Mexico is an incredible country to visit with its exciting culture, mouth-watering cuisine, stunning beaches and fascinating history. Yet quite a lot of travellers end up mistakenly equating a Mexican adventure to something that is quite expensive.
What’s the truth? Well, with a few insider tips, you can explore Mexico on a budget without missing out on any of the excitement or flavour.
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Timing is everything
Time your vacation well. Visiting Mexico during the off-peak season (typically May through November) can reduce your costs. Prices for your hotel bookings, flights and even your food often drop drastically during off peak season.
Plus, you are definitely going to enjoy fewer crowds at major attractions such as the ancient pyramids of Chichen Itza or the exciting markets of Oaxaca.
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Affordable accommodations
People often end up losing a lot of their budget to expensive accommodation. Try to save money on your living expenses during your trip by choosing local guesthouses, budget-friendly hostels or Airbnb rentals in neighbourhoods that are located away from tourist hotspots which can save you a ton of money.
If you choose to explore these local areas, you are going to get a richer cultural experience that many tourists look for when booking tickets to Mexico. Visit neighbourhoods like Roma Norte in Mexico City or stay in smaller towns like Valladolid near the Yucatán Peninsula. You get that local charm and end up saving money at the same time.
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Eat like a local
Mexico is well-known for its street food. Instead of dining at high-end touristy restaurants, choose the road not taken and explore the local markets as well as the street food stalls. Not only are you going to savour authentic dishes like the tacos al pastor, tamales and quesadillas but you are also going to pay a fraction of the price that high-end restaurants will charge you. Look for spots that are busy with locals as they are always a safe and delicious bet!
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Transport in Mexico
Transportation in Mexico is quite affordable, especially if you already live in a country where using public transport is the norm. Buses, particularly ADO and Primera Plus are reliable modes of transport and just as comfortable as a car rental. You can also travel for longer distances at a much cheaper rate.
If you are travelling within cities the public buses and metro systems are also extremely budget-friendly and reliable. Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Didi are also much cheaper than the local taxis, offering you a safe route through major cities like Guadalajara, Monterrey and Mexico City.
Image of Mayans Ruins by Jacqueline Macou from Pixabay
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Free sightseeing
Travelling on a budget? Consider sightseeing without spending big. Mexico has countless attractions that you don’t need to pay a dime for to visit and others that charge a negligible amount.
Explore colonial towns like Guanajuato, San Miguel de Allende or Puebla, each offering you free or inexpensive museum tours, beautiful architecture and picturesque parks.
Don’t overlook the natural beauty of Mexico. Beaches like Playa del Carmen and Tulum welcome you with their stunning coastlines and plenty of budget friendly or free spots. If you are particularly adventurous you can choose to swim within the Cenotes (natural freshwater swimming holes) scattered throughout the Yucatán.
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Budget-friendly tours
Many travellers opt for guided tours to Mexico’s most famous locations, but these can sometimes put a hole in your pocket. Yet, if you really want to take the best tours to Mexico and explore the best experiences including Teotihuacan, the Copper Canyon or whale watching in Baja California, reach out to companies that know Mexico through and through and boast great reviews.
Agencies that have a track record of providing the best tours in Mexico can offer you better rates as well as experiences that have been customised to your preferences. Even better, consider DIY tours using local buses, hiring independent guides at the sites or joining free city walking tours which may rely solely on tips.
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Shopping smartly and responsibly
When shopping in Mexico, ask yourself whether you really need the thing you are choosing to buy. Rather than wasting money at touristy souvenir shops, look for handcrafted truly timeless pieces at local artisan markets where bargaining is accepted and encouraged. If you know a local, take them with you to get the best rates!
Markets like Mercado Benito Juarez in Oaxaca or Ciudadela in Mexico City are ideal for people looking for the most beautiful textiles, ceramics and handmade crafts at affordable prices.
Embracing slow travel
You don’t need to cram everything in one trip to Mexico. Pick a few choice locations and stay longer. Explore them through and through. Slow travel doesn’t just save you transport cost but also allows you to immerse yourself into the local culture and enjoy the sights in a relaxed manner.
Exploring Mexico on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing the quality of your experience. It is all about making smarter choices, embracing the local culture and stepping off the beaten path most tourists choose.
Image of Palacio de Bellas Artes (Palace of Fine Arts) in Mexico City by Ezequiel Octaviano from Pixabay
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