Mexico - Mexico's violence not keeping tourists away

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/world/stories/DN-mexicotourism_11bus.ART.State.Edition1.47662b3.htm l

In a surprising turnabout, international tourism to Mexico showed a sharp increase this summer – a sign that tourists may be putting aside worries about the economy and fears of drug-related violence, analysts say.

Foreign visitors arriving by air to Mexico jumped to 7.1 million in the first eight months of the year – up nearly 20 percent from the same period in 2009 – with most visitors coming from the U.S. and Canada, Mexican tourism officials say.

The biggest rise came in July, when tourist numbers grew 27.5 percent over the same month last year.

The increase came despite a rash of drug-related violence and kidnappings, primarily along the border, and the August bankruptcy of Mexicana Airlines, the nation's largest air carrier.

The growth in tourism has been focused primarily in Mexican beach resort towns that have not experienced much of the violence.

The statistics are probably distorted. The drop in tourism last year in Mexico was immense, because of H1N1, and some other issues. A better comparison in numbers might be 2010 to 2008.

Every article I recall read citing tourism industry folks talks about declines in hotel occupancy, the closure of businesses in certain areas, etc. But maybe I'm not getting the 'whole picture.'

The violence problems in certain parts of Mexico aren't really well-covered in the USA and it wouldn't surprise me if most tourists were unaware of its extent. This is a big story in Mexico but not as big internationally - unless you look for it.

Where the tourists are arriving might tell something important as well. Are they headed for AI secured compounds near Puerto Vallarta and the Cancun region - or are big increases being suggested for Acapulco, Oaxaca, Veracruz, etc.

The statistics are probably distorted. The drop in tourism last year in Mexico was immense, because of H1N1, and some other issues. A better comparison in numbers might be 2010 to 2008.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-10-11/mexico-expects-22-6-million-foreign-visitors-in-2010-matching-2008-levels.html

Mexico Tourism Minister Gloria Guevara said the country expects to have 22.6 million foreign tourists this year, matching the industry’s 2008 numbers before swine flu hurt activity last year.

Thanks for the added reference. The "increase," then, isn't so surprising to me. The public has moved-on from the H1N1 scare. Knowing where the increases are being reported still will be helpful when trying to understand the numbers. Thanks, again.

I am thinking about going to Mexico this winter, would like to stay at a place as safe as possible. We are thinking about Cancun as it's somewhat fortified? But we don't like the things to do there. Is the whole Yucatan area pretty safe?

The Yucatan, including Cancun, is considered to be relatively trouble-free, as far as drug cartel violence goes. It's an interesting and historic part of Mexico with lots to see and do, particularly if you enjoy visiting Mayan pyramids and archaeological sites. If the trip you've asked about was mine, given what I know about the country ... I wouldn't hesitate to visit that part of Mexico.

Even the Mexican born I know in the US are not going to Mexico.

Just too dangerous as someone just told me about a trip home to her native village in central Mexico.

If the natives ain't goin, I'm not either.

I´m a gringo living in pvr. I find it very safe. We own a home here, and have more security around our house than we would in the U.S. but have had no problems with break-ins. There is theft here, but the thieves (as everywhere) look for the easy break-in and pass up the more difficult.
There is drug and alcohol related crime here, as there is in all cities of the the United States and Canada. I don´t stagger down the Malecon at 3:30 in the morning looking to buy drugs, so I don´t get involved with that particular element of society. Those that behave like that are asking for problems, as they would be in any other city.
There is crime here, but every time I hear about an American or Canadian being hurt, it is usually late at night, and there is generally alcohol or drugs involved

Even the Mexican born I know in the US are not going to Mexico.Our Mexican family members and friends have heightened concerns about traveling home but still go. However the biggest change is that those who used to drive or take the bus (i.e. Northern California to Jalisco or Michoacan) are choosing to fly instead.

The previous poster points out that the US and Canada have crime problems too. Of course they do. The big difference today is that the Norteamericano criminals don't have a track record of decapitations, wholesale slaughters at quinceñera and graduation parties, bus hijackings, torture, kidnapping, etc. Northern Mexico has essentially been ceded to the cartels - they own and control it. Why would you even WANT to be a Mexican police officer or city/town politician these days?

Mexican officials can't even go into Falcon Lake on their northern border with the USA without risking their own lives to search for the body of the Texan that was recently shot there. Just the other day a Mexican police chief investigating the murder was kidnapped and decapitated; his head delivered in a suitcase to the local Mexican Army post.

My optimism for the future of Mexico is weakening; the Calderón administration's "surge" isn't working and the situation in Mexico continues to deteriorate. Mexicans are scared, frustrated and angry - at least the ones we know.

The good news for tourists is that most of the problems continue to exclude places on the Mexican coasts and interior that are frequented by tourists.

(Edited to correct name of Pres - I was just talking to somebody about Cardenas and typed it in without looking!)

the Cardenas administration Lazaro was president in the 30's, and it was not a good time for US and British interests. ;)

My optimism for the future of Mexico is weakening; the Cardenas administration's "surge" isn't working and the situation in Mexico continues to deteriorate. Mexicans are scared, frustrated and angry - at least the ones we know. I'm not quite as pessimistic, but I do agree that the road is very rough ahead. The government should give up on the areas controlled by the cartels, only ensure that the violence doesn't spill over into the still manageable parts of the country, and leave the problem to the people causing it in the first place: the insatiable US drug consumers.

Our Mexican family members and friends have heightened concerns about traveling home but still go. However the biggest change is that those who used to drive or take the bus (i.e. Northern California to Jalisco or Michoacan) are choosing to fly instead.

The previous poster points out that the US and Canada have crime problems too. Of course they do. The big difference today is that the Norteamericano criminals don't have a track record of decapitations, wholesale slaughters at quinceñera and graduation parties, bus hijackings, torture, kidnapping, etc. Northern Mexico has essentially been ceded to the cartels - they own and control it. Why would you even WANT to be a Mexican police officer or city/town politician these days?

Mexican officials can't even go into Falcon Lake on their northern border with the USA without risking their own lives to search for the body of the Texan that was recently shot there. Just the other day a Mexican police chief investigating the murder was kidnapped and decapitated; his head delivered in a suitcase to the local Mexican Army post.

My optimism for the future of Mexico is weakening; the Calderón administration's "surge" isn't working and the situation in Mexico continues to deteriorate. Mexicans are scared, frustrated and angry - at least the ones we know.

The good news for tourists is that most of the problems continue to exclude places on the Mexican coasts and interior that are frequented by tourists.

(Edited to correct name of Pres - I was just talking to somebody about Cardenas and typed it in without looking!)

We don´t disagree. I would not drive through Northen Mexico on a bet. day or night. The north might as well be an entirely different country.

I was just talking to a Mexican friend in Morelos and he tells me people are not going out much at night there for fear of the violence. He now only hangs out at the homes of friends and family. Very sad situation. I loved living in Morelos!

My Parents, Sister, and I are booked into Westin PVR
Christmas week, and we all have flights booked.

I am thinking, however, instead of flying,
to drive to PVR from AUS via Torreon, Durango, and Mazatlan,
return via Guadalajara and Zacatecas....

I have done two extended self-drive trips, Yucutan and Oaxaca,
years ago. The Durango route has always interested me,
but maybe it just isn't the time for such things any longer.

I feel it would probably be okay, driving the cuota from dawn
till mid-afternoon, but not everyone agrees, many say it is foolish.

Anybody done such a trip recently ??

As a 30 year annual visitor to Cancun it is frustrating to see the toll violence is taking in Mexico. The people of Mexico are beautiful, genuine and caring and I hate for them to be subjected to the violence even in Cancun. After we were there in June this year, a story came out where one of the nightclubs locals frequent was firebombed by one of the drug cartels because the owner refused to pay $40,000 cash in protection. Seven people were killed, all staff of the club I believe.

I will not continue to go to Cancun if all I can do is stay in the resort. If I cannot go out to the local food shops and flea markets, take drives to Playa and Aventura, then we will not go.

Very sad indeed...

My Parents, Sister, and I are booked into Westin PVR
Christmas week, and we all have flights booked.

I am thinking, however, instead of flying,
to drive to PVR from AUS via Torreon, Durango, and Mazatlan,
return via Guadalajara and Zacatecas....

I have done two extended self-drive trips, Yucutan and Oaxaca,
years ago. The Durango route has always interested me,
but maybe it just isn't the time for such things any longer.

I feel it would probably be okay, driving the cuota from dawn
till mid-afternoon, but not everyone agrees, many say it is foolish.

Anybody done such a trip recently ??
I would personally not feel comfortable driving with foreign license plates in northern Mexico right now, especially in the states of Sinaloa, Coahuila, Nuevo Leon and Tamaulipas. I'm sure somebody will point out that they drive all the time to Mexico without a problem and I won't disagree with them. But with the current instability in this part of Mexico if you have the option to fly over northern Mexico, I'd do so.

Besides Mexico has some of the most expensive highway tolls around.

I will not continue to go to Cancun if all I can do is stay in the resort.
From the current issue of the Economist:
"Yucatán, where tourists snorkel with whale sharks, sees fewer killings per person than Canada."

Full article. (http://www.economist.com/node/17249102?story_id=17249102)

You're comparing a region of Mexico with the entirety of Canada? Some comparison. Invalid. Secondly, Canada (and the USA) have a good reporting system of crimes and have a universal classification system of what constitutes the various crimes - Mexico has neither.

If you're trying to say the Yucatan (and just which geographical area are you speaking of, the region or the state?) is a relatively safe part of Mexico for tourists to wander about and visit, that's my impression (also).

I would personally not feel comfortable driving with foreign license plates in northern Mexico right now, especially in the states of Sinaloa, Coahuila, Nuevo Leon and Tamaulipas. I'm sure somebody will point out that they drive all the time to Mexico without a problem and I won't disagree with them. But with the current instability in this part of Mexico if you have the option to fly over northern Mexico, I'd do so. Besides Mexico has some of the most expensive highway tolls around.Thanks !

Yes, I know the tolls are bad,
but as one friend said: "The Toll Road fee includes ALL bribes " !!:D

I do have an award ticket AUS-PVR already issued,
which I can redeposit without fee if I decide to drive.

EDIT: Already decided, just going to fly into GDL and open jaw return from PVR.
But it was fun to analyze a road trip.......

My idea to reduce exposure would be to arrive at the
fancy crossing upriver from Laredo about dawn,
where the permit is quite professionally issued.

....avoid Monterrey and go via Monclova and Cuatrocienegas,
(A route I've driven before, twice, whatever that is worth).

to Torreon, where I have a nice PB booked at the Crown Plaza.
Then move on to Mazatlan, rest up, and down to PVR.
New Years in Guadalajara area, return north via Zacatecas etc.

I've got 2 months to continue to consider. @:-)

You're comparing a region of Mexico with the entirety of Canada? Some comparison. Invalid. Secondly, Canada (and the USA) have a good reporting system of crimes and have a universal classification system of what constitutes the various crimes - Mexico has neither.

If you're trying to say the Yucatan (and just which geographical area are you speaking of, the region or the state?) is a relatively safe part of Mexico for tourists to wander about and visit, that's my impression (also).
Uhm - did you miss that it's a quote from the Economist? :confused::confused: Complain to them if you feel so strongly about the issue.

I'm pretty sure they're talking about the peninsula, not the state.

Some parts of Mexico (the border areas), are strictly a no go, not only for tourists but for Mexicans too. Nevertheless, tourists continue to travel to much of Mexico, as will I. The two articles below are interesting, the first factual the second more of a puff piece, especially if you know where that hotel is located.


http://www.travelagentcentral.com/mexico/us-airlines-converging-suddenly-hot-mexico-24197


http://www.time.com/time/travel/article/0,31542,2019556,00.html

I'd describe the second article better than the first. The Boca Chica hotel is located in what'll become - in the next decade - Mexico's "South Beach." It's a higher-priced hotel than I typically stay at, but beautifully restored along one of the city's most popular beaches.

The first article indicates a relatively flat - or small increas in - tourist visits. 2009 was the year of H1N1 and tourism dropped dramatically. It's not a year to make a comparison with.

Where the tourists are arriving would be an important consideration. It's not just the northern border zone that's badly impacted by terrorism and violence - the scope of the problem touches many other areas as well.

Thanks for the further information sources.

Thanks !

Yes, I know the tolls are bad,
but as one friend said: "The Toll Road fee includes ALL bribes " !!:D

I do have an award ticket AUS-PVR already issued,
which I can redeposit without fee if I decide to drive.

EDIT: Already decided, just going to fly into GDL and open jaw return from PVR.
But it was fun to analyze a road trip.......

My idea to reduce exposure would be to arrive at the
fancy crossing upriver from Laredo about dawn,
where the permit is quite professionally issued.

....avoid Monterrey and go via Monclova and Cuatrocienegas,
(A route I've driven before, twice, whatever that is worth).

to Torreon, where I have a nice PB booked at the Crown Plaza.
Then move on to Mazatlan, rest up, and down to PVR.
New Years in Guadalajara area, return north via Zacatecas etc.

I've got 2 months to continue to consider. @:-)

If you are going to drive from Mazatlan to PVR, note that the tolls from Mazatlan to Tepic are about 400 pesos. The drive from Tepic to PVR is dangerous, because of the 2 lane windy highway and amount of traffic. It is a good idea to do this stretch during daylight hours

As a 30 year annual visitor to Cancun it is frustrating to see the toll violence is taking in Mexico. The people of Mexico are beautiful, genuine and caring and I hate for them to be subjected to the violence even in Cancun. After we were there in June this year, a story came out where one of the nightclubs locals frequent was firebombed by one of the drug cartels because the owner refused to pay $40,000 cash in protection. Seven people were killed, all staff of the club I believe.

I will not continue to go to Cancun if all I can do is stay in the resort. If I cannot go out to the local food shops and flea markets, take drives to Playa and Aventura, then we will not go.

Very sad indeed...

+1...this is very sad, i was looking forward to taking a holiday with my wife and 2 yo son to explore the amazing places and meet the warm people of mexico. we will continue but with a less adventurous itinerary.

...Hi Folks, additionally this is my first post here on flyer talk. I am Afro-am, pure gringa (if you can use gringa to describe me?:)). My fiance is Mexican, who lived here in Chicago for the past 10 years. He went home to visit family recently and has asked me to come to meet his family in Mexico City. I have bought my ticket and will leave mid December and return in January. Of course, all friends and family here in Chicago are very skeptical due to the bad press about the drug cartels and kidnapping in MX. I will be staying in a suburb of DF with Mexicans, and I likely won't be going out anywhere alone. I feel that I will be safe. Any suggestions from the experienced group here would be greatly appreciated? I don't have fear about the racism in MX, having lived here in the US all my life, and my fiance's family is considered "morenos". Actually, here in Chicago we suffered discrimination from both the Afro-ams and the Mexicans. It was really quite enlightening...but we managed.

Welcome to FlyerTalk!

Enjoy your visit to Mexico City. Pay attention to the safety hints your fiancee and his family give you; you more than likely will be just fine.

Interestingly enough, while there is skin color discrimination in Mexico there is even more of a class discrimination based on income or perceived income.

Appearances are very important in Mexico so be sure to dress well, especially if you are invited to a reunion or party.

Mexicans can be as prejudiced and discriminatory as folks in the USA, or elsewhere. As an African-American woman you've, unfortunately, been exposed to that. I think most Mexicans are totally unaware of the existence of large numbers of blacks in a couple of parts of the country - or about the use of African-origin slaves in Mexico in past history. You'll probably be a novelty, oddity in the colonia where you'll be staying. About safety, pay attention to the advice of the family and you should be just fine. Have a great visit!

I'm studying (on a language holiday) in Guanajuato right now and it feels quite safe. It is an interesting city, with lots of cultural activities, and a lively scene in the evenings in the city (although there are a LOT of teenagers and young adults hanging out - it's a university town). People are very friendly. I walk down to the city center in the evening on my own but take a taxi back.

My dad and stepmother go to Puerto Vallarta every winter and feel quite comfortable there. They've also toured around a bit in a rental car or on buses and never had problems.

I go to Mexico City on business every few months. There, I don't feel so secure. I probably am too cautious, but I don't go out much on my own - only with my colleagues. I do feel comfortable walking around a bit near the hotel where I stay and near our office, but that's about it. Almost every colleague I've spoken to has a robbery/mugging story to tell - not that much different from New York City in the 80s, really.

Mexicans can be as prejudiced and discriminatory as folks in the USA, or elsewhere. As an African-American woman you've, unfortunately, been exposed to that. I think most Mexicans are totally unaware of the existence of large numbers of blacks in a couple of parts of the country - or about the use of African-origin slaves in Mexico in past history. You'll probably be a novelty, oddity in the colonia where you'll be staying. About safety, pay attention to the advice of the family and you should be just fine. Have a great visit!


Thanks so much for your response. I kind of expected the replies I got here. Actually, the most worried person of my family is my daughter-in-law. My sons are actually excited for me, because for the past years it's always been my dream to retire and live in Mexico. I do keep contact with 2 ex-pat groups, one in Oaxaca and the other in Cuernavaca. If by chance I move there and then start missing Americans, I know where there are plenty.:D

Thanks so much for your response. I kind of expected the replies I got here. Actually, the most worried person of my family is my daughter-in-law. My sons are actually excited for me, because for the past years it's always been my dream to retire and live in Mexico. I do keep contact with 2 ex-pat groups, one in Oaxaca and the other in Cuernavaca. If by chance I move there and then start missing Americans, I know where there are plenty.:D

I used to live in Cuernavaca and GOMEXICO is correct. Just listen to your Mexican friends and everything will be fine.

One more thing, make sure you exchange some American dollars for pesos BEFORE you head to Mexico because the Mexican government now limits the amount of USDs someone can exchange.

Welcome to FT!

Our young teen daughter spend about a month in Guanajuato this past summer on a home stay studying spanish at the University. She had a terrific time, loved the city. She has traveled extensively with us. She never felt unsafe or ill at ease.

Mexico is a large country. Not all of it is like Ciudad Juarez.

Our young teen daughter spend about a month in Guanajuato this past summer on a home stay studying spanish at the University. She had a terrific time, loved the city. She has traveled extensively with us. She never felt unsafe or ill at ease.

Mexico is a large country. Not all of it is like Ciudad Juarez.

^^^^

Interesting article in The Economist on current tourism to Mexico:

http://www.economist.com/node/17581852?story_id=17581852&fsrc=rss

Another interesting article. While the focus seems to be on Mexico, it seems that drug related violence knows no borders including many gang slayings in places like Vancouver, Phoenix, as well as the link below.

http://travel.usatoday.com/cruises/p...kitts/131080/1

Much of the major criminal activity in the USA is tied directly to the war and terrorism in Mexico, and some of what Canada's experiencing might be similarly oriented. Much of the war reporting from Mexico is not making it into the press - because reporters and media outlets have stopped doing that out of fear for their lives. Even before that, there was no credible accumulation of crime statistics in Mexico. I think it's fair to assume that the casualties and incidents are at least double the amount being reported. The international media doesn't spend much time reporting on the war and terrorism. What they should probably do is send teams of reporters and producers into Mexico just like they do in Iraq and Afghanistan - because aspects of the current war and terrorism in Mexico are similar to what's happening in other war-torn regions. But when I travel to Mexico I'm not too interested in the crimes back in the USA or Canada, it's what's happening in Mexico that'll affect me more ... then.

The violence in Mexico is keeping me away.. I don't need to arrive back home in a coffin, or any of my family members for that matter.. just because we want to go on vacation to a hot climate.. Hawaii is our choice this year.

Just when I thought things couldn't get worse in Ciudad Juárez...


Now as Christmas approaches, mobsters have chosen a new target, turning their sights on humble schoolteachers.

Painted threats scrawled outside numerous public schools demand that teachers hand over their Christmas bonuses or face the possibility of an armed attack on the teachers -- and even the children.

To make the point clear, assailants set fire to a federal preschool in the San Antonio district a week ago, leaving the director's office in smoldering ruins.

Scribbled on the wall in gold paint was the reason: ``For not paying.''

The targeting of teachers in Juarez's 1,270 preschool, primary and secondary schools is a sign of the depravity that rules in a city whose name has become synonymous with homicide.

Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/12/12/1970725/mexico-mobs-target-teachers.html


What's next?

I don't know if it makes it better or worse to know this, but the schoolteachers have been a target for at least the past 2 years that I recall reading about it. They are supposed to give up their Christmas bonuses, for one thing.

We live 4 miles from the border and spend a great deal of time in Mexico. If what you are reading in the news scares you then stay home. But if you are going to use that logic don't go to LA, Philadelphia, or most major cities in the US. They are far more dangerous to the average person than most places in Mexico or the border. Rule of thumb - if it looks like a place you would avoid in the US avoid it in Mexico or any other country (duh!).
We had a few days off after a gig in Seattle last month. We flew down to Mazatlan and came back home (Arizona) by bus (Tufesa Executivo). We felt safe the entire time. We were concerned because we weren't familiar with taking the bus. The steward assured us he would get us on the correct bus and when the time came he came and got us - loaded our bags and directed us to our seats. Only after we gave him the thumbs up and we were settled in did he leave our side. Find that in the US? I don't think so.
Mexico is what you make of it. Go looking for trouble and you'll find it. See the people for the amazingly kind folks that they are and you'll have the time of your life.
We're headed back down next week - again by bus. Nogales to Mazatlan, Mazatlan to Sayulita.

We live 4 miles from the border and spend a great deal of time in Mexico. If what you are reading in the news scares you then stay home. But if you are going to use that logic don't go to LA, Philadelphia, or most major cities in the US. They are far more dangerous to the average person than most places in Mexico or the border. Rule of thumb - if it looks like a place you would avoid in the US avoid it in Mexico or any other country (duh!).

The "duh" might be coming from people who think the above statement is a bit off the wall - head in the sand type of reaction to the war and the terrorist activities in that area. What's happening in certain zones along the Border and at points in the interior of the country doesn't happen anywhere in the USA, Canada, etc. Maybe Afghanistan and Iraq are more appropriate comparisons for those conflict zones.

We live 4 miles from the border and spend a great deal of time in Mexico. If what you are reading in the news scares you then stay home. But if you are going to use that logic don't go to LA, Philadelphia, or most major cities in the US. They are far more dangerous to the average person than most places in Mexico or the border.
Here's my logic: I will not visit Northern Mexico until this narco-war is under control. Perhaps your local towns of Naco and Agua Prieta, the two towns closest to Bisbee, are safer than most. But why risk it? IMHO Northern Mexico is now owned by the cartels. The Mexican state and federal governments have virtually ceded it to the bad guys. Becoming a police officer in Northern Mexico is a death sentence. Teenage boys are being hired as assassins and think nothing of decapitating victims. Innocent kids get gunned down at birthday parties. Teachers and school kids are marked for death if schools don't pay mordidas. Hundreds of women and girls have disappeared around Juarez without a trace. Innocent tourists have been caught in cross-fires.

Screw that. This is why airplanes exist. I'll gladly fly over the war zone and visit our family and friends further south in La Republica. No way would I drive or take the bus in Northern Mexico right now. And many of my Mexican family and friends feel the same way.

And asserting that major US cities are "far more dangerous" to the average person than most places in Mexico or the border is turning a blind eye to the sad reality of Northern Mexico. Juarez is now the most dangerous city in the world. And the last time I checked, the US government wasn't organizing auto convoys with military/police escorts so visitors could safely drive through certain cities and states when returning home for the holidays.

Juarez has been a danger zone since I moved to the border in the early 80's. We used to go all the time but not after dark and only in certain areas (much like Philadelphia). I don't have my head in the sand and my southern view from my living room is Mexico. Yes the cartels are in control of parts of Mexico but if you believed the news I live in a war zone. It's bull. Just like my idiot Governor's assertions that they've found headless bodies in the desert - total inflammation of the truth.

In late-October of this year the U.S. Ambassador to Mexico delivered an excellent speech titled "Mexico at the Crossroads." I think it's a "must read" for people who have a continuing interest in Mexico. Here's the link (to the speech):

http://www.wilsoncenter.org/topics/docs/101020%20Stanford%20Speech.pdf

(...) but if you believed the news I live in a war zone. It's bull. Just like my idiot Governor's assertions that they've found headless bodies in the desert - total inflammation of the truth.
I hope you don't live in a war zone in Bisbee otherwise we're in a world of hurt on our side of the border. And I don't think anybody is lighting a match to truth; plenty of headless bodies and severed heads have been found throughout Mexico.

From the Ambassador's speech referenced by the previous poster, I was floored by this statistic as I didn't think things were this ridiculously bad:

At present, 97.9% of crimes under local and state jurisdiction in Mexico go unpunished. The probability that at the local and state level a suspect will even be detained in Mexico is 1.7%. The likelihood that charges will be brought against a person who commits a crime is 2.1%. At the local and state level in Mexico, the likelihood that a person who commits a crime will be indicted is 1.55%. The lesson we have learned in supporting Mexican government efforts to fight cartel violence is that nations, states and communities must invest in law enforcement to sustain the rule of law. Rule of law requires police who dissuade criminals with their swift responses, and it requires a civil justice system that puts and keeps criminals in jail.

No wonder Mexicans can't trust the police or their legal system. I hope in 2011 things start turning around for the better for our neighbors.

there are so many places in Los angeles that I would not want to go to, plus people getting killed every week,

yes Mexico has problems, big problems , and it is not really the place for scared tourists, but for most, you will never see a problem in LA or Mexico !

RB

Amid drug violence, Acapulco watches tourism recede

...Now, just as it hopes to regain some of its cachet, Acapulco is confronting more than the weight of history. The famed resort city has been the scene of vicious fighting among rival drug gangs that has killed more than 650 people in four years, the fifth-highest count for any Mexican city, according to government figures. The toll includes 30 men slain last weekend in and around the city. Fifteen of them were decapitated... (bold mine)
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-acapulco-violence-20110114,0,5644273.story?page=1&utm_medium=feed&track=rss&utm_campaign=Feed%3A%20latimes%2Fnews%2Fnationworl d%2Fworld%20%28L.A.%20Times%20-%20World%20News%29&utm_source=feedburner

Thanks, but I'll give it a pass. There's plenty of other destinations to go to.

Now cruise lines are pulling out

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41068768/ns/travel/

News from Canada:

A Canadian man was shot by an AK-47 in Mazatlan: Link (http://www.cbc.ca/canada/british-columbia/story/2011/01/19/bc-penticton-dilorenzo-mexico-shooting-mazatlan-family.html)

Officials in Mazatlan saying the city is still safe: Link (http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Mazatlan+still+safe+Mexican+official+says+after+sh ot/4133752/story.html)

And a balanced Q&A on the whole topic: Link (http://news.nationalpost.com/2011/01/19/qa-canadian-tourists-not-put-off-by-mexicos-dangers/)

More Canadians have come forward, reporting being attacked by terrorists in Mazatlan while on an ATV guided tour, at the Christmas holiday. None of the 4 were physically harmed.

Disney cruises has announced it's removing Mazatlan from it's ship itineraries, immediately.

The "balanced" Q&A linked above is simply an opinion piece, and, IMHO, not very "balanced."

There haven't been many reports about violence and terrorist attacks in Mazatlan previously. Much of the news never sees the light of day, though. Not enough for we foreigners to read about it. It's local news, mostly. The city is in he heart of the most important drug cartel territory though. But the city is controlled by the mafia and terrorist organizations so it's been uncommon to see armed struggles in the streets.

12 taxis attacked Friday and Saturday in Acapulco.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110220/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/lt_drug_war_mexico;_ylt=Agy5t3HerlzfI2Hrrukvp36s0N UE;_ylu=X3oDMTJmMmZsZGNjBGFzc2V0A2FwLzIwMTEwMjIwL2 x0X2RydWdfd2FyX21leGljbwRwb3MDOARzZWMDeW5fbW9zdF9w b3B1bGFyBHNsawMxMnRheGlkcml2ZXI-

http://pvnn.com/ed-op/05mar2011/mexicos-frustration-with-u.s.-drug-policy.htm

Many guns in Mexico do come from the US illegally, but not all. Every year the US sends the Mexican Federal police firearms as part of an agreement between the two nations. Calderon and others fail to realize that many of these legal guns are stolen by the cartels after murdering Mexican officers.

Many guns in Mexico do come from the US illegally, but not all. Every year the US sends the Mexican Federal police firearms as part of an agreement between the two nations. Calderon and others fail to realize that many of these legal guns are stolen by the cartels after murdering Mexican officers.

Mexico has confiscated 110,000 guns in 4 years. Would you care to guess how many made it without being confiscated? Common sense would say it had to be more than 1,000,000, but I would say that that number is conservative.
That means that a similarily valued amount of drugs went the other way. It would seem that protecting this border may require some military assistance, since current attempts to curb the smuggling don´t seem to be working. The next question would be, ¨of the two countries, whose military might be better better equiped to protect the border¨
IMHO, if the U.S. is going to have a war on drugs, then they are going to have to have a war on drugs.

since current attempts to curb the smuggling don´t seem to be working.
Calderon should stop wasting the billions of taxpayer $$ on a war that the government can't win as long as all the Charlie Sheen types live their lives as they do.

Mexico has confiscated 110,000 guns in 4 years. Would you care to guess how many made it without being confiscated? Common sense would say it had to be more than 1,000,000, but I would say that that number is conservative.
That means that a similarily valued amount of drugs went the other way. It would seem that protecting this border may require some military assistance, since current attempts to curb the smuggling don´t seem to be working. The next question would be, ¨of the two countries, whose military might be better better equiped to protect the border¨
IMHO, if the U.S. is going to have a war on drugs, then they are going to have to have a war on drugs.

If I were in charge, the US border would be sealed with US military personnel and all American laws would be strictly enforced. No exceptions! I would never, however, try to limit an American's right to bear arms and protect their land and families. If other nations do not like American laws and rights, that's too bad.

If I were in charge, the US border would be sealed with US military personnel and all American laws would be strictly enforced. No exceptions! I would never, however, try to limit an American's right to bear arms and protect their land and families. If other nations do not like American laws and rights, that's too bad.

you won´t need to worry about Americans owning guns. If the drugs can´t flow into the U.S. the flow of guns southward will stop because there will be nothing to pay for them with. I totally agree with the American government actually having a war on drugs, and stopping the drug flow into the U.S.

The war and levels of terrorism in Mexico have really skyrocketed. The firearms, grenades, etc., are entering Mexico from various sources, not just the USA - but I think it's pretty easy to assume that a large percentage come from the USA - often with the assistance of corrupt Mexicans. Some of the weapons come from the Mexican military stockpies, others through Central America. If it were actually feasible to accomplish, I think sealing the border completely between the USA and Mexico with only several entry points would be a good thing to do. But it's not a reaistic proposal. President Calderon has done a very good job, with the cards dealt him. The PRI will win the next Presidency and we'll see if the corruption and accommodation it fostered during its 70-years of dictatorships returns and the cartels change behavior. Crime is so rampant, and the impact of the terrorists so deep in society, I can't imagine much positive change coming before it gets worse. Tourism and the daily lives of so many millions of people have been negatively impacted.

Do you think Cabo is safe? I just exchanged my timeshare for the Welk Cabo for a week and I have 24 hours to cancel if it's too dangerous. Thanks!

Do you think Cabo is safe? I just exchanged my timeshare for the Welk Cabo for a week and I have 24 hours to cancel if it's too dangerous. Thanks!

You'll be fine in Cabo. I was talking to a Mexican friend last night about this very question, and she states that Cabo and Cancun are fine. The only tourist area that is dangerous right now is Acapulco.

Do you think Cabo is safe? I just exchanged my timeshare for the Welk Cabo for a week and I have 24 hours to cancel if it's too dangerous. Thanks!

Well, your time-limit has expired and you've probably made your decision already.

Baja California Sur, the state in which the los Cabos communities are located, has been considered relatively safe to visit. It's escaped the terrorist acts and warfare one finds in many other parts of Mexico. Some of the Cabo San Lucas area resorts avoid working with the local police and instead hire private foreign-trained security forces ... and that's one of the principal reasons the 'rich and famous' from Hollywood still vacation there. Personally, I wouldn't be hesitant to vacation there.

Many other tourist destinations in Mexico, though, are seeing higher risks to tourists - not just Acapulco as mentioned by someone else. Away from the northern border zone warfare and high level of terrorism, the terrorist acts occurring elsewhere are sporatic and happen without warning and it's not easy to predict where and when they will happen. Mazatlan's a good case in point. It's now considered one of the more dangerous tourist destinations and all cruise lines have decided to bypass the port out of concern for cruise line passengers. Some ships, though, still call on Acapulco.

It's a big country, though, and away from the tourist zones where there is an elevated risk of danger there are many more destinations where risks are very low. The challenger is to find the current information, accurate information, sufficient to complete pre-trip planning.

Enjoy the trip!

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2014444084_trbriefs13.html

Here´s last Saturday´s newspaper report. The cruise lines have stopped going into Mazatlan, not for any reason, but strictly as a precaution. The cruise terminal is located in a fairly seedy part of town, and when we go there, we are careful......much the same as when we go to many areas of Chicago, or to a five star hotel on East Hastings St. in Vancouver.
As others have pointed out, try to keep things in balance, and listen to people who have visited the area recently rather than those who just talk about it from afar. I, for example, would not go to Juarez for any reason. We are however going to Mazatlan this Thursday for 5 days, and I know that we will have a wonderful time. We stay at the Royal Villas Resort, and it is just a super place. It is a comfortable 6 hour drive from Puerto Vallarta, where we live. We´re going to grab some sun, and if we have a chance take in some deep sea fishing..........and eat lots of local prawns. ;)

http://www.examiner.com/true-crime-in-midlandodessa/january-2011-26-murders-chicago

There were 26 murders in Chicago this January........I don´t plan on stopping going to Chicago either.

Well, your time-limit has expired and you've probably made your decision already.

Baja California Sur, the state in which the los Cabos communities are located, has been considered relatively safe to visit. It's escaped the terrorist acts and warfare one finds in many other parts of Mexico. Some of the Cabo San Lucas area resorts avoid working with the local police and instead hire private foreign-trained security forces ... and that's one of the principal reasons the 'rich and famous' from Hollywood still vacation there. Personally, I wouldn't be hesitant to vacation there.

Many other tourist destinations in Mexico, though, are seeing higher risks to tourists - not just Acapulco as mentioned by someone else. Away from the northern border zone warfare and high level of terrorism, the terrorist acts occurring elsewhere are sporatic and happen without warning and it's not easy to predict where and when they will happen. Mazatlan's a good case in point. It's now considered one of the more dangerous tourist destinations and all cruise lines have decided to bypass the port out of concern for cruise line passengers. Some ships, though, still call on Acapulco.

It's a big country, though, and away from the tourist zones where there is an elevated risk of danger there are many more destinations where risks are very low. The challenger is to find the current information, accurate information, sufficient to complete pre-trip planning.

Enjoy the trip!

I'm going on a Princess cruise later this week, and I'm not aware that ALL cruise lines have stopped going to Mazatlan. I have received no notification that we will be omitting Mazatlan.

CORRECTION: I guess the notification will be forthcoming, with an extra day to be spent in Cabo San Lucas instead. Never underestimate FT!

We recently returned from Zihuatanejo and Mexico City. We never once felt concerned for safety or ill at ease. In either place. Friendly people, as always, who are very glad to see tourists.

Frankly, we have been more on our guard in places like Rio than in MEX. We would not hesitate to return. Yet, we constantly hear, even from educated friends "are you really going to Mexico?" Not much to respond to such a question, except to realize their absence means less crowded locales in MEX, and that they are indeed clueless.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2014444084_trbriefs13.html

Here´s last Saturday´s newspaper report. The cruise lines have stopped going into Mazatlan, not for any reason, but strictly as a precaution. The cruise terminal is located in a fairly seedy part of town, and when we go there, we are careful......much the same as when we go to many areas of Chicago, or to a five star hotel on East Hastings St. in Vancouver.
As others have pointed out, try to keep things in balance, and listen to people who have visited the area recently rather than those who just talk about it from afar. I, for example, would not go to Juarez for any reason. We are however going to Mazatlan this Thursday for 5 days, and I know that we will have a wonderful time. We stay at the Royal Villas Resort, and it is just a super place. It is a comfortable 6 hour drive from Puerto Vallarta, where we live. We´re going to grab some sun, and if we have a chance take in some deep sea fishing..........and eat lots of local prawns. ;)

We´re back from Mazatlan, and just want to share that all are alive and well. Monday was a holiday, and traffic was heavy, but a few crazy dirvers were the biggest danger of the trip. We stayed at Royal Villas, and as usual were treated wonderfully. The pool might have been a tad on the warm side, but what can you do. The NCAA basketball tournament was on the English tv in the rooms, so we felt right at home. We ate ribs at ´Munchies´ (highly recommended), and went for a Chinese buffet at the ´Golden Dragon´ a restaurant frequented by the locals......excellent food.
All in all, a wonderful trip.
Later this week........it´s off to Florida to watch some spring training baseball and practice mi español.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/TRAVEL/03/28/acapulco.mexico.spring.break/index.html?hpt=C2

Looks like the violence is definitely keeping the tourists away!

Just back from Mexico, stayed for a conference in Cancun, where delegates from 120 countries attended a World summit on Drug control. If they have the cojones to go to Mexico, shouldn't the general public ?
Security was tight, very overt, with lots of federal police visible, including helicopters flying around the venue with police troops hanging out of the side.

As it was, all hotels were reporting around 87% occupancy, at the start of the US spring break.

deleted

It kept us away for awhile.. I do have something booked for the Mayan Riviera.

Is it safe to do a rental vehicle and travel around the tourist popular places.. or is it safer getting a transfer to a hotel and taking tour buses. I'm considering renting a vehicle for the two weeks we'll be down there.

It kept us away for awhile.. I do have something booked for the Mayan Riviera.

Is it safe to do a rental vehicle and travel around the tourist popular places.. or is it safer getting a transfer to a hotel and taking tour buses. I'm considering renting a vehicle for the two weeks we'll be down there.

I would not recommend renting a car -- not because of concerns with crime, but because of the difficulty dealing with Mexican law enforcement officers, traffic laws, road conditions, and driving practices. Public transport in Mexico is above-average and taxis are cheap in most areas (although taxi prices might be artificially high when arranged through expensive hotels.)

For tourists with significant familiarity with the country, renting a car is okay, but the fact that you're asking this question tells me that you don't yet have this familiarity...

I would not recommend renting a car -- not because of concerns with crime, but because of the difficulty dealing with Mexican law enforcement officers, traffic laws, road conditions, and driving practices. Public transport in Mexico is above-average and taxis are cheap in most areas (although taxi prices might be artificially high when arranged through expensive hotels.)

For tourists with significant familiarity with the country, renting a car is okay, but the fact that you're asking this question tells me that you don't yet have this familiarity...

Thanks for the response.. the hotel recommended I have a rental car.. we are only planning to visit Playa Del Carmen, highway to resort and Cancun. I will read up on it.. but I've rented Rental Cars 30+ times.. so whats the news about their driving laws?

Thanks for the response.. the hotel recommended I have a rental car.. we are only planning to visit Playa Del Carmen, highway to resort and Cancun. I will read up on it.. but I've rented Rental Cars 30+ times.. so whats the news about their driving laws?

The only chance of a problem would, or course, be in the case of an accident. In case of an accident in Mexico, they take statements from both drivers. Should there be no agreement of fault, they will likely impound both cars, and a judge will hear the case in a few days, and decide who is at fault. I have had one accident in Mexico, (in my own car), and the other party was a national. He claimed that the accident was my fault. I carry good insurance (which does not increase with a claim), so I just said that his story sounded good to me, and turned everything over to my insurance agent.
When I am in other places in Mexico, and I rent cars, I bite the bullet, and buy their overpriced insurance package. I´ve never had an accident in a rental car, but if I do, I´m sure that I´d be ok with the insurance coverage. Moving violations are another story.......and they could take up an entire thread unto themselves.

Thanks for the response.. the hotel recommended I have a rental car.. we are only planning to visit Playa Del Carmen, highway to resort and Cancun. I will read up on it.. but I've rented Rental Cars 30+ times.. so whats the news about their driving laws?

The traffic laws are probably mostly the same as what you're used to, but the unfamiliar aspects of driving are what will hurt you. Hard-to-see obstacles and hazards are far more common in Mexico than what you would be used to in Canada or the US, and the local driving style is far more aggressive and (in my opinion) unforgiving of those who are unaware. For example, in the US, if you turn on your left turn signal while driving on a two-lane highway and prep for a left turn, traffic behind you will stop or pass on the right shoulder. In Mexico, traffic behind you will sometimes pass on the LEFT at full speed in the same situation, setting you up for quite a serious accident if you execute the turn without looking behind you while you do it. In general, while driving on two-lane highways, other drivers are very unforgiving of slower traffic (aggressive tailgating is almost mandatory, and sometimes drivers will attempt same-lane passing forcing everyone else onto the shoulder). You could try to keep up with them, but this makes you vulnerable to being stopped by police who pursue bribes from tourists (it's not uncommon for traffic to be moving 30 KM/h above the speed limit, but this doesn't excuse you if you're stopped by the police.) When driving within cities, many intersections will lack traffic signals or signs of any kind, leaving the right-of-way to local custom. In cities, almost all streets are one-way (even many boulevards are one-way, with both sides moving in the same direction, also in the small towns and villages, one-way streets are often unmarked, leaving you to guess which way traffic is going to go.) On two-way streets within cities, assume that left turns are never allowed unless you see evidence to the contrary. Cyclists are everywhere (even on roads where traffic moves at high speed), and it's your responsibility to watch for them.

If you are going to drive, check out some websites for driving tips:
http://69.73.170.179/ph5/read.php?17,29623,29623
http://www.go2mexico.com/mexico_articles/driving.php

Thanks for the response.. the hotel recommended I have a rental car.. we are only planning to visit Playa Del Carmen, highway to resort and Cancun. I will read up on it.. but I've rented Rental Cars 30+ times.. so whats the news about their driving laws?

Also, if you're going to rent a car for two weeks but only go 3 places, you'll be wasting a ton of money. If you buy adequate insurance (see two posts previously), a decent car would cost around $60-$70 US a day...

The only chance of a problem would, or course, be in the case of an accident. In case of an accident in Mexico, they take statements from both drivers. Should there be no agreement of fault, they will likely impound both cars, and a judge will hear the case in a few days, and decide who is at fault. I have had one accident in Mexico, (in my own car), and the other party was a national. He claimed that the accident was my fault. I carry good insurance (which does not increase with a claim), so I just said that his story sounded good to me, and turned everything over to my insurance agent.
When I am in other places in Mexico, and I rent cars, I bite the bullet, and buy their overpriced insurance package. I´ve never had an accident in a rental car, but if I do, I´m sure that I´d be ok with the insurance coverage. Moving violations are another story.......and they could take up an entire thread unto themselves.

I read up on the insurance.. I called Alamo international reservations but they were closed. A minivan retail is running $1,100 for the two weeks. Quite a few vehicles available so renting a vehicle must be adequatly common place. We are considering just transfering to the hotel, and taking a similar time share presentation where they transfer you all over the place, and plus three tours just for showing up at their presentation. We'll have to see.. other vehicle types can run as low as $300-$400 for the time period.. so maybe downgrade and add insurance?

The insurance needs to be a special insurance and I read up about how accidents work.. Weird.. I hope I don't get into an accident, but if I do and I rent a vehicle, at least I will be prepared.. I've never had an accident renting a vehicle, so hopefully it doesn't happen on this trip if we decide to rent a vehicle.

The traffic laws are probably mostly the same as what you're used to, but the unfamiliar aspects of driving are what will hurt you. Hard-to-see obstacles and hazards are far more common in Mexico than what you would be used to in Canada or the US, and the local driving style is far more aggressive and (in my opinion) unforgiving of those who are unaware. For example, in the US, if you turn on your left turn signal while driving on a two-lane highway and prep for a left turn, traffic behind you will stop or pass on the right shoulder. In Mexico, traffic behind you will sometimes pass on the LEFT at full speed in the same situation, setting you up for quite a serious accident if you execute the turn without looking behind you while you do it. In general, while driving on two-lane highways, other drivers are very unforgiving of slower traffic (aggressive tailgating is almost mandatory, and sometimes drivers will attempt same-lane passing forcing everyone else onto the shoulder). You could try to keep up with them, but this makes you vulnerable to being stopped by police who pursue bribes from tourists (it's not uncommon for traffic to be moving 30 KM/h above the speed limit, but this doesn't excuse you if you're stopped by the police.) When driving within cities, many intersections will lack traffic signals or signs of any kind, leaving the right-of-way to local custom. In cities, almost all streets are one-way (even many boulevards are one-way, with both sides moving in the same direction, also in the small towns and villages, one-way streets are often unmarked, leaving you to guess which way traffic is going to go.) On two-way streets within cities, assume that left turns are never allowed unless you see evidence to the contrary. Cyclists are everywhere (even on roads where traffic moves at high speed), and it's your responsibility to watch for them.

If you are going to drive, check out some websites for driving tips:
http://69.73.170.179/ph5/read.php?17,29623,29623
http://www.go2mexico.com/mexico_articles/driving.php

Thanks for the local manual headsup!^

Also, if you're going to rent a car for two weeks but only go 3 places, you'll be wasting a ton of money. If you buy adequate insurance (see two posts previously), a decent car would cost around $60-$70 US a day...

Will have to weigh benefits and drawbacks.. If I get a decent deal and insurance isn't like crazy over budget, then it'll make sense, otherwise, just go and enjoy a relaxing holiday taking tours on a bus!

I read up on the insurance.. I called Alamo international reservations but they were closed. A minivan retail is running $1,100 for the two weeks. Quite a few vehicles available so renting a vehicle must be adequatly common place. We are considering just transfering to the hotel, and taking a similar time share presentation where they transfer you all over the place, and plus three tours just for showing up at their presentation. We'll have to see.. other vehicle types can run as low as $300-$400 for the time period.. so maybe downgrade and add insurance?

You have to make sure that these prices include the appropriate insurance. With some car rental companies, the quoted prices for insurance don't reflect the available coverage in a foreign country, or they omit the charge for the mandatory liability coverage that comes with the rental. On the car rental company website you might find a locale-specific information page which contains insurance rates that you can manually add to your quote. The problem is that some of the companies don't program the special insurance rates for each country into their booking engine.

My rule of thumb is to accept all insurance offered...not only to protect you in case of an accident, but also to protect you from the scam where, upon returning the car, they "find" minor damage that was present before, and then overcharge you for fixing it. There's no easy way to dispute the damage in this situation because they already have your credit card voucher, and you're probably in a hurry to make your flight.

(and be sure to keep your cool during the AGGRESSIVE timeshare presentations!)

My rule of thumb is to accept all insurance offered...not only to protect you in case of an accident, but also to protect you from the scam where, upon returning the car, they "find" minor damage that was present before, and then overcharge you for fixing it. There's no easy way to dispute the damage in this situation because they already have your credit card voucher, and you're probably in a hurry to make your flight.

(and be sure to keep your cool during the AGGRESSIVE timeshare presentations!)

Is this what they do in Mexico specifically.. or are your comments in general? I've booked many rentals, and all with little scratches not identified, and I've never been charged once for damage to the vehcile.

I'm of the mindset to definitely get the mandatory insurance.. I've got additional insurance from 4 different angles including credit card coverage, my 2 vehicles insurance plan.. i just want to get on with my vacation ASAP if there is an accident and not have to pay out of pocket.

I think I will just do the Moon Palace presentation.. they seemed pretty professional the last time, and got everything that they promised and more.. plus those presidential suites are sweet and we were actually interested in them the last time out. I think all others we'll just simply avoid.

Is this what they do in Mexico specifically.. or are your comments in general? I've booked many rentals, and all with little scratches not identified, and I've never been charged once for damage to the vehcile.

I'm of the mindset to definitely get the mandatory insurance.. I've got additional insurance from 4 different angles including credit card coverage, my 2 vehicles insurance plan.. i just want to get on with my vacation ASAP if there is an accident and not have to pay out of pocket.

I think I will just do the Moon Palace presentation.. they seemed pretty professional the last time, and got everything that they promised and more.. plus those presidential suites are sweet and we were actually interested in them the last time out. I think all others we'll just simply avoid.

I have heard of this happening to numerous tourists specifically in Mexico, although it's never happened to me (I always accept all insurance offered.) I haven't heard of it happening in other countries, although I'm sure it can happen.

If you accept all insurance offered (including deductible protection), your credit card insurance will not be usable or necessary. If you accept only the mandatory insurance (which is collision liability), you will have to immediately pay for any damages to your own vehicle (either after a crash or when they find a scratch upon returning the car). Then, you will have to pursue reimbursement with your credit card company after your trip.

The traffic laws are probably mostly the same as what you're used to, but the unfamiliar aspects of driving are what will hurt you. Hard-to-see obstacles and hazards are far more common in Mexico than what you would be used to in Canada or the US, and the local driving style is far more aggressive and (in my opinion) unforgiving of those who are unaware. For example, in the US, if you turn on your left turn signal while driving on a two-lane highway and prep for a left turn, traffic behind you will stop or pass on the right shoulder. In Mexico, traffic behind you will sometimes pass on the LEFT at full speed in the same situation, setting you up for quite a serious accident if you execute the turn without looking behind you while you do it. In general, while driving on two-lane highways, other drivers are very unforgiving of slower traffic (aggressive tailgating is almost mandatory, and sometimes drivers will attempt same-lane passing forcing everyone else onto the shoulder). You could try to keep up with them, but this makes you vulnerable to being stopped by police who pursue bribes from tourists (it's not uncommon for traffic to be moving 30 KM/h above the speed limit, but this doesn't excuse you if you're stopped by the police.) When driving within cities, many intersections will lack traffic signals or signs of any kind, leaving the right-of-way to local custom. In cities, almost all streets are one-way (even many boulevards are one-way, with both sides moving in the same direction, also in the small towns and villages, one-way streets are often unmarked, leaving you to guess which way traffic is going to go.) On two-way streets within cities, assume that left turns are never allowed unless you see evidence to the contrary. Cyclists are everywhere (even on roads where traffic moves at high speed), and it's your responsibility to watch for them.

If you are going to drive, check out some websites for driving tips:
http://69.73.170.179/ph5/read.php?17,29623,29623
http://www.go2mexico.com/mexico_articles/driving.php

Too funny. In Mexico, if you are driving on a highway and the guy in front of you puts on his left hand signal, IT USUALLY DOESN´T MEAN HE IS TURNING LEFT. It means that he is telling you that you are clear to pass him because there is no oncoming traffic that he can see. On a highway, if you are turning left, slow down, and if there is nothing coming towards you, slide over to the wrong side of the road, and then put your signal on. It is good to know the driving customs when you are driving in someone else´s country.

If you accept only the mandatory insurance (which is collision liability), you will have to immediately pay for any damages to your own vehicle (either after a crash or when they find a scratch upon returning the car). Then, you will have to pursue reimbursement with your credit card company after your trip.

Do they accept credit cards.. especially the credit card that has the insurance on it?

Still a chance to rent a vehicle.. but the prospect of the Moon Palace Time Share intrigues me because it'll whisk us away to destinations enough to meet our needs. The operate their own fleet of buses.. and they honored every word and promise given to us the last time.. First class Moon Palace all the way.. Plus free meal onsite, and we had trips to Chitzen Itza, XCaret, transfer to cancun, another ruins trip, pick up from our hotel, facial massage for my wife.. and I'm actually interested in their presidential suite set up the last time out..

Weird staying at the Fairmont Mayakoba this time, as we are responsible for transfers, paying for lunch and supper. The Hotel Azul was all inclusive the last time out, and seems like lots of great all inclusive deals.. even though our flight to CUN is on points, and I've got a lovely suite booked at the Fairmont.. just makes me wonder.

Sounds like driving is manageable.. but we won't be going to Chitzen Itza.. that's for sure.. we would just stay in heavy hotel traffic areas.

I've just returned from a whirlwind trip in Mexico doing hotel sight inspections plus some touring. We visited Mexico City, San Miguel de Allende (fabulous!), Guanajuato (interesting and charming) and the Riviera Maya. I felt completely safe everywhere and highly recommend that people put Mexico back on their radar as a great place to visit. Everywhere we visited was very clean and SAFE. The Mexicans were, as always, warm and happy to welcome us. Great food, no crowds, and excellent values abound.

Not wanting to drive ourselves around the Riviera Maya area when we had some free time, a friend who lives in Cancun recommended Domingo Hernandez as a driver with a decent van. He has reasonable hourly rates, speaks English, and we felt sure our belongings would be safe with him in the van whenever we went off shopping and touring. We didn't need an airport transfer, but his rates were fair. Domingo's mobile is (044) 998 179 67 14.

IMHO, Central/Colonial Mexico and the beach areas are very safe. Don't hesitate to go.

Sounds like you had a great visit. But because you encountered no problems doesn't equate into an "all safe" proclamation for everyone else when the facts have indicated just the opposite.

Central Mexico, a favorite place for me to visit, is experiencing high levels of terrorist activity and other crimes and that's been the case for some time now. In fact, the United States Government issued a special warning advising tourists to completely avoid the state of Michoacan, and has warned about certain highway travel - including a stretch of highway connecting San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato with San Luis Potosi to the north. Th is crime rate in Mexico City remains high and traveling by public transport - busses - in the adjacent areas in the State of Mexico is considered risky for people unfamiliar with the area because of frequent bus robberies and abuse of passengers.

Four or five other foreign governments have recently upgraded their warnings for Mexico.

The Riviera Maya has been spared most of the types of terror evident in some other parts of the country and traveling securely with a driver who knows the area is good advice when people want to minimize their risks, but few people think they can afford that luxury of car/driver.

There are some relatively safe sections of the country in which to vacation and travel, but the challenge for persons unfamiliar with the country is knowing where they are and what current events are taking place.

Thanks.

Some of my photos of Mexico:

http://community.webshots.com/user/billmasterson?vhost=community

Personally, the violence doesn't completely scare me aware from visiting Mexico per se but all things being equal & with so many places in the world to visit, it'd tip the scales to alternate destinations I may have in mind or want to revisit.

---

With respect to driving a rental car in Mexico...
<snip>For example, in the US, if you turn on your left turn signal while driving on a two-lane highway and prep for a left turn, traffic behind you will stop or pass on the right shoulder. In Mexico, traffic behind you will sometimes pass on the LEFT at full speed in the same situation, setting you up for quite a serious accident if you execute the turn without looking behind you while you do it. <snip>

Here's an unfortunate story that kind of illustrates what jcs27 mentions above. A Canadian couple in a rental car signalling to make a left hand turn off a one way street and a motorcycle slams into their car when attempting to pass on the left. And then the driver gets hauled off to a local jail to boot. It's quirky local driving practices like this that would make me hesitate renting a car in certain locations.

http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/westcoastnews/story.html?id=1ed0d4c6-9c18-49ea-b0c5-3de4f08c3fbb

We just returned from a week at Mayakoba and wanted to share some experiences (not a review). I was traveling with wife and a 2 yr old. We rented a car from Hertz and pretty much went into Playa del Carmen everyday/evening.

Safety - I was a bit concerned with all the media coverage, but trusted that it was safe along such heavily tourist area. We never encountered any situation that we felt insecure. People are extremely nice.

Rental Car - This is a big topic!

When exiting from customs (in Terminal 3), there is a small Hertz booth where you check in and someone will guide you out to the Hertz van. The Hertz (all car rentals) are located near Terminal 2 so you need to take the van. This was a good thing since the arrival hall is swarming with timeshare tour offers and cabbies looking to grab a fare.
We had reserved a child seat, but at the Hertz counter, they had no record of it and could not locate one. They asked us to check with other Hertz locations ourselves. :rolleyes:
After reading some car rental horror stories, I was very concerned. I had purchased the AMEX premium car rental insurance. This is much cheaper than paying the rental company insurance at $25/day. But then after the fact, I realized that this only applies when using AMEX. Luckily Hertz did accept AMEX. If you want more details on the insurance, ping me. I respectfully declined all insurances and fuel options. They did make an attempt, but I firmly and respectfully declined again, they did not press further.
When the car arrived, I did a walk through to mark all scratches and nicks regardless of how minor they are (be sure to check the spare tire and tools).


Driving - The drive along the cost (CUN - Playa del Carmen - Tulum) is on a straight/wide highway and was very easy. However watch out for the speed bumps!!! At one point in Tulum, I missed the sign and launched the car... it bottomed out on impact with the ground but luckily not damage. The wife and the toddler were rattled but not hurt. Really wish we had a car seat.. Driving in town is fine, just lookout for the pedestrians. Drive defensively.

Perhaps I was ignorant, but I had thought that most violence were in the border towns. Regardless, I did not felt any danger. All in all, it was a very good experience.

We just returned from a week at Mayakoba and wanted to share some experiences (not a review). I was traveling with wife and a 2 yr old. We rented a car from Hertz and pretty much went into Playa del Carmen everyday/evening.

Safety - I was a bit concerned with all the media coverage, but trusted that it was safe along such heavily tourist area. We never encountered any situation that we felt insecure. People are extremely nice.

Rental Car - This is a big topic!

When exiting from customs (in Terminal 3), there is a small Hertz booth where you check in and someone will guide you out to the Hertz van. The Hertz (all car rentals) are located near Terminal 2 so you need to take the van. This was a good thing since the arrival hall is swarming with timeshare tour offers and cabbies looking to grab a fare.
We had reserved a child seat, but at the Hertz counter, they had no record of it and could not locate one. They asked us to check with other Hertz locations ourselves. :rolleyes:
After reading some car rental horror stories, I was very concerned. I had purchased the AMEX premium car rental insurance. This is much cheaper than paying the rental company insurance at $25/day. But then after the fact, I realized that this only applies when using AMEX. Luckily Hertz did accept AMEX. If you want more details on the insurance, ping me. I respectfully declined all insurances and fuel options. They did make an attempt, but I firmly and respectfully declined again, they did not press further.
When the car arrived, I did a walk through to mark all scratches and nicks regardless of how minor they are (be sure to check the spare tire and tools).


Driving - The drive along the cost (CUN - Playa del Carmen - Tulum) is on a straight/wide highway and was very easy. However watch out for the speed bumps!!! At one point in Tulum, I missed the sign and launched the car... it bottomed out on impact with the ground but luckily not damage. The wife and the toddler were rattled but not hurt. Really wish we had a car seat.. Driving in town is fine, just lookout for the pedestrians. Drive defensively.

Perhaps I was ignorant, but I had thought that most violence were in the border towns. Regardless, I did not felt any danger. All in all, it was a very good experience.

Do provide a review of Mayakoba! We will be there for two weeks in July.

Good point on the Amex.. I'll call in.. we have both the gold and the Platinum card.

I would do the Moon Palace time share presentation.. don't buy obviously, but the 3 free tours they give you costs retail $700 about, and they provide a meal while touring.. facial massage.. its' all fun and good.. we did all the tours.. nice new clean buses and the sale process was quick and professional.. had a driver pick us up from our hotel on each and every tour, including the presentation. Their Presidential Suites are to die for.. but require 4 adults paid preferential rates that would work out to $3,600 to $5,000 per week depending on the week of year, no blackouts.. but that includes all the food, two tours for each adult, 1 massage, and a salon service, etc.

The time share presentation is making me think twice on the rental.. why rent, when you can get around for free taking that time share presentation. I know it sounds insane, but I think Moon Palace presentation was the best valued rewards given out.. I've done Maui, and a few other Mexico presentations.. but the Moon Palace one was integral and good value. Plus we like checking out places.

But the flexibility of having a car with two small kids is important as well.. Maybe I'll phone in to consider the insurances and make a decision.

After reading some car rental horror stories, I was very concerned. I had purchased the AMEX premium car rental insurance. This is much cheaper than paying the rental company insurance at $25/day. But then after the fact, I realized that this only applies when using AMEX. Luckily Hertz did accept AMEX. If you want more details on the insurance, ping me. I respectfully declined all insurances and fuel options. They did make an attempt, but I firmly and respectfully declined again, they did not press further.

Two notes here:
(1) To drive in Mexico, you are required to purchase Mexican third-party liability insurance, which covers any injuries and damages inflicted on the other party in the event of an accident. The AMEX insurance doesn't provide this coverage, and the car rental agency shouldn't allow you to rent without purchasing it. It would be foolish to drive without such liability insurance anyway, because without it, in the event of an accident, you're going to jail for sure. In the case of the Canadian "horror story" linked several posts up, the motorist shouldn't have been required to pay anything because the liability insurance would have covered all damages.
(2) Even if you were able to buy liability insurance outside of Mexico, it still wouldn't do you much good because your non-Mexican insurance wouldn't provide prompt legal assistance in the case of an accident. If you do get in an accident, immediately call the car rental agency or insurance company to send an insurance representative to the scene, and don't talk to anyone until they have arrived. The insurance representative will try to keep you out of jail and guarantee that damages will be paid if the police let you go. Don't pay any bribes unless the insurance agent advises you to do so.

Moral of the story...if you use your credit card's insurance, still accept the third-party liability coverage sold by the car rental agency.

Perhaps I was ignorant, but I had thought that most violence were in the border towns. Regardless, I did not felt any danger. All in all, it was a very good experience.

Agreed -- there is no particular danger of violence in the Cancun area. There have been drug-related deaths, but they seem to be limited to targeted executions of particular individuals, as opposed to the indiscriminate violence seen elsewhere.

Outside of the Yucatan, I consider some areas in Central Mexico to be safe for tourists, but not all. Unfortunately, I would no longer feel comfortable visiting most of the rest of Mexico, as too much violence has been occurring in most of the country...

Two notes here:
(1) To drive in Mexico, you are required to purchase Mexican third-party liability insurance, which covers any injuries and damages inflicted on the other party in the event of an accident. The AMEX insurance doesn't provide this coverage, and the car rental agency shouldn't allow you to rent without purchasing it. <snip>


This is not entirely true. It may be factually correct, but I can say, unequivocally, that I've been going to Cabo San Lucas semi-frequently for the better part of 20 years and I can say that I have firmly, but politely declined all additional insurance each and ever time. I have NEVER accepted the insurance and I have always left with the car.

I've listened to them proclaim to me that I'm required to buy the insurance, and then they always allow me to drive away with it when they realize I'm not going to.

Now, two important points before this starts a debate:

1) I'm not questioning what you assert is the "law" in Mexico. There are many laws in Mexico, and many unenforced. I'm just saying that practically speaking, what your asserting isn't necessarily always the practice.

2) I'm also not asserting my practice is a good one. In fact, as I get a bit older and more conservative, I'm starting to rethink this practice and may in fact begin to take the insurance.

My frustration with this practice in Mexico is it just feels like such a total and complete scam. I have no problem with the concept of paying for insurance, but often, taking all the insurance is more expensive than the actual rental, which just seems crazy. An "add on" should be some fractional percentage of the base rental rate IMHO (and not 100%!)

Regards

This is not entirely true. It may be factually correct, but I can say, unequivocally, that I've been going to Cabo San Lucas semi-frequently for the better part of 20 years and I can say that I have firmly, but politely declined all additional insurance each and ever time. I have NEVER accepted the insurance and I have always left with the car.

I've listened to them proclaim to me that I'm required to buy the insurance, and then they always allow me to drive away with it when they realize I'm not going to.

Now, two important points before this starts a debate:

1) I'm not questioning what you assert is the "law" in Mexico. There are many laws in Mexico, and many unenforced. I'm just saying that practically speaking, what your asserting isn't necessarily always the practice.

2) I'm also not asserting my practice is a good one. In fact, as I get a bit older and more conservative, I'm starting to rethink this practice and may in fact begin to take the insurance.

My frustration with this practice in Mexico is it just feels like such a total and complete scam. I have no problem with the concept of paying for insurance, but often, taking all the insurance is more expensive than the actual rental, which just seems crazy. An "add on" should be some fractional percentage of the base rental rate IMHO (and not 100%!)

Regards

From someone who lives in Mexico to someone who has been coming here for 20 years (albeit Cabo, which is more American than Mexican, lol), you should know that the most important question with regards to your post should be...........´yes, but have you ever had an accident with a rental car and no local insurance´. If you have been coming here for twenty years, you should know that there are many things that are a little scamy in Mexico....by everyone. Look at the post a few earlier from Ancien Maestro discussing the scamming of time share presentations. The river runs both ways. When the Mexicans do it, it is called scamming, but when the Canadians do it, it is called taking advantage of a program that is offered to them.
I don´t rent cars often in the States. I am there every month, but generally use cab, subway, or LRT depending where I am. But when I do rent cars, because I live outside of the States, and have different credit cards and insurance, I am compelled to buy their insurance. I therefore also have to pay almost as much for the insurance as for the car.
When I am travelling, I find it often times easier to pay a little more to avoid having to spend a day or even a couple of hours of my business/vacation time trying to iron out a problem that could have been avoided by just throwing a little extra cash at it on the front end. Just my opinion.

My frustration with this practice in Mexico is it just feels like such a total and complete scam. I have no problem with the concept of paying for insurance, but often, taking all the insurance is more expensive than the actual rental, which just seems crazy. An "add on" should be some fractional percentage of the base rental rate IMHO (and not 100%!)


I'm not questioning the fact that taking the collision and damage insurance is expensive, but the third-party liability insurance (which is the only insurance that you're legally obligated to buy) is quite affordable. Looking at recent rental statements, when renting cars in Mexico City and Cancun (from National), I was charged about $11/day. If your own car rental company is charging significantly more than this, then maybe you are getting "scammed".

You are not legally obligated to buy the insurance that is "more expensive than the actual rental". The AMEX insurance could conceivably take the place of the company's collision and damage insurance (although it could result in some major hassles when returning the car), but it will leave you on the hook for any liability you incur in a accident.

For better or worse, for right or wrong, the violence has kept *this* tourist away.

I've been to Cancun x3, Tijuana x 2 in the past with zero problems.

I'm not scared at all of pickpockets, theft or even robbery/muggings.

I AM scared of random gun violence and beheadings.

I DO understand that tourist areas have *mostly* been spared.

I'm not questioning the fact that taking the collision and damage insurance is expensive, but the third-party liability insurance (which is the only insurance that you're legally obligated to buy) is quite affordable. Looking at recent rental statements, when renting cars in Mexico City and Cancun (from National), I was charged about $11/day. If your own car rental company is charging significantly more than this, then maybe you are getting "scammed".

You are not legally obligated to buy the insurance that is "more expensive than the actual rental". The AMEX insurance could conceivably take the place of the company's collision and damage insurance (although it could result in some major hassles when returning the car), but it will leave you on the hook for any liability you incur in a accident.

I totally agree with what you are saying, but if it means spending a night or two in jail while things get straightened out, I view the the insurance as ´stay out of trouble´ insurance rather than car insurance.

I'm not questioning the fact that taking the collision and damage insurance is expensive, but the third-party liability insurance (which is the only insurance that you're legally obligated to buy) is quite affordable. Looking at recent rental statements, when renting cars in Mexico City and Cancun (from National), I was charged about $11/day. If your own car rental company is charging significantly more than this, then maybe you are getting "scammed".

You are not legally obligated to buy the insurance that is "more expensive than the actual rental". The AMEX insurance could conceivably take the place of the company's collision and damage insurance (although it could result in some major hassles when returning the car), but it will leave you on the hook for any liability you incur in a accident.

Thanks for the insight, it's appreciated. I will look into this next time we plan a trip. I am starting to feel like I've been "lucky" for many years, but I am clearly aware that luck is not a plan ;)

I think at this stage, having insurance certainly provides me with greater piece of mind; just looking for the right touch of meeting legal requirements in Mexico and good cost/value.

Regards

Thanks for the insight, it's appreciated. I will look into this next time we plan a trip. I am starting to feel like I've been "lucky" for many years, but I am clearly aware that luck is not a plan ;)

I think at this stage, having insurance certainly provides me with greater piece of mind; just looking for the right touch of meeting legal requirements in Mexico and good cost/value.

Regards

^

Moral of the story...if you use your credit card's insurance, still accept the third-party liability coverage sold by the car rental agency.

Sorry to have sparked a debate on the liability insurance. I forgot to mention that my liability insurance was included in the core rental rate (therefore not decline-able). I believe this is typical when renting from big rental companies. I suppose super cheap rental rates would exclude liability in order to stand out... The AMEX premium coverage assumes the role of "Primary" insurer and will pay for any damages incurred ON YOUR rental vehicle (tho I'm not clear if they cover liability, if any).

AMEX is mainly to protect rental agency's claim against you for your rental car. So the bottom lines is, say yes to liability insurance only if it's not included.


Do provide a review of Mayakoba! We will be there for two weeks in July.
Trying not to go OT too much, I'll provide a quick review. If I have time, I'll write up a full review in the appropriate thread.

We stayed at Banyan Tree Mayakoba in a Courtyard Pool Villa. All Villas have a private pool, the differences are living room, extra bedrooms, multi-floor configurations. The Villa is extremely private, there plenty of vegetation to keep other villas having a direct view of you. You could have gone commando and felt comfortable doing so. The villas are set far back from the ocean (except for a few 2/3 bd units), and typically require a relaxing boat or golf car ride or 15 min walk if you prefer, to get to the beach. Service is top notch. Regarding tipping, on resort restaurants always have 15% service charge added, so I only tipped when I felt like it and only to make up the 5% to bring it to 20%. I did not tip golf cart/boat service/valet most of the time. I personally feel that this is just part of the hotel service that we paid for. Other reviewers says food is not up to par, but we thought they were pretty good (or we were really hungry!). In-resort restaurants were expensive, that's why we went into town so much. I highly recommend going to the beach club and getting a beach bed then have lunch on the bed gazing at the ocean.

One more tip, driving from Mayakoba to Playa del Carmen is short, but traffic can be heavy at times because the highway bypass is under construction. Tho, they may be completed by the time you arrive.

Feel free to PM me if you have more questions.

Cheers.

Agreed -- there is no particular danger of violence in the Cancun area. There have been drug-related deaths, but they seem to be limited to targeted executions of particular individuals, as opposed to the indiscriminate violence seen elsewhere.

Outside of the Yucatan, I consider some areas in Central Mexico to be safe for tourists, but not all. Unfortunately, I would no longer feel comfortable visiting most of the rest of Mexico, as too much violence has been occurring in most of the country...

Targeted.. still.. makes it a bit uncomfortable.

This is not entirely true. It may be factually correct, but I can say, unequivocally, that I've been going to Cabo San Lucas semi-frequently for the better part of 20 years and I can say that I have firmly, but politely declined all additional insurance each and ever time. I have NEVER accepted the insurance and I have always left with the car.

I've listened to them proclaim to me that I'm required to buy the insurance, and then they always allow me to drive away with it when they realize I'm not going to.

Now, two important points before this starts a debate:

1) I'm not questioning what you assert is the "law" in Mexico. There are many laws in Mexico, and many unenforced. I'm just saying that practically speaking, what your asserting isn't necessarily always the practice.

2) I'm also not asserting my practice is a good one. In fact, as I get a bit older and more conservative, I'm starting to rethink this practice and may in fact begin to take the insurance.

My frustration with this practice in Mexico is it just feels like such a total and complete scam. I have no problem with the concept of paying for insurance, but often, taking all the insurance is more expensive than the actual rental, which just seems crazy. An "add on" should be some fractional percentage of the base rental rate IMHO (and not 100%!)

Regards

Conservative is good.. Personally I'm loaded up with two credit cards of insurance and two rental vehicle insurances from the two vehicles we normally drive at home. So lots of liability, collision, etc.

From someone who lives in Mexico to someone who has been coming here for 20 years (albeit Cabo, which is more American than Mexican, lol), you should know that the most important question with regards to your post should be...........´yes, but have you ever had an accident with a rental car and no local insurance´. If you have been coming here for twenty years, you should know that there are many things that are a little scamy in Mexico....by everyone. Look at the post a few earlier from Ancien Maestro discussing the scamming of time share presentations. The river runs both ways. When the Mexicans do it, it is called scamming, but when the Canadians do it, it is called taking advantage of a program that is offered to them.
I don´t rent cars often in the States. I am there every month, but generally use cab, subway, or LRT depending where I am. But when I do rent cars, because I live outside of the States, and have different credit cards and insurance, I am compelled to buy their insurance. I therefore also have to pay almost as much for the insurance as for the car.
When I am travelling, I find it often times easier to pay a little more to avoid having to spend a day or even a couple of hours of my business/vacation time trying to iron out a problem that could have been avoided by just throwing a little extra cash at it on the front end. Just my opinion.

Even though I've got lots of insurance, I'm to be sure to buy something local as well if we rent.

Thanks for the insight, it's appreciated. I will look into this next time we plan a trip. I am starting to feel like I've been "lucky" for many years, but I am clearly aware that luck is not a plan ;)

I think at this stage, having insurance certainly provides me with greater piece of mind; just looking for the right touch of meeting legal requirements in Mexico and good cost/value.

Regards

Glad we had a nice discussion:):)

We can all learn from each other.^

Sorry to have sparked a debate on the liability insurance. I forgot to mention that my liability insurance was included in the core rental rate (therefore not decline-able). I believe this is typical when renting from big rental companies. I suppose super cheap rental rates would exclude liability in order to stand out... The AMEX premium coverage assumes the role of "Primary" insurer and will pay for any damages incurred ON YOUR rental vehicle (tho I'm not clear if they cover liability, if any).

AMEX is mainly to protect rental agency's claim against you for your rental car. So the bottom lines is, say yes to liability insurance only if it's not included.


Trying not to go OT too much, I'll provide a quick review. If I have time, I'll write up a full review in the appropriate thread.

We stayed at Banyan Tree Mayakoba in a Courtyard Pool Villa. All Villas have a private pool, the differences are living room, extra bedrooms, multi-floor configurations. The Villa is extremely private, there plenty of vegetation to keep other villas having a direct view of you. You could have gone commando and felt comfortable doing so. The villas are set far back from the ocean (except for a few 2/3 bd units), and typically require a relaxing boat or golf car ride or 15 min walk if you prefer, to get to the beach. Service is top notch. Regarding tipping, on resort restaurants always have 15% service charge added, so I only tipped when I felt like it and only to make up the 5% to bring it to 20%. I did not tip golf cart/boat service/valet most of the time. I personally feel that this is just part of the hotel service that we paid for. Other reviewers says food is not up to par, but we thought they were pretty good (or we were really hungry!). In-resort restaurants were expensive, that's why we went into town so much. I highly recommend going to the beach club and getting a beach bed then have lunch on the bed gazing at the ocean.

One more tip, driving from Mayakoba to Playa del Carmen is short, but traffic can be heavy at times because the highway bypass is under construction. Tho, they may be completed by the time you arrive.

Feel free to PM me if you have more questions.

Cheers.

We are heading up to the Fairmont Mayakoba..

So we've upgraded no charge to a One Bedroom Signature Casita Suite that includes two bathrooms, living room, bed room, and two patios.. as a result of my wife and I being Fairmont President's Club Platinum members..

Seeing that there is alot of discussion on violence.. and after speaking with my wife about it..

We have decided not to rent a vehicle and go with a time share scam;). As soon as I get off the plane we will sign up for Moon Palace time share presentation and cash in on the tours offered, free meal, free facial massage, etc. From our experience, we do a 90 minute presentation, but we get tour the resort.. and then we end up getting choices of three tours. Once they even dropped us off in Cancun for shopping.

Instead of being target practice for the drug cartels, we'll just get bussed around when we exit.. and stay on the resort for eats, except for a few times where we'll visit the neighboring hotels.. plus a couple rounds of golf.

The result saving $700 in tours, and another $700 for a minivan rental.. That's what I call a vacation.^