2020-2021 America Pandemic Adventures Filipino Solo Trip

living my dream as Solo Backpacker during Covid-19 Pandemic, the #newnormal of tourism
November 26, 2020 to June 19, 2021 (205 days)

"Live a life to inspire, live a life with sense of accomplishment, live a life you will remember" - Mang Andoy

Coronavirus has changed the way we travel, this pandemic has brought significant challenges to global travel industry. My Covid-19 travel adventure begun from the moment it was gradually spreading from Asia. My first pandemic journey (January to February 2020) was in Chile, Uruguay, United States and Philippines. Surprisingly, the itinerary I created on this trip was my first around the World, 360 degrees tour (circumnavigated the Earth from Middle East to America back to Asia). Then, while most of the countries worldwide was on the beginning of 1st wave, my second pandemic journey (September to October 2020) was in Philippines, United States, Dominican Republic, Haiti and Ukraine. Like most of other employees worldwide, I lost my beloved job also due to huge effect to aviation industry (business re-structuring). Even so, I am forever grateful and proud of my four years in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Finally, while the surge of the 1st wave continuous, my third pandemic journey (November 2020 to June 2021) was this Latin America trip. Based on this, I traveled to 23 countries across 4 continents with more than 25 sets of Covid-19 Test (mostly nasal swab PCR) ALL NEGATIVE RESULT.

Despite the challenge of #newnormal, I accomplished my itinerary beyond my expectation. I just finished seven months of solo backpacking to these wonderful countries of American Continent (Nov. 2020 to Jun. 2021) with Covid19 vaccine Sinopharm (Aug. 2020 in Abu Dhabi, UAE) and J&J  Janssen (May 2021 in Boston, US). Another proud bucket list achievement; having a Philippine passport on a tight budget, all first time visits traveled from United States down to South America, language barrier, currency exchange, changing airport/land border entry/exit requirements, sudden flight cancellations and of course, the pandemic protocol on tourism and transportation.

Some of my top accomplishment on this journey are Completed the World's Seven New Wonders, all-DIY budget solo hikes (World's youngest volcano, Central America highest peaks and some Ecuador's top mountain), visited every country's signature landmarks, elusive Ecuador visa application using my mobile phone only, pandemic travel techniques and having all negative result for more than 25 sets of Covid-19 PCR Nasal Swab Test.

205 days, 15 countries, 20 Covid19 Tests.

Traveled from Abu Dhabi to Mexico then Central America, South America, United States and Manila. 

MARAMING SALAMAT, MUCHAS GRACIAS, THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!! 

MEXICO, BELIZE, GUATEMALA, EL SALVADOR, HONDURAS, NICARAGUA, COSTA RICA, PANAMA, COLOMBIA, BOLIVIA, PARAGUAY, PERU, ECUADOR, GUYANA AND UNITED STATES #opentheeconomy #newnormal #pandemictraveling #goodvibes #lakbay100 #mexico #belize #guatemala #elsalvador #honduras #nicaragua #costarica #panama #colombia #bolivia #paraguay #peru #ecuador #guyana #unitedstates #philippines #northamerica #centralamerica #southamerica #america #pinoytraveler #backpacking #bucketlist 

2020-2021 America Pandemic Adventures Filipino Solo Trip

My Top Seven Pyramid Archeological Zones of Mexico

 30 Days Pandemic Summer Solo Trip in Mexico November 27, 2020 to December 27, 2020

Cancún (Downtown, Coba, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Isla Mujeres)

Covid19 Protocol: Face mask is required at all times, body temperature should be less than 37'C. Alcogel is always available on the entrance area. Entrance and Exit way is separated. 

I chose these 7 Pyramid Archaeological Zones (Pre-Hispanic / Mayan) based on architectural design, layout, location, public transport access and historical significance. I visited 11 pyramid ruin sites on self-guided budget DIY travel as Pinoy Solo Backpacker during holidays and pandemic period.

01. The Top 7 Awesome Pyramid Temples Archeological Zone (all UNESCO sites, which usually featured in Hollywood movies) are (1) Teotihuacán near Mexico City, (2) Monte Alban near Oaxaca, (3) Palenque near Palenque Town, (4) Edzna near Campeche, (5) Uxmal near Merida, (6) Chichen Itza (Seven Wonders of the World) near Valladolid and (7) Coba near Cancun (numbered in no particular order). All of them can be easily visited on a budget and public transportation. I visited them all out of curiosity ignited by Ancient Aliens episodes. 

02. For Teotihuacán near Mexico City (direct exposure to sunlight), take Autobus Norte metro station (line 5, fare $5) then walk to Autobus Terminal del Norte. Teotihuacan bus departs every hour with 1 hour journey, fare costs $52 one way. Park admission is $80.

03. For Monte Alban near Oaxaca (located on top of a mountain with 1,900masl elevation), buy tourist bus return fare in Hotel Rivera for $70 with 30 minutes travel time, earliest departure is 0830H. Park admission fee costs $80.

04. For Palenque near Palenque Town (the easiest and cheapest to visit), there are colectivo vans in Centro and infront of ADO bus terminal. Fare is $20 one way with 20 minutes travel time. Entrance fee is $80.

My Top Seven Pyramid Archeological Zones of Mexico (Chichen Itza)

Cancún (Downtown, Coba, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Isla Mujeres)

30 Days Pandemic Summer Solo Trip in Mexico November 27, 2020 to December 27, 2020

Valladolid (Centro, Ek Bamal and Chichen Itza Archaeological Zone)

Day 25: Dec. 21, 2020 Mon / Cancun

0630H ETD Hostel; walk to ADO bus terminal

0730H ETD Valladolid UTC -0600H

1100H ETA Cancun UTC -0500H; walk to hostel; Lunch 70; bus R-1 to Zona Hotel 12

Playa Delfines; bus to ADO Terminal 12; Selina Cancun Downtown Hostel 210 (tax)

Refreshments 16; PCR Test walk-in queries (espanol); Salud Digna $950 3 days by appointment

Dr. Simi $2,400 PCR 2 days / $850 antigen 3 hours; Chopo Plaza $2,700 3 days; bus R-1 to Playa Forum 12

1900H bus to Downtown 12; Mcdo meal 95; Bus ticket to Coba 149; massage 250; snacks 87

TOTAL: $925 + 1,520 (cc) 

Day 26: Dec. 22, 2020 Tue / Coba

0900H ETD Cancun; bus to Coba

1230H ETA Coba; brunch 42; entrance fee 80

1515H ETD Coba; bus to Playa del Carmen 55

1700H ETA Playa del Carmen; dinner 140; 1850H ETD Playa del Carmen 65

2000H ETA Cancún; snacks 52

TOTAL: $434

Day 27: Dec. 23, 2020 Wed / Tulum

0645H ETD Hostel; walk to testing clinic

0705H COVID19 PCR TEST in Salud Digna 950

0800H ETD Cancun; Mayab bus 122

1030H ETA Tulum; Tulum Ruins 80; lunch 56; Money Exchange: 100 USD = $1,905 (19.05)

1400H ETD Tulum; Mayab bus 122

1630H ETA Cancún; back to hostel

1700H ETD Downtown; bus to Hotels 12; Playa Chac-mool; snacks 40

1845H ETD Playa Chac-mool 12; Dinner 80; Flight to Belize City (361 USD) 

TOTAL: $1,475

Day 28: Dec. 24, 2020 Thu / Playa de Carmen

0800H ETD Cancún 38; bus to Playa del Carmen

0915H ETA Playa del Carmen; breakfast 40; Centro walk, Xaman Ha, Playa Publica; lunch 110

1230H ETD Playa del Carmen 65

1345H ETA Cancun; souvenirs 299; lunch 88

1600H ETD Downtown 12; Playa Delfines

1830H ETD Playa Delfines 12; dinner 100

TOTAL: $764

Day 29: Dec. 25, 2020 Fri / Isla Mujeres (Christmas)

0800H Breakfast 52; ADO return ferry 300

0930H ETD Cancún; Colectivo to Puerto Juarez 10

1000H ETD Puerto Juarez; Ultramar ferry; bus to Punta Sur 10

1230H ETD Punta Sur 10; lunch 56; Playa Centro swimming; snacks 305

1745H ETD Isla Mujeres; Ultramar ferry

1815H Colectivo to ADO 10; dinner 80

TOTAL: $833

Day 30: Dec. 26, 2020 Sat / Cancun

0845H ETD Downtown 12; Playa Delfines; Breakfast 35

1000H ETD Playa Delfines 12; lunch 75

1400H ETD Hostel; walk to Cinepolis Los Americas

1530H Wonder Woman 1984 4DX 178; dinner 100; Airport bus ticket 98; night snacks 104

2100H 10th PCR TEST Released NEGATIVE

2300H BELIZE Health App registered

TOTAL: $614

Cancún (Downtown, Coba, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Isla Mujeres)

Valladolid (Centro, Ek Bamal and Chichen Itza Archaeological Zone)

30 Days Pandemic Summer Solo Trip in Mexico November 27, 2020 to December 27, 2020

Mérida (Centro, Uxmal Archaeological Zone, Celestun)

Mexico Day 24 (my 6th of Seven Wonders of the World, a dream come true during pandemic): The greatest Mayan, well-planned design step-pyramid architecture, Temple of Kukulcan (El Castillo, dedicated to Planet Venus), in Archaeological Site of Chichen Itza (means "the mouth at the well of Water Magicians") with entrance fee of $497 (28 USD) #mexico #pyramids #valladolid #chichenitza #sevenwonders #livealifeyouwillremember #pinoytraveller

How to Go: For Chichen Itza, ADO bus terminal depart every hour or nearby colectivo van for $37 fare one way with 45 minutes travel time. Admission fee to the park is $497. For Ek Balam, there's a colectivo taxi along Calle 37 (between Calle 44 and Highway 295) for $70 fare one way with 30 minutes travel time. Admission fee to the park is $423.

Day 23: Dec. 19, 2020 Sat / Valladolid

0800H ETD Hostel; walk to ADO Terminal

0907H ETD Mérida; breakfast 40

1130H ETA Valladolid; walk to hostel; Hostel Gayser 350; walk to Ekb Balam taxi terminal

1230H ETD Valladolid; colectivo taxi 70

1315H ETA Ek Balam; Entrance fee 423

1430H ETD Ek Balam; service taxi 200; Super Pizza combo meal 149

TOTAL: $1,232

Day 24: Dec. 20, 2020 Sun / Valladolid (Chichen Itza Arqueologica Zona)

0730H ETD Hostel; walk to ADO bus terminal; Chichen bus ticket 37; Cancun bus ticket 192 

0815H ETD Valladolid

0900H ETA Chichen Itza; Admission fee 497; Chichen Itza Arqueologica Zona; refreshments 40

1230H ETD Chichen Itza; colectivo van 40

1315H ETA Valladolid; lunch 83; dinner 80

TOTAL: $969

Valladolid (Centro, Ek Bamal and Chichen Itza Archaeological Zone)

Mérida (Centro, Uxmal Archaeological Zone, Celestun)

 30 Days Pandemic Summer Solo Trip in Mexico November 27, 2020 to December 27, 2020

Campeche (Centro, Edzna Archaeological Zone)

Day 21: Dec. 17, 2020 Thu / Mérida

0800H ETD Hostel; walk to ADO Terminal

0900H ETD Mérida; bus to Muna

1000H ETA Muna; refreshments 58; taxi 100

1020H ETA Uxmal; entrance 184; Uxmal Zona Arqueologica

1245H ETD Uxmal; taxi colectivo 150

1315H ETD Muna; bus 39

1430H ETA Mérida; lunch 78; Histórico Centro 25; Noreste Autobuses Celeste retorno bus tickets 122

TOTAL: $756

Day 22: Dec. 18, 2020 Fri / Mérida

0700H ETD Hostel; walk to Noreste Autobuses

0800H ETD Merida; bus to Celestun

1030H ETA Celestun; breakfast 38; Flamingo Tour 360; Playa Celestun; lunch 72

1430H ETD Celestun

1700H ETA Merida; Spaghetti meal 129; Valladolid bus ticket 219

TOTAL: $818

Mérida (Centro, Uxmal Archaeological Zone, Celestun)

Campeche (Centro, Edzna Archaeological Zone)

30 Days Pandemic Summer Solo Trip in Mexico November 27, 2020 to December 27, 2020

Palenque (Pyramid Ruins, Wejlib-Ha, Roberto Barrios, Agua Azul)

Day 19: Dec. 15, 2020 Tue / Campeche

0515H ETA Campeche; Mérida ticket 221

Hotel Villa Angeles 317 (cc); Walk to Edzna Collectivo terminal; breakfast 37

0950H ETD Campeche 40; bus to Edzna

1040H ETA Edzna Zona Arqueologica 65

1200H ETD Edzna Zona Arqueologica; Collectivo 40

1300H ETA Campeche; lunch 138; Centro Histórico walk

1430H ETA back to hotel; snacks 90

TOTAL: $631 + 317 (cc) 

Day 20: Dec. 16, 2020 Wed / Campeche

0830H; Morning walk; Playa Bonita; fruits 78

1130H ETD Hotel; ADO bus terminal; water 16

1355H ETD Campeche

1700H ETA Mérida; walk to Hostel

Hostal La Ermita 510; Muna bus ticket 39

Histórico Centro night walk; Dinner 119; beers 76

TOTAL: $838

Campeche (Centro, Edzna Archaeological Zone)

Palenque (Pyramid Ruins, Wejlib-Ha, Roberto Barrios, Agua Azul)

30 Days Pandemic Summer Solo Trip in Mexico November 27, 2020 to December 27, 2020

Oaxaca (Centro, Monte Alban Archaeological Zone, El Tule, Mitla)

Day 16: Dec. 12, 2020 Sat / Villahermosa

1100H ETA Villahermosa; 4 hours short visit; Histórico Centro; KFC meal 127

1500H ETD Villahermosa; afternoon bus

1730H ETA Palenque; Campeche ticket 532; Casa Janaab hostel ($410) walk;

Palenque Centro Histórico; dinner 140

TOTAL:  $799 + $410 (cc)

Day 17: Dec. 13, 2020 Sun / Palenque

0800H ETD Hostel; Collectivo 50; Wejlib-Ha Waterfalls; Mango 20

1145H Collectivo to Junction 20; snacks 13; Collectivo to Roberto Barrios 100

Roberto Barrios Waterfalls; lunch 90

1500H ETD Roberto Barrios; Collectivo Palenque 100

1600H ETA Palenque; dinner/beers 172; laundry 72

TOTAL: $637

Day 18: Dec. 14, 2020 Mon / Palenque

0900H ETD Hostel; walk to ADO bus terminal; Collectivo to Ruinas $20; refreshments 40

1000H Zona Arqueológica Palenque 80

1145H ETD Zona Arqueológica; Collectivo 20

1230H Hostel Check out; lunch 71

1315H ETD Palenque; Collectivo to Agua Azul 50

1430H ETA Agua Azul Junction; taxi to entrance 50; Agua Azul Waterfalls Entrance 65; snacks 75

1630H ETD Agua Azul Waterfalls; taxi 25

1715H ETD Agua Azul Junction; Collectivo 50

1900H ETA Palenque; stay in Hostel; beer 35

2330H ETD Palenque; night bus to Campeche

TOTAL: $581

Palenque (Pyramid Ruins, Wejlib-Ha, Roberto Barrios, Agua Azul)

Oaxaca (Centro, Monte Alban Archaeological Zone, El Tule, Mitla)

30 Days Pandemic Summer Solo Trip in Mexico November 27, 2020 to December 27, 2020

Guadalajara (Centro, Zapopan, Tlaquepaque, Tequila, Teuchitlán)

Day 13: Dec. 09, 2020 Wed / Monte Alban

0200H ETA Oaxaca; walk to Iguana Hostel 570

0800H ETD Hostel; walk to Monte Alban terminal; Return ticket 70; breakfast 15

0930H ETD Oaxaca; Monte Alban Zona Arqueologica 80

1300H ETD Monte Alban; lunch 95; City Exchange: 500 USD = $9,500 (19); Street food trip 20; Beer snacks 54

TOTAL: $904

Day 14: Dec. 10, 2020 Thu / El Tule

0900H wake up; free breakfast

0930H ETD Hostel; walk to "Collectivo" road; 1000H ETD Oaxaca; Collectivo to El Tule / Yagul 42

Arbol del Tule / Yagul Ruinas

1230H ETD Yagul; Collectivo to Oaxaca 40

1330H ETA Oaxaca Centro; buffet lunch 80; Back to Hostel; afternoon stroll / beer snacks 117

TOTAL: $279

Day 15: Dec. 11, 2020 Fri / Oaxaca

0900H wake up; free breakfast / check out

1000H ETD Hostel; walk to ADO bus terminal; Buy tickets to Villahermosa / Palenque 1,120

1045H ETD Oaxaca; Collectivo to Mitla 40

1130H Centro Histórico; refreshments 25

1300H ETD Mitla; Collectivo to Oaxaca 40; Lunch 50; pack snacks 52; dinner 70 

2130H ETD Oaxaca; night bus to Villahermosa

TOTAL: $1,397

Oaxaca (Centro, Monte Alban Archaeological Zone, El Tule, Mitla)

Guadalajara (Centro, Zapopan, Tlaquepaque, Tequila, Teuchitlán)

30 Days Pandemic Summer Solo Trip in Mexico November 27, 2020 to December 27, 2020

Paricutin Volcano (2,774masl) Self-guided Solo Budget Day Hike

Day 09: Dec. 05, 2020 Sat / Guadalajara

0900H brunch 81; pack snacks 48

1430H ETD Uruapan; premier bus 510

2000H ETA Guadalajara; rice meal dinner 118; Metro Card 50; metro to Guadalajara Centro (line 3)

Hostel Hospedarte Centro 500; Beer snacks 33

TOTAL: $1,340

Day 10: Dec. 06, 2020 Sun / Tequila

0645H ETD Hostel; walk to Old Bus Station

0710H ETA Old Bus Station; Breakfast 30

0730H ETD Old Bus Station; return ticket 210

1000H ETA Tequila; Histórico Centro walk; Tacos meal 39; Tequila pot small 80

1300H ETD Tequila; bus to Guadalajara

1515H ETA Guadalajara; metro to Zapopan

1545H ETA Zapopan Centro (line 3); Zapopan Centro walk; snacks 45

1700H ETD Zapopan Centro

1710H ETA Guadalajara Centro; beer snacks 42

TOTAL: $446

Day 11: Dec. 07, 2020 Mon / Teuchitlán

0630H ETD Hostel; walk to Old Bus Station

0700H ETA Old Bus Station; return ticket 130

0900H ETA Teuchitlan; breakfast 57; Guachimontones Zona Arqueologica 

1200H ETD Teuchitlan; bus to Guadalajara

1400H ETA Guadalajara; metro to Tlaquepaque 

1430H ETA Tlaquepaque Centro (line 3); Tlaquepaque Centro walk; snacks 53

1630H ETD Tlaquepaque Centro; metro charge 17

1700H ETA Guadalajara Centro; beer snacks 179

TOTAL: $436

Day 12: Dec. 08, 2020 Tue / Bus Trip

0600H ETD Hostel; metro to Central Autobuses

0630H ETA Central Autobuses; Mexico ticket 865

0700H ETD Guadalajara; coffee 15

1400H ETA Mexico City (Autobus Norte); Bus ticket 688; snacks 86

1700H ETD Mexico City

TOTAL: $1,654

Guadalajara (Centro, Zapopan, Tlaquepaque, Tequila, Teuchitlán)

Paricutin Volcano (2,774masl) Self-guided Solo Budget Day Hike

30 Days Pandemic Summer Solo Trip in Mexico November 27, 2020 to December 27, 2020

Monte Tlaloc (4,053masl) Self-guided Solo Budget Day Hike

Paricutin Volcano was named one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World because mankind witnessed its birth (in 1943 when a mini-volcano popped up in the cornfield on a fast growing rate, from 410masl now 2,774masl). 

To all those who wish to complete the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.... http://sevennaturalwonders.org/ 

Mexico Day 8 (my 6th of Seven World's Natural Wonders and World's youngest volcano): Self-guided solo major day hike (difficult back trail) to Paricutin Volcano (2,774masl) with 817m elevation, 37km back trail distance for 13 hours (the newest longest distance record I have on a dayhike, got lost for more than 3 hours as I tried to push for circuit trail), the hardest summit assault I ever did and DIY transportation. Guide and horse ride is recommended. #mexico #hiking #lakbaySevenNaturalWonders #livealifeyouwillremember #hikingnomore #DIYneveragain

Budget Estimate: $128 (7 USD)

How to Go: From Uruapan bus terminal, take Angahuan van for $28 fare with 45 minutes travel time, earliest departure is 0530H. From Angahuan main road, walk to Angahuan Tourist Center area where the trail starts. National park fee costs $20 (1 USD). No water source on the trail. Guide and horse ride is recommended if you want to go back to Angahuan before 5pm. You will shoulder guide fee, your horse, your guide's horse and tip for a total of less than $1,000 (depends on your negotiation). 

Places Visited: Church ruin, Paricutin Volcano crater. Despite that Paricutin Volcano is recognized as one of Seven Natural Wonders of the World and Youngest Volcano in the World, it is considered as "off the beaten path" destination in Mexico (not promoted well / less improvement / treated as very ordinary volcano). Paricutin Volcano was named as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World because mankind witnessed its birth (in 1943 when a mini-volcano popped up in the cornfield on a fast growing rate, from 410masl now 2,774masl). The long hike is a 23km circuit trail with 817m elevation gain, but since the majority of the trail has NO MARKS at all (only on summit assault), I was forced to do the back trail. The trail mostly is composed of scattered sharp volcanic rocks, very dusty (sandy) and very steep conic shape summit assault (lots of moving rocks, very slippery). 

Paricutin Volcano (2,774masl) Self-guided Solo Budget Day Hike

Monte Tlaloc (4,053masl) Self-guided Solo Budget Day Hike

30 Days Pandemic Summer Solo Trip in Mexico November 27, 2020 to December 27, 2020

Cerro del Ajusco (3,951masl) Self-guided Solo Budget Day Hike

Mexico Day 6 (Mexico's #9 highest mountain): Self-guided solo major day hike (difficult back trail) to Monte Tlaloc (4,053masl) with 1,186m elevation gain, 24km trail distance (the highest elevation gain and longest distance I have on a day hike, despite not being summitted) and DIY transportation. No national park fee and no registration fee. The mountains on the background are Mexico's #2 and #3 highest. #mexico #hiking #livealifeyouwillremember

Budget Estimate: $250 (16 USD)

How to Go: From Mexico City, take San Lazaro metro station (line 1 & B, fare $5) then walk to Autobus Terminal de Oriente (CAPU). Ask the counter for Rio Frio stop only along Puebla bus which departs every hour with 1.5 hour journey, fare costs $72 one way. On the way back, just go on the other side of the highway point area where you were dropped-off and wait for Mexico City bound buses.

Places Visited: Monte Tlaloc is Mexico's #9 highest mountain. Monte Tlaloc has difficult back trail due to its length and high elevation gain (24km length and 1,186m elevation, the longest distance and highest elevation gain record I have on a dayhike, despite not being summitted). The trail is very dusty and not well identified especially on the summit assault. No national park fee and no registration fee. No water source throughout the trail.

Day 06: Dec. 02, 2020 Wed / Monte Tlaloc

0500H ETD Hostel; metro to San Lazaro, line 1

0600H ETD Mexico; bus to Rio Frio 72; breakfast 46

0745H ETA Rio Frio; start hike

1300H 4,050masl reached, descent start

1615H ETA Rio Frio arrived (24km); walk to highway

1630H ETD Rio Frio; bus to Mexico 50

1800H ETA Mexico; Tacos meal 45; beer 29

TOTAL: $242

Monte Tlaloc (4,053masl) Self-guided Solo Budget Day Hike

Cerro del Ajusco (3,951masl) Self-guided Solo Budget Day Hike

30 Days Pandemic Summer Solo Trip in Mexico November 27, 2020 to December 27, 2020

México City (Centro, Cholula, Puebla, Teotihuacán, Tula)

Mexico Day 4 (City of Mexico's highest mountains): Self-guided solo major day hike (difficult circuit trail) to Pico del Aguila (3,846masl) and Cerro del Ajusco (3,951masl) with 675m elevation, 6km trail distance and DIY transportation (local bus + hitchhike). No national park fee and no registration fee. No water source throughout the trail. #mexico #ajusco #hiking #hitchhiking #livealifeyouwillremember 

Budget Estimate: $200 (11 USD)

How to Go: From Mexico City, take Universidad metro station (line 3, fare $5). Sto. Tomas Ajusco bus departs as soon as its full with 1 hour journey, fare costs $7 one way. Then ask to drop-off to Sto. Tomas junction to Cerro del Ajusco. Take a taxi or hitchhike to Albergue Alpino Ajusco ($50) where the Pico de Aguila trail starts. On return to city, either contract the taxi to wait for you or hitchhike. No national park fee and no registration fee. No water source throughout the trail. 

Places Visited: Cerro del Ajusco is City of Mexico's highest mountain and 11th highest in Mexico country. Pico de Aguila / Cerro del Ajusco difficult circuit trail, major hike (very steep with lots of moving rocks, slippery, boulder trail on summit assault, cold, always foggy, trail not well identified)

Day 04: Nov. 30, 2020 Mon / Cerro del Ajusco

0545H ETD Hostel; metro to Universidad, line 3

0630H ETD Universidad, bus to Sto. Tomas 14; drop-off to Ajusco junction; taxi to Albergue 50

0730H ETA Cerro del Ajusco hike start (circuit) 

1000H ETA Pico de Aguilar summit (3,846masl)

1100H ETA Cerro del Ajusco summit (3,951masl)

1345H ETA Albergue Alpino Ajusco; Tacos meal 100

1445H ETD Ajusco; Hitchhike to City

1530H ETA Viveros metro station; Coyoacán short visit (Viveros, Centro)

1730H ETA Hostel; Tacos meal 50

TOTAL: $214

Cerro del Ajusco (3,951masl) Self-guided Solo Budget Day Hike

México City (Centro, Cholula, Puebla, Teotihuacán, Tula)

30 Days Pandemic Summer Solo Trip in Mexico November 27, 2020 to December 27, 2020

Pandemic Summer Solo Trip in Mexico Summary and Itinerary

Day 01: Nov. 27, 2020 Fri / Mexico Arrival

1325H ETA Mexico UTC -0600H; Airport Exchange: 20 USD = $359 (17.95)

walk outside airport, metro to Guerero line3, $100; Tacos meal 45; Money Exchange: 300 USD = $5,700 (19)

Hostal Amigo (6 nights) $770 (cc) (IsC line1); Taqos meal 51

TOTAL: $196 + $770 (cc) 

Day 02: Nov. 28, 2020 Sat / Puebla (Cholula) 

0620H ETD Hostel; metro to San Lazaro, line 1

0720H ETD Mexico; bus to Puebla 212

0920H ETA Puebla CAPU; bus to Cholula 20; McDonald's Breakfast 76

Chocula Archeological Zone 80; Chocula Centro walk; Quesadillas meal 40

1300H bus to Puebla 10; refreshments 19; Civica 5 de Mayo walk

1630H ETD Puebla Centro; bus to CAPU 10; Tacos meal 59; bus to Mexico City San Lazaro 202

1720H ETD Puebla; bus to Mexico city

1945H ETA Mexico City San Lazaro; metro to home

2030H ETA Hostel; water 4li 28

TOTAL: $756

Day 03: Nov. 29, 2020 Sun / Teotihuacan

0645H ETD Hostel; metro to Autobuses Norte, line 5

0730H ETA Autobuses Norte; bus ticket 104 return

0800H ETD Mexico; pack breakfast 41

0900H ETA Teotihuacan; entrance ticket 80

Zona Arqueologica de Teotihuacán- La Ciudadela (Templo de Quetzalcoatl), Pyramide del Sol, Palacio de Quetzalpapálotl, Pyramide de Luna, Museo (closed)

1215H ETD Teotihuacán; quesadillas meal 50 

1315H ETA Autobuses Norte; Basílica de Guadalupe (La Villa - Basilica, line 6)

Museo Soumaya (San Joaquin, line 7); Chicken meal 90; snacks 16

1730H ETA Isabel La Católica metro; Tacos meal 70

TOTAL: $451

Day 05: Dec. 01, 2020 Tue / Tula 

0620H ETD Hostel; metro to Autobuses Norte, line 5

0700H ETA Autobuses Norte; bus ticket 152; Torta de chorizo meal 61

1030H ETA Tula; walk to Archaeological Zone; Zona Arqueológica de Tula (closed)

Centro Histórico; refreshments 22

1200H ETD Tula; bus to Autobus Norte 152

1400H ETA Mexico; snacks 60;

Chapultepec (Philippine Embassy) (line 1); Palacio de Bellas Artes (hostel walk)

Monumento a la Revolución (hostel walk); Pack snacks 78; taco meal 45

TOTAL: $565

México City (Centro, Cholula, Puebla, Teotihuacán, Tula)

30 Days Pandemic Summer Solo Trip in Mexico

2020-2021 America Pandemic Adventures Filipino Solo Trip

November 27, 2020 to December 27, 2020

My 114th country visited on my journey beyond #lakbay100, 93rd solo backpacking trip, 4th country in North America and of course, usual budget do-it-yourself itinerary from arrival to departure. Mexico served also as the first country on my 2020-2021 America Pandemic Adventures Filipino Solo Trip, the new normal of traveling.

Mexico is officially called the United Mexican States (Estados Unidos Mexicanos). Mexico is ranked as the 7th major destination for foreign visitors, according to the World Trade Organization. Much of the tourist industry revolves around the beach resorts as well as the altiplano in the central part of the country. Visiting the northern interior allows visitors to get off the beaten path a bit. Its extensive coastlines of more than 10,000km include the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Mexico has pleasant and warm weather, unique food, art and archaeology, pyramids, music, history, museums, haciendas, superb architecture and 21st century cities, weather from snow mountains in the Sierras, to rainy jungles in the Southeast and desert in the Northwest. 

https://wikitravel.org/en/Mexico

30 Days Pandemic Summer Solo Trip in Mexico (Mexico City)