Backpacking in Mexico

Question

I want to plan a backpacking trip to mexico but not sure on the best route. I like to hike along some beautiful beaches and see the mayan ruins. Also I would like to see some inland country side with waterfalls and such. I'm guessing a will be there 1-2 months Ive never backpacked longer than 4-5 days at a time so I have no idea how to plan this trip

thanks in advance for any info

Answer 1

Not sure where you are from climate wise or the time of year you plan on going to Mexico it's the wet season at the moment.  Are you traveling alone or with friends?   Do you speak any Spanish?   I think it is always good to work as a team rather then on your own, some language skill is important but not essential.   It's amazing how people can communicate in a pinch plus many Mexicans are eager to use there english skills on you...

  

WWW.mexonline.com

www.sparks-mexico.com

couple web sites to get your feet wet, sparks is a great source for a personal reply, lives in Melaque, south of Puerto Vallart on the west coast.  

  Have fun hunting and pecking your internet research, there is a ton of information and it sounds like an exciting idea.   Last year my wife and I bumped into two guys who were biking through Mexico.  They started from Tucson, Arizona and we met them on a street in Zihuatanejo, two months into there ride south.   Good luck

Answer 2

Get a copy of People's Guide to Mexico by Carl Franz. It has lots of what you will need to know. What a wonderful adventure!

Check out their Website as well

http://www.peoplesguide.com/  

Answer 3

By the term "backpack" do you mean you plan to walk the whole time, or are you just looking to have a rustic style trip?

(MARCI452 is right on about Franz's book....)

Years ago, I made my first trek into Mexico, wanderded for over 3 months,  and have returned every year since and the thing is, there are many great routes you can select. We all have had our adventures, and so no one can say one is better than another. If I were you, here is what I would do:

First, plan on using public transportation...buses and trains are very cheap...you may even want to plan to fly into or out of Mexico.

You want to see Ruins and natural wonders, right? well, you can accomplish a lot of this right in the Yucatan Peninsula. If you flew into Merida or Cancun, you could experience so much just in that area alone. In fact, concentrating your travels to just 2-3 areas is best, as there is just too much to take in.

The things you want to see have not changed and won't. Therefore even older library travel books will have very useful info. research the area you choose and you will have a great informed trek. Things that do change, like hostels, and econ hotels might, but if you look online, remember, that for every place on line, there a bunch that do not advertise on the internet. If you shop for bargains, remember that security for yourself, your possessions and your fellow travelers is absolutely worth a few bucks more, and looking for a place to stay "on the fly" is worth it, but you do not want to be searching in the middle of the night, even if it is to camp. plan your trip accordingly.

Again, travel books will have so many do's and don'ts which can actually save your life....and if you become hooked on Mexican travel like I have, all the information you can get will only sharpen your travel skills. you want to know all about the people you will encounter, and know what to expect along the way.

Do not look for shortcuts to making this incredible trip of yours...do the research, choose a route based on your criteria and just have a great time.   gorilla

Answer 4

I recommend starting in Cancun and working your way south from there to Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Chetumal, Palenque, San Cristobal de Las Casas, Villahermosa, and then up the west side of the Yucatan Peninsula thru Merida and back to Cancun.  If you truly take all this in, just that much could take up at least a month.  If you have even more time, head west to the Pacific coast and explore along the way.  There are many hostels for backpackers along the way and experiences that can't even be imagined.  Local bus service is ample, efficient, and (at least in 1st class buses) quite comfortable.  I suggest you do a search for backpackers' forums where I imagine you can find great detail about others' similar trips.  Good luck, be safe, and have a great experience!