Planning on backpacking Mexico?! That’s awesome, and I’m already very excited for you!
Putting together your Mexico itinerary 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 Mexico!
Mexico is a much larger country then 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 Backpacking Mexico 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.
Also in this Mexico Travel Guide, I have included some useful information on the best way to get around, recommended places to stay and the best time to visit.
Have you got travel insurance for Mexico? I know that nobody likes to talk about this stuff but accidents can happen and having World Nomads Insurance can save you thousands of dollars if something goes wrong.
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 around my own experience with a mixture of cities, beaches, waterfalls, cenotes and islands which I visited and that I’m sure you will enjoy too!
Here is a quick overview of how to spend 4 Weeks Backpacking 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 which I haven’t listed down on this Mexico itinerary are Puebla, Palenque, Campeche, Merida, Holbox and Playa del Carmen.
Feel free to chop and change things around on my suggested Mexico 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
WANT TO TRAVEL FULL-TIME? ∼ CLICK HERE TO LEARN HOW!
HOW TO GET AROUND MEXICO
The two best ways of getting around Mexico are by bus or renting a car.
BY BUS:
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… Just make sure to take a motion sickness tablet 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.
I personally traveled mostly with ADO as they seemed to be the most frequent and reliable. You can check the bus times and prices with ADO Buses Mexico online and book ahead of time.
If for some reason you can’t book the bus online, you’ll have to head to the ADO Bus Station in whichever town you’re in and purchase a ticket. It’s best to go in the day before you intend to travel to secure a seat on the bus.
RENT A CAR:
Renting a car is another option when backpacking Mexico, 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.
Search All ∼ Car Rentals in Mexico
Traveling by bus in Mexico
BACKPACKING MEXICO – DAY 1, 2 & 3
MEXICO CITY
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 in Mexico City such as experiencing the rich cultural heritage, marveling at the colonial architecture, discovering unique street art, checking 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 do in Mexico City which will be sure to keep you busy for 3 days:
- Metropolitan Cathedral in Constitution Square
- Palacio de Bellas Artes
- Xochimilco
- Coyoacan
- Frida Kahlo Museum (La Casa Azul)
- Arena Mexico (Lucha libre wrestling)
- Teotihuacan Pyramids
Palacio de Bellas Artes – Mexico Backpackers
Frida Kahlo Museum – Backpacking Mexico
Streets of Coyoacan in Mexico City
Teotihuacan Pyramids – Mexico Itinerary
Lucha libre fight at Arena Mexico
MY EXPERIENCE IN MEXICO CITY
I happened to be backpacking 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!
Day of the Dead festival – Backpacking Mexico
Dia de Los Muertos – Backpacking Mexico
WHERE TO STAY IN MEXICO CITY
There are thousands of accommodations in Mexico, 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 Mexico City that I personally recommend:
LUXURY: VIADORA APARTMENTS
Check prices on Agoda | Check prices on Booking.com
MID RANGE: IBIS STYLES ZONA ROSA
Check prices on Agoda | Check prices on Booking.com
BUDGET: MEXICO CITY HOSTEL
Check prices on Agoda | Check prices on Booking.com
FOR ALL OTHER PLACES TO STAY IN MEXICO CITY, SEARCH ON AGODA OR SEARCH ON BOOKING.COM
BACKPACKING MEXICO – DAY 4 & 5
OAXACA
Oaxaca, pronounced wah-hah-kah, is one of my favorite cities to visit when backpacking Mexico!
Located in the Central Valleys 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 ensuring you get to see and experience as much as possible.
I’ve written a separate blog post of 7 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.
Vibrant streets in Oaxaca Mexico
Hierve el Agua – Backpacking Mexico
Mitla Ruins in Oaxaca – Mexico Itinerary
The world’s widest tree El Tule
Full-Day Tour of Oaxaca:
Embark on a day of adventure around the city of Oaxaca. Take in the sights, learn about the city and explore everything from historical monuments, traditional cultures and the natural wonders this incredible city has to offer.
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 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. All this for around $56 USD!
Book Now → Full Day Oaxaca Tour
Monte Alban Ruins – Mexico Backpackers
Hierve el Agua petrified waterfall
Textiles factory in Oaxaca – Backpacking Mexico
Old Cathedral in Oaxaca City
Hierve el Agua – Travel Mexico Blog
Mezcal distillery – Things to do in Mexico
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 in Oaxaca to suit the needs of luxury travelers and budget backpackers. See the list of accommodations below that I personally recommend:
LUXURY: QUINTA REAL OAXACA
Check prices on Agoda | Check prices on Booking.com
MID RANGE: HOTEL CASA DE LA TIA TERE
Check prices on Agoda | Check prices on Booking.com
BUDGET: SELINA HOSTEL
Check prices on Agoda | Check prices on Booking.com
FOR ALL OTHER PLACES TO STAY IN OAXACA CITY, SEARCH ON AGODA OR SEARCH ON BOOKING.COM
BACKPACKING IN MEXICO – DAY 6, 7 & 8
PUERTO ESCONDIDO
Puerto Escondido is one of the most popular destinations to see when backpacking Mexico, located on the southwest coast in 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 on your Mexico itinerary!
Puerto Escondido – Backpacking Mexico
Zicatela Beach – Mexico Itinerary
Cascada La Reforma – Backpacking Mexico
THINGS TO DO IN PUERTO ESCONDIDO
Here is a list of 11 Best Things To Do In Puerto Escondido:
- Sunset on Zicatela Beach
- Beachbum at Playa Carrizalillo
- Take a stroll at Playa Bacocho
- Cool off at Playa Coral
- Turtle releasing on Bacocho Beach
- Watch a movie at the beach cinema
- Visit Cascada la Reforma
- Zicatela viewpoint
- Snorkeling at Playa Angelito
- Go surfing at Punta Zicatela
- Glowing plankton at Manialtepec Lagoon
FULL BLOG POST → 11 THINGS TO DO IN PUERTO ESCONDIDO
Playa Carrizalillo – Mexico Backpacking
Sunset at Zicatela Beach
Playa Bacocho in Puerto Escondido
Cascada La Reforma in Puerto Escondido
Playa Zicatela – Backpacking Mexico
Playa Coral in Puerto Escondido
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 in Puerto Escondido 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
Check prices on Agoda | Check prices on Booking.com
Mid Range: Casa Losodeli
Check prices on Agoda | Check prices on Booking.com
Budget: Casa Daikiri
FOR ALL OTHER PLACES TO STAY IN PUERTO ESCONDIDO, SEARCH ON BOOKING.COM
MEXICO ITINERARY – DAY 9 & 10
TUXTLA GUTIÉRREZ
Tuxtla Gutiérrez often gets overlooked by most travelers backpacking Mexico 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 envelope 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 little 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 of El Aguacero Waterfall which includes a detailed guide of how to get there, how much it costs and what to expect!
FULL BLOG POST → CASCADA EL AGUACERO
Walking upstream to Cascadas El Aguacero
El Aguacero – Mexico Backpackers
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 just 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.
If you’re up for a fun-fuelled adventure in Tuxtla, I highly recommend adding this tour to your Mexico itinerary.
You can book the Sumidero Canyon Tour online in advance with Get Your Guide which has great reviews and hundreds of bookings. This will save you from having to haggle for a good price with the local tour companies in the city.
Book Now → Sumidero Canyon Tour
Cañon del Sumidero
Panoramic viewpoints at Sumidero Canyon
Towering canyon walls – Things to do in Mexico
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 in Tuxtla to suit the needs of luxury travelers and budget backpackers. See the list of accommodations below that I personally recommend:
LUXURY: MARRIOTT TUXTLA HOTEL
Check prices on Agoda | Check prices on Booking.com
MID RANGE: HOLIDAY INN TUXTLA
Check prices on Agoda | Check prices on Booking.com
BUDGET: HOSTAL TRES CENTRAL
Check prices on Agoda | Check prices on Booking.com
FOR ALL OTHER PLACES TO STAY IN TUXTLA, SEARCH ON AGODA OR SEARCH ON BOOKING.COM
BACKPACKING MEXICO – 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 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 → 13 THINGS TO DO IN SAN CRISTOBAL
El Arcotete Park in San Cristobal de las Casas
Cascadas El Chiflon – Mexico Backpackers
La Viña de Bacco – Backpacking Mexico
Beautiful courtyards inside Casa Na Bolom
Vibrant streets of San Cristobal – Mexico Highlights
Guadalupe Church – Mexico Itinerary
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 in San Cristobal to suit the needs of luxury travelers and budget backpackers. See the list of accommodations below that I personally recommend:
Luxury: HOTEL BO
Check prices on Agoda | Check prices on Booking.com
Mid Range: HOTEL CASA DE FAMILIA
Check prices on Agoda | Check prices on Booking.com
Budget: CASA 74
Check prices on Agoda | Check prices on Booking.com
FOR ALL OTHER PLACES TO STAY IN SAN CRISTOBAL, SEARCH ON AGODA OR SEARCH ON BOOKING.COM
BACKPACKING MEXICO – 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 Mexico itinerary!
2 days in Comitan is a decent amount of time to get a taste of this beautiful region when backpacking 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
Cascadas El Chiflón
El Chiflon Waterfall – Backpacking Mexico
Turquoise-colored cascades at El Chiflón
El Chiflon Chiapas
Cascadas El Chiflón – Mexico Backpackers
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 in Comitan to suit the needs of luxury travelers and budget backpackers. See the list of accommodations below that I personally recommend:
LUXURY: HOTEL LAGOS DE MONTEBELLO
Check prices on Agoda | Check prices on Booking.com
MID RANGE: HOTEL LA FINCA
Check prices on Agoda | Check prices on Booking.com
BUDGET: HOSPEDAJE CORAZON
Check prices on Agoda | Check prices on Booking.com
FOR ALL OTHER PLACES TO STAY IN COMITAN, SEARCH ON AGODA OR SEARCH ON BOOKING.COM
BACKPACKING MEXICO – 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 during your backpacking Mexico adventures!
See the list below of 9 Awesome Things To Do In Bacalar to add your Mexico itinerary:
- 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 → 9 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN BACALAR
Bacalar Lagoon – Backpacking Mexico
Castle of San Felipe
Sailing in Bacalar – Backpacking Mexico
Delicious dinner at La Playita – Mexico Itinerary
Shipwreck at Pirates Channel Bacalar
Sunrise in Bacalar – Travel Mexico Blog
Drone shot of Bacalar Lagoon
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 in Bacalar to suit the needs of luxury travelers and budget backpackers. See the list of accommodations below that I personally recommend:
Luxury: Bacalar 777 Hotel Boutique
Check prices on Agoda | Check prices on Booking.com
Mid Range: Hotel & Suites Oasis
Budget: Yaxche Centro Hostal
Check prices on Agoda | Check prices on Booking.com
FOR ALL OTHER PLACES TO STAY IN BACALAR, SEARCH ON AGODA OR SEARCH ON BOOKING.COM
MEXICO ITINERARY – DAY 19, 20, 21 & 22
TULUM
Next up on this Mexico backpacking itinerary is Tulum! Full of tropical beaches, amazing cenotes, Mayan ruins and a vibrant nightlife, it’s no wonder everyone seems to be flocking to Tulum as it’s one of the must-see places in Mexico!
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 15 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
- Have lunch at Tunich Cafe
- Dive into Cenote Calavera
- Check out the Azulik Museum
- Fly the drone at Laguna Kaan Luum
- Sunset & live music at Mateo’s
FULL BLOG POST → 15 EPIC THINGS TO DO IN TULUM
Playa Paraiso – Backpacking Mexico
Tulum Ruins – Things To Do In Mexico
Gran Cenote – Mexico Travel Guide
Raw Love art installation
Cenote Calavera – One month in Mexico
Sunrise in Tulum – Backpacking Mexico
Follow That Dream – Things to do in Mexico
Drone shot of El Cenote Encantado
BACKPACKING MEXICO – DAY 23 & 24
VALLADOLID
The small charming town of Valladolid is another one of my favorite places to visit when backpacking 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
Colorful streets in Valladolid – Backpacking Mexico
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?!
The 4 Best Cenotes in Valladolid that you absolutely must-see are:
Click on the links above to see detailed guides of each of these Valladolid Cenotes including where to find them, how much they cost and what to expect!
Ik Kil Cenote in Valladolid
Suytun Cenote – Mexico Itinerary
Cenote Oxman Valladolid
Cenote Zaci – Mexico Backpackers
CHICHEN ITZA TOURS
Chichen Itza is one of the most impressive and the most preserved Mayan ruins in Mexico and it’s definitely not to be missed. You can visit these incredible ruins DIY or with a tour.
See below the Best Chichen Itza Tours and book online in advance.
MEXICO ITINERARY – 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 IN 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
Cozumel Island – Mexico Itinerary
Cozumel snorkeling tour
Exploring the island by Jeep
ATV adventure – Mexico Backpacking
East coast beaches in Cozumel Mexico
The beautiful Cozumel cenote
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 in Cozumel to suit the needs of luxury travelers and budget backpackers. See the list of accommodations below that I personally recommend:
Luxury: Fiesta Americana Cozumel All Inclusive
Check prices on Agoda | Check prices on Booking.com
Mid Range: Hotel Boutique Vista del Mar
Check prices on Agoda | Check prices on Booking.com
Budget: Hostel Tropico 20º
Check prices on Agoda | Check prices on Booking.com
FOR ALL OTHER PLACES TO STAY IN COZUMEL, SEARCH ON AGODA OR SEARCH ON BOOKING.COM
BACKPACKING MEXICO – 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 it’s 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 of your Mexico itinerary!
I personally didn’t check out the town or book any activities in Cancun, I simply booked into an all-inclusive beach resort, put my feet up and enjoyed the sun, the sand and the ocean!
If you are wanting to explore more of what Cancun has to offer, scroll down to see a list of recommended tours.
Cancun Beach Mexico
All-inclusive resort in Cancun
BEST CANCUN TOURS
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 in Cancun to suit the needs of luxury travelers and budget backpackers. See the list of accommodations below that I personally recommend:
LUXURY: THE RITZ-CARLTON
Check prices on Agoda | Check prices on Booking.com
MID RANGE: OMNI HOTEL & VILLAS
Check prices on Agoda | Check prices on Booking.com
BUDGET: HOTEL BOUTIQUE CASA MALLORCA
Check prices on Agoda | Check prices on Booking.com
FOR ALL OTHER PLACES TO STAY IN CANCUN, SEARCH ON AGODA OR SEARCH ON BOOKING.COM
VISA FOR MEXICO
Mexico is visa-free to travelers from over 65 countries and you can stay in Mexico for up to 180 days.
Click Here to see the full list of nationalities that are eligible for the free tourist visa.
Need Travel Insurance? ∼ Click here for a free quote!
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 and May. 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 Mexico in the wet season is that things are generally quite cheaper as it’s their low season.
BACKPACKING MEXICO – THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
The currency in Mexico is Mexican Peso (MXN) and the exchange rate is approximately $1 USD = 24 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 bank card is fine.
There are plenty of ATMs in Mexico where you can easily withdraw cash to have with you when backpacking Mexico. To be on the safe side, I recommend purchasing a Hidden Money Belt to keep your cash out of sight.
Sunrise in Tulum – Mexico Itinerary
AIRBNB MEXICO
Another great option when searching for accommodation in Mexico is to stay in an Airbnb which generally has some great deals in Mexico!
Get your $40 Airbnb discount here!
FINAL THOUGHTS OF BACKPACKING IN MEXICO
Having only done only a little bit of research before backpacking 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 at all about backpacking Mexico or wanting help with your Mexico itinerary, please leave me a comment below and I will get back to you as soon as I can!
MORE CENTRAL & SOUTH AMERICA TRAVEL GUIDES
Guatemala: 2 Week Guatemala Itinerary
Cuba Travel Guide: 10 Day Cuba Itinerary
Peru Travel Guide: Backpacking Peru – 3 Week Itinerary
Bolivia Travel Guide: Things To Do In Bolivia
Brazil Travel Guide: 2 Day Rio De Janeiro Itinerary
Argentina Travel Guide: Things To Do In Argentina
Chile Travel Guide: Things To Do In Chile
WHAT TO PACK FOR BACKPACKING MEXICO?
• Waterproof Phone Case: Universal Waterproof Case
• Reusable Water Bottle: Hydro Flask Water Bottle
• Rain Jacket: North Face Rain Jacket
• Water Shoes: Slip-on Water Shoes
• Day Bag: Nomatic 20L Day Bag
• Power Adapter: Universal Power Adapter
• Packing Cubes: 4 Set Packing Cubes
• Microfibre Towel: Quick Dry Travel Towel
• Travel Insurance: World Nomads Travel Insurance
• Money Belt: Hidden Money Belt
MY CAMERA GEAR
• DSLR Mirrorless Camera: Sony A7ii
• Drone Camera: DJI Mavic Pro 2
• GoPro: GoPro Hero 8 Black
• Everyday Lens: Sony F2.8 24/70mm
• Camera Bag: Lowepro Protactic 31L
• Selfie Stick: Sandmarc Metal Edition 1.2m
• Tripod: Joby Flexible GorillaPod
• GoPro Dome: Underwater GoPro Dome
• Power Bank: Anker Powerbank
• External Hardrive: WD Elements 4TB
