German tire manufacturer Continental will build a second site in the central state of Aguascalientes as part of a US $90 million investment in the region. (Tere Jiménez/X)
German tire manufacturing giant Continental AG announced it will open a new hydraulic hose factory in Aguascalientes’ Vesta Park, with an investment of US $90 million.
Construction on the plant will start in mid-2024, and the site will begin operations in the second half of 2025, according to company representatives. The state government predicts that it will generate 200 direct jobs and generate significant revenue for the economy.
“This will be Continental’s second plant in Aguascalientes,” Marco Galluzi, Continental’s managing director in Mexico, posted on LinkedIn. “We continue to grow and bet on Mexico; in this country, the company employs around 24,000 people in 12 states.”
Ina post on social media service X, the Aguascalientes state government said that Continental’s decision to invest further in Aguascalientes was testament to the state’s “security, good business environment and the labor force of our people.”
Continental’s representatives echoed this praise of the central Mexican state.
“From our experience in Aguascalientes, we know that we have the right talent to meet the requirements of a high-tech plant like this,” Galluzi said. “We also have a progressive and attractive environment with safety and a high quality of life.”
The new hose plant will be constructed in Aguascalientes’ Vesta industrial park. (Adalberto Ortega/Vesta)
The new plant will use solar panels and recycled water. It will supply hoses to various key industries, including construction, energy, agriculture and automotive, taking advantage of Aguascalientes’ central location.
“We are a strategic logistics point in the American continent,” said Aguascalientes governor María Teresa Jiménez Esquivel. “We have a road system that connects us with the main ports of the Atlantic and the Pacific, as well as air connectivity.”
Central Mexico is one of the regional hubs of the nearshoring boom, due both to its location and its abundance of engineering and technical service providers, as U.S. and Asian manufacturers seek to relocate manufacturing operations to the country.
“Mexico is prepared to become a leader in the manufacturing sector, with a different production and supply structure,” said Sergio Pérez Castilleja, an executive at global real estate firm Newmark earlier this week. “We are ready for it.”
Entering pets into the country is free of charge unless you’re traveling with 3 or more pets. (Shutterstock)
With more and more people traveling back and forth with their pets between the United States, Canada and Mexico — in addition to the increasing number of expats from other nationalities that bring their pets with them — we’ve created this guide to help you discover the types of pets that are allowed to enter the country, vaccinations required for entry, fees charged by the government, and all essential regulations to bring your pets with you.
While this guide answers the essential questions to bring your pet into the country by land, sea or air, be sure to always check the government’s website or contact your airline or the Mexican authority directly for additional and updated information (all relevant links hyperlinked below).
Which animals are considered pets in Mexico?
According to the Animal Protection Law, domestic animals are those raised in the company of humans and under their care. However, regulation to bring pets into Mexico currently only applies for cats and dogs.
If you wish to bring into the country other types of domestic animals, click here.
If you wish to travel with an emotional support animal, check any additional requirements directly with your airline.
Is there a fee to enter pets in Mexico?
Entering pets into the country is free of charge unless you’re traveling with 3 or more pets.
Other expenses you need to consider are those applied by the airline of your choice.
What documents and vaccinations are required for cats and dogs to cross the border?
Good news for U.S. residents: It is no longer necessary to have a health certificate for dogs and cats when entering Mexico. You can take your pets to the border without any documentation, but they will be inspected by the National Agri-Food Health, Safety and Quality Service (Senasica) upon arrival. For further guidance, please refer to the instructions on this page.
If you travel from any other country, you must present the following:
Certificate of Good Health (Certificado Zoosanitario de Exportación)issued by a veterinarian within 15 days before the trip.
Name and address of the exporter and importer, as well as the identification data of the pet and its final destination.
An updated Vaccination Card including the following mandatory vaccines: Canine parvovirus, distemper, canine hepatitis, and rabies. Non-core vaccines (Bordetella and the Leptospirosis bacteria) are given based on the dog’s risk of exposure (pets under 3 months of age are exempt from a vaccination card).
Proof of deworming within the last 6 months.
Once you have submitted all the necessary documents, your pet will undergo a physical examination by OIA officials.
The officials will verify that the pet’s physical description mentioned in the Health Certificate matches its actual physical characteristics, such as sex, breed and color. Additionally, they will inspect the pet’s health status and ensure that it is free from external parasites.
Can I bring my pet’s food, toys, and accessories?
Yes, provided you comply with the following requirements.
Food:
These are the products for animals allowed into the country according to the Senasica:
Toys and accessories:
The import of bedding, implements, accessories, toys, treats, or prizes containing animal ingredients is prohibited and will be removed and destroyed if they are discovered.
Yes. If you send your pet as a cargo, check the requirements on the airline of your choice and consider using the services of a customs agent (agente aduanal) for its release before Customs. While in some countries a “customs agent” refers to a government representative, in Mexico an agente aduanal usually means a professional who specializes in helping clients navigate the customs process.
Can I bring my pet if it’s undergoing medical treatment?
Yes.
If your pet is undergoing medical treatment or can’t be vaccinated against rabies, then upon arrival to Mexico, you need to present a medical prescription on letterhead with the number of your Professional Certificate or equivalent. This prescription should explain the condition of your pet and its treatment so that you can enter its medicines.
You can attach a photocopy of the certificate along with the prescription.
What happens if I arrive in Mexico without the required documentation?
If you don’t possess a Certificate of Good Health or a Vaccination Card, you’ll need to seek out the services of a private veterinarian of your choice in Mexico. The veterinarian must administer the necessary treatments and issue the Certificate of Good Health.
After an evaluation, official personnel or an Authorized Third-Party Specialist (TEA) can confirm the good state of health.
Since Feb. 2023, it is easier to frequently travel to Mexico with your pet.
This program (Programa Mascota Viajero Frecuente) aims to speed up the review and inspection of your pet at Agricultural Health Inspection Offices (OISA) located at entry points into the country.
By enrolling your pet in the Pet Frequent Traveler Program (PFTP), you’ll only need to present a Certificate of Good Health once every six months.
To register, you must upload to the Tourism Certification System your pet’s Certificate of Good Health, Vaccination Card, and Veterinarian Certificate.
For any additional information or queries, please contact the OISA or click here.
Gabriela Solís is a Mexican lawyer based in Dubai turned full-time writer. She covers business, culture, lifestyle and travel for Mexico News Daily. You can follow her life in Dubai in her blog Dunas y Palmeras.
The Strength and Heart for Mexico coalition campaign leaders, including from left to right: Santiago Creel (PAN), Jesús Zambrano (PRD), Marko Cortés (PAN), Xóchitl Gálvez, and Alejandro Moreno (PRI). (Cuartoscuro)
Reforming Pemex and the Federal Attorney General’s Office and reviving the international trade and investment agency ProMéxico are among the initiatives a government led by opposition presidential candidate Xóchitl Gálvez would undertake, according to a draft plan obtained by the El Universal newspaper.
Gálvez, a federal senator currently on leave to campaign for the presidency, will represent an alliance made up of the National Action Party (PAN), the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) and the Democratic Revolution Party (PRD) at the June 2 election.
The three presidential candidates (left to right): Xóchitl Gálvez, Claudia Sheinbaum and Jorge Álvarez Máynez. (MND)
Poll results show that Claudia Sheinbaum, the candidate for an alliance led by the ruling Morena party, is the clear favorite to become Mexico’s next president. The third candidate in the race, Jorge Álvarez Máynez, who represents the Citizens Movement (MC) party, is today polling well behind both Sheinbaum and Gálvez.
While an opposition victory currently appears unlikely, the document “Electoral Platform of the Strength and Heart for Mexico Coalition” offers an insight into the objectives a government led by Gálvez might pursue should she prevail on June 2.
In a report published on Thursday, El Universal said that the document was developed by PAN, PRI and PRD leaders with the participation of eminent figures such as José Ángel Gurría, a former cabinet minister and secretary general of the OECD. The draft plan is subject to approval by the opposition alliance’s council, the newspaper noted.
What’s in the plan?
Xóchitl Gálvez will represent the three major opposition parties (PAN, PRI and PRD) at the presidential elections this year. (Cuartoscuro)
El Universal provided an overview of the contents of the document, but details on Strength and Heart for Mexico’s proposals were scant.
Among the proposals are to:
“Completely reform” Pemex, the heavily indebted state oil company, and the Federal Attorney General’s Office (FGR)
With regard to the FGR, the aim is to “guarantee that it is authentically independent” of government, according to the document. The current government, which carried out its own reform of the Attorney General’s Office, asserts that is already the case.
Reestablish ProMéxico, which was disbanded by the current government
Put an end to the military’s involvement in public security
A Gálvez-led government would gradually return members of the armed forces to their barracks, according to the document. Before he took office in late 2018, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador pledged to do exactly that, but like his predecessors, he has used the military to patrol the streets of Mexico and combat organized crime.
In an interview last year, Gálvez said she was opposed to the presence of “the army in the streets.”
Transform the National Guard into a civilian security force
President López Obrador created the National Guard (GN) and has tried to put the force under control of the National Defense Ministry. The opposition says they would make the GN a civilian force. (Cuartoscuro)
The Strength and Heart for Mexico document says that the National Guard should be a civilian force that is well-funded, respects human rights and whose members are well-trained.
Gálvez has previously said that the federal security minister must be a civilian, rather than a military leader, and the National Guard must be a civilian force.
Review the current government’s infrastructure projects and social programs
According to the draft plan, projects such as the Olmeca oil refinery on the Tabasco coast, the Felipe Ángeles International Airport and the Maya Train railroad were built without an “in-depth assessment” and without adequate environmental impact studies.
Thus, a Gálvez-led government would scrutinize the projects, according to the draft plan.
If elected, Gálvez’s government would scrutinize AMLO’s signature infrastructure projects like the Maya Train, which the opposition says lacked adequate planning and environmental assessments. (Cuartoscuro)
In addition, it would create a body to audit programs such as the Sowing Life reforestation/employment scheme and the Youths Building the Future apprenticeship initiative.
Consider a universal basic income scheme
According to El Universal, the draft plan “takes up” Ricardo Anaya’s idea of providing citizens with a universal basic income.
According to the draft plan, the Strength and Heart for Mexico alliance aims to establish a coalition government that “combats the threat of client authoritarianism” and “puts an end to [a] centralist presidency.”
In their document, the PAN, the PRI and the PRD asserted that Mexico, under the leadership of the current president, “has been led to a phase of multiple risks” and significant “economic, political and social vulnerability.”
The current government is incapable of providing security, health care, education and prosperity to citizens, the parties said, adding that Mexico is a “divided and polarized” country” whose people are engaged in a “destructive confrontation.”
That situation is caused by a government whose head “acts like the leader of his party” and promotes “disunity among Mexicans,” they said.
The opposition parties characterize President López Obrador as a polarizing figure, who has divided rather than united Mexicans. (Lopezobrador.org.mx)
Thus, Mexico urgently needs a new government “that guarantees a horizon of opportunities for change, supported by a call for reconciliation in order to achieve unity as a value and a path” ahead for the country, the document said.
López Obrador has denied that Mexico is polarized given that poll results show that he has maintained strong support throughout his presidency.
There is no political polarization in Mexico “because that occurs when societies are divided in two,” he said last October.
“That’s not happening in our country because the majority [of people] support the transformation, not [just] 50%,” López Obrador said.
Sandwiched between the mountains and the sea, Conchas Chinas beach is known for its spectacular natural beauty. (Shutterstock)
It may feel like we’re in the throes of winter right now but believe it or not, spring break is just around the corner and when it comes to spring break travel, nowhere is quite like Mexico. Puerto Vallarta is often the first place that springs to mind for sun-seeking travelers. The bustling Pacific Coast beach city is known for the enormous Bay of Banderas, surrounded by dozens of beaches that create that idyllic beachy backdrop.
But when it comes to the best beaches in Puerto Vallarta, where do you even begin?
You may be surprised to learn, however, that most of Puerto Vallarta’s top beaches aren’t even in Puerto Vallarta itself. Since Puerto Vallarta is a full-fledged beach city, some people find that the beaches in PV proper are crowded and can have expensive tourist traps. So if this spring break you want to chase those postcard-perfect slices of sand, you’ll have to know exactly where to look. After years of exploring the coastline, I’m here to let you in on where to find the very best beaches in Puerto Vallarta and what you need to know to enjoy them to the fullest.
Playa Las Gemelas
Las Gemelas Beach, 15 minutes from Puerto Vallarta. (Shutterstock)
Just outside of Puerto Vallarta, about 15 minutes south of the world-famous Zona Romantica, lies Playa Las Gemelas. The aptly named “Twin Beach” is split in half by Condominios Girasol Sur, making it two beaches in one.
The trip out of town is what helps to keep the crowds at bay. On weekdays, you’ll find the shoreline to be relatively empty, so you’ll be able to claim a sugary soft patch of sand to call your own. The water here is also a beautiful gradient, running from a gentle turquoise to a glorious deep blue.
This beach has no facilities, so you’ll have to bring what you need for the day. But its undeveloped, rugged beauty is what makes this one of the best beaches in Puerto Vallarta, and should be at the top of the list for any beachgoer looking for a quiet getaway.
Playa Conchas Chinas
To the south of Puerto Vallarta lies the always-busy Playa Los Muertos, a much smaller, quieter, stunningly beautiful beach. It’s hard to believe that such a beautiful beach sits mere steps away from one of the most overcrowded beaches in the Puerto Vallarta area.
Sandwiched between the mountains and the sea, this beach is known for its spectacular natural beauty, crystal clear water, and its proximity to downtown. If you like exploring tidal pools, this is the beach to visit.
Surrounding the beach is the upscale Conchas Chinas community, with its grand hillside villas and terraces with panoramic views of the bay. South of Playa Conchas Chinas is Playa Lindomar, which has a casual little restaurant called La Playita that is well worth the visit. Directly to the north of Conchas Chinas is the Zona Romántica and all the tourist-friendly facilities you’ll need.
Playa Caballo
My favorite beach in Puerto Vallarta takes a little legwork to access, but that is all the more reason to love it. Most travelers headed to this part of town are in pursuit of Playa Las Animas, a beach accessible only by boat and known for its string of beach restaurants and bars. This is not the beach I’m talking about.
I’m talking about Playa Caballo, directly adjacent to Playa Las Animas, but with a completely different vibe. This undeveloped beach is straight out of a fantasy novel, with soft, powdery sand and a color palette of extreme jungle greens set against sparkling turquoise.
The only way to access Playa Caballo is to either take a water taxi to Las Animas and hoof it on foot or to hike along the Cabo Corrientes trail that begins in Boca de Tomatlan and runs along the coastline to Playa Las Animas. I recommend hiking in and taking the water taxi out.
You won’t find any services on Playa Caballo — it’s truly a pristine beach. However, there is a beach club nearby at Casitas Maraika, plus all the restaurants and facilities over on Playa Las Animas.
Playa Las Glorias
When I need a quick beach fix without having to work too hard, I always find myself at Playa Las Glorias, located between the Hotel Zone and Cinco de Diciembre neighborhoods. This predominantly locals-only beach has remained quite quiet thanks to its position in front of a construction site, where work has been a start-stop for years. It’s a rare underdeveloped bubble smack dab between two of Puerto Vallarta’s most bustling neighborhoods.
The best way to get to this beach is to head to the Costa Club Punta Arena and walk past the construction site, which overlooks the beach. A few companies have their jet ski rental operations here, and a very small wooden shack is run by a young couple, selling snacks, fresh coconuts, water, and beer.
Playa Camarones
Heading away from Playa Las Glorias towards downtown and the Malecon, you will cross over Playa Camarones, the principal beach for the Cinco de Diciembre neighborhood. This beach has a lot more action than Playa Las Glorias, but its clientele is made up of mostly locals and expats. It has a much different, more laid-back energy compared to beaches closest to Zona Romantica.
My favorite place to spend the day at Playa Camarones is at El Solar, a toes-in-the-sand beach club and restaurant that always blasts a great playlist and serves a deliciously fresh menu focusing on seafood. The tuna poke and the Baja shrimp tacos are always a hit.
Playa San Pancho
Sunset at San Pancho beach. (Shutterstock)
Crossing the bridge from the Puerto Vallarta airport puts travelers in the state of Nayarit. The coastline here, known as the Riviera Nayarit, has its fair share of beautiful beaches too. Most visitors to the state are headed to Punta Mita or Sayulita, two well-established tourist destinations boasting a boho chic vibe.
But in my opinion, the best beaches here are found in the smaller village of San Pancho, just 15 minutes north of Sayulita. Sleepy San Pancho (short for San Francisco) is a beloved beach town among locals and those in the know. Often compared to Sayulita 10 years ago, this much quieter stretch of sand has some of the best beaches around — even better than those in Punta Mita and Sayulita. Picture a broad swath of golden-hued sand, groves of palm trees, surfer bungalows, sandy streets, and a laid-back (but growing) restaurant and bar scene.
The most economical way to get to San Pancho from Puerto Vallarta is by bus, but you can also take a taxi or an Uber for a more direct and faster trip.
Playa Colomitos
Back on the opposite side of the bay, Playa Colomitos is one of the smallest beaches in Puerto Vallarta, but also one of the most beautiful. Just a short distance from Boca de Tomatlan, the best way to visit this beach is to take a five-minute water taxi from the village, or a 30-minute hike along the coastal hiking trail. Yes, this is the same hiking trail that goes all the way to Las Animas, but if you are not up for the entire hike, it’s equally rewarding to stop at Playa Colomitos.
Sandwiched between two rocky outcrops, Playa Colomitos is a jewel of a beach. The soft, fine sand is surrounded by thick jungle and the water is calm and great for swimming. You won’t find any beach facilities here, so you’ll have to bring what you need with you. You can also return to Boca de Tomatlan for lunch or a refreshing drink before heading back to Puerto Vallarta.
Playa Yelapa
Playa Yelapa is the most remote beach on this list, only accessible by water taxi from Puerto Vallarta’s Los Muertos Pier or Boca de Tomatlan. This rugged, insular village, sliced by the Tuito River, climbs up from the beach into the rocky, jungle-covered hills. Fun fact: If you hike upstream, you’ll reach a beautiful waterfall.
The beach here is sheltered by a small bay, so the water is always warm and safe for swimming. A row of modest beach bars and restaurants line the sand, all serving fresh seafood and strong drinks.
I recommend spending a night or two in Yelapa. It’s the perfect way to escape the fray of Puerto Vallarta and soak up the natural beauty of the southern end of the Bay of Banderas.
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.
Maya Train pilings have been found to penetrate the roofs of underground caves.(@gchristy65/X)
Steel and cement pilings that pierce through the roofs of limestone caves along a section of the Maya Train railroad have affected the quality of subterranean water and destroyed “archaeological and geological heritage,” experts say.
Members of two environmental groups that assert that the construction and operation of the Maya Train railroad is harming the environment visited caves in the Aktun T’uyul system south of Playa del Carmen in Quintana Roo on Sunday.
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🔴El Tren Maya acuchilla el sistema de cuevas y cenotes de Quintana Roo
🗞️EL PAÍS recorre con espeleólogos una de las 122 cavernas impactadas por la construcción contrarreloj de más de 10.000 pilares
In photos and videos, they documented pilings that penetrate the roofs of caves in that complex.
The pilings, or columns, support an elevated section of track along Section 5 of the railroad, parts of which were inaugurated in late 2023. The elevation of the tracks was supposed to avoid damaging the caves and cenotes (natural sinkholes) that are ubiquitous in Quintana Roo and other parts of the Yucatán Peninsula.
In one video filmed on Sunday, hydrologist Guillermo D’Christy points out two of an apparent 12 pilings that were driven through the roofs of caves in the Aktun T’uyul complex.
“It was supposed that we were going to protect this system of caves and cenotes, the promise was they weren’t going to be touched, that’s what [National Institute of Anthropology and History Director] Diego Prieto said,” D’Christy says in his video.
“They lied to us because [the caves] are perforated and concrete is being injected into them,” he adds.
“The next [federal] administration will have a very big job because it will have to look at how to make amends for and mitigate all this damage being caused to the Yucatán Peninsula. … Putting a train through the jungle is the worst ecocide ever committed in this place.”
Impact on water quality the main concern
In addition to destroying the structure of the caves, D’Christy and biologist and speleologist Roberto Rojo say that the pilings have affected the quality of subterranean water, which is normally crystal clear but is now murky.
The two men, both of whom spoke to the El Universal newspaper, expressed concern about the potential impact of the corrosion of metal in the pilings on subterranean water in cenotes and rivers.
D’Christy and his team stand next to one of the pilings. (@gchristy65/X)
The biggest issue “of all this devastation and unlawfulness has to do with water,” D’Christy said.
“Two million [Quintana Roo] residents depend on water to live and if it’s contaminated, it will be terrible,” he said.
Rojo said it was unclear whether the murkiness of the water would be permanent or only last while work on that section of the railroad is taking place.
“We don’t know what the effect of the rusting of the structures will be and in general we don’t know what exact impacts these pilings will have because this wasn’t assessed with scientific rigor,” he said.
“As a speleologist, when I saw … the image of the piling crossing the cave, it made me very sad because the impact on the archaeological and geological heritage is irreversible,” said Rojo, who denounced the destruction of stalactites and stalagmites that are 800,000 years old and noted that the remains of ancient humans and “animals from the [last] Ice Age” have been found in the caves.
He also said that the installation of the pilings affects the humidity, temperature and light in the caves, which could affect native species that live in them. Rojo added that there is concern among cave divers about water quality in Quintana Roo, which he said is recognized around the world as “the Mecca of cave diving.”
D’Christy says that at least 122 caves, cenotes and subterranean rivers have already been affected by work along Section 5 of the railroad, which is slated to open next month.
“President López Obrador lied [about protecting them],” he told the Reforma newspaper, adding that experts warned that there was no way of avoiding damage to the caves and underground waterways.
D’Christy said that while some caves with cenotes have had pilings drilled into them, others have been completely filled in.
“We’re talking about ancient formations, a habitat that is unique in the world. … The big problem is that they’re putting steel and concrete pilings in Mexico’s most important aquifer after the Usumacinta River and changing the chemistry of the fresh water,” he said.
The Yucatán Peninsula is known for its karst limestone topography and vast subterranean network of caves and sinkholes, many of which are animal habitats. (Depositphotos)
The federal government’s pledge to protect caves and cenotes
President López Obrador promised that the construction and operation of the Maya Train railroad — one of his government’s signature infrastructure projects — wouldn’t have a negative impact on caves and subterranean waterways on the Yucatán Peninsula.
In May last year, he pledged that cenotes, underground rivers and caves would all be protected.
In 2022, a judge in Mérida, Yucatán, issued a provisional suspension order against the construction of the Maya Train railroad between Playa del Carmen and Tulum due to the “imminent risk” of “irreversible damage” to the Mayan jungle, caves, subterranean rivers and cenotes and the absence of environmental studies and permits.
However, the government succeeded in having that order, and other rulings against the construction of the 1,554-kilometer-long railroad, overturned.
El Universal reported that the installation of pilings along Section 5 of the railroad was “superficially mentioned” in an environmental impact statement submitted to the federal Environment Ministry in May 2022, but it didn’t say where they would be placed or how many would be used, and didn’t specify what impact they would have on the environment.
The conglomerate Grupo México and Spanish firm Acciona were contracted to build Section 5 of the railroad, but the government terminated their contract in 2022 and the Ministry of National Defense took over the project.
Jorge Escobar, a biologist, told El Universal that soil mapping studies — which could have prevented pilings entering caves — were not carried out.
Heavy machinery clears a section of jungle to make way for the Maya Train. (Paola Chiomante/Greenpeace)
Large swathes of jungle were cut down to build the railroad in Quintana Roo due to a route change, a move that triggered protests from numerous environmental groups and activists.
The Sélvame del Tren collective — whose name means “save the jungle from the train” or “save me and the jungle from the train” — has been among the most vocal critics of the multi-billion-dollar project. Its activists were among the environmentalists that documented the pilings during the visit to the Aktun T’uyul caves on Sunday.
There have long been concerns about the risks the construction and operation of the Maya Train pose to the environment and wildlife including jaguars.
López Obrador — who asserts that the railroad will help bring economic prosperity to Mexico’s disadvantaged southeast — has largely rejected opposition to the project on environmental grounds, and described critics as “pseudo-environmentalists.”
The entire railroad — which runs through Tabasco, Campeche, Yucatán, Quintana Roo and Chiapas — is slated to be operational before the end of next month.
Marine national park Isla Isabel in Nayarit is one of the most recently decreed nature reserves. (Conanp/X)
The forested Sierra Tecuani of Guerrero, prowled by five different species of big cats. The Bajos del Norte reef in Yucatán, where lobsters and rare fish species breed. The arid semi-desert of Zacatecas, home to 30% of Mexico’s golden eagles, as well as prairie dogs, black bears and fragile desert flora. All of these are included in the 20 areas of rich biodiversity declared Natural Protected Areas (ANP) by Mexico’s Environment Ministry (Semarnat) in January 2024.
With these 20 new ANPs, the administration of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has now created more nature reserves than any other. But is Mexico doing enough to protect these national treasures of wilderness?
The Military Macaw is one of many vulnerable species that is native to Mexican forests. (Conanp/X)
How many nature reserves are there in Mexico today?
The new reserves bring Mexico’s total number of ANPs up to 225, covering 95.9 million hectares. Just over two thirds are marine protected zones, while the rest is on land.
How many have been added during AMLO’s administration vs prior administrations?
AMLO has declared 43 new ANPs during his administration, covering roughly 4 million hectares – more than any other president in Mexican history. General Lázaro Cárdenas del Río (1934-1940) is in second place with 41, followed by Ernesto Zedillo (1994-2000) with 30.
How does Mexico’s protected land area compare with other countries?
According to the National Protected Areas Commission (Conanp), around 23 million hectares ofMexico’s protected reserves are on land — about 11.74% of Mexico’s total land area. This compares to:
123.5 million hectares in theUnited States (12.9% of the country’s land area);
Michoacán, Jalisco and Baja California (12 in each)
The states with the largest areas covered by ANPs are Baja California, Baja California Sur, Coahuila, Campeche, Chihuahua and Sonora.
What is the federal budget for ANPs in 2024?
Mexico’s Draft Budget of Expenditures for 2024 (PEF 2024) proposes an 11.4% reduction to the environmental budget. The Conanp is one of the worst-hit agencies.
Its proposed budget for 2024 is just under 1 billion pesos (US $58.9 million) – a real-terms drop of 31.7%, according to an analysis by the Northwest Civil Society Coalition for Environmental Sustainability (NOSSA).
If confirmed, this budget equates to about 10.6 pesos (US $0.62) per hectare of protected area.
Conanp itselfhas estimated that it needs between 1.3 and 1.5 billion pesos (US $76.5-88.3 million) to adequately cover the cost of protecting Mexico’s ANPs — even before the recent additions. Critics fear that the budgetary shortfall will leave Mexico’s precious natural reserves more vulnerable than ever to illegal resource extraction, often at the hands of organized crime groups.
MG is the top-selling Chinese car brand in Mexico. (@johnclarkmg/X)
Sales of Chinese cars were up 63% last year in Mexico, reaching a new record of 129,329 units sold in 2023, according to the Mexican Association of Automobile Distributors (AMDA).
The most-sold brand was MG Motors, with 60,128 units sold between January and December 2023. The second best-performing Chinese automaker was the newcomer Chirey, which sold 38,484 units in 2023, an increase of 350% only one year after it opened dealerships in the country in 2022.
The second best-performing Chinese automaker is the newcomer Chirey. (Chirey Río San Joaquin/Google)
In the last 12 months, Mexico has also seen the arrival of seven new Chinese brands to the market.
Besides MG Motors, Chirey, JAC and the Motornation fleet of brands BAIC, JMC and Changan, Chinese brands in Mexico now include BYD, Geely, Omoda (Chery), Great Wall Motor, GAC Motor, SEV and Jetour. Jaecco and Exeed have also announced their plans to enter the Mexican automotive market, and experts say as many as seven additional brands may arrive in 2024.
“More than stemming from a policy by China, [the Chinese car boom] has resulted from the openness of Mexico,” said Carlos Zarza, advisor to the Mexico-China Chamber of Commerce and Technology.
The pandemic-era global chip shortage hit U.S. and European automakers the hardest; Asian automakers had a greater availability of units and that helped them get off to a strong start in Mexico, Zarza explained to the newspaper Reforma.
With 11 brands now sold in the country, Chinese automakers claimed 9.5% of the national market in 2023. SUVs and minivans were the lionshare of vehicles sold, with top models being the MG 5, the Chirey Tiggo, the Omoda C5 and the JAC Frison.
JAC, which produces the electric vehicles E10X, E J7, E Sei4 Pro, is currently the only Chinese car company with an assembly plant in Mexico, but more are moving in.
Two Chinese car manufacturers, Build Your Dream (BYD) and Solarever Electric Vehicles (SEV), recently announced their plans to establish electric vehicle plants in Mexico. In December, SEV confirmed their Durango plant will start construction in February, whereas BYD is still considering locations.
Though numerous automakers and other manufacturers have announced plans to begin or expand operations in Mexico, the trend has yet to make a major impact on the country's economic growth. (Michael Fousert/Unsplash)
Mexico has the potential to become a key player in global manufacturing, particularly in industries such as automotive, electrical, household appliances, and metalworking according to Sergio Pérez Castilleja, executive managing director of Newmark, a global commercial real estate firm.
“Mexico is prepared to become a leader in the manufacturing sector, with a different production and supply structure. And we are ready for it,” Pérez said speaking at the Real Estate Symposium in Mexico City.
Pérez Castilleja is the executive managing director of Newmark, a global commercial real estate firm. (Sergio Pérez Castilleja/Facebook)
According to Pérez, nearshoring has opened opportunities to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) given the current geopolitical situation and the rise of electric and self-driving vehicles.
“Two fundamental things are about to happen,” Pérez anticipated. “Electric and self-driving cars will totally change the entire assembly and supply base, representing an immense opportunity.”
The United States Department of Commerce (DOC) has said that the market for electric vehicles, or EVs, is “evolving rapidly in Mexico as automakers have announced ambitious strategic goals to transition their offerings from gasoline to electric vehicles.”
BMW, Tesla, Volkswagen and Chinese companies BYD and SEV are among the automakers with plans to make EVs in Mexico.
Nearshoring has also increased industrial demand, Pérez said, but there is not enough space with the required infrastructure to meet it. “While there is land in the country, little land has infrastructure, primarily electric,” Pérez said.
According to Pérez, the availability of industrial space in Mexico is currently at merely 1.5%, a historic figure that poses a challenge for property developers.
Although the number of vacancies in the national industrial market is shrinking fast, custom-made projects are still being undertaken and Mexico is responding to this great challenge in an important way, Pérez said.
As for which region in Mexico is the most valuable for industrial space, Pérez mentioned Mexico City and its metropolitan area due to the level of income, logistical use and because much lighter construction is required.
Meanwhile, he also highlighted the central region of the country due to its competitiveness in engineering centers, patent development centers, back office and shared services companies and digital commerce.
The mission of the museum is to further empower master mezcaleros by working directly with them to sell and showcase their labels. (Montserrat Castro)
If you are a mezcal enthusiast, connoisseur, or simply curious, you should know that there’s a new and very complete museum in Oaxaca dedicated to this fascinating drink. TheCentro Cultural del Mezcal in Oaxaca city is a mezcal mecca: inaugurated this past October, it features more than 350 different labels of mezcal. It is the only place in Mexico and the world where you can find such an amount and variety of mezcal to taste, learn about and buy.
The center is a museum, a store and a restaurant all rolled into one. Inside the building, you’ll find a traditional Mexican courtyard — home to the center’s restaurant — surrounded by rooms filled with information, devices and pictures that tell the story of how mezcal is made.
A view of the restaurant at the Centro Cultural del Mezcal. (Montserrat Castro)
Each exhibition room offers an exploration of the history and production process of mezcal from various perspectives. When entering the museum, you have the option of purchasing a 170-peso “passport” which allows you to taste a wide selection of mezcals as you go through the rooms and learn more about the drink.
The cultural center displays different colors of mezcal, both for taste and for show; mezcals bottled with scorpions, insects, or snakes; and mezcals infused with a variety of animal meats, such as mezcal de pechuga —chicken or turkey breast mezcal. You’ll find bottles from brands that produce around 1,000 bottles per batch — like 400 Conejos, Creyente, Amarás and Montelobos — to more artisanal brands that produce 80 to 100 bottles per batch.
During your visit, you can learn about:
The difference between artisanal, ancestral and traditional mezcal.
The different types of magueyes used in mezcal production, such as the usual espadín, tobalá, cuishe,and other lesser-known varieties.
How different devices are used during the production process, some of which are physically part of the exhibition rooms.
How to read a mezcal label anywhere to know what you’re buying and if it’s authentic mezcal.
Master mezcaleros
Each exhibition room offers an exploration of the history and production process of mezcal from various perspectives. (Montserrat Castro)
Center to this museum’s story are maestros mezcaleros, the master artisans and craftspeople who dedicate their lives to the elaborate process of producing this drink. “Our idea is to empower the maestro mezcalero, to celebrate their product as a very high-quality product, and make them proud of that,” says Itzel Paniagua, the cultural center’s owner.
Oaxaca is the leading producer and exporter of mezcal in Mexico, accounting for 96.1% of the exported mezcal. The seven different regions that produce mezcal in the state have been strengthened since the recognition of mezcal’s appellation of origin in 1994.
The mission of the museum is to further empower master mezcaleros by working directly with them to sell and showcase their labels. By doing this, they are able to make the purchase and consumption of their mezcales more straightforward, as well as celebrate their work with the information offered at the museum.
Thanks to this initiative, they have fostered relationships with over 86 groups of master mezcaleros.
Comercam certification
All of the bottles showcased and sold at this museum are certified by the Mexican Regulatory Council for Mezcal Quality (COMERCAM), ensuring the mezcal has passed through rigorous and specific steps concerning its alcohol content, distillation process bottling, and labeling processes, etc. All brands, except for two from Puebla, come from Oaxaca.
Where it is and who will guide you
The center is located inside a classic example of a 17th-century colonial mansion in Oaxaca’s celebrated and colorful downtown. Prior to housing the Centro Cultural del Mezcal, the building has served as a house, the Arts and Sciences Institute of Oaxaca, a hardware store that used to sell bottles of a wine-mezcal combination and a bank.
Throughout your visit, you’ll be shown through the space’s various rooms by a museum guide. The guides have received highly curated training from different books and authors, as well as directly from some mezcal brands. They have extremely specialized and in-depth knowledge of the different labels and processes in which all varieties of mezcal are made. What’s more, they can recommend different mezcal bottles for you to try or buy depending on your specific tastes and interests.
Make sure you make the most out of this expertise, and ask them lots of questions!
Where to find more mezcal and how to get one of these bottles
If you’re in Mexico City, you can find 50 of these mezcal labels at Taller Gastronómico in San Ángel, a cooking workshop business owned also by Itzel Paniagua.
Additionally, the center can ship mezcal bottles to anywhere in Mexico. You can contact them via their website or through Whatsapp, at +52 1 951 579 1726.
Montserrat Castro Gómez is a freelance writer and translator from Querétaro, México.
The union workers are on strike following the rejection of a 15.5% pay raise. (MIREYA NOVO/CUARTOSCURO.COM)
Union workers at Audi’s plant in Puebla went on strike Wednesday after the carmaker rejected their request for a 15.5% pay raise.
The Audi workers union, called Sitaudi, said that more than 4,000 unionized employees would stop work until an agreement with the carmaker is reached.
According to a Reuters report, some 1,000 workers protested Wednesday morning outside the plant, which is located about 60 kilometers northeast of Puebla city in the municipality of San José Chiapa.
“We are workers, not beggars,” they chanted.
Audi said that Sitaudi rejected its offer of a 6.5% pay increase and asked for a 15.5% hike.
The carmaker, a subsidiary of Germany’s Volkswagen, said it was open to dialogue, but described a 15.5% increase as “beyond any comparative parameter.”
Audi had reached an agreement with workers to increase salaries by 9.4% in January 2023. (Cuartoscuro)
Audi and Sitaudi reached an agreement for a 9.4% pay raise in January 2023, which Reuters said was “one of the highest automaker wage hikes in Mexico in recent years.”
Sitaudi general secretary César Orta said that the union would “continue negotiating and … bring agreements to consultation only when we consider that they really dignify workers.”
The strike is the first at the Audi plant in Puebla, which opened in 2016, and the first automotive sector strike during the government of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, who took office in late 2018.
