President Sheinbaum emphasized that the presentation that the foreign affairs minister will be making to the United Nations on Tuesday will be Mexico's official position, not just a personal opinion. (Moisés Pablo/Cuartoscuro)
As the United Nations General Assembly convened in New York on Monday, President Claudia Sheinbaum reiterated Mexico’s position that the genocide taking place in Gaza must be halted.
Sheinbaum told reporters during her Monday morning press conference that Foreign Relations Minister Juan Ramón de la Fuente would deliver a message to the General Assembly encouraging peace in line with Mexico’s long-held foreign policy of non-intervention and self-determination.
In addition to condemning Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza, Sheinbaum joined several other heads of state who recently voiced their support for a two-state solution to the conflict. (Daniel Augusto/Cuartoscuro)
Mexico has supported all formal denunciations of the violence taking place in Gaza, Sheinbaum said, adding that she is following in the footsteps of her predecessor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, in supporting international condemnation of genocide in Gaza.
Sheinbaum added that she supports a two-state solution, saying that “there can’t be aggression against the civilian population as is happening now.”
“This is the message our foreign minister will deliver and it is important that it be known that this is our official position,” she said.
“This was the first time we recognized an ambassador from Palestine, the first time a president of Mexico accepted the credentials of the Palestinian State and it’s very important that this be acknowledged,” she said.
Before this, Mexico recognized diplomatic representatives from Palestine, but not as credentialed ambassadors.
De la Fuente, Mexico’s ambassador to the United Nations from December 2018 through September 2023, is scheduled to speak at the U.N. General Assembly (UNGA) on Tuesday.
He met with Mexico’s current ambassador to the U.N., Hector Vasconcelos, in New York on Saturday to finalize Mexico’s activities and priorities in the Assembly and the General Debate.
The General Debate, which begins on Tuesday, is also expected to be heavily focused on the war in Gaza, especially after Britain, Canada, Australia, France and Portugal formally recognized Palestine.
The SHCP said that Mexico now has a "comparative advantage" of 35.6 percentage points over China in terms of the effective tariff rates applicable to the two countries' exports to the United States. (Shutterstock)
According to Mexico’s Finance Ministry (SHCP), Mexico captured 24% of the U.S. market for imports that China lost in the 2018-2024 period.
The figure is included in the SHCP’s 2026 budget proposal, a 93-page document that was submitted to Congress earlier this month.
U.S. protectionism against Chinese goods helped Mexico to increase its share of the United States’ market for imports in recent years, allowing it to overtake the East Asian economic powerhouse as the top exporter to the world’s largest economy in 2023 and maintain the enviable position ever since.
The SHCP believes that Mexico now has an even greater opportunity to capture a bigger share of the U.S. market for imports, given that the Trump administration has recently increased tariffs on imports from China, a country known colloquially as “the world’s factory.”
Mexico’s trade advantage widens
According to the SHCP, the United States’ “effective tariff rate” on imports from China between 2018 and 2024 was 6.6 percentage points higher than its effective tariff rate on imports from Mexico, which, along with the U.S. and Canada, is party to the USMCA free trade pact.
The difference in the effective tariff rates “allowed Mexico to gain around 24% of the participation” in the U.S. market for imports that China lost, the ministry said.
The SHCP said that Mexico now has a “comparative advantage” of 35.6 percentage points over China in terms of the effective tariff rates applicable to the two countries’ exports to the United States.
“The current magnitude [of the difference] opens up an even greater opportunity to expand [Mexico’s] exports, production and employment in the manufacturing sector,” the ministry said.
Mexico vs. China, and the world
“Despite a more uncertain international environment due to changes in trade policy,” Mexico “maintains one of the most favorable positions in global trade and, in particular, with its main North American partners.”
So reads an inset in the SHCP’s 2026 budget proposal, including in the document under the title “Resilience of Mexico’s external sector in the face of a new trade environment.”
According to Mexico’s Finance Ministry, led by Edgar Amador, 81% of Mexico’s exports to the United States didn’t face tariffs in July 2025. (Moisés Pablo/Cuartoscuro)
The Finance Ministry said that Mexico’s advantage is “explained by four factors”:
A lower tariff rate to access the U.S. market compared to competitors.
“Preferential access” to the U.S. market thanks to the USMCA. (Most Mexican goods that comply with the USMCA can enter the U.S. tariff-free).
The “deep integration” of Mexico’s exports in “regional value chains.” (Mexico and the U.S. are said to be part of a “co-production system”).
The “flexibility of the exchange rate regime, which allows orderly adjustments and preserves competitiveness.”
The SHCP said that the United States’ effective tariff rate for imports from Mexico was 4.7% in July. It described the rate as “one of the lowest” among the United States’ trade partners.
The ministry said that the United States’ “global average” tariff rate was 9.7%. For the European Union, it was a slightly lower 9.1%, while for China it was a much higher 40.4%, the SHCP said.
It highlighted that 81% of Mexico’s exports to the United States didn’t face tariffs in July, mainly thanks to the UMSCA, which superseded NAFTA in 2020 and is scheduled for review in 2026.
The SHCP also noted that the United States’ effective tariff rate on imports from Mexico has “only increased” 4.5 percentage points in 2025 compared to last year, whereas the U.S. hiked duties on Chinese goods by 29.5 percentage points, and 7.4 percentage points, on average, on products from countries around the world.
Mexico’s trade advantage over other countries “doesn’t depend on circumstances” that are subject to change (oftentimes due to the apparent whims of the U.S. president), but depends rather on an “institutional framework” — the USMCA — “that limits exposure to tariff increases,” the ministry said.
Mexico’s worsened yet still favorable trade situation with the U.S. — which Mexican officials, including President Claudia Shienbaum and Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard, have emphasized on innumerable occasions — should help the country to continue to attract foreign investment in the years ahead. Indeed, foreign direct investment in Mexico hit a record high in the first half of the year.
SHCP highlights importance of USMCA review
The Finance Ministry said that the 2026 USMCA review “will be decisive to consolidate a more predictable framework for regional trade and to give greater certainty to companies, even in the event of adjustment to rules of access and origin.”
“Clarity in these criteria will be key to strengthening investment plans and expanding production chains with greater national content,” the SHCP said.
The Mexican government is determined to achieve even more favorable conditions for Mexico-based companies that export to the United States. As things stand, U.S. tariffs apply to a range of Mexican products, including vehicles, aluminum, steel and goods that don’t meet USMCA rules.
Sheinbaum is confident that the USMCA will endure beyond the 2026 review, and frequently asserts that the way in which North America can be most competitive globally is as a united trade bloc and production hub.
Alejandro Aguilar is enrolled at SABES Celaya University in central Guanajuato. (James Dyson Award)
Mexican student Alejandro Aguilar, enrolled at SABES Celaya University in central Guanajuato, won the 2025 James Dyson National Award with his OpticalApp project, an innovative application that can diagnose ocular diseases from a smartphone.
Designed for users with no medical background, OpticalApp uses artificial intelligence to analyze eye photographs and detect up to 28 diseases of the retina in under 30 seconds.
Paired with an AI-powered smartphone app, Aguilar’s invention can capture diagnosable retinal imagery at a very low cost. (Luis Ignacio Sánchez Gómez/Facebook)
The app includes accessibility features such as an audio assistant and support for multiple languages, along with detailed explanations of symptoms. The system is paired with a low-cost, easy-to-manufacture adapter for capturing retinal fundus images, providing a more affordable alternative to professional medical instruments.
Aguilar was one of the 28 national winners selected from a pool of 2,100 entries. He came up with the idea after discovering a lack of high-technology models of mobile eye screening.
“The project began after discovering many publicly available datasets, but noticing a lack of accessible, fine-tuned models for mobile screening,” Aguilar said. “This gap sparked the idea that I could contribute something meaningful.”
With input from his mother, who has work experience in visual exams, Aguilar said he got a better understanding of the problem. However, he initially thought of developing an app for testicular diagnosis.
“Initially, the app aimed to support self-examination for testicular problems, but due to a lack of datasets, I pivoted to retinal diagnostics – another area that felt personal, as I’ve experienced floaters myself,” Aguilar said.
Aguilar used several AI tools to create the app, including Google Colab and ChatGPT, which he used as a coding assistant.
SIGNAL GLOVE
Mexican student Hector Hernández won a James Dyson National Award last year for his invention of the Signal Glove, a wearable translation device that helps deaf individuals who use Mexican Sign Language communicate with people who do not know it.
Two other Mexican inventions were runners-up in this year’s competition, including Rho, a menstrual garment for women experiencing poverty, and Lifecore, a transportation system for heart transplants.
Aguilar’s biggest challenge, he said, was “aligning the phone’s light to the pupil without blinding the subject,” he explained. “In future iterations, I plan to design a more stable, integrated structure with a stronger lens and better light control.”
Founded in 2002 by the James Dyson Foundation – part of the appliance company Dyson – international has supported more than 400 engineering inventions with global resources and visibility.
With this award, Aguilar has received financial support of 126,000 pesos (US $6,845) to continue the development of OpticalApp. The top 20 finalists will be announced on Oct. 15.
The New World screwworm (NWS) has been steadily moving north from Central America since last year, putting the U.S. cattle industry on high alert. (Isabel Mateos Hinojosa/Cuartoscuro)
Mexican officials confirmed a case of New World screwworm (NWS) over the weekend, just 70 miles from the U.S. border, prompting U.S. authorities to quickly assert they will take all necessary measures to defend the country’s livestock industry and food security.
In a press release, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) said it will take decisive action to protect U.S. borders, even in the absence of cooperation. “Protecting the United States from NWS is non-negotiable and a top priority of the Trump Administration,” U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins said.
Mexico’s National Service of Agro-Alimentary Health, Safety and Quality (Senasica) discovered the latest case of the flesh-eating pest in a feedlot in Sabinas Hidalgo, Nuevo León.
Senasica informed the USDA that the affected animal — an 8-month-old cow — had recently been moved north from a region in southern Mexico with known active NWS cases, prompting criticism from Rollins.
“We have given Mexico every opportunity and every resource necessary to counter NWS since announcing the NWS Bold Plan in June 2025,” she said, adding that the USDA “will not rely on Mexico to defend our industry, our food supply or our way of life.”
Cows infected with screwworm typically die of secondary infections or toxicity. (Isabel Mateos Hinojosa/Cuartoscuro)
The USDA also insisted that “the potential link to animal movement underscores the non-negotiable need for Mexico to fully implement and comply with the U.S.-Mexico Joint Action Plan.”
After analyzing all information related to the new case, Rollins said the USDA will pursue all options to release sterile flies in this region as necessary. In June, the U.S. and Mexico reopened a modernized sterile fly production plant in the southern Mexican state of Chiapas as part of a joint strategy to combat the NWS.
Screwworm maggots typically enter through an open wound and feed on the living flesh of warm-blooded animals. Infected mammals typically die of secondary infections or toxicity.
A new videogame lets you take command of the Aztec city of Tenochtitlán. How will you rule? (Chill2Play)
Gamers, Mexicans and history buffs: rejoice! This week sees the release of Aztec: The Last Sun, a city-building simulator that lets you take the reins of Tenochtitlán, the ancient Mexica (or Aztec) capital. Created by Polish game designers Play2Chill, the project is the culmination of more than three years of hard work, historical review and craft.
The game takes place at the dawn of the Mexica empire, as you look to establish your grand capital in Lake Texcoco. Set in the stylized world of ancient Mesoamerica, you play as the divine leader of the Mexica, the Tlatoani, tasked with building the city of Tenochtitlán in the waters of Lake Texcoco.
In Aztecs: The Last Sun, you rule Tenochtitlán and construct your empire, all while balancing the needs of your people… and the Gods. (Play2Chill)
What is gameplay like?
The team at Play2Chill provided Mexico News Daily with an advance copy of the game, so we were able to test out everything Aztecs: The Last Sun has to offer.
During the day, you grow your city by adding different structures, including housing, resource collecting, academies and temples. At night, however, work stops as your people take cover from the Moon Goddess’s curse, put on the populus after she declared war on the Sun. The blood zone, powered by the blood of captives, commoners and nobles who follow you, is the only thing keeping the curse at bay. Fate lies in your hands: will you protect your people and grow your empire, or will you fall to the tyranny of the moon?
Choices matter as you decide what to do with new captives and your population, assigning them to specific roles, putting them into hard labor, or sacrificing them to appease the Gods and maintain your protective blood zone. It is a fine balance for survival between keeping your population alive, which risks unemployment and the failure of your protective blood zone not activating at night, and excessive bloodletting, which weakens the population’s trust in you but gives you more Grace with the Gods to avoid cataclysms.
Expansive gameplay elements include scouting and exploration, which reveal a map far greater than Tenochtitlán, opening the world up to other cities and trade routes in the Valley of México. The Calendar system assigns a patron god to each day, who has an unpredictable and powerful impact on the world. It also shows upcoming events and allows the player to prepare accordingly.
The day/night cycle triggering a supernatural antagonist is one of the many survival gameplay elements that gives Aztecs: The Last Sun a unique feel. Homelessness is a constant factor as your city expands, and housing needs to be built around canals and reservoirs to avoid sickness and loss of trust. Harvesting mud is essential for land reclamation and molding your environment to fit your building style. Food management is flexible and feels important, even telling you how many meals each citizen has per day.
Aztecs: The Last Sun - Official Trailer
To find out why a team of developers in Poland decided to create a game set in pre-Hispanic Mexico, we caught up with developer Paweł Brągoszewski, who helped bring the ancient city streets of Tenochtitlán to life.
”Frankly, the obvious setting for [city building] games is medieval Europe. There are hundreds of games about medieval Europe. So we didn’t want to do another medieval Europe castle builder or something. We wanted to have an unusual, interesting setting,” explained Brągoszewski.
Historical accuracy
Keeping Aztecs: The Last Sun as accurate as possible was a major concern for the team, who are based in Warsaw. While none of the team had ever visited Mexico, they were determined to do what they could to create an immersive, vibrant world that resembled the ancient capital as much as possible.
It wasn’t all smooth sailing on the historical front though, as Brągoszewski explains. ”We created the very first trailer for the game, a video teaser for the game it is no longer available and in that teaser, [we] made all sorts of mistakes with the architecture. [We] mixed Mayan architecture and Aztec architecture, all sorts of stuff.”
“When we released that, we got a very, very nice, critical but very constructive letter from [a historian] from Mexico. We contacted him and we corrected [the game] ourselves to make sure [that] if we show something that really existed, it is accurate.”
The developers took care to painstakingly recreate the architecture of the city exactly as it appeared. (Play2Chill)
“He provided us with a huge document about what we did wrong and what should be corrected and what to do.” It is clear that the team took this information and used it to rework the game — with great results.
The building processes are historically accurate too — as Tlatloani, you will assign workers to create new chinampas, helping raise your city from the lake just as the Mexica did centuries before. Your people will need jobs, homes and will use traditional tools and wear the traditional clothes of 15th century Mexica.
Time for the obvious question, though: How does the game handle the human sacrifices for which the Mexica were so infamous?
“We had a lot of design discussions on how to incorporate the gods and religion, which was important as the empire, but we didn’t want to do the obvious crazy bloodbath stuff,” Brągoszewski said. While blood does play an essential role in the game (as it did in real life), it is simply a part of everyday life, rather than an all-consuming goal to be met at all costs.
The religious element presents the one historical question mark in the game. But, within the overarching narrative and the immersive gameplay, sorcerers and angry gods feel like an exciting augmentation to real life, rather than a lazy stereotype of Indigenous blood magic.
Is Aztecs: The Last Sun good?
The day/night cycles of the game provide different challenges for players to reckon against. (Play2Chill)
Game journalist and developer James Springer described the game as “not being the most complex city-builder out there, but its artistic style, focus on survival and unique environment, coupled with its small twists on genre gameplay mechanics, make it a fun and relaxing experience, depending on your difficulty setting. The characters and storytelling are also worth mentioning, despite the noticeable AI-created voiceovers.”
So far, the game is still in Early Access mode, meaning there is more development to come. “We have like two chapters. This is like a full story. There is everything we wanted in the game in terms of gameplay, buildings and features,” Brągoszewski said.
“Everything is there, but there will be another chapter added after the early access.”
For fans of Frostpunk, Tropico or Sid Meier’s Civilization, there is a lot here to love. For fans of Mexican history, the care that the team at Play2Chill have taken to ensure their game is historically accurate is evident in every moment. So if you fancy your chances of being the next Mexica god king, head over to Steam and try your hand at building an empire!
James Springer is a freelance journalist interested in history, culture, software development and gaming. Chris Havler-Barrett is the Features Editor at Mexico News Daily.
Uziel Muñoz takes a silver medal for Mexico in the World Athletic Championships in Tokyo, despite starting the tournament as an outsider. (Uziel Muñoz/Instagram)
September 13th was the opening day of the 20th World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. While there will be plenty of action over the next 18 days, it will be a slow start, with today consisting largely of qualifying rounds. The most prestigious event will be the men’s shot put, with the qualifying stage taking place in the morning and the final in the afternoon. One of Mexico’s best hopes for these championships will be competing, and while Uziel Muñoz is not expected to win a medal, he has a good chance of making the final.
It has been 11 years since Muñoz, then a young boy from Chihuahua, won two silver medals (in the shot put and discus) at the Central American and Caribbean Junior Championships. One of the major influences on his career has been his brother, Mateo, now sadly departed. It was Mateo who pressured him to cut down on the partying and take athletics more seriously. Progress came slowly, centimetre by centimetre, and it was 2019 before Uziel got a taste of the big time, making his first appearance in a World Championships. He finished well down the rankings, but was only twenty-five, and there was plenty of time to improve.
Uziel Muñoz’s chances at the World Athletic Championships
Uziel Muñoz is one of Mexico’s best shot putters and is currently representing his country in Tokyo. (Instagram)
He missed out on the 2020 Olympics, but 2022 saw him back in the World Championships. By now, he had added over a meter to his best distance and that was good enough to make the final. The 2023 Pan American title followed and he was 8th in the 2024 Olympics. Uziel Muñoz was now ranked in the world’s top ten, but the years had rolled by, and he was thirty. It was questionable how much further improvement he could make.
Uziel Muñoz is, of course, a big man, standing 1.85 and weighing 121 kg (6’1″ and 267 pounds). He has incredible strength in his shoulders. However, he is not a giant by the standards of this sport. The world number one, Ryan Crouser of the U.S., dwarfs him at 2 meters and 145 kg. Crouser comes to Tokyo seeking his third world title, but his selection has been controversial. He has been injured all season and has yet to throw in a competition. His inclusion in the U.S. team also means that there is no place for another great thrower, Joseph Kovacs, the man who has won medals at the last five World Championships.
Day one qualifying
The morning session in Tokyo gets underway with the 36 throwers divided into two groups. To reach the final, a competitor will have to throw over 21.35 meters or finish in the top 12. That automatic qualifying mark proves a tough target, and only New Zealander Tom Walsh and the Americans Adrian Piperi and Crouser achieve it. To the relief of everybody, Crouser’s damaged elbow stands up to the pressure of hurling a four-kilogram ball of iron 20 meters. Muñoz opens his qualifying campaign with a solid 20.48 and always looks good for the final, although he doesn’t secure that place until his final throw. His third and best throw is 20.77 meters, ranking him ninth of the 12 finalists.
So to the final. A solid first round sees eight of the twelve athletes throwing over 20 meters, leaving Muñoz sixth with an opening effort of 20.58. Having got one throw safely in, the leading men can put that little extra effort and take the extra risk of fouling in the second round. This is a good round for both Muñoz, who unexpectedly moves into third place, and Crouser, who takes the lead for the first time. However, the American is nursing his elbow and throwing well under his best. His third consecutive title is by no means secure at this point.
A final round surprise
Going into the final round, Crouser has managed one big throw, pushing the shot over the 22-meter line. His third world title now looks safe. Muñoz is in fourth. But he slips down a place when the big Nigerian, Chukwuebuka Cornnell Enekwechi, manages 21 meters 52 with his last throw. The day-long competition is entering its final drama as the Mexican enters the circle. Only three throwers remain, and Muñoz stands out as the only one likely to influence the leading results.
Muñoz’s face is tight in concentration. The advantage of being “only” six feet tall allows him more speed as he spins across the small throwing circle. It all comes together, and the shot drops around the 22-meter line. Muñoz is smiling. He knows this is a good throw. Then he sees the result and leaps into the air. It’s 21.97 meters, a Mexican record and a silver medal.
Plata para Uziel Muñoz en el Campeonato Mundial de atletismo Tokio 2025.
Mexico’s best shot putters
Thirty is not old for a shot putter and there is no talk of retirement. The Olympics are still three years away, but the time will go quickly. There is another motivation that Muñoz regularly mentions. Mexico has no tradition of producing throwers. The only other shot putter to wear Mexican colors in recent Olympics is Stephen Saenz. And he grew up and learned to throw in the USA. In the 2025 Mexican Championships, Jairo Morán, from Chiapas, threw 19.19 meters in the shot, which is edging towards world-class.
Nobody else, however, is anywhere close to that standard. Indeed, although Muñoz does not take the discus seriously, he still clinched this year’s Mexican Championship with a throw that would be considered “club level” in Europe. Muñoz is passionate about improving Mexican throwing and knows every time he reaches a big final, he might inspire a few young boys and girls to pick up a shot or a discus.
So as Mexican athletics gears up for the next Olympic cycle, remember the name Uziel Muñoz. A family man and a gentle giant. An intelligent man who has a degree in Business Administration from the Autonomous University of Ciudad Juárez. Uziel Muñoz, silver medalist in the World Championships.
Bob Patemanis a Mexico-based historian, librarian and a life-term hasher. He is editor of On On Magazine, the international history magazine of hashing.
Zihuatanejo is famed for its picturesque charms. (Unsplash/Maximilian Csali)
Zihuatanejo is a place that lives in the marrow of those who love it. It’s not just the expansive Pacific, or the cobblestone streets of downtown, or the scent of salt and grilled fish in the air. It’s how all of it forces you to slow down and pulls you into a coastal Mexico that feels forgotten in the buzz and energy of the more popular resort towns.
Set along the Pacific coast of Guerrero, Zihuatanejo is often mentioned in the same breath as its shinier neighbor, Ixtapa. But make no mistake, they are different worlds. Ixtapa was master-planned in the 1970s as a tourist zone, and today it brims with resorts and golf courses. But Zihuatanejo, just 20 minutes away (and even closer to the Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo International Airport), has managed to retain its identity.
Zihuatanejo, and nearby Ixtapa (pictured here) offers a front-row seat to the Pacific Ocean from its four main beaches. (FEE Mexico)
For travelers seeking a town with history and a front-row seat to the ocean, combined with the access of an international airport, this is the one.
Beaches, bays and Barra de Potosí
Zihuatanejo is built around a serene bay with four main beaches, each with its own character.
Playa La Ropa, named for a shipwreck that once spilled silks onto its shore, is the most famous and family-friendly. That’s thanks to soft sand, swimmable waters and a string of beachside restaurants that call for micheladas under palapas. It’s also the best beach for paddleboarding or hopping a water taxi to Playa Las Gatas, a rocky cove perfect for snorkeling among coral and calm reef fish.
Playa Madera is a popular local beach, while Playa Principal is where the fishing boats pull in each morning, offering a window into daily life in Zihuatanejo.
But for the wild, windswept version of the coast, drive south to Playa Larga, Playa Blanca and Barra de Potosi. Barra de Potosi is a tranquil village cushioned between a massive mangrove lagoon and the ocean. Take a boat tour of the estuary, home to herons, spoonbills and egrets. Or plant yourself on the beach with a platter of freshly grilled pescado a la talla and a cold Victoria.
And for surfers? Troncones, about 45 minutes north, delivers consistent waves, a boho-chic vibe and a quiet stretch of sand where yoga studios and surf shops dot the coastline.
A town with a story
Zihuatanejo is a town with a story, beginning with its name, which means “place of women.” (Unsplash/Eduardo Romero)
Zihuatanejo’s name comes from the Nahuatl Cihuatlán, meaning “place of women.” Before the Spanish arrived, it was a ceremonial center, and it still holds a deep spirituality beneath its cobblestones. Today, Zihuatanejo is a fishing town at heart, with a proud local community that’s deeply rooted in Guerrero’s culture.
Stroll through Centro, where the streets are lined with art galleries, handicraft shops, and open-air cafes. Visit the beachfront Museo Arqueológico de la Costa Grande, a small but fascinating museum that traces the region’s Indigenous and colonial history. It’s one of the only museums in Mexico on the beach.
For something more atmospheric, wander the Mercado Municipal. There you’ll find everything from tamales and mangoes to buckets of just-caught shrimp and glistening red snapper. Don’t miss the murals along the pedestrian-friendly Paseo del Pescador, which hugs the shorelines and connects the town center with the beaches.
Where to eat
True to Mexico in general, Zihuatanejo doesn’t scrimp on flavor. Angustina is a standout. This sophisticated yet grounded restaurant is under the helm of Chef Felipe Meneses, who puts a modern spin on traditional Guerrero flavors. The mole and expansive selection of branded mezcals are worth the reservation.
La Terracita is a lovable rooftop spot tucked above Playa Madera. The menu leans toward Mexican comfort food, and the views are unbeatable. For beachfront dining, head to La Gaviota on Playa La Ropa.
Suites at Thompson Zihuatanejo are a great place to stay, while onsite restaurants like Ceniza and Hao are among the town’s many excellent dining choices. (Thompson Zihuatanejo, by Hyatt)
Back in Barra de Potosi, Enramada Teresita is a beach shack classic. Order the coconut shrimp, settle into your plastic chair, and watch the pelicans dive-bomb the waves.
Where to stay
You won’t find mega-resorts or high-rises in downtown Zihuatanejo, and that’s one of the best things about it. Accommodations here tend to be boutique, eco-conscious and often family-run.
Catalina Beach Resort is a “Zihua” classic, known for its cliffside rooms, vintage aesthetic and dreamy hammock-strewn balconies. This is where generations of families (and more than a few honeymooners) have come to unplug.
For a luxe, yet sustainable option, La Casa que Canta offers exquisite design, tiered terraces and stunning views of the bay. It’s adults-only and supremely peaceful.
If you’re looking for barefoot luxury right on the beach, Thompson Zihuatanejo toes the line between elevated and authentic, with a prime La Ropa location and a chic cocktail scene.
What Zihuatanejo offers is something that is becoming rarer these days: a sense of place, a slow pace, and the sense that overdevelopment is still a very long way away. Whether you’re sipping mezcal under the stars, chatting with fishermen at dawn, or swinging in a hammock, Zihuatanejo gives you a space to slow down.
Meagan Drillinger is a New York native who has spent the past 15 years traveling around and writing about Mexico. While she’s on the road for assignments most of the time, Puerto Vallarta is her home base. Follow her travels on Instagram at @drillinjourneys or through her blog at drillinjourneys.com.
How well do you know cultural values in Mexico? It's time to find out. (CDMX Secretaria de Cultura)
Brands and businesses operating in international markets use a series of frameworks to help them understand different countries. In particular, to understand how to successfully develop products, implement marketing initiatives and brand messaging that resonates with their intended audiences. It’s not just a matter of translation. No two markets are alike, and, for example, an ad that is wildly successful in Sweden might be completely off-putting in South Korea. It makes sense. Based on societal conditioning, priorities, shared values and history, the things people care about differ across different geographies.
The Six Dimensions of National Culture
Geert Hofstede’s “Six Dimensions of National Culture” is one of the prevalent models used to understand cultural differences across countries.
A country’s cultural values affect how companies advertise there. (Coca-Cola)
The model classifies cultures according to six different key dimensions: the level of power distance (hierarchical society structure), individualism versus collectivism, masculinity versus femininity, the level of uncertainty avoidance, long-term versus short-term orientation (i.e., future planning), and indulgence versus restraint.
While Hofstede originally studied the influence of these values in the workplace, researcher Marieke De Mooij expanded upon Hofstede’s research by applying the dimensions to understand consumer behavior and decision-making in different cultural contexts, which helps to develop branding strategy and communications. Both angles give us an interesting view into a country’s culture and its people as a whole. Let’s see where Mexico sits in these dimensions.
Time's up
Responses and what they tell us about Mexico and its people
By examining Mexico through Geert Hofstede’s cultural dimensions theory, we can gain valuable insights into what drives Mexican society and how cultural values influence everything from family dynamics to business practices.
Power Distance (PDI)
The correct answer is (A).
Mexico scores high on Power Distance compared to many other countries. Perhaps unsurprisingly, this means that power is distributed unequally across society, with hierarchies based on class, social status and even age being widely accepted. In Mexico, this translates into a culture where authority is respected, and subordinates often follow instructions without question. Unlike more egalitarian countries such as Denmark or Sweden, Mexico is more class-conscious, with clear divisions in wealth and social standing.
Family is extremely important in Mexico, as are age-based hierarchies. (Unsplash/OC Gonzalez)
Age and family hierarchies also play an important role, as deference to parents and elders is seen as a sign of respect. In Mexico, gender inequality further reinforces these imbalances. Importantly, this way of being is not actually imposed from above, but rather accepted as a cultural norm. In workplaces or family settings, decisions are often made top-down, and disagreements with the boss, professor or parent openly are less common than in low PDI countries like Sweden. In verbal cases, this manifests itself through the use of the formal “usted” with elders, authority figures or strangers to show respect.
Individualism vs. Collectivism
The correct answer is (B).
Mexico scores low in Individualism, leaning strongly toward Collectivism. People in collectivistic cultures are ‘‘we-focused,” seeing themselves as part of a family or community first, and as individuals second. Family bonds are central, loyalty runs deep, group goals trump personal ones and community ties shape much of daily life. This shows up in many ways. Advertising, for example, often portrays people in group settings, sharing experiences, rather than individuals pursuing their own path. The American-style “Be all you can be” message of self-actualization doesn’t land as strongly here. Instead, what resonates is togetherness, belonging and interpersonal connection.
Interestingly (and often frustratingly), collectivist cultures tend to see punctuality as a low priority (De Mooij, 2010). That’s one reason why punctuality is often more flexible, and last-minute changes of plans are common. Many of us with wonderful, albeit always late, Mexican friends know this well. It’s also worth noting that Mexico does score slightly higher on Individualism than most of its Latin American neighbors. So while collectivist values dominate, there’s also room for personal ambition and independence to shine through.
Masculinity vs. Femininity
The correct answer is (A).
Mexico is considered more masculine than feminine, at least according to Hofstede’s model. (María Meléndez)
Mexico scores relatively high on Hofstede’s Masculinity dimension — sometimes more diplomatically called the “Tough Versus Tender Index” — highlighting a cultural proclivity towards traits like competition, achievement and success-driven behavior. In masculine societies like Mexico, being a “winner,” showing visible signs of success (think: flashy possessions) and displaying strength are admired traits, while feminine societies place more emphasis on cooperation, modesty, quality of life and caring for the vulnerable.
According to Hofstede, masculinity (MAS) also reflects the extent to which societies reinforce traditional male work roles tied to achievement, control and power. A high MAS score reflects the greater gender differentiation and dominance of men in leadership and decision-making roles, while low MAS societies (“feminine”) move toward equality, collaboration and healthy work-life balance. Mexico’s MAS score of 69 places it close to Germany and gives it the second-highest masculinity ranking in Latin America, just below Venezuela. Advertising in Mexico often reflects this orientation as well, highlighting status brands, strength and aspirational imagery to connect with consumers. By contrast, more feminine societies such as Switzerland emphasize cooperation, harmony and interpersonal relationships over material achievement.
Long-Term vs. Short-Term Orientation
The correct answer is (B).
Mexico’s outlook is firmly rooted in the present. Mexico scores low on Hofstede’s Long-Term Orientation dimension, meaning it’s more of a short-term oriented (or “normative”) culture. This often refers to activities like saving money and resources for the future. Short-term oriented cultures have a strong affinity toward the past, while long-term oriented societies, such as Japan or Germany, emphasize perseverance, thrift, future rewards and adapting traditions to fit modern contexts. By contrast, short-term-oriented cultures like Mexico place greater value on respecting traditions, fulfilling social obligations and focusing on the present or past rather than planning for distant goals.
With a score of 24, Mexico shows a clear emphasis on maintaining cultural heritage and celebrating traditions (think: Día de los Muertos), reflecting pride in national identity and continuity. In these societies, people often prefer quick results, personal stability and the pursuit of happiness over saving or sacrificing for the future. Many people view luck and fate as having a greater impact on success or failure than long-term effort or perseverance. This orientation appears in consumer behavior, where instant gratification, status consumption, and enjoyment of the present are more appealing than messages about delayed rewards or future planning.
Uncertainty Avoidance
Unless duty-bound, most Mexicans are not inherently risk-takers. Indulgence, however, is a different story. (Wikimedia Commons)
The correct answer is (B).
Hofstede’s measurements show us that most Mexicans are not risk-takers. Mexico ranks very highly on Hofstede’s Uncertainty Avoidance Index (UAI), with a score of 82. This means a strong preference towards stability, structure and predictability over ambiguity or change. In high uncertainty avoidance cultures like Mexico, people cope with the unknown by relying on strict rules, formal procedures and established traditions that provide a sense of security.
By contrast, low uncertainty avoidance cultures such as those in Scandinavia are more comfortable with flexibility and taking risks, even in the face of uncertainty. In the Mexican context, this shapes everything from business practices and workplace hierarchies to social norms and daily routines. While this preference for certainty fosters reliability and order, it can also create resistance to change and experimentation.
Indulgence vs. Restraint
The correct answer is (A).
Let’s be honest. We love Mexico for all of its indulgences. The incredible food, the wonderful people, the gorgeous landscapes … Therefore, it comes as no surprise that Mexico scores the highest of all countries measured in Indulgence. In Hofstede’s terms, indulgence reflects the degree to which a society allows free gratification of desires and the enjoyment of life, while restraint emphasizes strict social norms and limited gratification.
With a score of 97, second-highest in the world, Mexico clearly leans toward indulgence, celebrating leisure, optimism and happiness as central cultural values. By contrast, Germany’s score of 40 places it closer to the restrained side of the spectrum, favoring moderation and greater control over emotional expression. This stark difference highlights how Mexicans tend to embrace joy and spontaneity, while Germans approach life with more restraint and discipline.
Tell us in the comments: How did you score? Did you agree with the measurements? Which, if any, surprised you?
Monica Belot is a writer, researcher, strategist and adjunct professor at Parsons School of Design in New York City, where she teaches in the Strategic Design & Management Program. Splitting her time between NYC and Mexico City, where she resides with her naughty silver Labrador puppy, Atlas, Monica writes about topics spanning everything from the human experience to travel and design research. Follow her varied scribbles on Medium at medium.com/@monicabelot.
San Luis Potosi's Huasteca waterfalls offer all the spectacle and grandeur of it's old world counterpart. (Jess Wandering)
Emerald-green waters gracefully cascade over natural limestone, tumbling into a stunning series of terraced lakes that glow with shades of blue and green. The air is filled with the constant, soothing sound of waterfalls and the smell of lush foliage. This is the famous Plitvice Lakes in Croatia, a natural wonder that draws hordes of visitors each year with its exceptional beauty.
Now imagine finding such a wonderland hidden away in a remote area of Mexico. For the third installment of our new series, where we spotlight extraordinary Mexican destinations that rival some of the world’s biggest wonders, we’re taking you to the truly wild and refreshingly little-visited region of Huasteca Potosina in the state of San Luis de Potosí.
Comparable to Croatia’s Plitvice Lakes, Huasteca Potosina is a dreamy water world of pristine rivers, mysterious caves and dramatic cascades, boasting those same impossible shades of turquoise and emerald. A natural playground for outdoor lovers, Huasteca Potosina promises a high-octane itinerary with its hundreds of waterfalls, caverns and crystalline pools.
Plitvice Lakes vs Huasteca Potosina
Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia offers spectacular natural scenery. (Unsplash/Mike Swigunski)
As one of Croatia’s biggest attractions, Plitvice Lakes boasts surreally beautiful terraced waters moving like a continuous, liquid ballet. Each of the sixteen lakes is connected to another through misty cascades and frothy rapids that shimmer in different shades of blue, from vibrant azure to the deepest sapphire. Covering almost 30,000 hectares, the highly protected UNESCO World Heritage site sprawls across a unique karst landscape blanketed by forest and meadows.
Plitvice’s beauty is no secret – every summer, the national park gets flooded with thousands of tourists, all jostling for a glimpse of the modern day paradise. Swimming isn’t allowed here; you can only admire the gorgeous lakes from well maintained boardwalks and numerous viewpoints.
This is where Huasteca Potosina has an edge over Plitvice, offering an equally spectacular and far more immersive alternative. While Huasteca Potosina holds a special place in the hearts of Mexican travelers, it largely remains unknown outside of the country.
Mexico’s untamed water world
The 60-meter-high Salto del Agua waterfall is one of the many spectacular sights in Huasteca Potosina. (Nellie Huang)
There’s a reason why Huasteca Potosina has managed to lie under the tourist radar — it’s not quite easy to access or navigate due to the lack of infrastructure. Don’t expect to find smooth highways, shiny malls or Starbucks coffee shops. This region is less developed than many parts of Mexico. With its swimming holes and misty cascades spread out over a large area, planning a trip through Huasteca Potosina can be a challenge.
That said, those brave enough to venture the rough roads and rural areas will definitely satiate their thirst for adventure here. Leap over a cliff edge into a spearmint pool, go rafting on the thrilling currents of a raging river or rappel down a powerful waterfall. There are so many ways for bold travelers to truly immerse and experience Huasteca Potosina in its full glory.
Highlights of Huasteca Potosina
Cascada de Tamul, a star of the region, and a highlight of any visit. (Wikimedia Commons/Mauro Trejo)
I suggest starting your trip at the mighty Cascada de Tamul, the star of the region. Tucked within a rugged gorge, the monumental waterfall dramatically plunges over 100 meters (340 feet) into a turquoise pool below. The journey to see it is best done aboard a “panga” (traditional canoe), paddling upriver to appreciate its immense scale.
Next, make your way to Puente de Dios, which translates to “Bridge of God.” The spectacular natural limestone archway gracefully spans a series of incredible, deep blue grottoes and tranquil pools. I spent a fantastic day here with my family, swimming through the cavernous chambers, feeling the cool mist of hidden cascades, and taking exhilarating dives from natural ledges into waters so impeccably clear that we could see the riverbed far below.
Don’t miss Salto del Agua (also known as El Naranjo), my personal favorite spot in the area! Esconsed in a secluded location, this impressive site is a series of dreamy cascades tumbling from a height of 60 meters into a symphony of travertine pools. It’s far more pristine and less commercialised than other falls like Cascada Tamasopo or Micos. You won’t find Tarzan swings, jumping boards and ziplines here. But you will have the place to yourself.
You can’t come to Huasteca Potosina and not visit the Sótano de las Golondrinas (Cave of Swallows). This colossal, open-air pit cave is world-renowned for the mesmerizing daily ritual where thousands upon thousands of swallows and green parakeets spiral dramatically in and out of its immense depths each morning and evening. Make sure to come at dawn to witness the dawn departure, a deeply moving sight.
Navigating Mexico’s green heart
Water-based adventures, like this boat ride to Salto del Meco, are abundant in Huasteca Potosina. (Nellie Huang)
While you can typically visit the Plitvice Lakes in just one full day, Huasteca Potosina spans a vast area filled with hundreds of stunning waterfalls. So expect to spend at least a week in the region. Driving distances are long; prepare to clock in some mileage in between attractions.
To get here, fly into either the San Luis Potosí or the Tampico airports. Both airports serve major cities in Mexico. Then pick up your rental car to start your road trip. Let me emphasize this: having your own vehicle is crucial for experiencing all the sights of Huasteca Potosina, as the region is rural and spread out. While some local transportation exists, getting between the numerous sites can be extremely challenging and time-consuming on the colectivo.
The bustling town of Ciudad Valles serves as a convenient base, providing a wide range of accommodations and restaurants. For those who want to immerse themselves in the wilderness, I suggest staying at the cool rustic cabins at Selva Teenek Eco Park. There, you can sleep in the middle of the jungle surrounded by animals. We also based ourselves in El Naranjo, where a few nights in a river-facing glamping tent at Hotel Salto del Meco gave us some downtime to enjoy the leafy gardens and infinity pool in between our adventures.
Making the most of your wild water adventure
Huasteca Potosina also offers a wealth of picturesque hiking options. (Nellie Huang)
To experience Huasteca Potosina at its best, visit during the dry season, which typically runs from November to March. During these months, the weather is pleasantly warm and the rivers are at their most spectacular, displaying their most intensely vibrant colors. During the rainy season (June-October), swollen rivers can become murky and dangerous due to powerful currents, potentially restricting many water-based activities.
Make sure to pack waterproof bags to safeguard your electronics, quick-drying clothing, water shoes (an absolute must for navigating slippery rocks and riverbeds), reef-safe sunscreen and a generous supply of Mexican pesos. Many local vendors and eateries here do not accept credit cards.
Finally, come with an open mind! Huasteca Potosina delivers a more raw and immersive experience than tourist areas. While Ciudad Valles offers comfortable hotel options, don’t expect to find luxury resorts or hotel chains. Similarly, you may not hear English spoken often outside of the larger tour operations, so learning some basic Spanish phrases or using a reliable translation app will definitely help.
Connecting with the wilderness
The Cascada de Tamasopo is one of several famous waterfalls in Huasteca Potosina. (Nellie Huang)
For travelers who love a good water-based adventure, be sure to add Huasteca Potosina to your Mexico bucket list. It offers the same spectacular beauty of Croatia’s Plitvice Lakes, but a more hands-on, less crowded and distinctly wilder experience. Although Huasteca Potosina isn’t quite as easy to get to as Plitvice Lakes and requires much more time than a day trip, you’ll make a deeper connection to Mexico’s wild soul.
Nellie Huang is a self-proclaimed Mexico-holic and features writer for Mexico News Daily. She’s the co-author of Lonely Planet’s Mexico guidebook and has written hundreds of articles on Mexico for various publications. Read about her adventures worldwide on wildjunket.com and follow her updates on Instagram @wildjunket.
Tamarind is not only a delicious and oft-used ingredient in Mexico, it's also a nutritional powerhouse. (Wikimedia Commons/Ivar Leidus)
I don’t think I’m exaggerating when I say that one of the first flavors Mexicans learn to recognize is tamarind. Whether in agua fresca or in the endless, chili-dusted candies that crowd store shelves, that sweet-and-sour tang is etched into our memories. For me, it’s downright addictive. Tamarind is so present in our everyday lives that it feels native to Mexico — yet this curious legume is anything but.
The Origin
You’ve probably guessed where this is going: like many other culinary treasures, tamarind reached Mexico thanks to the Spanish, and their insatiable desire to control global trade routes.
Tamarind is grown on trees and its scientific name, Tamarindus indica, means “Indian date.” (Wikimedia Commons/B.navez)
The fruit is native to Africa, though its exact birthplace is debated. Some trace it to Madagascar before it spread to Southeast Asia and India, where it was known as amlika. During the Muslim occupation of the Iberian Peninsula (711–1492), Andalusian Spaniards became acquainted with a wealth of Arab, African and Asian flavors. These included not only pepper, cardamom, and ginger, but also, of course, tamar-ul-hind, the “date of India.”
The Manila Galleon
The discovery of the tornaviaje in 1565 — Andrés de Urdaneta’s return route across the Pacific — changed global commerce for the next 250 years. The Spanish galleons left Manila, followed currents up past Japan, and then crossed the ocean. After four or five grueling months, they arrived in Acapulco.
For two and a half centuries, Acapulco was the main hub linking Asia and the Americas. Asian goods offloaded there were carried across Mexico, reaching Veracruz, where a new shipment mixed with Mexican products would set sail for Seville.
The Manila Galleon (or Nao de China) reshaped New Spain’s aesthetic and, more importantly, enriched its kitchen.
Tamarind, Mexican Style
Tamarind’s flavor profile was the perfect foil to the existing tastes of Mesoamerican cuisine: the fresh herbaceousness of maize and beans, the heat of chile, the sweetness of squash, and the acidity of tomato all gained new depth when combined with tamarind’s sharp tang.
And Mexico’s climate proved ideal for cultivating the tree. It adapted so quickly and was embraced so wholeheartedly that many people today assume tamarind is native to Mexico.
Bolitas de tamarindo are one of many delicious specialties in which tamarind is an ingredient. (Germán Torreblanca)
As we’ve seen with countless other ingredients, food in Mexican culture carries a medicinal dimension. Tamarind wasn’t just delicious. It was believed to reduce fever, soothe digestive problems and work as a natural laxative.
Nutritional Profile
They weren’t wrong. Tamarind is rich in vitamins A, B3 and C, along with minerals such as magnesium, calcium, potassium, phosphorus and iron. Thanks to its fiber content, it aids digestion. Modern science confirms what tradition long suspected: tamarind has laxative, diuretic, astringent, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
How to Eat It
Tamarind’s uses go far beyond agua fresca and candies. It’s also an ingredient in salsas, adobos, moles, jams and desserts.
No matter what you plan to make, start by removing the brittle outer shell and the fibrous veins. Soak the pulp in warm water for 30 to 60 minutes, then remove the seeds.
From there, you can prepare a paste or preserve to make your own less-sugary tamarind candies. Personally, though, my favorite way to showcase tamarind’s complexity is in a marinade, which is perfect for meat, chicken, fish, tofu or mushrooms.
This is one of my power recipes: a once-secret staple in my kitchen, brimming with nutrients, minerals, and vitamins.
Tamarind Marinade (Serves 4–6)
(insert video here)
Ingredients:
200 g tamarind pulp
1 cup water
2 tbsp date syrup or agave nectar (or sweetener of choice)
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Juice of 1 fresh lime
2 medium garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 piece fresh ginger (about 3 cm), grated
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 tsp toasted sesame oil (optional)
½ tsp ground turmeric
¼ tsp ground cumin
¼ tsp sweet paprika
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
¼ tsp sea salt or Himalayan salt
Step-by-Step Preparation
1. Prepare the Base: Soak 200 g of pulp in warm water for 20 minutes, then strain out seeds and fibers.
2. Balance Sweet and Acidic: Add date syrup, apple cider vinegar and lime juice. Whisk vigorously until well combined.
3. Add Aromatics: Stir in garlic and ginger. Beyond flavor, both add anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.
4. Emulsify with Oils: Slowly whisk in olive oil to create a stable emulsion. If using sesame oil, add it last to preserve its delicate taste.
5. Season with Spices: Incorporate turmeric, cumin, paprika and black pepper. These don’t just build flavor, they’re also bioactive compounds with proven health properties.
6. Finish with Fresh Herbs: Gently fold in cilantro and parsley to preserve freshness and maximize antioxidants.
7. Rest: Taste, adjust salt if needed, and let the marinade sit at room temperature for 30 minutes so the flavors meld.
Recommended Marinating Times
Delicate fish: 30–45 minutes
Chicken: 2–4 hours
Red meat: 4–8 hours
Tofu or vegetables: 1–2 hours
Friends, don’t skip this marinade — it lends a sophisticated, layered and utterly delicious flavor to whatever you cook. Tamarind is, paradoxically, one of the most Mexican and least-talked-about flavors. I hope that next time you bite into a chili-coated candy, sip a glass of tamarind agua fresca, or try this recipe, you’ll think about the strange, rich and winding history of Mexico’s place in global trade.
María Meléndez is a Mexico City food blogger and influencer.
