When comparing Mexico vs Jamaica as your next vacation destination can be challenging. The reason is that both countries have post-card-worthy beaches, rich cultures, delicious food, and luxurious resorts.
Truth be told, you should plan to visit both of these countries at some point. Each country has something to offer any kind of traveler, but you will need to ask yourself what you are looking for in a vacation.
That’s why in this article, we will compare Mexico vs Jamaica side-by-side to help you decide which country is right for your next vacation. We will discuss vital topics such as geography, culture, beaches, resorts, cost, and safety, so let’s get to it!
Mexico Vs Jamaica: Overview
When it comes to honeymoon vacations, romantic getaways, and family trips, Mexico and Jamaica are two of the most popular destinations for travelers from the United States and many other countries.
As mentioned earlier, the two countries do have some similarities. For starters, Mexico and Jamaica are known for having impeccable beaches and unforgettable coastlines. Additionally, both countries have a rich culture that’s expressed in their food, music, and art.
But is one better than the other? Well, it really depends on what you are looking for in a vacation. One of the main differences between the two countries is the size. Mexico is a large country; in fact, it is 179 times bigger than Jamaica.
With that, narrowing down where in Mexico you want to visit may be harder. For example, do you want to be on the Caribbean side, where the popular resort towns of Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum are located?
Or do you want to be completely immersed in the culture in places like Oaxaca, Mexico City, and Merida? Then, there is the Pacific Coast city of Puerto Vallarta and the popular Cabo San Lucas in the Baja Peninsula. As you can see, there are a lot of amazing places to visit in Mexico.
Since Jamaica is much smaller, it can make deciding which area to be in easier. Some of the top areas in Jamaica are Jamaica are Negril, Montego Bay, and Ocho Rios, where the resorts and white sand beaches reside. Plus, the primary language in Jamaica is English which can make it easier to meet locals.
Let’s break down key factors such as resorts, beaches, cost, and safety to make the decision easier for you.
Mexico Vs Jamaica: Resorts
You won’t have an issue finding luxurious resorts of all sizes in Mexico or Jamaica. Again, since Mexico is much larger, it will have a lot more choices when it comes to resorts.
Travelers can choose from small boutique resorts to all-inclusive stays to adult-only resorts. With that, it may be easier to shop around and deals since there is so much competition. Some of the best places to find resort stays are in Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas, and Playa del Carmen.
Jamaica has the most popular resorts in Negril, Montego Bay, and Ocho Rios. Here you will find luxurious resorts such as Half Moon, Moon Palace, Sandals Resorts, and The Caves, to name a few.
Jamaica has several all-inclusive resorts, swim-up suites, and overwater bungalows for honeymooners and those looking for a romantic getaway. However, you can still find budget stays on the island.
You can’t go wrong with choosing a resort stay in either country. But it’s fair to say that you will have more options when looking for deals in Mexico.
Mexico Vs Jamaica: Beaches
You won’t be disappointed with the beaches in either country. Mexico and Jamaica offer iconic white-sand beaches that are touched by turquoise waters.
You will find similar water activities in both countries, including snorkeling, scuba diving, jet skiing, sport fishing, and more. The most beautiful beaches in Mexico reside on the Caribbean side in Cancun, Isla Mujeres, and Playa Del Carman. The warm and calm water makes it a perfect spot to soak up the sun.
On the Pacific side of Mexico, you will find that the water is a bit colder and offers better waves for surfing. Places like Sayulita and areas in the Baja Peninsula are popular surfing spots.
Jamaica has some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. One of the most popular is Seven Mile Beach in Negril, which is lined with resorts, restaurants, shopping, and water activities. Other popular beaches in Jamaica include Doctor’s Cave Beach, Frenchman’s Cove, James Bond Beach, and Bloody Bay.
Mexico’s size puts it at a disadvantage because it will impossible to explore all of its incredible beaches in one trip. On the other hand, Jamaica is small enough to see almost every beach on the island. So, if beach hopping is high on your list, Jamaica might be the better option.
Mexico Vs Jamaica: Cost
There are several factors to consider when calculating how much a trip to Mexico or Jamaica will cost. For example, the time of year you plan to visit, the type of accommodation, the restaurants you eat at, and the activities you do all play a role in the overall cost.
In general, Mexico will be the cheaper option for US travelers. The main reason is the close proximity between the two countries. Not only will flights typically be cheaper, but they will also be shorter and sometimes direct.
When it comes to accommodations, you will find resort stays will be similar in costs between the two countries. But if you are willing to stay a budget accommodations and eat in the local restaurants, you will find your money will go far in Mexico.
For example, if you eat street tacos, you can find them for as low as 75 cents apiece. On average, a beer will cost around $2, depending on the location.
It’s not to say you can’t find budget stays, food, and drinks in Jamaica, but they tend to be a bit more expensive.
But if you decide to stay at an all-inclusive resort in Mexico or Jamaica, you won’t need to worry about food or drink costs as they are included in your stay.
Mexico Vs Jamaica: Safety
If you do a Google search on safety in Mexico and Jamaica, you will be greeted with warnings not to travel to either country. The truth is that every country has areas that should be avoided, and Mexico and Jamaica are no different.
With that said, travelers should take precautions when traveling to Mexico or Jamaica and have simple common sense. Mexico is notorious for cartel activity, which is always highlighted in the news.
While it is something to be aware of, most of the time, the crimes aren’t directed toward tourists. The same goes for Jamaica, and if you have common sense and stick to the more touristy areas, you shouldn’t have a problem.
Both countries have friendly locals that are excited and proud to show you their country. Respect their culture, be polite, and don’t be flashy with your belongings, and you will have an unforgettable vacation.
Mexico Vs Jamaica: Food And Drink
One of the best ways to learn about a different culture is by trying the cuisine. Mexican food is undoubtedly one of the most popular cuisines in the world, and for a good reason.
Of course, you will find a variety of tacos, such as al pastor, carne asada, chorizo, and birria, to name a few. However, tacos are merely the surface of what Mexican food has to offer.
Since Mexico is comprised of 32 states, you will find different regional cuisines throughout the country. The states with the best food scene are arguably in Oxoaca, Jalisco, and Yucatan.
When it comes to drinks, you would be crazy or loco not to have a cold corona and lime or sample tequila or mezcal.
Jamaican food can be spicy like Mexican food but with its own flavor. Some of the most popular dishes are jerk chicken, curried goat, fried plantains, oxtail, and saltfish.
While Mexico is known for its tequila, Jamaica has rum. The rum in Jamaica is world-renowned and is the base in almost every signature cocktail. It is also worth trying a Red Stripe, an easy-drinking beer brewed on the island.
If you get the chance, you should also try Blue Mountain Coffee while in Jamaica. It is said to be one of the best coffees in the world and is something you won’t find in Mexico.
As you can see, both countries have delicious food and drinks that are worth trying, so your tastebuds won’t be disappointed no matter what you choose.
Mexico Vs Jamaica: Final Verdict
At the end of the day, you can’t go wrong with visiting Mexico or Jamaica. Both countries have vibrant cultures, stunning beaches, mouth-watering food, and high-end resorts. In general, you will have more options when it comes to resort stays and cheaper food and drink prices in Mexico.
While Jamaica is smaller, it has a lot to offer tourists. Plus, since English is the primary language, it may be easier to meet locals and experience the culture.
Not sure if Jamaica is the right destination for you? Other comparison articles might help, such as Jamaica vs Dominican Republic: Which Is Better?, Jamaica vs Trinidad: Which Is Better?, and Barbados vs Jamaica: Which Caribbean Island Is Better?