From Nomadic Matt’s Travel Site
There are few countries with as rich a culture as Mexico. Elements of Spanish, North American and traditional Mexican influences combine to make this country one of the most colorful and vibrant additions to any travel itinerary. From Mayan ruins and jungles filled with parrots and howler monkeys to the bustling nightclubs of Cancun and Guadalajara and scuba diving, Mexico is extremely diverse. With the world class Museum of Anthropology and 26 UNESCO World Heritage sites it’s hard to know where to start exploring. Mexican food, travel and accommodations are inexpensive and there are plenty of ways to keep costs down when traveling here.
Typical Costs in Mexico
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Accommodations: Depending on where you are staying, hostel prices can be as low as $52MX per night, although $130MX is more realistic.
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Food: Mexican food is very affordable; by purchasing food on street kiosks or in markets you can expect to spend around $200MX per day, with a less restrictive budget coming in at around $400MX if you choose to eat at reasonably priced restaurants.
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Transportation: Most of Mexico is served by buses, with intercity trips costing around $3MX and longer journeys usually $130MX or thereabouts. Taxi fares start from $10MX in most cities.
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Activities: Diving is likely to be the most expensive activity you choose to do here, with daytrips usually costing over $1300MX. On the other hand, entrance into the many Mayan sites is usually around $13MX or less.
Money Saving Tips for Mexico
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Eat market food. Mexico’s markets are a great place to eat very inexpensively, but also to stock up on food for daytrips and snacks with fresh fruit costing just pennies in most cases.
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Agree on taxi fares. Before setting off on any journey, always agree with the driver beforehand how much it will cost to get to your destination.
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Choose wisely. Mexico has many Mayan sites and unless you’re crazy about history and archaeology then save money by choosing just a couple of the sites that are most interesting to you.
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Travel off-season. By traveling between late April and early December you can pick up bargain accommodation, food and travel rates.
Top Things to See in Mexico
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The markets. Mexico’s markets are a great place to experience traditional food, pick up a bargain and plenty of souvenirs. Jewelery, handicrafts, pottery, leather and Mexican blankets are all popular. Head to the Ciudadela market in Mexico City or Oaxaca for folk art.
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Chapultepec Park. Chapultepec is one of the largest city parks in the world, encompassing the Mexico City Zoo, Atlantis (marine life park), La Feria amusement park and the world class Museum of Anthropology. The park is a must if you are visiting Mexico City!
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Chichén Itzá. Chichen Itza is a large Mayan archaeological site located in the north of the Yucatan Peninsula. The site has been declared one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and is thought to be the best Mayan sites in Mexico and possibly in general. The most impressive structure on the site is the 78 feet tall Temple of Kukulkan, or the Castillo as it is often known. The site also boasts elaborate wall carvings, a ball court and intricately designed columns.
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The Zócalo (Plaza de la Constitución). On September 15th the President gives out the country’s Yell of Independence in the Plaza de la Constitución, one of the world’s largest squares. The Zócalo is at the heart of Mexico City as it also encompasses the Templo Mayor and the Palacio Nacional. Situated just off the Zócalo is La Catedral Metropolitana a magnificent cathedral fortified with gold and a beautiful example of Spanish colonial architecture.
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Tulum. The Mayan site of Tulum in the Quintana Roo is the place to go for ruins in a beach setting. Many visitors combine sightseeing with a day’s swimming and relaxing on the beach but Tulum is also situated right next to Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site – prime trekking ground for those who want to experience jungle wildlife living amidst pristine rainforests and unrestored Mayan ruins.
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Volcanoes. Mexico has over active 30 volcanoes. Most volcanoes are found within a National Park and these offer some of the best hiking and mountain biking in the country. Popocatepetl frequently features in the top 10 lists of must see volcanoes in the world but as it is closed to climbing due to being so active, tourists favour Paricutin and Orizaba.
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Beach parties. The world’s biggest beach party takes place in Cancun but there are plenty of other parties going on in most coastal areas of Mexico. A beach party is a great way to save money on expensive cover charges and drinks prices in the nightclubs, but also a cool way to see in the New Year or just party from dusk ‘til dawn on any weekend night.
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Diving. The seas surrounding Mexico make for some of the best diving spots with their diverse marine life, coral reefs (including the second largest reef system in the world, the Great Maya Barrier Reef) and excellent visibility. Aside from diving, the waters are popular with snorkelers, sports fishermen and more or less any water sport under the sun.
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Try Mexican food. Mexican food is popular all over the world so it makes sense to experience local delicacies made by those who know how to best prepare this colorful and exciting food! Tacos, burritos and tortillas may be the best known Mexican dishes but there are many more ‘interesting’ combinations to try, for example, Chapulines (roasted grasshoppers)!
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Day of the Dead. On November 2nd Mexico celebrates its yearly festival of the Day of the Dead. Contrary to its name the festival is a vibrant and lively affair with celebrations for those who are gone, but not forgotten. If you want a real taste of Mexican culture then the sights and sounds of this festival are an interesting experience.
