Mexico on $25 a day

Osa Mariposa Restaurant

The first time I went to Mexico it was on a budget of $5 a day. We slept on Mismaloya beach, caught our own fish and bought fruit from a street vendor. Now, a swanky hotel has taken over the beach and $5 just gets you a cold Coca Cola. It might be tempting to think that the days of a budget Mexico vacation are gone, but it’s still possible to have a fabulous vacation for under $25 a day. Head south to Puerto Escondido and you”ll be rewarded with prices that are more 1980′s that 2011.   Here’s how to do it:

Sleep: Thanks to the surfing crowd, there’s plenty to choose from in the $5 to $10 a night range right along Zicatela beach. Try the dorms at Osa Mariposa, a hip spot in the Brisas de Zicatela area (100 pesos a night) or splurge on Hotel Divisadero where you’ll get a swimming pool, TV, air conditioner, private bath and a communal kitchen for 2,000 pesos ($166 USD) a month or around $6 a night just steps to Zicatela beach. There are two beds so if you split the room, you’re down to an unbelievable $3 a day. Cell phone 9541010077.