Table of Contents
Cheap Places to Travel in Mexico
Mexico is indeed a colourful Nation blessed with a very beautiful culture and natural endowment, which has made the country a perfect hub for backpacker adventure travellers. There are many types of attractions in Mexico; there are beautiful beaches, historical cities, and a rich tropical forest. It’s cheap, so everyone can find reasonably priced food, places to stay and means of transportation while discovering this stunning country with a backpack. We focus on eight of Mexico’s cheapest destinations for travellers with backpacks who have $25 and $50 per day or less to spend.
1. Mexico City
Mexico City, the energetic Mexican capital, is essential on the list of destinations for any traveller with a backpack. New York City’s history, culturally diverse neighbourhoods, and abundance of museums mean there are a lot of sites for free. The city can also pride itself on well-developed public transport, the metro being cheap and effectively covering the city. In this case, going around several districts only costs a few pesos. The moving around can be done while visiting some of the important areas such as Zócalo and the beautiful Palacio de Bellas Artes.
Out of all of Mexico, when it comes to food, one cannot argue that Mexico City is home to very low prices; whether it be in restaurants or on the streets, people can find amazing tacos, quesadillas, and tamales. Thankfully, for tight-wad travellers, there are dormitory-style rooms in most hostels to encourage interaction with other backpackers. Food costs will, therefore, be relatively low since it’s possible to eat at cheap outlets while at the same time using cheaper means such as parks and cultural events, among others.
2. Oaxaca
Often also spelt as Oaxaca City, Oaxaca is well known for its food culture, open-air markets, and artistic<|human|>Often also spelt as Oaxaca City, Oaxaca is well known for its food culture, open-air markets, and artistic atmosphere. This beautiful city can also be considered as a cheap destination that will leave a cultural experience. In local markets in Oaxaca, backpackers are spoilt for choice, with traditional dishes such as mole and tlayudas available conveniently and cheaply. Mercado 20 de Noviembre is a more restless place, but it will also allow you to taste the local cuisine without deepening your pocket.
But of course, aside from the mentioned cuisine, there are beautiful landscapes and numerous archaeological attractions, including Monte Albán around Oaxaca. Some hostels and guest houses in the area are also cheap, and some of them even provide bed and breakfast. It is relatively easy to navigate, and the locals always have the warmth and friendliness to welcome backpackers who want the full Mexican experience.
3. Guanajuato
Guanajuato is one of Mexico’s pretty colonial cities, most famous for its painted houses, special buildings, and interesting past. This is a centre that backpackers can walk through, with beautiful lanes and colourful plazas, all for a mere expense of little money, thanks to UNESCO World Heritage. The city is compact, which allows for walking around, and most of the tourist sites, including Alhóndiga de Granaditas, come cheap or free sometimes.
Another thing that will capture your attention in the food trends of Guanajuato is that there is a wide choice of tasty but inexpensive foods that are sold in street food joints and local restaurants. When travelling as a backpacker, it is important to stay in budget hostels for convenience when getting to share stories and get some tips. Due to the students and artists, Guanajuato oversees an energetic feel, which, in addition, is fairly inexpensive in terms of costs. Hence, you get to see another side of Mexican culture.
4. Tulum
Rich with beautiful beach areas and archaeological landmarks, Tulum is now among the most popular destinations. But where some cities or towns can be costly, there are always amazing discounts for a backpacker. Using hostels and cabanas slightly off the beach can bring additional cost savings while ensuring that guests have direct access to what Tulum has to offer. Most hostels also include free breakfast in their packages, meaning you do not need to spend extra on food.
The Tulum ruins are a must-see, and the price for the entrance is not that expensive. Some of the popular sites include the ruins, which you can visit, after which you can take time and enjoy the free beaches. Thus, Tulum can be viewed as the ideal destination for young travellers and backpackers who intend to get a rest and have an unforgettable experience without spending much money.
5. Mérida
The capital of the Yucatan state, Mérida, is one of the cheapest destinations in the country and boasts beautiful colonial houses and active cultural life. It has yearly festivals and other events that allow backpackers to engage in the traditional cultural activities within the city for free. In Plaza Grande, there is live music, dancing, and art\; it is the entertainment focus of the city.
The markets include the Mercado Lucas de Gálvez, which offers local food at low charges so that tourists can taste the local foods. Unless staying at specific backpacker hotels, most accommodations are cheap hostels or guest houses where travellers can exchange stories. Mérida has a very warm, friendly mindset and is a perfect destination for the backpacker who seeks to learn the country’s customs.
6. San Cristóbal de las Casas
San Cristóbal de las Casas is a beautiful town located in Chiapas state that boasts great Indigenous influence and beautiful scenery. It accommodates many hostels and cheap guesthouses, enabling backpackers to find cheap houses to stay in. Just wandering around the streets and exploring the architecture or the wonderful markets of this area can also be done without much money.
For nature lovers, nearby destinations include the Sumidero Canyon and the waterfalls of Chamula. Most service providers who specialize in Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill package their services in affordable one-day itineraries, which give travellers a chance to enjoy the natural views without having to spend too much. A perfect combination of culture and nature with a relatively low price makes San Cristóbal de las Casas attractive to backpackers.
7. Puerto Escondido
If you’re a backpacker looking for sun, sand, sea, and relaxation, Puerto Escondido is the perfect place for you. With nice sandy beaches and an active nightlife, Puerto Escondido has many inexpensive places to stay, from hostels to small hotels. It has a very relaxed ambience—perfect for the beach—and it really is simple to strike up a conversation with other backpackers.
Surfing at Zicatela Beach is common, and many of the schools offering surfing lessons charge a reasonable price for the activity. Moreover, they get to enjoy tender fresh seafood and scrumptious street food without affecting their pocket too much. Backpackers will find Puerto Escondido to be cheap, no matter whether they want to go sunbathing on the beach or learning how to surf.
8. Valle de Bravo
Valle de Bravo is an amazing town, just like the one you see in movies, surrounded by mountains and a beautiful lake. Well known for hiking, paraglider flights, and horse riding, the host of the festival, Valle de Bravo, presented budget hotel accommodations, food & beverages targeting mainly backpackers. The beautiful pavement of the cobblestone streets and the cheerful people around make it interesting to walk around without having to splurge.
Most of the local restaurants offer Mexican dishes that are quite cheap, and lunch by the lake does not cost a lot of money at all. For the adventurous or even for those seeking a quiet escape, a trip to Valle de Bravo can be accomplished without spending over three dollars per day.
Conclusion
Mexico holds countless cheap places that attract backpackers. The oldest city of Mexico is effectively positioned within Mexico City, where the citizens are hospitable, and the basic prices are low. Other activities could be done at Puerto Escondido, where the sand beaches give face value to the beautiful environment throughout the region without having to dig deep in the pockets. The accommodation is cheap, and the food menus are mouthwatering, meaning that backpackers who are touring Mexico to have complementary experiences spend little money. It is possible to have wonderful memories, having chosen the right places to go, taking the right precautions when packing and deciding when to go.
FAQs
What is the best way to travel around Mexico on a budget?
Travelling by bus is the cheapest means of transport when going from one city to another. Many bus services provide a good service that is affordable to anyone in society. In the case of local transport, it is recommended to use public means of transport or the boda boda or taxis that are shared.
Are there budget accommodations available in Mexico?
Yes, Mexico is very cheap, and there are many cheap Hostels, Guest Houses, lodges, and hotels. This is because when you book your accommodation in advance, you have a chance of getting the best deals.
How can I find cheap food in Mexico?
Search for restaurants, food fairs, laboratories, and eateries that will offer a variety of genuine Mexican recipes. These can be relatively expensive but still inexpensive in some cases. Eating street foods is not a mere luxury but a very tasty and cheap pastime.
What activities can I enjoy for free in Mexico?
Most towns and cities have some freebie sights, and you are sure to find free available parks, beaches, or cultural festivals. Visiting supermarkets or strolling around old city districts is also beneficial for getting a taste of the culture while spending no money.
Is it safe to travel as a solo backpacker in Mexico?
However, like with every country, certain parts of Mexico are dangerous. However, most of the desired tourist attractions are generally safe for lone travellers. One should always be cautious regarding places one visits at night or any other area which is not safe, and should always follow the guidelines given to him by the locals.