There are many great destinations in Mexico for travelers on a budget. These include the famous cities of Mexico City and Mazatlan and smaller towns like Oaxaca City and Loreto. These locations are also home to world-class archaeological sites like the Teotihuacan.
Mazatlan
A vibrant coastal city, Mazatlan is one of the best-kept secrets in Mexico. This city is a thriving metropolis with an architecturally preserved historical center and a fantastic coastline that rivals any beach destination in the country. You’ll find plenty to keep you busy even if you aren’t a beach person.
If you’d like to get out of the sun and get a glimpse of the city, rent a pulmonilla to ride around the town. These golf-cart-like vehicles often have massive sound systems and are perfect for a quick city tour. The drivers speak English, so it’s easy to negotiate a price before getting into the vehicle.
While in Mazatlan, take advantage of the local food scene. The city’s plethora of restaurants and food stands offer a great variety of local dishes. However, if you’re on a tight budget, you’ll want to try a taco stand. They’re open until seven in the evening and are usually packed with locals. The carne asada tacos are local specialties, as are papas local (stuffed potatoes).
While Mazatlan may be home to expensive hotels, it also has some beautiful neighborhoods. Aside from the touristy area, most neighborhoods are home to tree-lined streets, quaint coffee shops, and churches. All of these attractions are within walking distance of the city’s beaches. Major shopping centers and the city’s largest hospital are also within a 10-minute drive.
Isla Mujeres
Isla Mujeres is renowned as one of the most affordable places to visit in Mexico, and if you’re looking for a getaway that’s cheap on a budget, this island is the place to go. The island is just seven kilometers long, and the main road along the coast is lined with restaurants, bars, and souvenir shops. The island is also one of the top tourist destinations in the Yucatan Peninsula, and Lonely Planet’s Yucatan Travel Guide will guide you through everything you need to know.
Isla Mujeres’ small town center has only a few houses on its main street, filled with noisy street vendors, colorful souvenir shops, and restaurants. The main beach, Playa Norte, is a pristine white sand beach with palm trees and turquoise water.
The weather is pretty predictable on Isla Mujeres, with an average temperature of around 83 degrees Fahrenheit. You can plan your trips around it; it will be rainy if you visit during hurricane season. You will need to pack appropriately for the weather.
The cheapest way to get to Isla Mujeres is to take a ferry from Cancun. The trip takes about 20 minutes and is inexpensive. It costs around 20 USD for the round trip, and there’s ample space for your luggage.
Loreto
Traveling on a budget means maintaining the quality of experience. If you want to visit a beautiful Mexican city without breaking the bank, consider visiting Loreto. It is a tropical paradise that boasts a plethora of activities and adventures. From snorkeling and diving to exploring the local cuisine, there’s always something to do in Loreto.
While in Loreto, you should try out whale-watching. Many tour companies offer such a service. You can either rent your paddle board or join a tour that will take you on a private tour. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also go kayaking and take a trip to an island nearby.
Loreto is well-connected to neighboring towns and cities. There is even a new long-distance bus that stops near the city center. Because the city is small, you can easily walk from one part of the town to another. If you’d prefer to get around by car, you can rent a car at the Loreto Centro bus terminal, which is located nearby. You can also hire a cab, but it won’t be cheap, and the drivers won’t speak English.
Loreto is a quiet, laid-back city located on the east coast of Baja California Sur. While it’s far from the glitz and glamour of other popular regional destinations, you can still enjoy the local culture and a memorable stay.
Oaxaca City
Oaxaca City is an excellent place to vacation on a budget. You can stay in a hotel for less than $100 per night or in a hostel for less than $20. You can also take a half-day tour to Monte Alban for just $35. It is also cheap to buy local beers and mezcal cocktails, which usually cost between five and ten dollars.
Oaxaca City is a beautiful city characterized by colonial architecture, leafy plazas, and colorful indigenous art. Wandering through this city is a great way to soak up its unique culture and history. There are many attractions, including a vibrant market and Zapotec archaeological sites.
The average cost of a seven-day trip to Oaxaca City is around M$617 ($31) per person. This average price is based on travel expenses by past visitors. One-day accommodations cost about M$191 ($9.49), and local transportation costs about M$171 ($8.53) per Day. For two people, an average hotel costs around M$536 ($27).
The city is known for its cultural events and festivals. It hosts the Day of the Dead and other celebrations throughout the year. The Day of the Dead festivities take place in November and are a great cultural experience. The city is also home to several annual fiestas. If you go to these festivals, you can meet the local people and have a memorable experience.
Puerto Escondido
Puerto Escondido, Mexico, is an affordable place to vacation. You can find flights for as little as $40 to get there and back. You can also catch a connecting flight to Mexico City for a little bit more. You can also rent a bicycle or scooter to get around. Some hotels can help you arrange for colectivos or bike rentals. However, it’s essential to know that the taxis must be metered. So, it’s best to negotiate the price before you get in the cab.
You can also take part in water sports and wildlife viewing. The city offers several tours, including dolphin, snorkeling, and whale watching. Most tours cost less than $50 each. You can find a tour operator near your hotel or in town. One option is Ecoadventures, which offers kayaking, paddle-boarding, bioluminescence boat, and dolphin-watching tours. Robert’s Ecotours and Aventura Submarina offer other times.
Puerto Escondido may be a good option if you’re on a tight budget. There are many low-cost hotels, cheap food, and inexpensive transport. There’s also free public beach access. It’s also safe. However, as with any tourist destination, you should still exercise common sense and follow government travel advice to ensure safety. Although there are a few incidents of theft or crime, it’s a good idea to stay in groups rather than take any valuables with you. Be especially cautious at night when the beach is empty.
Puerto Escondido is a beautiful beach town in Oaxaca. It’s just an hour south of the city and has stunning beaches. Its picturesque setting is the perfect backdrop for a day of relaxation. You can swim, work on your tan, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the town. Also, you can take a boat tour of the Lagoon of Manialtepec, which glows with bioluminescent lights.
La Paz
Regarding budget travel, La Paz, Mexico, is a great choice. The city is relatively small, and the most prominent attractions are within walking distance. You can even use public transportation to get to the more distant beaches. While you might be tempted to rent a car, that would take away from the fun of your trip. If you don’t want to risk driving, rent a bicycle or scooter to explore the city.
La Paz has some of the best sights in Mexico, including a bayside Malecon with stunning views of the mountains. You can also check out the Cathedral, which dates back to the second half of the 19th century. The city also offers a variety of unique accommodations, including Airbnb rentals.
If you’re a nature lover, La Paz is a fantastic place to watch whales. These majestic creatures migrate through La Paz yearly, stopping in its lagoons to nurse. While whale sightings are not guaranteed, they are a once-in-a-lifetime experience. During this time, you can take a whale-watching tour, which takes you out over the Sea of Cortez.
La Paz also has plenty of beautiful beaches. One of the most popular things in La Paz is visiting the beaches. The white sand beaches are perfect for swimming and relaxing. You can also go kayaking and paddleboarding in the bay’s calm waters.