3 Most Affordable Off-Season Vacation Spots in Latin America for Retirees
Written by
Martin Dasko
Edited by
Jenna Klaverweiden
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According to a survey from Nationwide Travel Insurance earlier this year, 40% of respondents intended to travel more in 2024 than they did in 2023, and 50% of consumers planned to make an international trip happen. With travel returning in popularity in the last few years, many seniors are likely excited about the opportunity to explore once again. If you’re a retiree on a fixed income or Social Security, you want to get your money’s worth out of your travels to ensure you don’t exceed your budget.
What are the most affordable off-season vacation spots for retirees in Latin America? Here are three off-season vacation spots worth visiting during the fall and winter.
Anywhere in Colombia
If seniors want to stretch their dollars, they should consider visiting anywhere in Colombia. “Colombia is a great option because it’s budget-friendly, which is great for retirees living on a fixed income or Social Security,” said Echo Wang, the founder of Cool Travel Vibes. “Flights from the U.S. generally hover around $300 to $500 roundtrip.”
“A budget hotel in Colombia goes for around $16 per night, while during the shoulder season, most places start from $30, and for an entire home or apartment, prices average close to $65 per night. A nice meal at a local restaurant costs around $5, while a beer and wine at the bar or street food can be found for as low as $1,” said Mercedes Zach, a travel expert at ASAP Tickets.
With its unique coffee culture, vibrant cities and scenic landscapes, Colombia offers many once-in-a-lifetime experiences at a fraction of the cost for retirees living on a fixed income.
Here are some of the best options for a retiree traveling in Colombia:
- You can check out the views in Guatapé since they’re breathtaking and the nature is fantastic.
- Bogotá is also worth considering because it’s a bit cooler in both temperature and vibe, and the museums and food scene are worth exploring for retirees.
- You can walk around Medellín to learn about its history and cuisine.
Lima, Peru
“Peru is such an underrated country to visit during their off-season,” said Grace Moser, owner of Chasing Foxes. Many people think of Machu Picchu when they think of Peru, but the country has much more to offer during the off-season, especially for seniors on a budget. November to March is Peru’s summer, and the weather is fantastic compared with many other travel destinations across the world.
“You can stay in their beautiful neighborhood, Barranco, that has incredible architecture, coffee and chocolate shops, really good eateries, and access to the beach. Or head over to Miraflores, which is also filled with great shops and restaurants, and Parque 7 de Junio, a beautiful park full of cats,” Moser said.
Puerto Escondido, Mexico
Mexico is another fantastic tropical destination in Latin America. It offers an affordable vacation with a warm climate, perfect for retirees looking to get away. While the resorts are known for exorbitant prices, you can save money as a retiree on a fixed income by visiting this location.
According to Zach, the best hidden-gem for a budget-friendly beach vacation is the surf town of Puerto Escondido in the state of Oaxaca. “It’s known for its untouched beaches, bohemian vibe and plenty of things to see and do around,” she said. “Puerto Escondido offers you everything from snorkeling, swimming among the marine life, seeing dolphins in their natural habitat, trying out sport fishing and releasing newborn turtles to exploring the nearby beaches, such as Huatulco and the Bay of Carrizalillo.”
Zach noted that the Casa de Olas Boutique Hotel is one of the many affordable accommodations in the town. It has free bikes, a fitness center, a garden and a shared lounge. Rooms start at about $70 per night. You can also find a delicious meal in local restaurants, ranging from $5 to $10 per person. You can save even more by browsing through Airbnb options in the town.
Compared with other expensive and popular Mexican beach towns, this destination offers a lower cost of living, making it a very attractive vacation spot. Everything from dining out to tours and entertainment is more affordable, especially during the off-season, for seniors looking to save some money.
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