Yucatán coast faces tourism surge, traffic jams and mototaxi regulation

The state‑run Hotel Costa Club on the Yucatán coast opened its summer season from 14 July to 16 August, expecting more than 3,200 guests and offering discounted rates for Institute of Social Security beneficiaries. The facility includes 56 rooms, a beach‑side restaurant, pools, and spaces for events.

Roadworks on the Mérida‑Progreso highway have caused severe congestion, with lane reductions creating kilometre‑long queues and wait times of up to an hour for travelers heading to the port during the holiday weekend.

The regulation of mototaxis remains incomplete; over 5,000 units are operating with out‑of‑state plates, costing the state an estimated 500 million pesos in lost revenue. Authorities have been urged to finish the licensing process to improve safety and legal certainty.

Rental prices along the Yucatán coast have risen sharply, now rivaling those of Cancun and the Riviera Maya. Weekly rates in high season can exceed 25,000 MXN, with luxury beachfront properties reaching 55,000‑60,000 MXN. A typical family weekend may cost between 20,000 and 32,000 MXN.

Tourism figures for January‑May 2026 show a 2.9 % decline in domestic visitors but a matching 2.9 % increase in international arrivals, resulting in a net 1.6 % drop in total arrivals. The state’s tourism authority is promoting its "Pueblos Mágicos" to diversify offerings.