backpacking North America
Mexico

Backpacking Mexico in 2025

A complete guide for backpacking in Mexico with best places to go, best time to visit, what to bring and safety advice.

Visit Mexico

Welcome to Mexico, a vibrant tapestry of culture, history, and natural wonders that beckons backpackers with open arms. Pros? Dive into ancient ruins, savor street food delights, and explore diverse landscapes from beaches to mountains. Mexico is budget-friendly with a robust transportation network. However, safety concerns exist in certain areas, demanding vigilance. For the adventurous backpacker, Mexico stands out with its rich tapestry of traditions and modernity, providing a kaleidoscope of experiences that make it a dynamic and alluring destination in the heart of the Americas.

Best known for:Known for: scenery | backpackers | architecture
Best time to visit: November - April

Why to go?
Why backpacking in Mexico

Scenery

Mexico offers a diverse range of breathtaking sceneries that are worth exploring. From pristine beaches along the Caribbean coast to ancient ruins nestled in lush jungles, there is something for everyone. The Riviera Maya is renowned for its …

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Backpackers

The backpacker scene in Mexico is vibrant and diverse. With its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, and affordable prices, Mexico has become a popular destination for backpackers from around the world. The country offers a wide range of …

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Architecture

Mexico is home to a wealth of ancient ruins and interesting architecture, including the famous Mayan city of Chichen Itza with its iconic pyramid, El Castillo. The ancient city of Teotihuacan, known for its massive pyramids, such as the Pyramid of …

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Beach life

Mexico is great for beach life and snorkeling because it offers a diverse range of beautiful beaches with crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life. The country’s extensive coastline along the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean provides …

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Food

The food in Mexico is so good because of its rich and diverse culinary heritage. Mexican cuisine is a fusion of indigenous Mesoamerican cooking with Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences. The use of fresh and flavorful ingredients such as …

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People

Mexican people are known for their warm and welcoming nature, making them extremely hospitable. They have a strong sense of community and are always ready to extend a helping hand to others. Mexicans value relationships and prioritize making others …

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Cheap

The average costs for backpacking in Mexico can vary depending on the traveler’s preferences and travel style. On average, budget travelers can expect to spend around $20-30 per day on accommodation in hostels or budget hotels. Meals at local …

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Mountains

The Sierra Madre Occidental and the Sierra Madre Oriental are great mountain ranges in Mexico to explore. The Sierra Madre Occidental runs parallel to the Pacific coast and offers stunning landscapes, including deep canyons, pine forests, and …

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💡 Highlights
Top-5 things to do in Mexico

Chichen Itza: Explore the ancient Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Marvel at the impressive structures like the Pyramid of Kukulcan and the Temple of Warriors, and learn about the rich history and culture of the Mayan civilization.
Teotihuacan: Visit the pre-Columbian city of Teotihuacan, known for its monumental pyramids and Avenue of the Dead. Climb the Pyramid of the Sun for breathtaking views and immerse yourself in the mysteries of this ancient civilization.
Palenque: Discover the ruins of Palenque, an important Mayan city nestled in the jungle. Admire the intricate architecture, including the Temple of the Inscriptions and the Palace, and imagine life during the height of the Mayan civilization.
Cozumel: Dive into the crystal-clear waters of Cozumel, a paradise for snorkeling and scuba diving enthusiasts. Explore the vibrant coral reefs, swim with tropical fish, and encounter majestic sea turtles and rays.
Mexico City: Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Mexico City, the country’s bustling capital. Visit the historic center, explore world-class museums like the Frida Kahlo Museum and the National Museum of Anthropology, and savor delicious Mexican cuisine.

But Mexico offers more...

🌆 Cities: Guanajuato, Mexico City, Mérida, Oaxaca, Puerto Vallarta

🎎 Festivals: Carnaval, Dia de Reyes, Dia de los Muertos, Feria Nacional de San Marcos, Fiesta de San Miguel, Guelaguetza

🏔️ Hikes: Barranca del Cobre, Copper Canyon, Hierve el Agua, Nevado de Toluca, Sierra Norte

🏞️ National parks: Barranca del Cobre, Copper Canyon, Cumbres de Monterrey, Desierto de los Leones, El Chico, Nevado de Toluca, Sumidero Canyon

🏝️ Regions: Baja California Peninsula, Chiapas Highlands, Oaxaca Coast, Riviera Maya, Yucatan Peninsula

🛕 World wonders: Chichen Itza, Pyramids of Teotihuacan

Stories

Mexico being different than my countries so far on my world travel

Mexico | After 7 months in Asia, Mexico took some getting used to in the first few days. In the city, I tried to stop the city bus, but the driver told me I could only do that at a bus stop and drove past. In a big tour bus with only three passengers, I had to sit in my assigned seat so I couldn‘t recline because the only two other passengers had the seat...

🌤️ When to go?
Best time to go backpacking Mexico

The best time to visit Mexico for backpacking is during the dry season, which typically runs from November to April. This period offers pleasant temperatures, lower humidity, and minimal rainfall, providing ideal conditions for outdoor activities and exploring the country's diverse landscapes. However, it's worth noting that Mexico is a large country with varying climates, so it's important to consider the specific regions you plan to visit. Additionally, popular tourist destinations can be crowded during peak travel times, so it may be beneficial to plan your trip during the shoulder seasons of November-December or March-April to avoid large crowds while still enjoying good weather.MAYJUNJULAUGSEPOCT

detailed advice per month

Risk level: medium (50%)
Safety advice for Mexico

Avoid protests and large public gatherings. These can become violent. It's against the law for foreigners to participate in political activity.

Mexico has a high risk of violent crime, including murder, armed robbery, sexual assault and kidnapping. Don't travel at night outside major cities. Drug-related violence is widespread.

Kidnapping and extortion are serious risks. Don't draw attention to your money or business affairs. Only use ATMs in public spaces and during the daytime.

Stop at all roadblocks, or you risk getting killed.

Hurricanes and earthquakes are common in Mexico. Local authorities will direct you to your nearest shelter in the event of a hurricane. Know the earthquake safety measures where you're staying.

source: smartraveller.gov.au

source: www.gov.uk

Mexico
My tips to get you on the way!
Does Mexico sound like your next backpacking destination? Use these steps to get you on the way.

Get inspiration 📚
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.

Lonely Planet

Rough Guide

Prepare your trip ✅
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Mexico. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Mexico may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.

Check visa requirements for Mexico

Check vaccination requirement for Mexico

Get your travel insurance

Book your flight ✈️
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Mexico, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.

Book your first night(s) 🛌
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.

Hostelworld

Expedia

My personal packing list 🎒
author

Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.

Money & Documents
Passport, visa (originals + some photo copies)
Passport photographs
Credit and debit cards (on world profile)
Cash (US$ or €)
Money belt
Vaccination proofs

Clothing
Light, quick-dry clothing
No jeans, too heavy
Ultralight rain/wind jacket
Thermo underwear
Quick-dry towel
Sunglasses

Electronics
Mobile phone + charger
Power bank
Travel adapter
Local sim card (buy it on arrival)

Health
Toothbrush
Deo
Sunscreen, lips sunburn
Anti-diarrhea
Paracetamol
Blister plasters
Anti-mosquito (DEET)
Toilet paper
Nail scissors

Others
Small number lock
Waterproof packing cubes (for dirty clothes)
Card game(!)
Ear plugs
Travel pillow