20-Day Ultimate Budget Backpacking Route in Morocco
Morocco is a sensory explosion that doesn't have to cost a fortune. By utilizing the country's extensive network of CTM buses and ONCF trains, and eating like a local at vibrant street stalls, you can traverse this North African gem for as little as $13 a day. This itinerary focuses on authenticity, community-driven hostels, and the raw beauty of the landscape.
Prepare for an epic 20-day loop starting in the northern port of Tangier, winding through the Rif Mountains, the ancient imperial cities, and the vast Sahara desert, before finishing in the coastal breeze of Essaouira and the modern hub of Casablanca. This is backpacking in its purest form: slow, intentional, and incredibly rewarding.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Tangier, Morocco - Gateway to Africa
Arrival at Tanger Ville Port
Disembark from the ferry or arrive from the airport. Start your journey at the Grand Socco, the square where the medina meets the new city.
Exploring the Kasbah Museum
Walk up the steep winding streets to the Kasbah. The museum offers incredible views of the Strait of Gibraltar for a very small fee.
Tea at Café Hafa
Visit this legendary cliffside café. A glass of mint tea is cheap and the views of the Mediterranean are priceless.
Dinner at the Medina Food Stalls
Grab a bowl of Harira (chickpea soup) and some local bread for under $2. It's the ultimate budget traveler's meal.
Day 2: Tangier, Morocco - Caves and Cliffs
Hercules Caves
Take a shared grand taxi (cheap) to the Caves of Hercules, where the sea meets the stone in the shape of the African continent.
Cape Spartel Lighthouse
Walk from the caves to the lighthouse. It marks the point where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea.
Stroll the Beach Promenade
Return to the city and walk along the Ville de Tanger beach front to watch the local life unfold.
Sunset at the Phoenician Tombs
Join the locals sitting on the cliff edge by the tombs to watch the sun go down over the ocean.
Day 3: Chefchaouen, Morocco - The Blue Dream
CTM Bus to Chefchaouen
Take the early morning bus through the Rif Mountains. The 3-hour journey offers stunning views of the rugged landscape.
Get Lost in the Blue Medina
Drop your bags at a local hostel and wander through the iconic blue-washed streets. Every corner is a photo opportunity.
Ras El Maa Spring
Visit the local laundry area where the mountain spring water flows. It’s a cool, shaded spot to watch local life.
Plaza Uta el-Hammam
Eat at a side-street stall just off the main square to avoid tourist prices while enjoying the atmosphere.
Day 4: Chefchaouen, Morocco - Rif Mountain Hiking
Hike to the Spanish Mosque
A gentle uphill walk leads to this abandoned mosque. It offers the best panoramic view of the entire blue city.
Picnic Lunch
Buy olives, fresh bread, and goat cheese from the local market for a cheap, high-quality mountain lunch.
Shop for Local Crafts
Chefchaouen is known for wool garments and woven blankets. Even if you don't buy, the weaving workshops are free to see.
Street Food Snail Soup
Try the local specialty, 'Babbouche' (snail soup), sold from carts for just a few dirhams.
Day 5: Fes, Morocco - Ancient Labyrinth
Bus to Fes
A 4.5-hour bus ride takes you from the mountains to the spiritual heart of Morocco. Arrive and check into a riad-style hostel.
Bab Boujloud (Blue Gate)
Enter the world’s largest car-free urban area through this iconic gate. The energy here is electric and completely free.
Medersa Bou Inania
Visit this 14th-century religious school. The intricate tilework (zellij) and cedar carvings are breathtaking.
Fes El Bali Navigation
Spend time getting intentionally lost in the 9,000 alleys. It’s the ultimate way to experience Fes without spending a dime.
Day 6: Fes, Morocco - The Scent of History
Chouara Tannery
Find a balcony overlooking the tanneries. You'll get a sprig of mint to mask the smell as you watch the traditional dyeing process.
Tala’a Kebira Street
Walk this main artery of the medina. Stop for 'Maakouda' (fried potato patties) sandwiches—filling and very cheap.
Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts
Located in a beautifully restored fondouk (inn), this museum is a quiet escape from the medina bustle.
Merenid Tombs at Sunset
Walk or take a cheap taxi to these ruins on the hill for a view of the sprawling city as the call to prayer begins.
Day 7: Fes, Morocco - Spiritual Roots
Al-Qarawiyyin University
The world's oldest continuously operating university. While non-Muslims cannot enter the mosque, the doors offer a glimpse of the interior.
Kairouine Library
Visit the library associated with the university, which has been recently restored to its former glory.
Jnan Sbil Gardens
Take a break from the sensory overload in these beautiful, free public gardens located just outside the medina walls.
Street Food Feast
Sample 'B'stilla' (pigeon or chicken pie) from a local bakery for a fraction of restaurant prices.
Day 8: Meknes, Morocco - Imperial Grandeur
Train to Meknes
A short, 45-minute train ride brings you to the quietest of the four Imperial Cities. It’s significantly cheaper than Fes.
Bab Mansour
Admire the massive, intricate gate that faces the El Hedim Square. It’s widely considered the most beautiful gate in North Africa.
Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail
Visit the final resting place of the Sultan who made Meknes his capital. The craftsmanship is extraordinary.
Heri es-Souani Royal Granaries
Explore the massive ruins of the royal stables and granaries, designed to house 12,000 horses.
Day 9: Merzouga, Morocco - Road to the Sahara
The Long Bus South
Board the Supratours bus for a full-day journey. You will pass through the Ziz Valley and watch the landscape turn to desert.
Arrival in Merzouga
As the bus pulls into this desert village, you'll see the massive orange dunes of Erg Chebbi looming in the distance.
Berber Hospitality
Most budget hostels here include a hearty communal dinner of tagine or couscous in their nightly rate.
Stargazing
Walk just a few minutes away from the village lights to see a sky filled with an impossible number of stars.
Day 10: Merzouga, Morocco - Erg Chebbi Dunes
Sunrise over the Dunes
Wake up early to climb the nearest high dune. Watching the sand change color from grey to bright orange is free and unforgettable.
Explore the Village of Khamlia
Walk or take a cheap taxi to this village to hear traditional Gnaoua music performed by the descendants of former slaves.
Sandboarding
Many hostels provide sandboards for free. Find a steep slope and enjoy the thrill of boarding down the dunes.
Dromedary Walk
Arrange a short, budget-friendly sunset camel walk into the dunes with a local guide.
Day 11: Merzouga, Morocco - Desert Life
Day with a Nomad Family
Ask a local guide to take you to a nomad camp. It’s a humble experience that provides insight into survival in the desert.
Madfouna (Berber Pizza)
Try this local Merzouga specialty—bread stuffed with meat, herbs, and spices, baked in a traditional oven.
Merzouga Lake
If you visit during the right season, this seasonal lake attracts pink flamingos against the backdrop of orange sand.
Drumming Around the Fire
Enjoy an evening of traditional Berber drumming and singing at your hostel, a nightly ritual in the desert.
Day 12: Marrakech, Morocco - The Red City
Bus to Marrakech
A long but scenic 12-hour bus ride crossing the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka pass. A true epic journey.
Jemaa el-Fnaa at Night
Arrive in Marrakech and head straight to the main square. It’s a chaotic, wonderful circus of storytellers and food stalls.
Dinner at Stall 14
Known for its cheap and fresh fried fish, this is a legendary spot for backpackers in the square.
Check into a Medina Hostel
Marrakech has some of the best social hostels in the world, often located in beautiful old riads.
Day 13: Marrakech, Morocco - Souks and History
Koutoubia Mosque
Admire the minaret that dominates the skyline. The surrounding gardens are a peaceful, free spot to start your day.
The Souks of Marrakech
Dive into the labyrinth. Each section specializes in a craft: leather, metal, spices, or textiles. Browsing is free!
Ben Youssef Madrasa
This former Islamic college is a masterpiece of Moroccan architecture. The entry fee is very reasonable for the beauty inside.
Fresh Orange Juice
Grab a 4-dirham ($0.40) glass of fresh orange juice from the stalls in the square—the best in the world.
Day 14: Marrakech, Morocco - Palaces and Gardens
Bahia Palace
Wander through the "Palace of the Beautiful," featuring sun-drenched courtyards and intricate wooden ceilings.
The Mellah (Jewish Quarter)
Explore this historic district, which has a distinct architectural style and a fascinating history.
Le Jardin Secret
A hidden oasis in the middle of the medina. It’s much cheaper and less crowded than the Majorelle Garden.
Sunset at a Rooftop Café
Buy one tea and sit on a rooftop overlooking Jemaa el-Fnaa to watch the square transform for the night.
Day 15: Essaouira, Morocco - Windy City of Africa
Supratours Bus to the Coast
A 3-hour journey takes you to the Atlantic coast. You’ll feel the temperature drop as the sea breeze hits.
Essaouira Port
Watch the iconic blue boats come in with their daily catch. It’s a hub of activity and a great spot for photos.
Walk the Skala de la Ville
These 18th-century sea bastions offer views of the crashing Atlantic waves. Entry is free and iconic for Game of Thrones fans.
Grilled Fish Dinner
Choose your fish directly from the stalls by the port and have it grilled on the spot for a cheap, fresh meal.
Day 16: Essaouira, Morocco - Artisan Vibes
Explore the Medina
Essaouira’s medina is laid out in a grid, making it much easier to navigate than Fes or Marrakech. It's famous for Thuya wood carvings.
Tagine Cooking Lesson
Many hostels offer budget cooking classes where you visit the market first and then cook your own lunch.
Beach Stroll
Walk the wide, sandy beach. It's a popular spot for kite surfing and camel rides, or just watching the sunset.
Live Music at Café Horloge
Enjoy local musicians playing traditional Gnaoua or fusion music in this cultural hub.
Day 17: Essaouira, Morocco - Relaxation Day
Sidi Kaouki Excursion
Take a local bus to this nearby surf village for a more rugged and quiet beach experience.
Surfing or Kitesurfing
Rent a board for an hour if your budget allows; Essaouira is one of the best value spots in the world for water sports.
Market Shopping
The Sunday market (Had Draa) is a short taxi ride away and is one of the most authentic rural markets in the region.
Pastry Crawl
Visit the local patisseries for almond-filled 'Corne de Gazelle'—a sweet and cheap end to the day.
Day 18: Casablanca, Morocco - The Modern Metropolis
Bus/Train to Casablanca
Travel north to Morocco's largest city. Casablanca offers a look at the modern, industrial side of the country.
Place Mohammed V
Marvel at the French colonial architecture and the pigeon-filled square at the heart of the city.
The Corniche
Walk along the Ain Diab Corniche, the city’s waterfront boardwalk, popular with local families.
Dinner at Marché Central
A great spot for seafood. It's bustling and authentic, far from the tourist-heavy restaurants.
Day 19: Casablanca, Morocco - Architectural Wonders
Hassan II Mosque
One of the largest mosques in the world, built partly over the ocean. The guided tour is worth the splurge for its incredible detail.
Habous Quarter (New Medina)
Built by the French in the 1920s, this medina is clean, orderly, and home to the famous Mahkama du Pacha.
Rick's Café (Outside)
See the recreation of the bar from the movie 'Casablanca'. It’s pricey to eat inside, but free to take a photo of the exterior!
Last Minute Souvenir Shopping
The Habous Quarter is a great place to buy high-quality leather and books without the high-pressure sales of Marrakech.
Day 20: Casablanca, Morocco - Departure
Breakfast at a Local Boulangerie
Enjoy one last Moroccan coffee and a 'Pain au Chocolat' for less than a dollar.
Train to CMN Airport
The airport train runs every hour from Casa Voyageurs station and is the most reliable way to catch your flight.
Duty Free Exploration
Browse the airport shops for any last-minute Moroccan spices or argan oil using your remaining Dirhams.
Departure
Final flight out of Mohammed V International Airport, marking the end of an epic 20-day budget journey.
Best Time to Visit Morocco
The best time to visit Morocco for budget travelers is during the shoulder seasons: Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November). During these months, the weather is pleasant—not too hot for desert treks and not too cold for mountain hiking. Staying in hostels is also easier during these times as they aren't fully booked, and prices for activities are more negotiable. Avoid the peak of summer (July and August) when the heat in Marrakech and the Sahara can be unbearable, and prices in coastal towns like Essaouira skyrocket.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). As of now, roughly 10 MAD equals 1 USD. Morocco is primarily a cash society, especially for the budget traveler. Street food, small riads, and local buses will almost always require cash. ATMs are widely available in cities, but it's wise to carry a backup card. Tipping is customary but modest; rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10 MAD at a café is appreciated. Always negotiate prices in the souks, but remember that for the $13/day budget, you'll be focusing more on local markets where prices are often fixed and fair.
Getting Around Morocco
Morocco has one of the best transport infrastructures in Africa. For this budget itinerary, the ONCF train network is your best friend for connecting Tangier, Fes, Meknes, and Casablanca; it's punctual and affordable. For routes not covered by rail (like Chefchaouen and Merzouga), the CTM and Supratours bus companies are excellent, offering air-conditioned, reliable service at low prices. Within cities, use 'Petit Taxis'—small cars that use meters—or 'Grand Taxis' for shared inter-city routes. Always insist on the meter (compteur) in Petit Taxis to ensure you pay the local rate.
