Mexico, long associated with beachy resort holidays and oh so tantalising cuisine, is finally getting the backpacker attention it seriously deserves. Beyond the tacos (though yes, they are amazing), Mexico is a dream for travellers looking for diverse landscapes, ancient ruins, buzzing cities, and coastlines that stretch for days. Whether you're wandering the colourful streets of Oaxaca, swimming in cenotes in the Yucatán, or hiking volcanic trails in the central highlands, Mexico offers the kind of variety and value that makes it ideal for budget travel.
And yes, it really is true: backpacking Mexico can be incredibly affordable. If you're wondering “Is Mexico cheap?”, the short answer is yes, especially compared to more tourist-heavy destinations. But to help you budget realistically, we’ve put together a clear breakdown of typical Mexico travel costs, from food and transport to hostels and excursions. Whether you're planning a whirlwind Mexico holiday or a longer adventure, here's everything you need to know before you zip up that backpack.
Vamos.
When to Go Backpacking in Mexico
Mexico is a big country, and its climate varies a lot depending on the region. Whether you're craving jungles in Chiapas, beaches in Tulum, or tacos in Mexico City (okay, that’s year-round), the best time to visit depends on what you want to do and where you're headed. So no, this isn’t the kind of trip you want to totally wing. Planning ahead means better weather, fewer crowds, and a much smoother Mexico holiday.
Dry Season (November–April)
This is the prime time for backpacking Mexico, especially if you're hitting up the Yucatán Peninsula, exploring colonial cities, or heading for the Pacific coast. The skies are clear, the humidity is lower, and you'll avoid the heavy summer rains that absolutely no one wants. This is also high season, so expect more tourists and slightly higher prices but also more vibrant vibes and bustling nightlife.
- Best Activities: Chilling on beaches in Tulum and Puerto Escondido, snorkelling in cenotes, exploring the ruins of Chichén Itzá, and soaking up Mexico City’s museums, parks, and street eats.
- Festivals: Don’t miss the world-famous Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) in late October to early November, an unforgettable cultural celebration filled with colour, music, and emotion. It will probably be a huge highlight of your trip!
Wet Season (May–October)
This is when much of the country gets hot, humid, and rainy—especially in southern Mexico. Expect afternoon downpours in jungle regions and hurricane season along the coasts. That said, the rains usually don’t last all day, and the upside is thinner crowds and better deals, which makes this ideal for budget travellers. Yes, you might get wet, but you’ll save a chunk of cash!
- Best Activities: Visiting cooler highland cities like San Cristóbal de las Casas, diving in cenotes (rain makes no difference when you’re already in the water), and exploring museums and indoor markets. A lot of these museums are actually free, which is a massive bonus.
- Things to Avoid: Be cautious around coastal areas during hurricane season (especially August–October) and avoid long bus journeys through flooded regions. Rainy season + winding roads = not a good vibe.
Shoulder Season (April–May and October–November)
Want the best of both worlds? The shoulder months offer a sweet balance: fewer tourists, lower prices, and still-decent weather in many regions. These months are perfect for those trying to keep their Mexico travel costs down while avoiding the intense summer humidity or peak-season pricing.
Overall Budget Needed
The cost of travel in Mexico is fairly reasonable, especially if you’re sticking to hostels, eating like a local (hurrah), and getting around using public transport. From beach towns to bustling cities, Mexico offers something for every wallet. If you're planning a Mexico holiday with a backpacker's mindset, you can easily keep things affordable without missing out on the fun. A good general range? Think £25 to £45 per day, depending on your comfort level and travel style.
Here’s how it breaks down:
1. Low-End Budget: £25–£30/day
Ideal for budget travellers who want to stretch their wallet. You’ll stay in hostel dorms, eat street food (oh hello, 50p tacos), and use buses or colectivos to get around.
2. Mid-Range Budget: £30–£50/day
Gives you a bit more wiggle room. Expect private hostel rooms or budget hotels, meals at local restaurants, and possibly a few splurges on things like guided tours or domestic flights.
3. High-End Budget: £50–£70+/day
For travellers who want comfort without going full luxury. Includes boutique hotels, a mix of local and international dining, and more private transport options.
Daily Budget Overview
Accommodation
- Low-End: £8–£15 (hostel dorms)
- Mid-Range: £15–£30 (guesthouses or budget hotels)
- High-End: £30–£60+ (boutique hotels or Airbnb rentals)
Food
- Low-End: £2–£6 (street food, market stalls)
- Mid-Range: £6–£12 (sit-down taquerías and casual restaurants)
- High-End: £12–£25 (nicer restaurants, international cuisine)
Transportation
- Low-End: £1–£5 (local buses, colectivos)
- Mid-Range: £5–£15 (ADO buses, short domestic flights)
- High-End: £15+ (taxis, Ubers, intercity flights)
Activities
- Low-End: £0–£5 (beaches, city walking tours, free museums)
- Mid-Range: £5–£15 (guided tours, cenotes, archaeological sites)
- High-End: £15+ (scuba diving, adventure tours, private guides)
Cost Breakdown
Accommodation
Accommodation in Mexico is generally quite affordable—especially outside of tourist-heavy areas like Cancún or Tulum. Hostels and budget guesthouses start from as little as £8 per night, while private rooms in basic hotels or Airbnb rentals typically cost between £20 and £40. For those after a bit more comfort or charm (without going full luxury), mid-range options in popular backpacking hubs like Oaxaca, Mexico City, or San Cristóbal de las Casas usually start around £40 and can go up from there.
Example: A dorm bed in a hostel in Mexico City or Oaxaca costs around £8–£15 per night.
Food & Drink
Ask anyone who's been: eating your way through Mexico is one of the best things about travelling here. It’s a street food paradise, and thankfully, it’s super budget-friendly. Tacos, tamales, tortas! You can easily eat like royalty on the cheap. Street eats cost as little as £1–£3, while meals at casual local spots (called fondas) go for around £4–£8. If you're after international flavours or a sit-down dinner in a fancier setting, expect to pay £10–£25, which is pretty similar to UK prices.
- Street Food: Tacos, tamales, elotes and more — £1–£3 per meal.
- Local Restaurants: Hearty Mexican dishes at fondas or comedores — £4–£8.
- International/Upmarket: Stylish restaurants or tourist favourites — £10–£25.
Transportation
One of the best things about backpacking Mexico is how easy (and cheap) it is to get around. Local buses and colectivos (which are basically shared vans) are extremely budget-friendly, and long-distance bus companies like ADO are reliable and comfy. Domestic flights can also be very affordable if booked early.
- Local Buses: City rides cost about £0.30–£1.50.
- Taxis/Rideshares: Short journeys in apps like Uber cost around £2–£6.
- Long-Distance Buses: Intercity trips on ADO or similar: £5–£25, depending on the route.
- Domestic Flights: Flights between major cities (like CDMX to Mérida) cost around £30–£70 if booked ahead.
- Scooter/Bike Rentals: In coastal towns or islands like Cozumel, expect £10–£20 per day.
Activities
From ancient ruins to cenotes to colourful colonial towns, budget travel in Mexico doesn’t mean missing out. Many highlights are free or cost just a few quid. That said, some tours like Chichen Itza or whale watching in Baja can seriously add up, so it’s worth mixing splurges with low-cost days for balance.
- Free Activities: Wandering colourful towns, hiking, beaches, public markets.
- Entry Fees: Museums and archaeological sites typically cost £2–£6.
- Guided Tours: Day tours (e.g., Teotihuacán, cenote swims) cost around £15–£40.
- Multi-Day Trips: Packages like diving in Cozumel or guided trips in Chiapas range from £100–£300, depending on length and inclusions.
Budgeting for a 3-Month Trip
Backpacking Mexico for three months is one of the most rewarding ways to experience everything this vibrant, diverse country has to offer, from volcanoes and beaches to cities brimming with gorgeous architecture and street tacos. Here’s a rough cost estimate for a 3-month adventure in Mexico, assuming you’re travelling on a mid-range budget.
Cost Range (for 3 months)
- Accommodation: £1,000 – £2,100
- Food & Drink: £850 – £1,500
- Transportation: £450 – £950
- Activities & Tours: £600 – £1,300
- Miscellaneous (you’ll want snacks and souvenirs, trust us): £250 – £600
- Total for 3 months: £3,150 – £6,450
That works out to about:
- £35/day on the lower end
- £70/day if you’re feeling a little fancy
Pro Tips to Help You Save Money
- Go Local with Accommodation: Hostels and guesthouses are easy to find throughout Mexico especially in places like Oaxaca, Mexico City, and San Cristóbal de las Casas. Dorm rooms are a great option for meeting fellow travellers, and many offer free breakfast or communal kitchens to help stretch your pesos.
- Eat Where the Locals Eat: This is budget travel in Mexico 101. Street food is cheap, safe (just follow the busy stalls), and seriously delicious. You can eat well on £5–£8 a day if you stick to local favourites like tacos al pastor, tamales, and mole.
- Get Around Like a Local: Skip taxis when you can and hop on local buses or colectivos. For longer trips, ADO buses are comfy and affordable, while booking domestic flights early can land you great deals between regions.
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Embrace Free + Low-Cost Fun: Many of Mexico’s best experiences don’t cost a thing: exploring vibrant markets, walking tours of historic centres, or swimming in a cenote. Ruins and natural parks typically charge a few quid for entry. You can pack in a lot without spending bucketloads.
Health and Safety Considerations for Backpacking in Mexico
Like any international travel, it’s important to stay aware of potential health risks and safety precautions. Here’s a handy guide to help you stay healthy and alert.
Health Risks to Watch Out For
1. Food and Water Safety
- Foodborne Illnesses: Mexico’s cuisine is a real catch, but stomach issues can happen, especially if you’re not used to local food. Stick to busy eateries and street vendors with high turnover for fresher meals.
- Traveler’s Diarrhea: This is common among travellers. Prevent it by avoiding tap water, ice cubes, and eating food that hasn’t been cooked thoroughly.
2. Altitude Sickness
Altitude sickness is a real risk and can cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue.
Stay hydrated, avoid alcohol for the first day or two, and consider taking altitude sickness tablets or chewing coca leaves if you’re comfortable with local remedies.
3. Heat and Sun Exposure
Most of Mexico can be very, very hot and sunny, which means sunburn and dehydration are concerns.
Pro Tip: Drink plenty of water, wear sunscreen, a hat, and light, breathable clothing.
4. Vaccinations
Before traveling to Mexico, it’s recommended to be up to date with certain vaccinations. Always check with your healthcare provider or a travel clinic for the latest advice tailored to your itinerary.
Recommended Vaccines:
- Hepatitis A and B
- Typhoid
- Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Polio (combined vaccine)
- Yellow Fever
- Rabies
Travel Insurance for Backpacking in Mexico
Unexpected mishaps and illnesses can and do sometimes happen and having good travel insurance means you won’t have to shoulder the full financial burden if they do. Here’s why you should consider travel insurance:
1. Medical Emergencies
A reliable travel insurance policy covers doctor visits, hospital stays, and treatments so you can focus on getting better without the hassle of out-of-pocket expenses.
2. Emergency Evacuation
If you’ll be visiting remote places, it’s always good to have this because while it can seem a little farfetched, you never know when you might need help. You might, for example, trip and hurt yourself and need assistance getting out pronto.
3. Trip Cancellation or Interruption
If your trip gets disrupted because of illness, natural disasters, political unrest, or other unforeseen issues, travel insurance can help reimburse you for lost flights, accommodations, or tours. Cancellations are always super annoying but imagine not even getting your money back.
4. Lost or Stolen Property
If your belongings get stolen or lost, insurance can help replace or reimburse you for your valuables.
5. Adventure Activities and Altitude
Peru offers tons of thrilling adventures, from trekking the Inca Trail to ziplining or mountain biking. Make sure your insurance covers these activities, especially if you plan on high-altitude trekking, as some policies exclude extreme sports or require special coverage.
Gigasure: We Love to Travel, Too
Unexpected events, such as medical emergencies, theft, or trip disruptions, can quickly turn even the most well-planned, thought-about-literally-everything trip into a wallet-destroying affair. Protecting yourself with reliable Backpackers Insurance is how you can deal with this risk and get yourself that much-needed peace of mind.
At Gigasure, we know Travel Insurance like the back of our hand. We proudly offer excellent Travel Insurance options tailored for backpackers like you.
Explore our Travel Insurance options and get a quote today. Moreover, download the Gigasure app, which can act as your companion throughout your trip, aided with 24/7 customer support. You can buy, manage, and boost your insurance policy while soaking up the lazy afternoon sun in Acapulco. No need for long calls and elevator music, we keep it easy.
We also offer Global Search and Rescue benefit, which as a backpacker is very useful. If you go missing or get lost, this feature allows your friends or family to trigger an urgent search effort on your behalf. Our team coordinates with local authorities and emergency services to help locate you as quickly as possible. If you get stuck on a remote mountain somewhere, you’ll wish you had this. Seriously.
Visa Requirements for Mexico
Before you set off to explore Mexico’s awesome culture, it’s important that you understand visa requirements.
1. Visa Exemption
Many nationalities can enter Mexico without a visa for short stays, usually up to 180 days for tourism purposes. For example, travellers from the UK, US, Canada, Australia, EU countries, Japan, and South Korea typically don’t need a visa to visit as tourists.
Pro Tip: Make will need to ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months from your entry date.
2. Tourist Visa (FMM - Forma Migratoria Múltiple)
If you’re staying as a tourist, you’ll need to fill out the FMM form, which is often provided on arrival or can be completed online before you travel. This allows you to stay in Mexico for up to 180 days. Keep your FMM document safe, as you’ll need it to leave the country.
3. Visa Extension
If you want to stay longer than the allowed period, visa extensions are possible but can be more complex. You’ll generally need to apply in person at a National Migration Institute (INM) office before your current stay expires. It’s best to check the latest guidance for extensions based on your nationality and circumstances.
4. Other Visa Types
Planning to work, study, or stay longer term? You’ll want to check with the nearest Mexican consulate or embassy for details on specific visa categories, such as work, student, or temporary resident visas, and their requirements. If not, you could get in some serious issues with authorities which is probably not what you want.
Final Thoughts
Backpacking Mexico is likely going to be one of the most memorable and life-changing things you do. Whether you’re exploring the pretty streets of Mexico City or enjoying the Mexican sun in Acapulco, Mexico is going to be a country you remember forever. From exploring ancient ruins like Chichen Itza to relaxing on world-class beaches along the Riviera Maya, there’s something for every kind of traveller. The warmth and hospitality of the locals create a welcoming atmosphere, especially for solo adventurers, while colourful festivals and delicious street food add layers of joy and flavour to your journey.
Remember to plan way ahead of your travels and get reliable travel insurance for your own peace of mind.
Adios!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money should I budget for a month of backpacking in Mexico?
On a budget, you can expect to spend around MXN 12,000 to MXN 20,000 (roughly £500–£900) per month. This usually covers stays in hostels or budget guesthouses, eating at street vendors or local eateries, and using public transport. Still, do not forget that costs can vary (sometimes widely) so you will need to iron out the details before you travel: establish what kind of experience you want, whether that’s viable, and how much you’ll need.
Is Mexico safe for solo backpackers?
Like any place, Mexico can be safe but you still need to be wise and take precautions. Stay alert, especially when dark or if you’re in a more remote area. Avoid flashing valuables, use registered taxis or rideshare apps, and follow local advice for each region which means do not go into places that are not widely accessible, as that’s a recipe for trouble.
Do I need travel insurance to backpack in Mexico?
Travel insurance isn’t legally required, but it’s a really good idea. Adventures like hiking, water sports, and exploring come with risks and medical or trip disruption costs can add up quickly. Having an insurance provider means that you won’t have to worry having to financially cover yourself if something should arise.
What about phone and internet access in Mexico?
Most cities and tourist areas have good mobile coverage and free Wi-Fi in cafes, hostels, and hotels. It’s a good idea to buy a local SIM card for affordable data and calls. They’re easy to get at airports, convenience stores, or mobile shops. This keeps you connected for navigation, emergencies, and staying in touch with friends or family during your trip.
