Any suggestions for a Mexico beach vacation?
 

My wife and I are planning a trip to Mexico in December. The prices are very high in that season. Can anyone suggest an affordable destination on the beach?

We have been looking for an affordable holiday as well. We had really wanted to go to Puerto Escondido as everyone who has been there really loves it and it seems very reasonable to stay there. Our problem was when we looked into transportation costs to get there. It may be different from where you are, it is worth checking out. We are instead going to Barra de Navidad, which is about a 3 hour drive south of Puerto Vallarta or 1 hour drive north of Manzanillo. The airfare into PV is quite cheap and the accomodations in the Barra de Navidad area (there is also a town called Melaque and a few others near it) are very reasonable. $30-$60 US a night. We have gotten a lot of info of the internet on the area and it sounds great. The WOTW mexico bulletin board has some info on it, there is also a Barra de Navidad page (and info on Puerto Escondido) at
www-3.eden.com/~tompaz/bar-cmt1.html Good Luck! We are leaving for Barra in less than a week, if you are considering it, feel free to E-mail us at the beginning of April and we will tell you what it was like. It doesn't sound like a resort holiday, but more rustic, I can't wait!

My wife and I have been to Mexico many many times our favorite is Playa Del Carmen. Playa is on the mainland directly west of the island Cozumel. Accommodations vary in price range from $20 - 300
per day Take a look on the internet at a place called the Blue Parrot great lazy little place with hammocks and swings for barstools and just about 15 ft from the ocean the all inclusives in the area are also a very good bargain. A typical 8 day 7 night all you can eat and drink, airfare from Dallas and hotel runs about $700 per person Don't know where you live but this may give you some idea
Hope this helps let me know if have any questions I'll be happy to respond
Thanks Dave F.

I agree with the previous suggestion of Playa Del Carmen; it's a wonderful place. I might also consider Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo. It offers a nice blend of activities in a resortlike atmosphere without being overly crowded. There is a wide range of accomodations there as well; look into the all-inclusives. Hope that was of some help.
My wife are going next month; e-mail me for more info.

My husband and I want to go to Mexico. Problem, he doen't swim or do water sports, but thats what I go for. What can he do. DESPERATE in Canada

One of the guide books describes Troncones (about 35 km north of Ixtapa) as
one of the seven best places in Mexico to get away from it all.

Troncones is a village area with several B&Bs, several restaurants, and a
few private houses available for vacation rental.

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Looking for a house on the beach for a Mexican vacation?
Look no further.
http://rogue.northwest.com/~holt/privatevacations/7211

Fly to Cancun walk out of the airport go to your right walk about 1 mile to the highway and go to your left and youll see busses that go into Cancun
take the bus through the hotel district and continue
to the bus terminal (ask driver to tell where to catch the bus to Tulum) catch that bus, after you
get to Playa Del Carman (1 hour or more) from here south to Tulum there are many cheap hotels and palapas right on the most beautiful, uncrowded beaches I have ever seen. The hotels are 30-40 dollars, the palapas RIGHT ON THE BEACH can be had for 10-25 dollars a night. they are awesome , there
are restaurants and a little night life in most places. The food is inexpensive (mostly Fresh Seafood) the main highway is only about a mile away
from the beach. There are several buses running all
day, they can take you to cancun or to the ancient mayan ruins only a short ride away (Fare 1-2 dollars) I have done this twice a year for 8 years
and find that after your airfare is paid bring 300 or 400 dollars a week for two people (generous estimate) Its paradise and you will definitely be back. if you want more specific info E mail me.
ADIOS

PUERTO VALLARTA...PUERTO VALLARTA...PUERTO VALLARTA!!!

Kathee,

One thing about Cabo San Lucas, Baja, Mexico, is that you can walk anywhere you want to go. While you are fishing or on a jetski your husband can explore the town, docks or visit with people he meets at the local hangout on the beach while watching you do your thing. Everything is here in Cabo....and we have great accommodations too. Check out www.cabo-villas.com and www.bahiacondos.com

Kathy,
In addition to Cabo San Lucas you might consider Puerto Vallarta which would be my choice, any time. My wife and I have been there many, many times and never tire of it. Choose somewhere in the old town or just south of it. A mile or so north of the town is the start of what we call the "Miami Strip" all the way to the airport and then on to Nuevo Vallarta which is a more recent development. We prefer to avoid these kid of areas.

The southern half of Banderas Bay is by far the best for swimming and all other "wet" fun. Equally, the old town has charm and many fascinating sights, restaurants and places to visit. You could easily "split" for a few hours and meet for cocktails, etc. at one of the many hundred of spots. Your husband could walk and walk and walk and pass endless interesting hours in and around the old town. Take the local buses (they're very inexpensive)up and down. There is no limit. My wife and I love to roam the streets and do so, day or night. Puerto Vallarta is quite safe.

Actually, we leave on March 29th for 3 weeks there. I can't wait. You have the advantage, too, that there are many charter flights from Canada direct to PV which makes the transportation more attractive that going to other off-beat places.
Another "plus" for PV is that is the second city in Mexico to have a "certified" public water supply.

If I can help you further, please e-mail me before I leave. Regards,

George Quigley.

My husband and I vacationed in Mexico for 4 years . . our land activities included horse riding, ATV tours, motorcycle/motorskooter drives, and touring things like Tequila factories.

My husband and I vacationed in Mexico for 4 years . . our land activities included horse riding, ATV tours, motorcycle/motorskooter drives, and touring things like Tequila factories. Also, a lot of great golf.

Try Zihuatanejo area. Besides Zihua itself (and of course Ixtapa) there are two wonderful places closeby. Troncones which is about 30 minutes north of Ixtapa and Barra de Potosi about 20 minutes south of Zihua (15 minutes south of the airport). Barra de Potosi is my favorite spot...gorgeous! A nine kilometer estuary flows into the sea at the corner of a wide bay. In the corner formed by their juncture is a tiny very picturesque fishing village (6 sguare blocks). There is a cluster of palapa restaurants on the beach and along the edge of the estuary. Still undeveloped, the people are friendly and spirited. There is only one hotel but the first bed and breakfast, under construction in the village, is due to open soon. There are also several private vacation bungalows for rent on the beach. The place is full of shore birds. You can rent horses from a very nice guy named Nacho. Have him take you for the two hour ride across the bar to the virgen beach on the other side called "Sanctuary of the Turtles" because that's where they go to lay their eggs. You can also rent boats or canoes to expllre the estuary. The beach is good for swimming (not the case in Troncones since it's open sea there).This is a very special place which is just beginning to be known. THe shops and nightlife of Zihua and Ixtapa are closeby if the impulse hits.

I would like to go with my three daughters 15,12,8. I am a sngle mom and have a budget of 2,600 for a week visit. What is the weather is in aug? Where can we stay , The 15 year old speaks spanish, the 12 year old studied the mayans, I love to snorkel and buy jewelry and crafts.

To Beth - aug. will be hot and humid, no matter where you go. We love Puerto Vallarta the best, but you probably would enjoy Cancun more for the snorkeling (beautiful water and beaches). Also, your daughter that has studied the Mayans would enjoy all the ruins.
To Kathee (desparate in Canada!) this may reach you late but regarding your husband who doesn't swim or do water sports: neither do I but PV is my most favorite place for everything else - walking, shopping, eating, walking, drinking lemonade, walking, laying around and reading, and more walking. Also horseback riding, and sometimes boat rides (rent our own, not the planned tourist ones).
And just plain old relaxing and enjoying great food.
You both also might enjoy Cancun more also for reasons above to Beth. But don't NOT go just because you associate these places only with swimming/water activities.

Beth, We have a studio at the Bahia Hotel in Cabo San Lucas. Has a king bed and queen murphy bed, full kitchen, large lanai right on the pool. Only 200ft away from the safe swimming beach. Full service hotel. Check website www.bahiacondos.com Rents for $95 per night. You can walk anywhere in Cabo from this location.

Any suggestions on fishing, snorkeling and places to eat in Mazatlan? What other exciting activities are there to do?

See Posting Akumal (60miles south of Cancum)

My fiance and I have also been to Playa del Carmen and really loved it. We had an all-inclusive package from Fun Jet and stayed at the Diamond Resort Playacar. You can see it on Fun Jet's web site. The hotel is right on a private beach with all the amenities and cabana style rooms. It is in an area not fully developed, which is good, and is a nice, safe, walk to the downtown. In Playa del Carmen, there are plenty of inexpensive restaurants with great food, shopping, and access to tours. We went on two day trips which left directly from our hotel. We are still talking about what a wonderful trip it was.

My fiance and I have also been to Playa del Carmen and really loved it. We had an all-inclusive package from Fun Jet and stayed at the Diamond Resort Playacar. You can see it on Fun Jet's web site. The hotel is right on a private beach with all the amenities and cabana style rooms. It is in an area not fully developed, which is good, and is a nice, safe, walk to the downtown. In Playa del Carmen, there are plenty of inexpensive restaurants with great food, shopping, and access to tours. We went on two day trips which left directly from our hotel. We are still talking about what a wonderful trip it was.