Travel Budget for Cities inMexico

In the Mexican Caribbean, Cancun is one of Mexico's most popular destinations. The winter months are the peak seasons, while the summer and fall, during hurricane season, are the low months. Hurricanes are a real threat in the area and you should plan accordingly.

The area which is now Cancun was actually selected specifically by the Mexican area for development as a tourist destination. The area was chosen because it has fourteen miles of beautiful white beaches, nearby Mayan ruins, and turquoise blue water with nearby snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities. Prior to its development as a tourist destination, there were few inhabitants in the area.

Today there are many options for adventurers, vacationers, or foodies alike in Cancun. Swim the the dolphins, snorkel, go scuba diving, or simply lounge on the beach. Head to La Isla if you want to do some shopping. The Moon Spa and Golf Club is the best place to play golf in the area. Cruise ships keep Cancun popular, so you won't find the beaches isolated, but it can still be a relaxing vacation. Nightlife is always active in Cancun. If you want to escape the tourist crowds and see where the locals hang out, head over to Yaxchilan Avenue for an evening of club hopping.

The hotel district in Cancun is filled with all inclusive resorts and little more. It makes for a relaxing vacation, but you'll see little of the real Mexico. If you want a glimpse of a true Mexican city you can head to downtown Cancun, where the local live. Here you'll find a number of interesting restaurants and a more authentic Mexican vibe.

Getting around Cancun is relatively easy. Most people use the bus system which is cheap in cost and generally reliable. Buses are frequent and most bus drivers are helpful and informative. Alternatively you could take a taxi. Taxis are abundant but much more expensive, particularly in the hotel districts when prices are dramatically inflated.

Mexico City is one of the largest and most populated cities in the world. It is divided into many districts some of which are more influential than others. Centro Historico is the original district of Mexico City. It includes Zocalo and Plaza de la Constitucion and has many colonial building of importance. Polanco is one of the wealthier residential neighborhoods that also has many embassies and some high end shopping. Zona Rosa has much of the cities entertainment, but it is also a business district. Many museums as well as much of the city's culture can be found in Coyoacan. Condesa and Roma have many of the area's trendy restaurant and clubs as does the recently gentrified area known as San Angel.

Mexico City can be overwhelming to try to navigate. Driving is not a realistic option for tourists and it is not recommended that you attempt it. Public transportation options include a metro system that is generally good as well as a bus system and an electric trolley bus system. There are also plenty of private buses that cover routes throughout the city. For many, taxis may be the easiest option. Make sure you only accept rides from official taxis, which have a red box with the word "TAXI" in the center lower area of the license plate.

There is no shortage of landmarks around town, some of them being Angel de la Independencia, Basilica de Guadalupe, Plaza Garibaldi-Mariachi, and the Mexico City US National Cemetery.

Mexico is a large and diverse city and its restaurant scene can be quite diverse. In addition to the typical Mexican fare which you can find everywhere, there are international restaurants with cuisine from Poland, China, Japan, France, Italy, and Argentina among many others. If you're looking for delicious Mexican food head over to El Cardental, Los Girasoles, Aguila y Sol or Cafe Tacuba.

Merida, the capital of Yucatan in Mexico, is also the largest city on the Yucatan Peninsula. It's a pleasant city with a colonial vibe. It has many luxurious restaurants, hotels, and shopping areas, particularly in the northern portions of the city. The hotel and restaurant options are more diverse in the downtown area where you'll find something for every budget. In the main plaza area there's a large market that is fun to explore and on warm days you are likely to find many free concerts and performances around town.

It's relatively easy to navigate the city with a grid of numbered streets covering most of the sights of interest. If you have a centrally located hotel it's likely that you can walk to most points of interest. The weather might be hot and humid, so if you're uncomfortable walking there are buses and taxis available for reasonable prices. You can also easily located a day tour of the city which will provide transportation in addition to English speaking guides. For about US$35 you could rent you own car and visit areas further outside of town.

Some of the main sights around town include Plaza Grande, the city's central square, the lovely street of El Paseo Montej, Palacio Canton, Teatro Peon Contreras, and Museo de las Ferrocarilles en Yucatan, the Railroad Museum.

If you're hoping to do some day trips outside of town there are some great Mayan Ruins sights nearby that are worth checking out. Perhaps the most famous is Chichen Itza, but it is best you allow at least two days to explore this area. Other options include Cuzama, Dzibilchaltun, Mayapan, and Uxmal.

The town also has many affordable restaurants and hotels. Budget restaurants are mainly concentrated in the downtown area and include cafes, pubs and outdoor eating areas. Hotels are available for a range of budgets and if you're looking for a hostel there are a decent number around town.

Acapulco is one of the original travel and resort destinations in Mexico. It's still considered a popular spring break destination for Americans. Most beaches are along "La Costera" boulevard. If you're interested in surfing head to the stretch of sand in front of Fairmont Acapulco Princess and Fairmont Pierre Marqués Hotels.

Acapulco offers activities for all types. Watch the cliff divers at La Quebrada. If you want to check out the local culture head to the town square, Zócalo. If you need to escape the tourist crowds go to Puerto Marquez. It's easy to see why Acapulca was the original Mexican resort vacation and its beauty hasn't changed.

Cozumel is a popular destination near Cancun in Mexico. It's greatest appeal is the wonderful snorkeling and scuba diving in the area. With crystal clear waters and vibrant colored coral, Cozumel remains a very popular dive destination in the area. There are many dive shops around town that offer reasonably priced dive packages, but do shop around if you're on a budget, as some offer better deals than others. Question where the dives will take place, how long they will last, and how many people will be on your boat before you commit. All of these factors and dramatic effect the quality of your dives or snorkeling experience.

The town of San Miguel is an interesting place to explore as well. There are many shops, restaurants and activities around town. There's a charming character, although it feels somewhat forced in areas, as the city is little more than a tourist destination these days. You'll find hotels of all levels of quality around town, and there are a handful of hostels to choose from as well. Costs can be somewhat inflated because of the popularity of the destination, but if you're in the off season you can get some wonderful deals.

If you have access to a vehicle then you can head to the east of the island which is far less developed and has many beautiful beaches. The ocean has bigger waves and dramatic rock formations as well. Do use caution while you're swimming however as the rough waters can be somewhat dangerous. There are restaurants along the beach spaced roughly a kilometer apart.

You'll also find some nearby Mayan archaeological site in Cozumel. The largest ruins are "San Gervasio" which you can see for an entrance fee of 77 pesos. There are a handful of other sites around as well.

If you're not a diver or snorkeler, there are still plenty of activities in Cozumel to keep you interested. Consider going out on a glass bottom boat tour to catch a first hand glimpse at the colorful fish below. You could also go deep sea fishing or linger on one of the beautiful nearby beaches. There's also always a party going on somewhere in Cozumel. Just find the right club and you can party into the night.

Playa del Carmen is in Quintana Roo on the Yucatan Peninsula. It's a popular resort town and is about seventy kilometers south of Cancun. It has a European atmosphere with many small hotels and a nice relaxed feel. The main town is laid out in a simple grid, making navigation easy and straight forward. You can easily walk most places, but if you're hoping to explore the outlying areas renting a car is your best option. There are several reputable car rental companies around town. There's also a decent bus system that will take you to popular destinations around the region. Some people also decide to arrange an organized bus tour which is an easy and convenient way to explore the area. You can ask at your hotel and they can likely refer you to a reputable company.

There are many opportunities for you to enjoy adventure sports and outdoor activities in the area. One popular option is charter fishing. You can easily find a simple boat to take you out deep sea fishing, but do realize that many of these are unlicensed and will offer you little more than the bare essentials. It's better to inquire around and find a professional charter fishing company that can take you out. Other popular activities in the area include diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and swimming. There are also beach clubs that line the coastline and are popular with the tourists.

You'll find almost 75 restaurants around town of varying price. Your cheapest eating options are the pizza stands that are near the beach. In the evening there are many types of excellent Mexican street food which are also an excellent option. Definitely make a point of trying a seafood taco, which is a local specialty and easily one of the best options available. Mid range restaurants generally offer a nice sit down meal that includes seafood, tacos, or other local options. Lunch is a particularly good time to enjoy the restaurants as they're generally laid back, relaxed, and affordable.

Cabo San Lucas ("Cabo") in on the far end of the Baja Peninsula. It has countless resorts, restaurants of wonderful quality, and activities ranging from golf to sea kayaking. Cruise ships dock here, as do yachters. The city is constantly bustling with activities, nightlife and shopping. Sport fishing is a major past time here as well.

Cabo is divided into three different areas. San Jose del Cabo is known as the "Old Town" with the old world Mexican charm intermingled with new, high end resorts. It's also the area closest to the airport.

The "Main Town" is further from the airport and houses most of the entertainment options in town. There's plenty of nightlife and shopping here, as well as the famous arch.

The highway connecting the two areas is known as "the corridor" and is lined with golf courses, new condos, and resorts along the coastline.

Most people use taxis to get around Cabo. They are generally abundant and easy to find. They are also reasonable in cost. It's also possible to rent a car. There are plenty of rental agencies around town, and this gives you more freedom and flexibility with your travels. A more interesting and unique option for transportation is to renta BMW motorcycle. There are also scooters for rent as well. It's great to rent a bike and head out of town to experience some of the countryside.

Cabo has some wonderful natural beauty in addition to charming character in town. If you're in the area between January and March, definitely don't pass up the opportunity to go whale watching, which can be an absolutely awesome experience. For more natural beauty, head to Land's End, which has some breathtaking views and dramatic rock formations. Also make sure you check out the Church of San Luca and the Cultural Center in town so you can understand some of the history in the area.

About eight miles from the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, Isla Mujeres is an island in the Mexican Caribbean Sea. The most common way to reach Isla Mujeres is by boat. You can catch a ferry in Cancun at Puerto Juarez, Gran Puerto Cancun, or Playa Tortugas. They cost about seventy pesos for a one way trip. If the weather is poor, the ride may be rough, but generally you make good time. If money is not a concern it is possible to charter a flight to the island as well.

The island has a small, compact main town that is easy to walk around. You can pick up a taxi at the ferry terminal to the downtown area for 30 pesos. The island is about seven kilometers in length and the best way to explore it is to rent a scooter of golf cart. You will have to negotiate the price and assume about $25 a day as a starting price.

There are some great sights around the island, but some of the most popular are the turtle farm, Hacienda Mundaca, and Punta Sur. Two of the islands most popular beaches are Playa Norte and Playa Sol. Playa Norte is the most crowded with restaurants and hotels. It's a beautiful stretch of white sand on the north side of the island with a shallow, blue beach. Playa Sol is adjacent to Playa Norte and is the best place to watch the sunset. It also stays slightly less crowded than Playa Norte during the day time.

There is no shortage of activities around the island but some of the most popular and unique are the whale shark tours, deep sea fishing, scuba diving, and the dolphin discovery experience.

Most of the islands restaurants are concentrated on Hidalgo Street. This is also where you'll find the most expensive restaurants as they tend to cater to tourists. Seafood is plentiful and not to be missed. Much of the food is served with either a Caribbean or Mexican slant.

Most people head to Mazatlan for its very lovely and beautiful beaches. The city itself is somewhat large and quite diverse with many different cultures and ethnicities represented. Many foreigners come here not only to vacation, but also to retire. You'll meet people from all over Europe, as well as Canada and the United States.

The city has two districts that are most significant to tourists. the Zona Dorada attracts many vacationers, as does the Centro Historico, which is quite attractive with plazas and nicely refurbished houses. Some of the main sights in the city include the lighthouse, which is the highest natural lighthouse in the world. You'll get wonderful views of the city from here. You can find it by following the signs around town. If you've heard of the cliff divers in Acapulco, you'll find something comparable here, although they diver from a lower height and land in shallower water. It's still fun to watch though. If you're up for shopping, definitely head to El Mercado, which is the largest marketplace and is located in the historic city center. Here you'll find anything from souvenir t-shirts to homemade handicrafts. It's also a great place to try your hand a bartering. Olas Altas Beach is a popular nearby beach that is lined with restaurants. It's a great place to walk around for a while.

The two main ways to get around Mazatlan is by bus or taxi. There are really two different bus options. Large green buses cover most of the tourist destinations. They are high quality with air conditioning and cost about US$0.70. There is also a regular bus service that caters more to locals and cost US$0.45.

In addition to traditional taxis you'll also find pulmonías around town. They're open top taxis that are abundant and easy to find. Do ask the price before getting in however. Prices are negotiable and you should pay about 30% less than the original asking price.

Ensenada is on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, south of Tijuana. It's the only deep water port in the state of Baja California and as such, it is an important commerical fishing port as well as a cruise ship destination. The city sits between the ocean and a small mountain range. It's a Mediterranean climate that is mild most of the year and has a short rainy season during the winter months. The surrounding area is known for its wine production, which produces some of the best wine in Mexico.

The downtown area can easily be explored on foot, but driving throughout the city is surprisingly easy with parking readily available around town that is free. There are also taxis and buses that can take you to the more suburban areas around town.

There are some nice beaches in the surrounding area including Estero Beach and Mona Lisa. Both are private beaches that are connected to resort accommodations. Public beaches in the area include San Miguel and El Punto. Although they are not quite as nice as the private ones, they are free and open to everyone, making them a nice option as well. In the northern parts of the city there are some excellent surfing beaches. These include San Miguel Beach, California Trailer Park, Stacks and 3 M's.

Another fun day trip is La Bufadora, or "blow-hole", which is a small town about twenty miles out of Ensenada. From here there are some wonderful views of the sea, but don't expect to actually see the blow hole. Instead you can see some dramatically rough water that crashes against the sides of the cliff. Also make sure you visit some of the nearby wineries as they offer a glimpse at a unique side of Mexico.

There are some great restaurants around town but be sure and check out the Open Air Fish Market. This is Baja's largest seafood market and a great place to sample a fish taco.

Puerto Vallarta remains a popular tourist destination with Americans, particularly during spring break when students flock to the area. The area is quite beautiful and has many gorgeous beaches, interesting jungles and waterfalls nearby, and no shortage of luxury resorts and four star restaurants. The city has recently renovated the boardwalk, which runs from just south of Old Town to the middle of the downtown area. It's lined with plenty of shops, restaurants and hotels and you will find street performers entertaining the crowds as well. Many of the locals speak English and are friendly and open to helping tourists with directions or general information. Puerto Vallarta's popularity means that its prices are some of the highest in Mexico, particular during holidays when the area can get quite crowded.

Most people head to Puerto Vallarta to relax on the beach, and for this purpose it will not disappoint. For those hoping for a more adventurous vacation, there are plenty of options as well. There are some great beaches for surfing, and scuba diving and snorkeling is a favorite activity for many. You can also head out of town and enjoy a zip line ride as well as a canopy tour through the jungle. Whale watching is also a favorite activity between December in March when you are most likely to spot whales. There are also many places around town to play golf, try your hand at parasailing and enjoy some horseback riding.

There is an abundance of food options available around town as well. For casual meals and for the budget conscious, there are plenty of taco stands. There are also some wonderful rooftop restaurants that offer excellent views of the water, but also come at a higher price. You'll find plenty of beach side restaurants, some a better quality than others, but in general the seafood is quite delicious and not to be missed.

In Baja California Sur, La Paz is on the Gulf of California and the Sea of Cortez. If you're looking for a less popular destination than the nearby Los Cabos, then La Paz is likely the destination for you. The beaches are beautiful and the town is clean and safe. You can reach the town by plane. The nearest airport is Aeropuerto Internacional General Manuel Marquez de Leon. A taxi from the airport to town will cost you between $15 and $20. You can also take a ferry from Mazatlan or Los Mochis on the mainland. It's an expensive option with tickets costing somewhere between $80 and $90 and the trip taking twelve hours overnight. Once you're in town the easiest way to get around is by taxis. They're generally plentiful, relatively cheap, and reliable.

Most people head to La Paz for the beaches and the water sports. You can pass the time relaxing in the sun, but many people choose to participate in a few activities. Whale watching is a particularly popular activity and you have the opportunity to see dolphins as well as Gray Whales. Snorkeling and diving are also popular activities, as well as visiting the nearby islands in the Sea of Cortez. These are easily visit during boat tours.

Seafood is the obvious food of choice while you're visiting La Paz. You'll find everything from fish tacos to shrimp, lobster, abulon, and snail. Fresh seafood in the area is absolutely delicious. If you're on a particularly tight budget, your cheapest option is the hot dog stands you'll find. They make for a quick and affordable lunch.

There are a handful of hostels and hotels around town, but one great option is actually beach camping. There are a few places where free camping is available, and if you're really to pay a little bit you can also find camping with more complete facilities.