Language 
Currency 
No results found
10 Cheap places to visit in Mexico
Looking for cheap places to visit in Mexico? Playa del Carmen, Puerto Vallarta, Oaxaca, La Paz, and Guadalajara might be just what you’re looking for.
If you spend all your time in all-inclusive resorts and visit only touristy areas, a Mexico holiday can be pretty expensive. However, the country has plenty of great budget destinations that make for a great holiday at an affordable price.
Follow along for a list of cheap places to visit in Mexico that’ll provide a good time without breaking the bank.
Avoid hidden data costs
Get the full price upfront with a Holafly eSIM for Mexico. Enjoy unlimited data at no extra cost.
1. Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen, located in the Yucatan peninsula, is a digital nomad hotspot in Mexico thanks to its beauty and affordable accommodation costs. The price of accommodation varies, but the cheapest options are around $15/night or less.
On top of its stunning beaches, the peninsula is famous for its colonial architecture, many cenotes (natural underground pools), and, of course, the ancient Mayan city of Chichen Itza, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, as well as one of the seven wonders of the world.
All of these are fairly easily accessible from Playa del Carmen if you’re willing to rent a car or join one of the many tours in the town. When not exploring the surroundings, enjoy affordable Mayan cuisine or bask in the sun on one of many beaches on the edge of town.
2. Puerto Vallarta
Moving over to the Pacific coast, Puerto Vallarta is another affordable waterfront destination in Mexico. It’s a great vacation spot thanks to affordable accommodation, delicious food, and stunning beaches. You can find stays for $20/night or less here, making it one of the cheaper spots on the Pacific coast.
If you want to stay here longer, there are even volunteering opportunities that allow you to exchange a few hours of your time every day for free meals and accommodation. This means less free time but allows you to save money on any activities you want to take on while visiting the country.
On top of being a great beach getaway, Puerto Vallarta is also known for its nightlife scene. This makes it a place where pretty much anyone can have a good time, regardless if you want to simply lay down and relax or dance and party through the night.
3. Oaxaca City
Oaxaca City, the capital of the Oaxaca region, is a great place to visit thanks to a pleasant climate all year round. It’s also one of the safest regions in all of Mexico, making it a good choice for a family vacation.
What Oaxaca lacks in beaches, it more than compensates for with amazing street food. Snack on some of the best tacos, empanadas, tamales, and tlayudas while exploring the colonial old town. If you want a go at making them yourself, take a cooking class here or simply visit one of the local markets for fresh ingredients.
When your belly is full, spend some time in one of Oaxaca’s many museums, including the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Museum of Cultures, or the nearby Monte Albán archeological zone.
You can fit into $15/night quite easily here, with food and activities also being very reasonably priced.
4. San Cristóbal de las Casas
If you’re looking for a mix of urban exploring and outdoor adventures, San Cristóbal de las Casas might just be the pick for you. Located in the highlands of Chiapas, the town is known for its stunning cathedral in the central park, the Los Altos Museum, and being home to the Textile Center of the Mayan World.
Venture just outside of the town and you’ll find plenty of hiking, ziplining, and rock climbing possibilities. If you plan to explore the outdoors, you might want to avoid the rainy season, which takes place from May to October.
Tours, accommodation, and food are all really affordable here, so you can truly enjoy your stay without breaking the bank. There are a number of accommodation options for $10/night or less, and you can even get a nicer spot with breakfast for around $20/night.
5. Guadalajara
Guadalajara is a cultural hotspot in Mexico, known for its historic city center, mariachi music, and art museums. It also has plenty of affordable hostels and other accommodation for anyone looking to visit Mexico on a budget.
The city is also home to the Guadalajara International Film Festival, usually held in June. It is a week-long festival considered to be one of the most important celebrations of Mexican and Ibero-American film.
You can easily find accommodation for $15/night or less here. Expect the prices for food and accommodation to be higher during the festival due to an increase of visitors. However, it’s more than worth the price if you’re interested in Mexico’s rich culture.
6. Guanajuato
The city center of Guanajuato, as well as adjacent mines, were named a UNESCO World Heritage Site way back in 1988, and it continues to be a notable place in Mexico. It’s also within driving distance from Mexico City, which makes Guanajuato a great option to explore the region without paying a premium for staying in the capital city.
The city is squeezed into a narrow valley, and many streets are too narrow for cars to pass. Thankfully, this gives you a great chance to explore the numerous colorful buildings, underground tunnels, and simply drink in the charming atmosphere of Guanajuato.
Accommodation is available for $15/night or less, and food and activities are also very affordable. Consider joining a walking tour to learn more about the city, visit the Museum of Mummies, and keep yourself full by sampling local street food here.
7. Mexico City
Being a capital city, Mexico City isn’t as cheap as some other destinations. Expect to pay a touch more for food and activities, however, you can still find hostels for $15/night or less, with some as cheap as $10/night.
This means that you can still spend time in Mexico City if you’re on a tight budget simply by picking your activities carefully. Take some time to simply explore the city, try local street food, and visit its many museums.
The city is full of culture and history around every corner, and all you need to do is be there. There are quite a few hiking and exploring possibilities just outside of the city as well, so consider joining a guided tour or exploring the surrounding areas by public transportation to avoid breaking the bank with car rentals.
8. Valle de Bravo
Just two hours outside of Mexico City, Valle de Bravo is a great place for fans of the outdoors. Located on the beautiful Lake Avandaro and surrounded by lush mountains, the city offers plenty of hiking, rock climbing, and exploring possibilities.
You can find accommodation here for as little as $15/night, and with most activities being outdoors, the only other costs you have to worry about are food and travel, both of which are very affordable.
Enjoy charming colonial architecture while in the town and feel a million miles away from civilization when in nature. Needless to say, Valle de Bravo is a great budget destination in Mexico for all things outdoors.
9. La Paz
If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative to Cabo San Lucas, La Paz might just be the pick for you. Accommodation is a touch more expensive than other locations on this list, but you can still find vacation rentals for around $20/night while staying not far away from some of the stunning beaches in the entire country.
On top of basking in the sun and getting a tan, La Paz also offers a range of other marine activities, such as snorkeling, scuba diving, sport fishing and surfing.
10. Cozumel Island
Cozumel Island might be the most expensive spot on this list. However, this stunning island in Riviera Maya is easily worth every penny. You can find accommodation options starting at around $25/night, which isn’t bad for a beach getaway on the edge of the Caribbean Sea.
As you’d expect, the island is most famous for its marine activities, such as snorkeling and diving with turtles, boat tours, and, of course, sandy beaches and turquoise water.
How much you spend here really depends on what you choose to do. But do include some tours and beach activities into your budget to truly enjoy everything that Cozumel island has to offer.
Money saving tips for Mexico
With your travel destinations chosen, it’s time to take a look at some general tips and tricks to make your Mexico trip both more enjoyable and more affordable.
- Book early — the earlier you book your flights and accommodation, the more likely you are to find a decent selection of budget options. This is especially important when traveling during peak season, as many cheap stays can be fully booked a couple of weeks before arrival.
- Use ride sharing apps — taxi drivers in Mexico are notorious for taking advantage of tourists by taking longer routes or applying higher fares. Use ride sharing apps like Uber to avoid being scammed out of your money.
- Take the bus — if you’re looking for a relatively cheap way to explore the country, take the bus. There are many companies offering bus rides throughout Mexico, and a bus ticket will almost certainly be cheaper than a car rental.
- Haggle lightly — haggling is a part of the experience when shopping in local markets or street vendors in Mexico. However, it should always be done with respect. Have some fun and always treat the seller nicely.
- Pack according to climate — Mexico is a big country with a landscape that spans plains and mountains, and weather can differ drastically depending on the region you visit. So check the weather forecast before your trip and make sure to pack accordingly.
- Use an eSIM to stay connected — using an eSIM in Mexico is the most convenient way to stay connected. Buy, set up, and activate your eSIM in minutes, then use your mobile data to get an Uber, check Google Maps, use a translator app, or simply send snaps of your holiday to friends and family back home.
Enjoy unlimited data with Holafly
You’ll never lose connection during your Mexico trip if you get an eSIM from Holafly. All Holafly plans include unlimited data and 24/7 customer support. This pretty much guarantees non-stop connection and timely help if any issues arise.
Avoid hidden data costs
Get the full price upfront with a Holafly eSIM for Mexico. Enjoy unlimited data at no extra cost.
Plans that may interest you
A senior SEO writer from Lithuania, combining my passion for writing and travel at Holafly. With years of experience in technical fields, I'm here to answer all of your questions about staying connected. I specialize in turning even the most complicated topics into something everyone can understand.
