10-Day Mexico Itinerary Under $900: Mexico City, Oaxaca & Puerto Escondido

A complete 10-day loop through Mexico City, Oaxaca, and Puerto Escondido runs roughly $800–$900 on the ground once you land — that covers nine nights in dorm beds, all bus transport, meals eaten mostly at markets and taquerias, and one surf lesson or lagoon tour, leaving room for museums and day trips. The key is eating like locals do: market breakfasts for $3–5, comida corrida lunches for $6–8, and street tacos for dinner under $4. Flights from the US typically start around $300–400 on budget carriers, so total trip cost depends mostly on your departure city.

Mexico City (Days 1–3)

Land, grab a Mexico Tourist Card (FMM) at the airport or border for roughly $57, and head to a hostel in Coyoacán or Roma Norte where dorms run $15–22 a night. Spend day one wandering the historic center, the Zócalo, and the ruins of Templo Mayor (entrance around $5). Day two: Frida Kahlo's Blue House in Coyoacán (tickets roughly $10) and a market lunch of quesadillas. Day three: Chapultepec Castle ($10) and the anthropology museum, which is free on Sundays for Mexican residents but typically $5–7 for visitors. Breakfast tacos cost 50 pesos ($2.50), comida corrida menus run 100–130 pesos ($6–7.50), and street tacos are 15–25 pesos ($0.80–1.50) each. The Metro is just 5 pesos ($0.25) per ride.

Oaxaca (Days 4–7)

Take the bus from Mexico City to Oaxaca for around $42–65 (7 hours), and book into a hostel near the zócalo for $12–20 a night. Oaxaca is where the trip gets culturally rich on a shoestring. Spend a morning at the Central de Abastos market, the sprawling food and textile bazaar where you can eat breakfast for $3 and watch locals sell everything from tlayudas ($3–4 each) to hand-woven rugs. Visit the Santo Domingo church (free entry), explore the neighborhoods of Xochimilco and Jalatlaco on foot, and take one afternoon day-trip to a mountain village like Hierve el Agua (roughly $15–20 via colectivo van). Market meals here average $5–8 daily, well below Mexico City prices.

Puerto Escondido (Days 8–10)

A bus from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido costs about $24 and takes 3 hours; alternatively, combine it with the Mexico City route via direct bus for $70–80 if you're short on time. Puerto Escondido's beach hostels run $15–25 for dorms. Spend your first day on Carrizalillo Beach (beginner-friendly cove) or Zicatela if you're a surfer; surf lessons cost $60–100 for 90 minutes with gear included. On day two, take a guided evening tour to Manialtepec Lagoon to see bioluminescent plankton ($15–25 per person) — it's pure magic. Your third day is a beach-and-taco day: fresh ceviche runs $6–10 at waterfront shacks, and fish tacos are $2–3 each. The walk back from the beach at sunset is free and beats any paid tour.

People also ask

Do US citizens need a visa for Mexico?

No visa required, but you must fill out a Mexico Tourist Card (FMM) on arrival for around $57, valid for up to 180 days. Keep it safe — you'll need it to exit.

What's the cheapest food in Mexico?

Market comida corrida menus (soup, rice, beans, protein, tortillas, and agua fresca) are the best value, typically $6–8 per plate. Street tacos and tamales run $0.80–2 each. Tourist restaurants charge 3–5× more.

Is it safe to travel alone in Mexico City and Oaxaca?

Both cities are generally safe for solo travelers who stick to well-traveled neighborhoods (Roma, Coyoacán, historic center) and use common sense about nighttime walks. Oaxaca is particularly welcoming to backpackers.

How many days do you need in Oaxaca?

Three to four days lets you explore the city, visit at least one colonial mountain village, and soak in the regional food scene. Longer stays reward you with deeper market connections and textile-buying opportunities.

Prices and visa info verified against current official sources as of August 12, 2026 — confirm bus fares and activity costs at time of booking, as they vary by season and operator.