BUDGETING OTHER EXPENSES

MEXICO & BELIZE BIRDING EXPEDITIONS

Although you will be paying in pesos in Mexico and dollars in Belize, all of the following costs are converted to US Dollars.

Mexico & Belize vehicle insurance
Required to drive in these countries.  In Mexico it varies with the value of vehicle.  We can provide an estimate.  On the Belize Express in 2006, the Belize portion for two vehicles for two months coverage was $129.  For the shorter stay on the 2009 Central Mexico & Belize trip, it should be about half that amount.

Border crossing expenses including fees, visas, departure fees, fumigation fees, etc.
Mexico & Belize 2006 expenses totaled $226 for two people with motor home and tow car

ChetemalCamp8.JPG (7936 bytes)Campgrounds
For the Central Mexico & Belize 2009 trip, campground fees are INCLUDED in the base price of the caravan.

Diesel
In 2003 for 36-ft. motor home @ 9.5 mpg for 3661 mi. was $599
In 2004 for 41-ft. motor home @ 8 mpg for 3246 mi. was $675
In 2005 in Mexico, diesel was $1.75/gal (much cheaper than U.S.).
In 2006 diesel in Mexico was $1.92/gal (again cheaper than U.S.).
In 2007 diesel was $1.98/gal (still cheaper than U.S.).  We drove 3120 mi. by RV and at 5.6 mpg (with a lot of diesel generator use) the cost was $1108.
For 2009, estimated mileage by RV is 3480 mi. in Mexico, 450 mi. in Belize, 3930 mi. total.

Gasoline
In 2003 a Nissan Xterra traveled 3012 mi. for $445
In 2004 a Nissan Xterra traveled 2436 mi. for $377
In 2005 in Mexico, gasoline was $2.14/gal (20% more than the U.S.) and in Belize it was $4.05/gal.
In 2006 most of our driving for birding was in Belize where gasoline was $4.70/gal for 1800 miles. Gasoline in Mexico was $2.349/gal.
In 2007 again most of the driving for birding was in Belize.  The average price was $4.64/gal and for 2533 mi. the cost came to $648.  The price for gas in Mexico was $2.40/gal, although we didn't drive much in Mexico that year.
(Note, most travelers use their tow car less than the above Wagonmaster)

Tolls
Central Mexico & Belize 2003 trip totaled $308 for motor home plus tow (4 axles)
A similar itinerary in 2005 totaled $377 for the same vehicles
Yucatan & Belize 2004 trip totaled $291 for motor home plus tow (4 axles)
Belize Express 2006 tolls were only during our travel through Mexico and totaled to $293.  The same toll roads were taken in 2007 and the cost was $301.

Entrance fees, ferries, excursions, boating trips, etc.
Most of these expenses are included in the base price of the caravan.  There are other opportunities that half to almost all caravaners participated in previously.  These will be offered again if there is sufficient interest:

  • Bus tour of Guanajuato
  • Horse rental at Angangueo
  • Pátzcuaro folk dance & dinner
  • Boat to Janitzio
  • City tour of Oaxaca
  • Ruins tour guide at Palenque
  • Bus trip and birding, Bonampak

Prices vary from $6 to $65 per person per event.  All are optional.  There may also be some incidental parking fees, etc.  Budget $200 per person if you plan on participating in all events.

Personal expenses
Of course, you still have all the ordinary expenses of food, dining out, souvenirs, etc.  Because the restaurants are good and economically priced, we go out to eat more often than you might expect, so don't underestimate that expense.

Note!  The above prices do not include optional side trips.  See the descriptions of side trips for individual pricing.

Budget

For 2009 Central Mexico & Belize, we suggest the following budget per couple:

  • Fuel ... $1300 to $1500 depending on diesel vs. gasoline and current prices
  • Tolls ... $350-400 (smaller vehicles, less axles, get by cheaper)
  • Optional day trips not covered in base price ... $350-400
  • Belize liability insurance ... $65
  • Border crossing fees ... $150
This web site is designed by Bert Frenz.
Copyright İ 2004-07 Bert Frenz. All rights reserved.
Revised: July 04, 2007.