A Shoestring Budget 7-Day Itinerary for Mexico

  • Day 1: Arrival in Mexico City, explore the Historic Center including the Zocalo, Templo Mayor, and Palacio de Bellas Artes. Lunch at Tacos el Huequito, dinner at La Casa de los Tacos.
  • Day 2: Visit the Pyramids of Teotihuacan, about an hour outside of Mexico City. Lunch at Las Grutas de Teotihuacan, a local restaurant with great views of the pyramids. Return to Mexico City for dinner and drinks in Roma Norte, a trendy neighborhood with plenty of options.
  • Day 3: Take a morning bus to Puebla, a charming colonial city known for its pottery and mole. Explore the historic center and lunch at Fonda de Santa Clara. In the afternoon, visit the Great Pyramid of Cholula, the largest pyramid by volume in the world. Return to Puebla for dinner at La Fonda de Mexicana.
  • Day 4: Take a bus further south to Oaxaca, a cultural and culinary hub. Visit the Santo Domingo Church and Cultural Center, the Oaxaca Textile Museum, and the Benito Juarez Market. Lunch at Casa Oaxaca, one of the best restaurants in the city. Dinner at Mercado de la Merced, a local market with plenty of street food options.
  • Day 5: Take a day trip to Monte Alban, an ancient Zapotec city located on a mountaintop above Oaxaca. Lunch at Terra Nova, a restaurant with panoramic views of the city. Return to Oaxaca for dinner and drinks in the Zocalo.
  • Day 6: Take a morning bus to the coast and arrive in Mazunte, a small beach town on the Pacific. Relax on the beach or visit the National Mexican Turtle Center to learn about conservation efforts. Lunch at EcoVentura, a beachside restaurant with fresh fish tacos. Spend the evening enjoying the beach and local nightlife.
  • Day 7: Take a morning bus to Puerto Escondido, a larger beach town popular for surfing. Visit the beaches, the Artisans' Market, and the Lighthouse. Lunch at La Ola, a restaurant right on the beach. Return to Mexico City in the evening for a final dinner at El Hidalguense, known for their delicious barbacoa.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Mexico City Historic Center: 4-6 hours, free
  • Teotihuacan: 4-6 hours, $40 for roundtrip transportation and entrance fees
  • Puebla: 4-6 hours, $8 for bus fare
  • Cholula: 2-3 hours, $2 for local transportation
  • Oaxaca: 2-3 days, $30-40 for roundtrip bus fare
  • Monte Alban: 3-4 hours, $20 for roundtrip transportation and entrance fees
  • Mazunte: 2-3 days, $30 for roundtrip bus fare
  • Puerto Escondido: 1-2 days, $15 for one-way bus fare
  • Total estimated costs: $150-200

Transportation

Traveling by bus is the most affordable and convenient option for this itinerary. Buses in Mexico are typically clean, comfortable, and reliable. Book tickets in advance to secure the best seats and prices. Uber and taxi services are available in larger cities, but negotiate prices beforehand.

Links for Key Attractions and Restaurants

Tips

If you have more time, consider adding a day trip to the Xochimilco canals in Mexico City or exploring the colorful town of San Cristobal de las Casas in Chiapas. If you have less time, consider skipping a destination or extending your stay in Mexico City and taking day trips from there.

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Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed