Tulum
Travel to Tulum and avoid much of the high prices found along the western Yucatan Peninsula. Far less developed than its northern neighbors, Tulum is a good choice for the budget conscious traveler, as it offers much of the same tourist draws found throughout the peninsula but in a much smaller area. Located right on the water, snorkelers and scuba divers will find diverse marine species to observe while inland cenotes, submerged caves, offer brave divers the area's most surreal environment. Mayan ruins, some of the best preserved of the coastal sites, are found right in town. Inexpensive, clean lodging at the Mayan Hotel Tulum is situated between the main street in town and beach. There are also many dirt cheap, wholesome eateries to chooise from. And getting there can be less than you think as well, as Spirit Airlines regularly offers discounted fares to Cancun.
Mayan Hotel Tulum
Carretera Coba-Boca Paila S/N
Tulum, Q. Roo, Mexico
011 +52 (998) 112 1282
amigohostelgroup.com/iniciolumin.html
Spirit Airlines
(800) 772-7117
spiritair.com/
Ensenada
Drive to Ensenada and avoid the cost of an expensive flight altogether. Located along the Pacific side of Baja, Calif., the bustling port of Ensenada is an inexpensive alternative to the typical resort locations found farther south. The well maintained Federal Highway 1D is four lanes, offers stimulating views and is the best route from San Diego. Of note in the area are marine geysers, the surfer's paradise of Todos Santos Island, boating, the annual migration of grey whales and the inland Parque Nacional Sierra de San Pedro Martir, known for its hiking trails across granite outcroppings and through stands of pine. The Ensenada Backpacker Hostel offers unsullied dorm-style beds on shoestring prices, a communal kitchen and rentals of mountain bikes and kayaks. It can also organize walking tours.
Ensenada Backpacker Hostel
Calle Segunda y Floresta No. 429
Zona Centro
Ensenada, Mexico
011 +52 (646) 177 1758
ensenadabackpacker.com/
Nacional Sierra de San Pedro Martir
Information
oceanoasis.org/fieldguide/sanpedromartir.html
Mexico City
Explore the capital of Mexico City without spending a fortune. Though one of the world's larger cities, those on a budget can do well. For starters, public transportation is dependable, inexpensive and subway and bus stops are numerous. Street food, especially taco stands, are everywhere and a bargain option compared to restaurants. Taking a walk through the Centro Historico is a low-cost way to begin sightseeing and visitors will find that entry into the city's many sites are, in general, very affordable. Be sure to visit El Zocalo, the city's main square, Chapultepec Park and the Aztec site of Templo Mayor, formerly a part of the Aztec capital Tenochtitlan. Also, set aside a couple of hours to visit the Museo Nacional De Antropologia. Budget lodging options can be had at the Mexico City Hostel where visitors will find a kitchen for guests, and a choice of two or four person private rooms or dorm bunks.
Mexico City Hostel
8 Cda. Pozo Brasil
Ciudad de Mexico, D.f. Mexico
011 +52 (55) 5512 3666
mexicocityhostel.com/
Museo Nacional De Antropologia
Paseo de la Reforma, esq. Gandhi
Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
011 +52 (55) 5286 2923
mna.inah.gob.mx/
