If you’re of an adventurous spirit and you don’t mind going without luxuries and comforts, then grab your backpack and get touring Mexico with only the very basics at hand. Prepare yourself for an unforgettable experience where you’ll come across the most diverse landscape and towns with quality, traditions and wonderful food that will make your “backpacking” vacation an opportunity to try it all without having to squeeze it into an itinerary. This is the real Mexico.
You can choose to spend the night on some remote Pacific beach or at an upbeat hostel in a city center or magical village where you can also meet travelers like yourself who have chosen Mexico as the place live out their big adventure. Share secrets about Mexico’s natural and cultural riches and advice on how they can be discovered on a budget.
One of the greatest pleasures that Mexico has to offer its visitors, and one which backpackers enjoy most, is the explosion of senses at its indoor and outdoor markets, where you can stand or sit down to authentic Mexican food and drink at really cheap prices. You will also get the chance to interact with the locals, farmers and artisans, who will share unique places and experiences with you. For example, if you’re travelling through the south-east of the country, be encouraged to take a rest in a hammock; ask a local to show you how to enjoy its sweet comfort to the full.
Camping out on Mexican beaches will give you the most intimate experiences of nature. In rural communities and magical villages you will also find remarkable places where you can set up camp and spend the night under the starts.
Travel Advice
- If you need help finding your destination, ask a number of people for directions before setting off again to make sure that the information you are given is correct.
- Although the prices of items are fair, you might need to haggle a little, for example with taxi drivers without a meter who charge by the approximate distance of journeys.
- Be careful with Street numbers. Always ask for a nearby place or shop as a reference point.
- If you are visiting museums and archaeological zones, be aware that almost all of them have entrance fees, including on Sundays, and that opening hours tend to be between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
- Bus prices vary depending on the class you travel in. First class buses will generally have air conditioning and will offer refreshments. Second class is similar, with air conditioning but not including a snack. Third class buses will normally be more crowded with not all passengers having a seat; you might need to stand for a few stops during the ride.
Recommended hostels for backpackers
Mexico City
- Hostal Moneda
Calle Moneda No 8, two blocks from the Zocalo
- Hostal Cathedral
Republica de Guatemala 4
Oaxaca, Oaxaca
- Hostal Guadalupe
Av. Juarez 409
- Hostal Paulina
Trujano 321
Zipolite, Oaxaca
- Hostal Lo Cosmico
- Hostal Lyoban
- Palapas las rockas
San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas
- Albergue la Casa de Gladys
Calle Cintalapa 6
- Hostal Backpackers
Real de Mexicanos 16
Palenque, Chiapas
- Campamento El Pachan
Entrada al Parque Nacional de Palenque
- Hostal Mayabell
A 500 metros de la zona arqueológica
Tulum, Quintana Roo
- Cabañas El Mirador
Boca Paila Km. 0.7
- Cabañas Punta Piedra
Carretera Tulúm -Boca Paila Km. 4
Cancun, Quintana Roo
- Hostal México
Palmeras No 30
- Hostal Poc Na
Matamoros No 15
Queretaro, Querétaro
- Hotel Hidalgo
Madero 11 Poniente
- Albergue de la Juventud
Av. del ejercito republicano
San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato
- Hotel Alcatraz
Relox 54
- Hostal San Miguel
Organos 34
- Casa de huespedes
Mesones 150
Guanajuato, Guanajuato
- Casa Kloster
Alonso 32
- Hotel Marilu Ordaz
Barranca 34
Nuevo Leon, Monterrey
- Albergue de la Juventud
Av. Madero Oriente, Parque Fundidora
- Hotel Posada
Juan Méndez 1515 Norte
Mazatlan, Sinaola
- Hotel San Fernando
21 de marzo 926
- Hotel Lerma
Bolívar 5
- Hotel Vialta
Azueta 2006
Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur
- Youth Hostal
Av. de la juventud s/n. Cabo San Lucas
San José Del Cabo, Baja California Sur
- Camping y cabañas Brisa del Mar
Ruta 1, a 3 Km. del sudoeste de San Jose
Loreto, Baja California Sur
- Hotel Villa del Mar
Zaragoza, cerca del centro deportivo
La Paz, Baja California Sur
- Hotel Yeneca
Madero 1520
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
- Hotel Azteca
Madero 473
- Hotel Cartagena de Indias
Madero 428
Guadalajara, Jalisco
- Albergue de la juventud 1
Prolongacion Alcalde 1360
- Albergue de la juventud 2
Prolongacion federalismo y Lázaro cárdenas
Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca
- Hotel Mayflower
Andador Libertad
