Backpacking Through Mexico, Belize & Guatemala

by Larry Waight
backpacking

If you have been wanting to travel south of the American or Canadian border, why not consider backpacking? Backpacking can help you save money and it gives you plenty of chances to have unique life experiences. Lastly, backpacking is both easy to do and, just like any other form of travel, gives you a chance to run into different cultures the one unique thing about backpacking is that you may run into other backpackers from completely different cultures. Provided below you will find one example of how a backpacking trip through Mexico and Central America is not only easy but actually quite safe.

Backpacking through Mexico

chetumal-mexico-quintana-roo

One of the best ways to start a backpacking trip through countries like Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala would be to book a flight to Cancun, Mexico, and use that city as a starting point. There are many international flights that reach this location and just about all of them are quite affordable. Once you have made it to Cancun, you can pass through the various beaches of Cancun, then pass through Playa del Carmen and then Tulum, before making your way into Belize. Since you are the only one who knows how much time you have to spend on this trip, know that all three of these countries have plenty of hostels to provide room and board.

Playa Del Carmen
cancun
Cancun, Mexico
tulum
Tulum

Backpacking through Belize

While you are in Belize, consider staying in Caye Caulker. Caye Caulker is notable for being an affordable destination that offers amazing chances to snorkel, dive, and sail-you can even do some fishing to catch yourself some food. Once you are finished with Caye Caulker, you can make your way to San Ignacio Town in western Belize to book a hostel, check out places like the ATM Cave, Xunantunich, and Cahal Pech, and maybe even go for a nice relaxing swim around the waterfalls of Mountain Pine Ridge. Notably, San Ignacio is the center of Belizean ecotourism.

Caye Caulker
atm Belize
The entrance of ATM Cave. Photo by Leonardo Melendez Photography

Backpacking through Guatemala

Once you are satisfied with your time in San Ignacio, you can head west to Guatemala, a mere 15-minute drive to the Guatemalan/Belizean border. The usual spot for Guatemalan backpackers would be Flores Peten, known for being in close proximity to the historic Maya settlement of Tikal. Beyond offering a chance to see Tikal, Flores Peten also offers a large number of nature tours, eateries, and the chance to swim in a lake. When you have had your fill of Flores Peten, you can take a bus or a plane and head to either Guatemala City or back home.

Tikal
Guatemala City

As you can see, it really is not hard to backpack through countries like Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala. Just remember to draw up a reasonable plan, backed up by researching places to eat, stay and experience. Regardless of where you are traveling, remember that you set your schedule-it as your call as to when you need to head back home. Just remember to watch your maps and your cell phone so that you do not get disoriented and head in the wrong direction. When your trip ends, you will have dozens of stories to tell friends and family. 

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