Tag: Visitors

  • 5 Reasons Why Puerto Vallarta Is Having A Record Breaking Year For Visitors

    5 Reasons Why Puerto Vallarta Is Having A Record Breaking Year For Visitors

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    Mexico is the number one destination for Americans going abroad, no matter if it’s their first time venturing out of their country of birth or their long-anticipated yearly getaway.

    Now that international travel has been fully reinstated and U.S. citizens no longer have to worry about complex regulations when flying abroad, the sunny South is once again awash with tourists, and there is one place they are flocking to in record numbers — Puerto Vallarta.

    Puerto Vallarta Set For A Historical Year

    A Busy Sandy Beach In Puerto Vallarta, Near The Malecon Boardwalk, Jalisco, Mexico

    A few of them have stood out, though, with Cancun emerging as America’s favorite destination and Los Cabos posting higher-than-usual occupancy rates. They’re not alone in driving up figures amid Mexico’s Tourism Reinassance.

    Mexico’s tertiary offer of Puerto Vallarta is shattering records this year, drawing in millions of guests and reporting an impressive tourism revenue.

    For the first half of this year, the Puerto Vallarta International Airport has already hosted 3.6 million passengers, and it looks set for a historical year in tourism. You may be wondering why, seeing that Cancun and Cabo are still Mexico’s absolute leaders in booking trends.

    Aerial View Of Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico

    Here are 5 reasons why Vallarta has continued to be so popular in the post-crisis period and why some travelers still prefer it over other coastal competitors:

    A Developed Wellness Industry

    Wellness is one of the top travel trends for 2023, with travelers strongly favoring do-nothing vacations over action-packed itineraries. While there are enough attractions in Vallarta to keep you entertained for weeks on end, it truly excels as a relaxation retreat.

    As reported by the Vallarta Daily, the city is now a ‘must-visit destination for mind, body, and soul‘, boasting a high concentration of well-equipped spas and resorts straddling the beachfront, offering the luxury American guests crave, spa treatments, and a tranquil natural environment.

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    Hands Of A Woman Massaging A Man's Back, Unspecified Location, Wellness

    With as many as 29 five-star listings on Booking.com, ranging from only US$84 a night to a more hefty US$265 at the Hilton Vallarta, within walking distance of the beach, and with a wide range of world-class amenities, Americans surely have a lot of options to pick from.

    LGBTQ+ Friendly

    Vallarta is a city of contrasts, and other than being a wellness hub, it can also be a vibrant, diversity-friendly seaport, ranking among the most liberal in Mexico.

    The country’s proud LGBTQ+ party capital, it is jam-packed with quirky bars, entertainment venues, and gay-friendly events.

    LGBTQ Travelers At The Beach

    According to the Community Marketing & Insights’ LGBTQ+ Tourism and Hospitality Survey, published last in the pre-pandemic year of 2019, it is still a favorite among gay/bi-identifying males from the U.S.

    They are particularly enthusiastic about the locals’ friendliness to foreigners, irrespective of their sexual orientation, and local leaders’ initiatives in promoting equality.

    Old Town Vibes & Vibrant City Break

    All In One Place

    Puerto Vallarta is one of only a handful of Mexican cities where you get the best of both worlds:

    Restaurants and cafes with ocean views on Playa De Los Muertos beach and pier close to famous Puerto Vallarta Malecon, the city largest public beach

    Both the architectural heritage and tradition, stemming from centuries of colonial rule, commonly associated with Mexico’s Pueblos Magicos, and the vibrant social scene found in Cancun, Cabo, and the like.

    Strolling the Romantic Zone of Old Vallarta, you will walk past centuries-old civic buildings established by Vallarta’s European settlers of the 16th century and later. It is easily the most scenic and photographed part of the city, what with its cobblestone streets, colorful facades, and historic Catholic churches.

    A short 15 minutes from the quaint Old Town, however, you will reach the ever-busy Malecon, a modern boardwalk spanning 12 blocs flanked by oceanfront restaurants and tequila bars, making it a nightlife hotspot.

    Aerial View Of Historical Center Of Puerto Vallarta, Facing The Pacific Coast, State Of Jalisco, Mexico

    Sargassum-Free Beaches

    Unlike the Mexican Caribbean, where sargassum is a recurring event yearly, Vallarta’s beaches remain golden and seaweed-free regardless of season.

    As sargassum more commonly impacts warmer basins, such as the Caribbean Sea, and the city is located on the Mexican Pacific instead, it stays protected from the smelly algae, allowing swimmers and sunbathers alike to enjoy their time in the sun disruption-free.

    No checking sargassum forecasts weeks in advance when planning your vacation, nor coming up with alternatives to beaches when the golden sands are tarnished by the seaweed landfall: you can enjoy completely pristine beaches year-round.

    Beach And Pier In Puerto Vallarta Near The Los Muertos Beach, Jalisco, Mexico

    Sargassum is a rare, even non-existent phenomenon in the Atlantic, where the waters are not as warm as the Caribbean basin and, thus, do not boost the organism’s proliferation.

    Vallarta’s beaches are long, beautiful stretches of golden sand, and that pristine quality is maintained even when the Yucatan Peninsula gets battered by seaweed, making it the safest bet if you’re visiting Mexico in the humid season.

    Vallarta Is For Everybody

    Vallarta’s greatest strength, however, lies in its diverse offer.

    the view from a cafe onto the beaches of Puerto Vallarta

    It is for everybody: whether you’re a young, sociable traveler looking to have fun and enjoy the city’s lively nightlife, or you’re simply hoping to relax for a few days by the beachside as you get taken care of.

    It is one of the most LGBTQ-friendly places in all of the Americas, as well as an extremely popular destination for couples and families, and it’s this exact contrast that makes Vallarta so enticing: it can be appropriate for every imaginable demographic if you know where to go.

    Find out more about Puerto Vallarta’s incredible resorts and where you should stay during your visit here.

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  • These 4 Towns Near Cancun Will Give Visitors An Authentic Mexican Experience

    These 4 Towns Near Cancun Will Give Visitors An Authentic Mexican Experience

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    Cancun is still the number one destination for Americans taking an international vacation this year, surpassing popular tourist hotspots like South America and Mediterranean Europe.

    Famous for its world-class resort strips, which straddle the turquoise ocean, and unparalleled luxury scene, the city has seen a record surge in bookings for the June-August period.

    Town Square In Valladolid, A Colonial City In The Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico, Latin America

    If you’re one of those people who couldn’t resist spending another year in the Riviera Maya, but you’re now craving for something more than just lounging by the pool all day sipping mimosas, and you’ve made it your goal to have a more authentic Mexican experience this time, we’ve got you covered.

    Here are 4 incredible small towns near Cancun where development is more limited and that still feels like the Mexico ‘of old’:

    Valladolid

    Population: 56,494

    Distance driving from Cancun: 2h09

    San Gervasio Church Seen From A Row Of Colonial Era Arcs In Valladolid, Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico, Latin America

    Valladolid is a great option for a weekend getaway if you’re hoping to witness firsthand a colonial-era settlement where centuries-old customs are maintained.

    Originally settled by the Mayans, Valladolid was captured by the Spanish in the mid-16th-century, who named it after an already-existing city in Spain, and it would be under the control of the colonizers that it would flourish as an important trading and cultural hub in the Yucatan Peninsula.

    Tourists often pinpoint the beautiful Cathedral of San Servacio, towering high over the town square, and Valladolid’s well-organized grid-like structure, a remnant of the Spanish period, as some of the main landmarks to be seen.

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    Tourists And Locals Eating Out Beneath The Colonial Arcs In Valladolid, A Colonial Era City In Mexico, Yucatan Peninsula, Latin America

    Within short driving distance of the town, there are a handful of world-class attractions, including one of the seven New Wonders of the World, the Mayan archaeological complex of Chichen Itza, and the pristine Cenote Zaci, which unlike other swimming pits closer to Cancun, such as Cenote Azul and Cenote Dos Ojos, receives very few tourists.

    Felipe Carrillo Puerto

    Population: 25,744

    Distance driving from Cancun: 2h45

    Sian Kaan Natural Biosphere Reserve Close To Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

    Less than three hours driving South of Cancun along the coast, Felipe Carrillo Puerto may take its name after a Spaniard, but it remains a quintessentially Mayan enclave in essence.

    Sitting on the edge of the famous Sian Ka’an Reserve, yet relatively unknown to most day-trippers, it is one of a handful of towns in the overtouristed Riviera not yet ruined by over-development, and a ‘family first,’ traditional community where Mayan dialects continue to be spoken by some locals, besides Spanish.

    The linguistic heritage is, in fact, a huge part of Felipe Carrillo Puerto’s tourist offer, with a visit to the Na’atik Language and Culture Institute ranking as the number one to-do activity on TripAdvisor.

    Young Couple Looking Happy In A Latin American City, Possibly In Mexico

    It is credited with helping keep Mayan culture alive and bridging gaps between foreigners and locals.

    The town is also home to the Holy Cross Catholic Church, an important part of post-colonial Mayan History, and the folk Museo Maya Santa Cruz Xbaalam Naj, a free museum chronicling the History of the natives during the Caste War when the Mayan populace revolted against Hispanic settlers.

    Izamal

    Population: 15,101

    Distance driving from Cancun: 3h53

    Girl tourist in a hat in the yellow Mexican city of Izamal, Mexico

    Yet another treasure of the state of Yucatan, easily reachable from Cancun, in the neighboring Quintana Roo, Izamal is a postcard-ready ‘yellow city’ that’s been stealing the hearts of visitors for years now.

    It is the furthest one out, at just under 4 hours of driving, but it can be toured as a day trip if you time wisely, though it is best visited as an overnight destination.

    After all, Izamal’s cultural wealth is well and truly boundless.

    Yellow Houses In Izamal, Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

    Stroll its cobbled streets, flanked by vibrant-colored buildings dating back centuries, and you’ll be transported back to the 16th century when the Spanish first made landfall and chased the native Mayans out of the land.

    Though at least five pre-Columbian structures are visible in Izamal to this day, including a Mayan pyramid, the main attraction on site is the Franciscan Monastery, with an open atrium second in size only to the Vatican’s.

    El Cuyo

    Population: 1,567

    Distance driving from Cancun: 2h36

    Young Man Practising Yoga At A Beach In Los Cabos, Baja California Sur, Mexico

    The smallest settlement on this list, El Cuyo, is a quaint spot on the shores of the Caribbean that has successfully eluded city planners and international brands.

    Located in the state of Yucatan but only two and a half hours away from Cancun, it was recently named by The Cancun Sun, the largest independent website on Riviera Maya news, a ‘traveler’s paradise’, and we’re inclined to agree.

    Described as having sandy streets and a ‘fishing village ambiance’, it offers resort guests basing themselves in Cancun a much-needed escape from the agitated atmosphere of the chaotic metropolis and its tourist-filled sands.

    woman at beach in Mexico

    El Cuyo may lack the Riviera Maya’s more advanced infrastructure, but it’s made great strides towards improving its attractiveness to guests in recent years, from the investment in better internet connectivity to the opening of ten boutique hotels and preservation of the town’s beaches.

    Soon enough, El Cuyo could be inscribed on Mexico’s list of Magical Towns, recognized for their historical significance and/or inestimable value to the tourism industry.

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  • Mexico Sets New Record For Most International Visitors – Here Are The Top 5 Destinations

    Mexico Sets New Record For Most International Visitors – Here Are The Top 5 Destinations

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    Mexico has it all, and people know it. With affordable flights, beautiful beaches, fantastic weather, and a rich culture, it is easy to see why 25% of Americans traveling abroad end up in Mexico each year. Visitor numbers continue to rise. Mexico’s Ministry of Tourism has just reported that 2022 arrivals have surpassed those of 2021 and 2019.  

    thatched umbrellas sit in a Mexican beach popular with tourists. there are blue skies and turquoise waters in the distance

    Between January and November of 2022, Mexico welcomed an estimated 18.4 million tourists through its international airports. That number represents an 8% increase from the same period in 2019, and a whopping 52% increase over 2021 arrivals. Americans alone made up 11.7 million of those international tourists. This is an increase of 30% in 2021 numbers and up 24% from 2019.

    While tourism in Mexico is more popular than ever, some destinations continue to be favorites of international tourists. Mexico has so many beautiful locations, but the majority of visitors end up in one of these top 5 destinations.

    A beautiful arched rock formation frames the blue sky and clear waters in the popular tourist destination of Cabo San Lucas

    Cancun

    Year after year, Cancun wins the popularity contest for Mexican tourism destinations.  Because it has been such a popular destination for so long, Cancun has built up the infrastructure needed to support the hordes of tourists that visit each year.

    Simply put, visiting Cancun is easy. Cancun’s International Airport sees direct flights from many U.S. and Canadian cities, and the fares are competitive. Additionally, there is a huge range of accommodations in Cancun. From romantic all-inclusives to family-friendly resorts, the variety of hotels available makes Cancun accessible to all types of travelers.

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    Cancun beach with people in the water and under umbrellas

    The ease of visiting Cancun leaves more time for relaxing on the beautiful beaches, enjoying the vibrant nightlife, and basking in the near-perfect weather. Several resorts even go the extra mile to make your vacation even easier by offering butler service so you don’t have to lift a finger.   

    the beautiful landscape of Cancun can be seen with hotels along a sandy strip of beach as far as the eye can see

    How to get there: The Cancun International Airport is just 13 miles from the hotel zone. Shuttles, buses, taxis, and rental cars can be hired at the airport for the short transfer to the tourist area.

    When to visit: Visiting between November – April will avoid the hurricane and rainy season in the area.

    Playa Del Carmen

    Playa Del Carmen is only 45 minutes south of Cancun but can seem a world away. It is smaller and more laid-back than Cancun, but still offers all the comforts you need in a Mexican beach vacation.

    boats rest in the calm blue waters of one of Mexico's top tourist destinations - Playa Del Carmen

    All of Playa Del Carmen’s beaches are public and easily accessed. This means you don’t have to stay at a resort in order to access its beach. Playa Del Carmen’s location in the heart of Rivera Maya makes it a great base for exploring the surrounding beauty of the region. Popular activities include exploring the world’s second-longest coral reef off the coast, exploring the nearby cenotes,  and sightseeing at the nearby Mayan ruins.

    arches along the beach in Playa Del Carmen

    How to get there: Fly into Cancun International airport and book a bus, shuttle, or rental car to go direct to Playa Del Carmen from the airport. In late 2023 a train will connect Cancun to Playa Del Carmen and beyond.

    When to visit: Visit between November – April to avoid the rainy and hurricane seasons.

    Puerto Vallarta

    Located on Mexico’s Pacific coast, Puerto Vallarta is known for its Mexican culture, vibrant nightlife, and stunning beaches. Home to Mariachi music and raicilla (the local drink), visitors get swept away in the city’s vibrant neighborhooods and tourist attractions while marveling at the stunning mountain landscapes.

    Puerto Vallarta bridge and busy beach

    This resort town has lots of all-inclusives to choose from, making it accessible to families, couples, and budget solo travelers. It’s no wonder that Puerto Vallarta is one of the most popular spots to vacation in Mexico. 

    Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - A sunset shot overlooking the swimming pool and beach with orange skies in a popular Mexican tourist destination

    How to get there: Flying into Puerto Vallarta International Airport is easy and a taxi or bus transfer from the airport is only 10 minutes.

    When to visit: High season in Puerto Vallarta is between December and April. Those looking for an epic underwater adventure should visit between May–August.

    Los Cabos

    Los Cabos is located at the Southern point of the Baja California Peninsula. The area includes the towns of Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo. The two towns are linked by 32 km of beach-front resorts and golf clubs. It is most recognized by its rugged rock formations that rip out of the ocean where the Pacific Ocean and Sea of Cortez meet. 

    Aerial View Of The Arch Of Cabo San Lucas In Los Cabos, Baja California Sur, Mexico

    While other spots in Mexico are known for their party scene, Los Cabos focuses on luxury stays. With over 2 million visitors per year, visitors are drawn to the turquoise waters and warm sandy beaches. Some of the best surfing in all of Mexico is along Costa Azul Beach. It was named one of the world’s top beach destinations in 2022.  

    Hacienda del Mar Los Cabos Resort aerial view

    How to get there: Visitors to any of the tourist areas in Los Cabos can fly into the Los Cabos International Airport. San José del Cabo is just 8 miles away from the airport, and Cabo San Lucas is 23 miles away. Taxis and shuttles are available to provide transfers from the airport.

    When to visit: Most tourists to Los Cabos visit during the high season of December – April when the weather is ideal. Travelers looking to avoid the crowds but still have nice weather should go between May and June.

    Mexico City

    Mexico City is one of the oldest cities in North America. It is also the fifth most populated city in the world. It is a great destination for tourists looking to immerse themselves in Mexican culture. With over 150 museums and galleries, sprawling public squares and parks, ancient Aztec ruins, and vibrant neighborhoods, tourists could spend a lifetime exploring all Mexico City has to offer.

    Mexico City's iconic buildings are lit up in the evening sky

    Fans of Mexican food are especially partial to Mexico City. The diverse cuisines from every region of the country are available. From unassuming street food vendors, to hip cafes, and high-end restaurants, tourists can eat their way through Mexico without ever leaving the city.

    Mexican recipes mix on a colorful table with sauces from Mexico

    How to get there: Mexico City’s Benito Juárez International Airport has frequent flights from all over the world. The airport is 6 miles outside of the city. Depending on your mode of transportation it can take between 25 and 50 minutes to get to the city center.

    When to visit: Mexico City is a great year-round destination. Visitors should choose the best time to go based on what they want to do and see in the city. Spring sees the most pleasant weather, and autumn is when most festivals occur.

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