We use cookies. Privacy Policy
Tacos, tequila, Mayan ruins, Pacific surf, and Caribbean cenotes — Mexico rewards every type of backpacker.
Mexico is the backpacker destination that keeps getting better — cheaper than you expect, more beautiful than the news suggests, and with a food culture that genuinely rivals anywhere on earth. Mexico City alone deserves 2 weeks.
Each region has a completely different character. Here is what to expect.
One of the world's great cities — the finest murals collection anywhere (Diego Rivera, Orozco, Siqueiros), Teotihuacan pyramids 50km north, and an extraordinary food scene. Eat everything: tacos al pastor, tlayudas, pozole.
Mexico's food and cultural capital — mole negro (a sauce of 30 plus ingredients), mezcal from village distilleries, the Zapotec ruins of Monte Alban, and Day of the Dead celebrations (November 1-2) that are exactly as extraordinary as claimed.
The Mayan heartland — Chichen Itza (go at 8am), the colonial city of Merida, cenotes (limestone sinkholes filled with turquoise freshwater for swimming), and Tulum's clifftop ruins above a Caribbean beach.
San Cristobal de las Casas (colonial town with strong indigenous Tzotzil population), Palenque (Mayan jungle ruins), the Sumidero Canyon boat trip, and Agua Azul and Misol-Ha waterfalls.
Mexico varies enormously.
Mexico City and Oaxaca £25-40 per day eating well.
Coastal resorts (Cancun, Tulum) far more expensive.
Tacos from a street cart £0.50-1.50 each.
ADO bus (first class, reliable, comfortable) £8-25 for most routes.
Tulum's overtourism and inadequate sewage infrastructure are damaging the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. Bacalar's lagoon faces the same problems. Choose accommodation with proper waste treatment. Use only biodegradable sunscreen in cenotes — chemical sunscreen is destroying these ecosystems. Day of the Dead is a sacred indigenous tradition — participate respectfully as a guest.
Tell us where you want to go and your budget — we'll build a personalised quote with routes, hostels, and transport sorted.
SE Asia, South America, Europe, Africa, Central Asia and beyond.