Mexico is home to nearly 129 million people, the world’s largest pyramid, miles of public beaches, and some of the most affordable vacation destinations in the Americas. It’s the third largest country in Latin America and has enjoyed strong tourism for decades. Tourists continue to flock south of the United States border for Mexico getaways that include fabulous beaches, must-see historic sites, and immersive cultural experiences. The best part is, that these vacations won’t break a budget.
Reasons Why Mexico is a Popular Vacation Destination
If you only think of Mexico as: Spring-Break-in-Cancun. Think again. Mexico has so much more to offer. Consider just a few of the top reasons why Mexico is a popular vacation destination for families, romantic getaways, special occasions, business retreats, and more:
- Affordability: 20 Mexican pesos are equal to about one U.S. dollar, so $200 is approximately $4,136 pesos. If you follow these recommendations below for cheap places to vacation in Mexico you can definitely get the most value for your money!
- Beaches: All beaches in Mexico are public, making the gorgeous sands easily accessible.
- Amazing sites: the Great Pyramid of Cholula (largest in the world), the world’s second largest barrier reef, Copper Canyon, the Mayan Metropolis, the ancient fortress at Tulum, and many others.
- Unforgettable cities: Mexico City (the country’s capital and largest city), Mérida (historic colonial city), Guadalajara (capital of the state of Jalisco and second largest city in the country), and Oaxaca (a UNESCO World Heritage Site).
- Cuisine: Truly something for everyone, from classic tamales and tacos to dishes influenced by the ancient Mayan and Aztecs, the Caribbean, the Spanish conquistadores. There is also an abundance of fresh seafood dishes along the coastline.
- Great Accommodations: Visitors can find an expansive selection of guest accommodations throughout Mexico, from all-inclusive resorts to cozy hotels and fantastic vacation rentals.
For your convenience, Casago has offices located in multiple locations throughout Mexico, so you can find a wide variety of property selections to fit your budget and occasion. If you’re looking to book a getaway to Mexico, we’ve got the top five most affordable destinations you don’t want to miss.
Cancun & Playa del Carmen
Its top attraction is right in its name—playa, which means beach. Playa del Carmen sits about 90 minutes south of Cancun, just across the water from the island of Cozumel. It has miles of gorgeous beaches just waiting for you. Be sure to check out Mamitas Beach on 28th Street for a full-service beach club. Also, Coco Beach just north of Avenida. Lastly, the charming Punta Esmeralda located off Fifth Avenue, which is a favorite with the locals.
As a coastal resort city, Playa del Carmen teems with things to do. Located on the Riviera Maya, it’s part of the scenic Caribbean shoreline and is the ideal destination for water sports, boat trips to Cozumel Island, coral reef exploration, & cave and wreck diving. In addition, take advantage of romantic sunset catamaran sails, and, of course, relaxing days on the unspoiled beaches.
Beyond the beaches and water fun, visitors can shop, dine, wine, and people-watch along the sprawling La Quinta Avenida, a pedestrian thoroughfare near the shoreline. The great thing about Playa del Carmen, though, is its affordability. Guests can find a range of accommodations, including vacation rentals for as low as $60 a day for a studio home located steps from shops, nightlife, and the beach.
Sayulita and Puerto Vallarta
We’re listing Sayulita and Puerto Vallarta together because the fishing village of Sayulita is only a short 30 minutes from the bustling PV. Both offer a selection of diverse rentals and are most definitely worth considering when booking an affordable vacation destination in Mexico.
Sayulita and Puerto Vallarta are located on the Pacific Coast amid the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains. Sayulita is a charming village with picturesque beaches, small shops, and great food. It’s not a resort area, so it’s ideal if you’re looking to mingle with the locals and enjoy a relaxed pace at an affordable rate. Vacation rentals may be found from about $60 a night to $350.
Puerto Vallarta is a resort town known for its beaches and nightlife, both of which can be found along the boardwalk, a promenade called El Malecón. On the boardwalk, guests can find fabulous art, galleries, shops, bars, nightclubs, and places to eat. The Marina Vallarta is another hub with more shops, restaurants, and a harbor that can house 500 boats. Nature lovers may enjoy exploring the botanical gardens or booking an eco-tour to see first-hand some of Puerto Vallarta’s natural wonders.
How does Puerto Vallarta rank for affordability? Pretty well! Guests can find vacation rentals from about $65 to $200 a night. If higher end accommodations are needed, those can be found as well. You’ll even find a six-bedroom, luxury condo with its own beach access.
Tulum
Located about an hour south of Playa del Carmen, the town of Tulum offers great prices for vacation rentals. It’s a destination that can’t be missed! Tulum is part of the Mexican Caribbean, which means it boasts white-sand beaches and crystal blue waters. Come for the beaches, stay for the food and attractions. Recently, Tulum has blossomed as an “Instagram-worthy” hot spot, bringing tourists from near and far to experience its charm.
Things to do in Tulum include visits to the beachfront Mayan archaeological site, the sea turtle sanctuary, four different eco-parks. Additionally, you can visit the Sian Ka’an biosphere, a World Heritage site, and outdoor Xcaret parks!
Much of Tulum, from restaurants to shops, can be accessed on foot. It’s a laid-back locale without the glitz of larger resort areas like Puerta Vallarta and Cancun. You can find a range of vacation rentals and hotels for various prices, from about $45 a night and higher. You won’t find all-inclusive resorts within the town of Tulum, but there are some within a short distance.
Guadalajara
Book a trip to Guadalajara today for great shopping, mariachi music, and an immersive cultural experience. From about $65 a night (and higher for some rentals), you can find a vacation rental in the capital of Jalisca. Located in western Mexico, Guadalajara sits between Mexico City and Puerto Vallarta. It’s famous for its mariachi music and tequila and is home to some of the region’s most attended events. These include the Guadalajara International Film Festival, the Jalisco Jazz Festival, and the annual Tequila Festival.
When visiting Guadalajara, top attractions include:
- Basilica of Our Lady of Zapopan, a 17th century sanctuary and abbey
- Catedral de Guadalajara
- Libertad Mercado, one of Mexico’s largest roofed markets
- Andaras, a large shopping mall located in the Zapopan District
- Museo de la Artes, free to the public
San Carlos
The port city of Guaymas is home to San Carlos, a beachfront community on the Gulf of California. From Phoenix, it’s just four hours by car to the Arizona border or about five hours from Tucson. Then, from the border, it’s about a six hour drive. If you’re looking for a real adventure, we recommend staying in Rocky Point for a couple nights before making the drive further south! With its proximity to the Gulf of California/Sea of Cortez, San Carlos is popular for its warm waters, shallow bays, and pristine beaches.
When looking for affordable or cheap Mexican destinations, you can’t go wrong with San Carlos. Guests can find vacation rentals starting at about $50 per night. The options for accommodation vary, but it’s possible to find the perfect place for every group type.
With its seaside location, San Carlos is perfect for water activities, from swimming to boating, snorkeling, and more. There are two large marinas, trails to hike, and an 18-hole championship golf course. San Carlos has dozens of restaurants plus nightclubs and other live entertainment. Plan to stop at the Soggy Peso Bar for lunch and Arbolito’s for seafood. There are boutiques and shopping for all budgets as well.
Vacation Rentals for Any Mexican Getaway
Planning a vacation to Mexico doesn’t have to be stressful. With dozens of affordable vacation rentals in some of the country’s most popular destinations, it’s easy. Book the perfect studio or one-bedroom condo near the beach, plan a corporate retreat, and enjoy the family vacation of a lifetime. Maybe you’ve been thinking about owning a vacation home that you can offer as a rental as well. We can help you with that too.
Ready to visit Mexico? The time has never been better. Start planning today by checking out all the areas where we have vacation rentals. We’re sure you’ll find the one that’s in the perfect location and that fits your budget. Contact us online with any of your questions about affordable Mexico vacation destinations and other getaway hotspots.
