Action packed Adventure: One month Mexican Itinerary
What to expect:
Mexico is such a large country that it is not possible to see EVERYTHING in just a month so these are the absolute can't miss places that each provide a different experience. It is rich in history, has some breath-taking landscapes and some really unique spots to explore so whatever it is you are looking to do, I've got you covered.
I have accounted for 21 days in total, leaving a week to factor in transport/ rest days and you can always stay in a place longer if you meet people/ find other things you'd like to do.
Transportation:
The easiest way to get to Mexico is to fly in but make sure you have proof of your flight directly out or they won't let you on the plane. I had a flight booked back to London but from St Lucia which didn't count as proof of onward travel so be careful with this!
The best way to get around Mexico between each of these places is via a Bus/Coach. They can be very long (up to 24 hours) so always factor in time for this.
ADO and AU are the main providers for these services and operate on a regular basis at reasonable prices. We found it was best to book a few days in advance as they do get booked up between popular destinations.
You can book on the apps and download your tickets to your phones wallet so there is no fuss when you get to the terminal - just make sure you have enough phone charge!
The seats usually reclined, they have functional toilets and they stop often enough at service stations. I'd still recommend buying snacks before boarding as it can be much more expensive at the bus terminals.
Accommodation:
The cheapest and (in my opinion) best places to stay are hostels. They often offer private rooms or dorms so whether you are a couple looking for privacy or a solo traveller aiming to make friends, they are great.
You can book hostels last minute depending on your group size. If you are solo it is very easy to get on the day bookings but the bigger your party, the sooner you should book to make sure there is availability for everyone.
To save extra money, look for places that have a kitchen available so you can cook for yourselves.
Meeting other people:
Hostels are the easiest way to meet other people and often host social events specifically for this. Che Hostels are a chain of party hostels and host events regularly. You can sometimes attend them even if you don't stay there, like I did in Bacalar.
You can also use apps like TripBFF to find other people travelling in the same location.
Budgeting top tips:
- Go during "shoulder season". Mexico really only has a wet and dry season but going at the very start or very end of wet season will be slightly cheaper and the weather will still be great!
- Take overnight buses to get transportation and accommodation for the price of one.
- Pay using local currency instead of your normal currency as the exchange rate is better.
- Stay in hostels rather than hotels. If you are looking for something a bit more comfortable but still on a reasonable budget then Selina hostels are a perfect middle ground.
- Find accommodation that has food included/ has a kitchen space for you to cook for yourself. 99% of the time, this is a lot cheaper than buying food out.
- Book excursions in person not online. This gives you chance to negotiate on the price, especially if you are going as a group.
- A surprising tip is to try and speak Spanish when booking trips as I personally found people were more willing to negotiate/ reduce the price when you have made an effort to connect in their language. This is also just courteous when in a country speaking a different language to yours.
- Find cheap/free activities. This is easier than it sounds as you can often do walking tours and do your sightseeing for free. You can also always just grab a drink from the supermarket and find a place for sunset. Always ask your accommodation staff for recommendations too!
- Ask locals where is good to go. They will usually recommend the best spots and local spots tend to be cheaper than places specifically tailored to tourists.
Where to visit:
First Stop - Mexico City - 3 days
Day 1:
1) Take a walking tour:
This is something I recommend doing in any big city. It is a budget friendly way of seeing the area, learning about it's history and what it has to offer. They are also a fab way to get your bearings on a new place and meet new people especially when travelling solo.
It is courteous to tip your guide at the end of the tour but it's up to you how much to leave. Guides will often run other tours too so it's always good to ask what else they can offer as you're more likely to get this cheaper.
2) Try the street food:
One of the cheapest and best ways to try local cuisine. If you are unsure on this, ask your guide/ a local which ones to try as there are so many options.
I experienced no issues with the food and couldn't say no especially when it came to 5p churros!
3) Get lunch from Pasteleria Ideal:
This bakery opened in 1927 and has been serving up DELICIOUS pastries ever since. It is located right in the city centre in the perfect location to eat your food in the park.
Day 2:
1) Visit Teotihuacan:
You'll be shown around the site including the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon and the Avenue of the dead, and hear about all the mystery surrounding the site as relatively little is known. The guides are always super knowledgeable and respectful.
Do this after activity 2 and fit both things in one morning !
2) Take a Hot Air Balloon at Sunrise over Teotihuacan:
Although the site is amazing from the ground, you aren't able to climb the pyramids and see them from the top. Taking a hot air balloon provides a whole new perspective and gives you a sense of the sheer size.
As if that wasn't enough, you get to watch the sunrise in the valley and take in the beauty of the place. You then get taken for breakfast and get to try some local dishes before being taken back to the city. We did this with Vive Vuela Teotihuacan and I couldn't recommend them enough!
3) Visit the Monument of the Revolution:
Just a short walk from the city centre this is a good activity to do at the end of the day. The monument lights up at night and there is often dancers/ markets/ food stalls in the area to explore afterwards.
Day 3:
1) Visit the Anthropology Museum
This is one of the best museums I have visited. There was so much to see and you walk around each area in chronological order so you really get to understand the timeline of the history which I loved.
There are limited English captions/translations unless you pay for a headset so maybe brush up on your Spanish first!
2) Explore the Frida Kahlo Museum
Today is a cultural day so head to your second museum. Frida Kahlo is a Mexican Icon and her story is one everyone should hear. This is a short bus ride away from the city centre or the Anthropology Museum and can be done in around an hour.
You will learn about her extraordinary life and work and get to see some artefacts first hand. Treat yourself in the cafe at the end before heading home.
Next up... Tequila! - Oaxaca - 3 days
Day 1:
1) Explore the colourful streets and Local Markets
The bus between Mexico City and Oaxaca is very long so day 1 is very chilled.
You can't help but smile walking around this town. There is so much colour and joy that just needs to be experienced! The church in the main square is also a a must see with markets outside. There are often tour operators here and this is where we booked our day trip.
The markets are full of local vendors and they are a great way to enjoy the culture of the town and try new things. They can be quite busy but I found the owners of the shops were generally very respectful. (I was expecting heckling and bargaining but it was relatively peaceful)
2) Take a bus tour of the Town:
This is a brilliant alternative for people who want to experience a place but don't want to walk everywhere. It allows you to see a bit more and go further afield.
Don't make the mistake we did! Make sure you book on a tour in your own language as we stupidly booked a Spanish tour not English so we missed half of what was said but still enjoyed ourselves.
3) Visit the textiles museum:
This just fills the rest of the afternoon and is a great option to experience the culture but is not an absolute must as it is rather small. I would be equally happy to grab a drink/ice cream and sit in the square.
Day 2:
1) Embark on a Day Trip to Mitla and Hierve del Agua:
This is such a great trip as you can to see so many places in one day. The trip begins in a small village where you get to hear the church bells ring and see the World's widest tree.
The next part of the journey takes you to a family run weaving business where you see how they make items from local materials and my friend was very excited to purchase a mini rug from the shop!
The third stop is Mitla where you'll walk round the ancient ruins and see buildings that are still standing despite being in an Earthquake prone area and being thousands of years old.
The fourth stop is arguably the best of the whole day. Don't forget to pack your swimming stuff because you're going to the natural infinity pools and petrified waterfalls at Hierve del Agua. The views over the valley are breath-taking. This is also a great spot for those looking to get the "perfect" Instagram photos!
The final stop on the trip is one for the alcohol lovers! You'll get shown around a tequila and mezcal distillery and be given a (very generous) selection of shots to try. They give you even more if you choose to buy a bottle. I'd recommend the Cappuccino Mezcal!!
You then get the bus back to Oaxaca (which was a little rough after 16 free shots but not too long)
Day 3:
Visit the Botanical Gardens:
I think this is just a really nice thing to do. It's gorgeous and doesn't require too much brain power which is just what you need sometimes.
Baby Turtle Time! - Puerto Escondido - 2 days
Day 1:
1) Spend the morning at the beach
You can either walk or take bikes to the beach. Our hostel had free bikes available which a lot of places in this area do. Just be careful it is very hilly!
2) Release Baby Turtles
Who wouldn't want to do this? This activity was available every evening at Palmarito Beach (I was there in May) but this will vary season to season.
You will get a brief on how to handle the turtles and learn about their behaviour and breeding habits before getting to release them.
3) Head to Canabrava in Zicatala for a Boogie
This was one of my favourite nights out during my 4 months in Central and South America. It is right on the beachfront and has music that will keep you moving all night.
Day 2:
1) Go surfing at the beach. Pick any beach you like and chances are there will be surf boards for hire. The waves here are great but maybe a bit harsh for beginners.
If surfing isn't your thing, there are loads of good spots along the coast to grab lunch and watch the water.
2) Watch a movie at the Cinema on the Beach
Hotel Suites Villasol ran this a few times a week for FREE. They set everything up on the beach with a projector, big screen, seats and food (you have to purchase the snacks/bring your own). Just be sure to check which days they're running it.
This was such a nice night and, although the film choice was a bit questionable, it was so nice to relax on the beach at sunset and do something wholesome.
Coca-Cola Crazy - San Cristobal - 2 days
Day 1:
1) Take a walking tour
San Cristobal is a gorgeous town but it would be very easy to miss things if you explored without a guide. Finish off the tour with a shot of cacao mezcal or go to Iglesia de Guadelupe and view the city from the top of the stairs.
2) Get some traditional food:
San Cristobal has some really good food spots. Grab some traditional tacos and take in the views.
3) Go to San Juan Chamula Church
This isn't for everyone but this church is located a short bus ride away and lets people in to watch their sacrifices. They sacrifice different chickens for different ailments and the sick people eat the head whilst their family have the body.
It is also known as the Coca-Cola Church. Burping is seen as a way to cleanse the body and spirit and so the church has bottles lined up for cleansing purposes.
Day 2:
1) Take a trip to the Sumidero Canyon
Located a short bus ride away in Chiapas, this Canyon will take your breath away. You'll be taken to the Canyon via 2 different view points for those perfect photo opportunities before boarding a boat and being driven through the canyon on the winding river.
The landscape is extraordinary so be sure to take it all in!
Finish the day off in a local town and grab some lunch before heading back to San Cristobal on the bus.
Boogie in Bacalar - 3 days
Day 1:
1) Boat party on the Laguna
Remember Che Hostels that I mentioned earlier? That place will be your best friend in Bacalar.
Twice a week, they host epic boat parties in the Lagoon which no other company is allowed to run. We didn't even stay at Che's because we booked so late but as long as you pay a small entry fee they let you join! (I think this cost us about £4.
You'll be taken into the water whilst being handed your free drinks (which don't stop coming) and turning the music up! You will dock twice at different spots in the Lagoon to get into the water to socialise with people from other boats. The water is only waist high so you're not trying to drink and swim.
You'll then head back to Che's for the night where the party continues or you can try Yak Hostel instead who also host great parties.
Day 2:
1) Eat at Mi Burrito
Whether you are hungover or not, burritos are always a good idea. This cute little truck is on the main road just opposite the Lagoon. Just be careful because some of those sauces are HOT.
2) Enjoy Cocalitos Beach Resort
This was another trip by Che but you'd be able to organise this for yourself. You'll enjoy cocktail making at the beach club and get to bask in the waters of the lagoon. There is also a bar/restaurant on site.
Get your perfect Instagram shot on the swings or relax in one of the hammocks with a drink in your hand. This is the perfect way to decompress after the boat party.
Day 3:
1) Rent paddle boards
There are loads of shops on the waterfront that will rent you paddle boards/kayaks etc to take out for a few hours and explore at your own pace.
2) Go on a boat tour
If you don't have the energy to take yourselves around the Lagoon, hire a boat to take you instead! Your guide will take you to cenotes and explain the history and significance of the area. If you're nice you might even get to drive the boat!
Ocean Exploring - Cozumel - 3 days
Day 1:
1) Go snorkelling
There is so much exciting wildlife to see here and snorkelling is the cheapest way to see it. There are loads of tour operators in the main square so have a look around to get the best deals. Most of them include the taxi to the boat, the boat tour with 3 stopping points and a trip to the cenote at the end.
Day 2:
1) Relax at one of the beach clubs
Cozumel has a range of beach clubs to choose from, all of which are pretty similar. They are great places to spend the day with crystal clear waters and chilled vibes.
2) Enjoy Cozumel's nightlife
There are a couple of Irish pubs (as always) on this Island and a lot of local watering holes to enjoy, a lot of which are on the waterfront.
Day 3:
1) Rent a car and drive around the Island
This is one of the best ways of experiencing Cozumel. It's a small Island so you can drive the whole thing easily in a day and it is much cheaper than using taxis.
Stop off at the miradors along the way and then visit the ecological reserve where you'll see crocodiles and all sorts of other wildlife. You can also walk around the walkways and go into and up the lighthouse to get panoramic views of the island and coastline.
You'll have the roads pretty much to yourself so wind the windows down and get on some classic road trip songs to sing along to!
Last stop, Paradise - Isla Holbox - 5 days
Day 1:
1) Explore the Island
One of the best parts of this place is that you can get to everything on foot/on a bike, There are no cars here which makes it very safe to walk around and do things at your own pace.
There are so many beaches, cafes, shops and markets to explore than you can spend the whole day getting to know the place.
2) Watch the sunset on the Pier
This is the perfect way to finish every day here as you'll see bright orange skies settling over the blue waters. It is impossible not to be happy sat on that pier with a drink in your hand.
Day 2:
1) Venture to Punta Mosquito
If you fancy a walk to somewhere new, this is the place for you. It is a small patch of sand out in the ocean that you walk to via a sandbank running parallel to the coast. It is home to flamingos and other protected wildlife to make sure to always be respectful of the area.
WARNING - do not do this during high tide because you'll end up having to swim there.
2) Go for a drink at Ches
This is one of the best places to go and meet other people. They have parties on most nights so go here for a few drinks, play beer pong and spin the wheel before heading out to Hot Corner to finish the night.
Day 3:
1) Swim with Whale Sharks for the day
This is the one thing I WISH I had been able to do. There are multiple operators running this excursion when you get to Holbox. Make sure you check them out on day 1 and book for a day with the best weather conditions.
This is especially important if you go during off peak season as this will affect the quality of the tour or may stop it from happening altogether like it did for me.
Normally you'd be taken for breakfast before heading out on the boat, having a safety briefing and getting equipment, and then get in the water with the sharks and have your photos and videos taken.
Day 4:
1) Spend the day at the beach
There are a lot of beach clubs along the shore but it is easiest and cheapest to take your own towel and set up anywhere. Even on cloudy days here, you'll still catch a tan and be warm enough to be outside.
2) Lunch at Nana's beach club
It's been 2 years since I've been here and I still think about their fried burritos! There are obviously other options and some great cocktails/mocktails here too right on the beach front. Immaculate vibes.
Day 5:
1) Try the street food
There are markets open most of the time and at night, the main square is filled with street food vendors. It is the most authentic and yummy food and is significantly cheaper than most restaurants.
2) Relax
It has been a busy month! Take a day to enjoy doing nothing and then get your bags packed as it's time to go home :(
Places I didn't include and why:
Cancun:
As a backpacker on a budget, this isn't the ideal place to go. It is very touristic and a lot more expensive than other areas of Mexico.
Stay here for one night as a stop off before heading to the airport.
Tulum:
My reasoning for this is very similar to Cancun. It is very expensive and caters more towards all inclusive holidays or party holidays rather than backpacking and adventure.
Chichen Itza:
This is one of the more expensive experiences you can do. Entrance alone costs around £30 without transport to get there, or a guide to show you around. It can also be very difficult to get to as it is at least a 3 hour drive from Cancun even with the new highways.
It is also far busier and, in my opinion, much less impressive than other ruins in Mexico like Teotihuacan or Monte Alban.
If you really want to see it anyway, the best area to stay in is Valladolid where there is also some great places to party and cenotes to explore.
Thank you for reading! I hope this guide was helpful and as always, happy exploring!!
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