How to Backpack the Yucatan Peninsula on $30 a Day
To stick to a $30 daily budget, you must prioritize collective vans (colectivos) for transport, eat at local markets rather than tourist restaurants, and sleep in shared dorm beds. Focus your time on free natural sights like cenotes and public beaches rather than high-cost entry parks like Xcaret.
- Use Colectivos for travel. Avoid ADO buses for short distances. Go to the local 'colectivo' stop where vans wait to fill up. A 30-minute ride costs roughly $1.50 USD, compared to $5–$8 on a private bus.
- Eat at Mercado Municipal. In every town, locate the municipal market. Order 'comida corrida'—a set menu usually including soup, a main dish, and a drink—for $3–$4. Never eat within two blocks of the main plaza.
- Choose dorms with kitchen access. Book hostels with kitchens. Cooking your own breakfast and dinner using ingredients from the local supermarket will save you $10 a day. Aim for dorm beds priced at $10–$12.
- Master the art of 'libre' beaches. Skip the private beach clubs in Tulum. Walk further down the beach access points to find public stretches where you pay nothing for sand space.
- Is it safe to drink the tap water?
- No. Always use a filtered bottle or buy large 5-gallon jugs to refill your personal bottle.
- Do I need a rental car?
- Absolutely not. Renting a car will destroy your $30 budget. The network of colectivos is extensive and cheap.