Cabo Now Costs $5,000 a Week — A Baja Local Knows Where to Go Instead

As Travel Off Path reported just last week, prices have skyrocketed in two of Mexico’s most popular beach destinations, Los Cabos and Cancun. The site notes that a week-long vacation at a five-star all-inclusive resort in either location was only around a couple thousand dollars not long ago, but now travelers can expect to pay at least $5,000. Average daily rates in these major hubs have increased to over $440 a night, while the ultra-luxe properties can easily reach $800 or more. 

Living in Baja California Sur and frequently visiting other regions of the country, that’s no surprise to this writer. Costs for just about everything have risen significantly in recent years in the major tourist hubs. The better news is that you’ll still find enticing, affordable Mexican beach destinations, including some of my favorites, highlighted by the travel data platform and news publication.

Loreto is tucked along the Sea of Cortez in the Sierra de la Giganta Mountains, just over a six-hour drive from downtown Cabo. As it’s become an increasingly popular spot, you don’t have to make that long journey by car. There are direct flights from two U.S. cities: Phoenix (via American Airlines) and Los Angeles (via Alaska Airlines). While there are no sprawling high-rise resorts like Cabo, you will find budget-friendly hotels like the beachfront Hotel Oasis with rates as low as $104 a night.

The soft sandy beaches are lapped by brilliant turquoise waters with abundant marine life, including orcas, blue whales, humpback whales, fin whales, and other cetaceans during the winter months. Founded in 1697, Loreto’s centuries-long past as one of Baja’s oldest settlements is revealed in the historic center. The highlight is the magnificent Loreto Mission, while colonial buildings house independent shops, boutiques, and eateries serving outstanding authentic Mexican fare without the high prices. 

For those who prefer the all-inclusive resort experience but don’t want to pay an arm and a leg, head further south to Huatulco along the Pacific Coast. Instead of paying $800 or more for luxury, rates for all-inclusive properties average just $319 per night. One of the southernmost beach destinations in Mexico, it was master-planned for tourism with Cancun-style infrastructure, but it has more of a local vibe minus the big crowds. 

There are 36 beaches providing fun on the sand and in the surf. In fact, some of the region’s best surfing can be found here. Local guides can bring you to hidden areas for a world-class experience in the summer, when the swell really heats up. It’s also the ideal season for riding raging waters on a whitewater rafting tour. For a cooler climate, head into the lush mountains to explore the coffee plantations. 

Mazatlan lies along the Pacific Coast, directly across from the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula in the state of Sinaloa. While the U.S. State Department has labeled Sinaloa with a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory, the government has made an exception for this town (even for its own employees), recognizing the region’s localized geography. There are direct flights to Mazatlan International Airport from multiple U.S. cities, and it’s safe and easy to reach the historic center, 14 miles away via a pre-booked private transfer or an official airport taxi. 

One of Mexico’s most unique beach destinations, it combines the cobblestone streets and colorful 19th-century buildings of a colonial city with 12 miles of soft, golden sand facing sapphire waters, framed by a 13-mile-long boardwalk. Plus, travelers enjoy affordable beachfront luxury with the average room rate ranging from $113 to $190 per night.