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Japan may be able to 3-D print a brand new train station at the drop of a hat, but Mexico is a little behind the times.

As such, a new airport is more than worthy of celebrating. It’s not every day that travelers have a new destination to travel to, especially one that is so close to home.

No, we’re not talking about Tulum. That’s old news.

Next on the docket is Riviera Nayarit, a 200-mile stretch of stunning coastline receiving a new international airport and best of all, the first-ever flight from the U.S. is already slated for launch this summer with more surely to follow suit.

But, there’s a caveat.

Mexico’s newest airport wasn’t built beachside like that of Cabo, Cancun or most recently, Tulum. Nope – it’s set in a historic city ready to celebrate is 500th birthday soon and seems to already be skipped over in favor of the lesser-known beach towns dotting the coast.

What’s the rush? A weekend getaway in fascinating Tepic, with its vast agave fields, buzzing plazas, and incredibly affordable stays, is the perfect start to Mexico’s rising tourism star, Riviera Nayarit.

One Of Mexico’s Most Authentic And Safe Destinations

Tepic, the capital city of Nayarit, is still relatively unknown. If you were to scour through travelers’ plans who plan to fly in, it’s likely you still wouldn’t see Tepic listed as more than flying in and getting out of dodge straight for a treasure trove of coastal gems nearby.

Mexico undoubtedly has some of the most beautiful coastlines in the world, but the same can be said of the country’s urban sprawls, which are beaming with magnetizing culture, authentic cuisine, and cobbled streets serving as portals to the past.

That’s Tepic. This practically unknown city offers those willing to give it a chance to experience real Mexico, the type of place even parts of Mexico City struggle to genuinely offer nowadays in the face of overtourism/gentrification concerns.

Tepic is the anti-Mexico City, not that one of the biggest cities in the world isn’t a wondrous labyrinth of sensory-overload experiences.

Here in Tepic you’ll find a refreshing take as there’s no Starbucks anchoring corner retail slots or inauthentic chains taking away from Mexico’s magic.

While it’s always wise to remain aware of your surroundings, the State of Nayarit currently holds a Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution designation by the U.S. State Department with no specific mention of Tepic as a place to worry about safety.

But given how Tepic flies well below the radar, expect to stand out like a sore thumb, at least for now.

Cheap Stays & Surprising Attractions: Tepic Is A Delight To Explore

Don’t expect to burn through the points you’ve racked up in Tepic; many of the city’s hotels are independently owned or within a cluster of conglomerates most Americans aren’t cardholders.

Since the lone nonstop flight from U.S. grounds isn’t slated until July, let’s focus on the best summer deals.

3-star stays:

• Hotel Saint George – $52
• Nk Hotel Nekié Tepic – $52
• Fiesta Inn Tepic – $54
• Hotel Hacienda las Higueras – $65
• Hotel Vista Valle – $65

4-star stays:

• Case Marianous Hotel Boutique – $48
• Hotel Fray Juniperro Serra – $60
• Hotel Real de Don Juan – $82

Now that you have your base, you’re probably wondering what there is there is other than to do what you would do in any other Mexican city. You know, find a centrally located restaurant patio, feast on local eats with an ice cold cerveza — there’s always that.

But, Tepic has some surprising attractions too. Despite it’s soon-to-be 500 year timeline of history, it’s not only eye-popping sites like Catedral de Tepic that are a draw, it’s Tepic astounding nature too.

Whether it be agave fields, staggering volcanoes, or Santa Maria del Oro, a vibrant lagoon set at the foothills of Tepic’s scenic mountain backdrop, this underrated city is practically an open invitation for outdoor adventures.

Plus, the weather doesn’t see unbearable temps like other parts of Mexico. Expect highs in the mid-80s practically year-round.

Volaris’ Groundbreaking Flight To Tepic

Tepic has been open to domestic travelers for quite some time, but international travelers, particularly Americans, should be extra excited this summer as popular Mexican airline Volaris recently announced the first-ever direct flight to Tepic from the U.S.

Scheduled to launch July 16, 2025, Volaris will fly from Los Angeles (LAX) to Tepic (TPQ). Tickets are already on sale on Volaris’ official website and painstakingly frustrating app.

Travel tip: When booking flights with Volaris, always check for promo codes first! I recently scored a round-trip flight to Peru for just $250!

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

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Mexico is famous for many things. It’s ancient ruins, colonial architecture, and delicious food immediately spring to mind.

But perhaps the most iconic Mexican attraction is the nation’s beautiful beaches.  

Mexico’s beaches offer an incredible mix of white sand, idyllic Caribbean waters, and fierce Pacific waves.

You can choose from remote beaches with nothing but seascape for miles or fully equipped beaches with bars, beach beds, and everything else you need for a great day out. 

So which are the best of the best?  

TripAdvisor has unveiled their Travelers Choice Awards Best of the Best Beaches in Mexico, and these are the top five:  

5. Playa el Chileno, Cabo San Lucas 

In fifth place is Playa el Chileno, located in Cabo San Lucas.

This is considered one of the most swimmable beaches in Cabo San Lucas, which means it attracts both families and watersports enthusiasts.  

There’s a dive shop located on the beach, so if you want to try your hand at diving or snorkeling then you’ll have everything you need on hand.  

You’ll find a lovely mix of locals and tourists here, creating a relaxed and low-key vibe.

This beach is immaculately cleaned, and the facilities are well cared for, too. It’s a great choice for a water-focused day out.  

Getting to the beach is easy, too. If you hire a car or take a taxi, the beach is a straightforward 15-minute drive from downtown Cabo San Lucas. Via public transport, you can take the Supercabos bus to the beach entrance. 

4. Playa El Cielo, Cozumel 

Cozumel is famous for its beautiful beaches but the one that really stands out from the crowd is Playa El Cielo.  

Like all of the beaches on this list Playa El Cielo is a spectacular, visually stunning beach.

But what really makes this beach stand out from the crowd is what lies beneath.  

This is an incredible beach for snorkeling and home to an abundance of sea life. Stingrays and starfish, in particular, call this area home, but you can also find turtles here.  

It’s worth noting that the only way to get to El Cielo beach is by boat. You can take a combined boat ride and snorkeling tour of the beach with El Cielo snorkel tours.

These trips cost $69 per adult.  

3. Balandra Beach, La Paz 

Balandra Beach is a wonderfully unique horseshoe shaped beach located just outside of La Paz on the Baja California Sur peninsula.  

You’ll find crystal clear, shallow water here, so much so that you can walk from one side of the bay to the other without needing to swim.  

Its shallow waters make it a great place for swimming and snorkeling, and the rocky landscape surrounding the bay provides an incredible vantage point from which to appreciate the beauty of the undulating sand just beneath the water.  

In fact, Balandra Beach is so special and unique that, due to its natural beauty and biodiversity, it has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  

2. Playa Norte, Isla Mujeres 

Playa Norte is the main beach on Isla Mujeres, which is a small tropical island paradise just off the coast of Cancun.

This is a wide expanse of breathtakingly beautiful beach, considered one of Mexico’s most visually stunning.  

The sand here has an unusual tinge of pink as it is actually formed by crushed coral. This pink tone is even more visible at the shoreline when the sand is wet.  

One of the things that makes Playa Norte so appealing is that the water is so shallow: even if you keep wading out, it will only reach your waist.

This makes it a great spot for intergenerational vacations, as it’s great for swimming and for children to play.  

Getting to Playa Norte is a breeze too. Take a ferry ride to Isla Mujeres from Cancun with Ultramar, which costs $14.50 per adult.  

1. Playa Delfines, Cancun 

According to TripAdvisor, Playa Delfines is officially the best beach in Mexico. It isn’t the most well-known beach in Cancun, but it’s well worth making the time to visit.  

When you imagine a picture-perfect beach, Playa Delfines is probably what you’re imagining. This is a free public beach that offers amazing panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea.

In fact, it’s a rare free beach in the Hotel Zone amongst a sea of private hotel beaches.  

The sand here is a vibrant, bright white, and the water is a perfect turquoise blue. As an added bonus, this is where you’ll find the giant iconic ‘Cancun’ sign, an essential photo spot.  

Getting here is easy too. You can either jump in a taxi or if you’re on a tighter budget then the R-1, R-2, or R-27 city buses all go to the beach from downtown Cancun or the Hotel Zone.  

Tor Brierley

Tor has been writing for more than 20 years and has visited 25 countries (and counting!) She specializes in European and family travel and never says no to new adventures.

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Last Updated 23 hours ago

While most Americans venturing south of the border will find themselves in Cancun, Cabo, or Mexico City, there’s another historic city that’s becoming far easier to reach this year.

Better yet, it’s on very few travelers’ radars, so you don’t have to deal with the headache of tourist crowds and inauthentic experiences.

Not only will travelers have 4 U.S. airports in total to choose from, but also 3 different airlines, including American.

Boasting Old World charm with centuries-old structures, San Luis Potosi is a sight to behold not only for its timeless treasures but its relatively undiscovered natural attractions too.

Best of all, this under-hyped city is one of Mexico’s safest destinations, making it all the more enjoyable to explore now that there are more ways to get here.

Why Visit San Luis Potosi?

Mexico used to be solely viewed as a beach destination by Americans, but Mexico City has since soared to new heights.

Following suit, places like Guadalajara, Guanajuato, and Oaxaca have become popular city breaks in their own right.

Some travelers have felt they’ve worn out their welcome in Oaxaca and Mexico City, in particular, as overtourism concerns have been well-documented.

When it comes to Mexico’s hidden gems, there’s more authenticity, better prices, and less crowds standing in your way,

San Luis Potosi certainly fits the mold. Not only can you explore charming cobbled streets and historic marvels, you can score the luxe Hilton San Luis Potosi for just $87 this spring.

The one must-see in the city center is the unmissable San Luis Potosi Cathedral, which has been anchoring the vibrant cityscape since 1593.

There are numerous postcard-worthy plazas to wander while you’re here, such as Plaza Fundadores and Plaza de Aranzazu.

Whatever you do, don’t leave without trying Bocoles or Enchiladas Potasinas, a pair of regional favorites.

Waterfalls & Vivid Lakes: Discover San Luis Potosi’s Natural Attractions

To most, Mexico is a mix of paradisal beach towns, culturally rich cities, and a handful of no-go zones.

While this is certainly true, what people sleep on is Mexico’s astounding nature aside from the aforementioned beach havens.

You might not think of Mexico as the place to go chasing waterfalls, but San Luis Potosi is just the place, actually.

La Huasteca Potosina is home to cascading falls like Tamul Waterfall, and crystal-clear rivers, swimming holes, and breathtaking cave systems.

There are ample tours to book from the city. Ruta Huasteca Expediciones is rated #1 on TripAdvisor.

New Volaris Flights

I might be a little biased since I live close to the border, but Volaris is one of my top go-to’s for cheap flights, especially since it seems they run insanely cheap sales every month.

Mexico City-based Volaris connects almost anywhere in Mexico, but they are slowly but surely expanding their presence in the U.S., giving Americans the opportunity to explore what seems like uncharted territory for the average traveler.

According to their website, Mexico’s top low-cost carrier just announced 30 new flights, but the most exciting ones connect a trio of Texas cities to San Luis Potosi (SLP).

Volaris is launching new flights from San Antonio (SAT), Houston (IAH), and Dallas (DFW) in July, with expected service three times per week for SAT and IAH and four flights per week for DFW.

New Aeromexico Flight

If you haven’t heard of Volaris, that’s okay. Surely, you’ve heard of Mexico’s flagship airline, Aeromexico.

Following Volaris’ unintentional Southern theme, another city from the South is getting a direct flight to San Luis Potosi.

Beginning June 5, 2025, Aeromexico will begin operating daily flights to SLP from Atlanta (ATL).

If you’ve never flown with Aeromexico before, know they are a SkyTeam member, making connections via Delta easy peasy.

U.S. Airlines Flying To San Luis Potosi

While Volaris and Aeromexico may be gaining the attention with new flights, American Airlines and United Airlines are the only U.S.-based carriers offering direct flights to SLP.

For what it’s worth, both of these Mexican airlines are deemed safe; otherwise, they wouldn’t have clearance for American skies.

But earning points can be tough, especially for Volaris. In that case, going with United or American is surely your best bet, given that they currently offer flights from Dallas and Houston, two of Volaris’ new destinations.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 30 countries and written over 400 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

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Last Updated 4 months ago

Mexico is the most popular vacation destination for American travelers. But that popularity comes at a cost….and a significant hit to your wallet.

Popular resorts like Cancun and Tulum are often big-budget destinations. But it doesn’t have to be that way!

Enter Puerto Escondido. The new hot Mexican beach destination for travelers who have a tight grip on their purse strings.

Puerto Escondido is home to bucket list-worthy beaches, it’s the top-rated surfing destination in Mexico (and one of the best in the world), and boasts outstanding natural beauty, too.

Here’s the thing: Budget travel doesn’t have to mean inferior travel.

I reckon you can have all the same cultural explorations, white sand beaches, and epic local grub at a fraction of the cost of a resort vacation in Cancun.

And to prove it, here’s a breakdown of the perfect trip to Puerto Escondido and how much it will cost:

Things To Do In Puerto Escondido

Puerto Escondido is located on the Emerald Coast of Oaxaca and is known for its beaches and its epic nightlife scene.

One of the best beaches to explore in the area is Playa Carrizalillo, which is a calm cove perfect for swimming and kayaking.

This is one of the few beaches in Puerto Escondido where you could take out a paddleboard too.

Or Puerto Angelito. This is a more popular spot with tourists which means it is busier and has a more vibrant atmosphere.

But it’s a great place to eat seafood and sunbathe on the soft sand.

I love nothing more than spending time on the beach, swimming, and riding my paddleboard, but as an added bonus, these are some of the most affordable vacation activities: they don’t have to cost a penny!

Many turtles come back to the beaches along this stretch of the coast to nest.

Visiting the Baby Turtle Release Centre is a great way to learn more about these incredible creatures, and you can do your bit for their conservation by getting involved in the nightly turtle release.

You can hold the baby turtle as you gently release it into the sea and experience the site of hundreds of these tiny animals scuttling toward the water.

You’ll be asked to make a contribution of $150 Mexican pesos ($8) per person to take part in this.

If you’re in Mexico’s surfing capital, you’re probably going to want to surf.

Surfers travel from all over the world to ride Puerto Escondido’s famous barrel waves.

If you’re an experienced surfer then the best and most affordable way to do this is to just hire a board and hit the waves.

If you’re new to surfing then it’s a good idea to take a lesson or two first. Puerto Surf has a great reputation and you can choose between private or group lesson options (with group lessons being the most affordable choice.) A group lesson will cost 750 MXN ($39) and a private lesson will cost 900 MXN ($47).

Getting To Puerto Escondido

Puerto Escondido boasts its own airport (PXM) Airport which is obviously the most convenient option, but you can’t fly here directly from the U.S. right now as it isn’t an international airport.  

You’d have to fly to Mexico City and then take another flight from here.

The 2 cheapest airports to choose to fly this route in October are Houston and Chicago, at the time of writing.

From Chicago, from October 8 to October 15, flying economy class roundtrip, you can expect to pay $276.

This is flying with Vivo Aerobus, and as I mentioned above, you’d have a layover in Mexico City.

Or you could fly into Oaxaca (OAX), which is 131.3km away, with a range of transfer options available.

In October, you can fly directly to Oaxaca from Los Angeles, Dallas, or Houston. Flights from Los Angeles are currently the cheapest option.

Fly from October 7 to October 14 to secure an economy class round trip for $269.

You’ll fly with Volaris, and the flight time for this route is just 4 hours and 2 minutes.

There are flights with similar prices throughout October and November.

The drive time between Oaxaca and Puerto Escondido is just under 3 hours if you want to hire a car or a private driver. (Fun fact! It took me longer to get to Tulum from Cancun airport via private transfer in May)

Alternatively, you could take a bus, which would take around 7/8 hours, but on the bright side, the journey costs less than $20!

Where To Stay In Puerto Escondido

Where I was most pleasantly surprised when putting this piece together was just how affordable accommodation is in Puerto Escondido.

There are hostels available in the city for as little as $15 per night, and these are popular with both backpackers and surfers.

A huge majority of these have great reviews. But as I wouldn’t stay in a hostel myself, I won’t list any here!

A 3-night stay in the 3-star Hotel Camino Del Sol from October 16 to October 19 would cost $189, based on 2 people sharing a superior king room. That’s just $63 per night, and the hotel has a pool, air conditioning, and is close to the beach.

If you want to splurge on a 4 star hotel then the Hotel DC Boutique and Spa is just 50 meters from the beach and boasts a rooftop outdoor pool, spa and wellness center, and on site bar and restaurant.

For the same dates this would cost $268 based on 2 people sharing, which works out at $89 per night.

Tor Brierley

Tor has been writing for more than 20 years and has visited 25 countries (and counting!) She specializes in European and family travel and never says no to new adventures.

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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.