Despite promising widespread availability of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, supplies across central Mexico sold out within hours. (Galo Cañas/Cuartoscuro)
The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine went on sale at some Mexican pharmacies on Wednesday, but sold out within five hours at many locations, and didn’t last much longer at others.
Large lines formed at stores from the Farmacias San Pablo chain, which was offering inoculations at 77 of its branches in the Valley of Mexico and the states of Morelos, Querétaro and Puebla.
Officials announced the approval of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines in early December. (Mat Napo/Unsplash)
A San Pablo spokesperson said that 3,700 shots were given at 849 pesos (US $49.72) each, but admitted that “the high demand exceeded the available quantity.”
More doses were expected to arrive on Thursday, but while one media report said the number will be 16,000, another cited pharmacy staff in reporting that there was “no certainty” of new doses arriving.
The sale of vaccines produced by Pfizer (Comirnaty Omicron XBB 1.5) and Moderna (Spikevax monovalent XBB 1.5) was approved two weeks ago by Mexican health regulatory agency Cofepris. Both have an updated formula that works against the Omicron variant XBB.1.5 of Sars-COV2.
Although the Moderna vaccine isn’t yet available in Mexico, it was announced earlier this week that the administration of Pfizer shots would begin Wednesday at selected locations. Farmacias del Ahorro, Farmacias Benavides and Farmacias Guadalajara and Farmacias San Pablo were all listed as stockists, although only San Pablo appears to have stocked the drug today.
Currently, Pfizer, Abdala and Sputnik are the only Covid-19 vaccines available in Mexico. Moderna’s Spikevax vaccine has been authorized by Cofepris but has yet to be distributed to pharmacies. (Demián Sánchez/Cuartoscuro)
Newspaper El Financiero interviewed Benavides employees who stated “they still do not know what day they will receive the vaccines” and that not all branches will receive them.
An executive with Farmacias del Ahorro said “the doses will arrive in the next few days,” although one on-site employee said, “maybe after Christmas.”
Additionally, public hospitals around Mexico are offering the Russian Sputnik vaccine and Cuban Abdala vaccine free of charge — although the latter does not protect against newer strains of COVID-19.
The Mexican Red Cross in the state of México will begin offering the Pfizer vaccine to Mexicans at a “rate below the public price currently being offered at different pharmacy chains,” the medical foundation announced.
These shots will also be administered at the Red Cross Central Hospital in Polanco, Mexico City, according to El Universal.
“People of all ages” were seen lining up for the shot, although one pharmacy in the Mexico City suburb of Naucalpan, México state, reported that mostly “older adults” showed up for one of its 180 doses. Another Farmacias San Pablo location had only 80 doses on Wednesday but was expecting 200 more on Thursday. Another location had only 35 doses.
The rain may become snow in high-altitude areas of the Baja California peninsula. (Omar Martínez/Cuartoscuro)
The second winter storm of the season is predicted to hit northwest Mexico this Thursday, bringing torrential rains to the Baja California peninsula.
According to theNational Meteorological Service (SMN), the storm is due to cold front number 19 interacting with low-pressure bands in the middle and upper atmosphere – on the same day that the winter solstice marks the official beginning of winter.
The storm will bring heavy rain to the Baja California peninsula on Thursday, Dec. 21. (@conagua/X)
The storm will cause intense rains (75-150mm) in Baja California and heavy rains (25-50mm) in Baja California Sur, Chihuahua and Sonora. Wind gusts of up to 70 kilometers per hour are predicted throughout the Baja California peninsula, with a chance of tornados, waves 2-3 meters high, and snowfall overnight. Gusts of up to 60 kilometers per hour will hit the states of Chihuahua and Sonora.
The day will also be wet across much of the northern and eastern parts of the country, where scattered showers and light rain are forecast. Wind gusts of up to 80 kilometers per hour and waves 2-3 meters high are forecast for the Gulf of Tehuantepec.
Temperatures below and around freezing will continue across Mexico’s mountainous regions, dropping as low as -10 degrees Celsius in Chihuahua, Durango, Hidalgo, Puebla and Veracruz.
On the other end of the spectrum, maximum temperatures will reach 40 degrees Celsius in parts of Guerrero and Michoacán, and 35 degrees Celsius in northeast Durango, southern Sinaloa, and the coasts of Chiapas and Oaxaca.
In Mexico City, temperatures will range between 4 and 24 degrees Celsius, with cloudy skies and fog during the morning clearing towards the afternoon. The astronomical solstice is timed for 9:27 in the evening.
The closures in Eagle Pass and El Paso could significantly affect bilateral trade and even threaten food security. (Canadian National)
Top Mexican farm lobby CNA has warned that the closure of two rail bridges between Mexico and the United States could cause “large losses” and threaten food security, while the Mexican Employers Federation (Coparmex) has called on authorities on both sides of the border to “deal with the migration crisis without affecting the flow of goods.”
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced Sunday that its Office of Field Operations would “temporarily suspend operations at the international railway crossing bridges in Eagle Pass and El Paso, Texas,” at 8 a.m. Monday “in order to redirect personnel to assist the U.S. Border Patrol with taking migrants into custody.”
The Texas-Mexico border is a major point of entry for Mexican exports. (U.S. CBP)
Reuters described the two bridges as “vital to cross-border trade worth billions of dollars.”
In a statement on Wednesday, the National Agricultural Council, or CNA, said that the decision to close the two rail bridges on the Mexico-U.S. border is affecting international trade between the two countries, including the southward flow of yellow corn and soymeal used as livestock fodder as well as products for “industrial use.”
Around 25% of Mexico’s yellow corn imports and almost 63% of soymeal imports enter the country via those two crossings, the CNA said.
“It’s important that the trade flow from … [the United States] is not interrupted considering the negative impact this could set off in supply chains of various products,” the farm lobby said, adding that national food security could be “significantly” compromised.
The Union Pacific Railroad shared a photo of an empty depot at Eagle Pass, as it urged Texas authorities to reopen the border crossings. (Union Pacific)
The CNA said that Mexico is currently estimated to have soymeal supplies for 3-8 days and corn supplies for 8-20 days and thus the rail bridge closure “problem” should be attended to as a matter of priority.
A lack of fodder for animals such as cattle and pigs could eventually have an impact on the supply of meat on both sides of the border.
The CNA said that “large [economic] losses are expected due to a problem of a migratory origin that is having repercussions in the commercial sector of both countries,” and called on Mexican and United States authorities to “promptly intervene to reach a solution and agreement that allows the reopening of these rail crossings.”
Similarly, Coparmex urged Mexican authorities, “specifically the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of the Economy,” and their U.S. counterparts “particularly the federal government and the government of Texas,” to “deal with the migration crisis without affecting the flow of goods given that this measure only causes harm for the economies of both nations.”
It noted that the suspension of operations at the two rail bridges came after other border crossings, including the Lukeville Port of Entry in Arizona, were closed, and asserted that the closures as well as “excessive” truck inspections that have been carried out by the Texas government have left goods worth more than US $2 billion “stranded.”
“Discretionary measures” implemented by U.S. authorities deal a “heavy economic blow” to Mexico and “undermine trust between both countries,” Coparmex said in a statement.
“… At Coparmex we believe that these measures … represent a failure in migration policy, which should focus on preventing people being forced to abandon their places of origin, instead of simply stopping their movement.”
Border crossings between Texas and Mexico, aimed at reducing migrant crossings, are causing millions of dollars of damages in delays, warn haulage companies. (Adolfo Vladimir/Cuartoscuro)
“This closure impacts Union Pacific train crews, who are not working right now,” the company said.
CBP cited “a recent resurgence of smuggling organizations moving migrants through Mexico via freight trains” as a reason for closing the two rail bridges, but Union Pacific said in another post on X that “during this massive [migration] surge only 5 people have attempted to come into the U.S. on Union Pacific trains in the last 5 weeks.”
It also said it “invests billions annually to protect our rail network, including technology and resources to secure U.S. border crossings” and that “UP Police and our employees work in partnership with U.S. Customs and Border Protection to ensure all trains are screened, using X-ray technology and visual inspections, and unauthorized people or contraband are apprehended.”
Union Pacific said Tuesday that “roughly 450,000 rail shipments” move across the Eagle Pass and El Paso rail bridges annually.
Governor Abbott has taken a hard line against illegal immigration, and his closures of points of entry have had a major effect on the movement of goods between the U.S. and Mexico. (Greg Abbott/X)
“It would take over one million trucks to move the same amount of goods. These locations represent 45% of cross-border Union Pacific business and include goods critical to the U.S. economy,” it added.
The company estimates that US $200 million worth of goods usually passes over the Eagle Pass and El Paso rail bridges on a daily basis, and has said that it has insufficient capacity at other gateways to reroute trains. Among the goods currently halted are grain, beer, dry food products, finished vehicles and parts, consumer goods and industrial commodities, according to Union Pacific.
“The longer this closure is in effect, the more difficult it will be for cross-border trade to resume,” the company said.
Mexico’s main poultry producers association, and the National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) and the North America Export Grain Association (NAEGA) in the United States are among other organizations that have voiced concerns about the rail bridge closures.
“The North American market and grain trade supply chain are deeply intertwined. The closure of these two crossings is impacting the flow of grain and oilseeds for both human and livestock feed to one of the United States most important export markets and trading partners,” the NGFA and NAEGA said in a statement on Monday.
“… NGFA and NAEGA have become aware this afternoon of critical tightness in feeding supplies for several livestock feeders in Mexico. We have also learned of grain trains in multiple states being held for shipment due to CBP’s embargo. The critical nature of this issue is growing by the hour, particularly for those livestock feeders that may run short of feed,” the associations said.
“We are deeply concerned by the developing situation and request that CBP work with us, the railroads and other federal partners to develop a common sense and expedient solution that reopens this critical mode of agricultural transportation for the U.S. and North American markets.”
Five people have died in the state of Chihuahua, after freezing temperatures swept the northern state. (Gabriel Hernández/X)
The cold weather being felt throughout Mexico this week has led to the deaths of five people in the northern state of Chihuahua.
Three of the deaths occurred in the state capital of Chihuahua city, which sits 1,440 meters (4,724 feet) above sea level. Temperatures of -10 degrees Celsius had been predicted overnight in nearby mountainous regions.
Forecasts show more cold weather may be pushing into the north of the country. (SMN)
In the early morning hours of Tuesday, two men were discovered dead from what was believed to be hypothermia after falling asleep outdoors in sub-zero temperatures Celsius (below 32 degrees Fahrenheit), according to Chihuahua municipal police.
One of the deceased was a man, between 45 to 50 years old, found on a sidewalk in the Deportistas neighborhood. About 11 km away, a deceased elderly man with crutches next to him was found on the sidewalk. The Heraldo local newspaper reported that his nickname was “El Muletas” (Crutches) and that residents had seen him under the influence of some substance the day before, which was common.
Another person in Chihuahua city died in a house fire caused by a defective heater. This tragedy occurred on Monday shortly after 10 p.m., and it didn’t take long for the house to be totally consumed by flames.
Some 350 km to the north in the border city of Ciudad Juárez, an elderly couple died from what was presumably carbon monoxide poisoning after also using a poorly maintained heater to warm their home in the Parajes de Oriente neighborhood.
▶ VIDEO | Frente Frío 17 congela laguna en Puebla; temperaturas bajo cero
Odors coming from the residence prompted neighbors to notify the authorities, who believe the couple had been dead for at least a day or two. Local officials are now warning residents to take caution with heaters.
The low temperatures were generated by a massive cold frontthat has since dissipated – but don’t reach for the tank top just yet, unless you are on the coast or at low elevations. On Wednesday, the National Meteorological Service (SMN) reported a new cold front approaching the northwest.
Meanwhile, in southern Mexico, farmlands and forested areas were hit by frost overnight Tuesday. This phenomenon occurred in Chiapas, Puebla, Veracruz and Oaxaca.
According to observers, Alchichica Lagoon, a crater lake on the Central Mexican Plateau, was practically frozen Wednesday morning. The lake sits at 2,300 meters (7,545 feet) above sea level and has a depth of 60 meters (197 feet).
The new cold front approaching northeastern Mexico on Thursday and Friday is predicted to bring temperatures of -10 Celsius to the highest regions of the country, along with frost to high-altitude areas of 10 states.
While today it is mostly celebrated as a potluck/house party, a posada is traditionally a religious festivity. (Freepik)
Christmas celebrations in many regions of Mexico are still primarily associated with Catholicism. While foreign traditions like Santa Claus or the trending “Elf on the Shelf” have found a place in the heart of many Mexican families, most people in the country still recognize Christmas as a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ rather than just a time to exchange gifts.
For many Mexicans, then, the true meaning of Christmas lies in the meaning behind Jesus’ birth and what it meant to the world. This meaning is reflected in many Mexican Christmas traditions such as posadas, the nativity scene, pastorelas, and the Reyes Magos (Wise Men), which we will explore below.
Posadas
To kick off the Christmas season in Mexico, Dec. 16 sees the first of the posadas (a word which literally means “inn” or “lodging”). While today it is mostly celebrated as a potluck/house party, a posada is traditionally a religious festivity commemorating the journey of Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem and the birth of Jesus.
During posadas, families and friends sing the song of the posada, known as la letanía. This song tells the story of Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter before the birth of baby Jesus. To sing the carol, the group divides into two in a call-and-response fashion, with one half standing outside with candles, singing a plea for shelter (representing Mary and Joseph). The other half stands inside the house, representing those who gave shelter to the couple.
Although the practice of this tradition has decreased, many families with young children and Catholic schools still host posadas in this way.
The more popular posada, however, is that which serves as an opportunity to meet with friends and enjoy nice food, drinks, music and sweets.
During this season, it is common for adults to attend several posadas. These may include “the office posada,” “the posada with the in-laws,” “the posada with college friends,” “the girls’ posada with BFFs,” or even “your partner’s posada” with your SO’s group of friends. The list goes on and on and can be quite extensive.
Piñatas
The tradition of hanging piñatas is one of the most representative and joyful traditions in Mexico.
Vendors of traditional piñatas. (Depositphotos)
Used at every Mexican kid’s birthday party, you might not know that piñatas were first used for posadas, bearing a religious meaning: the traditional piñata’s seven points represent Catholicism’s seven deadly sins.
While modern piñatas featuring popular cartoon characters are most commonly purchased for birthday parties, the traditional seven-point piñatas are still widely used during the posada season – both at parties for kids and for adults. So don’t be surprised if you’re invited to an adult posada and you find yourself swinging at a piñata.
Pastorelas
Another tradition linked to religion is the pastorela, a theatrical performance starring characters such as Jesus, Mary, Joseph, the devil, angels and shepherds.
The story is always the same: a group of shepherds travel to Bethlehem to worship baby Jesus, who is about to be born. On the way, they cross paths with the devil who tries to stop them by tempting them with one of the seven deadly sins. Finally, evil is defeated with the help of an angel.
These plays are mostly performed at school Christmas events and amongst families with young children. Pastorelas were used during the colonization as a way to explain the origin of Christmas to natives.
The nativity scene
The nativity scene is one of Mexico’s most iconic representations of Christmas. Many Mexicans value displaying a nativity scene at home more than a Christmas tree. However, the nativity does not include the baby Jesus until nochebuena, or Christmas Eve, as per Catholic tradition, which marks the birth of Jesus on that night.
Nochebuena is actually more important than Christmas Day in Mexico – on Christmas Eve, families gather around a large meal that includes traditional dishes like bacalao (cod), turkey or romeritos (seepweed), and do a little ceremony before placing the baby Jesus in the manger. This task is usually performed by the children of the family.
Christmas, or Dec. 25, is typically a less festive day and is reserved for recalentado, or leftovers.
Who brings the gifts? Santa Claus, the baby Jesus, or the Three Wise Men?
In the past, the Three Wise Men, known as Los Reyes Magos, were responsible for gifting presents to children on Jan. 6, the Day of the Three Wise Men.
This custom was introduced in Latin America by the Spaniards and has continued to be observed in many households across Mexico City and several southern states.
However, the rest of the country has adopted a modern Western approach, and now, Santa Claus is the one who brings the gifts on Dec. 25. In an effort to keep local traditions and the Catholic faith alive, many families say that Santa Claus brings gifts with the help of baby Jesus.
In Mexico, the traditions of Santa Claus and the Three Wise Men are celebrated, meaning that some children receive gifts on December 25 and January 6. For many families, January 6 is seen as an opportunity for parents to purchase items that their children need and disguise them as presents, such as pajamas, socks, books and clothes.
To wrap up, the Reyes Magos
Jan. 6 (almost) marks the end of the holiday season in Mexico, as in the rest of Latin America and Spain.
Rosca de Reyes. (Freepik)
On this day, Mexican families and friends hold gatherings and enjoy eating the traditional sweet bread named Rosca de Reyes, known in English as Three Kings’ Cake. Placed inside the bread is a baby Jesus figurine – referencing the Biblical passage describing how Mary and Joseph had to hide baby Jesus from King Herod. Whoever finds the figurine is responsible for treating guests to tamales on Feb. 2, Día de la Candelaria – the last of the Winter events and gatherings in Mexico.
Although the tradition is deeply rooted in Mexican culture and strongly associated with Catholicism, the Spaniards only adopted it after the conquest, who inherited the tradition from the Romans. However, it didn’t have a religious meaning for them. In Spain, people do not hide a baby Jesus figurine inside the bread, nor is the tradition connected to the above Nativity passage. Instead, the Spanish hides a dried bean in the bread representing bad luck, and whoever finds it must pay for the rosca.
That the Rosca de Reyes took on a religious meaning in Mexico is a testament to the influence of Catholicism in Mexico’s Christmas traditions, many of which are still alive across the country.
A deal has finally been reached in the long-running Uber v Cancún taxi union dispute, which will allow local taxi drivers to register on the Uber app. (Elizabeth Ruiz/Cuartoscuro)
Cancún is now offering taxi transportation via Uber, thanks to a long-awaited agreement between the Andrés Quintana Roo taxi union and the popular ride-share digital app.
In a statement, Uber said the agreement “will enhance mobility within the most important tourist destination in the country, which today reaffirms its position as a global city at the level of London, New York, and Rome.”
When a user opens the Uber app, they will now be given the choice of traveling in a taxi or an Uber. The app says that adding taxi-type vehicles will improve waiting times and the city transportation experience.
Taxi drivers can register on the Uber Driver app if they meet the platform’s requirements. Once registered, they can start accepting trip requests from users through the app.
“Technology will allow taxi drivers to become competitive once again and serve as a benchmark for the good service we provide to citizens,” the union General Secretary Rubén Carrillo said.
Uber was granted permission to operate in Quintana Roo earlier this year, but strong opposition from local taxi groups has led to conflict, sometimes putting tourists in the middle.
Taxi drivers and Uber drivers have been involved in violence in recent years, as the taxi union fought to keep its lucrative position within Cancún’s tourist market. (Reporte Maya/X)
Uber added that the app’s safety features will also be accessible for taxi services. This includes the Ride Check technology, which identifies any unusual activity, such as route changes or unexpected stops. The app will also offer a PIN code feature to ensure users get into the correct vehicle.
The new ride features came into effect Dec. 15 and are available for all Uber users in Cancun.
Xinquan Automotive manufacture interiors for global luxury brands. Their Aguascalientes facility has proved a runaway success since it first opened in 2021. (Tere Jiménez/X)
Chinese Tier 1 supplier Xinquan Automotive has announced a US $100 million investment in its Aguascalientes plant, which is expected to generate 700 new jobs in the state – their second expansion announced this year.
Xinquan, which manufactures car interiors for luxury brands, opened its facility in Aguascalientes in 2021 with an initial investment of US $40 million and capacity to produce 600,000 luxury car parts annually. The site has been so successful that this is the second time the company has decided to increase investment, after a previous $30 million expansion in March.
Agradezco a la empresa XINQUAN por la confianza que depositan en Aguascalientes para seguir invirtiendo y expandiéndose. 🇨🇳 🤝 🇲🇽 pic.twitter.com/s6WnLesdme
The latest investment will be used to build a second production plant and an additional 10,750-square-meter warehouse in the San Francisco IV Industrial Park .
“Investing here was the best decision, and we want to put down roots in this land, where we hope to make positive contributions to the local economy, social development and job creation,” said Tang Zhihua, Xinquan’s global director at an investment announcement attended by several company executives and politicians.
The company’s original factory employed 400 people, rising to 1,000 after the first expansion. The new investment will bring this number up to 1,700.
“Xinquan will continue to grow under the clear sky of Aguascalientes; Mexico’s red dragon is the guarantee of success and good luck for Xinquan and Chinese investments,” said Aguascalientes governor Tere Jiménez.
Xinquan upgraded their plant earlier this year after production exceeded expectations. (Tere Jiménez/X)
She highlighted that 12 Chinese-owned companies currently operate in Aguascalientes, providing more than 4,000 jobs in the auto, textile, service and clean energy sectors. China is also Aguascalientes’ third-largest export destination.
Manuel Alejandro González Martínez, Minister for Economic Development, Science and Technology, added that Aguascalientes ranks fifth in the country for exports and seventh for foreign direct investment. Thanks to its skilled labor force and other competitive advantages, the state will close the year with growth of more than 4% and 20,000 new jobs.
The vaccines are currently available at Farmacias del Ahorro, Farmacias Benavides, Farmacias San Pablo and Farmacias Guadalajara. (Galo Cañas/Cuartoscuro)
As of Wednesday, doses of the new Pfizer vaccine against COVID-19 are available at some of Mexico’s biggest pharmacy chains.
The new immunizations are available at some branches of Farmacias del Ahorro, Farmacias Benavides, Farmacias San Pablo and Farmacias Guadalajara, among others, with costs ranging from 848 pesos (US $49.78) to 999 pesos (US $58.65), which is less than some recent estimates made by officials.
Currently, Pfizer, Abdala and Sputnik are the only Covid-19 vaccines available in Mexico. Moderna’s Spikevax vaccine has been authorized by Cofepris but has not yet been distributed to pharmacies. (Demián Sánchez/Cuartoscuro)
The shots will be administered by on-site registered nurses in the consultorios (consulting rooms) adjacent to the pharmacies.
Suggested for those 5 and over, COVID-19 vaccines are also available for free at public health centers throughout Mexico, President López Obrador assured in his Wednesday presser.
The president said he got vaccinated “about a month ago” and received “both: the COVID one and the flu one. And it was all good. I didn’t even have a reaction.”
The Mexican health regulatory agency (Cofepris) announced Dec. 8 that it had authorized the sale of the Pfizer (Comirnaty Omicron XBB 1.5) and Moderna (Spikevax monovalent XBB 1.5) vaccines.
The vaccines both have an updated formula that works against the Omicron variant XBB.1.5 of Sars-COV2.
The plan is to distribute them through vaccination centers, private medical practices, hospitals and authorized pharmacies. Consumers are urged to check the brand of vaccine available and the cost, if any.
Farmacias San Pablo said it will have the Pfizer vaccine at 77 branches in the Valley of Mexico and the states of Morelos, Querétaro and Puebla for 848 pesos (US $49.78). Farmacias Benavides is selling it at 999 pesos (US $58.65), with discounts on any subsequent shots scheduled for family members.
López Obrador said he is against regulating prices because medicines that “save lives should not be limited or controlled.” The most important thing is getting the drug widely distributed “for the people — for everyone, for rich and poor.”
Epidemiologist Ruy López Ridaura, who has replaced Hugo López-Gatell as Mexico’s deputy health minister, said that roughly 19 million flu vaccines have been administered this flu season, approximately 53% of the goal of 35 million. However, only 3.8 million anti-COVID-19 doses have been given, approximately 18% of the goal.
“We have vaccines available in almost all health centers, in all entities,” he said by way of a reminder. He also noted that while COVID-19 positivity has been “decreasing continuously,” influenza has been on the rise since early November, with positivity right now “close to 20%.” Mexico launched its national COVID-19 and influenza vaccination campaign in mid-October.
Regarding the Pirola variant of COVID-19, which is a subvariant of Omicron, López Ridaura said that there has been only one confirmed case in all of Mexico since August (in Mexico City).
“They have calculated the capacity to produce up to 4 million doses in the first quarter [of 2024],” he said. “We will see how necessary that will be for the country, but we are also focusing on our commitment of [having the vaccine] for the next [2024-25] winter season.”
As a multicultural community, Puerto Vallarta is a great option to call home. (Chris McQueen/Unsplash)
I can tell you the minute I knew I wanted to live in Puerto Vallarta. It was Dec. 17, 2013. It was my first time visiting and I had spent a whirlwind four days in town. On my final morning, I took a swim in the Bay of Banderas. It was 7 a.m. — the city was still sleeping. It was just me, the cool sunlight reflecting off the bay, and mist rising over the lush jungle peaks. I said to myself, “I will live here one day.” Five years later, that dream came true and I have never looked back.
So now that you’ve decided to relocate to Mexico, and chosen Puerto Vallarta as your next home base, let me offer a heartfelt congratulations! Trust me, I get it. The decision to go expat is a big one. But rest assured, this charming Pacific coastal city is one of the most convenient places and enjoyable places in Mexico for expat life.
Puerto Vallarta has become an extremely easy and convenient place for expats to settle down. (Doug Golden/Unsplash)
Not only is Puerto Vallarta safe for expats, it’s one of the most vibrant and culturally diverse cities in Mexico. Overlooking the Bay of Banderas, Puerto Vallarta is a buzzing resort town that combines a massive international presence with centuries of traditional roots. Expats here will find their neighbors are a wonderful mix of locals, tourists, and other expats who all mingle together in a cohesive, multicultural community. In fact, that’s my favorite thing about Puerto Vallarta. Our friends are not only from the U.S. and Canada, but all over Mexico and other parts of the world, as well.
As the city has grown and expanded over the years, it has become an extremely easy and convenient place for ex-pats to settle down, packed with essentials like grocery stores, hospitals, public transportation, and banks, and amenities like Uber, bars, restaurants, beautiful beaches, and mountains.
Cost of living in Puerto Vallarta
The cost of living for expats in Puerto Vallarta greatly depends on what kind of lifestyle you want to have. You can find an affordable year-long rental for less than 17,000 pesos per month (US $990) or splurge on luxury condos that can cost upwards of 60,000 pesos (US $3,500) per month. For ex-pats who want to purchase property, condos start at around US $100,000 but can go as high as US $1 million and beyond. It all depends on what creature comforts you want or need to live happily in paradise. Do you want a clifftop infinity plunge pool overlooking the bay? Or maybe all you need is a strong A/C, Wi-Fi, and a short walk to the beach. The good news for expats in Puerto Vallarta is that you have options.
Where do most expats live in Puerto Vallarta?
This is a city of neighborhoods, each with its own distinct vibe.
Marina Vallarta is one of the most expensive neighborhoods to live in, with beautiful bay views and access to upscale facilities like gourmet supermarkets, restaurants, and luxury shopping. This is also where the cruise ships dock so it can be very busy here during the season.
Versalles has been a rising star recently as more and more condos spring up along its cobblestone streets. The quiet, residential neighborhood has seen an infusion of fantastic restaurants and bars lately, as well as a growing community of expats and young locals. It’s also close to big supermarkets like Costco and La Comer. While my husband and I were renovating our condo in the Santa Maria neighborhood, we always chose to rent in Versalles and if we were to move, this would be the neighborhood we would choose.
5 de Diciembre is the beginning of downtown Puerto Vallarta. This beachfront neighborhood is quieter than the neighborhoods downtown, yet is still within walking distance of all the action of Zona Romántica. The perks of 5 de Diciembre include plenty of apartment options, restaurants, coffee shops, one of the best beaches in Puerto Vallarta, and a grocery store.
Puerto Vallarta Centro is the best option to live in. You can find restaurants, bars, beach parties, and nightlife. (Alonso Reyes/Unsplash)
The next neighborhood down is Centro, where the world-famous Malecón begins. Centro is a busy neighborhood with lots of tourist-heavy restaurants and bars. It can get loud here at night, but it’s one of the best neighborhoods in Puerto Vallarta if you want to be close to everything.
Crossing the small bridge over the Rio Cuale from Centro will put you in the Zona Romántica, the historic heart of Puerto Vallarta. The oldest and most beautiful part of the city, Zona Romántica is also the most active when it comes to restaurants, bars, beach parties, and nightlife.
How to find an apartment in Puerto Vallarta
If you already know where you want to live in Puerto Vallarta, finding an apartment is the next step. Facebook can be one of the biggest resources when it comes to finding an apartment in Puerto Vallarta. Puerto Vallarta also has a wide variety of living setups, from studios to one-bedroom condos, to full homes with gardens and pools.
Ex-pats can also find long-term rentals on Airbnb. These apartments or homes are fully furnished and often heavy on luxury amenities. You will pay more of a premium for these rentals, especially taking into consideration the Airbnb fees and cleaning fees. However, Airbnb rentals tend to be contentious in many destinations in Mexico because of the effect it has on the local housing market. It is one of the least socially responsible ways to find a rental, but it is an option.
Getting around Puerto Vallarta
Most neighborhoods are walkable, but Puerto Vallarta is a big city, and getting around requires some form of transportation. The public bus system is efficient and cheap costing only 10 pesos for local travel. Buses operate from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. on most routes.
Taxis and Ubers are also abundant in Puerto Vallarta, as well. Taxis operate on a price-per-zone rate, while Ubers are priced by distance. As in many places, Uber is typically much cheaper. I don’t have a car in Puerto Vallarta and get by just fine on foot or with Uber.
You do not need a car in Puerto Vallarta, but should you want to buy a car, there are plenty of dealerships. The caveat is that to legally purchase a car you need to be a legal resident of Mexico with a CURP number (similar to a social security number) and an RFC number (tax identification number).
Buying groceries in Puerto Vallarta
As a major destination, Puerto Vallarta has a Costco, Walmart, and Sam’s Club, as well as major Mexican grocery store chains like La Comer, Mega, and Chedraui. For those wanting a more local angle to their purchases, the Olas Altas Farmers Market runs every Saturday at Lazaro Cardenas Park in the Zona Romantica.
Living in Puerto Vallarta essentials
Electricity: Power in Mexico is provided by the state-run firm CFE. The most popular way to pay your CFE bill is at a CFE branch. There are three in Puerto Vallarta. You can also pay through a Mexican bank or at a partner establishment, like Oxxo, Walmart, Chedraui, Ley, or the Xoom app. CFE also has a mobile app and an online payment portal, but these tend to be the most stress-inducing ways to pay because they often don’t work.
Internet: Wi-Fi is fast and consistent in Puerto Vallarta. Most people get their internet through Izzi, which can be easily paid for via the Izzi app, through partner establishments, or Xoom.
Language: These days it’s more common than ever to hear English in Puerto Vallarta. That certainly helps makes things easier as you’re relocating down here, but it might be a good idea to try to learn some Spanish either before you get down here or while you’re living here. Being able to communicate in a country’s native language adds so much depth to any expat experience. Speaking Spanish in Mexico will open so many doors when it comes to building friendships with neighbors, conducting business, running errands, and so much more. Part of the reason you wanted to live in Mexico was to be immersed in its culture, right? Language is one of the best ways to do that.
Food delivery: Uber Eats and Rappi are the two main delivery app services used in Puerto Vallarta.
Enjoy living as an expat in Puerto Vallarta
I’ve seen Puerto Vallarta change and reinvent itself so much over the past decade. No longer the sleepy beach town it once was, it has evolved and transformed into a thriving, 24/7 multicultural community. And yet, it still clings to its traditional Mexican roots, with local markets, traditional celebrations, and plenty of off-the-tourist-trail beaches, communities, and villages to explore. I can’t imagine living anywhere else in Mexico and I hope you love living here, too. See you at the beach.
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.
In Acapulco, at least 31 sailors are still missing at sea. (Carlos Carbajal/Cuartoscuro)
The official death toll from Hurricane Otis has risen to 52, while authorities assure that the search continues for 32 people still missing, two months after the devastating Category 5 hurricane hit Acapulco on Oct. 25.
The governor of Guerrero, Evelyn Salgado, gave the update during President López Obrador’s Wednesday morning press conference, citing figures from the state Attorney General’s Office. She said that the remains of 46 of the dead have been given to their families, while six more bodies have yet to be recovered.
Two months after Hurricane Otis hit Acapulco, the families of missing sailors are desperate to recover the bodies of their loved ones. (Carlos Alberto Carbajal/Cuartoscuro)
“Search actions on land continue, together with the main effort [at sea] by the Navy, but the national and state search commissions are also participating,” Salgado said. “The government’s principal and most sensitive task is to attend to the victims’ families.”
Salgado added that 31 people were missing at sea, and one person on land. Navy Minister Admiral Rafael Ojeda Durán said that the Navy has already carried out 100 searches at sea, 30 on land and 7 by air, to locate sunken boats and the bodies of missing sailors. So far, these searches have recovered 87 vessels and 17 bodies.
The update comes a month after families of missing sailors protested outside Acapulco’s Icacos Naval Base, alleging that authorities appeared to havestopped looking for their loved ones – many of whom were crew members on luxury yachts moored in Acapulco Bay. The group of protesters demanded that Governor Salgado and President López Obrador give more support to the Navy to continue and extend the search.
Nevertheless, the official count of the dead and missing from Hurricane Otis remains well below unofficial local estimates. The latest figure added only two dead and two missing to thelast count given in November, while some local media have asserted that the true death toll could be up to seven times higher.
Meanwhile, efforts continue to reconstruct Acapulco’s devastated economy. The Fitch credit rating agency has estimated the losses from Hurricane Otis at US $16 billion. Although there is still extensive reconstruction to be done, there are also signs that the Pacific resort town is starting to get back on its feet, with 127 hotelspartially reopening for the holiday season.
“We are going to be reporting periodically so that soon, very soon, the recovery, the rebirth of Acapulco is achieved,” the president said.
