The vast majority head to one of three beach areas: Cancun, Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta, which accounted for three of the four main airports for international tourist arrivals last year, including in Mexico.
While you can't go wrong with any of these three resort areas – they're famous for a reason – there are some notable nuances that can tip the scales when choosing one over the others. Over the past ten years, I have visited all three several times: Cancun half a dozen times, Vallarta twice, and, most recently, Los Cabos. In terms of tourist appeal and natural beauty, they rival some of the most remarkable and serene beaches in the world.
We asked travel platform Hopper to break down average spring break prices – covering March, April and May – to show how costs break down. Here's the case for each destination, depending on your budget and travel style.
Cancún: all-inclusive, nightclubs, beautiful beaches
Located on the Caribbean Sea, Cancun is by far the most popular of the three Mexican getaways. It is also the most “touristy” in terms of spoken English, Americanized cuisine and volume. of resorts and daily flights from North America and Europe.
In my experience, it's the most expensive resort in this comparison, although Hopper's data shows it has the lowest average airfare this spring ($330), and the hotel rate average per night is higher in Los Cabos. In Cancun, you get a lot for your money: calm, turquoise, warm waters and white sand beaches (when the seaweed isn't bad). There is also the most intense nightlife and the best of snorkeling and scuba diving. The Cancun region and surrounding Riviera Maya are full of all inclusive resorts with options ranging from adults only to children.
Cancún is only a few hours' drive away (and now practice) from world-class Mayan ruins such as Chichen Itza and Tulum. There are also flooded, swimmable sinkholes called cenotes which are a marvel in themselves.
Average hotel rate per night: $251
Best for: Club-goers, families, adventurers, history buffs
Los Cabos: Desert Romance, Deep Sea Fishing, Wedding Decor
The area we call “Cabo” is actually two beach towns in one, hence its other nickname, “Los Cabos.”
Separated by 20 miles and located on opposite sides of the tip of Baja California, San Jose del Cabo (where the airport is located) is the oldest city located on the Gulf of California. Just around the corner is Cabo San Lucas, the newest and growing city located at the confluence of the Pacific and the Gulf.
To get a sense of Cabo's romantic landscape, imagine if Arizona, Southern California, and the Mediterranean had a baby. Spectacular deserts, rugged coastline, deep blue ocean and a famous maritime arch (aka “El Arco”) are flanked by endemic elephants and desert sand., and magnificent cacti.
As the second most popular beach destination on this list, Cabo has abundant wildlife and larger beaches, as well as upscale resorts, spas, golf courses, and restaurants.
Travel advisor Sebastian Garrido recommends deep sea fishing or simply enjoying the produce of the Pacific waters. Cabo combines coastal Mexican cuisine with resort fare, catering to locals and tourists alike.
“You can find some of the best seafood in the world here,” he said.
In my experience, swimming in the Pacific is often prohibited by lifeguards, due to the dangerous surf. But the Gulf side is quiet and family-friendly.
A popular location for weddings, Cabo is probably the dreamiest landscape of the three destinations.
Average hotel rate per night: $475
Best for: Pacific Views, Sport Fishing, Weddings, culture that caters to locals and tourists, sunsets and landscapes.
Puerto Vallarta: fewer Americans, sleepy beaches, birria tacos
Nestled on the Pacific coast in the state of Jalisco, Puerto Vallarta is a classic and comfortable beach town. It is surrounded by mountains and tropical jungles and is often aimed more at Mexican tourists than Americans.
In terms of culture, cuisine, number of restaurants, boardwalk shops, cobblestone streets, and affordability, Vallarta is the most “Mexican” of the bunch, which is endearing.
The narrower beaches of Vallarta are certainly more confined than those of Cancún or Cabo.. But they are always beautiful. Among the views of the Pacific, you may spot breaching humpback whales early in the year. While there are dozens of large luxury and all-inclusive resorts here, you'll also find many smaller, locally owned and operated hotels..
Jalisco is the home of Birria, a complex braise of goat, lamb or beef served with a rich, spicy broth. I also had Chilaquiles and al pastor tacos here that trumped the versions I tried in Cancun and Cabo.
“Puerto Vallarta offers an authentic Mexican experience because it was not created as a tourist destination,” says Gustavo Rivas-Solis, a travel journalist who represents the region. “It grew as people noticed and fell in love with Banderas Bay and the surrounding area.”
Average hotel rate per night: $192
Best for: Ocean views, sunbathing, fewer tourists, colonial architecture, jungle treks, street shopping
Blake Snow is a writer from Provo, Utah.
