7 Affordable Mexican Beach Towns
Are you looking for an affordable vacation to Mexico? Thankfully, there are plenty of reasonable beach towns left that have not been overtaken by tourism and five-star resorts. With nearly 6,000 miles of coastline, these are the most budget-friendly beach towns in Mexico.
Playa del Carmen
This Riviera Maya coastal town attracts high numbers of international backpackers who bunk in hostels, guesthouses and budget-friendly hotels. When booked in advance, you can find rooms for as low as $35. For cheaper restaurants, eat two or three blocks away from the ocean to ensure local-friendly prices. This party town offers a mix of cheap and expensive bars, clubs and lounges that meets every traveler’s budget. Playa is classier than Cancun, but still rocks a party-town atmosphere.
Mazatlán
Mazatlán is one of the country’s oldest international resort towns and is arguably Mexico’s most affordable beach resort town. Travelers who want to stay long-term can rent an apartment for as low as $400 per month. With miles of coastline and gentrified streets, Mazatlán is an ideal place for snowbirds during the winter months.
Loreto
Baja’s Loreto region invites adventurous travelers to experience the best sea kayaking and whale watching. This Sea of Cortez area is an ideal breeding ground for whales, dolphins, seals and other animals due to the gentle waters. Guests can rent apartment-style cabanas or hotel rooms for as low as $70 per night.
Pátzcuaro
For a different type of Mexican experience, take a look at Pátzcuaro. This small colonial town sits 200 miles west of Mexico City on the thickly forested shores of Lake Pátzcuaro. Here, traditional adobe-style houses with red tile roofs sit 7,200 feet above sea level. The native Purepecha Indians have a strong presence and host several religious ceremonies every year. It is easy to find lodging for less than $100 per night.
Todos Santos
This Baja beach town is an artist’s paradise, with the colorful atmosphere inspiring many painters. The ocean can develop strong rip tides, though, which doesn’t make it a great beach for all-day swimming. Room rates cost around $100.
This popular Riviera Maya destination is one of the most visited beaches in Mexico. Due to mass tourism, all-inclusive hotels can offer competitive rates charging less than $100 per night for room and board. Cancun is an ideal beach town for those who want to drink and party all day—or night—long.
Troncones
Located on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, Troncones is a small fishing village located on one of the last few remaining stretches of sand unspoiled from high-rise hotels. This beach is perfect for surfing, snorkeling or just relaxing in the sun. The town is home to several hundred family-owned inns, guesthouses and restaurants, with rates starting as low as $70 per night.
