Mexico Camping and Hotels
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[edit] Camping
[edit] Northern Mexico
San Carlos
In San Carlos, which I wouldn't particularly recommend, people can stay at Totonaka RV park, the first RV park on the right when you enter San Carlos area. They have RV hookups for $24USD a night and $12USD camping, as well as rooms for around $30USD (double) or rooms with a kitchen for around $45USD (which can easily fit four people). So if travelling in a group it's a great option, they have a lovely manager, a pool and it's very secure. Everywhere else in town is expensive (cheapest we could find was $50 to $80). -Miin
Potrero Chico
If you're into rockclimbing, there's plenty of great camping around Potrero Chico. We stayed at Posada El Potrero Chico for about $5/person/night. It has nice grassy camp sites and security 24-7 so you can comfortably leave your car while you're scaling the limestone slabs. The bathrooms aren't beautiful but they're clean and have hot water. Just follow the signs for Potrero Chico once you get into town, and it's one of the last campgrounds before entering the rock climbing area.
Real de Catorce
At the far end of Real Catorce down a somewhat steep hill is the quiet sanctuary of Hostal Alcazaba. They have a nice grassy area with surrounding gardens for camping and a great shared bathroom (with heated floors!). About $10/night. It's just across from the old cemetary and capilla at the end of Libertad.
Zacatecas
This is a beautiful old colonial city, but the only camping option we found was about 5 km out of town. Parking is fairly limited as well. There are two public lots in the centro historico but neither is open 24-7.
[edit] Northern Baja
Pete's Camp
Pete's Camp is a great option for camping on the Sea of Cortez just north of San Felipe. The campsites are right on the sand just steps from the water and usually run about $15 per car. Most of the campsites have a palapa too, which provides much needed shade on those particularly hot days in Baja. Facilities at Pete's Camp include bathrooms right on the beach, pay-to-use showers ($2) and a bar/restaurant just up the hill from the campsites with good food. Visit Pete's Camp for more information and reservations.
Playa Saldamando
Playa Saldamando is set on a beautiful stretch of coastline between Rosarito and Ensenada on the west coast of Baja. The terrain here is reminiscent of Big Sur and is absolutely breathtaking. It costs $15 per car to camp overnight, and each campsite has a fire pit and a table. The campsites are basic and have outhouses close by, but they also have bathroom facilities with showers on the north end of the campground. Bring everything you will need in terms of food, as there is no restaurant on site. Ensenada is about a 15 minute drive to the south. Visit Playa Saldamando for more information.
[edit] Pacific Coast
Sayulita
Sayulita Trailer Park and Bungalows has beautifully landscaped RV spots that can be used for camping if they are available. In the high season (November to May) you will need to contact them ahead of time to make a reservation, but the friendly German owner, Senor Teese, keeps the place in great shape. Costs range from $10 to $20 per night for camping, depending on the season. Before you enter the main touristy part of town, take a right and cross the river. It's on the beach.
Barra de Nexpa
This small fishing village features a salt and pepper beach with great surfing. Palapa restaurants line the beach, and for about $2/person you can camp next to one of the restaurants. Ask around for good camping options, or stop by Jorge and Helens Restaurant for camping with an outdoor shower.
Puerto Escondido
At the break known as La Punta 10 minutes south of Puerto Escondido close to the beach is Hostel a la Casa you can can camp for $4/person. They have an outdoor shower.
Barra de la Cruz
South of Bahias he Huatulco is the small village of Barra de la Cruz, known for great surfing. Head toward the coast, and just after the gate for the beach is Pepes Cabanas and camping. There is a large palapa with tables and chairs, places to camp, and small cabanas. $10/person for a cabana includes the $2 fee for driving on the road to the beach. There is a cold water shower.
[edit] Oaxaca, Tabasco, and Chiapas
Palenque
Mayabell has lots of space for camping, a spring fed pool, and a reasonable restaurant. It's right next to the park entrance, so it's easy to walk in and beat the tour buses. $5/person/night plus additional $2/vehicle.
Frontera Corozal - Yaxchilan
To see the ruins of Yaxchilan, the closest town is Frontera Corozal. From there you can take a boat down the river to the ruins. Escudo Jaguar has reasonable campsites mixed in with the dorms and cabanas, but the compound isn't gated. It's about $6/person/night. It's right next to the boat launch area.
[edit] Yucatan Peninsula
Yucatan
Campeche
Quintana Roo
The Yax Ha RV Park in Calderitas is available for those who would like to camp in an extraordinary setting with electric hookups, water and dump site. Using the Church's book found here you can discover directions to the park and to many other camping possibilities in Quintana Roo.
[edit] Hotels with Secure Parking
[edit] Northern Mexico
Banamichi
We stayed at Malena's place in Banamichi- I didn't write down the full name in Spanish but it is basically a place where it says they sell hot dogs, on the main road. It's past a statue of a rock, the old gas station and the hardware store, it is on the right side of the road, a white building, if you are coming from the North. You can ask around and someone will know as well. It cost $350 pesos for a 4 person room with A/C and TV, very clean ensuite bathroom. Malena is a widow and has two lovely grown children, she's very friendly and will cook meals for $50 pesos per person per meal. -[[[Miin_and_Niel|Miin]]
There is also the fancy Hotel La Posada del Rio Sonora, which is in the main plaza, it's beautiful, quaint and around $850 pesos a night for a double, they also have more expensive hot tub rooms. It's owned by Irma and her husband Bill who is from Colorado and speaks English, useful people to find if you are having problems in town or need directions. You can also buy Bacanora (Agave alcohol) there as this is the region to do so. We didn't stay there but it is worth having a look at because it's very unique! -[[[Miin_and_Niel|Miin]]
[edit] Central Mexico
Mexico City
Set in the heart of the trendy Condesa neighbourhood, Casa Lula Condesa provides a great place to relax after a day of exploring the bustling capital of Mexico. If you prefer small, intimate accomodations then this is the place for you. Three guest rooms and two shared bathrooms, a common dining area and use of the kitchen make it a great place to stay. Luisa, the lovely owner, has great tips and advice on what to see in the city. Great restaurants, boutiques, museums and parks are within walking distance. Prices are $55 for one person and $70 for two. The only issue...one small parking garage so make sure you contact Casa Lula ahead of time to work out arrangements for a car.
Taxco
If you feel brave, try driving your car through the narrow, tortuous streets of Taxco. There are a couple of parking lots on Mex 95/Av de los Plateros as it winds through Taxco. It may be worth leaving your car there while you investigate hotels on foot, as there are treacherous hills and unmarked one-way roads. Many of the hotels have deals with some of the parking lots, so ask if you can get a discount on the parking. Hotel Emilia Castillo is a lovely place for about $40/night, and you can park at the nearby lot for half price ($5/day with discount). 011 52 762 622 13 96, Juan Ruiz De Alarcon #7.
Puebla
Guadalajara
Located 13km southeast of downtown Guadalajara, the artisan suburb Tonala offers a quieter area for those looking to explore the city. Hotel Hacienda Del Sol has clean rooms with hot water, cable tv, a/c and matrimonial beds starting at $30 per night. A secure indoor parking garage is available, the gates are locked up at night. Wifi is offered in the reception area and a small internet cafe offers basic meals, drinks and tasty lattes for reasonable prices.
Colima
Comala, located outside of Colima city, is one of Mexico's Pueblos Magicos set around a beautiful plaza complete with mariachis ready to serenade. Casa Blanca de Comala is a small hostal with clean rooms with shared and private bathrooms, access to a kitchen and wifi. Parking is available directly out front of the hotel. Rooms vary in price from $38 USD to $52 USD.
[edit] Pacific Coast
Mazatlan
Mazatlan Oceanfront Inn is situated on the malecon between the Zona Dorada and Old Mazatlan. They offer a full suite rental complete with private kitchen as well as smaller rooms. A full service kitchen is available for those looking to cook their own meals and the shared common area offers up great views of the Pacific, cable TV, a selection of DVDs and a sound system. Breakfast is provided daily from 8:30am to 10am and bikes are available to explore the surrounding area. Parking is available on the street in front of the inn but it is recommended to park your vehicle around the corner. Prices range from $70 to $109 per night though it is worth talking to the owners if you are going to stay for awhile.
Puerto Vallarta
Vallarta Sun Hotel is a little pricey at $70/night, but has great clean rooms, a nice pool, and you can't beat the location. They have a couple of secure spots in their garage below the hotel which where you can park your car if there's room. 169 rodrÃguez, Playa de los muertos,
Troncones
The quiet cabinas of La Canelita are located behind a larger rental house. Rooms are small but clean and come with the use of a shared kitchen and private bathrooms. The beach is only a few minutes walk away. Your vehicle can be driven right into the compound. The staff is usually around and they keep an eye on the cars. Depending on the season rates go from $35 USD to $40 USD though for longer stays discounts are possible. Monthly rates are available as well.
Puerto Escondido
Beach Hotel Ines has a range of simple rooms to deluxe suites from $20 to $100, and lots of secure parking within the hotel's grounds. It's right on Playa Zicatela. The pool and location make it hard to beat.
[edit] Yucatan Peninsula
Yucatan
Campeche
Quintana Roo
If you are capable of boondocking - camping with a self-contained vehicle - you may arrange for staying on a beautiful waterfront private property for free for at least one night. If you are good neighbors you may stay much longer. The property is located near Chetumal, Quintana Roo. Contact the owner via the webpage Life's Adventures
