19-Day Ultimate Budget Backpacking Route in Morocco
Morocco is a backpacker's dream, offering a sensory explosion of spices, colors, and ancient architecture. This 19-day itinerary is meticulously designed for those who want to see the entire country on an ultra-lean budget, focusing on local transport, street food, and free cultural experiences.
By leveraging the extensive ONCF train network and CTM or Supratours buses, you can traverse from the Atlantic coast to the high Atlas Mountains and the golden dunes of the Sahara. Get ready for communal hostel dinners, bustling souks, and the most rewarding long-distance journey in North Africa.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Marrakech, Morocco - Arrival & Medina Magic
Arrival at Marrakech Menara Airport
Touch down at one of the world's most beautiful airports. To save money, take the L19 Airport Shuttle bus directly to Jemaa el-Fnaa instead of a private taxi.
Exploring Jemaa el-Fnaa
Witness the heart of the city. During the day, it's filled with orange juice stalls (4 DH per glass) and snake charmers. Observe from a distance to avoid paying for photos.
Koutoubia Mosque Gardens
Walk through the serene gardens surrounding the tallest mosque in Marrakech. While non-Muslims cannot enter, the exterior and the call to prayer are free and mesmerizing.
Street Food Dinner
Head back to the square as it transforms into a massive open-air kitchen. Look for Stall 14 (famous for fried fish) or Stall 32 (harira soup) for a filling meal under $3.
Day 2: Marrakech, Morocco - Hidden Alleys & Souks
The Medina Souks
Navigate the labyrinthine alleys of the souks. Focus on the Dyer’s Souk (Souk des Teinturiers) to see wool being dyed in vibrant colors for free.
Ben Youssef Madrasa Exterior
Admire the stunning Islamic architecture of the nearby mosque and the entrance of the Madrasa, a masterpiece of Zellige tilework.
Mellah (Jewish Quarter)
Explore the historic Jewish district. The spice markets here are often cheaper than the main souks, and the architecture is distinct and historic.
Cyber Park Arsat Moulay Abdeslam
A free, lush garden with free Wi-Fi and shade. It's the perfect place for budget travelers to relax and plan the next leg of the journey.
Day 3: Essaouira, Morocco - Coastal Escape
Supratours Bus to Essaouira
Take the 3-hour bus ride from Marrakech to the coast. This is the most reliable and affordable way to reach the windy city.
Essaouira Fishing Port
Watch the iconic blue boats come in with the daily catch. You can buy fresh sardines here for a few dirhams and have them grilled nearby.
The Skala du Port
For a small fee, walk along the historic ramparts where Game of Thrones was filmed. The views of the Atlantic are unparalleled.
Sunset at the Beach
Walk the wide sandy beach of Essaouira. It's free, beautiful, and a great place to watch local football games or kite surfers.
Day 4: Essaouira, Morocco - Gnaoua Music & Chill
Medina Art Galleries
Essaouira’s medina is much more relaxed than Marrakech. Spend the morning browsing local art galleries and woodworking shops (Thuya wood).
Place Moulay Hassan
Sit at a local cafe and enjoy the atmosphere. Look for Gnaoua musicians who often perform in the square for tips.
Budget Hammam Experience
Visit a 'local' hammam (not a tourist spa) for a few dollars. It's an essential part of Moroccan culture and the cheapest way to get clean.
Medina Street Food Tour
Try the 'maakouda' (fried potato cakes) or local crepes from street vendors for a dinner under $2.
Day 5: Casablanca, Morocco - The Economic Hub
Bus to Casablanca
A longer travel day (approx. 5-6 hours). Use the CTM bus for a comfortable and budget-friendly journey north.
Hassan II Mosque (Exterior)
Behold one of the largest mosques in the world. While the tour inside is pricey, walking around the massive sea-front plaza is free and stunning.
La Corniche Walk
Walk along the oceanfront promenade. It's a great place to people-watch and see the modern side of Morocco.
Marché Central Dinner
Eat at the central market where you can find affordable seafood stalls that cater to locals.
Day 6: Rabat, Morocco - The Imperial Capital
Train to Rabat
Take the ONCF train from Casa Voyageurs station. It's only 1 hour and very cheap. The trains are frequent and modern.
Hassan Tower & Mausoleum
Visit the iconic unfinished minaret and the resting place of kings. Entrance is free, and the marble plaza is impressive.
Kasbah des Oudaias
Explore the stunning blue and white alleys of this ancient fortress. The views overlooking the Bou Regreg river are a highlight.
Andalusian Gardens
Located within the Kasbah, these gardens are a tranquil, free spot to rest and enjoy the scent of orange blossoms.
Day 7: Chefchaouen, Morocco - Heading to the Blue Pearl
CTM Bus to Chefchaouen
The journey into the Rif Mountains takes about 5 hours. Book your ticket a day in advance as this route is popular.
First Steps in the Blue Medina
Drop your bags at a local hostel and start wandering. Almost every wall is painted a different shade of blue.
Ras El Maa Waterfall
Follow the river to the edge of the medina where locals wash clothes. It's a refreshing spot and completely free.
Sunset at the Spanish Mosque
Hike up the hill (20 mins) to the Spanish Mosque for the most famous sunset view over the entire blue city.
Day 8: Chefchaouen, Morocco - Rif Mountain Vibes
Plaza Uta el-Hammam
The main square of the medina. Grab a cheap mint tea and watch the town wake up. The Kasbah exterior is a great photo op.
Shopping for Hand-woven Blankets
Chefchaouen is known for its wool textiles. Even if you don't buy, watching the weavers work in small shops is a cultural treat.
Explore the Upper Medina Alleys
Get lost in the less crowded upper sections of the medina for the best 'blue wall' photos without the queues.
Hostel Family Dinner
Many hostels in 'Chaouen' offer cheap communal tajine dinners. It’s the best way to meet fellow travelers on a budget.
Day 9: Fez, Morocco - The Ancient Heart
Bus to Fez
Take the 4.5-hour bus through the winding mountain roads to Fez, the cultural capital of Morocco.
Bab Boujeloud (Blue Gate)
Enter the world’s largest car-free urban area through the iconic Blue Gate. The transition into the medieval city is instant.
Exploring Tala'a Kebira
One of the two main arteries of Fez el-Bali. It's packed with street food, donkey traffic, and ancient workshops.
Fez Street Snacks
Look for vendors selling chickpeas with cumin or fresh fava bean soup (Bissara) for a few dirhams.
Day 10: Fez, Morocco - Tanneries & Tradition
Chouara Tannery
The most famous site in Fez. Visit a leather shop balcony to see the dyeing pits for free (just tip the shopkeeper a few dirhams).
Al-Attarine Madrasa
An affordable entry into one of the most intricately decorated schools in the Islamic world. The cedar wood and tilework are world-class.
Kairaouine Mosque (Exterior)
One of the oldest universities in the world. While only Muslims can enter, you can peek through the doors at the massive courtyard.
Panoramic View from Merenid Tombs
Walk up the hill outside the city walls for a free, panoramic view of the entire Fez medina as the lights come on.
Day 11: Fez, Morocco - Artisans of the Medina
Place Seffarine
Watch the copper-smiths hammering out massive pots and trays in this lively, noisy square. It’s living history.
Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts
Located in a beautifully restored caravanserai. The entry fee is low and the rooftop cafe offers great views.
Jnan Sbil Gardens
The oldest park in Fez. It’s a free, botanical paradise perfect for escaping the chaos of the medina for a few hours.
Camel Burger Dinner
Try the famous camel burger at Cafe Clock (a bit of a splurge but worth it) or find a local stall for a budget version.
Day 12: Merzouga, Morocco - Journey to the Desert
Night Bus to Merzouga
This is a long 10-hour journey. Use the CTM night bus to save on one night of accommodation and reach the desert by dawn.
Arrival in Merzouga Village
Step off the bus and see the massive Erg Chebbi dunes rising right from the edge of the village.
Budget Desert Camp Intro
Negotiate a budget overnight camel trek or simply walk into the dunes yourself for a morning exploration.
Khamlia Village (Gnaoua Music)
Walk or take a cheap taxi to the nearby village of Khamlia to hear traditional desert music for a donation.
Day 13: Merzouga, Morocco - Sahara Sands
Sunrise over Erg Chebbi
Wake up early and climb the nearest high dune. It costs nothing and is one of the most spiritual experiences in Morocco.
Berber Pizza Lunch
Try 'Madfouna' (Berber Pizza), a local specialty filled with meat and spices, shared with other travelers to save costs.
Dune Boarding
Many hostels in Merzouga lend out sandboards for free or a very small fee. It’s a fun, cheap way to spend the afternoon.
Stargazing
Walk away from the village lights into the dunes. The Milky Way is visible to the naked eye—nature's best free show.
Day 14: Tinghir, Morocco - Todra Gorge Hike
Grand Taxi to Tinghir
Share a grand taxi (local shared taxi) with other travelers. It’s the fastest and most local way to move between desert towns.
Exploring Todra Gorge
Walk through the massive 300-meter high limestone canyon. It’s free to explore and a popular spot for rock climbers.
Hiking the Palmeral
Follow the river downstream into the lush palm groves. It’s a peaceful, shaded walk through local agricultural plots.
Local Tajine Dinner
Tinghir is much cheaper than the big cities. Enjoy a massive vegetable tajine for less than $4.
Day 15: Ouarzazate, Morocco - The Gateway to the South
Bus to Ouarzazate
Take the local bus through the 'Road of a Thousand Kasbahs.' The landscape is dotted with ancient mud-brick fortresses.
Taourirt Kasbah
Explore the exterior of this former palace of the Glaoui clan. It’s a maze of earth-colored towers and rooms.
Cinema Museum
Ouarzazate is the Hollywood of Africa. The entry fee to the cinema museum is very modest and lets you see old sets.
Place Al-Mouahidine
The main square in Ouarzazate is great for cheap rotisserie chicken and meeting local students.
Day 16: Ouarzazate, Morocco - Ait Benhaddou
Local Transport to Ait Benhaddou
Take a shared grand taxi to this UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s about 30km from Ouarzazate.
Climbing the Ksar
Entrance to the ancient village is free. Hike to the granary at the top for a view of the Ounila Valley.
Ounila Valley Walk
Walk along the riverbed. You can find fossils and see how locals live in the surrounding traditional villages.
Traditional Tea with a View
Find a rooftop terrace in the new village to watch the sunset hit the mud-brick towers of the old Ksar.
Day 17: Marrakech, Morocco - The Tizi n'Tichka Pass
Bus back to Marrakech
This is one of the most spectacular drives in the world, crossing the High Atlas Mountains at 2,260 meters.
Arrival & Check-in
Return to Marrakech for your final days. Choose a hostel in a different part of the medina for a new perspective.
Royal Palace Exterior
Walk the vast walls of the Dar el Bacha and the Royal Palace. The scale of the ramparts is incredible to see for free.
Final Souk Bargaining
Now that you know the prices, do your final souvenir shopping. Remember: aim for 50% of the starting price.
Day 18: Marrakech, Morocco - Gardens & Last Bites
Le Jardin Secret (Exterior)
While the inside is paid, the area around it in the Mouassine district is beautiful for a morning stroll.
Lunch in the Mellah
Return to the Jewish quarter for the cheapest 'kofta' (meatball) sandwiches in the city.
Menara Gardens
A huge olive grove with a large reflecting pool. It’s free to enter and is where local families go for picnics on weekends.
Jemaa el-Fnaa Farewell
Spend your last night immersed in the chaos of the square, listening to storytellers and musicians.
Day 19: Marrakech, Morocco - Departure
Breakfast at the Hostel
Enjoy your final Moroccan breakfast of msemen (flatbread), honey, and mint tea with your fellow travelers.
Last Minute Spices
Grab some fresh cumin or saffron from a local grocer (not a tourist shop) to take the scents of Morocco home.
Bus to Airport
Catch the L19 bus back to Marrakech Menara Airport, reflecting on an epic 19-day journey across the Maghreb.
Departure
Board your flight home, having successfully navigated Morocco on a true backpacker's budget.
Best Time to Visit Morocco
The best time to visit Morocco on a budget is during the shoulder seasons of Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November). The weather is pleasant enough for trekking and city walking, and hostel prices are more stable than during the peak Christmas/New Year period. Winter can be surprisingly cold, especially in the mountains and desert, while Summer (July-August) can be prohibitively hot for budget travel without air-conditioned transport.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). As of now, 1 USD is approximately 10 MAD. Morocco is a cash-heavy society; while high-end hotels and restaurants in Marrakech take cards, you will need cash for almost everything else, including buses, street food, and souk purchases. ATMs are widely available in cities, but always carry enough cash when heading into the desert or mountain regions. Tipping (small change) is expected for small services.
Getting Around Morocco
The best way to get around on a budget is by using the ONCF train system for the northern cities (Marrakech, Casablanca, Rabat, Fez) and CTM or Supratours buses for the mountains and desert regions. For shorter distances between towns, 'Grand Taxis' (shared 6-passenger cars) are a cost-effective local way to travel. Always agree on the price before the taxi departs, or ensure the meter is running in 'Petit Taxis' (city cabs).
