Hola my Mexico-loving friends! Welcome back to the monthly Mexico updates! We are inching ever closer to snowbird season south of the border. We're still in the thick of hurricane season, so prices are lower and the chance of getting caught in a storm is higher. Just ask visitors to La Paz last week! We're also less than a month away from one of the most popular holidays for visitors in Mexico, Día de Muertos, or Day of the Dead. It's a special time to visit places like Mexico City, Oaxaca, Yucatan, and Michoacan. If you are visiting at this time of year, please remember to be respectful of the families and communities that you visit during this time. Read articles like this one or this one to understand what is and is not appropriate to do during this sacred event. Are you planning a trip to Mexico this winter? Be sure to check my website for travel guides, restaurant recommendations, and tips for exploring whatever region you are planning to explore. Mexico Updates from Around the Web.- Hurricane Polo, a category 2 hurricane, made landfall in Baja on September 29th. Thankfully, no deaths or injuries were reported, although close to 700 people evacuated their homes during the worst of the storm. The worst damage was around Puerto San Carlos, but it crossed the peninsula and made landfall again in Sonora, where the storm lost some strength.
- Hurricane Rachel, a storm that was recently upgraded to a Category 3, is currently making its way towards Mexico's west coast. While it may not make landfall, it is expected to cause "very heavy rain in the states of Baja California Sur, Sinaloa, and Jalisco, and the possibility of landslides, rising river levels, overflowing rivers and flooding in low-lying areas." It will also affect the rip current, so take extreme caution if you are in this area over the next few days.
- It has already affected the roads and beaches in Puerto Vallarta, with closures and precautions being taken.
- And for much cuter news, the Mexican National Guard has hired their first Chihuahua, Comando, to help with community outreach. Watch a video of his training here.
- Both Volaris and Aeromexico are suspending all routes to and from Tulum. Aeromexico's flights ended on September 30th, and Volaris will stop operating out of Tulum by the end of the year. This all seems to be due mostly to a lack of tourism in the area. Whether due to high prices, safety issues, or other international alternatives, the tourism buzz in Tulum is down significantly this year compared to years past. Has the bubble finally burst?
- A few earthquakes were felt in Baja last week, small ones in short succession. I felt two myself when I was down there a few years ago (in September of course!). It's a good reminder that there are plenty of rumbles there and you should always be prepared for the possibility of something larger.
- The rates for seasonal rentals have gone up all over the world, no doubt, but they are getting even trickier to get down in Los Cabos. Because not only are landlords looking for people who can pay more, but they also want to make sure you are going to be tidy, quiet, and respectful residents of their properties, especially if you plan to stay for a month or longer. This article helps explain what you need to know.
- After the tragic death of a tourist in Puerto Vallarta a few months ago due to a crocodile attack, Puerto Vallarta has been very vigilant about trapping and removing crocodiles from beaches and boardwalks. Last week, they caught three more! A good reminder to take to the waters with extreme care at this time of year (or maybe just not at all?).
- The Tourism Business Council of Yucatán recently issued an urgent call to local government to implement strict regulations around Airbnbs and short-term rentals in Mérida. Mérida now ranks among Mexico’s top ten municipalities with the highest concentration of vacation rental properties, which, as we've seen across Europe, has led to many locals being priced out of their own cities. No decisions have been made yet, but it's the first step in what CETUR hopes will lead to more regulation.
Visiting Mexico Soon?If you are planning a trip to Mexico soon, I hope you'll have a browse through the different Mexico guides on my blog or have a search through my YouTube videos to help you plan your trip! Many of you already know that the updated version of my Los Cabos guidebook came out in November 2024. If you haven’t already purchased it, you can buy a digital copy of it here or a paperback copy of it on Amazon here. I also have an extensive guidebook available for Mexico City, which also receives regular updates. Anytime you buy a digital guidebook, you have access to lifetime updates completely free. So your guidebooks from me are never out of date! These are our essential Mexico travel planning articles not to miss: Speak soon and safe travels, Laura |
AVISO PREVENTIVO PARA ZIPOLITE | PREVENTIVE WEATHER ALERT
ESPAÑOL 
Si eres visitante o habitante:
Si eres prestador de servicios turísticos:
Guardavidas Club Delfines Zipolite A.C.
