What's New

As with other destinations, Mexico's tourism industry has been hit hard by the global financial crisis as many would-be travelers tighten their belts and await a stronger economy. Since Mexico relies on tourism for much of its income, the country has redoubled its efforts to attract visitors and enticing specials abound. For the American traveler, Mexico remains a budget destination, as the dollar continues to rise against the peso at press time. For Brits and Canadians, Mexico remains an outright bargain.

In late April 2009, an outbreak of A(H1N1) influenza known as "swine flu" appeared to have originated in Mexico. It spread to numerous countries around the world (including throughout North America), leading the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare a global pandemic with a moderate severity when this guide was published. On May 15, 2009, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lifted its recommendation that American citizens avoid all non-essential travel to Mexico, discontinuing the State Department's Mexico travel alert regarding the swine flu outbreak. The CDC has suggested precautions that travelers in Mexico (especially those at high risk for complications of influenza) should take to reduce their risk of infection while there. Following the outbreak, some countries imposed quarantines and other screening procedures for travelers coming from Mexico. Travelers going directly to another country after Mexico (other than their home country) may wish to check the website of the foreign country's embassy to learn what procedures may be in place for that destination. For the latest information regarding the risks of A(H1N1) when traveling to Mexico, please consult the U.S. State Department's website at www.travel.state.gov, or the website of the World Health Organization at www.who.int. Complete CDC guidelines regarding A(H1N1) influenza can be found at the following: www.cdc.gov/travel.

Public safety remains a challenge, with the government locked in combat against narco-traffickers in a number of areas of the country. The government seems to be making advances and improving its intelligence, but violence has increased just as the government has made headway. Most of the conflict is well removed from the popular tourist destinations, except for some areas along the U.S. border. Visitors should pay close attention to travel alerts and advisories, such as those published by the U.S. Department of State (www.state.gov).

Planning Your Trip to Mexico

Under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all persons traveling by air outside of the United States are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. On June 1, 2009, the U.S. government implemented the full requirements of the land and sea phase of WHTI. The rules require most U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have a passport, passport card, or other travel document approved by the Department of Homeland Security.

Travelers to Mexico are now able to make tax-free purchases while vacationing, thanks to a law passed by Mexico's Congress. The law grants international visitors a full refund of the tax added to purchases if the buyer adheres to certain criteria. The merchandise must be purchased in Mexico and verified by airport or seaport Customs, and be verified with a receipt presented at time of departure to be worth at least 1,200 Mexican pesos. Reimbursement to tourists is contingent upon any added costs a possible return may generate.

Cancún

Cancún's International Airport has expanded to three terminals and offers greatly improved facilities. All flights in and out of the United States now go through Terminal 3.

Fully reopened in 2008 after having been destroyed by Hurricane Wilma, Aqua (tel. 800/343-7821; www.feel- aqua.com) once again reigns as one of Cancún's most tempting resorts. The spa-resort includes spacious oceanview rooms, eight oceanfront pools, an invigorating spa, world-class cuisine, and extremely gracious service. The high-tech rooms feature flatscreen TVs with DVD/CD players, large bathrooms with Molton Brown goods, and aromatherapy kits for private spa treatments.

Situated adjacent the Nichupté Lagoon, Harry's (tel. 998/840-6550; www.harrys.com.mx) is the hottest new addition to Cancún's dining scene. This prime steakhouse and raw bar serves huge portions and offers extremely attentive service; you're unlikely to find a better steak in Cancún.

Isla Mujeres & Cozumel

Cozumel -- The Reef Club, an all-inclusive resort on the southern end of the island, has changed management and is now a member of the Wyndham chain of properties. The new name is Wyndham Cozumel Resort and Spa (www.wyndham.com). And its neighbor, the Allegro Cozumel Resort, has become the Holiday Village White Sands, under the First Choice label (www.firstchoice.co.uk). The all-inclusive resort Costa Club has changed names and is now Hotel Cozumel & Resort (www.hotelcozumel.com.mx).

The cruise ship pier Puerta Maya, destroyed by Hurricane Wilma in 2005, was the last of the three piers to return to full functionality. The long delay was caused by the fact that very little of the original pier could be saved.

The Riviera Maya

Mayakobá (www.mayakoba.com), the golf course residential resort development between Playa del Carmen and Puerto Morelos, has continued to grow. If you're interested in buying a resort villa, you can choose between the Fairmont, Rosewood (opened in 2008), Banyan Tree (opening in 2009), and Viceroy (opening in 2010).

Playa del Carmen

Two things of interest: The great beach hotel -- the Shangri-La Caribe, which was scheduled to be replaced by a condo project -- has been given a reprieve (finance troubles, don't you know). Chances are it won't have the same name or the same webpage, but it will work with the same reservations agency, Turquoise Reefs (tel. 800/538-6602). Also, a good little taquería, Los Carboncitos (tel. 984/873-1382) was slated to close, but merely changed owners. It's on calle 4 and sells tacos, soup, and a few traditional dishes, and does a good job of it.

Tulum

Construction work on Hwy. 307 will be completed by summer 2009. It will then be four lanes all the way to Tulum.

Mérida, Chichén Itzá & the Maya Interior

Mérida -- Plans to tear down the old municipal market and convert the land to an urban green space have stalled. Market vendors have been reluctant to move to the new market across the way. The city government is still trying to persuade them.

Chichén Itzá

The state government is making an effort to curb the large number of peddlers who operate at the ruins. Over the last few years these have grown into the hundreds. They are well organized and will be difficult to dislodge. Tourists to the site might see banners protesting the actions of the state police.

Costa Maya

The cruise ship pier in Majahual is now up and running. Cruise ship crowds have returned to the area.

Tabasco & Chiapas

Villahermosa -- The Museo Regional de Antropología Carlos Pellicer Cámara is still closed for repairs after it was damaged by floods in 2007.