Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links that may earn me a small commission should you click through and make a purchase (at no extra cost to you)

Getting from San Cristóbal to Guatemala by chicken bus

A colectivo (chicken bus) is the most budget friendly option to get from San Cristóbal to Guatemala. For those not familiar with colectivos (also often referred to as chicken buses), these are mini vans that don’t have a fixed schedule, but instead leave when the bus has filled up. Note that colectivos only accept cash! Here’s how to get from San Cristóbal de las Casas to Guatemala by colectivos:

• Take a colectivo from San Cristóbal to Comitán (the bus terminal in San Cristóbal is located next to the ADO terminal, exact location here). Cost: 70pesos (3.5 USD)
• Take a colectivo from Comitán to Ciudad Cuauhtémoc. Cost: 75 pesos (3.75 USD)
• Get your stamp to exit Mexico. Note that if you arrived in Mexico by plane, the exit tax is included in your ticket. If you arrived another way, you may be charged the exit tax of $1150 pesos (around 58 USD).
• Catch a taxi to the Guatemala border. Cost: 15 pesos (0.75 USD) per person with a full taxi
• Get your stamp to enter Guatemala.
• Catch a tuktuk to the colectivo stop. Cost: 3Q (0.4 USD)
• When you get to the colectivo stop, tell the drivers where you want to go and they’ll help you.

Expect the journey to take 10-12 hours if you’re headed to Lake Atitlán, and closer to 12 hours to Antigua.

Shuttle bus from San Cristóbal to Guatemala

In case you aren’t quite up for making the journey by chicken bus, another pretty affordable, but more convenient option, is to take a shuttle bus. These will cost more, but in return will make the journey much simpler as you won’t need to be changing buses all the time, as well as providing door-to-door service. Tickets can be purchased from one of the many tour operators in San Cristóbal, you’ll find plenty around the center. Prices are pretty steep, around $1500 pesos (75 USD), and I’d recommend purchasing a ticket 2-3 days in advance just in case. The process will look something like this.

• You will be picked up by your shuttle bus and drive to the border.
• Once at the border, you’ll hand over your passport and get your exit stamp from Mexico. Note that if you arrived in Mexico by plane, the exit tax is included in your ticket. If you arrived another way, you may be charged the exit tax of $1150 pesos (around 58 USD).
• Get back on the bus and drive to the Guatemala side of the border. This is where you’ll get your stamp to enter Guatemala.
• After getting your entry stamp and entering Guatemala, another shuttle bus will be waiting for you and will take you to your final destination in Guatemala.

Read also: 5 Amazing Places to Visit in Guatemala

Find your accommodation in Guatemala here!

Final thoughts

If you’re still not sure which transportation options to choose, here are my thoughts on each. Although it may sound complicated to make the journey by colectivos (chicken buses), it really isn’t. This route is frequented by backpackers and you are very unlikely to encounter any problems, especially if you speak Spanish. Just make sure to start your journey early so you won’t arrive too late. The main inconvenience, in my opinion, is that the colectivos don’t have A/C and tend to get very crowded. If that sounds like a nightmare to you and you aren’t on a strict budget, I’d go with the shuttle bus. The shuttle buses normally have A/C and don’t get overcrowded, so it will be a much smoother ride. For those on a budget, colectivos (chicken buses) are the obvious choice.

You can of course also make the journey by a rental car, just make sure to read the find print and familiarize yourself with the possible extra charges for renting a car in one country and returning it in another.

The post How To Get From San Cristóbal to Guatemala appeared first on Sóldís Alda.

Note that there is no Uber in Cancún, or anywhere in Quintana Roo, so that’s not an option.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links that may earn me a small commission should you click through and make a purchase (at no extra cost to you)

How far is Tulum from Cancún?

Tulum is located 131km (around 81 miles) from Cancún. The drive between Cancún and Tulum takes around two hours, depending on traffic.

How to get to Tulum from Cancún airport

Taking an ADO bus

The most budget friendly option to get to Tulum from Cancún airport is taking an ADO bus. The ADO buses aren’t only affordable, they are also convenient, save and reliable. The buses are modern and have A/C as well as USB outlets and usually free wifi. This is my preferred mode of transport when going anywhere in Mexico, including when going to Cancún airport.

The ADO buses go directly to Tulum from terminals 2, 3 and 4. You can see the schedule and purchase tickets here. The price is $340 pesos ($17 USD) for a one way ticket. You can also buy your ticket directly at Cancún airport, but it’s a popular route and occasionally gets sold out. In case these times don’t work for you, another option is to take an ADO bus from the airport to Playa del Carmen, which leave twice an hour. From Playa del Carmen you can then take another bus to Tulum.

A quick tip: If you’re visiting Tulum and are on a budget, this is my favourite hostel in Tulum! It’s very social, has daily activities and free bikes available to guests. Plus it’s very close to the ADO station in Tulum!

Renting a car

Having a car isn’t necessary when visiting Tulum, but of course it gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace. If you are planning to rent a car during your Mexico trip then you can pick it up right at the airport.

Taking a taxi

When taking a taxi from Cancún airport, you’ll need to purchase your ticket before exiting the airport. After clearing customs you will see a taxi booth where you buy your ticket, you will then head out and wait for the taxi driver to come get you. I honestly wouldn’t recommend taking a taxi unless you’re arriving late at night when the ADO buses have stopped running. Taxis at Cancún airport are really overpriced and will try to rip you off. If you’re arriving late, I’d look into private transport or a shared shuttle instead of getting a taxi.

Private transfer

For those that want the luxury of having a driver waiting for them at the airport and driving them directly to their accommodation, private transfer is the way to go. Getting a private transfer doesn’t really make sense unless you’re traveling with a few other people as it’s quite expensive. But if you are traveling with a few people, private transfer might come to about the same price per person as the ADO bus, so it’s worth checking.

Book your private transport from Cancún Airport here

How to get to Tulum from downtown Cancún or Playa del Carmen

If you are already in Cancún or Playa del Carmen and are looking to get to Tulum, you have a few transportation options. A colectivo is the cheapest option but a bit more hassle than the ADO buses. If you aren’t on a tight budget, I’d recommend taking the ADO bus.

Taking an ADO bus

The ADO buses are a safe, affordable and reliable way to move around Mexico. Taking an ADO bus to Tulum from downtown Cancún or Playa del Carmen is what I’d recommend to those traveling on a budget. Tickets cost $218 pesos ($11 USD) from Cancún and $108 pesos (5 USD) from Playa del Carmen. You can buy tickets directly at the bus station, but I’d recommend purchasing them in advance either through the ADO website or through their app.

The ADO bus station in Cancún is located here. There are two ADO bus station in Playa del Carmen, Playa del Carmen turística and Playa del Carmen alterna. There is no difference between the two stations, just pick whichever is in a more convenient location for you.

Taking a colectivo

Colectivos are shared mini vans, they are less spacious and not as comfortable as the ADO buses, but are cheaper. If you have a lot of luggage I wouldn’t recommend this option as they might not have space for it.

Taking a colectivo from Cancún to Tulum will require a stop in Playa del Carmen, where you’ll get off and take another colectivo from there to Tulum. The journey will cost around $100 pesos ($5USD) and can only be paid in cash. Try to have the exact amount as they don’t carry a lot of change. The colectivos depart from next the ADO bus station in Cancún, on Avenida Tulum. The colectivo stops close the ADO station in Tulum.

To take a colectivo from Playa del Carmen to Tulum, you’ll have to make your way to under Highway 307, here, to be exact. You will see white mini buses and it’s likely you’ll hear someone yelling “Tulum, Tulum“. This is where you’ll get on the colectivo. The trip will cost around $45 pesos ($2.25 USD). Try to have the exact amount as they don’t carry a lot of change.

Renting a car

You can get from downtown Cancún or Playa del Carmen to Tulum by renting a car. The drive will take around 1.5 hours from Cancún and around an hour from Playa del Carmen. I’d recommend using rentalcars.com to compare prices between all major car rentals to make sure you get the best deal!

Taking a taxi

One way to get to Tulum from downtown Cancún or Playa del Carmen is to take a taxi. You can expect to pay anything from $75 to $12USD for a taxi from Cancún to Tulum, and around $35USD from Playa del Carmen. However, note that taxi drivers around Quintana Roo are known to do their very best to rip off tourists, so it’s entirely possible you will be quoted a higher price. Always make sure to negotiate the fare before getting into the taxi, or else they’ll charge you whatever they want when you arrive!

I hope you found this post helpful. If you want to get notified when I publish new blog posts, just click the red bell in the bottom right corner or follow me on Instagram where I usually announce new posts :))

If you are planning a trip to Mexico, you might also want to check out:

• How much you can expect to spend per day in Mexico
• Five must visit places in Mexico
• Four day Tulum itinerary
• Visiting Izamal: The yellow city in Mexico
• Where to eat in Bacalar
• Your guide to visiting Isla Mujeres
• 10 Things to do in Mexico City
• San Cristóbal de las Casas Travel Guide
• Best cafés to work from in Cancún
• How to get from San Cristóbal to Guatemala

PIN IT!

The post How to Get to Tulum appeared first on Sóldís Alda.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links that may earn me a small commission should you click through and make a purchase (at no extra cost to you)

Is San Cristóbal worth visiting

San Cristóbal is absolutely worth visiting! It’s not only the perfect base to explore all that Chiapas has to offer, the city is also an incredible destination on its own. The fact that it’s largely inhabited by indigenous people makes it unique and unlike anywhere else in Mexico. What’s more, it’s full of trendy coffee shops as well as restaurants. Furthermore, Chiapas is one of the most affordable regions in Mexico.

Is San Cristóbal save

Like with many places in Mexico, safety seems to be a concern for many, mostly due to negative media coverage of Mexico. Hence why I felt this San Cristóbal de las Casas travel guide wouldn’t be complete without addressing this matter.

San Cristóbal, like most of Mexico, is considered save. The only exception is the unstable situation on the road between Ocosingo and San Cristóbal, which is a known Narco territory where roadblocks and robberies are known to occur. However, you do not need to pass this route to get to San Cristóbal, so there’s no need to worry. I just want to mention it so that you know to avoid it! Even though San Cristóbal is safe, you should still take normal precautions, just like you would anywhere else. Avoid flashing your valuables, wearing expensive jewellery and walking around late at night.

For more practical tips to stay safe, I recommend that you read these 14 tips for staying safe while traveling!

When is the best time to visit San Cristóbal

The best time to visit San Cristóbal de las Casas is during the dry season, from November to May. In this period you get warm temperatures and little rain. Note that due to the high altitude, it can get pretty cold, or I might even say very cold, when the sun goes down. So regardless of which time of year you visit, make sure to pack something warm to wear in the evenings!

During my visit which was in February, the day time temperatures were pleasant, around 22°C (72°F). At night it cooled down significantly to around 12°C (54°F), but due to the humidity it felt much colder. Luckily, our apartment had some ponchos that we could use in the evenings.

Where to stay in San Cristóbal

I would recommend staying in or close to the historic centre (Zona Centro). It’s the most convenient way to explore the city as way you will be close to all major attractions. You’ll also have the best coffees and restaurants within walking distance. Here are some of the best accommodation options for every budget:

Best hostel in San Cristóbal de las Casas: Kotantik

Best budget hotel in San Cristóbal de las Casas: Casa Azabache

Best mid-range hotel in San Cristóbal de las Casas: La Estancia

Best luxury hotel in San Cristóbal de las Casas: Collection O Casa de Familia

Here you can see reviews and compare prices of accommodations in San Cristóbal

How to get to San Cristóbal de las Casas

If you are traveling to San Cristóbal from within Mexico or Guatemala, it’s possible to get there by bus. It’s likely to be a very long ride though, depending on where you’re coming from. Check bus routes, schedules and prices here.

Alternatively, the closest airport to San Cristóbal de las Casas is Tuxtla Gutiérres (TGZ), which is located roughly 80km (50 miles) away. To get to San Cristóbal from the airport you can take a taxi, a public bus, a private shuttle or you can rent a car.

Taking an OCC/ADO bus

Those traveling on a budget will probably prefer to take an OCC bus (from the ADO company) from the airport. This is a convenient and affordable way to get from Tuxtla airport to San Cristobal, it’s a direct bus and the journey takes around 1,5 hours. Tickets are $250 MXN pesos and can be purchased at the ADO counter in the airport, or online. When booking online just make sure to put in Aeropuerto Ángel Albino instead of Tuxtla airport, as the system doesn’t recognize it.

Taking a taxi

Taking a taxi is the most convenient way to get from Tuxtla airport to San Cristóbal. Taxi will cost around $800 MXN pesos, which can be split between whoever you are traveling with, or even a stranger. It might seem strange to some to share a taxi with a stranger, but it’s a common practice among locals. If you are a solo female traveler, I’d recommend you to approach a fellow female traveler and if she wants to share a taxi. I have actually made a few friends this way during my travels!

An important thing to keep in mind when taking a taxi from Tuxtla airport to San Cristóbal is to make sure to take an official taxi! After you pass baggage claim and make your way toward the exit, you will see taxi counters on your right just before exiting the airport. Head to the counters, where you will book and pay for the taxi. You will then be handed a ticket that you will give to the taxi driver.

Renting a car

If you are planning to do a road trip in Chiapas, I would recommend that you rent a car directly at the airport. This will be significantly cheaper than renting one once your in San Cristóbal, plus it saves you the hassle of figuring out how to get to San Cristóbal from the airport. You should also keep in mind that it’s difficult to rent an automatic car in San Cristóbal, which is important to know for those that don’t know how to drive a manual. Use rentalcar.com to compare prices to make sure you get the best deal!

Although roads in the state of Chiapas aren’t in the greatest condition, driving is considered safe. Just make sure to avoid the road between Ocosingo and San Cristóbal, which is a known Narco territory where roadblocks and robberies are known to occur.

How to get around in San Cristóbal de las Casas

As long as you are staying in or close to the historical centre, San Cristóbal is very walkable and all major tourist attractions can be reached by foot. Taxis are easy to locate and very affordable, should you need them. We paid $80 pesos ($4 USD) for a 10 minute ride from the bus station to our apartment, just to give you an idea of the price you can expect. Make sure to always negotiate the fare upfront and have cash for the fare, as taxis in San Cristóbal generally do not take cards!

Although San Cristóbal is walkable, it is not built for dragging around luggage, especially if it’s heavy. Sidewalks are very narrow and usually made of cobblestone and/or have holes in them. So believe me when I tell you that if you are carrying a suitcase on wheels, you will want to take a taxi if you need to move your luggage from A to B. When we arrived in San Cristóbal, we had planned to walk to our apartment which was about 15 minutes away. We gave up on that after just about 2 minutes, sat down at a local restaurant where we had tacos and margaritas, and then asked the waiter to call us a taxi This might just be the most important thing you take from the San Cristóbal de las Casas travel guide :)))

There is no Uber or Grab in San Cristóbal.

Things to do in San Cristóbal de las Casas

There are a ton of things to do in and around San Cristóbal de las Casas.

Join the free walking tour

The free walking tour is a great way to begin your trip in San Cristóbal. Discover the history of the city, learn about the culture, traditions and customs and get to know the city from a local perspective. The tour is interactive, you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and make comments.

The tour starts here, in the heart of the city, at Plaza de la Paz. The tours take place every day at 10am and 5pm. They are in English and last about two hours.

Explore the many Artisan Markets

San Cristóbal de las Casas is home to a range of interesting markets that are worth browsing through.

Mercado de Artesanias de Santo Domingo, is a market full of colourful indigenous crafts, such as textiles, jewelry, baskets and weavings. It’s located next to Templo de Santo Domingo and is open every day from 9am to 8pm.

Mercado de Dulces y Artesanias Ámbar is an indoor market where you’ll find sweats, baked treats as well as clothes and handmade items. It’s open every day from 8am to 9.30pm.

Mercado José Castillo Tielemans is the most traditional market in San Cristóbal, over 50 years old. It’s a lively market where can buy local products, handicrafts, all sorts of foods, including baked goods. It’s open every day from 7am to 8pm.

Visit a museum

As the cultural capital of the state of Chiapas, San Cristóbal is home to a number of interesting museums. They focus mostly on textile and the ancient Mayan culture & traditions. Here are some of the most popular ones.

Centro de Textiles del Mundo Maya (Maya World Textile Center)

Inside the Ex-Convento de Santo Domingo, you will find the Maya World Textile Center. A museum that focuses on Mayan textiles and embroidery techniques, displaying over 500 examples of handwoven textiles from throughout Mexico and Central America. The museum features permanent exhibition rooms where you’ll see videos explaining the production process of clothes and textiles.

Note that Maya World Textile Center is closed on Mondays.

Entrance fee: $65 pesos ($3.25 USD)

Museo Mesoamericano del Jade (Jade Museum)

One of the things that Chiapas is famous for is its jade, a precious stone used by ancient Mayas. The museum showcases replicas of Mayan jade jewelry and other jade objects found in Mexican archeological sites.

Entrance fee: $35 pesos ($1.75 USD)

Museum Casa Na Bolom

Casa Na Bolom, which means House of the Jaguar, is an historical building that is now a museum dedicated to the protection of Chiapas’ indigenous culture as well as the environment. It was once the home of Danish archaeologist Frans Blom, and his wife Gertrude Duby Blom, a Swiss photographer. The couple were among the first foreigners to contact the Lacandon indigenous group, which are the only ethnic group to manage to escape the Spanish conquest. Among things you will see in the museum are photos of the Lacandon culture and hand drawn maps of the entire Chiapas rain forests, which used to belong to the Lacandon group. Today Casa Na Bolom operates as a hotel, restaurant, museum and a research center.

Note that Na Bolom is closed on Mondays.

Entrance fee: $60 pesos ($3 USD)

Take a walk down Calle Real de Guadalupe

Wandering the pedestrian street Calle Real de Guadalupe was honestly one of my favourite things to do in San Cristóbal. It’s essentially the main promenade, a lively street where you’ll see street vendors and performers. Real de Guadalupe is lined with trendy coffee shops and restaurants, as well as many arts & crafts stores.

Admire the view from Iglesia de Guadalupe

At one end of Calle Real de Guadalupe you’ll find Iglesia de Guadalupe. You will need to climb a few stairs to get there, which is certainly worth it for the views you get from the top!

Try a cup of Chiapas coffee

This San Cristóbal de las Casas travel guide wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the Chiapas coffee! Mexico is one of the top 10 coffee producers in the world, with the state of Chiapas making up 40% of the Mexico production. There are a number of trendy coffee shops all around San Cristóbal, almost too many! Our favourite one was Ki Múul, which is located on Real de Guadalupe.

Go on a day trip

San Cristóbal de las Casas is a popular base for doing day trips to the many places worth seeing around the state of Chiapas. I can highly recommend visiting Sumidero Canyon, which is just over an hour’s drive away. We did an amazing day trip that included a scenic boat ride through the canyon as well as a stop in the picturesque town Chiapa de Corzo.

Other popular day trips include Palenque, Agua Azul waterfall and Misol-Ha waterfall. Note that these are roughly a 5 hour drive from San Cristóbal, so it will be a very long day.

For those that aren’t up for so much time on the road but want to visit a waterfall, there is a more manageable option. El Chiflon waterfalls are only a 2.5 hour drive from San Cristóbal. The easiest way to visit El Chiflon is on an organized day trip. However, these usually include a stop at Montebello Lagoons, which may or may not interest you. If you’d rather visit on your own, the easiest option is to rent a car. To make sure you get the best deal, use rentalcars.com to compare prices. It’s also possible to take a combination of a bus and a colectivo. Take an ADO or OCC bus from San Cristóbal headed to Comitán de Domínguez (around $96 pesos), and from there take a colectivo to El Chiflon ($30 pesos).

Visit some of the churches of San Cristóbal

With the state of Chiapas being one of the most religious part of Mexico, it might come as no surprise that there are many churches in this area. Some of the ones worth visiting are:

• Cathedral Santo Domingo
• Iglesia de Guadalupe
• Cathedral de San Cristóbal de las Casas
• Iglesia de San Cristóbalito
• Saint Lucias Temple

I hope you found this San Cristóbal de las Casas travel guide helpful and that is answered the questions you had about visiting San Cristóbal. If you’re planning to head over to Guatemala from San Cristóbal, check out this post about how to get from San Cristóbal to Guatemala.

If you’re planning a trip to Mexico, you might also want to read:

• How much you can expect to spend per day in Mexico
• Four day Tulum itinerary: Things to do in Tulum
• Visiting Izamal: The yellow city in Mexico
• 5 Must visit places in Mexico
• Where to eat in Bacalar
• Your guide to visiting Isla Mujeres
• 10 Things to do in Mexico City
• Best cafés to work from in Cancún
• How to get from San Cristóbal to Guatemala

PIN IT!

The post San Cristóbal de las Casas Travel Guide appeared first on Sóldís Alda.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links that may earn me a small commission should you click through and make a purchase (at no extra cost to you)

Best time of the year to visit Izamal

Like with the rest of the Yucatán peninsula, the best time for visiting Izamal the yellow city is during the dry season, from late November through April. During these months the weather is cooler, drier and less humid than during the more humid rainy season. It’s worth noting that it can get unpleasantly hot in Izamal during March and April. So for those that prefer slightly lower temperatures, the months of November, December and January might be the best time to visit. The average temperatures during those months ranges around 25°C (77°F).

How much time do you need In Izamal

Izamal is small, so you’ll only need a couple of hours to see the main points of interest. A day trip should give you enough time to explore Izamal. However, if you have time and want spend the night there, here are your accommodation options.

I visited Izamal on a day trip from Mérida, where I stayed at Casa Continental which I can highly recommend! I did quite a bit of research on accommodations in Mérida before choosing this one, and it did not disappoint. Amazing value for money, comfy beds, A/C, helpful staff and it’s also very close to two great cafés – Baretto and Latte Quatro Sette.

Things to know before visiting Izamal

Although visiting the yellow city Izamal is fairly straight forward, there are a few things you should keep in mind. To start with, it can get very hot in the middle of the day, so I’d recommend trying to get there early in the day so that you can explore before it gets too hot. Ideally, you’d want to sit down somewhere to eat during the hottest time of the day. Note that not many restaurants in Izamal seem to have A/C. If you find yourself in a desperate need of cooling down (which I did multiple times during the day haha) the only place I found with A/C was the Oxxo supermarket. Truly a lifesaver. I visited in late April and it was very very hot.

Another thing to keep in mind when visiting Izamal is that there aren’t too many attractions, so don’t expect there to be a long list of things to do and see. Visiting Izamal is mostly about wandering through the colonial streets and admiring all the fascinating yellow buildings. On that note, visiting izamal is bound to include a lot of walking, so wear comfy shoes!

Why is Izamal yellow?

When I first heard of Izamal, I immediately started wondering why the entire city was painted in yellow. The answer is apparently not clear. A popular theory is that it was painted in preparation for Pope John Paul’s II visit to Izamal in 1993, in the same colours as the Vatican flag – yellow and white. However, it has been reported that Izamal was already yellow before that time.

The other theory is that Izamal was painted in yellow to honour the god of the sun. Given that here is a pyramid in the middle of Izamal honouring this god, this theory is perhaps more probable.

How to get to Izamal

Getting to Izamal can be done by public buses, colectivos, organized tours or by renting a car. Depending on where you’re visiting from, public buses or colectivos are usually the best options. When visiting Izamal from Mérida, the best option is to take a public bus from the company Oriente. The journey takes just over one and a half hour, the buses depart from Terminal de Autobuses Noreste, located on the corner of Calle 67 y 65, click here for the Google Maps location. Tickets are sold at the terminal and cost 35 pesos each way. Here are the options you have to get to Izamal:

• Public bus: taking a public bus to Izamal is very efficient and affordable, especially when visiting from Mérida or Valladolid.
• Renting a car: is a good option if you plan to explore more of the Yucatán peninsula. However, I wouldn’t recommend renting a car for one day just to drive to Izamal, it’s just not worth the hassle in my opinion. Taking a bus would be so much easier.
• Colectivo: A colectivo is a shared van, often referred to in Central America as chicken bus. Colectivos have no fixed schedule, instead they leave whenever they fill up. Normally they fill up in just 10-15 minutes, but it can take longer. Prices are about the same as for public buses, 30-40 pesos (1.5-2 USD). Colectivos will take longer than the buses as they stop every time someone wants to get off or get on, so I’d recommend taking a public bus instead.
• Organized tour: There are plenty of tour companies throughout the Yucatán peninsula that offer trips to Izamal. Typically, these day trips include transportation, usually in a mini van, sometimes a lunch as well as often including a visit to one or two cenotes. These trips are booked directly from the tour operators, normally a day or two in advance.
• Private tour: if you are traveling with a group and want to make your trip to Izamal as easy as possible, a private tour would be something worth checking out. Being picked up and dropped off directly at your accommodation and being able to customize the trip to your preferences is of course very convenient. However, it wouldn’t really make sense price-wise unless split between a few people.

Things to see in Izamal

Although the best thing to do in Izamal is simply to wander around and admire all the yellow buildings, there are a few things you shouldn’t miss.

Convento de San Antonio de Padua

Founded in 1549, Convento de San Antonio is undoubtedly the the symbol of Izamal. Once a center for worship of supreme Mayan god of sun, this impressive building is now a Franciscan Monastery and it’s certainly one you can’t miss when visiting the yellow city of Izamal. Convento de San Antonio was built on top of an ancient Maya pyramid known as Pop-hol-Chac. The pyramid was destroyed and its stones were used to build this catholic temple. You are bound to be fascinated by the massive courtyard, which is actually the second largest closed atrium in the world. You should know that there is no entrance fee to enter the Convento de San Antonio.

Parque Itzamna

Parque Itzamna is the main square in Izamal, located in front of the Convento de San Antonio. It’s a beautiful place to sit down and perhaps grab the famous Mexican marquesitas, from one of the street vendors. This is also where you’ll find a colourful sign spelling out the city’s name.

Kinich Kak Moo

Another important attraction in Izamal is the mayan pyramid Kinich Kak Moo. Located just three blocks away from the Convento de San Antonio, it’s the largest pyramid in Yucatán and the third one in Mexico. The pyramid is named after the sun god and was one of the most important temples in pre-Columbian times. It’s one of the few pyramids that is still allowed to climb, probably because it hasn’t become as crowded as more famous Mayan sites such as Chichen Itza. From the top you have panoramic views of Izamal and surrounding areas. Entrance to Kinich Kak Moo is free of charge.

Izamal Centro

Izamal Centro, or downtown Izamal, is the most beautiful part of the city. This is where you’ll find most of the picturesque streets as well as the most important places to see. The further you get from the center, the less cute the streets tend to be – and you might even spot a house that’s not yellow!

Mercado de Izamal

Mercado de Izamal is a typical Mexican market where you can try local tacos, exotic fruits and vegetables, or pick up some souvenirs. Here you can get a feel for the daily life in Mexico as you will see a lot of locals doing their daily shopping. On the weekends there is sometimes live music going on.

Where to eat in Izamal

You will find that most restaurants focus on traditional Yucatán cuisine, so a visit to Izamal is a perfect opportunity to try the delicious local cuisine.

• Kinich restaurant: Arguably the most famous restaurant in Izamal. An upscale restaurant with open-air seating, serving traditional Yucatán style food.
• Hun Pic Tok: A small cafeteria located in a beautiful quiet courtyard with outdoor seating. They have fresh juices and coffee as well as some local dishes.
• Loncheria y Antojitos La Guadalupana: A real Mexican place with a variety of local food at local prices! Great option for those wanting to eat where the locals eat at very affordable prices

I hope you found this post helpful and that you feel more prepared for visiting Izamal the yellow city. If you want to get notified when I publish new blog posts, just click the red bell in the bottom right corner or follow me on Instagram where I usually announce new posts :))

If you are planning a trip to Mexico, you might also want to check out:

• Four day Tulum Itinerary: Things to do in Tulum
• Five must visit places in Mexico
• How much you can expect to spend per day in Mexico
• Where to eat in Bacalar
• Your guide to visiting Isla Mujeres
• 10 Things to do in Mexico City
• San Cristóbal de las Casas Travel Guide
• Best cafés to work from in Cancún
• How to get from San Cristóbal to Guatemala

PIN IT!

The post Visiting Izamal: The Yellow City in Mexico appeared first on Sóldís Alda.

Where to stay in Cancún

After living the island life for two weeks, I stayed in Cancún for a week to catch up on some stuff. I stayed in downtown Cancún, which is the area I’d recommend you to stay in if you’re planning to get some work done. Unlike the hotel zone, this area feels very local and gives you a chance to experience the Mexican way of life. It’s also far more affordable than the very touristy hotel zone. Make sure to check out the lively Parque de las Palapas, the main square in downtown Cancún, to get a taste of Mexican food, pick up souvenirs and, if you’re lucky, catch a show at the central stage.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links that may earn me a small commission should you click through and make a purchase (at no extra cost to you)

Best cafés to work from in Cancún

After trying out various cafés, I found these to be the best cafés to work from in Cancún.

Ché Ché

Edited with the Mexico preset pack/photo filters – available here

My personal favourite! I went there for breakfast every single morning during the 10 days I stayed in Cancún. They have delicious smoothie bowls, avocado toasts, juices and coffee, as well as some typical Mexican food and veggie burgers. It’s a convenient place to sit down with your laptop – thanks to the A/C it’s nice and cold in there, which is much needed in the Mexican heat. Ché Ché seems to attract a lot of digital nomads, as the majority of the guests were usually working from their laptops.

Location: Avenida Carlos Nader 7, 5, 77500 Cancún, click here to see it on Google Maps

The Bowl Bar

The Bowl Bar is the typical breakfast and lunch kind of place. They have a huge variety of healthy food, such as smoothie bowls, smoothies, wraps, sandwiches and omelettes. It’s nicely decorated and offers both indoor and outdoor seating. There didn’t seem to be as much of a working from your laptop kind of vibe here as in Ché Ché, but they were perfectly fine with people bringing their laptops.

Location: Avenida Bonampak Manzana 50 Lote 15, 3, 77500 Cancún, click here to see it on Google Maps

Padlock to lock up
your valuables

Insulated water bottle
to keep your water cold

Power bank so you can charge your phone wherever you are

Rooster Café

Edited with the Mexico preset pack/photo filters – available here

Rooster Café is my favourite for going for a coffee and something sweet in the afternoon. Although they do serve breakfast, I found it to be more of a lunch or pastry kind of place. But I guess it all depends on what your preferences are. The breakfast was too heavy for me, it consisted mostly of eggs and beans – mainly omelettes and . can especially recommend the cinnamon rolls!

Location: Avenida Sunyaxchen 41, Kaan-chac, 24, 77509 Cancún, click here to see it on Google Maps

Starbucks Bonampak

While it might be a basic option, after all it’s a Starbucks – but I still feel that it had to be included! The atmosphere is very much work or study type of vibe, as most of the people there seemed to be either working or doing some sort of group projects from their laptops. It’s the perfect place to sit down with a coffee and get some thing done – and as everyone else seemed to be working hard, I feel like it made me more focused as well.

Location: Avenida Bonampak Manzana 20, Kukulcan Boulevard, 77500 Cancún, click here to see it on Google Maps

Now that you’ve gotten the hang of the best cafés to work from in Cancún, why not check out some fun activities for your days off!

I hope this post helped you find the best cafés to work from in Cancún! If you want to get notified when I publish new posts, just click the red bell in the lower right corner, or follow me on Instagram where I usually announce new blog posts :)))

If you are planning a trip to Mexico, you might also want to check out:

• How much you can expect to spend per day in Mexico
• Five must visit places in Mexico
• Where to eat in Bacalar
• Visiting Izamal: The yellow city in Mexico
• Your guide to visiting Isla Mujeres
• Four day Tulum itinerary: Things to do in Tulum
• San Cristóbal de las Casas Travel Guide
• 10 Things to do in Mexico City
• How to get from San Cristóbal to Guatemala

PIN IT!

The post Best Cafés To Work From In Cancún appeared first on Sóldís Alda.

As one of the world’s largest cities, getting from one part to another can more than an hour of driving. Luckily, getting around is relatively easy – Uber is available throughout Mexico City and is very cheap. For reference, a 20 minute ride from the airport to our hotel in the center, cost me 90 pesos, or 4.5 USD. Public transport, which consists of buses and trains, is an even more affordable option.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links that may earn me a small commission should you click through and make a purchase (at no extra cost to you)

How many days do you need in Mexico City

We spent four days there, which I thought would be plenty, but turns out it was just about enough time to see the highlights. I would recommend spending a week in Mexico City if you want to be able to explore it properly. I even would have loved to spend a few weeks in Mexico City to discover the city and eat my way through all the cafés & restaurants.

Best time to visit Mexico City

There is really no bad time to visit Mexico City, as both weather and prices tend to be relatively stable throughout the year. The most popular times to visit are from March through May and from September to November. March-May is the warmest time of the year, while the period from September-November is popular due to the various celebrations that take place at this time of year. The most popular celebration is Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), which takes place at the beginning of November. The rainy season lasts from June through October, the rain usually hits in the afternoon or evenings, so don’t let that stop you. The coldest months are December, January and February. So the best time to visit just depends on your preferences.

Due to its high elevation (2240m, or 7200ft) above sea level, the nights are usually chilly throughout the year, so make sure to bring some layers, regardless of which time of the year you’re planning to visit.

Where to stay in Mexico City

I would recommend staying either in the center or in the Roma Norte neighbourhood. The center is conveniently located when it comes to exploring Mexico City, and has a lot of interesting places to see. Roma Norte is the arty/boho type of neigbourhood, it feels a little upper class with all the stylish, and often fancy, cafés and restaurants. Rome Norte is very up-and-coming, so you will most likely find that staying in the center is more affordable.

We stayed at Hotel Flamencos in the centre, it’s an amazing hotel I’d highly recommend. We paid around 50USD per night for the room, which had breakfast included. For a hostel in the city center, I’d highly recommend this one, located right in the heart of the city center and has amazing reviews.

If you want to stay in Roma Norte, I’d recommend this hotel or this hostel if you’re looking for something more budget friendly.

10 Things to do in Mexico City

With all the basic information out of the way, now it’s time for the 10 things to do in Mexico City!

1. Visiting Palacio de Bellas Artes

Palacio de Bellas Artes is a beautiful building in the center of Mexico City. It’s a cultural center that hosts all sorts of art events and exhibitions. The entrance to the building’s first floor is free of charge, but if you want to visit the upstairs exhibitions you will need to pay a small fee.

2. Enjoying the views from Finca Don Porfirio

Located across the street from Palacio de Bellas Artes, this café has stunning views of the Palacio de Bellas Artres and its surroundings. It’s located inside the department store Sears, on the 8th floor. I would recommend being there for sunset, but note that this is a popular time to go, so I’d suggest getting there an hour before sunset just in case there is a line. We went there twice, the first time around 6pm on a Friday, there was no line but we didn’t manage to get seats with a view. We went back the next day around 4.30pm, this time it was a lot busier and we had to wait around 30 minutes downstairs before being allowed to head up.

3. Exploring the Roma Norte neighbourhood

This was absolutely my favourite neighbourhood in Mexico City. Not surprisingly, it was named a Barrio Mágico, which would translate to magical neighbourhood, in 2011. It’s a very trendy and hipster neighbourhood, with lots of upscale restaurants and stylish cafés. To me, the buildings and architecture felt like a mix of the US and Europe. Kinda fun. There are also lots of plazas and green spaces, which might be why Roma Norte seems to be popular among dog owners. We ran into a lot of dogs during our day in Roma Norte, so that’s a plus :))) I would recommend exploring Plaza Luis Cabrera and the area around it, getting churros at Churrería el Moro and having lunch at Pan Comido.

Plaza Luis Cabrera in Roma Norte – photo edited with the travel blogger preset pack/photo filters, available here

Churrería el Moro – photo edited with the coffee preset pack/photo filters, available here

photo edited with the exotic presets/photo filter, available here

4. Take a walk down Paseo de la Reforma (Reforma Avenue)

The wide and bustling avenue, known simply as Reforma, is Mexico City’s Champs-Élysées. It runs through the main financial district, from the downtown area to the Chapultepec Park. Reforma is lined with trees, allowing for some shade on those hot days! There are plenty of benches, fountains, statues, historical buildings, skyscrapers, modern architecture as well as all kinds of cafés and restaurants. On Sundays, the middle part of the avenue is closed to cars, instead you can bike, skate or rollerblade down Reforma along with hundreds of other locals and tourists.

Padlock to lock up
your valuables

Insulated water bottle
to keep your water cold

Power bank so you can charge your phone wherever you are

5. Head to Chapultepec Park

Chapultepec Park is one of the largest city parks in the world. It’s huge. The park is popular to enjoy all sorts of activities and sights – including museums, fountains, monuments, lake, a zoo, green spaces, a castle and whatnot. You could easily spend a day in the park, there’s so much to see. The park can get very crowded during weekends, especially on Sundays, so I’d try to go on another day if you can.

Note that some of the museums as well as the castle and the lake are closed on Mondays for maintenance.

6. Grab a drink at Hanky Panky Speakeasy

This is essentially a “secret” bar in the Juarez neighbourhood. You walk into a local restaurant and then hidden in the back is a door to Hanky Panky. It’s a very cool cocktail bar with their own type of cocktails, it’s not your regular margaritas and mojito kind of place. I’d recommend making a reservation in advance as otherwise they might need to turn you away.

7. Visiting the Palacio Postal (the post office)

It’s not just a regular post office, it’s a cool one. It has some stunning architecture and kinda looks like a palace. A hot tip: you will most likely get into trouble with the security guards if you’re taking photos with a camera as apparently it isn’t allowed, but taking photos with a phone should be fine.

8. Exploring Coyoacán

Coyoacán feels like its own city – perhaps cause it used to be a village. This colourful bohemian neighbourhood that in a way, still feels like a village. With its artisan markets, parks, old historical buildings, museums as well as street performers, it has a very unique arty feel to it. The most famous museum in Coyoacán would be the Frida Kahlo museum, which is definitely worth a visit. I’d recommend getting tickets online as that way you won’t have to wait in line.

there are lots of markets and street vendors in the Coyoacán neighbourhood – photo edited with the film preset pack, available here

Ojo Amulets, an artisans store in Coyoacán – photo edited with the color pop preset pack/photo filters, available here

9. Walk around the center

In the center of Mexico City you will find loads of beautiful buildings, restaurants and plazas. One of my favourite ones was Casa de los Azulejos, it’s a historical building with blue tile walls on the outside and inside there is a restaurant in a very stunning historical setting. I would highly recommend visiting the restaurant, even if it’s just to grab a drink and see the building. Other sights that are not to be missed in the center are Palacio Nacional, Metropolitan Cathedral, Palacio Nacional, Alameda Park, Barrio Chino (Chinatown) – and then of course the already mentioned Palacio de Bellas Artes and the post office.

Templo de Inmaculada Concepcion de Tlaxcoaque – photo edited with the venice preset pack, available here

Casa de los Azulejos – photo edited with the venice preset pack, available here

the restaurant inside the Casa de los Azulejos building – photo edited with the venice preset pack, available here

I would highly recommend having lunch or dinner at Mata Comedor Cantina in the center – photo edited with the food preset pack/photo filters, available here

10. Wander through the markets

Your trip to Mexico City wouldn’t be complete without a visit to some of the many markets. You can find markets selling anything from textiles to jewellery, flowers, food and even antiques. These are some of the best markets in Mexico City:

• Mercado Medellín located in the Roma Sur neighbourfood. Here you’ll find all things food – fruits, vegetables, flowers, nuts, seeds, beers and so on.
• Mercado Roma is a food court located in Roma Norte. It’s great for grabbing some tapas, wine, coffee, meat and vegan food. On the top floor there is a beer garden with a foosball table.
• Mercado de San Juan is located in the centre. The market is split up into two buildings – one selling fruits, vegetables, meats and other food, while the other building has stalls where you can buy full meals. You can even try eating insects if that’s your kind of thing
• Mercado Jamaica is a colourful one! This is Mexico City’s main flower market and is well worth a visit even if you’re not in need of any flowers.
• La Ciudadela is an artisans market located in the center. With a huge variety of Mexican crafts and souvenirs, it’s a fun market to browse through.
• Mercado Coyoacán is, not surprisingly, located in the Coyoacán neighbourhood. It’s a market where you can find pretty much everything and anything. Fruits, vegetables, textiles, costumes, traditional clothing, toys, accessories, jewellery, tattoo shops – you name it. You will also find full meals, juices, smoothies and stuff like that.

I hope this post helped you plan your trip to Mexico City – or that this list of 10 things to do in Mexico city inspired you to include the city in your travel plans! There is so much more to this city than I thought and it’s definitely one where I’d like to stay for a few weeks and just eat my way through all the restaurants and explore. In case you want to do explore beyond Mexico City, check out these day trips from Mexico City!

If you want to get notified when I publish new posts, just click the red bell in the lower right corner, or follow me on Instagram where I usually announce new blog posts :)))

If you are planning a trip to Mexico, you might also want to check out:

• How much you can expect to spend per day in Mexico
• Five must visit places in Mexico
• Where to eat in Bacalar
• Your guide to visiting Isla Mujeres
• Four day Tulum itinerary: Things to do in Tulum
• Visiting Izamal: The yellow city in Mexico
• San Cristóbal de las Casas Travel Guide
• Best cafés to work from in Cancún
• How to get from San Cristóbal to Guatemala

PIN IT!

The post 10 Things to Do in Mexico City appeared first on Sóldís Alda.

You might also want to read: How to Get to Tulum

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links that may earn me a small commission should you click through and make a purchase (at no extra cost to you)

Where to stay in Tulum

One thing to be aware before visiting Tulum, is that the beach is about 5km from Tulum town. The traffic can be a nightmare so I’d recommend renting a bike or a motorcycle instead of a car. Unless you won’t to spend a lot of time on the beach, I would suggest to stay in the Tulum town. This is because the hotel zone (the beach) is so far away from everything else.

If you’re on a budget and want to stay in a hostel, I’d recommend Lum, Mimosa or Maka. Note that Mimosa and Maka are also hotels! All three are great, the main difference is that Lum is located very close to the ADO bus station, which is convenient if you’re arriving there. While the other two are about 20 minute walk from the bus station. Mimosa and Maka have pools, while Lum doesn’t. Lum has much more of a hostel vibe than Mimosa and Maka, as the latter two are also hotels.

Book your stay in Tulum here!

Your Four Day Tulum Itinerary

Day 1: Take it slow, eat local food & explore the Tulum town

Just to start things off easy, I’d recommend spending your first day exploring the Tulum town and eat some local food. Take a stroll through the town, browse through the shops and admire some of the street art. If you arrive early – rent a bike and head a few blocks from the main road to witness the local life.

For dinner – head to Calle Geminis Sur/Calle Geminis Norte for some street food! You will find lots of tacos and guacamole, as well as burgers and sushi. There are vegetarian and vegan options available, my favourite ones are La Cordobesita Tulum and Perro No Come Perro. They have vegan tacos, burgers and even hot dogs – and yes they’re delicious! Most street food trucks only take cash, so make sure to bring some.

edited with the Film preset pack/photo filters, available here

Tulum Itinerary Day 2: Tulum ruins & beach time

the view from the ruins! edited with the Wanderlust preset pack/photo filters, available here

Grab a breakfast at either Botanica Garden Café, Prieto or Matcha Mama. Then exploring the Tulum ruins (Zona Arqueológica de Tulum). These are Mayan ruins, located on a cliff next the ocean. Walking would take about an hour, so you’re gonna need a car, bike or a scooter. Make sure to get there early, with plenty of water in an insulated water bottle, as it gets incredibly hot and humid during the day and there is just about no shade. The ruins open at 9am, try to be there as early as you can. The entry fee is 85 pesos and can only be paid in cash. Try to have the exact amount as they don’t always have change.

the views are incredible! edited with the Ocean Blues preset packs/photo filters, available here

After exploring the ruins, which should take just under two hours, it’s now time for some lunch and beach time. There are three public beaches in Tulum – Playa Santa Fe, Playa Pescadores and Playa Paraiso, but essentially it’s just one beach as they all merge together. If you’re in the mood for some Mexican food – Casa Galeones is your place. If you’d prefer something fresh & cold, head to Matcha Mama or Raw Love. Casa Galeones is located at one of the three public beaches in Tulum, Playa Pescadores. Matcha Mama and Raw Love are both located in the hotel zone, about a 20 minute drive from the ruins and have vegetarian/vegan options. If you decide to go with the latter two, you can access the beach at Raw Love.

the beach access at raw love – so pretty! edited with the Ocean Blues preset pack/photo filters, available here

For those that want to take a photo with the “follow that dream” sign, this will be your day to do that. It’s located just a few minutes from Matcha Mama, search for “Lolita Lolita Tulum” in your google maps – that’s where that sign is!

For sunset – I would highly recommend heading to Ciel Rose: a sunset bar with a stunning 360° views of the jungle!

Day 3: Cenote day

edited with the Wanderlust preset pack/photo filters, available here

You can not visit the Yucatán Peninsula without exploring a few cenotes! Visiting a cenote is probably the most unique activity in this Tulum itinerary. To get the day started, I’d suggest grabbing a breakfast at either Botanica Garden Café, Prieto or Matcha Mama. Then it’s time to head to explore the cenotes! As there are over 6000 cenotes in the Yucatán Peninsula, it can be hard to choose which ones to visit. Try to go early as the later it gets, the more crowded they tend to be – and it’s just so much more magical to explore them when it’s not filled with a bunch people The Gran Cenote opens at 8am, while most of the other ones open at 9am. I would recommend visiting Gran Cenote, Cenote Calavera and Cenote Car Wash. The cenotes are roughly a 20 minute bike ride from Tulum town, so again, you’ll need a bike, a scooter or a car.

After visiting a few cenotes – it’s time for a late lunch! For tacos I’d recommend Taquería La Rivera Costena, for vegetarians/vegans I’d recommend La Hoja Verde.

In the afternoon (anytime after 4pm, cause that’s when they open) I’d suggest grabbing some churros from Don Churro Tulum! The best churros in Tulum in my opinion, you won’t be disappointed.

Day 4: Laguna Kaan Luum

If you only have four days in Tulum and you need to leave early, then your trip ends here. But in case you still have time and don’t leave until later, spend the morning exploring Laguna Kaan Luum. It’s a beautiful lagoon, hidden in the jungle, about 8 km (5 miles) from Tulum. You will need to take a taxi or have a car/scooter. Technically you could also bike, but for whatever reason it’s not recommended to bike on this road.

It’s not your average lagoon, as in the middle of it, there is an 82m (270 feet) deep cenote! Despite its proximity to Tulum, it hasn’t really been discovered yet, so it’s mostly visited by locals. It’s the perfect spot to swim, relax and enjoy nature. Paddle boards are also available for rent, so that’s another thing you could do. The entrance fee is 100 pesos (about 5USD) and must be paid in cash.

I hope you find this four day Tulum itinerary helpful! If you have more days in Tulum, I would recommend having a look at these top rated day trips, that will allow you to discover more of the surrounding areas.

If this is going to be your first time in Tulum, you might want to read this detailed post on how to get to Tulum.

If you are planning a trip to Mexico, you might also want to check out:

• How much you can expect to spend per day in Mexico
• How to get to Tulum
• Five must visit places in Mexico
• Visiting Izamal: The yellow city in Mexico
• Where to eat in Bacalar
• Your guide to visiting Isla Mujeres
• 10 Things to do in Mexico City
• San Cristóbal de las Casas Travel Guide
• Best cafés to work from in Cancún
• How to get from San Cristóbal to Guatemala

PIN IT!

The post Four day Tulum itinerary: Things to Do in Tulum appeared first on Sóldís Alda.

I want to mention that the internet on Isla Mujeres is neither fast nor stable, so if you’re doing any sort of work where you need to do video calls and so on, this is probably not the place for it.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links that may earn me a small commission should you click through and make a purchase (at no extra cost to you)

Practical info

Let’s start with some basics.

The official currency is the Mexican Peso. US dollars are also accepted in some places, but paying with USD you’ll get worse conversion rates, so I’d recommend always paying in pesos.

Debit and credit cards are widely accepted, but I’d recommend always carrying some cash in case cards aren’t accepted or in case the card machine simply isn’t working that day. There are a few ATM’s on the island, I’d recommend using them during the day rather than at night, for safety reasons.

For more safety tips, check out: 14 Tips For Staying Safe While Traveling

Tipping in Mexico is optional. In restaurants it’s customary to tip about 10-15% if the service is good. It’s also customary to leave a tip for tour guides and cleaning staff at hotels, but again, it’s optional. If you feel that the service wasn’t up to standards, you are not obligated to leave a tip.

Spanish is the official language, English isn’t really widely spoken. If you don’t speak any Spanish, try to pick up at least some words and phrases. Everything helps. Also download a translation app to your phone.

Wifi & Internet are not great. The data on my phone worked pretty well for the most part, but wifi throughout the island was neither fast or stable, as I mentioned in the beginning.

this photo is edited with the How to get to Isla Mujeres

Taking the Ultramar ferry from Cancún to Isla Mujeres is the most common way to reach Isla Mujeres. First, you’ll need to get to Puerto Juárez, which is around 10 minutes drive from downtown Cancún. The trip takes around 30 minutes and the cost is 450 pesos (22.5USD) for a round trip. The ferries depart about every 30 minutes throughout the day. I’ll list the different options you have, depending on where you’re leaving from.

How to get to Puerto Juárez ferry terminal from downtown Cancún

To get from downtown Cancún to Puerto Juárez, you have two options:

• Take a taxi – will cost about 150 pesos (7.5USD). Always remember to negotiate the fare beforehand.
• Take the R1 bus – before boarding, ask the driver “Puerto Juárez?” to make sure it goes there, as not all of them do. The ticket will cost less than 1USD.

How to get to Puerto Juárez from Cancún airport

To get to Puerto Juárez from Cancún airport, you have three options:

• Take a taxi – can cost anywhere from 400 pesos (20 USD) to a 1000 pesos, depending on the time of day and your negotiation skills.
• Prebook a private shuttle – this way there should be someone waiting for you at the airport with your name on it and will take you directly through the ferry port. I don’t recommend this as most of the companies providing this service seem to have a habit of being late, charging your card and then telling you later the service isn’t available, or simply not showing up. Just take a taxi and avoid the possible hassle.
• Take an ADO bus and a colectivo – this is by far the cheapest option. The ADO bus costs 5USD and will take you to the ADO station (downtown Cancún). From there you’ll take a colectivo (small bus) to Puerto Juárez which will cost about 1USD.

Getting to Isla Mujeres from Cancún hotel zone

In case you are staying in the Cancún hotel zone, you have the option to take a ferry from either Playa Tortugas or Playa Caracol. These are also run by Ultamar ferries. Note that the ferries from the hotel zone are less frequent and cost a bit more. The ferry schedule can be found here.

Daily Budget in Isla Mujeres

Prices are definitely more elevated than in most of Mexico, I’d say they are pretty on par with what you’d expect in Europe. The minimum daily budget for Isla Mujeres would be around 50USD. That would mean staying in a hostel and eating at cheaper restaurants and not doing paid activities. A more realistic budget would be around 60-80USD, which would include eating at nicer restaurants, some activities and renting a bike or a golf cart.

When is the best time to visit Isla Mujeres

The best time to visit Isla Mujeres would be from January throughout April. During that period the island gets little to no rain and slightly lower and more pleasant temperatures than the rest of the year. From May through September is when the island gets the most rain and the highest humidity. The hurricane season is from June until November, with the most active hurricane season being the months of September and October.

Doing a day trip to Isla Mujeres

I just want to add in real quick: if, for whatever reason, you only have time to do a day trip to Isla Mujeres, that’s also a possibility! Check out these day trips that depart from either Playa del Carmen or Cancún

Where to stay on Isla Mujeres

Where you want to stay will depend on what type of vibe you’re looking for. The northern end of the island is packed with action (and tourists), while the rest of the island is more relaxed and less touristy.

North part/centro

On the north part of the island is where things are happening. This is where you’ll find the majority of the restaurants and hotels on the island, as well as the the famous Playa Norte. If you want to stay in the middle of the action, this is where you want to be. We decided to stay in this part as we wanted to be close to the beach and the cafés/restaurants – I always wanna stay close to the food :)))

the center of isla mujeres – this photo is edited with the Film preset pack, available here

If you are looking for a hostel in the center, Selinas will be your best option. Click here to check it out.

For hotels in the center – I’d recommend this one or this one. Both well located, have good reviews and are just a few minutes walk from the ferry terminal.

Mid Island

At the center of the island you can experience a more local way of living. If you’re looking to indulge yourself in the Mexican way of living rather than being surrounded by tourists, staying mid island would be ideal. In this part, there are a number of rental units, as well as hotels. An important thing to note is that there isn’t a beach on this part of the island, so you’ll need to head to the north part or the south if you want to visit one. There are some beautiful ocean views, though.

There are no hostels in this part of the island, so your options would be hotels or rentals.

South Part/Punta Sur

Here you won’t find lots of hotels, but instead, mostly fancy condos and villas. This part of the island feels more remote, with only a handful of restaurants and only a few small supermarkets. Punta Sur, the southernmost part of the island, is incredibly beautiful – with gorgeous views overlooking the turquoise blue sea.

If you are looking for a hostel in the South part, you will want to stay at Nomads hotel & hostel! It’s a gorgeous hostel, hotel and beach club with a seaside pool-bar & hammocks.

For hotels and rentals – check out agoda.com, booking.com and airbnb.com

You might also like:

Where to eat in Isla Mujeres

I’m guessing you’re gonna want to eat while you’re in Isla Mujeres, so here are some places I’d recommend.

In the center:

Oh my brunch – this was my favourite breakfast/lunch place. They have all my fav foods – including avocado toast, smoothie bowls, juices, great coffee, croissants, sandwiches… But what sets it apart from other places on Isla Mujeres is the service, which I found to be much better and faster than in other restaurants I tried.

Aroma Isla – their food is great, but service is very lacking. I loved their food, they have some vegetarian options, and even have sweet potato fries! But service was sometimes incredibly slow. We once waited 20 minutes to order, and when we finally managed to flag down a waiter, he seemed annoyed and didn’t even take our order.

Aroma Isla! Edited with the Lifestyle preset pack, available here

Café Mogagua – their menu is very similar to the one of Aroma Isla – avocado toast, waffles, burgers, crepés, smoothies, guacamole and so on. Service was kind of a hit or miss, but overall I can recommend it.

Al Natural – very tasty Mexican food. Burritos, tacos, guacamole – that type of stuff. Relatively cheap compared to other places on Isla Mujeres.

Café Isla – a small coffee shop, take away only – good coffee, smoothies and some pastries.

Asia Caribe – sushi, seafood, noodles. I only tried the sushi, which I can recommend!

Geisha Valentina – this is a fancy place. They do this thing where they’ll cook stuff in front of you – I didn’t try that as I went for the pad thai, but it looked pretty cool!

Mid Island:

Oscars Grill – variety of food and drink options, located next to the harbour

Tomodachi Sushi – like the name suggests, they do sushi, really good sushi

Restaurant Green Verde – they have a bit of everything, many food & desert options

Polo’s Mango Café – mostly mexican food, but they also do eggs benedict as well as smoothies

You might also like:

South Part/Punta Sur

As I mentioned before, there are very few restaurants in this part of the island, but I can recommend one!!

Rancho Capricho – our expectations were set very high when they told us that their tacos were the best in Mexico, but wow, they did deliver on that. I had the shrimp tacos (or well, actually I just had one shrimp taco as I wasn’t that hungry haha) but I decided that I had to try them, and wow! Probably the best tacos I’ve had. The owners were also super friendly and even gave us some carrots to feed their horse, that was hanging out just a few steps away from the restaurant haha. Yes this part of the island is kinda remote, people have horses in their backyard :)))

How to get around Isla Mujeres

Getting around Isla Mujeres is relatively easy. The island is really small – just 7km (4.3 miles) long. The North part of the island (the center) is very walkable and there is really no need for any sort of transport there. To get around the rest of the island, you can take a taxi, a bus or you can rent a golf cart or a bike.

biking around isla mujeres! edited with the Wanderlust preset pack, available here

• Taxis are not too expensive (5-25USD), depending on how far you go.
• The bus system works pretty well, the buses go around the island and you can get on and off anywhere, there are no established bus stops. This is very common in Latin America The fare is 38 pesos (just under 2USD).
• Bikes can be rented for about 150 pesos (7.5 USD) for the day, and 200-250 pesos (10-12.5USD) for 24 hours. The island is relatively flat so biking isn’t that challenging. I felt like it was a very fun way to explore the island, but the heat definitely made it a little difficult. I would still recommend it, just make sure to not go during the hottest part of the day and bring plenty of water. Preferably – in an insulated water bottle to make sure your water stays cold!
• Golf carts can be rented for 800-1100 pesos (40-55USD) for 24 hours. This is a great option if you want to have the freedom to explore the island at your pace, but don’t feel like biking. Still make sure to bring plenty of water, preferably in an insulated water bottle – otherwise your water will quickly become boiling hot, and not so refreshing.

What to do in Isla Mujeres

Beach time

Yes this is pretty much like telling those planning a trip to Paris to visit the Eiffel Tower – but I still felt like it had to be said :))) You can either set up on your beach towel, or you can rent a sunbed for a day. The cost varies, but you can expect to pay somewhere between 7.5-10USD per day. Some places won’t charge for the sunbeds, but instead they’ll have a minimum consumption – meaning you’ll need to purchase foods/drinks for a certain amount throughout the day.

Playa Norte! Photos are edited with the Lifestyle preset pack, available here

Visit Punta Sur

The Southernmost part of the Island, Punta Sur, is an absolute must visit! It offers an incredible view of the Caribbean and the bay of Cancún. The entrance fee is 30 pesos (1.5USD) and can only be paid in cash. There is a restaurant at Punta Sur, I wouldn’t recommend the food but you can grab a drink and enjoy the view.

Edited with the Ocean Blues preset pack, available here

Have tacos at Rancho Capricho

Yes this is really a thing on it’s own, they are that good

Go around the island

There is a lot more to see on Isla Mujeres than just the North part. Either rent a bike or a golf cart to go around the island.

Watch the sunset

The sunsets on Isla Mujeres are beautiful! For the best view I’d recommend Playa Centro, which is in the North Part.

this photo is edited with the sunset preset pack, available here

Do a boat trip

I feel like this one is pretty self explanatory. A boat trip is always fun, especially in a beautiful place like Isla Mujeres. You can find all sorts of boat trips – half day tours or full day, some will offer snorkeling, all included ones, a private boat tour, sunset tour. I could go on but I think you get the point

Visit Parque de los Sueños

A beautiful place to spend the day. This park is located right next to the ocean and offers all sorts of activities – you can snorkel, test your kayak or a paddle board skills and zip-line into one of their pools. Or you can just soak up the sun in one of their lounge chairs.

Isla Mujeres Packing Essentials

• Insulated water bottle – you don’t wanna be drinking boiling hot water :)))
• Sunscreen
• Swimsuit
• Travel adapter
• Comfortable shoes & sandals
• Comfy and light clothes, it’s hot on Isla Mujeres :)))
• Charging bank
• Fanny pack
• A hat
• Waterproof case for your phone/valuables

If you are planning a trip to Mexico, you might also want to check out:

• How much you can expect to spend per day in Mexico
• Five must visit places in Mexico
• Where to eat in Bacalar
• Visiting Izamal: The yellow city in Mexico
• Four day Tulum itinerary: Things to do in Tulum
• 10 Things to do in Mexico City
• San Cristóbal de las Casas Travel Guide
• Best cafés to work from in Cancún
• How to get from San Cristóbal to Guatemala

PIN IT!

The post Your guide to visiting Isla Mujeres appeared first on Sóldís Alda.

Note that most restaurants in Bacalar close one day a week – usually on Mondays, Tuesdays or Wednesdays.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links that may earn me a small commission should you click through and make a purchase (at no extra cost to you)

Yerbabuena

Yerbabuena is my top choice for breakfast/lunch (it closes at 4pm). They serve delicious sandwiches, smoothies, fruit bowls, granola, juices and café – basically everything you would expect from a breakfast. I would usually order a sandwich, smoothie and iced coffee which came to around 190pesos (9usd).

Zana Sana Juice Bar

Don’t let the name confuse you, they have more than just juices I would say Zana Sana definitely have the best juices in Bacalar! They do cold pressed juices – they are delicious and cost 4USD. A part from juices, they have bagels, waffles, kombuchas and of course coffee.

Madre Masa

Madre Masa is both a bakery and a restaurant. Their pastries are incredible, I would especially recommend the cinnamon rolls and the chocolate chip cookies! They also have delicious breakfast options – toasts, bagels, croissants, eggs, smoothies and coffee. Madre Masa is really affordable – toasts and bagels are around 100 pesos (5USD), smoothies are around 50pesos (2,5USD), croissant with avocado (delicious) is 2,5USD. Coffees are around 2USD.

La Piña

La piña is a very affordable place to go for dinner (it’s not open in the morning). They have all things Mexican – tacos, burritos, guacamole, nachos and quesadillas and more. The restaurant is located in a tropical garden, the atmosphere is chilled and they have good music! Tacos here are about a dollar each, a decent sized portion of guacamole is about 3USD and burritos are 4-5USD.

You might also like:

Mango y Chile

A great option for lunch or dinner. It’s a bit on the expensive side compared to other places in Bacalar, but the food is delicious and the view from there is nice! I tried a few of their burgers, which are amazing. All their food is vegetarian friendly – instead of meat they use seitan, falafel and tofu. A part from burgers – they also have tacos and hot dogs, as well as a few types of cookies (delicious) and coffees & frappos. The burgers (which all come with fries) and tacos (3 pieces) are 200 pesos (10USD). Most drinks are 2,5USD. I never tried the coffee there but their frappos looked good!

I hope this answered the question where to eat in Bacalar! If you want to get notified when I publish new posts, just click the red bell in the lower right corner

If you are planning a trip to Mexico, you might also want to check out:

• How much you can expect to spend per day in Mexico
• Five must visit places in Mexico
• Four day Tulum itinerary: Things to do in Tulum
• Visiting Izamal: The yellow city in Mexico
• Your guide to visiting Isla Mujeres
• 10 Things to do in Mexico City
• San Cristóbal de las Casas Travel Guide
• Best cafés to work from in Cancún
• How to get from San Cristóbal to Guatemala

PIN IT!

The post Where To Eat in Bacalar appeared first on Sóldís Alda.

The currency in Mexico is Mexican Pesos (MXN). Strangely, they use the $ sign, which can be confusing as it’s the same one as for the USD, which is also widely accepted in Mexico. In this post I will list prices in USD, for reference, 1 USD is about 0,05 pesos.

So let’s look at how much you can expect to spend per day in various cities in Mexico.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links that may earn me a small commission should you click through and make a purchase (at no extra cost to you)

Tulum

So let’s get the one of the most expensive one out of the way. Tulum has become a tourist hot spot in the last couple of years, and as such, has become pretty expensive. Here you can also expect to be charged in USD, rather than in the local currency, which just shows how touristy it has become.

Accommodation

Hostels in Tulum range from 10-40USD per night

Private rooms/hotels in Tulum range from 30 USD per night for a very basic room, up to a couple of hundred or even thousands of dollars, which would be the all included beach front hotels

Food

Street food – tacos for example, can be found as cheap as 20 pesos (1USD). You could get a full meal for around 4 USD.

Basic local restaurant a meal in a very basic local restaurant will cost around 70-100 pesos (3,5-5USD) . This is not gonna be anything fancy, you can expect plastic chairs and very basic facilities.

More fancy/boho type of restaurant – these are the avocado toast and ice coffee types of places, with cute decor and usually some plants and stuff. These are usually aimed at foreigners and prices will be higher. I eat at these type of places far too much Here you can expect to pay around 200-300 pesos (10-15 USD) for a meal with a drink. Smoothie bowls in Tulum cost about 180-220pesos (9-11USD).

Cafés/restaurants at the beach – cafés and restaurants at the beach charge prices similar to those you would expect in a bigger city in the US. Many charge from 15-20USD for a main course, but you can find some that charge closer to 10-15USD.

Transportation

Bike/scooter rentals – bikes are a very popular way to move around Tulum. Bike rentals are around 5-8USD per day, but some hostels have bikes available to their guests free of charge. Scooters rent from 400-600 pesos a day (20-30USD).

Taxis – for a 10-15 minute ride you can expect to pay 200-250 pesos (10-12USD). Make sure to negotiate the fare upfront.

Colectivos – these are shared buses (mini vans) that you can used when going to cenotes or to neighbouring towns. They are very cheap, fares range from 10 pesos (0,5 USD) for shorter rides and up to 60 pesos (3 USD) for longer rides (40-60 minutes).

How much you can expect to spend in a day in Tulum

Low budget – eating mostly street food or at local restaurants and sleeping at cheaper hostels and taking colectivos: 35 USD per day

Mid range budget – eating mostly at more upper class restaurants, sleeping in fancier hostels or cheaper hotels, taking a taxi here and there: 60-70 USD per day

“Money is no issue” kind of budget – if you feel like splurging, you can easily spend a couple hundreds or even thousand of dollars per day in Tulum. There is no shortage of fancy and expensive beach clubs, restaurants and beach front hotels and whatnot.

Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen, just like Tulum, has become a popular destination for expats and tourists in recent years. Prices are among the higher you’ll find in Mexico, especially when it comes to accommodation. So lets look at how much you can expect to spend in a day in Playa del Carmen!

Accommodation

Hostels in Playa del Carmen range from 12-40USD. The difference here, compared to Tulum, is that the cheapest ones (12-15USD) have pretty bad reviews and I would not really recommend them. In general, you get much more for your money at hostels in Tulum than in Playa del Carmen.

Private rooms/hotels in Playa del Carmen range from 25USD (outside of the centre) and from about 40-45USD for ones in the centre.

Food

Street food – is cheap. You can have a meal for as little as 3USD (not including drinks). Note that you will not see those prices directly in the city center around 5th avenue (Quinta avenida), you’ll need to go a couple of blocks away from there to find affordable street food.

Basic local restaurants – these can be found a few blocks away from 5th avenue. Tacos range from as little as 15 pesos (0,8USD). A full meal can cost around 3-4USD.

More upscale restaurants – I’m not talking real fancy, just fancier then the basic local restaurants. You can expect to pay around 6-8USD for a meal, not including drinks. Prices will be a little higher on and close to the 5th avenue. Smoothie bowls are usually 130-170 pesos (6,5-8,5USD).

Transportation

Bike rentals – bikes are a popular and convenient way to get around Playa del Carmen. Bike can be rented from 10USD per day, but if you’re renting it for a couple of days you’ll be able to get a lower daily rate. There is also bike rental system called Bici Playa, they have various passes available, from a day pass to a year long. The pass will include unlimited trips of up to 30 minutes.

Taxis – for a 5-10 minute ride you can expect to pay around 120 pesos (almost 6USD). Note that taxi drivers will try to overcharge you, some bargaining might be required. Always negotiate the fare up front.

Colectivos – these are shared buses (mini vans) that you can used when going to cenotes or to neighbouring towns. They are very cheap, fares range from 10 pesos (0,5 USD) for shorter rides and up to 60 pesos (3 USD) for longer rides (40-60 minutes).

How much you can expect to spend in a day in Playa del Carmen

Low budget – eating mostly street food or at local restaurants and sleeping at cheaper hostels and taking colectivos or walking: 30 USD per day

Mid range budget – eating mostly at more upper class restaurants, sleeping in fancier hostels or cheaper hotels, taking a taxi here and there: 55-60 USD per day

Not on any sort of budget – if you feel like splurging, you can easily spend a couple hundreds dollars per day in Playa del Carmen. There are quite a few all inclusive resorts around, as well as some beach clubs.

Cancún

I wouldn’t really recommend Cancún as a destination, unless you’re coming to party hard. However, as the international airport is located in Cancún, you will likely end up spending at least a night in Cancún whether you like it or not.

Accommodation

Hostels in Cancún range from 10-35USD per night, with a few solid options for under 20$.

Private rooms/hotels in Cancún range from 15-20USD per night. For a nice hotel you can expect to pay upwards of 40-50USD per night.

Food

Street food – cheap. You can score a basic meal for as low as 3USD (not including a drink)

Basic local restaurants – a meal in a very basic local restaurant will cost around 60-100 pesos (3-5USD). This is not gonna be anything fancy, you can expect plastic chairs and very basic facilities.

More upscale restaurants – More fancy and trendy cafés and restaurants usually charge from 5-8USD for a meal, not including a drink. Smoothie bowls are around 130-160pesos (6-8USD).

Transportation

Bike rentals – bikes can be rented for 10-12USD per day.

Taxis – can be fairly affordable, unless you’re going to/from the airport (in which case I’d recommend taking the ADO bus). You can expect to pay from 5USD for a 5-10 minute ride. Make sure to negotiate the price upfront.

Colectivos – in Cancún you can take colectivos within the city. Fares are 20-40pesos (1-2USD), which makes it the cheapest way to move around Cancún – besides walking

How much you can expect to spend in a day in Cancún

Low budget – eating mostly street food or at local restaurants and sleeping at cheaper hostels and taking colectivos or walking: 25-30USD per day

Mid range budget – eating mostly at more upper class restaurants, sleeping in fancier hostels or cheaper hotels, taking a taxi here and there: 55-60USD per day

No budget – in the hotel zone you’ll find plenty of all inclusive resorts that will charge a couple hundred dollars per day.

Isla Holbox

Holbox is a bit on the expensive side, especially accommodation, but it’s very much worth it in my opinion.

Accommodation

Hostels in Holbox range from 20-45USD per night. Note that hostels in Holbox tend to sell out, so you might need to book a week or two in advance.

Private rooms/hotels in Holbox range from 35USD per night, which would be pretty basic. More decent rooms will be around 60-70USD per night. Holbox has quite a few beach front resorts, which cost up to 400-500USD per night.

Food

Street food – a meal from a street vendor will be around 3-4USD

Basic local restaurant – at a basic local restaurant you can expect to pay 4-5USD for a meal, not including a drink.

More upscale restaurants – here a meal will cost you anywhere from 6 to 15USD, depending on how fancy it is. That price would not include a drink.

Transportation

Holbox is a very small island and has no cars, only golf carts. The town itself is walkable, but if you want to explore the other parts of the island, you’ll need to get your hands on one of those golf carts, or take a “taxi”, which would be a golf cart.

Taxis within the Holbox town range from 30-50 pesos (1,5-2,5USD), while longer rides can cost up to 150 pesos.

The going rate for a 3-hour golf cart rental is around 700 pesos (35USD). You also have the options of renting one for 12 hours (around 70USD) or 24 hours, for around 2000 pesos (100USD).

How much you can expect to spend per day in Isla Holbox

Low budget – eating mostly street food or at local restaurants and sleeping at cheaper hostels, walking everywhere: 35-40USD per day

Mid range budget – eating mostly at more upper class restaurants, sleeping in fancier hostels or cheaper hotels, using a golf cart here and there: 55-60USD per day

You might also like:

Valladolid

Valladolid is very affordable, possibly thanks to the fact that it doesn’t attract as many tourists as Playa del Carmen and Tulum.

Accommodation

Hostels in Valladolid cost around 10-15USD per night.

Private rooms/hotels in Valladolid can be found for as little as 15-20USD per night. If you want to treat yourself to a fancy hotel at some point during your trip, Valladolid would be a great place for that. For 40-60USD per night you can find some very nice hotels.

Food

Street food – like elsewhere, cheap. Expect to pay from 3USD for a meal.

Basic local restaurant – you can get a nice local meal for 3-4USD, not including drinks.

More upscale restaurants – Meals will cost from around 4-6USD, which would not include a drink. Smoothie bowls are hard to come by in Valladolid, I only found one place (Casa Maca), where they cost around 6USD.

Transportation

As Valladolid is fairly small, so you shouldn’t need any form of transportation unless you plan on going on day trips.

Taxis – range from 50 pesos (2,5USD) for short rides within Valladolid. A longer taxi ride, to Chichen Itza for example, will cost something around 500 pesos (25USD).

Colectivo – fares from 40-60 pesos (2-3USD), this would be for rides to nearby cenotes or to Chichen Itza, for example.

How much you can expect to spend in Valladolid per day

Low budget – eating mostly street food or at local restaurants, sleeping at cheaper hostels and walking rather than taking taxis: 20-25USD per day

Mid range budget – eating mostly at more upper class restaurants, sleeping in fancier hostels or cheaper hotels, taking a taxi here and there: 40-45USD per day

Not on any budget – even if you aren’t on a budget, you would have a hard time spending more than 150-200USD per day in Valladolid.

Mexico City

In Mexico City you can get a lot for your money. It’s a very affordable city with lots of food and accommodation options.

Accommodation

Hostels in Mexico City range from just under 10USD, to 25USD per night.

Private rooms/hotels in Mexico city can cost from as little as 12USD per night for a very basic private room. More upscale hotels will cost from 25-40USD and upwards per night.

Food

Street food – you can fill up on tacos or other mexican street food for just about 2-3USD.

Basic local restaurants – you can expect to pay as little as 4USD for a meal at a local restaurant. That could even include a drink.

More upscale restaurants – here you would be paying closer to 5-7USD for a meal, not including a drink. This could go up to 10-20USD if it’s a really fancy one.

Transportation

As Mexico City is huge, and in no way walkable, you’ll need to rely on some form of transportation to get from one part of the city to another. Luckily, Uber is available throughout Mexico City, works great and is really affordable. My Uber from the airport, which took about 20 minutes, was around 100pesos (5USD). A 10-15 minute ride will be around 3-4USD.

Another option would be to use public transport, such as buses and the metro system, where fares are as low as 6 pesos (0,3USD).

How much you can expect to spend in Mexico City per day

Low budget – eating mostly street food or at local restaurants and sleeping at cheaper hostels and walking or using public transportation to get around: 25USD per day

Mid range budget – eating mostly at more upper class restaurants, sleeping in fancier hostels or cheaper hotels and using Uber to get around: 45-50USD per day

San Cristobal de las Casas

San Cristobal de las Casas is located in the state of Chiapas, which is one of the poorest states in Mexico. It’s among the most affordable places in Mexico. If you are planning to visit San Cristóbal de las Casas, I highly recommend that you read this San Cristóbal travel guide!

Accommodation

Hostels in San Cristobal de las Casas range from 7-20USD per night.

Private rooms/hotels will cost from 12-15USD per night.

Food

Street food – can be found for as little as 2-3USD for a meal.

Basic local restaurants – a meal at a local restaurant will cost around 4-5USD, including a drink.

More trendy restaurants – here you can expect to pay around 5-10USD for a main course. Smoothie bowls are not widely available, but those I found were around 6USD. Local cocktails like margaritas and mojitos are usually around 3-5USD.

Transportation

Taxis, like other things in San Cristobal de las Casas, are cheap. The city can easily be explored by foot, but you might need transport to/from your accommodation as the cobblestone streets, while being pretty, are a nightmare for dragging around luggage.

Taxis – We paid 40 pesos (2 USD) for a 5-10 minute ride from the bus station to our apartment. On the way back we paid 50 pesos. So that’s what you can expect to pay within San Cristobal.

How much you can expect to spend in San Cristobal de las Casas per day

Low budget – eating mostly street food or at local restaurants, sleeping at cheaper hostels and walking rather than taking taxis: 20-25USD per day.

Mid range budget – eating mostly at more upper class restaurants, sleeping in fancier hostels or cheaper hotels, taking a taxi here and there: 40-45USD per day

Bacalar

Bacalar is a small town that has grown a lot during the last couple of years, but still feels very authentic and not very touristy. Prices are therefore very mexican, meaning: affordable.

Accommodation

Hostels in Bacalar range from 10-30USD per night.

Private rooms/hotels in Bacalar range from 25USD per night.

Food

Street food – is not widely available in Bacalar as it’s a small town. But there are some street vendors where you can find a meal for about 3USD.

Basic local restaurants – a meal at a basic restaurant shouldn’t cost you more than 4-5USD, that’s including a drink.

More trendy restaurants – there are a few trendy/more upscale in Bacalar. Here you can expect to pay from 5-10USD for a main course, which would not include a drink.

Read my guide about where to eat in Bacalar (all are vegetarian friendly):

Transportation

Bacalar can easily be explored by foot, as it’s quite small. However, if you want to visit different parts of the lagoon, you will need to take a taxi.

Taxis within Bacalar can cost from 40 pesos (2 USD) and shouldn’t cost more than 5USD.

Taxis to other parts of the lagoon will cost more. You can expect to pay around 200pesos (10USD) for a 20-30 minute ride.

How much you can expect to spend in Bacalar per day

Low budget – eating mostly street food or at local restaurants, sleeping at cheaper hostels and walking rather than taking taxis: 20-25USD per day

Mid range budget – eating mostly at more upper class restaurants, sleeping in fancier hostels or cheaper hotels, taking a taxi here and there: 40-45 USD per day

I hope this post helped you estimate how much you can expect to spend per day in Mexico! If you want to get notified when I publish new blog posts, just click the red bell in the bottom right corner or follow me on Instagram where I usually announce new posts :))

If you are planning a trip to Mexico, you might also want to check out:

• Four day Tulum Itinerary: Things to do in Tulum
• Five must visit places in Mexico
• Where to eat in Bacalar
• Visiting Izamal: The yellow city in Mexico
• Your guide to visiting Isla Mujeres
• 10 Things to do in Mexico City
• San Cristóbal de las Casas Travel Guide
• Best cafés to work from in Cancún
• How to get from San Cristóbal to Guatemala

PIN THIS POST:

The post How much you can expect to spend per day in Mexico appeared first on Sóldís Alda.