Long-Term Winter Rentals in Guayabitos
Complete guide to monthly rentals and winter stays. Why snowbirds choose Guayabitos over Arizona, Florida, and Texas—with pricing, visa info, and healthcare details.
Quick Answer
Monthly cost for a comfortable winter stay in Guayabitos: $1,200-1,800 USD all-inclusive. This buys you a furnished 1-bedroom apartment with kitchen, utilities, WiFi, and access to a welcoming community of 500+ expats and Canadian snowbirds.
Why Guayabitos beats Arizona, Florida, and Texas:
- ✓50-70% cheaper than Arizona (Phoenix, Tucson) and Florida retirement communities
- ✓Authentic Mexican beach town (not a retirement resort bubble)
- ✓Perfect 72°F weather all winter (Arizona is cold, Florida is humid)
- ✓Healthcare available (English-speaking doctors in Puerto Vallarta, 50 min away)
Why Snowbirds Choose Guayabitos
🌡️ Perfect Weather
Guayabitos enjoys year-round warm weather with zero freezing temperatures. Winters average 72°F days, 62°F nights—neither too hot nor too cold.
Unlike Arizona's surprise 40°F mornings or Florida's humid 85°F winter days.
💰 Affordable Costs
Monthly all-in costs of $1,200-1,800 beat most U.S. retirement communities by 50-70%.
Live like a local and stretch your retirement budget further.
🏖️ Authentic Experience
Real Mexican beach town (not a resort bubble). Genuine community, local friendships, cultural immersion.
Meet locals and other expats naturally, not through forced retirement activities.
🏥 Good Healthcare
English-speaking doctors in Puerto Vallarta (50 min away). Excellent private hospitals, low costs.
Medical care costs 30-50% less than U.S. hospitals.
👥 Welcoming Community
500+ American expats and Canadian snowbirds create organic community without feeling like a retirement zone.
Volunteer opportunities, dining groups, beach outings, and genuine friendships.
✈️ Easy Logistics
Puerto Vallarta international airport (50 min away) with direct flights from U.S. Reliable WiFi and services.
Stay connected and return home easily if needed.
Climate: Guayabitos vs Other Winter Destinations
| Destination | Avg Winter Temp | Humidity | Challenges |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guayabitos, Mexico | 72°F days / 62°F nights | Moderate (60%) | Occasional rain Sept-Oct |
| Tucson, AZ | 60°F days / 40°F nights | Very low (20-30%) | Cold mornings, sparse scenery |
| Phoenix, AZ | 65°F days / 45°F nights | Very low (20%) | Urban sprawl, extreme aridity |
| Miami, FL | 72°F days / 62°F nights | High (65-75%) | Humid, expensive, crowded |
| Tampa, FL | 70°F days / 55°F nights | High (65%) | Humid, expensive, crowded |
| San Antonio, TX | 62°F days / 45°F nights | Low (45%) | Can get cold, less beach appeal |
Winner: Guayabitos offers the perfect middle ground. Warm without being hot, humid without being oppressive, beach setting without the retiree resort atmosphere.
Monthly Cost Breakdown
Comfortable Winter Stay Budget: $1,400/month
Note: This includes everything. No hidden costs. Can stretch to $1,000/month on tight budget, or extend to $2,000+ for luxury living.
Comparison to U.S. Retirement Communities
Furnished apartment + utilities + food + community
HOA + utilities + food + activities
HOA + utilities + food + golf club
Basic senior housing + utilities + services
Savings: Guayabitos residents save $800-3,000/month compared to traditional U.S. retirement options while enjoying better weather, authentic community, and beach lifestyle.
Monthly Rental Options
1-Bedroom Furnished Apartments
Cost: $600-900/month
What's included: Kitchen, living room, bedroom, bathroom, WiFi, cable TV
Best for: Solo travelers, couples, longer winters
Examples: Los Ayala, downtown apartments, La Colonia residential
Most popular option. Furnished to move-in standards with kitchen for cooking.
Vacation Rental Homes
Cost: $800-1,200/month (discounted from nightly rates)
What's included: 2-3 bedrooms, full kitchen, living area, sometimes pool/patio
Best for: Families, groups, people with guests visiting
Booking: Airbnb, VRBO, direct property managers
Get monthly discounts (usually 40-50% off nightly rates) if booking directly.
Hotel Monthly Rates
Cost: $500-700/month (massive discounts from daily rates)
What's included: Room, housekeeping, utilities, sometimes breakfast
Best for: No-hassle option, social community at hotel
Examples: Hotel Posada Real, Hotel Nayar, smaller beachfront hotels
Great for longer stays. Many hotels offer 50-60% discounts on monthly bookings. Staff becomes your community.
💡 Pro Tip: Casa Nayarit Monthly Rates
Casa Nayarit (beachfront property in La Peñita, 10 min from Guayabitos) offers monthly winter stays starting at $1,200/month with:
- • Ocean views and beachfront access
- • Full kitchen and living areas
- • Reliable high-speed WiFi for remote workers
- • English-speaking owners who understand winter guest needs
- • Direct booking without commission markups
Healthcare & Pharmacies
✓ Healthcare is Available & Affordable
Unlike remote areas, Guayabitos has access to English-speaking doctors and modern hospitals. Puerto Vallarta (50 min away) has excellent private hospitals with U.S.-trained physicians.
Local Options
- •La Peñita clinic (basic services, Spanish-speaking)
- •Guayabitos pharmacies (many medications over-the-counter)
- •Taxis to Puerto Vallarta hospitals (1 hour)
Puerto Vallarta Hospitals
- •Hospital Amerimed (U.S. standard care)
- •Angeles Health (international patients welcomed)
- •English-speaking cardiologists, internists, dentists
Costs vs U.S.
$40-60 (Mexico)
vs $150-300 (U.S.)
$100-150 (Mexico)
vs $300-500 (U.S.)
$50 (Mexico)
vs $150-200 (U.S.)
30-70% less expensive
Many drugs OTC
Tip: Many snowbirds maintain U.S. Medicare/insurance while in Mexico for major issues. Minor care is done locally at lower cost.
Visa & Legal Requirements
180-Day Visitor Visa: Your Gateway
U.S. citizens get a FREE 180-day (6-month) visitor permit upon arrival. No pre-approval needed. You arrive on your passport, get stamped, and you're legal to stay through winter season.
How to Get Your 180-Day Permit
- 1. Arrive in Mexico - Fly to Puerto Vallarta
- 2. Immigration desk - Tell officer you're visiting as a tourist
- 3. Receive FMM card - Tourist permit good for 180 days
- 4. Keep FMM safe - Need it to leave Mexico
Cost: Free | Time: 5 minutes | Documentation: Just your passport
Beyond 180 Days?
Option 1: Leave and return (get another 180 days, though officials may limit this)
Option 2: Apply for temporary residence (1 year renewable) - requires proof of income (~$2,700/month or $45,000 in savings)
Most snowbirds: Use 180-day permit + leave/return to reset timing, or head back to U.S. after winter
What You Can & Cannot Do
✓ Allowed on Visitor Permit:
- • Stay 180 days (Dec-May winter season)
- • Travel anywhere in Mexico
- • Rent accommodation
- • Open a bank account (bring passport + visa letter)
- • Remote work for U.S. companies
- • Access healthcare
✗ Not Allowed:
- • Work for Mexican employer (you need work visa)
- • Establish a business
- • Own property (though exceptions exist)
Community & Winter Activities
Winter in Guayabitos isn't isolation on a beach—it's a real community season. 500+ expats and Canadian snowbirds create organic friendships and activities.
Social Groups & Activities
- •Expat Facebook groups - Local dining, events, recommendations
- •Beach volleyball games - Mornings and afternoons, all skill levels
- •Sunset happy hours - Beach bars gather expats and tourists
- •Whale watching tours - December-March peak season
- •Spanish lessons - Local teachers ($15-20/hour)
- •Thursday market in La Peñita - Social hub + shopping
Day Trips & Nearby Adventures
- •Sayulita (20 min) - Bohemian beach town with galleries, restaurants
- •Puerto Vallarta (50 min) - Malecón, nightlife, shopping, dining
- •Bahía de Jaltemba (30 min) - Snorkeling and hiking
- •Punta de Mita (30 min) - Upscale resort town, fresh seafood
Month-by-Month Winter Season Guide
November: Warm-Up Month
Weather: 75°F days, still warm, occasional rain
Best for: Initial arrival, settling in, not peak crowd yet
December-February: PEAK SEASON
Weather: Perfect 72°F days, 62°F nights, dry
Peak time: Most snowbirds arrive, prices highest, Whale watching peak
Tip: Book accommodations Sept-Oct for best winter pricing
March-April: Shoulder Season
Weather: 76-78°F, getting warmer, very dry
Best for: Flexible travelers, last crowds, good prices still available
May-October: Slow Season (for North Americans)
Weather: 82-88°F, humid June-Sept, occasional rain
Consider: Deep discounts (40-50% off), fewer crowds, but higher temps
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I bring my car to Mexico?
A: Yes, with temporary import permit. Many snowbirds just use taxis ($3-4 for short rides) and arrange airport transfers. The hassle of car paperwork isn't worth it for winter stays.
Q: What about COVID or travel?
A: As of 2025, Mexico has no COVID restrictions for tourists. Travel is normal. Healthcare is available if needed. Direct flights from major U.S. cities to Puerto Vallarta.
Q: Can I get a year-round visa?
A: Yes, temporary residency (1 year renewable) requires $2,700/month income or $45,000 in savings. Many snowbirds prefer staying on the 180-day tourist visa and leaving/returning.
Q: Is the water safe to drink?
A: Most accommodations provide purified water or have filters. Bottled water is cheap. Your stomach adjusts quickly. Avoid tap water directly, but cooking with it is fine.
Q: What do you need to bring?
A: Passport (valid 6 months beyond stay), prescription medications (get copies from doctor), basic sunscreen, light clothing. Most things available locally at reasonable prices.
Ready to Escape Winter?
Join hundreds of snowbirds discovering Guayabitos. Affordable, warm, authentic, and welcoming.