Cancun, Mexico is often associated with high-end resorts, all-inclusive resorts, high-end restaurants and fancy getaways – but backpacking Cancun on a budget is entirely possible. This backpacker’s guide to Cancun will provide you with practical information on how to plan a budget-friendly trip to this beautiful beach destination. We’ll discuss things such as where to stay in Cancun, what to eat, and how to get around the city for cheap. By the end of this guide, you’ll have all the information you need to plan an amazing, budget-friendly getaway to Cancun!
This is a guest post written by Jase from Roaming Vegans
Is Cancun Safe for Backpackers?
When it comes to safety, downtown Cancun is considered to be relatively safe for backpackers as long as you take the necessary precautions. There have been some problems related to gang violence and clashes between rival drug dealers so avoid doing drugs in Cancun if you want to stay out of trouble.
It’s important to avoid travelling alone at night (especially drunk), and don’t get so drunk you don’t know what you’re doing!
Leave valuables at home and don’t keep all your money and credit cards in one place. Don’t carry large amounts of money or wear flashy jewelry, and keep an eye out for pickpockets.
I love hidden pocket clothing like this travel scarf for stashing my cash and passport or a belt with a hidden pocket to hide some notes. Read more about how to hide money while travelling and keep your belongings safe.
Can You Drink the Water in Cancun?
This is another major concern with all visitors to Cancun. Generally, the tap water in Cancun is potable, but your stomach may not be used to it so I would advise drinking bottled water or using a water bottle with a filter to make sure you can drink the water in Cancun safely without getting sick.
Instead of buying bottled water (wasting money and plastic!) I use a Water-To-Go bottle which has a built-in filter that removes up to 99.9999% of all microbiological contaminants in water, making it safe to drink water from any freshwater source, including lakes, rivers, ponds and tap water all over the world – including Cancun!
I have partnered with Water-to-Go to offer all Tales of a Backpacker readers a 15% discount on the purchase of a Water-to-Go bottle to save you even more money! Simply choose the water bottle you want to buy, and add in the code BYORB for a 15% discount on your purchase. Read my full Water to Go bottle review here, or click to buy your own on the Water to Go website.
Where to Stay in Cancun on a Budget
For budget-conscious backpackers, you’ll want to avoid the iconic Cancun strip, called the Cancun Hotel Zone (zona hotelera) as this is where the top-end hotels are. Instead, the best areas to stay in Cancun are:
- El Centro (or Downtown Cancun)
- Puerto Juarez
These areas have cheaper accommodations, food, and actually feel like you’re in Mexico and not at a resort. El Centro is the heart of downtown Cancun and is known for its vibrant nightlife, restaurants, and shopping.
Puerto Juarez is a fishing village that’s known for its beautiful beaches and stunning waterfront views. It’s also home to some of the cheaper hostels in Cancun. If you’re just transferring through and need a quick bed, Cancun International Airport is just a 15-minute drive from downtown Cancun and has a variety of budget hotels and hostels.
The Best Hostels in Cancun
If you’re looking for a cheap place to stay, there are plenty of great hostels in downtown Cancun.
Nomads Party Hostel
Nomads Party Hostel is centrally located and has dorms, private rooms, and amenities including a rooftop terrace with a pool, restaurant, and bar so is a great hostel in Cancun for solo travellers who want to get to know people and have fun. >>>READ REVIEWS & CHECK PRICES
Nomads Enigmatic Hotel & Restaurant Bar
As the name suggests, Nomads Enigmatic Hotel & Restaurant Bar has a restaurant and bar on-site and offers a good mix of socializing and chillout. There’s a swimming pool too and it’s a 10-minute bus ride to the beach. >>>READ REVIEWS & CHECK PRICES
Hostels in Cancun Hotel Zone
If you do want to stay in the hotel zone close to the beach, there are a couple of Cancun hostels that are here:
Mayan Monkey Cancun is across the street from the beach and close to the Zona Hotelera’s bars and restaurants. Payment is by cash only, no cards are accepted.
Selina Cancun Laguna Hotel Zone also gets great reviews and has a selection of bedroom options to choose from, including dorm rooms and private rooms.
Cheap Hotels in Cancun
If you’re looking for a little more luxury accommodation in Cancun, then you can also find plenty of cheap hotels in Cancun:
casa HIKURI
Casa HIKURI is a cute guesthouse which gets excellent reviews for the friendly host Paulina. It’s located between downtown and the hotel zone and has a terrace and outdoor pool. >>>READ REVIEWS & CHECK PRICES
The Yellow Capsule Experience
For something completely different, The Yellow Capsule Experience is a pod hotel with single and double bed pods available. There is TV in each pod, with a shared bathroom. Breakfast is included in the rate. >>>READ REVIEWS & CHECK PRICES
Cancun Airbnb
You can find apartments and Airbnbs in Cancun if you want more space and access to a kitchen while you are visiting Cancun, search for Cancun airbnbs here. Booking.com also has a range of vacation apartments available too, search for available options here.
How to Get Around Cancun
If you’re based in downtown Cancun, you can walk to most places like restaurants and markets. If you’re going to the beaches or a little further afield, the cheapest way to get around Cancun is by taking public buses or minivans known as colectivos.
They are efficient, inexpensive, and generally comfortable, although the colectivos can get cosy when they’re full! Most buses run from 6am until 11pm and the fare is around 20 pesos per ride.
Another great option for budget travelers is to rent a bicycle as Cancun is pretty flat so you can pedal around without much effort. This is an eco-friendly way to explore the area and can be a lot of fun – just watch out for the traffic.
Uber is also available in Cancun, but Uber and Taxis are in a battle for territory, which has led to some Taxi drivers attacking Ubers. Due to this, Uber’s are unmarked, and drivers will most likely invite you into the front seat so they do not appear like a rideshare. Although these services tend to be more expensive than public transportation, they offer the convenience of a direct door-to-door service.
If you’re traveling around the Yucatan Peninsula, Ado Buses are the way to go with affordable coaches leaving from El Centro and the airport to other destinations in the Yucatan and Quintana Roo, like Merida, Tulum and Playa del Carmen.
Cheap Things to do in Cancun
Cancun is catered to mass tourism – there’s no doubt about that. So the city offers an array of activities and attractions, so there’s plenty to do and see even on a budget.
Here are the best things to do in Cancun on a budget:
Visit the Famous Mayan ruins
The best-known Mayan ruins in the Yucatan are Chichen Itza (UNESCO World Heritage site), Coba (more off-the-beaten-track) and Tulum (gorgeous location overlooking the beach) and can all be visited from Cancun. Entrance fees vary from around $15-$30 USD per site and if you take the public bus you don’t have to spend much money.
That said, taking a bus to Chichen Itza from Cancun means you will arrive once the site is busy – For more tips on visiting Chichen Itza and Tulum, check out these posts:
- Chichen Itza Tips: Everything You Need to Know
- Which is Best – Chichen Itza or Tulum?
- Backpacking Tulum – Things to do in Tulum Mexico
Have Some Beach Time
Catch some sun at one of Cancun’s public beaches like Playa Ballenas, Playa Linda, or Punta Nizuc. Pack a picnic and spend the day swimming and soaking up the sun.
Alternatively, head to nearby Isla Blanca – a pristine beach that offers beautiful blue waters and white sand for swimming and snorkeling for just $4 USD entry fee.
Explore Isla Mujeres
a small island off the coast of Cancun where you can relax on the beach and find great seafood restaurants for less than on the mainland. Take the ferry over to the island, then rent a golf cart to explore or head to the beaches and chill.
Learn About Mexican Culture
Explore the local culture and history of Cancun at Museo Maya de Cancun – a museum offering free admission that features a variety of exhibits, artifacts, and sculptures from the ancient Mayan civilization.
Take a Cancun Walking Tour
Take a walking tour through the downtown area of Cancun to experience local markets, cafes and other attractions. Many tours are available for free or for a small fee – but you can definitely do this solo.
Enjoy some nightlife. While iconic clubs like Coco Bongo will cost an arm and a leg to get in, there are so many clubs in Cancun with free entrance where you can party with cheap drinks and not break the bank.
Day Trips from Cancun
In addition to these activities in Cancun, there are also many great places to explore nearby. Some of the best things to do near Cancun include exploring Play del Carmen’s beaches, visiting the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, discovering underground rivers in Xel-Ha Park, and taking a boat trip to Isla Holbox.
More Cool Things to do in Cancun
No matter what your budget is, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Cancun and its surroundings! If you have a little more cash to spend these are some of the best things to do in Cancun:
FIND MORE THINGS TO DO IN CANCUN
How to Eat Cheap in Cancun
Cancun is known for its great Mexican cuisine and offers a variety of delicious dishes to please everyone’s tastes. You can pay extravagant prices at high-end restaurants or find backpacker-friendly hole-in-the-wall options that taste even better than the overmarked restaurants.
For the budget-conscious traveler, there are plenty of restaurants in town that serve up tasty, authentic Mexican fare at a reasonable price. Head to the local markets for some of the freshest foods at a fraction of the cost you’d pay in other parts of town.
One of the best ways to eat cheap in Cancun (and all of Mexico) is to find street food stands downtown and order delicious tacos which cost next to nothing.
If you’re looking for vegetarian or vegan options in Cancun the city has plenty of great spots for plant-based meals too. Check out GoPal’s for some tasty vegan Mexican-Indian fusion, or stop by Vegan Planet for flavorful vegan pizza and other plant-based dishes.
If you’re on a tighter budget, make sure to check out the local street food stands, which often have delicious vegan options like tacos and burritos.
No matter what your diet is, Cancun has something for everyone. Enjoy exploring the city’s vibrant culinary scene and trying all the delicious food it has to offer.
5 Top Cancun Backpacking Tips
- Avoid staying in the touristy parts of town, as they can be more expensive. Look for hostels or Airbnb’s in the less-crowded areas.
- Buy snacks and drinks from convenience stores like 7Eleven and Circle K to keep your costs low. Also, local markets (mercados) are full of cheap fruits, vegetables, and drinks that you can take with you on your adventures.
- Go out during the week rather than on weekends when prices tend to go up. If you’re looking to party, look for cheap beach parties instead of expensive clubs, and have a couple of drinks at the hostel before you head out.
- Explore the nearby towns and cities around Cancun and experience the real Mexico. There are plenty of budget-friendly options available if you do some research and you can have some wonderful cultural experiences beyond the typical things to do in Cancun.
- Make use of public transportation like the bus and colectivos, which are much cheaper than taxis. This is a great way to get around the city and explore different areas without breaking the bank.
Want More Mexico Travel Ideas?
Check out these blog posts for your Mexico vacation inspiration, or click here to read all my Mexico blog posts.Conclusion
Cancun, Mexico is an amazing destination for backpackers looking for an adventure on a budget. From finding affordable accommodation and transportation, to taking part in incredible activities, Cancun has something for everyone.
Whether you’re looking for a luxurious getaway or a backpacker’s adventure, Cancun has it all. With some careful planning and research, you can create a memorable backpacking experience that won’t break the bank. Have a great trip!
About the Author
Jase is a tireless traveler on the road for 7+ years. Once a budget backpacker and now a digital nomad, Jase can be found sharing vegan travel tips at Roaming Vegans.
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