36 Hours in Mexico City + My Budget Stats From My One-Month Backpacking Trip in Central America + Mexico

36 Hours in Mexico City + My Budget Stats From My One-Month Backpacking Trip in Central America + Mexico

Author: Voyascape Media May 23, 2025 Duration: 17:23

In this final episode of my month-long adventure through Central America and Mexico, I dive into the last stop of my trip — Mexico City — and share how I explored as much as possible in one of the world’s largest cities in just 36 hours. I cover everything from using the Mexico City Metro to where I stayed near the airport, the incredible Roma Norte neighbourhood, and major landmarks like El Zócalo, Palacio de Bellas Artes, and Bosque de Chapultepec.

After the travel stories, I break down my full one-month backpacking budget, revealing exactly how much I spent across El Salvador, Guatemala, and Mexico — including flight costs, food, accommodation, activities, transportation, and more.

Whether you're planning a backpacking trip through Central America, looking for budget travel inspiration, or curious about solo travel safety and tips, this episode packs a ton of value.

🧳 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

  1. What to see and do with just 36 hours in Mexico City
  2. The best neighbourhoods for backpackers in CDMX (hint: Roma Norte!)
  3. Tips for navigating the Mexico City Metro and using Uber
  4. My favourite cheap eats and local food experiences in Mexico City
  5. Full breakdown of my travel budget
  6. Average daily spending by country
  7. Honest reflections on travelling solo, safety, and must-see spots like Lake Atitlán, Acatenango Volcano, Antigua, Oaxaca and Tikal.

🎒 Useful Resources:

  1. 🌐 Winging It Travel Podcast Website
  2. 📺 Watch the Vlogs on Roaming with Hammo (YouTube)

🎧 Listen to Past Episodes:

  1. El Salvador Playlist on Spotify
  2. Guatemala Series
  3. Oaxaca Episode

🗣 Like, Review, Subscribe & Share

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to rate it, leave a review, and subscribe on your favourite podcast platform.

Please share it with your fellow travellers and follow me on YouTube @roamingwithhammo too!

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to the Winging It Travel Podcast

00:30 Exploring Mexico City: Arrival and First Impressions

01:58 Navigating Mexico City: Metro and Transportation Tips

02:58 Cultural Landmarks: Plaza de la Constitución and Palacio de Bellas Artes

05:06 Discovering Roma: Trendy Neighbourhoods and Cafes

07:03 Experiencing Festivals: Angel of Independence and Local Culture

08:25 Reflections on Mexico City: A Quick Visit

09:20 Trip Summary: Insights from Central America

10:49 Budget Breakdown: Costs of the Month-Long Trip

13:07 Final Thoughts: Future Travel Plans and Inspirations

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Winging It Travel Podcast - Website

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Winging It Travel Podcast Credits

Host/Producer/Creator/Composer/Editor - James Hammond

Contact me - jameshammondtravel@gmail.com

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Thanks for supporting me and the podcast!

Cheers, James.

Mentioned in this episode:

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This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel at the Link below:

Smart Travel Podcast

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Every Monday, James Hammond sets off with a microphone, and the resulting audio feels less like a planned production and more like you’ve been handed a pair of headphones in the middle of an adventure. Winging It Travel Podcast, from Voyascape Media, is built on the idea that the most compelling stories aren't found in guidebooks but in the unplanned moments and raw reactions that happen along the way. You’ll hear the crunch of gravel underfoot on a remote trail, the bustling chaos of a foreign market, and the genuine conversations that unfold when plans fall apart. This approach transforms each episode into a deeply personal journal entry, documenting not just places, but the cultural and human textures that define them. It’s a documentary of feeling as much as fact. While the soundscapes are cinematic, the heart of the podcast lies in its authenticity-the slight breathlessness from hiking up a volcano, the surprise at a strange local delicacy, the quiet reflection after a long day navigating unfamiliar streets. The journey covers the societal layers and personal transformations that travel sparks, making it about more than destinations. Tune in weekly to find yourself completely immersed, feeling as if you’re right there beside James, figuring it all out as you go.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Winging It Travel Podcast
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