17-Day Ultimate Budget Backpacking Route in Mauritius
Mauritius is often pigeonholed as a high-end honeymoon destination, but beneath the luxury resort surface lies a backpacker's paradise. By leveraging the island's extensive public bus network and indulging in the world-class street food culture, you can experience this volcanic island for a fraction of the cost of a typical holiday.
This 17-day route takes you through the historical southeast, the rugged southwest mountains, the bustling capital of Port Louis, and the pristine northern beaches. You'll stay in local guest houses and hostels, eat like a local, and discover that the best things in Mauritius—the sunsets, the hiking trails, and the crystal-clear lagoons—are entirely free.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Mahebourg - Arrival & Gateway to the Past
Arrival at SSR International Airport
Touch down at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport. Instead of taking a taxi, walk out to the bus stop located right outside the terminal to catch a local bus to Mahebourg for less than a dollar.
Check-in at LeBovallon B&B
Drop your bags at a budget-friendly guest house in Mahebourg. This town is the most affordable entry point to the island and offers a genuine Mauritian atmosphere.
Mahebourg Waterfront Walk
Take a stroll along the waterfront to see the Cavayere Bridge and enjoy the breeze coming off the lagoon. It is a popular spot for locals to gather and entirely free to explore.
Street Food Dinner at the Market
Head to the Mahebourg market area to find vendors selling 'Dholl Puri' and 'Gateau Piment'. These savory snacks are the staple of a budget diet in Mauritius.
Day 2: Mahebourg - Heritage & Tradition
National History Museum
Visit this free museum housed in a colonial mansion. It tells the story of the naval battles between the French and the British and holds the remains of an extinct Dodo.
Biscuiterie Rault
Take a short walk to this historic factory that has been making manioc (cassava) biscuits for over 150 years. The tour is cheap and includes a tasting session.
Pointe d'Esny Beach
Take a short local bus ride to one of the most beautiful white-sand beaches on the island. While the beachfront is lined with villas, the beach itself is public and free to enjoy.
Local Rum Tasting
End your day at a local bar in Mahebourg, trying a shot of local spiced rum, which is significantly cheaper than imported spirits.
Day 3: Blue Bay - Marine Magic
Blue Bay Marine Park
Blue Bay is famous for its coral gardens. You don't need an expensive boat tour; simply swim out from the public beach with your own snorkel gear to see vibrant fish.
Picnic at the Beach
Buy fresh tropical fruit and a baguette from the local grocery store for a low-cost lunch under the filao trees.
Iles aux Aigrettes Viewpoint
Walk along the coast towards the nature reserve of Iles aux Aigrettes. While the island tour costs money, the views from the mainland are spectacular and free.
Mahebourg Night Market
If your visit falls on a Monday, the large market is in full swing. Otherwise, the small stalls near the bus station offer cheap fried noodles ('Mine Frit').
Day 4: Travel to Flic en Flac - The West Coast
Bus to Flic en Flac
Take the bus from Mahebourg to Curepipe, and then transfer to a bus heading to Flic en Flac. This cross-island journey takes about 2.5 hours but costs less than $3.
Check-in at a Beach Hostel
Flic en Flac has several hostels and budget apartments. Staying here gives you easy access to the western sunset views.
Flic en Flac Public Beach
Relax on one of the longest beaches on the island. The water is calm and perfect for a free afternoon swim.
Sunset and Street Food
Watch the sunset while eating 'Boulettes' (Mauritian dumplings) from the food trucks parked along the coastal road.
Day 5: Flic en Flac - Leisure & Sun
Beach Trekking
Walk south along the beach towards Tamarin. It’s a beautiful, free trek that offers changing perspectives of the Rempart Mountain.
Cascavelle Shopping Village
Take a quick bus up to the shopping village. The food court offers various budget meals ranging from Indian curries to Chinese stir-fry.
Snorkeling at Wolmar
The southern end of the beach (Wolmar) is quieter and has excellent patches of coral close to the shore.
Self-Catering Dinner
Visit the 'Spar' supermarket to buy local ingredients and cook at your hostel to keep daily costs under $27.
Day 6: Le Morne - Hiking the Monolith
Early Bus to Le Morne
Catch the earliest bus heading south. You'll need to get off at the junction and walk or hitch a short ride to the base of the mountain.
Hike Le Morne Brabant
This UNESCO World Heritage site is free to hike. The first half is easy, while the second requires some scrambling. The view from the top is the best on the island.
Le Morne Public Beach
After the hike, cool off at the public beach at the foot of the mountain. It's world-famous for kitesurfing, and watching them is free entertainment.
Return to Flic en Flac
Catch the bus back north. It’s a scenic ride along the coastal road as the sun begins to dip.
Day 7: Tamarin - Salt Pans & Surf
Tamarin Salt Pans
Visit the historic salt pans of Tamarin. While many are being phased out for development, you can still see the traditional salt harvesting process for free from the roadside.
Roti Aka
Stop at the famous Roti Aka stall in Tamarin for some of the best and cheapest rotis on the island.
Tamarin Bay
Unlike the white sand elsewhere, this bay has volcanic grey sand and is a popular spot for local surfers. The vibe here is very laid-back and backpacker-friendly.
Drum Circles
On some evenings, locals gather on the beach for spontaneous 'Sega' music and drumming. Join in for a truly authentic experience.
Day 8: Travel to Port Louis - The Capital Pulse
Express Bus to Port Louis
Catch the express bus from Flic en Flac to the Victoria Urban Terminal in Port Louis. This is the island's main transport hub.
Central Market (Bazar Central)
Dive into the chaos of the capital's main market. Head upstairs for cheap textiles and downstairs for the best Alouda (sweet milk drink) on the island.
Aapravasi Ghat
Visit this free UNESCO site that marks the spot where indentured laborers first arrived in Mauritius. It is a moving and educational experience.
Fort Adelaide (The Citadel)
Walk up the hill to this old fort for a 360-degree view of the city and the harbor. It’s the best place to understand the layout of Port Louis.
Day 9: Port Louis - Culture & History
Blue Penny Museum
Located at the Caudan Waterfront, this museum houses two of the rarest stamps in the world. While there is a small fee, it's worth it for history buffs.
China Town Street Food
Wander through China Town and grab some 'Mine Bouille' (boiled noodles) from a sidewalk vendor for a few dollars.
Photography Museum
Visit this small, privately-owned museum in the heart of the city. It contains a fascinating collection of early cameras and photos of old Mauritius.
Sunset at Signal Mountain
Join the locals for their evening exercise walk up Signal Mountain. The paved path is free and offers incredible views of the city lights.
Day 10: Pamplemousses - Botanical Beauty
Bus to Pamplemousses
Take the bus from the northern terminal in Port Louis to the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden.
Botanical Garden Exploration
Pay the modest entry fee (around $5) to see the giant water lilies and the diverse palm collection. You can spend hours here for very little money.
L'Aventure du Sucre
Walk or take a short bus to this old sugar factory turned museum. Even if you don't enter the museum, the shop offers free sugar and rum tastings.
Village Walk
Explore the small village of Pamplemousses, which has some beautiful old churches and local snack shops before heading back to the capital.
Day 11: Port Louis - Hidden Gems
Jummah Mosque
Visit this stunning 19th-century mosque in the heart of the city. It’s an architectural marvel and is open to visitors outside of prayer times (dress modestly).
Marie Reine de la Paix
Climb the stairs of this open-air church for a peaceful view of the city. It’s a popular spot for local picnics and very quiet.
Postal Museum
Located in an old stone building by the harbor, this museum is a quick and cheap stop for those interested in the island's communication history.
Nightlife at Caudan
The Caudan Waterfront has a lively atmosphere at night. While the restaurants are pricey, the outdoor seating areas are free and often host live music.
Day 12: Travel to Grand Baie - The Northern Hub
Express Bus to the North
Take the express bus from Port Louis to Grand Baie. It's a faster route that bypasses many small villages.
Check-in at Grand Baie
Grand Baie has a variety of studios and guesthouses. Look for ones a few streets back from the main road for the best prices.
Grand Baie Public Beach
The main beach is right in the center of town. It’s a great place to people-watch and enjoy the turquoise water of the bay.
Sunset at La Cuvette
A short walk from the center takes you to La Cuvette, a smaller and more intimate beach perfect for a sunset dip.
Day 13: Trou aux Biches - Tropical Perfection
Bus to Trou aux Biches
Catch a local bus heading west to Trou aux Biches. This beach is often cited as one of the best in the world.
Shore Snorkeling
The lagoon here is shallow and safe. You can see a variety of fish and occasionally sea turtles just by swimming out from the beach.
Street Food Lunch
Look for the 'Camion' (food trucks) parked near the beach for cheap and delicious grilled seafood or fried rice.
Mont Choisy Beach
Walk from Trou aux Biches to Mont Choisy. It’s a massive stretch of sand with plenty of shade under the trees, perfect for a long afternoon walk.
Day 14: Cap Malheureux - The Red Roof Church
Bus to Cap Malheureux
Head to the northernmost tip of the island. The bus ride offers great views of the smaller islands off the coast.
Notre-Dame Auxiliatrice
Visit the famous red-roofed church. It is the most photographed spot in Mauritius and is free to enter. The view of Coin de Mire island from here is iconic.
Anse La Raie Beach
Continue to this nearby beach, which is a favorite for kite-surfers and offers a much quieter experience than Grand Baie.
Pereguybere Beach
Stop at Pereybere on your way back. It has a deep, clear lagoon that is perfect for swimming before heading back for dinner.
Day 15: East Coast - Grand Gaube
Bus to Grand Gaube
Head east to the fishing village of Grand Gaube. This area is much less developed and offers a look at a more traditional way of life.
Village Exploration
Walk through the village and watch the local fishermen bringing in their catch. It’s a great place to practice your photography and meet locals.
Calodyne Viewpoint
Walk along the coast towards Calodyne to find hidden rocky coves and quiet viewpoints that tourists rarely see.
Dinner in Grand Baie
Return to Grand Baie for your final night in the north. Try the 'Z'epices' street food stalls for a cheap farewell meal.
Day 16: Belle Mare - The Wild East
Long Bus Ride to Belle Mare
This is a long journey, requiring a transfer in Flacq. It shows you the agricultural heartland of the island where sugar cane dominates the landscape.
Belle Mare Public Beach
The east coast is windier and more rugged. Belle Mare offers kilometers of pristine sand and a wilder feel than the west coast.
Flacq Market
On your way back, stop at the Flacq market (especially on Sundays). It’s the largest open-air market on the island and great for cheap souvenirs.
Last Night Feast
Find a local 'Table d'Hôte' where you can get a home-cooked Mauritian meal for a very reasonable price.
Day 17: Return to Mahebourg - Full Circle
Bus back to Mahebourg
Head back south towards the airport. Mahebourg is the perfect place to spend your final hours in the country.
Final Street Food Hunt
Grab a last round of Gateau Piment and a cold Phoenix beer at the waterfront to celebrate the end of your journey.
Souvenir Shopping
Buy some local tea (Bois Cheri) or sugar at the local supermarket—it's much cheaper than buying them at the airport.
Departure Transfer
Take the local bus for the 10-minute ride back to the airport, leaving with memories of an epic journey on a shoestring budget.
Best Time to Visit Mauritius
The best time for a budget traveler to visit Mauritius is during the shoulder seasons of May to June and September to November. During these months, the weather is pleasantly warm and dry, and prices for accommodation are lower than during the peak Christmas and New Year period. The winter months (July-August) can be quite windy on the east coast, while the summer months (January-March) are hot, humid, and prone to occasional cyclones.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Mauritian Rupee (MUR). While credit cards are widely accepted in supermarkets, hotels, and larger restaurants, you will need cash for bus fares, street food stalls, and local markets. ATMs are widely available in towns like Port Louis, Mahebourg, and Grand Baie. Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated in small amounts; in local eateries, rounding up the bill is sufficient.
Getting Around Mauritius
Mauritius lacks a train system (except for the Metro Express between Port Louis and Curepipe), but its bus network is incredible. There are two types: standard buses and express buses. Express buses are faster and air-conditioned but slightly more expensive. For the best experience, use the 'Mauritius Bus' app or website to plan routes. Buses generally stop running around 7:00 PM or 8:00 PM, so plan your evenings accordingly. For shorter distances, renting a bicycle or scooter is a fantastic and cheap alternative.
