History Of Cancun: From Mayan Refuge To Tourist Paradise

BY  Sibashree Sep 15, 2025

The Pueblos Magicos Program of the Mexican Government has identified 132 Magical Towns of Mexico. This program supports these magical towns for the preservation and enhancement of their natural beauty and cultural and architectural heritage.  Mazamitla is one of these magical towns, and I came across it on my last trip to Guadalajara. In this Tour and Travel Blog, I will share a brief account of my last trip to Mazamitla Mexico. What Is Mazamitla Mexico Famous For? Mazamitla is just 80 km from Guadalajara, and it is in the state of Jalisco. Nestled in the Sierra del Tigre mountain range, Mazamitla also has the nickname of “The Switzerland of Mexico.” As I talked to the locals, a senior said, “People come to Mazamitla to relax. Also, the weather here is so good that you can come here during any part of the year.” Mazamitla is also 400 km away from Puerto Vallarta, a more popular and luxurious tourist destination in Jalisco.  It has chalet-like cabins and verdant hills. Further, the surrounding villages here make it a quaint little place, like an oasis in the heart of Mexico, and at an elevation of 2500 meters.. There is also a fascinating story behind how Mazamitla got its name. The name comes from the Nahuatl language. Nahuati is a Uto-Aztecan language, and today at least 1 million people speak this language.  Nevertheless, in Nahuatl, Mazamitla means a place where arrows are made for hunting deer. It is a combination of three phrases.  Mazatl or Deer Mitl or Arrow Tlan or Place Along with Nahuatl, the people of Mazamitla speak many other dialects.  How To Reach Mazamitla Mexico? I took the Autotransportes Mazamitla bus service from the Nueva Central Camionera stop in Guadalajara. Buses depart every one hour. However, travel time and bus timings can vary. Also, if you want a non-stop journey and to pace the travel more conveniently, you can rent a car. By car, you will reach Mazamitla in less than 2 hours. However, the bus services do not have any express option, and there will be frequent stops.  So, even if the bus promises to take you to Mazamitla within 3 hours, it took close to 4 hours for me.  After Reaching Mazamitla Mexico  The bus dropped us at Mazamitla station. I tried booking an Uber or a taxi. Uber does not work here, and taxis are very few. It’s great that Mazamitla is walkable. So, I started walking through the hills.  Yes, it was like morning workouts for me. Still, I didn’t mind, and I reached the main square. The main square has cobblestone streets, exuding the perfect dark academia vibe. I did not have any prior hotel booking, and it was a conscious decision, considering Mazamitla allows you to be a little carefree.  Nevertheless, after around 15 minutes of walking, I found a decent and modest accommodation as the locals helped me. The place I stayed was called the Monteverde Hotel.  I loved the fireplace in my room, and the living area was warm and relaxing. However, remember that they are going to charge you extra money for the daily delivery of kindling and charcoal.  La Estela and Huerta Real are two other popular hotels in Mazamitla Mexico.  What Are The Things To See In Mazamitla? What Are The Things To Do?  Mazamitla is the place where you need to move slowly and indulge in the vibe the magical town has to offer. I spent some time with the locals here, and it was great fun. However, if you want to wander alone, you will enjoy the sight of white-washed buildings along the streets. Here are the places I visited during my trip to Mazamitla. 1. The Parroquia De San Cristobal The Parroquia de San Cristobal, or the Saint Christopher's Parish here, is a main cultural and religious attraction.  This Parish, with its distinct architecture, shows a significant Chinese influence. It has tower spires and a wooden structure. Additionally, the church takes on a distinct visual character thanks to its scenic backdrop. Now, that was quite interesting, considering the history of the town goes back to 1165, and the Aztecs built it. However, the locals could not tell much about how the Chinese elements came here.  Later, I studied the Chinese encounters with Mexico, which date back to the 16th century, and this began with Spanish colonization.  2. The Local Market  The local market in Mazamitla is an extension of how the town is. It’s bustling with energy, but now the usual kind you will notice in a regular market. Everyone knows each other, and there is a strong sense of community.  From the local market, you can collect handicrafts made of dried pine branches. Also, you will get fresh produce and colorful silk textiles.  Moreover, if you want to try local food, you must explore the upper section of the market. This section has food vendors, and I loved Atole here. It was a hot corn barrage, which was comforting and ideal for the chill in the air.  Bote is another delicacy I found that many locals are having. This rich soup has vegetables, pork, and beef.  3. Sierra Del Tigre Mountains View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jessica Varela (@varelabere) Yes, now, here is the main thing. The reason why Mazamitla is so special! Many local companies here offer rugged safari truck drives to the beautiful hills in groups. The road to the hills is through the wilderness.  Also, as the truck moved through the wilderness, the panoramic views of the surroundings made the journey worthwhile. Further, before reaching the mountains, we stopped at Valle de Juarez. I loved the ride in a small trajinera boat in the dam here. These small boats were very colorful.  While taking the boat rides, we enjoyed a lovely view of the canals of Xochimilco in Mexico City.  After the boat ride, the truck stopped at Panaderia Don Vicente. It’s a bakery where we had the refreshments with cookies and bread. And once we all were full, we resumed our safari to the mountains.  Mazamitla Mexico: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about Mazamitla Mexico.  1. What Is The Best Time To Visit Mazamitla Mexico? November to February is the best time to visit Mexico. These months are cooler and drier. So, you can enjoy the beauty of the town and the mountains. Furthermore, the average temperature during the autumn and winter seasons in Mazamitla hovers around 69 degrees F.  2. What Language Do They Speak In Mazamitla? People in Mazamitla mostly speak Spanish. However, many inhabitants here speak Nahuatl and other indigenous languages.  3. Is Mazamitla Safe? Mazamitla is safe, and as a woman solo traveler, I did not face many challenges during my 2-day stay here. However, there are reports of petty crimes, and at night, there is not much mobility across the town. Read Also: What Is Villa Lala Puerto Vallarta Known For? (Experiences, Costs, Amenities, And More) Why Is Kawasan Falls Known For? (Description, Location, Activities, Timing, And More) What Is Luxembourg Known For? Why Is It A Popular Destination For Business Travel?

BY  Sibashree Sep 15, 2025

“Many violent crimes take place in Mexico. They include homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery. There is a risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Mexico.” This is how the travel advisory summary of the U.S. State Department opens. The advisory, issued on 12th August 2025, asks travelers to exercise Level 2 or increased caution.  Furthermore, the UK Foreign Travel Advice about Mexico says,  “In the aftermath of Hurricane Otis, normal work by local authorities to reduce risks to tourists in Acapulco’s tourist area has stopped while they focus on recovery efforts. There are reports of an increase in crime, robbery and looting across the city, including in previously designated tourist areas. Take extreme care if you travel to Acapulco.” Also on forums such as Reddit and Quora, everyone is talking about is Acapulco safe now or not. Moreover, about the declining popularity of Acalpulco, one user on Reddit has written,  “No, absolutely not. There were some incidents a few years back of dead bodies washing up on beaches with tourists taking pictures (cartel killings). The city is awash in crime and the economy is really bad. In the 1970s-1980s, most of the family-tourism traffic and nightlife moved to Cancun and the Riviera Maya (which is a purpose-built region) and then most of the upscale tourism shifted to Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas. Acapulco is a dump these days.” Once a dominant global destination, Acapulco is now a forgotten or lesser-celebrated name among travelers. In this Tour and Travel Blog, we will discuss the serious safety concern impacting the life and tourism in Acapulco and how it is planning to make a comeback.  Is Acapulco Safe Now? The Resilience And The Concerns Acapulco is the first international tourist destination in Mexico. With a beach area of 50 kilometers, verdant mountains, and lagoons, it is an ideal beach tourism retreat in the heart of Mexico.  Furthermore, Acapulco was prompt in response to the COVID-19 debacle and adhered to the safety and hygiene standards. The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) even awarded Acapulco the “Safe Travels” stamp.  Even after Hurricane Otis in October 2023, the city showed its resilience, with international travel airlines such as United Airlines resuming their services by May 2024. Since then, the city has also hosted major events such as the Mexican Open and Tianguis Turistico, or the annual tourism conference of Mexico.  In addition, there have been announcements of major inaugurations such as The Pierre & Diamonds, a luxury real estate project by the Mundo Imperial slated to open in 2026.  Moreover, Visit Acapulco, the official tourism organization of the city, has assured that hundreds of families enjoy trips to Acapulco because of the peace and tranquility.  While the grit and the character of the city to bounce back are not to be questioned, there are some areas of serious concern. The Increasing Crime Rate In Acapulco This increasing crime rate is one of the reasons why Acapulco is losing its charm as a spring break destination in 2025. However, places such as Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas are generally considered safer travel destinations in Mexico.  Nevertheless, here are the details of crime rates in Mexico. (Source: Numbeo).  Crime Rates in MexicoRatingCommentCrime Level80.56 Very HighCrime Increase Rate for the Last Five Years67.39HighViolent Crime77.52HighCrime due to Drug Dealing and Using67.44High From A Celebrity Hotspot To A Struggling Beach Location: The Transformation Of Acapulco Acapulco, on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, has been a popular celebrity tourism destination throughout the 20th century. It had earned the reputation of being the Riviera of Mexico, with celebrities such as Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor flocking to this Mexican beach vacation frequently.  However, the high rates of drug cartel crimes and violent crimes have made this beach retreat less popular among international tourists. Today, tourists are looking for safer alternatives such as Los Cabos or Cancun.  What’s So Special About Acapulco? Know Things You Cannot Miss In Acapulco The beaches and the unique gastronomic experience are the things you cannot miss in Acapulco. Here are the details.  1. The Best Beaches In Acapulco The beaches of Acapulco are beautiful, with the Pacific Ocean kissing the golden sandy shores. Bars, restaurants, and other amenities make the beaches of Acapulco the ultimate destination for family vacations.  At the same time, you can bring out your adventurous self on these beaches with activities such as snorkeling, surfing, parasailing, and skiing.  The most popular beaches in Acapulco are Condesa Beach, Pichilingue Beach, Majahua Beach, and Barra de Coyuca.  2. The Best Gastromic Experience In Acapulco Zocalo de Acapulco is the hub if you want to try the authentic flavors of Acapulco and the best international cuisines. You can try fish tacos, enchiladas, and tamales from the local vendors in Acapulco. Furthermore, Pozole is a kind of popular Mexican stew. It has variations such as green, white or red.  The Acapulco Se Transforma Contigo (Acapulco Transforms With You) Program: The Way Forward For Acapulco  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Partido Morena (@morena_partido) The Mexican Government has recently issued a decree and the Acapulco se Transforma Contigo (Acapulco Transforms With You) program to build an “Integrally Planned Center (CIP).” According to a report in Mexico Business News, Sebastián Ramírez, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, has said that the Federal Government will invest MX$800 million for the development of the port.  Furthermore, for many other cities in Mexico, CIP has been a successful model, promoting a tourism boom. Therefore, it will play a crucial role in the city's transformation.  In addition, there will be a revitalization of the Bay of Acapulco. The revitalization program will create a historical, tourism, and cultural circuit of 5 km.  Moreover, Acapulco is going to have the Maribus maritime transportation system, protected natural areas such as the Puerto Marques Complex, and the Coyuca-Tres Palos Lagoon System, along with amenities such as free Wi-Fi on the beaches.  In addition, there will be major road and public infrastructure developments, like the National Water Commission (CONAGUA) investing MX$7.9 billion for better potable water, sanitation, and flood management facilities.  So, Acapulco, Mexico, is standing on the verge of a massive transformation, and with a controlled crime rate, the city has every potential to regain its glory as a celebrated travel destination.  Is Acapulco Safe? Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about safety in Acalpulco.  1. What Is The Safest Way To Go Around Acapulco? Acapulco has an extensive bus network. It also has many other shared ride services. However, considering the safety scenario of the city, it is better to book app cabs or opt for the pre-arranged airport services.  2. What Language Do They Speak In Acapulco? Most people in Acapulco speak Spanish. However, if you don’t know Spanish, you will also find people speaking English. Still, you can learn some basic words and phrases in Spanish for easy conversations.  3. What Is The Safest City In Mexico? Mérida, the capital of Yucatán, is often considered the safest city in Mexico. The U.S. State Department also considers Mérida safe for travelers. The USA travel advisory has also just issued a “Level 1: Exercise normal precautions" statement for the region. Furthermore, the city boasts a strong sense of community involvement and civic pride. In addition, it has the best infrastructure.  4. Is Acapulco Or Cancun Safer? Cancun is a safer place than Acapulco, considering the level of crime in Acapulco is 80.56, and in Cancun, it is 60.50. Furthermore, the overall crime index of Acapulco is 66.27, and for Cancun, it is 55.27. (Source: Numbeo).  Read Also: What Is Mazamitla Mexico, Known For? (Directions, Things To Do, Accommodations, And More) Is Monterrey Mexico Safe For A Holiday? Decoding Your Travel Safety For A Trip To Mexico Valladolid Mexico: Exploring The City That Was Built In 1543

BY  Sibashree Feb 16, 2026

Mexico City is the destination for millions of travelers and passengers from all parts of the world. Also, it is a prominent hub for domestic passengers.  However, not many travelers know how many Mexico City airports there are.  So, in today’s blog, I will talk about the key airports in Mexico City. These airports offer a range of flights. Also, now, thanks to tools such as Kiwi, you can compare the deals and services offered by airlines and book cheap flights for budget-friendly travel. How Many Mexico City Airports Are There? If you’re going to the high and busy middle part of Mexico, the first thing you need to know is where to land. Mexico City’s airport system serves millions of travelers among three different airports.  By 2026, two of those airports will be right inside the metro area, and there’s a third one people mostly talk about for domestic flights or private planes. 1. Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX): The Traditional Powerhouse Known to locals as AICM (Aeropuerto Internacional de la Ciudad de México), Benito Juárez is the grand dame of Mexican aviation.  It has always been the most preferred due to its proximity to the city’s core, located just 5 kilometers east of Centro Histórico. Facilities And Terminals MEX uses two terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. They are joined by Aerotrén, an automated people mover. The old sprawling house has most international carriers (like Air France, Lufthansa, and United), besides several domestic budget airlines. The modern, sleek building is an exclusive home of Aeroméxico and its SkyTeam partners (like Delta). 2026 Renovation  Approaching 2026, a major structural redesign has been applied to MEX.  To host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, this airport upgraded its baggage systems and enlarged immigration areas equipped with biometric "e-Gates" to cut down on the notorious wait times.  However, since it is landlocked by urban sprawl, MEX remains prone to congestion, and "slots" (flight timings) are tightly controlled. 2. Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA): The Modern Alternative AIFA (NLU) opened in 2022 on the grounds of a defunct military airbase; it was built to resolve the saturation problems experienced at Benito Juárez.  Situated in Zumpango, 45 kilometers north of the city, it provides a completely different experience. Why AIFA? AIFA has a huge, modern terminal with plenty of space, high ceilings, and cultural exhibits (including a mammoth museum!), as well as a much lower TUA (airport departure fee), which often translates to lower ticket prices. Initially, AIFA focused on domestic flights; however, by 2026, it is expected to have a much wider international reach, including more destinations in the U.S., Central America, and some European charter destinations. Connectivity Breakthrough Historically, AIFA's biggest challenge has been its distance. However, in early 2026, the Buenavista Station (central Mexico City) extension of the Suburban Train (Tren Suburbano) will become operational.  This will allow passengers to reach the airport in 40 to 45 minutes, significantly improving AIFA's competitiveness with MEX, which is more centrally located. 3. Toluca International Airport (TLC): The "Secret" Third Option TLC sits just outside Mexico City, over in Toluca, but a lot of people use it when they want to dodge the chaos of the main airport.  Private jets come through here, and you’ll also see budget flights from Volaris and Viva Aerobus. It’s around 50 kilometers west of the city, close to Santa Fe and other upscale business areas.  The airport itself feels small and calm, nothing like the crowds at MEX.  If you’re staying out west, in places like Interlomas or Santa Fe, flying into Toluca usually gets you to your hotel way faster than battling traffic from the main airport. Transportation Guide: How To Get To Your Hotel When you land in Mexico City, how you get to your hotel depends on where you arrive. Mexico City's traffic is famous for its high concentration and for being difficult to navigate, so timing is key. 1. From Benito Juárez (MEX) Ride hailing, public transport, and authorized taxis are three main options when you are traveling from the Mexico Airports to Mexico City. Ride-Hailing Uber and Didi are the main options for ride-sharing apps, although you may have to walk to a specific pick-up zone across from the terminals or right outside. Authorized Taxis Use authorized taxi services. To use these authorized taxi services, you must pre-pay a fare at the taxi kiosks inside the terminals.  These taxis are safe, have fixed rates, but can be more costly than app-based companies such as Uber or Didi. Public Transit The Metro Line 5 (Yellow) serves Terminal 1. While incredibly cheap, it is not ideal if you have large suitcases, as the cars cannot be packed. 2. From Felipe Ángeles (AIFA) You can enjoy a train ride, take the Mexibús, or shuttle rides from the Felipe Ángeles Airport.  The Suburban Train Suburban trains are the quickest mode of transport to travel between the airport, AIFA, and the city’s center, Buenavista. From Buenavista, you can easily connect to the metro or take a short Uber to either Roma or Condesa. Mexibús If you are going to an area north of the city, you can take Mexibús, which is essentially a dedicated BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) lane that connects AIFA with the northern suburbs of Mexico City. Shuttles Additionally, there are many shuttle services operating between AIFA and many popular destinations, such as WTC (World Trade Center), AICM (International Airport of Mexico City), and more. 3. From Toluca (TLC) Interurban Train and shuttle vans are two options for traveling from the Toluca Airport to Mexico City.  Shuttle Vans "Caminantes" Shuttle buses connect the Airport and the Santa Fe District or the bus terminal/Observatorio.  Interurban Train You can also travel via the "Insurgente" train link now and enjoy a high-speed connection between Toluca and the western edge of Mexico City. Which One Should You Choose? Airport Benito Juárez (MEX) tends to be the simplest option for the first-time traveller. You will land in the centre of Mexico City, and in 20-40 minutes, you could reach your hotel in Roma or Polanco. If you are a budget-conscious traveller or travelling to the World Cup or some other large event, AIFA has an entrance point that is generally cleaner, more peaceful, and less expensive for you if you use the new rail link. Read Also: What Is Mazamitla Mexico, Known For? (Directions, Things To Do, Accommodations, And More) What Is Mazatlan Mexico Known For? 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