What Can You Expect from the New Year’s

BY  Abdul Aziz Sep 26, 2020

When you first visit the beautiful region of Puerto Vallarta in Mexico, you will ask yourself a simple question- Why didn’t I come here before? The tropical paradise boasts of some of the world’s most exotic and undiscovered beaches. Its clear white shorelines and the tranquil blue waters make it straight out some Hollywood A-List movie. However, places like Puerto Vallarta have never marketed themselves as other overrated places in the Mediterranean have. In this article, we are going to extensively review that paradise situated in the Bahia de Banderas- Puerto Vallarta. We are going to shed some light on its major attractions. In addition, we will layout some reasons as to why you should consider traveling to Puerto Vallarta on your next vacation. Puerto Vallarta: What you need to know The region of Puerto Vallarta is located on the Pacific Ocean and has at its boundary the Sierra Madre Mountain. Puerto Vallarta has been consistently rated as one of Mexico’s top family vacation destinations. You can say that this is a Resort City and has numerous tourist attractions. Puerto Vallarta lies bang on the Banderas Bay and is closely situated from Nueva Vallarta, another promising and fun resort city. The world-famous Aquaventuras Park is also situated in Puerto Vallarta. The Park is also located in close proximity to Nueva Vallarta. Many people think that Puerto Vallarta is all about the beach. Yes, there is no doubt that the beach is one of the major attractions. However, there is more to the city than the beach. For example, you can choose to spend time in the amazing water park, Aquaventuras. You can also go hiking and explore the rich mountains and forest areas. Puerto Vallarta is a highly colorful Bohemian town having a strong colonial heritage. You will find colorful walls, friendly people, and great local cuisine wherever you go. List of Main Attractions at Puerto Vallarta Activities in Puerto Vallarta are endless. In this section, we are going to discuss some of the major ones, which you should definitely try if you visit. 1. Swimming with the Dolphins- One of the major reasons, thousands of tourists visit this gem of a place is because if offers swimming with the dolphins. You can interact with them, pet them, catch their tricks, and even swim with them in the open waters. This is a truly magical experience, especially for kids who fall in love with these magical beings every single time. 2. Hiking in the Sierra Madre Mountains- If you really want to explore nature and work out, you should definitely try hiking on the Sierra Madre Mountains. You can even do mountain biking if you are so interested or enjoy a leisurely horse ride to the top of the mountains. There are also many eco-tours conducted by locals, which showcase the rich flora and fauna of the region on a hiking tour. 3. Shopping Paradise- We are all guilty of indulging in some shopping whenever we travel. If you are like one of us, Puerto Vallarta has you covered. The bohemian paradise boasts of a number of shops selling everything from clothes to artifacts. However, you need to be careful and be willing to bargain if you want to strike a good deal with locals. 4. Marine Shows- Being located on the Banderas Bay and the Pacific Ocean means that Puerto Vallarta sees a lot of marine action and wildlife. From whales migrating to wild dolphins swimming along the coastlines, you can catch them all from the safety of your boat. You can also go scuba diving and explore the underwater reefs and aquatic life. 5. Golfing Activity- If you are someone who wants to go golfing on your next vacation. Puerto Vallarta has you covered. The region boasts some of the most exotic golf parks nestled between mountains and the coastline. You can surely take some time out and go golfing with your buddies if you are traveling with friends or colleagues. What precautions you should take when traveling to Puerto Vallarta? Whenever we travel to any new destination, it is important that we take certain precautions. Travel experts suggest that tourists should take the following ones when traveling to Puerto Vallarta- Always consumer bottled or mineral water in packaged form even if you are eating at local restaurants. Do not carry a lot of cash on you at any point in It is always better to carry a separate debit or a credit card with limited finances. Try to book your stay from authentic and credible travel platforms. You can also directly contact the hotels and book from them. Never try to book a local tour guide for your own safety. Ask the hotel or the resort to appoint one for you who is listed and registered. Do not go off your itinerary even if you are suggested of the same by a local. Visiting off-beat places should be something, you should look to avoid. You do not need to exchange your currency from USD into Pesos as most major hotels and restaurants accept dollars. You should always carry a copy of your official documents at all times. This can also include a photocopy of your Passport. As long as you are taking these precautions, you will be able to enjoy your vacation in Puerto Vallarta without any troubles. This list of precautions is something, which should be followed at all places, no matter where you visit. The Final Word Swim with dolphins in Puerto Vallarta can be one of the most memorable experiences of your life. However, Puerto Vallarta offers something for everyone. From great golf estates to a shopper’s paradise, you can soak up the different sights and sounds of Puerto Vallarta. In terms of the expenses, Puerto Vallarta is definitely much more affordable than any European city. Even if you compare the same to Hawaii, you will find that almost all the expenses are way cheaper. This is why in the last few years, many families are abandoning vacations in the Caribbean islands and heading out to this scenic paradise in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Read Also: What Can You Expect From The New Year’s In Mexico

BY  Sibashree Sep 18, 2025

Mazatlan Mexico, despite all its great tourism numbers, is facing serious safety concerns. In 2025, Mazatlan continues to be one of the most successful coastal cities for a maritime tourism boom in Mexico.  According to data from Travel and Tour World, Mazatlan welcomed 62 cruises from 1st January to 14th July 2025. The number of cruise passengers for the same period was 227,138.  Now, beyond a tourism influx, these numbers indicate a revival of the regional economy here. With more tourists visiting Mazatlan, there will be a boost to the local retail, transport, and restaurant businesses. There will also be new employment opportunities.  However, Mazatlan has always been a favorite coastal getaway and is dubbed the “Pearl of the Pacific.” It boasts rich history, culture, and matchless scenic beauty.  Still, with the USA and Canada travel advisories asking you to observe increased caution in Mazatlan, tourist safety remains a concern.  In this Tour and Travel Blog, we will discuss what Mazatlan is known for and how safe it is for tourists now.  What Is Mazatlan Mexico Known For? A Mix Of Classical Experiences And What’s New Mazatlan is an important city in the Mexican Pacific corridor. It also now has improved port facilities, improving the number of cruise visitors to the city.  Furthermore, taking all the safety challenges in stride, Mazatlan is now gearing up for the Carnaval in February-March 2026. So, it’s the best time to explore the best of the city and the attractions that have been added to the city’s landmarks recently.  1. The Malecón The Malecón is a 21-km stretch of an oceanfront boardwalk, and it offers the most amazing views of the Pacific Ocean. It is one of the longest boardwalks in the world and ideal for strolls, bike rides, and cafe visits throughout the day and night. 2. Basilica Of The Immaculate Conception The Basilica is an important landmark of Mazatlan, Mexico. Located near the historic center of the city, the Basilica boasts a mix of Moorish, Baroque-revival, and Gothic architectural styles.  3. Plazuela Machado Mazatlán’s historic center houses Plazuela Machado. It is the best place to learn about the cultural heritage of Mazatlan. It has many 19th-century buildings, live music venues, cafes, restaurants, and cultural hotspots.  4. Stone Island Or Isla De La Piedra View this post on Instagram A post shared by Larry Vanstone (@larry_vanstone) You can plan a day trip to Stone Island. It has the most tranquil ambiance, and it is just a boat ride away from Mazatlan. Furthermore, it is ideal for outdoor activities such as horseback riding and snorkeling. 5. Mercado Pino Suarez View this post on Instagram A post shared by D de Delia | Delia Gaxiola (@ddedelia) Mercado Pino Suarez, or the local market of Mazatlan, is the best place to learn about the local people and culture. Also, you must try the local seafood delicacies and collect some handicrafts as souvenirs.  6. Cliff Divers At El Clavadista If you want to be a little adventurous, the cliff divers at El Clavadista will be the go-to place for you. You can jump here from the high cliffs and into the water below.  7. Angela Peralta Theater View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jaime Marie Webb (@jaimewebbsoprano) The Angela Peralta Theater, named after Angela Peralta, the “Nightingale of Mexico,” dates back to the 19th century. It is now beautifully restored and it hosts many opera and dance shows, and concerts.  8. Gran Acuario Mazatlan Hours Open: 9 AM to 6 PM View this post on Instagram A post shared by Gran Acuario Mazatlán (@granacuariomazatlan) Opened in 2023, Gran Acuario Mazatlan is now the biggest aquarium in the city. It beautifully displays the marine life of the Sea of Cortez. You will find many sea turtles, jellyfish, rays, and sharks in the aquarium.  You will also spot penguins and sea lions here. In addition, there are outdoor spaces for lizards and birds.  Yes, the entry tickets are a little expensive. However, the experience here is unforgettable.  Groups/CategoriesEntry FeeAdults$593Local Adults$470Minors$485Local Minors$420Seniors (Above 65)$450Visitors with DisabilityFree Is It Safe To Travel To Mazatlan Right Now?  The Mexico Travel Advice issued by the Canadian Government, updated on 15th September 2025, has asked travelers to Mexico to “exercise a high degree of caution.” Furthermore, there are specific directives for visitors to Mazatlán and its surrounding areas.  It says,  “In recent weeks, there have been violent clashes between rival armed groups in Culiacán, Mazatlán and their surrounding areas. Armed groups have stopped vehicles on the highway from Culiácan to Mazatlán and other major roads.” Also, the USA travel advisory has issued a Level 4 caution for the entire State of Sinaloa, where Mazatlan is located. Recent drug cartel crimes and acts of terrorism in the state trigger this advisory.  However, beyond these travel advisories, we need to adopt a balanced approach for understanding the safety situations of Mazatlan Mexico. So, here are the details.  1. Transportation Safety The public buses and pulmonías or golf-cart-like-taxis are the best modes of communication in Mazatlan to explore the city like a local.  Furthermore, if you want to avoid the rush, you can take an app cab or the red and green taxis of the city.  2. Crime Levels Yes, drug cartels, pickpocketing, and thefts remain a concern in Mazatlan, like many other areas in Mexico, such as Acapulco. However, at the same time, the government has adopted a heightened security strategy for Mazatlan because it is a key economic zone.  3. Health And Environmental Safety Summer is extremely hot and humid in Mazatlan. Also, the coastal city experiences the rampages of hurricanes from late summer to early fall.  So, when planning a trip to Mazatlan, you must be very careful about the weather conditions.  4. Overall Tourism Security  An increased police presence in the Old Town, Golden Zone, and Malecón is expected to enhance the experience for both local and international visitors. Furthermore, the critical public spaces now have special surveillance cameras and other equipment.  As a result, the city is already experiencing a drop in the number of thefts and pickpocketing.  Is Puerto Vallarta Or Mazatlan Better? Puerto Vallarta is more of a luxury hotspot. However, Mazatlan is more raw and pure if you are willing to have a Mexican experience. Mazatlan is also a maritime tourism hotspot with the charm of a quintessential port city.  However, Puerto Vallarta, in the state of Jalisco, is safer than Mazatlán. According to the US Travel Advisory, Puerto Vallarta is under the “Level: 3 - Reconsider travel” category, while Mazatlan is under the “Level: 4 - Do not travel” category. Mazatlan, Mexico: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about Mazatlan, Mexico.  1. Is There A Hurricane Season In Mazatlan? Yes, there is a hurricane season in Mazatlan. It starts from 15th May and continues till 30th November. Furthermore, the city experiences the maximum rampages of hurricanes from July to September.  2. Can You Swim In The Ocean In Mazatlan? Yes, you can swim in the ocean in Mazatlan. There are swimmable beaches such as Playa Norte and Playa Los Pinos. Furthermore, many organizers offer eco tours where you can swim with dolphins in their natural habitats.  3. What Is The Best Time To Visit Mazatlan? Late November to March is the best time to visit Mazatlan. The hurricane season is over, and these months have a moderate and less humid weather condition. Furthermore, the Mazatlán Carnaval in the months of February/March allows you to have the best cultural experience in the city.  4. What To Eat In Mazatlan? Mazatlan is famous for its shrimp and seafood. You cannot miss grilled fish or pescado zarandeado here. Also, spicy shrimp ceviche or aguachile is a must-try dish in Mazatlan. 

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