Under $100: Mérida, Mexico

Mérida is something of a hidden treasure in the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico and, if you’re traveling there on a budget, there’s still plenty to see and do.

Start your day off with a hearty breakfast at local hotspot Cafeteria Pop, where you can dine on a full meal of eggs, toast, bacon and coffee for less than $5. Afterward, you’ll actually want to head out of the city for a bit. Make your way to the ruins of Uxmal.

The pyramids here rival that of the nearby Chichén Itzá, but have half the crowds. It costs around $10 to explore — certainly a steal for such an array of awe-inspiring architecture and historical remains.

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Getting there, exploring and the trip back will sap up your morning, but it’s worth it.

For lunch, make your way to La Negrita Cantina for a boisterous lunch full of wonderful Mexican craft beer and fun locals. Just try not to get too tipsy or you’ll be too dazed to enjoy the rest of your day. A meal and drinks here will cost roughly $10.

In the afternoon, check out the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya to experience Mayan artifacts and immersive multimedia presentations that teach you all about local history. They even have exhibits on dinosaurs. Entrance to the museum is free, but parking will cost you around $2.

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From there, make your way over to the Mérida Cathedral. It’s the largest cathedral in Yucatán. The exterior leaves much to be desired, but, inside, the halls are remarkably decorated and it provides great insight to the city’s history.

Finally, for dinner you’ll want to taste the experimental dishes of Kuuk. The restaurant is located in an old Spanish Colonial mansion at the end of Paseo de Montejo and is hard to miss. The tasting menu is a must try and not too expensive. Expect to drop around $30 here.