looking at this article from your phone. 

The map will automatically save into “Your Places” > “MAPS”. You can then select an area to download and use offline ready for when you don’t have access to mobile data in Mexico. For more information on how to download maps for offline use,  click here . 

3 NORTHERN MEXICO ROAD TRIPS

Need cheap road trip ideas? Mexico is the place to be! Vast deserts filled with cactus, incredible beaches covered in white sand, calm bays, swaying palm trees and lush mountain ranges. This is northern Mexico, and it is the road trip of a lifetime!

USA TO TIJUANA AND GUADALUPE LOOP

If you are going to be in San Diego, California as part of a larger west coast road trip why not cross the border into Mexico? After all, the Mexico border is only approximately 20 minutes from San Diego.

If you are crossing into Mexico from the USA in your own vehicle, be sure to read my tips above about bringing your car into Mexico. Below is a route planner for the USA to Mexico road trips.

DISTANCE COVERED: 277 km (172 miles)

TIME NEEDED: 5 – 7 Days

Tijuana and Rosarito

After making your way across the border plan a stop in Tijuana. This city has some amazing food options. Besides the Cesaer salad originating in Tijuana, over the past decade, food has been putting Tijuana on the map. They now have an established gastro district that extends from downtown to Zona Río on Avenida Sonora in the Chapultepec area.

Once your belly is filled, head to the seaside town of Rosarito. There are oodles of things to do here. Try ziplining or ride an ATV on the dunes . Learn to surf or horseback ride on the beach. If you like art, you can find plenty of that as well as wood and metal craft at Artist Alley along the Free Road (Km 30). If it’s shopping you want, check out the cigar shops, jewelry stores, and souvenir stalls along the boulevard. Be sure to make a stop at the candy store, Dulceria Ayala.

Valle de Guadalupe

After spending the night in Rosarito, head to Baja’s Wine Country in Valle de Guadalupe. Vineyards, old and new, dot the landscape along Valle’s main thoroughfare, Mexico’s Route 3. Currently, there are over 120 vineyards in Valle de Guadalupe. Obviously, you can’t visit them all in one trip. Some of the most memorable include Santo Tomas and AlXimia. AlXimia is a can’t miss.

Next, head to Tecate. But before leaving Valle you may want to stop at the Wine Museum. It’s interesting and deserving of a visit.

Tecate is an underrated small town with a lot to offer. Art, culture, wine, gastronomy, and nature are just a few reasons to visit. If you choose to stay the night you could spend one day exploring the culture and gastronomy of the town and another exploring nature. The breathtakingly beautiful La Rumorosa is just 40 minutes outside of town.

Upon your return, you can cross the border back into the US at Tecate or head west to Otay Mesa. Both will take approximately the same amount of time. There is rarely a wait at Tecate.

Where to Stay on a Northern Baja Road Trip

• Rosarito: Vista Hermosa Resort and Spa | Las Rocas Resort & Spa
• Valle de Guadalupe: Contemplacion | El Cielo Winery & Resort
• Tecate: Hotel Kumiai Inn | Short Stay Tecate Hotel Boutique

BAJA CALIFORNIA SOUTH ROAD TRIP

Ruta 1 is a more than 1,000 km stretch of Mexico that takes you through wine country, valleys, and desert, and along the coastline, past mountains and through many charming little villages and beach towns. You could say it offers a sampling of much of what the country of Mexico has to offer.

DISTANCE COVERED: 1,660 km (1,031 miles)

TIME NEEDED: 2 – 3 Weeks

Ensenada is less than 2 hours south of Tijuana and makes a good place to stop overnight or, if time allows, take a day wine tasting in Valle de Guadalupe (see the road trip loop above).

Guerrero Negro

Guerrero Negro is eight hours driving south of Ensenada. It’s an amazing place to whale watch if you’re there between December and April. Otherwise, it’s a welcome overnight break after a grueling day of driving windy roads through fields of giant cacti as far as the eye can see.

San Ignacio and Mulege

If you’re taking it slow, you can take overnight stops at San Ignacio, a cute village on a lake, or Mulege for beautiful beaches. Short on time? You can head straight to Loreto, 6 hours southeast of Guerrero Negro.

This lovely little mission town charmed us into staying two nights and we could have stayed longer. Next, stop in overnight at La Paz, which is just over 4 hours from Loreto.

La Paz and Todos Santos

La Paz is the largest town on the Baja and has everything you would need in a city. Plus it boasts a pretty malecon , a big sailing community, and some great restaurants. Do a street art walking tour or swim with whale sharks .

Slower road trippers should stop in Todos Santos next. This is another mission town and the location of the Hotel California which many say is the famed one from the Eagles song.

The final stop on your South Baja California road trip is Los Cabos, another 2 hours south of La Paz. Actually, there are two towns here:  Cabo San Lucas with its popular beaches, bars, restaurants, and resorts and the quieter, less touristy San Jose del Cabo.

We stopped from one to three nights in each place. Returning north we followed the same route, overnighting in mainly the same locations and taking in other sights that we skipped going down. Alternatively, there is a car ferry that departs from the Pichilingue Terminal in La Paz to two different ports on mainland Mexico up to nine times per week. Check this timetable for prices and timings.

Cabo San Lucas Tours

Where to stay on the southern baja road trip.

• Ensenada: Viña Calabria
• Guerro Negro: The Halfway Inn
• San Ignacio: La Huerta Hotel
• Loreto: Bugambilias Suites Hotel
• La Paz: Casa Juarez B&B
• Todos Santos: The Hotelito
• Cabo San Lucas: Cabo Vista Hotel (Adults Only)
• San Jose del Cabo: Marisol Boutique Hotel

MEXICO CITY TO SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE, REAL DE CATORCE AND GUADALAJARA TRIANGLE

This road trip is for people who like colonial-style cities and the wild, wild west. Beautiful architecture, tequila, gothic churches, rough local bars, and abandoned villages dominate this route. It’s the best of Mexico’s central highlands, bundled into just 10 days.

DISTANCE COVERED: 1,839 km (1,143 miles)

TIME NEEDED: 10 – 14 Days

Mexico City

Your road trip starts in Mexico City, where you will see the country’s beating heart. It’s rough around the edges and full of people (did you know Mexico City’s population is the same as the whole of Australia’s?) but with a charm that cannot be ignored. And some of the best food in Mexico! Make sure you spend at least a couple of days here. If you get time, be sure to spend the day drinking on the Canals on Xochimilco . Visit the famous gothic churches, Teotihuacan Ruins and marvel at some of Diego and Frida’s artwork .

San Miguel de Allende

After driving for about 6 hours you’ll arrive in the beautiful city of San Miguel de Allende. Stay another few days, because this artsy town has stolen the hearts of many American expats who now call it home. San Miguel de Allende is known for its baroque/neoclassical Spanish architecture, in particular, the pink gothic church that sits in the center of the city.

The streets are lined with cobblestones and flowers and the buildings are filled with beautiful restaurants, bars, and art galleries, all of which have kept their Mexican flair. Be sure to try a world-renowned meal, see the sunrise over Canada de la Virgen Ruins and soak up the addictive atmosphere. It’s no wonder Travel + Leisure called it the best city in the world in 2017!

Check out these amazing tours in San Miguel de Allende .

San Luis Potosi City

San Luis Potosi (or SLP) is another 6-hour drive from San Miguel. It was a major trading hub for gold and silver in the 16 th to 19 th centuries. ‘Potosi’ means silver in Spanish but most of the Potosino locals simply call it San Luis. Another baroque-style city, San Luis Potosi boasts its own (but less impressive in my opinion) gothic-style church as well as more beautiful architecture scattered around the city. The Centro Historico, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as the many quaint shopfronts, bars, and cafes, will surely delight your senses.

It is much larger than San Miguel de Allende and not so much on the “tourist trail” which can make it a bit harder to explore. But that’s fine; just see what you can, because the place you will visit next will be sure to impress you the most!

Real de Catorce

This is the reason you have made this trip, to visit the partially abandoned mind-blowing village of Real de Catorce.

Maybe you’ve heard of it before in association to peyote and how it is somewhat a pilgrimage for drug-taking hippies? I’m not going to tell you it isn’t, but the entire village should not be reduced to just that. It is honestly one of the coolest places I have ever visited in my life. For starters, just to get into the town you have to drive through a 2 km tunnel through the mountains.

Do a tour of the church where you will learn that Real de Catorce is also a pilgrimage site for Mexicans who want to pray to the shrine of Saint Francis of Assisi. I don’t want to give away too much, but the stories are heartwarming and so very interesting!

You can also take a horseback ride to see views of the city and other important landmarks nearby, go on a hike or ride on the top of a Willy’s Jeep through the spectacular valleys nearby. My favorite thing to do in Real de Catorce, though, was to simply walk the streets taking pictures.

If you have your own transport, I implore you to stay in one of the magical hotels in Real de Catorce for at least a couple of nights. It is the type of place that will change your life forever!

Guadalajara

You’ve seen the pictures, now it’s time to explore this famous multicolored city! But after driving a long 8 hours you’ll probably want to just curl up in your hotel and explore the city properly the next day. If 7-8 hours driving is too much, split your trip in half by stopping in at Leon (known as the “shoe capital of the world and is a pretty colonial, industrial city) for a night.

Famous for its tequila and mariachi music, Guadalajara is where you will come to soak up some authentic Mexico feels far off the busy tourist trail. You will be able to visit more gothic-style churches , including a cathedral with twin gold spires, and immerse yourselves in the vibrant streets steeped in tradition and culture. Visit the nearby town of Tequila to experience the makings of this famous drink yourself or explore the labyrinth of a local market.

Then take a break to relax and listen to the mariachi while you sip on premium tequila cocktails and much on torta ahogada (a crusty baguette stuffed with succulent slow-cooked pork). Bliss.

When you finally decide to bring your road trip to an end, it’ll take 6 hours driving to Mexico City from Guadalajara.

Where to stay on the Golden Triangle Road Trip

• Mexico City: Hotel Catedral
• San Miguel de Allende: Casa Mia Suites
• San Luis Potosi: Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham
• Real de Catorce: Casa Curtos
• Leon: Entre Patios Hotel Boutique
• Guadalajara: Hotel Real Maestranza

CENTRAL MEXICO ROAD TRIP

This quintessential road trip takes you through some of the most spectacular driving scenery Mexico has to offer. Visit areas in Mexico, renowned for their strong cultural identity and bizarre religious practices. Eat food to die for, explore cactus gardens and swim in warm, pristine oceans.

On this Central Mexico road trip you’ll drive from Mexico City to Oaxaca, stopping in at the pretty city of Puebla and an incredible UNESCO heritage biosphere reserve to see thousands of cactuses. In Oaxaca, you’ll experience deep, colorful Mexican culture and some of the best cuisines in Mexico.

You’ll then follow the spectacular Oaxacan coast for a while before turning off to head back up the mountains of Chiapas to the gorgeous colonial city of San Cristobal de las Casas. You’ll finish your road trip in Palenque where you can visit important Mayan ruins and relax in vivid baby blue waterfalls.

💡 If you don’t have much time, you can shorten this to a road trip from Mexico City to Oaxaca City via Puebla. A Mexico City / Oaxaca road trip would give you a great taste of pretty cities, cactuses, mountains and culture achievable in just a few days. Plus the drive between the two cities is pleasurable and relatively easygoing.

DISTANCE COVERED: 1,739 km (1,080 miles)

TIME NEEDED: 3 Weeks – 1.5 months

First up, Mexico City is the multicultural melting pot of Mexico. It’s dirty, grungy and a pla ce you might not immediately like.

Give it some time though, and you’ll find reasons to remember this city. From the ancient skulls buried under the main Cathedral, Aztec ruins in the city center to the gothic-style buildings looming overhead. Explore ancient ruins, watch a wrestling match or explore mind-altering museums until your feet scream. You’ll soon warm up to Mexico City.

Puebla City (Heroica Puebla de Zaragoza)

Puebla is a picturesque colonial city just a 3 hour drive outside of Mexico City. It’s famous for its incredible Mexican food, impressive architecture and beautiful pottery. Stop here overnight to explore the city.

A mere two hours outside of Puebla, you can find the incredible Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Biosphere Reserve which offers a barren rugged landscape interrupted by gigantic cacti in large numbers. If you’re after that quintessential “I’m in Mexico” photo, this is the place to get it.

We suggest you leave early from Puebla City to the Biosphere Reserve so you have as much time to explore as you need before overnighting in Tehuacán. The next day will be a 4-hour drive to Oaxaca City.

Oaxaca City (Oaxaca de Juarez)

Oaxaca City is a magical place. Not as many tourists get here, as it’s not so much on the main tourist path. But boasting some of the strongest native cultures in Mexico, surrounded by dramatic mountains, history-rich ruins, and even a petrified waterfall.

The state of Oaxaca is probably best known for its indigenous peoples; the Zapotecs and Mixtecs. These cultures have survived better than most others due to the rugged and isolated terrain in which they live. In the city, you’ll be able to buy vibrant arts and crafts and sample unique delicious Oaxacan cuisines.

Driving over the mountains from Oaxaca City to Puerto Escondido is absolutely beautiful, but also scary as shit due to the tight narrow winding roads and the large trucks that go up and down these mountains. This drive will take you between seven to ten hours, depending on whether you get a good run. Carsickness can also be a problem on these roads, so buy some tablets in Oaxaca before you leave. Take these roads slowly and don’t drive tired.

Also, make sure you keep the petrol topped up! I’m talking from experience here after we ran out of petrol on the Oaxacan mountains one night and had to sleep in the car at a roadhouse. The next day we took a Camioneta to the closest tiny town to buy petrol from some random man’s garage. HA!

Puerto Escondido and Huatulco

Puerto Escondido is a small coastal town popular with surfers from all around the world. The beaches are deliciously sandy, clear and usually pretty quiet, especially outside of high season. Huatulco is only a 2.5 hours drive from Puerto Escondido and the beaches along this part of the Oaxacan Coastline are even quieter. The beaches in Huatulco were some of my favorite in Mexico. If you enjoy the laid-back, sun-soaked life, be sure to spend at least a week in these two towns.

In Puerto Escondido, take a surfing lesson and release a baby turtle while you’re there. Go on an incredibly cheap dolphin-watching boat trip and drive around to see as many tranquil bays and beaches as you can find. Psst, I wrote a post to help you choose which Oaxacan beaches are best to visit .

If you have the time, be sure to visit the even smaller and cuter Mazunte and Zipolite . You may also like to take a detour back up the mountains to San Juan del Pacifico. This tiny, misty mountain town is a highlight, especially if you love a town with a strong community (read: hippy) feel. Just FYI, magic mushrooms grow freely here and the town has made a name for itself as being a popular place to go to try them out in a gorgeous natural setting.

Once you’ve finished with Huatulco, you’ll be crossing the state border into Chiapas . It’s a whopping 8 hours drive before you’ll arrive for an overnight in Tuxtla Gutierrez (add an extra 1 hour onwards to San Cristobal de las Casas if you don’t want to stay in Tuxtla).

You may want to split this drive up by staying overnight in Selina Cruz before tackling the mountains in Chiapas. But there really isn’t anything to do in Selina Cruz, so you would only sleep there.

The mountains around San Cristobal are a lot less crazy than the mountains from Oaxaca City to Puerto Escondido. And the state of Chiapas is absolutely picturesque to drive through.

Tuxtla Gutierrez and San Cristobal de las Casas

Tuxtla Gutierrez isn’t the most impressive of towns. However, from this town, you should embark on a tour through the Canyon de Sumidero to see the Christmas Tree Falls.

The best of these two places though is San Cristobal de las Casas. A small colonial city complete with narrow cobblestone streets, colorful houses with plant pots on every patio, surrounded by lush mountains and flower farms.

From San Cristobal de las Casas you can either take a long day trip to the remote El Chiflon falls, or you can go there on the way to your next stop of Palenque. This mountainous drive will take 3 hours to get to El Chiflon from San Cristobal de las Casas. Once there, however, mighty Rainbow Falls at El Chiflon will certainly blow you away.

💡 Going from El Chiflon to Palenque will take you another grueling 8 hours of slow mountainous driving. However, halfway through this drive, a small town called Ocosingo closed down due to protests and it was dangerous to drive through (in mid-2018). The protests lasted for many months. If you want to travel this road, be sure to ask any forums you are a part of or join the San Cristobal Expat Facebook group to ask. If it is closed, you will have to get to Palenque via Villahermosa and Tabasco, which will take about 8 hours from San Cristobal.

A cute mountain town bursting with beauty and history, Palenque is a stop you cannot miss. Visit beautifully secluded falls like Agua Azul, Misol-Ha and Roberto Barrios. Don’t forget to spend a day marveling at the history and temples of the ancient Maya at Palenque ruins and museum too.

If you’re renting a car that must be returned to Mexico City, this is a great opportunity to change up the scenery by running along the top of Mexico through Tabasco (stopping in at Villahermosa), Veracruz and Córdoba.

Where to Stay on the Central Mexico Road Trip

• Puebla: Hotel 5 de Mayo
• Tehuacán: Hotel Zenith
• Oaxaca City: Parador San Agustin
• Puerto Escondido: Hotelito Swiss Oasis (Adults Only)
• Huatulco: Xquenda Huatulco Spa
• Tuxtla Gutierrez: Hostal Tres Central
• San Cristobal de las Casas: Hotel Casa Selah
• Palenque: Hotel Chablis Palenque

YUCATAN PENINSULA ROAD TRIP

If you’re coming from Palenque this will be an easy drive that takes you out of the gorgeous jungle and Northeast towards the Colonial City of Merida, the mind-blowing Chichen Itza pyramids, white-sandy islands, and bustling Playa del Carmen and Tulum.

Although quite touristy, the Yucatan Peninsula is one of the best places to road trip in Mexico. It’s like a huge playground for water-related activities. Everyone here can find something they will love and you’ll have endless fun in the sun. With a car, you’ll be able to go off-course and visit some of the less busy areas as well.

In the Riviera Maya in Mexico, you can see baby turtles hatch (August to November), swim with whale sharks (May to August) and check out amazing underground rivers called cenotes (year-round) that are found only in the Yucatan. Cancun is a popular place to hire cars so it’s easy to start and end your Mexico road trip here.

The roads in the Yucatan are some of the best we traveled on in Mexico. Although if you only take the free roads ( carretera libre), you may not think so. Traveling at night is more feasible in most of these areas, so long as you take the paid roads ( carretera cuota ).

DISTANCE COVERED: 1,411 km (877 miles)

TIME NEEDED: 2 – 4 Weeks

Cancun and Isla Mujeres

Unless you’re staying in a fancy beachside resort or partying it up in enormous nightclubs, you’ll probably want to leave Cancun as soon as possible. My recommendation would be to first head over to Isla Mujeres for a day or two before picking up your rental car and heading off to see the rest of Quintana Roo state .

Got your own car? You have two other options. You can pop your vehicle on a car ferry, or you can leave it in the secured parking lot at Puerto Juarez in Cancun. I’d just recommend leaving it on the mainland safely in the parking lot because you really don’t need a car on Isla Mujeres.

Isla Mujeres is one of those places that quickly captures the hearts of everyone who goes there. It’s a small, pregnant-fish-shaped island filled with amazing snorkeling and scuba diving. Soak up the sun on pristine beaches with a cocktail, tear around the island in a golf cart or head out on day tours to swim with whale sharks (seasonal) or marvel at the underwater museum.

Once you’ve managed to tear yourself away from Isla Mujeres, you’ll be picking up your car and driving a measly 1.5 hours down the carretera to Playa del Carmen. We highly recommend stopping in to visit cenotes near Puerto Morelos . Especially Cenote Lucero Verde which was one of my favorites. Head to the beach in Puerto Morelos for lunch before carrying on.

Playa del Carmen and Tulum

Playa del Carmen is a bustling touristy town with beautiful but busy beaches, huge nightclubs, and even bigger water parks. It’s worth a night here if you like that sort of atmosphere, but if you don’t, I suggest carrying on down the highway for an hour to the smaller and much more beautiful Tulum to stay the night.

On the way to Tulum, stop in at one of the many cenotes such as Cenote Azul , Garden of Eden Cenote or Yal-Ku Lagoon . Alternatively, you can do these activities as day trips from Tulum or Playa del Carmen. Read more about all these cenotes and more in this epic cenote guide . Near Yal-Ku you can swim with turtles at Akumal – a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Lovely Tulum has two parts to it, the main beach area and the town. I highly recommend heading to the beach area to stay because the town can be quite hot and dusty. However, if you’re on a budget, stay in town to save money. From Tulum, you can visit even more amazing cenotes (my favorites are Cenote Carwash , Cenote Calavera and Dos Ojos ), or you can explore Tulum ruins.

If you would like to take your car to a Mexican island, Cozumel is going to be your best bet. The car ferry leaves from Playa del Carmen and is much more frequent than the Isla Mujeres car ferry. Plus, Cozumel is built up perfectly for cars. Isla Cozumel is an extremely pretty island, but I personally don’t like places that are super touristy, which Cozumel most definitely is.

Bacalar and Calakmul

Next, you’ll drive about 3 hours to Bacalar, where you’ll experience Mexico’s version of Bora Bora or the Maldives (but on a budget!). Bacalar boasts a crystalline lake called Siete Colores (Seven Colors) as well as another mind-blowing cenote ( Cenote Azul ). Have fun cramming as many water-based activities that you can fit in your schedule.

If you haven’t seen enough ruins yet, be sure to rise super early for a stopover at Calakmul, one of Mexico’s more impressive but lesser-visited ancient Mayan ruins. Calakmul is a 6-hour drive from Bacalar, so you will need to stay the night here.

Next, overnight in Campeche after a 7-hour drive, and explore the beautiful walled-in colonial city on the still waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Merida, Celestun and Chichen Itza

Head Northeast 3 hours to Merida, and explore one of the largest historic center districts in the Americas. The city is adorned with gorgeous brightly colored buildings, in which you can sample some exquisite traditional Yucatec dishes, and drink in rustic Mexican bars.

Day trip from Mérida to Celestún to take a boat trip and see the bright pink flamboyance of flamingos and relax on the water’s edge. If you have time, take another day trip to the cenotes of Cuzama , where you’ll take a tour by horse and cart along the train tracks to three different but impressive cenotes.

From Merida, it’s an easy 2-hour drive to the ruins of Chichen Itza. Although touristy, there’s a reason why. The Kukulkan Pyramid is so smooth and symmetrical, it will leave you speechless no doubt. Don’t stay the night here though, it’s terribly overpriced. Drive just an hour to Valladolid – my favorite town in Mexico.

Valladolid and Coba

Valladolid was originally a Mayan settlement called Zaci, but after Spanish settlement, the name only remains on its most famous cenote. The small town boasts all of the comforts of a touristy town, without the tourists. Spend a couple of days in Valladolid and visit Cenote Oxman (my favorite cenote ever – it’s like straight out of the Jungle Book), Cenote X’canche and the ruins of Ek Balam. If you have a lot of time, be sure to do a day trip to Las Colores, the pink lakes.

If you haven’t got your cenote fix yet, visit Coba for a handful of really cool underground cave cenotes (which are super cheap) and Coba Ruins if you want to climb to the top of the tallest ancient Mayan temple in the Yucatan.

From Cobá you’ll drive an easy 2.5 hours to Chiquilá where there are plenty of places to store your car at the ferry terminal (for only $50 pesos per day). Jump on one of the hourly ferries and spend your last few days relaxing on the white sandy secluded beaches of Isla Holbox.

Isla Holbox

If you can only go to just one island in Mexico, I suggest you make it to Isla Holbox. Complete with small sandy streets (no tar or cars in sight!), fresh seafood restaurants by the bucketful, golf carts to explore the island on and hammocks set up on the calm tranquil ocean waters (that’s right – IN the water). Honestly, there’s nowhere else quite like Isla Holbox.

Complete your Yucatan Road trip, Mexico by returning to Cancun (only 3 hours away) and dropping back your rental car.

Where to Stay on a Yucatan Peninsula Road Trip

• Cancun: La Villa du Golf à Cancun
• Isla Mujeres: Villa Elena Isla Mujeres
• Playa del Carmen: Mahekal Beach Front Resort & Spa
• Tulum: Habitas Beach Hotel
• Bacalar: Hotel Casa Lima Bacalar
• Calakmul: Casa Ka´an
• Campeche: Hotel Plaza Colonial
• Merida: Hotel Luz en Yucatan
• Valladolid: Hotel Zentik Project & Saline Cave
• Isla Holbox: Hotel Villas Tiburon

GOT ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE ROAD TRIPS?

We would love to hear from you and especially answer any questions about your own Mexico road trip itinerary. Feel free to ask! We strive to get back to you within 24 hours 😄

READ: 10 Guaranteed Reasons You’ll Definitely Love Mexico

Mexico Roadtrip FAQs

Yes, driving in Mexico with US plates is allowed, but you must have the proper documents. If you are planning to drive anywhere outside of the Mexico Free Zone (an area that is around 20 miles within the border of USA in Mexico, Baja Peninsula, a large portion of Sonora, and Quintana Roo), then you must get a Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit (TIP). Besides a TIP, all drivers in Mexico must have Mexico car insurance, even if you already have car insurance from the United States. More often than not, it is more affordable to just rent a car in Mexico and do your road trip in a rental vehicle.

Driving across Mexico isn’t exactly a stroll through the park. While most Mexico roads are safe to drive (especially the ones included in our Mexico road trip guide), there are some hazards you will need to be aware of. The main concern when driving in Mexico is gang violence, which is an unpredictable issue with constant changes. To minimize this risk, we recommend you to always drive in the day and stay up to date with the news. Once again, our suggested road trip in Mexico itineraries do focus on safer and more touristy areas in Mexico. Additionally, the roads in Mexico aren’t always in the best conditions. Drive with care, always go under the speed limit, follow all regulations, and you will do just fine. It is common for police to stop tourists and try to get some money out of them. As long as you know you have not broken the law, there is nothing you need to worry about.

There is not necessarily a “safest route” through Mexico, as situations change frequently and suddenly. When deciding on your route through Mexico, there are certain things you can do to make your road trip safer. Avoid driving at night and don’t stop in towns or states that are known for drug violence. Plan your days accordingly so you don’t have to stay the night in remote places.

Driving in Mexico is not difficult, but there are a few differences you might need to adjust to. In Mexico, people drive on the right-hand side of the road. The speed limit is posted in kilometers (not miles), so North American drivers in Mexico must be aware. Some drivers in Mexico can get a little bit aggressive. Remember to drive defensively and have 100 percent of your attention on the road at all times. This way, you can also keep an eye out for the potholes and other hazards on the road!

The speed limit changes depending on where you are driving in Mexico (duh)! On major highways, the speed limit is usually at 110 km/hr (68mph). As you get closer to towns and cities, the speed limit usually becomes 100 km/hr (62 mph). In major highways inside cities, 90 to 100 km/hr is the usual speed limit. On two-lane highways, the speed limit is most likely to be 90 km/hr (56mph).

The crossing at Colombia and Laredo is known for their safety and popularity. Try to avoid the states in Chihuahua State and Sonora State, as cartel activity is relatively high in those places.

Highway 57 is a free federal highway that connects the border of US and Mexico in the north with Mexico City. Because of this, it is one of the busiest highways in Mexico. There are a total of 6 to 8 lanes and the condition of the lanes is generally very good. However, what makes Highway 57 in Mexico a little dangerous is the amount of traffic it gets daily.

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Originally Posted:  27 May 2017. Frequently updated.

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Passionate baby goat cuddler and part-time adventurer, Crystal can often be found doing headstands on the edges of cliffs, taking photos of abandoned buildings or sleeping on deserted islands with dangerous criminals. She has too many awesome stories and helpful tips to keep them all to herself so follow along and in return she will bring you inspiring pictures, travel videos and a whole load of fun!

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A Complete Guide to Bus Travel Around Mexico

There are three main ways to travel around Mexico: by plane, by private vehicle or by bus.

In this blog post we’ll tell you everything you need to know about bus travel around Mexico. This post is aimed at backpackers staying in the country for a longer period of time, for those who don’t want to rent a car and for those looking for affordable and more sustainable travel options to flights.

For reference, we spent just under three months in Mexico and only used buses to travel between places. During this time we travelled with many different bus companies, on day-time and overnight buses, and waited at many different bus stations. Whilst this doesn’t make us experts, our experience allows us to provide you with insider advice, tips and comparisons of the various bus operators. 

Over the years we have also travelled across the USA and backpacked around Europe , Peru and Colombia using plenty of buses as a means of transport. Therefore, we have lots of experience when it comes to taking long-distance bus rides and will be able to provide good comparisons to other countries too.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission if you click a link and purchase something. Clicking these links won’t cost you anything, but it will help us to keep this site up and running! Learn more about our affiliate policy.

Table of Contents

About Bus Travel Around Mexico

Before we delve into the details let’s start by saying that taking the bus isn’t only going to save you money. It will also exceed your expectations. At least it did with ours…

Mexico actually doesn’t have a national bus company. Instead, the country has many regional companies which cover most of the places you’re likely to travel to during your stay. I’ll detail these further below.

Apparently Mexico has invested a lot of money in high-speed toll roads and roads in general since the 1990s. In addition, bus operators have also invested to create an extensive bus network across the country. These inter-city buses normally have three different classes: executive, first and second class. Executive and first class buses definitely offer a safe, modern and comfortable environment to travel in for long hours. Second class buses are normally just as safe but they are more common on shorter journeys. Sound too good to be true? 

Well, after using many well-known bus companies across the USA and Europe such as Greyhound, Megabus and National Express, I can safely say that Mexico’s buses became our absolute favourite ones. We had massive, comfortable seats that we’d only ever seen as we walked past the business class section on planes. We had fantastic leg room with leg rests that made us feel like we were in bed. In addition, many services provided on board entertainment that helped to kill the time.

Our Top Resources for Travelling Around Mexico

• 🚌 Find bus routes and companies using Busbud
• 📱Get an eSIM with  Airalo  to be able to use data
• 🛡️Don’t forget to buy travel insurance via  SafetyWing

What to Consider Before You Decide to Travel by Bus in Mexico

Before you start purchasing bus tickets after hearing us raving about how good they are, ask yourself the following questions to make sure that bus travel is the best mode of transportation for YOU:

Do I get motion sick easily? – I wouldn’t recommend taking buses across the country if you suffer from serious motion sickness. The journeys are generally long, the roads can be bumpy and very windy in certain areas. In that case flying is probably a better option for you.

How much time do I have? – If you need to be somewhere on a certain day or time then make sure to take an earlier bus, travel the day before or pick another method altogether. Whilst buses are generally on time with very minimal delays, you really never know what’s going to happen on the roads. You don’t want to risk missing an important flight for example.

Do I know some Spanish? – Whilst you’ll be able to communicate in English at airports, this isn’t the case at bus stations. We found very little English-speaking staff even at massive stations such as Mexico City. Therefore, I recommend learning the basics prior to your trip such as how to ask for bus tickets, dates, times and numbers. There is also the life-saving Google Translate App which will be your best friend during your travels.

Where to Find Information About Bus Routes and Companies

Although I’ll detail and link the main companies we used below, it’s always good practice to do your own research too.

Our main online sources that helped us to find bus routes and companies operating to and from our next destination were Busbud , Rome2Rio and Moovitapp.  These websites are also great if you’d like to travel locally and are looking for smaller bus operators and detailed bus routes.

Is It Safe to Travel by Bus in Mexico?

I guess there’s one more important factor you’ll want to consider before committing to a long-distance bus ride: Is it safe?

My short answer is: YES.

We never felt unsafe on any of the buses whether it was during the day or at night. We never felt unsafe waiting at the bus stations either. However, crimes are not uncommon, especially in densely populated cities. You might also read some scary stories that happened to people who were unfortunately in the wrong place at the wrong time, but in my opinion this is very rare.

Whilst you’re most likely to have an uneventful journey, below are a few of my general tips for extra safety:

• If you’re travelling solo, or having to travel to the bus station for an overnight bus, I suggest calling an Uber or official taxi. 
• We used public transport to get to the station many times, but make sure to avoid travelling during rush hour. It’s really uncomfortable and awkward to be squeezed onto a busy metro with all your belongings. Plus, it’s also harder to pay attention to every bag you own.
• Once at the station, make sure to have all your belongings with you at all times. It’s obviously easier to grab food or go to the toilet if you’re travelling in pairs or small groups.
• For extra security, consider putting a lock onto both your big bag and smaller backpacks.
• I know it’s obvious, but don’t put any valuables into the bag that’s going under the bus. They can get thrown all around not just stolen.
• Lastly, having good travel insurance is key in case your bags get lost or stolen.

Bus Stations

Most cities and towns you’ll be travelling to will have a central bus station called Central de Autobuses. Although they’re called ‘central’, the bus stops are likely to be located quite a bit further from the town than the centre.

Unlike in Costa Ric a , it’s very rare if individual bus companies have their own terminal, but not unheard of. In big cities there will usually be a long distance bus station and a local bus station. Mexico City actually has 4 different long distance bus stations! Therefore, make sure to check the location where your bus departs from prior to your journey.

Once at the bus station, you’ll normally find different bus companies selling tickets, convenience stores selling drinks and snacks, fast food places and cafés. Bus stations will also have toilet facilities. The use of these toilets normally costs between 5 or 6 pesos.

Top Tips – Make sure to have some coins to be able to use the metal gates. You might have to pay extra for toilet paper, so either have extra change on you or carry some. 

Bus stations also have seating areas at the gates where you can wait until your bus is ready for boarding. 

Top Tip – At the ticket office they will tell you which gate your bus will depart from, but if you’re unsure, you can always double check it with the staff at the gates. 

Normally the number and variety of facilities depends on the size of the bus station. Therefore, I recommend doing some research and buying enough food and drinks prior to arriving at the bus stops in case they don’t have sufficient facilities. For example, some touristy bus stops such as in Puerto Escondido felt a bit bare and there wasn’t any supermarkets close by either.

Purchasing Bus Tickets Online vs at the Bus Station

Online reservations.

Many companies now have their own websites where you can purchase your bus ticket. Sometimes they even offer a discount if you buy your ticket online which is great.

However, bear in mind that these websites might not be as advanced as you’re used to. In many cases you might not even be able to book your ticket online for various reasons:

• We noticed that some websites only accept credit card payments from bank cards that were issued in Mexico.
• Another issue we had when trying to buy tickets online was that at the card detail section they asked for the postcode that your card is registered to, but you could only put numbers in. In the UK, we have letters in our postcodes as well as numbers so couldn’t complete the section correctly.
• Some bus companies will want to see your passport and Immigration Form (FMM) when you purchase a ticket, especially when travelling between states. This means that you will likely have to buy it at the station instead of online.

Even if you can’t book your ticket online, the websites at least will allow you to see their timetables and prices. 

Buying Ticket at the Bus Station

In many instances you’ll have no other choice than to buy your ticket from the ticket office.

Before heading to the bus stop, I recommend making a note of the bus company you want to use, your planned travel date and time and have it all in your head in Spanish as well. Don’t forget to take your passport and Immigration Form (FMM) with you too.

Bus stations will have all the bus operators’ names on the counters so you’ll know which one to queue up at. Luckily, most of the ticket officers will have a monitor which they usually turn towards you so you can double check the date, time, destination, route and seat you’d like to reserve. If you’re buying bus tickets in advance, make sure to double check that your travel date is correct.

You’ll normally have the option to pay by cash or card especially in bigger cities. To avoid a lot of exchange fees, I recommend converting your own local currency to Pesos with a Wise card.

Overnight Bus or Daytime Bus?

Another dilemma you might have is whether to travel during the day or at night. Obviously, this is only applicable if a company offers these types of services. For some routes you will have no choice. 

During our 3 months in Mexico we had a good variety of overnight and daytime bus trips. Below we detail the pros and cons of each to help you decide which one you should take.

Note – During my research, I read many articles that generally advise you against travelling long distances at night. I think this is more true if you’re renting a car and driving yourself and I also advise you against driving at night in Mexico. However, we felt completely safe on every single night bus we took. These buses normally travel on toll roads which are considered much safer at night than the more remote non-toll roads. Just make sure to avoid second-class buses for overnight travel. 

Overnight Bus

• Saving one night’s accommodation.
• Buses are comfortable with plenty of leg room, leg rests and reclining seats for even more comfort.
• If you arrive early to your next destination, you have a full day to explore.
• You can always ask if your accommodation is ready for you to check in early or alternatively hold your bags while they prepare the room.
• Might not get a good night’s sleep.
• Won’t see much of the beautiful landscapes, towns and villages that are located between your origin and destination. 
• If you arrive early you might not be able to check in to your accommodation.
• You’ll probably have to store your luggage at your accommodation until check-in. If you’d like to explore in the meantime, you’ll likely have to leave some of your valuables behind.

Daytime Bus

• Be able to admire the beautiful landscapes, towns and villages that are located between your origin and destination. 
• You’ll be able to check in to your accommodation straight away.
• Have to have an accommodation booked for the night.
• You’ll lose a day of exploring by being on the bus all day.
• Some bus companies (OCC and ADO) will play movies on their TV screens during the entire journey which some might find slightly too loud and annoying.

Things to Do Before, During and After Your Bus Ride

Before your bus journey.

• Have your ticket and documents ready. The bus driver will ask for your seat number when he fills out the luggage tag.
• Buy enough food and drinks for the ride. (You can normally find plenty of options at the station, but some might only have snacks. In that case come prepared and buy what you need beforehand.)
• I suggest having a few layers on you. The A/C on these buses can be strong.
• Take all valuables and everything you might need with you onto the bus. 
• Download offline entertainment, such as movies, books, music and games. (4G might not be available between settlements.)
• Charge all your electronic devices in case the plugs don’t work. Alternatively, I recommend carrying a portable charger with you. They normally have USB cable slots but bring your adapter with you too just in case they have normal outlets.
• Know where you’re going after you get off the bus. Download offline maps of the area or screenshot the address and route you’re travelling to. This is especially important if you have no local sim card or your 4G doesn’t work.

During Your Bus Journey

• Make sure to keep both the bus and luggage ticket as you’ll be asked for that when collecting your bags.
• Keep your passport and Immigration Forms (FMM) handy too. Some areas in Mexico –  especially around the southern states – will have regular random checks where you might be required to show your travel documents.
• Always be mindful of your fellow travellers and create as little noise as possible. Headphones can be very useful if you have noisy fellow travellers. Some of the better buses will have on board entertainment like on flights so you can always practice your Spanish by watching a movie or two. A few companies were giving out headphones but they are mostly cheap and just a waste of plastic, so have your own.
• Some buses will let people who sell snacks and drinks on board. This is completely normal in Mexico. It’s up to you whether to purchase something or not, but have small change on you in case you start to crave something.
• We noticed that ADO and OCC buses stop for 10-15 minutes at certain bus stations to refuel and clean the vehicle. This provides a great opportunity to stretch your legs or purchase some extra food and drinks. Don’t forget to take your valuables with you and also have your ticket in hand when the bus is ready to leave. 

After Your Bus Journey

• Before leaving the bus make sure to check that you have all your belongings, including overhead storage, under and in between the seats.
• Get your luggage ticket ready to collect your bags. (I really liked how strict they were with double checking the tickets.)
• Don’t forget to take your rubbish with you and dispose of it in a bin at the station. I suggest bringing a garbage bag with you where you can collect all your waste. 

A Review of Bus Companies We Used in Mexico

The above map shows the bus routes we took during our three months in Mexico. Below is our short itinerary and the company we travelled with. These are only the long-distance routes, but we also used many local buses which I provide more details of in the relevant blog posts.

• Mexico City to Guadalajara – Primera Plus (daytime)
• Guadalajara to San Luis Potosi – Primera Plus (daytime)
• Ciudad Valles to Mexico City – Omnibus de Mexico (overnight)
• Mexico City to Puerto Escondido – ETN (overnight)
• Oaxaca to San Cristobal de las Casas – OCC (overnight)
• San Cristobal de las Casas to Palenque – OCC (daytime)
• Palenque to Merida – OCC (daytime)
• Merida to Valladoid – ADO (daytime)
• Valladoid to Cancun – ADO (daytime)

As I mentioned before, there are many other regional and local bus companies operating across Mexico. However, this list definitely includes most of the names that you’ll come across during your research. 

Please Note – The short review of the companies below is purely based on our experience. We all travel differently, have different needs and events out of our control can influence our experiences. So in short, just take everything with a pinch of salt. 

Primera Plus

Our first long-distance bus journey experience was with Primera Plus travelling from Mexico City to Guadalajara. We also used the company to travel to San Luis Potosi. 

Primera Plus is definitely one of the biggest bus companies in Mexico. It also covers a relatively big network of bus routes around central Mexico and some Pacific destinations. 

They had everything on board to make our journey comfortable: large seats, USB outlets, individual screens, A/C, working WIFI and even male/female toilets. We really enjoyed travelling with the company.

Top Tip – If you buy your tickets online you get an extra 10% off. Make sure to print off your ticket prior to your journey or ask for it at their ticket desk.

Click here to plan your trip with Primera Plus.

Omnibus de Mexico

We chose Omnibus de Mexico for our overnight bus journey between Ciudad Valles and Mexico City. This was also our very first overnight bus experience in the country. The bus had pretty much everything we needed for the night such as big, comfortable and reclining seats with leg rests that made sleeping much easier. It also had USB and normal outlets so we could charge our electronic devices. Toilets and A/C was also available. It said that WIFI was available on board, however it didn’t work for us. We also couldn’t book our tickets online so had to pre-book them at the bus station.

The bus company definitely operates one of the most extensive bus networks in Mexico.   You can travel with them in the northern, western and eastern regions around Mexico City. However, they don’t operate in the southern states.

Click here to plan your trip with O mnibus de Mexico.

One bus company we really wanted to try during our trip was ETN. It is known to be one of the best luxury bus companies in the country . 

We picked the company for our overnight trip between Mexico City and Puerto Escondido. It was probably the longest journey we had (13 hours) so we wanted to have maximum comfort. ETN normally have double decker buses, very large seats with enormous leg room, reclining seats and leg rests that make it feel like you’re in bed. They also had individual screens for entertainment, USB cable slots for charging, A/C and of course toilets. We definitely felt like we were in first class on an airplane. 

They operate between many major cities along the Pacific Coast, central, northern, eastern and some southern cities. It’s probably one of the most expensive bus companies too, but you can get approximately 10% discount if you book your ticket online.

Click here to plan you trip with ETN.

ADO (Autobuses de Oriente)

Autobuses de Oriente aka ADO is a massive bus company in Mexico that owns several smaller bus companies such as OCC. You’ll very likely be travelling with either an ADO or OCC bus if your itinerary includes states such as Chiapas, Yucatan and Oaxaca.

We used the company on quite a few occasions travelling through these states. They obviously had toilets on board, USB outlets and A/C. The buses had comfortable seats but they felt slightly smaller, there wasn’t comfortable leg rests and the leg room also felt less than what we got with the other companies.

They also had on board entertainment, however the screens weren’t individual ones as on the other buses. They actually played movies during the entire journey and only switched them off during the night. This can be fun, especially if you’d like to learn some Spanish, but it can also be very disturbing if you’d like to sleep or read on the bus.

You can easily book your ticket online and just show the PDF version when boarding. There’s no need to print them off which is great.

During longer journeys the bus stops at least once at a bigger station for 10-15 minutes to refuel and they disinfect the entire bus inside-out. Both OCC and ADO had a very strict cleaning policy in place that we hadn’t experienced with the other companies. This also offers the opportunity to stretch your legs a bit and to grab a coffee or snack from the station.

Note  – Make sure to have all your travel documents in hand. There are many checkpoints around these areas of Mexico and you could be asked for your passport and ticket at any of them. Many times they also came on board with a camera and filmed all the passengers.

Apparently they have different classes and have some more luxurious services, however we never travelled with them. 

Click here to plan your trip with ADO.

We travelled both overnight and during the day with OCC branded buses. As I mentioned above OCC is part of ADO, but they didn’t change the branding. So you’ll book through the ADO website and essentially your ticket will either be with an ADO or an OCC branded bus depending on the route. 

The OCC branded buses were pretty much exactly the same as the ADO branded ones. They had the same level of comfort, facilities and were operating the same way in terms of stops and cleaning. 

Click here to plan your trip with OCC.

Final Thoughts on Bus Travel Around Mexico

We really enjoyed travelling by bus across Mexico and I never ever thought that these bus trips would become some of the most comfortable ones we’ve ever taken as well as some of the safest and most secure. 

Although the journeys were long, we felt like time passed very quickly and we even managed to have decent night’s sleeps on the overnight buses. Travelling by bus didn’t just reduce our carbon footprint but also made us feel like we saw a lot more of Mexico. Travelling during the day also allowed us to experience the crazy changes in scenery and really appreciate the scale of the country. 

Have you ever travelled around Mexico by bus before? If so, let me know about your experience in the comment section below. If not, would you want to try out any of the routes or bus companies we mentioned? 

Now, let your adventure begin,

Our Top Travel Resources

Accommodation:  For hotels we always use  Booking.com  and  Hostelworld  for hostels. We also book longer stays on Airbnb or  Vrbo.

Flights:  To find the best flight prices we always check  Skyscanner ,  Google Flights  or  WayAway.  Then we also check the airlines’ websites too for comparison.

Car Rentals:  We use  Discover Cars  when we want to rent a car as it compares local, national and international companies.

Activities:  If we book organised tours we always check either  GetYourGuide  or  Viator.

Foreign Currency:  Whenever we can we prefer to pay in local currency and for that we always use our  Wise card.   We can easily withdraw money from the ATM or pay by card at most shops and restaurants.

Travel Insurance: We never go anywhere without travel insurance. You never know what will happen on your trip, so good travel insurance like SafetyWing can protect you in case of injury, illness, theft and cancellations.

eSIM and VPN: To get data abroad we use  Airalo which is an app that allows you to download a prepaid eSIM to your phone in over 190 countries. Make sure to have a VPN to avoid hackers accessing your personal data when using public WIFI. We use  Surfshark  which is the only VPN that offers one account on unlimited devices. 

Remember…It all starts with a Pin…

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Thanks for all the great info. I was hoping to find out if it’s possible to buy a multi-segment ticket, and stop for various periods of time along the way. Is this permitted, or do you have to be on a specific bus at a specific time?

Thanks for the feedback Danny. I don’t think you can buy that type of ticket, since most routes are run by different bus operators. I think it’s best to just book your ticket for a specific bus once you know when you would likely be on it. Hope this helps. Safe travels.

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The Ultimate Mexico, Belize, Guatemala Travel Itinerary

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• Last Updated On: February 24, 2023

Mexico , Belize, and Guatemala are the gateway to an amazing trip through Central America. It’s easy to travel through these three connected countries and along the way, you’ll stop by quaint seaside towns and islands, eating some of the most delicious food known to man, diving in some of the world’s best locations, and soaking up Mayan ruins.

Note that this itinerary will have a lot of scuba diving because that is one of my favorite things to do , but there’s no need to do exactly what I did either! I have also added a second itinerary without much emphasis on diving.

Where I went in Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala

I have visited Mexico numerous times and Belize once. This itinerary is how I would combine the two into one trip. These places are hot year round but July to November is hurricane season and weather can get volatile during this period.

In total, this itinerary is for anyone that has 21-25 days  to spend in Mexico and Belize. This post is essentially combining my two week Mexico, Belize itinerary with my  Guatemala itinerary .  The highlights of this trip are:

• Caye Caulker , Belize
• San Ignacio and surrounding ruins & caves
• Semuc Champey
• Lake Atitlan

If these places ring a bell and sound like the places you want to visit, this is the perfect itinerary for you! Also, Mexico and Belize are the very common starting points for those looking to do the entire Central American route. I met loads of travelers spending months to travel all of Central America. These countries are small, well connected by bus transport, and safe to travel through.

Visa Fees for Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize

As of the time of writing this in 2023, there are no visa fees for travelers from most Western countries to these countries. You will be able to obtain a visa on arrival with no charge for all citizens of US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, UK, EU, etc.

This is bound to change at any point however as more and more countries start to charge for visa on arrivals to add a bit more money to their budgets.

Detailed Posts

• Ultimate Guide to Cozumel, Mexico
• Caye Caulker to Chetumal and Vice Versa Ferry
• Travel and Diving in Caye Caulker, Belize
• The Ultimate Guide To Diving the Blue Hole, Belize
• Visiting the Tikal Ruins of Guatemala
• Heaven on Earth in Lake Atitlan
• One and Two Week Guatemala Itinerary
• Two Week Mexico and Belize itinerary

Full Itinerary

This itinerary starts in Cancun as numerous international airlines fly into this airport, and ends in Guatemala City . This of course can also be done the other way around but it’s likely that there will be significantly more flight options arriving in Cancun, Mexico.

Cancun itself is primarily a resort town for all inclusive vacationers and Spring breakers. In fact, the town of Cancun was actually created by the Mexican Government with the sole purpose of attracting tourists from America. I’m not a fan of the place at all so I would recommend just skipping it altogether and taking a bus straight to Playa Del Carmen.

This itinerary more or less combines my two week Mexico, Belize itinerary with my two week Guatemala travel itinerary.

If you have even more time, and want to see Central Mexico as well (which is a great starting point before the Yucatan), make sure to read my Central Mexican travel itinerary.

Day 1-4: Cancun to Cozumel

The trip begins in Cancun. Upon arrival, the first thing to do is take the ADO bus to Playa Del Carmen. Taxis in Cancun are extremely expensive and will rip off tourists without hesitation. A cab fare from Cancun Airport to Playa Del Carmen is $60-70 USD one way.  There is no Uber here either which is frustrating so the only option is to take a charter bus.

Thankfully, ADO is a highly reputable and reliable Mexican bus company that will take you everywhere you want to go in the country. The cost on the ADO bus is around 200 pesos for a one way transfer.

Buses to Playa Del Carmen pick up right past the Margaritaville kiosk once you exit the airport at Terminal 3 and leave every 30 min. For the most part, I would recommend taking the ADO bus from Cancun down to Chetumal near the Mexico-Belize border. Depending on your guesthouse, they may also offer you group van transfers for a slightly higher price between towns so it’s up to you and your budget.

Playa Del Carmen to Cozumel

From Playa Del Carmen, there are two ferry companies that make the 45 minutes journey to Cozumel. The ferry costs around 150 pesos for a one way journey and runs every hour. I would opt for the yellow Ultramar tourist ferry as it is more comfortable. It is slightly more expensive but worth it for the views. Alternatively, the local ferry is totally fine too and their departure schedules alternate normally.

Spending time in Cozumel

The diving around Cozumel is some of the best in the Caribbean. Home to the Mesoamerican barrier reef, Cozumel is a divers paradise with many species of fish, coral, sharks, and crustaceans. Cozumel itself is a laid back island with tons of great bars and delicious food to offer. Avoid all the touristy chains, and venture straight to the many local taquerias. This is where the best food is at and at the absolute cheapest prices. Tacos can be had for 12-15 pesos each and the Al Pastor is absolutely on point here.

The diving here is also fantastic. It is the perfect place to get certified as the waters are warm, and the conditions are perhaps some of the most effortless in the world. Cozumel is known for its drift diving and I’ve not been anywhere else in the world where the dives are so effortless, as you’re literally drifting the entire dive site.

Day 4: Cozumel to Tulum

From Cozumel, head back to the mainland by taking the ferry. From here, you can do a day trip to Chichen Itza, one of Mexico’s most famous Mayan ruins. However, as Guatemala is in the itinerary, I think the ruins at Tikal are more impressive and would save my ruins experience for Tikal. Of course, if you have the time, I would do both but for the sake of this itinerary, I will give it a skip. Once at Playa Del Carmen, take the ADO bus to Tulum

Once you arrive, you’re usually free to explore on your own. There isn’t a whole lot else to do around the temple besides witness the massive temple. Expect to see a lot of tourists here but I still think it is well worth doing, and is architecturally much more impressive the the Mayan ruins in Tulum.

When you get back from the day trip, take a ride to Tulum.

Getting from Playa Del Carmen to Tulum

The first option is the trusty ADO bus. The bus station is located on 5th Ave. and Benito Juarez. The buses to Tulum depart from Playa del Carmen every day all throughout the day. If you miss one bus, the next one is always less than an hour away. The cost for this ride is roughly 80 pesos and takes 1 hour.

Alternatively, the taxi collectivos used by the locals are even cheaper but it’s likely they’ll deny you entry if you have luggage or make you pay for an extra seat. I would just stick with the ADO bus for this trip.

Finally, a private taxi can also be hired for this journey for the price of 600-800 pesos depending on your bargaining skills.

Day 4-7: Tulum and the Cenotes

The town of Tulum is my favorite town in the Yucatan region. It’s filled with local culture, delicious food, ruins, fantastic beaches, and less all inclusive resort madness of Cancun and Playa Del Carmen. If you have to choose only one place to visit in the region, it would be Tulum in my opinion. It has everything.

There are a number of amazing guesthouses and Airbnbs to choose from. The options are much better than Playa in my opinion as it focuses more on rustic, back to nature type accommodations vs the concrete jungle near the beach of Playa. I would recommend something closer to the town center as accommodation near the beach can be far away from all the bars and restaurants of the town. Biking is my preferred method to get around town and many of the guesthouses will have bikes for use.

Cenotes In and Around Tulum

A cenote is a naturally formed sinkhole in the Earth’s surface made up of limestone. Millions of years of rainfalls ate away the limestone, creating underground cave pools. The water that fills the cenotes can be either fresh water, salt water or both. These naturally forming cave pools vary in structure. They can be completely open, similar to a lake, almost completely close with just a small opening at the top or somewhere in between.

No matter where you go during your trip to Tulum, it is an absolute must to visit at least one cenote while in Mexico. The Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico has about 7,000 cenotes. So, there is no reason why you shouldn’t visit at least one. Trust me, after going to a cenote, you will never be able to look at beaches or pools the same way again.

Along the way to Tulum from Cancun or Playa del Carmen you will find a large amount of cenotes. Below is a list of the  best cenotes  along the way that we believe are worth the price.

• Cenote Azul   (Entrance fee: $70 pesos)
• Chaak Tun  (Entrance fee: $240 pesos)
• Dos Ojos  (Entrance fee: $150 pesos )
• Gran Cenote  (Entrance fee: $120 pesos)

Tulum Ruins

The Tulum Ruins are considered one of the most preserved ruins in Mexico, though not as impressive as Tikal, Chichen Itza or other popular ruins, they are worth a visit. There is also a beautiful beach right by the ruins, so don’t forget your bathing suit. I found the Tulum ruins to be a bit of a let down. Perhaps it’s because it’s completely swarmed by tourists, but I just wasn’t as impressed by the architecture. I will say that the views of the beach are absolutely stunning however!

You can also choose to hire a guide here for 500 pesos or so but I didn’t find it necessary.

Admission fee: $59 pesos

Day 7-8: Bacalar

Continuing south towards Belize, the next stop after Tulum is the town of Bacalar. The lagoon is the village’s main attraction. It is referred to as the Lagoon of the Seven Colors due to the contrasts in its ground soils, its varying depths and intensity with which it absorbs the sun’s rays, all of which cause its waters to reflect seven different shades of blue.

Enjoy the incomparable landscape by boat, kayak, sailboat or jet ski. Admire the contrast of the lush vegetation surrounding the waters and let yourself be lulled by the singing of the birds, making this a magical experience. Bacalar has some of the bluest waters of anywhere I’ve seen in the world. It is incredible that it is actually a lake but has more shades of blue and turquoise than even the Maldives.

I stayed at the Green Monkey Backpackers near the lagoon for a very cheap price. From Tulum, it is a three hour bus ride on the ADO and these buses run all throughout the day.

Bacalar Lagoon is the place to go if you just want to chill out and relax. Rather than write at length, I think these photos should sum up all the fun things to do there – most of which revolve around the lake – be it swimming, snorkelling, boat trips, cliff jumping, kayaking, lazying in hammocks, camping or stand up paddle boarding at sunrise. Perhaps the best move to see a little bit of everything is to take the guided boat tour around the lagoon.

Day 8-11: Caye Caulker, Belize

After Bacalar, make your way down to the southern most port town of the Yucatan in Chetumal. From Chetumal, there is a once a day ferry that goes to Belize, stopping at the islands of San Pedro and Caye Caulker. Both options are fantastic. San Pedro is much bigger, more developed, and has all the resorts and restaurants you can think of. Caye Caulker is the much smaller, laid back cousin. Its motto is “Go Slow” after all. I spent 5 days in Caye Caulker and absolutely loved it.

It’s famous for the Great Blue Hole which is the largest cavernous ocean formation in the world. The diving in the area is fantastic, and perhaps the best in the Caribbean after Little Cayman.  A visit to the Blue Hole is a must as this is perhaps Belize’s most famous attraction. One thing to note is that the Blue Hole day trip is not offered every day so make sure to check this beforehand.

The diving in Caye Caulker is not cheap however as there aren’t many shops. The dive trip to the Blue Hole is especially expensive cost around $300 USD.

Aside from the fantastic diving, I absolutely just loved the vibe in Caye Caulker. It was so chilled and relaxing. Many backpackers either start or end their journeys around Caye Caulker and everyone is down to have a good time. There are only a few bars here and it seems like the entire island is visiting certain bars at certain times making it a great place to meet new people and grab a cold one. I actively particited in this and the amount of rum punches I drank at the Split was bordering on alcoholism.

Ferry to Caye Caulker

The ferry ride from Chetumal to Caye Caulker is quite a mission . There is a lot to know about this ferry ride including entry/exit taxes and immigration. The boat ride itself is about 2.5 hours with a stop in San Pedro to drop off passengers and clear immigration. The ferry is on the pricier side costing roughly $55-60 USD one way. Nevertheless, this is the best way to get to the islands of Belize without having to cross the land border between Mexico and Belize, and driving towards Belize City.

Day 12-14: San Ignacio and ATM Caves

From Caye Caulker, I took the ferry to the capital of Belize City via the Belize Water Taxi. This is the same company that does the ferry from Chetumal, Mexico to Caye caulker. This ferry rruns multiple times a day but because of the tight schedule, I would take this ferry in the morning.

From the ferry station, there are multiple buses that will drive towards the town of San Ignacio on the Guatemala-Belize border. This drive is just over 2 hours. The town of San Ignacio is actually very interesting but due to time constraints, this trip is primarily to see the ATM Caves.

Actun Tunichil Muknal Tour

Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) is one of the most famous archaeological sites containing skeletal remains of Maya human sacrifices. Many of these skeletons are still in tact and they literally sparkle. Yes you heard me right. Something to do with science and aging of the bones but it’s true.

I wouldn’t call myself a cave connoseur but any means, but this is probably the most amazing cave I’ve ever visited. It’s immense size and natural beauty make this a must visit for anyone coming to Belize. It is  not  easy by any means. There is plenty of hiking, swimming, walking in darkness, and everything in between. However, once you’ve overcome your basic fears, this place will for sure go down as one of the more epic things you’ve done. Certainly is for me!

One downside is that you cannot take ANY cameras inside the cave. A few years back, some idiot tourist dropped his camera ON an ancient skeleton and destroyed the remains. It’s always that one person that ruins it for everyone!

This is a day tour and lasts for roughly 8-9 hours leaving from San Ignacio. It’s possible to take the bus back to Belize City when you return into the city around 5pm. Otherwise, I would spend a second night in this town and return to Belize City the following morning. San Ignacio is much cooler than Belize City.

Day 14-15: Tikal Ruins

From San Ignacio, it’s time to cross the border into Guatemala. There are no buses that do this route that I know of that can operate in Belize and Guatemala.

From San Ignacio, I took a taxi to the border which was about 5 BZD. After crossing the border which wasn’t much of an issue as Guatemala has no visa requirements for Western passports, there were mini buses and taxis waiting to take people to either Flores or Tikal. I didn’t have enough time to stay in Flores and only wanted to check out Tikal so I was looking for direct transport there.

I met some people at the border and we were both going to Tikal. We ended up sharing a taxi for 500Q straight to Tikal! For the time saved and comfort of a decent car, I found this to be of great value as this is almost 2 hours.

If you have more time, I would recommend spending some time in Flores as well. Most travelers stay in Flores and use that as a base to visit Tikal (1 hour away) so from the Belize-Guatemala border, take a bus to Flores instead!

Read my detailed recount of visiting Tikal

I opted to stay inside the park. There are just a handful of lodges that are in the park. They are more expensive than the accommodation options in Flores but overall it’s still very reasonable with a private room with 2 twin beds at 400Q. It’s quite rustic (although not super rustic) and you’re exposed to the elements. I heard howler monkeys all night!

If you want to explore Tikal in the morning before the crowds come, staying in the jungle is a must.

Day 15-17: Semuc Champey

From Tikal, I took the shuttle back to Flores and boarded a bus to Lanquin, the gateway city to Semuc Champey. Hidden in the lush mountainous jungle just 11kms of the nearby town, Lanquin, Semuc Champey, is a 300 m long natural forming limestone bridge that has six turquoise blue water pools. People visit Semuc not only to enjoy swimming in the pools but also to explore the nearby water cave, or tube down the Cahabon River which disappears under the limestone bridge only to reappear miles later.

Semuc Champey is easy to do on your own. No tours or guides are really necessary. You can just rock up to the pools and take a swim, which I highly recommend. Also be sure to go to the El Mirador viewpoint to really take in all of the beauty. Semuc Champey really is one of the most beautiful natural wonders I’ve seen!

There are many options to stay in the area. Electing to stay in the park will be similar to staying in Tikal in that you’re subjugated to the food being offered at your hotel at much higher prices. Staying in Lanquin is a much better option as it is much closer than Flores is to Tikal.

From Lanquin, take a bus to Antigua. These buses run regularly as Antigua to Lanquin is a popular route (8 hours). The hostel or hotel will be able to arrange everything.

Day 17-20: Antigua

The next stop on the itinerary is Antigua, Guatemala’s colonial but also cosmopolitan gem of a town. It’s renowned for its beautiful Spanish architecture and cobblestone streets, history, and panoramic views of the towering volcanoes. I really really enjoyed my stay in Antigua and found it to be one of the most picturesque cities I’ve ever visited.

The town is quite small but is full of fantastic restaurants, bars, and local markets. It’s surrounded by Volcan De Agua, Volcan De Fuego, and Volcan Acatenengo with Volcan de Fuego regularly experiencing eruptions. There’s no better place to put it all together than standing in front of the iconic Santa Catalina arch on Avenida 5a with Volcan de Agua in the distance.

Antigua is also the place to take tours to hike the numerous volcanoes in the area. Volcan Pacaya is the popular day trip option for the less committed, while Acatenengo is a more serious (overnight) but much more rewarding hike. I only did Pacaya with my limited time here but everyone I spoke to unanimously said that Acatenengo was the highlight of their trip. It is right next to the active Volcan de Fuego and you can see the eruptions up close and personal. If I had more time, I would elect for the overnight Acatenengo hike instead.

Day 20-24: Lake Atitlan

From Antigua, there are multiple shuttles and private transfer options available to Lake Atitlan. From Antigua, the drive is 3-4 hours depending on traffic. Alternatively, you can request an Uber for 500-700Q which I would recommend if you are more than 2 people as the bus ride can be quite uncomfortable.

Read my full experience on Lake Atitlan

Lake Atitlan is hands down my favorite part of the country. There isn’t much like it that I’ve seen in the world: impossibly calm and untouched lakes surrounded by dramatic volcanoes. It’s like Lake Como but with volcanoes, no super yachts, and a fraction of the cost. There are numerous little villages along the lake. Some are all locals, while others are well suited to host backpackers and expats.

We stayed at a guesthouse here near San Marcos La Laguna called Anzan Atitlan. This is definitely one of the most amazing places I’ve ever stayed in. The views are completely unrivaled and the rooms were pure luxury (at a non luxury price). I would highly recommend a stay here as it really made our experience that much more amazing.

Day 25: Fly out of Guatemala City

I stayed a night in Guatemala City because my flight was leaving in the early morning. There are plenty of hotels nearby to the airport so it doesn’t really matter where you stay. I didn’t explore much of the town but I did stop by and eat at Donde Joselito, an absolute gem of a steakhouse.

Like the Argentines, Guatemalans love their meat and they have numerous Asado style steakhouses in the city. These places range from family hangouts to higher end steak dining. Donde Joselito is more of the former and came highly recommended by a friend.

I absolutely LOVED this place. The steak was to die for. It was incredibly tender and juicy, almost reminding me of my Kobe beef experience in Japan. Make sure to eat the house specialty along with some chorizo to get the full experience. When I return to Guatemala, Guatemala City will always be a stop I make just to eat this steak!

Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala Day by Day breakdown

Day 1 –  Land in Cancun, transfer to Playa Del Carmen, and ferry to Cozumel Day 2 –  Diving in Cozumel Day 3 –  Diving in Cozumel Day 4 –  Cozumel to Tulum Day 5 –  Tulum Day 6 –  Tulum Day 7 –  Bacalar Day 8 –  Bacalar to Chetumal to Caye Caulker Day 9 –  Caye Caulker Day 10 –  Caye Caulker Day 11 –   Caye Caulker to Belize City to San Ignacio Day 12 –  ATM Cave Tour Day 13 –  San Ignacio to Tikal Day 14 –  Tikal Day 15 – Flores to Lanquin:  Early morning bus from Flores to Lanquin Day 16 – Semuc Champey:  Explore Semuc Champey Day 17 – Semuc Champey:  Explore Semuc Champey Day 18 – Semuc Champey to Antigua:  Bus to Antigua Day 19 – Antigua:  Full day to explore Antigua Day 20 – Antigua:  Day to explore Antigua, Pacaya Volcano hike Day 21 – Antigua to Lake Atitlan:  Morning bus to Panajachel, taxi boat to Casa Rosada/Anzan Atitlan Day 22 – Lake Atitlan:  Hike to Jaibalito and Santa Cruz La Laguna Day 23 – Lake Atitlan: Hike Volcan San Pedro Day 24 – Lake Atitlan:  Explore other towns (San Pedro, San Juan etc.) Day 25 – Lake Atitlan to Guatemala City:  Lake Atitlan back to Guatemala City, stay overnight and dine at Donde Joselito Steakhouse

Mexico and Belize Itinerary for Non-Divers

Obviously this itinerary has a lot of diving because I’m an avid diver, and well? The area has some fantastic diving. However, I know many people are not divers so if you’re not, this is how I would change the itinerary with more focus on Mayan ruins, and replacing a lot of diving with just a bit of snorkeling. You have to go to the cenotes after all even if you’re just snorkeling!

For non-divers, I would completely skip Cozumel. The island is cool, but if you’re not diving, I think there are better places to go in the area. Caye Caulker will more than provide for the rustic small island experience. For most of Mexico, I will use Tulum as the main hub as I prefer it to Playa Del Carmen and Cancun.

Day 1: Land in Cancun, transfer to Tulum Day 2: Tulum – Explore the ruins Day 3: Tulum – Chichen Itza Day Trip Day 4:  Tulum – Cenotes Snorkeling Day 5: Tulum – Free day to explore Day 6:  Bacalar Day 7: Bacalar to Chetumal to Caye Caulker Day 8: Caye Caulker Day 9: Caye Caulker Day 10: Caye Caulker to Belize City to San Ignacio Day 11 : Explore the Xunantunich Mayan ruins Day 12: ATM Cave tour Day 13 –  San Ignacio to Tikal Day 14 –  Tikal Day 15 – Flores to Lanquin:  Early morning bus from Flores to Lanquin Day 16 – Semuc Champey:  Explore Semuc Champey Day 17 – Semuc Champey:  Explore Semuc Champey Day 18 – Semuc Champey to Antigua:  Bus to Antigua Day 19 – Antigua:  Full day to explore Antigua Day 20 – Antigua:  Day to explore Antigua, Pacaya Volcano hike Day 21 – Antigua to Lake Atitlan:  Morning bus to Panajachel, taxi boat to Casa Rosada/Anzan Atitlan Day 22 – Lake Atitlan:  Hike to Jaibalito and Santa Cruz La Laguna Day 23 – Lake Atitlan: Hike Volcan San Pedro Day 24 – Lake Atitlan:  Explore other towns (San Pedro, San Juan etc.) Day 25 – Lake Atitlan to Guatemala City:  Lake Atitlan back to Guatemala City, stay overnight and dine at Donde Joselito Steakhouse

Continue Reading:

• The Perfect Two Week Mexico and Belize Travel Itinerary
• The Ultimate One To Two Week Travel Itinerary For Guatemala
• How To Get From Caye Caulker, Belize to Chetumal, Mexico And Vice Versa
• The Perfect Mexico Travel Itinerary: Mexico City, Puebla, Oaxaca, And Mazunte
• Guide To Visiting Lake Atitlán, Guatemala – Heaven On Earth
• Visiting Tikal’s Mayan Ruins In Guatemala
• The Ultimate Travel And Diving Guide For Caye Caulker, Belize
• The Ultimate Guide To Diving The Blue Hole In Belize
• Best Places For Digital Nomads In 2022
• The Ultimate Puebla City, Mexico Travel Guide
• The Perfect One Week And Two Weeks Travel Itinerary For Albania
• The Ultimate Mexico City Tacos Tour And Itinerary
• The Perfect Two Week Itinerary For The Balkan Countries

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Hi Jhonny, beautiful Trip! May i have more details? Thanks a lot

Hi Jhonny, what an epic trip! I would like to go and do some part of your itinerary in August. What do you think about landing in Cancun, going to Holbox and Isla Mujeres, then to Tulum and straight to Belize (san pedro, blue hole (skydive there?), caye caulker), then Guatemala (Tikal and lake atitlan and Antigua)? Is it possible do it by car? 15 days are enough? Is it safe? Thanks a lot

Hi matteo, are you renting your own car? I’m not sure what the rules are for going through those countries if so. However, I think 15 days is probably too short to see everything unless you really speed through the different destinations (possible, but will be rushed). Totally safe for all of the trip. Enjoy!

Yes i’ll rent the car only in Mexico, then i’ll take some flights in Belize and Guatemala. Thanks a lot for the info

Thanks for the itinerary. We are planning a family trip next year with our two children. We have 4 weeks. Do you think this trip is ok for children? How easy are her border crossings and is transport easy to find.

Hi Steve, depending on how old your kids are. Transport can be a bit rough in Guatemala if you’re not going with private cars. Mexico and Belize are quite okay in my opinion. Border crossings are relatively easy and straight forward. Just make sure to have cash on hand for the pesky exit fee between Mexico and Belize.

Hi Johnny This trip looks epic. Think about doing this in the week in Columbia at the moment. Just wondering roughly how it cost you? Cheers brad

Hi Brad, would say the whole 3-4 weeks cost me about $3k for two people but that does not include diving. Hope that helps!

Hello mate! Thanks for your great itinerary, photos and descriptions. We are looking at doing the exact trip with some USA at the start and finish. Super helpful! One question was how you found having so many big (8hr+) travel days in there? And moving ever 2 or 3 days. Eg. We really love the look of Lanquin but are concerned those bus trips will just kill us! Any thoughts on the pace of travel?

Hi Joel! I didn’t think the travel days were all that bad to be honest. The flores to lanquin bus was probably the longest but the bus stops a few times for you to get a break in. I mean it passes through some towns so you could ask the driver to drop you off and Im sure he’d oblige ha. But then you’d have to sort out your transfer the next day somehow. I think you should be fine though!

Yeahh I am sure we will be fine! I’d rather that than feel like we missed out on something! Thanks Johnny.

No problem, enjoy your trip!

Thanks for the guide, it looks very interesting. We are planning our honeymoon and wanted to visit exactly these 3 countries in December 2019 (in about 3-3.5weeks).

However we were thinking of starting off with Guatemala and ending in Mexico, since it looks like Belize and Mexico are more relaxed and easy destinations, which would be ideal for a honeymoon (since we want adventure, culture and relaxation). Guatemala seems to be quite raw.

Do you think that it would still be possible to use your guide but alternating the routes?

Regards, Philip & Lara

Hi Philip! Yes it is definitely possible to plan your trip backwards. I would just literally do everything I did in reverse a by starting at the bottom of the itinerary. So land in Guatemala city, go to Antigua, lake atitlan, sumec champey, tikal etc. Lake atitlan is also incredibly relaxing FYI!

Hello! This guide is SO helpful. Myself and a friend are planning a trip for next year but will have 14/15 days max – what would you recommend cutting out of the 25 day non divers itinerary to fit with time constraints?

I have looked around a lot online for a central America itineraries and this by far was the most clear and concise – thankyou! very helpful. Will be doing this exact itinerary next year.

Thanks Rachel! Diving too? Glad it helped with your planning!

This looks like such a fun trip! Thank you for all of the great details and information.

It seems like you had a great trip ever John. The Bacalar Lagoon and the dive site are amazing. I’ll try to visit Mexico some day in the near future.

Thanks Luna! Definitely was a great trip and hope you can make it to central america!

Perfection lies in the details. Getting to travel in your honeymoon is really a good idea too. Travel and have fun.

Love to read your post, It’s fantastic photography

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The Maya Train Will Get You to All of Yucatán’s Best Spots. But Not Yet.

In December, the train began running on its first route through Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. On a five-day journey a few months later, the author encountered enthusiasm, and scheduling hiccups.

By Elisabeth Malkin

Elisabeth Malkin has been visiting the Yucatán Peninsula for three decades.

I stepped off the platform at the gleaming new Maxcanú train station, eager to see the magnificent Maya archaeological site of Uxmal. All I needed was a taxi to take me there, a trip of about 30 miles away.

There are no taxis, said the stationmaster, as we stood on the polished limestone floors of the high-ceilinged station, which was cool and breezy despite the brilliant late-morning sun outside. And I was the third person in two weeks to get off at Maxcanú expecting to reach Uxmal, he said.

I was midway through a five-day trip to explore the brand-new Maya Train and several of its destinations in the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico . Designed to run 965 miles (1,554 kilometers) around a loop of 34 stations when completed, the train will whisk passengers in cool comfort through colonial cities, archaeological sites, splashy resorts and tropical forests.

Now I was stunned. Wrangling a taxi has never been a problem in Mexico. But the drivers gathered in the main square of Maxcanú offered only beat-up vans that hopscotch through small towns, where I might or might not find a taxi to Uxmal. The next van was leaving in 45 minutes.

Yucatán’s layers of history have long held me spellbound. During earlier car trips, I have clambered up deserted Maya temples and palaces, stepped into the cool naves of massive 16th-century churches and visited restored haciendas, testaments of the ostentation — and hardship — of the peninsula’s 19th-century plantation economy. Traveling by train, I thought, would allow me to steep myself in more of that history.

But as I found in Maxcanú, a train won’t necessarily get you to where you want to go.

During my February trip, I traveled on the only route then available, an east-west leg that opened in December and runs from Cancún to Mérida, and then south through the port city of Campeche to the Maya site of Palenque (a short route between Cancún and Playa del Carmen opened last month, with three trains a day). I encountered scheduling confusion, unfinished stations and a dearth of trains — just two operating daily each way between Cancún and Campeche, and only one to Palenque. Overnight sleepers and special dining trains seem years away.

President Andrés Manuel López Obrador considers the Maya Train his showcase development project, and wants to inaugurate the rest of the train before he leaves office on October 1. Based on my experience, that goal seems elusive.

A $29-billion route through the jungle

I started my journey in Cancún, where in the pre-dawn gloom the station hovered like a glowing spaceship. An attendant scanned the ticket I had bought online and a half-dozen more pointed me toward my tourist-class car, which was about a quarter full. I planned to go to Campeche, about 300 miles away, stopping once each day. At 120 kilometers (about 75 miles) an hour, the train covers the route in about six hours, the same as a car. (When construction is complete, the train’s speed should increase to 160 kilometers an hour.)

The car’s wide windows looked out at a wall of low jungle. The blue-green seats were comfortable and there was ample space between the rows. I bought a very good cappuccino at the snack bar, but declined the plastic-wrapped sandwiches. The rest of the merchandise was fruit cups, milk boxes and junk food.

The train will ultimately cost much more than the $29 billion budgeted so far, and it’s not the first time ambitious planners have alighted on the region. Cancún was once a tiny fishing village, selected half a century ago as a tourist hub. Last year 10 million international tourists flew into its airport, more than the airports of Mexico City, Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta combined.

But uncontrolled growth has stressed the Caribbean coast’s fragile environment. The Maya Train, scientists warn , will push those problems south, threatening the area’s water supply, its unique system of underground limestone caves and its vast nature reserves.

Mr. López Obrador has charged ahead, handing the train over to the military , and arguing that it will spread Cancún’s wealth and attract new visitors. Mexico received more than 42 million overseas tourists last year and they spent almost $31 billion .

Local governments see an opportunity. “The train will allow people to disperse throughout the peninsula,” said Michelle Fridman, the tourism secretary for Yucatán state, which promotes dozens of attractions far beyond highlights like Mérida and Chichén Itzá .

Now that the train is operating, transport companies will begin to connect stations with lesser-known sites nearby, she said.

It’s fair to ask whether the train is the most effective way to develop the peninsula’s tourism. Tour companies already run trips to many sites from major cities, which are well served by buses. Driving a rental car through most of the area is considered safe , according to U.S. State Department travel guidance .

Route of Mexico’s Maya Train

Canceled trip.

It took two hours (and one time-zone change) to reach Valladolid, a colonial city of handsome streets and ancient churches, where I bought the rest of my tickets at the station. A tourist-class ticket from Cancún to Valladolid costs 472 pesos (around $28) for foreigners and 355 pesos (around $21) for Mexicans. First class, with wider seats, costs 755.50 pesos and 566.50 pesos, and discounts are available for older travelers and residents of the five states along the train’s route. (A first-class bus from downtown Cancún to Valladolid costs between 222 and 344 pesos, depending on the time of day, and takes half an hour longer.)

It was impossible to run the new Maya Train tracks into dense city centers and the Valladolid station, like the rest, was outside the urban core. A waiting bus took disembarking passengers downtown, a 15-minute ride for 35 pesos.

That day I toured Ek Balam , the site of a ninth-century Maya kingdom that is dominated by a 100-foot palace distinguished by a facade of carvings depicting winged warriors, stylized animal features and geometric patterns bordered by giant fangs. Admission to the site includes entry to the X-Canché cenote, one of thousands of limestone sinkholes that were sacred to the Maya.

Later that afternoon, I was wandering through the Museum of Ethnic Clothing, a private collection of traditional dress, embroidery and hats, when a WhatsApp message from the ticket office blinked on my phone. My train scheduled for the following day was canceled.

I decided to deal with the problem in the morning and enjoy the city. As I wandered past the antique shops and boutique hotels of the elegant Calzada de los Frailes, it was clear that Valladolid’s tourism, and the infrastructure to handle it, was well established. The Maya Train is simply an alternative way to reach a city that tourists discovered years ago.

‘We’re on the Tren Maya!’

In the morning, I found that my train had not been canceled, but the station for which I had a ticket, Tixkokob, was closed. I got off instead one stop earlier at Izamal, known for its ocher streets and the giant Franciscan convent of San Antonio de Padua, built atop the ruins of a pyramid.

During the 90-minute ride, I heard widespread enthusiasm among fellow travelers who expressed a willingness to give the train time to work out the kinks. “We’re an experiment,” said Oliva Escobedo Ochoa, 64, who was vacationing from her home in central Mexico.

Leticia Iliassich, 57, who is Mexican, was traveling with her Croatian husband along with relatives from Mexico and Croatia. They had initially been scheduled on an earlier train to Mérida that had been canceled. “We knew that it was a new project,” she said. “We don’t mind.”

The group had already sent a video to friends declaring, “We’re on the Tren Maya!”

At the Izamal station I hitched a 15-minute ride into the town center with a man who had asked me to take his photo alongside the train and his father. From there I negotiated a taxi to Hacienda San Lorenzo Aké, a working hacienda that still turns the fiber from an agave plant called henequén into coarse rope. Global demand for henequén, known as Yucatán’s “green gold,” brought fantastic wealth to the region in the mid-19th century, speckling the peninsula with more than 1,000 haciendas. ( Many are now sumptuous hotels.)

Where geometry, nature and the divine merge

It was during my third day that I found myself stuck in Maxcanú, after a 90-minute train ride from Izamal. The stationmaster, an army captain, offered me a ride to Uxmal, just as he had to the stranded tourists before me.

Eying Uxmal’s 4 p.m. final ticket sale, I accepted.

My situation made it clear just how distant the Maya Train’s promises are for tourists seeking to explore more of Yucatán. In time, that will change, said Ms. Fridman, the tourism secretary. “The idea is to have more hotels along the train line,” she said. “That will happen little by little.”

But Uxmal , among the most stunning of the Maya sites, made up for the inconvenience. Uxmal’s grand buildings are faced with intricate decorative masks as well as friezes in which geometry, nature and the divine merge. New plaques at each structure offer detailed information in English and Spanish, part of the government’s investment in improving displays at Maya sites for the train project.

Most tourists either take day trips by car or bus to Uxmal from Mérida or stay at one of three nearby hotels. As I finished dinner at my hotel, the dining room began to fill up: 47 Polish tourists had arrived.

Panama hats and a cramped van

My plan for the day was to go by taxi to Bécal, a town where Panama hats are woven in limestone caves to keep the fibers soft, and then pick up the afternoon train in nearby Calkiní for the port city of Campeche.

But I spent so much time watching the hat-making demonstration and then fitting my new hat and buying gifts that we set off with little time to reach the station. To my chagrin, I missed the train, the last one of the day.

On Calkiní’s central square, I found a van that was leaving for Campeche. Cost: 65 pesos. Time: about 1 hour and 20 minutes, similar to what I would have spent on the train. Of course, I was trapped in a cramped seat and had to listen to the driver’s choice of sentimental ballads, but I was dropped off in downtown Campeche, close to my hotel.

The next day, I toured the Museum of Maya Archaeology , an expertly curated collection that included haunting jade funeral masks, glyphs and delicate ceramic figures.

José Madrigal, 45, an engineer from Fremont, Calif., was trying to make Maya pottery interesting for his twin sons. The boys had just turned 5 and their birthday present had been a ride on the Maya Train. “They love trains,” Mr. Madrigal said. Then the family moved on, keeping up a brisk clip through the museum. They had another train to catch.

Should you take the train?

Yes, if you are traveling between larger stations. The train also offers a way to get to Palenque, which is harder to reach and has roads with security concerns. Travelers can stow bicycles on board.

To see train times, check the destinations on the website . You cannot buy tickets online more than a week in advance. But when you finally board, the ride is smooth — and the coffee is excellent.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

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52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

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Exploring New Mexico, land of enchantment

Posted: April 30, 2024 | Last updated: April 30, 2024

Not for nothing is New Mexico known as the "Land of Enchantment." One of the Mountain States of the southern Rocky Mountains, New Mexico is blessed with one of the most scenic and diverse landscapes in North America. Rich in Native American and Hispanic culture, the state draws outdoor enthusiasts from across the nation to its enviable collection of historic sites and natural wonders.

Intrigued? Then click through and start exploring New Mexico.

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Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Delve underground and discover the Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Comprised of around 120 known caves, this amazing subterranean UNESCO World Heritage Site is located in the Guadalupe Mountains of southeastern New Mexico.

Inside Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Carved from limestone deposited in an ancient sea, the underground chambers form one of the state's most famous visitor attractions—and one of the largest cave systems in the world! The Temple of the Sun formation in the Big Room (pictured) is one of the extraordinary geological highlights of this hidden marvel.

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Chaco Culture National Historical Park

If you only have time to tick off one archaeological site in New Mexico, make sure it's the Chaco Culture National Historical Park. This centuries-old settlement is one of the most important pre-Columbian cultural and historical areas in the United States, and deserving of its World Heritage status.

Fajada Butte

Set within sight of the ruins and standing 135 m (442 ft) above the canyon floor is Fajada Butte. Built into the higher regions of this natural wonder are simple cliff dwellings that have no apparent utilitarian purpose. Instead, archaeologists believe the butte was of considerable ceremonial importance for the Chacoan people.

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White Sands National Monument

Carpeting the south of New Mexico is the White Sands National Monument. It's a vast park of white sand dunes composed of gypsum crystals, and is the largest of its kind on Earth.

Sledding the park

The unworldly environment features dunes up to 18 m (60 ft) high that appear like enormous snowdrifts. The undulating landscape is constantly displaced by the wind, and, besides trekking on foot, the most rewarding way of enjoying the park is by sledding the shifting slopes.

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Taos Pueblo

New Mexico is home to the oldest continuously-inhabited dwellings in the United States, the adobe structures of Taos Pueblo. The buildings date back to between 1000 and 1450, and the entire community is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Taos Pow Wow

The annual summer event at Taos Pueblo is the colorful Taos Pow Wow. This is one of the country's largest gathering of Indian Nations and features authentic Native American dancing and drumming contests.

Ranchos de Taos

Nearby Ranchos de Taos is worth a detour for its beautiful San Francisco de Asís Mission Church. Built between 1772 and 1816, its stands as a fine example of a New Mexico Spanish colonial place of worship.

Bandelier National Monument

The Bandelier National Monument preserves the homes of the territory of the Ancestral Puebloans, an area likely occupied from 1150 to 1600. It's possible to explore these indigenous habitats, which offer a glimpse into Pueblo culture and daily life.

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Tsankawi Trail

Detached from the Bandelier National Park but still very much accessible is the Tsankawi Trail. Following this looped footpath provides access to numerous unexcavated ruins, caves, and a series of petroglyphs (pictured), a form of rock art.

Petroglyph National Monument

The most stunning collection of petroglyphs, however, make up the Petroglyph National Monument. Approximately 20,000 petroglyphs are carved into basalt rock, created centuries ago by indigenous peoples and early Spanish settlers. A series of hiking trails run past these ancient canvasses.

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Pecos National Historical Park

New Mexico's archaeological treasures include the Pecos National Historical Park. This is the site of what was once one of the largest Native American pueblos in the state, inhabited from the early 14th century until 1838. The impressive ruins of the mission church (pictured) serve as a focal point. The park also encompasses the Glorieta Pass Battlefield, scene of an 1862 American Civil War battle that ended Confederate ambitions to cut off the West from the Union.

Santa Fe is the state capital, and in fact the oldest state capital in the United States, having been founded in 1610 as the capital of Nuevo México. It's certainly worth considering the city as a base from which to explore further, but not before you've discovered its own unique visitor attractions.

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Georgia O'Keeffe Museum

Santa Fe has an international reputation as a great art city. To find out why, head over to the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum downtown. Georgia O'Keeffe (1887–1986) is internationally recognized as the "Mother of American Modernism." and a collection of her best work is held in this excellent cultural facility.

Notable artworks

The museum has previously exhibited this work, 'Jimson Weed/White Flower No.1,' painted in 1932. In November 2014, it was sold for US$44.4 million at a Sotheby's auction, making Georgia O'Keeffe the highest-selling woman in art.

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San Miguel Mission

Built in 1610, the San Miguel Mission in Sante Fe is the oldest church in the United States. What you see today is as a result of careful refurbishment over the centuries, with the foundations being the only part of the building from the early 17th century. Nonetheless, it's still a National Historic Landmark.

Santa Fe National Cemetery

The graves of military veterans at the Santa Fe National Cemetery include the resting place of this combatant, one of 32 unknown Confederate soldiers killed at the aforementioned Battle of Glorieta Pass.

Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad

A rewarding way to sightsee the region is as a passenger on the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Steam Train. The heritage railroad runs between Chama, New Mexico, and Antonito, Colorado. The locomotive chugs over the Cumbres Pass at an elevation of 3,054 m (10,022 ft), affording breathtaking views of the mountainous landscape.

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument

Silver City, once the haunt of Wild West outlaws Butch Cassidy and Billy the Kid, is where to head north from for the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument. Set in the Gila Wilderness, designated the world's first wilderness area in June 1924, these rock-hewn residences were carved out the cliff face by Mogollon Native Americans around the year 1300.

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The Very Large Array

The rather vague sounding Very Large Array refers to the Karl G Jansky Very Large Array (VLA)—a radio astronomy observatory located on the Plains of San Agustin. The VLA comprises 28 monumental telescopes used to observe black holes and other astronomical phenomena. Budding astronomers can follow a number of self-guided walking routes through the premises, but it's best to check ahead on the VLA website for times.

Billy the Kid Museum

Infamous Old West gunslinger Billy the Kid (1859–1881) was shot and killed in Fort Sumner by Sheriff Pat Garrett on July 14, 1881. The town, set on the eastern plains of New Mexico, has since become synonymous with the outlaw. There's even a museum dedicated to him, the exhibits of which include his rifle, horse-riding equipment, and an original "Wanted" poster.

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Billy the Kid gravesite

Billy the Kid, born Henry McCarty but also known as William H. Bonney, is buried at Fort Sumner. The gravesite is protected by bars to prevent theft of the headstone by souvenir hunters.

Wheeler Peak Wilderness

New Mexico is one of the Mountain States of the southern Rocky Mountains. As such, it's a favored destination for hiking enthusiasts. The Wheeler Peak Wilderness is ideal walking territory, not least because it features the state's highest point, Wheeler Peak, which summits at 4,011 m (13,161 ft). Pictured is the mirror-like Williams Lake, a local beauty spot.

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International UFO Museum and Research Center

Roswell is forever associated with the 1947 event known as the "Roswell incident," when the military supposedly recovered a crashed alien spacecraft. In fact, it was an errant weather balloon, but that hasn't stopped the destination cashing in on its reputation as an extraterrestrial hotspot. The International UFO Museum and Research Center helps dispel much of the myth surrounding the incident and instead focuses on genuine scientific research in the search for life beyond Earth. That said, the museum does play up to the supposed existence of little green men with exhibits like this, a captured "alien" preserved in a tank of liquid.

Albuquerque

New Mexico's largest city is Albuquerque. While not as picturesque as Santa Fe, Albuquerque has plenty going for it, including several excellent museums and a thriving live music scene. It's also the setting for one of the most spectacular outdoor extravaganzas on the planet.

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Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

Each autumn, Albuquerque hosts the world's largest hot air balloon festival. During the nine-day event, which attracts upwards of 80,000 people, over 500 colorful balloons take to the air, with the breathtaking "mass ascension" (pictured) being the main highlight.

Kimo Theatre

Albuquerque's Kimo Theatre on Central Avenue is a fantastic example of extravagant Art Deco-Pueblo Revival Style architecture. Opened in 1927, the venue overlooks the famous Route 66, the legendary "Mother Road" that arrows through the city on its way to the West Coast.

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Sandia Peak Tramway

If hiking isn't your thing, no worries. Sandia Peak Tramway adjacent to Albuquerque stretches from the northeast edge of the city to Sandia Peak on the ridge line of the Sandia Mountains. This is one of the world's longest passenger aerial tramways, and the longest in the Americas.

Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge

Covering the Rio Grande floodplain in southern New Mexico, the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge is a birder's paradise. Over 374 different species have been recorded here, making it one of the state's most important wetlands. Nearby San Antonio serves as the gateway to this pristine and fragile habitat. Pictured is a huge flock of wintering snow geese taking flight over the water.

Taos Ski Valley

Winter sports enthusiasts are rewarded with excellent skiing conditions in the Taos Ski Valley, a resort set high in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Suitable for intermediate and advanced skiers, the valley area is considered one of New Mexico's premier resorts.

Sources: (History) (Biography)

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The real migrant bus king of North America isn't the Texas governor. It's Mexico's president.

PIEDRAS NEGRAS, Mexico – It took Ana Elizabeth Melgar four tries to reach the U.S. border.

Each time she made her way north, Mexican immigration authorities caught her and bused her south – not to her home country of El Salvador but to a city in southern Mexico .

"If you catch me and I am a migrant, send me back to my country," she said, while resting in a Catholic shelter in this Mexican border town across from Eagle Pass, Texas . "I get it: I don't belong here. But what is this nonsense that you're sending me south in Mexico? It's illogical."

The Biden administration and Texas are taking credit for an unusual springtime lull in illegal border crossings, with the White House touting its legal pathways and Gov. Greg Abbott championing his troops and concertina wire. But analysts, immigrant advocates and migrants themselves say it's Mexico blocking the path north.

Mexico President Andrés Manuel López Obrador's immigration agency has intensified a busing program that aims to hurt migrants' chances of reaching the U.S. border – or at least delay their arrival – by apprehending them on highways, train routes and airports and shipping them to the southernmost part of his country.

López Obrador is likely motivated by economic interests. Last fall, a surge of hundreds of thousands of migrants flooding the U.S. Southwest created a hurdle to trade between Mexico and the U.S., its largest trading partner by far.

Immigrant advocates say the policy drives vulnerable people into the arms of smugglers. Migrants report being extorted on routes north only to be intercepted at checkpoints and returned to southern Mexico to do it all again.

"The Mexican government is busing people in circles," said Andrew Selee, executive director of the Washington, D.C.-based Migration Policy Institute.

"The numbers aren't down because of busing in Texas," he said. "The numbers are down because of busing in Mexico."

U.S. Customs and Border Protection reported fewer than 189,372 migrant encounters in March, down slightly from 189,914 in February, during a time when migration typically starts to spike. Encounters were lower than normal through the first 10 days of April, too, according to congressional testimony .

The drop bucked historical, seasonal trends and was "only the second time this century that encounters declined from February to March," said Adam Isacson, director of defense oversight for the Washington Office on Latin America.

Mexico cracks down on migrants: 'more checkpoints, more buses'

The busing program is a response, analysts say, to the surge in migrants arriving from Venezuela and other countries where Mexico, like the U.S., can't easily return people. Mexico's foreign ministry, interior ministry and immigration agency, the Instituto Nacional de Migración, didn't respond to requests for comment.

Mexico's crackdown is evident in the number of migrant encounters resulting in a person being detained or placed in a shelter – but not deported.

These encounters ballooned to more than 726,000 in 2023, according to Mexico's interior ministry, from fewer than 179,000 in 2021. In January and February alone, Mexico reported more than 230,000 encounters with migrants who were placed in detention or shelters and then released.

Melgar was among them.

On a recent Tuesday in April, while migrants milled about the shelter or ate breakfast, she sat alone on a courtyard bench and smiled. After more than four months of trying, she had made it to the U.S. border.

While Melgar rested, the nun in charge, Sister Isabel Turcios, led a group of American women on a tour. Medical volunteers set up an outdoor clinic in the courtyard. There were 108 migrants sheltered that day – hardly any compared with last year, Turcios said.

In December, thousands had arrived daily in Piedras Negras and other points just south of the border. That month, on the U.S. side, U.S. Customs and Border Protection reported its highest-ever one-month tally of migrant encounters: 301,981.

That same month, presidents Biden and López Obrador had a phone call in which they discussed " additional enforcement actions ," and Biden dispatched a high-level team of negotiators to Mexico City.

By mid-April, the checkpoints had multiplied.

Mexican authorities had set up at least six immigration checkpoints between Monterrey and the border at Piedras Negras , according to Turcios' conversations with migrants. It had become onerous even for her, a nun from El Salvador, to travel overland.

"The authorities got together and decided: more checkpoints, more buses to take the migrants south," she said. "The numbers started to go down for that reason and because they were rounding them up.

Texas' numbers haven't been going down "because of the barbed wire," she said. The migrants who make it through Mexico's checkpoints "keep passing under the wire."

Texas border czar says 'tactical infrastructure' deters crossings

That same day, across the Rio Grande in Eagle Pass, Texas, the state's first "border czar" Mike Banks climbed up the sloped river bank to address his troops in Shelby Park, the city park that has become ground zero in the state's public battle with the Biden administration over border enforcement.

Banks shouldered past reams of concertina wire and got nicked on the way.

The three tiny cuts on his upper forearm were evidence, he said, of the difference between "concertina" wire that grabs the skin and "razor" wire that slices through it. It was a lesson in the "tactical infrastructure" that he says is deterring illegal border crossings in Texas.

"I will tell you that, right now, if it wasn't for what we are doing in the state of Texas, you wouldn't see our numbers the way they are," Banks told USA TODAY.

Texas is taking credit for the dip in migration along the state's 1,254-mile border with Mexico. Banks, a former Border Patrol agent, and his boss, Gov. Greg Abbott, say the state's $11 billion Operation Lone Star is working, and the numbers prove it.

Texas registered a sharper drop in migrant crossings in the first three months of the year than the border did as a whole, according to CBP statistics, while California saw crossings increase .

"This entire sector is averaging a couple of hundred (migrants) a day versus 4,000 to 6,000 just in this park" last year, Banks said, referring to Border Patrol's Del Rio Sector. "So the deterrence is working and, look, Texas is going to protect Texas."

Other Republican-led states are pitching in: 16 states have sent troops or law enforcement officers to support Operation Lone Star, according to a spokesman for the governor's office.

The state has also aimed to export the border crisis across the country : Abbott's Operation Lone Star has bused more than 112,700 migrants to Democrat-led cities nationwide.

In Texas, migrants are offered the bus rides and go voluntarily. In Mexico, authorities give them no choice.

During his recent visit to Eagle Pass, Banks, who advises the governor, addressed a circle of camouflage-clad agents of Florida's Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. He joked with a group of Texas highway patrolmen as they took a break from the heat in a shade tent where two stray dogs napped.

The river was quiet but for two Honduran men who had been at Turcios' shelter earlier that day. They waded along the U.S. bank looking for a spot to clamber up through the concertina wire.

'Cold, heat, hunger, thirst'

Melgar, a mother of three, worked as a seamstress in Costa Rica for years, making money she couldn't earn in El Salvador.

But she returned to her country when work dried up. In December, under pressure to pay for her now-teenage children's education, she left for Mexico with her sights set on the U.S.

Mexican immigration agents clad in brown uniforms first picked up Melgar in the colonial city of Puebla, in southern Mexico, she said.

The second time, they intercepted her in the northern factory town of Torreon.

The third time, they caught her in Monterrey, a wealthy business hub south of Texas.

Each time, she was bused back to a migrant detention center in southern Mexico, held for a few days and then released, she said.

On her fourth attempt, she skirted multiple Mexican checkpoints by riding atop a cargo train and walking for miles through arid desert. She spent "days and days and nights of cold, heat, hunger and thirst," she said.

Melgar said she applied for an appointment to cross the border lawfully, via the CBP One app, but she hasn't received one yet.

"I'm waiting," she said in a WhatsApp message last week, while still at the shelter. "God willing, it will come soon."

How long will Mexican enforcement last?

Mexico's immigration crackdowns rarely last as long as they have this time.

"The reality is that Mexico has made it harder for people to get to south Texas," said Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, policy director at the American Immigration Council. "It’s this broad shift as a result of Mexican enforcement – one we might see breaking down."

Already there are signs of a breakdown along the U.S.-Mexico border, nearly 500 miles northwest of the Eagle Pass-Piedras Negras crossing.

Migrants have been reaching Ciudad Juárez, across from El Paso, Texas, in larger numbers in recent days, and tension at this border crossing has grown.

The El Paso Border Patrol Sector has seen average daily migrant encounters tick up slightly from 940 earlier this month to 1,025 as of Friday.

Earlier this month, more than 140 migrants breached reams of concertina wire on the El Paso side of the Rio Grande and confronted Texas troops. A local grand jury indicted the migrants on misdemeanor riot participation charges, according to the district attorney.

Then, last week, a cargo train hailing from the outskirts of Mexico City rumbled into Ciudad Juárez with hundreds of men, women and children atop its boxcars. If the train stopped at the military and immigration checkpoint outside the city at all, the authorities let it go.

Adults held fast to the children or shaded them under blankets until the train slowed, and the migrants climbed down, blocks from the U.S. border, to decide their next move.

Contributing: Omar Ornelas, El Paso Times

Lauren Villagran can be reached at [email protected].