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A Backpacker's Guide to Baja California Sur: Budget Travel Tips for the Adventure-Seeker
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Hey guys! I’m so excited to share my recent trip to Baja California Sur, Mexico with you all! If you’re looking to travel on a budget, Baja might not be the first place that comes to mind and wouldn’t be wrong to think this, but I’m here to tell you that it’s totally possible to have an amazing time while sticking to a budget of $40 a day per person. Let’s dive into the details!
Transportation
First things first, transportation. We decided to rent a car to give us more freedom and flexibility to explore the surrounding areas. We found a great deal on a rental car for only $22 a day, which included insurance. Of course, from here you need to pay for your own fuel but, in the 10 days we were in Cabo we spent a total of $75 and believe me we got our usage out of that car.
Accommodation
Next up, accommodations. We stayed in budget hotels in La Paz and Cabo San Lucas for around $20 a night. These hotels were simple but clean, and they had everything we needed for a comfortable stay. They were located a little far from the tourist zones but having a rental car made this a non issue. We also brought our own tent so during our time in Cabo Pulmo we were able to camp on the beach for free. A heads up, some hotels do offer tent rentals for $25 a night which I think is a crazy price, especially when you can buy your own in most supermarkets for $20!
Food and Eating Out.
When it comes to food, we saved money by making our own meals. We stopped at local markets and grocery stores to stock up on fresh fruits and veggies, meats, and breads. We cooked simple meals in our hotel room, which saved us a ton of money compared to eating out every meal. We also had some ice packs and a cooler to keep our beers cold, the cooler cost all of $3 on the first day in a local supermarket.
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The Fun Stuff
Now, let’s talk about the fun stuff! We visited some incredible places during our trip, and we didn’t have to break the bank to do it! One of our favorite stops was Cabo Pulmo, where we went snorkeling (with our own equipment) and saw some amazing marine life such as a few curious bull sharks and even a turtle, all for free! We also visited the beautiful towns of Todos Santo and La Paz where we wandered the streets and checked out the local shops and restaurants. Balandra was a highlight of the trip, we ended up going three separate times
Tours in Cabo San Lucas
Of course, we couldn’t visit Cabo without spending some time in Cabo San Lucas. We found some great deals on tours and activities, like whale watching and exploring the famous Arch of Cabo San Lucas. Speaking Spanish definitely helped us negotiate a better price, so don’t be afraid to use your language skills to your advantage, I was even told by a few vendors that I would get the “Mexican price” after trying out my Spanish skills. There are so many amazing things to see and do in Cabo, and with a little bit of planning, you can experience them all without spending a fortune.
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Summary
summary, traveling on a budget in Cabo is totally possible. With a rental car, budget hotels, and making your own meals, you can stick to a budget of $40 a day per person. Plus, speaking Spanish can help you negotiate better prices and make the most of your experience. Don’t miss out on amazing places like La Paz, Cabo Pulmo, Cabo San Lucas, and Todos Santos.
Price Breakdown
Here is the price breakdown for our 10 day trip for two people.
- Car rental $225
- Fuel $75
- Accommodation $155
- Food and drinks $240
- Tours $50
- Total $745
- Per day $75
- Per person per day $37
¡Buena suerte y buen viaje!
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