Baja California has deployed more than 250 firefighters from the state and other parts of the country to contain the fires, as well as two helicopters. (Karen Castañeda/Cuartoscuro)
Wildfires have ravaged the border municipality of Tecate in Baja California, as firefighters enter their 15th consecutive day battling to extinguish the blaze.
The fire, which has now spread to over 16,000 hectares, started on June 16 in the Guadalajara 2 community of Tecate, a municipality of approximately 100,000.
The epicenter of the fires is in the town of La Rumorosa, where dozens of houses have been damaged or destroyed by the fires.
Thousands of native trees and plants across the region have also been destroyed, and many animals have died as they were unable to escape the rapid advance of the wildfires.
The National Forestry Commission (Conafor) reported on Sunday that approximately 75% of the blaze was deemed under control and 50% extinguished, though the risk of further spread will depend heavily on weather conditions over the coming days.
Temperatures in the Mexicali area, which borders Tecate, are expected to reach between 40 and 44 degrees Celsius this week.
Baja California has deployed more than 250 firefighters from the state and other parts of the country to contain the fires. Two helicopters were also assigned to the efforts over the weekend, according to a report issued by Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda on Sunday.
The government of Tecate issued a pre-evacuation warning for La Rumorosa, which has around 2,000 residents, as well as Rancho Ramírez, Bosques del Cóndor, Rancho Tierra Prometida, Rancho La Mesa Colorada, Ejido Cuarzo Rosa and nearby communities.
“This preventive measure aims to safeguard the safety of residents in the face of the risk posed by the fire, which continues to be combated by emergency services from all three levels of government,” the municipal government stated.
Local authorities urged people to consider pets and farm animals in evacuation plans. They asked that people stay informed and take preventive measures, such as preparing emergency supplies, including water, non-perishable food, flashlights, a first-aid kit and important documents.
Temporary shelters have been set up at the La Rumorosa Funeral Home and the DIF Community Center in El Hongo, in the Luis Echeverría neighborhood.
Air quality in the region has also worsened due to the fires, with children and the elderly most at risk.
Hotel Xcaret México offers guests a huge selection of entertainment options as it seeks to combine lodging, fun and nature in one price. (Bernardo Cueto/X)
Quintana Roo Governor Mara Lezama and federal Tourism Minister Josefina Rodríguez Zamora led the opening ceremony for the expansion of the Playa del Carmen mega-resort Hotel Xcaret México, one of the region’s most ambitious tourism projects in recent years.
With an investment of US $700 million, the new phase of Hotel Xcaret México adds 900 rooms and creates 2,130 new direct jobs.
Federal Tourism Secretary Josefina Rodríguez Zamora led the ceremony for the opening of the Xcaret expansion along with Quintana Roo Governor Mara Lezama. (Xcaret/X)
Governor Lezama noted that the investment, announced last October, strengthens the local and regional economy while supporting suppliers, entrepreneurs, and those involved in the tourism industry.
Xcaret’s expansion introduces five new family-friendly Casas (themed buildings) featuring signature restaurants and entertainment areas for children, teenagers and adults, all in an eco-integrative environment. There will be 20 restaurants on the property, many of which are run by renowned chefs offering specialties ranging from traditional Mexican cuisine to innovative modern creations.
The property also features new water areas with slides and pools.
According to Grupo Xcaret President Miguel Quintana Pali and Finance Vice President Marco Constandse, the current expansion is part of a larger strategic plan that will include a total of US $3.3 billion to develop a comprehensive tourist complex.
Xcaret is renowned for what it calls its “All-Fun Inclusive” model, which allows guests unlimited access to all of the group’s theme parks, including Xcaret, Xel-Há, Xplor, Xplor Fuego, Xoximilco, Xenses, Xavage and Xenotes. It also includes water sports and sailing. The idea is to integrate lodging, entertainment and nature into a single tourist proposal.
According to its website, Grupo Xcaret’s combined properties welcomed five million visitors in 2023, making it one of the most visited brands in the Riviera Maya.
The fuel theft ring allegedly operated in collaboration with authorities, including municipal police. (@OHarfuch/X)
Security Minister Omar García Harfuch said Sunday that federal authorities had dismantled a major fuel theft ring, arresting a total of 32 people in simultaneous operations in Mexico City, México state and Querétaro.
Carried out last Friday, the operations allowed authorities to “dismantle one of the main criminal organizations dedicated to the theft and illicit commercialization of fuel in the central area of the country,” García Harfuch told a press conference on Sunday.
The criminal group mainly stole fuel from pipelines operated by state oil company Pemex, President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Monday.
García Harfuch said that authorities identified “the main leaders” of the criminal group, the places where it stole fuel and the transportation routes it used as a result of “intelligence and investigation work” carried out over a period of more than six months.
He said that authorities obtained warrants for the arrest of seven people “linked to these activities,” but detained a total of 32 people during the operations to execute said warrants.
“Six of the seven arrest warrants were executed,” García Harfuch said, adding that “the main leaders” of the fuel theft ring were among those detained.
“According to the investigations, this criminal group was led by Cirio Sergio ‘N,’ and Luis Miguel ‘N’ and had an area of operation in México state, Hidalgo and Querétaro, where they coordinated fuel theft on a large scale,” the security minister said.
According to Security Minister Omar García Harfuch, the arrests were carried out by more than 700 members of the Mexican Army, the Navy, the National Guard and federal and state police forces. (Daniel Augusto/Cuartoscuro)
“Their modus operandi consisted of perforating pipelines for the extraction of LP gas and gasoline,” García Harfuch said, adding that the criminal group stored the stolen fuel in warehouses and delivered it to gas stations.
“They had an illegal distribution network to these gas stations,” he added.
The two top alleged leaders of the fuel theft ring — both of whom face organized crime charges — were identified in media reports as Cirio Sergio Rebollo Mendoza, known as “Don Checo,” and Luis Miguel Ortega Maldonado, nicknamed “Flaco de Oro.”
García Harfuch said that 15 of the 32 suspects, including Rebollo Mendoza, were detained in Ixtlahuaca, a México state municipality located north of state capital Toluca. Rebollo Mendoza’s son, Diego Rebollo González, was also arrested.
Ortega Maldonado was detained in the Mexico City borough of Tlalpan, the security minister said.
The other 16 suspects were detained in other México state municipalities and Querétaro.
Twenty-four of the suspects are men and eight are women, including Heréndira “N,” identified as a logistical and financial operator for the criminal group. The alleged fuel thieves were arrested in operations carried out by more than 700 members of the Mexican Army, the Navy, the National Guard and federal and state police forces.
Attorney General Alejandro Gertz Manero praised the coordination of the different security forces in both the investigation into the fuel theft ring and the execution of the simultaneous operations on Friday.
Resultado de más de seis meses de trabajos de inteligencia e investigación, elementos del Gabinete de Seguridad @GabSeguridadMX@FGRMexico y @Pemex Logística, desmantelaron una de las principales redes criminales dedicadas al robo y comercialización ilícita de hidrocarburo en la… pic.twitter.com/asxtKA9bNb
The criminal group allegedly operated in collaboration with authorities, including municipal police. Federal authorities said in a statement that there is evidence that Heréndira “N,” who was detained in Querétaro, “established agreements with authorities.”
The newspaper Reforma said that one of the detained suspects, Israel Molina Núñez, is a police commander in Jilotepec, México state.
García Harfuch said that authorities hadn’t established any links between the fuel theft ring and Mexico’s notorious cartels, which are involved in a range of criminal activities beyond drug trafficking.
Cash, vehicles, guns and exotic animals seized
García Harfuch told reporters that during the raids carried out last Friday authorities took possession of 12 different properties that “functioned as centers for criminal operations.”
He read out a long list of items seized by authorities at the 12 properties, including 21 tractor-trailers, 14 semi-trailers, eight tanker trucks, 48 cars (some of which were armored), a bus, 12 motorbikes, 36 firearms, illegal drugs, “boxes of controlled medication” and almost 16 million pesos (about US $850,000) in cash.
“Various exotic animals were also rescued,” said García Harfuch.
Among the exotic animals that were rescued and placed in the care of the environmental protection agency Profepa were a jaguar cub, a lion cub, parrots and spider monkeys. García Harfuch said that authorities also seized horses, ponies, pigs and dogs at the properties.
He said that two perforations on pipelines where the criminal group stole fuel were closed off. Both the perforations, known in Mexico as “tomas clandestinas,” were located in México state.
11 alleged fuel thieves arrested in Coahuila
García Harfuch also reported on Sunday that authorities had arrested 11 people and seized almost 2 million liters of fuel in an operation carried out in Coahuila.
“… Almost 2 million liters of fuel was recovered,” García Harfuch said.
“In this operation, 11 people were also detained and seven pumps, 11 tanks, 20 tanker trucks [and] seven tractor-trailers were seized,” he said.
García Harfuch said that “the dismantling” of the fuel theft rings in central Mexico and in Coahuila “doesn’t just affect their operational and financial capacity, but also reaffirms the commitment of this government in the fight against impunity.”
🚨 @Claudiashein confirma investigaciones por huachicol: Informó que la FGR y el gabinete de seguridad indagan posibles vínculos entre autoridades y una red de robo de combustible
Sheinbaum: ‘The objective is to eradicate stolen fuel’
At her Monday morning press conference, President Sheinbaum acknowledged the work that preceded the operations to arrest the alleged fuel thieves in central Mexico.
“It was an investigation of around six months of work,” she said.
At 9 a.m. on Monday, Flossie was centered about 160 miles (255 kilometers) south of Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, and was moving parallel to Mexico's southwestern coastline at 10 mph (16 kph). (Sky Alert Storm/X)
While Tropical Depression Barry continues to dump heavy rains on Mexico’s northern Gulf states, on the Pacific side, Tropical Storm Flossie is expected to rapidly intensify into a hurricane and skirt the west coast over the next few days.
At 9 a.m. on Monday, Flossie was centered about 160 miles (255 kilometers) south of Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, and was moving northwest at 10 mph (16 kph). It is not forecast to make landfall in Mexico but will cause significant rainfall in Michoacán and Colima.
Seguimos muy pendientes del desarrollo de la tormenta tropical #Flossie 🌀🌧️ De acuerdo con el último informe de la @conagua_mx, el centro de este sistema se encuentra a 280 km al sur de Zihuatanejo y continúa desplazándose hacia el noroeste, provocando lluvias torrenciales en… pic.twitter.com/GWjzFNqAMg
— Evelyn Salgado Pineda (@EvelynSalgadoP) June 30, 2025
Mexico’s National Meteorological Service issued a Tropical Storm Warning for Mexico’s west coast from Punta San Telmo, Michoacán, to Playa Perula, Jalisco, just north of Manzanillo, Colima, the country’s biggest Pacific coast port.
A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect from Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, northeast of Punta San Telmo and from Cabo Corrientes, Jalisco, south to Playa Perula.
The states of Jalisco, Nayarit, Guerrero and Oaxaca can also expect intense rains.
Tropical Storm Barry made landfall just south of Tampico, Tamaulipas, early Monday as a but quickly dissipated.
The remnants of the storm are expected to produce rainfall totals of 8 to 13 cm across portions of the states of San Luis Potosí and Tamaulipas through today, the Miami-based National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported. With possible isolated maximum totals of 20 inches, this rainfall may produce life-threatening flooding and mudslides, the NHC said, especially in areas of steep terrain.
Barry formed on Sunday and was the second named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, which started on June 1 and runs through Nov. 30.
Andrea, the first named tropical storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, dissipated on June 24 just hours after forming in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean earlier that morning, the NHC said.
Forecasters expect 2025 to be an above-average season in the Atlantic, with 13 to 19 named storms. Last year, there were 18 named storms, 11 of which became hurricanes and five of those became “major” hurricanes (Category 3, 4 or 5 on the Saffir–Simpson scale).
The Eastern Pacific hurricane season began on May 15 and has featured five tropical storms already, including Erick, which hit Mexico’s West Coast as a Category 3 hurricane.
Take in the sights of Tequila from an unusual — and breathtaking — angle with a hike up the nearby volcano. (All photos by John Pint)
What’s the most exciting thing to do when you visit Guadalajara? Think Tequila — the volcano, of course!
Tequila volcano is, after all, the biggest thing around, covering an area of some 34,660 hectares (134 square miles) and peaking at 2920 meters (9580 feet) above sea level.
The trail is pretty any time of year.
Wherever you go in the region, there it is, commanding the horizon, the classic stratovolcano par excellence, and, rising from its crater like an obelisk: a 50-meter-tall spike, known to all as la “Tetilla,” the Nipple.
Fortunately, a cobblestone road was constructed long ago from the town of Tequila at the volcano’s foot, to two sets of antennas built on both sides of the crater rim.
The road to the top is 18 kilometers long — rough, winding, and steep — but a hardy, high-clearance vehicle will get you to a locked gate only two kilometers from the antennas. Here you park, and in the time-honored Mexican tradition, climb over the fence to begin your adventure.
Walking up the cobblestone road, keep your eyes open. This is a great place to spot a bizarre little carnivorous plant known as the “pinguícula” (butterwort). Many carnivorous plants have a chamber where they trap their victims, but the pinguícula is different. Check its bottom leaves, which lie on the surface of the ground. You’ll find them sticky to the touch and you may see more than one unlucky little insect stuck in place, unable to move.
Should you be climbing the mountain in the Fall, you may come across plenty of Caesar’s mushrooms. In this season you may also experience great clouds of wispy, shifting fog.
A kilometer from the locked gate, the road splits, giving you access to both sets of antennas.
It’s a steep climb up the spine.
About 150 meters beyond the right fork, you may be surprised to find a small watering hole, just south of the road. This cold spring seeps out of the volcano at an altitude of 2790 meters and flows all year round.
Long ago, someone must have noticed the spring and figured they would surely hit water at a nearby spot just by digging deep enough. Thus was born the legend of the Bottomless Pit of Tequila Volcano. Long ago, I was given the task of rappelling down that hole and the dubious honor of announcing that it did, in fact, have a bottom, at a mere 18 meters below the surface, with no bones or other discoveries that might enhance its story.
Beside the no-longer-bottomless pit starts a rustic trail that skirts the rim of the crater. Along it you may find a thistle called “cardo santo,” said to possess curative powers, and the Tequila Govenia, a rare and beautiful, white, ground orchid.
Recently, an international expedition of Mexicans, Canadians, and even a South African, picked their way along this trail with the intention of climbing to the very top of the spike.Here is the story of their ascent in the words of the South African member of the expedition, Jonathan Heys:
“Just as we reached the trailhead, we were lucky to see two deer and then we began walking. On all sides there was tall bunch grass, rippling in the breeze. Up ahead of us went the leader of our expedition, Chris Lloyd, a Canadian geologist, and you could see a stream of grasshoppers jumping out of the way, both to the left and to the right, as he went along — there were so many of them!
At one point we saw what looked like tennis balls — hundreds of them — scattered across the ground everywhere. ‘These,’ explained a naturalist in the group, ‘are oak apples or galls. They are created by the tree to protect gall wasps, which then grow up inside them.’
Vlogger Luigi Medina reporting from the peak of the spine. (Chris Lloyd)
The trail now got steeper and steeper and soon we reached the base of the colossal spine that rises almost straight up from one side of the crater. This, explained Chris, was the volcano’s last gasp of lava, which took place 200,000 years ago. It hardened, and over the centuries, softer material around it was eroded away, leaving the Nipple extended 50 meters above the crater rim.
With the help of an anchor and a rope, we began climbing this spine. At a certain height, we reached a very steep area where there’s a narrow crack you can follow. Chris climbed up it first, anchored himself, and then lowered a rope, belaying each of us.
As we worked our way up, we experienced more and more wind.
Finally, we reached the top of this volcanic plug and could see mountains and mesas stretching in every direction, not to mention the agave fields which are blue and look like wetlands.
We took advantage of the beautiful view and had lunch up there. It was sunny, but thanks to the wind and the altitude, it was just the perfect temperature.
There on the peak, we found a treasure hunter’s hole. Yes, some determined soul had brought a shovel and probably a metal detector up here, hoping to strike it rich.
Finally, we made our way down, which was more interesting than climbing up because it seemed to be less safe. This involved a lot of rappelling. It was, in fact, my first non-practice rappel. I discovered that I wasn’t particularly good at this, but after all, good enough to get back down alive. What a trip! “
John Pint has lived near Guadalajara, Jalisco, for more than 30 years and is the author of “A Guide to West Mexico’s Guachimontones and Surrounding Area” and co-author of “Outdoors in Western Mexico.” More of his writing can be found on his website.
Los Cabos’ famed fishing season heats up in July, as do seasonal fruit festivals, during which regional residents revel in the ripe juiciness of mangos and pitahayas. However, only the former offers the possibility of walking away with a new vehicle or hundreds of thousands of dollars. July also sees the return of the only ATP series tennis tournament on the Baja California peninsula, the Los Cabos Tennis Open.
Switching Gears at The Cape
(Hyatt Experiences)
Celebrate U.S. Independence Day with a one-of-a-kind culinary experience in which four hands — those of acclaimed chefs Edgar Román and Ari Reyes — translate into six delicious courses. Set at The Ledge restaurant with spectacular Land’s End views.
Date: July 4 Location: The Cape, Carretera Transpeninsular Km. 5.5, Tourist Corridor, Cabo San Lucas Cost: 1,764 pesos per person
ATP Los Cabos Tennis Open
(Los Cabos Tennis Open)
After briefly moving to February for last year’s event, the Los Cabos Opent is once again challenging some of the world’s best tennis players to beat each other and the heat of a Los Cabos summer. Several top 20 men’s players have already committed, including Roland Garros semifinalist Lorenzo Musetti.
This annual one-day challenge to catch the biggest dorado — better known in the United States as mahi-mahi or dolphin fish — used to be famous for giving away a new car to the winner. Now it’s renowned for giving away two: a Volkswagen Polo and a Saveiro.
Date: July 19 Location: Los Barriles, East Cape Cost: US $800 per team
This five-day series of events at the ME Cabo hotel and resort, organized by the Fashion Designers of Latin America , celebrates fashion and the luxury Los Cabos lifestyle. It features talks from industry leaders, pop-up affairs and VIP parties.
The Ladies Only Fishing Tournament, a fixture for the last half-dozen years, switches to a shootout format this year, with the largest dorado, tuna or wahoo caught good for first place, or 85% of the total purse. However, as always, only women can be part of teams of up to four anglers.
Date: July 26 Location: Hotel Palmas de Cortez, Calle 20 de Noviembre, Los Barriles Cost: US $400 per team. Registration on July 25.
Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore
(Pelagic)
Bisbee’s hosts the fishing tournaments with the largest payouts in Los Cabos and among the biggest in the world. The first of the trio of competitions this year begins on the East Cape, where last year’s winning team took home a cool US $937,162.
Dates: July 29 to August 2 Location: Buena Vista, East Cape Cost: US$1,500 base entry per team, $36,000 across the board
Feria de la Pitahaya in Miraflores
(Alcaldes de Mexico)
Pitahayas are fruits from the cacti of the genus stenocereus, of which there are several regional varieties. Once an emblematic food for the Pericú, the Indigenous inhabitants of Los Cabos, it has, for the last two decades, reached its foremost expression in this regional harvest festival in the organic farming community of Miraflores.
Dates: TBD depending on the harvest, but usually in mid-July Location: Miraflores Cost: Free
Chris Sands is the Cabo San Lucas local expert for the USA Today travel website 10 Best, writer of Fodor’s Los Cabos travel guidebook and a contributor to numerous websites and publications, including Tasting Table, Marriott Bonvoy Traveler, Forbes Travel Guide, Porthole Cruise, Cabo Living and Mexico News Daily. His specialty is travel-related content and lifestyle features focused on food, wine and golf.
Everyone knows Mexico's beaches are incredible, but our travel expert Nellie Huang has compiled some of the best regions for those searching for the dream beach holiday. (Photos by Nellie Huang)
The beaches in Mexico rank high as some of the world’s best: from windswept strands with big swells to secluded coves where spearmint water laps up on silky white sand. The best part is there’s a beach for every kind of traveler in Mexico – whether you’re a family looking for safe, shallow waters, or a solo traveler seeking to get away from it all, or a digital nomad seeking surf breaks in between meetings.
When I first moved to Mexico with my family, it was the pristine beaches and outdoorsy lifestyle that led us to choose Playa del Carmen as our home base. In the years we spent there, we discovered surprisingly empty beaches and countless secret strands only locals knew of. I learned that no matter how touristy some parts of Mexico may be, you just need to dig deeper to uncover quiet, pristine corners.
With that, I introduce you to the third installment of Where to Travel in Mexico 2025, a series that explores the best locations across Mexico for various groups of travelers: from digital nomads to outdoor adventurers and solo travelers. I’ve traveled extensively throughout Mexico and have seen my fair share of the coastlines; here I’ve hand picked five locations with the best beaches in Mexico for you.
Riviera Maya: For outdoor adventurers
I might be biased, but having lived here for a few years, I believe the Riviera Maya has, hands down, the best beaches in Mexico. Running along the Caribbean, this stretch of coastline from south of Cancun to Tulum is lined with ivory sand beaches that front ancient Maya ruins and vibrant beach towns. Yes, the Riviera Maya is touristy and the area gets busy during peak season, but there are still pockets of lesser-known areas waiting to be discovered.
Just off the shore lies the Mesoamerican barrier reef system, the second longest in the world, starting near Cancun and continuing all the way to Belize. There’s so much to do for underwater adventurers: from exploring the underwater museum MUSA to scuba diving with bull sharks off the reef and snorkeling in freshwater lagoons. Above water, adventure-seekers can get their fix at the numerous eco parks like Xcaret and Río Secreto and ancient Maya ruins; don’t miss the Tulum, Ek Balam and Cobá archaeological sites. Let’s not forget the cenotes or natural sinkholes that dot the Yucatan Peninsula: these beautiful caverns often spot clear cerulean freshwater perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
The best beaches in Riviera Maya, frequented mainly by locals, lie further south — from Xpu-Há to Caleta Tankah — with fine, sugary sand and crystal clear water. One of my personal favorites, Akumal Beach, is a great area to spot turtles, which come to feed on the sea grass that grows on the sandy bottom of the bay. Further south of Tulum sprawls the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, one of the largest protected areas in Mexico, crisscrossed by freshwater canals and lagoons.
Los Cabos and La Paz: For scuba divers and snorkelers
Baja California Sur is where the desert meets the sea, where cacti-studded craggy mountains form the backdrop to some of the most unspoiled and dramatic beaches in Mexico. While the Pacific-facing beaches are wild and untamed, the shores along the Sea of Cortez tend to be calmer, often dotted with remote hideaways still untouched by large-scale tourism.
Los Cabos may be a party town by night, but the array of outdoor activities it offers is impressive: from whale-watching to birdwatching in the San José Estuary, sandboarding at Migriño Beach to hiking in Cañon de la Zorra. A must-do in Los Cabos is taking a boat to see El Arco, a naturally sculptured rock formation at Land’s End, where the Pacific Ocean collides with the Sea of Cortez dramatically. Only once every four years, sea levels dip low enough to expose a hidden beach beneath the arch.
Just a two-hour drive from the buzz of Los Cabos, La Paz offers a refreshing contrast. The coastal city is lively but unhurried, offering a more grounded Baja experience. It’s also a gateway to the Sea of Cortez, famously dubbed the ”aquarium of the world” by oceanographer Jacques-Yves Cousteau. Its rich waters make it one of the few places in the world where you can snorkel alongside sea lions, glide past gentle whale sharks and spot elusive leatherback turtles in their natural habitat.
Isla Holbox: For boho islanders
Lying off the northeastern edge of the Yucatan Peninsula, Isla Holbox remains one of Mexico’s most laid-back, low-key destinations. This car-free island, fringed by turquoise shallows and powdery sandbanks, was my family’s favorite place to escape to on weekends while living in the Riviera Maya.
No traffic, no paved roads, no tall buildings — only miles of cerulean water and white sand beach. It’s a paradise for minimalist travelers looking to get away from it all. Once a quiet fishing village, Holbox began attracting curious travelers roughly a decade ago. But despite the rise in interest, local efforts have kept out large hotel chains and protected the island’s no-high-rise rule . You’ll only find rustic beachfront palapas, sandy streets and a pace of life that invites you to unplug — literally and figuratively, as internet access is famously inconsistent.
A flurry of activities are available for those, like me, who can’t sit still: swimming alongside whale sharks, kayaking through mangroves and seeing the bioluminescence at night. Holbox’s main appeal, though, lies in the slow pace of life and tranquility. Spend the day chilling on the sandbank, have street tacos for lunch and catch sunset on the main beach: Holbox invites you to enjoy the little things that matter.
Puerto Escondido: For surfers
(Arturo Pérez Alfonso/Cuartoscuro)
Far more untamed than the Riviera Maya, Oaxaca’s Pacific coastline offers a rugged alternative for travelers seeking a wilder beach experience. The landscape here is striking: golden sands edged by cliffs and rocky outcrops, with the roar of Pacific swells echoing through the coves.
At the heart of it all is Puerto Escondido, a coastal town long embraced by surfers and free spirits drawn to its laid-back rhythm and bohemian energy. Known as one of Mexico’s premier surf destinations, Puerto Escondido has built a reputation around the powerful breaks of Playa Zicatela, often referred to as the Mexican Pipeline. Anyone looking to test the waters can book surf lessons tailored to their skill level.
My favorite beach in Puerto Escondido is tucked into a rocky cove beneath the cliffs: Playa Carrizalillo rewards those willing to take on the 167-step descent and the heart-pumping climb back up with jade waters and rolling waves perfect for beginner surfers. A short distance away, at the windswept stretch of Playa Bacocho, the non-profit turtle sanctuary Vive Mar runs a turtle release program. Every day at 5 p.m., you can join them in guiding tiny hatchlings toward the waves — a moving experience for both adults and kids alike.
Take a road trip down the coast to experience Oaxaca’s many beach towns. Nearby San Agustinillo has beautiful bungalows studded on the cliff’s edge, while Mazunte offers a more budget-friendly alternative where you can visit the Centro Mexicano de la Tortuga turtle research center. Zipolite, meanwhile, is a laidback bohemian town well known for its nudist beach.
Riviera Nayarit: For the offbeat traveler
(Palladium Hotel Group)
Tucked between the Sierra Madre Occidental and the vast Pacific Ocean, Riviera Nayarit is one of Mexico’s least populated regions, but it has some of the best beaches in the country. Having remained relatively under the radar, this stretch of coastline appeals to those seeking more authentic experiences in low-key enclaves rather than party towns. But get there soon – with the announcements of new direct US-Nayarit flights starting in July, Nayarit will probably start seeing changes.
Surfers gravitate toward Sayulita and San Pancho, two bohemian beach towns that buzz with laid-back charm and dependable waves. Luxury travelers are drawn more to Punta Mita, with its upscale resorts and polished beaches. Meanwhile, the historic port town of San Blas invites nature lovers to spot migrating humpback whales from December to March and explore its lush mangroves.
One of the most unique places in Riviera Nayarit lies offshore: the Marietas Islands are home to a hidden beach nestled inside a crater-like formation. Accessible only by swimming, this tiny cove has become one of the coast’s most photogenic destinations.
Nayarit also boasts more Pueblos Mágicos than any other state in Mexico. New additions like Ahuacatlán, Amatlán de Cañas and Ixtlán del Río add historical and cultural depth with their cobblestone streets, thermal springs and archaeological ruins.
What’s right for each type of traveler?
We’ve put together a table summarizing which destination would suit travelers based on their experience in Mexico.
Beginner travelers are those with limited international experience; maybe this is their first trip to Mexico. Ideal for first-timers who prefer margaritas with training wheels. These travelers stick to well-trodden paths, mastering “¿Dónde está el baño?” while clutching a phrasebook. They thrive in destinations where guacamole arrives with optional spice and the hotel staff speak Google Translate.
Intermediate travelers are those with some international experience who can handle moderate language barriers and cultural differences. Ready to trade resorts for real-deal experiences, these travelers navigate cobblestone streets without face-planting. They’ve graduated to ordering “tres tacos al pastor” without pointing and can haggle for a sombrero in Oaxaca’s markets… but still overpay by 20%.
Advanced travelers are those with extensive experience navigating complex destinations independently. These wanderers treat Mexico like a choose-your-own-adventure novel written in Spanglish. They’ve adopted a street dog named Churro, debate the merits of different artisanal mezcals and know which mercado stall has the best tamales oaxaqueños.
Nellie Huang is a professional travel writer and author based in San Miguel de Allende with her family. She has contributed to BBC Travel, CNN, International Business Times and National Geographic and co-authored Lonely Planet’s 2025 Mexico guide. Read about her adventures worldwide on wildjunket.com and follow her updates on Instagram @wildjunket.
Tepic has long been overlooked by travelers who stop at Punta Mita and Sayulita, but the rest of the state is a treasure trove waiting to be discovered. (Visit Nayarit)
A shift is happening in Nayarit. Long dominated by the international traffic flowing into Puerto Vallarta, this stretch of Mexico’s Pacific coast has long relied on its southern neighbor to funnel in sun-seekers bound for the Riviera. But now, just a few hours up the road, the state’s capital of Tepic is carving out its own path, one runway expansion and direct flight at a time.
With the recent launch of Volaris’ new nonstop flight from Los Angeles to Tepic’s revamped airport, Tepic-Riviera Nayarit International (TPQ), travelers have a new — and notably less congested — way to reach the Bay of Banderas and northern Nayarit Riviera. The flight runs three times a week for now, but it signals a larger story of strategic investment, improved connectivity and a growing appetite for travel experiences in Mexico’s Pacific region that go beyond the beachfront.
The newly renovated and expanded airport provides a stunning gateway to the rest of the state of Nayarit. (FCAZ95/Wikimedia)
A modernized gateway
The LAX-TPQ route takes just under three hours and arrives in a newly renovated terminal equipped with upgraded immigration and customs, rental car counters and a refreshed highway system linking Tepic to the coast in less than an hour. For travelers headed to popular coastal destinations like San Blas, Punta Mita or Sayulita, it’s a compelling alternative, especially for those seeking to avoid the traffic and bottlenecks around Puerto Vallarta’s international airport.
But the arrival in Tepic also presents an opportunity to experience a side of Nayarit that many travelers miss entirely.
A detour worth taking
Set in the shadow of the Sierra Madre, Tepic is becoming more than a transit point. It’s a city of historic plazas and modern hotels, highland coffee farms and Indigenous roots. The city’s historic center is compact, anchored by the soaring Catedral de la Asuncion and the leafy Plaza Principal. A stroll here reveals quiet cafes, shaded arcades, restaurants and bars.
Just outside the city, Cerro de San Juan has hiking trails through cloud forest terrain, while nearby Xalisco, a 15-minute drive away, is emerging as a hub for small-scale coffee producers. You can post up at coffee shops like Cata y Mindo to try the local brew, along with a selection of tapas and pastries. Art lovers should not miss the Centro de Arte Contemporáneo Emilia Ortiz, where the region’s Wixárika (Huichol) art is on full display in psychedelic colors.
Conoce Tepic en Nayarit
Toward the coast: San Blas and the northern Riviera
From Tepic, the road west leads to San Blas in under 90 minutes. San Blas remains one of the best places to experience coastal Nayarit before the crowds swoop in. Here, seafood shacks still serve whole red snapper — snag a palapa at Tunabreak on Playa el Borrego for excellent seafood — and the most popular beach drink is a salty michelada, not a curated cocktail. The town’s birdwatching tours and boat rides through La Tovara National Park reveal a world of crocodiles, herons and freshwater springs.
Continue south from San Blas and the Riviera Nayarit starts to flicker into view. Bucerias, La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Punta Mita and Sayulita are all within reach via the Compostela highway network, which links easily back to Tepic.
Tepic also opens easy access to some of Nayarit’s lesser-visited inland destinations. Less than an hour’s drive southeast, Compostela is a cobblestoned historic town surrounded by green hills and coffee farms. Its colonial-era church, tree-lined plaza and cafes make it a lovely stop for a slow afternoon or an overnight.
Further east, tucked at the base of the Ceboruco volcano, Jala is one of Mexico’s smallest Pueblos Mágicos. Known for its volcanic soil and massive ears of native corn, Jala is also home to a Baroque basilica built with hand-carved stone and a walkable historic core. It’s the doorstep to the region’s outdoor adventure, too. The hike up to the crater of the Ceboruco volcano is a bucket-list must for active travelers.
Not far from the coast is one of Nayarit’s most stunning natural wonders: the Santa María del Oro lagoon. This almost perfectly circular crater lake shimmers in deep blues and greens, ringed by forested cliffs and peppered with cozy cabins. Popular with locals but still blissfully under the radar for most international visitors, the lake is ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding or hiking.
The Volaris flight is just the beginning. Tepic’s airport has undergone significant investment over the last few years, including a lengthened runway that can now accommodate long-haul aircraft, new terminal infrastructure and expanded highway access from the coast.
But even if future flights take time to arrive, what’s already in place is a shift in how Nayarit is experienced. The infrastructure improvements are helping position Tepic as an alternative airport, as well as a standalone destination. For travelers who have done the beachfront villa and are seeking a deeper dive into Mexico’s diversity, starting the journey in Tepic opens the door to mountains, mangroves, museums and mariscos.
Meagan Drillinger is a New York native who has spent the past 15 years traveling around and writing about Mexico. While she’s on the road for assignments most of the time, Puerto Vallarta is her home base. Follow her travels on Instagram at @drillinjourneys or through her blog at drillinjourneys.com.
After years of “daily grind” in the Netherlands, the family sought a more intentional way of life, discovering Mexico’s vibrant culture and welcoming community. Nellie, a professional travel writer for over 15 years with bylines in publications like Lonely Planet and National Geographic, is now bringing her extraordinary insights to Mexico News Daily as a weekly contributor.
MND Perspectives | A global look at life in Mexico
Her “Where to Travel in Mexico in 2025” series offers tailored tips for various traveler profiles, from digital nomads to foodies, whether they’re a “Mexico Novice” or “Mexico Expert”. She’ll also draw on her vast global experiences to showcase how Mexico’s diverse landscapes rival top international destinations. Nellie’s goal is to inspire readers to discover the true “magic” of Mexico beyond common tourist areas, revealing a “universe unto itself”.
This podcast was produced using AI tools. All information collected and discussed in this episode was investigated, written and edited by human journalists. Compiled from a series of Mexico News Daily articles by Travis Bembenek and Nellie Huang. Edited by Rose Eglhoff and Chris Havler-Barrett. Podcast produced by Chris Havler-Barrett.
A demonic stone-carved creature looks over Hugo Uribe's family cantera sculpture studio in Querétaro. (Hugo Uribe)
Just outside the city of Querétaro lies Escolásticas, a town where the art of stonework is still passed down like a school lesson, from master sculptors to apprentices.
On a friend’s recommendation, I visited Canteras Querétaro — one of over 300 local workshops — and quickly saw what set it apart: Amid the dust and towering sculptures of archangels, columns and fountains, I met Hugo Uribe, a young engineer, entrepreneur and sculptor blending tradition with technology.
Hugo Uribe, founder of Canteras Querétaro, learned the art of cantera sculpture years ago at his father’s workshop. But when he came of age, he first chose a tech career at Stallantis. (Karla Parra)
Like the cantera, or quarry stone, his team shapes, Hugo’s story is built on resilience, history and a drive to innovate.
This is the third installment of Hecho en México, a series celebrating the people behind Mexico’s vibrant creative traditions. From weavers and painters to entrepreneurial stoneworkers like Hugo, we explore the traditions, challenges and triumphs that drive Mexico’s artisans to share their talent while preserving Mexico’s rich artistic heritage.
From engineer to artisan entrepreneur
From an early age, Hugo was destined to build more than stone sculptures.
While his father and uncle carved cantera in Toluca, young Hugo played at being a businessman. In his uncle’s workshop, he’d collect payments from real customers and pretend to invest the money, dreaming up profits and growth just for fun.
Childhood games evolved into a more technical path when, in college, he chose to study metrology, the engineering science of measurement. After graduation, he landed a well-paying job at Stellantis, one of the world’s largest automakers.
One of the several award-winning sculptures made at Canteras Querétaro. (Karla Parra)
“I didn’t know what I wanted,” Hugo admitted. “I was always good at math and physics, and I just knew I wanted something challenging. Easy things put me to sleep.”
Though short on experience, he earned a leadership role in the corporate world by promising discipline, responsibility and honesty. But the so-called dream job didn’t satisfy his entrepreneurial spirit. “I kept thinking, I have so many projects, so many dreams. I wanted to help my mom, my dad. It was a good salary, enough for me, but not enough to help others. I’ve always loved helping people, even since kindergarten.”
Hugo ended up staying at Stellantis for five years. Meanwhile, his parents moved back to his hometown of Escolásticas, a village of 3,000 where, since the 1950s, residents have mastered the art of cantera sculpting at every stage — from quarrying locally to carving to finishing. With over 60% of the population working in the artisan trade, driving into Escolásticas feels like stepping into an open-air sculpture museum.
Hugo learned the craft of cantera from his father and uncle, sanding and polishing stone by the time he was six. The work was in his blood, and he pursued it as a hobby, even during his corporate years.
“When I work with cantera, I never feel the passing of time. I love sculpting, but I love business more — meeting people, building relationships. That’s what drives me.”
Hugo followed his entrepreneurial calling and built a side hustle, selling cantera online on behalf of workshops in Escolásticas. Many of his deals were done in the middle of the night as sleepless customers browsed his products. “My dreams kept me awake,” he said. “I’d spend hours running numbers, testing ideas. At first, I kept it quiet. I didn’t want people to think I was doing it just because of my dad.”
But the business grew. He tested workshops by giving the same order to four and comparing their quality, reliability and timelines. He narrowed it down to a few he could trust and began placing consistent orders.
In 2020, when the pandemic hit and he was offered a severance package from Stellantis, the choice was clear: It was time to go all in.
Escolásticas, tierra de escultores y artesanos
Hugo’s family studio is located in his hometown of Escolásticas, a village in Querétaro known as “The Land of Cantera” due to the high number of cantera studios there.
Blending tradition with technology
Taking a bold leap of faith, Hugo founded Canteras Querétaro, now one of the region’s most respected workshops. At first, he partnered with local sculptors while he managed sales and marketing. But as the business grew, misaligned visions caused those early partnerships to dissolve.
So he turned to the two people he trusted most: his brother José, a systems engineer with a sharp eye for automation, and his father, a master craftsman with decades of cantera experience. Together, they built something unique: a family-run workshop blending tradition with innovation.
As demand surged during the pandemic, especially with more people investing in home renovations, the team needed to adapt. “There was little workforce, sales were high and our processes were too slow,” Hugo explained. “And the truth is, fewer people want to do this kind of work.”
Curious about CNC (computer-controlled cutting) technology, Hugo heard about a new machine arriving from China. When the owner wouldn’t let him use it, Hugo offered to fix a problem with the machine, something even expert technicians from Monterrey couldn’t solve.
Hugo and José keep 3D-printed molds of their future sculptures in their office. (Karla Parra)
“‘I’ll solve it,’ I told the owner,” he said. “He was skeptical, but for me, there was never such a thing as an obstacle. If you don’t take the leap, you don’t learn.”
So he and José got to work, studying manuals and rewriting code. Through trial and error, they finally got it running. Impressed, the owner let them use it — and asked Hugo to train his team.
That experience sparked a bigger idea: With some of his severance pay, Hugo traveled to Guadalajara and ordered two CNC machines, despite only having enough money for one. “We’ll figure it out,” he told his brother.
They sold two more machines for the manufacturer, used the commission toward their own, and secured a loan for the rest that they owed the manufacturer.
Today, those machines are essential tools in their workshop, alongside newer additions like 3-D printers and digital modeling — thanks to José’s tech expertise. But, as Hugo says, the soul of the work is still human.
“CNC can take a design maybe 40–60% of the way,” he explained. “The rest is craftsmanship — polishing, finishing, adding the detail that gives a piece life.”
For example, they’re currently producing a five-meter mural of galloping horses and a series of San Miguel Arcángel (St. Michael) sculptures. The machines handle the initial form, but it’s human hands (often his father’s) that complete the artistry.
“I’m convinced we shouldn’t lose the tradition of handcrafting,” Hugo told me. “It’s something beautiful, it’s art. But if you want to grow and survive, you simply can’t do everything by hand.”
Hugo’s brother, José, on the workshop’s computer. (Karla Parra)
The team’s work hasn’t gone unnoticed. Canteras Querétaro is currently bidding on a luxury hotel project in Mexico City, poised to be one of the most exclusive in the country.
The team has also earned top honors at local and regional competitions, including a recent cantera sculpture contest that brought together workshops from across the state. Hugo submitted a personal piece he carved in his spare time — a woman that symbolized freedom and abundance, qualities he sees reflected in his craft and his life.
But for Hugo, these milestones are just the beginning. His next big goal is to expand the workshop’s reach by opening dedicated cantera supply stores in Mexico and abroad, spaces that offer not only carved pieces but also raw stone, tools and materials like sealants and moldings.
“Sourcing cantera can be slow and fragmented,” he explained. “If someone urgently needs a specific molding for a construction project, I want them to be able to walk into a store and find it ready to go.”
Beyond business, Hugo is committed to creating opportunity. Canteras Querétaro partners with Jóvenes Construyendo el Futuro, a government program that connects unemployed youth (ages 18-29) with yearlong apprenticeships and paid training.
Hugo also mentors many of the young people who come through the workshop, sharing not just technique, but life lessons. He speaks openly about living free of addictions, a challenge that affects many in the region, and emphasizes the importance of knowing what you want.
“If you don’t know what you want in life, life will give you whatever, and you won’t be satisfied or in the right place, with the right people, doing what truly matters.”
His advice: Start by asking yourself what you really want.
Hugo’s father, a master cantera artisan, often takes charge of the painstaking decorative flourishes on the sculptures in their Querétaro workshop. (Karla Parra)
A legacy in the making
Hugo attributes the success of his business to prioritizing quality, investing more time and money than competitors to perfect details, especially in realistic features like faces.
On the personal front, Hugo credits his achievements to fearlessness, a willingness to try anything, and, above all, the support of his family.
He speaks with deep respect for his parents: his father, from whom he learned the value of hard work, and his mother, who championed education. Together, they instilled values that now shape the family business: growth over jealousy, long-term impact over short-term gain.
“We don’t spend just to spend,” he said. “There’s a dream behind it. It’s a seed we planted. Right now, it’s a medium-sized tree, but the more we water it, the more people it will feed and shade. That’s the goal: to grow a team and through that, be able to help others.”
To learn more about Hugo and the work of Canteras Querétaro, visit www.canterasqro.com or reach out to the team directly at +52 442 675 1945.
Hecho en México is a series written by Karla Parra, a Mexican-American writer born and raised in Mexico. While working on her memoir, Karla writes on Substack about home, creativity, and identity. She also works with the team behind the annual San Miguel Writers’ Conference. You can find her on Instagram @karlaexploradora.
