There must be good reasons people vacation in Mexico. Year after year, Mexico continues to capture the hearts of American travelers, and the recent surge in passenger arrivals is proof that the love affair is stronger than ever. With over 10 million U.S. passengers landing in Mexico in 2023, a 4% increase from the historic numbers of 2022, it’s evident that Mexico remains the ultimate sunny destination. But what makes Mexico the go-to vacation spot for most Americans? Let’s explore seven compelling reasons.
Great Flight Connectivity
Embarking on a Mexican adventure is a breeze with unparalleled flight connectivity. Whether you’re departing from a major U.S. hub or a smaller city, Mexico welcomes
you with open arms. Cancun, in particular, stands as the number one destination, offering nonstop connections from 37 international airports across the States. With affordable rates and short flight durations of three to four hours, Mexico ensures that travelers get maximum value for their time and money.
World-Class Hospitality
Mexico’s rising popularity can also be attributed to its world-renowned hospitality of the warm hearted Mexican people. The staff at all of MayanRental’s Vidanta resort options genuinely love to make people feel welcome. But all tourist oriented resorts and hotels have well-trained, English-speaking staff. If you choose five-star accommodations, you will be pampered with modern amenities and impeccable service, making your stay truly memorable. However, even more modest accommodations have the same warm and friendly staff and service.
Beautiful Nature
Nature plays a pivotal role in Mexico’s allure, especially along its coastlines in Quintana Roo and Baja California Sur. Quintana Roo boasts white-sand beaches, lush forests, and hidden cenotes, creating a serene backdrop for a perfect getaway. Meanwhile, Baja California Sur, home to Cabo San Lucas and San Jose Del Cabo, showcases natural wonders like the iconic Arco de Los Cabos and the protected Cabo Pulmo, captivating travelers with its breathtaking landscapes. The Puerto Vallarta / Nuevo Vallarta areas are nestled between the majestic Sierra Madre mountains and beautiful Banderas Bay off the Pacific Ocean.
Incredible Culture
Diving deeper into Mexico’s cultural richness, travelers now seek immersive experiences beyond the typical tourist destinations. The rise of ‘colonial tourism’ introduces visitors to historical colonial-era settlements like Merida and Guanajuato, offering a glimpse into Mexico’s fascinating past. These cities, once overlooked, now stand as cultural gems, revealing the country’s diverse and storied history.
Perhaps even more important than colonial history, exploring Mexico’s pre-Hispanic culture brings an extra layer of fascination, especially in delightful spots like Puerto Vallarta and the Yucatan Peninsula. It’s like uncovering a hidden gem – wandering among ancient pyramids, discovering intriguing artifacts, and diving into the stories of Mexico’s early days. In Puerto Vallarta, where indigenous vibes still linger, you can wander through archaeological sites and museums, catching glimpses of the vibrant history before the conquistadors arrived. The local traditions, incredible artwork, and lively festivals create a cultural tapestry that lets you soak in the genuine essence of Mexico’s past. It’s a historical journey striking a perfect balance between the old and the new for an unforgettable adventure.
Reliable Weather
Mexico weather is much more reliable than Florida or Texas for the winter months. It is usually warmer than Arizona. In addition, the rainy season is only for September and maybe to the end of October. So you can count on lots of sunshine.
Fabulous Food
Another of the many reasons people vacation in Mexico is Mexican cuisine. A cornerstone of the nation’s identity, it adds another layer to the vacation experience. From savory street tacos to rich mole sauces, every bite is a culinary delight. Indulge in the diverse flavors of regional specialties, savor the freshness of seafood along the coast, and explore the artistry of mezcal and tequila. Mexican cuisine, with its vibrant colors and bold flavors, is a journey for the senses.
Solid Infrastructure
Mexico’s impressive infrastructure enhances the travel experience, making it a preferred choice over other destinations. The accessibility of destinations and well-connected cities contribute to the ease of exploration. Exciting projects, such as the Maya Train, promise rapid rail links to both popular and off-the-beaten-path locations. New airports, revitalization projects, and initiatives like the Gastronomic Corridor in Merida showcase Mexico’s commitment to becoming a top-tier tourist destination. One caution about the infrastructure if you are driving , is to watch out for the oversized speed bumps that Mexican street designers seem to love.
Mexico Is Safe
Dispelling misconceptions, Mexico stands out as one of the safest destinations in Latin America. Actually, tourist cities like Mexico City, Cancun, Tulum, Los Cabos, and Puerto Vallarta are well-guarded, ensuring constant patrolling and surveillance. These areas compare favorably to many cities in the United States for statistics. While common safety practices apply, travelers can relax knowing that their risks of encountering unpleasant incidents are minimal.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Mexico’s allure as a vacation paradise is a harmonious blend of great flight connectivity, world-class hospitality, beautiful nature, incredible culture, fabulous food, solid infrastructure, and a commitment to safety.
It is time to book your winter vacation at Vidanta. As the numbers surge, it’s evident that Mexico continues to capture the hearts and imaginations of travelers because of the many reasons people vacation in Mexico.
The last few days of our time in Mexico on the resort was not very eventful. Just nice sunshine, time around the pool , on the beach, ate at the Best Buffet Breakfast in the World .REEEE-laxing. But it wasn’t all quiet and dull.
We threw a dinner party for our few of our Mexican friends at the local La Laguna restaurant in Nuevo Vallarta. We had the whole red snapper (that was butterflied so you didn’t have to look the fish in the eye and it was spiced and delicious.) Of course we brought a bottle of our favorite Tres Generaciones tequila to share. As usual we tried to get our friends to sip this aged tequila instead of shots, somewhat unsuccessfully 🙂
A Cocktail Bar called the Alchemist
The restaurant was closing and kicking us out when a few of our thirty something friends said we needed to try out the best craft cocktail place ever called El Alquemista . Translation : The Alchemist , Alchemy is not only for Harry Potter fans, but it is one of the historical roots of Pharmacy….. and I’m a Pharmacy professor and a Pharmacist! We had to go.
So What Won’t You Believe?
But wait, there was a catch. The signature brand for El Alquemista was a long dead rattlesnake in a big clear jug of liquor. A shot for everyone was on the house. Oh, well , they had done it before and not died. Gotta be in the moment, right? So Por Que No??
SURPRISE !! It was a really smooth and dare I say delicious blend of liqours that tasted mostly like Mescal ! You could also have them shoot a squirt from the snakes head in your mouth. Ummm…. NO !! I have limits.
So our last night in Mexico was ….. eventful…… and a ton of fun.
If you want to go, El Alquemista is just south of Walmart on the West side of the road between Bucerias and Nuevo Vallarta. It is listed on Tripadvisor, but I am guessing maybe you have to go with locals before they bring out the snake, because they don’t mention it.
The Yucatan is one of the most popular tourist hotspots in Mexico attracting millions of visitors per year. But what is it that makes this area so great? This article will guide you through Yucatan’s most exciting destinations from ecotourism gems such as the cenotes to cultural tourist attractions like the Chichen Itza which gives us an insight into infamous Mayan history.
Ecotourism Attractions
Ecotourism is an increasingly popular activity and it’s no surprise, some of the world’s most precious attractions lie in the beauty and biodiversity of mother nature. Here are some must-do ecotourism attractions in the Yucatan.
Cenotes
Cenotes (pronounced like say-NOH-tays) are the natural highlight of the Yucatan. There are over 3000 cenotes in the Yucatan region alone, with more than 50% of these not yet studied. Originally named Dzonot by the Maya, the Spanish who later conquered the region translated this word into Cenote which means ‘deep thing’. Stalagmites and stalactites that form here add to the magnificence of these limestone caverns by filtering the light that enters them creating a truly magical experience. Here are the most popular Cenote destinations in the Yucatan:
Cuzama Cenotes
Cuzama is home to a vast number of Cenotes and one tour, in particular, will take you to three of them in one trip. Chelentun, Chansinic’che an Bolonchoojol are the highlights of this tour originating in the town center. A short 2-mile trail will lead you to vibrant blue, clear water surrounded by unique Stalactites and stalactites.
Cenote Zaci
Valladolid, located just 25 miles east of the Chichen Itza is home to Cenote Zaci, a semi-open cenote popular amongst tourists who want to take a quick dip in refreshing azul waters. It is 150 feet wide and 260 feet deep and is home to the “lub” fish, a rare black fish with no eyes. A walkway leads you around this entire cenote, a third of which is covered in stalactites and stalactites.
Cenote Ik Kil
Even closer to the Chichen Itza lies Cenote Ik Kil, just 1.8 miles away from the pyramid. This perfectly round cenote has a stairway leading down to its “sacred blue” waters which is ideal for swimming. It also boasts waterfalls and lush vegetation. There is an admission to this Cenote, 35 Mexican pesos and it is open from 8 am to 6 pm daily.
Cenotillo
Cenotillo is a small town located just over 100km east of Merida and 63km northwest of Valladolid making it the perfect side trip from the Chichen Itza. The village gets its name from the incredibly large concentration of cenotes in this area. Locals report that there are over 150 cenotes in this municipality and locals are at hand to take you to whichever you choose. The most popular however are Xayin, Ucil and Kaipech.
Cenote Xcalah
This ground level cenote is another great spot to swim and is located on the Mayan site of Dziblichaltun north of Merida. The cenote reaches a depth of more than 140 feet at one end and is a popular spot for divers. It is open daily from 8am to 4pm and provides a refreshing respite after a day exploring Mayan ruins.
Cenote Dzinup
Another cenote with close proximity to Valladolid, cenote Dzinup is probably one of the most photographed cenotes in the whole region. This dark and deep cenote is lit up and has guide rope to help you get around. Swimming here is spectacular, be sure to take a tripod so you can snap a long exposure here, it’s the only way your photo will give this place justice. Or, you can grab a postcard from a local seller at the entrance.
Kankirixche Cenote
Kankirixche translates as the ‘tree with yellow fruit’ which comes from the cenote’s unique features. The stalactites and tree roots from the Alamo trees create a rather impressive spectacle. This semi-open cenote provides excellent swimming opportunities in the waters that are 33 feet deep, 90 feet long and 75 feet wide.
Celestun
Celestun is a small and modest fishing village located around 60 miles southwest of Merida. It’s very easily accessible by both car and bus (31 pesos). It is most famous for its abundance of pink flamingos that reside here between March and August. They are most active during this period as they leave their nests to feed on the plankton in the Ria Lagartos. If flamingos aren’t your thing, Celestun also as an abundance of other attractions; tours through the mangroves by small boat, crystal clear freshwater springs which are for great swimming or you can just kick back and relax at the beach for a couple of days and bask in a haven of biodiversity nestled in the peninsula’s protected southern curve.
Cultural Tourism Attractions
The Yucatan’s cultural attractions are second to none; the rich Maya history plays an important role in today’s tourism here. Here are some of our highlights.
Merida
The capital of the Yucatan has a lot of bang for its buck. Be sure to take a break from lazy days at the beach to explore what this cultural jewel has to offer. The Gran Museo del Mundo Maya is a great way to begin your stay. It provides you with the perfect introduction to the Mayan culture as well as their history and incredible architecture, a must if you plan on going to any ruins in the area. The building is modern and alongside its many exhibits also has an incredible ‘Mayamax’ room for showcasing films and short documentaries. You can even hire the space out for private use.
The Paseo de Montejo is also not to be missed. Take an hour or two out of your day to wander down this avenue and take a step back in time. Gaze in awe at the fabulous architecture before doing a spot of shopping in one of its many boutiques and grabbing a local bite to eat in one of the restaurants.
Where to Eat
No stop in Merida is complete without a trip to Wayan’e. They have over 40 types of tacos to choose from but be sure to head there before noon or the locals will have taken the best!
You also have to try a marquesita. A combination of sweet and savory in one that actually works! The traditional style comes with cheese and cajeta. Stop by one of the street food vendors to grab this delicious treat.
Where to stay
For those on a budget or that love the backpacking vibe, Nomadas is an awesome hostel which has free Wi-Fi, free breakfast, a pool, parking, and even a steam room if you want to destress after a long day of traveling.
Uxmal
Mayan for ‘built three times’ Uxmal is a world heritage site and shrouded in beauty. It is located 50 miles southwest of Merida and you’re best planning to spend at least half a day there to truly appreciate it. It has a rich history dating back to the 7th century and was a popular metropolitan hub until 10th century AD. This 300-year span is reflected in the diverse architecture of the ruins, which has been excellently preserved and restored.
One of the highlights and ‘must-see’ attractions of Uxmal is the House of the Magician. Standing at 100 feet tall it is the highest building there and is perfectly situated so that the western staircase faces the sunset on the day of the summer solstice.
Other interesting buildings here include the House of Turtles which is swimming with turtle sculptures, said to signify rain. The Governor’s Palace is also noteworthy, it is a fine example of stone mosaic masonry and likely took hundreds of people to build it. The ‘nunnery’ as the Spaniards called it, is also an impressive structure and is thought to have been a training school for many including shamans, priests, astrologers and healers.
Uxmal is open daily from 8am to 5pm.
Chichen Itza
One of the new 7 wonders of the world,the Chichen Itza is the most famous Mayan site attracting thousands of tourists each year. This historic site is over 1,500 years old and the site itself is divided into three distinct sections; The southern part, known as “The Old Chichen”, the central group which is believed to be from an early Maya period and the northern group, which is Toltec in style.
Valladolid
Valladolid is a stunning small town located in between Merida and Cancun and is about 25 miles east of the Chichen Itza. Colonial buildings and traditional Mayan dress code are what makes this town so unique and a must for your Yucatan bucket list. The plaza is graced with local Mayan ladies selling eloquently hand-embroided dresses and other wares opposite the main cathedral. It is doused in Yucatan history; being the starting point of the Caste War in 1849. Take your time in this quaint town and spend two nights exploring its 7 churches, two cenotes and flavorful cuisine. We recommend trying lomitos de Valladolid, chicken escabeche and loganiza for a real taste of this delightful town.
Izamal
The beautiful yellow town of Izamal is our final destination that you have to see on your Yucatan adventure. Why did we describe it as yellow? Well, because it is. The entire town is painted yellow, from the market to the colonial buildings to… everything. Located around 40 minutes outside Cancun, this town was an early Mayan settlement and was said to be built to worship the Mayan God Itzamna. It is known as the town of three cultures as you can clearly see identify the three cultural influences on the town; the Maya, the colonial and of course the hustle and bustle of modern day Izamal. Be sure to stay here at least one night so you can catch the evening show of light and sound named “Izamal Ciudad Luz”. Named one ofCNN’s most beautiful small towns in Mexico, Izamal is a sight not to be missed.
Inspired by having all of our clothes, we put on our walking shoes and did three miles or so through the landscaped jungle of the resort grounds and down the beach and back. After breakfast the newly opened pool / restaurant area at Luxxe building 4, we commenced the grueling work out of lounge, read, happy hour drink, dip in the pool , repeat. It is a complicated routine to keep straight and we were soon exhausted. For dinner we walked to the marina area and scouted our options. We ended up at Estudio, which has a relatively basic Mexican menu and an onsite art studio of the owner. Our Mahi Mahi , while gazing out over decadent yachts, was so good we will dedicate a separate post to this restaurant in the near future.
Day Four
We started with a trip to the Luxxe Spa for our annual massages. After a working through the ritual jacuzzi, dry sauna, wet sauna, COLD water tank and Swedish shower, they offered us to be in the same room, so while Linda enjoyed her 50 minute Relaxing Massage, I tried desperately to maintain my machismo, while my therapist did my requested Deep Tissue massage and cracked and popped tendons and ribs and inflicted pain in places I didn’t know I had. However, the end result was two mellow happy customers.
Lunch was an under $10 combined for both of us from a collection of items from La Plaza , the onsite deli.
We picked up a rental car at Alamo , which always takes longer than it should and finally ended the day by throwing a big party at an Argentina steak house for our friends from reservations. We gave up on finishing the bottle of Herradura ultra anejo just before midnight and sent the remainder of the bottle home with one of the guys. For the record, I still hold out Tres Generaciones as the best tequila I have found.
I am going to dedicate a full post to describing the Grand Luxxe Riviera Maya. On day one, I should have mentioned the check in experience in the Grand Luxxe. One of the benefits of the extra cost of the Grand Luxxe is the service. On arrival, we were warmly greeted and given soft comfortable chairs and mimosas while we checked in. The cell phone I lost on the way to the resort was already starting to be less of a crisis. Our room is a Grand Luxxe Villa Studio (the resort calls it a junior villa). It is truly a studio with separate sitting area including a refrigerator, coffee maker and microwave (and the requisite 42 inch flat screen television). It has the Luxxe amenities incuding the giant shower head, bubbler tub big enough for two and a variety of pillow choices. The Villa unit is on a corner, so you have two small balconies , one on the side and one on the end.
Two Kinds of Luxxe Units
The other Luxxe units beside the Villas are the Condos (also called Suites). The studio we are in can connect to suite and becomes the second bedroom of a two bedroom Villa. The one bedroom suites are almost the same for the Villa and the Condo. It is only the studio units (or second bedrooms) that are quite different. The studio unit for the Condo or Suite (both names have been used, it is a little confusing , even to us) is smaller with no separate living area, no refrigerator or microwave.
The Grounds and the Pools
After a custom omelette for breakfast at the Green Break restaurant , we headed down to check out the new Grand Luxxe pool area. One deficiency at the moment is that there are really not walking trails. You either catch the shuttle to the pool down by the beach or head over to the path along side the Mayan Palace. The Luxxe buildings themselves are secluded in the jungle on the north side of the resort. Apparently walking trails will be put in when more buildings have been built.
The Luxxe pool has it’s own exclusive restaurant called Burgers Custom Made (we’ll tell you about that on day five). It is long and narrow almost like a lap pool, with a variety of comfortable seating . You don’t need towel cards if you are in the Luxxe, so there are large towels rolled up and waiting for you. There is also a Luxxe beach area including beach seating tucked in the among the palms and shrubbery.
Who Needs It
One final observation, there are no DVD units or movie rentals set up in the Riviera Maya Luxxe, like there is in the Nuevo Vallarta Luxxe. However, I have always said it is criminal to watch movies in such a beautiful place 🙂
The Cafe del Lago is the Buffet restaurant right behind the Mayan Palace (toward the ocean). the buffet breakfast here is fabulous. I always call it the best buffet breakfast in the world. We also discovered the a la carte breakfast is a good deal as well. There are different themes for the buffet dinners. The buffet price is cheaper for the first hour and last hour of breakfast. This menu was updated March 2020 .
passenger arrivals is proof that the love affair is stronger than ever. With over 10 million U.S. passengers landing in Mexico in 2023, a 4% increase from the historic numbers of 2022, it’s evident that Mexico remains the ultimate sunny destination. But what makes Mexico the go-to vacation spot for most Americans? Let’s explore seven compelling reasons.
hearted Mexican people. The staff at all of MayanRental’s Vidanta resort options genuinely love to make people feel welcome. But all tourist oriented resorts and hotels have well-trained, English-speaking staff. If you choose five-star accommodations, you will be pampered with modern amenities and impeccable service, making your stay truly memorable. However, even more modest accommodations have the same warm and friendly staff and service.
Nature plays a pivotal role in Mexico’s allure, especially along its coastlines in Quintana Roo and Baja California Sur. Quintana Roo boasts white-sand beaches, lush forests, and hidden cenotes, creating a serene backdrop for a perfect getaway. Meanwhile, Baja California Sur, home to Cabo San Lucas and San Jose Del Cabo, showcases natural wonders like the iconic Arco de Los Cabos and the protected Cabo Pulmo, captivating travelers with its breathtaking landscapes. The Puerto Vallarta / Nuevo Vallarta areas are nestled between the majestic Sierra Madre mountains and beautiful Banderas Bay off the Pacific Ocean.
typical tourist destinations. The rise of ‘colonial tourism’ introduces visitors to historical colonial-era settlements like Merida and Guanajuato, offering a glimpse into Mexico’s fascinating past. These cities, once overlooked, now stand as cultural gems, revealing the country’s diverse and storied history.
Another of the many reasons people vacation in Mexico is Mexican cuisine. A cornerstone of the nation’s identity, it adds another layer to the vacation experience. From savory street tacos to rich mole sauces, every bite is a culinary delight. Indulge in the diverse flavors of regional specialties, savor the freshness of seafood along the coast, and explore the artistry of mezcal and tequila. Mexican cuisine, with its vibrant colors and bold flavors, is a journey for the senses.
world-class hospitality, beautiful nature, incredible culture, fabulous food, solid infrastructure, and a commitment to safety.
