The emergence of the Yucatan Peninsula as the leading destination for expats in Mexico should not come as a surprise. Mexico has been focusing on the area for many years and now the expats are showing up in droves.
This is the first in a series of articles discussing this area of Mexico. It’s an area we have spent many years exploring and we have seen many of the changes first hand.
From the Yucatan’s historic Merida to up and coming Mahahual on on the southern tip of Mexico’s Caribbean; the area offers a diverse mix in lifestyles with no shortage of things to do. The infrastructure is supporting a modernization of transportation, expansion of tourism and foreign investment.
A Few Reasons why the Yucatan Peninsula is Mexico’s most popular destination for expats and tourists
- The Beaches: From Cancun to Tulum and south to Mahahual along the Caribbean to Progresso, Celestun and Isla Holbox on the Gulf of Mexico side, these are arguably the finest beaches in the country.
- The Culture: The diversity in cultures between the historic and well known Maya ruins of Chichen Itza and Tulum to the Spanish colonial architecture of many of the towns and cities, the area is rich in history and cultural experiences. If learning a second language is on your bucket list, there are plenty resources through the numerators universities and private courses.
- It’s Close: The Yucatan’s proximity to the U.S. and Canada make it a quick and direct flight of 4 hours or less from most North American cities.
- Exploring Nature: Beyond the beaches the natural wonders of the Yucatan are numerous and impressive. The worlds largest underground river system lays just beneath the porous limestone surface of the Yucatan Peninsula, it is a cave divers dream and a delight for novices. Hidden lagoons, jungle adventures, wildlife, world class fishing and sailing are a few more of the options to connect with nature.
- The Food! If you thought visiting or moving to Mexico meant that you would be subject to tacos, rice and beans during your stay…think again. This part of Mexico offers some of the finest food to be found anywhere in the world. It is truly a world class experience to discover. The popularity of the area has drawn expats from all over the world, many of them opening authentic restaurants.
- It’s A ‘Safe’ Investment: With the state of Quintana Roo, the Riviera Maya specifically growing at lightning pace, investments are a no-brainer in most regions. Specifically beach-side towns like Playa del Carmen and Tulum are booming quickly. This makes it a quickly appreciating investment and the towns themselves have very low crime and are very safe for tourists. We have lived in Tulum for eight years and have never felt nervous about our safety. This is a very peaceful, relaxing and tranquil place to call your home away from home!
In the coming weeks we will be exploring some of these reasons in more detail and looking into some of the places specifically.
It’s not difficult to see why this region of Mexico is truly becoming the preferred destination for expats. If the variety of things to do and see is not enough of a draw, it is also a wise investment based on these trends. The influx of foreign capital does not appear to be slowing anytime soon and the Mexican government continues to support expansion of services and infrastructure that look a lot more like first world standards.
Stay tuned for more focus on the Yucatan. We’ll see you in Mexico!