Cancun often gets labeled as a luxury beach destination, but with the right approach, it can be surprisingly affordable. If you’ve ever thought a tropical vacation was out of reach, this breakdown proves you can enjoy sunshine, adventure, and good food without maxing out your credit card.
I spent six days in Cancun for under $1,000 CAD—including flights, resort stay, excursions, and transportation. It didn’t take extreme budgeting or skipping out on fun. Here’s how the numbers worked out, what I got for each expense, and how you can do it too.
Flights – $462
I flew roundtrip from Ottawa to Cancun during the off-season, which saved me a good amount. I booked the ticket for $462 using Google flight deal alerts and went with Air Transat to cut down costs. The departure time wasn’t ideal (6AM), but for the price, it was totally worth it.
Traveling in the off-season also meant the airport and plane weren’t overly packed. It’s a great time to travel if you’re okay with a bit of humidity and want to avoid high-season prices. Just make sure you bring your own snacks and headphones to avoid any extra airline charges.
Accommodation – $250
Instead of a typical hotel or Airbnb, I stayed at an all-inclusive resort booked through Monsterr Travel Group. The total cost was $500, but since I split the room with my sister, I only paid $250. That included all meals, unlimited drinks, pool and beach access, and nightly entertainment.
Staying at an all-inclusive helped me save on food and activities, which added a lot of value to the overall experience. The room was simple but clean, with a partial ocean view, and the staff were friendly throughout the stay.
Transportation – $50
I didn’t rent a car, and honestly, I didn’t need to. I took Ubers whenever I left the resort to explore downtown or grab snacks, and each trip cost just a few bucks. It was super easy to get around, and I liked not having to deal with parking or navigating in a different country.
In total, I spent about $50 CAD on rides. Most of my time was spent relaxing at the resort anyway, so I only needed transportation for a couple of short outings.
Excursions – $150
One of the highlights of my trip was a day-long jungle excursion. It included ziplining, ATV riding, and swimming in a cenote, all for $150 CAD. The tour also came with lunch and hotel pickup and drop-off, which made it super convenient.
Riding through the jungle on an ATV and flying through the trees on a zipline was such a thrill.
The cenote swim afterward was the perfect way to cool off and unwind. It was definitely one of the most memorable parts of the trip.
Meals and Drinks Outside the Resort – $40
Even though my resort stay was all-inclusive, I decided to treat myself to a sushi dinner one night and grabbed a few local snacks along the way. It was nice to try something different and support local businesses. I spent less than $40 in total.
Eating outside the resort also gave me a little more variety and helped me experience a bit more of Cancun. I kept things casual and didn’t splurge, which helped me stay within my budget.
Fun and Entertainment – Free
I didn’t need to pay for extra entertainment because the resort kept things lively. There were live shows by the pool, themed parties, and DJs most nights—all included in my stay. It felt like I was getting bonus fun without spending anything extra.
During the day, I chilled by the pool, watched some dance contests, and just enjoyed the laid-back atmosphere. It was low-stress, easy fun, and one of the reasons I didn’t feel the need to go anywhere else at night.
Beach Time – Also Free
Cancun’s public beaches were one of the best parts of the trip. I spent hours walking along the shore, swimming in the warm water, or just lying in the sun doing absolutely nothing. The sand was soft and the views were unreal.
Some of my favorite moments came from those quiet beach mornings and sunset strolls. It reminded me that you don’t always need an itinerary to enjoy yourself—sometimes all you need is a towel, a book, and the ocean.
Total: $952 CAD
By the end of the trip, I had spent just $952 CAD in total. That covered everything—flights, resort stay, excursions, transportation, and a few meals out. It felt like a complete vacation, not a stripped-down version of one.
I didn’t feel like I had to say no to anything important. Planning ahead, traveling off-season, and sharing some costs helped me make the most of every dollar.
Conclusion
This Cancun trip was one of the most budget-friendly vacations I’ve taken, and I still got to experience so much. I didn’t have to choose between comfort and cost—I got both. It was proof that travel doesn’t have to be expensive to be memorable.
If you’ve been holding off on booking a beach escape because you think it’s too pricey, I hope this breakdown gives you a little push. You don’t need a huge budget to enjoy clear blue water, great food, and unforgettable adventures.