Mexico - Intro and Budget

Where can you explore the lost Mayan societies? Where can you swim in naturally formed limestone swimming pools with super clear and clean fresh water?  

Here is where you should visit - Mexico

A quick snap shot of the trip

7-day solo trip to Mexico in December 2016

Cities visited: Cancun (1/2 day stop over), Tulum (3.5 days), Akumal (1/2 day), Valladolid (2.5 days)

The King's residence at Tulum Ruins

Estimated Cost per Person including airfare (in USD) ~ $750 (Cost based on exchange rate of 1USD:19 Mexican Peso)

• Flights: ~300 USD
• Newark NJ (EWR) <--/--> Cancun (CUN) 

• Lodging: ~100 USD
• 3 nights at Mama's Home
• 2 nights at Hostel La Candelaria
• 1 night at Hostel Mundo Joven

"There are no strangers here only friends we haven't met yet" - Mama's Home

• Tours / Attractions: ~130 USD
• Gran Cenote (Entrance fee and locker)
• Coba Ruins (Entrance fee and bike rental)
• Snorkeling at Akumal
• Tulum Ruins (Entrance fee and tour)
• The Go Wonders tour via MexigoTour including the visits to Chichen Itza, Cenote Yokdzonot, Izamal 

Carriage ride at the golden city - Izamal

• Food: ~120 USD
• Estimation for lunch and dinner. Breakfast are included with the hostels

• Transportation: ~ 60 USD
• Taxi rides to local cenote
• ADO bus rides between cities
• Colectivo between Akumal and Tulum

• Misc.:~40 USD
• Shopping, etc.

Street art at Tulum

Tips and Suggestions

• Even though it was winter, that part of Mexico was still pretty warm. Days could go up to 90 degree F. Remember to bring a hat or even an umbrella to block sun and always stay hydrated
• There are mosquito, so bring some bug repellent if you are one of those who's sensitive to bites
• Swimming in the cenote is great, but to keep the water clean, please use the showers on site to wash off any sunscreen or bug repellent you had put on 
• English is pretty well understood at Tulum and Akumal. Valladolid may need some Spanish language to get around. 
• Tulum, Valladolid, and Akumal are all very safe small towns. No issue walking around at night alone as a solo female traveler, however, general common sense is necessary regardless where you go
• Most places only accept cash in Peso. You may exchange cash at banks or exchange centers. There are also ATMs available, just need to be aware that surcharges may apply