Top 3 destinations to which you can travel with less than $20,000 MXN from Mexico

15/8/2024

Would you like to visit incredible destinations without spending a fortune? If you live in Mexico, you're in luck. In this article we will show you the Top 3 destinations where you can travel with less than $20,000 MXN, allowing you to enjoy an unforgettable vacation without breaking the bank.

Traveling is one of the most enriching experiences we can have, but cost can often be an impediment. However, with a little planning and knowledge, it is possible to find amazing destinations that fit within a limited budget. Whether you're looking for paradisiacal beaches, historic cities or nature adventures, there are options for everyone.


At Travelex, we understand that planning a trip can be stressful, especially when it comes to managing a tight budget. Our mission is to make these processes simpler and clearer, thus improving your chances of having a positive experience. With this in mind, we've selected five destinations that are not only affordable, but also offer unique and memorable experiences.

Get ready to discover amazing places and start planning your next adventure. From dreamy beaches to vibrant cities, these destinations will show you that you don't need to spend a fortune to have an unforgettable vacation. Let's explore these Top 3 destinations where you can travel with less than $20,000 MXN!

Costa Rica: Adventure and Nature

Costa Rica is a perfect destination for nature and adventure lovers. With cheap flights and affordable accommodation options, you can enjoy its beaches, national parks and biodiversity without spending a fortune. According to Skyscanner, round-trip flights to San Jose can cost between $3,300 and $4,500 MXN.

This Central American country stands out for its impressive biodiversity and a wide range of ecotourism activities. From exploring its lush jungles to relaxing on its paradisiacal beaches, Costa Rica offers a unique experience for every type of traveler.

Main Attractions

Among Costa Rica's main attractions are its national parks and beaches. Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the most popular destinations, known for its beautiful beaches and rich wildlife. Entrance to the park costs approximately $300 MXN, and it is an ideal place for hiking and spotting animals such as monkeys and sloths.

Another must-see attraction is the Arenal Volcano, where you can enjoy hiking, hot springs and breathtaking views. Entrance to the park costs around $250 MXN, and there are many guided tour options that offer transportation and additional activities.

Ecotourism Activities

Costa Rica is a paradise for ecotourism lovers. You can do activities such as zip-lining, rafting and scuba diving in different parts of the country. For example, in Monteverde, you can experience the thrill of walking across hanging bridges in the cloud forest, with prices ranging from $400 to $600 MXN.

The Caño Negro National Wildlife Refuge is another highlight for nature enthusiasts. Here you can take a boat tour to observe birds and other animals in their natural habitat. Tours usually cost around $800 MXN.

Economic Dining Options

Food in Costa Rica is delicious and affordable. The typical dish, the casado, includes rice, beans, plantain, salad and a portion of meat or fish, and can be found in most local restaurants for around $100 to $130 MXN. You can also try gallo pinto, a traditional breakfast that combines rice and beans with eggs and fried plantain.

For those who prefer to cook, local markets offer a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables at very affordable prices. This will not only save you money, but also allow you to experience the local culture in a more authentic way.

Transportation and lodging costs

Transportation in Costa Rica is quite affordable. Local buses are an economical option for getting between cities, with fares ranging from $50 to $150 MXN depending on the distance. You can also rent a car for approximately $600 MXN per day if you prefer more flexibility.

As for lodging, there are options for all budgets. Hostels and budget hotels offer rooms starting at $150 MXN per night. Platforms like Airbnb also have a wide range of options, from private rooms to full houses, with prices starting at $300 MXN per night.

In short, Costa Rica is a destination that combines adventure and nature at an affordable price. With a budget of less than $20,000 MXN, you can enjoy an unforgettable experience exploring its natural wonders and participating in exciting activities.

2. Colombia: Culture and Coffee

Colombia is a fascinating destination that combines a rich cultural heritage with breathtaking scenery. With cheap flights and affordable accommodation options, you can explore cities like Bogota and Cartagena without spending too much. Flights to Bogota can cost between $3,200 and $6,000 MXN, making it an ideal destination for those looking for a memorable experience without breaking the bank.

Colombia's diversity is reflected in its vibrant cities, delicious cuisine and unique activities. Here are some of the best options to enjoy this wonderful country.

Main Attractions in Bogota

Bogota, the capital of Colombia, is a city full of life and culture. Among the main attractions are:

  • Cerro de Monserrate: Offers panoramic views of the city and can be accessed on foot, by funicular or cable car. The cost of the funicular is approximately $130 MXN.
  • Gold Museum: It houses an impressive collection of pre-Columbian pieces. The entrance fee is around $50 MXN.
  • La Candelaria: Bogota's historic center, with its cobblestone streets and colorful colonial houses, is perfect for strolling and enjoying the architecture and street art.

Main Attractions in Cartagena

Cartagena is known for its colonial charm and Caribbean beaches. Some of the must-see attractions include:

  • Walled City: A historic site with cobblestone streets, vibrant plazas and well-preserved colonial buildings.
  • Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas: An impressive fortress that offers a panoramic view of the city and the sea. Entrance costs around $120 MXN.
  • Playa Blanca: One of the most beautiful beaches near Cartagena, ideal for relaxing and enjoying the sun and the sea.

Economic Activities

Colombia offers a variety of inexpensive activities that will allow you to enjoy to the fullest without spending too much:

  • Coffee Tour: Visit a coffee farm to learn about the coffee production process and taste some of the best varieties. Tours usually cost between $200 and $400 MXN.
  • Local Markets: Explore markets like Paloquemao in Bogotá, where you can find exotic fruits, flowers and handicrafts at affordable prices.
  • Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona: Located near Santa Marta, this park offers hiking, beaches and lush nature. The entrance fee is approximately $100 MXN.

Dining Options

Colombian gastronomy is diverse and delicious. Here are some inexpensive options to enjoy the local food:

  • Arepas: A staple food made of corn, filled with cheese, meat or avocado. You can find them in most street stalls for around $20 to $30 MXN.
  • Bandeja Paisa: A traditional dish that includes rice, beans, meat, egg, plantain and chicharrón. Prices in local restaurants vary between $100 and $150 MXN.
  • Empanadas: Small empanadas filled with meat, chicken or cheese, available at markets and food stalls for approximately $10 to $20 MXN each.

Transportation and lodging costs

Transportation and lodging in Colombia are quite affordable:

  • Transportation: Local buses and the TransMilenio in Bogota are inexpensive options for getting around the city, with fares ranging from $10 to $20 MXN. Domestic flights between cities such as Bogota and Cartagena can cost between $600 and $1,200 MXN.
  • Lodging: There are options for all budgets. Hostels and budget hotels offer rooms starting at $150 MXN per night. Platforms such as Airbnb also have a wide range of options, from private rooms to full apartments, with prices starting at $300 MXN per night.


In short, Colombia is a destination that combines culture and coffee at an affordable price. With a budget of less than $20,000 MXN, you can enjoy an unforgettable experience exploring its historic cities, participating in unique activities and tasting its delicious gastronomy.

3. Cuba: History and Enchantment

Cuba is a destination full of history and charm, ideal for those looking for an authentic experience without spending too much. With affordable flights and budget accommodation options, you can enjoy Havana and its surroundings without breaking the bank. Flights to Havana can cost between $3,200 and $5,000 MXN, making it an affordable option for Mexican travelers.

Havana, Cuba's capital, is a vibrant and lively city. Its streets are full of history, from the classic cars driving along the Malecón to the colorful facades of its colonial buildings. Here are some of the main attractions and economic activities you can enjoy in this charming city.

Main Attractions in Havana

  • Malecón: This iconic promenade is the perfect place to enjoy a sunset while watching the classic cars and the daily life of the locals.
  • Capitolio Nacional: An impressive building that reflects the city's rich architectural history. Admission is approximately $50 MXN.
  • Old Havana: The historic heart of Havana, with its cobblestone streets, vibrant squares and well-preserved colonial buildings. Strolling through this area is like traveling back in time.

Economic Activities

  • Visiting museums: Havana has several interesting museums, such as the Museum of the Revolution and the National Museum of Fine Arts. Admission to these museums usually costs between $30 and $50 MXN.
  • Classic car rides: A unique experience is to tour the city in one of the famous classic cars. Prices vary, but you can find rides starting at $150 MXN per person.
  • Enjoy live music: In many bars and restaurants in Havana, you can enjoy live Cuban music at no additional cost, just by paying for your drinks.

Economic Dining Options

Cuban cuisine is delicious and varied. Here are some inexpensive options to enjoy the local food:

  • Moros y Cristianos: A traditional dish combining rice and black beans, accompanied by pork or chicken. You can find it in most local restaurants for around $60 to $80 MXN.
  • Sándwich Cubano: A delicious sandwich filled with ham, roast pork, cheese, pickles and mustard. Prices vary, but are usually between $40 and $60 MXN.
  • Ropa Vieja: A dish of shredded beef in a rich tomato sauce, served with rice and fried plantains. You can enjoy it for approximately $80 to $100 MXN.

Transportation and lodging costs

Transportation and lodging in Havana are quite affordable:

  • Transportation: Collective cabs and local buses are inexpensive options for getting around the city. Collective cabs usually cost between $10 and $20 MXN each way.
  • Lodging: There are options for all budgets. Casas particulares, which are lodgings in Cubans' homes, offer rooms starting at $200 MXN per night. You can also find hostels and budget hotels with prices starting at $300 MXN per night.


In short, Cuba is a destination that combines history and charm at an affordable price. With a budget of less than $20,000 MXN, you can enjoy an unforgettable experience exploring Havana and its surroundings, participating in economic activities and tasting its delicious gastronomy.

Start your Adventure on a Small Budget!

As you've seen, you don't need to spend a fortune to enjoy an unforgettable vacation. The destinations featured in this article, from the lush jungles of Costa Rica to the vibrant streets of Havana, offer unique and memorable experiences without breaking the bank.

In Costa Rica, you can delight in its biodiversity and ecotourism activities, while Colombia awaits you with its rich cultural heritage and famous coffee. On the other hand, Cuba invites you to immerse yourself in its history and charm, with very affordable lodging and food options. Each of these destinations offers you the opportunity to explore, learn and enjoy without worrying about your budget.

To maximize your experience, we recommend planning ahead, comparing prices for flights and accommodations, and taking advantage of the economical activities that each place offers. Remember that the key is planning and knowing the options available to make your trip a success.

If you liked this article and want to discover more amazing destinations to travel from Mexico, we invite you to explore our Blog. Also, feel free to share your experiences and questions in the comments - we're here to help you plan your next great adventure!