Is Yucatan Expensive? My Affordable Budget Breakdown (2024)
I spent less than 2,000 dollars on my trip to Yucatan and had a fantastic time exploring the region.
If you’re thinking is Yucatan expensive but worried about breaking the bank then look no further! I’ll share my personal experience and breakdown of the affordable budget I maintained during a delightful 4-day trip to Yucatan.
You want to explore the incredible Chichen Itza and experience the wonders of Mexico, without draining your savings account. I get it. I’ll share the prices I spent on accommodations, flights, exciting excursions, mouthwatering food, and convenient ground transportation.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or new to the world of budget-friendly trips, this breakdown will empower you to plan your own unforgettable Yucatan adventure without breaking the bank.
Here is a quick breakdown, but you’ll want to read on for more details!
| Flights | $829.64 |
| Hotel | $121 |
| Transportation | $36.38 |
| Excursions | $333 |
| Food & Fun Money | $410 |
| TOTAL | $1,730 |
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Some things to note about this budget…
- It was spent on 2 adults.
- The total trip was 4 days (Thursday to Sunday)
- All the numbers are in US dollars.
- Currently, 1 United States Dollar = 17.07 Mexican Pesos
My Yucatan 4 Day Budget!
Flights = $829.64
I booked 2 tickets round trip from San Antonio (SAT) to Merida (MID) for the middle of July. It was a well-planned trip as I made the booking right after the Memorial weekend, about 8 weeks in advance.
Because I wanted affordability, I chose United Airlines and purchased the most economical tickets available. To keep things light and hassle-free, I decided to only carry a personal-sized duffle bag and avoided paying for extra bags. I realized I would need something to hold our stuff while on our day trips, so I purchased a foldable backpack that proved to be incredibly useful once we landed.
Since we didn’t pay to select our seats, we ended up not sitting together on most flights. But, luck was on our side as we both managed to secure window seats on at least one flight. On our final flight, my husband was fortunate enough to have an empty middle seat next to him, so I happily moved over to be with him.
The total cost of the flights for each ticket came to $414.82.
You Can Find Cheap Flights To Merida Here!
Hotel =$121
During my trip to Merida, I decided to opt for a budget-friendly option and booked a 2-star hotel located right in the heart of downtown. The Hotel Maria del Carmen turned out to be a pleasant surprise.
The location was excellent, just a few blocks from the town square. I could easily explore local shops and enjoy meals nearby. While not a luxury hotel, the cleanliness and safety standards were commendable. The well-maintained facilities and friendly staff made our comfort a top priority.
The hotel’s in-house restaurant offered tasty meals, and having it right at my doorstep was convenient. Another perk was the complimentary breakfast, allowing me to start my day worry-free.
One of the highlights of the hotel was the large pool. After a day of exploring in the Mexican heat, taking a refreshing dip in the pool was absolutely rejuvenating.
And last, during my three-night stay I enjoyed a spacious room with a comfy king-sized bed. It was a peaceful haven to unwind after a day of sightseeing. The hotel provided excellent value for money at just $40 per night, allowing me to have a pleasant stay without overspending.
You Can Find Affordable Hotels In Merida Here!
Transportation =$36.38
On the day of my departure, my cousin offered me a free ride to the airport. It was such a thoughtful gesture that made the start of my trip even more enjoyable. As I landed at my destination, I decided to take a taxi from the airport to my hotel.
I had checked the estimated fare on the Uber app beforehand, but when I went to the local taxi it turned out to be slightly higher than expected, amounting to $15. Despite the higher cost, I didn’t mind as I was too tired from the stress of going through customs.
Throughout my entire stay, I relied on organized tours to explore the region and get from Merida to Chichen Itza, so I didn’t need to use any other form of transportation. It was a convenient and hassle-free way to discover the local attractions and make the most of my time in the city.
As my departure day approached, I decided to take an Uber to the airport. To make the most of the journey, I asked the driver to make a quick stop at Monumento a La Patria, so I could see the Mayan statue. The Uber ride to the airport cost me only $6.25.
When I landed back in Texas, I once again opted for an Uber ride. This time, the fare came out to $15.13. Overall, the combination of a free ride from my cousin, a taxi journey, and multiple Uber rides made it convenient and easy for my travel experience.
*Prices include tips.
Yucatan Travel TIP: Book a ride share to get to your hotel from the airport instead of taking a taxi.
Excursions =$333
There is an abundance of breathtaking sights to explore in the captivating Yucatan Peninsula. In fact, I’ve meticulously crafted a Yucatan bucket list that encompasses all the best stops you absolutely must experience.
During my short but thrilling adventure, I was determined to optimize my time and immerse myself in the wonders of this remarkable region. With this goal in mind, I decided to go on two distinct Yucatan tours. These tours not only provided hotel pick-up, knowledgeable tour guides, and convenient transportation but also included lunches and covered certain entrance fees.
On the first day, I went on a Chichen Itza and Cenote tour, which had a blend of ancient ruins and natural wonders. We saw the majestic Chichen Itza, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, and took a refreshing dip in one of the best cenotes in Yucatan. This extraordinary excursion, which also included lunch at an authentic Mexican restaurant, was $126 for two people.
On the second day, I set out on a Las Coloradas and Ria Lagartos tour. This excursion showed off Las Coloradas, renowned for its stunning pink salt lakes, and the picturesque Cancunito Beach. Once again, I had a delightful meal at a local Mexican restaurant included. This unforgettable day of exploration came to a total of $207 for two people.
With these meticulously planned tours, I was able to delve deep into the vibrant culture and natural wonders of Yucatan Mexico, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Read My Yucatan Bucket List Before Planning Your Trip!
Food and Spending Money =$410
A couple of weeks before my trip, I visited my local Chase bank to exchange some US dollars for Mexican pesos. Since they didn’t have the pesos on hand, I had to return a week later. The exchange fee amounted to approximately $20. I exchanged $360 US dollars and received around $6,500 MX pesos in return.
I utilized this cash for various purposes during my trip. It came in handy for purchasing souvenirs, tipping the tour guides, enjoying dinner in the city center or at the hotel restaurant, covering entrance fees not included in my tours, and even grabbing lunch at the Merida airport while waiting for my departure flight.
Is Yucatan expensive to eat out? It depends on your budget and preferences. During my trip, we decided to splurge and went to a 4-star restaurant that had a rooftop view of a beautiful church. Surprisingly, I only paid $30 for our meal, which is like what we’d spend on fast food back home. Even the fancier choices in Yucatan are still reasonably priced compared to other destinations.
Towards the end of my trip, I still had a few pesos left, so I decided to indulge myself by purchasing some cute Mexican blankets from the gift shop. When in the US airports, I opted to use my card for dining, spending a total of $50 for me and my husband to eat. This was at the beginning and end of our journey.
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FAQs
How much money do I need for a week in Mexico?
For a week-long trip to Mexico, I recommend budgeting around $1000 to $2,000 for one person, depending on your travel style, and preferences, and including the Chichen Itza entrance fee. This amount should cover flights, accommodation, meals, transportation, and some thrilling activities. Keep in mind that prices may vary depending on the specific location and the activities you plan to engage in.
Is $100 a lot of money in Mexico?
$100 is considered a significant amount of money in Mexico, equivalent to around 2,000 Mexican pesos. This amount can cover basic expenses such as food, transportation, and lodging for a day or two.
However, it may not be enough for larger purchases or to cover the cost of living for an extended period. Since the cost of most things is affordable this makes Yucatan worth visiting.
Is it better to use cash or credit card in Mexico?
In Mexico, it is generally recommended to use cash instead of credit cards. Although credit cards are accepted in many places, some smaller businesses may only accept cash. Additionally, credit card fraud is more prevalent in Mexico, making it safer to use cash for smaller purchases.
It is also important to note that there may be additional fees and foreign transaction charges when using a credit card in Mexico. Ultimately, it is best to carry a mixture of both cash and a credit card for convenience and safety purposes while traveling in Mexico.
Final Thoughts- Is Yucatan Expensive?
My original budget was $1,500 and as you can see I went over my budget by $230, which isn’t so bad and I was expecting this. I planned everything out beforehand and we kept our spending to what we only had on hand so this was good. The plane tickets had gone up from what I had 1st seen and if I was able to snag them while they were cheaper I could have possibly stayed on budget.
I hope this helps answer is Yucatan expensive to travel to. What are you most excited to see? Let me know in the comments below.
Happy exploring!
Read More on Yucatan Mexico!
59 Amazing Yucatan Mexico Bucket List Things To Do!
4-Day Yucatan Itinerary: The Best Complete Guide
How To Visit The Pink Lakes Las Coloradas In Yucatán
Chichen Itza Entrance Fee + Everything You Need To Know
How To Spend One Day In Merida! Mexico’s Safest City
The Best Beach In Yucatan A True Hidden Gem!
Is Yucatan Expensive? My Affordable Budget Breakdown
15 Best Cenotes In Yucatan You Need To Visit!
Is Yucatan Worth Visiting? Honest Perspective From A POC!
12 Yucatan Travel Tips You Need To Know Before Going!
How To Get From Merida To Chichen Itza + The Best Tour!
Hotel Maria del Carmen Review: Everything You Need To Know!
Find Your Next Vacation Destination Here!
What Are My Recommended Resources For Planning A Trip?
When planning my trip, I use my trusted trio of CheapOair, Viator, and Booking.com to provide a comprehensive solution for everything I need.
CheapOair is a go-to resource for affordable flight tickets. With its extensive network of over 600 airlines, it offers a wide array of choices, enabling you to easily compare prices and select the best deal that suits your budget and travel schedule.
Viator on the other hand, is an excellent platform for booking tours and activities. It provides access to thousands of sightseeing tours, attractions, and events in over 1,500 locations worldwide. It ensures you don’t miss out on the unique experiences each destination has to offer.
Booking.com is your reliable partner for accommodations. With over 28 million listings including hotels, apartments, and hostels, you can find the perfect place to stay that fits your budget and preference.
Together, these platforms make trip planning convenient, cost-effective, and fun. They ensure you have everything you need, from flights and accommodations to activities – at your fingertips.
Check Out My Resources Page For All My Recommended Travel Tools!
Great and very detailed article! I like to know how much a trip will cost so I can adjust accordingly!
I am the same way. And thank you.
I have been to the Yucatan many times and love it every time. I’m excited to spend more time getting to know the locals. Thanks for sharing!
That is awesome. I am glad you love it so much. I would love to go back soon.
Wow! Can’t believe you managed such a great trip for so little money. I haven’t been to that area of Mexico but would love to see the archaeological sites!
Yes it’s very easy to save money when your on a tour all day. And staying away from shops!
This is a very affordable trip for 2 people and seems like you were still able to do a lot! I like to travel the same way not spending a whole lot of money on hotels since it’s just a place to sleep! The pink beach looks incredible ????
Yes exactly. We spent so little time in the hotel and the rest our exploring.
It was great to get some idea of how you split your budget between different things. I can understand allocating a good part of your budget for excursions. I would not want to miss the pink salt lakes in the Yucatan. Amazing that you even had money left to buy a souvenir at the airport.
this is so much more helpful than you can imagine – the breakdown is tremendously insightful! ♡
Thank you so much. I was hoping it would be helpful.
I would love to see the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza! Local culture is my favorite part about visiting – the older, the better!
Yes I love visiting places with history and exploring there culture. I hope you make to Chichen Itza!
What a nice budget! You did well saving on accommodations and transport. And your tours looked amazing. The Yucatan is a place I definitely want to go!
Yes it’s a must visit. And yes we try to prioritize experience over hotels.