2 Weeks in Northern Mexico Itinerary
Mexico is one of those ultimate countries to backpack.
Not only does it have some amazing destinations in all corners, it also has an incredible culture and many great off the beaten path experiences.
Whilst most stay within the popular central and southern areas, it’s in fact the north where the real Mexican adventure lies.
2 weeks in Northern Mexico itinerary
In this guide, we’ll explore the northern regions of Jalisco, Nayarit, Sinaloa, Chihuahua and Durango with our personalized 2 weeks itinerary.
Getting around Mexico
As with most countries, the bus is your best friend when it comes to traveling around Mexico.
Distances can be large, however, most roads are well developed and there’s a pretty expansive bus network filled with many decent quality operators.
It’s important to keep yourself safe whilst traveling around Mexico.
One way is to stick with the official bus stations such as ADO, and another is to protect your belongings by using a secure cable padlock and always having them within sight (when possible).
Things to Know Before Backpacking Mexico
Some areas can be underdeveloped and unsafe in many Mexican destinations, so always try to stay in hostels that are well-located (such as near busy areas and main landmarks).
You can read more about Mexico on this blog but we recommend a living budget of $25 a day whilst on this particular 2 weeks itinerary.
This will cover your major daily costs such as a dorm bed, food, some local buses and also a few drinks or extras.
This does not cover flights, travel insurance or long-distance buses.
To avoid rainy weather, head to these regions between November and May during the dry season. If you are heading during the rainy season, then make sure you carry this quality Poncho.
With Jalisco, Nayarit and Sinaloa all located on the Pacific coast, there’s a potential risk of hurricane weather which is highest between August and October.
You can expect hot weather year-round, so bring lots of light clothes (however also bring a couple of layers for when traveling through the Copper Canyon, since temperatures can drop rapidly here).
2 weeks in Mexico
We’d like to start this Mexico itinerary off by saying that out of all regions included in this itinerary, Jalisco is definitely the most popular to visit.
The region offers a mix of highlands, Pacific beaches and fascinating cities and we believe this is what makes the region a must-stop in Mexico.
Backpacking Jalisco (Days 1-4)
We suggest kicking off this itinerary by arriving in the hub of Guadalajara.
You’ll spend 2 days here, where you can stroll around and see impressive colonial architecture such as the Guadalajara Cathedral and the Templo Expiatorio del Santísimo Sacramento.
Our recommended hostel in Guadalajara is The Blue Pepper Hostel, located in the chill district of Americana.
From here you can also head on a day trip to the town of Tequila, which is to no shock – the birthplace of the beautiful drink we all love (but don’t how to handle at the best of times). We recommend joining this awesome tour where you’ll visit the José Cuervo Distillery, as well as explore the colonial town of Tequila.
From here we then take an overnight bus to the popular destination of Puerto Vallarta, which we recommend spending 2 days in.
It’s known for its great Pacific beaches and sunsets, as well as some thumpin’ good nightlife. The best hostel to stay in Puerto Vallarta is Chanclas, which is close to the beach in the Centro area.
The best foods and drinks to try from Jalisco include Tejuino which is a fermented alcoholic drink, and Jericalla which is like a baked custard dessert.
Top Things to Do:
- Visit a distillery in Tequila
- Marvel at the Guadalajara Cathedral
- Lounge on Playa de los Muertos
- Try Tejuino at an authentic Mexican bar
From the Terminal Central de Autobuses in Puerto Vallarta, you will then take a bus to Sayulita, which is in the region of Nayarit.
Jalisco Backpacking Tips
⬇️ Below you’ll see our top recommendations for Jalisco:
- 🛏️ – Blue Pepper Hostel (Guadalajara), Los Muertos Hostal (Puerto Vallarta). are our favourite hostels.
- 🌮 – Jalisco is well known for its regional delicacies. We recommend trying Jericalla, which is like a flan dessert and also a Tejuino, which is a sweet drink made from fermented corn (tastes a lot better than it sounds). In Guadalajara, head to Burro Astral for some cheap and tasty burritos.
- 🏛️ – Marieta Islands (Puerto Vallarta), José Cuervo Express (Tequila), ElTemplo Expiatorio del Santísimo Sacramento (Guadalajara). See this list of top rated tours in Jalisco.
- 🍺 – There are many bars and clubs along the promenade in Puerto Vallarta, some of the best including La Vaquita and Mandala. Calle Chapultepec in Guadalajara is legendary for its nightlife scene.
- 💡 – Spend more time getting to know the region! As well as visiting smaller towns like Tequila, the Altos region is also great for those who love to get outdoors and hike.
Backpacking Nayarit (Days 5-6)
Nayarit is one of the smallest states in Mexico, and lies just above Jalisco.
It’s mostly known for its coast and the popular backpacker hub of Sayulita, where this itinerary will continue on to.
Having arrived from the bus station, you’ll find all the best spots close to the beach, including La Redonda hostel which we recommend for a stay.
One of the best things to do in Sayulita is surfing, with its small stretch of Pacific waters some of the best in the country.
Of course if you don’t surf or don’t want to, there’s also some really nice beaches to spend the day relaxing on or swimming in such as Playa de los Muertos, or alternatively you can get away from all the bustle and try out a relaxing yoga session on the beach.
The Marieta Islands are one of the most picturesque sights you can see in Mexico, and are located just off the coast of Nayarit.
You can join a tour from Sayulita, where you’ll see a fantastic secret beach surrounded by a dome of cliffs, and also wildlife such as humpback whales, manta rays and tropical fish.
If possible, reserve your place in advance so it fits in well with the itinerary. When it comes to food in Nayarit, we recommend trying Aguachile, which is an incredible mix of fruits, seafood and spices.
Top Things to Do Nayarit:
- Surfing in Sayulita
- Visit Playa de los Muertos for beach-time
- Explore the stunning Marieta Islands
- Try Aguachile in one of the many beachside restaurants
From Sayulita you will first take a bus to the regions capital of Tepic, which takes around 2 hours, and then another 4 hour bus that heads directly to Mazatlán in Sinaloa.
Nayarit Backpacking Tips
⬇️ Below you’ll see our top recommendations for Nayarit:
- 🛏️ – La Redonda (Sayulita), Selina (Sayulita).
- 🌮 – Lots of great options to eat around Sayulita, including El Itacate and Barracuda. Nayarit is well known for its seafood, so if you’re keen then you should definitely try out the ceviche and pescado zarandeado.
- 🏛️ – Marieta Islands, Beaches along the Riviera Nayarita. See this list of top rated tours in Nayarit.
- 🍺 – Lots of nice options in Sayulita all within close walking distance of each other. Some of the best bars here include La Rústica, Escondido and Lucid.
- 💡 – Nayarit in general is a place to wind back and chill. There are lots of cheap yoga lessons and also surf lessons here if you fancy, which will make your time here more relaxing / memorable.
Backpacking Sinaloa (Days 7-9)
Sinaloa has had a pretty infamous past, with the name conjuring up images of its drug trade and gangs once headed by the notorious El Chapo.
Nowadays it’s a lot safer, especially in the elegant city of Mazatlán where we’ll base ourselves in. Running along the Pacific Coast, this city is home to one of the longest promenades in the World, which stands at a grand total of 7 miles!
Head here during the late afternoon, and on your stroll, you can buy authentic Mexican dishes such as corn on the cob and shrimp dishes from food carts along the bay.
You’ll also find many cliffs near the southern part, where you may be lucky enough to spot brave divers who make the timed leap into the narrow and receding waters below.
Those up for a real adventure will want to join this all-action tour, where you’ll go zip-lining and on an ATV ride through the nearby Sierra Occidental Mountain Range.
Other great things to see in Mazatlán include visiting Isla de la Piedra which has an incredibly long beautiful coastline, and also Isla de los Pájaros for nature walks. We recommend staying in Sundaze Hostel.
After spending time in Mazatlán, we’ll then be taking a night bus to Los Mochis further north, where we’ll then board the El Chepe train early in the morning – heading towards the incredible Copper Canyon.
Top Things to Do Sinaloa:
- Walk along one of the World’s longest promenades
- Chill out on the expansive beach of Isla de Piedra
- Head out to Isla de los Pájaros for some great hiking trails and nature spotting
- Board the El Chepe train in Los Mochis
Having already boarded the El Chepe train in Los Mochis, kick back and enjoy the stunning scenery. We’ll pick up where we left off in the next section.
Sinaloa Backpacking Tips
⬇️ Below you can find a list of our top recommendations for Sinaloa:
Now let’s explore our top tips for a trip in Sinaloa, which are all based on our own experience traveling within this beautiful region.
- 🛏️ – Funky Monkey Hostel (Mazatlán), Posada Don José (El Fuerte).
- 🌮 – Walk down the endless malecón in Mazatlán and you will have almost unlimited options. Many vendors sell corn and tacos dirt cheap here. For seafood lovers, head to Mariscos el Torito.
- 🏛️ – The Promenade and El Faro (Mazatlán), The Mirador (El Fuerte). See this list of top rated tours in Sinaloa.
- 🍺 – Cervecería Tres Islas is a great bar with cheap beers in Mazatlán, and also Darawa Antro Dance for live Latin music (Mazatlán).
- 💡 – Whilst in Mazatlán, head over to Isla de la Piedra. This low-key gem is located in the south, it has a coastline that disappears for miles and also lots of palapas with cheap eats and beers. What more could you ask for!
Backpacking Chihuahua (Days 10-13)
Chihuahua is one of the up and coming regions for backpackers to head to in Mexico, and for very good reason.
Here you’ll find the famous Copper Canyon mountain range, which is over four times as large as The Grand Canyon (and twice as deep).
We’ll actually be arriving into the expansive area by the train we boarded in Los Mochis.
Whilst it’s possible to visit all the best sites within a day, we recommend staying at least one night in Divisadero or Creel, where the best views and hiking paths are located.
Within Creel you can also visit the old colonial church of San Ignacio Arareko, and also the nearby Lake Arareco. Other worthy stops along the Copper Canyon route include El Fuerte and Barrancas.
When in Creel you’ll want to join this tour where you’ll have all transport provided to the above gems. You’ll also visit the stunning Cusarare Falls (one of George’s personal favourites!
At the end of the route we’ll land in Chihuahua City, which is another great city to explore. Be sure to stay in Kuira Bá Hostal to base yourself.
Here the best things to see are The Metropolitan Cathedral and The Palacio de Gobierno.
The foods and drinks in Chihuahua are quite distinct, and we recommend trying Tesguino, a corn beer that has its roots from the Tarahumara tribe, and also Empanadas de Santa Rita.
Top Things to Do in Chihuahua:
- Visit Divisadero and its stunning viewpoints
- Spend a day exploring Creel and its nearby natural spectacles.
- Try Tesguino
- Marvel at The Metropolitan Cathedral in Chihuahua City
From Chihuahua City it will be a 9 hour bus to Durango City, which has a stop in Torreón. You can board this bus at the Terminal Central de Autobuses in Chihuahua.
Chihuahua Backpacking Tips
⬇️ Below you can find a list of our top recommendations for Chihuahua:
- 🛏️ – Hotel Doña Crucita (Creel), Cabaña Los Portales (The Copper Canyon).
- 🌮 – You must try Mole whilst in this region! Along the Copper Canyon, there are lots of food stalls with traditional Mexican food which I highly recommend trying.
- 🏛️ – Divisadero (Copper Canyon), Cusárare Falls, San Ignacio Arakeko. See this list of top rated tours in Chihuahua.
- 🍺 – Head to La Roca and La Sotolería in Chihuahua City. As you can imagine nightlife is pretty limited in the Copper Canyon! Although there’s some places in Creel, it’s definitely a time to have some wine or beers whilst watching the incredible sunset over the valley.
- 💡 – This region is famous for the indigenous Tarahumara tribe, who are known for their long-distance running abilities.
Backpacking Durango (Days 14-15)
Durango is by far the least visited region on this itinerary, and even one of the least overall in Mexico!
However having been here, it’s definitely got its own charm and points of interest nearby.
Located in the desert, Durango City is a good place to head outback on a 4×4 to explore the nearby mountains and get some real “spaghetti western” scenery and views not found further south in the more popular areas.
Another popular site to visit is the Paseo del Viejo Oeste, which is a popular film set for many western style movies.
Here you can walk through a western style town, see performances and even buy some old Mexican beers if it tickles your fancy.
We recommend staying at Hostel de la Monja, which is well located centrally. In Durango, we really recommend trying Caldillo Duranguense – a local hearty beef stew.
Top Things to Do Durango:
- Get some classic “Mexican desert” landscapes
- Visit a popular Western film set
- Try Caldillo Duranguense
And that’s the end of our two week itinerary through northern Mexico! From here you can take a domestic flight back to Mexico City if you need to leave.
Alternatively, consider extending your trip by heading into Zacatecas to explore the lesser known gems of Central Mexico.
Durango Backpacking Tips
⬇️ Below you can find a list of our top recommendations for Durango:
- 🛏️ – Hostal la Casa de Bruno (Durango City).
- 🌮 – Some great cheap eats include La Hacienda and Los Toritos, which both do some amazing Mexican dishes.
- 🏛️ – Cable Car (Durango City), Paseo del Viejo Oeste, Catedral de Durango (Durango City), Pancho Villa Museum (Durango City).
- 🍺 – Durango City has some pretty decent options, including Tangerine and Club 100. For those interested more in culture, then you can find groups of callejoneadas who dance along the streets all night long!
- 💡 – With most (if not) all the sights being located close to Durango City, it’s in your best interest to stay here. Buses here from Mazatlán and Torreón are doable, however regional flights into this city can sometimes be even cheaper than the buses.
Travel Insurance for Mexico
Getting yourself insured on a backpacking trip is one of your upmost priorities before heading out into Latin America.
Let’s be honest – getting ill or having an accident is something we all avoid thinking about, and we like to think that it will never happen to us.
However it’s natural you’ll be taking more risks, so it’s vital to get this sorted beforehand. Whether you’re scaling a mountain in Peru or simply trying new street foods in Mexico City, having that piece of mind can really help you relax, even if nothing ever happens to you whilst on the road.
Get a free quote now by clicking the link and this will help you get a realistic quote to see how much your backpacking insurance will cost you for the entire duration of your trip.
Northern Mexico Backpacking Itinerary
Mexico is one of the ultimate backpacking destinations.
It really is perfect for the adventurous traveller, and has many amazing things to see and do, as well as unique cultures waiting to be explored.
In this itinerary-style guide, we’ve looked at the diverse regions of Jalisco, Nayarit, Sinaloa, Chihuahua and Durango. We’ve listed how much time we recommend in each, what to see and also our own top tips.
Be sure to come back to this article whenever you need help planning, or even to suggest your own tips once you’ve completed the adventure yourself.
Also see our backpacking Mexico guide for the full enchilada!
👉🏽 P.S. If you’ve found this guide helpful, buy us a coffee here to say thanks! Or, support us by downloading our South America Travel Bible to get our best content.
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