Tepic is destined to be Mexico’s new vacation hotspot, giving new and easier access to Riviera Nayarit with groundbreaking flights launching this week.
But there’s also another airport set to open in Mexico this year, plus 4 more in the works.
As you may have heard, Americans can now fly nonstop to Tepic beginning this week on Volaris, followed by United later this year.
What you may have missed is Costalegre, an up-and-coming luxurious beach destination taking Cabo’s glitz and adding the allure of undiscovered shores. Though, the reason it’s remained off-radar from the masses is largely due to its lack of connectivity.
The same can be said for multiple destinations that would be more popular if only Americans had better access, including a city just crowned by Travel + Leisure as Mexico’s best.
Believe it or not, if approved, these targeted vacation spots will challenge Cancun, Guadalajara, and more with the goal of alleviating traffic at major airports and spotlighting the lesser-known.
We at Travel Off Path are stoked to unveil Mexico’s next tourism hotspots as 5 new airports are planned to open:
More Than A Cruise Port: Ensenada To Welcome Flights
Northern Baja’s popular cruise port and endcap to the scenic Valle de Guadalupe wine route (known as Mexico’s “Napa” is expected to become easier to reach than ever.
Whether you’re into fresh-as-can-be seafood, quintessential Baja vibes, or winding backroads of sprawling wineries, Ensenada is just the place!
Ensenada’s problem has been that it’s a bit of a drag to reach. Having to fly into San Diego and road trip across the busy border or take one of the few U.S.-based flights directly into what’s commonly deemed one of Mexico’s most dangerous cities (Tijuana), Ensenada has largely been a stop on a cruise route for most.
There’s no official timeframe for completion, but it’s expected to be built in the “El Tigre” part of town.
Travel Tip: If you just can’t wait to visit Ensenada, consider taking San Diego’s first-of-its-kind ferry route to bypass the hassle of customs!
Lagos de Moreno: Say Goodbye To Guadalajara & Leon
If you’ve never heard of Lagos de Moreno, that’s okay. Even the most seasoned travelers likely haven’t either, but we did feature this Jalisco hideaway as an alternative to one of my favorite Mexican cities, Guanajuato.
From personal experience, this region could benefit from a new airport. Both times I’ve traveled through Guadalajara (GDL), it’s been nothing short a migraine headache and the logistics of getting an Uber from Leon (BJX) has been a hassle due to a never-ending Uber-taxi war.
Hidden gems like Lagos de Moreno deserve more recognition and a new airport will certainly do the trick.
This beautiful city was named one of Mexico’s cheapest destinations last year, and since the U.S. government isn’t in charge, it’s safe to say inflation hasn’t reached Mexico’s best-kept secrets.
Do yourself a favor and add ‘Lagos’ to your wishlist and keep up with us for future news on when their anticipated new airport comes to fruition.
San Miguel de Allende: Mexico’s ‘Top City’ Deserves Its Own Airport
In the same breath as Lagos de Moreno, yet holding way more notoriety, San Miguel de Allende would also benefit from its own airport, but not as much as travelers would.
San Miguel may no longer be the hidden gem it once was, having evolved into an expat haven and a popular cultural escape from Mexico’s busy beaches.
San Miguel doesn’t lack much — it’s safe, affordable, timeless, charming, and a foodie’s dream, but having to make the trek from Leon as mentioned previously, San Miguel’s popularity would likely increase as even more travelers would be enticed to visit one of Mexico’s most aesthetically captivating towns.
There’s no specific opening date at this time, but plans seem more than promising.
Isla Mujeres: Cancun’s New Rival?
Travel experts at the Cancun Sun have been hyping up nearby Isla Mujeres for years as a paradisal escape from Cancun’s year-round crowds.
We’ve already seen Tulum open their own airport with a mixed bag of reviews after initial success, but too much hype all at once may have actually deterred travelers from visiting as airlines have actually pulled flights lately.
Isla Mujeres, though, isn’t quite as well known as Tulum and could benefit from its own airport much like Cozumel.
Rather than make day trips from Cancun and deal with the hassle of such a busy airport, more vacationers would surely appreciate a direct flight to the region’s growing paradise island of luxe resorts, bucket-list excursions, and pristine waters.
There’s no timeframe when Isla Mujeres will receive a new airport, but there are ongoing discussions to replace the current Playa del Carmen airfield, according to Forbes.
Costalegre: Fly To Mexico’s Trendiest Luxury Destination This Year
According to Mexico News Daily, Costalegre’s highly anticipated airport is expected to welcome flights by year’s end.
Which airlines will operate here remains to be seen, but there has been a lot of hype surrounding Costalegre as Mexico’s next vacation hotspot for years.
Boasting over 200 miles of gorgeous shores south of Puerto Vallarta, many seem untouched in comparison to Mexico’s most notable names, and that’s largely been due to a lack of connectivity.
While Tepic has been Mexico’s most exciting summer news, pay attention to fall and winter as Costalegre sounds all but sure to take flight on the flip side of Puerto Vallarta.
Sam Sears
Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.
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