Explore the Unexpected in Mexico
We get it, winter can be tough in much of the United States, and Mexico is the most affordable option. But where else can we go in Mexico? We're always searching for safe, alternative beach destinations that will still allow us to take advantage of affordable airfare to all the expected airport codes. Believe us, it’s possible to fly into the obvious tourist hubs like Cancun International, Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta, and not stay there. We’ve rounded up six ideal off-the-beaten-path destinations that offer small resorts, quiet beaches and a more authentic cultural experience. The suggestions below minimize your travel time and price tag, but still allow for maximum relaxation in the sun.
If you are worried about safety, keep in mind that it’s very rare for acts of violence to occur against tourists. Additionally, only 5 of the 31 Mexican states, show up on the U.S. Department of State’s travel advisory. Of course, of those five, not a single one is included on our list below. Give this great article a read if you are considering renting a car and driving at all in Mexico. It’s the essential guide for driving tips.
Mérida, Yucatán PeninsulaMérida is a little over three hours by car from the Cancun Intl’ airport. The toll highway is easy and safe. A small detour allows for a stop in Chichén-Itzá and only adds 45 minutes to your drive. A stop in Chichen-Itza should be combined with a visit to the low-key artisian villlage of Yaxunah. Similarly a stop near Valladolid at the Suytun Cenote or at Cenote Zaci only 15 minutes out of the way.
While there are direct flights into Mérida from Denver, Miami and Houston, you can also catch an interior flight from Cancun or Mexico City for around $100 RT; Interjet flies daily and Aeromexico is also a good option.
For those of you needing a little beach time, Mérida less than 30 miles from the tranquil beach town of Progreso and only 1.5 hours from the fishing village of Celestún, home to secluded beaches, locally run hotels, thatched-roof restaurants and the most incredible ecological reserve. It’s in Celestún that you’ll find Las Coloradas, the famous salt lakes that stretch between the Gulf of Mexico and Ria Lagartos. Beautiful Rental property abounds in this less commercial Mexican city and the following hotel options are contributor preferred.
Coqui Coqui
This spot is more luxurious, private and affordable than any resort property you’ll find in the Riviera Maya. It’s top of the list for a range of contributors who’ve been to Mérida. It’s a small property though, so if it’s booked, check out the equally fabulous, as well as historical, Casa Lecanda Hotel. They own one of the best restaurants in town.
Rosas & Xocolate
Located in the historic center of Mérida this little property has an onsite spa and restaurant. The rooms are spacious and bright, and the gorgeous outdoor pool compliments a lovely local staff. Children are welcome but if you want to venture a little further towards the Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve in Celestún consider a family stay at the Casa De Celeste Guesthouse.
Casa Lecanda Boutique
Central to the heart of the city, this unique building offers high ceilings, unusually large bathrooms, original stone floors, a private swimming pool, and the most charming of spaces, including a wine bar and extensive outdoor patios.
If you are a hotel points aficionado, then in Merida you can check out several Marriott Luxury Collection Hotels, including Hacienda Santa Rosa, Hacienda Temozon & Hacienda San Jose.
Isla HolboxOnly 1.5 hours north of the Cancun airport, this dreamy, quiet island is free of chain hotels and ideal for relaxation. It’s very easy to secure a driver for the 2 hour ride to Port of Chiquilá, where you’ll take a short ferry ride to Holbox. Our comprehensive Roam Guide to Holbox outlines a number of quaint family friendly properties only steps away from the warm, calm, waist deep Caribbean water. Get there before the rest of the world discovers this island paradise.
Hotel Punta Caliza
If you are interested in a couples getaway this adults only property is quite unique. Built as a design hotel it’s very modern but it’s also family owned so very welcoming and incredibly special.
Casa Sandra
Contributor favorite and Sandra offers the best of laid back luxury. A stunning property full of charming details, including exquisite artwork and hidden cabanas. The perfect place to disconnect and relax.
Casa Cat Ba
A Mayan style villa with only five rooms, just steps from the beach. This gorgeous property is the ultimate in relaxation. If traveling with a group, you are able to rent the entire house, but keep in mind that children under 12 are not allowed.
If you are looking for accommodations for a family of five or six, Casa Astral offers a two bedroom apartment with three king beds.
Bacalar / Costa Maya, Quintana Roo Similarly to Mérida, you can drive to Bacalar / Costa Maya from Cancun in about 4 hours. To orient yourself on its location, the area is only 2.5 hours south of Tulum in the southernmost part of the Yucatán Peninsula near the border of Belize. While Bacalar sits lakeside in a lagoon perfect for swimming, kayaking and snorkeling, you’ll also find untouched cenotes for exploring nearby. Just a just a stones throw away are the breathtakingly spectacular Mayan Ruins known as the Valley of the Masks. If your preference is to fly, it’s an easy 2 hour trip from Mexico city to the Chetumal airport, again, on Interjet for less than $200. This whole area is not only tranquil and safe but extremely affordable.
Casa Bakal
The lake’s calm, turquoise waters are reminiscent to that of a private island and this quaint hotel offers bungalows, cabins and private rooms at the foot of the lagoon. If booked a nice alternative is Casa Chukum Bacalar
AlmaPlena Eco Beach Resort
2 hours from the Chetumal airport, this intimate hidden gem does not sit lakeside but instead oceanfront on the Caribbean end of the Yucatan peninsula. They have eight charming suites right on Puerto Angel Beach in Costa Maya.
Costalegre, Jallisco Instead of the more-developed areas north of Puerto Vallarta, namely Punta de Mita and Riviera Nayarit, we suggest you fly into PVR and head the other direction along Highway 200, which connects Puerto Vallarta to Manzanillo. It’s along this famed pacific coastline, you will discover the quieter unspoiled beaches of Costalegre. In fact, just 15 miles outside of Puerto Vallarta’s commercial zone you’ll start to find secluded properties like, Villa Armonía Luxury Boutique Hotel and the private villas at Hotelito Mio. Venture a couple hours further and you’ll find the luxurious hideaways and virgin beaches that make up this emerging Mexican destination.
Costa Careyes
This gem of a resort offers isolated luxury, within range of two equally convenient airports (Puerto Vallarta & Manzanillo). The property is the most expansive of those on our list but they offer multiple two and three bedroom units. This place is iconic undiscovered Mexico with killer views.
Las Almandas
This secret hacienda style retreat is nestled inside a nature preserve with only 16 suites. The seven villa property provides private transfers to the resort and enough seclusion to feel like royalty without costing you a fortune. You’ll enjoy complete solitude to take advantage of the private beaches and spa services, and leave feeling like you discovered a hidden paradise.
Rtip: For a truly off the grid, low key, locals-only kind of vacation you’ll find the unspolied beach of Yelapa. With very few hotel and restaurant options, many tourists opt only to visit for the day, so it’s not for everyone. But if that interests you simply charter a boat 20 minutes from Boca de Tomatlan or take a water taxi from Los Muertos Beach in Puerto Vallarta. Once in Yelapa you can stay at the isolated Casa Bahia Bonita or at the unforgettable adults only Verana boutique property.
Todo Santos, Baja Peninsula There is an isolation and beauty to this less commercialized Mexican destination 1.5 hours north of Los Cabos. The authentic and sleepy town on the southwest edge of the Baja peninsula offers a serene escape from everyday life. Horseback riding on the beach, quiet streets and swim-able beaches add to Todo Santos appeal. While we mentioned our love of Rancho Pescadoro in our Roam Guide to Quaint Mexican Resorts, historically they have not allowed children, and currently they remain closed for expansion until 2021. You’ll see the most variety in accommodations in the form of Vrbo rental properties, but there are a handful of quaint hotel options as well.
Hotel San Cristobal
Tucked between the ocean and the mountain range, this 32 room luxury hotel is perfect for those looking to experience isolated Mexican charm, yet still be catered too. Children over 12 are welcomed and their gift shop is to die for.
Hotel Casa Tota
This great small hotel property is exceptionally affordable, offers 15 room choices and welcomes kids. Although it is in a great downtown location, with both a pool and a rooftop patio, it is not on the beach.
Huatulco & Puerto Escondido, OaxacaUnlike the commercialism that has over wrought areas of Cancún, Tulum and Los Cabos, Huatulco remains low-key, authentic and affordable. Many people do not realize that similarly to the aforementioned tourist hubs you can fly direct to Huatulco for roughly the same price. Without leaving the surrounding area you can immediately explore the hidden coastal bays as outlined in our comprehensive Roam Guide to Huatulco. The famed Hierve el Agua (pictured below) is only 6 hours from here. Alternatively you can venture two hours along the coast to the little surf town of Puerto Escondido. Best enjoyed in an Vrbo rental house if you are traveling as a family, but also lovely to take in from the smaller adults-only properties listed below.
Casa De Olas Boutique Hotel
The more affordable of the two options in this post. Eight guest rooms enjoy a shared kitchen and outdoor pool as well as a private terrace although they offer no direct beach access.
Hotel Escondido
45 minutes beyond Puerto Escondido in Llano Grande this hotel resort has everything you need to disconnect and recharge. This relaxing beach club and spa offers 16 fabulous bungalows along the unspoiled pacific coast.
