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Trip Report
Backpacking Mexico
My backpacking journey through Mexico. I travelled to different cities and experienced a rich and different culture to Ireland. The street food... muy rico!
North AmericaMexico42 days / October - November 2020
Highs & Lows
Exploring Teotihuacan, an ancient set of cluster of Mayan pyramids.
Food poisoning from street food.
Itinerary Overview
Mexico City It was the beginning of my trip and a great transport hub from which to visit other areas.
Mexico City
I arrived in Mexico city at 4am on a Thursday and was taxi'd to the hostel. I awoke to the sound of the water-man on the street making his daily rounds shouting in a coarse voice "aqua"! Mexico city is massive, being home to 18,000,000 citizens and because of this has a lot of diversity. The public transport system was easy to use and really effective for navigating the city. Uber is also incredibly affordable and always available if you are overwhelmed by navigating through Spanish. Due to Covid, the cities nightlife was almost non-existent BUT... if you look hard enough you're sure to find a party.
The main touristy highlights of Mexico city, for me, included the Frida Kahlo "Casa Azul" museum, Teotihuacan pyramids and Bosque de Chapultapec. The street food is incredible and I miss it daily!
Tepotzotlán Explore the city and hike to the Tepozteco Pyramid.
Tepotzlan
Tepotzlan is a city about 2 hours north of Mexico city. You can get an affordable Uber or bus to it but me and some friends were given a loan of a car for the day(lucky, right?). It has a much older feel to it then Mexico city and the cobblestone streets and colourful street art create a notable vibrancy to the place. If youre feeling adveturous, as we were, theres a beautiful and manageable hike up to the Tepozteco pyramids. The pyramid on top was closed due to Covid but we were given a very cheap guided tour by a local up a side-trail that lead us to the top of another mountain opposing the Tepozteco pyramidas and were treating to stunning views of both the pyramid and surround city and valley. A true treat to the senses.
Puerto Escondido Surfing and beachtime.
Puerto Escondido
Puerto Escondido is nothing short of tropical, surfing paradise. The weather is a lot warmer then Mexico city with a high level of humidity. Palm trees and big waves are a common site here. A long strip of beach complimented by non-intrusive beachfront restaurants means fresh caught fish and a shot of mezcal are only ever a short walk from you. I stayed in the Selina hostel and spent most of my days surfing on the beach. There are several beautiful beaches only a short taxi fare away and I highly recommend travelling to them all. Uber is non existent here but the taxi fares are so cheap it easily makes up for it.
Q & A
What would you have changed?
Night life is pretty poor during covid times but I guess thats the price you pay for travel during the pandemic.Anything go wrong during the trip?
Some unpleasent guys at the beach have a business of ripping off tourists for surfboard rentals. Best bet is to get your rental through the hostel.Restaurant recommendations?
No need for a restaurant! The street food is so damn good!Tips you would give a friend?
Use Uber as much as possible.Packing tips?
Sunscreen, shorts, portable charger.Transportation Tips?
Uber is probably your best bet but public transport is very cheap and efficient.
Lodging
Hostel Home, beautiful and friendly little hostel with all the necessities. Rooms were dorms and clean.
The Selina, beautiful social hostel. Really modern and clean with bar, pool and restaurant. Surf boards available for rent also!