Hola my Mexico-loving friends!

I hope you are having a wonderful start to August, wherever you are in the world!

It's that time of year when I start planning my trips to Mexico for later in the year and early next year. Are you planning any Mexico adventures in the coming month? Perhaps a trip to Michoacan for Dia de Muertos? Or maybe you're more interested in a trip along the Nayarit coastline? Whatever your poison, now is a good time to start planning.

Mexico Updates from Around the Web

• Mexico's president, Claudia Sheinbaum, talks her way into a delay on the tariffs for Mexico. They have 90 days to come to a new agreement. For now, our strawberries and avocados (and many other fruits and vegetables in our supermarkets) remain safe from tariff hikes.
• After last month's anti-gentrification protests in Mexico City, the mayor has come up with a plan. "Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada said officials will propose a law to regulate rental prices, strike a balance between the rights and obligations of landlords and tenants, prevent people from being displaced, and regulate short-term rental properties." Read the full story here.​
• There was concern of Hurricane Gil making landfall along the Pacific coast this week, but it looks like, for now, the coast will avoid any big storms. Hurricane season continues for another few months, so we wait to see how it will unfold on both coasts.
• Alex Wittman explores the hard-to-reach Palenque ruins in Chiapas and shares how to get there for yourself.
• Mark Weins shares an epic 3-hour video which can only be described as the ultimate guide to street food in Mexico. Don't watch this if you're hungry.
• ​The Mexican Peso has weakened against the dollar in the last 30 days or so. It's a good time to come to the country with dollars, but not a great time to be earning in Pesos. As of August 4th, the current exchange rate is 1 USD to about 18.90 MXN.

2025 Michoacan Day of the Dead Tour

I mentioned this in the June Spotlight email, and many of you were very excited to learn more! There are still a few places left, but don't wait too long to get in touch with Claudia and secure your spot.

If you've ever wanted to experience Día de Muertos in its most authentic and meaningful setting, this is your chance. From October 30 to November 4, you can go on a small group tour through Michoacán with the wonderful Mexican-owned and operated Dopamina Travel. Michoacan is one of the most culturally rich regions of Mexico.

You will explore marigold fields, create Catrina sculptures with a renowned artisan, build your own altars, and witness the candlelit magic of Noche de Ánimas in the cemeteries of Tzintzuntzan and Cucuchucho. You'll also eat incredible meals with local chefs, explore Pátzcuaro and Morelia, and travel respectfully with a company that puts community and sustainability first.

There are still a few spots left, but space is limited to just 12 people total. If you're thinking about joining, now is the time! As a bonus, everyone who signs up through this newsletter gets a free paperback copy of my Mexico City guidebook to help plan your time before or after the tour

​You can find a full explanation of the itinerary here.

To secure your spot, email Claudia at claudia@dopamina.travel. She will walk you through everything you need to know to book onto this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Visiting Mexico Soon?

If you are planning a trip to Mexico soon, I hope you'll have a browse of the different Mexico guides on my blog or have a search through my YouTube videos to help you plan your trip!

Many of you already know that the updated version of my Los Cabos guidebook came out in November. If you haven’t already purchased it, you can buy a digital copy of it here or a paperback copy of it on Amazon here.

I also have an extensive guidebook available for Mexico City, which also receives regular updates. Anytime you buy a digital guidebook, you have access to lifetime updates completely free. So your guidebooks from me are never out of date!

These are our essential Mexico travel planning articles not to miss:

• ​Mexico Packing List​
• ​What to Wear in Mexico in Wet Season (that's now!)
• ​Driving in Mexico​
• ​Renting a Car in Mexico​
• ​Taking the Bus in Mexico​
• ​Backpacking Mexico​
• ​Best Beaches in Mexico​
• ​Best Places to Retire in Mexico​

Speak soon and safe travels,

Laura