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Trip Report
3 months trip in eastern Mexico 🇲🇽
Discovering Mexico with my backpack ! Arrived in Cancun, I crossed the states of Quintana Roo, Yucatan, Campeche, Chiapas and Oaxaca.
North AmericaMexico18 days / January - February - March 2022
Highs & Lows
Diversity of landscapes, Mexicans, tacos and tamales, Mayan temples and their history...
Sadly too much tourists ! (travel to the only country open after the pandemic)
Itinerary Overview
After a few years working in France, I wanted to go on an adventure alone with my backpack (for my first travel) and Mexico seemed like a good first destination.
Arrived in Cancun, the easiest way was to follow the Caribbean coast to the south and discover each state as things progress, according to the meetings that I made on the road.
I stopped for a long time in the state of Chiapas (especially to San Cristobal) and Oaxaca for their Mexican richness and their landscap.
After Oaxaca, I decided to change road and country, and head towards Guatemala...
Palenque Jungle and Temple
A first day to visit the city, there is not much to see except the market (as in every city in Mexico, the market is always a pleasant place to meet the locals and try new fruits/vegetables).
The jungle around the hostel allows you to take beautiful walks and discover the local flora and fauna.
And finally, the archaeological area ! A walk of a few hours in this sacred place, several temples surrounded by sometimes gigantic trees, locals come to exhibit their handicrafts (bracelets, paintings, fabrics, etc.) A tip: get there early (as soon as it opens) to avoid tourists !
On the way to san cristobal, I recommand to stop in Misol Ha waterfall and Agua Azul, beautiful places !
Boca del Cielo Ocean and sunset lovers, chill place and nature
An ecologic hostel, lost on the beach between the lake and the city surrounded by moutains (far away). I've been there with two Friends met in another city. Cabanes made of bambou directly on the beach. 3 hours by bus and lancha in the south of San Cristobal de las Casas. Peacefull place with not a lot to do except chill, with amazing sunset every night !
Oaxaca Good energy, excellent food and a lot of things to visit in and around the city !
The city is big and easy to visit, many monuments and markets (I ate the best temales there), a view of the whole city with a superb sunset behind the Auditorio, exciting Street Art...
If you haven't been to Mexico City before, you can attend lucha libre here : entertaining, technical and very funny !
Around the city, I recommand 3 spot :
- El arbol del Tule: spanning over 40m2, the wildest tree in the world!
- The archaeological site of Monte Alban: in height, which allows to have a clear view on the mountains and cities around.
- Hierve el agua: petrified waterfall, with a magnificent view (but bad luck, it was very dry for us and the water levels were very low...)
Q & A
What would you have changed?
Nothing except spending more time to discover this Amazing countryRestaurant recommendations?
Test the comedors in the markets, the price is ridiculous and this is where you best discover the different specialties of the city / country. Watch out for water (especially in the state of Chiapas 😉).Tips you would give a friend?
Don't be afraid to visit this country as a single woman, with common sense this country is safe and really worthe it !Packing tips?
A piece of rope (very useful for extending your belongings when there are no other options), mosquito repellent and sunscreen (essential!), And (depend of Season) be equipped for cold and hot weather, in a few km temperature can change considerably !Transportation Tips?
Buses are very easy to access in Mexico, sometimes a bit expensive but always safe !
Lodging
Cabanas Kin Balam Palenque, between hotel and hostel (booked on Booking), lost in the jungle bordering the city, this place offers several wooden cabins with one or more beds, a restaurant, and a large swimming pool (ideal for cooling off). Peacock, howler monkeys and many other animal are to be observer here.
Entremares, hostel ecologic, with amazing staf and good food (only restaurant) !
3 nights in El Cielo Hostel (booked on Hostelworld), 5/10 min walking from the center, nice hostel with kitchen. And 8 nights in Iguana Hostel (Hostelworld), Closer to the center, good energy, a lot of different places to chill and a bar with good music and salsa class once a week.