Developers to invest US $1B in exclusive Costalegre resort project

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December 7, 2023

Six Senses Xala — The new ultra-luxury Six Senses site in Xala will spearhead a US $1 billion development, which includes a new international airport. (Six Senses)

A tourist development from the team behind Mandarina, a luxurious coastal development on the Pacific coast of Mexico featuring the No. 8 hotel in the world, will see an investment of US $1 billion to create Xala, another ultra-luxury resort and residential project on the coast of Jalisco.

Located on 3,000 acres in the Costalegre region, a 240-kilometer stretch of the Pacific Coast south of Puerto Vallarta, Xala will feature at least two luxury hotels and 100 vacation residences.

According to Bloomberg, the Costalegre development is set to be one of the most expensive in Mexico in recent history, with brands such as Four Seasons and One and Only expected to form the cornerstone of the new development.

The project will focus on a 51-villa Six Senses hotel, set to be completed by 2026, according to the developers. Each room will have its own private pool, and guests will be able to enjoy a range of activities across the regions bays, mountains and nature reserves

Funding for the project has come from Morgan Stanley, venture capital fund TPG-Axon capital and the Jalisco state pension fund, as well as federal investment sources.

Ricardo Santa Cruz, the promoter and managing partner of Tourist Assets of Mexico (Actur) told Bloomberg, that his vision is to create the lowest-density development project ever undertaken in Mexico.

The new Chacalatepec International Airport, Jalisco’s third, will directly connect travelers with the new development in Xala. (Siop)

“As there was no infrastructure, much of Costalegre has been preserved,” says Santa Cruz. “For me, that is why it has the greatest potential for sustainable tourism in Mexico.”

To reach Cuixmala or the Four Seasons Tamarindo, for instance, one must embark on a four-hour drive from the Puerto Vallarta airport or a 20-minute flight on propeller planes that can land on the grass runways of Cuixmala and Las Alamandas. Although Manzanillo airport is only an hour away from the Four Seasons, it receives very few flights.

However, the new Chalacatepec international airport, which is supposed to begin operations next year according to the Jalisco Tourism Ministry, will improve connectivity for the resort. The government has also overseen the investment of 17 million pesos for the redevelopment of highways linking the region.

As a nod towards sustainable development, the Xala project is dedicating 590 acres of the project to reforestation, to restore wilderness along the coastline.

“We are very proud of what we have done at Mandarina,” managing partner of developers Actur Jerónimo Bremer said. “Now, Xala seeks to create a unique residential community, in the way that Mandarina sought to create a world-class resort.”

With reports from Bloomberg, Travelpulse and Jalisco Quadrantín

US issues sanctions against Beltrán Leyva cartel affiliates

By

MND Staff

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December 7, 2023

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US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen — U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen announced the new sanctions while in Mexico City this week. (Cuartoscuro)

The United States government has sanctioned 15 Mexican individuals and two Mexico-based companies with links to the Beltrán Leyva criminal organization.

U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen announced the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctions in Mexico City on Wednesday.

Beltrán Leyva Organization chart — A chart showing the sanctioned individuals and companies linked to the Beltrán Leyva Organization. (OFAC)

“Today, I am announcing that OFAC is designating an additional 15 individuals and two entities affiliated with the Beltrán Leyva Organization [BLO]. This cartel has been transporting multi-tonne quantities of cocaine and methamphetamine to the United States for decades. Now, it’s producing and transporting fentanyl as well,” she said.

“These sanctions, alongside other recent designations, will help disrupt this behavior and undermine the broader dangerous network involved in the illicit supply and transfer of fentanyl,” said Yellen, who traveled to Mexico this week for meetings with officials including President López Obrador.

The latest sanctions announcement follows the United States’ designation of numerous Mexican drug traffickers this year. Among those previously sanctioned in 2023 are members of the Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.

Who was sanctioned on Wednesday?

Among the 15 designated individuals are two alleged BLO leaders: Oscar Manuel Gastelum Iribe, known as “El Músico” (The Musician), and Pedro Inzunza Noriega.

The Department of the Treasury said that along with Fausto Isidro Meza Flores, they “make up today’s BLO’s leadership.”

It noted that Meza was already designated in 2013 pursuant to the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act and in 2021 pursuant to an executive order.

Treasury said that Gastelum Iribe is “a notoriously violent drug trafficker” who “oversees the transportation of drugs from multiple countries … for ultimate distribution in the United States.”

A Navy operation in June seized 186 packages of cocaine, weighing almost 3.5 tonnes. (Semar)

It noted that he is indicted on U.S. federal drug trafficking charges in Illinois, California and the District of Columbia.

Inzunza Noriega “works closely with Gastelum Iribe to traffic maritime loads of cocaine and manages the drug sources of supply,” Treasury said.

Among the other 13 designated individuals are:

José Gil Caro Quintero, a “violent drug trafficker,” U.S. fugitive and “the cousin of Rafael Caro Quintero, who was responsible for the kidnapping, torture, and murder of a DEA agent in 1985.”
Jesus Jose Gil Caro Monge, the son of José Gil Caro Quintero, accused of involvement in “the shipment of maritime loads of drugs from South America to Mexico.”
Óscar Pulido Díaz, an attorney “who has managed trafficking operations on behalf of clients with ties to the BLO and has facilitated extortion payments on behalf of the Los Chapitos faction of the Sinaloa Cartel and the BLO.”
Ricardo Estevez Colmenares, “a BLO plaza boss in the Mexican state of Oaxaca” who “also acts as a hitman.”
Mario German Beltrán Araujo and Amberto Beltrán Araujo, sons of former BLO leader Alberto Beltrán Leyva.
Óscar Alemán Meza, “a boat mechanic involved in the prepping, arming, and management of maritime vessels … for drug trafficking operations.”

OFAC also sanctioned two Mexican companies: Editorial Mercado Ecuestre, “a publisher of equestrian-related media” in Guadalajara, and Difaculsa, “a retail pharmacy” in Culiacán.

They were sanctioned “for being owned, controlled, or directed by, or for having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Gastelum Iribe and Alemán Meza, respectively,” Treasury said.

A chart on the 15 individuals and two companies designated by OFAC can be seen here.

Twelve of the individuals are among 60 foreign nationals charged with international heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, and marijuana trafficking in eight U.S. indictments unsealed on Wednesday.

What are the implications of the sanctions?

Each of the 15 individuals were designated by OFAC pursuant to the 2021 Executive Order on Imposing Sanctions on Foreign Persons Involved in the Global Illicit Drug Trade.

Treasury said that “all property and interests in property of the designated persons … that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC.”

“In addition, any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked,” the department said.

The Beltrán Leyva Organization

Founded in Sinaloa in the 1990s, the BLO was formerly headed by the Beltrán Leyva brothers.

The organization was previously an ally of the notorious Sinaloa Cartel, but split with the cartel once headed by Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán in 2008.

Treasury said that the BLO’s split with the Sinaloa Cartel “ignited years of bloodshed in Mexico, as these organizations battled for control of strategic drug trafficking routes into the United States.”

Héctor Beltrán Leyva arrest in 2014 — Héctor Beltrán Leyva was the last of the original founding brothers of the BLO to be captured in 2014. (PGR /CUARTOSCURO.COM)

“In the years that followed, the Beltrán Leyva brothers – the founding members of the BLO – were either captured or killed. In their absence, a new generation of violent drug traffickers rose to power and assumed control of today’s BLO,” the department added.

“The opioid epidemic, as well as the evolving landscape of illicit drug trafficking, has further emboldened the BLO to take advantage of the lucrative market for illicit fentanyl in communities across the United States.”

Mexico News Daily

Mexico in Numbers: Religion

By

Cat Rainsford

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December 7, 2023

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848590_Feligreses llegada Basílica_impreso — Mexico is still predominantly Catholic, but the number of faithful has dropped in recent decades. (Cuartoscuro)

From roadside shrines and spectacular cathedrals to the traditional Catholic Holy Week processions and the syncretic celebration of Day of the Dead, religion permeates Mexico’s physical and cultural landscape. But how many people in Mexico are actually religious?

The most accurate answer comes from the Population and Housing Census, conducted every ten years by the National Institute for Statistics and Geography (INEGI). The most recent 2020 census contains a detailed breakdown of Mexico’s religious panorama and provides intriguing insights into how faith in Mexico has changed over time.

Woman at Our Lady of Guadalupe Basilica in Mexico City — A pilgrim places a candle inside the Our Lady of Guadalupe Basilica in Mexico City. (Andrea Murcia/Cuartoscuro)

How many Mexicans identify as religious?

Mexico remains a highly religious country.

In 2020, only 8.2% of the population said they had no religion at all – a total of 10.2 million Mexicans. In addition, 3.1 million people, or 2.5% of the population, said that they believed in a higher power, but did not adhere to a formal religion.

How dominant is Christianity in Mexico compared to other religions?

Unsurprisingly, most Mexicans identified as Catholics – 77.7%. Another 11.2% of the population identified as Protestant or Evangelical, while only 0.2% practiced a different religion. This means that Christian denominations still represent 88.9% of the Mexican population.

Of the non-Christian religions, just under 59,000 Mexicans identified as Jews, while just under 8,000 identified as Muslims. Just under 41,000 practiced religions with African roots, and around 33,000 practiced religions with “ethnic roots” – a term INEGI does not clearly define, but appears to describe Indigenous beliefs.

How have religions grown or declined in the last decade?

While Catholicism is still Mexico’s primary religion, INEGI’s historical data show that its dominance has steadily declined over the last century. From 99% in 1910, Catholics fell to 98.2% of the population in 1950, 92.6% in 1980, 87.9% in 2000, and 82.7% in 2010, before reaching 77.7% in 2020. In other words, the Catholic population has dropped by more than 10 percentage points in the last 20 years alone.

Meanwhile, the Protestant population has steadily grown – from 0.9% in 1940, to 1.8% in 1980, 7.3% in 2000, and finally 11.2% in 2020. The growth in Protestantism was particularly marked during the 1980s, when alternative branches of Christianity gained traction in Mexico’s economically marginalized southern states.

As for non-believers, they have jumped from 0% in 1950 to 1.6% in 1970, 3.1% in 1980, 4.7% in 2010, and finally 10.6% in 2020 – including both the non-religious and informal belief categories.

Which religions predominate in larger urban areas vs rural areas?

Christian congregations predominate in Mexico’s rural areas. A Protestant presence is most common in localities with fewer than 10,000 inhabitants, while Catholicism is most dominant in towns with 1,000 to 99,000 inhabitants, and Judaism in cities of 100,000 or more.

Religious affiliation by population density across Mexico in 2020.

Mid-sized cities with 100,000 to 250,000 inhabitants have the presence of Catholic, Protestant and non-religious groups, but in these locales, the proportion of non-religious people is significantly higher than the national average. In Mexico’s largest cities, Catholics and non-religious people are most represented.

How do religious affiliations vary by state in Mexico?

In 1990, Catholics made up less than 75% of the population in only two states: Chiapas and Tabasco. In 2020, this number had grown to ten, with the addition of Baja California, Campeche, Quintana Roo, Tamaulipas, Baja California Sur, Chihuahua, Morelos and Yucatán.

Luz del Mundo members — The Luz del Mundo (Light of the World) church, based in Guadalajara, is one of Mexico’s best-known and most controversial evangelical Christian groups. (Cuartoscuro)

Broadly speaking, these are also the states with the largest Protestant populations. In 1990, Protestants made up more than 11% of the population only in Campeche, Chiapas, Quintana Roo and Tabasco. By 2020, this number had grown to 15 – the states listed above, plus Coahuila, Oaxaca, Veracruz, Nuevo León and Sonora.

In 1990 and 2000, Chiapas was the only state where non-religious people made up more than 10% of the population, joined in 2010 by Campeche, Quintana Roo and Tabasco. By 2020, 14 states were in this category, with the highest proportions of non-religious people living in Quintana Roo (22.5%), Baja California (20.4%) and Mexico City (15.6%).

With reports from El Financiero and Nexos

Supreme Court lifts suspension on bullfighting in Mexico City

By

Cat Rainsford

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December 7, 2023

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952774_Diego San Román Toros-4_impreso — The lift on the suspension means bullfights could resume as soon as this month in Mexico City's bullring. (Cuartoscuro)

The Mexican Supreme Court (SCJN) has overturned a temporary suspension on bullfighting in Mexico City amidst protests both for and against the bloody traditional sport.

On Wednesday, the panel of judges ruled to strike down a temporary suspension handed down in May 2022 during an amparo suit presented by the NGO Justicia Justa against two laws: the Bullfighting Regulation of the Federal District and Mexico City’s Law on Staging Public Shows.

Protest against bullfighting. — Animal rights activists demonstrate against bullfighting in Mexico City in 2022. (Andrea Murcia Monsivais / Cuartoscuro)

The amparo is a mechanism in Mexican law through which citizens can seek protection for their human rights when these are violated by authorities; in this case, Justicia Justa argued that bullfighting violated Mexicans’ constitutional right to a healthy environment and a life free from violence.

Lower court judge Jonathan Bass Herrera granted the organization a temporary injunction, suspending the two laws in question. This injunction was appealed to the Supreme Court, which ruled that Mexico City must continue to enforce its existing bullfighting regulations until the lower court rules on whether or not bullfighting violates human rights.

Crowds of demonstrators gathered outside the Supreme Court to express their opinions on the suspension, which forced the end of shows at Mexico City’s 42,000-seat Plaza de Toros.

Bullfighting proponents chanted “bulls yes, bullfighters too!” while one fan demonstrated bullfighting passes with a cape. They argued that bullfighting has been part of Mexican culture for centuries and that individuals should be able to choose whether to watch it.

Matador and bull fighting. — Bullfighter Octavio “El Payo” García fights a bull in Mérida, Yucátan. (Martín Zetina / Cuartoscuro)

“This is not an issue of animal welfare; it’s a matter of freedoms,” José Saborit, director of the Mexican Bullfighting Association, told the Associated Press. “A small sector of the population wants to impose its moral outlook, and I think there is room for all of us in this world, in a regulated way.”

The National Association of Fighting Bull Breeders also pointed to the economic benefits of the sport, which they claim generates 80,000 direct jobs, 146,000 indirect jobs and around US $400 million of annual revenue in Mexico.

On the other side, animal rights activists held up signs saying “Mexico says NO! to bullfighting,” arguing that the sport, which in almost every case involves the death of the fighting bull, is inherently cruel.

“Animals are not things, they are living beings with feelings, and these living, feeling beings deserve protection under the constitution of Mexico City,” said city councilor Jorge Gaviño, who has been unsuccessful in trying to pass legislation permanently banning the sport.

The Supreme Court must now officially notify the local court of its judgment, after which the Plaza de Toros can resume bullfights, possibly as soon as mid-December.

“This resolution sets a great precedent in favor of the freedoms and constitutional rights to self-determination, culture, free competition and decent work, as well as values such as tolerance and respect,” the stadium said in a statement on its social networks.

The ruling comes just days after a federal judge suspended bullfighting in the municipality of Guadalajara, in response to an injunction by an animal rights organization. Many observers believed that if the Supreme Court had upheld the suspension of bullfighting in Mexico City, it could have paved the way for a nationwide ban on the sport.

Bullfighting has long been a hot-button topic throughout Mexico. Five states – Sinaloa, Quintana Roo, Coahuila, Guerrero and Sonora – currently have bans in place, while seven – Aguascalientes, Tlaxcala, Hidalgo, Querétaro, Zacatecas, Michoacán and Guanajuato – have formally declared bullfighting a cultural asset.

With reports from Associated Press, Sin Embargo and Reforma

Extreme cold and hunger increase migration out of the Sierra Tarahumara

By

Cat Rainsford

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December 7, 2023

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Freezing winter temperatures and famine are driving an increase in the migration of Indigenous Rarámuri people from Chihuahua’s Sierra Tarahumara to cities such as Ciudad Juárez.

Although every winter sees some Rarámuri migration, El Universal newspaper reports that numbers have surged this year, as temperatures in their native mountain villages plunge as low as -12 degrees Celsius. The extreme cold is adding to problems of food shortages caused by the summer’s severe drought.

Copper Canyon region, Chihuahua, Mexico — Chihuahua’s Raramurí traditionally live in isolated mountain regions, and are often unfamiliar with urban life. (Eugenio Barrios)

“For about a month now, we have seen people from the mountains come down a lot,” Rosalinda Guadalajara, an Indigenous rights activist in Ciudad Juárez, told El Universal. “When the harvest failed, many said they got only a pinch of corn. Many people have left there to look for work, and because of the cold.”

In a press conference on Tuesday, the Chihuahua’s Health Minister, Gilberto Baeza Mendoza, said that the ministry has detected 67 cases of severe malnutrition in babies and children under the age of five in the Sierra Tarahumara this year. Of these, 16 died and six remain in hospital.

Baeza added that medical consultations for Indigenous children in the 19 municipalities of the Sierra Tarahumara increased from 344 in 2022 to 486 in 2023 so far. Infant malnutrition is most severe in the municipalities of Urique, Guadalupe and Calvo.

Chihuahua’s state government has tried to address the crisis by distributing around 96 tonnes of basic grain to 1,200 families in villages of the Sierra Tarahumara, but this has not halted the migration.

Rarámuris in the city are often forced to take up jobs on the margins of Mexico’s large informal economy to survive. (Juan Ortega Solís/Cuartoscuro)

Guadalajara told El Universal that the largest Rarámuri exodus has been from the municipalities of Carichí and Cuautémoc, with most families heading to Ciudad Juarez. On arrival, many of these migrants stay with family in Rarámuri colonies at the edge of the city, some of them permanently.

Once they arrive in the city, the Rarámuri (many of whom aren’t native Spanish speakers) often encounter discrimination, and struggle to access government aid.

“There are people who, because they don’t know the [Spanish] language, lend people their card to take out support payments and are victims of abuse; others charge them for taking the money out,” Guadalajara explained.

As a result, many Rarámuri migrants are forced to survive through begging or selling sweets, handicrafts and herbs on the street.

With reports from El Universal and La Jornada Maya

Explore the Puuc route in Yucatán this holiday season

By

Thilini Wijesinhe

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December 7, 2023

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fernando-gago-IuYL3sEqAOk-unsplash (1) — Uxmal is usually the busiest archaeological site on the Puuc Route. (Unsplash)

The Maya state of Yucatán is home to spectacular archaeological sites, many of which have also become popular tourist destinations. While sites like Chichén Itzá and Tulum are global icons, if you want to dive deeper into the region’s pre-Columbian history and explore ancient ruins off the tourist path, travel the lesser-known but rewarding Ruta Puuc.

What is the Puuc Route?

Ruta Puuc (or Puuc Route) is a travel route through several archaeological sites – Uxmal, Kabah, Sayil, Xlapak, Labná, and the Loltún Caves – in the Puuc region, a hilly area in the Yucatán peninsula. According to the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), Puuc is Mayan for “group of hills,” and it is also the name of an architectural style seen in this region.

Besides ancient ruins, visitors can also discover charming towns, museums, haciendas, and more! Whether you want to make a day trip or spend a few days, the Puuc region has something for everyone. Here is a list of key attractions you can see on or around the Ruta Puuc.

Uxmal

Once the capital of the Puuc region, Uxmal, pronounced “oosh mal,” together with a few connected towns, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located around 80 kilometers from Mérida. Uxmal’s architectural marvels, such as the unique House of Magician, a pyramid with an elliptic shape steeped in legendary tales, and the majestic Governor’s Palace, are absolute must-see structures.

Despite the archaeological findings from multiple building phases, the legend says the House of the Magician was built overnight by a dwarf, born out of an egg, in response to a king’s challenge. After completing multiple challenges with the help of his sorceress mother, including one which resulted in the king’s death, the dwarf supposedly became the king of Uxmal. This building’s western facade and the upper temple with the earth-monster mask are magnificent. Meanwhile, the Governor’s Palace is built to track the planet Venus and the occurrences of solstices, according to INAH. Other beautiful buildings at Uxmal include the Quadrangle of the Nuns with its richly decorated facades, the Ball Court, and the Great Pyramid. It’s fascinating that this site was first occupied as far back as 500 B.C. or even earlier, although it became the Puuc capital during A.D. 700-950, according to INAH.

Uxmal is usually the busiest archaeological site on the Puuc Route. You can find some restaurants just outside the site as well as other interesting attractions close by.

Choco-Story Uxmal

Across the highway from the Uxmal ruins is the Choco-Story Ecopark Chocolate Museum in an old Hacienda. Visitors can learn about the region’s connection to cacao since ancient times and taste cacao drinks topped up with different flavors like cinnamon and chili (we loved them!). If you are visiting Yucatán, this is an ideal place to buy some unique chocolates to take home.

The park is also home to different types of animals, including rescued leopards, crocodiles, and colorful birds, as well as a meliponario – bee house of Melipona bees (stingless bees). They also have ceremonies dedicated to the Maya rain god Chaac, held at regular intervals throughout the day.

Town of Santa Elena

Situated between Uxmal and Kabah, Santa Elena is a beautiful town worth stopping by for a break or even staying overnight. It has a museum with remains (mummies) of young children discovered in the town’s San Mateo church. If you are craving some regional food, check out Pickled Onion, famous for its Yucatecan food – and they also offer accommodation.

Oxkintok ruins

About 30 kilometers from the Ruta Puuc town of Muna is Oxkintok, which has much to see, including anthropomorphic statues (non-human characters with human features) and a building called the Satunsat or the Labyrinth, which supposedly represents the multiple levels of the Maya universe. Unfortunately, accessing the Labyrinth’s interior was not allowed during our visit. Nearby Oxkintok are the Calcehtok caves, perhaps an ideal outing for those looking for physically challenging adventures.

Hacienda Yaxcopoil

Visiting haciendas is a great way to learn about Yucatán’s history of the henequen industry, which used fiber extracted from henequen plants. I have yet to visit this hacienda, but given its location between Mérida and Uxmal, it makes for a good stop for those wanting to spend more time in the area. They also offer accommodation with Yucatecan food.

Kabah

Situated around 22 kilometers from Uxmal and home to several magnificent buildings and features, Kabah surprisingly gets fewer crowds. Based on the previously mentioned “Legend of the Dwarf,” Kabah was the home city of the dwarf, who supposedly also built a sacbé or white road (ancient stone road) connecting Kabah and Uxmal in response to one of the said challenges.

Similar to Uxmal, Kabah also had a lengthy occupation beginning from around 400 B.C., although the site’s peak was A.D. 750–900, according to INAH. The magnificent Codz Pop building, decorated initially with over a few hundred God-Chaac masks and some impressive statues, is a must-see. Remember to make your way to its eastern side to see the statues. We also enjoyed visiting the site’s North Plaza, which has some beautiful buildings, including The Palace.

Sayil

Nine kilometers from Kabah is Sayil, considered an important Puuc city, and INAH says around 17,000 people lived in Sayil and its connected areas. While it has fewer structures than sites like Uxmal, the Grand Palace, with beautiful features such as short columns and masks, will help you imagine its once prosperous past. That’s not all. The site’s stelae and El Mirador, with a beautiful roof comb that may have been a temple, are also worth seeing. We particularly enjoyed wandering through the site’s lush green surroundings.

Xlapak

Located six kilometers from Sayil, Xlapak is a small site that does not have massive buildings. However, stopping at smaller sites gives visitors a sense of how the ancient Mayas were spread across various-sized settlements, similar to modern societies. That said, The Palace at Xlapak, also with masks of God Chaac, is interesting, and the site’s paths allow for a refreshing walk while visiting other structures (be prepared for mosquitoes!).

Labná

With beautiful open spaces, Labná is only a few kilometers away from Xlapak. Its key highlights include The Palace, which has features such as anthropomorphic characters, and the Arch structure with rich designs and excellent photographic opportunities. This arch was on the one gold peso banknote issued in 1916 by the then Yucatán government. El Mirador, whose upper structure is considered a temple, is also impressive.

Loltún caves (Grottoes Loltún)

The caves, dating to around 9000 B.C., are considered the place of the earliest human habitation in the Yucatán peninsula and were used for various purposes over the millennia, including as residences, according to INAH. They are home to ancient murals and carvings. Unfortunately, the site remains closed at the time of writing.

If you prefer to continue your journey, here are a few more interesting places to visit.

The town of Tekax

About 25 kilometers from the Loltún caves is Tekax, a Pueblo Mágico (magical town) ideal for a break. While Tekax is perhaps less vibrant compared to towns like Izamal, it is home to colorful murals and the famous church of Saint John the Baptist. The town is not (yet) touristy and, therefore, offers a more authentic experience of regional Yucatán. For those after some adventure, there is plenty to do around Tekax, including visiting caves such as Chocmantes, zip lining, and rappelling.

Another interesting attraction around Tekax and a bonus for fans of archaeology and history is the:

Chacmultún ruins

Located around 12 kilometers from Tekax, this site has several structures built on elevated bases and a ball court, worth visiting. The vegetation in the area is clear evidence of the region’s fertile land.

The town of Maní

Maní is truly a magical Pueblo Mágico that is even worth a day trip. We loved walking around the town’s main square and the markets with various items for sale, including locally made traditional clothes and honey, and the inviting cafes and restaurants. The town has a beautiful old convent called the Convent of San Miguel Arcángel and many meliponarios, dedicated to Melipona beekeeping.

Plan your journey along the Ruta Puuc

Starting from Mérida, you can make a day trip through Uxmal, Kabah, Sayil, Xlapak, and Labná or take the opposite route and see the smaller sites before ending your day at Uxmal, where you might spend most of the time. The main sites can easily take up a day, so try to make an early start and arrive at the first site as it opens. That way, you might have time for one or a few more stops. Visitors with more than a day to explore the Puuc region can easily find accommodation options around the Ruta Puuc.

To learn more about the region’s history and ancient Maya life, visit a few other archaeological sites in Yucatán and the Maya World Museum. You can also watch the Maya ball game played in Mérida on Saturdays.

Thilini Wijesinhe, a financial professional turned writer and entrepreneur, moved to Mexico in 2019 from Australia. She writes from Mérida, Yucatán. Her website can be found at https://thilini.me/

Top 5 melipona honey skincare and beauty products

By

Mark Viales

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December 7, 2023

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bee-naturalles-IRM9qgZdlW0-unsplash (1) — Melipona not only hydrates and moisturizes but also imparts softness, facilitates repair and promotes regeneration. (Unsplash)

Mexico’s stingless melipona bees are amongst of the smallest bee species in the world, yet they create a rare and precious honey that modern science has only recently taken seriously as a natural skincare product.

Native to the Americas and domesticated over 3,000 years ago by the Ancient Maya, melipona bees produce honey rich in antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and medicinal properties. More recently, scientific research into anti-aging ingredients within melipona honey has attracted the attention of international cosmetic brands that promote natural and eco-friendly body care treatments.

Melipona honey remains one of the best-kept secrets in beauty care that has yet to hit its true potential. (Unsplash)

Alix Toribo, Director of Innovation and Production of Natural Substances at Chanel, described melipona honey as an “innovative ingredient of the future”. The world-renowned French cosmetic company has already integrated honey into a number of skincare products.

Toribo describes melipona honey as “ingrained in age-old tradition and has been used for generations,” he said on the Chanel website. “It is rare and unusual to find such an effective ingredient in nature. The honey can activate more than 70 individual biological mechanisms linked to visible signs of skin aging.”

Mexico is the eighth largest global exporter of honey, with 63,362 tons produced in 2021, which makes it one of the top sources of raw ingredients used for medicinal products. With an increasing number of effective melipona skincare products filling the shelves at high-end cosmetic shops, here are five of the most popular uses:

Facial Soap

Combining melipona honey with other ingredients, such as calendula and vegetable oil, can create a deeply cleansing soap formula that provides all-around care for your skin. These natural soaps address multiple skin concerns due to the honey’s natural, antioxidant-rich ingredients that contribute to cleansing, soothing, and protecting the skin, ultimately promoting a healthier and more radiant complexion.

Melipona is known for its antimicrobial properties, helping prevent bacterial growth around the face, which can be particularly beneficial for those with acne-prone or sensitive skin. It also acts as an anti-inflammatory, soothing the areas suffering from irritation or inflammation.

Shampoo

Melipona is a natural humectant, a quality that proves invaluable in shampoos. Its ability to attract and retain moisture ensures that your hair and scalp stay hydrated, preventing the dreaded dryness that can lead to frizz and breakage. Packed with antioxidants, the honey provides a shield against free radicals, which can damage your hair. Incorporating it into shampoo can cleanse and protect your hair from environmental wear and tear, contributing to its long-term health and vitality.

The anti-inflammatory properties of melipona make it a soothing agent for the scalp and can help alleviate discomfort, while antimicrobial properties add a protective layer to your scalp. This helps fend off unwanted bacteria and fungi, promoting a clean and healthy scalp that is the foundation for strong and beautiful hair.

Lip Balm

The use of honey as a natural humectant also helps when creating lip balm because it acts as a hydrating shield against dry and chapped lips. Melipona is also a natural healing agent that can help repair damaged lips, offering relief to people dealing with regular discomfort because of dryness or irritation.

Lip balm enriched with this honey defends against environmental stressors, including UV rays and pollution, preserving the youthful appearance of the lips. Its texture lends itself to gentle exfoliation, which enhances lip balm functionality by removing dead skin cells, creating smoother and healthier lips.

Body Oil

A mix of concentrated melipona honey can treat many different skin conditions. Its gentle applications make it particularly effective for issues like eczema, acne, cuts, grazes, athlete’s foot, ringworm, psoriasis, ulcers, insect bites, burns and boils. Additionally, it proves beneficial in treating conditions such as abscesses, cracked nipples, pressure sores, non-healing diabetic ulcers, and surgical wounds.

The healing properties of this remedy go beyond surface-level benefits, actively promoting the regeneration of muscles and skin in wound recovery. Its antibacterial attributes eliminate fungi and protozoa, showcasing its prowess in combating microbial threats.

Hand and Body Creams

The therapeutic properties held by melipona honey are perfect for rejuvenating the skin and addressing wrinkles. Creams or lotions are suitable for use on the face and neck. It is especially effective around the delicate eye area. Additionally, it can be applied on the hands to combat signs of aging and on various body areas to expedite the healing process of wounds or burns.

Melipona not only hydrates and moisturizes but also imparts softness, facilitates repair, promotes regeneration, maintains balance, nourishes, and comprehensively cares for your skin.

Melipona honey remains one of the best-kept secrets in beauty care that has yet to hit its true potential. However, big businesses are wasting no time following this new trend that is predicted to revolutionize traditional skincare treatment with a sweet twist. We recommend those searching for organic bespoke beauty products watch out for new products containing this magical ingredient.

Mark Viales writes for Mexico News Daily

Earthquake alarms sound in Mexico City after Puebla quake

By

MND Staff

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December 7, 2023

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GAxZXFaWoAA2FF_ — The earthquake triggered warning alarms in the capital. (Laura Martínez/X)

A 5.7 magnitude earthquake with an epicenter in Puebla set off the earthquake alarm in Mexico City shortly after 2 p.m. Thursday.

The National Seismological Service (SSN) said on X that the quake struck at 2:03 p.m. and had its epicenter 16 kilometers west of Chiautla de Tapia, a town in the southwest of Puebla.

CDMX quake — Workers in Mexico City evacuated their buildings as earthquake alarms sounded. (Rosa Icela Rodríguez/X)

The SSN initially reported a slightly stronger 5.8 magnitude quake. No damage was immediately reported.

The earthquake alarm in Mexico City went off just a few seconds before the temblor, the El Financiero newspaper reported. Photos showed workers and other residents gathered on the streets of the capital.

Puebla Governor Sergio Salomón Cespedes said on X that authorities in close to 20 municipalities in Puebla reported feeling the quake.

“Until now, there is no report of damage,” he added.

▶️ Tronó la tierra: así se oyó en Morelos el estruendo por el #Temblor con epicentro en #Puebla #AlertaSismica pic.twitter.com/a6w7DV1WYe

— Milenio (@Milenio) December 7, 2023

A video taken in Morelos shows the Thursday afternoon quake.

President López Obrador published a video to social media in which he is speaking to national Civil Protection chief Laura Velázquez. She also said that no damage had been reported.

López Obrador also spoke with Cespedes, who reiterated that no damage or loss of human life had been reported in Puebla.

Earthquakes in Mexico more commonly have their epicenters near the Pacific coast.

However, the epicenter of the devastating Sept. 19, 2017 temblor was also in Puebla. That earthquake, which claimed close to 400 lives, had a magnitude of 7.1.

Mexico News Daily

Got 1 min? Guanajuato International Airport sees record-breaking traffic

By

MND Staff

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December 7, 2023

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The 3 millionth passenger arrives at the Guanajuato International Airport — Government and Guanajuato International Airport officials greet the airport's three millionth visitor of 2023. (Guanajuato Tourism Ministry)

On Wednesday, Guanajuato International Airport, also known as Bajío International Airport (BJX), set a record of 3 million passengers this year, securing its spot in Mexico’s top ten most-used airports.

This figure surpasses the last record of 2.7 million passengers in 2019. In 2020, the airport, located near the city of León, registered 1.3 million passengers, increasing to 2.1 million in 2021 and 2.6 million in 2022.

Tourism Minister Álvarez Brunel (right) with AIG director Jessica Paola Olivo Moreno and AFAC Commander Martín Navarro Niño. (Guanajuato Tourism Ministry)

“Our partnership with the airport, airlines and the Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC) is a testament to Guanajuato’s commitment to tourism,” the Guanajuato Tourism Minister Juan José Álvarez Brunel said in a statement, adding that the milestone confirms that Guanajuato “has been recovering significantly in tourism because the state is an attractive destination.”

The airport is managed by Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico, the same group that manages the international airports of Guadalajara and Los Cabos.

In terms of passengers, AIG occupied the No. 6 position of the 14 airports managed by the firm, with Guadalajara International Airport coming in as No. 1 with 14.7 million passengers, followed by Tijuana with 11 million and Los Cabos with 6.3 million. In terms of percentage of growth, however, Guanajuato comes in first place among GAP airports.

At a national level, AIG came in as the airport with the ninth-highest amount of passenger traffic. The top ten includes the Mexico City International Airport (AICM), followed by Cancún, Guadalajara, Tijuana, Monterrey, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta and Mérida. Culiacán International Airport takes the No. 10 spot.

AIG offers 19 domestic and 10 international routes, including its latest addition to San Antonio, Texas. The airlines that operate in the airport are Volaris, Viva Aerobús, Aeroméxico, American Airlines and United Airlines.

In celebration of the new record, Álvarez Brunel went to the airport to welcome Karina Domínguez Sánchez, the 3 millionth passenger. Domínguez, who is from León, traveled with Volaris from Puerto Vallarta to Guanajuato.

With reports from AM

Headline inflation increased in November, after 9 months of decline

By

MND Staff

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December 7, 2023

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sebastian-martinez-dominguez-c6ojinjZtPQ-unsplash_850 — The cost of fruits and vegetables showed a 5.59% annual increase in November. (Sebastian Martinez Dominguez/Unsplash)

After declining every month between February and October, Mexico’s headline inflation rate increased in November, official data showed.

However, the closely-watched core inflation rate, which excludes some volatile food and energy prices, continued to fall to reach its lowest level since October 2021.

Pemex gas station — Energy prices were slightly higher in November compared to the same month last year. (VICTORIA VALTIERRA/CUARTOSCURO.COM)

The national statistics agency INEGI reported Thursday that annual headline inflation was 4.32% in November, up slightly from 4.26% in October. The rate was 7.8% in November 2022.

Annual core inflation was 5.3% last month, down from 5.5% in October. That rate has now declined for 10 consecutive months.

Despite rising slightly, the headline rate was below the 4.4% consensus forecast of analysts surveyed by Citibanamex.

Month-over-month inflation was 0.64%, the highest level since January.

Bank of Mexico Governor Victoria Rodriguez Ceja — Victoria Rodríguez Ceja, head of the Bank of Mexico, which meets next week for the last monetary policy meeting of the year. (Presidencia)

The publication of the November inflation data comes a week before the Bank of Mexico (Banxico) holds its final monetary policy meeting of 2023.

The central bank’s board has maintained Banxico’s key interest rate at a record high of 11.25% since increasing it to that level in March. Its members are expected to once again vote in favor of the status quo next Thursday.

Inflation has now been above the bank’s 3% target for 33 months, but an initial cut to the record high interest rate is considered likely in early 2024.

Gabriela Siller, director of economic analysis at Mexican bank Banco Base, said on the X social media platform on Thursday that an annual headline rate of between 4.5% and 4.6% is expected at the end of the year.

“With this [forecast], it is expected that the Bank of Mexico will begin with interest rate cuts in the first quarter of 2024” and reduce its key rate by a total of 100 basis points during the course of next year, she wrote.

Annual inflation data in detail

INEGI data showed that goods in general were 5.33% more expensive in November than in the same month of 2022. Within that category, annual inflation was 6.78% for processed food, beverages and tobacco and 3.62% for non-food goods.

Inflation was 6.6% for school fees, 5.59% for fruit and vegetables, 5.28% for services, 3.74% for housing and 0.62% for meat.

Energy prices, including those for gasoline and electricity, were 0.24% higher than in November 2022.

What got more or less expensive in November?

Person buying eggs — Eggs went up 9.65% in price month-over-month. (GALO CAÑAS/CUARTOSCURO.COM)

INEGI also reported month-over-month increases and decreases for a range of individual products and services.

Price increases

Prices for green tomatoes rose 24.91% compared to October.
Electricity +22.26% (mainly due to the conclusion of discounted summer rates in various cities including Mexicali, Ciudad Juárez, Culiacán, Chihuahua and Hermosillo.)
Professional services +10.08%
Eggs +9.65%
Air travel +8.11%
Sugar +4.38%
Beans +3.52%

Price decreases

Prices for limes decreased 26.95% compared to October.
Avocados -6.36%
Onions -5.4%
Oranges -3.46%
Televisions -3.3%
Computers -3.23%
Tomatoes -2.09%

Which states had the highest and lowest inflation in November?

The common denominator of the states with the highest month-over-month inflation in November was that they were affected by the conclusion of discounted summer electricity rates.

Sonora had the highest rate at 4.25%, followed by Sinaloa (3.35%), Baja California Sur (2.88%), Baja California (2.73%) and Chihuahua (1.6%).

The states with the lowest month-over month inflation rates in November were:

Guerrero -0.81% (Parts of the southern state including Acapulco are still recovering from Hurricane Otis)
Coahuila -0.07%
Chiapas 0.16%
Campeche 0.16%
Morelos 0.19%

With reports from El Financiero and El Economista