Mexico is one of our favourite travel destinations here at BackHackers. Perched between the U.S. and South America, Mexico is a perfect mixture of ancient history, rich culture, brightly coloured buildings, great food and gorgeous natural landscapes! Home to cenotes in the east, a Caribbean coast, Mayan ruins and a whole lot to explore – here’s a backpacking route to make sure you experience it all!
Mexico City
Get your international flight into the Capital of Mexico and be met by the hustle and bustle of this thriving city! The centre of the city and Zócalo can be easily accessed from the airport, via the metro – only 10 pesos a ticket and easy to navigate. There is so much to explore in the centre, with its tall buildings housing an array of shops and bars on every floor – make sure to enjoy a cerveza from a roof top bar while you’re here for great views of the cityscape. Make sure not to miss visiting the Revolution Monument (get to the top for amazing views), Bosque de Chaputepec (for a pedalo on the lake and a zoo visit), Garibaldi Square (to watch some great mariachi bands) and the Floating Gardens of Xochimilco. There are also some neat little basement jazz bars hidden around the city which you absolutely have to check out!
Ixmiquilpan, Hidalgo
Once you’ve explored the Capital, head north to the state of Hidalgo (the buses are great ways of getting around Mexico). The town of Ixmiquilpan is a perfect choice if you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the Capital you’ve just come from! The town has an awesome waterpark where you can spend the day unwinding, inclusive of hot springs – find all this at Dios Padre. Ixmiquilpan also hosts an amazing market – seemingly miles long and sprawling across the entire town. Immerse yourself in market stalls selling foods, crafts, clothes, trinkets and just about anything else you can imagine! Not too far from the town are the Tolantongo Caves – highly recommended! Although, we should warn that this is not something you can visit in a day and you should definitely make sure to camp or stay at the hotel on site if coming here. There is a bus that runs specifically for the caves so getting there is no problem. The journey through the winding hills is simply breathtaking too! Once you’re there, explore the hot springs, geysers, caves and streams that drop along the valley. Another great place to visit nearby is Eco Alberto Park where you can hike trails through valleys, lounge by a pool side or spend the day kayaking!
La Paz, Baja California Sur
By now, you should have worked up the appetite for a beach adventure! So take a short plane ride to Baja California Sur – first stop: La Paz. Easily accessed from the airport, this little town is a great first stop to experience the beaches of Mexico. Situated in a little bay, you’ll find the waters calm and the waves small – making it perfect for paddle boarding. The promenade stretches for miles and is great for skateboarders and skaters alike – there are plenty of shops to hire your desired wheeled method of transport. The town is full of some great restaurants and bars, serving cute tropical beach style smoothies to quench your thirst. By night, spend the evening sipping on a cerveza from one of the town’s fantastic little rooftop bars for amazing views across the bay. While here, make sure to get up early at least one morning and take a SUP out on the bay to meet some of the local dolphin pods, who will playfully swim around and put on a great display. Another must-do is Ballandra Beach – easily accessed from La Paz via taxi. This beach has the whitest sand you will ever lay your eyes on, with crystal clear turquoise water to die for! The shallow waters in the bay allow you to walk out for ages – far enough even to check out the cool mushroom-shaped rock that draws a lot of tourists. Although, watch out for white rays here as you might get a little sting (harmless but still a bit of a shock if you’re not aware).
Todos Santos, Baja California Sur
Take a short bus ride from La Paz over to Todos Santos where you’ll be met by a much more powerful surf. In some stretches of the beach, the waves crash with such force you can hear them from quite a distance away. La Pastora beach is a great example of this, where you’ll find surfers riding the large waves. If you’re a beginner surfer, we highly recommend checking out Cerritos beach – perfect for your first surf with its waves ranging from baby through to larger the further you head out. There are plenty of surf shacks that line this beach too, with helpful instructors ready to teach! In the centre of town, you’ll find flee markets and surf shops – a mixture of quintessential Mexican trinkets and the Californian surf vibe. Make sure to check out Chill n Grill for food or just a drink – along with some great surf stories from the barmen.
Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur
Another short bus ride away, you’ll find Cabo San Lucas – although seemingly a world away from the laid back surf vibes of Todos Santos. Cabo San Lucas is a hot spot for American tourists, full of yachts, designer shops and a swanky marina with expensive restaurants. Although Cabo San Lucas is more of a resort town, you can definitely find its hidden, quieter side. Head to the right side of the beach to sit with the locals and enjoy the slightly calmer surf – perfect for swimming or just bobbing around in the water. There are plenty of boat rides here that take you round to the famous Arch, Lovers Beach and (aptly named) Divorce Beach, just around the corner. If a boat isn’t your thing you can also view these places by renting a SUP and making your own way round.
San Jose del Cabo, Baja California Sur
After the hustle and bustle of Cabo San Lucas, you might need a bit more of a chilled destination. In which case, catch a bus to San Jose Del Cabo – a laid back beach-vibey town. Take a stroll along the beach where you’ll find horses drinking from the lake just to the side of the sand. The water here is perfect for body boarding, and there is a marina which has great conditions for paddle boarding. Pick up a mango from one of the beach stalls and watch the waves set against some of the most amazing sunsets in Baja California Sur.
Guadalajara, Jalisco
Once you’ve had your fill of beach shacks and surf, head inland on a short flight to Guadalajara. This city is quite a contrast to the laid back beach vibes and may at first seem way too concrete and grey. But give it a chance – once you get exploring you’ll change your mind. It’s known for its mariachi bands and tequila so make sure you sample both while here! Check out its historic centre, full of some great architecture and enjoy being back in the city.
Lake Chapala, Jalisco
If the city is too much for you, catch a bus to Lake Chapala. This cute little lakeside town is the perfect place to explore – with its promenades lined with boats and some great restaurants and bars. There is also a market that takes place – bringing in a crazy number of people but is great to explore! The stalls display arrays of handmade shoes, woven bags, engraved wooden cups and even artists showcasing their work. Head across town and climb the dragon staircase for some amazing views of the area, if you’re looking for a short hike. Once you’re back down you can head to one of the lakeside bars to enjoy a cerveza in an ice cold mason jar! For another day of relaxation, catch a bus just up the lake to San Juan Cosala Hotel Balneario. Spend the day lounging around the many pools and then head over to its spa and gardens. Laze around in the hammocks before taking turns in a variety of different baths, fragranced and filled with all kinds of floral herbs and oils – including a full body mud bath at the very end!
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
Get yourself on a bus and head to the next destination: Puerto Vallarta. This gorgeous jungle city has winding roads set into the steep jungle hills. Its beach is pebbled with friendly waves and is much quieter if you stay away from the hotel resorts further up the beach. The beach located just off the town centre is perfect for jet skiing and parasailing, if you’d like some absolutely epic views of the bay! If you don’t fancy flying above, then take a hike up to the jungle hills set behind the town for some excellent views! The hike is steep but well worth it – and you may even cross a local pig or two wondering around the slopes. Puerto Vallarta is a great place to ventre out at night, with its promenade hosting a variety of restaurants and local displays – such as the pirate ship which puts on an amazing fireworks display over the water.
Manzanillo, Colima
Another bus ride later, and you’ll be in the town of Manzanillo. This town has some absolutely breathtaking sunsets which you can experience from a number of its beaches. Head to the next bay over, with perfect surf waves and black sands set against lush green mountains that make you feel as if you’re in Jurassic Park. Spend the day body boarding or surfing, take a picnic and enjoy watching the sun set in glorious shades of orange and pink against the jungle mountains.
Acapulco, Guerrero
Don’t go loco – head to Acapulco (sorry, couldn’t resist). Another bus ride down and you’ll be in the state of Guerrero. This beach city has serious Miami vibes, with its high rises set against the tropical stretch of beach. It has plenty to explore – from the shops, bars and restaurants to a range of water sports activities and beach area to discover. Icacos Beach makes for a great day well spent!
Puebla, Puebla
About a 6 hour bus journey north will get you to Puebla – a definite must-visit on your itinerary! This town is so jam-packed with culture and amazing places it’s difficult to decide where to start. Firstly, you’ll want to explore its historic centre, John Lennon Alley (lined with dozens of little market stalls selling mostly jewellery), Calle de los Dulces (traditional candy street filled with indulgent delights), Palafoxiana Library, The Forts (Zone of the ‘5 de Mayo’ battle – a huge park area which houses 18 different attractions from museums, lakes, forts and planetariums to water fountains, underground tunnels and a cable car) and The Los Fuertes viewpoint. From here you can see the entire city set against the background of the volcanic mountains. Make sure to also check out the Antiques Market (Los Sapos), Paseo Bravo Park, Mercado de Sabores Poblanos (traditional food market) and Estrella de Puebla. You can also catch tours to Cholula, where you can visit the Pyramides de Cholula, get a great view of the amazing volcano in the background, Santa Maria Tonantzintla and San Francisco Acatepec (the most elaborate church you will ever see).
Veracruz, Veracruz
Take another bus to get to the town of Veracruz, with its long malecon, gorgeous harbour and historic centre to discover. Head to Playa Villa Del Mar to lounge on the golden sands. Make sure to check out its portside markets filled with all kinds of crafts and trinkets. Head to the main square to enjoy a chilled cerveza on outdoor tables and why not head to its famed aquarium where you can see a range of parrots, turtles, dolphins and jellyfish just to name a few!
Campeche, Campeche
Another great town with an amazing malecon to stroll along is Campeche. Watch the sun set on its calm waters of the Gulf of Mexico while you indulge in a locally produced mango ice cream. Make sure to visit Calle 59 where you’ll find an array of restaurants and gift shops. Check out the town’s Botanical Garden, explore the walled city and head to Parador Gastronomico de Cocteleros for some great seafood.
Merida, Yucatan
Head to the bright streets of Merida and explore the zocalo, which hosts a floral light display against the Cathedral in the evenings. Explore the live music in the streets, vast array of market stalls, horse drawn carriages ferrying tourists, and make sure to take part in the town-wide bike ride on Sundays. The route takes you right through the centre, passed historic monuments and right through to the more built-up modern end of town. From the town centre you can also catch buses out to places like the Mayapan ruins and Progreso beach – highly recommended. The Mayapan ruins is a great site to explore if you’re looking to avoid the crowds – often having the entire complex to yourself and the freedom to climb to the top of the ruins (unlike other sites where much of the area is roped off).
Cancun, Quintana Roo
Cancun is definitely a great place to chill after all the exploring. Lounge along the shores of the Caribbean Sea in its idyllic waves gently lapping and crystal waters perfect for snorkelling. You may even be able to catch some baby turtles making their way into the surf. Many of the hotel and hostel complexes along the beach protect turtle nests and ensure the babies are only released into the ocean in the evenings, once the water sports activity has ended – some hotels even let you release them yourselves! Make sure you also visit Isla Holbox while in Cancun, to catch a glimpse of whale sharks.
Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo
Just south of Cancun, a short bus ride away, is Playa del Carmen. This gorgeous town sits on the Caribbean coastline of Quintana Roo and is home to a gorgeous white sanded beach set against perfect turquoise waters. Head to 5th Avenue – a strip just back from the shoreline, lined with shops, bars, market stands and restaurants. The beach is great for snorkelling, with calm waves, and has a range of reefs to explore just 30 ft from shore.
Tulum, Quintana Roo
We’ve saved the best until last: Tulum – one of our favourite destinations in the world! Its beach is home to clear waters in a perfect shade of blue, gorgeous velvety white sands and a beach vibe town unlike any other. Most visitors rent bikes to get around – with the majority of destinations being within a reasonable biking distance. The town centre is full of quirky restaurants, surf shacks and great diving shops. While here you absolutely have to visit the cenotes, our top picks are: Calavera, Cristal, Escondido, Gran Cenote, Casa, Zacil-Ha, Jardin del Eden, Cristalino and Azul (check out our Cenote Article for more information). You also need to visit Akumal Beach (to swim with gorgeous turtles, dolphins, sharks, rays and a variety of fish), Tulum Ruins (rife with cheeky South American Coatis), Santa Fe Beach and the Sian Ka’an Nature Reserve.