Mexico might seem like a huge undertaking, even for the experienced backpacker. With a population of more than 112 million people, spending anything more than a couple of weeks there is clearly a bit daunting. But armed with the right advice and a few recommendations, you’ll be tackling the sights and sounds with confidence…
Travel tips
Getting around Mexico can be done easily on the long-distance buses. Obviously some journeys may last overnight, but some travellers like to do this in order to save on accommodation costs. There is a decent second-class bus service (ADO) which travels all over the country for surprisingly little cost. You could also check out Aeromexico, while offers some relatively cheap internal flights. It all just depends how spread out your travel route is going to be.
Health and Safety
Often a question of safety comes into play when people consider Mexico, and while it’s a very valid one, it’s important to put this into perspective. It’s a big country and some parts are safer than others, just like any other country. Do a little research before you decide on your route. Tijuana has a fairly high crime rate, so you might want to avoid it, but places like Todos Santos and Huatulco are definitely worth checking out. And anyone considering the coastal resorts like Cancun or Puerto Vallarta as part of their Mexico Holidays 2013 needn’t worry about travelling solo here.
If you’re planning to backpack in Mexico, take into account the fact that you’ll probably have to drink bottled water while you’re away. While the tap water in some of the larger, fancier resorts is filtered, most hostels and homestays where a backpacker might stop won’t have this sort of luxury. The last thing you want on your holiday is an upset stomach!
Backpacker highlights
In terms of things to see and do, you should certainly head for Mexico City, where you can check out the Archaeological Museum to get to grips with some of the country’s rich, multi-layered history. The Metro system here is also extraordinarily cheap and widespread throughout the city. While you’re here, take a bus from the centre to the ancient citadel of Teotihuacan, which was an ancient mystery even to the Aztecs.
For somewhere a bit quieter, head for Oaxaca; a pretty colonial town at the foot of a mountain. Here you can take in the fresh air and absorb the local culture that has drawn many an artist there over the years.
It’s impossible to cover the myriad places you should visit on a more in-depth trip here, but short-term travellers should at least tick off UNESCO site Chichen Itza, and explore some of the underwater world of the Mayan Riviera, including vast coral gardens and ‘ceynotes’ or sink-hole caves.
Wherever you decide to go, you’re sure to have an unforgettable trip. There’s an endless stream of things to see and do in this fascinating country, so you’ll be hard-pressed to get bored!
(Photo by Pascal via Flickr)
Getting around Mexico can be done easily on the long-distance buses. Obviously some journeys may last overnight, but some travellers like to do this in order to save on accommodation costs. There is a decent second-class bus service (ADO) which travels all over the country for surprisingly little cost. You could also check out Aeromexico, while offers some relatively cheap internal flights. It all just depends how spread out your travel route is going to be.
Health and Safety
Often a question of safety comes into play when people consider Mexico, and while it’s a very valid one, it’s important to put this into perspective. It’s a big country and some parts are safer than others, just like any other country. Do a little research before you decide on your route. Tijuana has a fairly high crime rate, so you might want to avoid it, but places like Todos Santos and Huatulco are definitely worth checking out. And anyone considering the coastal resorts like Cancun or Puerto Vallarta as part of their Mexico Holidays 2013 needn’t worry about travelling solo here.
If you’re planning to backpack in Mexico, take into account the fact that you’ll probably have to drink bottled water while you’re away. While the tap water in some of the larger, fancier resorts is filtered, most hostels and homestays where a backpacker might stop won’t have this sort of luxury. The last thing you want on your holiday is an upset stomach!
Backpacker highlights
In terms of things to see and do, you should certainly head for Mexico City, where you can check out the Archaeological Museum to get to grips with some of the country’s rich, multi-layered history. The Metro system here is also extraordinarily cheap and widespread throughout the city. While you’re here, take a bus from the centre to the ancient citadel of Teotihuacan, which was an ancient mystery even to the Aztecs.
For somewhere a bit quieter, head for Oaxaca; a pretty colonial town at the foot of a mountain. Here you can take in the fresh air and absorb the local culture that has drawn many an artist there over the years.
It’s impossible to cover the myriad places you should visit on a more in-depth trip here, but short-term travellers should at least tick off UNESCO site Chichen Itza, and explore some of the underwater world of the Mayan Riviera, including vast coral gardens and ‘ceynotes’ or sink-hole caves.
Wherever you decide to go, you’re sure to have an unforgettable trip. There’s an endless stream of things to see and do in this fascinating country, so you’ll be hard-pressed to get bored!
(Photo by Pascal via Flickr)
(This post was written by Adam Rowley)
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