Mexico is vibrant, colourful and unique, offering anything from beautiful sparse deserts, tropical rainforests and snow-capped volcanoes to bustling cities, steep canyons and inviting beaches of silver sand. Extraordinary history is found in the ancient Mayan temples, Aztec ruins and Spanish colonial towns, along with silver-mining settlements and traditional Mexican ports.
Since the height of the Mayan and Aztec civilisations, Mexico has suffered the destructive force of the Conquistadors, European colonial rule and rebellions, along with civil and territorial wars, dictatorships and natural disasters. Despite this, Mexico's people are warm and friendly, much of the countryside remains unspoilt by development and its cities have a unique blend of architecture. Buildings display striking combinations, blending together Art Nouveau, Baroque, Art Deco and Native American design in churches and public structures. The country's culture
is a similar blend of the traditional and modern, where pagan meets Christian in a series of festivals throughout the year.
Mexico also has several hundred miles of coastline extending down through both the Pacific and the Caribbean, home to numerous extremely popular beach resorts. Resort cities such as Acapulco, Cancun and those of the Baja California peninsula are vacation favourites. The countryside enclosing these summer retreats is also rich in archaeological treasures with pyramids, ruins of ancient cities and great stone carvings of ancient gods standing as testament to a country once ruled by Mezoamerican superpowers.
Violence linked to the drug cartels is widespread but seldom aimed at tourists. Despite recent reports of drug wars and safety issues, the country remains a hugely popular and predominantly safe tourist destination.
Key Facts
Language:
Spanish is the official language in Mexico. Some English is spoken in tourist regions.
Passport/Visa:
All foreign passengers to Mexico must hold a Mexico Visitor's Permit (FMM), which is issued free of charge, and obtainable from airlines, Mexican Consulates, Mexican international airports, and border crossing points. As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travellers transiting through the United States are required to present a passport, or other valid travel document, to enter or re-enter the United States. Foreign passengers to Mexico should ensure that their passports and other travel documents are in good condition - even slightly torn passports will not be accepted. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Currency:
Mexican currency is the Mexican Peso (MXN), divided into 100 centavos. Credit cards are widely accepted, particularly Visa, MasterCard and American Express. ATMs are available in most cities and towns and are the most convenient way to get money, but for safety reasons should only be used during business hours and vigilance is advised. Although many businesses will accept foreign currency (particularly US Dollars), it's best to use pesos. Foreign currency can be exchanged at one of many casas de cambio (exchange houses), which have longer hours and offer a quicker service than the banks.
Electricity:
110-120 volts, 60Hz. Two-pin flat blade attachment plugs are standard.
Travel to Mexico
Overview
Mexico has consistently proven to be one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world, with gorgeous beaches, extraordinary history and diverse landscapes. It would take a few months, if not years, to fully explore and discover all that this magical country has to offer.
Spend a few days wandering round the ancient Mayan and Aztec pyramids and ruins, explore the deserts and swamps, marvel at the rainforests or navigate an eco-tour by mountain bike, jeep, kayak or horseback. There are 67 National Parks conserving indigenous fauna and flora, and the country is a bird-watcher's paradise, with the most species of birds in the whole of North America.
The west coast of Mexico's Baja California peninsula is regarded as having some of the best whale watching destinations in the world. The three lagoons on the Pacific Coast offering the best spots for watching grey whales are Magdalena Bay, San Ignacio Lagoon and
Scammon's Lagoon. Humpback whales and blue whales breed in the Sea of Cortez, and Bahia de Los Angeles is the centre for whale watching expeditions in the area.
Beach resort cities such as Acapulco, Cancun and those of the Baja California region are considered to be true slices of heaven. The wonderfully unique architecture and evidence of European colonial rule still exist in the cities, while El Zócalo in Mexico City, the second largest city square in the world, is where all the magic happens and is the best place to experience some real Mexican flavour.
Mexican cruises mix old world charm with modern amenities, giving a great blend of excitement and serenity to the holiday cruise. Mexican cruises typically only visit the west coast while the beautiful and warm waters on the east are usually included in Caribbean cruise packages.
Climate in Mexico
The Tropic of Cancer divides Mexico into a tropical south and temperate north, which means that the northern region experiences cooler winter temperatures, whereas the south is hot all year with little seasonal variation. The coastal plains and Yucatan Peninsula of the south experience average annual temperatures ranging between 75°F and 82°F (24°C and 28°C). The annual average temperatures in the northern lowlands are somewhat lower, ranging between 68°F and 75°F (20°C and 24°C), mainly because there is greater seasonal variation. The whole country tends to be hot and humid between May and August and is pleasantly warm throughout the year. Rainfall varies widely according to region and terrain, but Mexico does have distinct wet and dry seasons: most of the country experiences a rainy season between late May and mid-October, with significantly less rain the rest of the year. February is the driest month and July is the wettest. Hurricanes are possible between June
and November.
The best time to visit Mexico is between November and early May. It is best to avoid the peak summer months (June to August), when it is uncomfortably hot, and the Easter holidays (March and April), when it can get unbearably crowded.
Health Notes when travelling to Mexico
Those entering Mexico from an infected area require a yellow fever certificate. Malaria and dengue fever exist in some rural areas but not on the Pacific and Gulf coasts, while travellers who come into close contact with animals should consider a rabies vaccination.
Sensible precautions regarding food and water should be followed, and visitors are advised to stick to bottled water. Medical facilities are basic, so comprehensive travel insurance is recommended. As medicines may be in short supply, travellers should consider taking prescription medications in their original packaging, accompanied by a signed and dated letter from a doctor detailing what it is and why it is needed.
Zika is still a risk in Mexico. Because Zika infection in a pregnant woman can cause serious birth defects, women who are pregnant should seek advice from healthcare providers before travelling to Mexico.
Safety Notes when travelling to Mexico
There can be incidents of robberies in the big cities such as Mexico City. Travellers, particularly women on their own, should be vigilant and take care of their belongings, especially on public transport. Only use authorised taxi services and try to avoid bus travel at night.
Visitors are advised to be wary of people presenting themselves as police officers attempting to fine or arrest them for no apparent reason, leading to theft or assault. If in doubt, ask for identification.
Most of the violence related to drug cartel wars in Mexico is concentrated along the border between Mexico and the United States, with tourist zones generally unaffected. Hurricanes may affect the coastal areas between June and November.
Customs in Mexico
Mexicans are not impatient and do not appreciate impatience in others, so travellers should expect opening hours and public transport times to be flexible and laid back. Mexicans are friendly and hospitable people, with courteous behaviour greatly appreciated. Travellers should also note that it is common for Mexicans to communicate closer than one arm's length from each other and that it's not an attempt to be forward.
Duty Free in Mexico
Travellers to Mexico over 18 years do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes or 25 cigars or 200g tobacco; 3 litres spirits or 6 litres wine; other goods to the value of US$500 if arriving by air, or US$300 if arriving by land are premitted without incurring duty fees. Prohibited goods include narcotics, firearms and used clothing that is not part of your personal luggage. The export of archaeological artefacts is strictly forbidden.
Doing Business in Mexico
In Mexico, business is ideally conducted face-to-face. Although many Mexican businessmen speak perfect English, Spanish is the official language of business in Mexico and learning a few choice words and phrases will go a long way toward ingratiating yourself with your new associates.
Business etiquette in Mexico is marked by a combination of formality and friendliness. It is very rare to hear the word 'no' being used in a direct or confrontational way - bald refusals are seen as rude. Use titles ('señhor' and 'señhora') until specifically instructed not to, but do not shrink away from engaging in personal discussions with your colleagues. Business meetings must be scheduled in advance, and then confirmed a few days before they are due to take place.
The dress code for the Mexican business world is smart and formal. Business hours in Mexico are generally from 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, with a two or three hour siesta in the
early afternoon.
Communication in Mexico
The international access code for Mexico is +52. There is widespread network coverage in Mexico from Telcel, Movistar, Virgin Mobile and AT&T Mexico. Hotels, cafes and restaurants offering free wifi are widely available.
Tipping in Mexico
Tipping is customary in Mexico for almost all services as employees are not paid sufficient hourly wages and often rely on tips. Waiters and bar staff should be tipped 10 to 15 percent if a service charge hasn't already been added to the bill. The American custom of tipping 15 to 20 percent is practiced at international resorts, including those in Los Cabos.
Passport/Visa Note
All foreign passengers to Mexico must hold a Mexico Visitor's Permit (FMM), which is issued free of charge, and obtainable from airlines, Mexican Consulates, Mexican international airports, and border crossing points. As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travellers transiting through the United States are required to present a passport, or other valid travel document, to enter or re-enter the United States. Foreign passengers to Mexico should ensure that their passports and other travel documents are in good condition - even slightly torn passports will not be accepted. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements for Americans:
US citizens must have a passport that is valid for the expected duration of their stay in Mexico. A visa is not required for stays of up to 180 days but travellers need to complete an immigration form and have this with them when they enter and leave Mexico.
Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for the expected duration of their stay in Mexico. A visa is not required for stays of up to 180 days but travellers need to complete an immigration form and have this with them when they enter and leave Mexico.
Entry requirements for UK nationals:
British citizens must have a passport that is valid for the expected duration of their stay in Mexico. A visa is not required for stays of up to 180 days but travellers need to complete an immigration form and have this with them when they enter and leave Mexico.
Entry requirements for Australians:
Australian US must have a passport that is valid for the expected duration of their stay in Mexico. A visa is not required for stays of up to 180 days but travellers need to complete an immigration form and have this with them when they enter and leave Mexico.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid for the expected duration of their stay in Mexico. A visa is not required for stays of up to 180 days but travellers need to complete an immigration form and have this with them when they enter and leave Mexico.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for the expected duration of their stay in Mexico. A visa is not required for stays of up to 180 days but travellers need to complete an immigration form and have this with them when they enter and leave Mexico.
Entry requirements for South Africans:
South African citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Mexico. A visa is required. Passengers with a valid visa issued by Canada, Japan, USA, United Kingdom or a Schengen Member State are visa exempt for a maximum stay of 180 days.
Tourist Offices
Mexico Tourism Board: +52 55 5278 4200 or http://www.visitmexico.com
Mexico Embassies
In the United States:
Mexican Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 728 1600.
In Canada:
Mexican Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 233 8988.
In the United Kingdom:
Mexican Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 20 7499 8586.
Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Mexico, regardless of where you are eating or staying.
You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Mexico. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.
Some travelers
Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.
You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.
When traveling in Mexico, you should avoid mosquito bites to prevent malaria. You may need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria, depending on your travel plans, such as where you are going, when you are traveling, and if you are spending a lot of time outdoors or sleeping outside. Talk to your doctor about how you can prevent malaria while traveling. For more information on malaria in Mexico, see malaria in Mexico.
Although rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Mexico, it is not a major risk to most travelers. CDC recommends this vaccine only for these groups:
Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities in remote areas that put them at risk for animal bites (such as adventure travel and caving).
People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
People who are taking long trips or moving to remote areas in Mexico
Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
All travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel.
Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Mexico, regardless of where you are eating or staying.
You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Mexico. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.
Some travelers
Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.
You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.
When traveling in Mexico, you should avoid mosquito bites to prevent malaria. You may need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria, depending on your travel plans, such as where you are going, when you are traveling, and if you are spending a lot of time outdoors or sleeping outside. Talk to your doctor about how you can prevent malaria while traveling. For more information on malaria in Mexico, see malaria in Mexico.
Although rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Mexico, it is not a major risk to most travelers. CDC recommends this vaccine only for these groups:
Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities in remote areas that put them at risk for animal bites (such as adventure travel and caving).
People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
People who are taking long trips or moving to remote areas in Mexico
Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
Note: Zika is a risk in Mexico. Zika infection during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects. Therefore, pregnant women should not travel to Mexico. Partners of pregnant women and couples planning pregnancy should know the possible risks to pregnancy and take preventive steps (more information).
Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Mexico, so your behaviors are important.
Eat and drink safely
Unclean food and water can cause travelers' diarrhea and other diseases. Reduce your risk by sticking to safe food and water habits.
Eat
Food that is cooked and served hot
Hard-cooked eggs
Fruits and vegetables you have washed in clean water or peeled yourself
Pasteurized dairy products
Don't Eat
Food served at room temperature
Food from street vendors
Raw or soft-cooked (runny) eggs
Raw or undercooked (rare) meat or fish
Unwashed or unpeeled raw fruits and vegetables
Unpasteurized dairy products
”Bushmeat” (monkeys, bats, or other wild game)
Drink
Bottled water that is sealed
Water that has been disinfected
Ice made with bottled or disinfected water
Carbonated drinks
Hot coffee or tea
Pasteurized milk
Don’t Drink
Tap or well water
Ice made with tap or well water
Drinks made with tap or well water (such as reconstituted juice)
Unpasteurized milk
Take Medicine
Talk with your doctor about taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs with you on your trip in case you get sick.
Eating raw dairy products and vegetables in Mexico can put you at risk for serious infections.
Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Mexico. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.
What can I do to prevent bug bites?
Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.
What type of insect repellent should I use?
FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
FOR PROTECTION AGAINST MOSQUITOES ONLY: Products with one of the following active ingredients can also help prevent mosquito bites. Higher percentages of active ingredient provide longer protection.
For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites.
Some diseases in Mexico—such as dengue, leishmaniasis, and Chagas disease—are spread by bugs and cannot be prevented with a vaccine. Follow the insect avoidance measures described above to prevent these and other illnesses.
If your travel plans in Mexico include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.
Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
Heat-related illness, such as heat stroke, can be deadly. Eat and drink regularly, wear loose and lightweight clothing, and limit physical activity during high temperatures.
If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
Protect yourself from UV radiation: use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.
Stay safe around water
Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
Do not dive into shallow water.
Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.
Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in Mexico. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.
Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.
Follow these tips to protect yourself:
Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.
All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:
Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
Go to a doctor right away.
Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.
Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.
Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Mexico’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.
Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website (www.jointcommissioninternational.org).
In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.
Malaria is a risk in some parts of Mexico. If you are going to a risk area, fill your malaria prescription before you leave, and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.
Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.
In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.
Walking
Be smart when you are traveling on foot.
Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.
Riding/Driving
Choose a safe vehicle.
Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.
Think about the driver.
Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
Arrange payment before departing.
Follow basic safety tips.
Wear a seatbelt at all times.
Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Mexico may be poor.
Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
If you choose to drive a vehicle in Mexico, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
Flying
Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.
Medical Evacuation Insurance
If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.
Helpful Resources
Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.
For information traffic safety and road conditions in Mexico, see Travel and Transportation on US Department of State's country-specific information for Mexico.
Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
Follow all local laws and social customs.
Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.
To call for emergency services while in Mexico, dial 066, 060, or 080. Write these numbers down to carry with you during your trip.
Learn as much as you can about Mexico before you travel there. A good place to start is the country-specific information on Mexico from the US Department of State.
Americans in Mexico have been arrested for purchasing souvenirs that were, or looked like, antiques and that local customs authorities believed were national treasures. Familiarize yourself with any local regulations for antiques and follow these tips:
When you are considering purchasing an authentic antique or a reproduction, ask if you are allowed to export these items before you purchase them.
If you buy a reproduction, document on the customs form that it is a reproduction.
If you buy an authentic antique, obtain the necessary export permit (often from the national museum).
Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Mexico for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.
Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?
It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.
Be aware of current health issues in Mexico. Learn how to protect yourself.
Alert Level 2, Practice Enhanced Precautions
Earthquakes and Hurricane in MexicoSeptember 20, 2017Three recent natural disasters have caused severe damage, injuries, and deaths in Mexico. On September 7, 2017, an 8.1-magnitude earthquake struck the southwestern states of Oaxaca, Chiapas, and Tabasco, causing nearly 100 deaths. The next day, September 8, 2017, Category 1 Hurricane Katia made landfall on the eastern coast in Veracruz, causing a mudslide that resulted in several deaths. On September 19, a 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck the state of Puebla, about 75 miles from Mexico City.
If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic. Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.
If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.
Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.
Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.
Currency
Mexican currency is the Mexican Peso (MXN), divided into 100 centavos. Credit cards are widely accepted, particularly Visa, MasterCard and American Express. ATMs are available in most cities and towns and are the most convenient way to get money, but for safety reasons should only be used during business hours and vigilance is advised. Although many businesses will accept foreign currency (particularly US Dollars), it's best to use pesos. Foreign currency can be exchanged at one of many casas de cambio (exchange houses), which have longer hours and offer a quicker service than the banks.
Exchange rate for 1 MXN - Mexican Peso
0.00BMD Bermudan Dollar
0.05EUR Euro
0.06USD U.S. Dollar
0.05GBP U.K. Pound Sterling
9.02JPY Japanese Yen
0.08CAD Canadian Dollar
0.05CHF Swiss Franc
0.09AUD Australian Dollar
2.32UAH Ukrainian Hryvnia
26.18KZT Kazakhstani Tenge
5,489.73LBP Lebanese Pound
0.29LYD Libyan Dinar
0.40BOB Bolivian Boliviano
0.00NPR Nepalese Rupee
0.00OMR Omani Rial
0.00QAR Qatari Rial
0.08SGD Singapore Dollar
0.64SEK Swedish Krona
0.00TTD Trinidad Tobago Dollar
0.00VEF Venezuelan Bolivar
3.43DOP Dominican Peso
0.00HRK Croatian Kuna
36.01XOF West African CFA Franc
0.00PGK Papua New Guinean kina
0.00BSD Bahamian Dollar
0.00FJD Fiji Dollar
0.00HNL Honduran Lempira
7.90DZD Algerian Dinar
0.00MMK Myanma Kyat
0.00BWP Botswana Pula
0.22PEN Peruvian Nuevo Sol
55.35CLP Chilean Peso
22.82AMD Armenia Dram
1.37CZK Czech Koruna
1.04MDL Moldova Lei
8.25ISK Icelandic Krona
742.13UZS Uzbekistan Sum
0.22ILS Israeli New Sheqel
0.04JOD Jordanian Dinar
0.00KWD Kuwaiti Dinar
2.25UYU Uruguayan Peso
0.00MUR Mauritian Rupee
0.00NIO Nicaraguan Córdoba
0.64NOK Norwegian Krone
0.24PLN Polish Zloty
0.22SAR Saudi Riyal
0.00LKR Sri Lanka Rupee
2.17THB Thai Baht
0.22AED U.A.E Dirham
0.30BRL Brazilian Real
0.27RON Romanian New Leu
0.46HKD Hong Kong Dollar
36.01XAF Central African CFA Franc
1,498.47VND Vietnamese Dong
51.81ARS Argentine Peso
0.00XCD East Caribbean Dollar
0.00GTQ Guatemalan Quetzal
0.59MAD Moroccan Dirham
0.00BHD Bahrain Dinar
0.06PAB Panamanian Balboa
0.10AZN Azerbaijan Manat
231.21COP Colombian Peso
5.21KGS Kyrgyzstan Som
21.35HUF Hungarian Forint
0.64TJS Tajikistan Ruble
948.05IDR Indonesian Rupiah
2.83EGP Egyptian Pound
80.15KRW South Korean Won
439.80PYG Paraguayan Guaraní
0.28MYR Malaysian Ringgit
29.98CRC Costa Rican Colón
0.10NZD New Zealand Dollar
16.39PKR Pakistani Rupee
5.39RUB Russian Rouble
1.09ZAR South African Rand
0.18TND Tunisian Dinar
0.00BBD Barbadian Dollar
0.11BGN Bulgarian Lev
1.91TRY Turkish Lira
3.38PHP Philippine Peso
1.91TWD New Taiwan Dollar
68.70NGN Nigerian Naira
0.00XPF CFP Franc
0.00GHS Ghanaian Cedi
0.00JMD Jamaican Dollar
0.00ANG Neth. Antillean Guilder
0.00BND Brunei Dollar
6.42RSD Serbian Dinar
0.43CNY Chinese Yuan
0.41DKK Danish Krone
0.21TMT New Turkmenistan Manat
4.92INR Indian Rupee
Exchange Rate for U.S. Dollar to Mexican Peso
1 USD = 16.95 MXN
Exchange Rate for Euro to Mexican Peso
1 EUR = 18.22 MXN
Exchange Rate for Canadian Dollar to Mexican Peso
1 CAD = 12.41 MXN
Exchange Rate for U.K. Pound Sterling to Mexican Peso
1 GBP = 21.28 MXN
Exchange Rate for Australian Dollar to Mexican Peso
1 AUD = 11.17 MXN
Exchange Rate for New Zealand Dollar to Mexican Peso
1 NZD = 10.16 MXN
Exchange Rate for South African Rand to Mexican Peso
1 ZAR = 0.92 MXN
Mexico City Airport (MEX) Mexico City International Airport http://www.aicm.com.mx
Location: Mexico City The airport is situated six miles (10km) east of Mexico City.
Time: Local time is GMT -6 (GMT -5 between the first Sunday in April and the second last Sunday in October).
Contacts: Tel: +52 (0)2482 2424.
Transfer between terminals: Passengers can ride the free Air Train between the two terminals. The general public have to take the public transportation bus between the terminals at a nominal charge.
Getting to the city: The Mexico City Metro subway system links the airport to downtown Mexico City. There are also suburban bus services including Autobuses del Oriente (ADO) and Autobuses Estrella Roja. Some hotels offer a pick-up service; it is worth checking their charge as it is generally cheaper to take a taxi.
Car rental: Car rental companies include Avis, Budget and National.
Airport Taxis: Taxis are regulated and passengers can pay in advance at the taxi counter in Arrivals. Authorized taxis are mustard yellow with an aeroplane logo. It takes about 45 minutes to the city centre.
Facilities: Facilities at the airport include ATMs, banks, bureaux de change, business facilities, a post office, restaurants, shops, hotel reservations and tourist information.
Parking: Parking at Mexico City International Airport is charged at MXN 44 per hour, up to a limit of MXN 288 per day.
Cancun International (CUN) Cancun International Airport http://www.cancun-airport.net
Location: Cancun The airport is situated eight miles (13km) from downtown Cancun and 12 miles (20km) from the Hotel zone.
Time: GMT -6 (GMT -5 between the first Sunday in April and the second last Sunday in October).
Contacts: Tel: +52 99 8848 7200
Transfer between terminals: A shuttle bus runs between the main entrances of the terminals every 10 minutes.
Getting to the city: Taxis can be used to get to the town. An official taxi company provides services from the airport and can be paid for at the airport. Airport ADO buses leave the airport from all three terminals every 30 to 45 minutes and go to downtown Cancun as well as Playa del Carmen.
Car rental: Major car rental companies are represented at the airport, along with a number of local companies.
Airport Taxis: Official taxis provide services from the airport and can be paid for at the airport just outside the arrivals hall. Taxis go to both Cancun and Playa del Carmen.
Facilities: Cancun airport has all the facilities one would expect at one of the world's mega-airports. Facilities include ATMs, a bureau de change, restaurants, shops, a pharmacy, medical services and tourist information. There are facilities for disabled passengers but those with special needs are advised to contact their airline in advance.
Parking: Parking is available near to each terminal entrance, starting at MXN 28 per hour, up to a maximum of MXN 165 per day.
Guadalajara Airport (GDL) Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla Guadalajara International Airport http://www.aeropuertosgap.com.mx
Location: Guadalajara The airport is situated 10 miles (16km) south of Guadalajara.
Time: GMT -6 (GMT -5 between the first Sunday in April and the second last Sunday in October)
Contacts: Tel: +52 33 3688 5248.
Transfer between terminals: The second terminal is for cargo only. Passengers should only have to make use of the Passenger Terminal and therefore no transfer should be necessary.
Getting to the city: Many local hotels offer transfers that are cheaper than taxi fares.
Car rental: Car rental companies include Avis, Budget, Sixt, National, Fox, and Europcar.
Airport Taxis: Taxis are available at both terminals 24 hours a day.
Facilities: There are shops, bars and restaurants at the airport. Other facilities include ATMs, banks, currency exchange and VIP lounges and tourist information. Disabled facilities are relatively good; those with special needs are advised to contact their airline in advance.
Parking: There is parking available at the airport.
Acapulco International Airport (ACA) General Juan N. Alvarez International Airport http://www.oma.aero
Location: Acapulco The airport is situated 14 miles (22km) southeast of Acapulco.
Time: Local time is GMT -6 (GMT -5 between the first Sunday in April and the second last Sunday in October).
Contacts: Tel: +52 744 466 9446.
Getting to the city: Airport shuttles are the safest way to transfer from the airport to the city centre and should be pre-booked. Many local hotels offer shuttle service to guests.
Car rental: Car rental companies Alamo, Avis, Budget, Europcar, Thrifty, and Hertz are represented at the airport.
Airport Taxis: Taxis are available outside the main terminal. Rates are based on a zone system, the type of vehicle, and number of passengers. Passengers can buy tickets at the taxi kiosk.
Facilities: There are shops, bars and restaurants at the airport. Other facilities include banks and currency exchange services. Disabled facilities are good; those with special needs should contact their airline in advance.
Parking: Parking is available, costing MXN 30 for the first hour, and MXN 15 for every 30 minutes thereafter. The maximum daily rate is MXN 250.
Chihuahua International Airport (CUU) General Roberto Fierro Villalobos International Airport http://www.oma.aero/en/passengers/chihuahua/
Location: Chihuahua Chihuahua International Airport is about 11 miles (18km) from the city.
Time: GMT -7 (GMT -6 from the first Sunday in April to the last Sunday in October)
Getting to the city: Taxis are available. Fares depend on destination. There is no public bus servicing the airport. Car rental is also an option.
Car rental: The car rental desks are located inside the terminal building. Booking in advance will result in a lower fee than an on-the-day rental. Companies available at the airport include Avis, Europcar, Greenmotion, and Hertz.
Airport Taxis: Three taxi companies service the airport. Rates are based on a zone system and the number of passengers. Tickets are available from a counter inside the airport.
Facilities: ATMs are located on the lower level of the main terminal. Other facilities include a shoeshine service, magazine stands, fashion stores, duty-free shopping, local crafts and souvenirs, bars, and restaurants.
Parking: Parking lots are open around the clock for rates of MXN 26 for the first hour, and MXN 13 every 30 minutes thereafter. The maximum for a day is MXN 160.
Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR) Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport http://www.aeropuertosgap.com.mx/en/puerto-vallarta-3.html
Location: The airport is located 5 miles (8 km) north of Puerto Vallarta.
Time: Local time is GMT -6 (GMT -5 from first Sunday in April to second last Saturday in October).
Contacts: Tel: +52 (322)221 1298.
Getting to the city: Areomovil taxi transportation is the main source of transport from the airport, as well as combi bus (Colectivo minivan) which charge rates based on the zone of travel. The fare must be paid before departure at a small kiosk located just outside the terminal. Limos.com also provide a service for passengers from the airport. Taxis can be flagged down from the highway. The local bus also travels through to Puerto Vallarta.
Car rental: There are several car rental agencies located in the terminal.
Airport Taxis: Taxis are available just outside the terminal and rates are charged based on the zones of travel.
Facilities: The airport features a bank, a bureaux de change, cash machines, several small shops on the ground level of the airport, duty-free shops, a café, restaurant and a bar.
Parking: There is short-term parking available.
Monterrey Airport (MTY) General Mariano Escobedo International Airport http://www.oma.aero
Location: Monterrey The airport is approximately 15 miles (24km) from Monterrey city centre.
Time: GMT –6 (GMT –5 between the first Sunday in April and the last Sunday in October)
Transfer between terminals: Complimentary minibus shuttles operate between Terminals A and C every 10 minutes between 5am and midnight. Terminals A and B are within walking distance of each other.
Getting to the city: A new express Skybus service runs between the city and the airport, on luxury buses with premium facilities. Departures from the airport start in the early mornings and run until before midnight, dropping passengers off at Valle Oriente Station on Avenida Lázaro Cardenas. Reservations are advised. Several hotels also offer their own shuttles.
Car rental: Car rental kiosks are located outside the arrivals area in Terminal A. The companies located here include Avis, Alamo, Dollar, Europcar, Greenmotion, Hertz, Payless, Sixt, and Thrifty.
Airport Taxis: A broad selection of taxis service Monterrey Airport, departing from in front of the terminals. Rates are based on a zone system, and also depend on the kind of vehicle and number of passengers. It takes around 30 minutes to the city centre. Travellers can pre-pay for their fare at kiosks outside the arrivals area in Terminals A and C.
Facilities: Facilities at the airport include hotel reservations, currency exchange, regional bus services, airline VIP lounges, a mini market, fashion stores, duty-free shopping, restaurants, gifts shops, bars, coffee shops, a shoeshine service, and ATMs.
Parking: Parking is available near each terminal. Short-term parking is MXN 34 for the first hour, and MXN 16 for every 30 minutes thereafter, up to MXN 360 per day. Long-term parking is MXN 68 per three hours, up to MXN 190 per day. Premium parking is available near Terminal B. In all parking lots, payment is made at the Automated Payment machines located near the parking lot exit, and both cash and credit cards are accepted.
Culiacan International Airport (CUL) Bachigualato Federal International Airport http://www.oma.aero
Location: Culiacan Culiacan International is located approximately six miles (10km) southwest of the centre of Culiacan city.
Time: GMT -7 (GMT -6 between the first Sunday in April and the last Sunday in October).
Transfer between terminals: The secondary terminal is a General Aviation terminal used for private planes and helicopters.
Getting to the city: Visitors should arrange collection with their hotel, take a taxi, or hire a car from one of the reputable car rental companies located in the airport. There is no public transport from the airport.
Car rental: A variety of rental cars are available for hire from desks on the lower floor of the main terminal building. The companies include Advantage, Alamo, Europcar, Budget, and Hertz, among others.
Airport Taxis: Authorised taxi companies Aero Gris and Autotransportistas Fernando Amilpa service the airport. Tickets are available from the taxi kiosk.
Facilities: Facilities at the airport include vending machines, ATMs, a bar, magazine stands, fashion stores, and a range of restaurants.
Parking: The parking lot is located directly opposite the main terminal building. The first hour of parking costs MXN 34. After that, it costs MXN 16 per 30 minutes, up to a maximum of MXN 150 per day. Payment can be made with cash or credit card at the parking lot exit.
Merida International Airport (MID) Manuel Crescencio Rejón International Airport http://www.asur.com.mx
Location: The airport is located five miles (8km) from Merida.
Time: GMT -6 (GMT -5 between the first Sunday in April to the last Sunday in October)
Getting to the city: Authorised taxis or vans connect the airport to the city. There is also a bus service run by ADO.
Car rental: Car rental companies represented at the airport include Hertz, Europcar, National and Exective.
Airport Taxis: Taxis are available from the airport.
Facilities: Airport facilities include a bank, currency exchange, shopping (including duty-free shops), restaurants and fast food outlets.
Parking: Parking is available at the airport.
Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) Los Cabos International Airport http://www.aeropuertosgap.com.mx
Location: San Jose Del Cabo The airport is located seven miles (11km) from San José del Cabo city centre.
Time: GMT -7 (GMT -6 between the first Sunday in April and the last Sunday in October)
Transfer between terminals: A shuttle service runs between terminals.
Getting to the city: Shuttles are available at all terminals 24 hours a day. The SuburCabos bus has a stop roughly a five-minute taxi ride away from the airport. The bus route has many stops in San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas; however, the main stop for Cabo San Lucas hotels is at the Puerto Paraiso Mall. Note that the bus will only stop if someone signals for it.
Car rental: Car rental companies represented at the airport include Fox, U-Save, Europcar, Avis, Budget, Thrifty, Dollar, National, Alamo, and Hertz.
Airport Taxis: Taxis are available to transport passengers to their required destination and can be found at Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Taxi stands are open from 7am to 10pm.
Facilities: Airport facilities include a VIP lounge (including a spa, bar and pool tables), restaurants, fast food outlets, coffee shops, shops, ATMs, and a bank.
Parking: Parking is available at the airport.
Torreon International Airport (TRC) Francisco Sarabia International Airport http://www.oma.aero/en/airports/torreon/
Location: Torreon The airport is located about three miles (5km) from Torreon city centre.
Time: GMT -6 (GMT -5, April to end October)
Getting to the city: Many local hotels offer airport shuttles for guests. Taxis and rental cars are also available.
Car rental: Car rental represented at the airport includes Airways, Avis, Europcar, Greenmotion and Sixt.
Airport Taxis: Taxi services are available. Rates are based on a zone system, the type of vehicle and number of passengers. Passengers can buy tickets at the taxi kiosk.
Facilities: Airport facilities include ATMs, car rental, waiting rooms, vending machines, VIP lounges, restaurants and shopping.
Parking: Parking is available at the airport and costs MXN 34 for the first hour and thereafter MXN 16 for every 15 minutes. A daily maximum of MXN 360 is charged.
Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) General Abelardo L. Rodríguez International Airport http://www.aeropuertosgap.com.mx
Location: Tijuana The airport is located about three miles (5km) from the city centre, immediately south of the US border.
Time: GMT -8 (GMT -7, mid-March to early November)
Transfer between terminals: In December 2015 a new terminal was opened, on the US side of the border known as the Cross Border Xpress or CBX. The two terminals are connected by a bridge.
Getting to the city: Blue-and-white public buses marked 'Plaza Rio' or 'Centro' run to the city centre from outside the airport. International coaches are also available to San Diego and other destinations in Southern California. Taxis and rental cars are also available.
Car rental: Rental cars are available from Alamo, Avis, Dollar, Europcar, Hertz, National, Sixt and Thrifty.
Airport Taxis: Yellow taxis are plentiful, and will take passengers to central Tijuana (Zona Centro). Fares can be paid in Mexican or US currency. Tickets for authorised taxis can be purchased at ticket machines at terminal exits at a fixed rate.
Facilities: Terminal facilities include VIP lounges, currency exchange, ATMs, shops and a food court.
Parking: There is short-term and long-term parking available at the airport.
Villahermosa International Airport (VSA) Carlos Rovirosa Pérez International Airport http://www.asur.com.mx
Location: Villahermosa The airport is located nine miles (15km) from Villahermosa city centre.
Time: GMT -6 (GMT -5 between April and October)
Getting to the city: Taxi and shuttle services can be arranged on the ground floor of the terminal. Rental cars are also available.
Car rental: Car rental companies represented at the airport include Avis, Hertz, Budget and Europcar.
Airport Taxis: Taxis are available at the airport. The ride to the city centre takes about 15 minutes.
Facilities: Facilities are limited, but there is a selection of shops and restaurants.
Parking: Parking is available near the terminal.
Overview of the Attractions in Mexico
Mexico has consistently proven to be one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world, with gorgeous beaches, extraordinary history and diverse landscapes. It would take a few months, if not years, to fully explore and discover all that this magical country has to offer.
Spend a few days wandering round the ancient Mayan and Aztec pyramids and ruins, explore the deserts and swamps, marvel at the rainforests or navigate an eco-tour by mountain bike, jeep, kayak or horseback. There are 67 National Parks conserving indigenous fauna and flora, and the country is a bird-watcher's paradise, with the most species of birds in the whole of North America.
The west coast of Mexico's Baja California peninsula is regarded as having some of the best whale watching destinations in the world. The three lagoons on the Pacific Coast offering the best spots for watching grey whales are Magdalena Bay, San Ignacio Lagoon and
Scammon's Lagoon. Humpback whales and blue whales breed in the Sea of Cortez, and Bahia de Los Angeles is the centre for whale watching expeditions in the area.
Beach resort cities such as Acapulco, Cancun and those of the Baja California region are considered to be true slices of heaven. The wonderfully unique architecture and evidence of European colonial rule still exist in the cities, while El Zócalo in Mexico City, the second largest city square in the world, is where all the magic happens and is the best place to experience some real Mexican flavour.
Mexican cruises mix old world charm with modern amenities, giving a great blend of excitement and serenity to the holiday cruise. Mexican cruises typically only visit the west coast while the beautiful and warm waters on the east are usually included in Caribbean cruise packages.
Baja California
Baja California is a long thin peninsula running parallel to the west coast of the Mexican mainland, extending from Tijuana on the American border down to Cabo San Lucas. A wildly beautiful place of unusual scenery and dramatic colour changes, it boasts exquisite azure bays and miles of fine white beaches. Rocky cliffs give way to dry mountainous slopes covered in a stunning display of cacti, while the coast is dotted with resorts and modern towns. The warm waters are rich in marine life, with most resort tour operators arranging whale-watching trips from January to March. The UNESCO-listed Sierra de la Laguna Biosphere Reserve, in the mountains south of La Paz, is a wonderful playground for hikers, mountain bikers and nature lovers, while the Baja Peninsula also boasts the best seafood and wine in Mexico.
Oaxaca
Oaxaca is a city developed over three centuries of colonisation. This influence is visible in the stunning architecture of the buildings, a solid style adapted from European methods to stand up to occasional earthquakes. The buildings are distinctively green, made of a particular stone mined in local quarries. The city also offers a number of museums in town, including those dedicated to local history as well as to art from ancient to contemporary periods. Oaxaca is also near Monte Alban, an archaeological site of one of the earliest cities of Mesoamerica dating back to 500 BC. Oaxaca is known as the culinary capital of Mexico, and its gastronomic traditions go back to the Mayan civilisation. The street food is excellent, while some say Oaxaca was where chocolate was invented by ancient Mesoamericans.
The Pacific Coast
The Pacific Coast contains some of Mexico's principal resorts as well as other lesser-known scenic spots and coastal villages. Known as the Mexican Riviera, it has international favourites like Acapulco and Puerto Vallarta, along with excellent seafood and a large selection of adventure tourism attractions. It's one of the leading resort destinations in the country, with miles of golden beaches, picturesque bays and excellent surf, alongside an active nightlife and luxury accommodation. The Pacific Coast offers the exhilarating action of the famous cliff divers of Acapulco, bird watching near the small fishing village of San Blas, and the jade green waters of Puerto Escondido. Taxis are readily available in the resort areas, while Acapulco, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta have ports with ferries and cruise ship dockings.
San Miguel de Allende Mexico City
San Miguel de Allende has retained its historical charm with beautiful 17th- and 18-century Baroque buildings. Narrow cobbled lanes are framed by yellow, orange and ochre buildings covered with bougainvillea vines. The city has a number of beautiful buildings including the pink Gothic parish church of La Parroquia, the magnificent Centro Cultural Ignacio Ramiez and the richly-decorated Oratorio de San Felipe Neri Church. A centre of Bohemian creativity in the 20th century, San Miguel de Allende is very popular with foreign expats and tourists in Mexico, having been noted as a desirable retirement destination for Americans. San Miguel de Allende also has a lively arts community, with productions hosted regularly at the Angela Peralta Theatre and the Otra Cara de México. The city is a three and a half hour drive from Mexico City.
Sierra de la Laguna Biosphere Reserve
The Sierra de la Laguna Biosphere Reserve, located in the mountains south of La Paz, provides a rugged home for an incredible diversity of animal and plant life. Declared a UNESCO Global Biosphere Reserve in recognition of its distinctive fauna and flora, the reserve is home to mountain lion, coyotes, foxes, kangaroo rats, desert mule deer, gophers and badgers. This ecological treasure house attracts hikers, mountain bikers and naturalists keen to see cacti, palms and pine trees grow side by side and picturesque rock pools form underneath towering granite boulders. The core of the reserve is dominated by scenic oak-pine forests, which can make it difficult to spot animals.
El Zocalo Mexico City
The enormous paved Plaza de la Constitución, or Zocalo, is the second largest city square in the world. Dominated on one side by the magnificent colonial Presidential Palace, and on the other by the great Metropolitan Cathedral with its ornate interior, the square is Mexico City's centre of government and religion. The square itself is always filled with activity, with vendors, buskers and informal performances and passing tourists. Every evening the presidential guards lower the national flag from the central flagpole. The square is constantly encircled by the city's ubiquitous green Volkswagen taxis and is a good starting point for those wanting to explore the city.
Templo Mayor Mexico City
Opening time: Tuesday to Sunday 9am to 5pm.
Admission: MXN 64
Templo Mayor was the principal temple of the Aztecs, believed to mark the centre of the universe. It was part of the sacred complex of the ancient city of Tenochtitlan, and today it has been excavated to show the multiple layers of construction. The temple was first built in 1375 and enlarged several times, each rebuilding accompanied by a bloody sacrifice of captured warriors to rededicate the sacred area. Within the site is the excellent Museo del Templo Mayor, displaying artefacts from the original site including a great wheel-like stone carving of the Aztec goddess of the moon, Coyilxauhqui.
Formerly a separate village, San Angel is one of the more charming of Mexico's suburbs, an exclusive neighbourhood with ancient mansions and colonial houses along cobbled streets. It's famed for its Saturday craft market in the pretty Plaza San Jacinto, which brings colour, crowds and a festive atmosphere to the area, and has excellent art and handicrafts for sale. The suburb is crammed with little restaurants and cafes, several museums exhibiting the works of Frida Kahlo and others, and the lovely El Carmen complex consisting of a triple-domed church, a former monastery and a museum. San Angel is surrounded by a volcanic rock bed called the Pedregal. Parts of this unusual landscape have been declared protected areas where visitors can see the endemic flora and fauna.
Zona Rosa Mexico City
The Zona Rosa (Pink Zone) is Mexico City's major dining, nightlife and shopping district, crammed with bars, shops, boutiques, restaurants and hotels. The district has subtly shifted in its appeal recently. Once a fashionable hub for youth and the upper classes, the Zona Rosa is now also frequented by the city's gay community and tourists. The symbol of Mexico City, a gilded statue of Winged Victory, looms above the district and is one of the city's most photographic features. There is accomodation available in the area, but visitors are advised that it can be noisy at night.
Teotihuacan Mexico City
Opening time: Tuesday to Sunday 9am—5pm.
Situated 31 miles (50km) from Mexico City, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Teotihuacan is the country's largest ancient city, dating from around 300 to 600 BC. Legend has it the Aztecs found the abandoned city, recognising signs of its previous magnificence and naming it Teotihuacan (Place of the Gods). The central thoroughfare of Teotihuacan is the Avenue of the Dead, a 1,3 mile (2km) stretch connecting the three main attractions. The Pyramid of the Sun is the third largest in the world, a huge red painted structure over a cave with spectacular views from the top. The smaller, more graceful Pyramid of the Moon contains an altar believed to have been used for religious dancing. The Citadel is a large square complex that was once the residence of the city's ruler. Within the walls is its main feature, the Templo de Quetzalcoatl.
Telephone: +52 59 4956 0276/0052
Chichen Itza Cancun
Opening time: Daily 8am to 4.30pm. Light and sound show begins 7pm (autumn and winter) and 8pm (spring and summer).
Admission: MXN 98, including show. Translation headphones are MXN 25 each.
Chichen Itza, with its famous pyramids and temples, is the Yucatan's most visited ancient Mayan site, set in the jungle and said to have been inhabited for more than 2,000 years. The main attraction at Chichen Itza is the Pyramid of Kukulkan (the plumed serpent god), or El Castillo, a grand pyramid topped by a temple that dominates the site and has been declared one of the 7 New Wonders of the World. Inside the pyramid is a smaller pyramid, the inner sanctum, containing one of the greatest finds on the site, the brilliant red jaguar throne with jade spots, inlaid eyes and real jaguar teeth. Another building of interest is El Caracol, an observatory with slits in the dome aligned with certain astronomical appearances at specific dates.
Getting there: Bus services from Cancun or Playa del Carmen (2.5hrs by bus)
Santo Domingo San Cristobal de las Casas
Santo Domingo is the most beautiful of San Cristóbal's churches, with an intricately carved pink Baroque facade that is especially impressive when lit up at night. The interior is richly decorated and shimmers with gold. The ornate pulpit and golden altarpieces are the main focus of this 16th-century architectural monument. Visitors are welcome at services but should prepare to be scolded by local worshippers if they don't show proper respect. The area in front and around the church is filled each day with craft stalls and village traders and is a great place to find souvenirs like woven blankets, shawls and amber jewellery.
San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan villages San Cristobal de las Casas
These two highland villages are the home of the Tzotzil people, descendants of the ancient Mayans and some of Mexico's most traditional indigenous communities. San Juan Chamula is a centre for religious festivals. The main attraction is the church where, every Sunday, men in loose homespun white woollen ponchos and women in embroidered finery congregate for the weekly market. The typical dress of the Zinacantan villagers is a red and white striped poncho decorated with tassels and a flat, round hat decorated with ribbons. The countryside is dotted with crosses and offerings dedicated to their ancestor gods or the Earth Lord. Visitors should respect the local traditions and customs, with the best way to visit with a local guide.
Palenque San Cristobal de las Casas
The setting for this spectacular ancient Mayan city is splendid, a hauntingly beautiful site engulfed in the endless tropical jungle that bristles with the shrieks of insects. The architecture is fantastic and for many Palenque is the most remarkable of the major Mayan sites. Early morning is the best time to capture the setting at its most photogenic, when swirling vapours encircle the temples and the jungle. The highlight is the tallest and most important of Palenque's buildings, the magnificent Temple of Inscriptions. Constructed on eight levels, the rear interior wall is decorated with panels of Mayan hieroglyphic inscriptions describing the history of Palenque and the temple. There is a museum near the entrance of the site.
The Copper Canyon
The Copper Canyon is a maze of gorges that combine to form six massive interconnected canyons, covering an area four times larger and almost two times deeper than the Grand Canyon. The Copper Canyon Railway climbs some 8,000 feet (2,400m) over the Sierra Madre, before dropping down to the city of Chihuahua, 393 miles (655km) away. It passes through 86 tunnels, crosses 39 bridges and performs a 360 degree loop, winding through some of the country's most magnificent scenery, often huggin the cliff with views of the river far below. The cliffs are home to thousands of Tarahumara, semi-nomads who farm, raise cattle and sell handicrafts. In stark contrast are the Mennonite settlements around Cuauhtemoc, where people sell farm products such as cheese and sausages but otherwise keep themselves out of society.
Guanajuato Mexico City
Guanajuato is a colonial gem, founded around the rich silver deposits discovered by the Spanish in 1558. The city has an unusual layout, crammed into a narrow valley with houses and streets forced into irregular positions due to the naturally hilly topography. Brightly painted houses perch on slopes reached by narrow cobbled alleyways, hidden plazas, steep stairways and underground tunnels. The most narrow, and most visited, alley is the Callejón del Beso (Alley of the Kiss) where the balconies of the leaning houses on either side almost touch each other, a feature in the local romantic legend about furtive lovers exchanging kisses. Every weekend the famous strolling musicians lead processions through the narrow winding alleyways, strumming, singing and telling stories to following crowds.
Getting there: Bus from Mexico City (about four hours).
Creel
The rustic logging town of Creel is the gateway to the Copper Canyon, popular as a starting point for exploring the canyons and Tarahumara Indian country. The Ferrocarril Chihuahua al Pacifico (ChePe) train runs along the main canyon between Chihuahua and Los Mochis. The trip takes about 15 hours, passing through dramatic scenery and several villages. Creel is the largest town in the canyon and offers accommodation, restaurants and tours. Situated high in a valley, the cool mountain air at 7,677 feet (2,340m) makes a pleasant escape from the humidity on the coast.
Isla Mujeres Cancun
Located just a short ferry ride from the resort, Isla Mujeres is a stunning island with quiet villages and beautiful views that make for a great excursion from Cancun. The calm atmosphere is a relaxing break from the bustle of Cancun's busy beaches, and Isla Mujeres offers some excellent restaurants serving freshly-caught seafood. Hidalgo Street in El Centro is the main dining, shopping and entertainment area. Popular activities on Isla Mujeres include lounging on the pretty beaches, swimming with dolphins, snorkelling and scuba diving, exploring the remarkable Underwater Sculpture Museum, swimming with sharks, deep-sea fishing and kayaking. The most popular beaches are on the north and west sides of Isla.
Website: http://www.isla-mujeres.net
Bosque de Chapultepec Mexico City
Bosque de Chapultepec is a truly immense urban park. Mexico's answer to Central Park spans over 686 hectares (1,695 acres), and on any given day is brimming with people. The park is home to boating lakes, monuments, a zoo, playing fields, and Chapultepec Castle. The castle stands on a hill in the centre of the park, housing the Natural History Museum and offering incredible views of the city. There's plenty to see and do in the park, but most people come to relax on lunch breaks or weekends.
Address: Bosque de Chapultepec I Secc, 11100 Mexico City, CDMX, Mexico
Museo Maya Cancun
Cancun's archaeological museum, the Museo Maya, is new, modern and air-conditioned and a visit can be a welcome relief from the heat outside. The museum consists of three large exhibition halls and houses about 350 Mayan artefacts. Artefacts include carvings, pottery, weapons, as well as tools, ritual objects and burial masks. One of the highlights is the 14,000-year-old skeletal remains found in Tulum's underwater caves, greeting visitors as they arrive. The museum is enclosed by landscaped grounds and nestled within are some fascinating Mayan ruins, including a small pyramid. This site, called the San Miguelito Archaeological Site, is possibly the best part of a trip to the museum.
Website: https://www.granmuseodelmundomaya.com.mx
Cancun Beaches Cancun
Cancun is unbeatable when it comes to watersports, sun-lounging and clear blue ocean water, supported by beach bars, restaurants and great tourist facilities. The northern stretch of Mujeres Bay includes the popular Playa Langosta, Playa Las Perlas and Playa Tortugas, all great for watersports, bars and restaurants. Playa Linda is a launching point for boat and dive tours, while Playa Caracol and Punta Cancun are excellent for family fun. East side beaches are breezier with rougher surf. Chac Mool, Playa Marlin, Gaviota Azul and Playa Ballenas are ideal for parasailing and windsurfing, while Punta Nizuc and Playa Delfines are perfect for a day of sand and surf. The best dive sites lie between Cancun and Isla Mujeres, at the colourful reefs of El Tunel, Grampin, Chuchos and Largo. The Cancun Underwater Museum (MUSA) is also a fantastic option for divers.
Yucatan Peninsula
The atmosphere of the Yucatan Peninsula is more relaxed and tranquil. It's an area famed for white sandy beaches, magnificent offshore coral reefs and diving opportunities on the Caribbean Coast, as well as for the region's splendid ruins and extraordinary Mayan temples. Visitors can explore tropical jungles, a hot countryside dotted with Mayan villages and a superb coastline with popular resorts and islands such as Cancun and Cozumel. There are also numerous archaeological sites and colonial towns. Taxis are the preferred way to get around the resort areas while there are frequent ferry services to Cozumel and Mujeres.
La Paz
The holiday retreat of La Paz is the laid-back capital of Baja California Sur, known for its stunning sunsets, beaches and colonial architecture. The most romantic feature in the city is the waterfront promenade, festooned with dining and nightlife spots stretching for several kilometres along sandy beaches. The region boasts astonishing plant and animal life, the varied and dramatic geology of the inland deserts, mountains and oases. Beautiful unspoilt offshore islands offer hiking, as well as amazing diving and snorkelling from pristine beaches with dolphins, sea lions and gigantic whale sharks. The islands are the destination of kayakers, sailors and boat cruises, and the bay is a popular yachting stopover. La Paz is a fisherman's paradise and its international fishing competitions are world-famous. There's also no shortage of upmarket boutiques and high fashion stores for those with a penchant for shopping.
Public Holidays in Mexico
2023
2024
New Year's Day (Año Nuevo)
Mon. January 1
Mon. January 1
Constitution Day (Día de la Constitución)
Mon. February 5
Mon. February 5
Benito Juárez's birthday
Wed. March 20
Mon. March 18
Labour Day
Wed. May 1
Wed. May 1
Independence Day
Mon. September 16
Mon. September 16
Revolution Day
Wed. November 20
Mon. November 18
Christmas Day
Wed. December 25
Wed. December 25
Good Friday
Sun. April 7
Fri. March 29
Port of Call - Acapulco
Acapulco Bay Photo credit: Mitrush
Acapulco is a popular cruise port for ships sailing anywhere on the Pacific coast between Panama and San Francisco. The town itself sits on a beautiful stretch of beach in a semi-circular bay that has offered deepwater berths for ships since the 16th century. Today Acapulco's port function has been overtaken by its popularity as a sun-and-sand holiday destination, appealing to Mexican and overseas visitors in equal measure. Apart from the usual resort pastimes, like dancing and tanning, Acapulco offers the world-famous La Perla cliff divers and an attractive old town that's well worth exploring.
Cruise ships in Acapulco berth at the rather unattractive Acapulco terminal in the north of the bay, near Costera Miguel Aleman. There are good facilities here, including tourist information, internet access, shopping and taxis, and the old town is only 15 minutes' walk away.
Shopping in Acapulco
Head to the open-air market near the Plaza Bahia for handicrafts such as jewellery and leather gear. The Mercado Parazal is also good for souvenirs. Bargaining is expected and necessary! The streets of the Zona Dorada (Golden Zone) are lined with designer boutiques; for Acapulco's biggest mall make a beeline to Le Gran Plaza on the edge of town.
Dining in Acapulco
La Casa de la Pasta - the best Italian food in Acapulco.
Zibu - a blend of Mexican and Thai food with great views of Puerto Marques.
Su Casa - a friendly restaurant with city views that serves Mexican cuisine and good seafood.
Things to do in Acapulco
Take a sunset catamaran cruise into the bay
Go swimming with dolphins
Catch a glass bottomed boat ride to Roquetta Island
Take a tour to Laguna de Tres Palos swamp
Tee off at one of four championship quality golf courses
Wesbite: http://www.introacapulco.com
Port of Call - Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas Bay Photo credit: Stan Shebs
Located on the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula, Cabo San Lucas is a well-developed beach resort and port of call that boasts many attractions for cruise passengers. The picturesque sandy beaches and idyllic weather make the resort a paradise for watersports and other outdoor pursuits. Cabo San Lucas is a wildly popular holiday destination, and has developed a bit of a reputation for being 'Americanised', as dollars are widely accepted and nearly everyone speaks English. The resort also attracts a young and lively college crowd that ensures all the local restaurants and cantinas are always buzzing. Although it may not be the best place to get a taste of authentic Mexican culture, it's a glorious resort with many fun beach activities and great restaurants and night spots. For those who prefer something a little more traditional, San Jose del Cabo, the resort town right next door, is more quaint and laid-back.
Cruise ships in Cabo San Lucas
drop anchor just offshore and ferry passengers to the Tender Pier, conveniently located in downtown Cabo.
Shopping in Cabo San Lucas
There's plenty of shopping to be done in Cabo San Lucas; most of it is of the tacky t-shirt variety, but determined shoppers will unearth some unique souvenirs from Cabo. Puerto Paraiso Shopping and Entertainment Plaza and the adjacent Marina Cabo San Lucas have many shops and a festive atmosphere, while the high-end boutiques in Shoppes At Palmilla offer beautiful (if expensive) art, jewellery and handcrafts.
Dining in Cabo San Lucas
Los Tres Gallos - authentic Mexican food with a gourmet touch.
La Dolce - Italian restaurant with Mexican charm.
Cabo Blue - American-style bar and grill with burgers and chicken wings for reasonable prices.
Things to do in Cabo San Lucas
Charter a boat to go sport fishing for marlin, sailfish, tuna, dorado and wahoo
Learn to surf from professional instructors
Go snorkelling and whale-watching at El Arco Beach
Take a Mexican cooking class from the Casa de Colores School
Play a round of golf at one of Cabo's ten golf courses
Los Cabos Convention & Visitors Bureau Tel: +52 624 143 5531 Website: http://www.visitloscabos.travel
Port of Call - Cancun
Cancun Photo credit: Irving Huertas
Cancun, the premiere tourist city in Mexico, is a combination of two areas: the city centre inland, and the resort centre which sports a line of towering hotels flanked by aqua water and white sand beaches. Cancun is full of resort-style fun, the best of which includes visits to the many picturesque beaches and golf courses which are all similarly idyllic. Cancun cruises usually don't actually stop at Cancun but instead farther south at Calica, also called Playa Del Carmen, which is about an hour's drive, located 41 miles (66 kilometers) from the city. Calica can berth two cruise liners and cruises that stop at the city of Cancun anchor far offshore with long tender rides to a small pier. Cruise excursions also arrive from Cozumel.
Shopping in Cancun
With six huge and modern shopping complexes and hundreds of stores shopping can be overwhelming. A popular place for local souvenirs instead of designer fashion is one of three markets, the largest being Market 28 also called mercado veintiocho.
Dining in Cancun
Peter's Restaurante - good Mexican food at reasonable prices
Fantino - Fine dining at the Ritz Carlton
Captain's Cove - Laid back deck seating with great views
Things to do in Cancun
Visit Cozumel
Explore the Xcaret park
Visit Puerto Morelos
Enjoy the Isla Mujeres
Tel: +52 998 8812745 Email: cvb@cancun.travel Website: http://www.cancun.travel/en/ The tourism office can be found at the Cancun Center
Port of Call - Cozumel
Cruise ships at Cozumel Photo credit: John Ashley
Cozumel still retains clear blue water, thick jungle and some of its character as an out of the way Mexican fishing island despite its recent reincarnation as a major cruise hub. The island's most well known activities include some of the world's top dive sites on renowned coral reefs, and leisurely strolls in the island's one town, San Miguel. Cruise ships in Cozumel dock in one of three locations: the farthest from downtown is Puerta Maya, a bit farther south than TMM International Pier, both of which are about a seven minute ride from San Miguel; and Punta Langosta Pier, which is within walking distance. When all the berths are full, anchored ships can tender passengers to the docks at Punta Langosta.
Shopping in Cozumel
Shoppers have a large choice of boutique shops and souvenir stores clustered in the central square of San Miguel and near the waterfront. Goods are usually less expensive than just across the water in Cancun or other mainland cruise ports.
Dining in Cozumel
Coconuts Bar and Grill - A remote feel with sea and jungle scenery and great views.
Wet Wendy's - Cheerful and relaxed bar popular with locals and famous for margaritas.
Especias Restaurante - fun and family-friendly Mexican fusion restaurant.
Things to do in Cozumel
Jump over to nearby Cancun
Ride a dune buggy
Sail in a catamaran voyage
Website: http://www.cozumel.travel/en/
Port of Call - Mazatlan
Mazatlan Bay Photo credit: eutrophication&hypoxia
Mazatlan is a working commercial port moonlighting as a tourist beach haven: it's often a one-day stop on Mexican Riviera cruises. Despite its port industry and status as a wildly popular beach resort, Mazatlan retains the ambiance of a colonial fishing town. Although mega-resorts specialising in all-inclusive package holidays line its long beaches, Mazatlan still has a historic colonial city centre, most apparent in Plaza Machado at the heart of Old Town. An iconic waterfront walkway and the breathtaking spectacle of cliff divers plunging into the sea add to the charm but the miles of beaches are what lure most visitors.
Cruises in Mazatlan dock at a primarily commercial port and connect to the cruise terminal by a free tram. The cruise terminal has a small shopping area and taxis for a ten-minute ride into the city centre.
Shopping in Mazatlan
The Golden Zone is an aptly named golden opportunity for souvenir and knick knack shopping and is made for tourists. Old Mazatlan has slightly more authentic markets where crafts can be purchased. A shopping mall, La Gran Plaza, offers any modern necessities including a supermarket.
Dining in Mazatlan
Topolo - popular for fine dining and good seafood.
Carlos & Lucia's - a casual diner with Mexican and Cuban flair.
Pancho's - Mexican seafood restaurant right on the beach.
Things to do in Mazatlan
Golf on top designed courses
Go back in time in the abandoned town Copala
Kayak to nearby islands
Off-road in dune buggies
Cruise into the sunset
The main tourist office is on 100 Rodolfo Loaiza St Tel: +52 669 913 8181 Website: http://www.gomazatlan.com
Port of Call - Playa del Carmen (Calica)
Playa del Carmen Photo credit: Brad Nelson
The port of Calica in Playa del Carmen is located on the Yucatan Peninsula. It is a beautiful destination where many cruise passengers stop to enjoy the lovely white stretch of coast. There are ancient Mayan ruins dating back to the 13th century, verdant jungle, and miles of sandy beaches. It's no surprise the port of Calica is so popular.
Playa del Carmen offers enough shopping, dining and fun excursions and activities to satisfy just about any traveller. A day onshore can be spent lounging on the beach, enjoying various watersports or a scuba diving trip, or perusing the numerous shops and sampling traditional Mexican fare in the restaurants.
Cruise ships dock at the small port of Calica which is located about five miles (8km) south of Playa del Carmen, with many passengers also choosing to be ferried across from the port of Cozumel.
Shopping in Playa del Carmen (Calica)
Playa del Carmen is a shopping paradise, especially when it comes to silver jewellery! Haggling is common in most market places. Just outside the dock is the south end of 5th Avenue, a pedestrian-only thoroughfare where many of the town's shops and restaurants are located. The dock is next to Playa del Carmen's main square, where stalls selling cold drinks and slices of fresh tropical fruit can be found, as well as an outdoor centre with shops and restaurants. Many of these are American chain stores though and tourist shops which all seem to stock the same clutter and souvenirs, such as Carlos 'n Charlie's and Senor Frog's.
Dining in Playa del Carmen (Calica)
Passion by Martin Berasategui - exceptional fine dining, offering tasting menus with Spanish flair. It's not cheap, but it's an incredible dining experience.
El Fogon Restaurant - a cheap and delicious taste of local Mexican cuisine.
Mayan Bistro - traditional Mayan style food, in a relaxed atmosphere. They serve breakfast too.
Once a bustling trading post for the Mayan civilization, most of the commerce happening today in Puerto Costa Maya comes from the city's status as a popular port of call on Caribbean cruises in Mexico. Mexico's newest port, Puerto Costa Maya is the first port on Mexico's Caribbean Coast to have been built exclusively for cruise ships and cruise holiday visitors. Situated on the Yucatan Peninsula near the fishing village of Majahual, Puerto Costa Maya is the fastest growing cruise port in the Caribbean and consists of three grand pavilions in the style of ancient Maya.
Known as a site for good beaches, lush subtropical jungles, and fascinating ancient ruins, Puerto Costa Maya is frequented by nearly a dozen popular cruise lines. The commercial, cultural and entertainment centre offers dining, shopping and recreational facilities, a swimming pool and swim-up bar, local performances in the amphitheatre, as well as art and craft galleries
showcasing the region's local artists and their art - a lot to enjoy on holiday. The infrastructure has been carefully designed to meet the special needs of cruise ship passengers.
Beyond the pavilions, Costa Maya provides access to undeveloped areas of coastline, colourful reefs and shipwrecks for diving and snorkelling, and the chance to explore ancient Mayan sites. Puerto Costa Maya tour operators offer dune buggy tours, trips to Mayan sites like Kohunlich and Dzibanche, and kayak adventures along the coast. Free shuttles transport passengers regularly between the pier complex and their ships.
Shopping in Puerto Costa Maya
Passengers alighting from cruise ships in Puerto Costa Maya are carried by shuttle to the Mayan-inspired port complex, which boasts 70,000 square feet (6,503sq m) of shops and a bazaar. Shoppers should beware of apparently silver jewellery, as much of it is actually only silver-plated. Bargaining is expected, and prices listed with the $ symbol are in Mexican pesos, while US Dollar prices are listed as US$ or USD.
Dining in Puerto Costa Maya
Tropicante Ameri-Mex Grill - American- and Mexican-style food on the beachfront.
Leaky Palapa - Good wine and high quality cuisine.
Things to do in Puerto Costa Maya
Tour the Mayan ruins at Chacchoben and Kohunlich
Snorkel the coral reefs at Banco Chinchorro
Hire an ATV and drive to the town of Mahahual
Relax and soak up the sun at Uvero Beach
Take a zipline canopy tour of the Bacalar Lagoon
Costa Maya Tourism
Tel: +52 (983) 834 5666
Website: http://www.puertocostamaya.com
Port of Call - Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta Photo credit: Pat Strosahl
Puerto Vallarta, on the Mexican Rivera, is book-ended by tall luxury resorts and a long line of white sand beach but in its centre there are charming colonial buildings and the remnants of a sleepy fishing town. The most popular activities are watersports on any part of the Golden Zone, a resorty stretch of sand. The Old Town is an attractive district for sightseeing and the perusal of some picturesque colonial architecture.
A new Maritime Terminal, built in 2007, can berth up to three cruise liners although sometimes a fourth has to anchor in the bay and tender passengers to the terminal. The terminal is three miles north of the city and has a host of tourist facilities such as shops, restaurants, and information centres. Transportation can easily be found to the city centre and the Old Town can be comfortably explored on foot.
Shopping in Puerto Vallarta
Several American-style shopping complexes can be found near the cruise terminal but better shopping is available in the city centre. In the Old Town and just off the Melicon visitors will discover the best souvenir shopping in authentic Mexican style markets. A swarm of art galleries are available all over town, many of them offering crafts from all over the country.
Dining in Puerto Vallarta
Teatro Limon - fine dining in a friendly atmosphere.
Casa Isabel - Mexican fusion with fantastic views.
Tacos Panchos - cheap and cheerful taco joint open for dinner.
Things to do in Puerto Vallarta
Drinking tequila in Tequila City.
Gliding through the trees on a canopy tour.
Whale watching in a sleek boat.
Horseback riding in the hillsides.
Relax in small town Sayulita.
Tel: +52 322 222 09 23 Website: http://www.visitpuertovallarta.com Email: info@visitpuertovallarta.com A tourism office is located in the Presidencia Municipal building downtown.
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At the Riviera Maya Edition at Kanai, just outside Cancún, you'll find both style and substance. Vogue pays a visit to the stylish new design hotel here
In recent weeks, American travelers to some of the busiest international destinations during spring vacation have been urged by the State Department to exercise extra caution
The territory of Texas was in the northern region of Mexico known as Coahuila y Tejas. Rebel forces in Texas wanted independence from Mexico. The Mexican government saw Texas as an important bulwark against the territorial expansion of the United States. Lieutenant Colonel William Barret Travis was in charge of the old mission fort known as the Alamo. Defenders began to arrive from all over the United States and its territories
Mexico City International Airport on Tuesday said airlines have canceled 22 domestic and international flights to carry out safety checks after planes encountered ash from the Popocatepetl volcano while flying toward the capital
Old-world glamour meets an earthy ethos in Mérida, one of my favorite cities in Mexico. I first dipped my toe into Mérida during a solo backpacking trip in 2017. Back then, the city was not yet a "rising destination," and still a far cry from the beach hot spots that dominate the tourist scene
At the AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Maya, Room rates start at $642 per person per night and include all the five-star food, top-shelf drinks, and wild times you can cram in during your stay. But given that a budget stay in Cancun can be had for much less is the Grand Velas worth
The best adults-only all-inclusive resorts in Mexico provide grown-ups with everything they need for the ultimate worry-free getaway. Here's where to stay in 2024
Two men stranded in the Gulf of Mexico live to see another day after being rescued by a Carnival Cruise Line ship on Monday, according to a press release
When real estate developer Octavio Aguilar saw the decadent Mexico City mansion at Luis G Urbino 84, home to only two families since it was built in the 1940s, he knew it would be a hotel, his hotel
It’s no surprise that Mexico continues to be one of the top-selling international destinations for U.S. travelers. It’s one of the top 10 most-visited countries in the world, according to the World Tourism Organization, and the U.S. accounts for a majority of it
MSC Cruises today welcomed its fifth US-based ship, the Fantasia-class MSC Divina, to her new homeport in Miami. Beginning this weekend, MSC Divina will sail a variety of itineraries to the Caribbean, Central America—and Mexico—including 3-day trips to Nassau and MSC’s private island
Mexico's newest commercial airline, due to be run by the military, is set to launch later this month using military aircraft after a deal to lease planes fell through, local media reported on Wednesday
The Eighteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution was passed in 1919, over the veto of President Woodrow Wilson. Under pressure from religious and other temperance groups, the manufacture and consumption of alcoholic beverages became illegal. Almost immediately, millions of Americans became criminals.
Distilleries and breweries in the neighboring countries of Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean flourished and organized crime grew stronger with the illegal trade and the violence that is an inevitable consequence of
From family-friendly properties perfect for kids to adults-only stays that are great for weddings and honeymoons, these are the best all-inclusive resorts in Los Cabos, Mexico
The small town of Todos Santos, Mexico, which is just an hour north of Los Cabos on the Pacific Ocean side, has become a culinary haven thanks to its incredible seafood. And one of the town’s most notable hotels
Want spa treatments, day lounging by the pool, or free-flowing drinks? Here's how to book the best all-inclusive resorts in Mexico for your next warm weather vacation
The new Travel Lemming guide features a ranking of the 50 best places to travel in 2024, with a focus on slow travel. The top destinations include Yucatan, Mexico and Gizo, Solomon Islands
Hurricane Otis has some travelers concerned about their planned trips to Acapulco or nearby destinations. There are no direct flights to Acapulco from the Bay Area, and most of the passengers are flying into Mexico City first
Looking for the best things to do in Cozumel, Mexico? From Scuba Diving to chocolate tasting these are the top things to do on your next Cozumel vacation
This is your guide to the best hotels in the word, whether you're looking for luxury villas in Europe, Caribbean resorts, or beachside bungalows in Mexico
Puerto Vallarta is one of the most sought-after destinations in Mexico. Having registered a record increase in tourism this year and high occupancy rates from January through July, it looks set for an even hotter fall as demand for off-season vacays grows. According to Sectur, Mexico’s leading Tourism Authority, Vallarta
Mexico’s popularity as a tourist destination keeps increasing year after year as more travelers are drawn to the pristine coastal nature of its Pacific coast and the Caribbean-bounded Yucatán peninsula’s world-class amenities
When it comes to cities that I’ll return to over and over again no matter what travel plans I have slated, Mexico City tops the list. The city has a magnetism to it—its stunning architecture, endless food options, and plentiful museums have annually called me back since
Los Cabos is one of the hottest destinations in Mexico right now. This popular beach destination has been breaking all-time tourism records in 2023, and it’s easier than ever to travel there thanks to expanded flight connectivity from the United States. American
Is there ever a bad time to go to Mexico City? Probably not. This sprawling megacity has seen millions of happy tourists visit this year. While many travelers clear out their schedule during summer, the fall season is the perfect time to escape to Ciudad de Mexico. The
The eclipse will pass over Mexico, the United States, and Canada on April 8, 2024. Here in the States, the eclipse will begin in Texas, traveling through cities within Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New
Mexican railroad operator Ferromex has temporarily suspended operations of 60 trains on northbound routes, the company said on Tuesday, after nearly half a dozen deaths or injuries of migrants using the cargo trains to travel. Ferromex, owned by conglomerate Grupo Mexico
Two Tampa women are stranded in Mexico after a hit-and-run on scooters. Now, their families are desperate to bring them home. Maria Ortega said her daughter, Natalia and Natalia's partner, Ashley, left on Monday for their first cruise together from Port of Tampa. The next day, Ortega received a call
Santa Fe, New Mexico, is known for its thriving arts scene, which includes museums and art galleries as well as music, dancing, and opera performances. Then again, it’s also recognized for being home to some of the best mountain biking and hiking trails in the country. Now, leveraging its location in
Cabo San Lucas, nestled at the tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula, beckons travelers with promises of sun-kissed beaches, vibrant nightlife and a rich tapestry of experiences waiting to be explored. Beyond its natural beauty and bustling streets, Cabo boasts a collection of exceptional luxury
If you’re dreaming of an idyllic Mexican getaway this fall, yet you’re still not entirely sure where to go for a relaxing atmosphere and pristine beaches, perhaps it’s this trendy coastal resort – the fastest-growing one in Mexico – you should consider. For the first time in History, Los
Tulum’s municipality has been honored with the title of the Best Beach Destination in Mexico and Central America. The accolade was announced on Sunday by Tulum’s Dirección General de Turismo y Economía
Carnival Cruise Line has detailed 2025-26 itineraries from Galveston. Carnival Jubilee, Dream, and Breeze will offer guests four to eight-day itineraries that explore the Caribbean and Mexico. Dream and Breeze already homeport at the Port of Galveston, but they
When it comes to picture-perfect island getaways, the Caribbean consistently tops the list as one of the world’s best regions to visit. This region of more than 700 islands scattered across the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico is known around the
Ely MacInnes and her husband, Tom, began traveling in the western United States with their 85-pound mutt, Alaska, in March 2020. Driving and living in an R.V., they visited White Sands and Petrified Forest National Parks in New Mexico and Arizona before heading to California, Oregon and Washington. They
Tijuana’s claim to fame is being the Most Visited Border City in the world. While this sprawling underrated city does receive a ton of tourism, most of it comes from foot traffic. Being the most visited border crossing in the world, these tourism statistics are heavily inflated by border
Two sisters allegedly smuggled close to 5 kilograms of cocaine in their luggage last month while taking a week-long cruise from Miami through Mexico and the Caribbean, a report from a federal investigator says. According to a criminal complaint filed by a U.S. Department
We may all have our own personal favorites, but most travelers can agree when they visit a destination that is truly awesome. For Americans, Mexico will always be one of those places – a country packed with stunning scenery, incredible food, and a vibrant culture
Travel + Leisure CEO Michael Brown, joins ‘Power Lunch’ to discuss the current state of the travel market, where demand is highest in Brown’s business, and safety concerns in Mexico
The heat of summer is taking over, meaning there is no better time to book a beach escape! However, some places have skyrocketed in costs. Los Cabos, for example, is averaging $600 per night for hotel rooms. But don’t let that deter you from the rest
Cancún International Airport (CUN) is Mexico’s second busiest airport by passenger traffic after Mexico City International (MEX). In 2021, it became the tenth busiest airport in the world for the number of international passengers (13.2 million) that enplaned and deplaned
Amid the surge in demand for international travel, Mexico continues to soar in popularity, easily claiming the spot of the most-visited country among Americans. Despite their love for Mexico, with its laid-back atmosphere, and incredible culture, one of the things that persists at the
There’s no such thing as low season anymore. With travel demand sky-high, travelers are flocking to all destinations, regardless of the weather. Recently, I stumbled upon Cancun as an ideal summer destination. Granted, it’s hurricane season and beaches are covered in
Mexico remains one of the hottest vacation destinations in the world for American travelers. In 2019, the last year before the pandemic, some 40 million Americans visited Mexico. Now demand for Mexican travel continues to increase, and many airlines
News of a couple dying earlier this month in a luxury hotel in Mexico due to a possible gas leak has reason to rattle travelers all over the world. And although it turned out that neither gas nor carbon monoxide was to blame for the deaths, the case has
Two Americans were found dead this week at an oceanfront hotel in Baja California Sur, authorities said. In a statement posted on Facebook on Thursday, the Mexican state’s attorney general’s office wrote that there were not signs of violence, but that the
If you’ve checked into one of the 44 luxurious Rosewood hotels around the world lately, you may have noticed—beyond the dedicated butlers and high-end linens monogrammed with guests’ initials—a commitment to doing good during your stay. In Mexico’s Riviera Maya
Margaritaville has officially opened its first adults-only all-inclusive resort, the Margaritaville Beach Resort Riviera Maya, in Mexico. Debuting on June 1, the property offers 355 suites, each with a furnished private balcony or terrace; five restaurants, including a JWB Steakhouse; an
Throughout Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, tens of thousands of natural swimming holes, called cenotes, beckon travelers and locals, especially on warmer days. These natural limestone sinkholes are filled with cool waters that make them ideal for swimming, snorkeling
Seagulls cried overhead as I glided across miles of glistening waters somewhere between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. The sky melted into the teal sea, which turned turquoise as it shallowed into channels between the coral and limestone islands. It was a tableau
In New Mexico, chiles are serious business. So serious, in fact, they’re now written into the law of the land. As of March 2023, ‘roasting green chile’ is now the official scent of New Mexico. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed the bill, making New Mexico the first state in
Los Cabos is the fastest-recovering destination in Mexico, having outpaced the likes of Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, and Mexico City in year-on-year growth. Last year alone, it hosted 3.5 million tourists, 25% more than the previous year. Cancun’s record-setting figures are still hard
Carnival Dream‘s crew helped rescue 17 people in the Belize Channel on Wednesday after their boat capsized. The Carnival cruise ship was en route towards Cozumel, Mexico when officers spotted the capsized boat. Captain Francesco Fiorentino’s officers and crew immediately notified the Belize Coast
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a travel advisory after some U.S. residents were diagnosed with suspected fungal meningitis infections following medical or surgical procedures in Mexico. The infections were contracted after procedures in Matamoros, which is located on the Texas
Cabo is a popular destination in Mexico known for its many sprawling hotels and all-inclusive resorts. But if you’re looking for a more intimate, boutique place to stay, there are also plenty of options to choose from in Cabo. Boutique hotels are perfect for travelers who are
Mention you’re heading to Zihuatanejo and cornball dad jokes about Shawshank will ensue (the infamous final beach scene of the classic movie is set in the Mexican beach town). But there is nothing corny or cringe about Thompson Zihuatanejo. Lovebirds seem to flock to
These tried-and-tested tips will help you make the most of your experience at Albuquerque’s International Balloon Fiesta. “WHOOSH, WHOOSH, WHOOOOOSH!” This is the arresting soundtrack of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, accompanied by a
It was only this week that Marriott’s brand count rose to 31. That will soon swell to 32 in just a few weeks. The world’s largest hotel company officially acquired Mexico’s City Express chain of affordably priced hotels, Marriott announced Monday. But Marriott isn’t done
On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will travel across a 115-mile-wide sliver of sky from Mexico’s west coast, across the United States, and out to sea via eastern Canada. Hotels with a view of this interstellar marvel are quickly booking up, but we found eight charming and
Hollywood might have put Puerto Vallarta on the map back in the 60s, but today it’s as glamorous, striking, and magnetic as ever. With a prized location between the cinematic Sierra Madre Mountains and the horseshoe-shaped Banderas Bay on Mexico’s Pacific
NPR's Ailsa Chang speaks with How to LA podcast host Brian De Los Santos about his recent trip to Mexico, his country of birth. It was his first time back in 30 years
Since the start of 2023, the U.S. Department of State has issued travel advisories for Mexico and four other countries in Central America due to crime. The State Department says Americans should reconsider travel to Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Jamaica and El Salvador, popular
Now that international travel has resumed and Americans are back to flocking into the Mexican Caribbean for their sunny breaks, the region is experiencing a major resurgence as a tourist destination — so much so that one of its most popular beaches is now expected to
The U.S. State Department is sending out a Spring Break travel alert for Mexico following a string of kidnappings and violent crimes. Not everyone is heeding the warnings. Sahaja Lego is planning a tour in Colima. That's one of six Mexico states the U.S. government has on a
Over the past couple of months, Mexico has gotten a lot of attention over its recent travel advisories issued by the US State Department, which mainly advises American travelers to exercise increased caution when traveling to the Latin American country. While this has sparked
From early morning breakfast-on-the-run to late-night bites overflowing with toppings, the world of Mexican cuisine is truly dizzying. Known as antojitos, its street foods are usually fast, savory, handheld bites or meals that can be taken on the go. Many of the dishes are cooked at
Recent reports of violent crime in parts of Mexico may have caused a media furor in the U.S., but contrary to popular belief and what the latest travel advisories would have you believe, the country’s major urban centers and resort strips are still perfectly safe to visit
A U.S. tourist was reportedly shot while vacationing at a popular Mexico spring break area, where the State Department has been warning Americans to "exercise increased caution due to crime and kidnapping." The tourist, who has not been publicly identified, was shot in the leg
After recently announcing that it is adding new seasonal service from New York to Buenos Aires and Rio de Janerio, Delta Air Lines is now further expanding its service to Latin America and the Caribbean. The Atlanta-based carrier has unveiled plans to add more seasonal flights
The Mexican Caribbean is such a wildly popular destination it’s hard to believe there are any untouched gems left to explore locally. From Cancun’s action-packed Hotel Zone to Lake Bacalar’s boutique luxury hotels, busy beaches and crowded tourist attractions have become
Americans may be flying abroad in record numbers this year now that international borders have reopened and restrictions have been dropped, but a majority of them still have their hearts set on Mexico, or the cobblestone, fairytale towns of Europe. While Mexico is
For travelers looking to get a head-start on booking holiday season travel, your list of warm-weather options for just got a bit longer. Delta recently announced an increase in its flight capacity to Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean for the 2023 holiday season. The 20%
Following the recent spike in gang activity across Mexico, several of Mexico’s tourist destinations have been ramping up security efforts so that tourists remain safe. After neighboring Cancun launched its own operation against crime, it’s now Tulum’s turn to strengthen its zero
I heard about the Americans who were kidnapped recently in Mexico near the U.S. border, and I’ve been reading a lot of news about an increase in crime in Mexico in general. Now I’m worried about my spring-break plans to Baja. I’ll probably still go—but I’m worried. Is the
The Texas Department of Public Safety warned Americans to skip spring break vacations in Mexico, noting that ongoing violence poses a significant safety threat. The warning —which adds to State Department advisories not to travel to large swathes of the country — comes in
March is here, which means many Americans are planning spring break trips. Ahead of the busy travel season, the U.S. Department of State is warning about visiting certain vacation hotspots, especially in Mexico. Last month, the State Department
Even though spring break is in full force, the State Department is warning travelers against heading to the popular destination of Mexico. The State Department's current travel warnings to several states in Mexico, advise travelers to flat out avoid certain places due to crime and
Cancun is a city that was built for tourists and is one of the most popular destinations in Mexico for Americans. The city has built up the infrastructure to support and cater to the millions of tourists it hosts each year. It is easily accessible, affordable, and a great place to relax during the day and
After four Americans were violently kidnapped, and two them were brutally murdered in Matamoros, Mexico, some travelers are wondering if the country is safe for Americans heading to spring break. The border city is just 20 minutes from Brownsville, Texas. It is the latest stark
Despite safety concerns, in Mexico where four people were kidnapped, travel agents in North Texas said they continue to see an uptick in people traveling for Spring Break and ahead of summertime. People are making their way out the country ahead of warmer temperatures. "Travel is back and
The territory of Texas was in the northern region of Mexico known as Coahuila y Tejas. Rebel forces in Texas wanted independence from Mexico. The Mexican government saw Texas as an important bulwark against the
Destin is a charming city located in Okaloosa County, in the northwest part of Florida. Known as the "world's luckiest fishing village" due to its long history of fishing and abundance of fish in the Gulf of Mexico, this area maintains its small-town feel and vibrant cultural roots. Speaking of
In 2008, when Playa Viva opened five biophilic hotel rooms on a 200-acre reserve between the Pacific Ocean and the purple Sierra Madre range, it rewilded a barren site and began to offer support to communities in the nearby village of Juluchuca for education, health care
With its warm climate, beautiful beaches and proximity to the U.S., Mexico is a popular tourist destination for many Americans. However, recent incidents may have some people wondering if
With its warm climate, beautiful beaches and proximity to the U.S., Mexico is a popular tourist destination for many Americans. However, recent incidents may have some people wondering if they should reconsider their travel plans. During the past few months, taxi drivers have been
Mexico has no shortage of beautiful spots for a fantastic vacation, but Riviera Maya should be high up on every vacationer's list. Settled on the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, Riviera Maya boasts pristine beaches with sparkling Caribbean water and lush jungle landscapes with the
They might be 6,200 miles apart, but visitors to the quaint Mexican pueblo of Chipilo could be forgiven for thinking that they ended up near Venice, Italy. But it’s not for the miles and miles of canals; those simply don’t exist. Nor is it for an overabundance of cats, Venice’s most
Ahead of the busy winter break and spring break travel season, the U.S. Department of State has issued a “do not travel” warning for parts of Mexico. In the department’s most recent update, it issued a “do not travel” warning for six states because of an increased risk of crime and kidnapping, mainly related to drug cartel activity. The six states with a “do not travel” warning are Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa
Traveling to Mexico is far from ideal right now, according to the US government. In addition to a Cancun travel warning that remains in place, the State Department has issued several other restrictions for US citizens that are especially timely as the spring break travel season
If you have upcoming spring break plans for Mexico, the State Department is strongly advising you reconsider travel to more than a handful of Mexican states that are reporting increased threats of "crime and kidnapping." The U.S. recently issued its highest-level warning for areas
Large amounts of sargassum, a type of seaweed, typically wash up on the beaches in Mexico’s state of Quintana Roo for several months each year. While sargassum is still expected to arrive this year, new research calls for less of the smelly seaweed to reach the shoreline and bother
Mexico has heaps of sunny beaches, dazzling colonial towns, and intriguing historical sites, but it also has tons of tourists who flock to the same-old locales, creating the kinds of crowds and over-tourism issues many of us are trying to avoid. While better-known places like Cabo San Lucas
Turmoil among taxi drivers in Cancún. Airports shuttered amid gang violence in Sinaloa. Safety alerts from the U.S. Embassy. A number of recent security incidents have raised concerns about the risks of traveling to Mexico, where more than 20 million tourists flew last year to visit the
Mexico City has grown in popularity. With LA-like weather and the hustle spirit of NYC, it’s no wonder travelers are flocking to this city. If you’re planning your 2023 travels and experiencing luxury is on your list, then check out Sofitel Mexico City Reforma. As a digital nomad who spent a
Smokers in Mexico will find fewer places to light up under strict new anti-tobacco measures the country rolled out this month. Changes to a tobacco control law went into effect Jan. 15, expanding on existing rules to prohibit smoking in public places. The measures now include no
Meet Michael Darko, a British-born Ghanaian currently based between London and Mexico City, and the founder of Farringdon Jets. For as long as he can remember, Darko has always had a passion for aviation. However, since joining the UK’s Royal Air Force Cadets as a teen, life took him down a
When it comes to travel in Latin America, several countries like Mexico or Costa Rica are extremely popular and draw in millions of tourists per year, but what about underrated destinations? Mexico set a new record for international tourists in 2022, attracting crowds who flock to the country’s
Hyatt is well-known for their hotels and resorts spread around the world. Part of their offerings are several all-inclusive brands; most of which are located in Mexico and the Caribbean. However, below are all-inclusive resorts in a variety of places including the United States and the Indian
The recently remodeled Corazón tower at the Corazón Cabo Resort & Spa brings affordable luxury and upscale Mexican fiesta vibes to the very center of Cabo San Lucas, located at the tip of Baja California, a direct, non-stop flight from New York City, Dallas, Los Angeles, and other major US
Deciding between Cozumel vs. Cancun? Though Cancun is a fun beach destination, there are a lot of things to see and do on the island of Cozumel! Travelers can have a barrel-full of fun in the sun while vacationing in Cozumel, a fun island in Mexico with beautiful beaches and
The date may still seem far off, but if you enjoy watching celestial events, you’ll want to circle Saturday, October 14, 2023, on your calendar. And here’s the best part: You won’t even need to stay up late, wake up early, or get up in the middle of the night. On October 14, 2023, an
With an increasingly more internationalized Cancun and a busy, ridiculously overpriced Tulum, have you ever wondered where locals go for their yearly break in Mexico? In this article, we bring you the top 5 Mexican beach destinations Mexicans love the most, known for their
Whether it’s bragging rights, promotional rates, or the thrill of christening yet-uncovered corners, staying in a new hotel offers plenty of benefits. Luckily, 2023 will have exciting hotel openings for every traveler on every budget, everywhere, from Marrakech to Mexico and Belize
If the past two years are any indication, 2023 will be both exciting and tumultuous for family travelers. Gas prices surged and the economy wobbled in 2022, but we collectively embraced the relaxing of COVID-19 restrictions in family vacation spots around the U.S., Mexico, Europe
If you’ve been dreaming of setting sail for crystal blue waters, white sand beaches, and lots of adventures, then Disney Cruise Line plans to make that come true. It has announced its tropical cruise itineraries for 2024. You can now book your magical vacation on board one of
Are you looking for the top underrated beach destinations to visit in Mexico? Popular beach destinations in Mexico like Cancun and Cabo can be overcrowded, expensive, and so touristy that they start to feel like an extension of the United States. Even places that were once off
When American traveler Shanquella Robinson was found dead after traveling with a group of friends to Mexico, my perspective on group trips changed. A few years ago, I went on a group trip with some friends to Denver. We stayed in an Airbnb, had an incredible time, and everyone
The U.S. Travel Association added Spanish- and Portuguese-language access to its online campaign against long visa wait times. The move comes amid stubbornly high wait times for visas for people from essential business and tourism partners such as Mexico and Brazil, hurting U.S.
The Riviera Maya may be famous for its host of five-star experiences, and for being a place where guests can live out their wildest, most luxurious fantasies, yet surprisingly, Mexico’s top rated all-inclusive hotel cannot be found anywhere along Cancun’s upscale Hotel Zone, nor Tulum’s tourist
Anyplace can put up a few lights and call it a holiday celebration, but travelers who really love Christmas want more. Many places have plans to return to a livelier season after two years of subdued or canceled festivities because of the Covid-19 pandemic. From Finland to Mexico, these
In November, American Express Travel published its 2023 Trending Destinations list. It was compiled using the number of global American Express Card Member travel reservations made between 2019 to 2022. According to American Express Travel, 70% of respondents say they
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
Long before Puerto Vallarta became a renowned beach destination on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, another community only 90 miles to its north was thriving. This was San Blas. Established in 1767, it was a bustling commercial and naval-shipbuilding hub at the time of Spain's conquest
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
Hotel bills can be stressful sometimes because everything is charged separately. But with all-inclusive resorts, everything, ranging from meals to activities to drinks, is included in one package. And while the United States resorts aren't as recognized as Mexico's or the
For the first time since 2019, the top chefs in Latin America were all in the same room last night. In Mérida, on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, there was much for them to celebrate—old friends to see, food markets to explore, flavors to try for the first time. Many had not been to
Tulum is one of Mexico’s crown jewels, a place of picture-perfect beaches and ancient seaside ruins, where nature and art intertwine, and a boho-chic vibe permeates. It’s also a city with two souls – beach and town – and offers easy access to nightlife and good food plus
They say the sun rose twice over a corner of southern New Mexico on July 16, 1945. The first sunrise was produced by the detonation of a new weapon its makers had nicknamed “the gadget.” The actual sun rose 10 minutes later, dawning on a new era in human history. The
The nights in the northern hemisphere are drawing in, which means whispering stories of witches and spirits are top of mind for many of us. Lale chats with Mexico City-based author Brenda Lozano, whose new novel Witches looks at the lives of Mexican women who inherit gifts, and draws inspiration from the true
Within hours of arriving in Coyoacán — a leafy, tranquil, beautiful neighborhood in the southwest part of Mexico City — I was searching the internet for long-term rentals in the area. It was pure fantasy that my family could move there. It seemed as if my family and I had found the ideal base
From starting your day with chilaquiles in Mexico to enjoying a gaucho-style steak in Argentina, and sampling decadent baklava in Turkey; Ramada by Wyndham is not only sending you to locations like these but also paying you $10,000 to sample the cuisine around the world for a jam-packed three
The world’s largest hotel company isn’t losing focus on all-inclusive resorts or the Caribbean anytime soon, it appears. Just days after Marriott International announced a deal to buy an affordable Mexico-based hotel chain (a move that reportedly would make it the largest hotel
Hotel brand bloat doesn’t appear to be a weight problem that’s going away anytime soon. Marriott International made a surprising brand addition Wednesday by announcing a $100 million deal with Mexico-based Hoteles City Express. The deal
On Visit Florida’s website, click on the “Southwest” region of the map and a link sweeps you off to Barefoot Beach in Naples. In the photo, beach goers lounge on the white sand, a gentle breeze barely ruffling the beach umbrellas. Wavelets ripple across the Gulf of Mexico. You want to be
Sharing a rich Mayan culture with southern Mexico, Guatemala borrows many culinary influences from its neighbor to the north. Like Mexico, Guatemala blends Spanish flavors and Mesoamerican traditions in the kitchen, drawing on celebrity indigenous ingredients such as avocados and the
It was early on a Sunday morning, and I was in the Floating Gardens of Xochimilco, 28km south of Mexico City's historical centre. The endless maze of canals and waterways was already filling up with colourful trajineras (flat-bottomed boats) packed with day trippers from the
From a distance, the grey volcanic rock pyramids and their encircling stonewalls looked like something that Mother Nature had wrought herself. Located in Cañada de La Virgen (The Valley of the Virgin), an area about 30 miles outside the city of San Miguel del Allende in Mexico's
Valle de Guadalupe is known for producing some of Mexico’s most distinctive wine and coastal gastronomy. But this October, foodies and oenophiles have even more reason to visit the Baja wine region: The Valle Food & Wine Festival returns after a three-year hiatus. From October 21
It seems like Mexico has a new star in the making, as an unknown city that had never before been widely promoted as a destination takes center stage as part of the country’s tourism offer. It does not have a shoreline and thus no pristine beaches like those found in the Caribbean
Thursday marked the start of the National Hispanic Heritage Month, a celebration honoring the contributions and histories of Americans with roots in Spain, Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. The observance spans from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15. This
Mexico is an incredible destination and offers a range of beautiful places to visit. Playa del Carmen, located along the Yucatán Peninsula's Riviera Maya, is one of them. The town is famous for its white sand beaches and gentle blue waves, and it's a prime spot for travelers
Settled 100 years earlier by Spain, the territory known as "Alta California" was rich in natural resources and ocean harbors. In 1846, settled by Europeans moving west, California broke away from Mexico. In 1849, miners discovered
Despite recent concerns about crime rates, Los Cabos has been named one of the safest destinations in Mexico in a new official study. The Pacific gem, comprising the tourist hotspots of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, is experiencing a surge in bookings lately, proving it is not
Mexico is a beautiful and versatile country with so much culture, nature, and fascinating locations to explore. Mexicans enjoy their local experiences and choose the best destinations for holidays and vacations. If you love Mexico, a new report might provide more insights on what to do and
This November, consider relocating the turkey-powered family get-together. There are countless destinations offering a delicious counterpoint to that perennial meal, whether you’d prefer gourmet food on the Caribbean’s fanciest island or the chance to crunch a few sugared skulls in Mexico. Here
The U.S. State Department issued an updated Travel Advisory Wednesday for U.S. travelers visiting Mexico, including new state-level advice and information on "kidnapping risk." The agency cited an "increased risk of crime and kidnapping" in certain areas of Mexico. A spokesperson for the State
My best travel experiences have been when I decided to stay in one place for an extended length of time. I have traveled and lived in Iran, Nicaragua, Mexico, France, Italy, England, Spain, and Portugal. Each of those experiences consisted of staying in one city or village for more than 2
Oaxaca (pronounced wa-ha-ka) is also known as Oaxaca de Juarez, the capital city of Oaxaca state in Mexico. The city is steeped in history that starts along those cobblestone roads of Centro and into the narrow streets of the city where boutique cafes, restaurants, art galleries
For nine days in October, it’s the most beautiful time of the year in New Mexico. The skies over Albuquerque will be filled with vibrant balloons for the 50th Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. The Albuquerque International Balloon Festival is
Naples has always been popular with vacationers and second home buyers seeking a fun, family-friendly environment to escape to in the Sunshine State. Known for its dreamy, white-sand beaches and world-class golf courses, this Gulf of Mexico city is also
Three beaches in a top resort destination in Mexico have failed cleanliness tests, a story that’s bound to come as a blow to travelers who have plans to visit these areas. Whilst the vast majority of beaches passed the cleanliness guidelines put forth by the World
In the region of Costalegre, Mexico, along a rugged Pacific coastline south of Puerto Vallarta, a place has emerged not unlike the Madrigal family sanctuary in Encanto: a self-sustaining development and community, poised to welcome visitors in 2023. Within 3,000 acres is five miles
From its postcard-perfect beaches to its pre-Columbian archeological sites, there are so many reasons for families to vacation in Mexico – and so many unique things to do. Does your kid dream of becoming a marine biologist? Try a family snorkeling trip in Puerto Morelos or watch
An exciting new railway system is set to be unveiled in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula in 2023 after the government removed roadblocks surrounding its development. The controversial project will connect the popular hub of Cancun with countless towns, cities, and sites around the region like
The P'urhépechas were the only indigenous group in Mexico the Aztecs failed to conquer – but despite that feat, they were nearly lost to history. "This is the legacy of our people," my uncle said as we gazed at the pyramids. We were not in Egypt, but rather in the town of
Vacation hot spots in Mexico like Tulum, Cancun, and Cabo are some travel favorites, but you're missing out if you don't consider some of Mexico's lesser-hyped cities and beaches
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lowered the Covid-19 travel risk for one of the most popular destinations in the Western Hemisphere on Monday.
Flight 1852 traveling from Cancun, Mexico, was scheduled to land at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport on Thursday. The pilot tried multiple times to land at JFK before having to divert
When you think of a vacation in Mexico you probably think of its beautiful beachfront towns and resorts, the sparkling blue waters and golden sands of Tulum, Cabo San Lucas, Isla Mujeres and countless others. But don't overlook Mexico City when planning a Mexican vacation.
Mexico is a fascinating country with a rich culture and stunning landscapes. However, like any other destination, there are always things that you need to watch out for when traveling there
Nicknamed “Zihua,” this once-sleepy fishing town northwest of Acapulco has held tight to its authentic roots as it grows into a lively city of artisan shops and galleries
San Francisco dog owner Ben Lowenstein loves to travel and he never leaves his dog, Javi, behind. Together, the pair has taken road trips to Chicago, Lake Tahoe and Los Angeles. They have hiked the trails of New Mexico, explored Utah
After more than six months in the CDC's lower-risk Level 3 travel category, Mexico moved into risk Level 4 on Monday along with 11 other destinations, including Brazil and Chile.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Monday advised against travel to a dozen countries because of high rates of coronavirus infection, including Mexico, Brazil, Singapore, Ecuador, Kosovo, Philippines and Paraguay.
MEXICO CITY (AP) - The U.S. government is warning Americans to avoid a hospital at a Mexican beach destination, following years of complaints that the facility preyed on Americans by overcharging, bullying them and refusing to release medical records.
Two recent trips to Mexico -- one to sun-soaked Tulum and another to the big city of Guadalajara -- expose contrasting attitudes and approaches to Covid-19. Find out more on this tale of two trips.
These are the stunning new hotels and resorts that you'll want to be booking this year. There's also a Mayan-inspired newcomer in Mexico, Michelin stars in Majorca and more
When it gets cold, everyone you know probably heads somewhere warm. Florida, Mexico, the Caribbean, you name it—if it’s warm and has a beach, people are flocking there. But may I propose the Pacific Northwest
A Holland America cruise ship was on its way back to port Saturday after it was rejected by Mexican health officials following positive Covid-19 tests on board
As we wrap up 2021—along with our own holiday gifts for friends and family—our team at The Travel Institute is grateful for the collective progress our industry has made in moving past the pandemic.
As we all learn to live, work, and travel in the new normal, The Travel Institute has maintained strong momentum for content development, most recently updating our Caribbean, Italy, and Mexico destination courses and migrating them to our interactive, e-Learning platform. This marks the final migration of all courses at The Travel Institute to our best-practices learning experience, which has demonstrated success in higher engagement and
With outstanding surf, local seafood, wondrous wellness, and vibrant wildlife — not to mention luxury resorts — this Pacific Coast destination is endless summer embodied
On this day in 1859, Henry McCarty was born. He would die a short 21 years later, but by that time most know him as William H. Bonney or, perhaps, Billy the Kid. Although born in New York City, Bonney moved to New Mexico and became a hired gun for cattle interests. During that time, he was involved in the infamous "Lincoln County War" that pitted established businessmen against newcomers. Bonnie killed at least one man and fled under indictment. When the government failed to grant him amnesty as
Mexico’s finest cities, states, sights and dishes were recognized at the Best of Mexico awards ceremony at the Tianguis Turístico travel show in Mérida, Yucatán, last week
Top 7 Beaches to spend Christmas in Mexico. Are you dreaming of palm trees instead of Christmas trees? Read our recommendations and start planning your holiday trip. Here are the top seven beaches to spend a few days relaxing and working on your tan. Each of these destinations has something unique
When you think of Mexico City, it's hard not to picture the endless array of luxury shopping and markets, taco stands, and vibrant cafes that line the city streets
Three new boutique hotels are serving as templates for turning the town of Bacalar—and its iconic lake—into Mexico’s most responsible tourism destination
Sure, you may have enjoyed a shot or two of mezcal at a bar, Mexican restaurant, or even on a trip to Mexico. But how much do you really know about this smoky spirit? The agave-based alcohol is produced primarily in
Where is hot in December for holidays - we take a look at the best destinations including Mexico, Barbados and Dubai if you're looking for hot weather and winter sunshine
A commando of drug gang gunmen on Thursday stormed ashore at a beach on Mexico's resort-studded Caribbean coast in front of luxury hotels and executed two drug dealers from a rival gang
Puerto Vallarta has many possibilities for memorable tours that cover its beaches, islands, traditional sites, water sports, and activities. These are the top 7 tours to do in this vibrant tourist destination of
As “Instagram concierge” at the W Punta de Mita hotel in Mexico, Vallin helps guests locate and take the best social media-worthy photos while they bask in that vacation glow
The United States plans to ease restrictions on travel for fully vaccinated visitors from Canada and Mexico starting in early November, relaxing bans that have been in place for more than 18 months, according to senior administration officials.
During winter in Mexico, you'll find cozy towns and cities, as well as natural spaces to enjoy a vacation without extreme heat and with a lot of relaxation and fun, depending on whether you want to rest or practice adventure sports.
Settled 100 years earlier by Spain, the territory known as "Alta California" was rich in natural resources and ocean harbors. In 1846, settled by Europeans moving west, California broke away from Mexico. In 1849, miners discovered gold and a new rush of prospectors and settlers headed across the country
7 Day Trips from Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. There are plenty of options to explore and spend a few days in less crowded locations, fantastic destinations that offer incredible one-of-a-kind experiences
Recent openings in North America include a Virgin Hotel in New Orleans, a flagship Novotel property in Mexico City, the first boutique hotel in openings
The US is extending non-essential travel restrictions at its land borders with Canada and Mexico through at least September 21, the Department of Homeland Security announced Friday, citing the Delta variant of the coronavirus
After striking Haiti and impacting other Caribbean islands this week as a tropical storm, Category 1 Hurricane Grace hit the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico on Thursday morning
Two Carnival cruise ships cancel the port of call at Cozumel in Mexico due to Hurricane Grace. Carnival Vista and Carnival Breeze are sailing sea days instead
Puerto Peñasco or Rocky Point is sometimes called Arizona’s Beach due to its proximity to major Arizona cities. A four-hour drive from Tucson or Phoenix
Top 7 things to do Outdoors in Ixtapa Zihuatanejo. This laid-back town is surrounded by nature, hidden among tall palm trees and a splendid ecosystem. Here are seven outdoor activities to explore
Top Destinations for All-Inclusive Resorts in Mexico. All-inclusive resorts are considered the key to a stress-free vacation. Here's a list of the top destinations for all-inclusive resorts in Mexico
Cancun and Los Cabos, two popular party destinations in Mexico, have both been slammed with massive COVID-19 outbreaks, throwing a wrench into party plans at the beaches
On July 16, 1945, at 5:30 a.m. southeast of Socorro, New Mexico, the United States conducted the world's first test of an atomic bomb. The resulting explosion was the equivalent to 20 thousand tons of TNT. The shock wave was felt as much as 100 miles away.
A few weeks later, a similar bomb was dropped on Nagasaki, Japan, and another on
The U.S., Mexico and Canada have extended non-essential land travel restrictions through July 21, the Department of Homeland Security announced Sunday on Twitter
Holland America Line announced it is set to restart cruising out of Port of San Diego in California beginning with a season of cruises to Mexico, Hawaii and
The United States has extended Covid-19 restrictions on non-essential travel at land and ferry crossings with Canada and Mexico until July 21, according to a tweet from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Sunday
Whether you're looking for a riverfront retreat in upstate New York, a historic inn in the Appalachian Mountains, or petite cottages in Northern California
The Federal Aviation Administration downgraded its air safety rating for Mexico, prohibiting that country’s carriers from adding service to the U.S., the agency said Tuesday
Many Americans are heading south of the border this year to sunny Mexico. Those who wish to play on the beach and sun may be headed to lovely Puerto Vallarta
Cruise lines have been one of the largest sectors within the leisure travel industry impacted by coronavirus shutdowns. With vaccination rates increasing and new health and safety protocols implemented
Cinco de Mayo ("5th of May") commemorates the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862 – a victory of Mexican forces led by General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguín over the French. The date is observed as a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride around the world. The Battle of Puebla delayed the French invasion of Mexico City. Five years later
Authorities recently closed the Chichen Itza Maya ruin site in Mexico after police complained of tourists without masks, while police in Puerto Rico have handed out a number of fines for non-compliance. So why are so many tourists seemingly ignoring the rules around mask wearing
Spirit Airlines announced on Wednesday that it was adding its third destination in Mexico. Revving up for the summer, the airline is betting that people want to fly and is adding flights to popular leisure destinations
Feeling he can now travel internationally without risking his life, recently-vaccinated American Brian Sheppard hopped on a plane to Mexico’s top beach resort a few days ago to attend the wedding of one of his best friends
The French explorer Robert de LaSalle explored the Great Lakes region of the United States and Canada, the Mississippi River, and the Gulf of Mexico. He claimed the entire Mississippi basin for France, naming it "La Louisiane" in honor of Louis XIV.
On his last journey, he set sail from France with four ships and 300 colonists. From the outset, however, the expedition was beset with problems. One ship was lost to pirates in the Caribbean
Itching to book (or just start dreaming about) your next vacation? Check out the top-rated all-inclusive resorts on TripAdvisor right now, in locations like Mexico, Greece, the Maldives and more
Hotel occupancy plummeted across Mexico’s beach destinations in January but Los Cabos is fairing better than most. According to data published by the Ministry of Tourism, Los Cabos hotel occupancy was down the least when compared with other popular beach destinations
With spring break approaching, many travelers are going to be headed south to the popular tourist hotspots of Cancun, Playa Del Carmen and Tulum. Whether its your first time traveling to Mexico during the pandemic or your tenth, restrictions are constantly changing and there are things all travelers need to know before booking there trip
Tired of waiting for the U.S. to allow cruise lines to once again sail in Caribbean waters? The Mexican island of Cozumel is reaching out to Europe-based cruise lines and promoting itself as a home port
As a new U.S. requirement goes into effect for travelers on international flights to present a negative COVID-19 test before boarding their flight, concern has brewed over how and where travelers might get tested abroad
Margarita? Beach lounger? Nasal swab? Beach resorts and small hotels alike throughout Mexico and the Caribbean are racing to ensure guests have access to Covid tests as new travel requirements take effect
It was a hot, bright afternoon in the Place Where the Sky Is Born. This is one of several translations of the Maya phrase Sian Ka'an, the name for a 1,080-square-mile biosphere reserve on the Caribbean coast of Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula
Americans vacationing in certain parts of Mexico may be able to get their COVID tests for free. Many of the hotels in Mexico’s Rivera Maya region, home to spring break designations like Tulum and Playa del Carmen, will provide free COVID-19 testing for international travelers
Cancun may get a lot of recognition as a winter tourist destination, but its neighboring city in the Riviera Maya, Tulum, is a tropical paradise that offers pristine beaches, food, and nightlife in addition to environmentally friendly opportunities
While most countries have enacted strict border closures and restrictions during the pandemic, Mexico has kept its doors wide open for tourism. Being one of the only destinations with relaxed entry requirements for Americans
Headed to Mexico or the Caribbean for some sun and fun this winter or over spring break? Get ready to squeeze a COVID test into your pandemic vacation agenda. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Tuesday said it will require airline passengers to show proof of a negative COVID test or recovery from COVID before boarding an international flight to the U.S.
The governments of Mexico and the United States are extending non-essential land travel restrictions through Jan. 21. The restrictions have been in place since March 21 to limit the cross-border spread of COVID-19
Last year, millions of Americans had to put travel plans on hold due to the pandemic. While travel bans and restrictions continue to remain in place, there are signs of growing optimism for an eventual travel rebound
Alaska Airlines is making it easier to visit Costa Rica with a friend or loved one. The Seattle-based airline is offering buy one, get one (BOGO) tickets on flights to Costa Rica, Mexico and Hawaii. “Buy one ticket for spring travel and bring a friend for just the taxes and fees,” the airline promotion reads. “Plus, no change fees, ever.”
One state in Mexico has announced it will increase its tourist tax, which may have an impact on cruise ship guests. The Mexican state of Quintana Roo, which is where the popular ports of Couzmel and Costa Maya are located, announced new
Significant milestones are aligning this year in Mexico City, a destination known for hiking ancient pyramids, tasting mezcal in hip neighborhood bars, and more
A new tourism initiative offers five road trip routes that encourage people to travel responsibly, safely and sustainably in Mexico. The Mexican Federation of Tourism Associations (Fematur), the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and vacation rental company Airbnb have joined up to create Mexico by Land
Mexico has been one of our best friends during the pandemic. While practically every other country in the world has shut Americans out of their borders, Mexico has welcomed gringos with open arms
United Airlines will offer Southern Californians four more ways to escape their homes and hit the beach this winter with new service to Belize and Mexico from Los Angeles.
On this day in 1859, Henry McCarty was born. He would die a short 21 years later, but by that time most know him as William H. Bonney or, perhaps, Billy the Kid. Although born in New York City, Bonney moved to New Mexico and became a hired gun for cattle interests. During that time, he was involved in the infamous "Lincoln County War" that pitted established businessmen against newcomers. Bonnie killed at least one man and fled under indictment.
World War II was over, but the Cold War was beginning to simmer. The United States seized on the opportunity to grab the technology lead in rocket design and development. On November 16, 1945, the first group of German scientists from Nazi Germany arrived in the United States to begin their new roles as United States scientists, among them Wernher von Braun. U.S. law officially prohibited Nazis from immigrating to America, but the war records of these scientists were expunged. The program was justified on the grounds that if the United States failed to secure a position for the scientists, the Soviet Union would do so. The government employed most of the former German scientists at White Sands Proving Ground, New Mexico.
High-altitude and high-energy, Mexico City has long been known for its cultural attractions, numerous museums (more than 100 in the city alone!) and thriving art scene. Its reputation as a family-friendly destination however, is more recent, thanks to expanded offerings aimed at introducing younger jet-setters to the country’s capital.
It is common knowledge that the global pandemic has wreaked destruction on the travel industry, with total international arrivals in the third quarter of the year 94% down on the same period in 2019. But new research reveals that there may be a glimmer of hope immediately south of the USA.
Continued increases in the number of Covid-19 cases since a warning from state health officials just four days ago have led to new limits on the size of gatherings, lower hotel occupancies and mandatory daily closing times for business that serve alcohol.
Mexico’s state of Yucatán entered the second phase of its tourism reactivation plan in September, successfully reopening cenotes and archeological sites, including Chichén Itzá; most tourist activities and tours; and haciendas, hotels and restaurants, along with limited operation of its congress and conventions centers
The best beach destinations in Mexico have been through some challenges this year, but thanks to quick action and firm leadership, Mexico travel restrictions are being lifted and Mexico family vacations have resumed across the country. Travelers who desire to vacation in Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta might wonder "Is it safe to travel to Mexico right now?", but research shows how Mexico beach destinations are protecting travelers and putting fears to rest.
The U.S. State Department has downgraded its travel advisory warning for all of Mexico, but travel restrictions still remain on the Southwest border due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which forbids all travel except for essential workers.
With hoteliers more keen than ever to welcome back guests, stellar deals are on offer for travelers happy to fly south to resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean in the fall of 2020.
Settled 100 years earlier by Spain, the territory known as "Alta California" was rich in natural resources and ocean harbors. In 1846, settled by Europeans moving west, California broke away from Mexico. In 1849, miners discovered gold and a new rush of prospectors and settlers headed across the country. After the Mexican-American War, Mexico ceded the state to the United States and it was admitted to the Union on September 9, 1850. California is one of the richest, most productive agricultural areas in North America, the third largest state in the United States, and the sixth largest economy in the world.
The Native American warrior Geronimo was born and raised in that part of the west now known as Arizona, then a part of Mexico, to a band of the Apache tribe. In March of 1851, a group of Mexican soldiers attacked Geronimo's village while the male members of the tribe were away. Geronimo's wife, mother and children were murdered in the attack. From that point on, Geronimo began a campaign against Mexican, and later US, soldiers and settlers. Under his leadership, the Apache warriors earned a reputation for ruthlessness and were greatly feared. The US Government in 1886 charged Captain Henry Lawton, of B Troop, 4th Cavalry, with hunting down and capturing Geronimo. Lawton pursued Geronimo relentlessly and finally wore down the small group of Apaches that were left fighting. On September 4th, 1886, Geronimo surrendered to Lawton and his superiors.
Americans who regularly cross the border from Mexico reported long wait times to re-enter the United States on Monday after U.S. officials imposed new COVID-19-related restrictions on cross-border travel by U.S. citizens and permanent residents.
Data by SiteMinder, the global hotel industry's leading guest acquisition platform, today reveals a steady recovery for Mexico's accommodation industry, as the country surpasses 65 percent of its 2019 booking levels for the first time since mid-March.
Should anyone be traveling for pleasure right now? This is the question on my mind as we enter month six of quarantine here in the Bay Area of California. When our local shelter-in-place was mandated, I had just returned from Austin, Texas and before that, Mexico City.
The Secretary of Foreign Relations has confirmed the extended closure to non-essential land travel across the Mexico-US border. On Thursday, Marcelo Ebrard said that the border with the United States cannot be opened now because that country is going through a resurgence of coronavirus cases, noting that in Mexico, most of the states are in a downward trend.
The U.S. State Department classified Mexico under a Level 4 advisory, cautioning against travel to the country due to COVID-19, even as the department lifted the same advisory for the world.
On July 16, 1945, at 5:30 a.m. southeast of Socorro, New Mexico, the United States conducted the world's first test of an atomic bomb. The resulting explosion was the equivalent to 20 thousand tons of TNT. The shock wave was felt as much as 100 miles away.
A few weeks later, a similar bomb was dropped on Nagasaki, Japan, and another on Hiroshima, Japan, effectively ending World War II.
"I have become as death, the destoyer of worlds." - Robert Oppenheimer, the leader of the team that developed the first atomic bomb, quoting the Hindu Bhagavad Gita.
The coronavirus brought tourism to a standstill. Now that travel is very slowly restarting, the virus is bringing questions about safety protocols and standards. But how do you know what’s safe, what protocols are followed, and who approved them?
The Trump administration extended travel restrictions between the United States and Mexico on Tuesday as both countries continue to grapple with increasing cases of the new coronavirus.
In terms of travel, it’s been pretty quiet south of the border lately, with Mexico still undergoing the brunt of the Coronavirus pandemic. But, despite that, we’re starting to hear rumblings from within the industry that suggests brighter days might be ahead. Here’s the latest travel news
When Amy Yeung decided to leave her work as a design executive in Los Angeles, she knew there was only one place to go: New Mexico. The entrepreneur and designer was longing for a purposeful new life chapter and, more specifically, a connection with her Indigenous heritage in the region. So she packed up her former life, and left for a more nomadic lifestyle in Albuquerque and Navajo
Americans with a bad case of wanderlust may have to wait until later this summer to vacation abroad – and even then, the pickings will still be slim. Parts of Mexico and the Caribbean have targeted dates in early to mid-June for reopening from coronavirus restrictions, but Europe will lag, opening first to other citizens of European Union and Schengen Area countries before welcoming international visitors
Travelers looking to make a trip to Canada or Mexico will have to wait another 30 days as the Department of Homeland Security extended border closures to curb COVID-19 infections. Chad Wolf, the acting Secretary of Homeland Security, announced Tuesday that the U.S.-Canada and U.S.-Mexico land border closure has been extended until June 22. "The President has made it clear that we must
When the state of Florida began enacting stay-at-home measures and closing beaches in mid-March, in response to the threat of Covid-19, Miami-based real estate agent and artist Nadia Bouzid was in the middle of painting a mural inside a new hotel in Cancun, Mexico.
Putting down the paintbrush, she picked up her phone and began searching airfares to return home. "I watched a seat on the flight I
While recognizing Cinco de Mayo will differ in 2020 than in recent years, hotels and tourism boards in Mexico are marketing ideas for commemorating this important day at home. The holiday, which recognizes the Mexican Army's victory in 1862 over the French forces of Napoleon III, can be celebrated through recipes and other festive ways. On their YouTube channel, Pueblo Bonito Golf & Spa Resorts
Cinco de Mayo ("5th of May") commemorates the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862 – a victory of Mexican forces led by General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguín over the French. The date is observed as a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride around the world. The Battle of Puebla delayed the French invasion of Mexico
We completely agree with Kappner Clark of RLH Properties in Mexico: “I think most people will be wanting and needing a vacation after all of this.” While the COVID-19 pandemic is the perfect time to start planning a trip, we still need to wait for the green light to actually go to all the wonderful destinations in the world (let alone just dine at the restaurant down the street). Here’s how we’ll figure out
The United States, Canada and Mexico will extend restrictions barring nonessential travel across their respective shared borders for another 30 days amid the coronavirus pandemic, the Trump administration announced Monday. "As President Trump stated last week, border control, travel restrictions and other limitations remain critical to slowing the spread and allowing the phased opening of the
U.S. and Mexican officials are working on an agreement to ban "non-essential" travel between their border along the same lines of the deal that the U.S. announced this week with Canada, a Trump administration official said. Trade would be exempted. There are 118 coronavirus cases currently in Mexico and 13,159 in the U.S, according to Johns Hopkins data. For tourists, Mexico is the seventh most
The French explorer Robert de LaSalle explored the Great Lakes region of the United States and Canada, the Mississippi River, and the Gulf of Mexico. He claimed the entire Mississippi basin for France, naming it "La Louisiane" in honor of Louis XIV. On his last journey, he set sail from France with four ships and 300 colonists
The territory of Texas was in the northern region of Mexico known as Coahuila y Tejas. Rebel forces in Texas wanted independence from Mexico. The Mexican government saw Texas as an important bulwark against the territorial expansion of the United States.
Lieutenant Colonel William Barret Travis was in charge of the old mission fort known as the Alamo. Defenders began to arrive from all over the United States and its territories. From Tennessee came frontiersman and politician Davy Crockett who had just lost his re-election campaign to the US Congress. Crockett had told his electorate "if they did not elect me they could go to hell and I would go to Texas!" From Louisiana came Jim Bowie with a small number of volunteers.
For years, travelers have been coming to Los Cabos unaware that this region on the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula comprises two different towns. And we can’t say we blame them. It’s only since the post Hurricane Odile–hotel boom that the area around the laidback, colonial town of San José del Cabo has started to steal the spotlight away from luxury resort-lined Cabo San Lucas
When airliners have passed their twilight years -- on average, after 26 years of service -- many end up in the tumbleweed-strewn "plane boneyards" of California, Arizona and New Mexico. Sure, the pilots' seats will probably end up taking pride of place in somebody's man cave, and there are other aeronautical curios that specialist companies salvage and transform into avgeek knick-knacks. But once the
Two-Time Major winner and World Golf Hall of Famer Greg Norman spent 331 weeks ranked Number One in the world, amassing nearly 90 career wins. But one of the best golfers ever did not slow down after hanging up his spikes, and went onto a career as a top notch golf course designer. I’ve played Norman courses from Hawaii to Ireland to Australia, but there is no place he has excelled as much as Mexico
One thing I’ve come to love about travelling around Mexico is that you’re rarely far from a toilet. Yes, it will cost you five pesos (£0.20), but it’s a small price to pay for a few folded squares of toilet paper, a clean seat and peace of mind (and bottom). But what I didn’t know as I explored Oaxaca last May, spending a few pesos to slowly, sweatily tour the bathrooms of the city’s cathedral, a few ceramics shops and the
If you think you already know what Cancun is all about and have decided it’s not for you, wait! Puerto Morelos is just as accessible but far more charming and exclusive than downtown Cancun. There’s something really quite magical about traveling to a well-known area and still finding something special. I went to Cancun, Mexico, as a young and wild tourist in search of sun, sand and tequila. The resort and busy
Carnival Cruise Line is planning a few big projects to enhance three cruise ports, two in the Bahamas and one in Mexico. Carnival Corporation and Carnival Cruise Line have developed many cruise ports in recent years including Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic, Mahogany Bay in Roatan, and Grand Turk Cruise Center in Turks and Caicos Islands. The cruise giant is
The first brand new Carnival cruise ship to debut on the West Coast in 20 years, the Carnival Panorama was christened in Long Beach on Dec. 11 by Godmother Vanna White. The Panorama is the third ship in Carnival’s 135,000-gross ton, 4,008-guest Vista Class, joining the nearly identical Carnival Vista of 2016 and the Carnival Horizon of 2018. Like its sister ships
No matter which direction you travel from, there's a ramp-up of vivid blue, yellow and even orange hues on buildings and structures before you actually enter the town of Izamal, Mexico. But you will know that you have arrived when you're surrounded with golden-yellow walls on every building on every street. Nicknamed "La Ciudad Amarilla" (or "The Yellow
A LOST Mayan palace likely used by the ancient civilisation's most elite citizens has been unearthed. The structure was found near Mexico's popular resort city of Cancun, and dates back to around 1,000 years ago.
Monarch butterflies in Mexico; a river cruise to the music cities of Nashville and Memphis, Tenn., and a women's-only hiking trip in Glacier National Park will tempt travelers.
A United Airlines flight from San Diego to Chicago made an emergency landing in New Mexico on Monday morning due to a “mechanical issue” that apparently caused “sparks” to spew from one of the plane’s engines. Passenger Thomas Chorny had trouble sleeping during United flight 366, which departed the Golden State on Sunday night. Upon looking out the window, Chorny
Carnival Cruise Line‘s Panorama, a new ship designed expressly for the L.A. market, set sail on its maiden voyage Wednesday, heading into the sunset from the Port of Long Beach on its way to Mexico. The three-night inaugural cruise was the second phase of festivities celebrating the 1,055-foot Panorama, the first new vessel in two decades shaped with Los Angeles in mind. On Tuesday, it was the
Tulum, the fashionable beach destination on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, is getting a new luxury hotel with a colorful distinction: It once belonged to the cocaine kingpin Pablo Escobar. Thor Equities Group bought Casa Magna, part of a beachfront compound once owned by Escobar, for $17.5 million, according to a representative for the firm. It plans to spend as much as $100 million to develop
I was that old gringo. I was driving south in my own car in Mexican sunshine along the straight sloping road through the thinly populated valleys of the Sierra Madre Oriental – the whole craggy spine of Mexico is mountainous. Valleys, spacious and austere, were forested with thousands of single yucca trees, the so-called dragon yucca (Yucca filifera) that Mexicans call palma china. I pulled off the road to look
A sprawling storm in the central U.S. could wreak travel havoc in the days before Thanksgiving: Snow, rain and even thunderstorms are possible across the region. On Tuesday and into Wednesday, there is the potential for heavy snow and winterlike travel conditions with substantial delays to spread from eastern Colorado and northeastern New Mexico to parts of Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan
A Canadian woman on vacation with her family near Cancun suffered a severe beating while in her hotel room at the hands of another guest at the resort, she told several news outlets. In the early morning hours of Nov. 11, Alexandra "Lexie" York went to go eat at the Grand Bahia Principe resort she was staying at in Tulum, Mexico. She arrived at the resort on Nov. 10, according to CBC News. “She
The Mexican tourist resort of Cozumel is proposing its first tax on cruise ship passengers. But the island off Mexico’s Caribbean coast says it would only charge the equivalent of 65 cents per passenger. The municipal government of Cozumel says the Environmental Care Tax would be used for security, environmental and civil defense projects. The government said Wednesday the tax is “a historic event and an act of
Frankie was missing half his face. A fungal infection had come over the little axolotl, a native amphibian of the waterways of Mexico City. But Frankie, along with other axolotls, have a special talent. Veterinarian and axolotl researcher Erika Servín Zamora, who was also Frankie’s caregiver, said she was astounded to see the animal’s remarkable regeneration abilities that she’d read about in her
Is Mexico safe? That’s the question many travelers are asking in light of the recent, horrific news of the brutal murders of nine Americans who were gunned down in a remote region about 100 miles from the U.S. border. The chilling incident comes on the heels of other highly publicized murders, including an American couple who was killed this summer in Guerrero in front of their 12-year-old
The State Department warned Americans against traveling to the Mexican state of Sonora months before nine members of a family with dual U.S. and Mexican citizenship were killed there Monday. Although the U.S. State Department has a level 2 travel advisory in place for the country of Mexico – calling for visitors to "exercise increased caution" – Sonora, which is just south of Arizona, is listed as level 3
Your trip to Mexico is going to cost you just a bit more. The Mexican state of Baja California Sur, which includes popular resort cities like Cabo San Lucas and La Paz, will start charging a tourist tax next week for each foreign guest who visits, according to The Associated Press. And while the dreamy beaches and warm water still beckon, it will be slightly pricier to take advantage
At least three women and six children in a prominent local Mormon family were killed on Monday when their vehicles were ambushed in northern Mexico by gunmen believed to be members of organized crime, family members said. The attack alarmed a nation already reeling from record violence this year. Members of the LeBarón family, American citizens who have lived in a
After a while, many destinations can feel basic and overdone, but there is one place that never gets old for travelers no matter how many times they visit. Mexico is far from your average getaway and offers everything you can find in other exotic escapes, but with less flight time and at more affordable prices. From culture, food, and beaches to bucket list activities, wellness and more, Mexico is the adventure that just
Leslie Jamison's new essay collection, Make It Scream, Make It Burn, has been celebrated as the latest masterwork from one of America's most cherished voices on empathy, longing, and addiction. But it's also a travel memoir, taking place everywhere from Sri Lanka to Mexico
Instead of scanning her boarding pass, the airport gate scanned her face. In April 2019, traveler MacKenzie Fegan was left surprised and confused when she boarded a JetBlue flight from the United States to Mexico, without handing over her passport, or travel documents. "There were plastic barricades across the front of each lane, I look to my right, and the gate opens," she tells CNN Travel
Not every place can be all things to all people, but Mexico gets pretty darn close. Foodies can dine at some of the best restaurants in the world. Adventurers can dive into cenotes or explore the architectural achievements of pre-Columbian civilizations. And anyone simply looking to relax can luxuriate on beautiful, Caribbean side beaches. It’s no
I found myself stumbling over my Spanish on my first day in Mexico City. My partner and I took a four-day trip to explore the city, and as with our previous trips to Spanish-speaking countries, I was the designated trip planner, tour guide, and translator. This role typically falls to me not only because I’m a Capricorn, but also because I speak Spanish, thanks to my Puerto Rican dad and Latin American history minor in
A transatlantic flight was forced to divert to the Republic of Ireland because a pilot spilled a cup of coffee on the aircraft's controls, it has emerged. According to the Air Accidents Investigation Branch, the Airbus A330-243, operated by Condor, was traveling from Frankfurt in Germany to Cancún in Mexico on February 6 when it was forced to jettison
Settled 100 years earlier by Spain, the territory known as "Alta California" was rich in natural resources and ocean harbors. In 1846, settled by Europeans moving west, California broke away from Mexico. In 1849, miners discovered gold and a new rush of prospectors and
Around 66 million years ago, a 15km-wide asteroid smashed into Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula and is believed to have wiped out almost all the dinosaurs. The impact caused a megatsunami, liquified billions of tonnes of rock and created a 200km-wide crater in the Earth’s surface into which water seeped, creating thousands of sinkholes. Over millennia, some of these limestone sinkholes collapsed while
On the sandy bottom of the Gulf of Mexico, 12 concrete statues stand in a circle to honor the men and women who have served in the US military. The Circle of Heroes Veterans' Memorial opened to the public this week 10 miles off the coast of Clearwater, Florida. Its creators say it's
Despite having been a finalist for the National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year in 2016 (and also receiving the PDN World in Focus prize that same year), for Philip Nix, every assignment abroad still feels like an opportunity. In the New York–based lensman’s eyes, travel photography is more than an in-and-out job: It comes with a responsibility to let the environment percolate, to
A little over a year ago, Yalitza Aparicio was preparing to become a teacher in her hometown of Tlaxiaco, a small mountainous city in the Mexican state of Oaxaca, when a casting call for Alfonso Cuaron's film Roma changed her life. Until then, she had never acted, she had never traveled outside the country, and Mexico had never seen an indigenous woman star in a major film. Aparicio's life has
On July 16, 1945, at 5:30 a.m. southeast of Socorro, New Mexico, the United States conducted the world's first test of an atomic bomb. The resulting explosion was the equivalent to 20 thousand tons of TNT. The shock wave was felt as much as 100 miles away. A few weeks later, a similar bomb was dropped on
If the Mississippi River could but talk, what tales it could tell. Stories about the pioneers who led westward expansion, the wars that shaped a nation, the colourful characters who left their legacy in towns and cities along its banks. Known fondly as the Big Muddy, the river rises in northern Minnesota, flows some 2,340 miles south, through or along 10 states, before emptying into the Gulf of Mexico at
A dangerous storm system in the Gulf of Mexico strengthened on Thursday to become Tropical Storm Barry. The storm is the second named storm of the 2019 Atlantic hurricane season, and is expected to make landfall on the Louisiana coast Saturday as a strengthened hurricane, according to the National Hurricane Center.
Mexican airline Volaris has launched a program called “Reuniting Families” that is offering to fly Central American immigrants in Mexico back to their countries of origin. For $1, plus applicable taxes, Volaris will fly immigrants in Tijuana, Ciudad Juarez, Guadalajara and Mexico City to Costa Rica, El Salvador or Guatemala. Immigrants need only show some
All over Mexico City, women squat outside around a comal (low griddle) and press out thin ovals of corn dough to make tortillas. They’ll fill them to order with your choice of shredded and marinated chicken tinga, squash blossom, a corn fungus called huitlacoche or many other options. These women are the first people I look for when I land in Mexico City, and they
NEW YORK – May 21, 2019 – Topdeck Travel, the number one provider of group travel for 18-39 year-olds, is launching its premiere Mexico destination trip, marking the brand’s first group tour package in both the country and greater Latin America region. The 11-day Mexico Unveiled tour
Virgin Galactic may be sending the first commercial tourists to space from New Mexico by the end of the year. Richard Branson’s space tourism company announced last week that it will move headquarters from Mojave California to Spaceport America, New Mexico. “The first photograph of Earth from space was taken over New Mexico in October of 1946,” George
The U.S. Coast Guard said it worked with a cruise ship to rescue 23 people adrift for days in the Gulf of Mexico. A Coast Guard news statement issued Sunday saying 22 Cubans started traveling on a wooden boat from Cuba to Mexico before losing power and drifting three days. A Cuban-Mexican man took them aboard his sports fishing boat, but then its
Less than six months after its purchase of Victory Cruise Lines, American Queen Steamboat Company (AQSC) has revealed a slate of itineraries for its fleet covering Mexico, Central America and -- coming in 2021 -- Alaska. The two ships previously operated by Victory Cruise Lines, Victory I and Victory II, will debut with their new ownership on the Great
Some are architecturally beautiful (Viceroy Los Cabos), some have impeccable service (Montage Los Cabos), and some offer tranquillity and an artistic experience (Solaz Los Cabos). What most have in common is a hefty room rate.
The beaches aside, Mexico’s ancient Mayan culture is one of the country’s biggest tourist draws. It’s no surprise, then, that the 1,500-year-old Mayan city of Chichen Itza
In Mexico City, you can have a Barbie-theme "glamping" experience at the Hilton Mexico City Santa Fe, which has transformed a suite into a life-sized Barbie haven.
The French explorer Robert de LaSalle explored the Great Lakes region of the United States and Canada, the Mississippi River, and the Gulf of Mexico. He claimed the entire Mississippi basin for France, naming it "La Louisiane" in honor of Louis XIV
Girls just want to have fun! In honor of Barbie's 60th birthday, the Hilton Mexico City Santa Fe partnered with Barbie's parent company Mattel to transform one of its guest suites into the ultimate glamorous-camping experience, also known as "glamping."
Despite its impressive Mayan ruins and inviting climate, bite-sized Belize has long been overshadowed by Mexico and Costa Rica for sun seekers looking for an affordable winter destination. Recently, however, an influx of new hotels and airlines adding nonstop flights to Belize seem to be a clear signal that the country's status as an under
The territory of Texas was in the northern region of Mexico known as Coahuila y Tejas. Rebel forces in Texas wanted independence from Mexico. The Mexican government saw Texas as an important bulwark against the territorial expansion of the United States
A New Jersey couple accuses a cruise line of abandoning them in Mexico during a medical emergency. Carol and Bertram Palk claim they were told to get off Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas because the medical staff couldn't treat Carol's internal bleeding. They paid thousands of dollars to return to the U.S. on their own. The couple has been on more than a dozen
Following several deadly clashes in Cancun, Mexico, the United States government is warning college students around the country to take extra precautions while traveling this spring break. In November, the State Department issued a level 2 advisory for travel to the entire country of Mexico due to what it called an “increase in crime.” “Exercise increased caution in
Where do you go when you want to turn life’s noise down a notch? Margo Pfeiff, a frequent and longtime contributor to the Travel section, found that Mérida, Mexico, was a respite from life’s cacophony. Safety was a priority for Pfeiff, who was traveling alone. She likes Yucatecan cuisine and, she said in an email, “I also know that an old colonial center could keep me
If you've got an Instagram account, you could fly for free on Southwest Airlines as a winner of its Storyteller Contest. The budget airline is looking for 10 "social influencers" to explore its destinations in the United States, Mexico, Caribbean and Central America while creating "compelling content that will inspire others to create their own travel stories." To enter, submit
Summer in Santa Fe can be chaotic, the locals kept cautioning us, describing downtown’s sidewalks crammed with visitors. Hard to picture New Mexico’s capital that way on a crisp and sunny day in early December, as my wife and I leisurely strolled past the art galleries on near-empty Canyon Road.
With its Baroque architecture and thriving textile scene, this former colonial capital is among Central America’s most beguiling destinations. Nestled in the forested hills of southern Guatemala, the small city of Antigua was once the most prominent seat of Spanish colonial government between Mexico City and Lima, Peru. Founded in the early 16th century, it served as
If I closed my eyes, I could see her. It was Friday evening in July 1956. Thirty-one and travelling alone, my grandmother had just arrived at Mexico City’s Hotel Geneve. She’d be tired; she would have just stepped off a five-day bus journey from Toronto. More than 60 years later, I could relate. Twenty-six and travelling alone, I had listless bags under my eyes, and I was
Another year means a spate of new hotels opening across the globe. Even in the U.S., places like New York, Los Angeles, and diverse cities from Detroit to Austin will all welcome myriad new properties to entice travelers to their streets. South of the border, Mexico remains a popular destination for visitors looking for everything from a sun-soaked, relaxing beach getaway
The decision to develop Cancun as a Mexico tourism beach destination was famously determined by computer in the late 1960s. Cancun became a huge success and inspired further development south along Mexico’s Caribbean coast. First, there was the Riviera Maya, which was conceived as a nature-based
A 22-year old male passenger with special needs on the Carnival Cruise Line ship Fantasy has been missing since Sunday evening and likely went overboard. The 2,675-passenger ship left Mobile, Ala., on Saturday, Dec. 15, and was sailing to its first stop of Progreso, Mexico
In the wake of a deadly Airbnb accident, a son is calling on the company to ensure the properties listed on its website and app are safe. A month ago New Orleans residents Edward Winders and Barbara Moller died in an Airbnb rental in Mexico from carbon monoxide poisoning.
How do you take better travel photographs? Start by taking the advice of a seasoned travel photographer like Graeme Green. This British photographer, journalist and travel writer has spent the past 15 years travelling the planet, from Cambodia to Mexico to Botswana, capturing remarkable images and reporting stories for international newspapers and magazines
The world's most exciting destinations for the year ahead. From Mexico City to China and up to Greenland, National Geographic's Best Place of 2019 is a list keep in mind with traveling in 2019.
Practically any major city in the world has its “touristy” parts, but there are some that truly rely on tourism to boost their economy. There are plenty of cities out there that are popular with tourists. Bangkok, Thailand, for example, is among the most visited cities in the world for people who are itching for an adventure. However, Cancun, Mexico is
Sun-lapped and reef-clad, Cozumel is Mexico’s premier Caribbean island, a microcosm of the best of the Mayan Riviera: great resorts, crystal white beaches, Mexico’s best diving and a jungle rich with Mayan ruins. With port facilities to rival the Caribbean’s best, Cozumel is fast becoming an
I’m lying on the grass in the churchyard in Huaquechula, a small town in the state of Puebla, central Mexico. I open my eyes and look up. A man dressed in eagle feathers is standing on top of a 30-metre telegraph pole banging a small drum, and four other men are climbing up towards him. When the four reach the top, they attach ropes to their
All eyes are on Major Hurricane Michael, as the rapidly intensifying storm makes its way through the Gulf of Mexico toward Florida -- so far rerouting at least seven cruise ships in its path. The Category 4 hurricane, which has maximum sustained wind speeds of 145 miles per hour
Hurricane Michael intensified into a Category 2 over warm Gulf of Mexico waters Tuesday amid fears it would strike Florida on Wednesday as an even stronger hurricane. Mandatory evacuations were issued as beach dwellers rushed to board up homes just ahead of what could be a devastating hit. A hurricane hunter plane that bounced into the
Like a lot of Californians, I’ve made dozens of trips to Mexico over the decades — beach resorts in Baja, Maya ruins in the Yucatán, colonial towns in the interior. Yet I’d never made time to explore the capital’s top museums and landmarks, even though their global popularity has boomed in recent years. When I finally gave myself a good look
Four stranded Cuban nationals were rescued by the Norwegian Getaway earlier this week. The ship delivered them to the ship’s next stop in Cozumel, Mexico. A Norwegian passenger, who goes by Pico on Twitter, wrote that the stranded sailors were spotted by a “flash in the middle of the ocean.” Cruisers then notified the cruise ship workers, who sent a tender to the vessel.
The discovery of eight bodies on the streets of the city of Cancun, Mexico on August 23 not only raised the idea of safety in Mexico yet again but cast a fresh light on the US State Department’s new travel warning system, which was rolled out in January. The State Department replaced its traditional travel warnings and travel alerts with a travel advisory for every country.
A frantic fall schedule may be just around the corner, but hotels in Kansas City, Mo., Mexico City, Miami Beach and Key West, Fla., are offering attractive deals for one last getaway before the end of summer. Whether you want to take the family, or are looking for a getaway once the kids are back in class, these four vacation packages are worth a look.
It’s August, and that means that we’re coming to the close of the 2018 Alaska cruise season in Vancouver. But there is reason to rejoice: the end of the season means the start of the fall Pacific Coastal cruises, when ships reposition from Alaska back down to Mexico, the Caribbean and Asia. In order to get the ships from here to the sun destinations, cruise lines offer what are
A new adults-only tour operator has launched in the UK, offering holidays and cruises for the more adventurous traveller. Temptation Holidays offers trips to boutique resorts in Cancun, Mexico, as well as European and Caribbean cruises for over-21s. Some resorts come equipped with playrooms for “sexual adventurists”. The tour operator follows another adults-only
As far as resort vacations go, it’s tough to find a trifecta more appealing than sun, sand, and immediate proximity to world-class tacos. And while there’s so much more to Mexico than beaches alone (for a glimpse, click over to our Top 5 Cities in Mexico list), there’s a reason American travelers have been flocking to the country’s coasts for the better part of a century.
Passengers who walked away from the fiery Aeroméxico crash are thankful to be alive but a safety expert on Wednesday said it was “no accident” that everyone aboard the jet survived. The aircraft attempted to take off in heavy rain during a storm Tuesday afternoon in Durango, Mexico, but smashed down into grass near the runway and skidded to a stop before catching
‘What is that awful smell?’ I wondered. I was walking into beachside restaurant La Zebra in Tulum, Mexico for lunch and had just gotten a whiff of a strong fishy stench. A few steps further and I saw it. There, in the distance on the white sand, were piles and piles of thigh-high seaweed. Tulum’s famed clear-to-cyan water was a murky grey. Despite the glorious weather, not
In 1718, a French explorer named Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville sailed down the Mississippi River to establish a new French colony on the Gulf of Mexico. This colony would expand New France from eastern Canada all the way down to the Gulf. That colony became New Orleans. Now, New Orleans is known for celebrations, but it’s really kicking it up a notch (as New Orleans’ own Emeril
The company behind Mexico's Puerto Costa Maya has won the concession to develop a cruise port at Puerto Plata. 'This is a major project for the Dominican Republic,' said Robert Shamosh, head of commercial affairs for Mexico's ITM Group. 'Things are aligned. The cruise lines are coming. This location is very strategic for Eastern Caribbean itineraries of four, five and seven days.
The sun was just starting to appear from behind the mountains of the Valley of Teotihuacán, northeast of Mexico City, as flames were pumped into the hot air balloon that we would soon be climbing aboard. All around me, people with tired eyes from their pre-dawn awakening were trying to keep warm in the early morning freshness, sipping greedily on hot coffees. The huge balloon inflated slowly
On July 16, 1945, at 5:30 a.m. southeast of Socorro, New Mexico, the United States conducted the world's first test of an atomic bomb. The resulting explosion was the equivalent to 20 thousand tons of TNT. The shock wave was felt as much as 100 miles away. A few weeks later, a similar bomb was
Riviera Maya? Already been. Mexico City? Too busy. The state of San Luis Potosi isn't necessarily at the forefront of travelers' minds when they think about visiting Mexico. But that's about to change. San Luis Potosi and its biggest city/capital of the same
With world-renowned restaurants like Pujol, iconic local artists like Diego Rivera, and hip neighborhoods like Condesa, Mexico City is arguably the cultural and culinary capital of North America. Lesser known, however, is that beyond the city’s haze spreads a world of volcanoes and mountains to climb, ancient ruins to explore, and
San Diego is back as a hub for cruise giant Carnival. The Miami-based line on Thursday announced its 2,124-passenger Carnival Miracle would redeploy to the city in late 2019 for a three month season of Mexico and Hawaii cruises. The ship currently is based in Tampa, Florida. "We've got good demand (in the San Diego
When in Mexico, do as the North Americans do. That’s the advice on tipping in all-inclusive resorts on the Riviera Maya from “Timbuktu Timmy”, who hands over a dollar for each all-inclusive drink. “Not because I necessarily want to or think it’s deserved,” he says, “but just to get served, as otherwise you get ignored whilst all the Americans and Canadians are served around you.”
Today few artists are as recognisable as Kahlo. Her likeness, complete with braided hair wound with colourful ribbon or adorned with a halo of flowers, unashamedly sporting a unibrow, is plastered on everything from magnets to T-shirts, handbags to walls. She may have lived in the artistic shadow of her larger-than-life husband, Mexican muralist Diego Rivera
Three years ago, Lisa Linh quit her full-time job to travel the world and document it on Instagram, where she has nearly 100,000 followers; since then, she has stayed in breathtaking hotels everywhere from Mexico to Quebec to the Cook Islands. Often, she stays for free.
In October 2002, the cruise ship Crystal Harmony anchored outside Monterey Harbor, ferrying more than 900 passengers ashore for the day before continuing on its way to Acapulco, Mexico. Later that night, 14 miles off the pristine coastline of Big Sur, the 790-foot-long ship dumped 36,400 gallons of sewage, gray water and oily waste into the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
Hundreds of passengers on a Carnival Cruise ship were supposed to be enjoying sun and fun, but instead they were kept in port in Tampa for two days. Passengers and the company say the Carnival Miracle was originally scheduled to depart Sunday and visit Belize, Honduras, Grand Cayman and Mexico. But because of “pre-emptive but necessary maintenance work,” the company said it required two extra days in port.
Despite being a firm favorite with surfers and backpackers, Puerto Escondido, on the Oaxacan coast of southern Mexico, has remained under the mainstream tourism radar for years. The lack of big resort hotels, which is part of its appeal, probably has something to do with this, as well as that there are no direct flights from the United States or Canada.
Despite being a firm favorite with surfers and backpackers, Puerto Escondido, on the Oaxacan coast of southern Mexico, has remained under the mainstream tourism radar for years. The lack of big resort hotels, which is part of its appeal, probably has something to do with this, as well as that there are no direct flights from the United States or Canada.
I planned my trip to Guadalajara trip on a whim, heeding rumblings and whispers in my orbit. In the central state of Jalisco, Guadalajara is the country’s second largest metropolitan center, with more than 4 million people and 8 districts, but it is still a city artist Gabriel Rico described as, “the B-Sides of Mexico City.”
Los Cabos can be considered “Mexico-Lite.” Over the decades, this destination at the tip of the Baja Peninsula has transformed from a sleepy fishing village into a powerhouse tourism area. Developing the way it has, Los Cabos has plenty of touchstones that will make U.S. travelers feel at home.
One month ago, however, I was served my well overdue comeuppance when my smartphone left a Central American bar in someone else’s pocket and I was plunged, instantaneously, into social media cold turkey. Guatemala and Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula lay ahead of me – smartphone-free for the first time in a decade. How would I show off my wonderful, carefully curated #instalife to a group of strangers and bots I’d never met?
American Airlines Flight 9780 arrives from Dallas/Fort Worth and taxis past a line of other MD-80 passenger jets as the morning sun rises over the New Mexico desert on a chilly morning this past winter. But as the jet comes to a stop, there’s no boarding gate or jet bridge. In fact, there are no paying passengers aboard at all.
Mexico is the North American nation with the most UNESCO World Heritage sites, thanks in large part to its rich history and well-preserved archaeological sites -- some of which are still being discovered and excavated to this day.
The southern tip of Baja California, Mexico, turned out to be like an immersive choose-your-own-adventure novel. Here are a few of those turns, and the resulting ups and downs. The peninsula seems synonymous with Los Cabos, comprising the cities of Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, where I stayed, all connected by a 20-mile “corridor” of resorts and golf courses.
Gunmen on water scooters shot at a roving vendor on a beach in Cancun's glittering hotel zone Thursday, an incident believed to be unprecedented for the Caribbean city. Nobody was wounded. According to a police report, the afternoon shooting happened in front of a hotel in the heart of Cancun's resort-studded strip.
Spend your vacation learning the Spanish language, then Zen out with yoga. The classes, which are limited to 10 participants, are held in a restored 1920s Spanish Revival mansion in the heart of Mexico City's Polanco District. The six-day immersion program combines group and intense one-on-one sessions, assessments and yoga sessions.
Having opened in May 2017, Hotel San Cristobal is the latest offering from hip Texan hotelier, Bunkhouse – the brains behind two thriving Texan boutique hotels: El Cosmico in Marfa and Hotel Saint Cecilia in Austin.
In the 1950s and '60s - nearly five centuries after Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés built himself a palace in Mexico's lush Cuernavaca - Rita Hayworth, Gary Cooper and Woolworth heiress Barbara Hutton followed suit with their own lavish hideaways. Other notables attracted to the city have included Habsburg Emperor Maximilian I and his wife
The French explorer Robert de LaSalle explored the Great Lakes region of the United States and Canada, the Mississippi River, and the Gulf of Mexico. He claimed the entire Mississippi basin for France, naming it "La Louisiane" in honor of Louis XIV.
The territory of Texas was in the northern region of Mexico known as Coahuila y Tejas. Rebel forces in Texas wanted independence from Mexico. The Mexican government saw Texas as an important bulwark against the territorial expansion of the United States.
The cancellations -- so far made by Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises and Costa Cruises -- come in the wake of a security alert issued by the U.S. Embassy on March 1, due to the seizing of undetonated explosive devices on a ferry between Cozumel and Playa del Carmen.
Norwegian Bliss, a new cruise ship set to sail from Los Angeles to the Mexican Riviera this fall, has emerged from the building dock in Papenburg, Germany, a major milestone in its construction
Mexico City has now become a major player on quite a few places-to-visit lists. International guidebooks, the most prestigious travel newsletters, chefs and designers have set their sights on this great city
The compact town of Ajijic has narrow streets with rough cobblestones. Strolling through the town, there are hints of past hippy glory, such as a Volkswagen Beetle festooned with stuck-on flowers, or a distant sound system playing Creedence or the Stones
From great craft beer in New Mexico to Instagram-worthy cityscapes in Maine, 'National Geographic Traveler' has unveiled a new list of Best Small Cities for 2018
An Aeromexico passenger jet was ordered to abort a landing at San Francisco International Airport as it descended toward a runway occupied by another commercial jet, the third close call at the busy airport in six months
A boat carrying 10 tourists from Royal Caribbean Cruises ships sank off the coast of Cozumel last week, marking the second accident in less than a month involving American cruise passengers on excursion
If asked to list some popular surf destinations, you’d probably name a few of the following: Hawaii, California, Mexico, Australia. You would most likely neglect to mention Japan
Mexico has had highs and lows as a tourist destination in the past decade. Still, it won the popularity contest in an end-of-year cruise trends report by CruiseCompete.com
From understanding the new tax laws and discovering Mexico’s hidden gems to earning top river cruise commissions and inspiring clients in a digital age, The Travel Institute’s lineup of first quarter webinars is diverse and extremely relevant to a travel agent’s livelihood and success in the new year
The bus was reportedly carrying passengers from two Royal Caribbean cruise liners — the Celebrity Equinox and the Serenade of the Seas — when it flipped over on a two-lane highway, landing on its side
Glockenspiel class is the latest thing aboard the Ruby Princess, a ship that measures 68 feet longer than the Titanic and sails back and forth between Los Angeles and Mexico every week until they run out of forks
Zuckerberg, the founder of Zuckerberg Media and sister of Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, claims that she was flying from Los Angeles to Mazatlán, Mexico, when the passenger seated next to her in first-class began making inappropriate sexual comments
It’s easy to make a comparison between California’s Napa Valley and Mexico’s Valle de Guadalupe. The only problem is that the Mexican up-and-comer wants nothing to do with such a comparison
The diversity of landscape across Mexico means that different regions offer distinctive delights, from desert ghost towns and quaint colonial pueblos seeped in history to laid-back beach towns popping with color. The options are endless, but here are 10 of our favorite small-town getaways to inspire your next trip
The Yucatán Peninsula, located in southeast Mexico, is well known for oceanfront hot spots Tulum and Holbox, as well as progressive Mérida, aka “the new San Miguel de Allende.” But beyond the salt and sand lie lesser-known gems imbued with Mayan culture, colorful colonial architecture, artisanal products, and local flavors
At a time when the weaker peso should be luring American travelers in droves, many are staying away, spooked by a wave of violence that's come dangerously close to tourist hot spots
More cruises out of San Diego are on the schedule at Disney Cruise Line. Disney on Thursday said the 1,754-passenger Disney Wonder would return to the city in early 2019 for an expanded season of voyages to Mexico
Amid the stresses of daily life, it’s easy to lose some of the magic in a romantic relationship, said Claudia Palma, the director of romance at Las Ventanas al Paraiso, a Rosewood Resort in Los Cabos, Mexico. A relaxing vacation, she said, is the ideal opportunity for couples to reconnect and remember why they first fell in love
Los Angeles–based entrepreneur and Apple and iTunes vet Lulu Luchaire is behind Ondalinda, which runs November 8 to 12 and seeks to unite like-minded creative people through art, music, and Mexican culture
When Casa Dragones cofounder Bertha González Nieves launched the high-end sipping tequila label eight years ago in the central Mexico city of San Miguel de Allende, she says it was the independent spirit and courage of the city’s legendary Dragones cavalry that drew the brand there
Royal Caribbean (RCL) is being sued for allegedly pressuring passengers booked on a cruise into traveling to Houston even as Hurricane Harvey was set to strike the region, or risk losing the ability to get a refund on their tickets. Royal Caribbean's "Liberty of the Seas" had a scheduled voyage from Galveston, Texas, to Cozumel, Mexico, from Aug. 27 through Sept. 3
Las Vegas is the sixth most visited city in the US, accounting for just under 10 per cent of the nation’s overseas arrivals. Behind only the behemoths of New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Orlando and San Francisco, Nevada’s Sin City welcomes 3.3 million people from abroad each year - excluding Mexico and Canada
Vidanta Nuevo Vallarta Resort, just north of Puerto Vallarta on the west side of Mexico, is a sprawling vista of lush riverbeds peppered with impeccable landscaping of indigenous plant life
Delta Air Lines is waiving change fees for travelers with tickets to, from or through Mexico City on Tuesday and Wednesday, according to its website. American Airlines and United Airlines also will waive fees for travelers ticketed Tuesday and Wednesday (check the change rules on their respective websites)
Hurricane Irma made landfall in the Caribbean on Wednesday with record winds and powerful waves. The Category 5 storm – the strongest Atlantic hurricane ever recorded north of the Caribbean and east of the Gulf of Mexico – passed over the island of Barbuda over night
Southwest Airlines will start offering non-stop flights next year between New Orleans and Cancun, Mexico, according to a news release issued Monday (Aug. 28). The new flight offering begins April 14, 2018
Set in a former 16th-century royal palace steps from Mexico City’s grand and gritty historic center, Downtown Mexico is a coolly inventive boutique hotel from Grupo Habita, owners of New York’s Hôtel Americano
The U.S. Department of State issued a travel warning Tuesday for Americans traveling to certain parts of Mexico. The advisory cautions citizens to avoid traveling to certain locations due to increased criminal activity
One might be excused for not immediately thinking of Sarasota when planning a Florida getaway. The city, located on the southern Gulf of Mexico, along with its surrounding beach communities of Longboat Key and Anna Maria Island, have a lot to recommend them
Prosecutors in Baja California Sur state said tourists sunning themselves on the beach and stunned locals were on hand when the deadly incident jolted Pamilla beach in San Jose del Cabo
Three men were shot dead Sunday on a busy beach in Mexico's popular Los Cabos international tourist area where organized crime has surged in recent months
The sixth named tropical storm of the season, Franklin, formed early Monday in the western Caribbean Sea. It is now on a definite strengthening trend and could be upgraded to the season’s first hurricane before it makes landfall on the Yucatan peninsula late Monday night
A surprising number of Americans avoid traveling. Eleven percent have never stepped foot aboard a plane, the industry association Airlines for America reports. Ever, in their lives. Even with passports now required for travel to Mexico and Canada, 59 percent of Americans don’t have one
Of all the old functional buildings turned to leisure – the forts, warehouses and even lighthouses that are now hotels – the haciendas of the Yucatan in Mexico are the most distinctive I have come across. They are a call from another era, hauntingly beautiful
Travelers flying to the U.S. from nearly 300 international airports, including those in Mexico and Canada, are now subject to stepped-up security measures that include stricter screening for electronic devices larger than cellphones
Mexico City is the perfect place to travel with little ones because it’s brimming with great kid-centric activities that adults will love, it has a child-friendly culture and it’s eminently affordable
A 2015 report from Mexico’s Tax Administration Service found that 43% of all the alcohol consumed in the nation is illegal, produced under unregulated circumstances resulting in potentially dangerous concoctions. The national health authority in Mexico has seized more than 1.4 million gallons of adulterated alcohol since 2010
The hidden treasure in Quintana Roo (the same state Tulum is part of), has long been a well-kept secret of off-the-beaten-path travelers, especially those for whom Gypset Living is something of a life manual
Mexico, China and Poland are the cheapest places in the world to visit - at least, if you want to eat out three times a day and buy a suitcase full of branded clothes, that is
The rugged nature of Horn Island in the Gulf of Mexico made it Walter Anderson's muse. A few generations after his death, rising seas will likely subsume it whole.From the end of World War II until his death in 1965, Anderson completed thousands of drawings and paintings on Horn
Within a 20-minute walk from the Stanton Street Port of Entry in El Paso, Texas, visitors to Ciudad Juarez can enjoy a different experience and get a better understanding of a moment in history that fundamentally changed Mexico and the United States
Princess Cruises has announced their 2018-2019 Americas cruise itineraries that include cruises to the Caribbean, Panama Canal, Mexico, Hawaii, the California Coast, and Alaska. The upcoming season that is currently open for bookings includes 12 cruise ships, sailing to over 70 destinations on more than 40 unique itineraries on 250 departures from six North American homeports
A custom-made private jet personally designed by Elvis Presley, the late American singer, complete with original interiors including red velvet seats and red shag carpet, will be sold to the highest bidder this Saturday, May 27. The 1962 Lockheed Jetstar jet became a tourist attraction where it sat on a runway in Roswell, New Mexico in the US
Like its painted desert landscapes, New Mexico is always different, always mysterious. And just when you think you’ve figured it out, it shifts suddenly like powdery silicate in a wind gust at White Sands National Monument, or the enigmatic native American art in the light of a setting sun, or the red-and-green chili sauce on your plate that’s called Christmas but burns like summer
Tear yourself away from the picture-postcard Pacific views on Route 1, south of the border between California and Mexico, and you see Valle de Guadalupe undulating to the east, its Mars-like boulders and vast stretches of rose-gold-colored dirt belying the fact that there is some pretty great wine being grown here
Zipolite is slowly changing. With the Huatulco airport now offering direct flights from Canada and the U.S. and a new highway under construction to the provincial capital of Oaxaca, increased accessibility is expected to bring more tourists
At a towering 42 stories, the InterContinental Presidente has long been a Mexico City beacon. A renovation, completed in late 2015, with updates this spring and summer to some of its signature restaurants, adds a new burnish to this destination
Just off the bow of our 22-foot open boat - a whale spout erupts with an adrenalin-spiking "shwooosh". Seawater jets into the air, catching the brilliant Mexican sun in a fleeting rainbow.
Holland America has dropped calls in Acapulco, Mexico through 2018, citing security concerns. The decision affects seven Panama Canal voyages and one South America sailing scheduled to take place starting in October
Having visited New Orleans for the best part of a decade, I’m more than acquainted with the Mississippi River - that mighty, magical, muddy mouthpiece of America that reaches the Gulf of Mexico right here
Companies like VRBO and HomeAway have long worked with travelers looking for vacation homes ranging from ski condos in Vail, Colo., to beach houses in Tulum, Mexico. But the biggest growth has been in cities
Cancun, Mexico has perfect blue water well worth visiting, but at this time of year, the pre-planned resort region is often overrun with hard-partying types who couldn’t care less about culture
In 1829, a Native American boy given the name of Goyathlay was born to the Apache tribe in what was at the time Mexico but which would later become Arizona. He married and had three children. In 1851, a group of Mexican soldiers attacked his village while most of the men of the tribe were away. Goyathlay's wife and three children were murdered
Escape the fleshpots of the Yucatán coast and head inland – you’ll find people eager to share their jungle home with visitors, and a world of hidden temples and natural pools
Often to gain traction in a competitive market, new hotels open with attractive rates in their initial season. Grab a deal before the paint dries at the following
Mexico has many beach destinations with world-class resorts and palm-lined stretches of white sand. But there’s only one destination that can truly be called the country’s “Colonial City on the Beach.” That’s the city of Mazatlán, on Mexico’s Pacific Coast
And you thought “Snakes on a Plane” was fiction? No such luck. On an Aeromexico flight from Torreon to Mexico City on Sunday, a large green snake came slithering out of the overhead bin, ABC News reported
Due to a technical malfunction that has affected Carnival Liberty's maximum sailing speed, the ship's next voyage, a five-night Mexico itinerary, has been modified to include one fewer port call
f you’re spending your days dreaming up ways to escape the swiftly approaching winter, there’s a brand new option for you to consider ― and it’s straight out of a dream
It happens to the best of us. Literally, the best of us. Zach Honig is the editor-in-chief of the travel blog The Points Guy. This spring, he was on vacation in Mexico when he got a disturbing email
In the lively (and lesser-known to tourists) Colonia Juárez neighborhood, the Hotel Carlota, which opened in June 2015, is a temple to high design. Built by the prestigious local firm JSa Arquitectura and “art-directed” by Cadena
This summer, the “Mother of American Modernism” gets her moment in the spotlight as London’s Tate Modern features American artist Georgia O’Keeffe from 6 July-30 October (tate.org.uk; £19)
F or Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton it was love at first sight. For each other, of course, but also for the magnificent Bay of Banderas on Mexico’s Pacific coast, where their much-publicised affair began in earnest in the picturesque fishing village of Puerto Vallarta. It started after Taylor joined Burton on the set of John Huston’s The Night of the Iguana in 1963, which was being filmed in the region. They had met in Rome two years previously (while filming Cleopatra) but Mexico is where things heated up
Here's what you loved about upscale, adults-only all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico, all highly rated on our 2015 Readers' Choice Awards
There are whale people — and then there's the rest of the world. Whale people don't always signal their status, although some of them can be seen sporting fluke earrings or a carved-whale pendant or T-shirts with sayings such as : "I speak whale." I didn't speak whale and I still don't, even after several days trolling for them in Baja's San Ignacio Lagoon, but I did emerge a convert from whale camp
You are looking for an experience of a lifetime. An adventure that does not break the bank or take 20 hours to get to. You want something off-the-beaten path, something you can brag about discovering first. Does something like this really exist? I am here to tell you it does, in Sisal, Yucatán, Mexico and it is called a chalana tour, otherwise known as the secret cenote tour of Sisal. A blend of magic and culture and super affordable with the current U.S dollar exchange rate 18 to 1 against the Peso
A gracious old 1700s building close to the historic centre of the city has been beautifully restored to house a new five-level, 81-room boutique hotel, which opened in September last year. It has retained most of the lovely stone facade with the addition of iron lace balconies
The walls at La Querencia are a menagerie of mounted hunting trophies: deer, ducks, geese, wild boar. Some, if not all, were probably shot by the restaurant's chef and owner, Miguel Angel Guerrero, a keen hunter and fisherman. But the most impressive specimens at this popular establishment in Tijuana's Zona Río neighbourhood are on the plate
The shaggy bearded American bison finally got some respect Monday when President Obama decreed it to be the country's national mammal. In ancient times, millions of bison (whose species name is Bison bison bison) roamed from Alaska to Mexico, and from Nevada to the Appalachian Mountains. These days, there are far fewer wild bison, just about 30,000, after the creatures were hunted nearly to extinction in the 19th century
As you drive into this dusty little village just three miles north of the Mexican border, you wouldn’t guess that a bloody event here would have affected a world war and kept the town’s name in the history books for more than a hundred years. Just before dawn on March 9, 1916, Mexican revolutionary Francisco “Pancho” Villa ordered his troops to attack the sleeping town. It was a mistake; Villa was defeated in less than two hours
In Mexico City, incredible tacos, tortas and tamales abound on every street corner. Now, these simple favourites are popping up in the city's finest restaurants
Carnival Triumph, the latest cruise ship to call New Orleans its homeport, set sail Monday evening (April 4) for Mexico, kicking off a rotation of four- and five-day trips to be offered throughout the year. The Triumph replaces the smaller Carnival Elation, which relocated to Jacksonville, Fla., earlier this year
Although Peter Benchley’s book “Jaws” and Steven Spielberg’s subsequent movie adaptation depicted the great white as a danger to humans, the last decade has seen Isla Guadalupe become one of the world’s top destinations for shark enthusiasts and scientists hoping to dive with the oft-maligned and misunderstood creatures
Are cruisers ready to return to the Mexican Riviera? Holland America is the latest line to bet on it. The Seattle-based company will more than double its capacity in the region next winter with more departures and the deployment of a larger ship
Even Goths can enjoy a Mexican beach vacation, now and again. My friend Yukiro and I were excited to indulge in a week of lounging, at Karisma’s ocean-front resort. However, we didn’t want to miss out on the mysterious Mayan pyramids and art, in nearby Tulum
For a capital with such a long and layered history, there is much that’s new in Mexico City. Skyscrapers grow like bamboo. A trendy restaurant, boutique hotel or high-end food store seems to open every week. Despite the often dark national mood — corruption in Mexico seems ever more brazen, and violence, much of it drug-related, persists in many areas — the city has kept its mojo
My boyfriend was my tour guide in San Miguel de Allende. He had traveled to the city about 10 times and he was madly passionate about San Miguel and it's inhabitants, it's Baroque architecture, its weekly festivals and the truly amazing art scene and artists community. The city possesses one of the most exquisite artists community since probably Paris in the 1920s. The Fabrica La Aurora is one of San Miguel's unique destinations, a beautiful art and design center housed in a former textile factory from the turn of the century
Watch gray whales in Southern California for free as they make their way between Mexico and Alaska. Point Vicente on the Palos Verdes Peninsula is where it's all happening
We chose Tulum, which is in the state of Quintana Roo on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, because it offers a relaxing beach vacation, with the requisite sugary-white sand and blue Caribbean, along with just enough non-beach activity to stave off lethargy. I was drawn to the idea of exploring ruins, snorkeling in caves, and navigating a sophisticated food and cocktail scene in an area mostly devoid of megaresorts
That's what a lot of families are asking themselves as the Zika virus continues to spread through the Caribbean , including Mexico , Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands , the Dominican Republic and Jamaica , among others -- all popular spring break destinations for families, as well as their college students
Poor Kansas. While bands from the King Cole Trio to the Rolling Stones sang about the famous highway — name dropping Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California — the lyrics ignore Kansas. Maybe it's because just a few miles of Route 66 passed through the Sunflower State
Explore Mexico's underrated gems - from small colonial towns that take you back in time to exquisite beaches to darling hotels with lovely amenities and remote eco-lodges that take you on exciting outdoor adventures
I flew out of New York City during Christmas week, when the temperature was in the 70s. I landed in southern New Mexico, hours before a giant snowstorm
When you ask someone how their trip to Mexico went, no one ever says, "Eh, it was OK." No. It was either a glorious weekend on a beautiful beach with free-flowing tequila. Or it was a terrifying experience involving Federales and free-flowing tequila. Rarely, if ever, are there any in-betweens.
A new charter flight to Puerto Vallarta has put Mexico's Pacific coast within easy reach from the UK. But don't hang around in the big resorts - head north for laid-back beaches and boho shops, whale-watching and rodeos
Enjoy ocean views from rooftop bars or just step out and get the sand between your toes. From Mazatlán to Pochutla, here are 10 charming beachside escapes
The tamales weren't hot, but they were illegal. Customs officials announced Wednesday that they seized 450 pork tamales smuggled from Mexico to Los Angeles in luggage earlier in the month.
Pátzcuaro may be one of the best places in Mexico to see Day of the Dead celebrations, but the Purépecha people’s heartland has great art, history and scenery all year round
From a ‘hanging-doll’ island in Mexico to the English estate which inspired The Turn of the Screw, the author of A Natural History of Ghosts picks some of his favourite spooky sites
Whether you're planning a romantic getaway for two or a beach vacation with the entire family, these hotels offer a great home base for exploring Mexico's pristine waters, lush jungles, ancient ruins and rich cultural traditions
Egyptian security forces opened fire on a caravan of tourist vehicles in the country’s Western Desert late Sunday night, killing at least 12 people visiting from Mexico and injuring 10 others, among them Mexican tourists and their Egyptian tour guides, officials said
Whether it's the suites that "float" over Mamitas Beach, the stunning open-air lobby set in mangrove forest, or the Mayan-inspired spa where you can peer down into a pool that resembles a cenote (sink hole), there's an air of luxury at the Grand Hyatt not yet seen in Playa del Carmen
When a friend recently told me about her upcoming trip to Mexico, I couldn't help feeling jealous. Not just because she'd be staying near Mayan ruins, but because of the incredible sleep I knew she'd be getting
Recently described as the Williamsburg of Mexico by the New York Times, Tulum is still one of the most low-key of Mexico's Mayan Riviera tourist resorts
A smart, contemporary interior, an on-site bakery, mouth-watering artisan bread, free wi-fi and an "all day lounge"; this is café Cumpanio in San Miguel de Allende, three hours' north of Mexico City and it's a home-from-home as far as I'm concerned
As the early morning sunshine bathes the blue agave fields in brilliant light, Mexican farmers (called jimadors) spring into action, spreading out across the lush landscape to methodically begin harvesting the ripe leafy plants using a coa, flat-bladed circular knives attached to long wooden poles
Ansel Adams, the great American landscape photographer, couldn.t get enough of New Mexico.s grandeur and stark clarities. Millicent Rogers . model, socialite, and heiress to the Standard Oil fortune . wondered, "Why has no one ever told me about this place?"
Southwest Airlines restarted its daily service from Orange County to hurricane-damaged Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) on Wednesday, and American Airlines plans to return to the resort area starting Saturday
Mexico is much more diverse than you might expect. From dramatic canyons and lush jungles to sunny beaches and historic cities, explore a few of the truly unique experiences that await in Mexico
