Mexico has in some way gained a popularity for under catering to all-inclusive resort goers, or for being too harmful for unbiased journey. Neither of which is true. Backpacking Mexico is a visit you’ll always remember.

Positive, Cabo San Lucas, Cancun, Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlan are widespread with individuals on a one week vacation, and sure, there are some very harmful areas within the nation.

However when you’re on the bottom and are literally backpacking Mexico, you’ll see that this nation has lots to supply adventurers, historical past lovers, culture-seekers, meals lovers and unbiased travellers!

Nick and I’ve spent greater than Eight months travelling round Mexico and have by no means as soon as had a problem with crime, or felt unsafe (aside from a little bit bit in Manzanillo).

Backpacking is unquestionably one of the best ways to see the nation — there are such a lot of wonderful locations to go to in Mexico! This is among the world’s finest journey locations.

Listed below are my prime 10 explanation why it is best to go backpacking in Mexico.

1. Reasonably priced Prices in Mexico

*As of April 2020, the speed is: $1 USD = 24 MXN

One of many issues that backpackers take into consideration most when selecting a rustic to go to is the price of journey.

Mexico might not be as low cost of a vacation spot as Asia or some components of Central America, however it’s positively reasonably priced.

Whether or not you’re on a strict finances, or in case you take into account your self extra of a midrange backpacker, this nation has you lined.

In the event you don’t thoughts travelling within the low season, you’ll discover even higher worth for cash outdoors of the height November to March season.

For finances backpackers, you will get by on little or no right here. Though, you’ll should forego some comforts. Tenting on the seashores (particularly on the Pacific Coast) is feasible, plus, it’s enjoyable and free.

Dorm beds value round 150 pesos per individual, whereas double non-public rooms go for 450 – 600 pesos.

Typical Mexican snack meals could be very low cost – tacos, quesadillas, sopes, tortas, tostadas, and so on. can all be had in small eating places or on the road for 7 – 20 pesos every. A sit-down meal plate of meals will set you again 50 – 150 pesos.

When backpacking Mexico, you gained’t be complaining about the price of meals in any respect — or the style.

Transportation is what eats the finances in Mexico.

Due to the hefty tolls on most of the highways, buses cost round $7 – $10 / hour. In the event you guide the identical day, or go for second class (when accessible) the fee can be a lot much less.

Hitch-hiking is one other option to get round, and it’s free. There are additionally a number of low-cost home airways, which incessantly have reductions.

A day by day finances for a pair in Mexico would range from round $20 USD/day (tenting, hitch-hiking, cooking for your self, consuming road meals) to $70 USD/day or extra.

At $70/day, you’ll be capable to get pleasure from sit-down meals in eating places, comfy buses, non-public double rooms and the occasional exercise.

After all, the slower you journey, the decrease your prices in Mexico will probably be.

2. Worth For Cash

When backpacking, you generally come throughout a rustic that’s low cost to journey in, and your purchases are actually reasonably priced…however what that tends to imply is that issues are missing in high quality.

You’re not spending a lot, however you’re not getting a lot both.

Different occasions, you find yourself spending a fortune on lodging, meals and actions (Africa!) and the worth for cash simply isn’t there.

One of many nice issues about Mexico is that you simply get extra bang on your buck than in most different components round the world.

Rooms could also be round $40 an evening for a double room (vs. $20 in Thailand), however you get a non-public toilet with sizzling water bathe, the room is clear, the beds and pillows are comfy, there’s air-conditioning, breakfast is included, there’s furnishings within the room, and so on.

Whereas in Thailand, you’ll most likely have a shared toilet, small room, no breakfast, springy mattress and only a fan.

Buses can value fairly a bit when backpacking in Mexico, even by North American requirements, however the 1st class seats are giant and comfy and so they recline with a pleasant leg relaxation.

There’s a/c on the buses, a light-weight lunch is offered, they journey instantly with none stops, there’s a rest room on board and (right here’s one of the best half) there’s wi-fi on the bus.

The buses in Mexico are of nice worth for cash.

The meals is great in Mexico and whether or not you’re having an inexpensive road meal, or a pleasant plate of meals at a restaurant, you’ll be pleased with the portion sizes and flavour.

Meals are giant and good high quality elements are used within the preparation, you gained’t seemingly discover any random bits of meat in your taco.

The entire meals is great high quality, sanitation requirements are excessive (aside from possibly a number of taco stands) and the bang on your buck is unbelievable.

Learn Extra:

3. The Wonderful Hostels in Mexico

In the event you’re backpacking Mexico and aren’t tenting, you then’ll probably be staying in a hostel. Fortunately, Mexico has among the finest hostels… ever.

After 6 months of backpacking Mexico, we will truthfully say that as a complete, the hostels had been incredible.

The rooms in Mexico are clear and include fundamental facilities that you simply generally don’t count on from hostels in different nations, comparable to cleaning soap within the toilet, sizzling water showers, bathtub towels and day by day cleansing of your room.

Usually, breakfast will probably be included within the room value, and within the case of the hostel we stayed at in Mexico Metropolis, dinner was included. Wi-fi is at all times accessible within the hostel and oftentimes there will probably be a pool and a communal kitchen.

You’ll often discover an space for chilling out in a hammock or sunbed. Most of the hostels even have particular occasions every evening, comparable to reside music, salsa classes and cooking lessons.

Right here’s a listing of among the Prime Rated Hostels round Mexico

Finest Hostels in Cancun:

• Evaluate costs of all hostels in Cancun Reserving.com
• Evaluate costs on guesthouses, resorts, resorts and extra in Cancun on Reserving.com

Finest Hostels in Mexico Metropolis:

• Evaluate costs of all hostels in Mexico Metropolis on Reserving.com
• Evaluate costs of guesthouses, resorts, resorts and extra in Mexico Metropolis on Reserving.com

Finest Hostels in San Cristobal de las Casas:

• Evaluate costs of all hostels in San Cristobal de las Casas on Reserving.com. 
• Evaluate costs of hostels, guesthouses, resorts, resorts & extra in San Cristobal on Reserving.com

Finest Hostels in Guadalajara:

• Evaluate costs of all hostels in Guadalajara on Reserving.com 
• Evaluate costs of all hostels, resorts, resorts & extra in Guadalajara on Reserving.com

Finest Hostels in Guanajuato:

• Evaluate costs of all hostels in Guanajuato on Reserving.com 
• Evaluate costs of all hostels, resorts, boutiques, resorts & extra on Reserving.com

Finest Hostel in Merida:

☞ Nomadas Hostel – 8.8/10 ranking. This was our favorite hostel in Mexico as a result of they supplied so many FREE actions. Try the most recent value of Nomadas Hostel on Reserving.com 

• Evaluate costs of all hostels in Merida on Reserving.com 
• Evaluate costs of hostels, resorts, boutiques, resorts & extra in Merida on Reserving.com

Finest Hostels in Playa del Carmen:

• Evaluate costs on all hostels in Playa del Carmen on Reserving.com 
• Evaluate costs on all hostels, resorts, boutiques, resorts & extra in Playa del Carmen on Reserving.com

Finest Hostels in Puerto Escondido:

Losdeli Hostel in Puerto Escondido – Away from the busy seaside space in a quiet, lovely location. Near one of the best swimming seashores, swimming pool, fundamental breakfast, communal kitchen, hammocks, pleasant employees and good wi-fi.

Not fascinated by hostels? Listed below are some superior mid-range resorts:

Lodge Catedral in Puerto Vallarta – Very reasonably priced, clear, lovely boutique constructing, superior location, wi-fi and pleasant employees. See our article right here.

Lodge Las Palmas on Isla Mujeres – A spread of rooms and prices, enormous rooftop terrace, communal kitchen, small pool, hammocks, pleasant homeowners, wi-fi and library. See our evaluation right here.

4. The Welcoming Individuals

Mexicans are actually among the most pleasant individuals we’ve come throughout throughout our travels.

Vacationers have taken over their seashores and cities and so they nonetheless deal with us like welcomed visitors of their nation.

Positive, tourism offers jobs, however Mexico has seen some mass tourism and for probably the most half, the native individuals aren’t jaded by the gringo invasion.

They’re at all times prepared to assist out with instructions, they are going to attempt to communicate with you on the bus. They’re affected person when listening to your makes an attempt at talking Spanish and are type.

When backpacking Mexico, count on to have some real experiences with the native individuals.

5. The Idyllic Seashores

There’s a purpose why that is such a well-liked resort nation, the seashores in Mexico are unbelievable.

Tender, white powdery sands and turquoise waters could be discovered on the Caribbean facet, whereas on the Pacific facet, there’s a variety of deep blue waters and emerald coves with golden colored sand.

The Gulf Coast has some nice seashores as nicely, though they’re not as widespread because the Pacific and the Caribbean. The seashores are idyllic and the right place for browsing, crusing, swimming, snorkelling…and sipping beers.

Isla Holbox, Isla Mujeres, Puerto Escondido, San Pancho, Puerto Vallarta and Mazunte are some good seaside spots when backpacking Mexico.

6. The Scrumptious Meals

Meals is such an enormous a part of journey. It unites individuals, cultures and customs.

Being invited to somebody’s dwelling for a meal is such an honour and studying how numerous elements have developed through the years to create a rustic’s delicacies is kind of fascinating.

Mexico has probably the most well-known cuisines on this planet. In truth, Mexican meals was just lately added to the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity record by UNESCO.

Many individuals suppose that Mexican meals is mainly simply tacos, nachos and burritos.

When in actuality, the delicacies on this nation could be very various and stuffed with flavour (word: burritos aren’t Mexican in any respect, they had been invented within the USA).

Every area has its personal dishes, and even some cities have their specialities. The state of Oaxaca is understood for its unbelievable mole sauces, chocolate and cheeses.

When in Jalisco State, be certain that to attempt the birria, which is a stewed spicy goat/beef meat with onion and lime.

In Guadalajara, be certain that to attempt the torta ahogada (Drowned Sandwich), which is a pork sandwich partially submerged in a spicy tomatoes sauce with onions. This is alleged to be the hangover treatment! 

Alongside any of the coastlines, go for recent seafood meals. Shrimp could be purchased for a mere 150 pesos/kg from the native fishermen. Within the Yucatan, there are quite a few meals choices. You’ll haven’t any downside consuming your means by way of this nation.

Undoubtedly go on a meals tour in case you can whereas backpacking Mexico. You’ll be taught a lot in regards to the historical past of the delicacies, the way to make numerous dishes, and naturally, eat plenty of nice meals.

Meals Tour in Puerto Vallarta

Meals Tour in Guanajuato

Meals Tour in Mexico Metropolis

7. The Glorious Actions

You’ll by no means be bored whereas backpacking by way of Mexico. It doesn’t matter what you’re fascinated by, you’ll discover it right here.

The Pacific coast is a great spot for browsing and boogie boarding. You may lease a board for the day, or carry your personal. Throughout the winter months, you may go on whale and dolphin watching excursions on the Pacific facet.

Nevertheless, if you wish to avoid wasting money, simply hold a watch out and also you’ll seemingly spot some whales from land.

Round Punta de Mita and San Pancho, it’s positively potential to do some land-based whale watching. It’s also possible to witness child turtles being launched into the wild on many seashores across the nation.

On the Caribbean facet, crusing, snorkelling and simply chilling out on the seaside are the right past-times. Crusing may cost you a bit, however snorkel gear is reasonable.

There are quite a few cenotes within the Yucatan that you could discover, both independently at no cost (or a really small price), or you may go on a tour.

Renting a bicycle in locations like Tulum and Valladolid to discover the freshwater caverns your self is plenty of enjoyable. In truth, renting a motorbike anyplace is a good thought, and it gained’t break your backpacking finances.

Within the mountains, village treks can be found, as are unbiased walks and volcano mountain climbing.

Waterfalls, chicken watching, river safaris, zip-lining, cave exploration are all on supply in Mexico.

8. The Historical past and Historic Ruins

Even in case you’re not often fascinated by museums and historic websites, when you’re backpacking round Mexico, you’ll be blown away by the traditional ruins.

Chichen Itza, a Surprise Of The World, is simply one of many many unbelievable Mayan websites you may see.

Visit the ruins set within the thick jungle of Palenque or the distinctive archaeological website at Uxmal. Climb the crumbling steps as much as Coba, and wander by way of the spectacular historic metropolis of Teotihuacan — an hour or so outdoors of Mexico Metropolis.

The relics of Tulum are set on a cliffside with unbelievable views over the Caribbean Sea. The swimming there may be nice as nicely so carry your bathing swimsuit. Different nominations are Ek Balam and Dzibilchaltun.

Irrespective of what number of historic websites you see, each is exclusive and attention-grabbing in its personal means. 

9. The Festivals

It’s no secret that Mexicans love fiestas! Any excuse to get along with a gaggle of family and friends, devour tasty meals, flip up the tunes and lightweight fireworks is welcome right here.

There’s virtually a pageant in Mexico each week, so irrespective of which era of the yr you resolve to backpack Mexico, there’ll seemingly be a pageant you may see, or partake in. 

New Year’s Eve is a big celebration, and you may count on a lot of fireworks — whether or not you’re on the seaside or within the metropolis! In July, you gained’t wish to miss the Guelaguetza Competition in Oaxaca which is stuffed with conventional tradition, dance and gown.

However after all, the most well-liked pageant in Mexico is Day of The Useless (Día de Muertos). Celebrated all throughout Mexico from October 31st – November 2nd, this vibrant pageant welcomes the useless again dwelling. Mexico Metropolis and Oaxaca Metropolis are two nice locations to expertise the pageant.  

10. World-Class Scuba Diving

Mexico’s shoreline spans greater than 9,000 km, and is dwelling to a number of islands — it’s no shock that the scuba diving right here is superior! 

On the west coast, you’ll discover the Sea of Cortez and the gorgeous Socorro Islands. This is the place the entire liveaboards in Mexico are discovered. Swim with big manta rays, or expertise cage diving with nice whites…in case you dare. 

On the east coast, you’ll discover the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean. Right here, you’ll discover the favored diving locations or Isla Mujeres and Cozumel. Among the finest diving in Mexico could be discovered right here, together with the wonderful Banco Chincorro.

On prime of the unbelievable ocean diving, Mexico affords a singular option to get beneath the floor. Attempt your hand at scuba diving in a cenote! This freshwater cave dive is to not be missed. 

Scuba diving in Mexico might not be for these on a strict finances backpacking finances, however when you’ve got the money, it’s well worth the splurge. It’ll value you round $75 for two dives. 

The extra dives you do, the much less it should value. Diving in Mexico is dearer right here than in different components of Central America and Asia, however the visibility, marine life, gear and boats are top-notch.

Pack Your Backpack for Mexico!

Mexico affords the unbiased traveller nothing however journey, pleasure, and distinctive experiences.

However, in case you’re not fascinated by being all that adventurous, there’s ample alternative for beach-bumming and sipping Coronas in a hammock. Every thing about this nation speaks to backpackers, so pack your luggage and guide your flight, Mexico is ready for you.

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