An investigation is underway into whether the fire started by accident or was deliberately set by protesting bean growers gathered outside the warehouse. (Adolfo Vladimir / Cuartoscuro.com)
Federal authorities are blaming protesting bean farmers for a government warehouse fire that destroyed 6 million pesos (US $344,000) worth of food on Tuesday in the state of Zacatecas.
A government welfare warehouse was completely destroyed and an adjacent milk storage warehouse is being inspected for damage.
🧯 🧯 🚒 Un gran incendio se registro en las #bodegas de Alimentación para el #Bienestar (#Segalmex) en #Zacatecas. Se activó durante una protesta de productores de frijol, quienes habían prendido fuego a llantas y gasolina; y el viento lo atizó. Los daños superan los 6 millones… pic.twitter.com/RHzEYxGfaR
Dozens of farmers from across the north-central state had gathered in the state capital to demand that Zacatecas authorities comply with the increased bean quota authorized by the federal government after a March 28 visit by President Claudia Sheinbaum.
The farmers, who have long accused state authorities of corruption, said this week that middlemen, state officials and speculators had filled half of the increased quota, depriving 2,000 small producers of the benefits promised. They demanded a state audit of bean collection centers and submitted a list of 20 people they want investigated.
Agitators among the crowd then began using gasoline drums to set tires on fire around 4 p.m. in an attempt to block access to the warehouse complex until the state government satisfied their demands.
No injuries were reported but the federal government confirmed that the building and produce — primarily groceries used to supply small stores throughout Zacatecas — were lost.
Sheinbaum said the Federal Attorney General’s Office (FGR) has already begun a criminal investigation to determine if the warehouse caught fire accidentally or if the blaze was deliberately set. State authorities are also conducting a criminal investigation.
In a statement, the Agriculture Ministry strongly condemned “these violent acts that affect the poorest segments of the population, damage public property and endanger people’s safety,” while insisting that it “will act firmly and through institutional channels to ensure that these acts do not go unpunished.”
For its part, Alimentación para el Bienestar (Nutrition for Well-being) — a federal government company focused on ensuring food security — blamed “bean producers led by local leaders linked to political actors in the state of Zacatecas” for the blaze. It said it is taking the logistical actions necessary to maintain supply in the subsidized Tiendas Bienestar stores across the state.
President Sheinbaum sought to avoid a conflict with the U.S. on Thursday, saying that that fault for the likely participation of CIA agents in Chihuahua security operations last weekend — a violation of Mexican law — lies with state officials. (Graciela López / Cuartoscuro.com)
On countless occasions, President Claudia Sheinbaum has said that her government cooperates with the Trump administration on security issues, including by exchanging intelligence with U.S. agencies, but will never allow U.S. personnel to participate in law enforcement operations in Mexico as such participation would amount to a violation of Mexican sovereignty.
This week, however, she has found herself in the uncomfortable situation of having to accept that officers with the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) most likely did participate in a drug lab raid last weekend in the northern state of Chihuahua — without the knowledge or approval of the federal government.
The likely participation of CIA operatives in a drug lab raid in Chihuahua last weekend came to light after a car crash killed four people involved in the operation: two U.S. citizens and two Mexican security officials. (Fiscalía Chihuahua)
According to The Los Angeles Times, the CIA’s participation in the dismantlement of a lab in Chihuahua was not a one-off, raising the serious concern that the government of the northern state — where the opposition National Action Party is in power — and the Trump administration have been acting behind the back of the Mexican government for some time.
On Thursday, Sheinbaum assigned most of the blame for the apparently secret, allegedly illegal security collaboration between Chihuahua and the United States to the Chihuahua government, although she also stressed that U.S. authorities have questions to answer.
Despite her steadfast defense of Mexican sovereignty, the president appears more willing to confront the governor of Chihuahua over the issue than U.S. President Donald Trump, whose administration has the capacity to inflict significant harm on Mexico and the Mexican government, as already evidenced by the imposition of tariffs on various Mexican goods.
LA Times: CIA has participated in at least 3 operations in Chihuahua this year
Citing “sources familiar with the operation,” The Los Angeles Times reported on Wednesday that four CIA agents participated in the raid of a clandestine drug lab in Chihuahua last weekend. Two of those agents were killed early Sunday when the vehicle they were traveling in veered off the road and plunged into a ravine. Two Mexican security officials also died in the accident.
Citing its unnamed sources, The L.A. Times wrote that the raid last weekend was “at least the third time this year that CIA operatives joined authorities in the northern border state of Chihuahua in an operation against a drug target.”
The Times also wrote that “the [CIA] agents in Sunday’s raid were dressed in Chihuahua State Investigative Agency uniforms to blend in with Mexican officials, said people familiar with the operation, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal matters.”
The newspaper noted that “U.S. agencies, including the CIA, regularly provide intelligence for Mexican police and the military, but participation in law enforcement operations by foreign agents is outlawed by the Mexican Constitution.”
The L.A. Times, again citing its sources, also said that “the involvement of the CIA” in operations in Chihuahua “reflects the Trump administration’s increasing demands for results in the fight against cartels on Mexican soil.”
Sheinbaum takes aim at Chihuahua for allegedly requesting collaboration with US
At her Thursday morning press conference, Sheinbaum rejected a suggestion that the CIA’s involvement in last weekend’s operation in Chihuahua amounted to a “non-conventional” invasion of Mexico by the United States.
“What there was here was an offense of a state authority,” she said, referring to the government of Chihuahua.
“That’s what this is really about,” Sheinbaum said.
#Nacional | México.- El secretario de Seguridad, Gilberto Loya Chávez, respaldó la postura de la presidenta Claudia Sheinbaum, señalando que la coordinación en materia de seguridad entre México y Estados Unidos debe existir, pero sin intervención directa. pic.twitter.com/DAfQ7G0Q1f
— El Canal de las Noticias Digital – CUU (@Canal44CUU) March 10, 2026
She said that either the Chihuahua government or the Chihuahua Attorney General’s Office requested security collaboration with U.S. authorities, citing remarks from officials in the northern border state as evidence.
“The attorney general of the state of Chihuahua has said it. The offense of requesting collaboration [with the U.S.] is theirs,” she said.
“Of course the government of the United States, the ambassador, should have informed federal authorities,” Sheinbaum added.
“But the main failure lies with the state government, which requested this collaboration. And that’s against the Constitution and the National Security Law,” she said.
Sheinbaum said she tried to contact Chihuahua Governor Maru Campos on Wednesday but was unable to reach her. She said that Security Minister Omar García Harfuch would speak with the governor on Thursday.
The president noted that the Senate has summoned Campos and Chihuahua Attorney General César Jáuregui Moreno, and declared that it is “important that they explain under what conditions this collaboration occurred.” Jáuregui has claimed that U.S. personnel didn’t participate in the drug lab operation last weekend, asserting that the apparent CIA officers were in fact “instructors from the U.S. Embassy” who were giving a course on drone operation in Chihuahua.
Sheinbaum said that a claim from Campos that the federal Ministry of National Defense was aware of the involvement of U.S. personnel in an operation in Chihuahua is “false.”
President Sheinbaum was unable to reach Chihuahua Gov. Maru Campos, who along with Chihuahua Attorney General César Jáuregui Moreno has been summoned to testify before the Mexican Senate. (Maru Campos / Facebook)
She said that while the Army participated in the drug lab raid in Chihuahua on the weekend, “that doesn’t mean that the Defense Ministry or the commander of the area or region knew that there was a presence of U.S. citizens in operations or in training.”
Sheinbaum also said she had asked the National Public Security Council to send a statement to the leaders of Mexico’s 32 federal entities reminding them of the applicable laws “for security collaboration with any government in the world and in particular with the U.S. government.”
She has stressed on repeated occasions this week that any security collaboration with a foreign government must be authorized by federal authorities.
On Wednesday morning, Sheinbaum noted, once again, that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs wrote to U.S. Ambassador Ron Johnson to seek information about the United States’ security collaboration with the state of Chihuahua.
Caught between a rock and a hard place
Sheinbaum said on Tuesday that if a Federal Attorney General’s Office investigation confirms there was a joint operation between the United States and Chihuahua, her administration will send a protest note to the U.S. government and request that such collaboration cease.
On Thursday, she said that her administration doesn’t want to “escalate a problem with the U.S. government, but nor can we ignore our Constitution and our laws and compliance with them.”
“That is the work of the president,” Sheinbaum said.
“… Complying with the law is not optional,” she said.
Given that she has been an ardent defender of Mexican sovereignty, and very clear in her view that U.S. participation in security operations in Mexico would be a violation of that sovereignty, Sheinbaum would open herself up to criticism if her government doesn’t respond firmly to the U.S. government’s apparent willingness to violate Mexican laws. However, a central consideration for the president is no doubt a desire to not antagonize — or at least overly anger — Trump and his administration just ahead of the review of the USMCA trade pact.
Asked specifically whether the United States “violation of national sovereignty” and breach of Mexico’s National Security Law would “complicate” the bilateral relationship, Sheinbaum said there is no reason it should. However, she didn’t deny that such violations had occurred.
What the president did say is “we don’t want to create a conflict with the United States.”
If we’re working well, if we’re making progress, what we want is for the [bilateral security] understanding to be complied with,” she said.
Sheinbaum frequently points out that said understanding is based on various principles, including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.
On Wednesday, she reiterated her view that “sovereignty is inviolable.”
Conflicting opinions
While Sheinbaum has concluded that U.S. personnel did participate in the drug lab raid in Chihuahua last weekend, García Harfuch, the federal security minister, asserted on Wednesday that U.S. agencies have “never” participated alongside federal forces in a security operation in Mexico.
“We have constant exchange of information with U.S. agencies, including that which you mention [the CIA],” García Harfuch told a reporter at a press conference.
Security Minister Omar García Harfuch insisted as recently as Wednesday that U.S. agencies never participated in the field action of federal security operations. (Mexican Security Cabinet)
“… But it is very important to mention that … while there is there is exchange of information with U.S. agencies, they have never participated in any field action of the federal security cabinet,” he said.
“What we’re aware of is what the Chihuahua attorney general has said, … that [U.S. personnel] hadn’t participated in an operation,” García Harfuch said.
“I understand now that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has closer communication with the [U.S.] Embassy in order to get more details about what happened,” he added.
Even though CIA officers dressed in Chihuahua State Investigative Agency uniforms allegedly participated in last weekend’s drug lab raid alongside Mexican soldiers, García Harfuch declared that “none” of the operations carried out by federal security forces has had the physical participation of a foreign individual.”
“First of all because the law doesn’t allow it,” he said.
By Mexico News Daily chief staff writer Peter Davies (peter.davies@mexiconewsdaily.com)
The targeted criminal network is believed to have moved 1.5 million liters per week into the nation's fuel supply. (Cuartoscuro)
A criminal network that was smuggling up to 1.5 million liters of fuel per week has been dismantled after a lengthy investigation by Mexico’s Security Cabinet that led to more than 20 raids in several Mexican states.
Ulises Lara, a special prosecutor in the Federal Attorney General’s Office in charge of the case, and Security Minister Omar García Harfuch said authorities seized more than 100,000 liters of LP gas, dozens of tanker trucks, tractor-trailers, weapons, drugs, cash and high-tech equipment. They also shut down an illegal tap.
Ulises Lara, a special prosecutor in the Federal Attorney General’s Office, led the operation that broke up a huge fuel-theft ring. (Victoria Valtierra/Cuartoscuro.com)
Harfuch told reporters that 10 raids were carried out in México state and 10 others in the state of Hidalgo, resulting in the arrest of seven suspects, including the alleged ring leader, Mauricio Gamboa, aka “El Burras.” Gamboa is said to have links to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.
Additional raids in Chihuahua and central Mexico, including Mexico City, resulted in seven other arrests as well as the seizure of materials valued at 126 million pesos (US $7.2 million).
In a related action, authorities busted an organization operating 40 front companies involved in creating forged petro-invoicing.
The joint investigation — carried out by the Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for Organized Crime and the Criminal Investigation Agency and the Security Ministry — dates back to a twin bust in March 2025 that netted more than 17 million liters of stolen diesel and hydrocarbons.
In September 2025, the government announced the arrest of 14 people, including high-ranking members of the Navy.
A few months earlier, the authorities had disrupted a part of the network in Querétaro — arresting 31 people — but Harfuch said a new cell emerged to replace it.
Since then, “various lines of inquiry were developed making it possible to identify and dismantle one of the most important fuel smuggling networks operating in Mexico,” Lara said.
The year-long probe led to the identification of additional companies engaged in fuel smuggling by simulating legitimate commercial operations.
Lara explained that these companies used forged documents and false declarations, while also utilizing “front companies” to take advantage of “areas of opportunity in control systems.” The shipments were typically labeled as additives, lubricants or oils by means of apocryphal invoices.
“This allowed them to build a smuggling network, as well as evade tax and regulatory obligations,” he said
The criminal network reportedly began operating in June 2023 and managed the illegal entry into Mexican ports of at least 564 million liters of fuel on 69 oil tankers at four different customs offices. Lara said the value of the smuggled fuel exceeded 23 billion pesos (US $1.3 billion).
The network operated through a highly coordinated multimodal logistics scheme that combined maritime, rail and land transport for the introduction, transfer, storage and illegal marketing of hydrocarbons.
Mexico City International Airport (AICM) was the busiest airport in the country in 2025, followed by Cancún International Airport in Quintana Roo. (Shutterstock)
Today we’re focusing on data related to Mexico’s airports. The numbers have landed, so let’s taxi through them.
How many passengers used Mexico’s airports in 2025?
Tourism Minister Josefina Rodríguez reported in January that 122.4 million passengers flew into, and out of, Mexican airports on regular flights in 2025, an increase of 2.4% compared to 2024.
Of the 122.4 million passengers, 63.53 million flew between airports in Mexico and 58.91 million flew internationally to or from a Mexican airport.
Therefore, around 52% of total passengers were domestic travelers, and 48% were international travelers.
The number of passengers on regular domestic flights increased 3.3% annually in 2025 while international passenger numbers rose 1.5%.
How many airports are there in Mexico?
There are 80 airports in Mexico, according to the federal government. Sixty-six of those airports are classified as international airports, while 14 are national airports.
Of the 80 airports, 35 are operated by three airport groups — OMA, ASUR and GAP, according to the government.
Those 35 airports and the Mexico City International Airport handle 89.99% of all passengers and 79.15% of air freight, according to 2025 data from the Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC).
What are Mexico’s busiest airports?
According to AFAC data, the Mexico City International Airport (AICM) was Mexico’s busiest airport in 2025 with a total of 44.6 million people passing through the two terminals, a reduction of 1.7% compared to 2024.
It should be noted that AFAC uses a different methodology than the Ministry of Tourism to count passenger numbers, and includes ALL arriving and departing travelers, including those on private and charter services. The agency’s 2025 passenger total was 191.24 million, a 2.6% increase compared to 2024.
After AICM, Mexico’s busiest airports in 2025 were:
President Sheinbaum shared her choice for Mexican ambassador to the United States and addressed a corruption investigation against Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard at Thursday's morning presser. (Carlos Ramos Mamahua / Presidencia)
Sheinbaum’s mañanera in 60 seconds
⚖️ Alcalde tapped as top legal adviser: Morena party president Luisa María Alcalde will join Sheinbaum’s cabinet as head of the presidential legal department on May 1, replacing Esthela Damián, who is stepping down to pursue the Morena gubernatorial candidacy in Guerrero in 2027.
🇺🇸 New ambassador to U.S. proposed: Sheinbaum confirmed her government is putting forward Roberto Lazzeri, current director of two development banks, as Mexico’s next ambassador to Washington. The appointment still requires U.S. acceptance and Senate ratification. Lazzeri is seen as well-positioned to engage on USMCA trade issues.
🇬🇧 Ebrard’s son’s London stay to face investigation: The Ministry of Anti-Corruption and Good Governance will investigate complaints over Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard’s adult son living at the Mexican ambassador’s London residence for six months in 2021–22. Ebrard was foreign minister at the time.
Why today’s mañanera matters
At today’s mañanera, President Sheinbaum confirmed that she is proposing Roberto Lazzeri, the director of two development banks, as ambassador to the United States.
Also of note at today’s mañanera was Sheinbaum’s revelation that an investigation into the stay of Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard’s son at the residence of the Mexican ambassador to the United Kingdom will take place.
This is particularly significant as it shows — or at least gives the appearance of showing — that the government is intent on combatting corruption, and will investigate alleged wrongdoings even if the case involves a very senior official.
Alcalde to become presidential legal adviser
Sheinbaum said that Luisa María Alcalde, a former labor minister and interior minister who is currently the president of the Morena party, will become the head of the legal department of the president’s office on May 1.
“Obviously there has to be the transition in the legal department as well as the process the Morena party has to follow [to appoint a new president],” she said.
Con profundo orgullo y agradecimiento, acepto la honrosa encomienda de la Presidenta @Claudiashein como Consejera Jurídica del @GobiernoMX.
Contenta de lo logrado hasta hoy al frente de Morena y feliz de seguir luchando del lado del pueblo y de la primera Presidenta de México.… pic.twitter.com/3kxTo7eYqg
Alcalde announced on Wednesday afternoon that she accepted the president’s job offer.
“I have shared with the president that it would be an honor for me to continue contributing to the transformation from this trench,” she said in a video message.
Government proposes new ambassador to US
Sheinbaum confirmed media reports that her government is proposing Roberto Lazzeri, director of the Mexican development banks Bancomext and Nacional Financiera, as Mexico’s next ambassador to the United States.
“It emerged that we’re proposing Roberto Lazzeri as ambassador in the United States. A whole process has to be followed. That’s why we hadn’t made it public,” she said.
Sheinbaum noted that Lazzeri previously worked in the Ministry of Finance with former Finance Minister Rogelio Ramírez de la O.
President Sheinbaum has tapped National Financiera and Bancomext Director Roberto Lazzeri to be Mexico’s next ambassador to the United States, pending Senate and U.S. approval. (Bancomext)
“He has a very good relationship with the entire Mexican government and with the counterparts in the United States,” she said.
“I appointed him to Nacional Financiera and in a very short time he transformed Nacional Financiera,” Sheinbaum said.
She suggested that Lazzeri is well-qualified to engage with the United States on trade issues as this year’s review of the USMCA free trade pact takes place.
“First, the United States has to accept [his appointment],” Sheinbaum said. “It’s a whole process.”
The Mexican Senate would also need to ratify Lazzeri’s appointment before he can assume the ambassadorial role in Washington, D.C.
Mexico’s current ambassador to the United States is Esteban Moctezuma, a former education minister. He became ambassador in early 2021 during the presidency of Andrés Manuel López Obrador.
Government to investigate Ebrard’s son’s stay at Mexican ambassador’s residence in London
Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebard’s son lived in the ambassador’s residence in London, located within the Mexican Embassy, for six months between 2021 and 2022. (Shutterstock)
Sheinbaum said that complaints had been filed with the Ministry of Anti-Corruption and Good Governance regarding the six-month stay of Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard’s son in the London residence of the Mexican ambassador to the United Kingdom.
“Automatically, an investigation has to be opened,” she said.
“… That’s what the law says,” Sheinbaum explained.
She said that the Ministry of Anti-Corruption and Good Governance has to determine if “any rule was violated” by the stay of Ebrard’s adult son at the ambassador’s residence.
Marcelo Patrick Ebrard lived at the ambassador’s residence in London between June 2021 and January 2022. His father was foreign affairs minister at the time and therefore had authority over Mexico’s diplomatic missions abroad. Mexico’s ambassador to the U.K. at the time was Josefa González-Blanco Ortiz-Mena, who briefly served as environment minister in the government of López Obrador.
By Mexico News Daily chief staff writer Peter Davies (peter.davies@mexiconewsdaily.com)
Lufthansa seeks to add more weekly flights to its Mexico City-Munich route later this year, company officials said. (Shutterstock)
German carrier Lufthansa announced plans to increase weekly flight frequencies between Mexico City International Airport (AICM) and Munich from three to five starting this winter. Though the crowded AICM has yet to approve the new flights, routes to Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) are not under consideration due to lack of infrastructure and domestic connections, the carrier said.
In a press conference, global Sales VP Frank Naeve said the flights are still subject to the government’s approval, adding that their interest in increasing its seating capacity between Munich and Mexico City has not been officially communicated to the AICM administration.
Lufthansa Sales VP Frank Naeve expressed his hope that authorities will someday expand Mexico City International Airport (AICM), where flights are currently capped at 44 per hour. (Edgor Tovar/Vmzp85/Wikimedia Commons)
“This decision to supplement flights is very recent. The truth is, we haven’t had time to approach the authorities,” Alejandro Arias, CEO of Lufthansa Group for Mexico and Latin America, told El Financiero.
If demand is sufficient, Naeve said, it is the company’s intention to maintain these five weekly flights permanently, not just seasonally.
Lufthansa Group offers direct routes between Germany and Mexico, with around 579,000 passengers annually according to figures from the Mexican aeronautical authority corresponding to the end of last year.
The carrier uses the Airbus A350-900 for service from Munich, while the daily route to Frankfurt use the Boeing 747-8 — all from AICM.
Naeve said the company has no plans for passenger operations at AIFA due to it being difficult to reach for potential passengers and its lack of domestic connections.
AIFA is located some 45 kilometers from downtown Mexico City, and about 35 to 45 kilometers from AICM. From downtown, a typical car ride can take around 1 to 1.5 hours without traffic. In contrast, it takes less than 30 minutes to reach AICM from downtown under similar conditions.
Puerto Vallarta is amazing, but beaches to the south will also reward a visit. (Puerto Vallarta)
It’s high season in Puerto Vallarta, which means comfortable weather and busy beaches, yet my social media feeds are absolutely drowning in, “Is such and such worth it?”
I see it about beaches, boat tours, day trips, tacos and entire towns. Everyone wants to know if the thing they’re about to spend time and money on is going to live up to the hype. And honestly? That’s completely fair. Time is limited, vacations are precious and nobody wants to spend a day thinking, “Well, this could’ve been a nap.”
Puerto Vallarta’s southern coast lives up to the hype
Looking for a Puerto Vallarta getaway that’s a little smaller and slower-paced than life in the city? Head south. (Roman Lopez/Unsplash)
So instead of chiming in on each comment section like a know-it-all, I decided to lump them all together and give you what I’ll now be calling my “beaches, boat tours, day trips, tacos and entire towns must-see and do list that’s practically begging for your attention!” It’s a mouthful, but so is trying to answer the same question 50 different ways.
People often call it island hopping here, but that’s not quite right. What you’re really doing is exploring the boat-access-only beaches and villages south of Puerto Vallarta.
No big islands, no castaway fantasy, just stretches of coastline where the jungle meets the sea and the road quietly gives up. It feels wild without being intimidating, which is an incredibly appealing middle ground.
This entire journey can also be done on foot. From Boca de Tomatlán all the way to Quimixto, there’s a coastal trail that connects these beaches one by one.
Boat, hike or a mix of both. That flexibility is part of what makes this area so special, and also why people argue about the “best” way to do it. The correct answer to that debate is “personal choice.”
Boca de Tomatlán
Nestled in a small bay about 20 minutes by road south of Puerto Vallarta, Boca de Tomotlán is the departure point for pangas and water taxis to other paradisiacal beaches such as Las Ánimas, Playa Caballo, Quimixto and Yelapa. (Visit Puerto Vallarta)
This is where it all begins, whether you’re hiking or hopping on a panga. It’s a small fishing village, and it feels like a natural gateway to everything south of it.
Boats bob in the river, hikers compare notes over coffee and there’s a quiet sense that you’re about to go somewhere different.
Boca itself is delightful, but it’s really the starting point rather than the main attraction. Worth stopping, worth eating and absolutely worth appreciating as the threshold between accessible and adventure.
Colomitos
Colomitos is beautiful, but also very small, so it doesn’t take many people to make it look full. (Puerto Vallarta)
Just beyond Boca is Colomitos, often hyped as one of the smallest beaches in Mexico. It’s tiny, yes, but it’s also genuinely charming.
A short hike or a quick boat ride gets you to this little cove with emerald water and a jungle backdrop that feels almost too perfect, like it was designed specifically for postcards and engagement photos. But because it’s so close to Boca, it fills up quickly, especially during the high season.
But if you go early or pass through as part of a longer day, you can think of it as a beautiful introduction rather than a place to settle in for hours.
Madagascar Beach
You don’t have to travel off the coast of Africa to find Madagascar. There’s a beautiful beach with the same name south of Puerto Vallarta. (Puerto Vallarta)
It’s one of those stops that surprises people, mostly because they weren’t expecting to hear the word Madagascar in Mexico. Visitors can look forward to a small, rocky beach with clear water and a quieter feel than its neighbors.
If you’re hiking, it’s a natural pause point. If you’re boating, it’s often a swim stop rather than a long stay.
Madagascar doesn’t scream for attention, and that’s kind of its charm. It’s perfect for those who like places that feel a little under the radar and don’t need a sign explaining why they’re special.
Playa Caballo
Playa Caballo is not only wide and dramatic, but it feels like a destination rather than a brief episode. (Puerto Vallarta)
Playa Caballo is where the journey starts to feel more rewarding. It’s wide, sandy and dramatic, with a sense of space that some of the smaller coves lack.
If you’re hiking, it’s a satisfying place to stop, drop your pack and actually relax for a while without feeling like you’re in someone else’s beach day. If you arrive by boat, it feels like a proper destination rather than a brief interruption.
Las Ánimas
Las Ánimas is a lively place to socialize and enjoy the views. (Puerto Vallarta)
The next stop on our tour feels like a sudden return to civilization. After the quieter beaches, Las Ánimas is lively and social. Restaurants line the shore, music drifts over the water and lunch isn’t something you have to plan or overthink.
This isn’t a hidden escape, but it is easy and fun. It’s perfect if you’re hungry, thirsty and very happy to sit in the sand for longer than you intended.
Yelapa
Yelapa isn’t just a beach, but a village, which means more things to see. (Puerto Vallarta)
Get ready for the energy to shift again. Whether you arrive by boat or on foot, Yelapa immediately feels slower and more layered. It’s a village, not just a beach and that makes a difference.
The walk to the waterfall is part of the experience, as is wandering through town and watching daily life unfold between cafés, homes and beach bars. The water at the main beach isn’t the clearest you’ll swim in, but Yelapa has personality in spades. It’s the place that quietly convinces people to stay longer than planned and then reorganize their entire itinerary around that decision.
Quimixto
Quimixto is rustic, but that’s part of the charm. It’s a great place to finish up your tour of southern beaches. (Vallarta Adventures)
This is the final stop, and it feels like a pretty perfect ending. The village is a little rougher around the edges and a little less polished than Yelapa. But that’s part of the appeal. The waterfall hike here is steeper and requires a lot more effort, which makes the payoff feel earned.
Whether you arrive sweaty from the trail or sun-kissed from the boat, Quimixto has a genuine sense of accomplishment to it, like you’ve actually gone somewhere rather than just passed through.
Also worth visiting: Los Arcos and Majahuitas
Los Arcos often gets lumped into these conversations, even though it’s closer to town and not part of the hike. It’s still worth mentioning because it’s undeniably beautiful.
The rock formations are dramatic, the water is clear and snorkeling here is genuinely fun. It’s busy, especially in high season, but it’s one of those places where the hype exists for a reason, not just because someone needed content.
Majahuitas sits slightly outside the Boca-to-Quimixto hiking route, but it deserves its reputation. It’s a sheltered cove with calm, clear water and a peaceful, tucked-away feeling. If you’re choosing between hike-only beaches and boat-only stops, Majahuitas makes a very strong case for getting on a boat at least once.
Hiking, boating or both?
The important thing to understand is that you don’t have to choose between hiking and boating. Some people hike one direction and take a panga back. Some hop between beaches by boat and hike a section that looks particularly beautiful. This coastline lets you build the day you want instead of forcing you into a single experience, which is surprisingly rare and deeply underrated.
Los Arcos is also worth a visit for snorkeling or scuba diving, if you have time for it on your itinerary. (Vallarta Adventures)
So, is exploring Puerto Vallarta’s southern beaches worth it? Yes. Absolutely, 100%. But only if you pick the stops that match your energy, respect the distance involved and remember that not every beach has to change your life to be enjoyable.
Some will wow you. Some will simply be lovely. And sometimes lovely, sweaty, sun-soaked and ending the day with tired legs and salt in your hair is exactly the point.
In high season, especially, worth it doesn’t have to mean empty, untouched or perfect. Sometimes it just means you had a really great day.
Charlotte Smith is a writer and journalist based in Mexico. Her work focuses on travel, politics, and community. You can follow along with her travel stories at www.salsaandserendipity.com.
La Minerva has been given a facelift ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but some Guadalajara residents aren't happy with the cost. (Instagram)
La Minerva, Guadalajara’s iconic roundabout, has undergone a massive renovation project ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, the cost to the public treasury — 70 million pesos, or about US $4 million — has sparked controversy amongst tapatíos.
Situated at the edge of the city nearly 100 years ago, the Minerva roundabout has grown to become part of the city’s identity. It is also the traditional epicenter of celebrations for Club Deportivo Guadalajara (Chivas), where thousands of fans gather to celebrate titles, championships and important victories of the team.
When Chivas wins a championship in Liga MX, La Minerva is where fans celebrate. (Instagram)
A symbol at the center of the city
Mayor of Guadalajara Verónica Delgadillo said that, although La Minerva has already undergone renovations in the recent past, the current one places it at the center of the city, turning a representative symbol into something approachable for pedestrians.
“This public space that we are handing over to our city and its people today is a space that will allow us to come together, not only when we want to celebrate something, as we have done for 70 years, but also invites us to come together on a permanent basis,” she said.
Following five months of work causing traffic jams in the surrounding areas, the project’s renovation has encompassed over 24,000 square meters, transforming the roundabout into an accessible pedestrian plaza, with new hydraulic infrastructure, walkways, planters and improved lighting.
The work that has been done
Key aspects of the work included the reorganization of the five existing lanes, the rehabilitation and waterproofing of the fountain, new hydraulic systems with synchronized jets and new lighting. A perimeter walkway and interior walkways were also incorporated, allowing visitors to explore and enjoy the monument.
The project also rehabilitated sidewalks, built new safe pedestrian crossings with illuminated signage, improved the traffic light system, replaced horizontal and vertical signage and enhanced the urban landscape with new street furniture, planters and seating areas.
The renovated work now allows pedestrian access to the parks surrounding the Arches of Guadalajara, and integrated free WiFi connectivity through the Jalisco Network, in addition to a new MiBici (MyBike) station.
Why budgetary costs are a cause for controversy
¿Valió la pena? Así quedó la NUEVA Minerva tras gastar 70 millones - LONGVLOG
“La Minerva has restored the possibility for people to coexist with the roundabout itself, with this symbol, and for people to be able to walk around it, to approach and enjoy it, to take a picture and to coexist with La Minerva,” Jalisco’s Governor Pablo Lemus said.
However, the cost overrun has been one of the main reasons for citizen criticism.
Tapatíos have complained that the Minerva’s visual upgrade does not justify the investment, which was originally budgeted at 40 million pesos (US $2.2 million). Videos circulating on social media show users expressing disappointment and accusing politicians of misusing public funds.
“It looks horrible,” one user says. “Totally not worth it,” adding that these funds could’ve been directed to resolving other public needs in the transport sector.
2026 FIFA World Cup upgrade strategy
La Minerva’s upgrade is part of a broader renovation strategy to beautify the city of Guadalajara ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Improvements include works on roads, public transport, upgrades at the Historic Center and the opening of new hotels.
Overall, the anticipated budget for all renovation works across the city is around 700 million pesos (US $40 million).
The costs for renovating La Minerva, including new lighting, are among 700 million pesos being spent around host city Guadalajara for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. (Instagram)
Gabriela Solis is a Mexican lawyer turned full-time writer. She was born and raised in Guadalajara and covers business, culture, lifestyle and travel for Mexico News Daily. You can follow her lifestyle blog Dunas y Palmeras.
Visitors to the archaeological site of Chichén Itzá will not be able to bring in backpacks for now. (Martín Zetina/Cuartoscuro)
Monday’s shooting at the Teotihuacán archaeological site, 30 miles northeast of Mexico City, in which a Canadian tourist was killed, has prompted the government to implement enhanced security at some of the country’s main tourist sites.
The National Guard is now on duty at Monte Albán and visitors’ bags will be checked upon entry. But for the time being, National Guard personnel will not be able to enter the site with weapons. (Carolina Jiménez Mariscal/Cuartoscuro)
“It takes time to install X-ray scanners to check for entry,” Sheinbaum said. “It doesn’t happen overnight, but this serves as a reminder that we need greater security to prevent someone from entering an archaeological site or tourist site with a firearm.”
Several new security measures have already been announced at Mexico’s main archaeological sites, with more expected to follow through the week:
The Teotihuacán archaeological site officially reopened on Wednesday with a reinforced security protocol, but the Pyramid of the Moon remains closed to the public. Increased surveillance will be carried out by the National Guard and law enforcement agencies from all three levels of government.
At Mexico’s most-visited archaeological site, Chichen Itzá, in the state of Yucatan, backpacks have been temporarily banned. The site’s director, María Guadalupe Espinosa, said the ban will be in place for the next few days.
National Guard officials have been deployed at the state of Oaxaca’s main archaeological sites of Mitla, Monte Alban and Yagul, as well as in the town of Atzompa. Visitors’ bags are being inspected upon entry. For now, National Guard personnel will still not be able to bring weapons into the site itself.
Bulkmatic is looking to address Mexico's woefully inadequate fuel storage capacity, the second lowest among OECD countries. (Bulkmatic)
Bulkmatic, a logistics company for Mexico’s main railway terminal, has announced plans to invest US $600 million to develop multimodal stations in various states over the next 10 years.
The company’s commercial director, Francisco Melo, said that the investment will be placed across different zones and equipment, with the goal of expanding fuel storage capacity and strengthening intermodal terminals.
Bulkmatic’s fuel expansion plans could add 3,000 cars to the total that Mexican rails can handle per month. (Unsplash)
“In terms of track capacity, we are talking about being able to receive an additional 3,000 cars per month on top of what we currently handle, which is between 3,000 and 3,500 cars,” Melo said at the Energy and Infrastructure Forum on the National Agenda.
In 2026 alone, Bulkmatic plans to allocate some US $100 million to the first and second phases of a 100-hectare terminal with a capacity to handle 500,000 fuel barrels.
Mexico has the second-lowest fuel storage capacity among OECD countries, with reserves equivalent to about 3.5 days, while the international standard is 90 days. Experts and business leaders have warned of a “latent risk” due to a lack of infrastructure and regulatory uncertainty, which has slowed new investments in terminals.
The private sector has only 12 operating storage terminals, and growth has stalled under the current administration’s energy policy, even though Pemex owns more than 70 terminals.
In an interview with El Cronista, Melo said that the relationship with current regulatory authorities is much better compared to what it was during President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s term (2018-2024).
“I see a lot of openness, especially from the Ministry of Energy,” Melo said. “Still, procedures are tougher and with more requirements.”
The cities where Bulkmatic plans to develop the multimodal terminals include Pesquería, Nuevo León; Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua; Hermosillo, Sonora; Torreón, Coahuila and Guadalajara, Jalisco. Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz and Salina Cruz, Oaxaca, would be connected with the Interoceanic Train, while Progreso, Yucatán to the Maya Train.
Meanwhile, the facilities that will see fuel handling include Pesquería, Nuevo León (with a capacity of 690,000 barrels), Hermosillo, Sonora (400,000 barrels) and Tula, Hidalgo. (720,000).
As of now, the company is not planning to mobilize hydrocarbons in Mexico’s southeast. Melo said they are considering more plastic resin and food-grade material.
