Tips for Exploring Cancún on a Budget

With its opulent all-inclusives, vibrant nightclubs, and expensive seaside dining, Cancún may seem like a destination for the affluent. However, there are budget-friendly options if you know where to look.

For example, downtown offers numerous affordable accommodations and delicious Yucatecan cuisine that won’t break the bank. Plus, the hotel zone boasts stunning beaches along the Caribbean Sea that are completely free to enjoy.

Here are some expert tips on maximizing your budget in Cancún and an overview of what you can expect to spend daily while making the most of your pesos.

Daily Expenses

• Hostel: M$300-550 (shared bed)

• Standard room for two: M$900-1300

• Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): M$1000-2500

• Public transport: M$12

• Coffee: M$40-70

• Beer: M$40-100

• Mezcal or tequila shot: M$100-200

• Tacos: M$15-30

• Sandwich or torta: M$40-200

• Dinner for two: M$500-800

• Average daily expense: M$1800-2500

1. Avoid peak travel times

Cancún's expensive peak season spans from December to April, especially during Christmas, New Year's, and spring break when prices for flights, hotels, and car rentals soar.

During spring break – typically in March – throngs of college students flock to the megaresorts for wild parties at beach clubs, bars, and pulsating nightclubs, creating a crowded and lively atmosphere. For a more peaceful and budget-friendly experience, visit during the low season in May, June, September, and October.

2. Dine like a local in vibrant markets and taco stands

For great value and authentic dishes that would make Anthony Bourdain proud, head to the downtown market stalls and reasonably priced eateries that serve traditional Yucatecan cuisine.

For regional favorites like panuchos (crispy tortilla bites), sopa de lima (lime soup), and cochinita pibil (slow-cooked pork), explore the numerous informal cafes at Mercado 23 and Mercado 28.

Additionally, many downtown spots offer a menú del día, an incredibly affordable three-course lunch that might just leave you in a food coma.

As night falls, indulge in al pastor (spit-roasted marinated pork) tacos at Taquería Coapeñitos, or grab a late-night snack at the hidden gem Surfin' Burrito in the hotel zone.

3. Take the budget-friendly airport bus

When you arrive at Cancún International Airport, look for the red ADO buses that frequently transport passengers from the terminals to the downtown bus station. They are about one-third the cost of airport taxis, but keep in mind that they don’t service the hotel zone, so you'll need to take an airport shuttle if your accommodation is on that side.

4. Choose a hostel in downtown or the hotel zone

Many budget travelers prefer staying in hostels, guesthouses, and hotels located around downtown's Parque de las Palapas, Avenida Yaxchilán, and the ADO bus station, right in the heart of the city.

Popular choices include Nomads, a friendly hostel featuring a rooftop bar and pool, or Hotel Náder, known for its excellent low-season prices and spacious rooms.

Accommodations, meals, and transportation are generally cheaper in the downtown area. However, you can still find budget-friendly options in the hotel zone: Mayan Monkey and Hostel Natura are just steps away from the nightlife, but make sure to book in advance as rooms fill up quickly.

5. Dive into budget-friendly cenotes

In the outskirts of Cancún, you can discover numerous beautiful jungle cenotes (sinkholes, caves, and underground rivers) that are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and sometimes diving.

Entrance fees vary from M$150 to M$500, depending on the activity and required equipment. Most of these cenotes are quite affordable, especially since you can easily spend half a day enjoying these magical natural attractions.

6. Pay in Mexican pesos and opt for fee-free credit cards

While most hotels and restaurants will accept US dollars, you may not get the best exchange rate. Even taxi drivers often charge more when fares are quoted in US dollars—whenever possible, settle in Mexican pesos.

When using credit or debit cards, keep in mind that foreign transaction fees may apply for ATM withdrawals and card purchases.

Some major credit cards come with no transaction fees, making them a savvy choice if you're looking to save money. You can withdraw Mexican pesos from ATMs in Cancún.

7. Take the bus for the most affordable ride in town

At just M$12 per ride, Cancún's city buses are a bargain compared to taxi fares, and they spare you the trouble of negotiating inflated cab prices.

Routes R-1, R-2, and R-27 operate approximately every 10 minutes between downtown and the hotel zone, making it easy to travel between the beaches and Cancún Centro.

The R-1 line stops at the ADO first-class bus station on Avenida Tulum, downtown's main street, and then traverses the L-shaped hotel zone, which stretches about 24 km (15 miles).

8. Hop into shared vans to explore Cancún's outskirts

Residents frequently use affordable shared vans, known as colectivos, to navigate Cancún and its nearby areas, which is both convenient and budget-friendly.

To get to downtown's Isla Mujeres ferry terminal, catch a 'Puerto Juárez' colectivo from the stop opposite the ADO bus station.

Isla Mujeres is an easy day trip from Cancún, with a picturesque 20-minute ferry ride that's easy on the wallet. For access to the beach towns of Riviera Maya south of Cancún, air-conditioned Playa Express vans offer a quicker, cheaper option than most buses and will drop you at various points along the highway, including the hidden gem Puerto Morelos. These vans depart from a lot adjacent to the ADO station.

9. Discover why the finest experiences in Cancún are free

We might be stretching it a bit, but we bet that spending time at the beach is high on your Cancún agenda, and since it’s completely free, we’ve got some extra tips for you.

If you’re traveling with kids, check out the north-facing beaches in the hotel zone, like Playa Las Perlas and Playa Langosta, where the calm waters resemble a serene lake, perfect for swimming.

On the other hand, the beaches along the eastern shore, such as Playa Marlín and the eco-friendly Playa Delfínes, may have stronger currents, but the stunning Caribbean Sea along the coast is absolutely breathtaking.

For a pleasant walk, head about 1km (0.6 miles) north of Playa Marlín to the aged remains of Yamil Lu'um, a small Maya structure known as the Scorpion's Temple. This site, used for worship by maritime settlers from 1200 to 1550 CE, offers a striking contrast against the backdrop of modern hotels.

10. What other tips are there for saving money?

Many accommodations in Cancún, including hotels, apartments, and guesthouses, feature full kitchens, enabling you to save money by preparing your own meals. In some places, children can stay for free, and various attractions, long-distance buses, and ferries offer discounts for kids.

Family-owned hotels often provide discounts for longer stays or payments made in cash. During the off-peak season, some large resorts offer promotions that allow guests to enjoy upscale rooms at more affordable prices.