Are you thinking about backpacking Mexico?
If you’re new to Latin America, traveling through Mexico could be one of the best experiences you could ever have. It sure was for me.
In this Mexico travel guide, I’ll show you some of the best places to visit so that you can achieve the richest travel experience possible.
Backpacking Mexico
By the end of this travel guide, you’ll be inspired to get to know Mexico more and learn more about its diverse culture via travel.
From there you may get tempted to veer into Central America at some point during your adventure.
If you’re a backpacker and wondering what to pack for Mexico, I’d recommend you try to keep your bag as light as possible.
That way, you can travel more freely.
The plan is for you to return home feeling energized and inspired, not worn and haggard from lugging around too much luggage.
Mexico Trip Planning
Right so you’ve made it this far, let’s start by looking at the logistics and some of the requirements you’ll need to get into Mexico.
How to get to Mexico: Depending on where you’re traveling from, getting to Mexico can be easy. If you’re traveling from the U.S. or Europe, you can fly directly into the country.
For the purpose of this backpacking Mexico travel itinerary, I’m going to recommend you fly to either Cancun or Mexico City airport.
See my Mexico city travel blog or even learn the best time to visit Cancun so you can be prepared for what awaits you here.
If traveling via land, you can get a bus from the west of the United States, people even do trips to Tijuana from San Diego and return the same day.
You can also get shuttle buses if you’re traveling up from El Salvador, Honduras, or Nicaragua.
Depending on which type of bus you get, you may have to get off at the border and manually go through immigration.
Visas: There are no visa requirements for both UK or U.S. citizens, providing you stay fewer than 180 days.
If you overstay the tourist visa, expect to pay a fine before leaving. Also, ensure you’ve got at least 6 months validity on your passport.
Mexico typical costs and budget
Cost Breakdown:
🇺🇸 1USD – 🇲🇽 21MXN
My daily budget:
Up to 900MXN
Suggested budget:
750-1.2K MXN/$35-56US
Backpacking Mexico didn’t seem expensive on my budget, but I had the luxury of staying with a family friend for a while.
Getting deeper into my Mexico itinerary, I noticed the prices starting to increase the closer I got to the Yucatan Peninsula.
However, if you find yourself constantly comparing travel/living expenses with the USA, you’ll notice it’s much more economical for the most part.
By continuing your adventure south and backpacking to Central America, you’ll begin to feel Mexico was a little pricey in comparison.
Taking into account the quality of life in Mexico and North American countries; they can be higher depending on your available resources.
Traveling to Mexico: What to Expect
Usually, when I go backpacking, I aim for the highest quality for the cheapest price. This also involves bartering (where necessary) which in some cases can be seen as a good or bad thing.
There are many tips, tricks, and hacks to achieve that while you’re backpacking in Mexico.
You’ll find some great hostels in Mexico City for as little as $8 per night. It’s possible to travel on a budget, but if not, you’ll find AirBnbs, homestay, and short-term rents easily in Mexico.
he food in Mexico is spectacular and attracts people from all corners of the globe. Be sure to sample the best flavors throughout the country as you visit the different regions.
If you’re traveling by bus in Mexico, it’s all about Ado buses. Always travel first class on long-distance routes. Ado buses are comfortable, and you’ll find them the best way to move around the country.
With tons of things to do in Mexico, I’ll note the best for each place below. Get yourself to one of the pueblos mágicos that you can find scattered around the country.
I’ll highlight many of my travel hacks, tips, and tricks throughout this travel blog.
So, whether you’re cruising the Copper Canyon by train or Cenote diving in Tulum, you find useful information you can benefit from.
Map of Mexico
Before we go any further let’s take a look at the map below and put the size of Mexico in perspective.
The interactive Mexico map above will help you to navigate to the list of the places in this backpacking Mexico guide.
This Mexico travel guide lists some of the most interesting places in the country and to visit all the places; you’d need around a 3-week-minimum itinerary.
If you’re considering driving in Mexico, you could see much more in less time. That’s if you’re in a rush. I like slow travel to allow more time to connect with locals.
Best Places to in Visit Mexico
Use the links below to go to locations most relevant to you.
- Oaxaca
- Guanajuato
- San Cristóbal del las Casas
- Baja California
- Akumal
- Mazatlán
- Merida
- Tulum
- Puebla City
- Cozumel
As I aim to get back to Mexico on an annual basis, it’s worth noting that this is a living article that I update frequently adding my latest trips 🙂
Mexico Travel Tips
Below are some useful travel tips for Mexico, including books to read to help you make the most out of your experience.
Got Travel Insurance for Mexico?
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Books to Read on Mexico
Inspired by Mexican culture? These books I’ve listed may interest you:
- First Stop in the New World – This book gives offers a great primer of Mexico city than most guide books on the market today. Amazingly insightful and powerful immersion into Mexican life in the city.
- Mornings in Mexico – Follow the adventures of D.H. Lawrence who spent time observing Indians and their religious beliefs. He was interesed in learning the ways their ideas differed from his.
- Where the Sky is Born: Living in the Land of the Maya – An uplifting book about the Rivera Maya area of Mexico including it’s vast history.
- The Underdogs: A Novel of the Mexican Revolution – A great book depicting the 1910 Mexcian revolution. The story as to why people join revolutions and why they continue is told with excellent insight.
- The Conquest of Mexico – Written in 1890, this book is a detailed, social, political, anthropological account of the conquest of Mexico which also celebrates the achievements of the Aztecs.
Great reads if you wish to learn more about Mexico before your trip.
Backpacking Mexico
Whether you follow this Mexico itinerary or not, try to mix up the sights a little when you’re backpacking through Mexico.
It’s impossible not to think about all the amazing options you have.
Maybe you’re thinking of heading down to Guatemala or deeper into Central America during your adventure?
If so, stay vigilant at all times and remember, people, are generally willing to help you along the way.
What I love about traveling through Latin America is connecting with people, and it’s something unique that you can easily and will do.
My motto is the lighter you travel, the better, especially if you plan to get off the beaten track as you travel in Mexico.
If you were in two minds on where to go, this guide should have given you a little bit of inspiration on which places to visit in Mexico.
Now you know where to go to Mexico and have more knowledge about the inside of its borders. It should be clear that Mexico must be seen to fully appreciate its vast history and culture.
My greatest advice is that you take the time to explore the regions that really speak to your heart!
See this list of safe places in Mexico whilst doing your research!
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