If you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure in Cancun on a budget, look no further! As a budget traveler, I always try to have to make the most of my destination without spending a fortune, and that’s exactly what I did during my time in Cancun. If your idea of a vacation doesn’t involve lounging at a resort all day but instead immersing yourself in culture, exploring the history, and thrilling activities all while keeping costs low, then you’re in the right place. You can expect to spend between $900 to $1500 following this itinerary depending on the cost of your airfare. I spent 4 days in Cancun and spent a total of $911.79 including airfare. Get ready to discover the world wonder Chichen Itza, go island hopping, sample delicious street food, and experience heart-pounding adventures like ziplining that will leave you breathless with this 5-day Cancun itinerary.
Table of Contents
- Day 1: Arrival and Cultural Exploration
- Day 2: Valladolid, Chitchen Itza, and Chichikan Cenote
- Day 3: Island Exploration at Isla Mujeres or Isla Holbox
- Day 4: ATV, Zipline, and Cenote
- Day 5: Snorkel and Local Flavors
- Things to know before going to Cancun:
- Conclusion
Day 1: Arrival and Cultural Exploration
After landing at Cancun International Airport, I took an ADO bus to downtown Cancun for only 8 USD. I booked my bus tickets online before my arrival, but you can also book them at the booths once you arrive at the airport, right before you exit. The bus is an affordable way to get to downtown Cancun, and it’s pretty straightforward, leaving right from the terminals. After a 30-minute ride, I arrived at the downtown Cancun station. I took an 8-minute walk from the bus station to my hostel, “Nomads Rooftop Pool,” where I was staying for the next few days. By the way, if you’re looking for a stay that is affordable and decent I would recommend Nomads. I spent a total of $252.56 for 3 nights. They have both dorms and private rooms available. Today is a travel day; if you had an early morning to mid-afternoon arrival like I did, you have plenty of time to settle in and still get something done on your first day. If you plan on arriving early in the morning, try to arrange an early check-in with your accommodation. If that’s not possible, most hotels will store your luggage until it’s time to check in for free or allow you to enjoy the amenities.
I enjoyed a drink at the cafe for an hour until it was time to check in. After checking in, taking a shower, and having a meal, I kicked off the adventures with a visit to the Museo Maya de Cancun. I took an Uber from downtown Cancun, but I could’ve easily taken public transportation. The R1 or R2 bus, which goes straight to the Cancun hotel zone from downtown, costs only 12 pesos. You will find both locals and tourists on this bus. I arrived at the museum at around 3:30 p.m. The museum is the perfect place to learn about the rich history and culture of the different ancient civilizations in comfort. The museum is not big, although it looks like it, so spending about an hour there was sufficient. If you’re staying in the Hotel Zone, you can probably walk to the museum depending on where your accommodation is located; alternatively, you can take an Uber.
After the museum, head to Playa Langosta, a 15-minute drive from the museum. You can also get on the R1 or R2 bus for a more cost-efficient option. This beach is a popular destination located in the hotel zone, but it’s nice nonetheless, with turquoise waters. There are these sweet little beach bars and restaurants nearby where you can grab some tasty tacos or sip on a drink if you want while you soak up the vibes until 7 p.m.
After the beach, I took an Uber to Parque de las Palapas in downtown Cancun, which is a great place to hang out to get a feel for the local culture. During the week, it’s a chill spot where you can just hang out with friends and maybe grab some street food from the vendors lining the edges of the park. But let me tell you, when the weekend rolls around, it’s a whole different scene! Locals flock to Parque de las Palapas like it’s the place to be. On weekends, you can often find live entertainment involving dancing, singing, and bands. When I was there on a Sunday, the “Cancun Carnival 2024” was being hosted, which was a nice surprise. There are tons of street foods to try to satisfy your cravings. In touristy Cancun, if you’re looking for a local experience, this is it! I ate too much food there. I was full and didn’t need an official dinner. After this, I took an Uber back to my hostel at around 9 p.m..
Day 2: Valladolid, Chitchen Itza, and Chichikan Cenote
I took an Uber and was out of the door by 9:00 am to head to my meeting point for a guided tour to Valladolid, Chichen Itza, and Chichikan Cenote which I booked for $44.10. The bus departed at 9:30 am, and by 10:30 am, I was at the first stop on this tour, Valladolid. Valladolid is a charming town located on the Yucatán Peninsula, and I had 40 minutes to explore. Valladolid is like this quaint little town. It’s got that old town vibe with cobblestone streets and colorful buildings everywhere. And, oh man, don’t even get me started on the food scene! The town is filled with cozy little cafes and restaurants serving up all sorts of delicious bites. I stopped at this cute little restaurant to grab breakfast to go. You won’t have time to do much, but you can explore the plaza, where people chill and hang out, and check out the historic church.
After Valladolid, we took a short 30-minute ride to Chichikan, Cenote, where we arrived at around 11:30 am. Here you get to witness a Mayan purification ceremony, which you’ll be free to participate in or opt out of. Then you’ll have about 2 hours of free time to swim at Chichikan Cenote and have lunch at their onsite restaurant. The lunch was included in the cost of the tour, except for drinks. If you go inside the cenote, life jackets are mandatory, and you will pay $60 pesos (about $3 USD). The restaurant is buffet-style, but the best part was the taco station. The site also has colorful hammocks where you can relax and a swing.
After lunch, the next stop will be Chitchen Itza, the real star of the show. Did you even go to Mexico if you didn’t go see Chitchen Itza? Chichen Itza is one of the coolest archaeological sites in Mexico. It is a Unesco World Heritage Site and one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Here you’ll spend about 2 hours, 1 hour with the tour guide, and you’ll have 1 hour of free time to explore on your own. Don’t buy any souvenirs until it’s time to leave; trust me, you’ll get a huge bargain from the vendors. Stepping back in time and getting a glimpse of how advanced and skilled these ancient civilizations were was a great experience. The bus got back to Cancun at around 8:30 p.m., and I took an Uber back to Nomads. Then I walked 2 minutes down the block to Onigiri Casa Poke for dinner and called it a night!
Day 3: Island Exploration at Isla Mujeres or Isla Holbox
Today, go on a day trip to either Isla Mujeres or Isla Holbox, two stunning islands off the coast of Cancun. Whether you choose the vibrant energy of Isla Mujeres or the laid-back charm of Isla Holbox, you’re in for a treat. There are various boat tours to Isla Mujeres; whether you’re looking for an all-inclusive catamaran tour, an adult-only party cruise, or you want to save money by taking the ferry, you will have a great time. The budget option for getting to Isla Mujeres is to take the ferry from downtown Cancun for $17 one way and be in full control of your time. The island has many attractions, such as the Tortugranja turtle farm, Punta Sur, the Hacienda Mundaca ruins, and the colorful downtown area, where you’ll find a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes that you can explore by foot or by renting a golf cart. Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres is a beach you can’t miss, it is often referred to as one of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico, with crystal-clear waters and stunning white sand.
If you’re looking to do something a little bit off the beaten path, head to Isla Holbox, which is the option I went with. Isla Holbox, located north of the Yucatan Peninsula, is a protected wildlife reserve due to the diverse species that live on the island. This makes it the perfect boat trip if you’re a wildlife enthusiasts. On Isla Holbox, you can spot a variety of bird species, including frigatebirds, colorful flamingos, and even sharks if you get lucky. This island has calm, amazing beaches with crystal-clear waters that make it worth visiting. Due to its protected status, cars other than commercial ones are not allowed on the island, so locals get around with bikes and golf carts. Once on the island, the best way to explore the island is by renting a bike, which is what I did. The bike rental cost me about $5 USD for 2 hours. I booked a day tour to Isla Holbox for $119 USD which included 4 stops in the protected reserve and lunch. Getting to Isla Holbox is less straightforward than Isla Muejres and requires a 2-hour drive from Cancun for the boat ride to the island. This tour was an all-day activity and I did not get back to Cancun until about 9 p.m..
Day 4: ATV, Zipline, and Cenote
If you have an extra day in Cancun, spend the morning relaxing in Cancun after an adventure-packed two days. Spend the morning lounging in the rooftop swimming pool, and then you’ll be picked up at around 1 p.m. for an epic adventure straight out of a movie! This half-day tour is all about getting your heart pumping in the jungle. You’ll tear through the wilderness on an ATV, zip through the treetops on ziplines, and plunge into the refreshing waters of a stunning cenote. This tour also includes snacks and refreshments. If you want to ride ATVs alone, you can do so at an extra cost.
You’ll be dropped off at your accommodation at around 6:30 p.m. If you’re into nightlife, this could be a good day to check it out.
Day 5: Snorkel and Local Flavors
I spent the early morning of my last day packing and getting ready for checkout. After breakfast and checking out, I left my bags in Nomad’s free luggage storage. I took the R1 bus to Envatours for a clear-glass boat tour. This transparent boat brings the ocean’s wonders up close, where you can see flora, fauna, and the famous Mayan reef. The tour lasts only about an hour, making it a good option if you’re short on time. This snorkeling tour is affordable, starting at only $30, but you’ll have to get yourself to the marina where the Envatours office is located. You will glide through mangroves, spot cool marine life and coral reefs, and cruise in the Caribbean Sea. You’ll have the chance to snorkel, but with the clear glass bottom boats, there’s no need to get in the water if you don’t want to. You will have the chance to check out the Siegfried Channel, where the underwater view is legit magical. Plus, they hook you up with refreshments like beer, soft drinks, and water, which are included in the price.
Mercado 28 is one of the local markets where you can find a bunch of things, from souvenirs to crafts to clothes to food. Stop at one of the best local restaurants, La Patrona, near the market, where you’ll enjoy the best authentic Mexican cuisine ever. I was the only tourist I noticed here, that’s how you know it was a good spot ! After this, I took an Uber back to get my bags and walked to the ADO bus station to head to the airport to leave.
Things to know before going to Cancun:
Dock Fees and Transportation: If you plan to visit nearby islands or take any boat tours from Cancun, be aware of the dock fees that will apply. These fees are often not included in the tour price and can vary depending on the destination, but they’re usually between $30 and $40 USD.
Weather and Climate: Cancun’s climate is tropical, with hot and humid conditions year-round. Be prepared for plenty of sunshine and occasional rain showers, especially during the rainy season from May to October.
Currency and Exchange Rates: The official currency in Mexico is the Mexican Peso (MXN). While many places in Cancun accept US dollars, it’s advisable to have some pesos on hand for smaller purchases and to avoid unfavorable exchange rates. $1 USD equals approximately $16 MXN.
Language: Spanish is the official language of Mexico, including Cancun. While many locals working in the tourism industry speak English, it’s always helpful to know some basic Spanish phrases to enhance your travel experience.
Safety Precautions: While Cancun is generally a safe destination for tourists, it’s essential to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and at night. Keep your belongings secure, avoid isolated areas, and heed any local safety advisories.
Health and Hygiene: Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun by wearing sunscreen. Additionally, be cautious about consuming tap water and opt for bottled water instead to prevent stomach issues.
Conclusion
One mistake I made was not using public transportation more often, I would have saved some money for sure and it’s completely safe. I was able to save a lot of money by walking to places less than 20 minutes away ,booking with ADO bus for airport transfer and staying in downtown Cancun instead of the Hotel Zone. I spent a total of $204.31 on my round trip flight, $252.56 on my accommodation, $143.26 on food and miscellaneous items, and $311.66 on activities. I had an epic time, and each moment has been filled with excitement and wonder. Cancun is known to be touristy but trying to connect authentically with the culture made is do-able and makes things more affordable. Dining at local restaurants, eating the street food, walking around as much as possible, taking the bus and staying in the downtown area made the experience a little bit more authentic and affordable. Until next time, adiós and safe travels!
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