🇲🇽 MexicoFlow
Settle In. Branch Out.
Week of October 26, 2026
October is winding down, and Mexico is getting ready for one of its busiest and most enjoyable times of year. Coastal communities are preparing for winter visitors, November’s festival calendar is filling up, and new travel connections are making it easier to explore the country.
This week, we’re heading to Oaxaca’s Pacific coast, looking at an encouraging travel development, and sharing a few practical reminders for expats and seasonal residents.
📰 Need-to-Know: Oaxaca’s Pacific Coast Is Preparing for a Big November
November is shaping up to be an exciting month along Oaxaca’s Pacific coast.
Mexico’s Tourism Ministry announced a packed calendar of cultural, sporting, and culinary activities in Puerto Escondido and Huatulco, including surfing, traditional dance, fishing competitions, and regional food celebrations.
One of the highlights is the Guelaguetza del Mar, scheduled for November 21 at Playa Zicatela in Puerto Escondido and November 28 in Huatulco.
The event brings traditional music, dance, and regional cultural expressions from Oaxaca’s eight regions to the coast.
For travelers, this is a wonderful opportunity to experience more than Oaxaca’s beautiful beaches. It’s a chance to connect with the traditions and communities that give the region its character.
Read the announcement from Mexico’s Tourism Ministry
✈️ Travel Update: Morelia Gets a New Connection to Mexico City
Traveling between Michoacán and Mexico City just became more convenient.
Aeroméxico announced two daily flights between Morelia and Mexico City’s Benito Juárez International Airport, with service scheduled to begin October 24.
For travelers coming from abroad, the connection offers another way to reach Michoacán through Mexico City’s international flight network.
It’s also good news for residents traveling to the capital for business, appointments, or connecting flights.
As always, check the airline’s current schedule before making travel plans.
💰 Money Matters: Preparing Your Budget for Mexico’s High Season
If you live in a popular coastal destination, you know that November often marks a change in the rhythm of daily life.
Seasonal residents begin returning, restaurants get busier, and demand for accommodations increases.
For anyone planning an extended winter stay, now is a good time to review the budget beyond rent.
Consider transportation, utilities, groceries, medical expenses, and the exchange rate you’ll actually receive when converting foreign currency.
And remember, the cheapest rental isn’t always the best value. Location, reliable internet, air conditioning, and access to everyday services can make a big difference in your experience.
🏥 Health & Insurance: Snowbirds, Don’t Make These Common Mistakes
Snowbird season is approaching, and thousands of Americans and Canadians are preparing to spend the winter in Mexico.
But while accommodations and travel plans often receive plenty of attention, healthcare coverage can become an afterthought.
Some seasonal visitors assume their insurance from home will automatically cover them in Mexico. Others purchase travel medical policies without checking trip-length restrictions, exclusions, or hospital payment requirements.
And for Americans relying on Medicare, it’s important to remember that Original Medicare generally doesn’t cover healthcare in Mexico, except in limited circumstances.
Before heading south, take a few minutes to understand what your policy actually covers.
Read: 7 Health Insurance Mistakes Mexico Snowbirds Make
A little preparation can help prevent an expensive surprise during your winter in Mexico.
🏙️ City Spotlight: Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca
Puerto Escondido has long attracted surfers, beach lovers, and travelers looking for a relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Located on Oaxaca’s Pacific coast, the town offers a mix of lively beaches, small restaurants, fishing traditions, and beautiful natural surroundings.
Playa Zicatela is internationally recognized for its powerful surf, while other nearby beaches offer different experiences depending on the conditions.
November is an especially interesting time to visit, with the city’s annual cultural and sporting festivities bringing additional energy to the area.
If you’re considering a visit, don’t overlook the smaller neighborhoods and local markets beyond the main tourist areas.
And remember that Zicatela’s powerful waves are not suitable for casual swimming. Always pay attention to local beach safety warnings.
🍽️ Food Worth Traveling For: Tlayudas
A visit to Oaxaca wouldn’t be complete without trying a tlayuda.
Sometimes described as a Mexican pizza, a tlayuda is actually something quite different.
It starts with a large, toasted corn tortilla, traditionally topped with ingredients such as beans, asiento (rendered pork fat), cabbage or lettuce, Oaxacan cheese, salsa, and sometimes grilled meat.
The result is crunchy, savory, and wonderfully satisfying.
You’ll find variations throughout Oaxaca, from street-food stalls to traditional restaurants.
For visitors to Puerto Escondido, it’s a delicious introduction to the state’s rich culinary heritage.
📚 From Brett’s Blog: Helpful Resources for Life in Mexico
Moving to Mexico, spending the winter here, or simply planning for the future? We’ve been adding practical articles to help expats make informed decisions about healthcare and insurance.
IMSS vs. Private Healthcare in Mexico
What can expats expect from Mexico’s public healthcare system? Learn about eligibility, treatment conditions, waiting times, and why private insurance may be worth considering.
Snowbird Health Insurance Mistakes
Planning to spend several months in Mexico? Learn about seven common insurance mistakes seasonal visitors should avoid.
Read the snowbird insurance guide
Medicare in Mexico: What Americans Need to Know
Understand the limitations of Medicare outside the United States and why healthcare planning is important before retiring abroad.
Explore more: Visit Brett’s Blog for our latest articles
🗓️ Upcoming Events Worth Planning For
November 6–8 — Morelia Bike Fest & Bike Marathon, Michoacán
A cycling-focused event bringing riders and visitors together in Morelia.
Morelia Bike Marathon 2026 — Event Details
November 7–8 — The Grill Festival, Puerto Vallarta
A weekend dedicated to barbecue, grilling, and food prepared over fire.
November 12–16 — Festival del Chocolate, Tabasco
A celebration of one of Mexico’s most important traditional ingredients, with chocolate and cacao taking center stage.
November 13–16 — Festival Internacional del Globo, León, Guanajuato
One of Mexico’s best-known hot-air balloon festivals, featuring colorful balloons and a festive atmosphere.
November 21 and 28 — Guelaguetza del Mar, Oaxaca
Traditional dance and music come to Puerto Escondido on November 21 and Huatulco on November 28.
Check official organizers for the latest schedules, admission information, and any changes before traveling.
🇲🇽 Mexico Living Tip: Get Ready for the Winter Visitors
If you’ve been enjoying quieter streets and restaurants during the warmer months, things may soon change.
Many popular destinations become noticeably busier as seasonal residents and international visitors return.
This is a good time to schedule routine appointments, check transportation options, and make reservations for activities you don’t want to miss.
For new residents, it’s also a great opportunity to explore your community before the busiest weeks arrive.
🌽 Fun Mexico Fact: Oaxaca’s Corn Heritage
Mexico is the birthplace and center of diversity of maize, and Oaxaca is especially celebrated for its traditional corn-based foods.
From tlayudas and tamales to memelas and atole, corn is much more than an ingredient. It’s part of the region’s agricultural, culinary, and cultural identity.
The next time you enjoy a handmade tortilla, you’re tasting a tradition with thousands of years of history.
Stay Connected With MexicoFlow
Whether you’re living in Mexico, planning your next visit, or dreaming of making the move, we’re here to help you discover more of this remarkable country.
MexicoFlow — Settle In. Branch Out.
Explore More Resources
Health Insurance in Mexico by City – MexicoFlow Newsletter – MexicoFlow Blog