Mexico on Points: Beyond the All-Inclusive
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Here's what most Americans think Mexico travel looks like: a wristband, a swim-up bar, a buffet, a beach, and seven days of pleasant sameness at an all-inclusive resort.
And look — there's nothing wrong with that. Sometimes you need a week where your biggest decision is whether to get the mango margarita or the coconut one. (The answer is both.)
But Mexico is so much more than a beach with a drink minimum. This is a country with 35 UNESCO World Heritage Sites — more than any nation except Italy and China. A country where you can stand inside a 2,000-year-old pyramid at Teotihuacán and then eat the best meal of your life in a Mexico City restaurant that just earned its second Michelin star. Where the food in Oaxaca alone is worth the flight. Where entire cities — San Miguel de Allende, Mérida, Guanajuato — look like they were designed by someone who believed color is a fundamental human right.
For points-savvy travelers over 55, Mexico is a playground. It's close (2–5 hours from most US cities), it's affordable once you're there, and the hotel redemption landscape is arguably the best in the Western Hemisphere — anchored by Hyatt's stunning all-inclusive properties and supplemented by Marriott, Hilton, and IHG options from coast to coast and inland.
This guide isn't about the beach resort (though we'll cover those too — the Hyatt Ziva and Zilara are exceptional on points). This is about the other Mexico. The Mexico that will surprise you, challenge you, feed you outrageously well, and make you wonder why you spent all those years at the swim-up bar when this was right next door.
Let's go deeper.
Getting There: Short Flights, Big Savings
Mexico is the rare destination where flights on points are easy, availability is abundant, and the cash prices are low enough that you might actually debate using points at all. (We'll help you decide.)
Direct Flight Options
Mexico City (MEX), Cancún (CUN), Oaxaca (OAX), and León/Guanajuato (BJX, gateway to San Miguel de Allende) are all reachable by direct or one-stop flights from major US cities.
| Route | Program | Points (Round Trip) | Cash Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US → Mexico City | Southwest Rapid Rewards | 15,000–30,000 | $250–$500 | Direct from many US cities; no change fees |
| US → Mexico City | United MileagePlus (via Chase UR) | 20,000–35,000 | $250–$500 | Saver awards; Aeromexico partner |
| US → Cancún | Southwest Rapid Rewards | 12,000–25,000 | $200–$450 | Seasonal direct flights from 15+ cities |
| US → Mexico City | American AAdvantage | 15,000–30,000 | $250–$500 | Direct from DFW, MIA, LAX, ORD, JFK |
| US → Oaxaca | United MileagePlus | 20,000–35,000 | $300–$600 | Via Mexico City or Houston |
| US → León (BJX) | American/United | 20,000–35,000 | $300–$500 | Gateway to San Miguel de Allende |
The WanderWise move: For Mexico, the Points vs. Cash calculus is different than for Europe or Asia. Cash flights are relatively cheap ($250–$500 round trip), so you're getting maybe 1.5–2 cents per point value — decent, not spectacular. Our recommendation: save your Chase UR and Amex MR for hotels (where you'll get 3–5+ cents per point at Hyatt properties) and pay cash or use Southwest points for flights. Southwest points are harder to get outsized value from on long-haul trips, making short-haul Mexico flights their sweet spot.
If you want business class: Aeromexico operates lie-flat business class (Clase Premier) on 787s from several US cities to Mexico City. Bookable through Delta SkyMiles (partner) or Aeromexico's own program. Round trip: 80,000–120,000 SkyMiles. The product is solid — not Emirates, but for a 4-hour flight, it's comfortable and comes with excellent lounge access in MEX. Worth it? Maybe for the overnight redeye from JFK or LAX. For a 2.5-hour midday flight from Houston? Save those points.
Where to Stay: Hyatt's Mexico Portfolio Is the Main Event
This is where Mexico becomes a points paradise. Hyatt operates some of its most spectacular properties in Mexico — from adults-only all-inclusives to design-forward urban hotels — and because you can transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards to World of Hyatt at a 1:1 ratio, the value is extraordinary.
Hyatt Ziva & Zilara: All-Inclusive on Points
Let's address the all-inclusive elephant first. Hyatt's Ziva (family-friendly) and Zilara (adults-only) properties are the gold standard for all-inclusive resorts redeemable on points. All meals, drinks, entertainment, and most activities are included in the nightly rate — and when you book on points, all of that is included in the points rate too.
| Property | Category | Points/Night | Cash Rate (Approx.) | Who It's For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hyatt Zilara Cancún | 6 | 21,000–29,000 | $400–$700 | Adults-only; beachfront; swim-up suites available |
| Hyatt Ziva Cancún | 6 | 21,000–29,000 | $350–$600 | Family-friendly; massive pool complex, kids' club |
| Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya (Cap Cana) | 6 | 21,000–29,000 | $400–$700 | Adults-only; newer property; stunning design |
| Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta | 5 | 17,000–23,000 | $300–$550 | Beachfront; quieter than Cancún; beautiful bay |
| Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancún | 5 | 17,000–23,000 | $300–$550 | All-ages; massive resort with multiple restaurants |
The WanderWise move: The Hyatt Zilara Cancún is the headliner. Adults-only, beautifully designed, beachfront, with eight restaurants, an infinity pool overlooking the Caribbean, a full spa, and nightly entertainment — all included in 21,000–29,000 Hyatt points per night. In cash, this property runs $500–$700/night. Four nights on points: 84,000–116,000 Hyatt points, saving you $2,000–$2,800. That's a sign-up bonus from the Chase Sapphire Preferred (80,000 UR → 80,000 Hyatt) covering nearly the entire stay.
Pro tip for couples 55+: The Zilara properties (adults-only) are significantly calmer than the Ziva properties (which welcome families). No judgment — we love grandkids — but if this is a couple's trip and you want to read by the pool without dodging cannonballs, Zilara is your move. The swim-up suites at Zilara Cancún (bookable with points at the suite rate, ~35,000–45,000/night) are absurdly romantic.
Mexico City Hotels on Points
Mexico City's hotel points landscape is deep and getting deeper. Hyatt again leads, but Marriott and Hilton have strong showings.
| Hotel | Program | Points/Night | Cash Rate (Approx.) | Why We Love It |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hyatt Regency Mexico City | Hyatt (4) | 12,000–18,000 | $150–$250 | Central Polanco location, walking distance to museums and restaurants |
| Andaz Mexico City Condesa | Hyatt (5) | 17,000–23,000 | $250–$400 | Boutique-cool in the city's trendiest neighborhood; rooftop bar is fantastic |
| Four Points by Sheraton Mexico City | Bonvoy | 15,000–20,000 | $80–$150 | Budget-friendly, central |
| St. Regis Mexico City | Bonvoy | 50,000–70,000 | $400–$700 | Paseo de la Reforma luxury; butler service; extraordinary |
| Hilton Mexico City Reforma | Hilton | 30,000–50,000 | $120–$200 | Solid central option; Avenue views |
The WanderWise move: The Andaz Mexico City Condesa is a gem. Set in the leafy, walkable Condesa neighborhood — think tree-lined boulevards, art deco architecture, sidewalk cafés, and some of the city's best restaurants — it delivers a boutique experience at 17,000–23,000 Hyatt points per night. The rooftop bar offers views of the city skyline and Chapultepec Park. Three nights here costs 51,000–69,000 Hyatt points — transferred directly from Chase UR. That's roughly one credit card welcome bonus for three nights in one of the world's great cities.
San Miguel de Allende and Oaxaca
These inland gems have limited chain hotel presence, making them ideal for the cash portion of a hybrid trip:
San Miguel de Allende:
- Rosewood San Miguel de Allende — If you're going to splurge on one hotel in Mexico, this is the one. A restored colonial estate with a rooftop infinity pool overlooking the Parroquia church and the ochre-and-pink cityscape. $400–$800/night. Worth every penny for 2–3 nights. (Sometimes bookable through Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts for added amenities.)
- Live Aqua Urban Resort San Miguel — A Fiesta Americana property, bookable through some OTAs with points at variable rates. Stylish, central, $200–$400/night.
- Boutique options: Hotel Amparo, Casa 1810, and Hotel Nena offer charming colonial stays at $150–$300/night.
Oaxaca:
- Quinta Real Oaxaca — A former 16th-century convent converted into a luxury hotel. Gorgeous courtyards, arched stone corridors, and gardens. $200–$400/night.
- Hotel Parador de Alcalá — Central location on the Andador Turístico. $100–$200/night. Excellent value.
- Casa Oaxaca — Boutique hotel with a rooftop terrace and cooking school. $150–$300/night.
Mexico City: The Cultural Deep-Dive
If you think of Mexico City as "just the capital" — the way people think of Washington, D.C. — you're in for a revelation. Mexico City is one of the world's great cities, full stop. More museums than any city in the Western Hemisphere. A food scene that Michelin finally got around to recognizing (and that locals have known about for centuries). Architecture spanning Aztec pyramids to art deco palaces to cutting-edge contemporary. And a cosmopolitan energy that reminds you of Barcelona or Buenos Aires.
Must-do experiences for 55+ travelers:
- The National Museum of Anthropology. One of the world's great museums. The Aztec Sun Stone, the Maya jade death mask of Pakal, reconstructed temple facades — plan 3–4 hours minimum. Go Tuesday–Thursday to avoid weekend crowds. Guided tours in English are available and highly recommended to make sense of the scope.
- Teotihuacán pyramids. The Pyramid of the Sun and Pyramid of the Moon, 30 miles northeast of the city. An ancient city that was once the largest in the Americas. Book a private guide and driver (approximately $100–$150 for a half-day) rather than a group tour — you'll go at your own pace and skip the tourist bottlenecks. Honest note for 55+: The Pyramid of the Sun climb is steep (248 steps, no handrails at the top). Many visitors ascend partway for photos. The Pyramid of the Moon is shorter and equally impressive. No shame in admiring from the Avenue of the Dead.
- Chapultepec Castle. A hilltop castle with murals, period rooms, and panoramic city views. Once home to Emperor Maximilian (it didn't end well for him). The park surrounding it — Bosque de Chapultepec — is Mexico City's Central Park, a gorgeous green escape.
- Coyoacán neighborhood. Frida Kahlo's Blue House (Casa Azul) is here — book tickets online weeks in advance, as it sells out. The neighborhood itself is charming: cobblestone streets, colorful markets, and the best churros in Mexico City at El Moro (multiple locations, but the original is downtown).
- Roma and Condesa neighborhoods. These twin neighborhoods are the heart of Mexico City's food and design scene. Walk, eat, walk, eat. Repeat. The architecture is stunning art deco and art nouveau. Saturday morning at the Mercado Roma (gourmet food hall) is a great introduction.
Oaxaca: Where Food Becomes Art
Oaxaca is not a side trip. It's a pilgrimage.
This is the culinary capital of Mexico — and an increasingly strong argument for the culinary capital of the Americas. Seven varieties of mole, each one a different symphony of chilies, chocolate, spices, and technique. Mezcal distilled in small batches from agave roasted in underground pits. Tlayudas (massive crispy tortillas loaded with beans, cheese, and meat) that will ruin you for quesadillas forever. And a food culture so vibrant that UNESCO gave it Intangible Cultural Heritage status.
The WanderWise approach to Oaxaca:
- Take a cooking class. This is not optional. Several excellent schools offer half-day classes where you visit the market, buy ingredients, and cook a multi-course Oaxacan meal. Casa de los Sabores and Alma de mi Tierra are outstanding. You'll learn to make mole negro from scratch — a process that involves 30+ ingredients and the kind of patience that only retirees truly have.
- Mezcal tasting. Visit a palenque (small mezcal distillery) in the surrounding valleys. Santiago Matatlán, 45 minutes from the city, is the self-proclaimed "world capital of mezcal." The production process — hand-harvested agave, roasted in earthen pits, crushed by horse-drawn stone — hasn't changed in centuries. Taste the difference between espadín, tobalá, and madrecuixe varieties. Sip, don't shoot.
- Market exploration. Mercado Benito Juárez and Mercado 20 de Noviembre are the twin hearts of Oaxacan food culture. In Mercado 20 de Noviembre, the "Pasillo de Humo" (Smoke Alley) is a row of open-flame grills cooking tasajo (dried beef), cecina (cured pork), and chorizo over mesquite charcoal. Point, order, sit, eat. Best $5 meal of your life.
- Monte Albán. The ancient Zapotec capital, perched on a flattened mountaintop overlooking the Oaxaca Valley. Less crowded than Teotihuacán, arguably more atmospheric. The site is largely flat once you're up top — gentle on the knees — with 360-degree views of the valley below.
- Hierve el Agua. Petrified waterfalls and natural infinity pools overlooking the valley. About 70 km from the city — hire a driver for a half-day trip. The "waterfalls" are actually mineral formations created over millennia by spring water saturated with calcium carbonate. They look like frozen cascades. Surreal and beautiful.
San Miguel de Allende: The Expat Angle
San Miguel de Allende has topped Condé Nast Traveler's "Best Small Cities in the World" list so many times that they should just retire the category. And there's a reason an estimated 10,000–15,000 Americans and Canadians call it home.
The appeal for 55+ travelers — and potential expats — is obvious: colonial architecture in a state of perpetual golden hour, world-class restaurants at Mexican prices, a thriving arts scene, excellent healthcare (including dental tourism), year-round spring-like weather (6,200 feet elevation keeps it cool), and a welcoming expat community that hosts everything from writers' workshops to weekly bridge games.
Whether you're visiting or scouting for retirement:
- The Parroquia. The pink Gothic-revival church on the main plaza, designed by an indigenous builder who reportedly learned Gothic architecture from European postcards. Its silhouette is the symbol of the city. Visit at sunset when the stone glows pink-orange.
- Art galleries and studios. San Miguel has more galleries per capita than almost anywhere in the Americas. Fábrica La Aurora — a converted textile factory — houses dozens of galleries, studios, and design shops under one roof.
- Hot springs. Several natural hot springs (balnearios) surround the city. La Gruta is the most popular — a series of warm pools, including one inside a stone grotto. $10–$15 entrance. Bring a book.
- Expat resources. If you're even slightly curious about part-time or full-time living abroad, San Miguel is the best place to dip your toes in. The Biblioteca Pública (public library, run by American expats) is the social hub — they host tours, language exchanges, volunteer opportunities, and house-hunting advice. The cost of living for a comfortable retirement: approximately $2,000–$3,500/month for a couple, including a housekeeper and regular restaurant dining.
The WanderWise 10-Day Mexico Itinerary
Days 1–3: Mexico City
- Fly in: Direct flights from most major US cities (2–5 hours). Cash or Southwest points.
- Stay: Andaz Mexico City Condesa (17,000–23,000 Hyatt points/night)
- Day 1: Arrive, settle in Condesa. Walk the neighborhood, dinner at Contramar (get the tuna tostadas — book a reservation, it's always packed).
- Day 2: National Museum of Anthropology (morning, 3–4 hours). Chapultepec Castle (afternoon). Dinner in Roma Norte — Rosetta or Máximo Bistrot.
- Day 3: Teotihuacán pyramids (morning, private guide). Afternoon: Coyoacán and Casa Azul (Frida Kahlo). Evening: mezcal tasting at Bósforo or Limantour.
Days 4–6: Oaxaca
- Fly: Mexico City to Oaxaca (1 hour, ~$60–$100 cash on Volaris or VivaAerobus)
- Stay: Quinta Real Oaxaca or Hotel Parador de Alcalá (cash, $150–$300/night)
- Day 4: Market morning at Mercado 20 de Noviembre and Benito Juárez. Afternoon: cooking class. Evening: dinner at Los Danzantes (upscale Oaxacan cuisine with courtyard seating).
- Day 5: Monte Albán (morning). Afternoon: mezcal distillery visit in Matatlán. Evening: explore the Andador Turístico (pedestrian street) and dinner at Criollo or Casa Oaxaca.
- Day 6: Hierve el Agua day trip with a stop at the Tule Tree (2,000+ year old Montezuma cypress, one of the widest trees in the world). Farewell tlayuda dinner.
Days 7–8: San Miguel de Allende
- Travel: Fly Oaxaca → Mexico City → León (BJX), then 90-minute drive to San Miguel. Or, fly Oaxaca → Mexico City and take the comfortable ETN bus (4 hours, $30, fully reclining seats with onboard service — Mexico's bus system is vastly better than Americans expect).
- Stay: Rosewood San Miguel de Allende (splurge, $400–$800/night) or a charming boutique hotel ($150–$300/night)
- Day 7: Arrive, wander the centro histórico, Parroquia at sunset, dinner at The Restaurant (Rosewood's terrace dining with cathedral views).
- Day 8: Morning at Fábrica La Aurora galleries. La Gruta hot springs (midday). Afternoon: Biblioteca Pública visit if you're expat-curious. Rooftop sunset drinks.
Days 9–10: Beach Finale (Cancún/Riviera Maya)
- Fly: León (BJX) to Cancún (2 hours, ~$80–$150 on Volaris)
- Stay: Hyatt Zilara Cancún (21,000–29,000 Hyatt points/night, adults-only, all-inclusive)
- Day 9: Arrive. Beach. Pool. All-inclusive beverages. The mango margarita AND the coconut one. You've earned it.
- Day 10: Morning swim. Final brunch at the resort. Fly home from Cancún.
Points Budget: What This Trip Actually Costs
| Category | Redemption | Points (for two) | Cash Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flights (US → MEX, internal Mexico, CUN → US) | Cash or Southwest | $600–$1,200 total (cash) | — |
| Mexico City hotel (3 nights) | World of Hyatt (via Chase UR) | 102,000–138,000 | $1,500–$2,400 |
| Oaxaca hotel (3 nights) | Cash | $450–$900 (cash) | — |
| San Miguel hotel (2 nights) | Cash | $400–$1,600 (cash) | — |
| Cancún all-inclusive (2 nights) | World of Hyatt (via Chase UR) | 84,000–116,000 | $1,400–$2,800 |
| Total points used | 186,000–254,000 Hyatt | $2,900–$5,200 saved | |
| Total cash spent | — | $1,450–$3,700 |
The WanderWise move: This itinerary demonstrates the beauty of the hybrid approach. Use Hyatt points (transferred from Chase UR) for the Mexico City and Cancún stays — where the cents-per-point value is outstanding — and pay cash for Oaxaca and San Miguel de Allende, where the boutique properties are the experience and prices are reasonable. Two people can do this entire 10-day trip for approximately 200,000 Hyatt points and $2,000–$3,000 in cash. That's a trip that would cost $5,000–$8,000+ if you paid full freight for everything.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mexico safe for older travelers?
The Mexico you'll visit on this itinerary — Mexico City's tourist neighborhoods (Roma, Condesa, Polanco, Centro Histórico), Oaxaca city, San Miguel de Allende, and Cancún's hotel zone — are safe, well-policed tourist areas. Exercise the same common sense you would in any major city: don't flash expensive jewelry, use registered taxis or Uber (ubiquitous in Mexico), and stay aware of your surroundings. Mexico City, in particular, has invested heavily in tourist safety and feels comparable to any large European capital.
Do I need to speak Spanish?
It helps enormously but isn't required. In Mexico City's tourist areas, Cancún, and San Miguel de Allende (with its large expat population), English is widely understood. Oaxaca is more Spanish-dependent — a few key phrases and a translation app will serve you well. Everywhere in Mexico, attempting even basic Spanish is received with warmth and appreciation.
What about the water?
Don't drink the tap water. Every hotel and restaurant serves purified water (agua purificada), and bottled water is available everywhere for about $0.50. Ice in restaurants is made from purified water — it's safe. Street food stalls: use your judgment, but the busy ones with high turnover are generally safe. The cooking class in Oaxaca will teach you the local approach to food safety.
How is healthcare in Mexico?
Excellent in major cities, and remarkably affordable. Private hospitals in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and San Miguel de Allende meet international standards. Many American expats in San Miguel specifically cite healthcare quality and cost as a primary reason for relocating. A doctor's visit: $30–$60. Dental cleaning: $40–$80. Still, carry travel insurance for your trip (your Chase Sapphire Reserve or Amex Platinum provides baseline coverage, but supplement with a standalone policy for extended travel).
Can I use the all-inclusive points rate at Hyatt Ziva/Zilara for just one person?
Points rates at Ziva and Zilara cover the room, which includes all-inclusive benefits for the number of registered guests. For a couple sharing a room, both of you are covered under the points rate. This is what makes these redemptions so valuable — it's not just a room, it's meals, drinks, and activities for two.
Mexico is what happens when you stop treating a country like a resort brochure and start treating it like the layered, ancient, endlessly surprising civilization it is. The beaches are there when you want them — and they're glorious. But the pyramids, the mole, the mezcal, the pink churches, and the art-lined streets of cities you've never heard of? That's the Mexico that will stay with you. Your points open the door. Walk through it.
Ready to discover the real Mexico on points? Take the WanderWise Travel Score Quiz to see where your rewards stand, or download our free Mexico on Points Planner PDF with neighborhood maps, restaurant lists, and a packing guide for every region.