Monkey Abroad

Tepoztlán is considered a ‘pueblo magico’ (magical town) in Mexico, and it’s obvious why; this place is MAGICAL. An hour drive south of Mexico City, it’s a gorgeous little town situated in the middle of vast mountains.

One of the most distinctive features of Tepoztlán is the pre-hispanic culture that still exists here. Namely, in the food. We ate a ton of delicious pre-hispanic food that I’d never even heard of, including tacos acorazados, and itacate. We also drank pulque, a native alcoholic drink that looks like milk!

Parvati has family living here, so we came to stay in Tepoztlán for a few days and explore, and hang out with her loved ones. It was one of the friendliest and coziest spots I’ve visited yet in all of Mexico.

If you ever visit Mexico City, I highly suggest you take a day to visit Tepoztlán. It’ll surely be one of the highlights of your trip in Mexico.

Breakdown of costs ($20 USD = 400 MXN)

Coffee: 25 pesos ($1.25)
Newspaper: 12 pesos ($0.60)
Itacate: 25 pesos ($1.25)
Agua de horchata: 20 pesos ($1)
Apple empanada: 20 pesos ($1)
Tip for flautist: 5 pesos ($0.25)
Gym day pass: 35 pesos ($1.75)
Water: 14 pesos ($0.70)
Fútbol match: FREE
Pozole: 80 pesos ($4)
Special soap: 10 pesos ($0.50)
Hike up to the pyramids of Tepoztlán: FREE
Pulque: 20 pesos ($1)
Taco acorazado: 50 pesos ($2.50)
Tepoznieves: 25 pesos ($1.25)
Pan de elote: 24 pesos ($1.20)
Mexican dessert thing: 10 pesos ($0.50)

TOTAL SPENT: 375 PESOS ($18.75)
LEFTOVER: 25 PESOS ($1.25)

Top Comments:

1. Someone did a great job raising Parvi. She always has such joy in everything ya’ll do. Even the way she looks at you melts my heart. Loved watching the interaction with her brother and friend and it’s easy to tell that family is a very important part of her culture. I love ya’ll!
2. I been a silent subscriber all these years and when I seen you were bringing back $20 traveling I got my bf to watch your videos with me & now hes hooked! Lol. When you have new uploads we watch your videos together after a long day. We’re looking forward to your upcoming traveling videos with parvati!! ❤️
3. love this 20$ series , and this vlog was so amazing to see her family , pre-spanish food too, also Pozole that I will definitely try right here in Paris(2 authentic mexican family owned restaurants serving it), love the editing too!!
4. When you guys are all done with your Central/ South American journey and if you ever make it over to Europe, you’ve got a free place to crash in Spain if you ever make it! 🇪🇸 🍻
5. Great video Kevin, Ive been following you since 2015 or something, went to your same hostel in Hanoi and ran into the same manager on your video, now that you are closer to home which is DR, cant wait to follow your steps in Latinamerica. Ive been many times to México but not to this amazing pueblo mágico. Cant wait to visit!
6. Thank you for the Great video, Kevin! Is it safe traveling through Mexico with all the cartels operating there?
7. I truly loved your video.Real, honest , fun…Well done guys to all the participants. Brill and informative😘
8. Mexico magicooooooo forever!!!!!! Los amo chicos. Sigan por favor 20$ series, es excelente!!
9. Luv this vlog featuring all the local attractions, local people and culture, trek, tasty food and all! Your Spanish is so stoked now. Y’all matching pink are so cute and look so happy! Well spent $20!
10. love your videos man, for real! I do not understand why you are not getting more views on these. You know the YT algorithm more than me but better title labeling of videos and selling your soul to the YT thumbnails is probably where it is at.

Welcome to Cancún, Mexico, where the sea water is five shades of turquoise. Here in the Riviera Maya, it’s a long stretch of Caribbean coastline on Mexico’s northeastern Yucatán Peninsula. Most tourists arrive via Cancún Airport, so why not stay here for a day or two and soak up the sun?

Cancún is a hub of international tourism, and cost of living varies greatly here depending on which area you stay in. Today, we’re gonna find out if it’s possible to find food, accommodation, and transportation here for one whole day with ONLY $20 USD!

Breakdown of costs ($20 USD = 400 MXN)

Hostel Piñata: 120 pesos
Orange agua fresca: 20 pesos
Cochinita Torta: 30 pesos
Public restroom: 5 pesos
Bus to Playa Delfines: 12 pesos
Playa Delfines: FREE
Bus to Hotel Zone of Cancún: 12 pesos
Bus to central Cancún: 12 pesos
Volovane snack: 10 pesos
Water bottle: 11 pesos
Playground pull-up workout: FREE
Mushroom quesadilla & sope: 33 pesos
Bracelet gift at Mercado 28: 20 pesos
Burrito Jumbo: 50 pesos
Esquites: 25 pesos
Marquesita: 30 pesos
Tip for singer: 10 pesos

TOTAL SPENT: 400 PESOS
LEFTOVER: 0 PESOS

Top Comments:

1. After all these years, this is still my favourite travel series ever, television/Netflix included
2. I’m impressed with your language skills. With Chinese, English and Spanish you can likely speak with 90% of the world’s population.
3. Great job with this $20 travel in Cancun! Nice to see the local restaurants, shops and places. Btw…agreed with the working out whenever you can. 💪 y’all share your drinks and meals within $20 are definitely a bonus. 👍
4. 很羨慕，亞洲人在這個年紀都奉獻給工作了。也想出去看看世界。
5. Cancún!!!! El más bello!!! Me encanta cómo aparece Parvi!! 🤩🤩🤩
6. Keep them coming! Love the $20 travel videos. I think you should do multiple episodes in the same city, especially in Mexico (since most people visit a city for at least 5 days) and show all the highlights possible
7. Thank you, Kevin for this amazing day in Cancun!! Love you, guys! 💙💖😍☀️🙏
8. Kevin, I figured out how you learn languages in each country – you have a gf in every country to teach you 😉
9. The only decent places in cancun is literally the hotel beach zone where you need $100 plus to rent a hotel. Downtown Cancun and other beaches outside of the hotel beach zone in Cancun are kind of pitiful areas. But when you’re with Kev it’s still fun 🤪😎
10. Whoa Nelly! Superb editing, very professionally done. Absolutely adore Parvi, the cup and can I say..the water is so gorgeous there! I seriously had no idea that these street vendors existed and love how you’re educating us about how to eat excellent food without breaking the bank. One more thing, the cats seem to find you, no matter where you go. They have good taste!

While filming our video for Mexico city, we ran into ‪@luisitocomunica‬! With tens of millions of followers on YouTube and Instagram, it’s safe to say this guy is a phenomenon in the Spanish/Latin American vlog sphere.

Luisito was so cool, too. When we recognized him, he was excited to film this short collaboration with us. Que buena onda! We took his advice and tried tacos de canasta “basket tacos”, as you’ll see in the video.

Mexico City is truly a hidden gem in the global travel scene. Before visiting here, I was told that it’s dangerous. But after visiting here and exploring many corners of the city, and trying tons of authentic food from CDMX, I feel it’s my duty to share the message that CDMX is amazing!

The fifth most populated city in the world, Mexico City feels and looks like New York city in 1915. It’s got a bustling but classical feel to it, thanks to the sprawling colonial Spanish architecture in the central historic district.

It’s also the taco capital of the world 😉 In this video I ate ELEVEN tacos throughout the day. Damn, I love the tacos here.

Breakdown of costs ($20 USD = 400 MXN)

Metro: 5 pesos ($0.25)
Tacos de pastor: 30 pesos ($1.50)
Organ grinder tip: 5 pesos ($0.25)
Gordita: 22 pesos ($1.10)
Shopping cart taco: 13 pesos ($0.65)
Espresso at Cafe Equis: 20 pesos ($1.00)
Santa Muerte souvenir: 10 pesos ($0.50)
Tacos de Canasta: 18 pesos ($0.90)
Tamarind ball dessert: 5 pesos ($0.25)
Water: 10 pesos ($0.50)
Metro: 5 pesos ($0.25)
Hostel: 60 pesos ($3.00)
Fresh shave: 50 pesos ($2.50)
Bus ride: 6 pesos ($0.30)
Vegan FEAST: 90 pesos ($4.50)
Beer: 35 pesos ($1.75)
Metro: 5 pesos ($0.25)

TOTAL SPENT: 399 PESOS ($19.95)
LEFTOVER: 1 PESO ($0.05)

Top Comments:

1. Dude this looks way more fun than spending hundreds a day and staying at chain hotels hanging with other tourists
2. I suggested you to visit Mexico City a few weeks back and here you are filming there, way surpassing my expectation. I love your works. Keep it up pal!
3. My favorite video. Good food, good laughs and love the people of Mexico! Best thing though is seeing how genuinely happy you are. I think it’s Parv’s simple joy for life that adds to your obvious joy. You two have good aura which makes everyone around you want to be a part of what you are doing.
4. Amo, amo Ciudad de Mexico!!!!!!! Excelente video chicos!!!!
5. Luisillo el Rey palomo con la colaboración espontánea, muy grande! Se les apoya muchachos.
6. Hey, enjoying your vlog and lots of local stuff! There are many flies and wasps that they throw in for free in the market…haha! Who doesn’t luv y’all. Your Spanish is so doped and impressive. Good job! Lastly, the Tacos you rated 11 which must be really goo! 🌮
7. I am from México, i Watched your insta story with lusito, a couple weeks ago and i have been watching all your videos, wish you luck mate!
8. Thanks buddy, you guys are wonderful and thanks again for taking us on a $20/day trips. Keep them coming!!!
9. Waiting for the algo to put you back on the map. My only concern is seeing how good your videos are, they could easily get 1M views but then you’d get rich and the $20 travel would become a thing of the past lol
10. Hey kevin. That was a really beautiful episode man. Reminds me of my time in Mexico city. You always get so much out of your trips. It makes me want to go back. Really love your stuff keep it up. And if you ever want to come to Taiwan I’ll show you a good time

A new season of Traveling for $20 a Day kicks off in Playa del Carmen. Known for its gorgeous beaches and wild nightlife, Playa del Carmen is one of the most expensive and touristy cities in Mexico. But is it possible to travel here for only $20 dollars a day? Let’s find out!

Breakdown of costs ($20 USD = 400 MXN)

Hostel 6/15: 140 pesos
2 breakfast tacos: 30 pesos
1.5l water: 11 pesos
Espresso: 20 pesos
Chicharrón: 15 pesos
Half chicken w/ rice, plus tip: 95 pesos
Outdoor workout at Mario Villanueva park: FREE
Playa Mamitas: FREE
2 slices of pizza: 42 pesos
1 beer at Cerveceria Chapultepec: 23 pesos

TOTAL SPENT: 397 PESOS
LEFTOVER: 3 PESOS

Top Comments:

1. I never thought this day would come 😭😭
2. Oh wow, am I living in a fantasy? $20 a day is really back????
3. What a nice episode, so glad you’ve brought this series back!
4. Yeahhhhh me encanta !! Playa del Carmen es HERMOSO !
5. Great production! I like it when you incorporate the locals as well as tourist when you’re in different locations. What a nice surprise for you as well meeting someone who recognized you while filming. I love Cancun so much and hope to see it featured in one of your upcoming videos. Oh and welcome back $20 a Day, Monkey Abroad, Kevin!
6. Yes it’s back. Waiting for years for this. Yes. Very patient. Thanks. Gracious
7. Such good vibes! Aiden was the highlight of the montage. Aiden how do you do it?! You pop up everywhere. Love it
8. Excellent and educational film. You definitely have the talent to make these outstanding videos! Thank you.
9. Would love to see this in Mexico City- but really, anywhere is good! Definitely planning on living and traveling in Mexico myself eventually, so I’m looking forward to more of these.
10. Mi parte favorita fue el señor con los perritos que rescata, ayyyy🥺🥺💖💖

Mérida is the capital of the Mexican state of Yucatán. Known for its picturesque colonial architecture, Mérida is also considered the safest town in Mexico. It’s also home to the first church built in the Americas, located in the Plaza de la Independencia, the Iglesia de la Tercera Orden.

It’s a gorgeous town filled with friendly people, vibrant marketplaces, and a ton of delicious Mexican street food. Seriously, a TON. We eat like street kings and queens throughout this video. Now it’s time to find out if it’s possible to travel here for one whole day with only $20USD!

Breakdown of costs ($20 USD = 400 MXN)

Hostel Zocalo: 100 pesos
Lotería Mexicana: 4 pesos
Mestiza: 16 pesos
Juevos Mexicanos: 60 pesos
Bubble gum: 1 peso
Didgeridoo player tip: 20 pesos
Outdoor workout at Plaza de la Independencia: FREE
Agua de Jamaica with soda: 14 pesos
Coffee: 12 pesos
Roadside doctor visit: 13 pesos
Boli: 15 pesos
Torta & drink combo: 35 pesos
Nut pie: 30 pesos
Margherita pizza: 70 pesos (split)
Peanut cookie: 14 pesos

TOTAL SPENT: 394 PESOS
LEFTOVER: 6 PESOS

Top Comments:

1. Yo nomás vine a ver el impacto que tiene luisito en sus historias
2. Deja el like si vienes de las historias de Luisito
3. I saw that Luisito Comunica posted you on his last story, so I came here to take a look at your channel! New subscriber!!
4. Vengo de parte de Luisito , parece buen canal toca suscribirse 🐧👌🏻
5. Todo yucatan es una maravilla , cenotes ,sus playas, zonas arqueológicas y su gastronomía!! Bienvenidos a la tierra del faisán y el venado.
6. I watched almost every video about Merida I found and this was by far the best one 🙂 Thanks. Keep up the good work. I am optimistic that the 20 dollar series will soon be back to former glory and even surpass it.
7. Vengo por las historias de Luisito, pero me gustó el contenido así que nuevo suscriptor .
8. Great stuff, Kev! Did ya forget to work out that day and had a nap instead…haha! Luv the local motion and chilling night life! See you next time! 😎
9. Dime que le dijiste a Luisito de venir a Costa Rica porque lo llevo esperando meses🇨🇷🇨🇷
10. Love these videos. Would love to see 2 videos a week, the $20 traveling and seeing more of your travels in between those videos. Cheers!

Welcome to Oaxaca City, the capital of the Mexican state of Oaxaca. With more than 15 churches and cathedrals, vibrant colonial architecture spans the entire city. Oaxaca is known for its food, and it certainly didn’t disappoint (although the breakfast we had was a little sketchy).

The food Oaxaca is known for are “quesillo” (Oaxacan cheese), mole, tlayudas, and chapulines (crickets)! We eat all of these delicious specialties in the video, so you know what to try during your visit here.

Our favorite spots in the city were the Zocalo, and the two primary marketplaces, Mercado 20 de Noviembre, and Mercado Benito Juárez. You’ll see we spent a lot of time in this area of the city.

Thanks so much for watching! Please give this video a thumbs up, leave a comment, and subscribe, if you haven’t already 🙂

Breakdown of costs ($20 USD = 400 MXN)

“Vegetarian” tlayuda: 70 pesos
Teihate (Aztec beverage): 15 pesos
Quesillo (Oaxacan cheese): 10 pesos
Mole negreo: 60 pesos
Outdoor workout: FREE, duh
Mezcal: 35 pesos
Taco dinner (plus taco for Eduardo): 49 pesos
Private room at hostel: 160 pesos

TOTAL SPENT: 399 PESOS
LEFTOVER: 1 PESO

Top Comments:

1. LOL the mushroom trip at the end. Love that! I’ll be living in Oaxaca for 4 months in 2023 so I’m watching as many vlogs as I can. This one is my favorite so far haha
2. About the recent poll you put out, I’m on the side that you should drop the accommodation part of the budget. It takes up too much of the budget and I’m sure many of us would love to see what you could do with the extra money in terms of experiences.
3. Those shrooms looked positively gnarly!!! Amazing edit afterward lol. We love these videos man, hope the SEO pops off soon.
4. I really like that you spend time to talk to the locals. It truly inriches your travel experience ✌
5. Another fun and interesting video!! I love the way you show the real culture and food in different places. I love Mexico and can’t wait to visit again and try food like that…except the crickets!
6. Oh My God! How can you two keep coming up with such nice content? Again, love the way in which you include locals in your content. One never knows what can happen when we cross paths with complete strangers. The editing is brilliant!
7. The ending reminded me of the Phnom Penh episode
8. LOVE the mushroom tripping bro haha I tripped already in Mexico also on some :DDD
9. Always put thumbs up first then watching a video. Great content👍 Hilarious mushrooms ending)
10. Nice vlog Kevin, keep up these $20 vlogs. Prior to my Grandmother’s passing 25 years ago she would make mole at least once every 2 weeks, brings back good memories.

Welcome to Tulum. Known for its expensive resorts and exclusive beaches, Tulum is easily one of the most luxurious towns in Mexico. Stay here long enough and you may just become a part of the mysterious caste known as… Tuluminati.

But with Tulum’s reputation for high-class luxury, is it possible to find food, accommodation, and transportation here for one whole day with ONLY $20 USD? Let’s find out!

Breakdown of costs ($20 USD = 400 MXN)

Mayan Monkey Hostel: 160 pesos
Tulum Ruins ticket: 80 pesos
Tepache (fermented pineapple drink): 20 pesos
Chicken empanada: 15 pesos
Beach Workout: FREE
Water bottle: 12 pesos
Hitchhiking to central zone: FREE
Torta: 40 pesos
Bag of rambutans: 15 pesos
2 vegan tacos: 32 pesos

Chicken tamale: 20 pesos

TOTAL SPENT: 394 PESOS
LEFTOVER: 6 PESOS

Top Comments:

1. The intro was epic. If you can spend $20 in Tulum, y’all did great. The butt sweat was so funny that totally soaked the spot you sat on. BTW…when you mentioned after your nap and Pavarti giggled…must be hanky-panky off camera…lol. Enjoying your vlog! 👍
2. This was actually good. Keep up and eventually the YouTube algo will kick in. Surprisingly I watched the whole thing
3. Can you imagine Kevin ever doing a video like $200 a day in X location. The Universe will probably end that exact day 🤣
4. In a world where the people have an inherent urge to spend huge money to have fun, you do it in the right way. That’s the real essence of travel in my opinion.
5. This series is so great, Kevin and I’m so happy that it’s back! Keep ’em coming! 🙂
6. You guys are a great team. And the freaking hitchhiking YEEEESSSSS!
7. Thank you Kevin, A few days ago I commented on a video you uploaded “I miss the $20 series”. You replied “Stay tuned the series is back soon”. I knew the Monkey would deliver his promise!
8. Kevin, that is awesome that you can not only speak fluent Mandarin Chinese but also know Spanish as well. It is good that you are diverse, and embrace other cultures and languages since not only are you being respectful by doing so, it also brings people together.
9. From China to Mexico, Monkey Abroad is alway fun to watch. I hope we’ll meet you in one of the Mexican cities one day. I’ll make sure to buy you a beer
10. Are you kidding me??!!! This was FANTASTIC!! So many little parts that made me actually LOL. Meditating, looking over at Parvi with one eye…we’ve all done that! The butt sweat…ugh, too many times to count. The music, editing, including locals, along with travelers, the food but the hitchhiking?? Although they looked very nice, so did Ted Bundy. Don’t let your mamma know you did that. 🙂 Oh, loved Parvi’s outfit. You two are a great team and look forward to the next one.

If you enjoy this video, give it a ‘thumbs up’ and leave a comment! Thanks for watching 🙂

We explore the Pudong side of the river in Shanghai, China for $20! We roam Lujiazui, visit a traditional Chinese medicine shop, earn a free fish lunch, and experience an authentic Pudong family dinner with four generations of my friend’s Pudong family!

【 $20 USD = 135 RMB 】
Total expenses for the day:

『 Niangao & pork chop: 15 RMB
『 Soup dumplings: 12 RMB
『 Metro fare: 4 RMB
『 Moxibustion pad: 12 RMB
『 Fish feast (side dishes only): 30 RMB
『 DiDi taxi (split four ways): 10 RMB
『 Fresh market groceries: 48 RMB
『 Metro fare home: 5 RMB

= TOTAL SPENT: 135 RMB

Top Comments:

1. Thank God i found this video ! gonna visit shanghai for the next getaway😆
2. Cant believe this video flew under my radar… loved the video including the stay at the ma family house at the end!
3. Yayyyyy $20 travel is back 🤩 Maybe Dalian next????
4. Missing 20$ Travelling A Day. Welcome back 🙂
5. My man Kevin is back to doing what he does best! Traveling 101 👍😉
6. I really do admire how well you speak their language. As well, its good to see these videos again 🙂
7. Liked this before I even started watching it! Love it dude! I miss China so much
8. wow.. amazing!!! how you did it for guessing right and get the free meals at restaurant… give you a LIKE 👍
9. I’m going to Pudong in November so this was super super helpful. Can’t believe train fares are so cheap!!!!
10. born and raised in new york to shaghainese parents, this is what i ate every day. looks good great video.