Budget Hacks: Traveling in Mexico for Cheap

Mexico has a reputation for offering travelers a cheap holiday, though as with any country in Central America, some regions can be quite expensive. Especially if you’re sticking to the beach resorts and highly populated tourist areas, you may quickly realize that it takes a bit of work to keep your budget in check.

As such, the following are budget travel hacks for Mexico; how to travel on the cheap regardless of which destination you visit.

Take Your Own Snorkel Gear For Puerto Morelos

The Mexican Caribbean is a fabulous place for snorkelling and the coast of Puerto Morelos has some of the best spots. However, this is an incredibly popular tourist activity, so renting snorkel gear can be expensive.

Travel with your own snorkel (and wetsuit if need be) to save on equipment rental fees. This is also a lot more hygienic!

Use Public Transportation to Isla Mujeres

To get to Isla Mujeres, there is a fast ferry from Cancun. Most people fly into Cancun International Airport, at which point you need transportation to the docks.

There are many luxury transportation options and private chauffeurs on offer, however, you can save a few dollars by catching the ADO Airport bus instead. It will cost $5 USD for a ticket on the bus to downtown Cancun, and from there you can catch a taxi to the docks (roughly $5 USD). Otherwise you can catch the Ruta 13 bus that drops you off near the ferry dock at Puerto Juárez. Private airport taxis can cost upwards of $70 USD one way.

Book All Inclusive in San Jose del Cabo

All inclusive resorts are fantastic for the budget traveler, and this is a great way to enjoy luxury for less. These packages include all meals, activities, and drinks, (some even incorporate flights and transport as well), and since everything is mass-produced, this helps to keep prices low. All inclusive hotels in San Jose del Cabo usually work out cheaper than taking a self catered break.

With everything included, you don’t have to worry about budgeting for activities and food, and you know the majority of your costs before even stepping on the plane.

Shop at the Markets in Mazatlan

Budget travelers can find some great deals in Mazatlan on everything from fresh meats and vegetables to authentic handmade crafts. Head to Pino Suárez market, which is in the heart of old town Mazatlan.

This market has been open for more than 100 years, and haggling is a common way to find a bargain. The advertised price is rarely the lowest price the vendor will actually accept.

Free Attractions in Guadalajara

Guadalajara can be an expensive city, but there are plenty of free things to do for those on a backpacker’s budget. One option is to explore the historic downtown. This area is very typical of a Latin American city center, full of museums, palaces, Cathedrals, and interesting government buildings.

UNESCO World Heritage Site Hospicio Cabañas is here. This was once an orphanage, but is now the Instituto Cultural Cabañas (Cabañas Cultural Institute). There are beautiful ceiling murals by José Clemente Orozco, a famous Mexican artist of the area.

With some clever planning, you can enjoy the luxuries of travelling in Mexico without the stress of budget anxiety.

Megan is an Australian Journalist who has been travelling and blogging since 2007, with the main aim of inspiring others to embark on their own worldwide adventure. Her husband Mike is an American travel photographer, and together they have made the world their home.

Committed to bringing you the best in adventure travel from all around the globe, there is no mountain too high, and no fete too extreme! They haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on their list.

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