Last Updated 1 hour ago
Without a question, Mexico is America’s favorite vacation spot. U.S. citizens comprise the vast majority of foreigners visiting the tourism-dependent country, and are behind its rebound following the Covid crisis. Now, the top 5 cities Americans love the most in Mexico have been revealed, and while old classics featured, the list includes other surprises as well.
Between January and May 2022, Mexico reported a 65.8% increase in American arrivals compared to last year’s figures. In total, 5 million and 530 thousand more tourists traveled south of the border this year so far, and that number is likely to keep rising now that social curbs have been dropped and the U.S. no longer requires testing for returning citizens.
The whole of Mexico is brimming with tourists, but the cities with the largest concentrations, according to official data provider Datatur, are the following:
5. Guadalajara
State: Jalisco
Official U.S. Travel Advice: Reconsider Travel
Famous for: History, Architecture, Museums
The home of tequila and the traditional mariachi music, Guadalajara is the fifth busiest entry point into Mexico this year. So far, an extra 430,087 international visitors have chosen the lively inland metropolis as their destination this year, 58.7% more than 2021. Why, you may be wondering? It may not have a beach, but in Guadalajara there is certainly no shortage of cultural attractions to be appreciated.
The historical downtown area is comprised of countless historical landmarks, such as the 16th century Guadalajara Cathedral, one of the first European-built churches in the territory, the Hospicio Cabanas, simply the oldest orphanage in the Americas, the gorgeous Degollado Theater, famous for its neoclassical architecture, and many more.
4. Puerto Vallarta
State: Jalisco
Official U.S. Travel Advice: Reconsider Travel
Famous for: Nightlife, Luxury resorts, Beaches
Puerto Vallarta has been named the Friendliest City in the World, and strolling the streets of the picturesque Old Town area, where Mexican hospitality can be truly experienced, and a myriad of different, welcoming bars and entertainment venues line the seafront, we have absolutely no reason to question that status.
This year, though, Vallarta has attained popularity more as a primary destination, as opposed to a mere cruise port part of a wider itinerary. 775,430 more tourists have flown specifically into Puerto Vallarta International Airport this year, up until May, 136.6% more than last year, proving the city’s potential as a major international destination is being unleashed.
3. Los Cabos
State: Baja California
Official U.S. Travel Advice: Reconsider Travel
Famous for: Marine life, Nature, Outdoor activities
Los Cabos comes out third in terms of international arrivals, even though it already surpasses the Riviera Maya in terms of year-on-year growth. Up until May, an additional 929,988 tourists arrived via Los Cabos International Airport, 67.8% more than 2021. On top of that, the Los Cabos Tourism Trust (Fiturca) notes that 22% more Americans have made it to the Pacific Gem this year.
This makes Los Cabos one of the trendiest destinations in Mexico for U.S. passport holders right now, mainly due to the rave reviews it gets – over 93% of visitors report a pleasant experience – the quality of the beaches, among some of the cleanest in the country, and its world-renowned golf courses.
2. Mexico City
State: Mexico City
Official U.S. Travel Advice: Exercise Increased Caution
Famous for: Aztec monuments, Mayan ruins, Museums
Mexico City, the country’s capital and main financial center, takes the runner-up slot with a 129.2% increase over 2021, or an extra 1,578,039 tourists. Short-term visitors are not the only ones enamored of the metropolis: it is quickly turning into a new haven for digital nomads, due to its high affordability and cultural offers.
Some of the top sights in Mexico City include Templo Mayor, the 13th-century Aztec Temple that leaves Historians wonderstruck to this day, the baroque wonder that is the Metropolitan Cathedral, built by Mexico’s Spanish conquerors, and the National Palace, where emblematic art by Mexico’s beloved painter Diego Rivera can be found.
1. Cancun
State: Quintana Roo
Official U.S. Travel Advice: Exercise Increased Caution
Famous for: Pristine beaches, Luxurious stays, Live entertainment
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Cancun is America’s favorite destination in all of Mexico. This year, the Caribbean jewel posted a 100.8% growth, or namely an a further 4,009,729 arrivals compared to the same period in 2021. Despite the slower rebound, compared to others on this same list, it remains a definitive winner in overall numbers.
Even the excessive sargassum landfall could not keep Americans away during the low season. A vast majority of them still dreams of a week-long sunny break in the luxurious Zona Hotelera, and judging by this other recent study published by Tripadvisor, Cancun’s hard-earned crown will not be snatched anytime soon.
If you’re visiting any of the above locations in the near future, or other states in Mexico, make sure you check the latest travel advisories issued by the U.S. Department of State by accessing this link.
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This article originally appeared on Travel Off Path. For the latest breaking news that will affect your next trip, please visit: Traveloffpath.com
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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
