Backpacking Mexico Itinerary
Welcome to our 2 weeks in Mexico itinerary.
Let’s be real, it’s no secret that Mexico is one of the most popular destinations for backpackers who are looking for a diverse cultural experience.
Mexico has tons to offer, including beaches, interesting ancient ruins, rich culture and history, dynamic cities, incredible cuisine, and welcoming people.
Mexico Itinerary (2 week)
If you are thinking of backpacking Mexico or planning your trip to Mexico, it can be difficult to choose only a few places to visit.
To help you out, today we bring you a list of the must-visit locations you simply can’t miss as well as our well-thought-out 2 week Mexico itinerary!
Is Mexico worth visiting?
The question should be… why wouldn’t you want to visit Mexico?! This incredibly diverse and stunning country has pretty much everything going for it.
With picturesque beaches, rocky mountains and uncharted jungle all within grasp it makes the perfect backpacking destination. And then we have its food, which we think has to be one of Latin America’s best (if not the world!).
Is Mexico Safe?
Mexico’s history is riddled with drug-related crimes, so many people wonder if it’s safe to visit.
It’s important to understand that tourists are not targeted on purpose, but they do need to take precautions to avoid being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
If you’re planning on visiting popular tourist spots, it’s better to have a guided day tour starting from Mexico City, that way you can ensure that the group of people you’ll be with are safe.
Many people flock to Mexico for its beaches and cities, and they come back just fine. Later in the article, we will provide some useful safety tips so you can have the best possible experience in this beautiful country.
Safety Facts About Mexico
- The best way to evaluate safety is by looking at the 2020 Global Peace Index. This measures the state of peace of each country in comparison with the rest of the World, by evaluating both tangible and qualitative indicators.
- Mexico ranked as 137th out of the 163 nations measured, which is similar to that of Nicaragua and India. For comparison, The United States ranked as 121st. Being honest, even this indicator makes things sound much worse than they actually are. The majority of violence is gang-related (the drug cartels), and is mostly between different factions.
- Most of the top destinations and resort towns are actually pretty safe, and are fine for walking alone during the day (and some at night). The biggest issue when heading to Mexico is theft, so leave all valuables at home.
- If heading to some of the bigger cities such as Mexico City or Guadalajara, be sure to look up the safe neighbourhoods, and also find out which areas are best avoided.
Though parts of Mexico can be dangerous, travelers and backpackers will be able to explore the country without a hitch.
You’ll need to be cautious and follow basic safety tips, which we’ll provide later on in the article. Also, see this Mexico City itinerary for even more practical tips.
Backpacking Mexico Itinerary
There’s a lot to see and to do in Mexico, so it can be difficult to narrow the options down. Here are 6 of the best must-see locations you need to visit to have the best taste of Mexico!
Mexico City
Though Mexico City is mostly known for its high crime rates, it has been transformed and public spaces are coming back to life.
The cultural scene is thriving, foodies will have an amazing time, and history buffs will have a lot of fun learning about the city through museums dedicated to Mexican heritage.
All in all, Mexico City is a great place to visit, and the best way to enjoy it is to book a tour that will take you through all the highlights and hidden gems in and around the city.
Chichén Itzá
You’ll quickly realize that Chichén Itzá is essential in any Mexico itinerary because you simply need to visit one of the seven wonders of the world.
These ancient ruins are the most well-known and best-preserved ones in the country and they receive over a million visitors a year.
You will be in awe of their greatness and their beauty, and this visit is something you’ll always remember.
We recommend heading with this highly-rated tour, where you’ll have a professional guide show you around, and take you to the incredible Ik Kil Cenote
Playa del Carmen
A must-visit location for all backpackers. Playa del Carmen, known simply as “Playa” by locals, is one of the most popular spots in the Yucatán Peninsula.
This area is the perfect combination of local flavor and international influence, so it has a lot to offer.
You’ll find lively bars, all-inclusive resorts, nice restaurants, trendy clubs, and souvenir stands, and the beach is just stunning.
It’s not the best destination to explore the traditional Mexican culture, but it gives you chance to connect with one of Mexico’s most popular tourist attractions.
Cozumel
It’s no secret that Isla Cozumel is one of the best scuba diving destinations and it’s really close to Playa del Carmen.
For snorkeling enthusiasts, they will enjoy a boat and snorkeling reefs tour at Cozumel as they’ll find crystal clear waters, diverse marine life, and all the natural beauty you can dream of.
Diving and snorkeling are the main activities here, but you will also be able to explore the area and enjoy wild natural parks and much more.
Los Cabos
Los Cabos includes the towns of Cabo San Lucas, a popular destination, and San José del Cabo.
It’s preferred by surfers and divers who enjoy visiting Los Cabos every year and it’s also known for its sport fishing opportunities and golfing. This is also one of the best places to see Humpback and Blue Whales, and this tour will also include an open bar on deck.
Again, this is not the best destination to get in touch with the Mexican culture but if you’re looking for fun, water activities, and relaxation, this is the place to visit.
Gran Cenote
Last but not least, we have the Gran Cenote, a natural sinkhole that attracts many visitors.
The Yucatán Peninsula is known for its cenotes, which are great spots to swim and cool off, not to mention they provide opportunities to explore ancient caves and the jungle.
Gran Cenote is located near Tulum, but it’s not the only popular cenote. There are lots of Cenotes in Tulum and you can explore it through archeological tour in Tulum and Coba – a perfect treat for history and water enthusiasts.
There’s also Cenote Azul, which is close to Playa del Carmen and Cenote Yokdzonot near Chichén Itzá.
Mexico Itinerary (2 Weeks)
Below we’ll cover our best Mexico itinerary. As well as keeping an eye on the time, it’s also been designed to keep things fresh and exciting too for you.
Mexico City (Days 1-3)
Where else better to start off our Mexican adventure than by heading to the capital? Along with Cancún, this city is one of the best connected in Latin America, and from here it’s very easy to access the rest of the country.
Mexico City really is a sprawling beast, and as such it can be quite intimidating for first-timers.
We recommend staying in either the Historic Centre (for authenticity), or the bustling and popular areas of La Condesa or Roma. All of the above are very safe, with tonnes of authentic food restaurants dotted around, as well as being easy to walk around.
The best things to do in Mexico City include a visit to the Zócalo, where you can also see important buildings such as the Palacio de Bellas Artes.
Walking around Chapultepec Park is another must, where you can also visit the nearby Museo Nacional de Antropologia, which is known for its incredible collection of ancient artifacts.
Last but not least, no trip to Mexico City can be completed without a visit to Teotihuacán. These sprawling ruins are around 2 hours from the capital and make for an unforgettable day trip and history lesson.
Oaxaca City (Days 4-6)
From Mexico City we’ll now take the bus to Oaxaca – which is known as the culinary capital of the nation.
Normally there’d be a stop in Puebla, however this won’t be possible on our itinerary (if you have the time though we really recommend it). The bus from Mexico City to Oaxaca City takes around 10 hours.
Whilst the capital is a no-holds-barred style destination, Oaxaca City has a much more friendly and familiar vibe. The Zócalo is a great area to be based around, where you can see many street performances and try some of the best foods around (such as Tlayudas and Tasajo).
When in Oaxaca City you must visit the Mercado 20 de Noviembre, which is the most vibrant food market in the country. Whilst we also prefer exploring new foods by ourselves, we have to admit that this particular food tour is worth booking, since you’ll have a knowledgeable local guide you as you sample over 20 authentic dishes!
Other cool things to do include a walk through the illustrious Church of Santo Domingo, and also exploring the nearby ruins of Monté Albán, which were created by the Zapotecs and is situated on top of a mountain.
San Cristóbal de las Casas (Days 7-8)
Now it’s time to explore the wonderful region of Chiapas, and we’ll start off with the popular backpacking town of San Cristóbal de las Casas. The bus from Oaxaca City takes around 12 hours in total.
One of Mexico’s famed Pueblos Mágicos, San Cristóbal really does have it all. When you imagine a cute mountainous Mexican town, this one pretty much ticks all the boxes; Friendly locals, lots of churches, colonial architecture, stunning nearby sceneries… this is a mandatory stop when in Mexico!
We recommend heading on a free walking tour, where you’ll learn more about the town’s best and most historic sites such as the Cathedral, Zócalo, and the Guadalupe Church.
Casa Na Bolom is another gem you’ll want to visit when in town. This picturesque museum is one of the most comprehensive when it comes to the ancient history and culture of the region’s Lacandon Maya indigenous tribe. There are also many worthwhile sites just outside of San Cristóbal.
Sumidero Canyon is a very popular trip close to town, which is known for its straight-vertical walls that rise as high as 700m above the narrow river below. It’s around an hour’s drive from San Cristóbal, and here you’ll also see lots of wildlife that includes Crocodiles and Spider monkeys.
Palenque (Days 9-10)
On this trip, we’ve already explored bustling cities, ancient ruins, mountainous towns, and sprawling canyons. Now it’s time to head into the dense jungle, and there’s no place better for this than Palenque. The bus from San Cristóbal to Palenque takes around 9 hours.
Still, within the Chiapas region, you’ll feel a long way away, since the climate drastically changes from the chilly mountains of San Cristóbal to the hot and humid terrains of Palenque.
We recommend staying within the Zona Arqueológica, with most hotels and accommodations dotted along the single road that cuts through the jungle.
The best thing to do in Palenque is to explore its vibrant and visceral nature. You can head on an early day Jungle Tour, where you can spot many awesome species such as the deafening Howler Monkeys, iguanas, colorful birds and even a Jaguar if you’re very lucky!
Most tours leave early around 4 am, and we recommend this one where you’ll also visit the mysterious Yaxchilan and Bonampak ruins. The other must-do activity whilst here is a trip to the Palenque Ruins.
Shrouded in mystery, along with the incredible backdrop of jungle fauna, you can easily spend the day exploring these incredible ancient ruins. Some of the best sites here include the fascinating Temple of the Inscriptions as well as the picturesque Temple of the Foliated Cross.
Playa del Carmen (Days 11-15)
Last but not least, we’ll now be heading to the Mexican Caribbean for some long-awaited sunshine and chill vibes. Playa del Carmen is a great area to base yourself (you’ll see why below), and the bus from Palenque takes around 12 hours to arrive.
Playa is quite a touristy town, and you’ll feel the gringo presence more along the Quinta Avenida than anywhere else on this itinerary. The benefit to this is that there is a ton of Mexican restaurants, nightlife and souvenir shops along this popular walkway, so this will be a good time to go bargain hunting.
Whilst the beach here is nice (especially for the quick and easy access), you’ll find better and more tranquil beaches in the close-by towns of Puerto Aventuras and Xpu-Ha.
Most of the best things to do are within the Riviera Maya region, and Playa is a great base camp from which to explore. These include the legendary ruins of Chichén Itzá, the tropical island paradise of Isla Mujeres, as well as the abundance of incredible cenotes which include those of Aktun Chen and Cenote Azul.
This ultimate, all-inclusive tour is the best option for those who want to see the highlights within a day. You’ll head down to Tulum, see the Mayan Ruins, visit a Cenote as well as go snorkeling in the Caribbean.
And that’s all for our road trip through Mexico! From Playa del Carmen you can easily take the ADO bus directly to Cancún Airport for your international flight out (around 1.5 hours away). Alternatively, if you have the time, consider heading south to the popular towns of Tulum and Bacalar, and then heading into Belize to begin your Central American adventure.
And there we have our 2 week Mexico itinerary. Now let’s move on to our most important tips, so you can have the best experience possible here.
Mexico Travel Safety Tips
It’s important that tourists take certain precautions while visiting Mexico because even though they’re not specifically targeted, they can fall victim to petty crime.
⬇️ Below you can find a list of our top recommendations for Mexico:
- Avoid rough areas. Ask locals or hotel staff about the safest areas or do your research beforehand.
- Don’t walk alone at night and leave your expensive belongings at home.
- Don’t be a hero. If you see a robbery or carjacking, don’t get involved. Report it or call the police instead. And if someone tries to rob you, don’t resist.
- Look out for the top rated hostels in Mexico for the most comfortable rooms etc.
- Never leave your belongings unattended.
- Don’t flaunt your electronics when you’re out and about and don’t wear expensive jewelry.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Pickpockets will take advantage if they notice you’re distracted or unsure.
- Leave your expensive belongings at home, and lock them up with a secure padlock.
- Only use authorized taxis.
- Ask about water safety before you visit a beach because not all of them have signs warning about riptides, heavy waves, and strong currents.
- Be vigilant when you’re using the ATM and avoid the ones outside.
Practice these tips, use your common sense, and trust your instincts so you can stay safe and enjoy your trip.
Traveling Around Mexico
If you want to explore Mexico by bus, there are a few things to keep in mind.
For one, you should buy your tickets online because, unless you know Spanish, it will be a hassle to book them in person.
Do your research and pick the right bus class for your needs. Also, research the bus stations and terminals so you know where to go.
Always get to the station 30 minutes earlier, be friendly to the driver, and don’t forget to bring your own food and toilet paper.
Best Time To Visit Mexico?
We’ve spoken a lot about the best time to visit Mexico on this blog (George is absolutely obsessed with checking the weather when we travel). Mexico is quite a varied country, however, what is consistent are the dry and wet seasons throughout the year.
First we have the wet season, which runs from around June until October. This time is less popular for a visit (due to obvious reasons), however, we think it’s great! This is because it’s a lot cheaper, and also as some areas become even more beautiful with the added rainfall, such as the jungle in Palenque as well as the Copper Canyon.
It also tends to be warmer than the dry season, which makes cooler cities like Mexico City more comfortable. The downfalls of visiting during this time is that many hiking routes can become unsafe, and also the more rural roads become blocked or inaccessible. There’s also a higher chance of hurricanes forming too (most usually occur between August and October). When heading during the wet season, be sure to bring a high-quality Poncho with you.
Then we have the dry season, which usually starts in late October and lasts until May. This is by far the most popular time for travelers to visit, as the sun will be shining with little to no clouds in sight.
Whilst some months can see a hike up in prices (usually December and January), there are also off-peak months for those looking to save too, such as November. Temperatures are usually warm, and not overbearing (which can be an issue in coastal destinations during the wet season).
Since there’s much less rain, there’ll be no issues of road blockages during the dry season. If anything, any issues will actually be more likely due to all of the tourists arriving in their packs!
What To Pack For Mexico?
Mexico in general is a pretty hot country, so you’ll want to focus on packing mostly light clothes and breathable garments. The coastal areas such as the Riviera Maya and the Pacific are both prone to heavy rains in the wet season, so you’ll also want to bring a good quality rain jacket too.
Believe it or not, however, Mexico isn’t just hot sun everywhere! Here there are many areas that are much cooler, especially those at higher altitudes like the Copper Canyon.
For these colder destinations, you’ll want to bring jeans, jumpers and any other extra layers to help keep you warm. Some areas even have snowfall, so be sure to look up where you’re heading to best plan for this.
As well as these, you’ll also need to pack all the usual essentials which include toiletries, a good pair of hiking boots, toiletries, a document holder, towels, a water bottle as well as a daypack for any excursions you’ll be taking part in.
Have you got travel insurance for Mexico?
Backpacking Mexico Itinerary: Final Words
Mexico is a truly wonderful and fun country to visit and this itinerary will serve as a guide so you don’t miss the most important locations.
See these other things to do in Mexico and refer back to this guide before and during your trip so you don’t miss a thing and remember to stay safe!
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