Tag: Mexico

Mexico Government Confirms Mayan Train Will Launch From Cancun In 2023

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The Mexican Government has confirmed this week its ambitious Mayan Train project will be going ahead as planned, with a final launch date set for 2023. Despite some major setbacks recently, including the temporary suspension of construction in key sections, Cancun will soon be connected by rail to numerous other hotspots in the Yucatan Peninsula.

Marred by controversy since it was first presented, the scenic train risked never leaving the drawing board. From triggering the ire of hoteliers, who strongly opposed the installation of train tracks close to their beach front, to being delayed a number of times following strict environmental reviews, it seemed unlikely it would open anytime soon… Until now.

Starting next year, tourists will be able to travel the Riviera Maya extensively, including inland sites that were once largely inaccessible:

A Quick Recap: What Is The Mayan Train?

The Mayan Train, or Tren Maya in Spanish, is a 948 mile long intercity train that has been in the works for a number of years. It is Mexico’s boldest attempt yet to ease travel across its sparsely populated Yucatan Peninsula, which comprises three of Mexico’s most popular states: the eponymous Yucatan, Quintana Roo and Campeche.

While highways in Mexico offer access to a number of cities and destinations off the beaten path, the country has never invested heavily in railway infrastructure, like its North American counterparts, until recently. Although its main goal is boosting tourism in less-visited areas, the Tren Maya will also massively improve connectivity for locals.

Planned Route Of The Mayan Train, Yucatan Peninsula, Riviera Maya, Mexico

Beginning in Palenque, in the non-Yucatan state of Chiapas, it will travel northeast-bound towards Cancun, encircling the whole historical peninsula. On its East Coast route, the train will call at Chetumal, Tulum, Playa del Carmen and Puerto Morelos, offering easy access to all the main tourist destinations in Mexico’s Riviera Maya.

On the Peninsula’s North and West Coast, visitors will be able to travel by rail to Nuevo Xcan, Valladolid, the famous pre-Columbian city of Chichen Itza, Izamal, the historical Merida, home to Mexico’s oldest cathedral, and San Francisco de Campeche. In the Southern line, destinations include Boca del Cerro, El Triunfo, Escarcega, Xpujil and Bacalar.

What Has The President Actually Said?

Regardless of the battle being fought in court against environmentalists, who are urging the Government not to move forward with the so-called fifth section of the train, citing irreversible damage to archaeological sites, Mexico’s President Andres Manuel Lopez Orador has at last confirmed the Mayan Train will leave its Cancun terminal ‘by 2023’.

During a press conference, Obrador reaffirmed that launching the train is ‘an affair of the State’, and ensured it be fully operational next year, though he didn’t specify a date. Besides reiterating his full commitment to the project, the President hit back at protesters, effectively accusing them of pursuing their own agenda and calling them ‘corrupt’.

What Is The Status Of The Mayan Train?

Even though Obrador’s statements are reassuring, and he seems adamant the remaining tracks will be laid in time for a launch next year, a settlement to the ongoing legal dispute is yet to be reached. Earlier this year, a Yucatan judge ruled that no more tracks should be laid on the fifth section until further environmental evaluations are carried out.

This stretch is perhaps one of the most important on the rail map, as it connects Tulum, famous for its Mayan ruins, to the paradise beaches of Playa del Carmen, running for roughly 37 miles. Additionally, until the section is completed, Cancun is virtually cut off from the Southern Riviera Maya, as all trains bound for Chetumal will call at Tulum.

One of the authorities behind the venture, Fonatur, Mexico’s National Fund for the Promotion of Tourism, released a new report asserting that progress has in fact been made in laying tracks. Namely, 4 of the 7 sections have had advancements, but due to pending environmental and archaeological reviews, the Tulum-Playa del Carmen stretch is not among them.

On July 3, during his tour of the construction sites, Obrador visited the Merida-Cancun route, or section number four, starting in Izamal and terminating at Cancun International Airport. This route runs for 159 miles and, as claimed by Obrador, is 50% complete. Interestingly, this is the first time the President has ever offered an update as precise as this.

Train Ridership Is Increasing As Air Travel Turns Chaotic

As air travel descends into chaos, following reports of staffing constraints at airports, more and more travelers are turning to alternative transportation as a means to avoid being affected by the increasingly common flight delays. Train travel is one such alternative, with ridership in parts of America now up 25% compared to last year’s figures.

After two years of being placed on hold, Amtrak’s cross-border service to Canada relaunched last month, bringing back international train travel between the United States and its Northern neighbor. Over in Europe, Germany launched a seasonal train pass, allowing passengers to travel to various destinations within the country for only 9 euros.

The irresistible offer, in place during summer, is the German Government’s bid to ease air traffic congestion and promote sustainable travel. Once a thing of the past, sleeper trains are making a comeback of their own as well, as slow/solo travel trends peak. You get our point: while airlines do not get their act together, it seems no one is in a rush to fly anywhere.

It should come as no surprise, then, that Mexico is keen on investing on its own rail infrastructure. More Tren Maya updates can be found on the Mexican Government’s website and at our partners’ The Cancun Sun, another Off Path Enterprises production specialized in Cancun/ Riviera Maya news.

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July 10, 2022
These Are The The Top 3 Destinations In Mexico For American Tourists This Summer
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It seems Mexico’s friendly attitude to tourists throughout Covid will not be forgotten anytime soon. Even though other countries are open for travel again, it’s the freedom-loving Mayan heartland, where tourism has been allowed without interruptions throughout the whole pandemic, that continues to attract a record number of visitors.

As a result, three Mexican cities now feature on Allianz Travel Top 10 International Summer Destinations, the most out of any country listed. In fact, Mexico claims the top two entirely to itself, asserting its status as the King of Tourism – a title that will not be challenged anytime soon, despite Aruba, Jamaica, and the like all being back in the game.

Ready to find out which Mexican cities have won the hearts of the nation? Here are Mexico’s 3 top destinations for American tourists this summer:

Puerto Vallarta, Pacific Coast

Puerto Vallarta is arguably the Mexican Pacific Coast’s crown jewel, where the country’s best nightlife can be found, as well as countless sandy beaches and natural landmarks within close proximity to major urban centers. It is not only a summer, but a year-round favorite for vacationers, and ranks at number six on Allianz’ annual summer travel picks.

Up 3 slots since last year’s ranking, when it had already broken into the top 10 charting at a respectable number 9, Puerto Vallarta keeps growing in popularity among U.S. travelers, particularly due to the recent connection boost between the Mexican hub and several U.S. cities, and the the State of Jalisco’s unparalleled tourist offer.

With Covid being treated as endemic in Mexico, and Vallarta tourists no longer expected to follow pandemic-era regulations, such as mask-wearing and social distancing, the city is poised to climb even higher on future lists. According to Allianz, it is already Mexico’s third busiest summer destination for American travelers.

San Jose del Cabo, Pacific Coast

Number two on Allianz’ list for yet another year, San Jose del Cabo has been a permanent feature on the bucket list of millions due to its vast collection of clear water beaches and picturesque, colonial-style architecture. Additionally, it is one of a handful of places in Mexico where History and sightseeing lovers converge with laid-back beachgoers.

Cabo truly has it all: from world-renowned art galleries and Spanish-era missionary churches, to beautiful nature reserves where bird-spotting activities are widely promoted and, of course, miles-long sandy beach strips adorning the coast. Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in Mexico’s rich past, or simply enjoy a day in the sun, this is the place to go.

Luckily, despite being a major entry point for Americans visiting Mexico, the Los Cabos International Airport serving San Jose has not experienced the same level of saturation seen in Mexico City, or Cancun Airport’s longer wait times. It is also only two and a half hours away flying from most cities in the Southern U.S., making it an ideal summer break.

Cancun, The Caribbean

Claiming the coveted spot of America’s preferred vacay for the sixth year in a row, Cancun is further widening the gap between itself and all other Mexican, and non-Mexican destinations on Allianz’ list. Out of Mexico’s expected 40 million visitors this year, a sizable portion of Americans have selected Cancun as their destination for 2022.

According to Cirium, one of the world’s largest provider of data on aviation, there are currently 831 weekly flight routes between the U.S. and Cancun International, making it by far Mexico’s busiest – and most loved – summer destination. Now that a beach close to Cancun has been named the best in all of Mexico, we expect these impressive numbers to rise even higher.

Cancun is widely recognized as the gateway to the Mexico’s Caribbean Coast, dotted with white sand beaches and Mayan ruins of inestimable cultural relevance. Cancun International serves not only Cancun, but several small resort towns around the metropolis, such as Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos and Isla Mujeres off the mainland.

What Other International Destinations Are On The List?

This year’s Allianz Top 10 International Summer Destinations list is available in full below:
1. Cancun, Mexico
2. San Jose del Cabo, Mexico
3. Oranjestad, Aruba
4. Montego Bay, Jamaica
5. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
6. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
7. Nassau, The Bahamas
8. Liberia, Costa Rica
9. Providenciales Island, Turks & Caicos
10. Charlotte Amalie, U.S. Virgin Islands
But how has Allianz been able to establish that? In sum, researchers looked at data from over a million trips to be taken by their own customers over the summer season, especially those who purchased an Allianz Partners travel insurance between 5 and 8 days. Unsurprisingly, Mexico came out ahead of all other competitors with the most planned itineraries.

For the restriction-wary, all of the destinations above are welcoming American tourists with no health-related requirements, with the exception of Nassau in The Bahamas and Providenciales Island in Turks & Caicos. Those two countries require travelers to be fully vaccinated, or present a negative Covid as valid proof of entry when unvaccinated.

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Mexico’s New Mayan Train Project Suspended

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June 20, 2022
Mexico Government Asks U.S. To Stop Including Tourist Spots In Travel Advisories

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Standing up for its tourism sector, currently plagued by numerous reports of increased violence in popular destinations, the Mexican Government has formally asked the United States to not ‘generalize’ when issuing travel advisories.

Namely, it has suggested any alerts affecting whole cities and/or states should be more specific.

Although Mexico unarguably remains a top rated holiday destination for millions of Americans, security concerns raised by U.S. authorities have led to speculation the country may no longer be as safe. Even in Cancun, where the National Guard has been deployed to keep tourists safe, the advisories have proven particularly damaging.

Now, Mexico is fiercely defending its hard-earned reputation as a tourist oasis:

Mexico Wants More Transparency From U.S. Authorities On Travel Warnings

Having succeeded in the mission of crowning Mexico one of the most visited countries in the world after Covid, Secretary of Tourism Miguel Torruco is now working to tackle the scrutiny the country’s security forces have been under lately. Despite Mexico’s best efforts, many now believe it is a country to be avoided due to high crime rates.

The change in perception can be attributed to the U.S. Department of State’s Travel Advisory, which lists only two Mexican states out of 32 as being completely safe for American travelers, those being Campeche and Yucatan. Comparatively, travel warnings have been slapped on all other major tourist zones, including Quintana Roo, Baja California Sur and Jalisco.

As stated on the Travel Advisory, Americans should either reconsider, or exercise increased caution when traveling to these destinations due to crime and even risk of kidnapping. Foreseeing the trouble ahead, Torruco requested a meeting with Rena Bitter, the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs.

During the Washington meeting, where other concerns were also debated, Torruco suggested that the travel alerts issued by the U.S. Department of State should be more specific in their classification of risk zones in Mexico. As Torruco puts it, they should ‘detail the areas that could represent problems and not generalize’.

While the Travel Advisory is quite extensive, and security alerts are somewhat more detailed under every Mexican state’s designated section, it does fail to define more precisely which neighborhoods, or zones, are affected by crime in relevant cities.

Instead, the U.S. Department of State opts for advising Americans to be cautious when visiting them as a whole.

Quintana Roo Is One Of The Destinations Targeted By The U.S. Department Of State

Let’s take the example of Quintana Roo: the advisory mentions ‘criminal activity and violence may occur in any location, at any time, including in popular tourist destinations’. On top of that, the advisory states travelers should exercise ‘increased caution’, especially after dark, when walking downtown Cancun, Tulum or Playa del Carmen.

There may be a grain true in it, but the same could be said about any other destination, or any other country. Like Torruco affirmed, ‘some isolated cases of insecurity are found several kilometers from tourist destinations’, bringing into question the U.S. Department of State’s classification of Quintana Roo’s top 3 cities as unsafe.

While we could expect Torruco to defend Quintana Roo’s honor, we also know that there have been shootings in tourist zones, including inside luxury complexes, giving some weight to the U.S. classification.

However, in his defense, they have not targeted tourists and are instead a result of gang disputes, something even the United States acknowledges.

The Mexican Government Is Prepared To Deal With Violence Surges In Tourist Spots

Despite clear disagreements as to what constitutes a safe tourist destination, Torruco considered the meeting ‘cordial’ and found ‘openness and willingness to take up the suggestion’. Meanwhile, Mexico has been taking further steps to quash the crime trend, including cracking down on corrupt police that have been known to extort tourists.

Torruco also personally handed Bitter a document describing actions taken by municipal, state and federal authorities to protect American tourists in Quintana Roo, hoping the U.S. would reconsider its travel warnings. Or then, in the least, concede that the Mexican Government is prepared to deal with the violence surge.

Lastly, he noted 3.18 million Americans have traveled to Mexico during the first quarter of the year, highlighting the close links between the two North American countries and the need for cooperation on safety issues.

So far, the U.S. Department of State is yet to make significant changes to its classification of Mexican states, though any updates will be published here.

Read More:

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May 14, 2022
CDC Lowers Health Risk For Travel To Mexico
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The CDC has moved Mexico down from its ‘high risk’ for COVID-19 to ‘moderate risk’ as COVID-19 cases drop in Mexico. In addition, the CDC has also decreased the risk of traveling to Belize and Antigua and Barbuda—two other popular destinations for Americans.

Mexico remains one of the best destinations for North American tourists. With zero entry requirements and rapidly declining COVID-19 cases, tourists can have an incredible time.

The CDC Decreases Mexico’s Health Rating

The CDC has moved Mexico to a ‘Level 2: Moderate Risk’ health rating from a ‘Level 3: High Risk’ health rating due to decreasing COVID-19 cases. The current 7-day case average in Mexico is 8,251; that’s down from 35,201 at its peak in January 2022.

Currently, there are no entry requirements to visit Mexico. The nation became the 2nd country worldwide—after El Salvador—to scrap all COVID-19 entry requirements back in January 2022.

Mexico also, contrary to most of the world, remained open for tourism throughout the entire COVID-19 pandemic. It’s been an excellent destination in the previous two years and this news continues the trend.

Mexico has also ended the warning system for COVID-19 and started treating the virus as endemic. Therefore, from April 25, the country has stopped issuing new Covid advisories and ceased recommending health measures.

The Mexican government will give all 32 states ‘green status’ in accordance with the country’s new approach to Covid management. However, travelers still have to wear face coverings in indoor venues in popular destinations like Cancun.

What Are The CDC’s Health Ratings?

The CDC rates nations based on their COVID-19 risk level. Recently, however, the CDC overhauled its rating system.

The ‘Level 3: High Risk’ category is now the highest. After that, the CDC issues the ‘Level 2: Moderate risk’ and ‘Level 1: Low Risk.’

The Level 4 rating—which had over 100 nations in March—is now reserved for special circumstances only. There are no nations on the current Level 4 rating.

The CDC doesn’t state travelers can’t visit ‘High Risk’ destinations; they suggest all U.S. citizens should be fully vaccinated before traveling there. However, the CDC advises against all international travel, regardless of the destination, if travelers aren’t fully vaccinated.

CNN Medical Analyst, Dr. Leana Wen, said we’ve moved into “a phase in the pandemic where people need to make their own decisions based on their medical circumstances as well as their risk tolerance when it comes to contracting Covid-19,”

This is how the CDC breaks down its current rating system:
- Level 3 High – between 100-500 new cases over the past 28 days per 100,000 population
- Level 2 Moderate between – 50-99 new cases over the past 28 days per 100,000 population
- Level 1 Low – fewer than 50 new cases over the past 28 days per 100,000 population
What About Other Nations?

Mexico wasn’t the only nation to receive some good news from the CDC this week.

They also moved Antigua and Barbuda and Belize to the ‘Level 2: Moderate Risk’ health rating. However, the CDC moved Taiwan to its ‘Level 2: Moderate Risk’ health rating after staying at ‘Level 1: Low Risk’ for the entire pandemic.

However, the CDC still issues high-risk warnings to many European nations, including the following popular destinations for North American tourists:
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Ireland
- Italy
- The Netherlands
- Portugal
- Spain
- United Kingdom
Other popular nations with a ‘High Risk’ warning include:
- Brazil
- Canada
- Costa Rica
- Malaysia
- South Korea
- Thailand
The CDC also added Botswana and Indonesia to its “Level 1: Covid-19 Low Risk” health rating.

Indonesia, thanks to the beautiful island of Bali, is a popular spot for American tourists and is now allowing foreign visitors to enter.

Read More:

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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
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May 4, 2022
Celebrity Cruises Announces New Services To Mexico And The Pacific Coast

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Two vessels, the Celebrity Solstice and the Celebrity Millenium, will serve coastal routes starting in September

The giant cruise line Celebrity Cruises —based in Miami— recently announced new vessel deployments. Two of their ships, the Celebrity Solstice and the Celebrity Millenium will start serving fresh routes, starting in September 2022.

The Celebrity Solstice is coming to the United States from Asia after its previous program for winter 2022 was canceled. According to the information shared at Cruise Radio, it was scheduled to sail to Tokyo, Singapore, and Hong Kong, but the company decided to suspend the route due to “uncertainty” in the region.

Instead, now the Celebrity Solstice—a large vessel with the capacity to host up to 2,850 passengers— will take over the route of the Celebrity Millenium and will now sail the Mexican Riviera, including stops at top destinations like Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlan, a few itineraries will even include Cabo San Lucas.

According to the information shared in Seatrade Cruise News, now the Celebrity Millenium will sail through the Caribbean. Celebrity Cruise will offer a Riviera Maya program after an 8-year gap.

The cruise company also announced recently the launch of a new vessel to its fleet, the Celebrity Beyond, with the capacity to host nearly 3,000 passengers. Now travelers will have more options to cruise the Pacific Coast, from Los Angeles to Mexico, and even explore more exotic international destinations.

All About The Itineraries

The Celebrity Solstice will no longer serve Asia this year and instead will have two main itineraries through the Riviera Maya and across the Pacific Coast.

From September 2022 until April 2023, the Celebrity Solstice will be offering travelers five, seven, and eight nights itineraries from Los Angeles, California, to the Mexican Riviera. The routes include Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, and Ensenada. Selected itineraries will also include Cabo San Lucas.

This vessel will also serve Pacific Coastal itineraries and cruise from Ensenada (Mexico) to Vancouver (Canada), including stops in attractive destinations like Monterrey, San Francisco, and Catalina Island.

From October to December 2022, the Celebrity Millenium—a vessel with the capacity to host up to 2,038 passengers at 100%— will be cruising the Caribbean with longer routes.

The Celebrity Millenium will sail week-long routes, making stops at fascinating destinations like Nassau, St, Thomas, and Barbados, starting in October 2022 until the end of the year.

Celebrity Cruises will also offer a special 15-night itinerary onboard the Celebrity Millenium, departing from San Diego, California, to offer clients the opportunity to cruise through the Panama Canal and make stops at Puerto Vallarta, Puntarenas, Oranjestad, and reach the final destination, San Juan, in Puerto Rico.

What You Must Know About Celebrity’s Covid Protocols

Travelers must stay informed and review all requirements and current measures before purchasing or boarding for the next cruise adventure. According to recent information shared by the online site Cruise Fever, Celebrity Cruises extended its health protocols—for cruises departing from the United States— until May 31 this year.

Passengers boarding vessels currently operating such as the Celebrity Silhouette, the Celebrity Apex, or the Celebrity Edge, must present a negative COVID-19 test result; it can be an antigen or a PCR test, but must be performed within two days prior to departure.

Unvaccinated children from the ages of two to eleven must also provide a negative result within three days before boarding. Vaccinated travelers must show proof of full vaccination, and unvaccinated travelers can also provide a valid certificate of recovery. The certificate must meet certain requirements such as proof of the positive case of at least 11 days and no more than 90 days, the provider’s information, and confirmation of recovery.

Depending on the destination, entry requirements may vary according to local laws. Travelers must also bear in mind that if they don’t comply with the measures of each homeport country, they might not be allowed to disembark.

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April 23, 2022
This Beach in Mexico Deemed Unsafe For Swimming Due To Contaminated Water

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Playa Hermosa hasn’t passed the test for the fourth time in a row due to sewage water disposal in that location

Going to a beautiful beach in Mexico but not being able to swim or enjoy the warm Caribbean blue waters sounds more like torture than a dream vacation. Travelers must know that not all the beaches in Mexico are currently safe for swimming or practicing other recreational activities.

The Mexican Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risks (known by its Spanish initials Cofepris) published a new study, performed in March, with an analysis of beach waters for this season’s clean beaches program “Playas Limpias 2022”.

The analysis considered over 900,000 water samples from the sea in 17 coastal states and it has been stated that 289 beaches out of 290 are in good condition. The scientific frame used considers World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines that contemplate that water samples must show results of 200 enterococci or fewer per 100 milliliters of water to be recognized as suitable.

According to the study, 99.9% of Mexican beaches currently have good quality water and travelers can confidently enjoy their Easter vacations, and only one beach didn’t pass the tests: Playa Hermosa, in Ensenada, Baja California.

Now that many top destinations in Mexico have removed the mandatory mask mandate, such as Cancun and Nayarit, and the new analysis has shown that most beaches are in good condition and can plan their vacations and make adjustments when necessary.

Risky Beaches In Mexico

For the fourth time in a row, Playa Hermosa does not pass the suitable water test and is considered unsafe by Mexican authorities due to the constant disposal of sewage water in that location.

The most probable number (MPN)—the statistical method used— of enterococci per 100 milliliters of water was not published in the report, but neighboring beaches such as Playa Monalisa, Playa Pacífica, and Playa La Misión showed great results, under 12 MPN/100ml.

The Cofepris performs this large analysis previous to peak seasons, three times every year: prior to Easter, Summer, and Winter seasons. The last time, in December 2021, Playa Hermosa and other four beaches didn’t pass the test: Playa Hornos, Playa Tlacopanocha, and Playa Suave in Acapulco, and Playa Sayulita I in Nayarit. At that time, result numbers surpassed 430 MPN/100ml, but this time, in March 2022, all numbers were below 24 MPN/100ml.

Travelers must stay aware of these results, and those who want to know the exact results of the beaches they will be visiting, can go through the in-depth analysis shared publicly by the Mexican government, categorized by region. Those visiting Cancun and other destinations in Quintana Roo, can go confidently since all beaches in this region showed safe results.

Consequences Of Swimming In Polluted Waters

It is important to stay up to date with these results since high levels of the bacteria Enterococcus faecalis could affect travelers’ health. According to the information shared by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), those with weakened immune systems can develop illnesses or infections after swimming in polluted waters.

An article published by EPA states: “The most common illness associated with swimming in water polluted by sewage is gastroenteritis. It occurs in a variety of forms that can have one or more of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, stomachache, diarrhea, headache, or fever. Other minor illnesses associated with swimming include ear, eye, nose, and throat infections. In highly polluted water, swimmers may occasionally be exposed to more serious diseases.”

So those visiting Ensenada in Baja California should avoid visiting Playa Hermosa. Instead, travelers can enjoy the beautiful beach La Joya or swim freely in the warm waters of Playa Monalisa.

Cofepris also invited the Mexican population to report any anomaly related to water to the free number 01-800-033-5050.

Read More:

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April 17, 2022
Top 8 Outdoor Adventures in New Mexico This Spring

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Marked by gorgeous desert landscapes and equally beautiful sunsets, New Mexico offers no shortage of things to do outdoors. While temperatures can soar during the peak of summer, they are often nearly perfect for exploring in the spring – typically in the 70-80 degree Fahrenheit range for April through late May, before trending upwards in June. If you’re looking to take advantage of the cooler weather and see what this desert state has to offer, here are 8 great suggestions.

1. Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Carlsbad Caverns National Park lives up to its name! This national park is home to over 100 caves, many of which you can explore. Two of the trails through the caves allow visitors to wander at their own pace, while others are accessible by joining a ranger-guided tour. Due to COVID-19, reservations are currently required to visit the caves. Face masks are currently only optional even inside the caves, though.

2. Hot Air Balloon Rides

Soar over the stunning desert landscapes of New Mexico with a hot air balloon ride. This could be a fun group outing or a highly memorable date idea for a couple. Groups such as World Balloon not only offer balloon flights, but also champagne along with your trip. Tickets can be booked for World Balloon in advance online.

3. Gila Cliff Dwellings

Experience a piece of history firsthand by visiting the Gila Cliff Dwellings. These dwellings were used as shelter by the Mogollon people from the late 1200s to the early 13th century. Today, the remnants of the shelters stand empty and can be visited by heading over to the aptly named Gila Cliff Dwelling National Monument.

4. Sandia Peak Tramway

This one’s probably not great for those with a fear of heights, but if you’re looking to enjoy views of the New Mexico scenery, an aerial tram ride is a great way to achieve this. The tram was recently closed for annual maintenance but is scheduled to reopen on April 6th, making this a great option for those planning a trip in the near future. Currently, passengers over two years of age are required to wear a mask while in the tram car, regardless of vaccination status.

5. Float The Rio Grande River

For those who are considering this sort of adventure for the first time, there are several groups that offer guided experiences such as New Mexico River Adventures. Such groups often also offer a variety of packages. New Mexico River Adventures, for example, offers both whitewater rafting tours as well scenic river kayak trips. If you’re feeling you’re ready to venture out on your own, there are also several locations that are great for both day trips and overnight kayaking trips.

6. Go On A Ghost Tour

If you’re in the mood for a spooky adventure, consider checking out ABQTours’ History and Ghost Tour. This haunted tour may not be in a remote area like some other suggestions on this list – you’ll head traverse parts of Albuquerque – but it is all memorable fun. You can look forward to not only hearing about the ghosts that supposedly haunt the various street and buildings of Albuquerque but also learning some about the more down-to-earth history of the area.

7. San Antonio Hot Springs

New Mexico’s desert landscape may not be the first place you associate with hot springs, but it actually is home to quite a few. One such spot is San Antonio hot springs. Located in the Santa Fe National Forest, these springs are a great way to relax.

8. White Sands National Park

While this national park may look like a remote, almost alien landscape, it’s actually only a few hours’ drive from Santa Fe. The national park lives up to its name by featuring expanses of glistening white sands, and is a great place for hiking, camping, and photography.

Read More:

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All About Taos, New Mexico The Hidden Gem of the Southwest

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April 6, 2022
Mexico President Proposes New Cruise Port For Playa Del Carmen

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The president of Mexico has recently proposed a new cruise port for the coastal resort town of Playa del Carmen – in Mexico.

In a press conference – which took place last week – the country’s President, Andrés Manuel López Obrador announced plans to gain back the ownership of 2000 hectares of land – which he hopes will play host to the planned cruise port.

The land was previously handed over to a North American company by one of Mexico’s former presidents – Ernesto Zedillo – who spent 6 years as leader of the nation’s government, from 1994 to 2000.

The land is currently being used for construction purposes, with the U.S. company – which goes by the name of Vulcan Materials – extracting gravel from the site, exporting it back to North America, in order to use it to construct roads inside the country.

However, Mexico’s current leader, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, is hoping to be able to come to an agreement with Vulcan Materials, which could potentially lead to the land being returned to Mexican ownership – so that a cruise port can be constructed on it.

Alternatively, it was mentioned that if the land was not to be used to host the planned cruise port, then it could instead be used to play home to an ecotourism complex.

And, this would also go inline with Mexico’s focus on ecotourism – with the nation already having introduced a number of policies and programs which are focused on sustainable tourism.

Port Plans Previously Opposed By The Hotel Owners Of Playa Del Carmen

Although there is no doubt that the construction of a cruise port in Playa del Carmen would raise the profile of the resort town even further, there are a significant number of the town’s businesses that have opposed the idea.

The main people that have objected to the plans are those involved in the local hotel and accommodation industry – with hotel owners from the likes of Playa del Carmen and Cancun believing that it could be detrimental to their businesses.

This is due to cruise ship goers usually only being given a short space of time to explore one place – which would effectively mean huge numbers of tourists only coming to Playa del Carmen for a few hours and then leaving the town to continue their cruise.

Therefore having no need to take advantage of the wide variety of hotels, hostels and other accommodation options currently on offer in Playa del Carmen.

Hotel businesses have also recently displayed their displeasure regarding a lack of regulations when it comes to tourist accommodation in Playa del Carmen – with companies such as AirBnB proving to be extremely popular amongst visitors to the resort town.

A Cruise Port In Playa Del Carmen Would Be Welcomed By Cruise Companies

However, for cruise ship companies there is no doubt that having a port located at Playa del Carmen would be hugely beneficial for them – as it would allow them to take full advantage of huge numbers of tourists flying into Cancun International Airport.

Especially with Cancun International airport being just an hour’s drive from Playa Del Carmen.

Playa Del Carmen Also Making Other Headlines

This is not the first time that Playa Del Carmen has made headlines in the last week or so – with the town having seen large amounts of seaweed arrive on its beaches just last week.

And, it is expected to become even worse in the coming weeks – with experts predicting more and more algae to flood the country’s beaches.

There was also the announcement that Playa del Carmen will soon be home to a brand new all-inclusive – and adults-only – attractive resort, named Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen, which is due to open its doors next month (April 18).

Read more:

Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19

Mexico Reaches Its Safest Level Since The Pandemic Began

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March 28, 2022
This Popular Beach Destination Is One Of The Safest In Mexico
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If you are looking for a ‘safe’ – but lively and popular – beach destination to travel to in Mexico, then Los Cabos might be your place – with the resort city having one of the lowest homicide rates in the country.

Where Is Los Cabos?

Los Cabos is situated in the southern part of the Baja California Peninsula of Mexico – with the municipality hosting two of the nation’s popular tourist hotspots, Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo.

Both of these towns offer a variety of beach resorts, championship golf courses, fascinating colonial buildings – as well as a sufficient number of bars, restaurants and nightlife options that are sure to satisfy the needs of all visitors heading to Los Cabos.

Why Is Los Cabos Considered To Be One Of The Safest Tourist Destinations In Mexico?

Well, when looking at the statistics – with regards to violent crime in the country of Mexico – Baja California Sur has indeed witnessed the lowest number of intentional homicides in the first couple of months of this year (2022) compared to other parts of the nation.

Not only have there been less cases of murder in the state – situated in Northwest Mexico – 60% of the overall number of intentional homicide cases in BCS have already been resolved by the state’s police department.

And, according to Daniel de la Rosa Anaya – who heads up the State Attorney General’s Office – the number of intentional homicides that have taken place in BCS is at its lowest point for a number of years.

This is somewhat of a contrast compared to Cancun – which has recently been named as one of the most dangerous cities in the world – having made international headlines for its significantly high murder rate, following multiple tourist murders in the city.

However, in the last month, the American Ambassador for Mexico – Kenneth Lee Salazar – has described the highly popular tourist city of Cancun as being extremely ‘safe’ for tourists.

How To Stay Safe When Traveling In Los Cabos

As with anywhere that you travel to in the world, you should always ensure that you are aware of your surroundings and that you maintain high levels of common sense at all times – which, when combined, can go a long way to ensuring your safety and that you are able to enjoy your travels to the fullest.

However, there are a number of ‘steps’ that – as a tourist – you should consider when traveling in and around Los Cabos. This includes:
- traveling with a group – as the majority of crimes usually take place when people are alone
- always being aware of your surroundings – especially at night when crime is more likely to take place
- planning your route to – and from – where you are staying, and looking to take a taxi or Uber when traveling during the evening hours
- not ‘flashing the cash’ – and being aware of who is around you when withdrawing money from an ATM.
And, of course you should always show respect to your surroundings – including being aware of the precautionary measures that you need to take when moving around, as well as the right ways to behave and communicate with locals in the area.

Los Cabos Offers So Much For Tourists

Whether you are looking for a relaxing break or wanting to party the night away, Los Cabos literally caters to the needs of all types of traveler.

Boasting some of the most serene waters and white sand beaches – as well as some of the best hotels in the world – Los Cabos truly is a great choice for those looking to have a memorable vacation.

And, with Covid-19 cases in the state continuing to drop – which has resulted in the U.S. State Department recently lowering the traveling advisory for both Cabo and Mexico – there is no surprise that Los Cabos is preparing itself for an influx of tourists during the upcoming Easter holidays.

Reade more:

Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2021

Frontier Launches 5 New Flight Routes To Mexico With Ultra Low Fares

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March 22, 2022
Hilton To Open 15 New Hotels In Mexico This Year

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American hotel giant, Hilton, is planning to expand its network in Mexico this year with 15 new hotels. This huge move is probably due to how much tourism has grown in Mexico over the pandemic and its likely continued growth. Mexico was actually one of the most visited countries on Earth during the pandemic.

In an interview with MILENIO, Juan Corvinos, vice president of development for Latin America and the Caribbean for Hilton stated, “Our prospects for Mexico are very good and the development team will continue working to make it so. We have aggressive growth plans, we will arrive before the end of the year with these 15 hotels, we have many scheduled openings”

Hilton started the year by opening The Yucatan Resort Playa Del Carmen, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, the first all-inclusive resort for Tapestry Collection, and most recently Hilton Vallarta Riviera All-Inclusive Resort.

One of the upcoming openings to note is the Waldorf Astoria Cancun, a luxury resort that is currently accepting bookings beginning in September to 2022. This hotel/resort will be set on 100 Acres of coast line, be home to 5 different restaurants, have “luxury amenities”, a spa, and 55,000 square foot event space. Hilton is really going all out on this one!

Other hotels that the company is opening will be located in Guadalajara, Monterrey, Mexico City, Tulum, Tijuana, Saltillo, Torreón, San Miguel de Allende, Zacatecas, Monterrey, Nuevo Vallarta and La Paz. Some of these locations, notably Tulum, have seen exponential growth in the past 2 years and has become a hotspot for digital nomads.

Why visit Mexico?

Well, Mexico was named one of the top digital nomad destinations for 2022 and is a top destination for leisure tourism for Americans. Due to it’s proximity to the US, It’s a quick flight and generally, you can stay close to your own time zone. The country is home to world-class cities and comfortable, relaxed beach towns. Mexico has something for every type of traveler. It has year-round comfortable weather, high speed internet across the country, and some of the most delicious food in the world. Another massive perk of Mexico is the price. Living/traveling in Mexico is significantly cheaper than a lot of other travel destinations.

Also, you can’t beat its beaches. Mexico is home to some of the best beaches in the world. The water is clear and warm, the resorts are plentiful, and the nightlife is wild! Wether you’re searching of peace or a party, city or resort, Mexico is the place to go.

About Hilton

Hilton is a global powerhouse of business hotels, leisure hotels, and resorts. In fact, 122 countries are home to at least one Hilton and the chain has approximately 6,200 properties operating under its various brand names.

Speaking of brand names, Hilton has 18 different brands that cater to different types of travelers. These include Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Canopy by Hilton, Curio – A Collection by Hilton, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton by Hilton, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton, Hilton Grand Vacations, LXR Hotels and Resorts by Hilton, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Signia by Hilton, Tru by Hilton, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, Tempo by Hilton and Motto by Hilton.

The Hilton Honors loyalty program is a free program to sign up for. You earn points for each stay and get some perks instantly, just for joining. Some of the free perks are: Faster internet with special “Hilton Honors” routers, Free water bottles, and an occasional small gift from the hotel (Generally a fruit basket or local candy).

Hilton’s move in Mexico show’s how much the world is still very much interested in visiting the country even after the pandemic is over. So hop on a flight (there are plenty of affordable ones) and visit Mexico this year!

Read More:

Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2022

These Airlines Have Removed The Mandatory Use Of Masks

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March 21, 2022