BajaNomad

What destinations offer bang for the buck right now?

BajaNomad - 5-1-2012 at 10:25 AM

The US dollar is about 13% (and maybe effectively as much as 18%) stronger to the MX peso right now then it was a year ago.

In Baja, what destinations can travelers benefit from this the most? Where can they go and spend a week (or two, or four) in Baja - not necessarily on the cheap, but get bang for their buck? Resorts seem to fluctuate their price in pesos to what the dollar is at - so you're paying the same price.

So where would be a good destination for travelers considering this? Where to stay? Hotel? House rental? What about nearby restaurants? Cost?

:biggrin:

bufeo - 5-1-2012 at 10:43 AM

I charge $250/hr for that kind of information. I'll send you my payment information. :saint:

Allen R

DENNIS - 5-1-2012 at 11:03 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by BajaNomad
Resorts seem to fluctuate their price in pesos to what the dollar is at - so you're paying the same price.



If the economic trend were to about face, so would that procedure. Mexico has a Peso economy and if the hotels arn't dealing imported goods, the practice of squeezing top currency is a rip-off.
React accordingly.

gallesram - 5-1-2012 at 11:07 AM

I always think that Mulege is a great destination for travelers; it has the look and feel of a small Mexican town with a friendly feel and attitude towards tourists. The transpeninsular highway is in very good shape these days (I wouldn't have said that a year ago) and gas is under $3/gallon. Clementines Baja (www.clementinesbaja.com) has great houses for rent in the Oasis Park and they start at $80/night, each with a fully equipped kitchen. The owner offers weekly rates, too. I discovered this place back in 2006 and have never stayed anywhere else when I'm down there.

From Mulege, people can enjoy the beaches of Bahia de Concepcion, a short 10-15 minute drive away. There are several beaches from which to choose and people can pick a different one each day. Mateo at the launching ramp near the Serinidad Hotel will take people out fishing for a very reasonable price. Mulege has a variety of restaurants ranging from small taco stands to Las Equipales, a more upscale restaurant. Ray's in the valley and El Patron are 2 of my favorites as well.

The round-trip drive down from the border a few weeks ago (OC-Mulege-OC) cost me around 2,800 pesos in gas; add $80/night for hotel and food/liquor costs of $50/day and the trip is pretty cheap. I'd put the beaches of Requeson and Playa Armenta up against any beaches in the Caribbean. Personally, I prefer the Sea of Cortez beaches to the Pacific beaches because they're generally warmer and calmer; plus I hate the fog and wind that seems to be ever-present on the Pacific side.

Cancun...

EnsenadaDr - 5-1-2012 at 11:24 AM

Going to a travel agency in TJ you can get some steals for hotel and airfare....Los Cabos is beautiful, and there are some deals out of TJ, It is starting to warm up here in Ensenada, which is a beautiful place in itself, and eating here is relatively cheap, on Mainland Mexico you can get some great deals out of TJ to Cancun, I absolutely love Cancun, the Caribbean, the climate, all tropical.
Quote:
Originally posted by BajaNomad
The US dollar is about 13% (and maybe effectively as much as 18%) stronger to the MX peso right now then it was a year ago.

In Baja, what destinations can travelers benefit from this the most? Where can they go and spend a week (or two, or four) in Baja - not necessarily on the cheap, but get bang for their buck? Resorts seem to fluctuate their price in pesos to what the dollar is at - so you're paying the same price.

So where would be a good destination for travelers considering this? Where to stay? Hotel? House rental? What about nearby restaurants? Cost?

:biggrin:

nbacc - 5-1-2012 at 02:51 PM

It kind of depends on how much action you want. small town ? Big town? Quiet vacation or movie theaters nearby.

BajaBlanca - 5-1-2012 at 06:53 PM

The Yucatan for sure ... VALLADOLID was great - hotels were so gorgeous and reasonable as were restaurants ....birds sing so loud I thought it was piped in (really true) and the most amazing architecture in a small town atmosphere ....

and ditto on Mulege and the beaches so easily reached from Clementine's which we also LOVED staying at. Just discovered it this year and wow... what a treat.

and last but not least LA PAZ has so much to offer - quaint and fun with inexpensive hotels and decent $$ restaurants/taco stands too.

am I allowed to boast about La Bocana ? probably not, but check out our website and see for yourself :biggrin:

Bajahowodd - 5-2-2012 at 06:50 PM

Talking about the mainland, here's one of my absolute faves.

Casa Iguana in Mismaloya, just South of Puerto Vallarta. All Suites. Two Bedrooms. Kitchenette.

It's across the street from the beach in Mismaloya, but set in beautiful tropical grounds.

Great restaurant.

Current rates for a suite are quoted as 1212 Pesos per night, or something around $92 usd.

Bus stop right outside, if you wish to go into PV. Lots of attractions North and South.

http://www.casaiguana.com.mx/indexeng.html

[Edited on 5-3-2012 by Bajahowodd]

BajaBlanca - 5-2-2012 at 08:51 PM

ohhhhhhhhhh for the absolute in decadence - stay at PAN DE MIEL hotel south of MAZUNTE/HUATULCO - Oaxaca

http://www.casapandemiel.com

It is absolutely gorgeous ...

[Edited on 5-4-2012 by BajaBlanca]

vgabndo - 5-3-2012 at 01:05 AM

Thanks for the question Doug. We don't match the trend above, seldom spending more than $100. total for rooms on a months tour. For us in our truck and cabover the better exchange rate means more money for diesel, food, and propane which is the limiting factor of how long we can stay in country. Since losing our place in San Nicolas we've really enjoyed spending less time in more different amazing places. More diesel means more places. That's how we'll use the advantage.

I'll bet you expats on a reduced fixed income like the looks of these numbers!

wilderone - 5-3-2012 at 07:28 AM

I think the question is relative to how big your Buck is, and what you consider Bang. Baja enthusiasts' "Bang" varies: from a pristine, free camping spot in the wilderness, to hotel rooms with big showers, adjacent bars with pig roasts, and expensive fishing boats (I can choose either).
Speaking of pig roasts - maybe Mulege would fit the bill.

DavidE - 5-3-2012 at 10:14 AM

San Cristobal de Las Casas, Chiapas.
Way w-a-y WAY cheaper than most other places with way more things to do than anywhere else.

BUT BUT BUT

You distinctly said Baja California.

I am liking Bahia Asuncion. Positively better shore fishing possibilities, and house rentals give a lot more for the peso. Mulege, Loreto, Todos Santos et al. are decidedly more gringoized which depending on your point of view may or may not be important. I like authentic Mexican food, not drowning in melted cheese, I like departing a restaurant and saying "Provecho" to customers in the middle of their meal, and not getting a look of "What The Hell?".

Just about every GRINGO TOURIST business, checks XE.com or Oanda every day for exchange rates so prices have risen along with the sagging of the peso/dollar rate

bajajudy - 5-3-2012 at 11:37 AM

To me there is not a better deal nor better food than San Ignacio Springs. You can laze around the beautiful grounds, use their kayaks for free to go to the hot springs, take a swim, take a walk to the mission(or a drive if you are not the walking type), take a trip out to the lagoon, or sit in your yurt and read. I am sure that there are more possibilities, ask when you check in.
Be sure to secure a place at the table for one of Terry's terrific dinners. The absolute best breakfast in Baja comes with your room.
I could not find their website but here is a blurb from tripadvisor

http://ignaciosprings.com/

Oso - 5-3-2012 at 02:23 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by BajaBlanca
ohhhhhhhhhh for the absolute in decadence - stay at PAN DE MIEL hotel south of Zihuatanejo - Oaxaca

http://www.casapandemiel.com

It is absolutely gorgeous ...


Zihuatanejo is not in Oaxaca. It's in Guerrero.

Marc - 5-3-2012 at 05:33 PM

Wherever you go, pay in Pesos!:yes::yes::yes:

BajaBlanca - 5-4-2012 at 05:13 AM

right you are - the hotel is in MAZUNTE - OAXACA .... sorry, about the mixup !

Ateo - 5-4-2012 at 07:24 AM

I'm doing a mainland trip to Guadalajara/Puerto Vallarta in two weeks. Airfare, car rental, hotel and food is set to come to around $1800 for a family of FOUR. That seems insanely cheap! Volaris was $150 round trip per ticket.....

Can't wait to get on the plane.