Cancun has a reputation for being expensive: overpriced airport transfers, inflated tour prices, and aggressive upsells everywhere you turn. But on my most recent trip, I proved that Cancun doesn’t have to be expensive if you’re willing to plan strategically.
By making a few smart choices, I saved hundreds of dollars on airport transportation and one of Mexico’s most popular attractions: Chichén Itzá, without skipping comfort, safety, or the experience itself.
Here’s exactly how I did it and how you can too.
1. How I Saved Money on Cancun Airport Transfers
The Problem: Overpriced Transfers at Cancun Airport
If you’ve landed in Cancun before, you know the drill:
- Taxi drivers quoting inflated prices
- Hotels pushing “convenient” shared transfers
- Confusing counters and aggressive sales tactics
Here’s what I was quoted:
- Taxi: ~$55 USD one way
- Hotel shared transfer (Thomas More Travel): ~$48 USD
Both options work but neither are cheap.
The Solution: Booking a Private Transfer on Trip.com
Instead of booking through the hotel or negotiating with taxis, I booked a private airport transfer through Trip.combefore landing.
What I paid:
👉 $27 USD total
That’s:
- Private (not shared)
- Door-to-door
- No waiting
- No upsells
- No stress
Why This Works
Trip.com often has better-negotiated rates with local providers than hotels or on-site taxis. You lock in the price ahead of time, avoid airport chaos, and still get a professional driver.
💡 Savings: $21 which adds up quickly for couples or families.
2. How I Visited Chichén Itzá for $32 Instead of $280
The Standard Tourist Option (Very Expensive)
Most tourists book Chichén Itzá through resort tours or online packages.
Typical price:
- $140 per person
- $280 for two people
These tours usually include:
- Transportation
- Entry ticket
- Lunch
- A guide
Convenient yes but massively overpriced.
The Alternative: A Timeshare Presentation (With Boundaries)
Instead, I chose a discounted tour through the Holiday Inn Vacation Club.
Total cost for TWO people:
👉 $32 USD total
That included:
- Round-trip transportation
- All entrance tickets
- Food
- The full Chichén Itzá experience
The Catch (And How to Handle It)
In exchange, I had to attend a 90-minute timeshare presentation.
Here’s the key:
⚠️ You must be disciplined and prepared.
Important Rules If You Do This:
- Do not agree to anything on the spot
- Listen politely
- Thank them for the offer
- Clearly state that you cannot make a long-term financial decision without further research
- Repeat as needed
Timeshares are:
- Long-term commitments
- Often difficult to exit
- Rarely good financial deals
No matter how attractive it sounds, walk away.
Is It Worth It?
If you:
- Have time
- Can say “no” confidently
- Want to save serious money
Then yes, it can be a huge cost saver.
💡 Savings: ~$248 for two people
Final Thoughts: Cancun Can Be Affordable With Strategy
Cancun rewards travelers who plan just a bit differently.
By:
- Booking airport transfers through Trip.com
- Avoiding overpriced resort tours
- Making informed decisions (and saying no when needed)
You can enjoy everything Cancun has to offer without overpaying.
Travel doesn’t have to be expensive. It just has to be intentional.
If you’re planning a Cancun trip and want more ways to save, make sure to check out my other budget travel guides.
