A tropical playground perched on the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico, Cancún is a dream destination for lovers of beautiful beaches, spectacular nightlife and ancient history – and you won’t have to blow your budget to check off everything that this sun-drenched paradise has to offer. Whether you’re looking to visit for a long weekend or to take it easy and stay for a month, this guide will show you how to experience Cancun on the cheap.
Why Cancun is Perfect for Budget Travelers
Cancun, the city known for its lavish resorts and all-inclusive stays, might seem like an expensive place to visit. Thankfully, the sparklingмаеk-ups of Cancun can be deceiving: from hole-in-the-wall taquerías to cheap вèhberías, the city offers several budget-friendly restaurants and bars. Likewise, there are plenty of affordable accommodation options available. While staying at a five-star resort might be out of the question for travellers on a budget, staying in a modest two-star hotel will be more than enough to make your trip to this Mexican hotspot unforgettable. And, when you consider the fact that some of the best things Cancun has to offer, like its publicbeaches or swimming in its gorgeous cenotes, are completely free, you’ll wonder why you ever hesitated to go.
Getting on a Budget
First things first: find cheap airfare. Visit a flight comparison site such as Budget Friendly Travels and find a deal that fits your budget. The off-season is from May to November, which means low prices and fewer crowds.
When you get to Cancun, skip the overpriced airport taxis in favour of local buses or shared shuttles. The public bus service in Cancun is excellent and very cheap, which means you can go from the airport to hotel zone, and from hotel zone to downtown, without breaking the bank.
Affordable Places to Stay
For the budget conscious frequent traveller, Cancun provides accommodation in every imaginable category, from the most expensive resorts that also often offer all-inclusive packages, to the young traveller’s world of hostels to suit every need and any budget. You could, of course, choose to stay at one of the all-inclusive resorts and never have a reason to see another part of the city, but then you would lose the opportunity to visit the Mayans and you should go.
Hostel: If you are a lone traveller or you want to meet famous adventurers, then your best bet is to stay at a hostel. Most of the hostels in Cancún have clean and cosy beds and you will find them in the central areas of the city, which is near the beach. The hostels have amenities, such as, swimming pool and free breakfast so you would get good value for money.
Budget Hotels: There are lots of budget hotels in downtown Cancún, along the main boulevard in the centre of the city called ‘El Centro’. Staying downtown provides a real taste of local life, with many inexpensive restaurants, markets and public transport just a walk away.
Airbnb: if you’re a family or want more privacy, book a short-term rental apartment or house through Airbnb. You can get a fantastic deal on an entire home or room with a kitchen, so you can save by eating in.
What to Do in Cancun Without Spending a Fortune
It’s certainly one of Cancun’s biggest draws that so much natural beauty and cultural history is easily accessible, and gratis – or close to it. Here are five of Cancun’s most must-see, minimum-cost activities:
- Explore Public Beaches Cancun has some of the best beaches in the world. They are white powder sand and glittering turquoise. And did I mention free? Take a trip to Playa Delfines. It is the public beach and it is just as beautiful as everywhere else but free. Take a photo with the Cancun sign at the end of Playa Delfines.
- Visit the Mayan Ruins If you visit, you absolutely must go to the ancient Mayan ruins. The best known is Chichen Itza, but it’s a bit of a haul from Cancun. Check out El Rey Ruins in the hotel zone for something cheap and closer to home. It’s the history of Cancun! Adapted from the original by Tom Hutchinson.
- Swim in Cenotes The Yucatán Peninsula in southern Mexico is known for its cenotes, which are natural freshwater sinkholes best suited for a dip. Some of the best ones around, like Cenote Azul or Cenote Dos Ojos, charge entry fees as low as $5 USD, meaning you can have a once-in-a-lifetime experience without breaking the bank.
- Take a Stroll Through Mercado 28 Mercado 28, a short drive from downtown Cancun, is the best place to find souvenirs, artisan goods and delicious traditional Mexican food at very affordable prices. Hone your bargaining skills while delving into local life.
- Experience Cancun’s Nightlife Image courtesy the authorThe nightlife is highly recommended but you don’t have to spend big bucks on the nightclubs in the hotel zone. Go downtown to bars and cantinas that the locals frequent. The Parque de las Palapas is a local park that hosts free live performances in the evenings, and is a great place to see culture in action after dark.
Budget-Friendly Dining
Cancun is a foodie’s dream, and you don’t have to eat at fancy restaurants to eat well. Get downtown and walk around the many taquerías (taco stands) and fondas (small family-owned restaurants) that serve traditional Mexican food at a fraction of the price of eating at a fancy restaurant. Try tacos al pastor, ceviche, and elotes (corn on the cob). Make sure to ask for the Valentina hot sauce.
An even more ‘authentic’ experience can be found at one of Cancun’s local markets, such as Mercado 23. Here, you’ll find ingredients from the city’s small farmers, as well as home-cooked fare whipped up by Cancun’s local residents. Prices are low and service is friendly. These spots should become your go-to places.