May 10, 2011
Facts and more facts
I have finally done some compiling of various figures to come up with the facts of our trip to Mazatlan last fall. We left October 23, 2010 and travelled directly south from Kelowna through Ely, Nevada, to Nogales and finally to Isla de la Piedra, a distance of 2558 miles! We arrived back home via San Carlos, Sonata (Lukeville), Lake Havasu, I5 to Vancouver and finally Kelowna via the Fraser Canyon ( because of snow) arriving April 8th, 2011 with a driven distance of 3108 miles.
Total miles travelled 5666.
Fuel consumed: 755 gallons or 2857 litres
Cost of fuel: very roughly $2797.00 I used the CAD and USD at par and added the pesos in at 10 to 1 so not an exact amount but close enough for us.
RV repairs along the way: $495.00
Propane: $67.83 We left with a full tank and returned with a full tank.
We were gone 167 nights and of course the biggest expense was camping fees. We spent 20 nights on the road coming and going and most of those we boondocked. However in order to get an insurance refund on the 2 vehicles we need proof of the last night in the USA heading south and the first night in Mexico and vice versa for the trip north so in all we spent $150.00 while in the road.
On the Isla we stayed at Tres Amigos RV Park in a spectacular ocean front site.
This is what we left behind (photo by Hugh O)........
...in order to have this as our view!!!!
We think we have found paradise. Tres Amigos has various pricing, from ocean front to fourth row and from monthy, weekly and daily rates.
Our costs for 5 months ocean front: $600.00/month USD = $3000.00
Electricity is additional, you pay for what you use, so we paid: $409.28
Internet is per month and for 5 months we paid: $75.00
A grand total of $3484.28USD…………divided by the 147 nights we stayed there = $23.70USD all included!
Now some might think that is a great deal of money but we think it is a bargain!! Prime ocean front property with electric and internet for less than $24.00 per day!!!
Last year we had a third row spot which all included cost us $14.22 per day. So for only $7.54 more per day we couldn’t have been happier. As it turned out, we had made a great decision and can hardly wait to head south again.
We did spend money on other things like laundry, $1830 pesos ( less than 183.00USD) for 5 months. What a treat to not have to do laundry all winter. Such a deal.
We chose to do a great deal of site improvements such as stairs to the rv, stairs to the beach, soil, pots and plants: $4570 pesos, all of which will be used again next season.
The biggest expense was eating out which we normally don’t so so much but my new attitude is that you only live once: $8000 pesos….yikes!!!!!
An unexpected expense which I had not planned for were the pulmonias, once we took the lancha from the Isla to Mazatlan we needed transportation: $2240 pesos!
Those are the facts and nothing but the facts!!
Where else would you get margaritas delivered with your pizza?
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Hi Contessa:
Those expenses seem quite reasonable, less expensive than what we paid in the US south west this winter. The only thing that surprises me is the fuel cost, perhaps the higher prices in the US because of your later return made the difference.
Besides, it’s the enjoyment of life that’s important!
Al.
Hey compared to a two week vacation in Mexico (or anywhere for that matter) you do save a lot of money it is a very good deal, and it is an amazing place to go, no doubt about that. So if it works for you go for it! And do love a bag full of excellent margaritas for a great price !! And you got to enjoy it for 5 months. And the fuel costs are nothing when you are traveling in the comfort of your own home.
Fuel was more $ than it should have been but I drive 65 to 70 mph and that eats the fuel, probably 2 to 3 mpg. Ask Roger, he knows my style. Just can’t do the Double Nickels (55mph).
The photo of the margaritas made me laugh. You did very well at keeping track of you expenses and I am sure it will help others who are thinking of making the trek down south.
Hi, just wanted to send you a note and say thanks for your latest posting with the budget / accounting of your latest adventure, I was just about to ask you the very question.
At the moment my wife and I have a condo tentatively booked on Cerritos for 6 months over the winter but we are considering other alternatives.
Very tempting lifestyle indeed.
Hola Al…gas prices were all over the place, from 3.079/GAL to 4.189/GAL. Pemex prices seemed steadier at 8.96/Litre to 9.36/Litre!
Trinidad & George, glad someone caught the margarita delivery. Only in Mexico!!
GB…would love to have you visit us on the Isla of you decide to stay at Cerritos or perhpas you will become a neighbor!
Colin, part of our rush is that we just want to get there ASAP!
My husband and I have been following your blog since you started it. Before that we were getting my SIL to forward us your wonderful emails full of news.
My in-laws used to have an RV and drive to Mexico for the winters and we all ended up with places in Cabo. Our family loves Mexico and the two of us are looking forward to be able to tow a 5th wheel to Mexico in the next couple of years. I’ve just retired from working 40+ years and now all we need is the man of the house to retire. Your fur babies are a pleasure to see in the photos and what joy to have them. Our little fur baby we had to put to sleep but we will get another one once we are ready to be a couple of leisure.
Reading your blog brings us such pleasure, we can’t wait to see what your latest information and pictures are. We’re with you in Mexico in spirit all the time and we long to do the same.
You are very fortunate. Live life to it’s fullest and enjoy every bit of it.
Thanks for sharing your world.