A place so colorful that it can fill your untainted life with hues of joy, Mexico is a magical place that stirs up reposed emotions. Everything from chic Mexico City, sandy bays of Tulum, to delicious Tacos al Pastor served by Cholas along the streets, this destination has every single shade of love and exhilaration. Despite the political upheavals, Mexico still stays in the heart of millions of travelers and continues to be amongst the top vacation spots in the world.
However, with every foreign destination comes the confusion pertinent to the traveler's cost, chap spots to be at and everything in between. Not anymore. Here are some of the affordable yet fun holiday destinations in Mexico
1. Loreto
Geographically located on the Baja California Peninsula, there is more to Loreto than water sports and clear blue sea waters. Come to this spot to witness the flipside of the chirpy Mexico. Appreciate the age-old traditions, churches that are century's old, and preserved remains of the prehistoric cave paintings at the Sierra de la Giganta mountain range. Spring is the most awaited season of the year as travelers get an opportunity to experience the magic of Mother Nature, migration of water species, church and rarest of fauna. After an arduous vacation, you can find solace in the arms of the cool splashes at the beach and may participate in the fishing activities or snorkeling.
Hotel Rates: $50 per night for a best 3-star hotel.
2. Mazatlan
Pearl of the Pacific that enchants people with its gorgeous landscapes and rich history, Mazatlanis more than what catches your attention. As you walk down the rowdy alleys of this city and meet new people, you will also get to witness the magnificence of the old architecture that leaves everyone spellbound with its dilapidated walls, sagging persona yet an ageless beauty. What else is there in this surfing haven? Go check out the beauty of the ancient cathedrals, cacophonous Zona Dorada, and just enjoy being with new people.
Hotel Rates: $70 per night for a best 3-star hotel.
3. Todos Santos
Another popular holiday spot in the Baja California Peninsula, Todos Santos is loved by artists, surfers and adventure junkies from all over the world. You will be marveled to experience different facets of this place and meeting people with varying traveling interests. History enthusiast or not, you will definitely be reeled in by the local Profesor Nestor Agundez Martinez Cultural Center, and a number of historical sites that narrates the golden culture of Mexico. Moving on to stirring up the conjured up youthful desires in you, San Pedrito, Los Cerritos, or La Pastora have beaches for you to try surfing and windsurfing.
Hotel Rates: Falls in between $30-$90 for a best cheap 3-star hotel.
4. Troncones
A beautiful beach village at a close proximity to the Zihuatanejo-Ixtapa International Airport, Troncones is popular amongst travelers who love beaches, like the mild suntan and drinks. The beaches, apart from popular water sports, also witness health vacationers who come here during spring and summers for the affordable Yoga retreats and all women vacations. The four main surf spots: La Saladita, Troncones Point, the Ranch, and La Boca together make this destination a favorite spot for people of all ages.
Hotel Rates: $80 per night for a 3-star hotel having top amenities.
5. Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen will steal your heart with its ethereal beauty and stretched coastal lines. Third largest city in the state of Quintana Roo, this vacation spot is famous for the natural bounties like the kaleidoscopic coral reefs, coastal lines, palm trees lining the amazing beaches, and nightclubs that balances the country life of this spot in the most luring way. Not to forget, Quintana Roo is a mecca for health vacationers who seeks to participate in affordable Yoga retreats and some of the most pocket-friendly adventure retreats in the world.
Hotel Rates: $50 per night for a well-equipped 3-star hotel
6. Oaxaca City
Affordable and full of indigenous Mexicans, Oaxaca City is a place to witness the colonial architecture and rich culture. If saving money is on your mind, then look no further than this beautiful city, as the hotel rates starts from as low as $15 per night. Here for some real Mexican food? Well, you have it as Oaxaca is recognized as Mexico's top culinary destination serving authentic Mexican delights to people coming in from different parts of the world. Also know as the "land of the seven moles", you can buy meticulously designed artistic handicrafts and souvenirs.
Hotel Rates: Falls in between $20-$50 per night.
7. Xilitla
Xilitla represents the abundant flora in Mexico with lush jungles, waterfalls and gardens to lure you to the core. One of the most interesting sites here is the once-abandoned garden owned by the English artist Edward James, which was later declared as a national cultural heritage site in 2012. This garden has some amazing artistic work done to it. Known as Las Pozas, you will be taken aback by the in-depth decorated columns and sculptures that offer a personality to this otherwise unpretentious heritage of Mexico.
Hotel Rates: $17 per night for a nice hotel.
8. Sayulita
Recognized for organizing popular retreats, Yoga retreats and spiritual gatherings on the beaches, Sayulita is an affordable yet the prettiest beach town in Mexico. You cannot get enough of the natural beauty reflected in the thriving flora, untouched beaches, and just the best peaceful natural ambience. You will low-key feel a little bohemian vibe in some part of the town by the way people dress and conduct themselves. If this is not enough luring for your soul, then get ready to taste some wonderful food at local eateries and well-known restaurants.
Hotel Rates: $15-$20 per night
9. Cholula
If you are wondering where the spicy Cholula sauce got it name from, then you are spot on. Cholula is located next to Puebla and is known for its happening nightlife, and great Mexican food along the streets and local eateries. Do not miss to visit the world-famous pre-Hispanic Tepanapa Pyramid, which is actually the widest pyramid ever built. As a visitor, you can go all the way to the top of this pyramid and travel through the tunnel underneath. Wait, your trip does not end here as there is more. Head over to the nearby villages of Tonantzintla and Acatepec.
Hotel Rates: $20-$25 per night.
10. Patzcuaro
Want to experience a slice of real delicious Mexico, then head over to Patzcuaro. The small colonial town is geographically located on the edge of Lake Patzcuaro, which is at 7,000 feet above sea level. Wrap up the magnificence of the terracotta-tiled roofs, and narrow cobbled streets in your hearts forever as cherished memories. The island of Isla Janitzio here is one of the popular five islands that can be easily accessed through mini boat rides. Visit the place to embrace a strange yet a gratifying spiritual experience. You will also get to meet and come across a lot of indigenous Purepecha people here.
Hotel Rates: $20-$100 depending upon the choice of hotels.
11. Cozumel
If Mayan culture attracts you and beach is what you need in your life right now, come down to Cozumel. The island is a favorite amongst travelers owing to its coral reefs, diverse underwater life and cruise ships. Cozumel is a 'dream come true' for travelers who would love to experience the best of water sport activities and Kayaking. Another aspect about this destination is its quiet beaches, Yoga retreats and meditation sessions that are meant to enliven your soul. Moreover, get that needed dose of history and dated culture by visiting San Gervasio and El Cathedral ruins.
Hotel Rates: $30-anywhere around $100+ depending upon the choice of accommodation.
Kerry Murphy is blogging at Retreat Kula, a website that offers yoga retreats and yoga teacher training and yoga retreats in Mexico around the world. He is always on the lookout for interesting places to visit. It took him 25 years of his life to realize where his true calling lies, but once that was done, there's been no looking back. Since the last ten years that he is on the go, He is sharing his travel experiences by writing about them.
However, with every foreign destination comes the confusion pertinent to the traveler's cost, chap spots to be at and everything in between. Not anymore. Here are some of the affordable yet fun holiday destinations in Mexico
Geographically located on the Baja California Peninsula, there is more to Loreto than water sports and clear blue sea waters. Come to this spot to witness the flipside of the chirpy Mexico. Appreciate the age-old traditions, churches that are century's old, and preserved remains of the prehistoric cave paintings at the Sierra de la Giganta mountain range. Spring is the most awaited season of the year as travelers get an opportunity to experience the magic of Mother Nature, migration of water species, church and rarest of fauna. After an arduous vacation, you can find solace in the arms of the cool splashes at the beach and may participate in the fishing activities or snorkeling.
Hotel Rates: $50 per night for a best 3-star hotel.
2. Mazatlan
Pearl of the Pacific that enchants people with its gorgeous landscapes and rich history, Mazatlanis more than what catches your attention. As you walk down the rowdy alleys of this city and meet new people, you will also get to witness the magnificence of the old architecture that leaves everyone spellbound with its dilapidated walls, sagging persona yet an ageless beauty. What else is there in this surfing haven? Go check out the beauty of the ancient cathedrals, cacophonous Zona Dorada, and just enjoy being with new people.
Hotel Rates: $70 per night for a best 3-star hotel.
3. Todos Santos
Another popular holiday spot in the Baja California Peninsula, Todos Santos is loved by artists, surfers and adventure junkies from all over the world. You will be marveled to experience different facets of this place and meeting people with varying traveling interests. History enthusiast or not, you will definitely be reeled in by the local Profesor Nestor Agundez Martinez Cultural Center, and a number of historical sites that narrates the golden culture of Mexico. Moving on to stirring up the conjured up youthful desires in you, San Pedrito, Los Cerritos, or La Pastora have beaches for you to try surfing and windsurfing.
Hotel Rates: Falls in between $30-$90 for a best cheap 3-star hotel.
4. Troncones
A beautiful beach village at a close proximity to the Zihuatanejo-Ixtapa International Airport, Troncones is popular amongst travelers who love beaches, like the mild suntan and drinks. The beaches, apart from popular water sports, also witness health vacationers who come here during spring and summers for the affordable Yoga retreats and all women vacations. The four main surf spots: La Saladita, Troncones Point, the Ranch, and La Boca together make this destination a favorite spot for people of all ages.
Hotel Rates: $80 per night for a 3-star hotel having top amenities.
5. Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen will steal your heart with its ethereal beauty and stretched coastal lines. Third largest city in the state of Quintana Roo, this vacation spot is famous for the natural bounties like the kaleidoscopic coral reefs, coastal lines, palm trees lining the amazing beaches, and nightclubs that balances the country life of this spot in the most luring way. Not to forget, Quintana Roo is a mecca for health vacationers who seeks to participate in affordable Yoga retreats and some of the most pocket-friendly adventure retreats in the world.
Hotel Rates: $50 per night for a well-equipped 3-star hotel
6. Oaxaca City
Affordable and full of indigenous Mexicans, Oaxaca City is a place to witness the colonial architecture and rich culture. If saving money is on your mind, then look no further than this beautiful city, as the hotel rates starts from as low as $15 per night. Here for some real Mexican food? Well, you have it as Oaxaca is recognized as Mexico's top culinary destination serving authentic Mexican delights to people coming in from different parts of the world. Also know as the "land of the seven moles", you can buy meticulously designed artistic handicrafts and souvenirs.
Hotel Rates: Falls in between $20-$50 per night.
7. Xilitla
Xilitla represents the abundant flora in Mexico with lush jungles, waterfalls and gardens to lure you to the core. One of the most interesting sites here is the once-abandoned garden owned by the English artist Edward James, which was later declared as a national cultural heritage site in 2012. This garden has some amazing artistic work done to it. Known as Las Pozas, you will be taken aback by the in-depth decorated columns and sculptures that offer a personality to this otherwise unpretentious heritage of Mexico.
Hotel Rates: $17 per night for a nice hotel.
8. Sayulita
Recognized for organizing popular retreats, Yoga retreats and spiritual gatherings on the beaches, Sayulita is an affordable yet the prettiest beach town in Mexico. You cannot get enough of the natural beauty reflected in the thriving flora, untouched beaches, and just the best peaceful natural ambience. You will low-key feel a little bohemian vibe in some part of the town by the way people dress and conduct themselves. If this is not enough luring for your soul, then get ready to taste some wonderful food at local eateries and well-known restaurants.
Hotel Rates: $15-$20 per night
9. Cholula
If you are wondering where the spicy Cholula sauce got it name from, then you are spot on. Cholula is located next to Puebla and is known for its happening nightlife, and great Mexican food along the streets and local eateries. Do not miss to visit the world-famous pre-Hispanic Tepanapa Pyramid, which is actually the widest pyramid ever built. As a visitor, you can go all the way to the top of this pyramid and travel through the tunnel underneath. Wait, your trip does not end here as there is more. Head over to the nearby villages of Tonantzintla and Acatepec.
Hotel Rates: $20-$25 per night.
10. Patzcuaro
Want to experience a slice of real delicious Mexico, then head over to Patzcuaro. The small colonial town is geographically located on the edge of Lake Patzcuaro, which is at 7,000 feet above sea level. Wrap up the magnificence of the terracotta-tiled roofs, and narrow cobbled streets in your hearts forever as cherished memories. The island of Isla Janitzio here is one of the popular five islands that can be easily accessed through mini boat rides. Visit the place to embrace a strange yet a gratifying spiritual experience. You will also get to meet and come across a lot of indigenous Purepecha people here.
Hotel Rates: $20-$100 depending upon the choice of hotels.
11. Cozumel
If Mayan culture attracts you and beach is what you need in your life right now, come down to Cozumel. The island is a favorite amongst travelers owing to its coral reefs, diverse underwater life and cruise ships. Cozumel is a 'dream come true' for travelers who would love to experience the best of water sport activities and Kayaking. Another aspect about this destination is its quiet beaches, Yoga retreats and meditation sessions that are meant to enliven your soul. Moreover, get that needed dose of history and dated culture by visiting San Gervasio and El Cathedral ruins.
Hotel Rates: $30-anywhere around $100+ depending upon the choice of accommodation.
Kerry Murphy is blogging at Retreat Kula, a website that offers yoga retreats and yoga teacher training and yoga retreats in Mexico around the world. He is always on the lookout for interesting places to visit. It took him 25 years of his life to realize where his true calling lies, but once that was done, there's been no looking back. Since the last ten years that he is on the go, He is sharing his travel experiences by writing about them.