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5 places to visit in Mexico if you like adventure, nature and fewer crowds

By
Travis Bembenek
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Grutas de Tolantongo
Mexico News Daily CEO Travis Bembenek shares his favorite, under-the-radar travel picks to beat the crowds while enjoying the best of Mexico's natural wonders. (Gobierno de Mexico)

I am often asked about my favorite places to travel.

In general, I think a very good destination with fewer tourists is much better to visit than a “great spot” mobbed by people taking selfies.

I might sound a bit dated in saying this, but travel in the social media era baffles me. I am often astonished at people who seem to care more about their selfie than actually looking at and enjoying the place they are visiting. So many times, I’ve seen people spend significant time and energy trying to get the perfect photo (with themselves in it), and then simply move on to the next selfie spot.

In search of the less crowded

I also have noticed over the years, and increasingly so, that many beautiful spots around the globe are getting a lot more crowded than they used to be. It might still be the post-pandemic travel bounce or increased accessibility of travel, but it feels like something more than that. These really photogenic places around the globe are shared on social media so voraciously — of course, with absolutely perfect photos — that they’re now crowded with tourists looking to replicate those photos for their own social media accounts.

Part of what makes Mexico so special to me is that you can still find unbelievable places that are unspoiled, beautiful and uncrowded. Of course, they are getting discovered too and receiving more tourists, but they are still years behind the huge crowds of many other tourist hotspots.

With that in mind, I am sharing here five special places in Mexico for anyone looking for nature, adventure and fewer people. It’s still a good idea to follow some tips to avoid crowds, even in these less-discovered locations.

These destinations most certainly aren’t for everyone – perhaps not for most – as they don’t have the same range of accommodations, they aren’t easy to get to and they might entail some decidedly “unglamorous” moments. My intention here is, of course, not to increase mass tourism to these destinations, but rather inspire the truly adventurous out there to add these locations to their bucket lists.

Huasteca Potosina, San Luis Potosí

Aerial view of multiple streams of a waterfall cascading down into a turquoise pool in the Huasteca Potosina region of Mexico.
The stunning Minas Viejas waterfall in the Huasteca Potosina area of San Luis Potosí is a highlight that adventure seekers shouldn’t miss. (Nellie Huang)

Never in my life had I stayed in one hotel for seven consecutive nights until we did here. Seven days straight of pure, unspoiled, uncrowded nature.

Waterfalls, thermal pools, stand-up paddleboarding in a jungle river, whitewater rafting, canoeing, ziplining, waterfall jumping, birdwatching, seeing pumas and jaguars in their natural habitat, I could go on and on.

It’s not fancy, it can be swelteringly hot, but this part of Mexico is a guaranteed awesome natural adventure.

Grutas de Tolantongo, Hidalgo

Grutas de Tolantongo
Views of the mountains from hot spring pools in Grutas de Tolantongo, Hidalgo, are epic. (Visit Mexico)

Imagine over 80 natural hot spring pools in the mountains, each with different temperatures, each with an amazing view, each of which can be enjoyed during the day or under the stars.

An underground spring of hot water feeds this incredible cave and river system. The hotels are 2 stars at best, the food is 1 star at best, but the spot is absolutely epic!

Isla Holbox, Quintana Roo

Isla Holbox, Quintana Roo
Isla Holbox is one of the best places to visit in Mexico if you’re looking for spectacular scenery with fewer crowds. (Visit Mexico)

A 2-3 hour drive from Cancún, Playa del Carmen or Tulum and then a ferry ride out to the island means Isla Holbox is not easy to get to, but it’s worth the effort.

All vehicles on the island are golf carts or smaller. The island is growing fast, but it still has a pace no longer found in most places on the planet.

Strolling in the crystal-clear water on the sandbar that goes on for miles into the ocean is the main activity. It’s a surreal experience to walk so far out into the ocean in ankle- to-knee-deep water — spotting fish, sting-rays, flamingos and more.

Bacalar, Quintana Roo

Lake Bacalar
Despite the perfect mix of sun, sea and sand, Bacalar has somehow remained off the radar for many tourists. (Gideon Ikigai/Shutterstock)

A 2.5-hour drive south of Tulum, and soon with its own Maya Train stop, Bacalar is increasingly getting discovered and touted as the “Maldives of Mexico.”

Bacalar is actually a large lake that is also known as “the lagoon of 7 colors.”

The water color is stunning, the nature activities amazing, and it’s just now getting discovered. Truly a beautiful and relaxing place to visit.

Puerto Escondido-Mazunte, Oaxaca

An aerial view of the Oaxacan coast in Mazunte
The town of Mazunte, located between Puerto Escondido and Huatulco on the Oaxacan coast, is one of those quiet coastal areas that made Oaxaca’s Costa Chica one of Nat Geo’s favorite spots. (Hersom Alexander / Pexels)

This stretch of about 70 kilometers of coastline is still truly wild and undiscovered compared to many beach areas in Mexico.

On these beaches, I have been within a few meters of pods of whales, seen thousands of dolphins, taken a small river boat next to giant crocodiles, sat next to hundreds of sea turtles laying eggs, kayaked at dawn with thousands of birds, and released baby sea turtles at sunset.

Every one of these wildlife events was truly special and among the top nature experiences I have had in my life. Oaxaca sunsets are stunning, the crashing waves mesmerizing and the beaches are still unspoiled. Throw in the people, the food and the culture, and you have an unbeatable experience.

If you love nature and have a sense of adventure, you can count on enjoying these recommendations. So forget about that selfie, leave the phone in your backpack and get out and explore this amazing country!

Travis Bembenek is the CEO of Mexico News Daily and has been living, working or playing in Mexico for over 27 years.

This article was originally published in May 2024.

The 8 predictions of Moctezuma that foretold the fall of México-Tenochtitlán

By
Andrea Fischer
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Moctezuma of the Mexica
Rains of fire and visions of deformed people are among the predictions Moctezuma made before the Spanish invasion in the Americas. (Noticonquista/Instituto de Investigaciones Históricas)

Despite the historical distance that separates us from the Conquest, a hazy aura surrounds Moctezuma Xocoyotzin’s predictions. As the last tlatoali (or emperor) of México-Tenochtitlán, he recorded eight ominous portents before the European invasions in Mesoamerica. Between natural disasters, astronomical phenomena and the appearance of supernatural creatures, it is said he foretold the fall of his imperial capital city.

Given the descriptions of those who survived the conquest, the conquistadors dismissed these events from their Western perspective as blasphemous and contrary to the Christian path. For this reason, they remained unstudied for centuries, relegated to the realm of the unreasonable — and even satanic. In order of appearance, as documented by UNAM’s Institute of Historical Research (IIH), these were the events that baffled the last tlatoani of Mexica:

A fiery ear of corn in the sky

Fiery corn in the sky
Xocoyotzin translates from Náhuatl as “he who appears angry,” or “the frowning one.” For someone who had terrible visions with every waking day, one can understand where the name came from. (Noticonquista/Instituto de Investigaciones Históricas)

The surviving records of the first ominous omen date back 10 years before the invasion of México-Tenochtitlán, per the IIH. According to descriptions preserved in the surviving codex, “an ear of fire, like a flame, like dawn” flashed across the celestial vault one night, as if “piercing the sky.” It’s worth noting that any record of Moctezuma’s predictions was documented by conquistador and chronicler Bernardino de Sahagún in his “General History of the Things of New Spain“ (1540—1585), following his arrival in the imperial capital.

Destruction of the Temple of Xiuhtecuhtli

In the Mexica worldview, the action of representing events symbolically was often referred to as tetzahuitl. From the tetzahuia, this was the action of being “greatly astonished or horrified.”

Such was the reaction of the Mexica when they witnessed a lightning strike on the temple of Xiuhtecuhtli, known as the “Lord of the Years,” or the god of fire. The temple was instantly destroyed by uncontrollable flames.

Fire at the House of Huitzilopochtli

Bernardino de Sahagún described Moctezuma’s predictions as “signs and omens that appeared before the Spaniards came to these lands or before there was any news of them,” as documented by UNAM’s Institute of Aesthetic Research. The second disaster was the fire at the House of Huitzilopochtli, the Mexica god of war.

Despite the sacred nature of the space, the fire could not be extinguished. It ignited spontaneously during the night, even though the temple was built of stone. Historical accounts say that the more efforts were made to put out the flames, the more intense they became.

A shower of fiery stars

The fourth of Moctezuma’s predictions has been interpreted as an unstoppable meteor shower, seemingly bringing a deluge of fire upon the earth.

Mexica omen from a lightning strike
Even today, if a temple that inspires great devotion in the population were to catch fire from a lightning strike, people would panic and interpret it as a dire omen. (Noticonquista/Instituto de Investigaciones Históricas)

Amid the chaos, according to surviving descriptions, an immense star sent trails of smoke in its wake. Afterward, a rain of fire descended. What most astonished those who witnessed the catastrophe was that it occurred in broad daylight.

A flood of boiling water

Following the rain of fire, the temperatures of Lake Texcoco rose to the boiling point. As it overflowed, it reached the houses and buildings of ancient México-Tenochtitlán, burning everything in its path. “It reached the beginnings of the houses, and the houses were destroyed and flooded with water. This was due to the lake that is next to us,” noted Bernardino de Sahagún in his chronicles.

The voice of a woman weeping for her children

The cries appeared in the night, among the streets, across the sky, beneath the earth. This was recorded in the codices of the time: “Many times it was heard: a woman was weeping; she went about screaming through the night; she went about giving great cries: ‘My little children, we must go far away!’” Several historians agree that this is the origin of the legend of La Llorona.

More contemporary interpretations link this recurring figure in Mesoamerican narratives to Malintzin, the woman Cortés married during the Conquest. There is sufficient evidence that they were not only married but also had children together who later held administrative positions in New Spain. Other interpretations suggest that they could be those women raped by the conquistadors, who were forced to give birth to those unwanted children.

A crane with a star-shaped head

As if guided by a divine force, a flock of birds unearthed a gigantic crane from Lake Texcoco. When it was presented to Moctezuma, the tlatoani marveled because, instead of a face, it had a piece of obsidian embedded in its head.

According to the narratives of the time, interpreted by Sahagún, stars could be seen in the stone, as well as the reflection of anyone who dared to look it in the face. In Mexica mysticism, obsidian was considered the stone of Huitzilopochtli. At that time, it was believed to be the material of the heart of the ancient god of war. If you looked inside it, you could see the contents of your own soul.

Appearance of strange creatures

Moctezuma omens
Moctezuma must have had some terrifying years of unsettled mental health. (Noticonquista/Instituto de Investigaciones Históricas)

The last of Moctezuma’s predictions alludes to the appearance (and sudden disappearance) of two-headed men, hybrids of animals and “monstrous people.” They would appear before the tlatoani and, after looking him directly in the eyes, vanish into thin air, as if they had never been there.

By then, the political leader of México-Tenochtitlán was already under considerable pressure. After seven ominous events, which he identified as portents foretelling a catastrophe, these persecutory hallucinations seemed all too real. Even so, there is no record of what the origin of these visions of deformed specters might have been.

Andrea Fischer contributes to the features desk at Mexico News Daily. She has edited and written for National Geographic en Español and Muy Interesante México, and continues to be an advocate for anything that screams science. Or yoga. Or both.

Indigenous Mexican visual artist Citlali Fabián is Sony’s 2026 Photographer of the Year

By
MND Staff
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Citlañli Fabián
Now based in London, Citlali Fabián, Sony's 2026 Photographer of the Year, grew up in a Zapotec Yalalteca family in Villa Hidalgo Yalálag, in Oaxaca’s Sierra Norte. (Sony World Photography Awards)

Oaxaca native Citlali Fabián was named Photographer of the Year 2026 at the Sony World Photography Awards for a vivid portrait series honoring Indigenous women from her state.

Fabián, 37, a visual artist from a Zapotec Yalalteca community in Oaxaca who now lives in London, won the top professional prize for “Bilha, Stories of My Sisters” — a series that spotlights eight female Indigenous activists and artists by blending portraits with digital illustrations.

This portrait of Yasnaya Elena Aguilar, an Ayuujk linguist, writer and activist who advocates for language diversity, is part of Citlali Fabián’s photographic series “Bilha, Portraits of my Sisters,” which honors Indigenous Oaxaca women who serve as role models. (Citlali Fabián via Sony World Photography Awards)

The images tell the stories of “iconic women from Indigenous communities … whose advocacy work generates meaningful impact across a range of spheres: in law, linguistics, the arts and ecology, among others,” organizers said.

The award was announced last week at a ceremony in London, where the World Photography Organisation unveiled a long list of winners in professional, open, student and youth categories. The gala kicked off an annual exhibition of Sony award winners that will run through May 4 at Somerset House in central London.

Now in its 19th edition, the awards event drew more than 430,000 images from over 200 countries and territories.

Fabián receives US $25,000, Sony digital imaging equipment and a solo showcase at next year’s Sony exhibition. The project also is intended to become a children’s book that presents Indigenous women as community role models.

Fabián’s series also won first place in the creative category, with fellow Mexican Pablo Ramos finishing in second for “The Black Album,” which turns archival images into haunting statements on Mexico’s more than 130,000 missing people.

Fabián joins several other highly decorated Mexican photographers, including Graciela Iturbide, who won Spain’s Princess of Asturias Arts Award last year, and Alejandro Prieto, winner of over 50 awards for his striking photographs of Mexican wildlife.

Iturbide, born in 1942, also received a Sony World Photography Award, a career recognition for Outstanding Contribution to Photography in 2021. Prieto, born in 1976, was shortlisted for a Sony award the same year for “No Border Wall” but didn’t win.

In an official announcement, Fabián said, “It is a massive honor to receive this award for ‘Bilha, Stories of My Sisters,’ a series that is deeply connected to my heart and my people.

“I hope this recognition will help to spread the voice not only about my work, but also about the amazing efforts and work of the women in this project. They are truly inspiring and a force of hope for their communities and beyond.”

Fabián grew up in a Zapotec Yalalteca family in Villa Hidalgo Yalálag, in Oaxaca’s Sierra Norte, where her father ran a film-developing and camera shop, and photography was part of daily life from an early age. She went on to study it at Universidad Veracruzana and later completed an MFA program at Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) in Mexico City.

Recent articles describe her as “currently based in London,” but don’t state when she relocated.

Other Latin American winners include Colombia’s Santiago Mesa (documentary projects category) and Ecuador’s Isadora Romero (environment). American Joel Meyerowitz received a lifetime award for a six-decade career that includes pioneering color street photography and documenting New York’s Ground Zero after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.

A full list of 2026 winners can be seen here.

With reports from Excélsior, Milenio and BBC

After Mexico visit, UN human rights chief urges tougher action on disappearances and impunity

By
MND Staff
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United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk at a meeting with Mexico's National Institute of Indigenous Peoples
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk met with activists, civil society organizations and government organizations during his four-day trip. Pictured: A meeting with Mexico's National Institute of Indigenous Peoples on Monday. (Volker Türk / X)

The United Nations high commissioner for human rights on Wednesday said that “disappearances remain one of the most serious and painful human rights challenges in Mexico” and the Mexican state must strengthen search mechanisms and investigative capacities to “address the crisis.”

Volker Türk’s remarks came at a press conference in Mexico City at the conclusion of his four-day visit to Mexico, which included meetings with President Claudia Sheinbaum, Interior Minister Rosa Icela Rodríguez, Attorney General Ernestina Godoy, Foreign Affairs Minister Roberto Velasco and Supreme Court Chief Justice Hugo Ortiz.

Türk’s trip to Mexico came after the U.N. Committee on Enforced Disappearances (CED) published a report earlier this month that asked the U.N. General Assembly to examine the situation of enforced disappearances in the country, concluding that crimes against humanity have been and continue to be committed here. The Mexican government rejected the CED’s report, with Sheinbaum saying that its aim was “essentially to criticize the government of Mexico” rather than present an accurate portrayal of the missing persons problem.

According to the United Nations’ own definition, “an enforced disappearance is considered to be the arrest, detention, abduction or any other form of deprivation of liberty by agents of the State or by persons or groups of persons acting with the authorization, support or acquiescence of the State.”

Sheinbaum asserted earlier this month that enforced disappearances “no longer occur in Mexico.”

Mexico’s disappearances ‘crisis’

In addition to saying that “disappearances” — note the omission of the word “enforced” — “remain one of the most serious and painful human rights challenges in Mexico,” Türk said that such cases “cause unimaginable and prolonged suffering for families.”

“They deeply erode trust between the population and the State, which is responsible for preventing, investigating, prosecuting, and punishing those responsible,” he added.

More than 132,000 people are currently listed as missing in Mexico, a country where many victims of kidnapping are never found and impunity for such crimes is exceedingly high.

After noting that he met with the families of disappeared persons in Mexico and expressed his “solidarity and empathy” to him, Türk said that “Mexico has a legal and institutional framework with great potential.”

He noted that Mexico has a General Law on Enforced Disappearance of Persons and a National Search System, but asserted that “it is essential that the State continues to strengthen search mechanisms, forensic identification processes, protection measures, and investigative capacities to address” the missing persons “crisis.”

“The recent adoption of an updated national search protocol represents an important step. Its effective implementation, together with ongoing efforts to strengthen investigative capacities, coordination among institutions, and adequate resources, will be key to achieving meaningful progress in locating the disappeared and combating impunity,” Türk said.

Mexico rejects UN findings that country’s enforced disappearances are crimes against humanity

“I recognize the political will to continue strengthening existing institutions,” he said.

“… I have observed a social consensus that disappearances are a tragedy that must be addressed. We need a national commitment that goes beyond political positions or the term of any one government,” Türk said.

“… I conveyed to the Government and all my interlocutors my Office’s readiness to provide technical assistance, support, and follow-up to these efforts.”

Protection of journalists, organized crime and pretrial detention 

Türk, an Austrian lawyer who has worked for the U.N. for decades, commented on a range of other topics at his Mexico City press conference. Here is a selection of his most relevant remarks:

On the protection of human rights defenders and journalists, many of whom have been killed in Mexico:

“The Protection Mechanism for Human Rights Defenders and Journalists constitutes a highly relevant model and a reference in the region, particularly due to its governance structure, which actively incorporates civil society. Ensuring timely access for those who need it and strengthening its preventive capacity will enhance its effectiveness. I spoke with the Attorney General of the Republic, and we agreed on the need to increase investigative capacity following attacks against defenders and journalists.”

On insecurity: 

“I am fully aware that public security remains one of the most complex challenges facing Mexican society. Organized criminal groups continue to operate in various parts of the country and have a significant impact on the enjoyment of human rights by the population.”

“I recognize … efforts made by the authorities to address violence and strengthen security institutions, within the framework of a complex and decentralized federal system, marked by high levels of corruption and institutional fragility. In this context, it is essential that security strategies continue to move towards strengthening civilian and professional institutions, fully subject to accountability mechanisms.”

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk speaks at a microphone
“Organized criminal groups continue to operate in various parts of the country and have a significant impact on the enjoyment of human rights by the population,” the UN high commissioner said, while also recognizing official efforts to reduce violence. (Volker Türk / X)
On impunity: 

“The issue of impunity has emerged in all my conversations with victims, defenders, and civil society organizations. It is their main demand: an end to impunity, justice for crimes committed, and effective accountability processes that include recognition of the suffering endured, reparation, and guarantees of non-repetition.”

On Mexico’s judicial reform, including the popular election of judges:

“Mexico has undertaken a broad reform of the judicial system that has increased its representativeness. It is essential that the independence of judicial institutions, their integrity, and professional competence be preserved, and that judges have effective safeguards against any undue interference.”

On pretrial detention:

“I am concerned about mandatory pretrial detention due to its impact on the presumption of innocence, personal liberty, and due process. I encourage strengthening judicial oversight, prioritizing alternative measures, and reducing its duration, always ensuring its exceptional nature and a case-by-case assessment.”

On the empowerment of women and ‘the principle of parity’:

“The Ministry of Women is also implementing numerous good practices, as the first ministry exclusively dedicated to mainstreaming gender perspectives across all public policy. Efforts to reach the entire territory, as well as to protect victims and empower all women, were very encouraging.”

“The principle of parity, enshrined in the Constitution and applicable at all levels of government and across all branches of the State, constitutes a significant advance in balancing positions of power and ensuring the full participation of women.”

Sheinbaum touts ‘very good conversation’ with Türk

Although she was highly critical of the CED’s report on disappearances in Mexico, Sheinbaum said she had a positive meeting with Türk.

In a social media post, she noted that she met with the high commissioner for human rights as well as three other U.N. officials on Wednesday.

“We had a very good conversation and agreed on ways to collaborate. Respect and the promotion of human rights in our country is a common goal,” Sheinbaum wrote.

At her Thursday morning press conference, she said that Mexico had requested collaboration with the U.N. on issues related to Indigenous people, the protection of activists, missing persons and “many other matters related to human rights in Mexico.”

Sheinbaum said that Türk and U.N. representatives in Mexico were willing to “open all these channels of collaboration.”

She stressed that the high commissioner’s visit to Mexico wasn’t solely focused on the issue of disappearances.

“He came to review other issues as well. For example, he went to the National Institute of Indigenous Peoples. He was very surprised about how we carry out consultations with Indigenous people, how we carry out the methodology established by the United Nations,” Sheinbaum said.

She didn’t mention that in 2019, the U.N. found that the consultation on the government’s Maya Train project failed to meet all international human rights standards.

Regarding Türk’s remarks on disappearances in Mexico, Sheinbaum said she agreed with his assessment that the issue is not one of “political debate.”

“It’s an issue of attending to victims and addressing this crime, which, obviously, concerns all of us,” she said.

Sheinbaum has said that “attending to the problem of missing persons” is a “national priority” for her government.

Mexico News Daily 

Government blames protesting bean farmers for fire that destroyed welfare food supply in Zacatecas

By
MND Staff
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fire at warehouse in Zacatecas
An investigation is underway into whether the fire started by accident or was deliberately set by protesting bean growers gathered outside the warehouse. (Adolfo Vladimir / Cuartoscuro.com)

Federal authorities are blaming protesting bean farmers for a government warehouse fire that destroyed 6 million pesos (US $344,000) worth of food on Tuesday in the state of Zacatecas.

A government welfare warehouse was completely destroyed and an adjacent milk storage warehouse is being inspected for damage.

Dozens of farmers from across the north-central state had gathered in the state capital to demand that Zacatecas authorities comply with the increased bean quota authorized by the federal government after a March 28 visit by President Claudia Sheinbaum.

The farmers, who have long accused state authorities of corruption, said this week that middlemen, state officials and speculators had filled half of the increased quota, depriving 2,000 small producers of the benefits promised. They demanded a state audit of bean collection centers and submitted a list of 20 people they want investigated.

State officials attempted to negotiate with the farmers outside the warehouse on Tuesday, but failed to convince them to end the protest.

Agitators among the crowd then began using gasoline drums to set tires on fire around 4 p.m. in an attempt to block access to the warehouse complex until the state government satisfied their demands.

The flames soon got out of control and the Rural Supply Program building caught fire around 7 p.m., burning through the night. Emergency personnel managed to extinguish 90% of the blaze by late Wednesday.

No injuries were reported but the federal government confirmed that the building and produce — primarily groceries used to supply small stores throughout Zacatecas — were lost.

Sheinbaum said the Federal Attorney General’s Office (FGR) has already begun a criminal investigation to determine if the warehouse caught fire accidentally or if the blaze was deliberately set. State authorities are also conducting a criminal investigation.

In a statement, the Agriculture Ministry strongly condemned “these violent acts that affect the poorest segments of the population, damage public property and endanger people’s safety,” while insisting that it “will act firmly and through institutional channels to ensure that these acts do not go unpunished.”

For its part, Alimentación para el Bienestar (Nutrition for Well-being) — a federal government company focused on ensuring food security — blamed “bean producers led by local leaders linked to political actors in the state of Zacatecas” for the blaze. It said it is taking the logistical actions necessary to maintain supply in the subsidized Tiendas Bienestar stores across the state.

With reports from La Jornada, El País, N+ and Reforma

Sheinbaum blames state officials as new evidence shows CIA joined multiple security operations in Chihuahua this year

By
MND Staff
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President Sheinbaum gestures from the podium of her morning press conference
President Sheinbaum sought to avoid a conflict with the U.S. on Thursday, saying that that fault for the likely participation of CIA agents in Chihuahua security operations last weekend — a violation of Mexican law — lies with state officials. (Graciela López / Cuartoscuro.com)

On countless occasions, President Claudia Sheinbaum has said that her government cooperates with the Trump administration on security issues, including by exchanging intelligence with U.S. agencies, but will never allow U.S. personnel to participate in law enforcement operations in Mexico as such participation would amount to a violation of Mexican sovereignty.

This week, however, she has found herself in the uncomfortable situation of having to accept that officers with the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) most likely did participate in a drug lab raid last weekend in the northern state of Chihuahua — without the knowledge or approval of the federal government.

A Chihuahua security agent at the site of a recent drug lab raid
The likely participation of CIA operatives in a drug lab raid in Chihuahua last weekend came to light after a car crash killed four people involved in the operation: two U.S. citizens and two Mexican security officials. (Fiscalía Chihuahua)

According to The Los Angeles Times, the CIA’s participation in the dismantlement of a lab in Chihuahua was not a one-off, raising the serious concern that the government of the northern state — where the opposition National Action Party is in power — and the Trump administration have been acting behind the back of the Mexican government for some time.

On Thursday, Sheinbaum assigned most of the blame for the apparently secret, allegedly illegal security collaboration between Chihuahua and the United States to the Chihuahua government, although she also stressed that U.S. authorities have questions to answer.

Despite her steadfast defense of Mexican sovereignty, the president appears more willing to confront the governor of Chihuahua over the issue than U.S. President Donald Trump, whose administration has the capacity to inflict significant harm on Mexico and the Mexican government, as already evidenced by the imposition of tariffs on various Mexican goods.

LA Times: CIA has participated in at least 3 operations in Chihuahua this year

Citing “sources familiar with the operation,” The Los Angeles Times reported on Wednesday that four CIA agents participated in the raid of a clandestine drug lab in Chihuahua last weekend. Two of those agents were killed early Sunday when the vehicle they were traveling in veered off the road and plunged into a ravine. Two Mexican security officials also died in the accident.

Citing its unnamed sources, The L.A. Times wrote that the raid last weekend was “at least the third time this year that CIA operatives joined authorities in the northern border state of Chihuahua in an operation against a drug target.”

The Times also wrote that “the [CIA] agents in Sunday’s raid were dressed in Chihuahua State Investigative Agency uniforms to blend in with Mexican officials, said people familiar with the operation, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal matters.”

The newspaper noted that “U.S. agencies, including the CIA, regularly provide intelligence for Mexican police and the military, but participation in law enforcement operations by foreign agents is outlawed by the Mexican Constitution.”

The L.A. Times, again citing its sources, also said that “the involvement of the CIA” in operations in Chihuahua “reflects the Trump administration’s increasing demands for results in the fight against cartels on Mexican soil.”

Sheinbaum takes aim at Chihuahua for allegedly requesting collaboration with US

At her Thursday morning press conference, Sheinbaum rejected a suggestion that the CIA’s involvement in last weekend’s operation in Chihuahua amounted to a “non-conventional” invasion of Mexico by the United States.

“What there was here was an offense of a state authority,” she said, referring to the government of Chihuahua.

“That’s what this is really about,” Sheinbaum said.

She said that either the Chihuahua government or the Chihuahua Attorney General’s Office requested security collaboration with U.S. authorities, citing remarks from officials in the northern border state as evidence.

“The security minister says it explicitly,” Sheinbaum said, referring to remarks Gilberto Loya Chávez made in March.

“The attorney general of the state of Chihuahua has said it. The offense of requesting collaboration [with the U.S.] is theirs,” she said.

“Of course the government of the United States, the ambassador, should have informed federal authorities,” Sheinbaum added.

“But the main failure lies with the state government, which requested this collaboration. And that’s against the Constitution and the National Security Law,” she said.

Sheinbaum said she tried to contact Chihuahua Governor Maru Campos on Wednesday but was unable to reach her. She said that Security Minister Omar García Harfuch would speak with the governor on Thursday.

The president noted that the Senate has summoned Campos and Chihuahua Attorney General César Jáuregui Moreno, and declared that it is “important that they explain under what conditions this collaboration occurred.” Jáuregui has claimed that U.S. personnel didn’t participate in the drug lab operation last weekend, asserting that the apparent CIA officers were in fact “instructors from the U.S. Embassy” who were giving a course on drone operation in Chihuahua.

Sheinbaum said that a claim from Campos that the federal Ministry of National Defense was aware of the involvement of U.S. personnel in an operation in Chihuahua is “false.”

Chihuahua Governor Maru Campos
President Sheinbaum was unable to reach Chihuahua Gov. Maru Campos, who along with Chihuahua Attorney General César Jáuregui Moreno has been summoned to testify before the Mexican Senate. (Maru Campos / Facebook)

She said that while the Army participated in the drug lab raid in Chihuahua on the weekend, “that doesn’t mean that the Defense Ministry or the commander of the area or region knew that there was a presence of U.S. citizens in operations or in training.”

Sheinbaum also said she had asked the National Public Security Council to send a statement to the leaders of Mexico’s 32 federal entities reminding them of the applicable laws “for security collaboration with any government in the world and in particular with the U.S. government.”

She has stressed on repeated occasions this week that any security collaboration with a foreign government must be authorized by federal authorities.

On Wednesday morning, Sheinbaum noted, once again, that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs wrote to U.S. Ambassador Ron Johnson to seek information about the United States’ security collaboration with the state of Chihuahua.

Caught between a rock and a hard place 

Sheinbaum said on Tuesday that if a Federal Attorney General’s Office investigation confirms there was a joint operation between the United States and Chihuahua, her administration will send a protest note to the U.S. government and request that such collaboration cease.

On Thursday, she said that her administration doesn’t want to “escalate a problem with the U.S. government, but nor can we ignore our Constitution and our laws and compliance with them.”

“That is the work of the president,” Sheinbaum said.

“… Complying with the law is not optional,” she said.

Sheinbaum orders probe into whether CIA operation in Chihuahua violated Mexican law

Given that she has been an ardent defender of Mexican sovereignty, and very clear in her view that U.S. participation in security operations in Mexico would be a violation of that sovereignty, Sheinbaum would open herself up to criticism if her government doesn’t respond firmly to the U.S. government’s apparent willingness to violate Mexican laws. However, a central consideration for the president is no doubt a desire to not antagonize — or at least overly anger — Trump and his administration just ahead of the review of the USMCA trade pact.

Asked specifically whether the United States “violation of national sovereignty” and breach of Mexico’s National Security Law would “complicate” the bilateral relationship, Sheinbaum said there is no reason it should. However, she didn’t deny that such violations had occurred.

What the president did say is “we don’t want to create a conflict with the United States.”

If we’re working well, if we’re making progress, what we want is for the [bilateral security] understanding to be complied with,” she said.

Sheinbaum frequently points out that said understanding is based on various principles, including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.

On Wednesday, she reiterated her view that “sovereignty is inviolable.”

Conflicting opinions 

While Sheinbaum has concluded that U.S. personnel did participate in the drug lab raid in Chihuahua last weekend, García Harfuch, the federal security minister, asserted on Wednesday that U.S. agencies have “never” participated alongside federal forces in a security operation in Mexico.

“We have constant exchange of information with U.S. agencies, including that which you mention [the CIA],” García Harfuch told a reporter at a press conference.

Security Minister Omar García Harfuch at a Security Cabinet podium
Security Minister Omar García Harfuch insisted as recently as Wednesday that U.S. agencies never participated in the field action of federal security operations. (Mexican Security Cabinet)

“… But it is very important to mention that … while there is there is exchange of information with U.S. agencies, they have never participated in any field action of the federal security cabinet,” he said.

“What we’re aware of is what the Chihuahua attorney general has said,  … that [U.S. personnel] hadn’t participated in an operation,” García Harfuch said.

“I understand now that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has closer communication with the [U.S.] Embassy in order to get more details about what happened,” he added.

Even though CIA officers dressed in Chihuahua State Investigative Agency uniforms allegedly participated in last weekend’s drug lab raid alongside Mexican soldiers, García Harfuch declared that “none” of the operations carried out by federal security forces has had the physical participation of a foreign individual.”

“First of all because the law doesn’t allow it,” he said.

By Mexico News Daily chief staff writer Peter Davies (peter.davies@mexiconewsdaily.com)

Mexico’s security forces dismantle a major fuel theft network

By
MND Staff
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Fuel cannisters next to a Pemex gas station pump
The targeted criminal network is believed to have moved 1.5 million liters per week into the nation's fuel supply. (Cuartoscuro)

A criminal network that was smuggling up to 1.5 million liters of fuel per week has been dismantled after a lengthy investigation by Mexico’s Security Cabinet that led to more than  20 raids in several Mexican states. 

Ulises Lara, a special prosecutor in the Federal Attorney General’s Office in charge of the case, and Security Minister Omar García Harfuch said authorities seized more than 100,000 liters of LP gas, dozens of tanker trucks, tractor-trailers, weapons, drugs, cash and high-tech equipment. They also shut down an illegal tap. 

Ulisis Lara
Ulises Lara, a special prosecutor in the Federal Attorney General’s Office, led the operation that broke up a huge fuel-theft ring. (Victoria Valtierra/Cuartoscuro.com)

Harfuch told reporters that 10 raids were carried out in México state and 10 others in the state of Hidalgo, resulting in the arrest of seven suspects, including the alleged ring leader, Mauricio Gamboa, aka “El Burras.” Gamboa is said to have links to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.

Additional raids in Chihuahua and central Mexico, including Mexico City, resulted in seven other arrests as well as the seizure of materials valued at 126 million pesos (US $7.2 million).

In a related action, authorities busted an organization operating 40 front companies involved in creating forged petro-invoicing.

The joint investigation — carried out by the Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for Organized Crime and the Criminal Investigation Agency and the Security Ministry — dates back to a twin bust in March 2025 that netted more than 17 million liters of stolen diesel and hydrocarbons.

In September 2025, the government announced the arrest of 14 people, including high-ranking members of the Navy. 

A few months earlier, the authorities had disrupted a part of the network in Querétaro — arresting 31 people — but Harfuch said a new cell emerged to replace it.

Since then, “various lines of inquiry were developed making it possible to identify and dismantle one of the most important fuel smuggling networks operating in Mexico,” Lara said.

The year-long probe led to the identification of additional companies engaged in fuel smuggling by simulating legitimate commercial operations. 

Lara explained that these companies used forged documents and false declarations, while also utilizing “front companies” to take advantage of “areas of opportunity in control systems.” The shipments were typically labeled as additives, lubricants or oils by means of apocryphal invoices.

“This allowed them to build a smuggling network, as well as evade tax and regulatory obligations,” he said

The criminal network reportedly began operating in June 2023 and managed the illegal entry into Mexican ports of at least 564 million liters of fuel on 69 oil tankers at four different customs offices. Lara said the value of the smuggled fuel exceeded 23 billion pesos (US $1.3 billion).

The network operated through a highly coordinated multimodal logistics scheme that combined maritime, rail and land transport for the introduction, transfer, storage and illegal marketing of hydrocarbons.

With reports from Infobae, La Jornada, El Universal and Milenio

Mexico in Numbers: Mexico’s busiest airports

By
MND Staff
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Aeromexico planes line up at Mexico City International Airport (AICM)
Mexico City International Airport (AICM) was the busiest airport in the country in 2025, followed by Cancún International Airport in Quintana Roo. (Shutterstock)

In this week’s “Mexico in Numbers” article we’re returning to the topic of aviation. Last month we looked at the top airlines for domestic flights in Mexico, as well as the top airlines for international flights into and out of the country.

Today we’re focusing on data related to Mexico’s airports. The numbers have landed, so let’s taxi through them.

How many passengers used Mexico’s airports in 2025? 

Tourism Minister Josefina Rodríguez reported in January that 122.4 million passengers flew into, and out of, Mexican airports on regular flights in 2025, an increase of 2.4% compared to 2024.

Of the 122.4 million passengers, 63.53 million flew between airports in Mexico and 58.91 million flew internationally to or from a Mexican airport.

Therefore, around 52% of total passengers were domestic travelers, and 48% were international travelers.

The number of passengers on regular domestic flights increased 3.3% annually in 2025 while international passenger numbers rose 1.5%.

How many airports are there in Mexico?

There are 80 airports in Mexico, according to the federal government. Sixty-six of those airports are classified as international airports, while 14 are national airports.

Of the 80 airports, 35 are operated by three airport groups — OMA, ASUR and GAP, according to the government.

Those 35 airports and the Mexico City International Airport handle 89.99% of all passengers and 79.15% of air freight, according to 2025 data from the Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC).

What are Mexico’s busiest airports? 

According to AFAC data, the Mexico City International Airport (AICM) was Mexico’s busiest airport in 2025 with a total of 44.6 million people passing through the two terminals, a reduction of 1.7% compared to 2024.

It should be noted that AFAC uses a different methodology than the Ministry of Tourism to count passenger numbers, and includes ALL arriving and departing travelers, including those on private and charter services. The agency’s 2025 passenger total was 191.24 million, a 2.6% increase compared to 2024.

After AICM, Mexico’s busiest airports in 2025 were:

  • (2) Cancún: 29.47 million passengers (-3.6%)
  • (3) Guadalajara: 18.77 million passengers (+5%)
  • (4) Monterrey: 15.77 million passengers (+15.6%)
  • (5) Tijuana: 12.76 million passengers (+1.5%)
  • (6) Los Cabos: 7.55 million passengers (+0.6%)
  • (7) Felipe Ángeles International Airport (México state): 7.07 million passengers (+11.5%)
  • (8) Puerto Vallarta: 6.95 million passengers (+2.1%)
  • (9) Mérida: 3.95 million passengers (+6.3%)
  • (10) Bajío International Airport (Guanajuato): 3.31 million passengers (+4.3%)

Mexico News Daily

Sheinbaum taps Roberto Lazzeri as Mexico’s next ambassador to US: Thursday’s mañanera recapped

By
MND Staff
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President Claudia Sheinbaum at the podium of her morning press conference
President Sheinbaum shared her choice for Mexican ambassador to the United States and addressed a corruption investigation against Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard at Thursday's morning presser. (Carlos Ramos Mamahua / Presidencia)

Sheinbaum’s mañanera in 60 seconds

  • ⚖️ Alcalde tapped as top legal adviser: Morena party president Luisa María Alcalde will join Sheinbaum’s cabinet as head of the presidential legal department on May 1, replacing Esthela Damián, who is stepping down to pursue the Morena gubernatorial candidacy in Guerrero in 2027.

  • 🇺🇸 New ambassador to U.S. proposed: Sheinbaum confirmed her government is putting forward Roberto Lazzeri, current director of two development banks, as Mexico’s next ambassador to Washington. The appointment still requires U.S. acceptance and Senate ratification. Lazzeri is seen as well-positioned to engage on USMCA trade issues.

  • 🇬🇧 Ebrard’s son’s London stay to face investigation: The Ministry of Anti-Corruption and Good Governance will investigate complaints over Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard’s adult son living at the Mexican ambassador’s London residence for six months in 2021–22. Ebrard was foreign minister at the time.

Why today’s mañanera matters

At today’s mañanera, President Sheinbaum confirmed that she is proposing Roberto Lazzeri, the director of two development banks, as ambassador to the United States.

The announcement comes at a crucial time in the Mexico-U.S. relationship: The mandated review of the USMCA free trade pact is taking place this year and there is currently heightened tension in the bilateral security relationship due to the CIA’s alleged involvement in anti-narcotics operations in the northern state of Chihuahua without the knowledge of the Mexican government.

Also of note at today’s mañanera was Sheinbaum’s revelation that an investigation into the stay of Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard’s son at the residence of the Mexican ambassador to the United Kingdom will take place.

This is particularly significant as it shows — or at least gives the appearance of showing — that the government is intent on combatting corruption, and will investigate alleged wrongdoings even if the case involves a very senior official.

Alcalde to become presidential legal adviser

Sheinbaum said that Luisa María Alcalde, a former labor minister and interior minister who is currently the president of the Morena party, will become the head of the legal department of the president’s office on May 1.

“Obviously there has to be the transition in the legal department as well as the process the Morena party has to follow [to appoint a new president],” she said.

Sheinbaum announced on Wednesday that she had asked Alcalde to be her top legal adviser as the person currently in the position, Esthela Damián Peralta, is leaving to pursue the Morena party’s candidacy for the 2027 gubernatorial election in Guerrero.

Alcalde announced on Wednesday afternoon that she accepted the president’s job offer.

“I have shared with the president that it would be an honor for me to continue contributing to the transformation from this trench,” she said in a video message.

Government proposes new ambassador to US 

Sheinbaum confirmed media reports that her government is proposing Roberto Lazzeri, director of the Mexican development banks Bancomext and Nacional Financiera, as Mexico’s next ambassador to the United States.

“It emerged that we’re proposing Roberto Lazzeri as ambassador in the United States. A whole process has to be followed. That’s why we hadn’t made it public,” she said.

Sheinbaum noted that Lazzeri previously worked in the Ministry of Finance with former Finance Minister Rogelio Ramírez de la O.

National Financiera and Bancomext Director Roberto Lazzeri
President Sheinbaum has tapped National Financiera and Bancomext Director Roberto Lazzeri to be Mexico’s next ambassador to the United States, pending Senate and U.S. approval. (Bancomext)

“He has a very good relationship with the entire Mexican government and with the counterparts in the United States,” she said.

“I appointed him to Nacional Financiera and in a very short time he transformed Nacional Financiera,” Sheinbaum said.

She suggested that Lazzeri is well-qualified to engage with the United States on trade issues as this year’s review of the USMCA free trade pact takes place.

“First, the United States has to accept [his appointment],” Sheinbaum said. “It’s a whole process.”

The Mexican Senate would also need to ratify Lazzeri’s appointment before he can assume the ambassadorial role in Washington, D.C.

Mexico’s current ambassador to the United States is Esteban Moctezuma, a former education minister. He became ambassador in early 2021 during the presidency of Andrés Manuel López Obrador.

Government to investigate Ebrard’s son’s stay at Mexican ambassador’s residence in London

Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebard’s son lived in the ambassador’s residence in London, located within the Mexican Embassy, for six months between 2021 and 2022. (Shutterstock)

Sheinbaum said that complaints had been filed with the Ministry of Anti-Corruption and Good Governance regarding the six-month stay of Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard’s son in the London residence of the Mexican ambassador to the United Kingdom.

“Automatically, an investigation has to be opened,” she said.

“… That’s what the law says,” Sheinbaum explained.

She said that the Ministry of Anti-Corruption and Good Governance has to determine if “any rule was violated” by the stay of Ebrard’s adult son at the ambassador’s residence.

Marcelo Patrick Ebrard lived at the ambassador’s residence in London between June 2021 and January 2022. His father was foreign affairs minister at the time and therefore had authority over Mexico’s diplomatic missions abroad. Mexico’s ambassador to the U.K. at the time was Josefa González-Blanco Ortiz-Mena, who briefly served as environment minister in the government of López Obrador.

By Mexico News Daily chief staff writer Peter Davies (peter.davies@mexiconewsdaily.com)

Lufthansa plans more weekly CDMX-Munich flights, but rules out AIFA connections

By
MND Staff
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A Lufthansa airplane
Lufthansa seeks to add more weekly flights to its Mexico City-Munich route later this year, company officials said. (Shutterstock)

German carrier Lufthansa announced plans to increase weekly flight frequencies between Mexico City International Airport (AICM) and Munich from three to five starting this winter. Though the crowded AICM has yet to approve the new flights, routes to Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) are not under consideration due to lack of infrastructure and domestic connections, the carrier said.

In a press conference, global Sales VP Frank Naeve said the flights are still subject to the government’s approval, adding that their interest in increasing its seating capacity between Munich and Mexico City has not been officially communicated to the AICM administration.

Aerial view of Terminal 2 of Mexico City International Airport T2 CDMX.
Lufthansa Sales VP Frank Naeve expressed his hope that authorities will someday expand Mexico City International Airport (AICM), where flights are currently capped at 44 per hour. (Edgor Tovar/Vmzp85/Wikimedia Commons)

“This decision to supplement flights is very recent. The truth is, we haven’t had time to approach the authorities,” Alejandro Arias, CEO of Lufthansa Group for Mexico and Latin America, told El Financiero.

If demand is sufficient, Naeve said, it is the company’s intention to maintain these five weekly flights permanently, not just seasonally.

Lufthansa Group offers direct routes between Germany and Mexico, with around 579,000 passengers annually according to figures from the Mexican aeronautical authority corresponding to the end of last year.

The carrier uses the Airbus A350-900 for service from Munich, while the daily route to Frankfurt use the Boeing 747-8 — all from AICM.

AICM is currently capped at 44 flights per hour based on an air capacity study, and Naeve acknowledged that while the number of slots at AICM is limited for now, he hopes that in the future authorities will expand the capacity of the terminals to accommodate more operations.

Naeve said the company has no plans for passenger operations at AIFA due to it being difficult to reach for potential passengers and its lack of domestic connections.

AIFA is located some 45 kilometers from downtown Mexico City, and about 35 to 45 kilometers from AICM. From downtown, a typical car ride can take around 1 to 1.5 hours without traffic. In contrast, it takes less than 30 minutes to reach AICM from downtown under similar conditions.

With reports from El Financiero and Info Aviación

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