Category: Travel

Mexico › Los Cabos › Hotels for Families
Updated: April 12, 2023

See Also

• Where to Stay in Cabo San Lucas
• Best Hotels in Cabo San Lucas

Los Cabos with Kids – Tips & Recommendations

• The best pastor tacos in Los Cabos are at El Gran Pastor (no seats, just stand and eat along the sidewalk). Delicious!
• The best restaurant in Cabo San Lucas is Edith’s (near but not on the beach).
• The best restaurant in San Jose del Cabo is La Lupita (great food and a fun, trendy atmosphere).
• The Los Tamarindos Cooking Course (an organic farm just outside of San Jose del Cabo) is lots of fun, kid-friendly (assuming your kids are interested), and delicious.
• The best zip line is at El Tule Canyon (about 15 minutes from both Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo).
• The Cabo Half-Day Luxury Sailing Adventure with Snorkeling is excellent. Cruise around the rocky headland with open bar and lunch on board. Staff is helpful and friendly. Easy to find in the marina in Cabo San Lucas.

9 Best Hotels for Families in Los Cabos

1. Casa Dorada – Cabo San Lucas, Downtown – luxury

On kid-friendly Medano Beach. Great pool and convenient location an easy walk to shops and restaurants. One-bedroom suites sleep a family of four, two-bedroom suites sleep a family of five or six.
Hotel phone: +52 624 163 5700
Hotel website • Check prices for Casa Dorada

2. Cabo Surf Hotel and Spa – Corridor, Palmilla – luxury

Upscale yet casual family-friendly boutique on a long, sandy beach in a cove. The hotel offers connecting rooms and large suites, up to three-bedrooms with full kitchens. The attached surf school offers classes for ages six and up. All-day dining, two pools, two hot tubs, and a cozy spa.
Hotel phone: +52 624 142 2666
Hotel website • Check prices for Cabo Surf Hotel and Spa

3. Hilton – Corridor, Tequila Cove – luxury

Fantastic resort with exceptional pools, accommodations, and a swathe of activities. The kids’ club for ages 4-12 hosts piñata parties, Mexican crafts, and activities. Two 24-hour pools overlook a swimmable beach. Rooms are spacious, beginning at 50 square meters, all with private balconies and some with outdoor Jacuzzis.
Hotel phone: +52 624 145 6500
Hotel website • Check prices for Hilton

4. Villa La Estancia – Cabo San Lucas, Downtown – luxury

Located on sandy, swimmable Medano Beach, with cascading pools and five Jacuzzis. This hacienda-style resort offers spacious suites with up to three bedrooms and full kitchens. Guests here have access to the restaurants, pools, and waterslides at both neighboring sister properties. Full meal plans optional.
Hotel phone: +52 877 897 1951
Hotel website • Check prices for Villa La Estancia

5. Grand Fiesta Americana – Corridor, Cabo del Sol – luxury

Family-friendly, all-inclusive boasting six pools, four whirlpools, and fifteen bars and restaurants. The resort offers spacious two-bedroom suites, plus villas with full kitchens and up to four bedrooms. Direct beach access offers great opportunity for strong swimmers to snorkel, bit is not suitable for beginning swimmers.
Hotel phone: +52 624 145 6500
Hotel website • Check prices for Grand Fiesta Americana

6. Hyatt Ziva – San Jose, Hotel Zone – luxury

All-inclusive resort with four pools, a kids’ splash playground, teen game room, and nightly entertainment. Spacious rooms and two-bedroom suites all include a private terrace; connecting, swim up, or club level options available. Sixteen unique restaurants and bars offer a variety of foods, including Mexican, French, and Japanese, along with a 24 hour cantina.
Hotel phone: +52 624 163 7730
Hotel website • Check prices for Hyatt Ziva

7. Hacienda del Mar – Corridor, Cabo del Sol – luxury

Colonial-style resort with five pools, including a kids’ pool with waterfalls and slides. Enormous suites with up to four bedrooms and two floors can sleep up to ten. Their amazing kids’ club offers pool time, Spanish lessons, and loads of activities. Three-bedroom apartments sleep family of 5 or 6, four-bedroom apartments sleep family of 7 or 8. Near golf courses.
Hotel phone: +52 624 145 8000
Hotel website • Check prices for Hacienda del Mar

8. Sandos Finisterra – Cabo San Lucas, Downtown – midrange

All-inclusive, family-friendly resort with three swimming pools, a nightclub, and a spa. Connecting rooms and large suites are available, some with private terrace Jacuzzis. Its small kids club has activities for younger children. Just a short walk into Downtown, though a taxi is best to get back up the hill.
Hotel phone: +52 624 145 6700
Hotel website • Check prices for Sandos Finisterra

9. Bahia Hotel and Beach House – Cabo San Lucas, Downtown – midrange

Trendy boutique hotel with a free form pool, great restaurants, and beach club on swimmable Medano Beach. Newly renovated two-bedrooms suites or connecting rooms area available. Classic rooms and suites are cheaper and have kitchenettes. Amazing location is walking distance to everything in Downtown Cabo, including the marina and plaza.
Hotel phone: +52 624 143 1890
Hotel website • Check prices for Bahia Hotel and Beach House

Read More

• Where to Stay in Cabo San Lucas
• Best Hotels in Cabo San Lucas

Mexico › Tulum › When to Go
Updated: March 23, 2022

See Also

• Where to Stay in Tulum
• Best Hotels in Tulum
• Best Family Hotels in Tulum
• Best Restaurants in Tulum
• Best Bars & Clubs in Tulum
• Best Cenotes in Tulum

When is the Best Time to Visit Tulum?

The best time to visit Tulum, Mexico, depends on your preferences for weather, activities, and crowd levels. Generally, the most popular time to visit Tulum is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. The weather during these months is typically sunny and warm, with temperatures ranging from 75°F (24°C) to 85°F (29°C).

The peak tourist season in Tulum is from December to March, coinciding with winter breaks and holidays in North America and Europe. During this time, you can expect higher prices for accommodations, more crowded beaches, and a lively atmosphere. If you don’t mind the crowds and are looking for the best weather conditions, this is a great time to visit.

The shoulder season from April to early June can also be an excellent time to visit Tulum. During this period, the weather remains warm and pleasant, but the crowds start to thin out, and accommodation prices are generally lower. This is a good time to enjoy the beaches, attractions, and activities without the peak-season crowds.

The low season, which runs from June to October, coincides with the rainy season and hurricane season in the region. Although there is a higher chance of rain and storms, you can still enjoy warm weather and fewer crowds. Prices for accommodations and activities are usually lower during this time, making it a more budget-friendly option.

• The Best Time for Good Weather: Late November through April has the sunniest weather with the least amount of rain, along with warm daytime temperatures with comfortable, occasionally cool nights. Expect some rain for visits from May until October, with June, September, and October being the wettest months. Even during the rainy seasons, storms usually last only an hour or two, then the sunny skies return – it’s rare to have two or three days of continual rain without any sun. May and August are the hottest months, with August feeling especially hot due to high humidity. Ocean temperatures are comfortable for swimming all year long but are warmest from July through October. Hurricanes are not common, but if they’re going to hit, it will most likely happen in September and October.
• The Best Time for Great Deals: Room rates will be at their lowest in the off-season, from June through October, especially during September and October, Tulum’s two rainiest months. Though humidity is high every day and rain is likely on half of the days, storms typically only last an hour or two, then it’s back to sun and warmth. October typically sees the biggest lull in tourism, so be advised that many shops and tour operators take advantage of this break and close for a few weeks during this time. April through June, post-high-season and pre-hurricane season, also sees occasional good deals, though prices tend to vary more widely. The best hotels in Tulum should be booked 4 to 6 months in advance.
• The Best Time for Avoiding Crowds: Crowds are at their smallest in late summer/early fall, especially during September and October, when rain, heat, and humidity are at their peaks. June through August sees gradually thinning crowds, while October is the least crowded month, especially earlier in the first half. Though fewer tourists means less crowded attractions, this also means that many smaller tour operators and restaurants close for their own vacations. The major attractions will still be open, though, and the beaches will be quieter. Plan accordingly, and you can have a great, relaxing time.
• The Best Time for Sightseeing (Ruins and Jungles): November to April are the best months to explore the area’s wonderful historical, cultural, and natural attractions. These months tend to be dry and warm, but not too hot in the day. Humidity and heat are highest during the rainy season from May to October, with May and August being the hottest months, and June through September the most humid. This isn’t a problem when you’re on the beach and refreshed by ocean breezes, but inland sightseeing at Coba, Chichen Itza, and Sian Ka’an can feel overwhelming in the sticky heat. If you visit during the summer months, bring plenty of water and plan an afternoon cenote swim to cool off.
• The Best Time for Swimming, Snorkeling & Diving: Oceans, reefs, and cenotes are truly wonderful all year round, though there are some fluctuations in conditions. Water temperatures are at their lowest in January and February and at their highest from July through October. September and October tend to have more rainy days, though, so July and August are the better of these four months for swimming. For diving and snorkeling, visibility is not great in the warmer, rainier months but rather during the drier months from November through May, especially during the months of January through March. For snorkeling with whale sharks in particular, visit in late May; the water is warm, visibility is good, and the first whale sharks have arrived.
• Best Time for Whale Sharks and Sea Turtles: Tulum is one of the most reliable spots for seeing these two endangered animals. Whale sharks begin to arrive in May and are plentiful by June. From June through August, whale shark tours have almost 100% chance of locating these gentle giants, usually several at a time in one location. Whale sharks begin to leave the area in September and are almost all gone by the end of the month. Adult sea turtles begin nesting on the beaches in May, especially toward the end of the month and finish laying in October. The baby sea turtles begin hatching and heading seaward in July, continuing their nightly treks through December. The best time to see all three groups (whale sharks, nesting turtles, and baby turtles) is in July and August when all are fully present and active.
• The Best Time for Honeymoons: Tulum is most beautiful from November through May, with ideal beach conditions and clear skies throughout these drier months, the perfect honeymoon mix. Early November and May offer the best mix of good weather, low-ish crowds, and good room rates for honeymooners celebrating on a bit of a budget. January through March has the best weather, with the most number of sunny days, and near-perfect beach conditions, but rates are higher and crowds are thicker.
• The Best Time for Nightlife: December and January land in the peak travel season and are the best months for nightlife. Bars and clubs are all hopping, some open as late as 4:00 a.m. Dancers and partiers are in a celebratory mood, but without the craziness that spring break brings in March.

Tulum Festivals and Events

The Best Recurring Parties in Tulum

• Tuesdays and Wednesdays • Batey Mojito and Guarapo Bar: Relaxed but trendy bar, serving their famous mojitos made with fresh, pressed sugarcane from a converted VW Beetle. Live music most nights. Located in Downtown in the main bar and restaurant strip, walking distance to plenty more nightlife.
• Thursdays • Casa Jaguar: Intimate, contemporary, Mexican bar and restaurant, featuring a Jungle Party with live DJs every Thursday night in the garden backyard.
• Fridays • Gitano: Upscale mezcal bar and restaurant in a jungle beach setting with a DJ and live music several nights a week. Popular on Thursday nights for getting a jump start on the weekend, though most of their official events are on Fridays and Saturdays.
• Saturdays • Papaya Playa Project: This is the biggest, most stylish party of the week every Saturday, but their Full Moon Parties are totally over the top, held monthly on the Saturday closest to the full moon. Vibe is chic and beach-cool with top-name DJs and dancing until 3:00am or later.

Tulum in January

• Zamna Festival: From late December through mid-January, this EDM music festival is actually a loose collection of different DJ sets every couple of nights, with a different lineup and venue each night. Tickets are sold individually for each set.
• New Year’s Day – Año Nuevo, or New Year’s Day, is a national holiday in Mexico. January 1 tends to be very quiet in Tulum and throughout the country, with everyone resting and recovering from festivities the night before. While most businesses are closed, restaurants and other places that cater to tourists are usually open.
• Comunité Festival: Daylong music festival with an eco, Mexican, and world-cultural focus, at a jungle ranch with three cenotes and three stages. Live bands and DJs share the bill, with a special focus on acoustic styles and folkloric traditions. A portion of ticket sales go to benefit social and environmental efforts.
• El Día de Los Reyes (Kings’ Day): January 6 is the twelfth day of Christmas, which is the traditional gift-giving day in Mexico. Children receive their presents, and the family eats together, especially a wreath-shaped, sweet bread called Rosca de Reyes. A baby Jesus figure is baked into the bread, and whoever finds it in their slice will host El Día de Candelaria, the upcoming holiday, and make the tamales for the celebration.
• Arena Festival Internacional: Weeklong LGBT dance music festival, with local and international DJs spinning at twelve different parties in various locations in Playa del Carmen and Tulum, including the cenote Dos Ojos. Dancing goes from 1:00pm until 5:00am. Attendees receive bracelets covering the admission for the duration of the event. Parties are biggest in the smaller pueblos.

Tulum in February

• El Día de Candelaria/Tamale Day: Candlemas falls 40 days after Christmas, on February 2nd, and is a celebration of the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple. It is also the midway point between the winter solstice and spring equinox. On this day, people dress up figurines of the baby Jesus and take them to the church to be blessed, along with candles. This is followed by a meal of tamales, hence its other name, with family and friends. Celebrations in Veracruz and huge, with parades and more, but in Tulum, this is a more intimate holiday.
• Carnaval: Exact dates vary, but celebrations take place the whole week before Ash Wednesday, with the biggest parties the night before. Carnaval is celebrated in different parts of the Riviera Maya on different days, with the biggest celebration on Cozumel and usually the final party in Tulum. Expect parades, live music, wild costumes, lots of food and booze, and dancing in the streets.

Tulum in March

• Alborada Maya: A fusion of Maya and Catholic celebrations unique to Tulum. Events mostly take place at the Mayan Ceremonial Center as well as the Church of Tulum. Maya priests perform ceremonies of thanksgiving for harvests, while pilgrimages, prayers, ceremonies, and music all blend in honor of the saints.
• Tres Cruces: March 7-14. This holiday is unique to the Cruzo’ob, the Cult of the Talking Cross, a small faction of indigenous Maya from Quintana Roo, who practice a religion that blends Maya and Catholic faiths and is rooted in the Caste War of the mid-1800s. The ceremonial center is near the Tulum Ruins, and its saints and entry are protected by a guard, who permits visitors to enter barefoot, with bare heads, in silence, and by candlelight. This holiday is in honor of the three original talking crosses, crosses being both pre-Hispanic and Catholic imagery, who spoke words of encouragement to the Maya people in their uprising against the Spanish.
• Wine and Food Festival, Cancun-Riviera Maya: Five-day celebration of food and wine, with renowned chefs and sommeliers from Mexico and the U.S. Events include dinners, taco competitions, beach parties, golfing, and more.
• Spring Equinox at Chichen Itza: Occurring annually on March 20, the first day of spring, when the afternoon light hits the pyramid temple of El Castillo just right, it reveals a representation of Kukulkan. The feathered serpent god seems to appear and climb down the side. This amazing event happens twice yearly at the spring and autumn equinoxes, amazing visitors with the astronomical and mathematical prowess of the ancient Maya peoples. It is usually very crowded on the equinoxes and tons of fun. If you prefer to avoid the crowds, you may still see the effect two days before or after the actual equinox.

Tulum in April

• El Día del Niño (Children’s Day): A holiday filled with fun, gifts, and special activities just for kids. Though not an official holiday, many schools don’t hold classes this day. Zoos, amusement parks, and attractions often offer special discounts on April 30. Travelers can also participate by handing out toys or candy to street kids.

Tulum in May

• Festival de Cultura del Caribe: Celebration of Maya, Mexican, and Caribbean culture through food, music, dance, literature, film, and more. The eight-day celebration takes place in a variety of venues throughout the city and features a variety of local and international acts.
• Cinco de Mayo: Not actually a holiday here and only really celebrated in Puebla. Many bars will run drink specials, though!
• Sacred Mayan Journey/Travesia Sagrada: Annual recreation of a thousand-year-old pilgrimage from Xcaret to Cozumel in worship of the fertility goddess Ixchel. Roughly 300 men and women row canoes across the ocean beginning at dawn and making their return journey the following dawn. Rituals, music, and dance begin and end the event. A feast awaits the rowers in Cozumel, but the biggest celebration is in Xcaret upon their return.

Tulum in June

• Fête de la Musique: French-based music festival taking place in 100 countries at once. Taking place in Playa del Carmen, this event celebrates the first day of summer, June 21, with food, dance, cultural activities, and more. Proceeds benefit a local charity.

Tulum in July

• Festival del Triciclo/Tricycle Festival: Playa del Carmen’s celebration of the tricycle, the crucially important vehicle traditionally used by fishermen to haul their catch, by street vendors to carry their wares, and by travelers transporting their luggage. The festival begins with a parade of wildly decorated tricycles down 5th Avenue to Parque Fundadores. Once at the park, prizes will be awarded to the best-decorated trikes, followed by live music and bites from food trucks and restaurants alike.

Tulum in August

• ZoukMX: Ten-day music and dance festival in Playa del Carmen on the beach and in the jungle. This event begins with several teacher workshops, followed by days and nights on end of dancing to zouk, a fast tempo, Caribbean dance music.
• Assumption of the Virgin Mary – Celebrated nationwide in mid-August, there are special masses held throughout the country, including Cancun. Though some cities will host processions, Cancun typically does not.

Tulum in September

• El Grito and Independence Day: Celebrations begin in the afternoon on September 15 in the main square downtown with mariachi music, dancing, and carnival rides. Street vendors and restaurants serve all kinds of goodies, especially pozole and mole. Tequila and mezcal are the major drinks here. At 11 pm, the grito, or cry for independence, is called with bells ringing and fireworks. The country’s biggest party begins immediately after and goes well into the night.
• Autumn Equinox at Chichen Itza: Occurring annually on September 22, the first day of fall, when the late afternoon light hits the pyramid temple of El Castillo just right, it reveals a shadow image of the feathered serpent god Kukulkan, just as it does in spring. However, September is the rainiest month of the year, and sometimes the cloud coverage prevents Kukulkan from making an appearance. Additionally, with daylight savings time, the event occurs after the park is closed for the evening. Some years, the park stays open late to accommodate the event, but other times, they close at the usual schedule. Check the weather and check the park’s officially posted hours before planning a trip out. It’s a long drive!

Tulum in October

• Turtle Festival/Festival de la Tortuga Marina: A free, three-day event celebrating the sea turtle, with various events taking place in Tulum, Akumal, and Xcacel. The family-friendly festival centers on educating and encouraging sea turtle conservation. Activities include a turtle hatchling release, Maya ceremony, cookout, sandcastle competition, music, carnival, and more.
• Día de las Brujas (Halloween): Though not traditionally celebrated in Mexico, Halloween has been catching on in the past few years. Smaller parties take place in Tulum and Puerto Morelos on October 31st, but Playa del Carmen has the biggest celebration, especially along 5th Avenue with costumes and trick or treating.

Tulum in November

• Day of the Dead: November 1-2. Known as Hanal Pixan in Yucatan Maya. This is actually two holidays rolled into one, Día de Todos Santos (All Saints Day) and Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead, All Souls Day). On All Saints Day, Mexicans honor deceased children, leaving offerings to them on custom-designed altars in cemeteries or in their homes, with sugar skulls, toys, and treats. Day of the Dead is similar but for the souls of deceased adults. People decorate altars in their homes or in cemeteries, some keeping vigils and others leaving offerings, usually tequila, cigarettes, and the deceased’s favorite foods. Candles and trails of marigold petals are led from the altars to light the way for the spirit’s return. Unlike Oaxaca, Mexico City, and the tourist zone of Cancun, celebrations in Tulum are more low-key, without the big parades and fanfare. Though travelers can visit the cemeteries to see the altars, those are usually smaller and more intimate for families. The competition altars in Downtown are more elaborately designed, free to visit, and are usually more festive in the evening. For more of a family-friendly celebration, visit Xcaret Eco Park from October 30-November 2 for their special event with food, dancing, music, and performances.
• Riviera Maya Jazz Festival: Free, three-day music festival, attracting major acts and anywhere from 9,000 to 15,000 attendees a night. The stage sets up on the beach near Mamita’s, with music beginning in the afternoon until late in the evening. Arrive early if you plan on sitting down; the area near the stage allows attendees to bring beach blankets and chairs. The back of the crowd is standing room only.
• Tulum Food, Spirits, and Wine Festival: Four-day event featuring highly awarded local and international chefs and mixologists as they fuse their knowledge and talent with local spices, produce, and gastronomical traditions. Events range from street food to elegant dinner parties, along with tequila, wine, and mezcal tastings. Proceeds benefit a local charity.
• Mayakoba Golf Championship: An official, PGA tour with over 100 pro-golfers competing for a huge prize in four rounds over the course of one week. The event takes place in Mayakoba at the El Camaleón golf course just north of Playa del Carmen. Some of the proceeds benefit local charities.

Tulum in December

• Antorchas Guadalupanas and Día de la Virgen de Guadalupe: One of the most important Mexican Catholic holidays, December 12 celebrates the appearance of the Virgin Mary to an indigenous convert, Juan Diego. The holiday begins its celebration with a series of relay race pilgrimages, the Antorchas Guadalupanas, where runners take turns carrying a torch. The runners reach their destination in Downtown Tulum on December 12, and the main festival begins, with mass, food, music, dancing, and flowers. Though celebrated throughout the Riviera Maya, Tulum has the largest celebration.
• Dos Equis Winter Beach: Three-day music, fashion, and entertainment festival, featuring internationally renowned DJs, beachfront catwalks debuting swimsuit and beachwear collections, and dance parties at Papaya Playa.
• Christmas: Christmas Eve sees family and friends celebrating throughout town, often with a late night mass, followed by a midnight feast with mole, ham, and more. Christmas Day is much quieter, with most families celebrating at home.
• Día de Los Santos Inocentes/Day of the Holy Innocents: December 28. This is basically a Mexican April Fool’s Day. Originally meant to commemorate the deaths of the Holy Innocents, the children slaughtered by King Herod in an attempt to kill the baby Jesus, the holiday has evolved into a day of pranks. Once someone is fooled, it is customary to say to them, “Innocent little dove that you let yourself be deceived.” This is also a day where people are known to borrow items and never return them.
• Zamna Festival: From late December through mid-January, this EDM music festival is actually a loose collection of different DJ sets every couple of nights, with a different lineup and venue each night. Tickets are sold individually for each set.

Read More

• Best Hotels in Tulum
• Best Family Hotels in Tulum
• Best Budget Hotels in Tulum
• Where to Stay in Tulum
• Best Restaurants in Tulum
• Best Bars and Clubs in Tulum
• Best Cenotes in Tulum
• Biking in Tulum
• Videos of Tulum
• Maps of Tulum
• Mexico Travel Guide
• Mexico with Kids
• Best Time to Visit Mexico
• Best Beaches in Mexico
• Tulum, Cancun, or Playa del Carmen?
• Best Hotels in Cancun
• Best Hotels in Isla Mujeres
• Best Hotels in Playa del Carmen

Mexico › Cancun When to Go
Updated: March 23, 2023

See Also

• Where to Stay in Cancun
• Best Hotels in Cancun
• Best Family Hotels in Cancun
• Where to Stay in Tulum
• Where to Stay in Playa del Carmen
• Where to Stay in Isla Mujeres

When is the Best Time to Visit Cancun?

The best time to visit Cancun depends on your preferences for weather, activities, and crowd levels. Generally, the most popular time to visit Cancun is during the dry season, which runs from December to April. The weather is typically sunny and warm, with temperatures ranging from 75°F (24°C) to 85°F (29°C).

The peak tourist season in Cancun is from mid-December to March, coinciding with winter breaks and holidays in North America and Europe. During this time, you can expect higher prices for accommodations, more crowded beaches, and a vibrant nightlife scene. If you don’t mind the crowds and are looking for the best weather conditions, this is a great time to visit.

The shoulder season from April to early June can also be an excellent time to visit Cancun. During this period, the weather remains warm and pleasant, but the crowds start to thin out, and accommodation prices are generally lower. This is a good time to enjoy the beaches, attractions, and activities without the peak-season crowds.

The low season, which runs from June to November, coincides with the rainy season and hurricane season in the region. Although there is a higher chance of rain and storms, you can still enjoy warm weather and fewer crowds. Prices for accommodations and activities are usually lower during this time, making it a more budget-friendly option.

• Best Time to Visit Cancun for Good Weather: Cancun weather can be enjoyable year round, though it is particularly pleasant from the end of December through April, with January through March being the absolute peak time for fantastic weather. These months have the least amount of rain and humidity, the balmiest temperatures, and the sunniest skies. Expect gorgeous conditions on Cancun’s beaches nearly every day, and pleasant weather for exploring the ruins and jungles inland. Ocean temperatures are cooler than during the summer months, but still comfortable for swimming. Night and early morning temperatures are mostly warm during this time, but can get a little cool from December through February.
• Best Time to Visit Cancun for Great Deals: The best time for great deal is during the summer rainy season, from July through October, with especially discounted prices in September, October, and November. This coincides with hurricane season, but hurricanes have only landed here twice in the past thirty years. The vast majority of days during the wet season are hot and humid, with rain in short bursts. For travelers who don’t mind the heat and occasional rain shower, this is a good time to visit. Hotel rates are supremely discounted, and deal-hunters will also find cheaper fares on flights and excursions. Travelers during these months can save hundreds, even thousands, of dollars versus any other time of the year.
• Best Time to Visit Cancun for Avoiding Crowds: The best time for avoiding crowds is during the rainy season, from June through October, especially in September and October. As mentioned before, these months line up with hurricane season, though storms are very rare. Travelers during this time will find beaches blissfully empty and tours to the ruins almost private. Be advised that because there are fewer travelers at this time, many tour operators and restaurants close down for their own breaks, especially during the month of October.
• Best Time to Visit Cancun for Swimming, Snorkeling, and Diving: Oceans, reefs, and cenotes are truly wonderful all year round, though there are some fluctuations in conditions. Water temperatures are at their lowest in February and March and at their highest from July through October. September and October tend to have more rainy days, though, so July and August are the better of these four months for swimming. For diving and snorkeling, Cancun is not the best spot. Though it’s fronted by a huge reef and filled with wildlife, the water is often rough enough to reduce visibility, plus the coral near the main Hotel Zone is mostly dead. Snorkeling and diving tours usually take visitors to nearby Isla Mujeres, MUSA, or Punta Nizuc at the south end of the Hotel Zone, where the water is calmer and clearer with active marine life. Visibility is best in the drier months, from November through May, especially during the months of January through March. For snorkeling, with whale sharks in particular, visit in late May; the water is warm, visibility is good, and the first whale sharks have arrived.
• Best Time for to Visit Cancun Whale Sharks and Sea Turtles: Cancun is one of the most reliable spots for seeing these two endangered animals. Whale sharks begin to arrive in May and are plentiful by June. From June through August, whale shark tours have almost 100% chance of locating these gentle giants, usually several at a time in one location. Whale sharks begin to leave the area in September and are almost all gone by the end of the month. Adult sea turtles begin nesting on the beaches in May, especially toward the end of the month and finish laying in October. The baby sea turtles begin hatching and heading seaward in July, continuing their nightly treks through December. The best time to see all three groups (whale sharks, nesting turtles, and baby turtles) is in July and August when all are fully present and active.
• Best Time to Visit Cancun for Honeymoon: Cancun is most beautiful from December through May, with ideal beach conditions and clear skies throughout these drier months, the perfect honeymoon mix. Early December, April, and May offer the best mix of good weather, low-ish crowds, and good room rates for honeymooners celebrating on a bit of a budget. January through March has the best weather, with the most number of sunny days, and near perfect beach conditions, but rates are higher and crowds are thicker.
• Best Time to Visit Cancun for Nightlife: Cancun always has great nightlife, with parties going on continually at all of the uptown clubs and bars near Punta Cancun in the Hotel Zone. However, different times of the year attract different party crowds. Cancun is most legendary for its Spring Break, with wild parties all day and night, top international DJs, and bikini contests throughout the whole month of March. June through mid-July also see tons of partying, this time for high-school grads cutting loose before college begins. The legal drinking age is 18 in Mexico, but IDs are rarely checked. For amazing, grown-up nightlife, visit from December through February. Clubs and bars still get crazy, but the crowds’ average age is over 25, and they’re less likely to barf on your shoes.
• A Note About Spring Break: While Cancun was once infamous for its huge, noisy crowds of spring breakers and a destination to avoid during the month of March, by staying outside of the main drag, not venturing into the clubs late at night and simply avoiding hotels that cater to that group, you’ll enjoy a relatively peaceful environment. Those who want to find a party can easily do so, while those who prefer a more subdued atmosphere can find that as well.

Cancun Events and Festivals

Cancun in January

• New Year’s Day – Año Nuevo, or New Year’s Day, is a national holiday in Mexico. January 1 tends to be very quiet in Cancun and throughout the country, with everyone resting and recovering from festivities the night before. While most businesses are closed, restaurants and other places that cater to tourists are usually open.
• Mayan Village Show – At Xcaret Park, located about an hour from Cancun, recreations of ancient Mayan festivals, including a jungle walk and celebration of the discovery of fire, take place throughout the month of January.
• Día de los Tres Reyes (Kings’ Day): January 6 is the twelfth day of Christmas, which is the traditional gift-giving day in Mexico. Children receive their presents, and the family eats together, especially a wreath-shaped, sweet bread called Rosca de Reyes. A baby Jesus figure is baked into the bread, and whoever finds it in their slice will host El Día de Candelaria, the upcoming holiday, and make the tamales for the celebration.

Cancun in February

• El Día de Candelaria/Tamale Day: February 2. Candlemas falls 40 days after Christmas and is a celebration of the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple. It is also the midway point between the winter solstice and spring equinox. On this day, people dress up figurines of the baby Jesus and take them to the church to be blessed, along with candles. This is followed by a meal of tamales, hence its other name, with family and friends. Celebrations in Veracruz and huge, with parades and more, but in Cancun, this is a more intimate holiday.
• Carnaval: Exact dates vary, but celebrations take place the whole week before Ash Wednesday, with the biggest parties the night before. Carnaval is celebrated in different parts of the Riviera Maya on different days, with the biggest celebration on Cozumel. Cancun’s Carnaval is surprisingly intimate, taking place in Downtown away from the main tourist zone. Expect parades, live music, wild costumes, lots of food and booze, and dancing in the streets. Street vendors will be selling amazing local specialties, while candies and other goodies will be raining down from the parade floats.
• Island Time Music & Fishing Festival: Six-day festival in Isla Mujeres. Local and world-renowned musical acts play in small venues around the island, while fishermen chase sailfish through the local waters. Proceeds benefit the Little Yellow Schoolhouse, serving special needs children on the island.

Cancun in March

• Inception Music Festival: The largest Spring Break party in the world, lasting 30 straight days and nights and featuring top-name musical acts and DJs. Events take place every night at the clubs in Punta Cancun, including The City, Dady’O, Mandala, and Palazzo. Day parties take place at Mandala Beach, while exclusive day parties also go on at the Oasis Resort.
• Wine and Food Festival, Cancun-Riviera Maya: Five-day celebration of food and wine, with renowned chefs and sommeliers from Mexico and the U.S. Events include winemaker and celebrity chef dinners, taco competitions, beach parties, golfing, and more.
• Spring Equinox at Chichen Itza: Occurring annually on March 20, the first day of spring, when the afternoon light hits the pyramid temple of El Castillo just right, it reveals a representation of Kukulkan. The feathered serpent god seems to appear and climb down the side. This amazing event happens twice yearly at the spring and autumn equinoxes, amazing visitors with the astronomical and mathematical prowess of the ancient Maya peoples. It is usually very crowded on the equinoxes and tons of fun. If you prefer to avoid the crowds, you may still see the effect two days before or after the actual equinox.
• Laser Sailing Show: During the second half of March, this event attracts sailboat enthusiasts and merchants from around the world. The waters around Cancun are filled with sailing vessels of all types, big and small, that roam the coastline for two weeks.

Cancun in April

• Anniversary of the Founding of Cancun: Cancun’s history is relatively new. A master-planned tourism community founded in 1970, the event is put on by families of the city’s founders. This month-long celebration is held at various locations in Downtown and features masses, music, exhibitions, and a parade down Avenue Tulum.
• Holy Week – Holy Week is celebrated nationwide, from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday, which typically falls in early to mid-April. In Cancun, just about everything stays open during this period to cater to tourists, and it’s usually very busy. If you plan to travel to Cancun during Holy Week, make your reservations as early as you can as flights in and out of Mexico are typically filled months in advance. Easter services are held at churches of various dominations, though mostly Catholic.
• El Día del Niño (Children’s Day): A holiday filled with fun, gifts, and special activities just for kids. Though not an official holiday, many schools don’t hold classes this day. Zoos, amusement parks, and attractions often offer special discounts on April 30. Travelers can also participate by handing out toys or candy to street kids.

Cancun in May

• Cinco de Mayo: May 5th is a national holiday that commemorates the country’s defeat of the French in the Battle of Pueblo in 1862. Unlike in the States, it’s pretty much a regular day in Cancun, with not much in the way of celebrations. There are usually drink specials in the bars, and some of the resorts might do a small party, but it will be all for tourists. The only spot in Mexico that really celebrates Cinco de Mayo is in Puebla, more than a day’s drive away.
• Festival de Cultura del Caribe: Celebration of Maya, Mexican, and Caribbean culture through food, music, dance, literature, film, and more. The eight-day celebration takes place in a variety of venues throughout the city and features a variety of local and international acts.
• Cancun Jumpoff: This is like Spring Break for grown-ups. A four-day music festival, with live acts and DJs spinning the best in hip-hop, r&b, reggae, and soca. One water park day, plus beach parties, lingerie parties, and overnight after-parties keep the action going non-stop.
• Regata del Sol a Sol: A 456-mile yacht race beginning in April in St. Petersburg, Florida and ending in early May in Isla Mujeres. Events include a basketball tournament and the Regata Amigos, post-race sail around the island.
• Sacred Mayan Journey/Travesia Sagrada: Annual recreation of a thousand-year-old pilgrimage from Xcaret to Cozumel in worship of the fertility goddess Ixchel. Roughly 300 men and women row canoes across the ocean beginning at dawn and making their return journey the following dawn. Rituals, music, and dance begin and end the event. A feast awaits the rowers in Cozumel, but the biggest celebration is in Xcaret upon their return.

Cancun in June

• Día de la Marina – Mexico’s Navy Day is celebrated on June 1 in all coastal towns, including Cancun, to acknowledge the country’s maritime service men and women. It’s commemorated with military parades and fireworks.
• ExpHotel – The most recognized event in Mexico for the hospitality industry is an international affair open to the public showing the latest products and services as well as hosting seminars and workshops by leading experts, competitions among prestigious chefs and the Festival of Cheese, Bread and Wine.
• Festival de los Oceanos: From mid-May through mid-June, this event is designed to encourage ocean conservation. Events include concerts, kids’ drawing competitions, beach cleanups, and competitive cooking, along with plenty of fun beach and ocean activities. Most events are free, though some require registration ahead of time.
• Pride Cancun: Pride is a smaller celebration in Cancun, lasting just a weekend. Though there is no parade, there are beach parties, sunset cruises, parties in Downtown, events at the ruins, and special nights at all of the major clubs.

Cancun in July

• El Día Fuera del Tiempo: According to the Maya calendar, July 26 is the first day of the new year. The more important day of celebration comes on the 25th, El Día Fuera del Tiempo, or The Day Out of Time. This is a day for reflecting on the past year and the lessons learned, while also being a day in which anything can happen. Festivities are scattered throughout the Riviera Maya, with the biggest ones held in Tulum, lasting as long as five days, and smaller ones at several Cancun resorts.
• Isla Mujeres Whale Shark Festival: Week-long celebration of the whale shark, including family-friendly activities daily at the main fair, with sand sculpture and piñata contests, a parade, live music, and food competitions with local chefs. Water activities include a fishing tournament, diving and snorkel tours, and swimming with the whale sharks.
• Destination X The Urban Summer Oasis: Wild five-day festival in the heart of Cancun’s nightlife district with DJs spinning hip-hop, r&b, and reggae. Events include bikini contests, late night hookah parties, a booze cruise, beach parties, and plenty of dancing.

Cancun in August

• ZoukMX: Ten-day music and dance festival in Playa del Carmen on the beach and in the jungle. This event begins with several teacher workshops, followed by days and nights on end of dancing to zouk, a fast tempo, Caribbean dance music.
• Assumption of the Virgin Mary – Celebrated nationwide in mid-August, there are special masses held throughout the country, including Cancun. Though some cities will host processions, Cancun typically does not.

Cancun in September

• El Grito and Mexican Independence Day: Celebrations begin in the afternoon on September 15 in Downtown near City Hall with mariachi music, dancing, and amazing food, especially chiles en nogada, pozole, and mole. Tequila and mezcal are the major drinks here. At 11p, the grito, or cry for independence, is called with bells ringing and fireworks. The country’s biggest party begins immediately after and goes well into the night. Downtown has the most authentic celebrations, but the biggest parties for travelers take place at the nightclubs and bars in the Hotel Zone, especially at Carlos’n Charlie’s and Señor Frog. On Independence Day itself, September 16, a grand military parade winds through downtown, attracting thousands of spectators.
• Salsa Casino Mayan Congress: Four-day celebration of salsa dance with live music, parties, and workshops. Classes expand from traditional salsa to include Afro-Cuban dance, Casino Wheel, Rumba, Folklore, and more.
• Autumn Equinox at Chichen Itza: Occurring annually on September 22, the first day of fall, when the late afternoon light hits the pyramid temple of El Castillo just right, it reveals a shadow image of the feathered serpent god Kukulkan, just as it does in spring. However, September is the rainiest month of the year, and sometimes the cloud coverage prevents Kukulkan from making an appearance. Additionally, with daylight savings time, the event occurs after the park is closed for the evening. Some years, the park stays open late to accommodate the event, but other times, they close at the usual schedule. Check the weather and check the park’s officially posted hours before planning a trip out – It’s a long drive!

Cancun in October

• Cancun Travel Mart – In mid-October, the Cancun Travel Agent Association and the Cancun Hotel Association hold this annual convention, part of which is open to the public, showcasing food, hotels and other services offered in the area.
• Cancun Jazz Festival: Four-day music festival featuring some of the top names in contemporary jazz. This all-inclusive festival takes place at the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya, near Tulum. Pre-festival concerts will take place a few days ahead of the main event.
• Día de la Raza (Columbus Day) – This holiday celebrated nationwide on October 12 commemorates the fusion of the Spanish and Mexican peoples. In Cancun and many other places throughout the country, colorful parades are often held.
• Día de las Brujas (Halloween) – Traditionally on this day, residents bring flowers and candles to the graves of loved ones on the evening of October 31; however, in Cancun and many other popular tourist destinations, it’s celebrated similar to how it is in the U.S., with kids dressing up and trick-or-treating, and costume-wearing adults heading to bars and clubs. Dady’O consistently throws the best Halloween parties in the area. It’s a good idea to bring your own costume, as local shops will have a very limited selection.

Cancun in November

• Day of the Dead: November 1-2. Known as Hanal Pixan in Yucatan Maya. This is actually two holidays rolled into one, Día de Todos Santos (All Saints Day) and Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead, All Souls Day). On All Saints Day, Mexicans honor deceased children, leaving offerings to them on custom-designed altars in cemeteries or in their homes, with sugar skulls, toys, and treats. Day of the Dead is similar but for the souls of deceased adults. People decorate altars in their homes or in cemeteries, some keeping vigils and others leaving offerings, usually tequila, cigarettes, and the deceased’s favorite foods. Candles and trails of marigold petals are led from the altars to light the way for the spirit’s return. There are usually parties in the nightclub area in the Hotel Zone, but travelers can also head Downtown for a more traditional experience in one of the many parks, including Parque las Palapas, Luum Pakul, or at the Centro Cultural de las Artes. Daily from October 31-November 2 there is a parade from Avenues Chichen Itza and Tulum to Parque las Palapas, plus performances, foods, and elaborate altars. The eco-tour group Alltournative usually offers a special Hanal Pixan event on November 2, an immersive Maya experience with altar decorating, a ceremony performed by a shaman at a cenote, and a traditional Maya dinner.
• Golf Championship at Mayakoba: An official, PGA tour with over 100 pro-golfers competing for a huge prize in four rounds over the course of one week. The event takes place in Mayakoba at the El Camaleón golf course just north of Playa del Carmen. Some of the proceeds benefit local charities.
• International Festival of Caribbean Culture: Six-day festival with events held throughout Quintana Roo and Cancun. The event is most popular for its amazing musical lineup featuring the top Caribbean salsa groups, along with poetry and lots of dancing.

Cancun in December

• Cancun Marathon: aka The Most Beautiful Marathon in the World. The marathon path begins and ends in Downtown, with most of the course following Boulevard Kukulkan for the length of the Hotel Zone, passing the beach and lagoon. A live mariachi band awaits runners at the finish line.
• Sunset Boat Parade: Annual, holiday event at Jardin del Arte, the sculpture park facing the Nichupte Lagoon. A parade of lit-up, decorated boats begins at sunset, with live music, food, and craft vendors. Family-friendly and always free.
• Christmas Week – Christmas Week (December 16-25) is celebrated with processions and mass, and children go door-to-door singing Christmas songs in exchange for donations. The most important day isn’t December 25, however, it’s Holy Night, known as Nochebuena on December 24, a time when families gather to eat a traditional midnight dinner.
• Día de los Santos Inocentes/Day of the Sainted Innocents: December 28. This is basically a Mexican April Fool’s Day. Originally meant to commemorate the deaths of the Holy Innocents, the children slaughtered by King Herod in an attempt to kill the baby Jesus, the holiday has evolved into a day of pranks. Once someone is fooled, it is customary to say to them, “Innocent little dove that you let yourself be deceived.” This is also a day where people are known to borrow items and never return them.
• New Year’s Eve – On December 31, Cancun celebrates New Year’s Eve similar to much of the rest of the world, with big parties and fireworks. Playa del Carmen, about an hour south of downtown Cancun, is typically the place to be, where the party starting at dawn and lasts well into the New Year. There are plenty of parties to be found in Cancun as well, and fireworks are shot over the lagoon, visible from all hotels and resorts with rooms that face it, as well as from walkways.

Read More

• Where to Stay in Cancun
• Best Hotels in Cancun
• Best Family Hotels in Cancun
• Best Cheap Hotels in Cancun
• Best Airport Hotels in Cancun
• Best Restaurants in Cancun
• Best Tours & Things to Do in Cancun
• Mexico – Where to Go
• Mexico – With Kids
• Mexico – Best Time to Visit
• Mexico – Best Beaches
• Mexico – Cancun vs Tulum vs Playa del Carmen

Mexico › Los Cabos › When to Go
Updated: March 23, 2023

See Also

• Where to Stay in Cabo San Lucas
• Best Hotels in Cabo San Lucas
• Best Family Hotels in Cabo

What is the best time of year to visit Los Cabos?

The best time to visit Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, depends on your preferences for weather, activities, and crowd levels. Generally, the most popular time to visit Cabo San Lucas is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. The weather during these months is typically sunny and warm, with temperatures ranging from 68°F (20°C) to 85°F (29°C).

The peak tourist season in Cabo San Lucas is from December to March, coinciding with winter breaks and holidays in North America. During this time, you can expect higher prices for accommodations, more crowded beaches, and a lively atmosphere. If you don’t mind the crowds and are looking for the best weather conditions, this is a great time to visit.

The shoulder season from April to June can also be an excellent time to visit Cabo San Lucas. During this period, the weather remains warm and pleasant, but the crowds start to thin out, and accommodation prices are generally lower. This is a good time to enjoy the beaches, attractions, and activities without the peak-season crowds. It’s also an ideal time for sport fishing, as various fishing tournaments take place during these months.

The low season, which runs from July to October, coincides with the rainy season and hurricane season in the region. Although there is a higher chance of rain and storms, you can still enjoy warm weather, and the crowds are thinner. Prices for accommodations and activities are usually lower during this time, making it a more budget-friendly option.

• Best Time for Avoiding Crowds: The best time for avoiding crowds is during the rainy season in August and September. These two months see the most number of cloudy days and a slight chance of hurricanes. But with an average of only 18% chance of rain, there are still many sunny days to be had. Beaches will be nearly empty, bars and restaurants will be quieter, and hotels will often have discounts available. May and June are also good months will fewer people around, just after Spring Break and before the rainy season, but not quite as calm as during the August and September, as these are popular months for family travel. Do not visit during March or April, the height of Spring Break season, or during the winter months, December through February, which is the peak season for holidays and snowbirds.
• Best Time for Good Deals: The best time to find travel deals in Cabo is from May through September, with the absolute best rates coming in May, August, and September. May through mid-July are the best weather months during the summer season, not as hot as late summer and just before the rain comes. August and September will offer the best discounts, even at the most luxe resorts, but there will be rain to consider and the rare possibility of a hurricane.
• Best Time for Snorkeling and Diving: The best time for snorkeling and diving runs from early October and through early November. The water is warmest from late July through early November, visibility is highest from early October through the end of November, and waves are generally smaller September through November. October and November are some of the best months for encountering whale sharks that begin to flock to the area as winter approaches. Snorkeling and diving in Cabo is great any time of the year, if cooler temperatures are not a deterrent. Flying manta rays are here most in May; December through March is great for spotting whales, guitarfish, and octopuses. Colorful reef fish and sea turtles are here year-round.
• Best Time for Whales and Whale Sharks: The best time to see whales and whale sharks is from early January through March. Whale Shark season runs from October through March. Most whale shark tour operators are based out of La Paz, around a two-hour drive from Los Cabos, so visitors will need to provide their own transportation there. Whale Shark tours offer freediving and snorkel opportunities to get very close to these huge fish, but scuba tanks are not allowed. Humpback whale season runs from mid-November through April, with most babies born from late December through January. The babies start getting more playful in February. Gray whales have the shortest season in Cabo, from early January through late March. They are less abundant than Humpbacks, though not uncommon. Schedule early morning tours for smaller waves and less chance of seasickness. Afternoon tours find whales at their most active, but the boat ride is usually choppy later in the day.
• Best Time for Surfing:The best time for surfing in Los Cabos is from June through August. Thanks to Southern Hemisphere swells, waves are consistent at most beaches on both the Sea of Cortez and Pacific sides. Good surfing for Los Cabos’ Sea of Cortez beaches, including Old Man’s, Zippers, and The Rock, can be found anytime between April and October. On the Pacific beaches, such as Todos Santos or Cerritos, the best surf is found in the winter months, from December through February. Great winter surf here, but the water is definitely chilly.
• Best Time for Sportfishing: Sportfishing is great all year long, with almost 100% chance of catching something, though different fish bite at different times. September through January is best for all types of marlin. Tuna is most common from June through January, while yellowtail bites from January through April. Grouper and snapper are most abundant from May through September. Several major competitions with huge cash prizes take place here, most notably Bisbee’s Black and Blue. Most tournaments take place in October and early November with a couple of smaller events in the summer months.

Los Cabos Events and Festivals

Los Cabos in January

• Feast Day of San Antonio de Abad: San Antonio de Abad is the patron saint of animals. On this day animals are allowed into churches to receive a blessing. Hundreds of people participate, dressing their pets or working animals in ribbons and bows, for the priest to bless. Expect all types of animals to be in attendance, but especially dogs, cats, horses, and chickens.
• La Ventana Classic: Five days of competitive kitesurfing, windsurfing, and SUP racing, plus a variety of clinics where participants learn from the pros. Proceeds benefit schools in La Ventana, El Sargento, and Los Planes.

Los Cabos in February

• San Jose Jazz Weekend: Two evenings of live jazz, featuring local, national, and international artists. This popular and growing concert series takes place at Plaza del Pescador in the San Jose Hotel Zone from 5-11pm. Admission is free.
• Todos Santos Open Studios Tour: Todos Santos, one of Mexico’s Pueblos Mágicos, is best known for its charming, boho style and art galleries. For two days every year, artists of all mediums open their studios to the public and invite them into their creative spaces. It is free to attend with any purchasing proceeds going to support Palapa Society’s Children’s Art Program.
• Carnaval: This huge six-day celebration is traditionally the last hurrah before the fasting weeks of Lent. Unlike Brazil’s Carnaval or New Orleans’ Mardi Gras, this is a family-friendly event, featuring parade floats, dancing, food stalls, and cultural events. There is a small Carnaval event in downtown Cabo, but the largest celebration in the area is about two hours north in La Paz, attracting crowds in the hundreds of thousands.

Los Cabos in March

• Festival of San Jose: An eleven day festival in honor of San José, the city’s patron saint. Festivities begin with parties and music, then increase to include parades, carnivals, and rodeos on weekends. Expect a fun street party with amazing food stalls, dancing, and rides.
• Festival de Cine de Todos Santos: Since 2004, the Todos Santos Film Festival has screened the best new dramas, documentaries, and short films from Mexico and Latin America with a special focus on local, Baja filmmakers. Screening during this six-day event are held at Teatro Marquez de León.
• Gala de Danza: This annual performing arts event brings together elite dancers, choreographers, and musicians from around the world. Artist collaborations showcase the best in classical ballet and ballroom styles, as well as contemporary Latin Dance. Get ticket early! Tickets have previously sold out in under an hour.

Los Cabos in April

• Paws ‘n Claws Open Golf Tournament: Annual golf tournament and barbecue benefitting Los Cabos Humane Society. Teams may register to play 18-holes on the Palmilla Golf course, followed by barbecue at Acre, an upscale farm-to-table restaurant, or supporters may choose dining only.
• Día de los Niños: Celebrated on April 30 every year, this holiday honors the importance of children in society. This is a fun day for kids, who get the day off from school, and are treated to special events, activities, and gifts. Events take place all over town, with music, shows, and magic. Many water parks and amusement parks offer discounts on this day.

Los Cabos in May

• Cinco de Mayo: This is a celebration of Mexico’s victory over France during the Battle of Puebla – not Mexican Independence Day. Outside of Puebla itself, this holiday is not celebrated in Mexico. However, some hotels and bars in Cabo host fiestas aimed at American tourists with drink specials, music, and food.
• GastroVino Food and Wine Festival: This annual, three-day festival in Todos Santos includes special events at the city’s best restaurants, working alongside Baja’s best wineries. Events include wine tastings, an elegant ball, tapas and wine pairing, and a silent auction benefitting a local charity.

Los Cabos in June

• Los Cabos Open of Surf: The most prestigious men and women’s surfing competition in Mexico, drawing huge local and global crowds. The six-day event includes free concerts after sunset by major international bands, and an accompanying food festival.
• Fiesta de la Música: This is a live music festival taking place every year on the solstice, June 21, in 120 countries worldwide. This free event takes place at various locations in San Jose’s Art District. All musical styles and experience levels are welcome to participate.
• The Stars & Stripes Tournament: Annual deep sea fishing (striped marlin) and golfing tournament combined with music festival. Proceeds benefit seven chapters of Big Brothers Big Sisters in Mexico and California.

Los Cabos in July

• Fiesta of the Virgin of Carmen: This day-long festival celebrates the Virgin Mary as protector of Mexico. The event begins with cultural craft vendors in the morning, followed by an afternoon parade of children, their mothers, and puppeteers. The Cabo San Lucas marina holds a fishing tournament, while bullfights are held near downtown (toned down versions, no animals harmed).
• Festival of St. James: This festival celebrates St. James, the patron saint of Spain credited with bringing Catholicism to Mexico. The saint is often depicted in art riding a white horse. The festival begins with a parade, including riders on white horses, who reenact battles in the towns’ squares. Street parties continue late into the evening.

Los Cabos in August

• Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore Tournament: A laid-back, five-day fishing competition out of Buenavista, an hour north of San Jose. The event includes three days of deep sea fishing for marlin, tuna, and dorado.
• Los Cabos Open (Abierto Mexicano de Tenis): This is one of the most prestigious men’s tennis competitions in Mexico. It takes place over 6 days, on outdoor hard courts, with $800,000USD in prize money at stake.
• Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary: This holiday celebrates the ascension of the Virgin Mary to heaven, and is celebrated in both Cabo San Lucas and San Jose. Churches will be overflowing with flowers, and processions will wind through the downtown areas with floats and live music. There will be many street food stalls, plus buffet feasts at local restaurants. Festivities continue late into the evening.

Los Cabos in September

• Charro Day: The morning begins with parades of charros, Mexican cowboys, wearing traditional clothing with their horses groomed and decked out, too. Festivities with great food continue throughout the day with rodeos, bullfighting, calf roping, and dancing into the night.
• Mexican Independence Day: Beginning on September 15th at night, expect huge crowds in both Cabo San Lucas and San Jose. Cabo has a wilder party vibe, while San Jose has a more traditional fiesta. Celebrations at both locations will see the plazas decked out, mariachi, folk dancing, beer, fireworks, and street food. The “grito,” shout of independence, is called out around 11 that night. The following day is a national holiday with a giant parade and continuing celebrations.

Los Cabos in October

• Los Cabos Billfish Tournament: A five-day event including three days of competitive deep sea fishing. Boats leave from both the Cabo San Lucas Marina and the Puerto Los Cabos Marina in San Jose.
• Bisbee’s Black & Blue Marlin Tournament: This is the largest fishing tournament of the year with millions of dollars up for grabs and drawing huge crowds in Cabo San Lucas. Teams compete for three days, and spectators watching the enormous fish as they’re weighed in on the pier.
• Fiesta de Cabo San Lucas: This holiday on October 18 celebrates St. Luke, patron saint of Cabo San Lucas. Downtown streets will be closed off to traffic to make way for the parade, food vendors, dancing, and musicians.

Los Cabos in November

• Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead): Celebrations are scattered around the Los Cabos area on November 1-2 in remembrance of deceased family and friends. Expect gatherings in the main town squares and in cemeteries, where altars are set up, plus costumes, face painting, music, marigolds, and special candy sugar skulls. Los Cabos’ celebration is not as large as in most central and southern areas; San Jose has more traditional festivities than Cabo San Lucas.
• Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot Tournament: Four-day event with two days of competitive fishing. Evenings include cocktail parties, mariachi, and festivities. Big money jackpots for the winning teams.
• Revolution Day (Día de la Revolución): Festivities on November 20 celebrate the start of the Mexican Revolution in 1910. Parades in the morning are followed by food, fiestas, and rodeos.

Los Cabos in December

• Feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe (Día de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe): This is an annual Mexican Catholic feast on December 12, celebrating an apparition of the Virgin Mary on Tepeyac Hill in Mexico City. The holiday is celebrated throughout Los Cabos with parades, masses, street fairs, and fireworks, and it marks the start of the Christmas Posadas.
• Christmas Posadas: A nine-day period from December 16-24 commemorating the Mary and Joseph’s journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Candlelit processions and reenactments go from house to house each night with parties, food, and piñatas after guests are allowed entry to the “inn.” This culminates in the biggest celebration on Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) with the birth of Christ celebrated at midnight, followed by mass, food, and presents. Many hotels and restaurants will offer special dinners and events for travelers.
• Sabor a Cabo Restaurant and Food Festival: The area’s largest food festival with over 50 restaurants involved. The annual celebration features local and international chefs, food, wine, music, tequila, and mezcal. Proceeds benefit several local charities.

Read More

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• Best Hotels in Los Cabos
• Best Family Hotels in Los Cabos
• Best Things to Do in Los Cabos
• Los Cabos with Kids
• Best Restaurants in Los Cabos
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Mexico › La Paz
Updated: February 28, 2023

Best Hotels in La Paz
• Seven Crown
• Posada De Las Flores
• Hotel Catedral La Paz
• Costa Baja Resort & Spa
• Seven Crown Malecón

Laid-back La Paz is often overlooked by visitors in favor of the resorts of Los Cabos, but it’s one of our favorite small Mexican cities. Its waterfront malecón is one of the country’s most attractive, the surrounding beaches are sensational, nearby Isla Espíritu Santo is rich in marine life, and the local restaurants – especially the fish taco stalls – are surprisingly good.

Frequently Asked Questions about La Paz

Where is La Paz?

La Paz – not to be confused with the capital of Bolivia – is the capital of the Mexican state of Baja California Sur, facing the Sea of Cortez (Gulf of California). La Paz lies about 1470 km south of Tijuana and the US border, 150 km north of Cabo San Lucas, and over 1600 km northwest of Mexico City. Non-stop flights to La Paz take 1 hour 45 minutes from Tijuana, and 2 hours from Mexico City.

How big is La Paz?

La Paz has a greater metro population of just under 300,000 people. The city stretches for some 11km along the Bay of La Paz, part of the Sea of Cortez (Gulf of California).

What is the history of La Paz?

Originally the home of the indigenous Pericú people, the Spanish had little success colonizing the area around La Paz. Jesuit priests Juan de Ugarte and Jaime Bravo established a mission here in 1720, but it was abandoned 28 years later. La Paz didn’t really develop as a city until Mexico became independent, becoming the de facto capital of southern Baja in 1833. It grew rapidly thereafter, thanks to nearby silver mines, and a major pearl-fishing industry. American troops occupied the town in 1847 during the Mexican–American War, and in 1853 it was again invaded, this time by the US “filibuster” William Walker in one of his many attempts to create a Central American kingdom (he was quickly expelled by the Mexicans).

John Steinbeck sailed to La Paz in 1940, a trip he recorded in The Log from the Sea of Cortez (he also based his novel The Pearl here), but by this time the pearl trade had almost completely collapsed, most likely due to disease among the oysters. Since the 1960s La Paz has flourished again as capital of the Baja California Sur, and also because of recreational fishing, pioneered by the likes of John Wayne and Bing Crosby.

How do I get to La Paz?

La Paz has a small airport with flights to major cities in Mexico, as well as seasonal (winter) flights to Dallas and Phoenix. From southern California, it’s easiest to fly non-stop from Tijuana, just across the border – from Europe and the rest of the world most flights route through Mexico City. From the airport taxis charge around 300 pesos into the city center – there’s not much alternative to this.

La Paz is also a short (2hr 30 minutes) bus or car ride from the resorts of Los Cabos, making it a popular day-trip.

Because of its relatively remote location, getting here overland can be very time-consuming. First-class long-distance buses run down the Baja peninsula from Tijuana (at least 24 hours), though these can be infrequent. Car ferries from Mazatlán can save time if driving from central Mexico. See Baja Ferries.

Can I use Uber in La Paz?

Uber does operate in La Paz (assuming phones have roaming, and the app works), but drivers are usually reluctant to pick-up from the airport due to hostility from the airport taxi union. However, it’s possible to get an Uber back to the airport for as low as 100 pesos. Once in the city, getting an Uber should be no problem, and can be cheaper than regular taxis.

Can I drive to La Paz?

It is possible to drive to La Paz. Driving down from the US border is relatively straightforward, and plenty of Americans and Canadians take their own vehicles – the main highway is good, virtually empty outside the towns, and is fairly safe (though driving at night should be avoided). There are many Mexican army checkpoints along the way, but tourists are usually waved through without problems. It’s important to fill up whenever a gas station is seen however and plan accordingly. The drive from Tijuana is over 1480 km (920 miles) and takes around 21 hours non-stop – most folks break the journey into two or three days. Another plus: foreign vehicles do not need a Mexican “Temporary Importation of Vehicle Permit”, as long as they stay on the Baja peninsula.

If renting a vehicle, it’s much easier to do this once across the Mexican border, as taking US rental vehicles into Mexico comes with all sorts of restrictions.

Do I need a car in La Paz?

It is not necessary to rent a car in La Paz. It’s relatively easy and cheap to get around on foot, by bus or taxi. It can be useful to have a vehicle to explore the coastline beyond the city – to Playa Balandra and Playa Tecolote for example – but these beaches are also served by public bus and taxi/Uber. Rental cars are easily arranged through the hotel or at the rental company offices along the waterfront.

How do I get around La Paz without a vehicle?

Most of the center of La Paz can be explored on foot, or call an Uber or take a local taxi. There are taxi stands on the malecón (bayfront) in front of Seven Crown hotel and next to the cathedral on the plaza. Set the fee before getting in – most trips in the city should be 50 to 80 pesos. Local buses charge a flat fare of 10 pesos but are unlikely to be needed.

When is the best time to go to La Paz?

La Paz beaches are at their best from November through May when there’s great weather (and whale-shark watching). La Paz experiences broiling hot summers that are best avoided – also skip Christmas and Easter, to avoid the crowds of local tourists.

What are the best beaches in La Paz?

The best beaches of La Paz are a short ride north of the city center but are definitely worth the effort. Our favorite is Playa de Balandra (27km north of La Paz). It’s a superb option for families, featuring a sheltered, shallow bay (no more than waist deep) and warm water for swimming and snorkeling. Rent kayaks and shelter under small palapas (palm shelters) set on the beach.

Playa de Tecolote, another 2km north from Balandra, offers fine sands and excellent snorkeling right off the beach. Unlike Balandra, this is a long, straight strip, facing Isla del Espíritu Santo and the open Sea of Cortez. There are also lots of places to eat and drink here, with a party atmosphere at weekends.

Take the bus to both beaches from the main terminal on La Paz bayfront; it costs around 50 pesos and departs on the hour between 10 am and 5 pm (on the way back the last bus leaves the beaches around 6:30 pm). Taxis also shuttle back and forth from the beaches, though Uber is a little cheaper – around 150 pesos each way to Baladra and a little more to Tecolote. The best beach within hiking (or at least biking) distance of the city center is Playa El Coromuel (4km north of the center). It’s a small but beautiful beach with a long pier, palapas, a few places to eat, and even a giant water slide.

Where should I stay in La Paz?

First timers to La Paz should aim for anywhere along the waterfront malecón, close to the action and well located to enjoy the city’s celebrated sunsets. There are hotels in all price ranges here. We like the modern Seven Crown, which has a fabulous rooftop bar and chic rooms. For something special try the Posada De Las Flores.

What are the best things to do in La Paz?

Other than checking out the nearby beaches, La Paz makes a good base for exploring the rich marine life in the Sea Cortez. We recommend taking a boat trip out to uninhabited Isla Espíritu Santo; snorkeling trips off the island usually encounter sea lions, dolphins, manta rays, and, depending on the time of year, fin whales – between November and March its possible to swim with whale sharks. Recommended operators include Baja Outdoor Activities, Funbaja, and the Cortez Club at La Concha Beach Resort, especially for diving.

On land, spend some time strolling the bayside malecón, one of the most attractive in Mexico, with sensational views of the mountains across the water, especially at sunset. The city’s simple cathedral, the Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Paz, lies on Plaza Jardín Velasco (aka Plaza Constitución), three blocks inland. Nearby, the Museo Regional de Antropología e Historia is the best place to learn about the region’s history.

What are the restaurants like in La Paz?

Eating – especially seafood –is excellent in La Paz. Cheap Mexican street food and fresh fruit juice is sold at Mercado Francisco Madero on Revolución de 1910 (at Degollado), while the popular stand known as Taquería Hermanos González (Lerdo de Tejada, at Madero) serves some of the best fried fish and shrimp tacos in Baja California. Other favorites for fish tacos and seafood include Bismark-Cito on Obregón (at Hidalgo y Costilla), and Mc-Fisher at Morelos y Pavón 965. The best place for coffee is hip contemporary café Doce Cuarenta at Madero 1240, while La Fuente (on the bayfront) serves fabulous home-made ice cream.

What currency is used in La Paz?

The Mexican peso (often prefixed with a “$” sign) is the currency of Mexico and La Paz – most places will not accept US dollars. Most major shops and restaurants in La Paz accept credit cards, but it is a good idea to have some peso cash on hand for bus trips and small purchases like bottled water and snacks. Most banks and ATMs are on 16 de Septiembre near the waterfront and generally give better exchange rates than casas de cambio.

Is La Paz expensive?

La Paz in not really expensive. Hotels are generally good value, even near the waterfront – shop around to get bargain rates. There are plenty of cheap taco shops and Mexican diners along the bay also. All beaches are open to the public and free to visit, and transportation is relatively cheap.

Is La Paz safe?

Yes. La Paz has generally avoided the drug violence that has affected other parts of Mexico. Take the usual precautions, especially at night, and keep valuables in room safes. Theft of personal items from beaches does happen – never leave anything of value unattended, even on seemingly empty stretches of sand.

Read More

• Cancun – Best Hotels
• Cancun – Family Hotels
• Isla Mujeres – Best Hotels
• Isla Mujeres – Family Hotels
• Los Cabos – Travel Guide
• Los Cabos – Best Hotels
• Los Cabos – Family Hotels
• Mazatlan – Best Hotels
• Mazatlan – Family Hotels
• Playa del Carmen – Best Hotels
• Playa del Carmen – Family Hotels
• Puerto Vallarta – Best Hotels
• Puerto Vallarta – Family Hotels
• Punta de Mita – Best Hotels
• Sayulita – Best Hotels
• Tulum – Best Hotels
• Tulum – Family Hotels

Mexico › Isla Mujeres Best Places to Stay
Updated: February 26, 2023

Isla Mujeres – Best Places to Stay

Best hotels on Playa Norte (the best beach and swimming on Isla Mujeres): Ixchel Beach Hotel • Nautibeach Beach Front Condos

The best areas of Isla Mujeres for visitors are the North End (busy and walkable, with stunning Playa Norte beach and plenty of restaurants, bars, and markets) and South End (great family attractions and quiet beaches). The middle of the island also has some nice areas, including Mar Caribe and Bahia (the western and eastern coasts, respectively, near the old airport and walking distance to downtown).

Getting to Isla Mujeres from Cancun takes only 25 minutes on the Ultramar ferry. If coming from the Cancun Airport, take a pre-paid shuttle or taxi to Puerto Juárez terminal (I’ve used Happy Shuttle and can recommend them. They also sell ferry tickets so you don’t have to queue at the terminal). Ferries depart from here every 30 minutes from 5:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. There are also three ferry terminals in the Hotel Zone, though ferries here operate on a limited schedule, running hourly-ish from around 9:00 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. depending on the terminal. Fares are higher at all of the Hotel Zone ports. Children taller than 1.2 meters (3’11”) pay adult rates. Children under 1 year ride free.

Getting around Isla Mujeres: The easiest and most fun way to get around on Isla Mujeres is by golf cart. There are several golf cart rental shops directly across the street from the Ultramar terminal. Travelers staying in Sac Bajo or Punta Sur should consider renting a golf cart for the duration of their stay. For guests staying in Centro or Playa Norte, a golf cart is unnecessary for daily use; almost everything is within a 5 to 10-minute walk. Rent a cart for a day to do a circle island tour of the south end attractions like Garrafon Natural Reef Park, Tortugranja (the turtle farm!), and Ixchel Temple. Travelers staying in Mar Caribe or Bahia are 20 minutes walking distance from Centro and North Beach but a little too far to easily walk to the south end.

Taxis on Isla Mujeres are all red sedans. The main taxi stand is next to the ferry terminal on the same side of the street. Taxis are not metered here. Instead, there is a list of fixed rates to various island destinations posted on the inside wall of the taxi stand. Always verify the rate before entering the taxi itself! Taxis can also be flagged down from the side of the road just about anywhere on the island. In this case, the taxis operate as rideshares and will pick up and drop off other passengers along the way. If using the taxi as a rideshare (versus calling ahead to hire a private taxi), rates are about 20 pesos per person to anywhere on the island.

Pay in pesos whenever possible. Many hotels, restaurants, and tour operators accept payment in U.S. dollars. However, travelers will almost always overpay if using dollars, as the exchange rate for tourists favors the peso.

The 13 Best Hotels on Isla Mujeres

1. Zoëtry Villa Rolandi – Sac Bajo, South End

Luxurious, all-inclusive, family-friendly resort on a quiet beach. Zoëtry boasts two gorgeous pools and a huge saltwater Jacuzzi plus spacious, sea-facing suites with private whirlpools or direct pool access, the island’s best restaurant, and a soothing thalasso spa with free salt water-based therapy for all guests. Unique services and activities include sunset yacht cruises, cooking classes, ceramics painting, and wine tastings. Rates are always inclusive of round-trip yacht transfer from Cancun directly to their private pier. Located in Sac Bajo, near Tortugranja and next to Dolphin Discovery (guests get free admission here).
Hotel phone: +52 998 999 2000
Hotel website • Check prices for Zoëtry Villa Rolandi

2. Isla Mujeres Palace – Sac Bajo, South End

Romantic, adults-only resort specifically designed for couples on a long stretch of sandy beach with an exceptional spa, top-notch service, fantastic dining, and a swim up bar in the pool. All suites come with double-sized whirlpool tubs and private balconies; services include couples’ massages, candlelit dinners on the beach, and in-room dining. Their generous resort credits program can be used toward offsite excursions, like dolphin swims, scuba or snorkel tours of MUSA, or for entry to their water park at The Grand in Cancun. Round-trip yacht transfer to and from Cancun is included in all room rates. Located at the base of Sac Bajo, a five minute walk to the turtle farm, a few local restaurants, and Hacienda Mundaca, the ruins of a retired pirate’s home.
Hotel phone: +52 998 999 2020
Hotel website • Check prices for Isla Mujeres Palace

3. Casa de los Sueños – Punta Sur, South End

All-suite, family hotel with amazing kids’ amenities, including a zipline, an infinity pool, and a pint-sized water park with another pool. The hotel’s quiet suites sit on a little hill overlooking the ocean, most with private balconies or patios, some with Jacuzzis, and all with daily breakfast included. The water park offers a two-tiered pool with a swim up bar, slides that end in the ocean, a rock climbing wall, and a private pier, plus kayaks, snorkel gear, and paddleboards. The hotel sits at the south end of the island, near other family attractions including Garrafon Reef Park, the turtle farm and sanctuary at Tortugranja, and Dolphin Discovery.
Hotel phone: +52 998 888 0370
Hotel website • Check prices for Casa de los Sueños

4. Ixchel Beach Hotel – Playa Norte, North End

Sweet, family-friendly hotel with twin pools, complimentary beach gear, and a fantastic bar and restaurant that also offers beachside service. Staff throughout the hotel is super friendly and attentive to guests’ needs. Rooms are comfortable, minimalistic, and sunny. Spring for a suite to add a balcony and kitchenette. Penthouse suites upgrade to full kitchens and private garden terraces or rooftop garden access. Situated right on Playa Norte, near Hidalgo Street shopping, dining, and nightlife.
Hotel phone: +52 998 999 2010
Hotel website • Check prices for Ixchel Beach Hotel

5. Hotel Secreto – Playa Norte, North End

This sleek, elegant, boutique hotel offers an infinity lap pool and an intimate spa. An all-suite property, each room features an enormous balcony with a queen-sized day bed, dramatic ocean view, and luxurious décor and amenities. Executive junior suites on the top floor include peekaboo glass showers, recommended especially for couples. Continental breakfast is included in the room rate and delivered daily to each room. Though children are allowed here, the vibe is more adult-oriented. Located on a tiny beach (not swimmable) at the northern edge of downtown, walking distance to Playa Norte and Hidalgo Street restaurants and shops.
Hotel phone: +52 998 877 1039
Hotel website • Check prices for Hotel Secreto

6. Privilege Aluxes – North End

This contemporary, adults-only hotel offers a stellar beach club, two pools, and a spa. Rooms and suites are spacious with up to two bedrooms. All have a private balcony or terrace, some with jetted tubs or outdoor Jacuzzis. This is the only hotel on the island boasting suites with private plunge pools. Though they offer all-inclusive packages, the hotel is walking distance to so many great restaurants and bars; it’s really best to book the room only to take advantage of the excellent local flavors nearby.
Hotel phone: +52 998 848 8470
Hotel website • Check prices for Privilege Aluxes

7. Casa Coco – Sac Bajo, South End

Upscale, family-friendly boutique hotel with an infinity pool and rooftop palapa for massage and yoga. This rustic-chic property overlooks a small, secluded beach accessible by a little pathway. Décor is all locally made Yucatan art inspired by Spanish and Italian design. All suites come with a private balcony, while the Family Suite adds a kitchenette and sofabed. This gorgeous spot is in the middle of Sac Bajo, near Tortugranja and Dolphin Discovery, but its lush grounds make it feel more remote than it is.
Hotel phone: +52 998 220 2571
Hotel website • Check prices for Casa Coco

8. Icaco Island Village – Mar Caribe, Middle

This stylish and cozy, adults-only boutique features a rooftop sun terrace with an infinity plunge pool, Bali beds, and stunning ocean views. Their four suites have bespoke, handmade décor, such as conch shell showerheads, salvaged wood doors, and artisanal textiles. The owners live on site and take pride in offering impeccable hospitality and presentation. Complimentary bicycles and daily Italian breakfast round out the experience. Fresh, contemporary, and tranquil ambiance, fifteen minutes walking to downtown and Playa Norte.
Hotel phone: +52 984 100 5070
Hotel website • Check prices for Icaco Island Village

9. Hotel Paradise Suites – Centro, North End

This brand new, boutique hotel offers bright, boho suites and a fantastic restaurant, a couple hundred meters from Playa Norte and their beach club. Standard and junior suites are amply sized and decked out in colorful Mexican textiles, all with fully equipped kitchens, small dining areas, and private terraces. Other onsite amenities include a Jacuzzi, golf carts, and a boutique shop – with a pool and spa coming soon. In the heart of the North End, steps away from downtown shopping and dining, walking distance to several beaches.
Hotel phone: +52 998 688 4154
Hotel website • Check prices for Hotel Paradise Suites

10. Villa Encantada – Sac Bajo, South End

Hacienda-style boutique hotel with an infinity pool, located on a small swimmable beach with a private dock. Suites are family friendly and most include balconies. The Encantada Suite adds a soaking tub, while the Penthouse Suite has a private rooftop terrace. Décor is breezy, fresh, and locally-made, with woven lanterns, custom Mediterranean-inspired tile, and a poolside palapa roof. Daily breakfast is included in the room rate, and a well-stocked honor bar is available to guests throughout the day. Surrounded by a lush, jungle garden, this gem in Sac Bajo feels very private, while still being very accessible. Walking distance to Dolphin Discovery and a few bars and restaurants and within ten minutes ride to all of the island’s attractions.
Hotel phone: +52 998 220 2571
Hotel website • Check prices for Villa Encantada

11. Nautibeach Beach Front Condos – Playa Norte, North End

Exceptional condos with a beachfront pool, direct beach access, and all day dining and drinks at their own beach club. Apartments can be studios, one to two bedrooms, or penthouse suites with three bedrooms. All come with a full kitchen and balcony; some of the two bedroom units have bunkbeds in the guest room. Nautibeach sits on the sunny southwestern edge of Playa Norte, near the downtown beach at Playa Sol, walking distance to great beach bars and Hidalgo Street shopping.
Hotel phone: +52 998 877 0606
Hotel website • Check prices for Nautibeach Beach Front Condos

12. El Milagro Beach Hotel and Marina – Bahia, Middle

Eclectic, family-friendly boutique hotel with its own marina in a former fish processing facility. Its charming little beach has tables and chairs in the ocean, swings by the bar, a small pool, and a community kitchen with a grill for guest use. Studio, one, and two bedroom suites are decorated in a blend of authentic Mexican and hippie styles, with colorful mismatched tiles, bright textiles, and fully equipped kitchens; one (The Beach Cabana) even has a tin roof! Common areas are equally wild with rainbow colors everywhere, two shady palapas, and a jungle garden filled with local plants, iguanas, and singing birds. Located on the western coast, about twenty minutes’ walk to Centro, Playa Sol, and Playa Norte, near several local restaurants and a minimart.
Hotel phone: +52 998 877 1708
Hotel website • Check prices for El Milagro Beach Hotel and Marina

13. Mia Reef – Playa Norte, North End

This all-inclusive, family-friendly resort boasts a supreme location, floating on its own little island off the coast of the main island and connected by a long wooden bridge. With almost 360° of powdery white beach and pale turquoise water, this is far and away the most breathtaking spot on Isla. Rooms and suites all offer ocean views and private balconies, some with outdoor Jacuzzis and hammocks. This is the only hotel on the island with a kids’ club. It also houses a pool, spa, salon, and several restaurants and bars.
Hotel phone: +52 998 999 2050
Hotel website • Check prices for Mia Reef

Staying in the North End: Centro and Playa Norte

Centro (downtown) and its main beach Playa Norte make up the broad upper portion of Isla Mujeres. Renowned for its long stretch of soft white sand, gentle surf, and turquoise waters, Playa Norte was named one of the top ten beaches in the world by TripAdvisor in 2017. The calm, shallow waters are perfect for beginning swimmers, while tons of marine life and high visibility makes this an excellent spot for snorkeling. Several beach clubs, bars, and restaurants line the beach, interspersed with some of the island’s larger hotels and condos. Just inland, visitors will find even more dining options plus street vendors and markets, especially on Hidalgo Street. Though this is the liveliest part of the island, it is much more relaxed, safer, and friendlier than nearby Cancun. Most people get around on foot or bicycle here, though golf cart and moped rentals are everywhere, and taxis are easy to flag down.

The Best Hotels in Centro and North Beach

Privilege Aluxes • Hotel phone: +52 998 848 8470

Ixchel Beach Hotel • Hotel phone: +52 998 999 2010

Hotel Secreto • Hotel phone: +52 998 877 1039

Hotel Paradise Suites • Hotel phone: +52 998 688 4154

Nautibeach Beach Front Condos • Hotel phone: +52 998 877 0606

Mia Reef • Hotel phone: +52 998 999 2050

The Best Restaurants in Centro and North Beach

Rooster Café • $$-$$$ • The island’s best brunch spot, specializing in local spins on eggs benedict.

Ruben’s Restaurant • $ • Casual Mexican favorites all day. Known for their chimichangas, tacos, and lobster bennies.

Abuelos • $$-$$$ • Authentic, family-run seafood restaurant; amazing ceviche, whole red snapper, and fish tacos.

Staying in the South End: Sac Bajo and Punta Sur

The South End is made up of two segments: Punta Sur, the general name for the southern one third of the island, and Sac Bajo, the small strip of beach jutting upward alongside the middle portion of the island. This area is less densely populated than the North End but has most of the island’s attractions. Punta Sur, at the southernmost tip of the island, is also the easternmost point in all of Mexico, the first place in the nation to see the sunrise. The park grounds also house the ruins of Ixchel’s Temple and a metal sculpture garden. Right next door to Punta Sur is Garrafon Natural Reef Park, with snorkeling, kayaking, ziplining, and more. Dolphin Discovery interactive water park and the turtle sanctuary at Tortugranja are both located just north in Sac Bajo.

Beaches in the South End tend to be quieter and smaller than those in the North End. Several hotels and restaurants can be found here, but things are a little more spread out. A golf cart or moped is recommended for getting around to each of the attractions, though taxis are fairly easy to come by in the daytime.

The Best Hotels in Sac Bajo and Punta Sur

Zoëtry Villa Rolandi • Hotel phone: +52 998 999 2000

Isla Mujeres Palace • Hotel phone: +52 998 999 2020

Casa de los Sueños • Hotel phone: +52 998 888 0370

Casa Coco • Hotel phone: +52 998 220 2571

Villa Encantada • Hotel phone: +52 998 220 2571

The Best Restaurants in Sac Bajo and Punta Sur

Casa Rolandi • $$$$ • Northern Italian and Yucatan fusion fine dining with gorgeous ocean views.

Zama Beach Club • $$-$$$ • Upscale, unique seafood menu featuring local ingredients like conch and chaya, alongside more familiar flavors.

Staying in the Middle of the Island: Bahia and Mar Caribe

The middle of island is made up of one narrow strip of land, divided in half by the old airport and a lagoon. On the western side is Bahia, with a gentle coastline and secluded beaches. On the eastern half is Mar Caribe, with dramatic rocky beaches – beautiful to look at but too rough to swim. Both Bahia and Mar Caribe areas are about twenty minutes walking distance to downtown, making them very accessible to dining, beach clubs, and shopping but calm and quiet for a restful sleep. Visitors here can completely get by without renting a golf cart. Walking or cycling is easy in the day, and taxis are cheap for night travel. Staying in the middle of the island offers visitors a more authentic experience, as the island’s residential neighborhoods are nearby, with several local-style restaurants and markets in its southern edge.

The Best Hotels in Bahia and Mar Caribe

Icaco Island Village • Hotel phone: +52 984 100 5070

El Milagro Beach Hotel and Marina • Hotel phone: +52 998 877 1708

The Best Restaurants in Bahia and Mar Caribe

Polo’s Mango Café • $$-$$$ • Insanely great food with Mexican and American flavors. Don’t miss their watermelon mimosas and stuffed poblano pepper for breakfast!

GreenVerde • $$-$$$ • Amazing and simple local food all day at this family-run restaurant.

Caribbean Brisas • $$-$$$ • Best spot for the local fish specialty tikin xic.

Read More

• Best Family Hotels in Isla Mujeres
• Best Restaurants in Isla Mujeres
• Best Hotels in Cancun
• Best Hotels in Tulum
• Cancun Family Hotels
• Tulum Family Hotels
• Playa del Carmen Family Hotels
• Puerto Vallarta Family Hotels
• Los Cabos Family Hotels
• Mazatlan Family Hotels

Mexico › Tulum › Riviera Maya Best Places
Updated: February 7, 2023

See Also

• Mexico – Where to Go
• Mexico – Best Beaches
• Mexico – With Kids

Where to Go – Cancun or Tulum or Playa del Carmen?

Cancun Characteristics

• Where to Stay in Cancun
• Great beaches
• No surfing
• Beach and city are separated, most tourists don’t go into the city though it has some great food spots and markets
• Large resorts with few small boutique hotels
• Good attractions within 90 minute drive
• 20-minute drive from airport
• Most restaurants are sub-par and good food takes effort to find
• Good high end shopping
• Good nightlife, clubs and DJs
• Many kid-friendly resorts
• Not good for walking or biking
• 2 hours to Coba ruins, 2 hours to Chichen Itza

Playa del Carmen Characteristics

• Where to Stay in Playa del Carmen
• Great beaches
• No surfing
• Beach and town are together, though many resorts are outside of town
• Mix of resorts and smaller hotels
• Good attractions within 40 minute drive
• 50-minute drive from airport
• Most restaurants are decent or better and good food is easy to find
• Good touristy shopping
• Good nightlife, bars and clubs
• Many kid-friendly hotels
• Good for walking, OK for biking
• 90 minutes to Coba ruins, 2 hours to Chichen Itza

Tulum Characteristics

• Where to Stay in Tulum
• Great beaches
• No surfing
• Beach and town are separated, both areas are lively and fun
• Most hotels are small boutiques
• Good attractions within 20 minute drive
• 90-minute drive from airport
• Most restaurants are great and good food is easy to find
• Good art and boutique shopping
• Good nightlife, bars and beach parties
• Many kid-friendly beach hotels (but many are adult-oriented too)
• Best for honeymoon: the most romantic of the 3 destinations
• Good for walking, great for biking
• 40 minutes to Coba ruins, 2 hours to Chichen Itza

Read More

• Cancun – Best Hotels
• Cancun – Family Hotels
• Playa del Carmen – Best Hotels
• Playa del Carmen – Family Hotels
• Tulum – Best Hotels
• Tulum – Family Hotels

• Isla Mujeres – Best Hotels
• Isla Mujeres – Family Hotels
• Los Cabos – Travel Guide
• Los Cabos – Best Hotels
• Los Cabos – Family Hotels
• Mazatlan – Best Hotels
• Mazatlan – Family Hotels
• Puerto Vallarta – Best Hotels
• Puerto Vallarta – Family Hotels
• Punta de Mita – Best Hotels
• Sayulita – Best Hotels

Mexico › Oaxaca › Best Places to Stay
Updated: January 20, 2023

See Also

• Where to Stay in Mexico City
• Where to Stay in Puerto Escondido
• Where to Stay in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo

Best Areas to Stay in Oaxaca

Stretching across a deep valley in the Sierra Madre de Oaxaca mountain range, Oaxaca is a remarkable city. Its origins go back several millennia to the Zapotec and Mistec civilizations, its historical centre with its handsome colonial architecture is among the most beautiful in Mexico, its fiestas are exuberant and its art and dining scenes are second to none. While the city as a whole is a bit of urban sprawl, most of its attractions are concentrated in the central, and very walkable neighborhoods, while outlying sights can be reached by cheap and prolific taxis.

Centro, Oaxaca’s historical heart is where you’ll find the overwhelming majority of Oaxaca’s best hotels in all budget ranges. The upscale ones mostly fall into the boutique category (only one or two hotels can be described as “luxury” as opposed to “boutique”), and are found inside former colonial mansions and palaces that dot the streets around the Zocalo, the main square, and the Santo Domingo cathedral, several blocks further north. Good midrange and budget options can also be found in the outlying barrios of Xochimilco, Jalatlaco and Noria, on the outskirts of Oaxaca’s centre.

You’re likely to spend most of your time in Oaxaca’s historical heart – a logical and easy-to-navigate grid of streets, lined with centuries-old architecture. Centro can roughly be divided into two halves. The blocks of streets referred to as Zocalo are centred on Oaxaca’s eponymous main plaza and its imposing cathedral. This is where you’ll find craft stalls, churches, numerous restaurants, markets and a couple of museums.

The other half of Centro, Santo Domingo, several blocks north of the Zocalo and north of Calle Independencia, is centred on the imposing Santo Domingo church. The cobbled streets around the church rich in attractions, from museums and art galleries to some of Oaxaca’s best dining, as well as the biggest concentration of bars to suit all tastes.

North of Santo Domingo and across Hwy 190 is the compact neighborhood of Barrio de Xochimilco, Oaxaca’s oldest. There’s a sedate, village-like feel to it, and it’s where you’ll find textiles workshops, as well as traditional eateries and a handful of accommodations.

Bordering Xochimilco to the east, across the dry river bed, and also north of Hwy 190 from Centro is Reforma, a large, affluent neighborhood where you’ll find international dining and boutiques, though little in the way of sights.

South of Hwy 190 and Reforma, bordered by the busy Boulevard Eduardo Vasconcelos to the east, and separated from Santo Domingo by the undulating Calzada de la Republica street that follows the dry river bed, Barrio de Jalatlaco is a small, hip and arty neighborhood, with plenty of street murals, good coffee shops, some offbeat restaurants and a good mix of budget and midrange digs. Quieter and more laidback than Santo Domingo, it’s a short, 4-block walk from the Santo Domingo church.

The compact grid of streets that makes up Barrio de la Noria borders Centro to the southeast, along Calle la Noria, framed by Calle de Armenta y López to the west, Calle Gonzáles Ortega to the east, and Hwy 175 to the south. It’s the quietest neighborhood in Oaxaca, being mostly residential, with colorful, single-storey houses, a few unpretentious, family-run restaurants, and inexpensive places to stay. It’s a 10-15 minute walk to the Zocalo.

The Best Places to Stay in Oaxaca

• Best Luxury Hotels in Oaxaca
  Quinta Real • Hotel La Casona de Tita
• Best Boutique Hotels in Oaxaca
  Casa Carmen Morelos • El Callejón Hotel Boutique • Casa De Sierra Azul • Hotel Parador de Alcalá
• Best B&B in Oaxaca
  Casa de las Bugambilias B&B • El Diablo y la Sandia • Boca del Monte by Diablo y la Sandia • Grana B&B
• Best Midrange Hotels in Oaxaca
  Hotel Casa Arnel • Hotel Casona Oaxaca • AYOOK

Best Neighborhoods in Oaxaca for Sightseeing: Santo Domingo, Centro

Oaxaca’s entire historic core – Centro – has been a Unesco World Heritage site since 1987, so whether you base yourself near the Zocalo or in Santo Domingo, you’re ideally placed to check out several excellent museums, a number of contemporary art galleries, street art, and historic churches. The heavyweight attractions are the Zocalo square itself, as well as the santo Domingo church and the adjoining Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca – one of Mexico’s finest archaeological museums. There’s one other major attraction that’s outside the city limits; to get out to the major Pre-Columbian archaeological site of Monte Albán, on the outskirts of Oaxaca, join a tour group of a negotiate taxi fares there and back.

Best Neighborhood in Oaxaca for Nightlife: Santo Domingo

There’s a handful of bars in Reforma and around the Zocalo as well, but you can’t beat Santo Domingo for the sheer variety and quality of its watering holes. There’s something to suit everyone, from dedicated mezcalerias (mezcal bars) for serious connoisseurs of mezcal, and high-end cocktail bars specialising in elaborate, original drinks, to bona fide craft beer breweries and even a sports bar or two. Some stay open until the early hours of the morning.

Best Neighborhoods in Oaxaca for Food and Restaurants: Santo Domingo, Centro, Barrio de Xochimilco, Barrio de Jalatlaco
Oaxaca’s dining scene is phenomenal, and you’re unlikely to go hungry in any neighborhood. For the most creative fusion and Mexican fine dining, head for Santo Domingo; unmissable restaurants include Casa Oaxaca, Pitiona and Los Danzantes. The streets surrounding the Zocalo feature a mix of international offerings, hip cafes serving single origin coffees and hearty brunch, and locally renowned taco joints. You can also get super-cheap tacos and other street food at stalls on the fringes of Mercado 20 de Noviembre; if you’re brave, buy a bag of dried grasshoppers with chilli and lime juice as a snack. Xochimilco is good for unpretentious local food and family-run eateries, while in Jalatlaco you’ll also find some excellent typical Oaxacan food, as well as good Italian restaurants, and coffee shops.

Best Neighborhoods in Oaxaca for Families: Barrio de la Noria, Centro, Barrio de Xochimilco

While none of Oaxaca’s neighborhoods specialise in family-friendly attractions, Centro is a good bet if you’re looking to explore the city’s main attractions, and don’t want to tire out little feet by having to walk too far. Zocalo is quieter at night than Santo Domingo, and Barrio de la Noria is even better in that respect, and not too far from Centro’s attractions. Barrio de Xochimilco is another good bet, being laidback and pretty quiet, though it’s father away from Centro, and you’ll need to take taxis to and from. Older kids may appreciate the art galleries and colorful street art around Centro, as well as the Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca in Santo Domingo.

Best Neighborhoods in Oaxaca to Stay for First Timer: Centro, Santo Domingo
No doubt about it: you’ll want to base yourself either in the Zocalo or the Santo Domingo part of Centro. Both are within easy walking distance from Oaxaca’s many cultural attractions – museums, art galleries, markets, etc – so you just have to decide whether you want to be closer to the nightlife and upscale restaurants of Santo Domingo, or the more casual dining and quieter streets around Zocalo.

Most Romantic Neighborhood in Oaxaca: Santo Domingo
It’s hard to beat the subtly-lit cobbled streets, beautiful architecture, luxurious boutique hotels and fine dining of Santo Domingo if you’re on a romantic vacation with your other half.

Best Neighborhoods in Oaxaca for a Local Vibe: Barrio de Xochimilco, Barrio de Jalatlaco
The oldest part of Oaxaca, the former Pre-Columbian settlement of Xochimilco predates the present-day city by several millennia. Barrio de Xichimilco is a unique and attractive part of Oaxaca, with its colorful, hilly streets, low-key family restaurants serving typical Oaxacan cuisine, and textile and tin workshops. Barrio de Jalatlaco is another distinctive slice of Oaxaca; back in the day, when the dry river bed separating it from Centro was a proper river, it was considered to be a separate village. It’s more trendy than Xochimilco, but also with beautiful, hilly streets, and a good mix of traditional dining and hipster cafes, as well as a proliferation of street art.

Best Neighborhoods in Oaxaca for Shopping: Barrio de Xochimilco, Reforma, Centro
It rather depends what you’re looking for. Xochimilco is the place to go to check out traditional textile workshops, where fine weaving is often practised by many generation of the same family. Reforma has some international stores that you won’t find elsewhere in Oaxaca, while around the Zocalo you’ll find craft stalls selling clothing and souvenirs. There are also three markets taking up several blocks south of the Zocalo: Mercado Benito Juárez is particularly good for cooking ingredients you’ll want to use at home, such as a bewildering collection of moles, Mercado 20 de Noviembre is a bustling food market selling fresh produce, while the Mercado de Artesanias de Oaxaca sells a mix of mass-produced souvenirs and some quality regional crafts. Several specialty coffee shops in Centro sell bags of locally grown and roasted beans, and you can buy bottles of hard-to-find mezcal from small local producers both in stores around Centro and bars such as Mezcaleria In Situ. The Oaxaca region is known for its unique ceramics, and you’ll find pieces made of black clay and red clay at stalls and craft market (though for the best selection and fair prices, head for the Colectivo 1050° store in Santo Domingo).

Safest Areas of Oaxaca
Oaxaca has a relatively low crime rate for a large city, and neighborhoods frequented by visitors, such as Centro, Santo Domingo, Barrio de Xochimilco, Barrio de la Noria, Barrio de Jalatlaco and Reforma are considered generally safe. That said, opportunistic pickpocketing does happen, so be aware of that while exploring the area around the Zocalo, the markets, etc. Standard precautions apply: don’t flash lots of cash, expensive jewellery or electronic gear, and avoid deserted, poorly-lit streets at night; take a taxi back to your hotel if you’ve stayed out till late.

Unsafe Areas of Oaxaca
Visitors are advised not to wander off into the suburbs outside central Oaxaca. While much of the crime in Oaxaca (and Mexico in general) is confined to cartel on cartel violence, occasional violent robberies do take place.

The Best Neighborhoods in Oaxaca for Tourists

Centro

The heart of Oaxaca, a.k.a. Zocalo, is where all the action is. Downtown Oaxaca is centred on the large historic square, the Zocalo, overlooked by a massive cathedral. If it happens in Oaxaca, it happens here: fiestas, peaceful protests, craft markets, etc. The square is lined with inexpensive souvenir stalls, though if you’re serious about shopping, it’s worth checking out the three markets a few blocks south of the Zocalo. Centro/Zocalo is a regular grid of narrow streets (some of them pedestrianised), lined with typical, brightly-painted, one- and two-story houses. In between the Zocalo plaza and Santo Domingo you’ll find several excellent museums (Museum of Regional Textiles, Museum of Pre-Hispanic Art, Contemporary Art Museum), a handful of small art galleries with local art for purchase, and a range of places to eat, from traditional to distinctly international. Some of Oaxaca’s best hotels are found here, and visitors are likely to spend much of their time exploring Centro.

Best Hotels in Centro

• Hotel Casona • (Hotel phone: +52 951 516 4811)
• Casa De Sierra Azul • (Hotel phone: +52 951 516 4811)
• AYOOK • (Hotel phone: +52 951 516 4811)
• Hotel Casa Barrocco • (Hotel phone: +52 951 516 4811)

Santo Domingo

The northern half of Centro, Santo Domingo is arguably the most beautiful part of Oaxaca, with its cobbled streets and beautiful architecture. This neighborhood has the best of everything: Oaxaca’s top sights (Santo Domingo Church, Museum of Oaxacan Cultures in the cloisters attached to the church, ethnobotanical garden filled with regional plants, etc), Oaxaca’s best bars, Oaxaca’s most celebrated restaurants and the best luxury and boutique hotels. Zocalo is a few blocks south.

Best Hotels in Santo Domingo

• Quinta Real • (Hotel phone: +52 951 516 4811)
• Hotel La Casona de Tita • (Hotel phone: +52 951 516 1400)
• Hotel Parador de Alcalá • (Hotel phone: +52 951 516 4811)
• Casa Carmen Morelos • (Hotel phone: +52 951 516 4811)
• El Callejón Hotel Boutique • (Hotel phone: +52 951 516 4811)
• Grana B&B • (Hotel phone: +52 951 516 4811)

Barrio de la Noria

There isn’t much to Barrio de la Noria, a compact residential neighborhood just south of Centro, though if you’re looking for peace and quiet at night while being within an easy walk of Oaxaca’s main attractions, it makes a good base. There are a few low-key restaurants here, while the Zocalo is a 10-15 minute walk away.

Best Hotels in Barrio de la Noria

• Azul Cielo Hostel • (Hotel phone: +52 951 516 4811)
• Posada de Chencho • (Hotel phone: +52 951 516 4811)

Barrio de Jalatlaco

A compact, tranquil neighborhood that grew around the 18th century church of San Matías Jalatlaco, and just east of Centro, across the dry river bed, Barrio de Jalatlaco is all charming cobbled streets, colorful single-story houses, family-run restaurants serving traditional Oaxacan dishes, and some locally popular taco stands. Several hip coffee shops are a nod to the neighborhood’s recent gentrification, and it’s a bit of art enclave as well; you’ll see plenty of colorful street murals. Apart from that, Jalatlaco is light on attractions, but is a mere 10-15 minute walk from sights in Centro and Santo Domingo.

Best Hotels in Barrio de Jalatlaco

• Hotel Casa Arnel • (Hotel phone: +52 951 515 2856)
• Hotel Tabáa • (Hotel phone: +52 951 516 4811)
• Paraje La Huerta • (Hotel phone: +52 951 516 4811)
• Los Pilares Hotel • (Hotel phone: +52 951 516 4811)

Barrio de Xochimilco

North of Santo Domingo, across the motorway, Xochimilco was the original Prehispanic settlement that eventually grew into present-day Oaxaca. Traditional crafts still thrive here, and walking around the hilly, colorful streets, you’re likely to see family-run textile workshops and artisans at work. It’s a quiet and low-key neighborhood, with small, wallet-friendly eateries serving traditional fare; you can also buy fried grasshoppers and tamales at the Mercado de Pochote. There’s one notable sight here: an 18th century aqueduct that rises high above the dry river bed that separated Xochimilco from Reforma to the east. Santo Domingo and its attractions are a 15-20 minute walk; you might want to take a taxi.

Best Hotels in Barrio de Xochimilco

• Suites Bello Xochimilco • (Hotel phone: +52 951 516 4811)
• Hotel La Cascada • (Hotel phone: +52 951 516 4811)
• Casa de Los Angeles B&B • (Hotel phone: +52 951 516 4811)

Reforma

If much of Oaxaca has a very distinctive vibe and look, Reforma could almost be anywhere. Younger than historic Oaxaca, this large, spread-out neighborhood north of the highway from Santo Domingo lacks Centro’s handsome architecture, though it does have the lion’s share of international restaurants and boutiques, wine stores and other trappings of an affluent place to live. Some visitors prefer staying here, as it minimises culture shock, while others feel that it’s not ‘real Oaxaca’. Good dining, but no sights to speak of; sights in Santo Domingo and Centro are a short taxi ride or 15-25 minute walk away.

Best Hotels in Reforma

• Casa los Cantaros Hotel Boutique • (Hotel phone: +52 951 516 4811)
• Suites Colibri • (Hotel phone: +52 951 516 4811)

Read More

• Oaxaca – Travel Guide
• Oaxaca – Day Trip to Monte Alban
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• Isla Mujeres – Family Hotels
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• Los Cabos – Family Hotels
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• Mazatlan – Family Hotels
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• Puerto Vallarta – Family Hotels
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• Tulum – Family Hotels

Mexico › Best Places to Stay in Puerto Escondido
Updated: January 19, 2023

See Also

• Where to Stay in Oaxaca
• Mexico – Where to Go
• Mexico – Best Time to Visit
• Mexico – Best Beaches

Where should I stay in Puerto Escondido?

The main areas to stay include the tourist areas of Puerto Escondido itself (along the beach, Playa Principal or around El Adoquín); along the main surf zone at Playa Zicatela; more rustic La Punta, 3km further south at the far end of Zicatela; and the more residential area of Rinconada, west of the city center, closer to the smaller beaches hemmed in by cliffs. We prefer the tranquility and beaches of Rinconada, but surfers will want to stay closer to the action in Zicatela.

Our favorite hotels include the Hotel Paraíso Escondido at Unión 10, with fine views and great facilities, and the budget Paziflora Hostel at Primera Sur 309, run by an incredibly friendly family.

In Zicatela we like the charming and family-friendly Hotel Santa Fe, across the road from the beach, Hotel Casa Dan at Jacarandas 14, which has spacious rooms with kitchens, and Hotel Tabachin del Puerto at Del Morro 4, featuring a series of beautifully furnished self-catering apartments.

In and around Rinconada our favorite hotel is the luxurious Villas Carrizalillo (our favorite hotel in the Puerto Escondido area), perched above a glorious beach. The quirky boutique Quinta Lili (closed for refurbishment until summer 2023) at Cangrejos 104, is a close second.

Staying in Puerto Escondido – Tips & Info

Puerto Escondido is a laid-back resort town on the Pacific coast of Mexico, and one of our absolute favorite places to go in the country. Puerto Escondido is best known for its wonderful beaches, tropical setting, surf scene (it’s the home of the “Mexican Pipeline”), and scuba diving.

Where is Puerto Escondido?
Puerto Escondido is a small resort city and port in the southeastern Mexican state of Oaxaca, facing the Pacific Ocean. Puerto Escondido lies about 250 km south of Oaxaca City, 380 km southeast of Acapulco, and around 650 km southeast of Mexico City. Non-stop flights to Puerto Escondido take 1 hour 35 minutes from Guadalajara, 1 hour 15 minutes from Mexico City and just 30 minutes from Oaxaca City.

How big is Puerto Escondido?
Puerto Escondido has a population of around 45,000. The city center is quite small, with the primary tourist area focused on a small bay (“Bahía Principal”) and the adjacent strip along Avenida Alfonso Pérez Gasga (known simply as “El Adoquín”). The main business district (“Centro”) is clustered around Hwy-200 just to the north.

What is the history of Puerto Escondido?
Puerto Escondido is a relatively recent creation, though indigenous peoples such as the Mixtecs have populated the surrounding country for thousands of years. A small fishing community existed by the late 19th century, but the town didn’t start developing properly until the 1930s. It wasn’t until the 1960s that Highway 200 was completed, linking Escondido with the outside world by road for the first time (the highway ran along the coast of Oaxaca to Acapulco). In the 1970s Puerto Escondido started to develop as a low-key surfer and backpacker resort, and the population jumped from a few hundred to several thousand. Today the tourist facilities are far more developed, though Puerto Escondido remains relatively rustic and laid-back compared to big resorts such as Cancún, Acapulco and Los Cabos.

How do I get to Puerto Escondido?
Puerto Escondido is connected to Oaxaca City, Mexico City and Guadalajara by non-stop flights; flights from elsewhere usually route through Mexico City. The daily flights from Oaxaca on Aerotucán, or with the plane piloted by the experienced Captain Vega (+52 954 588 0062), can save a lot of time, but are small Cessna aircraft, and a 15kg luggage limit is strictly enforced on Aerotucán (“Aero Vega” is cheaper and allows a little more, but you must call the Captain by phone to confirm flights). Puerto Escondido Airport lies around 4km northwest of Bahía Principal. Take a shared taxi (around 50 pesos) to the city center.

Until the new highway is complete in 2024, reducing the trip to just 2 hours 30 minutes, traveling by road between Oaxaca City and Puerto Escondido will remain time-consuming and stomach-churning (it’s very windy). Small minibuses (“camionetas”) operated hourly during the day by Transportes Villa del Pacifico, usually take 7 hours, but are cramped, stuffy and only stop once or twice for food and bathroom breaks. First–class ADO/OCC buses are bigger and much more comfortable, and have bathrooms, but take at least 10 hours – most travellers take the night bus to save a night’s hotel cost. The modern ADO/OCC bus terminal is right on the Carretera Costera (Hwy-200), a short walk from El Adoquín – taxis also wait outside. Other buses run to and from the Terminal Turística on Avenida Oaxaca, near the airport (take a taxi from here). Buses from Acapulco take around 8 hours – it’s at least 18 hours from Mexico City. Buses also regularly run along the Oaxacan coast (2 hours 30 minutes to Huatulco).

What about Uber?
Uber does not operate in Puerto Escondido.

Can I drive to Puerto Escondido?
Yes, though it’s not recommended currently. Plenty of Americans and Canadians used to drive along the entire Pacific coast of Mexico from California to Guatemala, stopping in at Puerto Escondido, but parts of the route can be quite dangerous today, thanks to drug cartels and highway robberies (especially at night). Driving solely to Puerto Escondido isn’t worth the effort – it’s 960 miles (1545 km) south of Brownsville (Texas), and the roads across the mountains of Oaxaca can be tough to navigate for first-timers.

Do I need a car in Puerto Escondido?
Not really. It’s relatively easy and cheap to get around on foot, by bus or taxi. It can be useful to have a vehicle to explore the coastline beyond the city – to Mazunte and Zipolite for example – but these resorts are also served by public bus and taxi. Fix taxi prices before getting in – most trips in town should be 35 to 40 pesos, with 50 to 60 pesos for longer trips to La Punta or Playa Bacocho. You can also take a lancha (small motor boat) from Playa Principal to the nearby beaches from around 100 pesos per person.

When is the best time to go to Puerto Escondido?
Puerto Escondido is at its best December to April, when the weather is hot and dry. It tends to be rainy and very humid June to October, with hurricanes possible through the summer into November – however, the peak surf season runs from May to early September. Hotel prices go up during surf competitions (the main one is normally in November) and during Mexican holidays, especially Christmas and Easter.

What are the best beaches in Puerto Escondido?

One of our favorites is Playa Zicatela, south of the city center – it’s one of the best in Mexico for surfing, but it’s also a huge swathe of fine sand (it rarely feels crowded), backed by great beach bars and palapa restaurants. Learner surfers should head for La Punta at the far southern end of the beach, which has slower waves. For swimming, head to the smaller beaches west of the city center, sheltered in a series of rocky coves. Our absolute favorite is Playa Carrizalillo (2km from Playa Principal), a beautiful gold-sand beach on a tiny, calm bay. It’s only accessible via a steep, 170-step staircase. A close second are the beaches on nearby Bahía Puerto Ángelito, a gorgeous bay with similarly warm, calm waters. Puerto Angelito itself is more sheltered and family-oriented, with Playa Manzanillo, on the other side of a rocky outcrop, slightly less crowded. Puerto Angelito can be accessed directly by car/taxi, while Manzanillo is a short walk from the road – both beaches can be reached after 20 minutes walk from Playa Principal, and feature plenty of bars and restaurants.

For more seclusion head further west to Playa Bacocho or Playa Punta Colorada, both huge stretches of sand that are rarely busy. Currents and waves can be strong here, so swimming isn’t safe, though bodyboarding and surfing is possible.
The main city beach, Playa Principal is too busy with families, boats and fishermen most of the time, but can be fun in the evenings – nearby Playa Marinero, just across Laguna Agua Dulce (and separated from Zicatela by the Mirador Romance de Verano, a rocky outcrop also known as “El Morro”), is a better place to lounge on the sands.

What are the best things to do in Puerto Escondido?
The best things to do in Puerto Escondido are connected with the beaches; swimming, surfing, sunbathing, diving and various watersports. There’s not much else to do here other than browsing the shops for surf and beach gear, and Mexican handicrafts. Ecoadventures is a recommended operator that offers paddle-boarding, kayaking and bioluminescence boat tours of nearby Laguna Manialtepec, as well as dolphin watching and the chance to take part in the release of baby sea turtles from local beaches. Robert’s Ecotours offers a similar line up. For scuba diving contact Deep Blue Dive or Aventura Submarina which has an office at Alfonso Pérez Gasga 609 on the main drag.

Surfers should check out locally-run website Central Surf TV, Puerto Surf and the Oasis Spanish & Surf School, which offers surfing lessons and Spanish classes. Skydive Puerto Escondido offers incredible parachute jumps right over Puerto Escondido’s beaches. Puerto Food Tours is a fun way to see the city, with walking tours focused on local food and snacks.

What are the restaurants like?
Extremely varied, international and cheap. Along all the main beaches are beach bars and restaurants, with especially fresh seafood. One of our favorites for breakfast (and Mexican staples for dinner) is El Cafecito on Playa Zicatela. A block inland, Dan’s Café Deluxe (Jacaranda 14) is equally good for breakfast and serves incredible fish tacos for lunch. We love Sativa, right on the beach at Playa Zicatela, for its contemporary Mexican menu, vegetarian choices, and seafood. For solid Italian food (pizza, pastas), La Galería is a good choice, in the city center at Alfonso Pérez Gasga 601. The best place for a splurge is Espadín, over looking Playa Carrizalillo, with modern Mexican food, and sensational views of the bay and the sunset.

What currency is used in Puerto Escondido?
The Mexican peso (often pre-fixed with a “$” sign) is the currency of Mexico and used in Puerto Escondido – businesses are unlikely to accept US dollars unless it’s an emergency. Most major shops and restaurants in Puerto Escondido now accept credit cards, but it is a good idea to have some pesos on hand for buses, taxis, and small purchases like bottled water and snacks. We recommend using ATMs attached to banks in the commercial center of town, rather than at standalone ATMs in bus stations and the like – these can be hacked by credit card fraudsters.

Is Puerto Escondido expensive?
No. Much of Puerto Escondido remains set up for budget travelers, and there is a wide range of low-cost hotels and rentals (airbnb also operates here). Food and transport is cheap – and all the beaches are open to the public and free.

Is Puerto Escondido safe?
Yes. Puerto Escondido has generally avoided the drug violence that has affected other parts of Mexico. Take the usual precautions, especially at night, and keep your valuables in room safes. Theft of personal items from beaches does happen – never leave anything of value unattended, even on seemingly empty stretches of sand.

Read More

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Mexico › Puerto Vallarta › Best Hotels
Updated: January 11, 2023

Puerto Vallarta Hotels

• Best Luxury Hotels in Puerto Vallarta: Hotel Mousai (most luxurious) • Grand Velas (best for families) • Hacienda San Angel (most romantic).
• The best areas of Puerto Vallarta for travelers are: El Centro (PV’s historic heart, with great restaurant and beaches), Zona Romantica (historic streets with trendy bars, nightlife, and popular Los Muertos Beach), Conchas Chinas (upscale neighborhood near attractions, but quiet at night), Mismaloya (secluded jungle and beaches), Marina Vallarta (resort area with a golf course and lots of marine attractions, beaches are just ok), North Hotel Zone (great beaches, quiet neighborhood, near attractions), and Nuevo Vallarta (exclusive, luxury, golfing and beaches).
• Puerto Vallarta is home to some of the best restaurants in Mexico, with a mix of outstanding fine dining, cheap eats, local flavors, and international cuisine. Even if staying in an all-inclusive, it is worth making the trip downtown for meals at least a couple of times during your stay. Some of the top restaurants worth a special trip are Café des Artistes (best fine dining), Mariscos Cisneros (best local seafood), and Kaiser Maximilian (best international cuisine).
• Puerto Vallarta is perfect for walking, with interesting attractions, such as the Malecon, the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Los Muertos Beach, and nightlife all within walking distance of each other. Farther-flung attractions, like the Botanical Gardens or Zoo to the south or Nuevo Vallarta to the north, are all serviced by bus for only a few pesos.
• Taxis are more efficient for longer distances, but can be expensive. Rather than running a meter, taxis rates are determined by zone. The rate for a particular destination will be based on how many zones the taxi needs to cross through to get there. Zone maps can be integrated with Google Maps on your phone.
• For day trips to Punta de Mita or Sayulita, it’s best to rent a car. Puerto Vallarta’s rules of the road are similar to those in the U.S. Highways are well-maintained, and streets are all well-mapped (if not well-marked) and easy to follow via GPS. Two things that are different are topes and left turns. Topes (pronounced TOH-pays) are speed bumps, but there are no regulations on their height, steepness, or visibility; some are nearly impossible to see until it’s too late! Drive slowly in downtown and keep an eye out for these. Standard left turns are usually OK in downtown but not on highways. To make a left, drivers will often need to use a retorno, which is a U-turn overpass. To use a retorno, drive past the road you want to make a left onto, get into the far right lane to take the retorno exit, make the left onto the overpass, and finally merge with traffic going the opposite direction. You can then make a right at the desired street or destination.
• Pay in pesos whenever possible. Many hotels, restaurants, and tour operators accept payment in U.S. dollars. However, travelers will almost always overpay if using dollars, as the exchange rate for tourists favors the peso.

The 22 Best Hotels in Puerto Vallarta

1. Hotel Mousai – South Hotel Zone

Five Diamond, adults-only hotel with a rooftop infinity pool overlooking their 85-acre jungle preserve, Garza Blanca Beach, and the Sea of Cortez. All accommodations include outdoor, tile jacuzzis on private balconies. Ultra Suites add upgraded amenities, the hotel’s most expansive views, and unlimited access to the hydrotherapy circuit in their decadent spa. Expect impeccable service along with phenomenal dining and drinks on site or at their sister property, Garza Blanca. Guests may choose to reserve a suite only, or an all-inclusive package. Located just north of Mismaloya, near Los Arcos Park, the Botanical Gardens, and the Puerto Vallarta Zoo.
Hotel phone: +52 322 176 0738
Hotel website • Check prices for Hotel Mousai

2. Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit – Nuevo Vallarta

Luxurious, all-suite, all-inclusive, family-friendly resort with a multi-tier infinity pool and exceptional family amenities and services. Their enormous two-bedroom, three-bathroom family suites boast a private jacuzzi terrace, a 50 minute massage per person per day, and round-trip airport transfer. Kids’ amenities for all ages include a baby concierge, kids’ pool, kids’ club with culture, nature, and craft activities, and a teen lounge with gaming consoles, a dance floor, and karaoke. A host of gourmet local and international restaurants satisfies even the pickiest eaters. The Grand Velas sits on the powdery white Nuevo Vallarta Beach, near Aquaventuras water park (with dolphins!) and in between two golf courses.
Hotel phone: +52 322 226 8677
Hotel website • Check prices for Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit

3. Hacienda San Angel – El Centro, Old Town

Four romantic, colonial-style villas house 20 total rooms, with a lush garden courtyard overlooking Guadalupe Church and the ocean. All rooms include dramatic Mexican and European antique décor, plus modern marble floors and French windows; Presidential and Royal suites add outdoor terrace jacuzzis. Three pools, a small chapel, and a gourmet restaurant are spread throughout the grounds, linked by ivy-covered terraces and garden paths. Its fine dining restaurant serves sumptuous Mexican and international dishes, with sweeping sea and city views, live mariachi nightly, and seasonal Sunday brunches. The restaurant is popular for celebrations, so reserve in advance, especially during the high season. The hotel sits amid winding cobblestone streets in El Centro, just steps from the Church, the Malecon, and the city’s best dining and nightlife. Hacienda San Angel is the former home of Richard Burton.
Hotel phone: +52 322 222 2692
Hotel website • Check prices for Hacienda San Angel

4. Villa La Estancia – Nuevo Vallarta

Luxury, family-friendly resort with spacious suites, a two-level pool, and exclusive beachfront location. Suites are generous, up to three bedrooms, with a full kitchen, and a washer and dryer. All rooms include a jacuzzi in the master bathroom and a private balcony. Excellent on-site restaurants and bars, plus guests have access to dining options at the sister resort next door. Though this resort is very popular with families, it remains peaceful and quiet: no loud pool parties, and the bars close early, around 10:30. Villa la Estancia sits at the north end of Nuevo Vallarta, on a long, tranquil beach; just a fifteen-minute bike ride to the pueblo magico Bucerias and about thirty-minutes’ drive to Old Town.
Hotel phone: +52 800 483 0088
Hotel website • Check prices for Villa La Estancia

5. Casa Velas – Marina Vallarta

Luxury, adults-only boutique hotel with a free form pool, a beach club with an infinity pool, and a holistic spa featuring hydrotherapy and ingredients grown onsite in their botanical garden. A wide range of spacious suites are available, many with private jacuzzis or plunge pools. The Presidential suites is the largest and most luxurious with four bedrooms, three and a half bathrooms, free golf, and massage for all guests. Wellness suites add in room jacuzzis, private plunge pools, a massage table, and fitness amenities. Thoughtful perks include a handbag bar and complimentary beach transfer all day. Located in Marina Vallarta, surrounded by the golf course, near sailing, diving, and marine parks.
Hotel phone: +52 322 226 8670
Hotel website • Check prices for Casa Velas

6. Marriott Resort & Spa – Marina Vallarta

Upscale, beachfront resort with infinity, kids’, and lap pools, plus Puerto Vallarta’s largest spa. Family amenities include a kids’ club, teen gaming area, and a sea turtle hatchery and release program (June – November). Its indulgent spa spotlights indigenous Huichol treatments, a hydrotherapy circuit, and in-pool massage. Fantastic restaurants are around every corner here, but the star is their Ceviche & Tequila Bar, offering outstanding seafood and 270 tequilas. Rooms are airy and bright, but average in size; families should opt for a larger suite or connecting rooms. This resort sits right on the Marina Beach, walking distance to the Marina Vallarta Golf Club, boat tours, and marine parks.
Hotel phone: +52 322 226 0000
Hotel website • Check prices for Marriott Resort & Spa

7. Garza Blanca Preserve Resort & Spa – South Hotel Zone

Sophisticated resort in a jungle mountain preserve with two free-form infinity pools, contemporary dining, and a host of nature activities. All rooms and suites feature a private terrace with a hammock, while suite types one bedroom and up include a full kitchen, washer and dryer, and one extra bathroom per bedroom. Its top-notch kids club gets little ones up close with nature through hiking, planting trees, kayaking, and more. Succulent dining, a tranquil spa, and serene tropical view of Banderas Bay rounds out the experience. Garza Blanca sits on a sugary white sand beach with a rock wall and gentle waves just north of Mismaloya, near the Botanical Gardens, Puerto Vallarta Zoo, and Los Arcos Park.
Hotel phone: +52 322 176 0718
Hotel website • Check prices for Garza Blanca Preserve Resort & Spa

8. Casa Kimberly – El Centro, Old Town

Dramatic and glamorous boutique accommodations, featuring a rooftop al fresco restaurant and bar, cozy spa, and lozenge-shaped pool. This adults-only hotel is comprised of two villas connected by a bridge; the older formerly owned by Richard Burton, and the other built by him for Elizabeth Taylor – each room is named and designed after one of Taylor’s films. Suites all feature indulgent baths and rain shower, plus lavish décor that blends Hollywood glitz with hacienda charm. Most include a private terrace with a whirlpool, plunge pool, or both. Its restaurant, The Iguana, is one of the top in the city, specializing on contemporary Mexican cuisine and a variety of tequilas. Located in El Centro, near Guadalupe Church, the city’s best restaurants and nightlife, and the Malecon.
Hotel phone: +52 322 222 1336
Hotel website • Check prices for Casa Kimberly

9. Grand Miramar – Conchas Chinas

On the highest point overlooking Banderas Bay, the Grand Miramar offers panoramic views from its rooftop bar, plus three dazzling pools, a pool-sized jacuzzi, and contemporary suites. All suites include a private terrace and a kitchenette with a stovetop. Two- to four-bedroom residences include full kitchen and dining room; many have private terrace whirlpools. The resort offers five great restaurants, but the stars are Casianos, with its three- to five-course surprise dinner menu, and the Gin Joint, especially popular for sunset cocktails and tapas. From its privileged location in Conchas Chinas, the resort is walking distance to two swimmable beaches and near the nightlife and dining in Zona Romantica.
Hotel phone: +52 322 221 5120
Hotel website • Check prices for Grand Miramar

10. Velas Vallarta Suite Resort – Marina Vallarta

This family-friendly, all-inclusive, all-suite luxury beachfront resort showcases two free-form pools connected by a lazy river. Spacious, ocean view accommodations with up to three bedrooms, each with a full kitchen, including a stovetop and dishwasher. Its kids’ club offers a third pool, plus activities such as sandcastles, painting, and Summer Camp with beach bonfires. There’s an organic spa, and superb food and drinks on-site, and golf just next door. Velas Vallarta is located on Marina Vallarta Beach, walking distance to boating and marine attractions.
Hotel phone: +52 322 226 8673
Hotel website • Check prices for Velas Vallarta Suite Resort

11. Villa Premiere Boutique Hotel – El Centro, Old Town

Four-diamond, adults-only, boutique resort, with luxurious rooms and two beachfront pools. Spacious, ocean view rooms and suites are all inclusive of personal butler service; most feature a private indoor or outdoor whirlpool. Sumptuous dining onsite offers the best in Mexican cuisine, whether traditional or contemporary, plus 24 hour room service. Thoughtful amenities include a poolside “Draw Your Moment” art station, in-room pillow and aromatherapy menus, and loaner bikes and kayaks. Their indulgent spa offers hydrotherapy and an oxygen bar. Villa Premiers is well-located on Camarones Beach in El Centro, just a five minute walk to the city’s best restaurants, the Malecon, and Guadalupe Church.
Hotel phone: +52 322 226 7040
Hotel website • Check prices for Villa Premiere Boutique Hotel

12. Pinnacle Resorts 180 – Zona Romantica, Old Town

Family-friendly, stylish condo boutique with ocean views and private balconies. Each suite is uniquely designed, but all are one- or two-bedrooms with full kitchens, washer-dryer units, and private balconies; many have outdoor jacuzzis. Top-tier condos include private plunge pools, plus upgraded features such as wraparound balconies. The cozy infinity pool has swim up access to the main bar with a popular happy hour. These chic condos are located in Zona Romantica, in the heart of Puerto Vallarta’s dining and nightlife district, just five minutes’ walk to Los Muertos Beach and Pier.
Hotel phone: +52 322 222 3556
Hotel website • Check prices for Pinnacle Resorts 180

13. Secrets Vallarta Bay – North Hotel Zone

Romantic, adults-only, all-inclusive resort on Camarones Beach, with gorgeous pools, a full-service spa, upscale dining, and a champagne bar. Suites are intimate yet spacious, many with private terrace jacuzzis or swim up options; Presidential suite adds a private plunge pool and whirlpool bath. Its holistic spa emphasizes indigenous treatments with hydrotherapy pools. Fine dining and casual restaurants offer an array of indulgent flavors, from local Mexican recipes, to Pan-Asian and Mediterranean bites. Guests at Secrets also have full access to the nightclub, casino, and restaurants at Dreams, its sister property next door. The resort sits just south of the North Hotel Zone on a golden sand beach, about thirty minutes walking to the Malecon and all of Puerto Vallarta’s nightlife.
Hotel phone: (866) 467-3273
Hotel website • Check prices for Secrets Vallarta Bay

14. Marival Distinct Luxury Residences – Nuevo Vallarta

All-inclusive, all-suite resort with outstanding services and amenities for families, plus a pool and beach club. Suites are one- to four-bedrooms, with a full kitchen and in room laundry; swim up suites and villas with full sized private pools are also available. Family amenities included in the rate are the kids’ club, free nanny service, and one free tour (options include sea lions, zip lining, pub tours, and more). Add on a “Family Emotions” package for a second tour, customized family picnic, exclusive concierge, and upgraded amenities. There are several restaurants and bars onsite, serving drinks as late as 2 a.m., plus more dining just a three minute shuttle away at their beach club. This secluded hotel is north of Puerto Vallarta in the exclusive Nuevo Vallarta complex, near golf, dining, and a small marina.
Hotel phone: +52 322 226 9740
Hotel website • Check prices for Marival Distinct Luxury Residences

15. Fiesta Americana – North Hotel Zone

All-inclusive resort with a tropical vibe on a sandy, swimmable beach. The resort offers two pools (one main pool and one adults-only), ten bars and restaurants, excellent family amenities, and club level upgrades for added luxury amenities, top floor rooms, and a private lounge. Family rooms are generously sized, sleeping up to six, with a large private terrace. Presidential suites are the largest and have a separate bedroom and private terrace with a whirlpool. Fantastic little kids club with a playground, plus beach and pool activities; the teen club offers video games and foosball tables. A wide range of restaurants suiting all tastes, with Mexican, pan-Asian, and Italian options, plus great cocktails and 24 hour room service. Located in the North Hotel Zone, walking distance to La Isla Mall and the Marina.
Hotel phone: +52 322 226 2100
Hotel website • Check prices for Fiesta Americana

16. Hard Rock Hotel – Nuevo Vallarta

Family-friendly hotel with a party vibe. The Hard Rock showcases two pools, fun bars and restaurants, plus their signature music-themed activities and amenities. All rooms come equipped with a two-person jacuzzi bath and a private balcony. Spacious family suites are all two-bedrooms, though larger suites up to three bedrooms are also available. Entertainment for all includes a kids club with a pool, waterslides, and games; an all-ages club with billiards, arcade games, and music; nightly theater, and a decadent spa. Great food and phenomenal cocktails with syrups made onsite from local fruits, plus a nightclub on weekends until 3 a.m. Sound of Your Stay package includes loaner guitars, mixing stations, turntables, and records. Located in Nuevo Vallarta on a shallow, swimmable beach, perfect for boogie boarding.
Hotel phone: +52 322 226 8470
Hotel website • Check prices for Hard Rock Hotel

17. Westin Resort & Spa – Marina Vallarta

Exceptional family resort with two free-form pools, a full service spa, and an array of spacious accommodations. Rooms and suites begin at 54 square meters, all with balconies and free-standing bathtubs, and many with jacuzzis or plunge pools. This wellness-focused resort features a full service spa with hydrotherapy, an active kids club with beach and pool games, and tennis and basketball courts. Its long stretch of beach is nearly private, boasting a beach club with attentive service. Great dining onsite features seasonal ingredients, with Mexican and international menus. Located on the southern tip of Marina Vallarta, walking distance to the golf club, Vallarta Adventures, and a mall.
Hotel phone: +52 322 226 1100
Hotel website • Check prices for Westin Resort & Spa

18. Dreams Vallarta Bay Resort & Spa – North Hotel Zone

Family-friendly, all-inclusive resort boasting three refreshing pools (one just for kids), kids’ and teens’ clubs, a nightclub, and a casino. Suites all include a freestanding bath and private balcony, some with swim up access or private terrace jacuzzis. Kids as young as three can enjoy activities at the kids club, while teens have their own space for tabletop and video games. Family entertainment includes breakdancing, fire-breathing, and karaoke, while adults can enjoy the brand new casino and nightclub until 1 a.m. Nine bars and restaurants range from casual to fine dining, with food available 24 hours at Coco Café or through room service. Adult guests have access to the spa next door at Secrets Vallarta Bay. Located just south of the North Hotel Zone on Camarones Beach, twenty minutes walking distance to La Isla Mall and thirty to the Malecon.
Hotel phone: +52 322 226 2900
Hotel website • Check prices for Dreams Vallarta Bay Resort & Spa

19. Pinnacle Resorts 220 – Zona Romantica, Old Town

Family-friendly, elegant condo boutique with a rooftop infinity pool and well-appointed suites. Each condo is individually owned, so the décor differs, but all have full kitchens, washer-dryer units, and private balconies, some with whirlpools. Spacious one- to three-bedrooms units all offer striking views of the jungle-covered mountains or of Puerto Vallarta’s red tiled roofs and the Sea of Cortez. Its rooftop Sky Bar offers outstanding sunset views and cocktails. Pre-arrival shopping service can be arranged to stock the fridge with personalized foods and drinks. Ideally located in Zona Romantica, the nightlife and dining hub of the city, and walking distance to Los Muertos Beach and the Malecon.
Hotel phone: +52 322 222 3556
Hotel website • Check prices for Pinnacle Resorts 220

20. Vallarta Shores Beach Hotel – Zona Romantica, Old Town

This boutique condo hotel offers large suites (up to four bedrooms), lots of great indoor/outdoor spaces, and an excellent beachfront location. Well-equipped kitchens are featured in all suites, with a private chef included in the rate for larger, three- to four-bedroom suites. Each suite is a little different, but most include one extra bathroom per bedroom, with Sky Suites and Penthouses adding whirlpool baths and private plunge pools. There is a common area with a larger pool, plus a full kitchen, dining room, and living room for all guests to share. Perfectly situated in the nightlife hub of Zona Romantica on Los Muertos Beach with a view of the original “Boy on the Seahorse” statue (the one on the Malecon nearby is a replica).
Hotel phone: +52 322 222 3838
Hotel website • Check prices for Vallarta Shores Beach Hotel

Staying in El Centro, Old Town

Old Town, the hub of Puerto Vallarta activity, is divided into two sections: El Centro to the north of Cuale River and Zona Romantica south of the river. El Centro is the historic heart of the city and boasts the best-known attractions, Guadalupe Church, the colonial era church that dominates the night skyline, and the Malecon, the beachfront boardwalk with statues, food stalls, music and art. This is a perfectly walkable neighborhood with cobblestone streets and sidewalks, though the latter are often taken over by cafes and taco stands. A foodie paradise; local, casual cantinas and humble tamale stands share space with five-star gourmet restaurants, serving contemporary Mexican seafood and seasonal international menus. This lively downtown area has something going on almost every night, so it can be noisy in the later hours – amazing for active vacations with fun-filled evenings, but not ideal for restful, tranquil sleep.

The Best Hotels in El Centro

• Hacienda San Angel • Hotel phone: +52 322 222 2692
• Casa Kimberly • Hotel phone: +52 322 222 1336
• Villa Premiere Boutique Hotel • Hotel phone: +52 322 226 7040

The Best Restaurants in El Centro

• Café des Artistes • $$$$ • Best fine dining in PV. Contemporary, seasonal menu in a romantic setting. Reservations strongly recommended.
• River Café • $$-$$$ • Secluded restaurant on Cuale Island – great breakfast, romantic dinners, cozy bar.
• Café de Olla • $$-$$$ • A mainstay of the city, popular for carne asada and octopus. Do try the raicilla, aka Mexican moonshine, in a margarita or a shot.

Staying in Zona Romantica, Old Town

The southern half of Old Town is the nightlife center of Puerto Vallarta, known for its numerous bars, cantinas, restaurants, and clubs. This is also the premier gay neighborhood in Puerto Vallarta, the most LGBT friendly city in Mexico. The party atmosphere begins around happy hour and goes well into the night, as late as 3 or 4 a.m., especially during the winter high season and during Pride in late spring. Still very family-friendly, tons of attractions are located here including the city’s most popular beach, Los Muertos; its stunning pier has become a hangout area for locals and travelers of all ages. The city’s oldest farmers market is here every Saturday until 2pm during high season, with produce, snacks, and crafts. Zona Romantica is also home to a number of art galleries, with a biweekly art walk/block party held during the winter months. Gourmet dining and trendy cocktails are available on nearly every corner near the new extension of the Malecon. Delicious local restaurants serve regional specialties just a few blocks inland, along the city’s famous cobblestone streets.

The Best Hotels in Zona Romantica

• Pinnacle Resorts 180 • Hotel phone: +52 322 222 3556
• Pinnacle Resorts 220 • Hotel phone: +52 322 222 3556
• Vallarta Shores • Hotel phone: +52 322 222 3838

The Best Restaurants in Zona Romantica

• Mariscos Cisneros • $ • Best casual local restaurant for seafood.
• La Palapa • $$-$$$ • Gourmet, four diamond restaurant with a casual beachfront atmosphere. Reservations recommended.
• 116 Pulpito Gastro Bar • $$-$$$ • Trendy little cocktail and tapas bar. Seating is limited to arrive early to snag a chair.
• Kaiser Maximillian • $$-$$$ • Upscale, four diamond Austrian and international cuisine. Grab a sidewalk table for great people watching.

Staying in Conchas Chinas

Often called the “Beverly Hills of Puerto Vallarta,” this affluent neighborhood sits just south of Old Town. Conchas Chinas stretches from the beachfront (with gorgeous little coves, sandy, shelly beaches, and dramatic rocky outcrops), zigzaging up the hill to the highest points in the city with stunning sunset views of Banderas Bay and the city lights at night. This mostly residential area is dotted with multi-million dollar villas and luxury condos, many of which are second homes of celebrities and politicians. The lower part of Conchas Chinas is walking distance to Old Town, yet remains quiet at nights, perfect for travelers who want the conveniences of the city without the late-night buzz. The upper part offers the best views but requires wheels to get to and from town. A beautiful area that feels more remote than it is. There are few restaurants and bars here; most will be closer to downtown.

The Best Hotel in Conchas Chinas

• Grand Miramar • Hotel phone: +52 322 221 5120

The Best Restaurants in Conchas Chinas

• The Bar at Casa Karma • $$-$$$ • Cozy al fresco bar in a boutique hotel. Known for their Build Your Own Bloody Mary bar on Sunday afternoons and fantastic tapas menu.
• El Set Restaurant & Bar • $$-$$$ • Mexican seafood restaurant and bar, known for their sunset views.
• Restaurant La Playita • $$-$$$ • Excellent service and beautiful views. Go for the chocobanana pancakes at breakfast!

Staying in the North Hotel Zone

North of Old Town and south of the Marina, this area is known for its exceptional beaches, with long, wide stretches of soft, golden sand. It’s home to a number of large resorts, as well as restaurants, nightlife, and shopping centers. Four beaches run the length of this strip, including the popular Playa del Oro. Though it’s long walk into town from here, travelers can catch the bus to El Centro across from Walmart for about 8 pesos (less than one USD). This is a great area for visitors who want to an easy, fuss-free vacation, with accessibility to downtown and dining, without being in the center of it all. Walking distance to Marina Vallarta attractions and the golf club.

Best Hotels in the North Hotel Zone

• Secrets Vallarta Bay • Hotel phone: (866) 467-3273
• Fiesta Americana • Hotel phone: +52 322 226 2100
• Dreams Vallarta Bay • Hotel phone: +52 322 226 2900

Best Restaurants in the North Hotel Zone

• La Leche • $$$$ • Contemporary, creative fine dining with a new menu every day. Reservations highly recommended, though there is a fantastic cocktail bar upstairs in case of a long wait.
• Food Park • $$-$$$ • Eight food stalls run out of shipping containers. Great food with a wide selection cuisine from burgers to sushi to tacos, plus a bar cart and dessert cart.
• La Casa de Mi Compadre • $$-$$$ • Sweet Mexican joint with the margaritas in Puerto Vallarta! The shrimp tacos are not to be missed.

Staying in Marina Vallarta

Exclusive enclave north of Puerto Vallarta, with luxury hotels, three golf courses, and most of the area’s marine attractions and charters. Marina Vallarta began construction in the mid-‘80s, and for a little while was the largest marina in Mexico. It is now the city’s main hub for water attractions, including sailing excursions, dolphin and sea lion encounters, and two water parks. The main boardwalk has several restaurants, shops, and spas (usually much more affordable than those at the resorts). This is a great neighborhood for families and couples who want to take advantage of all the sea life, snorkeling, and boating excursions the city has to offer. Some of the beaches here are a little too rocky for swimming, but when the currents are mild, this makes for excellent snorkeling.

Best Hotels in Marina Vallarta

• Casa Velas • Hotel phone: +52 322 226 8670
• Marriott Resort & Spa • Hotel phone: +52 322 226 0000
• Velas Vallarta • Hotel phone: +52 322 226 8673
• Westin Resort & Spa • Hotel phone: +52 322 226 1100

Best Restaurants in Marina Vallarta

• Sonora Grill Prime Vallarta • $$$$ • Outstanding steakhouse with a lively, albeit very loud, atmosphere. Great seafood, plus a wide selection of Mexican wines.
• Tintoque • $$$$ • Upscale seafood restaurant, with fresh, inspired dishes that change daily. Reservations recommended.
• Ocho Tostadas • $$ • Well-loved by locals! Great lunch spot for ceviche, fresh snapper, marlin, and octopus.

Staying in the South Hotel Zone

This rugged jungle coastline is what put Puerto Vallarta on the map. The South Hotel Zone, especially Mismaloya village, has been the backdrop for several films, but it was 1963’s The Night of the Iguana, and the ensuing love affair between Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, that propelled the small fishing village into the public eye – several Hollywood elites bought second homes here after falling in love with the area’s tropical beauty. This area is just south of Conchas Chinas, but its lush, mountainous terrain and unspoiled beaches make it feel much more remote than it is. Area attractions include the Botanical Gardens, with pristine hiking trails, and the Puerto Vallarta Zoo, where guests can hold baby big cats and hand feed all the animals. From Boca de Tomatlan, travelers can take a tour to Los Arcos Marine Park for snorkeling and scuba or catch a water taxi to secluded Yelapa Beach. There are not many restaurants in the main hotel area, but there are a few small, local spots just a little further south in Mismaloya and Boca de Tomatlan.

Best Hotels in the South Hotel Zone

• Hotel Mousai • Hotel phone: +52 (322) 176 0738
• Garza Blanca Preserve Resort & Spa • Hotel phone: +52 322 176 0718

Best Restaurants in the South Hotel Zone

• Le Kliff • $$$$ • Renowned fine dining restaurant, perched on a clifftop with panoramic views of Banderas Bay. Reserve in advance. This is a popular spot, especially for romantic sunsets and celebrations.
• Tony’s Hideaway • $$-$$$ • Hidden gem tucked between homes in Mismaloya. Casual and relaxed, with excellent meats and seafood with true local flavor.
• El Jacalito • $$-$$$ • Amazing little seafood restaurant under a palapa roof, toes in the sand.

Staying in Nuevo Vallarta (aka Riviera Nayarit)

Nuevo Vallarta is an exclusive neighborhood to the far north of Puerto Vallarta, just across the state line in Nayarit, hence it’s alternate name Riviera Nayarit. This newly built development is fronted by the eight-mile-long Flamingos Beach. Flamingos is arguably the best beach in the Puerto Vallarta area, wide and flat for easy walking, soft white sand, and gentle waves for swimming and bodyboarding. Several golf courses are spread throughout the area, along with fine dining restaurants, spas, and upscale shops. The northernmost area is walking distance to Bucerias, a charming, slow-paced town with cobblestone streets, an open air market, and great beach. Nuevo Vallarta’s wide, flat streets make this an excellent area for cycling and walking, though the free trolley runs the circuit of resorts, restaurants, and golf courses makes getting around even easier.

Best Hotels in Nuevo Vallarta

• Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit • Hotel phone: +52 322 226 8677
• Villa La Estancia • Hotel phone: +52 800 483 0088
• Marival Residences • Hotel phone: +52 322 226 9740
• Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta • Hotel phone: +52 322 226 8470

Best Restaurants in Nuevo Vallarta

• El Dinamita • $$-$$$ • Gorgeous patio dining under lanterns. Ordering from the menu is allowed but discouraged. Tell the waiter what things you like and if you have allergies, and they recommend a customized selection according to your preferences.
• Mariscos Tino’s La Laguna • $$-$$$ • Fresh local seafood next to a natural lagoon, served under a palapa roof.
• Etc. Beach Club • $$-$$$ • Great selection of local seafood dishes, fantastic margaritas, in a spectacular beachfront setting.

Read More

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