Mexico’s holiday paradise, with hard truths beneath

Four years living in Mexico have shown a country of striking beauty and deep challenges. A writer who has called the country home notes that Mexico remains a magnet for travelers drawn to its culture, history, cuisine and warmth, but that the glossy Instagram frame often masks a more complicated reality. The piece argues that travelers should ask hard questions before booking, and go with eyes wide open to what lies beneath the surface.

From Oaxaca’s sprawling markets to Cancún’s reef and the mist-shrouded ruins of Palenque, Mexico offers experiences that many visitors describe as life-changing. The author recounts personal moments of hospitality and shared meals with families who welcomed outsiders as if they were kin, and he or she highlights Day of the Dead celebrations and centuries-old traditions as vivid, authentic threads of the national fabric. Yet those moments sit alongside endemic problems that have earned international attention: widespread corruption, violent crime linked to drug cartels, environmental degradation, and rapid overtourism that reshapes communities and livelihoods.

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The piece emphasizes that police corruption is a persistent feature of life in parts of the country, with bribery described as so common that many travelers and residents alike view it as a norm rather than an exception. Crackdowns against the worst offenders have occurred, but the author notes they are episodic rather than systemic, with more than 100 officers arrested in southern Mexico in December as part of ongoing efforts to curb abuses.

Quantifying the scale of criminal violence, the author cites estimates that since 2006 roughly 460,000 drug-related killings have occurred, underscoring the ruthlessness of cartels that operate in many states. The same context helps explain why a country famous for its beaches and cafes also grapples with high levels of violence, including incidents tied to tourist zones. The author recalls cases in which shootings near beaches and hotel lobbies drew international attention, including a June 2025 incident at the Riu Palace Costa Mujeres in Cancún in which gunfire erupted between gang members and undercover police, leaving a man dead. A prior December incident at the Riu Palace Las Americas involved a daylight shooting near the beach, with assailants escaping by jet ski.

The piece also highlights the darker undercurrents of drug-related crime. Cartels are described as dominant in many states, and the disruption they cause affects communities and even tourists who might feel safer in resort areas than in rural towns. A national survey is cited indicating that roughly 93 percent of crimes go unreported, a figure attributed to deep distrust of authorities and a perception that reporting may not lead to accountability. The result, the author argues, is a climate in which fear and uncertainty shape daily life for residents and visitors alike.

Alongside violence, the article paints a portrait of environmental and social strains that accompany rapid development. Pollution and environmental mismanagement are described as features of industrial growth and lax oversight, with rivers such as the Atoyac turning visibly toxic and the Santiago River described by the Sierra Club as the “river of death” due to its pollution. The environmental toll is most visible in tourist regions where overtourism has transformed landscapes and threatened local ecosystems. The author notes that the municipality of Tulum has faced a stark rise in poverty and displacement as developers and visitors reshape the town’s economy and physical footprint, with Coneval data showing the poverty rate rising from 32 percent in 2015 to 62 percent in 2020 in that area.

The piece also examines how global demand for affordable living has drawn digital nomads to major urban centers, intensifying gentrification in neighborhoods such as Mexico City’s Roma and Condesa. Rental prices have surged, with some districts seeing increases of more than 40 percent since 2020, outpacing local wage growth. Tens of thousands of Airbnb listings push long-term rental stock toward the edge, while familiar small businesses give way to new formats that cater to temporary residents. The author describes the sense of cultural and economic shift as a form of “colonialism,” with long-standing family businesses giving way to international brands and trendy cafes that attract visitors with high prices and a different vibe.

Amid these structural forces, the writer argues that Mexico’s enduring appeal remains rooted in its people, culture and cuisine. Day of the Dead celebrations, street-food markets, and culinary traditions yield a rich, living culture that guards its identity even as it contends with growth pressures. The text emphasizes that the country’s natural beauty—sweeping coastlines, jungles, deserts and mountain ranges—continues to invite exploration and wonder, from snorkeling in coral reefs to trekking in remote canyons.

Throughout, the author weaves context and timeline to present a nuanced picture. The United Kingdom’s Foreign Travel Advisory is cited as cautioning against travel to several regions of Mexico, reflecting ongoing safety concerns amid one of the world’s higher homicide rates. Human Rights Watch data is used to illustrate the scale of violence in 2023, with roughly 25 deaths per 100,000 people, driven in large part by drug trafficking and criminal-group conflicts. The piece also recalls past high-profile incidents that drew international attention to tourist sites, including a 2021 incident in Tulum and subsequent years’ shootings nearby.

So, should a traveler visit Mexico? The article leaves that decision to the reader, framing travel as a choice that involves weighing unmatched cultural richness against serious safety, governance and environmental challenges. The closing sentiment is candid: visitors will encounter adventure—wildlife-rich jungles, cenotes, ancient ruins and vibrant street life—while also confronting the reality that they are guests in a country grappling with deep structural issues. The recommended approach is to travel with preparedness, curiosity and respect for the communities one visits, recognizing that the best experiences often come with an awareness of the complexities facing the country.