USA: Mexico Travel Advisory

U.S. Department of State issued an update to its Mexico travel advisory, telling tourists to exercise increased caution when visiting the country.

The update comes just one day after authorities confirmed the discovery of eight bodies outside the resort areas of Cancun, however, the State Department’s advisory for the state of Quintana Roo, where Cancun is located, remains at a Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution), just as it did in the week preceding the discovery.

The rest of the warning is also largely the same as the previous advisory, albeit with a change concerning government personnel traveling to the Chihuahua city of Ciudad Juarez.

A spokesperson for the board of tourism for Quintana Roo issued a statement in response to the advisory update, claiming it does not apply to tourist or beach areas.

The State Department travel advisory for Mexico does not include any tourist or beach areas and reaffirms that all major tourist destinations in Mexico are safe, the Quintana Roo tourism spokesperson said.

The travel warning, does, however, warn visitors to Quintana Roo to continue to exercise increased caution due to crime.

The advisory also urges U.S. citizens to avoid certain areas outright.

Exercise increased caution in Mexico due to crime. Some areas have increased risk, reads the travel warning, which specifically lists the states of Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa and Tamaulipas as being under a Level 4 advisory.

This meaning U.S. citizens should not travel to these areas for safety and security reasons.

The State Department cited violent crime, such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery, in the advisory, calling the activity widespread.

Exercise increased caution in Mexico due to crime. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Violent crime, such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery, is widespread.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in many areas of Mexico as U.S. government employees are prohibited from travel to these areas.

U.S. government employees are prohibited from intercity travel after dark in many areas of Mexico. U.S. government employees are also not permitted to drive from the U.S.- Mexico border to or from the interior parts of Mexico with the exception of daytime travel on Highway 15 between Nogales and Hermosillo.

Do not travel to:

- Colima state due to crime.

- Guerrero state due to crime.

- Michoacán state due to crime.

- Sinaloa state due to crime.

- Tamaulipas state due to crime.

For all other states in Mexico, please see detailed information below.

If you decide to travel to Mexico:

U- se toll roads when possible and avoid driving at night.

- Exercise increased caution when visiting local bars, nightclubs, and casinos.

- Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.

- Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.

- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.

- Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.

- Review the Crime and Safety Reports for Mexico.

- U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
Aguascalientes state – Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

Exercise increased caution due to crime.

U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling between cities at night. Additionally, U.S. government employees are prohibited from patronizing adult clubs and gambling establishments in Aguascalientes.

Baja California state – Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

Exercise increased caution due to crime.

Criminal activity and violence, including homicide, remain an issue throughout the state. According to the Baja California State Secretariat for Public Security, the state experienced an increase in homicide rates compared to the same period in 2016.

While most of these homicides appeared to be targeted, criminal organization assassinations, turf battles between criminal groups have resulted in violent crime in areas frequented by U.S. citizens. Bystanders have been injured or killed in shooting incidents.

Due to poor cellular service and hazardous road conditions, U.S. government employees are only permitted to travel on La Rumorosa between Mexicali and Tijuana on the toll road during daylight.

There are no U.S. government restrictions in tourist areas in Baja California, which includes: Ensenada, Rosarito, and Tijuana.

Baja California Sur state – Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

Exercise increased caution due to crime.

Criminal activity and violence, including homicide, remain an issue throughout the state. According to Government of Mexico statistics, the state experienced an increase in homicide rates compared to the same period in 2016.

While most of these homicides appeared to be targeted, criminal organization assassinations, turf battles between criminal groups have resulted in violent crime in areas frequented by U.S. citizens. Bystanders have been injured or killed in shooting incidents.

There are no U.S. government restrictions for travel in Baja California Sur, which includes the tourist areas of Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo, and La Paz.

Campeche state – Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

Exercise increased caution. Police presence and emergency response are extremely limited outside of the state capital.

There are no travel restrictions on U.S. government employees.

Chiapas state – Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

Exercise increased caution due to crime.

U.S. government employees are encouraged to remain in tourist areas and are not permitted to use public transportation. U.S. government employees are permitted to drive during daylight only.

There are no restrictions on U.S. government employees in tourist areas in Chiapas state, such as: Palenque, San Cristobal de las Casas, and Tuxtla Gutierrez.

Chihuahua state – Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Reconsider travel due to crime. Violent crime and gang activity are widespread.

Travel for U.S. government employees is limited to the following areas with the noted restrictions:

Ciudad Juarez: Due to an increase in homicides during daylight hours in the downtown area, U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling to downtown Ciudad Juarez i.e., the area south of Calle Malecon, west of Calle 5 de Mayo, north of Calle 18 de Marzo, and east of Avenida Francisco Villa, unless approved in advance by the Consulate General’s leadership.

U.S. government employees are prohibited from travel after dark west of Eje Vial Juan Gabriel and south of Boulevard Zaragoza. U.S. government employees are prohibited from travel to the areas southeast of Boulevard Independencia and the Valle de Juarez region.

U.S. personnel must take the most direct route north of Boulevard Zaragoza to access the Ciudad Juarez Airport on Highway 45.

Within the city of Chihuahua: U.S. government employees are prohibited from travel to the Morelos, Villa, and Zapata districts.

Ojinaga: U.S. government employees must travel via U.S. Highway 67 through the Presidio, Texas Port-of-Entry.

Palomas and the Nuevo Casas Grandes/Paquime region: U.S. government employees must use U.S. Highway 11 through the Columbus, New
Mexico Port-of- Entry.

Nuevo Casas Grandes: U.S. government employees are prohibited from travel outside the city limits after dark.

Coahuila state – Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Reconsider travel due to crime. Violent crime is widespread. Local law enforcement has limited capability to prevent and respond to crime, particularly in the northern part of the state.

U.S. government employees are not permitted to travel in Coahuila state, with the exception of Saltillo, Bosques de Monterreal, and Parras de la Fuente. U.S. government employees can only travel to those cities using the most direct routes and maximizing the use of toll highways.

Between 1 a.m. and 6 a.m., U.S. government employees must remain within Saltillo, Bosques de Monterreal, or Parras de la Fuente.

U.S. government employees are permitted to travel to Piedras Negras and Ciudad Acuna but they must travel to these cities from the United States only.

U.S. government employees are prohibited from patronizing adult clubs and gambling establishments in Coahuila.

Colima state – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Do not travel due to crime. Violent crime and gang activity are widespread.

U.S. government employees are prohibited from travel to Tecoman or within 12 miles of the Colima-Michoacán border and on Route 110 between La Tecomaca and the Jalisco border.

There are no restrictions on U.S. government employees travel along Route 200 from the Jalisco border to Manzanillo, including the Manzanillo airport. There are no restrictions on U.S. government employees for stays in Manzanillo from Marina Puerto Santiago to Playa las Brisas.

U.S. government employees are prohibited from patronizing adult clubs and gambling establishments in Colima.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Durango state – Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Reconsider travel due to crime. Violent crime and gang activity along the highways are common.

U.S. government employees may travel outside the city of Durango only during daylight on toll roads. Between 1 a.m. and 6 a.m., U.S. government employees must remain within Durango city.

U.S. government employees are prohibited from patronizing adult clubs and gambling establishments in Durango.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Estado de Mexico state – Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Reconsider travel due to crime. Violent crime is common in parts of Estado de Mexico.

U.S. government employees are prohibited from travel to the following municipalities, unless they are traveling directly through the municipalities on major thoroughfares:

- Coacalco

- Ecatepec

- Nezahualcoyotl

- La Paz

- Valle del Chalco

- Solidaridad

- Chalco

- Ixtapaluca

- Tlatlaya

U.S. government employees are prohibited from travel on any roads between Morelos, Huitzilac, and Santa Martha, Estado de Mexico, including the Lagunas de Zempoala National Park and surrounding areas.

Guanajuato state – Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

Exercise increased caution due to crime.

There are no travel restrictions on U.S. government employees.

Guerrero state – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Do not travel due to crime. Armed groups operate independently of the government in many areas of Guerrero. Members of these groups frequently maintain roadblocks and may use violence towards travelers.

U.S. government employees are prohibited from travel to the entire state of Guerrero, including Acapulco.

Hidalgo state – Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

Exercise increased caution due to crime.

There are no travel restrictions on U.S. government employees.

Jalisco state – Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Reconsider travel due to crime. Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Jalisco state.

U.S. government employees are prohibited from travel to areas bordering Michoacán and Zacatecas states. U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling between cities after dark and from using Highway 80 between Cocula and La Huerta.

U.S. government employees may use federal toll road 15D for travel to Mexico City. However, they may not stop in the towns of La Barca or Ocotlan for any reason.

U.S. government employees are prohibited from patronizing adult clubs and gambling establishments in Jalisco.

There are no restrictions on U.S. government employees for stays in the following tourist areas in Jalisco state: Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Ajijic.

Mexico City – Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

Exercise increased caution due to crime.

There are no travel restrictions on U.S. government employees.

Michoacán state – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Do not travel due to crime. U.S. government employees are prohibited from travel in Michoacan state, with the exception of Morelia and Lazaro Cardenas cities and the area north of federal toll road 15D.

U.S. government employees are prohibited from travel by land, except on federal toll road 15D.

U.S. government employees may fly into Morelia and Lazaro Cardenas.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Morelos state – Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Reconsider travel due to crime. Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Morelos state.

U.S. government employees are prohibited from travel on any roads from Huitzilac to Santa Martha, Estado de Mexico, including Lagunas de Zempoala National Park and surrounding areas.

Nayarit state – Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Reconsider travel due to crime. Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Nayarit state.

U.S. government employees are prohibited from travel in most areas of the state, with the following exceptions:

- Riviera Nayarit (which includes Nuevo Vallarta and Bahia de Banderas)

- Santa Maria del Oro

- Xalisco

When traveling to permitted areas above, U.S. government employees must use major highways and cannot travel between cities after dark.

U.S. government employees are prohibited from patronizing adult clubs and gambling establishments in Nayarit.

Nuevo Leon state – Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Reconsider travel due to crime. Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Nuevo Leon state.

U.S. government employees may travel outside Monterrey only during daylight on toll roads, with the exception of travel to the Monterrey airport, which is permitted at any time.

U.S. government employees must remain within San Pedro Garza Garcia or Santa Catarina (south of the Santa Catarina river) municipalities between 1 a.m. and 6 a.m.

U.S. government employees are prohibited from patronizing adult clubs and gambling establishments in Nuevo Leon.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Oaxaca state – Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

Exercise increased caution due to crime.

In Oaxaca, U.S. government employees are encouraged to remain in tourist areas and are not permitted to use public transportation.

U.S. government employees are prohibited from travel on Highway 200 throughout the state, except to transit between the airport in Huatulco to hotels in Puerto Escondido and Huatulco.

U.S. government employees are prohibited from travel to the El Istmo region. The El Istmo region is defined by Highway 185D to the west, Highway 190 to the north, and the Oaxaca/Chiapas border to the east and includes the towns of Juchitan de Zaragoza, Salina Cruz, and San Blas.

Puebla state – Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

Exercise increased caution due to crime.

There are no travel restrictions on U.S. government employees.

Queretaro state – Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

Exercise increased caution due to crime.

There are no travel restrictions on U.S. government employees.

Quintana Roo state – Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

Exercise increased caution due to crime.

According to Government of Mexico statistics, the state experienced an increase in homicide rates compared to the same period in 2016.

While most of these homicides appeared to be targeted, criminal organization assassinations, turf battles between criminal groups have resulted in violent crime in areas frequented by U.S. citizens. Shooting incidents injuring or killing bystanders have occurred.

There are no restrictions on U.S. government employees for travel in Quintana Roo state, which includes tourist areas such as: Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and the Riviera Maya.

San Luis Potosi state – Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Reconsider travel due to crime. Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of San Luis Potosi state.

U.S. government employees may travel outside San Luis Potosi city only during daylight hours on toll roads. U.S. government employees must remain within San Luis Potosi city between 1 a.m. and 6 a.m.

U.S. government employees are prohibited from patronizing adult clubs and gambling establishments in San Luis Potosi.

Sinaloa state – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Do not travel due to crime. Violent crime is widespread. Criminal organizations are based and operating in Sinaloa state.

U.S. government employees are prohibited from travel in most areas of the state. In areas where travel is permitted, the following restrictions are in place:

Mazatlan: U.S. government travel is permitted only in Zona Dorada, the historic town center, and direct routes to and from these locations and the airport or the cruise ship terminal.

Los Mochis and Port Topolobampo: U.S. government travel is permitted within the city and the port, as well as direct routes to and from these locations and the airport.

Sonora state – Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Reconsider travel due to crime. Sonora is a key location used by the international drug trade and human trafficking networks. However, northern Sonora experiences much lower levels of crime than cities closer to Sinaloa and other parts of Mexico.

U.S. government employees visiting Puerto Penasco may use the Lukeville/Sonoyta crossing, and are required to travel during daylight hours on Federal Highway 8. U.S. government employees may also travel to Puerto Penasco from Nogales by using Federal Highway 15 south and east via Federal Highway 2 and State Highway 37 through Caborca during daylight hours.

U.S. government employees may travel between the cities of Nogales and Hemosillo, however, travel is restricted to daylight hours and only on Federal Highway 15 through Imuris, Magdalena, and Santa Ana.

U.S. government employees are prohibited from travel to:

The triangular region west of the Mariposa port-of-entry, east of Sonoyta, and north of Altar.

The district within Nogales that lies to the north of Ayenida Instituto Tecnologico and between Periferico and Corredor Fiscal, and the residential areas to the east of Plutarco Elias Calles.

U.S. government employees are not permitted to use taxi services in Nogales, but bus travel is permitted. Movement around the city after dark is by vehicle only. U.S. government employees should avoid El Centro and all night clubs after 10:00 p.m.

The eastern edge of the state of Sonora, which borders the state of Chihuahua, all points along that border east of Federal Highway 17, the road between Moctezuma and Sahuaripa, and state Highway 20 between Sahuaripa and the intersection with Federal Highway 16.

San Carlos, Guaymas, Empalme, and all points south of Hermosillo via Federal Highway 15.

Travel of U.S. government employees to the following cities is permitted with the noted restrictions:

San Luis Rio Colorado: U.S. government employees must travel during daylight hours through the San Luis, Arizona port-of-entry and may not travel beyond the city limits.

Cananea: U.S. government employees must travel during daylight hours through the Naco, Arizona port-of-entry and along Route 2 to Cananea, including the Cananea mine, and may not travel beyond the city limits.

Agua Prieta: U.S. government employees must travel during daylight hours through the Douglas, Arizona port-of-entry and may not travel beyond the city limits.

Tabasco state – Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

Exercise increased caution due to crime.

There are no travel restrictions on U.S. government employees.

Tamaulipas state – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Do not travel due to crime. Violent crime, such as murder, armed robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, extortion, and sexual assault, is common. Gang activity, including gun battles, is widespread.

Armed criminal groups target public and private passenger buses traveling through Tamaulipas, often taking passengers hostage and demanding ransom payments. Local law enforcement has limited capability to respond to violence in many parts of the state.

U.S. government employees are subject to movement restrictions and a curfew between midnight and 6 a.m.

U.S. government employees are prohibited from patronizing adult clubs and gambling establishments in Tamaulipas.

Tlaxcala state – Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

Exercise increased caution due to crime.

There are no travel restrictions on U.S. government employees.

Veracruz state – Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

Exercise increased caution due to crime.

U.S. government employees are encouraged to remain in tourist areas and are not permitted to use public transportation. U.S. government employees are permitted to drive during daylight only.

Yucatan state – Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

Exercise increased caution. Police presence and emergency response are extremely limited outside of the state capital.

There are no restrictions on U.S. government employees for travel in Yucatan state, which includes tourist areas such as: Chichen Itza, Merida, Uxmal, and Valladolid.

Zacatecas state – Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Reconsider travel due to crime. Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Zacatecas state.

U.S. government employees may travel outside Zacatecas city only during daylight hours on toll roads. U.S. government employees must remain within Zacatecas city between 1 a.m. and 6 a.m.

U.S. government employees are prohibited from patronizing adult clubs and gambling establishments in Zacatecas.


Tourism Observer

MEXICO: Travelers Advised Not To Go To Colima, Guerrero, Michoacán, Sinaloa And Tamaulipas States Due To Crime

U.S. State Department issued a level two travel advisory for Mexico after eight bodies were discovered in the beach resort city of Cancun.

Some of the bodies were discovered in the trunk of a taxi cab and at least two bodies were found dismembered.

The bodies of a man and a woman were discovered shoved into the trunk of an abandoned taxi cab at a shopping mall in the early hours Monday. The identities of the two victims was unknown.

Authorities discovered the bodies of two men dismembered and placed in several plastic bags at another location. The bodies, which were not identified, were discovered on Rancho Viejo avenue.

Another man was found on Tuesday bound and shot to death. A sixth man was murdered while lying in a hammock, while a seventh victim was fatally shot and covered in a plastic bag, the prosecutors’ office in the state of Quintana Roo said.

The eighth victim was found decapitated in the neighborhood of Tres Reyes. None of the slayings occurred in Cancun’s beach-side hotel zone.

The State Department warned travelers to exercise increased caution in Mexico due to crime. The travel advisory, which was issued on Tuesday, noted that violent crimes were widespread in the country.

Travelers were advised not to travel to Colima, Guerrero, Michoacán, Sinaloa and Tamaulipas states due to crime. The advisory suggested using toll roads whenever possible, avoiding driving at night and being vigilant while visiting banks or ATMs.

The travel advisory also noted that while many homicides in Quintana Roo state appeared to be targeted, violent crimes have occurred in areas frequented by American tourists.

Shooting incidents injuring or killing bystanders have occurred, the advisory said.

Violence in Cancun, which is a popular beach destination for international tourists, has been seemingly on the rise.

In April, 57 murders were reported, including 14 homicides that occurred within a 36-hour time frame near main tourists attractions.

Authorities believed those 14 murders were drug-related.


Tourism Observer

MEXICO: Yucatan Is A Weddings And Honeymoons Hot Spot

The tourism industry of “honeymooners”is becoming a strong potential for the state, coupled with destination weddings that for three years became a boom for these service providers, said the Council Business Tourism of Yucatan (Cetur).

The president of Cetur, Jorge Escalante Bolio, remarked that many people are choosing destination Yucatan to spend their honeymoon, especially in the haciendas and boutique hotels in Merida.

Fashion is in the city of Merida, especially in its beautiful ex-henequen haciendas, but it is also producing a boom of people who choose to spend their honeymoon in our city, he said.

He points out that Yucatan has the potential to be one of the country’s most important destinations in the honeymoon market, where haciendas, archaeological sites, beach hotels and local infrastructure are visited.

We have a great variety of services, offering the exclusivity and beauty of the haciendas, boutique hotels, gastronomy, historical sites and the mysticism of Mayan culture, for wedding services, he said.

In the months of April, May and June there was an important influx of wedding tourists from states like Tabasco, Veracruz, Michoacán, Nuevo Leon and Tamaulipas, as well as from the United States and Europe.

Many couples are already choosing to marry in the state with pre-Hispanic ceremonies themes.

In recent years, the Historic Center of Merida has experienced a revival that, in the opinion of residents, business leaders, foundations, businessmen and habitual visitors, gives it new life and charm.

Remodeled and embellished by their owners, rescue programs of municipal and state governments, and in the last days by companies that rehabilitate them, the sites have now a different face in contrast to the past.

Hostels, hotels, inns, restaurants, coffee shops, galleries, multiple shops, offices and houses resurface like the phoenix, remodeled, painted and adapted to the needs of their owners around some traditional neighborhoods of the city.

Many of these places are embellished with trees and plants at their doors or with new windows and doors, according to the colonia area where they are located.

The same happens with parks, streets, passageways, avenues and emblematic buildings, as in Santa Ana, Santiago, La Ermita and the 64th street that goes from this place to the Arch of San Juan, or the neighborhoods of La Mejorada and Santa Lucía. This last one is one of those showing the most economic revival in the last five years.

In addition, the many cultural activities that take place in the so-called monuments area of the city, as well as sports and entertainment attract many people outside of those who circulate due to the commercial movement.

Also the multiple activities held in the downtown as “In the heart of Mérida”, which is held on Fridays at 60th Street; “The Mexican Night”, on Saturdays at the Paseo de Montejo Walkway; “La Vaquería” on Mondays at the gates of the Municipal Palace, and the “Pok ta pok” (Mayan ball game) on Fridays in the Cathedral, make this area of Mérida receive the admiration of everybody that comes to see.

To them are added “The nights of legend”, the serenades of Santa Lucia, the musical remembrances that take place on Tuesdays in Santiago, the nights of trova in the Museum of the Song, the Bike-Route, “Mérida on Sunday “, theaters and even the marathons that take place in centric streets.

All this means that Merida has not only local but also foreign vistas, such as the numerous neighbors of other countries who have adopted the city as their second residence and who have chosen the tranquility of some neighborhoods at the Center to establish themselves.

After acquiring and remodeling their estates, they live adapted to the customs of the region and they walk as anybody else through streets and markets, in search of healthy, fresh and organic products.

“My best customers are now the Americans”, commented smiling a woman at the market Lucas de Galvez when asked how currently her sales were going.

“They like to buy lots of fruit and vegetables, only the most fresh. They take it, they see it complete, they smell it and they take it, they even come with their sabucanes (A traditional bag commonly used in the region by the people when going to the market), you will believe, they only need to ask for a reduction like the ones here, but they do not, they pay what you ask them and if they think it’s expensive they go elsewhere and you lose the customer,” she said.

The Historical Center of Mérida was decreed under the legal term of Historical Monuments Zone, published in the Official Gazette of the Federation on October 18, 1982.

It is considered the Historical Center with the second largest extension in the country, with an area of 8,795 km2 comprising 3,906 buildings with historical value built between the 16th and 19th centuries and 633 buildings declared Historic Monuments.

According to data from the subdivision of Economic Development, nowadays in this area are located about 19,950 properties, including those cataloged by the National Institute of Anthropology and History as Historical Monuments.

Among the land uses in this area are 13 cellars, 96 meeting centers, 4,712 shops, 131 for private education, 66 for public education, 66 for cultural use, 21 for events, and 19 for private recreational use.

Other land uses include: 187 parking lots, 181 government buildings, 400 for industry and seven for infrastructure, as well as 225 offices, 470 for the private health sector, 8 for the public health sector, 3,049 for service, 15 churches, 21 parks and 10,294 for housing and different uses.

MEXICO: Merida And Riviera Maya Good Places To Stay

According to International Living, Mexico is not only the nearest destination abroad for U.S. and Canadian expats; it is also one of the most popular.

More than a million expats are estimated to live in Mexico full- or part-time… the largest concentration of North American expats anywhere in the world.

Of course, it helps that Mexico is also one of the largest countries in the Americas, offering just about any climate, geographical landscape, and lifestyle you might want.

As a result, you’ll find expats scattered all over Mexico. But some places have proven to be especially popular, with an appeal that makes them stand out from the crowd.

Here are five Mexico destinations where the living is easy… and any one of them could be your perfect expat home,Plus a few places you may want to cross off your list.

For many North Americans, say “Mexico” and they think of white-sand beaches. That’s not surprising. Mexico has nearly 6,000 miles of coastline, much of it beautiful beach. If you’re looking for a beach lifestyle, Mexico will have you spoiled for choice.

For classic white-sand beaches and turquoise waters, it’s hard to beat Mexico’s Riviera Maya. This 80-mile stretch of coast runs along the Yucatán Peninsula from Cancún to Tulúm. Little beach towns are scattered all along the coast…and one—Playa del Carmen—has grown to become a city.

One of the fastest-growing destinations in Mexico, Playa, as its known locally, offers a laidback beach vibe…and the upper-end shopping and restaurant scene of a larger city.

To enjoy small-town (but upscale) beach life on this coast, head to Tulúm. Once domain of backpacker travelers, today attracts fashionistas and other trendsetters who come to get away from it all.

Today you’ll find rustic, palm-thatched palapas alongside gourmet restaurants here…and a beach that’s considered one of the world’s most beautiful.

Puerto Vallarta, on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, has been an international beach resort for more than 50 years. Once a small fishing village, today the greater Vallarta area stretches for nearly 30 miles along the shores of Banderas Bay, one of the world’s largest bays.

This area offers pure First-World living, with shopping, restaurants, and real estate at every price point; an international airport; and a large, international expat community. Beaches and a long pier that borders the city are the principal’s attractive.

But Puerto Vallarta offers so much to do—from zip-lining and horseback riding in the hills, to fine dining and recent film releases in town—that you’ll have plenty to do, even if you never put a toe in the water.

If you want big-city life with the beach a short distance away, there’s Merida. Capital of the Yucatán Peninsula, this city of nearly a million residents lies about half an hour from the Yucatán Gulf Coast. Small villages dot this placid coast. This is where Mérida’s middle-class families have summered for generations.

Today expats have joined them, but many towns still have a family-oriented feel. Don’t look for boutique shopping or dining here, but if you’re seeking a laidback beach life at still-low prices, you can find it here.

Not everyone wants to live on the beach…. If you prefer temperate weather and Spanish-colonial style, then Lake Chapala or San Miguel de Allende, both in central Mexico, may fit the bill. Lake Chapala has an enviably near-perfect climate—spring-like almost all year—and a large, diverse expat community.

And being near Guadalajara, Mexico’s second-largest city, means easy access to its international airport and excellent medical facilities. San Miguel, about three hours north of Mexico City, is a beautifully preserved Spanish-colonial town that offers art galleries, gourmet restaurants, a wealth of arts and crafts, and a large expat community.

No country is perfect, and Mexico has gotten more than its share of knocks. But yes, some parts of Mexico should be avoided, while others are just not worth your time.

Some Mexican states bordering the U.S.—notably Tamaulipas, Coahuila, and Chihuahua—have vast, empty interiors where you can be at the mercy of accidents and bad weather. If you’re looking to drive down into central Mexico or farther south (and many expats do), consider checking routes through other Mexican states like Nuevo León, Sonora, and Baja California.

Acapulco was once one of Mexico’s top beach resorts, but age and scattered violence has dimmed the city’s glitter. If you want to stay on the beaches of Acapulco’s home state, Guerrero, head north to Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo.

Finally, Tabasco may be a famous hot sauce, but the Mexican state is largely humid, low-lying land. It’s the boring, often wet stretch you’ll pass if you’re driving from central Mexico to the Yucatán Peninsula. Tabasco’s capital, Villahermosa, is a major business city, headquarters of Mexico’s oil industry and home to several museums. Take a quick look if you’re inclined…but with so many interesting places both north and south of it, you probably won’t want to linger.