The Picante is more than just a typical Mexican tourist boat, as the gorgeous sailing yacht is quick to demonstrate. (All photos by Picante)
Sailing into the sunset is appealing to many people and is often on the must-do list of adventures to experience while in Mexico. In Zihuatanejo, The Picante — a Fountaine Pajot Tahiti to those in the know — is a 75-foot sailing catamaran with a mast height over the water of over 100′. Built specifically for the day charter business, it is the perfect choice for the adventurous sea lover.
It all began when the late Captain Tony Piazza and his wife Claire came to Zihuatanejo at the urgings of Apple Vacations, with whom they had a business arrangement to sail charters in Cancun from 1985. The tour company assured them that this part of Mexico was the place to be, given its location, beautiful waters and little competition. But it wasn’t all smooth sailing.
The calm waters and smooth sailing of the Zihuatanejo coast make it the perfect destination for a boat trip. (Picante)
Despite the setbacks, the Piazzas persevered. Their first boat in Zihuatanejo was The Tristar, and they partnered with three others. The cockpit caught on fire, setting them back until Piazza, a shipbuilder, rebuilt it a few weeks later. In 2001, they made an agreement with the owners of another boat, the Vitava, an 85-foot wooden schooner until 2004. After doing maintenance in Mazatlan, they realized it was taking on water. Since it needed further repairs, the owner returned it to the shipyard, and the Piazzas searched for another boat to continue.
Their last purchase was The Picante, which Piazza and three partners bought in the Caribbean in 2004, sailing through the Panama Canal to Zihuatanejo, where it sits today.
With the passing of Tony Piazza in April 2023, Claire was in the unenviable position of deciding whether to continue with the business. Luckily for the thousands of tourists and locals alike, she decided to keep going and, with a great team beside her, has been running it ever since.
Our sunset cruise started at 5 p.m., when we met on the pier across the bay from the main beach where the boat docks. You can see it nearly everywhere on Playa Municipal, the main beach in downtown Zihuatanejo.
It was a lively crowd that day, with a mixture of foreigners and Mexican tourists. One young woman was celebrating her birthday with a fairly large group of friends, and there were a couple of local families I recognized as well. Our captain, Carlos Ríos, welcomed everyone on board, and as we puttered out from shore, he went over the customary safety guidelines. I chose to sit on the comfortable net where I could be on the lookout for sea life.
Mexico’s legendary hospitality is ever present as part of the experience. (Picante)
As we left the bay, Rios pointed out Bara de Potosi and the white Islands of Potosi — white because of bird poop — and spoke about the bird-watching sanctuary located there and began an interesting narrative starting from the rim of the bay at the Faro Viaje, one of two lighthouses we would see. As the high investment in Punta Garrobo’s development came into view, he mentioned the infamous Kau Kan Restaurant, which had moved there from Ixtapa a few years ago.
The Picante headed west now towards Ixtapa, passing by a beautiful beach known as Playa Majahua and the Caves of the Majahua. Luckily, the sea was calm this evening, and we could slow the engines, sit back, and admire the cliffs. “Otherwise,” Rios said, “It’s too risky and we could get sucked into the rocks.”
From there, we crossed in front of Playa Palmar, which has numerous rows of hotels, including The Fontan, Sunscape, and Barcelo, and residential complexes like the BVG, which have stood for many years. Just past that was the Ixtapa Marina, a 480-slip marina, the largest in Mexico and home to the yacht of billionaire Carlos Slim, Mexico’s richest man.
The sun began a slow but spectacular descent to the music of Andres Botticelli’s “Perfect Symphony.” As the rays dipped below the horizon, to appreciative cheers from everyone aboard, the energetic and very entertaining staff sprang into action, offering a meal service consisting of a light dinner of chicken, vegetables and rice, included in the price, along with an open bar serving a variety of drinks, including local tequila and cocktails.
The Picante quickly turned inside the Bay of Ixtapa and headed straight to the islands. It was a bird watcher’s delight. Various species of seagulls, pelicans, Boobies, and Cormorants swooped in and around Torrecillas Island and where we were able to witness the phenomenon of one of two blow holes in Mexico (a blow hole, I learned, is formed as sea caves grow landward and upward into a vertical shaft, which can result in hydraulic compression of seawater that then releases through a port from the top of the blowhole).
With food service out of the way, the ever-changing music changed to upbeat Latin pop and requisite tequila bottles. With the help of the fun-loving crew, the sombreros and serapes appeared, and soon, the crew was pouring tequila straight from the bottle into the open mouths of willing participants and encouraged by onlookers to chant, “drink, drink drink!” The music, the costumes donned by the staff and the tequila all added to the festive atmosphere of the cruise.
Would it be a Mexican boat trip without tequila? Probably not. (Picante)
“We want to make sure you have a great time on The Picante, “said Rios. “So, after the sunset we create the fiesta. If you have a birthday or an anniversary, we want to make sure it is a special experience for you.”
In addition to the breathtaking sunset tours, The Picante also offers snorkelling and whale-watching tours. For added excitement, you can try their Spinnaker Flying Adventure, a unique experience where you get into a harness connected to an A-line. The wind catches it, and the spinnaker fills up with wind and pulls you up about 25 to 30 feet high. When you want to come down, you shimmy to the end of the line to a waiting crew in the water below. It’s an adventure that’s sure to get your heart racing!
The Picante offers several other options of interest. With the advantage of size, the Picante, is perfect for private charters for weddings, engagements or corporate events.
“It has been used by the city of Zihuatanejo for promotional events and even rented by people spreading the ashes of loved ones.” said Piazza. “We participate in two of the city’s known charity events as well, the annual Sailfest and Guitarfest held annually in Zihuatanejo in the months of February and March respectively.”
Mazatlán has been shaken by infighting in the Sinaloa Cartel since October 2024. But it's also home to one of Mexico's largest Carnival celebrations, but earlier this year, the show had to go on. Did it? (Gobierno de Sinaloa)
There was no time to lose. We were running late to the Alejandro Sanz concert, which followed the crowning of the princess of the 2025 Mazatlán Carnival. Luckily, we found parking only four blocks away from the venue. We got out of the car and began walking quickly. A few meters away from our parking spot, we ran into a group of heavily armed state police in tactical gear, with two extended cab pickups and a Black Mamba SandCat. The armored personnel carrier looked like a battle tank.
I approached the masked police, who were chatting outside a house in the residential area, and asked permission to take a photo in front of the armored vehicle. The officers went quiet and looked at each other before one responded: “Yes, but don’t show the serial number.”
Security at the event was high, with military-grade police vehicles deployed to protect partygoers. (Eduardo Esparza)
Thirty minutes later, we got into the concert. Despite being an international artist and winner of more than 20 Latin Grammys, Alejandro Sanz wasn’t able to fill the venue, even after organizers offered a two-for-one discount due to low ticket sales.
The show must go on, but what kind of show would it be? The Mazatlán Carnival has been staged since 1898 and draws hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. This year’s edition was marred by multiple controversies, including the crowning of Ángela Salazar, age nine, as the 2025 Carnival Princess. For years, Mazatlecos have complained that the crown has gone to the contestant who raises the most funds — a record 4,293,815 pesos in the case of little Ángela — and that where the money goes remains a mystery.
Then Grupo Firme canceled their show because of death threats, followed by Jorge Medina and Josi Cuen, who canceled just 24 hours before they were scheduled to perform the Carnival’s opening show. However, Mazatlán Mayor Estrella Palacios and Sinaloa Governor Rubén Rocha Moya announced that the Carnival would continue and announced a new program of artists to replace the canceled shows. Their announcement was overshadowed by the arrest of four armed civilians in the Hotel Zone on the first day of Carnival. A handgun, three long guns, 11 full magazines and two bulletproof jackets were seized. The heavy military presence in the city and along the highways confirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining peace, whatever the cost.
Sights set on Sinaloa
Traditionally, Carnaval in Mazatlán is one of the biggest parties in Mexico. (Carnavál de Mazatlán)
While the Sinaloa government vaunted the party, the tension between Mexico and the Trump administration in the United States grew. Three months into his second term, Trump has placed tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China, blaming them for the deadly fentanyl overdose crisis in the U.S. — the same fentanyl that has been found in Sinaloa narco-laboratories.
On top of that, the Trump administration designated the Sinaloa Cartel and five other Mexican cartels as “foreign terrorist organizations.” Adding to the tension, on Feb. 4 an RC-135 Rivet Joint spy plane belonging to the U.S. Air Force flew around the Baja Peninsula and into the Gulf of California, passing along the coast of Sinaloa.
The Sinaloan government’s operations to prevent any outbreak of violence practically converted Mazatlán into a fortress. The party had to continue so, as we say in Sinaloa, fierro pariente — let’s go.
Dancing in the streets, keeping an eye out for danger
Even the draw of Alejandro Sanz was not enough to fill Mazatlán’s stadium. (Eduardo Esparza)
An hour into the Alejandro Sanz concert, there was a pause in the music. Sanz called out to the audience.
“Pa’ fuera lo malo” (“Out with the bad energy”),the singer yelled repeatedly as the stage lights painted the stadium red. Was it planned? I’m not sure, but he appeared to be aware that he was giving a performance in a violent area.
The music resumed and the public continued to sing along. But the concert didn’t end with the force it had started with. Despite the excellent musicians onstage with him, Sanz sang with just a piano. After the last song, we waited to see if there would be another, but that was it. Sanz had left the stage and didn’t return. A weak finish, but what else could we expect from a concert with 2-for-1 tickets? As we left, the National Guard, carrying high-caliber weapons, pointed the way out. We walked back to the car. The state police had already left.
The spirit of Carnival was still alive, but the general insecurity, the troops in the streets and their armored tactical vehicles made us wonder to what point it was possible to keep celebrating in such a tense environment. It’s been six months since the start of the narco-war in Sinaloa and the economic fabric of the region is irreparably damaged: according to journalist Marcos Vizcarra, Sinaloa has lost 12,000 jobs since the war began.
The ephemeral joy that surrounded the city has faded, the tourists have returned home and nightlife has died down. However, the marches led by mothers and family members of the disappeared continue to grow. I live with fear in my city. The army patrols the streets and my only souvenir of this year’s Carnival is a photo with an armored vehicle ready for war.
This story was translated by Mexico News Daily senior news editor Rose Egelhoff.
Eduardo Esparza is a professor, filmmaker and professional photographer from Mazatlán, Sinaloa. His first feature film, “Con un pie en la gloria,” will premiere this summer.
With the world-class Club León team booted for administrative violations, a slot has abruptly opened, with less than 100 days before the world-class league championship begins this year in New Jersey. (Club León Oficial/Facebook)
Mexican professional soccer club León has been expelled from the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup due to ownership violations, leaving one coveted tournament spot up for grabs.
Soccer’s world governing body is now considering a high-stakes playoff between Liga MX powerhouse Club América of Mexico City and Major League Soccer’s Los Angeles FC to determine León’s replacement.
Like the more famous World Cup, the Club World Cup is run by FIFA. Club León was set to play the best teams from local soccer leagues around the world — think Real Madrid and Bayern München rather than countries’ national selection teams. (FIFA/X)
The Club World Cup — which includes the best teams from soccer leagues around the world rather than national squads — is the largely unheralded cousin of the fervor-laden men’s and women’s World Cups staged every four years.
Marquee teams such Real Madrid of Spain, Manchester City and Chelsea of England, Bayern Munich of Germany and Inter Milan of Italy are among the 32 teams that have qualified. So are lesser lights, such as Auckland City of New Zealand and Wydad of Morocco.
But in a looming embarrassment for FIFA, not only do tickets remain available for every match with fewer than 100 days to go, but many of the large NFL stadiums being used are showing large swaths of unsold seats.Moreover, with so many league games, team competitions and national matchups blanketing the calendar year-round, there is concern over soccer burnout.
A last-minute qualifying clash between Club América and Los Angeles FC could generate publicity and momentum heading into the group-stage matches beginning on June 15.
The championship is set for July 13 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Mexico City’s Club América could get a chance at Club León’s spot because it is the highest-ranked team in FIFA’s regional club rankings not already qualified for the championship. (Club América/Facebook
Club León earned its spot by winning the 2023 Concacaf Champions Cup, a competition for the best teams playing in leagues in North America, Central America and the Caribbean.
However, León was later disqualified from playing in the Club World Cup because it shares ownership with Pachuca, another Liga MX team that had already qualified by winning the CONCACAF Champions Cup in 2024. Both clubs are owned by Grupo Pachuca, violating FIFA regulations that prohibit one entity from controlling multiple teams in the same competition.
Despite Grupo Pachuca’s claims that León and Pachuca operate independently, and a statement by the ownership that León was being put up for sale to comply with FIFA rules, FIFA’s judges upheld the expulsion.
“We are dissatisfied with this decision and will appeal it to the fullest extent possible,” the group said in a statement. “We will defend what was won on the field.”
Costa Rican club Alajuelense, which initially filed the multiownership complaints against León, is also pursuing a CAS case, arguing it deserves the open spot based on regional rankings.
The potential play-in game — likely to be held in Southern California — pits Los Angeles FC (LAFC), runners-up to León in the 2023 CONCACAF final, against Club América, the highest-ranked team in FIFA’s regional club rankings not already qualified. The victor would also get US $9.55 million awarded by FIFA to teams that qualify from CONCACAF.
“It would be a privilege to compete,” LAFC coach Steve Cherundolo said. “We’ll figure out logistics when the time comes.”
With celebrity owners like Will Ferrell and Magic Johnson, an electric atmosphere at its stadium and star players such as Olivier Giroud and Hugo Lloris, LAFC is one of MLS’s glamour clubs and a symbol of North American soccer’s growing influence.
LAFC’s celebrity owners and fans, like actor Will Ferrell, seen here, gives the team a glamour that could be the answer to FIFA’s prayers as it faces low sales for the upcoming Club World Cup in July. (MLS)
According to team documents, Club América boasts 45 million global fans, with 15 million in Southern California alone. Its massive U.S. fan base would also bring significant star power to the upgraded and expanded tournament.
The Club World Cup began in 2000 when eight regional champions faced off against each other in a knockout tournament in Brazil.
This year, for the first time, there will be a group stage followed by knockout rounds, and the competition will run for a month — much like the “regular” World Cup. In all, there will be 63 games, compared to 16 in the 2000 tourney.
Two Mexican teams are already among the 32 qualifiers: CF Pachuca, by virtue of winning the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup; and CF Monterrey, which punched its ticket by winning the 2021 Concacaf Champions Cup final.
Pachuca is in Group H with FC Salzburg (Austria), Real Madrid (Spain) and Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia). Monterrey is in Group E with River Plate (Argentina), Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan) and Internazionale Milano (Italy).
The winner of an América-LAFC match would be in Group D along with Chelsea (England), CR Flamengo (Brazil) and Espérance Sportive de Tunis (Tunisia).
With a decidedly optimistic atmosphere at Mexico's National Anthropology Museum in Mexico City, President Claudia Sheinbaum invited governors, business leaders and the press to an event Thursday to announce expansions to her already ambitious Plan México. (Graciela López/Cuartoscuro)
President Claudia Sheinbaum on Thursday announced 18 “programs and actions” related to Plan México, the ambitious economic initiative unveiled by the federal government in January.
Among the officials accompanying Sheinbaum, center, during the event were, from left to right, Interior Minister Rosa Icela Rodríguez, Mexico City’s Head of Government Clara Brugada, Baja California Governor Marina del Pila and Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard. (Graciela López/Cuartoscuro)
While Mexican steel and aluminum, vehicles assembled in Mexico and Mexican goods that don’t comply with USMCA rules are subject to tariffs when exported to the United States, Sheinbaum on Thursday didn’t announce any retaliatory measures against imports from the U.S.
Mexico’s decision to refrain from retaliating against its largest trade partner differs from the approach of Canada, where Prime Minister Mark Carney said that his government will impose “carefully calibrated and targeted counter tariffs” on the United States.
“As you know we planned this event due to what could have happened yesterday,” said Sheinbaum, accompanied on stage by most of her cabinet ministers.
“… Fortunately and thanks to the good relations we’ve established with the United States government, … there was something very important yesterday — recognition of the Mexico-United States-Canada trade agreement, which is fundamental at this time,” she said.
“Of course, there are outstanding issues on which we continue holding talks with the United States government,” Sheinbaum said, referring to the steel, aluminum and auto tariffs.
“… We believe that with the dialogue we’ve established with the United States government, we’re in a position to reach a better agreement,” she said.
Amidst all the positivity, Sheinbaum touched briefly on the U.S.’s recently imposed 25% tariffs on Mexican-made automobiles, potentially a major blow to the economy. She said Mexico would keep negotiating those tariffs with U.S. officials. (Audi México)
“We know that a lot of what we buy abroad could be made at home, with the creativity, ingenuity and determination that characterizes Mexicans,” said the president, who noted that increasing production in Mexico and reducing imports from countries with which Mexico doesn’t have a trade agreement (such as China) is one of the main objectives of Plan México.
“… Today we’re announcing 18 programs and actions of Plan México,” Sheinbaum said before enumerating each one.
Many of the initiatives were presented under a heading that encapsulates their objectives. They are as follows:
1. Increase food sovereignty
Sheinbaum outlined the government’s domestic production targets for corn, beans, milk and rice. Her administration is aiming to substantially increase production of the four staples between now and 2030, the president’s final year in office.
Sheinbaum said that the government will present the programs aimed at achieving the food production targets at her Friday morning press conference.
2. Increase energy sovereignty
Sheinbaum said that Mexico’s production of gasoline, diesel and jet fuel will increase by at least 30% by 2030. She also said that natural gas production will increase over the next five years, allowing Mexico to reduce reliance on imports.
One of Plan México’s aims is to increase domestic gasoline production by at least 30%. (Galo Cañas Rodríguez/Cuartoscuro)
Sheinbaum said that the government will “accelerate” investment in the state-owned Federal Electricity Commission in order to increase its electricity generation capacity, including its capacity to generate renewable energy.
“We will accelerate the permits for the generation of renewable energy, always guaranteeing that 54% of electricity generation is public as the recently approved laws establish,” she added.
Sheinbaum said that further details on the government’s energy sector plans will be announced at her morning press conference next Wednesday.
3. Accelerate public infrastructure projects
Sheinbaum said that the government will this year “accelerate” a range of public infrastructure projects, including highway projects, water projects, rail projects, port projects and airport projects.
She said that the draft “Public Works Law,” which is currently under consideration by Congress, will allow “all” the processes related to the construction of the infrastructure projects to be expedited.
Sheinbaum in Querétaro in October to launch the Mexico City-Querétaro railway project, just one of dozens of planned public infrastructure projects that will be part of Plan México. (Presidencia)
Sheinbaum said that the various public infrastructure projects will generate between 500,000 and 1 million “direct jobs just in 2025.”
She said that more information about the government infrastructure projects will be presented on Monday April 14.
4. Accelerate the construction of homes and access to loans
Sheinbaum said that the government is now aiming to build 180,000 new homes this year, 50,000 higher than a previously announced target.
“It’s part of the project [to build] one million homes in the six-year period of government,” she said.
The Institute of the National Housing Fund for Workers (Infonavit) and the National Housing Commission (Conavi) are involved in the ambitious project.
Sheinbaum also said the government will expedite access to more than half a million loans to help Mexicans purchase homes. She said that the government’s housing projects will create at least 400,000 “direct jobs” this year.
Further details on the government’s housing schemes will be presented next Wednesday.
The unveiling last week of Mexico’s first domestically built electric vehicle — a line of buses to be used in Mexican cities as public transportation — is just the beginning, President Sheinbaum said, of what could be a Mexican-made auto industry. (Graciela López/Cuartoscuro)
5. Strengthen various sectors of the economy
Sheinbaum said that her government will strengthen various sectors of the Mexican economy so that they can ramp up production of goods “for the internal market.”
The sectors she cited were textiles, footwear, furniture, steel and aluminum, semiconductors, solar panels, batteries and the “creative industry.”
Decrees to support the government’s objective that include “a range of actions and measures” will be published on May 5, Sheinbaum said.
6. Increase production of vehicles
Sheinbaum said that the government has a plan to increase the production of vehicles in Mexico for sale in the domestic market. Innovation, research and development and energy efficiency in the auto sector will be strengthened as a result of the plan, she said.
“The objective is that the majority of vehicles used in Mexico are manufactured in our country,” Sheinbaum said.
“Decrees for this program, which are also associated with dialogue with the United States, will be published on May 16,” she said.
7. Increase production of pharmaceuticals and medical devices
Sheinbaum said this will be achieved through measures such as “the administrative simplification” of national health regulator Cofepris.
She also said that the government, starting in 2026, will increase purchases of medicines and medical equipment from companies that have at least one plant in Mexico.
Decrees to support the objectives will be published later this month.
Mexico’s federal Agriculture and Rural Development Ministry delivers fertilizer to farmers via the Fertilizers for Well-Being Program, an initiative tied to the administration’s food sovereignty goals. According to government data, 67% of Mexico’s fertilizer demand must be met by imports. (Cuartoscuro)
8. Increase production of petrochemicals and fertilizers
Sheinbaum said this will be achieved through public-private and private-only projects. She said that agreements for the public-private projects will be signed in the first half of this year.
9. Increase government purchases of Mexican goods
Sheinbaum said the new Acquisitions Law, currently being considered by the Senate, will facilitate this objective. It states that Mexican goods should account for 65% of total government purchases.
10. Increase sales of Mexican products in supermarkets and department stores
Sheinbaum said this will be achieved through “voluntary agreements” with the retailers. She said these agreements would be published by May 12.
It appears the government wants supermarkets and department stores to increase the range of Mexican goods they stock, and perhaps reduce their offerings of foreign products.
11. Digital platform for investors to be ready this month
Sheinbaum said that a new digital platform that investors can use to complete municipal, state and federal applications and other forms will be ready on April 21.
The platform is called “La ventanilla única,” a kind of digital one-stop shop for companies seeking permits and the like in order to legally commence projects in Mexico.
Sheinbaum noted that Mexico currently has an “investment portfolio” of planned projects totaling more than US $200 billion. A slide she displayed during her speech showed more than US $298 billion in the investment pipeline.
“There is enormous enthusiasm for investing in our country,” she said.
Laurent Saint-Martin, Delegate Minister of Foreign Commerce for France, was in Mexico City late last month to learn about opportunities for French investors.
12. Tendering process for 15 ‘well-being hubs’ will start by mid-May
Sheinbaum said that the tendering processes for the construction of 15 “well-being hubs” — industrial zones or corridors — will start by May 19 at the latest. She noted that these hubs will offer a range of tax incentives to the companies that invest in them.
13. The creation of new jobs
Plan México aims to create 1.5 million jobs during Sheinbaum’s six-year term.
The president said on Thursday that 100,000 jobs will be on offer at job fairs and via online job search sites in the near future. She said that the government has been working with the private sector on the initiative.
Jobs will be on offer at 300 jobs fairs across all 32 federal entities starting April 23.
14. Increase access to credit for small businesses
According to a slide the president displayed, the government’s aim is to increase the percentage of small businesses that have access to credit ever year this six-year period of government to reach 30% in 2030.
Sheinbaum said that details on the government’s program to achieve this objective will be presented at a banking sector event on May 7.
15. Increase investment in science and technology research
Sheinbaum said that the increased investment will be focused on the development of electric vehicles, semiconductors and satellites, and go toward the creation of a National Artificial Intelligence Laboratory and various other programs.
The government is also aiming to simplify the process to obtain patents. This objective will be supported by the draft Mexican Institute of Industrial Property law, which Sheinbaum said will be submitted to Congress on April 14.
President Sheinbaum announced that an existing agreement between the government and the private sector would be permanently extended to keep the prices of items in Mexico’s basic basket of goods down despite inflationary pressure. (Moisés Pablo Nava/Cuartoscuro)
16. ‘Permanently’ extend the validity of the government’s anti-inflation plan
Sheinbaum said that all public secondary school students are already eligible to receive a government education scholarship, and noted that the scheme will be extended to public primary school students in 2026.
Sheinbaum: Plan México ‘is the path’ to prosperity
At the conclusion of her address, Sheinbaum said she was certain that Plan México “is the path” that “will take us to a Mexico with more well-paid employment, less poverty and inequality, greater investment and production, more innovation [and] lower carbon content.”
The president said that the plan also ensures respect for the environment and will allow Mexico to increase its “self-sufficiency and sovereignty.”
Tariffs are here and economic chaos has gripped the world. What is Mexico planning to do? (Maxim Hopman/Unsplash)
With the announcement that U.S. President Trump has introduced sweeping tariffs against almost the entire world, economies across the globe are reacting with a mixture of shock and outrage.
The United States’ neighbors Mexico and Canada, which have already been slapped with 25% tariffs on aluminum, steel, and automobiles, seem to have escaped this new round of tariffs however, as all other goods covered by the USMCA free trade agreement remain untouched.
Sheinbaum responds to Trump's tariffs
In response, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has announced 18 new targeted measures as part of her economic Plan México. She has emphasized that Mexico and the United States share an important and unbreakable trade relationship and that she is grateful for the work the two countries have done together in recent years.
Despite this, Plan México is looking to futureproof Mexico’s economy against any future reprisals, especially in the wake of new tariffs on Mexican beer announced earlier this week and in the face of a potential renegotiation of the USMCA.
So, what’s in Plan México?
The economic roadmap will see an increase in production, investment, and domestic consumption in key industries, including energy, automotive, textiles, steel, aluminum, pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, and food. There will also be increased investment in public infrastructure projects, like roads, railways, airports, and water distribution networks.
Plan México also calls for domestic investment, minimum wage increases and greater social support schemes.
Mexico News Daily’s María Meléndez takes a look at what the future might hold for Mexico in the latest edition of our MND TV explainer series.
Just an hour south of the Arizona border, Puerto Peñasco offers sun, sea and Mexico's top hosts. (Airbnb)
Airbnb has revealed that Puerto Peñasco, Sonora, is Mexico’s highest-rated vacation rental destination, based on guest ratings from 2024.
Puerto Peñasco, also known as Rocky Point, is located on the northern shores of the Gulf of California in the state of Sonora. Due to its proximity to Arizona, the sunny destination is popular among U.S. travelers, earning it the nickname “Arizona’s Beach.”
Located near the border with Arizona, Puerto Peñasco does not lack for sunny days. (Airbnb)
“Whatever you’d like to call this desert enclave on the Sea of Cortez, its six beaches, rocky tide pools, and blazing Sonoran sun have made it one of northern Mexico’s fastest-growing beachfront getaways,” Airbnb said in its report.
With an average rating of 4.83 stars out of 5, Puerto Peñasco’s hosts have earned the top position thanks to their kindness and personalized attention.
The destination boasts 2,600 rental properties, of which 1,900 are family-friendly. Meanwhile, travelers with pets can find 590 pet-friendly options.
The vacation rental company said that visitors tend to prefer traveling to Puerto Peñasco in May, June, September and October, “when air and water temperatures are ideal for swimming.” Visitors can enjoy water activities like kayaking, fishing and snorkeling, in addition to adventure trips to El Pinacate y Gran Desierto de Altar — a UNESCO World Heritage site known as one of the driest places on Earth.
Which other Mexican destinations made it to the top 10?
After Puerto Peñasco, the small community of Zacatlán de las Manzanas in Puebla, ranked second among Mexico’s highest-rated vacation rental destinations. Famous for being one of Mexico’s largest apple producers, hosts in Zacatlán recorded an average rating of 4.82 stars. Visitors recommend stopping by the Pimentel bakery and the Relojes Centenarios watch shop.
Los Cabos in Baja California Sur claimed the third spot with an average rating of 4.81 stars, solidifying its status as one of Mexico’s most popular destinations.
“Cabo has inviting weather all year long, with 350 sunny days annually, making all seasons ideal for staying in one of Cabo’s vacation rentals,” Airbnb said.
After Los Cabos, these are the other Mexican destinations that round out the top 10: Cozumel (Quintana Roo), Colima (Colima), Tepic (Nayarit), Tepoztlán (Morelos), Tequila (Jalisco), San Pedro Garza García (Nuevo León), and Valladolid (Yucatán).
Mexico’s second-ranked destination, Zacatlán, Puebla, features top hosts and spectacular scenery. (Airbnb)
What was Mexico’s rating overall?
Airbnb data revealed that Mexico’s hosts across the country earned an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars for hospitality. Approximately 20% of Mexican hosts are Super Hosts —Airbnb’s top-rated, most experienced hosts, identified by a badge on their profiles.
“Hospitality in Mexico is more than a courtesy; it is an expression of cultural identity,” Airbnb said.
Guerrero Governor Evelyn Salgado inaugurates the the newly completed project in Guerrero. (Minera Media Luna/Facebook)
With the completion of an unprecedented 7-kilometer-long tunnel, Torex Gold Resources — Mexico’s largest gold producer — anticipates greater operational efficiency at its 29,000-hectare Morelos property in the state of Guerrero.
The underground tunnel, which passes beneath the Balsas River, links the Canadian gold producer’s highly productive El Limón Guajes mine with its new Media Luna project.
The project connected a new mining area to the established Limón Guajes mine. (Torex Gold/X)
The tunnel, completed March 26, is just one part of a massive processing plant tie-in project designed to link the two mines and enhance Torex Gold’s environmental sustainability in Mexico, company officials said.
Torex Gold CEO Jody Kuzenko did the honors of detonating the final explosives to complete the tunnel after which he praised the engineers and workers who completed the tunnel in record time. The tunnel — 6 meters wide and 6.5 meters high — was completed three months ahead of schedule.
In July 2024, El Limon-Guajes surpassed Peñasquito to become Mexico’s largest gold producer, with an output of 453,800 ounces. The Peñasquito mine — operated by Canada’s Newmont Corporation — is located in the state of Zacatecas.
In addition to the tunnel, the Media Luna expansion includes a water treatment plant and a new “flotation circuit” — a metallurgical process that uses air bubbles and chemicals to separate valuable minerals from waste rock.
The company also acquired what it called “the largest underground fleet of electric vehicles in Latin America.” The 80 emission-free vehicles will transport materials between mines, primarily carrying minerals from Media Luna to the processing plant at El Limón-Guajes.
“The project will consolidate our position as Mexico’s largest gold producer while also making us a relevant actor in copper production,” the company said in a statement.
Guerrero Governor Evelyn Salgado, Canada’s Ambassador to Mexico Cameron MacKay and Lloyd Walton Álvarez, a representative of Mexico’s Economy Ministry, attended the inauguration ceremony alongside roughly 1,000 employees, contractors, local and state officials and members of the public.
A representative of the Canadian company Torex Gold speaks at the inauguration of the new tunnel. (Evelyn Salgado/X)
Julián Urióstegui, president of Guerrero’s Business Coordinating Council, praised Torex Gold for its connections to local providers, sustainable practices and community outreach efforts.
With the Media Luna project, Torex supports a network of over 1,500 local providers while offering training and financing to those seeking involvement in the state’s mining value chain, Urióstegui said.
Mining is the second most important industry in Guerrero, comprising 4.8% of the state’s GDP.
“Mining operations, purchases from local providers and taxes help generate 4,500 direct jobs and 27,000 indirect jobs in the state,” Gov. Salgado said.
Prospects for gold on the rise
Despite falling more than 2% Thursday — amid a wider market selloff tied to U.S. President Donald Trump’s import tariffs impacting bullion traders — the price of gold, a “safe-haven asset,” has been soaring most of the year.
Gold had hit 17 record highs as of March 27, Reuters reported, as investors preferred the precious metal “in response to escalating global trade tensions and tumbling equity markets,” it said.
Gold’s overall upward trajectory appears intact, surging over US $500 this year. Additionally, central banks are expected to sustain the rally, further diversifying reserves as a hedge against possible U.S. dollar fluctuations caused by Trump’s policies.
Activists who had protested the train's construction received the news with cautious optimism. (Cuartoscuro)
Conceding that construction of the Maya Train caused environmental harm, Mexico’s Environment Ministry (Semarnat) announced a restoration plan for the damaged ecosystem.
Environment Minister Alicia Bárcena on Wednesday said the government is preparing a plan to address the ecological damage and will seek to solicit input from local communities.
Tuvimos un fructífero diálogo entre titulares del sector ambiental y periodistas de diferentes medios sobre la Política Ecológica y Ambiental Humanista de la presidenta @Claudiashein. ¡Gracias por su interés! Su labor es esencial para informar las acciones que impulsamos.
🇲🇽🤝🍃 pic.twitter.com/tLlOuCn3DD
The Maya Train stretches 1,554 kilometers (966 miles), connecting cities and rural areas of the Yucatán Peninsula. The US $30-billion mega-project was a major focus of former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s administration. Construction began in June 2020 and partial operations began in December 2023.
Bárcena outlined some of the issues that the restoration plan would aim to rectify, including problems related to native fauna.
She said that some of the mesh netting placed along tracks would be removed so as to allow the free movement of local wildlife such as jaguars, tapirs and deer. Wildlife crossings should also be improved, she said.
“The restoration required … must be comprehensive because it must involve reforestation,” Bárcena said. “Local communities can be a significant factor in helping restore the jungle ecosystem.”
Greenpeace México called the government’s remedial actions “positive,” while asking in a social media post if the actions proposed would be enough.
In a published statement, Greenpeace México insisted that it is critical for Semarnat to seek public involvement and consult with experts.
The environmental organization did offer praise for Semarnat’s announcement that it is considering designating the region’s aquifer, which includes underground caves and cenotes, a biosphere reserve. Cenotes, which are common in the Yucatán Peninsula, are natural pits or sinkholes formed by the collapse of limestone bedrock, thus exposing groundwater.
“The aquifer is one of the principal water sources in the region,” Greenpeace said in a statement. “It connects diverse ecosystems and contains archaeological and paleontological items of incalculable value.”
The global environmental organization also said simply removing mesh netting and improving wildlife crossings is not enough. “Concrete measures must be implemented to guarantee reproduction and survival of threatened species such as the jaguar,” it said, adding that biological corridors that have been obstructed must be restored.
The Maya Train loops around the Yucatán Peninsula, passing through both tourist destinations and Indigenous communities. (Tren Maya)
As part of the government’s reforestation project, the National Forestry Commission (Conafor) will also seek to restore damaged mangroves.
A Conafor official said the reforestation project would be funded by the construction companies involved in building the Maya Train, but no details were presented to reporters. The government did not provide a cost estimate nor did it explain when the restoration work might begin.
Environmental and community activists battled Maya Train project
Since the inception of the project, environmental and Indigenous activists voiced objections to the train’s construction.
Environmental activists decried the massive destruction of the peninsula’s jungle and the government’s apparent failure to carry out environmental impact studies. They also argued that the steel and cement pilings being used had pierced through the roofs of underground limestone caves, destroying the archaeological and geological heritage of the region.
Indigenous activists complained that local communities — mostly populated by Indigenous Maya — were not properly consulted, even those that were forced to relocate. Others wondered if the local Indigenous culture would be destroyed.
A Maya Train passenger waits to board in Cancún. (Cuartoscuro)
Earlier this year, a decision by a federal court halted the construction of two of the seven sections of train lines — Lines 5 and 7 — but critics said the ruling came too late as the tracks were virtually completed and the damage to surrounding ecosystems was already done.
The Sélvame del Tren activist collective — a constant thorn in the government’s side — said it was grateful that the government finally acknowledged the environmental damage, but said it will continue to speak out if restoration efforts come up short.
At her daily press conference Thursday morning, President Claudia Sheinbaum said the U.S. decision not to impose across-the-board tariffs on Mexico had to do with a relationship built between Mexico and the U.S. "based on respect." (Presidencia)
Mexico and Canada — which along with the United States are the signatories to the USMCA free trade pact — were among a very small group of countries that avoided reciprocal tariffs on their exports to the world’s largest economy.
United States President Donald Trump imposed tariffs of at least 10% on imports from almost all countries around the world, with reciprocal duties going as high as 49% in the case of Cambodia.
“Some of the world’s most heavily sanctioned countries — Russia, Belarus, Cuba and North Korea — avoided being singled out for special punitive treatment,” Reuters reported.
Sheinbaum: Mexico avoided additional tariffs due to ‘good relationship’ with US
“I suppose you heard President Trump’s message yesterday about this new United States trade and tariff policy for the rest of the world?” Sheinbaum said at the start of her press conference.
“In Mexico’s case, there are no additional tariffs … and that is good for the country,” she said.
“Although some people don’t want to recognize it, it has to do with the good relationship we’ve built between the government of Mexico and the government of the United States that is based on respect — respect for our sovereignty, collaboration, coordination, but with respect for Mexico, Mexicans and national sovereignty,” Sheinbaum said.
“This has allowed Mexico to avoid additional tariffs,” she said.
“And it also has to do with the strength of our government. And as I always say, there are a lot of people in Mexico. That’s the strength of our country, it lies in them, in that there is no division between the people and the government,” Sheinbaum said.
Dialogue with US on auto and steel tariffs continues
Sheinbaum acknowledged that Mexico’s automotive, steel and aluminum exports are subject to United States tariffs. So are goods that don’t meet USMCA rules.
The United States’ 25% tariff on vehicles manufactured outside the United States took effect on Thursday. Vehicles assembled in Mexico and Canada will face a lower tariff rate when exported under the USMCA as U.S. content in those vehicles will be exempt from the duty. U.S. tariffs on certain auto parts will take effect on May 3.
Sheinbaum highlighted that the auto, steel and aluminum tariffs apply to all countries, “not just Mexico and Canada.”
She noted that the automotive tariffs have special “characteristics” for vehicles exported from Mexico and Canada, and stressed that the North American auto industry is “very integrated.”
Sheinbaum said that her government is holding ongoing talks with its U.S. counterpart on the auto, steel and aluminum tariffs, indicating that she is hopeful Mexico could win a reprieve.
On Wednesday, Sheinbaum said she would present a “comprehensive program” to strengthen the Mexican economy that would go beyond responding to U.S. tariffs.
Ebrard: ‘We have preferential treatment’
Speaking after Sheinbaum, Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard noted that the United States has 14 free trade agreements, and imposed “reciprocal tariffs” on all its free trade partners except Mexico and Canada.
“Today we have preferential treatment,” he said.
Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard, who has been at the forefront of Mexico’s trade negotiations with the United States, pointed out that with many more countries around the world now facing U.S. tariffs, Mexico is in a more competitive trade position. (Presidencia)
“It’s a great achievement. … Very recently, there wasn’t going to be any exception,” he said, referring to the imposition of reciprocal tariffs.
The USMCA ‘is still standing’
Ebrard asserted that the fact that Mexican products won’t be subject to reciprocal tariffs when shipped to the United States means that the USMCA “is still standing.”
“That’s a major achievement. We don’t take it for granted because in a new trade order based on tariffs, it’s very difficult for a free trade agreement to survive,” he said.
“In other words, if we hadn’t achieved this, your question would be: ‘What happened with the [trade] agreement?’ Right?” Ebrard said to reporters.
Dodging U.S. tariffs means that millions of jobs in a wide swath of Mexican industries are no longer in jeopardy, Ebrard said Thursday. (Shutterstock)
The economy minister highlighted that a wide range of products can be exported tariff-free to the United States, including agricultural ones, electronic goods, chemicals, clothing, footwear and medical devices.
The industries that make products not subject to U.S. tariffs employ millions of people in Mexico, he said.
Mexico’s 40-day goal
“Our goal in the next 40 days is to achieve the best conditions among all countries of the world for the [Mexican] auto industry,” Ebrard said.
“The same thing for steel and aluminum,” he added.
Ebrard and other Mexican officials will attempt to achieve those objectives through dialogue with U.S. officials, including Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.
“We’re going to be working the next 40 days,” the economy minister said.
“… That is what comes next, and we estimate that it will be around 40 days of negotiations,” Ebrard said.
By Mexico News Daily chief staff writer Peter Davies (peter.davies@mexiconewsdaily.com)
Run into April in PV with the Vallarta Marathon... and then keep up the pace dancing and eating the month away. (Vallarta Adventures/Facebook)
Puerto Vallarta in April? It’s not just a vacation: it’s a vibe. A month when the beaches heat up, the tacos flow and your step count goes through the roof — whether from marathon training or salsa dancing ‘til sunrise. From sizzling DJ sets to savory taco fests, this month’s calendar is so jam-packed, you’ll need a beach day just to recover.
Here’s what’s happening in Puerto Vallarta this April, and why you absolutely should not miss it.
Puerto Vallarta Marathon
(Maratón Puerto Vallarta)
Lace up those sneakers and channel your inner speed demon because the Puerto Vallarta Marathon is back, and she’s had a glow-up. Now in its sixth year, this beachfront beauty of a race kicks off and finishes at the sparkling Puerto Mágico terminal. Expect ocean breezes, palm-lined paths, and yes, sore calves.
The 2025 edition brings four ways to get sweaty: the full 42K, a breezy 21K half and 5K or 10K fun runs. Pro tip: the 42K is a qualifier for the Boston Marathon, so this isn’t just a jog through paradise. It’s serious business. Or at least, as serious as anything can be when you’re running past beach bars and bougainvillea.
Date: April 6 Location: Puerto Mágico, Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio, Zona Hotelera Nte. Cost: 500 peso registration fee
Feria del Taco
What better way to honor this handheld icon than with a full-blown Feria del Taco? Back for its eighth saucy edition, this celebration of tortilla-wrapped goodness brings more than 40 different styles of tacos, from carnitas to shrimp to suadero.
Entrance is free, and the fest runs from 2 to 11 p.m., giving you plenty of time to sample your way to taco nirvana. Add in local craft beers, tastings, live music, aguas frescas and desserts, and you’ve got a day of pure, unapologetic indulgence.
Date: April 6, 2 to 11 p.m. Location: Puerto de Luna Hotel, Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio 2500, Zona Hotelera Nte. Cost: Free to attend
Industry Club Semana Santa
(Industry Club PV)
Easter, but make it techno. Industry Club’s Semana Santa party is bringing a lineup of DJs and deliciously debauched dancing to Vallarta just in time for the holiday. DJs include Alana Rosse, Alex Tempo, Christian Ortega, Diego Alvarez, Luis Vazquez and many more.
Date: April 17-20 Location: Industry Club, Lázaro Cárdenas 258, Zona Romántica Cost: From 1300 pesos
Easter pool parties at Mantamar
(Mantamar)
Easter weekend at Mantamar is not for the faint of heart— or the easily sunburned. Four days of poolside bangers, international DJs and swimwear that leaves very little to the imagination? Coming right up.
April 17: Oscar Velázquez (Mexico)
April 18: Tony Moran (U.S.)
April 19: Alex Acosta (Mexico)
April 20: Diego Alvarez (Mexico)
Arrive early, hydrate often and don’t forget your best poolside strut.
Date: April 17-20 Location: Mantamar Beach Club, Malecón 169, Zona Romántica Cost: From 800 pesos
Rico Atardeset Puerto Vallarta
Guadalajara’s beloved sunset party, Rico Atardeset, is making its PV debut. Expect a sundown session with top DJs, a stylish crowd and a dance floor that doesn’t quit. It’s usually a Sunday thing in GDL, but it’s bringing a Saturday session to Puerto Vallarta.
Date: April 19 Location: Paseo de Los Corales 129, Conchas Chinas Cost: From 324 pesos
Selvamania
(Facebook)
Live music, tasty eats and artisan vibes: Selvamania is part night market, part beach party. Expect live bands, food and craft vendors and those epic Bay of Banderas and Sierra Madre views.
Date: April 19 Location: Estadio Municipal Puerto Vallarta, Av. Francisco Medina Ascencio s/n, Lázaro Cárdenas Cost: Free to attend
Vidanta Concert Series
(Vidanta)
Colombian pop phenoms Morat will take the stage at the luxurious Vidanta resort as part of their 2025 concert series — their first-ever performance here. If tearjerkers in Spanish and swoon-worthy harmonies are your thing, bring tissues. And dancing shoes.
Date: April 24 Location: VidantaWorld Esplanade Cost: From 1800 pesos
Vallarta SBK Dance Festival
(Vallarta SBK)
Four days. Endless dancing. Zero regrets. The Vallarta SBK Dance Festival is where the sensual world of salsa, bachata, kizomba and zouk takes over PV. Think world-class workshops, beach parties, pool parties and enough body rolls to put “Dirty Dancing” to shame.
Catch performances by Mexican salsero Jimmy Rodriguez and World Salsa Champion Dioney DaSilva, or just show up to move and make a few friends on the dance floor.
Date: April 24-27 Location: Hotel Friendly Vallarta Cost: From 1800 pesos
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
