Canada recently began requiring visas for Mexicans wishing to enter Canada. (Shutterstock)
The days of visa-free travel to Canada are coming to an end for some Mexican citizens — and the Mexican government isn’t happy about it.
The Canadian government announced Thursday that it is “adjusting its travel requirements for Mexican citizens,” a move that comes after the number of Mexicans seeking asylum in Canada increased markedly last year.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (left) had previously stated concerns about organized crime supporting some asylum applications from Mexico. (Cuartoscuro)
As of late Thursday, Mexicans with a valid non-immigrant visa for the United States or who have held a Canadian visa in the past decade will be able to fly into Canada without a visa for that country. But Mexicans who don’t meet the specified criteria will not.
“As of February 29, 2024, at 11:30 p.m. Eastern time, Mexican citizens who hold a valid US non-immigrant visa or have held a Canadian visa in the past 10 years and are traveling by air on a Mexican passport will be able to apply for an electronic travel authorization (eTA),” Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), a government department, said in a news release.
“With the high number of Mexican citizens currently holding US visas, the majority will continue to enjoy visa-free travel to Canada. Those who do not meet these conditions will need to apply for a Canadian visitor visa,” the department said.
A partir de las 23:30 h de este jueves, los ciudadanos mexicanos deberán solicitar visa para ingresar a Canadá. Así lo confirmó el Ministro de Migración canadiense, Marc Miller.
Canadian Immigration Minister Marc Miller made a video statement on the updated visa requirements
IRCC said that the decision to reinstate a visa requirement for some Mexican travelers “responds to an increase in asylum claims made by Mexican citizens that are refused, withdrawn or abandoned.”
“It is an important step to preserve mobility for hundreds of thousands of Mexican citizens, while also ensuring the sound management of our immigration and asylum systems,” the department said.
IRCC also said that “today’s action will relieve pressure on Canada’s borders, immigration system, housing and social services.”
It said that “asylum claims made by Mexican citizens reached a record high in 2023 at a time when Canada’s asylum system, housing and social services were already under significant pressure” and noted that “asylum claims from Mexican citizens accounted for 17% of all claims” last year.
Canada introduced a visa requirement for Mexican travelers in 2008 when Conservative Party primer minister Stephen Harper was in power. The requirement was scrapped in 2016, the year after current Prime Minister Justin Trudeau took office.
Before the official announcement on Thursday, senior Canadian officials indicated that the reimposition of a visa requirement was being considered.
Minister of Public Safety Dominic LeBlanc said in January that he and Immigration Minister Marc Miller were considering visas and other measures for Mexican nationals seeking to enter Canada.
Mexican and Canadian officials, including Foreign Affairs Minister Alicia Bárcena (center), at a meeting in Ottawa on Tuesday. (SRE/X)
Miller on Friday stressed that Mexico remains “an important partner to Canada” and highlighted that — despite the rule change — Canada “will continue to welcome Mexican temporary workers, students, visitors and immigrants who bring diverse skills and important contributions to our economy and communities.”
LeBlanc’s remark last month came after the premier of Quebec, Francois Legault, wrote to Trudeau to urge the prime minister to take action to address the flow of asylum seekers into Quebec.
Earlier this month, Trudeau said that his government was “in conversations with Mexico about making sure that the number of asylum seekers — some of them supported by organized crime in Mexico to come up to Canada — are reduced.”
President Andrés Manuel López Obrador acknowledged Canada’s concerns last week and said that the Mexican government was dealing with the issue. He denied that Mexican crime groups were sending people to Canada.
Apparently referring to the possible reinstatement of a visa requirement for Mexicans seeking to enter Canada, López Obrador said Feb 20. that the Canadians “don’t want to take a unilateral measure that could affect Mexico, and we thank them very much for that.”
His government’s attitude was not at all thankful on Thursday. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE) said in a statement that Mexico “regrets” the decision to reinstate the visa requirement for some Mexicans, “and believes that there were other options available before putting this measure in place.”
“Mexico reserves the right to act in reciprocity,” the SRE added, although a decision to impose a visa requirement for Canadians seeking to visit Mexico would seem unlikely given the importance of Canadians to the Mexican tourism sector.
INAH said that the discovery may be related to the Amapa cultural phase (500-800/850 A.D.). (INAH)
An “exceptional” funerary system has been discovered during the construction of a sewage system in the small Nayarit community of Pozo de Ibarra, the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) announced Monday.
As described by the archaeologist leading the recovery work, Claudia Servín Rosas, the finding comprises a primary burial where the skeleton remains intact and a deposit of purposefully arranged human bones.
Several intact skeletons were found at the site. (INAH)
“Long bones such as femurs, tibias, rays and ulnae were carefully arranged in a specific area,” the INAH statement said. “Similarly, the skulls were intentionally grouped, some even stacked on top of each other, in another sector of the ossuary.”
Upon conducting controlled explorations, archaeologists discovered that the way the bone remains were arranged indicated a complex funerary system: all of the bones were placed during a single event after undergoing skeletonization.
INAH said that the discovery may be related to the Amapa cultural phase (500-800/850 A.D.), which saw Nayarit’s northwestern lowlands become densely populated, as ceramic vessels and anthropomorphic figurines from that period were also found.
“This method of arrangement suggests the existence of specific death-related ceremonial practices in pre-Columbian times in the region,” INAH explained.
INAH’s field analysis revealed at least seven complete skulls, some of which show evidence of cranial modification, a common cultural practice among Mesoamerican societies for aesthetic purposes and social distinction.
INAH explained that this funerary system may have been part of funerary rites performed in the region, which is likely related to the founding of settlements. “This burial style is unparalleled in nearby sites, making this archaeological discovery exceptional, as it enriches the understanding of funerary practices in the region,” the INAH said.
Mexico's Senate approved three new official days commemorating sports. (lopezobrador.org.mx)
Fans of “beisbol” can look forward to next Feb. 20, recently designated as National Baseball Player Day in Mexico.
This week, the Senate approved three new official dates commemorating sports: National Baseball Player Day (Feb. 20), National Day of Sports Journalists (Feb. 22) and National Day of the Female Soccer Player (Aug. 15).
The president is a big baseball fan. (Gob MX)
Promoted by Morena and Green Party (PVEM) senators, the proposal to establish the new dates was approved with 75 votes in favor.
The “Día Nacional de las y los Beisbolistas,” or National Baseball Player Day, honors Mexican baseball players who have made history and “in addition, it will cultivate future athletes,” said Senator Ovidio Salvador Peralta.
The “National Day of the Female Soccer Player” was presented by Cristóbal Arias Solís, a Morena party member, with the purpose of “recognizing this group of Mexican sportswomen [who] contribute in a social, political and economic way to the empowerment of [all] women.”
Mexico’s women’s soccer team pulled off a historic 2-0 victory over the United States in the CONCACAF W Gold Cup on Monday night. (CONCACAF)
Meanwhile, the “National Day of Sports Journalists” was promoted by Ricardo Velázquez Meza to recognize the work of news professionals who specialize in sports.
In addition to the three new days recognizing sports and athletes, the Senate also decreed a “National Youth Volunteer Week.” Promoted by Green Party Senator Israel Zamora Guzmán, the week seeks to give recognition to young people who volunteer in response to emergencies.
Mexico offers great-tasting wine with breath-taking views. (Christian Serna/Cuartoscuro)
Mexico is quickly becoming a top destination for wine tourism, with places like Aguascalientes, Baja California and Guanajuato offering unique tasting experiences in breathtaking settings.
The Mexican Wine Council (CMV), in collaboration with the National Tourism Ministry (Sectur), has put together a list of wine routes across seven states in Mexico to promote the rising visibility of the wine industry and wine tourism in Mexico.
A winery in Valle de Guadalupe, one of Mexico’s prime wine-growing regions today. (Archive)
According to the CMV, one in every three wine bottles consumed in Mexico is produced locally and 54% of Mexicans prefer to drink local wines over imported ones.
To learn more about Mexican wine, check out the CMV’s list of 12 Mexican wine routes to try in 2024.
Aguascalientes
Due to its ideal grape-growing climate, Aguascalientes is the second-largest wine-producing state in Mexico.
The state’s Ruta del Vino (Wine Route) is open year-round and offers tastings, guided tours, visits to vineyards and wineries and food pairings at 24 different wineries offering 206 different labels. Visitors can also stop at local producers to sample cheese, beer, honey and other delicacies.
The beautiful cork-shaped tasting room at Casa de Quesada, part of Aguascalientes’s Ruta del Vino. (Casa de Quesada/Facebook)
Baja California
Known as the Mexican Tuscany, Baja California is home to one of the most well-known wine regions in the country: Valle de Guadalupe.
Home to over 65 wineries, the Guadalupe Valley represents 95% of national production and the area’s wines have won international awards. Baja California has four wine routes and is also host to wine-related events and festivals throughout the year.
Coahuila
Coahuila has been producing wine for over 400 years, with the Parras Valley standing out thanks to Casa Madero, one of Mexico’s most prestigious wineries. Founded in 1597 as Hacienda San Lorenzo, it is the oldest winery in the Americas.
The Vinos & Dinos route includes a desert and mountain route, in addition to a paleontological site.
Mexico’s oldest winemaker is Casa Madero in Parras, Coahuila. (Casa Madero)
Guanajuato
Mainly known for tourist destinations like San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato city, this state in the Bajío is also a renowned wine region.
Guanajuato’s wine history dates to 1793, when Father of Independence and wine lover Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla taught viticulture to parishioners in San Felipe. Today, the state produces 1.2 million liters of wine per year and ranks as the fourth biggest wine producer in Mexico.
With several award-winning wineries, Guanajuato’s wine route includes vineyards in Guanajuato city, Hidalgo and Comonfort. The city of León, Guanajuato will also host the prestigious Concours Mondial de Bruxelles (CMB) international wine competition from June 7-9 this year, the first time the event has been held in the Americas.
Hidalgo
The state’s first vineyard, El Refugio, offers visitors two wine routes: the Getaway to the Camino Real Among Wine and Cheese and the Toltec Route Among Wine and Cheese.
Hidalgo’s wine route lies along the Camino Real de Tierra Adentro (Royal Inland Road), also known as the Silver Route. This colonial road ran from Mexico City to Santa Fe, New Mexico and covered 2560 kilometers, making it the largest inland commercial route during the Spanish colonial period.
San Lucas Vineyards, part of Guanajuato’s Ruta del Vino. (vinedossanlucas.com)
Querétaro
Just two hours northwest of Mexico City, Querétaro is home to the Cheese and Wine Route, with all experiences starting in the Pueblo Mágico of Tequisquiapan.
While Querétaro has produced wine since Spanish colonization, its wine industry really took off in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Jalisco
Jalisco has expanded its offerings beyond tequila and into wine. The state boasts two wine routes in two distinct regions: the Altos de Jalisco and the southern shore of Lake Chapala. The latter region is characterized by the volcanic soil local vines grow in.
The 12 mountain climbers who got lost descending Pico de Orizaba on Feb. 17 have all been located. (Cortesía/Cuartoscuro)
A mountain climber by the name of José Luis Díaz Morales was found dead on Pico de Orizaba on Tuesday, state authorities said.
Díaz Morales was the last of three missing mountain climbers to be located after a summit expedition turned deadly on Saturday, Feb. 17. Nine of the 12-person crew descended safely, while a total of three climbers, including the group’s guide, died on the mountain.
Ten of the 12 climbers who summited Pico de Orizaba on Feb. 17. Three died while descending in dangerous weather conditions. (@Trafico_ZMG/X)
Pico de Orizaba, atop the Citlaltépetl mountain, is Mexico’s highest peak and the third-highest point in the Americas at 5,636 meters. The peak, at the border of Puebla and Veracruz, is a popular summiting goal among experienced mountaineers.
Cold weather conditions and low visibility caused the climbers to lose their way while descending the mountain on Feb. 17. According to newspaper Milenio, a climber by the name of Pablo alerted authorities that the group had lost several members, initiating a 10-day rescue effort by the Mountain Aid and Rescue Brigade of Mexico, Puebla Civil Protection authorities and the municipal police of Atzitzintla.
The body of Díaz Morales was located near a base known as Espinazo del Diablo, or “devil’s backbone,” some 4,910 meters above sea level. Authorities delivered his body to the Forensic Medical Service in Ciudad Serdán for autopsy, and to transfer the body of 57-year-old climber to his native Jalisco.
Authorities had previously located the bodies of Jessica N., 39, on Feb. 18, and Luis Flores, 57, on Feb. 20. All were members of a mountain climbing group based in the state of Jalisco. Several of the nine survivors are still recovering from dehydration and hypothermia, as well as the trauma of the experience.
Popocatépetl volcano has been active for the past week. (Webcams de México/X)
Continued activity by the Popocatépetl volcano prompted the suspension of operations at the Puebla airport on Wednesday morning.
The 7 a.m. closure of Hermanos Serdán International Airport was “due to the presence of volcanic ash over the airport,” Viva Aerobus noted on its website.
The volcanic activity on Monday and Tuesday caused ashfall across the surrounding area
The action was first announced by Mexico’s civil protection authorities, who noted on their X social media account that “the fall of ash affects the visibility of the aircraft.”
Later on Wednesday morning, the National Civil Protection Coordination (CNPC) stated Popocatépetl had experienced 13 exhalations and 1,398 minutes of tremor over the previous 24 hours.
In the 24 hours before that, it had 77 exhalations, 952 minutes of tremor and one volcano-tectonic earthquake, according to data from the National Center for Disaster Prevention (Cenapred).
CNPC noted that officials were maintaining a Phase 2 Yellow Alert, asking people to “respect the exclusion radius of 12 km.”
Popocatépetl, one of Mexico’s most active volcanoes, released a large plume last week and has remained at least semi-active over the last eight days. On Tuesday, a column of smoke was seen blowing to the north-northwest, toward Mexico City.
On Wednesday, the volcano also known as “el Popo” or “Don Goyo,” released more fumaroles, and ash fell in several Mexico City boroughs.
The 5,393-meter peak (Mexico’s second highest behind Citlaltépetl, aka Pico de Orizaba) is located on the borders of the states of México, Morelos and Puebla, about 70 km southeast of Mexico City. In the Nahuatl language, its name means “Smoking Mountain.”
As of Wednesday morning, the Mexico City International Airport (AICM) remained open, although passengers were being urged to check for information from their airlines.
Some flights were canceled at the Mexico City International Airport on Tuesday and Wednesday as a result of the volcanic ash. (Cuartoscuro)
On Tuesday, AICM said that airlines had canceled or postponed 22 domestic and international flights to carry out safety checks after planes encountered ash while flying toward the capital.
CNPC assured that there was no immediate risk to the population, but recommended closing windows and doors, staying indoors and covering noses and mouths while outdoors.
Aeroméxico reported the cancellation of 14 flights on Tuesday and Wednesday, and also noted that it would not be charging additional fees to travelers when re-booking, not even for route changes.
The Phase 2 Yellow Alert means that the fall of ash, incandescent fragments, mudflows and debris will continue in nearby areas, and that columns of smoke up to 2 km high are anticipated.
Dr. Lara says it’s important to protect your skin even on cloudy days in order to reduce the risk of cancer. (Unsplash)
In places like Mexico, where most of the country has year-round sun exposure, protecting your skin from ultraviolet (UV) rays is essential – especially if you have a fair complexion and are used to less sunny days.
Fair skin tones are more susceptible to sun damage and irritation and tend to be thinner and more reactive, resulting in easy burning and redness.
Five heat waves are expected in Mexico during the first half of 2024, so take care to cover up and protect your skin. (Daniel Augusto/Cuartoscuro)
According to the Fitzpatrick scale (which measures the amount of melanin in the body and how different skin tones react to UV rays), pale skin is more likely to burn when it comes to sun exposure, while darker skin is less likely to burn and more likely to tan.
The Fitzpatrick scale also indicates that, even when anyone is at risk of skin cancer, people with fair skin tone – more prone to skin burns – may be at a higher risk.
“That’s why, as a Mexican dermatologist, I always recommend specific prevention measures for people with fair skin tone,” Dr. Daniela Lara Del Valle, founder and CEO of Clínica de la Piel Dermantra, San Miguel de Allende, told Mexico News Daily in an interview to discuss ways to prevent skin cancer.
So, whether you are a permanent resident in Mexico or a tourist enjoying the warm weather for just a few days, Dr. Lara will help you understand how much our skin is exposed to the sun in Mexico, the negative effects UV rays can have on our skin, and the prevention measures you can take to avoid skin cancer.
How much sun does Mexico get a year?
Mexico gets a significant amount of sunlight throughout the year, even in places that experience rainfall often. For instance, Mexico City, where it rains frequently, receives 2,551 hours of sunlight every year, with March being the sunniest month (264 hours of sunshine) and September being the least sunny (150 hours).
Meanwhile, Playa del Carmen in the Yucatan Peninsula receives over 2,700 hours of sunshine annually, with more than 200 hours of sunlight each month.
In contrast, Seattle in the U.S. receives 2,180 hours of sunshine annually, with December getting only 54 hours (no wonder many residents from up north spend the grim winter months in Mexico!)
What causes skin cancer?
Exposure to excessive UV radiation either from the sun or sunbeds, can damage the DNA in our skin cells, eventually leading to skin cancer.
People who have been heavily exposed to the sun during childhood and adolescence are at a higher risk of developing melanoma. (Shutterstock)
According to Dr. Lara, the type of sun exposure affects the type of skin cancer. For instance, people who have been heavily exposed to the sun during childhood and adolescence are at a higher risk of developing melanoma (a highly invasive skin cancer that originates in pigment cells and can rapidly metastasize).
On the other hand, chronic sun exposure increases the risk of developing lentigo maligna, a subtype of melanoma that appears in areas of the skin that have been exposed to the sun over time. This type of skin cancer is common in elderly people, usually on the face and neck.
Dr. Lara said that in recent years, there has been an increase in both the incidence and mortality of skin cancer.
“This has been attributed to increased sun exposure, higher numbers of people experiencing immunosuppression (such as elderly patients), and an overall increase in the population’s survival rates,” she explained, as she stressed the importance of skin cancer prevention measures.
What preventive measures should I take to avoid skin cancer?
Preventive measures not only help prevent skin cancer but also the appearance of wrinkles, dark sports, skin discoloration and other health related issues. (Unsplash)
Preventive measures not only help prevent skin cancer but also the appearance of wrinkles, dark sports, skin discoloration and other health related issues. Since most skin cancers appear later in life, protecting your skin now may help you prevent skin damage in the future.
To protect yourself from skin cancer, Dr. Lara advice the following preventive measures:
Avoid excessive sun or UV ray exposure.
The main environmental risk factor for developing skin cancer is sun exposure, Dr. Lara says. UV rays are particularly harmful from 10 am to 4 pm, during which time sun exposure should be avoided.
Use sunscreen
“Use sunscreen, preferably shields or mineral screens,” Dr. Lara explains.
Avoiding burning is the best way to protect your skin. (Shutterstock)
The main difference between mineral sunscreens and chemical sunscreensis how they interact with the sun’s rays. The active ingredients in mineral sunscreens form a protective layer on the skin to reflect the UV rays.
Meanwhile, chemical sunscreens absorb into the skin along with the UV rays. These sunscreens change the structure of the UV rays, making them less harmful.
To protect Mexico’s rich sea wildlife and coral reefs, opt for a reef-safe sunscreen.
Be aware that UV rays can still reach your skin on cloudy days since they reflect off surfaces like water, cement, sand, and snow. It’s important to protect your skin even on cloudy days.
Perform a yearly body screen check
According to Dr. Lara, most skin cancers are easy to detect, manage, and are curable. However, early detection is a critical preventive measure.
Yearly body screenings can help identify the signs of skin cancer early on. Dr. Lara recommends screening every six months if you have sun damage, spots, or pre-existing actinic damage lesions.
Have a dermatologist check skin damage
If you notice any changes in a spot or mole on your skin, you should go to a dermatologist immediately. Have a dermatologist check any ulcers, erosions, or chronic non-healing wounds.
How to find a dermatologist in Mexico?
It’s easy for anyone to make an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist, even as a tourist, Dr. Lara explains. To find one, just visit the Mexican Council of Dermatology (CMD) website.
If you’re already seeing a dermatologist in Mexico and want to ensure they are board-certified, you can look up your doctor’s name and license number on the website.
To prevent skin cancer, Dr. Lara recommends the following preventive measures, particularly if you have fair skin:
Avoid excessive sun or UV rays exposure. According to Dr. Lara, this is the most effective way to prevent skin cancer.
Use sunscreen, preferably shields or mineral screens. Be aware that UV rays can still get to your skin on cloudy days since they reflect off surfaces like water, cement, sand, and snow. It is important to protect the skin from UV rays even on cloudy days.
Perform a yearly body screen check to detect any sign of skin cancer. If you have sun damage, spots, or pre-existing actinic damage lesions, screen every 6 months.
If you notice any changes in a spot or mole on your skin, go to a dermatologist immediately.
Have a dermatologist check any ulcers, erosions, or chronic non-healing wounds.
Remember, most skin cancers are easy to detect, easy to manage and curable, so always book an appointment with a dermatologist if in doubt.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal or medical advice. The writer and Mexico News Daily assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content on this site. Individuals should always consult with qualified professionals regarding medical procedures, including plastic and/or cosmetic surgery, and medical aesthetic treatments, as well as consider their jurisdiction’s applicable laws and regulations.
Gabriela Solís is a Mexican lawyer based in Dubai turned full-time writer. She covers business, culture, lifestyle and travel for Mexico News Daily. You can follow her life in Dubai in her blog Dunas y Palmeras.
Learning to navigate a tianguis will change the way you shop in Mexico. Bethany Platanella explains how to make the most of the humble Mexican market experience. (Facebook)
An average stroll down nearly any street in Mexico City looks a bit like this: Dodge a pushcart stocked with local honey for sale, almost trip over a street vendor’s spread of artisan baskets, bump into a little abuela with a bucket of red roses. It often feels that there’s nothing you can’t find for sale right outside your door.
This is why I love a good Mexican tianguis, or open-air market that takes place on certain days of the week. Tianguis are organized by location and tent color and, unlike street vendors, everything is in one place, resulting in a seamless purchasing experience.
The perks of shopping in your local tianguis are extensive and enriching. In my own experience, filling my casa with products from Mexico City’s array of markets has:
Involved me in the community (I have a regular weekly chat with the family at my favorite fruit stall and the lovely ladies who sell flowers always give me an extra for my bouquet)
Encouraged me to try unfamiliar things
Next time you find yourself in Mexico’s busy capital for the weekend, carve out a couple hours to mingle with the locals and pick up a few necessities along the way at any of the following six markets that I, a self-proclaimed mercado connoisseur, feel are among the most vibrant and interesting in town.
Tianguis Sullivan
The Tianguis Sullivan in Cuauhtémoc is a great place to find… most things, actually. (Gil Camargo)
Location: Cuauhtémoc
Schedule: Sundays, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Open on Sundays alongside the Art Market in Jardin de Sullivan, this bustling emporium sells the works: national and international produce, plants, fresh juice, meat and fish, clothing, kitchen utensils, nuts and dried fruits and flowers. There are stalls with barbacoa tacos, others with paella, still others with freshly baked bread.
Munch on an elote as you fill your basket with mangos, avocados and tortillas while waiting for your new piece of Mexican art to be framed at the stall on the Northeast end. Expect very few gringos and lots of opportunities to practice your Spanish.
Things to see around here: Next to the Esquina Barragan Bistro is an obscure yellow wall that makes no sense until you realize it’s a Barragan-designed structure. Inside is Museo Experimental el Eco which showcases exhibits curated by UNAM.
Bazar de Libros
Bazar de Libros San Fernando is a book lover’s paradise. (Facebook)
Location: San Fernando
Schedule: Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Stacks and stacks of books of all genres (mostly second-hand) are for sale at this book lover’s paradise. Children’s books, romance books, thrillers and classics line the plaza in front of the San Fernando Pantheon and Catholic church. Prices range, but most vendors are open to negotiation, provided you bargain in Spanish.
Things to see around here: Former president Benito Juarez (kind of like Mexico’s Abraham Lincoln) and other historical figures are buried in the spooky-but-stunning San Fernando Pantheon. The Alameda Park and Centro Historico’s popular sites are a ten-minute walk away.
Tianguis Los Fierros
Location: Doctores
Schedule: Sundays, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
If La Lagunilla is the king of antique markets, Los Fierros is but a prince. With that said, it’s an excellent alternative for the days that Centro feels like a bit too much. This antique market in Doctores is perfect for browsing vintage finds, like furniture and dishware, at a leisurely pace without the pressure to “buy and move on.”
Vendors here are seemingly more interested in gossiping with each other, which makes for a relaxed window shopping experience. The market is located in Jardín Dr. Ignacio Chávez on the border of La Romita and Doctores, an often overlooked corner of town with a lot of life. Just a few blocks away is a produce market, so you can buy a vintage watch and a kilo of carrots in one shot.
Things to see around here: La Laguna, a very cool artistic warehouse with artisan shops, a cafe and a small restaurant that serves organic wine.
Mercado el 100
Mercado el 100 is a boutique LA-style shopping experience in the heart of trendy Roma. (Facebook)
Location: Roma Sur
Schedule: Sundays, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Anyone in search of a Los Angeles-style market complete with organic cilantro and homemade bone broth needs to put this on their Sunday to-do list. Trendy, homeless-chic expats in oversized sunglasses nibble on blueberry pie, dropping crumbs to be vacuumed up by blue-eyed Australian shepherds. Workshops, like “turn your salad into an entree,” are free for the public to join.
It’s sceney, it’s organic, it’s delightful, and while not cheap, Mercado el 100 offers a variety of products not generally found in a traditional tianguis.
Things to see around here: An artsy film at Cine Tonalá.
Bazar Lomas Verdes
Location: Naucalpan de Juárez
Schedule: Tuesday – Sunday, from 10:00 a.m.
Technically the market is not in Mexico City, but it’s close enough. This famous bazaar in México state has been functioning for over three decades and has everything. I mean everything. It’s divided into sections selling clothing, skateboards, electronics, sunglasses, perfumes…you get the picture.
Bazar Lomas Verdes is a staple for vintage and second-hand clothing aficionados and boasts the added benefit of selling anything else you might need or want that day.
Things to see around here: More like things to drink. The micheladas sold in the culinary zone are famous and refreshing on a hot day.
Bazar San Jacinto (Bazaar Sábado)
El Bazaar Sábado is a commercial space filled with amazing Mexican design pieces, popular art and contemporary crafts. (Instagram)
Location: San Ángel
Schedule: Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m.
It’s one of the most iconic markets in Mexico City and for good reason. The bazaar at San Jacinto in the romantic colonia of San Ángel has been in business since the 60’s with local artists selling creations of all kinds: jewelry, paintings, sculptures, home goods like wool rugs and cotton blankets, purses, baskets. It coincides with the Saturday Bazaar (Bazaar Sábado), colorful stalls of Mexican goods situated inside a sprawling 18th century house.
Anyone looking to add Mexican flair to their home or in need of a unique Taxco silver necklace for an upcoming gala should pop on over.
Things to see around here: There’s quite a lot to see in San Ángel, including the San Jacinto Catholic Church, the convent and the El Carmen Museum. Wrap it up with a fancy lunch at San Ángel Inn.
Bethany Platanella is a travel planner and lifestyle writer based in Mexico City. She lives for the dopamine hit that comes directly after booking a plane ticket, exploring local markets, practicing yoga and munching on fresh tortillas. Sign up to receive her Sunday Love Letters to your inbox, peruse her blog, or follow her on Instagram.
Together with Resort Real Estate: we spoke to its founder Valerie Verhalen and real estate developer Noemie Bourdin Habert, about the opportunity to invest in real estate and the quality of life that Huatulco has to offer.
If you are considering buying a home in Mexico, you definitely won’t want to overlook Huatulco, Oaxaca, Mexico.
Majestic mountains and lush jungles meet the warm, deep blue waters of the nine secluded bays and thirty-six gorgeous beaches that comprise Huatulco’s Pacific Coastline.
This lesser-known green paradise on Mexico’s Pacific coast is revered by those in the know for its lifestyle and real estate value, and is poised for a big property investment boom. “I think Huatulco is the crown jewel of real estate investment and development right now for a number of compelling reasons,” Valerie tells Mexico News Daily. Huatulco offers a lifestyle suitable to those who love the outdoors, yet the Oaxacan coastal town is everything but a cabañas type of place. Also known as Bahías de Huatulco, the area was originally imagined as a large tourist destination, so an infrastructure for much more exists. As tourism has evolved, Huatulco has also been put on the map, but luckily the city won’t overdevelop.
Huatulco’s developers planned for a large influx of tourism and investment, with wide boulevards, sidewalks, biking lanes, a cruise ship dock, marina, international airport and more. It is green and well-maintained, with a small community that benefits from the infrastructure and excellent connectivity of a big city.
“It’s extremely comfortable to live here all year long,” Valerie continues. “Beaches are walking distance, it is a few minutes to access the jungle, an hour from the mountains. It’s an incredible quality of life.”
In 2023, the government created another national park surrounding the city, which means city development can’t get out of hand. This is great news for people who have decided to live here and for real estate appreciation.
Resort Real Estate Services offers a bilingual and multi-national team which includes sales agents, office staff, professional photography and in-house legal counsel.
Many people from the U.S., Canada and Europe are choosing to move to Mexico, looking to buy real estate, a better quality of life, affordability, healthcare and safer schools. Huatulco has appeared “on the map” as an enchanting option for expats or city dwellers due to its affordability versus other destinations. Properties are often valued at half the price of similar properties along the coast, like Punta Mita, Cabo or Puerto Vallarta. It’s possible to find an exquisite villa in a desirable location in Huatulco that would be double the value in some other overdeveloped resort towns. “When people discover Huatulco, they tend to fall in love with the natural beauty of the place, but they also catch on quickly to the investment opportunities they’re seeing here,” Valerie says.
One of those popular investment opportunities is ALMA, a stunning luxury development that is the brainchild of Noemie and her partner. It is also one of Resort Real Estate’s exclusive listings. ALMA is a development feat of low-density urban planning, set in the beautiful hillside along the coast yet close to downtown. Pre-construction prices for the 36 villas and 10 condos range from US $675,000 to $1,675,000. “ALMA could set a new standard for what’s happening in real estate development right now,” Noemie explains. Aside from the location, ALMA boasts outstanding modern Mexican architecture, views, community amenities, green roofing, renewable energy, and saltwater infinity pools.
Is Huatulco safe?
Crime is extremely low in Huatulco, and it’s not uncommon for residents to leave their doors or cars unlocked or have lost items returned through community Facebook groups. The city’s well-lit and maintained streets make it a popular walking city where residents feel safe. “Living here, you live with real peace of mind; and that’s one of the reasons it’s become a very family-oriented destination,” Noemie says.
The city also boasts world-class infrastructure and exceptionally clean public streets, parks and beaches compared to other Mexican cities. Institutions like the Equipo Verde (Green Team) monitor the city’s carbon footprint and boost ecotourism, helping Huatulco win sustainability awards, including Earth Check’s gold and platinum certification.
Through every aspect of the process we respond to our client’s questions and needs so they can feel comfortable knowing they are represented by a professional real estate company, from beginning to end. (Alex Krotkov)
Is Huatulco easy to get to?
One of the game-changers for Huatulco has been the recent opening of the Oaxaca-Puerto Escondido highway that now runs directly from Oaxaca City. This highway cuts the travel time between Huatulco and Oaxaca City from six hours over the mountains to just under three and a half hours.
Huatulco is also easily accessible due to its international airport, only 15 minutes from the downtown of La Crucecita, which now operates year-round daily direct flights to the U.S. and major cities in Mexico including Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey, as well as offering seasonal flights to Canada. “Huatulco feels like an untouched paradise, with a vibrant culture of its own, but yet it doesn’t feel remote or disconnected. I can leave Huatulco at lunchtime and be sitting down to dinner with my father in Dallas by 7pm!” Valerie says.
Can I get quality healthcare in Huatulco compared to the U.S. and Canada?
“Huatulco’s healthcare improves each year,” Noemie and Valerie agree. “General practitioners, OB-GYN services, dental programs, several great orthodontists, dermatologists and cosmeticians are all available, and we’ve seen the medical facilities, clinics, and hospitals continue to expand.”
The city has recently seen the arrival of an excellent private clinic, Oromed, and there are three large hospitals: a public IMSS hospital, a naval hospital, and a maternity hospital.
Our company is held to the highest standards of operations, service and ethics, achieving best practices within the community and real estate industry.
Even though the cost of healthcare in Huatulco is about 50% of similar treatment in the U.S., Canada or Europe, quality of care remains high, with many providers speaking good English and even having completed training in the U.S. and Mexico. Medical tourists take advantage of substantially lower healthcare costs in Mexico and often attest to a better patient experience when they return home — and you can expect the same high-quality healthcare in Huatulco.
What makes Huatulco sustainable and a top choice for nature lovers?
With the region’s stunning biodiversity and beaches, there’s a vibrant surf culture, whale watching, snorkeling, scuba diving and river rafting. Nature’s beauty surrounds Huatulco; there are three national parks including a UNESCO-designated biosphere reserve, biking trails and a popular birding culture.
“There’s a long-term sustainable growth plan in Huatulco that I haven’t found anywhere else,” Noemie says, adding that the city was one of the first recognized sustainable communities in the Americas, back during the ‘90s. Water treatment ranks amongst the best globally, and the city has won several Earth Check Certifications and Blue Flag awards, a distinction presented to coastal destinations with the highest quality of water, facilities, safety, environmental education and management. Half of the city is a natural reserve and 90% of the city’s electricity comes from renewable sources.
Who’s buying real estate in Huatulco?
While Huatulco has historically attracted pre-retired and retired people for its amazing weather, Resort Real Estate is seeing an increase in buyers that are younger, active, entrepreneurs, have families and are willing to live in Huatulco all year long. The recent massive property boom attests to Huatulco being one of the new smart places to invest. Valerie continues, “More people are gravitating towards a diverse cultural environment, and Huatulco definitely has a wide range of gorgeous real estate — what we like to call legacy or generational investments. We’ve seen people invest in second homes and then make the switch to living full time, invest in more properties, start a new business or raise a family. Expats are persuading their friends, family and colleagues (especially digital nomads) to follow suit — because why not?” As people the world over have become more mobile, seeking a more healthful life, as well as a more relaxed and connected expat community, it makes sense that Huatulco is having its moment. “Many people have explored their options, like I did — in Asia or Europe or other parts of the U.S. — but I think that Huatulco is really unbeatable,” Noemie says.
Resort Real Estate Services is a market leader in Huatulco real estate with a focus on luxury sales & rentals and an international client base. (Alex Krotkov)
Valerie Verhalen herself arrived in Huatulco in 2000 and founded what is now Resort Real Estate in 2005. With 24 years as a full-time resident and experience in the real estate market, she tells Mexico News Daily that it’s been a wild ride. “I saw an amazing opportunity here with the expat community and now focus on a multicultural clientele,” she says.
Valerie says Resort Real Estate also offers vacation rentals through their partner brand, My Huatulco Vacation. “We offer a 360-degree real estate experience under one roof and are market leaders in the region.”
Valerie’s business partners, from Italy and Canada, share her passion for Huatulco’s coastal magic. “Being a female-led company in Southern Mexico presents its challenges, but we have learned from those challenges! We have a multilingual team of around thirty staff, and know the market, the city and the culture intimately. It’s always rewarding to be able to recommend not only investment, legal, financial and immigration services but also, travel and life tips for unique experiences around Huatulco.”
What makes real estate in Huatulco a secure and appealing investment?
Huatulco is definitely a hot market right now, where homes sold ten years ago have commonly increased in value by 30% to 50%, with pre-construction sometimes appreciating by up to 60%. “We’ve watched such positive developments since the pandemic — one recent property increased in value by 100% in two years,” Valerie tells us.
“The moment to invest in Huatulco was yesterday,” Valerie says. “But compared to the overdevelopment and soaring prices in other coastal cities, Huatulco presents some real estate treasures – in, truly, one of the most beautiful locations in Mexico.”
Analyst Luis Rubio asks is Mexico's current relative stability sustainable? (Courtesy)
Mexico News Daily is committed to bringing more opinion and analysis to readers, including contributions by diplomats, policy experts and journalists.
Luis Rubio is the president of México Evalúa-CIDAC and former president of the Mexican Council on International Affairs (COMEXI). He is a prolific columnist on international relations and on politics and the economy, writing weekly for Reforma newspaper, and regularly for The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal and The Financial Times.
Below you will find a Q&A we did with Rubio to help introduce him to our readers. We are excited to bring his perspectives to you here at Mexico News Daily.
What makes your point of view unique on Mexico-US relations?
I’m as bicultural as they come and have long studied both nations deeply. I combine political and economic elements into my analysis, as neither is sufficient to understand the issues and analyze them seriously.
What do you think is the most significant area in Mexico-U.S. relations today?
The complexity of the Washington situation at present, the (almost) absolute disappearance of bipartisanship and long-term thinking; plus Mexico’s inability to cope with the priorities of the United States and work with its neighbor to address bilateral issues, which will always be complex and intractable, but nonetheless need to be addressed.
What excites you about Mexico’s rising visibility & prominence on the global stage?
Mexico — and Mexicans at large — persist in seeing themselves as victims, and thus are unable to benefit much more from their extraordinary accomplishments and opportunities. Mexico faces enormous challenges, but it has everything to be successful if willing to undertake changes.
How do you hope the world sees Mexico differently in the coming 1-2 years?
Ideally, Mexico should be rising to its challenges in a much more amiable and amicable domestic setting, thus strengthening its political stability and economic viability.
Why is it important that people living in Mexico follow the U.S. presidential election?
These two nations are joined at the hip and what happens in one affects the other. The U.S. election will determine much of how Mexico is perceived by the chattering classes in the U.S., and the policies emanating from Washington will deeply affect Mexico because the U.S. economy is Mexico’s foremost engine of growth.
Why is it important that people globally follow the Mexico presidential election?
Mexico is in the midst of a very divisive presidential election which may well determine if it strengthens its democracy, or falls into a gradual authoritarian polity. Whoever wins the election in June will face an enormously complex economic situation, and a very wounded half of the country, thus creating an extraordinary opportunity: either for exceptional leadership or accelerated deterioration, particularly when it comes to security.
What inspired you to contribute to Mexico News Daily?
MND has positioned itself as the prime source of independent, high-quality reporting specifically on the bilateral relationship. No other source of news and opinion comes even close.
Why would you recommend that someone read Mexico News Daily?
Because it’s the best source of information and opinion on the bilateral relationship, run by professionals.
What are you most optimistic about for Mexico in the coming year?
The possibility of witnessing a new beginning for the country after the June elections.
Why should people globally spend time in Mexico, or spend time learning about Mexico?
Mexico is a unique nation: its culture, food, history and the friendliness of its people have long made it a magnet for observers, travelers, investors and tourists from all over the world. Once (and if) Mexico addresses its internal challenges, it will become a leading nation in all respects.
Where are your favorite places to visit in Mexico and why?
Mexico has a colonial past that can be seen in its central region (Querétaro, Guanajuato, Michoacán, Puebla and, of course, Mexico City), extraordinary beaches (Cancún, Puerto Vallarta, Puerto Escondido), and extraordinary Indigenous and archaeological history (Tlaxcala, Chiapas, Tabasco, Veracruz, Yucatán).
If you could describe your career in two words, what would they be and why?
I have been reading and learning about Mexico for almost half a century, have written dozens of books about Mexico and the bilateral relationship and am an independent observer of the daily events with a long-term perspective.
Do you have a favorite quote or mantra?
“The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent full of doubt.”
-Betrand Russell
Below you will find Luis Rubio’s contributions to date for Mexico News Daily:
