Tag: Mexico

Top 5 Sayings You Need To Know In Spanish Before Going To Mexico
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Traveling to a country where English is not the official language can intimidate many tourists. A language barrier can often complicate what should be a relaxing experience. That is why it is best to prepare yourself with a few common words and phrases in your destination’s language to avoid travel language anxiety. And although most tourist-centric areas in Mexico will pose no problems for travelers, it’s still helpful to know some basic phrases to better connect and communicate with locals.

25% of Americans traveling abroad go to Mexico each year. Most of those visitors are not fluent in Spanish. If it is your first time traveling to Mexico and you only speak English, you’ll find that knowing a few critical sayings in Spanish can make your vacation much more enjoyable.

Along with learning some key phrases, visitors should also familiarize themselves with other cultural elements that differ from their home country. For instance, learn the current conversion rate for the Mexican Peso, research whether your phone service will cover usage in Mexico or if you’ll need a tourist sim card. Be aware of common scams, local laws, and current travel advisories.

Visiting Mexico doesn’t mean you need to learn the entirety of the Spanish language. You can choose to learn a selection of helpful words or a few essential phrases to help you get by when you encounter a situation where there is no shared language. We’ve broken down the most useful sayings you should consider learning in Spanish before your next Mexican vacation.

Learn Your Manners

Mexican locals are well used to tourists with little or no Spanish. While most tourist areas will cater to English speakers, a little bit of Spanish politeness goes a long way. Top friendly phrases are:

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- Hello – Hola
- Goodbye – Adios
- Please – Por favor
- Thank you/no thank you – Gracias/ No, gracias
- Nice to meet you – Mucho gusto
- Excuse me – disculpe
Know How To Ask For Help

Whether you need help in an emergency or with something less vital, like directions, carrying luggage, or finding something in a store, knowing how to ask for help is important. The Spanish word for help is ayuda, but it is used differently in different situations.
- Can you help me? – ¿Me puede ayudar? Use this phrase for non-vital help requests.
- Help me! – ¡Ayúdeme! Use this in a dire or emergency situation.
Find Out The Essentials

While you should familiarize yourself with how to get around your destination and the location of important places, it is helpful to know how to ask for these places as well.
- Where is…? ¿Dónde está…? Airport/aeropuerto, pharmacy/farmacia, bathroom/baño, bank/banco, hospital/hospital, hotel/hotel
Know How To Order Your Favorites

You’ll likely find yourself eating out at restaurants. While many restaurants offer an English menu, you should learn how to order your favorite items in Spanish. It is also a good idea to know how to communicate any dining restrictions or allergies in Spanish too.
- I would like to order…. – Me gustaría… (common favorites are beer/cerveza, wine/vino, water/agua, coffee/café)
- I’m allergic – Soy alergica/alergico (common allergens are: dairy/lácteos, nuts/nueces, eggs/huevos, wheat/trigo, shellfish/mariscos)
- I don’t eat meat – No como carne
Basic Cost Question

You don’t want to find yourself alarmed at how much you’ve spent on vacation once you get home. It is wise to ask the price of items before you take out your wallet. It is especially important to determine taxi fare, the cost of tourist boats, and other negotiable or unmarked prices before agreeing to pay.
- How much does this cost? – ¿Cuánto cuesta?
Bonus Phrases In Spanish

Perhaps it is most important to learn how to convey that you don’t speak Spanish. Asking someone if they speak English can open up the doors to better communication in certain situations.
- Do you speak English? ¿habla Inglés?
- I don’t speak Spanish – No hablo espanol
- I don’t understand – No entiendo
Additional Spanish Language Tools

There are many tools available to help you learn a new language. Apps like Duolingo and Babbel have become popular and entertaining ways to learn the basics of a foreign language. Google Translate is also a helpful way to navigate communication barriers. Finally, if learning a few simple things in Spanish is not your thing, try visiting a country where English is the primary language.

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December 30, 2022
Tourist Gets Scolded After Climbing Pyramid In Mexico – What Are The Rules For Visiting An Ancient Site?
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Earlier this week, a tourist was scolded and physically attacked by an angry crowd after climbing the historical pyramid of Chichen Itza in Mexico. After the incident went viral on TikTok, numerous users began wondering why her behavior was so strongly reprimanded and, most importantly: what exactly are the rules for visiting an ancient site?

Chichen Itza is a large archaeological zone in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, comprising the ruins of a 1,272-year-old city dotted with Late Classic architectural gems. Its most iconic symbol, the Temple of Kukulcan, is a traditional Mayan step pyramid where sacrifices and other pre-Columbian religious practices were carried out.

Purely out of respect and due to local conservation efforts, tourists must refrain from entering areas closed for visitation or face the consequences:

A Woman Faces An Angry Mob After Breaking Visitation Rules In Mayan City

If you follow all the latest Cancun and Riviera Maya news closely on our sister website The Cancun Sun, you know by now a tourist identified as Abigail Villalobos made headlines after reaching the very top of the Temple of Kukulcan, a sacred Mayan pyramid that’s part of the Chichen Itza complex, which dates back hundreds of years.

Visiting Chichen Itza as a whole, you will find several signs indicating which paths and attractions are open to tourists and which are not. The pyramid itself is usually cordoned off to remind day-trippers climbing is not permitted, but this was no impediment for Mrs. Villalobos, who proceeded to climb and ungraciously dance atop the monument:

@loopsider

Ce n’est pas parce qu’il y a des marches qu’il fallait les emprunter…la touriste en question a été arrêtée par la police et risque une amende de plusieurs dizaines de milliers de pesos.

♬ Shame On You – Ellie

Making her way down, she was greeted by an angry crowd of onlookers, who started booing, pulling her hair, and chanting ‘jail, jail, jail‘, or even ‘sacrifice‘. Mrs. Villalobos was escorted away from the mob by local staff and has been issued a fine of US $250.00, or the equivalent of 5,000 Mexican pesos, for breaking visitor rules.

Unlike other pyramids in Mexico, most notably the temples in Teotihuacan, the sacrificial chambers of Kukulcan remain off-limits since 2006, when an elderly tourist from California fell down the UNESCO-listed building and tragically died. Nowadays, ticket-holders can only walk around the pyramids but not ascend the steep steps due to security concerns.

What Are The Rules For Visiting A Historical Site?

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These may vary depending on a site’s state of preservation, but there is an ‘Etiquette’ that should be followed when touring ancient sites. The Society for American Archaeology lists a few of them, and although they refer specifically to monuments found in the United States, they may also apply to Chichen Itza, and any other ruins of historical relevance in Mexico:
- Visitors must avoid moving or disturbing anything from the site, as they may be ‘evidence’ left by its former inhabitants;
- When finding an artifact, examining it from a distance, drawing it, and photographing are allowed, but it must be left in its original position;
- Unless there is proper infrastructure in place, such as boardwalks, avoid stepping on ancient structures and mounds, as you may inflict damage;
- Leaning, sitting, standing, or climbing on ‘prehistoric’ walls is strictly forbidden;
- Staying on tourist paths and trails is advised, as it helps preserve the site for future generations;
- Waste should always be disposed of appropriately: any food leftovers, cigarettes, or trash in general lying on the ground can attract wild animals, known to be ‘very destructive’;
- Whenever possible, pets should be left behind when entering archaeological zones (for the exact same reason as the one listed above).
Other additional rules that are exclusive to Chichen Itza include, obviously, not scaling the temples. This may be permitted across other archaeological zones in Mexico, but for the sake of this specific Mayan city’s conservation, as well as due to safety, some monuments must be observed from afar – and security tends to be very strict, as evidenced above.

Additionally, camera tripods are not permitted, irrespective of size, as they are considered ‘professional equipment’. In order to bring tripods and/or video-cameras to the site, visitors must arrange a permit in advance. Bringing your mobile phone, tablets, and other smaller devices with the sole purpose of taking pictures is allowed.

You Don’t Need To Conquer Summits To Soak Up The Incredible Mayan History

Fortunately, most of Chichen Itza can be explored by foreigners, albeit with limitations as to which temples can be approached. Conquering the summit of the pyramid is no longer possible, but Americans are free to closely examine other landmark buildings, such as the Akab Dzib, with a perfectly preserved, well-cut stone facade.

The Nun’s House is another inviting attraction, described as ‘one of the most imposing of all the architectural groups in Chichen Itza‘. The main section is about 33 feet high, featuring an elaborate staircase that, in primeval times, connected the upper and lower temples. The exterior is richly decorated in the Chenes style, with the usual ‘monster mouths’ framing the entrance.

Like most Mayan cities, Chichen Itza was built in close proximity to cenotes, a complex system of submerged caves the Mayans believed to be the gateway to the underworld. Unlike the Kukulcan Temple, tourists can both access and swim in them. As you can see, there are a lot of ways to soak up a place’s History and have an amazing time without being disrespectful.

If you’re flying to the Mexican Caribbean this winter, discover our top 3 historical Mayan ruins for an incredible day-trip from Cancun.

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November 26, 2022
Should Americans Be Concerned About U.S. Travel Alerts For Mexico?

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The U.S. Department of State is currently recommending against travel to six states in Mexico, giving them a Level Four – Do Not Travel travel advisory.

Seven additional states in Mexico have been given a Level Three – Reconsider Travel warning.

These travel advisories may give Americans pause when considering whether or not to plan a trip to Mexico.

But should Americans actually be concerned about these travel warnings and avoid travel to Mexico?

Here’s what you need to know about the current travel advisories for Mexico:

“Do Not Travel” Advisories for Mexico

It’s important to note that a Level Four – Do Not Travel alert is not a travel restriction. It just means that the U.S. Department of State strongly recommends against travel to a specific destination.

However, Americans are still free to travel to these places.

Currently, the U.S. Department of State suggests avoiding all travel to six Mexican states: Colima, Guerrero, Michoacán, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, and Zacatecas.

While there are certainly areas in each state that Americans would want to avoid, these are places that tourists would not be visiting in the first place.

Applying a broad “Do Not Travel” warning to entire states ignores that there are many places within these states that are very safe and offer lots of tourist value.

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Mexico’s Tourism Ministry has even asked the U.S. Department of State to reconsider how travel advisories are applied.

For example, although the entire state of Sinaloa is designated as Level Four – Do Not Travel “due to crime and kidnapping” threats, there are a number of places in Sinaloa, like Mazatlán, that are very safe and beautiful.

Similarly, Acapulco and Zihuatanejo in Guerrero, the monarch butterfly reserve in Michoacán, and Colima city in Colima are safe for tourists to visit.

“Reconsider Travel” Advisories For Mexico

Like with Level Four – Do Not Travel alerts, a Level Three – Reconsider Travel alert from the U.S. Department of State is not a restriction but rather a recommendation to avoid non-essential travel to certain places.

In Mexico, seven states currently fall under a “Reconsider Travel” alert, including several that are extremely popular with tourists, like Baja California and Guanajuato.

If American travelers were to “reconsider travel” to these places, they might miss the stunning beauty of the colorful city of Guanajuato or the magnificent beaches of Cabo, which was recently ranked as the best destination in Mexico.

In fact, research also shows that Cabo is also one of the safest destinations in all of Mexico.

Once again, these travel advisories lack nuance and are overly cautious regarding destinations that are completely safe for tourists to visit.

Should Americans Worry About U.S. Travel Alerts For Mexico?

According to Kashlee Kucheran, founder of Travel Off Path and long-time Mexico expat, the answer is no:

“I feel that the U.S. Department of State has unfairly placed a Level Four – Do Not Travel advisory on the entire state of Sinaloa, including the touristic city of Mazatlán, which definitely does not deserve such a harsh warning.

I’ve been living in Mazatlán for four years now, and I personally feel much safer here than I do in the majority of the United States. Crime in general, but especially against tourists, in Mazatlán is almost nonexistent. The people here are extremely polite, welcoming to foreigners, and very interested in a peaceful, happy life.”

While it’s always important to exercise caution and take basic safety precautions while traveling in Mexico or anywhere else in the world, Americans should not be scared off from visiting worthwhile destinations just because of U.S. Department of State travel alerts.

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November 25, 2022
Cancun Has The Highest Number Of Clean Beaches In Mexico Despite Overtourism
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Cancun is a highly sought-after international destination that sees millions upon millions of tourists arriving all-year round. Its massive popularity would lead you to think the quality of local beaches is decreasing dramatically – after all, more tourists generally result in more waste and, subsequently, beach pollution. That is shockingly not the case, as Cancun has, in fact, the highest number of clean beaches in all of Mexico.

Overtourism is one of the biggest threats facing Cancun, but local authorities have risen to the challenge and are not only encouraging Americans to visit but keeping the city safe and all of its popular swimming areas spotless. Crowding risks aside, the oceans bordering Cancun and the wider Riviera Maya are as beautiful and crystal-clear as ever.

You don’t have to believe us. The proof is in the numbers:

No Other Coastal City In Mexico Has More Blue Flag Beaches

As reported by our sister website, The Cancun Sun, no other coastal destination in Mexico has more ‘Blue Flag’ beaches than Cancun. The status, which is the highest a natural landmark within this category can achieve, is only awarded to those with the best quality standards and environmental controls, also serving as an unofficial ‘safe for tourism’ badge.

A huge part of Cancun’s global fame has always been attributed to its pearl-white sands and warm, turquoise-colored seas, though the city’s visible transformation in light of mass tourism has been an ongoing concern for environmentalists. They are often critical of the Government’s development plans, particularly the upcoming Tren Maya, and have shown skepticism at their promises to protect the surrounding nature.

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As it turns out, their apprehensiveness is unfounded, at least when it comes to the preservation of marine life, after seven beaches in Cancun were awarded a Blue Flag certificate at an event recently held by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) in Playa Delfines. This proves the city has managed to maintain the beachfront perfectly clean in spite of the overwhelming number of visitors.

Cancun Authorities Want To Keep Tourists Coming Back

Officially, Cancun outnumbers Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta, its partners in the triad of Mexico’s world-class destinations, as well as any other beach hub when it comes to Blue Flag beaches. For months on end, authorities have worked around the clock to ensure the Pearl of the Caribbean wouldn’t lose its sparkle amid the landfall of sargassum and a rise in crime.

This year, the Quintana Roo Government has surely stepped up its game when it comes to improving the tourist experience. Over the summer, 300 army soldiers were deployed to keep visitors safe, despite the fact that violent incidents occur almost exclusively in suburban areas, while beach cleaners worked tirelessly throughout the fall to manually remove the dreaded seaweed.

Few destinations value tourism as much as Cancun does, a quality recognized by Joaquín Díaz Ríos, head of the FEE. According to Ríos himself, Cancun is Mexico’s ‘Blue Flag capital’, meaning it has passed all the cleanliness, safety, and water quality tests with flying colors. More specifically, the below spots have attained the honor:
- Del Nino
- Las Perlas
- Chach Mool
- Ballenas
- Marlín
- Delfines
- Coral
Additionally, three private beaches were certified ‘Blue’: Fiesta Americana Condesa’s, Hotel Live Aqua’s, and Iberostar’s.

Overtourism Major Threat To Blue Flag Status Moving Forward

This will undoubtedly prove challenging, considering Cancun is close to selling out for the peak season, with occupancy reaching 95% and packed beaches equal littering. In preparation for the phenomenon, more than 150 full-time cleaners have been hired to ensure beaches look pristine at all times, on top of increased surveillance by patrol units.

Winter is fast approaching, and you can certainly expect the Pearl of the Mayan Riviera to get busier by the minute. This may involve waiting longer in line arriving at the airport, finding it more difficult to arrange a hotel transfer unless you have pre-booked one ahead of traveling, and even staying in a sub-optimal location far from the trendy Hotel Zone due to low room availability.

Remember: if overtouristed destinations are not a big turn-off for you and a Blue Flag-certified Cancun remains your dream getaway, you should be booking that vacation package right away before rooms and airplane seats sell out. Other destinations in Mexico close to being booked up this winter are Playa Del Carmen, south of Cancun, and the insular municipality of Isla Mujeres.

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November 23, 2022
Isla Mujeres Next Destination In Mexico Close To Selling Out

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Following earlier predictions that pointed to Cancun almost selling out for the winter season, Isla Mujeres has just been confirmed as the second municipality in Mexico about to reach maximum occupancy in the coming months. This means if you’re planning on vacationing in the recluse, paradisaical destination, you should get the credit card out now.

Winter is the most-anticipated period for Mexican Caribbean tourism when sun-deprived Americans flock to the region to escape their harsh weather conditions. This year, however, it will not only be simply ‘busy’ as usual: a record number of travelers are expected with more than 9 million airline seats available, though most have already been claimed.

Being home to stunning beaches and lacking Tulum’s Instagram hordes, Mujeres has been getting a fair share of attention lately:

Mujeres Municipality Has Reached Up To 85% Occupancy Throughout 2022

This is not a mere conjecture. According to José Jesús Castillo Magaña, local director of Economic Development and Tourism, Mujeres will have a ‘very strong year-end’, with occupancy reaching ‘almost 100 percent throughout the municipality’, which includes both the island itself and continental areas. Of course, that is based on current booking trends.

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As we move into the colder months, we can surely expect a further increase in reservations, meaning there is no easy way to predict when rooms, or even airplane seats, will sell out. Thus, travelers are best advised to book their vacations immediately while there is still availability. Since the wider reopening of Mexico, Isla Mujeres has maintained high occupancy levels.

On average, hotels on the island have reached up to 85 percent capacity throughout 2022, though some months saw even higher levels of 88 or 93 percent, as reported by Mr. Magaña himself. In his view, the island’s successful promotion campaign, its extensive list of attractions, and the quality of services provided were key elements in boosting its growth.

Additionally, security concerns have been driving tourists away from the traditional vacation hotspots of Cancun and Playa del Carmen, where occasional shootings have been known to take place in suburban areas. Although violent acts rarely involve tourists, overcautious visitors may have already made up their minds about skipping those this year.

Isla Mujeres, on the other hand, has historically reported fewer incidents, and local authorities’ zero-tolerance policy when it comes to crime has consolidated its success. At present, the U.S. Department of State is only advising Americans to ‘exercise increased situational awareness’ after dark and suggesting they remain in ‘well-lit pedestrian streets and tourist zones’.

What Makes Isla Mujeres So Appealing To Americans?

Cancun International is the main entry point into the Riviera Maya, serving as a transit hub for millions whose final destinations are other smaller vacation hubs along the coast that do not have their own airport. The list is incredibly extensive and features the household names of Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos, and of course, Isla Mujeres.

As a 12,000+ people-strong insular community 13 miles off the Cancun coast and served almost exclusively by ferries, it relies heavily on the city’s strong connectivity to fill hotel rooms – though historically, that has been part of the reason why it is so popular among U.S. vacationers. After all, it is one of the most easily-reachable islands in the Mayan World.

It is also particularly favored by Americans in want of some more peace and quiet when visiting Mexico, especially now that the coastline is once more being overrun by tourists. This is particularly true in Tulum, where over-development and the constant influx of foreigners have proved detrimental to the town’s original Mayan character.

Lastly, Mujeres currently occupies the runner-up slot on CN Traveler‘s ranking of the top five islands in North America, proving it is trendier than ever, and similarly to other coastal gems in Mexico, it should easily surpass its 2019 tourism peak, both due to its proximity to Cancun, and the fact that not all Americans landing at this airport remain in the city.

For more Riviera Maya-exclusive news, make sure you visit our sister website, The Cancun Sun.

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November 18, 2022
Americans’ Top International Destinations Are All In Mexico, According To Tripadvisor
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It’s no surprise that travel won’t be slowing down anytime soon, especially when Tripadvisor reports that over two-thirds of global travelers are planning a trip between this December and next February – but where will everyone be going?

Tripadvisor can give a good indication, as it recently conducted a survey across six of its markets, which included the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Japan, to find out some of the travel trends for the upcoming season, and the insights might surprise you.

How Do America’s Top International Destinations Compare To Others?

Each market ranked its top domestic and international destination, and overall findings backed up that 30% of all respondents plan to vacation closer to home, as shown by the selection of top international destinations by each country.

Americans chose Mexico and the Caribbean in eight out of ten of its top destinations, with Mexico representing four destinations in the top five. Mexico is a popular option for Christmas this year and has many reasons for enticing so many Americans.

Meanwhile, the United Kingdom gravitated towards international destinations in Europe, such as Paris, France, Amsterdam, Netherlands, and multiple locations in Spain. Australia chose six out of ten destinations in Thailand, while both Japan and Singapore selected Bangkok, Thailand, Seoul, South Korea, and Paris, France in their top five.

The most popular global destinations across all Tripadvisor respondents represented a mix of major cities and winter sun favorites, with London coming in at number one, followed by Paris, New York City, Cancun, and Dubai.

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How Do U.S. Travel Behaviors Compare To The Other Markets?

Tripadvisor reported that traveler appetite has shown no sign of slowing down despite the rising costs with global inflation. More respondents than last year favored taking international trips, which increased from 40% to 43%, showing strong demand for international travel. Other highlights included:
- Americans are most likely to travel the same amount or more compared to last year; 93% of U.S. respondents will travel the same amount or more, while the U.K. sits the lowest at 86%.
- America ranks lower than other markets for traveling this upcoming season: over two-thirds of global participants plan to travel for the upcoming season, while America comes in as the fourth country at 59%.
- Americans will be taking more 6+ trips compared to other markets. Other markets represented higher numbers for just one to two trips.
- After Japan, Americans travel the least internationally. Almost a quarter of U.S. respondents will travel internationally, compared to nine out of ten people for Singapore and half of U.K. respondents.
- More Americans will be returning to destinations that they have visited before: almost three-quarters of U.S. respondents (73%) will return to the same destination, in comparison to the other markets (68%).
- U.S respondents are almost on par with the globe for changing their travel behaviors based on rising living costs. This shows that almost two-thirds of the networks have been affected by rising living costs, which is the same for Americans (61% said they would change travel behaviors compared to 62% of all respondents).
What are the top 5 International destinations for Americans?
- 1. Cancun, Mexico: with its beautiful turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and vibrant coral reefs, it’s no surprise that Cancun is one of Mexico’s most popular destinations and a favorite for Spring Breakers. Visitors will find plenty of action, from visiting underwater sculptures to its nonstop nightlife.
- 2. Cabo San Lucas, Mexico: nestled between the desert, sea, and mountains, this location is perfect for the nature-seekers with waterfalls in deserts, hot springs, and plenty of marine life, or for the foodies where local flavors come alive with Bajan specialties such as fresh seafood tostadas and chocolate clams. Cabo also recently beat out Puerto Vallarta and Cancun for Best Destination in a major Mexican award show.
- 3. Punta Cana, Caribbean: from soaking up the sun on Macao Beach to partying in a cave nightclub at dark, indulgence has become synonymous with this pure escape in the Dominican Republic with all-inclusive resorts and stunning attractions to visit, from magical lagoons to breathtaking islands. Punta Cana looks very likely to have a record-breaking winter.
- 4. Playa Del Carmen, Mexico: a playground for nature enthusiasts, history buffs, and party animals, this once sleepy fishing village has turned into a lively hotspot with plenty of bars and fun boutiques to explore.
- 5. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico: this resort town will offer an abundance of shopping and tequila stops along its boardwalk or hit the cobblestone streets of Old Vallarta for something more hand-made. There is plenty of art to see, from sand sculpting creations on the beach to the fine art galleries.
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November 16, 2022
6 Best Destinations To Visit In Mexico For Christmas This Year

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Looking for the best destination in Mexico to visit this Christmas? Travel Off Path has gathered six of the best places to go in Mexico during the month of December for a memorable Christmas getaway.

When many people think of going to Mexico at Christmas, they envision a warm-weather escape where they can sip a piña colada on the beach.

And it’s certainly true that Mexico is the perfect destination for escaping the cold and celebrating Christmas at the beach. But Mexico is also a great destination if you’re looking for a more traditional “Christmasy” vacation.

You’ll find that Christmas trees, holiday lights, and unique Mexican holiday traditions like candlelight professionals and elaborate nativity scenes await you in some of the destinations on this list.

Whether you’re looking for a sunny beach vacation or a festive vacation where you can experience Mexico’s unique culture and holiday traditions, here are the best places to go.

1. Mexico City

Mexico City turns into a Christmas wonderland during the month of December, with so many exciting festivities and celebrations.

From a giant Christmas tree and ice skating rink in the Zocalo to Las Posadas, a traditional celebration held from December 16th to December 24th, there’s plenty going on during the holidays in Mexico City.

It’s a very festive atmosphere, with lots of music, fireworks, processionals, holiday food, and traditions.

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2. Cancun

If you want to celebrate Christmas in Mexico at the beach, Cancun is one of the top destinations to visit.

This popular city on the Yucatán Peninsula boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the country, with white sandy shores and crystal-clear blue waters.

At Christmas, you’ll find plenty of ways to celebrate in Cancun, with tons of resorts, shopping, dining, entertainment, and nightlife. You can also see more traditional Christmas celebrations in Cancun, like nacimientos, which are elaborate nativity scenes.

3. San Miguel de Allende

San Miguel de Allende is a small city in Mexico’s central highlands that is known for its beautiful colonial-era architecture, thriving art scene, and cultural festivals.

This city goes all out for Christmas, with lights, decorations, candlelight processionals, and other festivities. Noche Buena, or Christmas Eve, is one of the biggest celebration days of the Christmas season.

For Christmas Eve dinner, the custom is to have bacalao (salted cod), although since San Miguel de Allende is an American expat hub, you’ll find many restaurants and hotels serving an American-style Christmas dinner too.

4. Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a great destination in Mexico for stunning beaches, luxury resorts, and great dining. Located on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, this is one of the most popular beach destinations in the country.

There are few better places to spend Christmas in Mexico than Puerto Vallarta if you’re looking for a place to unwind, relax, and enjoy the holidays.

5. Oaxaca

Oaxaca is a city in Mexico that is best known for its elaborate Day of the Dead festivities at the beginning of November.

So it’s no surprise that this city also gets decked out for Christmas, with lights, decorations, and celebrations all month long. You’ll see lots of calendas and posadas in Oaxaca, which are traditional Christmas processionals the whole city participates in.

6. Los Cabos

Los Cabos is one of the most beautiful beach destinations on Mexico’s Pacific Coast.

This is the perfect place to spend Christmas if you’re looking for great beaches, fabulous resorts, and water sports and activities like boating, diving, snorkeling, paddle boarding, and more.

With temperatures “cooling down” to a comfortable 70 to 75 degrees in December, this is the perfect warm-weather getaway for Christmas.

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November 15, 2022
Cabo Beats Puerto Vallarta And Cancun For Best Destination In Mexico Award

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On track to become the number one beach retreat south of the border, Cabo has just beaten other tourism hubs like Cancun and Puerto Vallarta in a major award show, where it was crowned the best destination within Mexico. The Riviera Maya continues to be the best-selling product, at least for now, but it’s the jewels of the Pacific that are stealing the spotlight.

2022 has been a record-breaking period for the Capes: in the first official post-pandemic year, they bounced back stronger than ever while still making headlines as a safe vacation spot for Americans. At present, it is one of a handful in Mexico retaining both a strong hotel occupancy and its own prestige amid a nationwide crime surge.

The same cannot be said about its closest competitors:

Cabo Takes Home One Of The Most Coveted Awards Of The Night

Held for the 8th year, this time in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the Travvy Awards recognized the ‘top industry suppliers’ for 2022. Namely, the cities, accommodation providers, airlines, and experiences travelers love the most. It is produced by TravelPulse in partnership with AGENTatHOME, and voting is open for readers of these websites.

With over 140 categories, it is one of the largest award shows in the travel industry and one of the most relevant, with sponsorship from big companies like Allianz Partners, Air Canada, and Enterprise Holders. Seeing that Mexico is America’s favorite sunny getaway, it has its own sub-categories under the ‘Best Destinations’ listings.

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When it comes to the best in Mexico, Cabo came out triumphant with a ‘Gold’ medal, followed by Puerto Vallarta (Silver) and Cancun (Bronze). Once again, it trumps all other coastal hubs and openly challenges Cancun for the top spot domestically – so why is Cabo being showered with so much love when it lags behind* the Caribbean in numbers, one may wonder?

Cabo Is Cancun’s Biggest Threat Internally

*First of all, does it?

Cancun Airport’s arrival figures may be poised to be Mexico’s highest during the peak season, but it pales in comparison to Cabo in terms of recovery. Effectively, Cancun had accumulated a lower 14.6 percent growth in 2022 by late September; at the same time, the dual ‘Los Cabos’ hit the 17.9 percent mark.

Cancun is a tour de force almost impossible to be surpassed, but should this trend continue, the Capes will keep increasing their chances of toppling the Mayan giant. In simpler terms, more and more tourists are falling in love with Cabo, and this newfound fame is attributed both to a laudable tourism campaign and the region’s remarkably low crime levels.

At a time when state governments deploy army officials and even the Navy to reinforce security along Mexico’s easternmost coast in response to gang activity and the occasional shooting, Cabo authorities have averted most of the bad press plaguing Cancun and Tulum by being firm and keeping the streets safe. In fact, 69.3 percent of residents consider it a ‘safe city‘.

In Mexico, Los Cabos – both San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas – are the safest to live and/or visit in the short term, as concluded in an INEGI report (the acronym stands for National Institute of Statistics and Geography). Moreover, the government of Baja California Sur, where the Capes are located, has stayed ahead of the curve in travel trends.

Cabo Is Mexico’s Trendiest Tourism Hub

Now that digital nomadism is on the rise, they have partnered with AirBnB to offer remote workers a roadmap to exploring the peninsula and encourage ‘sustainable’ tourism – this means boosting the nomad scene without detriment to the local community. On top of that, it is now Mexico’s official wellness capital, beating Cancun on yet another front.

The ‘Cabomania’ did not go unnoticed at the Travvy Awards, as the duo attained numerous other accolades, including a second Gold medal for ‘Best Culinary’ in Mexico, a Silver for ‘Best Honeymoon’ (overshadowed by Cancun this time), and even ‘Best Tourism Board’, evidencing the cities’ successful approach to tourism and their potential to reach new heights.

For more Cabo news, make sure you visit our sister website, The Cabo Sun.

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November 12, 2022
These Are The Top 10 Most Sought-After Magical Towns In Mexico By Locals
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There are 132 Magical Towns in total in Mexico, and defining the perfect road map to begin exploring can be a challenging task. Lucky for us, local travel magazine Despegar has ranked the ten most popular within the country, based on the preferences of Mexicans themselves. The list, which comprises ten pueblos, includes some old favorites… and a few surprises.

These ‘Pueblos Magicos‘ are among the trendiest destinations south of the border right now. Packed with centuries-old monuments and home to a rich heritage, they are recognized by Mexican authorities for being sites of outstanding cultural beauty and for their contribution to Mexico’s national identity.

We could certainly spend a lifetime traveling along the ‘magical route’ and unearthing all of its treasures, and the list below is an indication of where to start:

Mexico’s Top Magical Town Is A Small Town On The Pacific Coast

No one knows Mexico better than Mexicans themselves, and according to Despegar Mexico, whose editors have compiled a top ten of their favorite Pueblos, the number one town isn’t the colonial jewel of Taxco, nor Baja California Sur’s charming Todos Santos: instead, an unfamiliar, off the beaten path coastal village took the crown.

Check out the full list below:
1. Mazunte, Oaxaca
2. Pátzcuaro, Michoacán
3. Sayulita, Nayarit
4. Taxco, Guerrero
5. Valle de Bravo, Estado de México
6. Tequila, Jalisco
7. Bacalar, Quintana Roo
8. Tepoztlán, Morelos
9. Tequisquiapan, Querétaro
10. Xilitla, San Luis Potosí
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With the exception of Taxco, Tequila, and perhaps the up-and-coming Bacalar, these tourism centers would rarely feature on the average American’s Mexico bucket list. A prime example of that is Mazunte, the leading destination situated on the Southern Pacific Coast and known for its sandy, over-development-free beaches.

Here, guests who are also surfers can catch some of the most epic waves in Mexico, visit a turtle sanctuary, where conservation and rehabilitation work is carried out, and even whale-watch. Unlike others ranking lower on the list, Mazunte’s strongest assets are its pristine nature and laid-back atmosphere, qualities the rivaling Tulum no longer enjoys.

In fact, Tulum, perhaps America’s best-loved Magical Town, misses the list entirely. At number two, Pátzcuaro has attained prestige as an ancient hub, founded as early as the year 1320 by the Purépecha people. Naturally, from the arrival of the Spaniards, the aboriginal civilization and its structures were toppled in favor of colonial architecture and Christian symbols.

Today, this city in Michoacán is still home to a well-preserved historical district, with your usual cobblestone streets, Iberian-inspired churches, and red-tile roofs. Rounding out the top three, the Pacific village of Sayulita is famous for its surfing scene – much like Mazunte – marine wildlife, and the indigenous Huichol people.

Colonial Cities Make Up Most Of The Top Ten

As expected, the rest of the top ten is dominated by colonial settlements and landmarks, some dating as far back as the 1500s, such as the number ten-charting Xitlita. The aforementioned Taxco and Bacalar are the fourth and seventh most popular, respectively, while the equally renowned Tequila in Jalisco enters at number six.

Looking at this selection, one thing is clear to us: Mexicans are going where foreigners have not yet taken over and that have managed to retain their unique character. As Despegar reports, these 132 Magical Towns comprise 13% of the tourism offer in Mexico: they have up to 4,675 accommodation providers and 110,697 rooms available collectively.

The alpine town of Arteaga, established following the Spanish Conquest, illustrates this phenomenon: a fast-growing domestic destination, it has earned the nickname of ‘Mexican Switzerland’ due to its quaintness, the snowy peaks that surround it during the winter period, and its wooden cottages – yet many Americans don’t even know it exists.

In the words of Despegar‘s country manager Alejandro Calligaris, ‘it is interesting to see how Mexican travelers seek to explore national destinations that are not necessarily the traditional ones’. Mr. Calligaris believes this helps national tourism ‘diversify’ amid the ongoing threat of over-tourism and promotes Mexico’s ‘cultural richness’.

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November 6, 2022
Americans Still Flocking To Mexico Despite U.S. Travel Advisories

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Not even the gloomy travel advisories issued by the United States authorities have been able to slow down what’s been an incredible recovery journey for Mexico’s tourism sector. In spite of reports of violence and gang activity across major tourist destinations like Cancun, Americans keep flocking into the country in record numbers.

And it’s time we understood why this keeps happening.

For years on end, Mexico has incessantly battled organized crime, particularly in states like Colima and Guerrero, where clashes between the police force and gangs have been known to occur. These drug cartels have long been a concern of the Mexican Government, and the never-ending war on drugs played into the stereotype that Mexico was ‘unsafe’ to travel to.

Past tense. That may be no longer, as more Americans come to realize things are not nearly as bad as the media usually portrays it:

How Unsafe Is Mexico In Reality?

Throughout this year, we have been extensively covering U.S. travel advisories for Mexico and what they mean for tourists. Whether it’s your usual Riviera Maya hubs, such as the aforementioned Cancun and Tulum, or off-path locations like San Miguel de Allende, we have kept track of all safety concerns and developments on the tourism front.

If you have been following our Mexico coverage closely, you might have picked up on a noteworthy trend lately: no matter how many discouraging travel warnings the U.S. Department of State issues – and trust us, there have been quite a few – a majority of Americans are not at all fazed. In fact, they are expected to head to the Mexican Caribbean en masse this winter.

As far back as 2019, we have worked tirelessly to deconstruct the idea that Mexico is unsafe and that, perhaps, crime levels are comparable to those of the United States. Yes, there can be the occasional shooting, and absolutely, gang activity is a recurring problem, but then again, this is the case in any large metropolitan area.

It is surely not exclusive to Mexico City or Cancun: one could argue a quick glance at Chicago’s latest gun violence figures should be enough for foreign entities to class the Illinois city a no-go zone. Why, then, is Mexico the only one getting all the bad press and scrutiny, especially when incidents take place randomly and affect a negligible number of tourists?

Kidnapping Alert Based On A Single Kidnapping Case

For example, the U.S. Department of State has added ‘kidnapping’ risks to their Quintana Roo advisory, when the state has only reported a single kidnapping case since the year started. While no such occurrence should be taken lightly, and we do acknowledge tourists can sporadically be a target, this is hardly common enough to warrant an official warning.

Previously, anti-kidnapping organization Alto al Secuestro wrongfully claimed Cancun’s was 0.302 per 100,000 inhabitants – again, wrongfully, so even those figures had been exacerbated. To draw a comparison with a fellow sunny destination, the Miami-Dane county kidnapping rate is 0.36 per 1,000 residents during a standard year.

The only difference between Miami and Cancun? One of them sits on the southern side of the border.

Being aware of this issue, the Mexican Government went as far as asking the U.S. to stop featuring tourist spots in travel advisories without a strict set of criteria, though with each passing month, the States authorities’ relevance as a source of information for U.S. citizens going abroad wanes critically. The proof is in the numbers:

As the Secretary of Tourism Miguel Torruco confirms, the travel alerts ‘have not affected the arrival of foreigners at the moment‘. During a promotional trip to Canada, where he presented Mexico’s brand new tourist offer, the ‘magical’ colonial towns, and the upcoming Tren Maya, Mr. Torruco spoke candidly about his expectations for the sector moving forward.

Mexico Tourism Is Booming In Spite Of Gloomy Advisories

He expressly stated Mexican tourism is in ‘full recovery’, and that by year’s end, it should welcome 42.3 million visitors, only 6% fewer than the record year of 2019. ‘For now, the issue of travel alerts from the United States so far is not affecting tourism in Mexico, which is why international tourism continues to increase‘, Mr. Torruco added.

From January to August 2022, 13,757,000 million tourists landed in Mexico, 64.7% more than the same period in the previous calendar year. Out of those, the United States continues to be Mexico’s most important market by a large margin: out of nearly 14 million arrivals, 8,925,000 of those were Americans (Canadians and Colombians round up the top three).

Referring to security specifically, which continues to be a prime concern for visitors, largely due to the constant influx of negative news concerning Mexico, Torruco declares these have been ‘throwing up’ a series of problems that have already been ‘overcome’. From our understanding of this statement, the Secretary may be referring to the unjust classification of Mexico as unsafe.

‘The National Guard was created’, continued Mr. Torruco, ‘with special training, with more sophisticated equipment, and we are already beginning to see a downward trend in many of the crimes.‘ Indeed, security has been tightened across all major tourist locations, and of course Cancun, where the sight of beach patrols has become more common.

No Country Takes Tourist Safety More Seriously Than Mexico

Travel Off Path has published an entire article detailing five ways in which Mexico has improved the tourist experience for Americans visiting, and that includes deploying more police to keep cities risk-free and tackling taxi scams. Tourists really needn’t worry: Mexico is on top of things, or as the Secretary puts it himself, they are ‘on the right track’.

The U.S. Department of State is a respected branch of the American Government, and one of its aims is to inform American citizens about the risks of traveling to certain places to the best of their abilities. This does not mean their methodology regarding risk assessment is always up to date or that it always accurately reflects the situation on the ground.

After all, they did include ‘kidnapping’ as a specific risk for those traveling to the Quintana Roo state, where Cancun is located, when only one case has been documented so far in 2022. When in doubt, remember most visits to Mexico are trouble-free and that Mexico itself currently has a zero-tolerance approach to crime.

They are America’s favorite travel destination, after all, and it’s surely in their best interest to keep it that way.

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October 14, 2022