According to the latest World Tourism Barometer from the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Mexico, featuring some of the world’s busiest airports, is currently ranking as the seventh most visited country in 2025. So, if you’re thinking about buying a vacation property for yourself or to rent out as a business investment, one thing you’ll want to consider is how close your purchase is to an airport.

To give you an idea of the possibilities out there, let’s take a look at some examples of excellent real estate investment options you can find within an hour of an international airport in some of Mexico’s most popular destinations.

Baja California Sur

This two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment is an example of what’s available in the heart of San José del Cabo‘s desirable hotel zone, directly in front of stunning Costa Azul beach. It boasts the kind of tourist-friendly amenities you’ll want to look for in this sort of property, such as a common area with an exquisitely designed pool, breathtaking views, a gym and a tennis court. Spanning 158 square meters (1,700 square feet) in a prime location, this is a perfect example of an excellent investment property candidate you can rent out or resell easily.

A bit further out from the heart of the action, consider El Tezal, one of Cabo San Lucas’s most desirable residential areas. It’s a convenient half hour from Los Cabos International Airport. Here, there are properties like this competitively priced 128-square-meter (1,377 square feet), two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment with fantastic beach views.

Quintana Roo

Quintana Roo has the blockbuster tourist destination of Cancún, of course, but you might also consider Cozumel, where you can find beachfront apartments like this 190-square-meter (2,045 square feet) standout, located on Cozumel’s west side — which sees little sargassum — close to Cozumel International Airport. It offers stunning views, tennis courts and excellent common areas, including a dining room, a gym and a pool. Are you seeing a pattern? These are the amenities to find in a place you plan to rent out to vacationers.

In addition to having quick access to Cozumel International Airport, you can easily access Cancún International Airport from Cozumel as well, via a one-hour ferry ride.

Playa del Carmen, located an hour from Cancún International Airport, is one of the cities in the Mexican Caribbean with the highest added value. Property prices here can naturally get steep, so if you’re looking for something a bit more affordable, look outside the hotel zone for something like this two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment, located closer to where full-time residents live but still a taxi ride away from the heart of the party.

This modern property spans a more modest 89 square meters (957 square feet) but still includes a pool, gym and grill area in the complex. Located just 10 minutes from the beach and surrounded by picturesque, lush vegetation, this is the kind of destination popular with vacationers who want a quieter beach getaway not surrounded by partiers.

Yucatán

Situated in the heart of lovely, safe downtown Mérida, this sort of home has significant added value. With amenities like a lovely lap pool, high ceilings, a blend of colonial and modern architectural styles and a spacious living room, this two-bedroom property is an excellent option for investment, for living in yourself full-time or for use as a vacation home. It’s also located less than one hour from Mérida International Airport.

Have you heard of Chelem, a fishing village not far from Mérida that’s becoming a more popular destination with expats? For those who like a quieter vacation or retirement destination, Chelem’s beautiful beaches, friendly locals and chill vibe is still a place you can find an ample, reasonably priced apartment like this four-bedroom, four-bathroom, 185-square-meter beauty right in front of the beach. It also includes a jacuzzi, a garden, a large terrace and an infinity pool with sea views in the common areas. The property also offers 24-hour security and even a bar.

Chelem appeals to folks who like to rent a beach house rather than stay in a resort. The town provides the charm of interacting with locals, but you won’t lack basic everyday services like supermarkets. It’s an acceptable 48 minutes from Mérida International Airport.

Jalisco

It’s still possible to find affordable luxury in the charming beach town of Sayulita, like this exceptional though tinier 60-square-meter apartment (645 square feet) with a view of the ocean, yet just an hour from Puerto Vallarta International Airport.

Here you can still find spectacular views of the ocean and the surrounding jungle. This development, for example, features its own infinity pool and beautifully designed common areas, which include a pool, restaurant and bar.

In Puerto Vallarta, there are still opportunities to be found like Casa Muñeca, a 4,232-square meter (45,552 square feet) home in the downtown. This sort of property — which embodies rustic colonial Mexican charm with its traditional adobe walls, high ceilings and talavera tiles — is the kind of property that vacation renters looking for a traditional, more authentic Mexico experience will love.

Of course, you’ll pay a lot more for a property like this — closer to U.S. prices — but with three bedrooms and details like stunning views of the sea, a picturesque rooftop palapa, and a mother-in-law apartment on the ground floor, this property in PV’s Gringo Gulch neighborhood could be considered part of the city’s cultural heritage.

For more affordable options, there’s the town of San Juan Cosalá, just a half hour from the popular expat haven of Chapala and a mere 9 kilometers outside of Ajijic. Here you can find properties like Casa Trinidad, a 350-square meter (3,767 square feet), four-bedroom, five-bathroom home with a pool sited on a 717-square-meter (7,717 square feet) lot. Part of an exclusive development of eight luxury homes that share gardens and recreational areas, it’s a reasonable 50 minutes from Guadalajara International Airport.

Mexico City

And finally, yes, you can still find great properties in the heart of Mexico’s capital, for far less than you’d pay for a condo in many comparable U.S. or Canadian metropolitan hubs.

This 10-apartment development, for example, located in the iconic Santa María La Ribera neighborhood, features two- and three-bedroom apartments with a throwback California Mission-style facade but with updated, modern interiors. Located in the central Cuauhtémoc borough, one of Mexico City’s most valuable areas, it’s the kind of property that you’ll always be able to rent or simply enjoy whenever you visit.

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Her goal was to create art and artistic decor objects for different spaces using these traditional materials.

The result of her work toward this goal is the M.A Estudio initiative, a studio that brings sculptures, carpets and other art objects to life, celebrating modernism, Mexico’s traditions and design. 

“The magic of M.A. [Estudio] is that it was born intuitively, without overthinking, and evolved through exploration and experimentation,” Ávila told Mexico News Daily as she sat recently down to discuss her Mexico City studio.

One of Ávila’s primary objectives is to foster collaborative projects while preserving traditions and honoring artisanal heritage and processes. So M.A Estudio operates on a collaborative model based on building long-term relationships with traditional artisans. 

“To me, fair trade implies a 360-degree approach: It must be fair to those who create, produce, sell and buy it. It must be viable and functional for everyone,” Ávila said.

M.A Estudio emphasizes the value of handmade items and the traditions that produce them. 

“We love artisan processes, not just working with artisans. We cherish everything related to crafts, handmade work, artisan culture and traditional processes.” 

 

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For Ávila, handmade processes are intimately tied to the earth and to culture. They highlight identity, natural resources and the region in which they were created.

Long-term relationships with artisans

Since its inception in 2017, one of M.A Estudio’s strengths has been its long-term collaboration with five artisan families based in regions known for their rich artisanal traditions, including Oaxaca, Chiapas, Guerrero, Puebla, Michoacán and Mexico State.

When it comes to the creative process, Melissa maintains an open mind. While she designs most pieces, certain series are created in collaboration with artisans. 

“The studio is a space where I envision us all fitting together, so we are open to new collaborations and techniques. There is always a spirit of transformation, and we are adaptable to meet evolving needs,” she said.

The GEEL series is one such collaboration: It was designed with members of the Michoacán Purépecha community known as the Zipiajo. The series features a technique that smooths clay using materials like mud, fine black sand and red earth, known as charanda, for its final finishing touches. 

“Many other collections feature my designs, which artisans appreciate, allowing us to create prototypes together. Sometimes, I’m hired by associations, NGOs and other institutions to mentor artisan groups,” Ávila explained.

Values make the difference

It’s important to avoid generalizing or romanticizing Mexico’s artisan sector, Ávila said, while also  supporting the community and recognizing its complexities 

“Mexico has an abundance of talent. It is a vast country and we must continue to seek ways to promote this heritage,” she said.

M.A Estudio also provides opportunities for creators to design their own products and produce them with the handmade team, giving them access to a stable income. They can rely on M.A Estudio for the entire design and production process.

“For me, the future is collaborative at any level,” Ávila said. 

She is pleased to observe a growing public interest in understanding where products originate, she said. 

“The goal for us as consumers is to become more aware of our purchases, to comprehend their origins and to acknowledge their impact on the planet and the people who create them,” she said.

With its unique designs, created using ethical practices, M.A. Estudio departs from the common practice of merely reselling handicrafts, instead integrating a thoughtful design process that is deeply connected to communities. The result is a stunning collection that brings joy and elegance to spaces.

You can find full links to their work here.

Ana Paula de la Torre is a Mexican journalist and contributor for Milenio, Animal Político, Vice, Newsweek en Español, Televisa and Mexico News Daily.

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Real estate industry trade shows in Mexico have played a crucial role in this boom by providing investors with one-stop shopping for the essential information they need to make informed investing decisions.

Today, we share some of the most relevant real estate expos being held in Mexico each year, arranged from the oldest to the most recently established.

If you’re looking to invest in real estate in Mexico as a home for yourself or as a business opportunity — whether on the individual or large scale — attending one of these trade shows can give you a leg up on knowing the property investment landscape. In many cases, you can also network with the companies, banks and government figures you may need to know in order to invest in real estate in Mexico.  

The Real Estate Show

Considered one of the most important events in the real estate sector in Mexico and Latin America, this expo was established in 2004 and has served as a key meeting point for experts, investors and developers in Mexico for over 20 years. 

Created by ADI, it just had its 2025 event this month, featuring speakers including academics, government representatives and sector experts.

Smart City Expo LATAM

Recognized as the most important forum for promoting smart cities in Latin America, this annual event, while not strictly a real estate expo, is a great platform for discovering innovative real estate businesses promoting environmentally responsible solutions and efficient resource and waste management. It’s also good for networking with a wide array of key players throughout Mexico and internationally who are interested in building smart cities.  

This expo, which took place in Puebla earlier this month, brings together mayors and experts from over 300 cities worldwide, along with companies, institutions, academics and thought leaders. 

Expo Real Estate

This industry conference features insights from political analysts, bank directors, corporate executives, academics, politicians and urban planning experts and attracts 5,000 visitors each year. 

Typically a two-day intensive event, it features around 100 stands and over 400 investment opportunities in Mexico, the U.S., and Latin America. It also includes workshops and more than 100 speakers, usually held in February. 

Nuevo Leon Real Estate Summit 

One of the most important real estate events in the industrial center of northern Mexico, the NL Real Estate Summit brings together leaders and experts from academia, the private sector and public services, attended by the most important figures in housing development and industry promotion. 

Organized by the National Chamber of the Housing Development and Promotion Industry (CANADEVI) in Nuevo León, it’s a popular event within this sector. 

Expo Tu Casa Total

With over 80 exhibitors, this expo is targeted more toward individuals seeking to buy a home or apartment in Mexico to live in, or perhaps buy and rent out as a small business opportunity. It offers numerous opportunities to purchase houses, apartments or plots of land from real estate companies based in Mexican states with some of the highest projected capital gains opportunities. 

The event, being held this year at the World Trade Center in Mexico City in July, attracts at least 9,000 visitors annually.

Attendees can enjoy conferences led by experts, exclusive promotions and personalized consultations.

Expo Cihac

With 35 years of history, this annual event, taking place in October 2025 at Mexico City’s Banamex Center, covers the entire construction, architecture and interior design industry, hosting over 500 national and international exhibitors. If you’re planning to develop properties in Mexico, this is the ideal place to find all components involved in a construction project, as well as engaging conference events. 

Discover a variety of furniture, construction equipment, outdoor furnishings, appliances, and installations, among other offerings. 

Expo Invierte

2025 marks the Invest Expo’s ninth edition. This more intimate industry event will showcase over 30 exhibitors presenting information about the most promising real estate investment destinations in Mexico — locations promising annual capital gains of 11%, including Nuevo León, Jalisco and Mérida. 

Last year’s event in Monterrey, Nuevo León, attracted 2,500+ visitors. The next edition will be held this November 20 and 30 at the World Trade Center in Mexico City.

Expo Urbanismo 

Although relatively new, this event has quickly become a hotspot for industry figures and investors interested in southeastern Mexico.

Featuring more than 50 real estate developers, architects, builders, and materials suppliers, the Urbanism Expo is where investors can browse strategic opportunities for development in Mérida, Yucatán and the rest of southeastern Mexico. It also provides a valuable opportunity to learn about market trends, establish connections and discover new business prospects.

Expo Vivicon

This fair takes place in Guadalajara, Jalisco, focusing on housing, construction and design. Typically held in June, Vivicon is an excellent venue for those looking to build, remodel, decorate or purchase homes. This year saw the event’s fourth edition, with more than 120 exhibitors. 

The event is targeted mainly at residential development, with many of the major housing developers in Mexico represented. It’s an ideal location to find investment opportunities, expand your professional network, and attend workshops and conferences.

Expo Negocios Inmobiliarios 

The Real Estate Businesses Expo (EXNI), in its 12th consecutive year, is organized by the real estate magazine, Inmobiliare. Taking place in October 2025, this will be a proudly zero-emissions event taking place at the iconic Camino Real hotel in Mexico City. 

Why attend? This trade show is not only a hub for real estate offers in Mexico but also a forum for discussing and addressing challenges in the pursuit of a modern, sustainable real estate market. Workshops and over 60 exhibitors will also feature prominently.

Some other great events worth a mention:

• Expo Casa y Jardín, where you will find everything you need for the construction and design of your house and garden.
• The Real Estate Tech Expo, which focuses on real estate technology and showcases the latest innovations in as AI property valuation, e-contract systems, brokerage and marketing support, property management tools and more.

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According to the Mexican Association of Tourism Developers (Amdetur), vacation property ownership in Mexico is expected to be one of the fastest-growing segments of tourism this year, with an estimated 6% increase. Mexico is expected to have around 785 vacation ownership developments by the end of 2025. 

So, where are the new and rising spots? The ideal places for a vacation home base and a smart investment? Read on to find out.

Compostela, Nayarit

This charming Pacific colonial town, about 30 kilometers from Tepic, is known for its beaches, but it is also home to the impressive lake, El Molino, which is an important ecological reserve home to wild boar, deer, chachalaca, chana, peacock and quail. It’s also a culinary destination for many Mexicans due to its fresh seafood and many food festivals throughout the year. Compostela offers scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, parachuting, paragliding, hang gliding, ultralight flying and zip-lining, as well as biking. 

In recent years, there has been an increasing real estate development activity, especially in the town of El Monteón around the popular lakeside La Mandarina resort area, which is also less than 5 kilometers from Nayarit’s beautiful beaches.

Valladolid, Yucatán

This charming colonial city, also known as “The Pearl of the East,” this Magical Town quickly becoming one of the most visited places in the state of Yucatán. Surrounded by countless attractions — pristine cenotes you can swim in, a colorful historic downtown filled with restaurants and colonial architecture, traditional Mayan beekeeping farms, nearby archaeological sites and the stunning Coloradas (a series of pools whose high salt content gives them an intense pink color). 

Valladolid is also one of the most important and fast-developing areas for real estate in Yucatán, thanks to its accessibility from the Cancún and Tulum international airports and its proximity to major archeological sites like Chichén Itzá. According to the report Forecast for the Real Estate Market in Valladolid, Yucatán (2024–2025), this location is set to become a leading destination for real estate investment in the coming years. 

Land in Valladolid will remain a cornerstone of this growth, thanks to factors such as rising land values and government incentives to build new eco-friendly tourism infrastructure between 2024 and 2027.

Cadereyta, Querétaro

This beautiful Magical Town is renowned for its gastronomy, particularly the Querétaro Wine and Cheese Route. In Cadereyta, you’ll find a wealth of traditional local dishes to sample, including barbacoa de carnero, nopal dishes, local versions of pulque — a traditional Mexican alcoholic beverage that dates back to the pre-Hispanic era — and local sweets.

Fans of outdoor activities can explore Cadereyta’s Grutas La Esperanza caves or hike to impressive waterfalls like Velo de Novia in the nearby community of Maconi. Caderetya also attracts mountain bikers and sky divers, thanks to its breathtaking scenic landscapes, and folks intersted in lesser-known Mexican archaeological sites nearby, such as the Ranas y Toluquilla archeological zone, believed by INAH to date back to A.D. 400. 

Luxury housing developments such as La Capilla Residencial offer a potential home base for repeat vacationers or a rental property for Cadereyta’s growing tourism. Located in the heart of Querétaro’s five Magical Towns, it offers promising capital appreciation, security and comfort. 

Orizaba, Veracruz 

Surrounded by forests and the spectacular snow-capped peak of Orizaba, this is one of the most colorful and picturesque cities in Mexico, with an iconic cable car that reaches the Ecoparque Cerro del Borrego, its botanical garden and the Iron Palace designed by Gustave Eiffel. 

According to real estate experts, a high demand for housing is expected in Veracruz, particularly in Orizaba, which has become one of the state’s most visited places in recent decades. It’s a perfect place for vacationers interested in outdoor activities like hiking.

Tlaxcala city, Tlaxcala

A few months ago, Mexico News Daily dedicated an entire article to discussing what makes Tlaxcala city one of the best places to live or invest in Mexico. Among its advantages is that the state of Tlaxcala has become one of the safest in the country. It’s also one of the cheapest. 

Tourists come to this capital city — only 90 kilometers from Mexico City — for its colonial ambiance and its historic and archeological sites, particularly Cacaxtla, known for its well-preserved murals. Tlaxcala city is also rapidly becoming a foodie haven for those interested in Mexico’s ancestral cuisine.

All these factors have driven tourism in Tlaxcala city up by 42% just between 2022 and 2023. And in 2024, the real estate sector grew by between 10% and 15%, according to Israel Moreno Carpinteyro, president of the Tlaxcala section of the Mexican Association of Real Estate Professionals (AMPI). Property values in the state also registered an annual increase of 14.7% during the first quarter, making Tlaxcala city the place to invest in a vacation property while the prices are still low.

Sisal, Yucatán

Sisal, on the northwest coast of Yucatán, is a day trip’s ride from the more popular Mérida, with its own treasures to offer: Known for hosting the El Palmar Ecological Reserve, this area is famous for pink flamingo sightings and its turquoise waters and beautiful beaches. 

Thanks to its reserve, Sisal remains well preserved. It was officially named a Magical Town in 2020, which has generated significant interest from area real estate investors. It should be noted, however, that there is controversy among residents regarding the promotion of sustainable and orderly development. If you decide to invest in vacation property here, you’ll want to do so responsibly.

Atlixco, Puebla

Known as the “city of flowers” due to the richness of its fields, Atlixco is filled with tradition and history.  In recent years, it’s become the most visited city in Puebla, rated as one of the best tourist sites in Mexico in 2024, according to Booking.com. Located just 25 kilometers from the capital, Atlixco is also one of the most affordable of Mexico’s Magical Towns in which to buy property.

Atlixco has several water parks for family vacation fun in spring and summer, an abundance of flower markets famous across Mexico, the Indigenous Huey Atlixcáyotl harvest festival every September, and the Cerro San Miguel, where you can take in sweeping, panoramic views of Atlixco and its surrounding valleys. 

Thanks to these attractions and more, Atlixco’s Airbnb market in 2025 is stable and growing, with the city attracting 1.2 million tourists per year. According to the property investment site, airroi.com, the year-on-year revenue increase in Atlixco’s short-term rental market was 3% between June 2024 and May 2025, making this historic city a promising place to invest in vacation property.

Finally, special mentions go to:

• Mascota, Jalisco, a beautiful colonial town located near the Western Sierra
• Mineral de Pozos, Guanajuato, another gorgeous colonial town surrounded by old mines that got international attention in 2021 when it hosted the Mexico selection of the prestigious wine competition, Concours Mondial de Bruxelles.
• El Oro, Hidalgo, also a colonial mining town that’s enveloped by a forest known for welcoming migrating monarch butterflies.

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Just one year after the prize was established, Mexican architect Luis Barragán was named as its second recipient. His acceptance speech, delivered at Dumbarton Oaks in Washington, D.C., is widely regarded as one of the most memorable in the history of the award. Architectural Digest described it as “a love letter to architecture.” Jay A. Pritzker, cofounder of the prize, told the press in 1980 that Barragán was chosen because his architecture embodied “a sublime act of the poetic imagination.”

Although no other Mexican architect has won the prize since, the country continues to host several significant works by laureates from around the world. These projects contribute to Mexico’s architectural heritage and reflect its openness to international collaboration. Below is a selection of Pritzker Prize-winning architects who have built in Mexico and the projects that exemplify their work.

Tadao Ando (1995)

Japanese architect Tadao Ando is renowned for his minimalist designs that balance natural light, materiality and harmony with the environment. In Mexico, he is responsible for two significant projects:

• The Roberto Garza Sada Center at the University of Monterrey. Housing the university’s art, architecture and design schools, the building has become an institutional icon. Its form resembles an open portal, framing the mountains of the nearby Cumbres de Monterrey National Park. “I began the design of the building by drawing a simple figure of a box,” Ando said. “By making a cut in the middle of this figure, I came up with the idea of transforming the box into a door.”

• Casa Wabi in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca. Serving as the main headquarters for the Casa Wabi Foundation, this coastal retreat fosters dialogue between contemporary artists and local communities. “This is a very unique project where I used unusual materials that allowed me to create architecture and spaces that cannot be replicated anywhere else,” Ando said.

Toyo Ito (2013 Laureate)

Awarded the Pritzker Prize in 2013, Toyo Ito is known for fusing technological innovation with organic design. His only project in Mexico, the International Baroque Museum in Puebla (MIB), is a fluid structure composed of curved, paper-like walls and reflective water features. The building itself is considered a work of contemporary art.

Kenzo Tange (1987)

Kenzo Tange, a pioneer of modernist and Metabolist architecture, designed the former location of the Japanese Embassy in Mexico City in collaboration with Mexican architects Pedro Ramírez Vázquez and Manuel Rosen Morrison. Completed in 1976, the structure reflects elements of Japanese regionalism and features prominent horizontal lines and Brutalist characteristics.

Richard Meier (1984)

American architect Richard Meier is best known for his abstract white forms and extensive use of glass. In Mexico City, he designed the Cuarzo Tower, a 40-story complex equipped with more than 450 in-line friction dampers to mitigate earthquake impact. The tower includes office space, retail areas, restaurants and sports facilities, all connected by a shared base.

Luis Barragán (1980)

The only Mexican architect to win the Pritzker Prize, Luis Barragán remains one of the most influential figures in modern architecture. His iconic projects include Casa Gilardi, Fountain of the Lovers, Casa Luis Barragán, Satellite Towers, Cuadra San Cristóbal and Casa Egerstrom. Barragán’s work is known for its vibrant color, emotive spaces and a design language inspired by Mexican vernacular, colonial heritage and Moroccan influences.

David Chipperfield (2023)

British architect David Chipperfield designed the Museo Jumex in Mexico City, his first Latin American project. The museum’s minimalist travertine façade and monolithic form offer a moment of calm in the urban landscape. The museum promotes the production, discussion and dissemination of contemporary art.

Zaha Hadid (2004)

The late Zaha Hadid, the first woman to win the Pritzker Prize, developed several visionary projects for Mexico, although none were built. Her designs included the Bora Tower in Mexico City, Esfera City Center in Monterrey and Alai Towers in Cancún. The Bora Tower, inspired by Frida Kahlo and Mexican cultural motifs, was halted due to permitting issues.

Mexico continues to engage with the global architectural community through a dynamic blend of local and international talent. Though only one Mexican architect has won the Pritzker Prize to date, the country remains fertile ground for groundbreaking architecture. Figures such as Mario Pani, Ricardo Legorreta and a new generation of designers contribute to Mexico’s status as a hub for architectural innovation.

Ana Paula de la Torre is a Mexican journalist and collaborator for various outlets including Milenio, Animal Político, Vice, Newsweek en Español, Televisa and Mexico News Daily.

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The municipality of Juitepec belongs to the Cuernavaca metropolitan area but has somehow preserved part of its rich historical and cultural identity. It became particularly significant in the 1960s when it built one of the most organized industrial parks in Mexico, known as the Cuernavaca Valley Industrial City (CIVAC), which also became a residential neighborhood inside Jiutepec. 

But over time, residential areas of the CIVAC neighborhood near the industrial park turned abandoned and were perceived by residents as dark, isolated and even dangerous. Skateboarders, however, had turned the abandoned area into an informal skate park.

Revitalization came with the creation of the CIVAC Linear Park. 

The project was initiated in 2021 as part of the Urban Improvement Program (PMU 2021) of the Ministry of Agrarian, Territorial and Urban Development (SEDATU), which focuses on urban reconstruction in vulnerable areas. The design was created by the renowned Mexican architect Rozana Montiel Saucedo, in collaboration with Claudia Rodríguez, the coauthor of the project.

Today, the linear park connects two neighborhoods, enhancing mobility in the area, and serves as an integrated green space for government offices, community services and resident learning and recreation.

CIVAC Linear Park was conceived to renovate vulnerable urban areas while fostering a sense of belonging and community pride. It also aimed to incorporate green spaces, honoring the area’s existing natural spaces, and so one of the project’s main goals was to minimize the concrete footprint and adapt the design to the natural environment.

The result features intriguing paths shaded by original trees, achieving a unique balance between landscape, architecture and local materials.

For example, the park’s civic center — home to government offices and a wide range of municipal social and community services — was fragmented to fit into the clearings between endemic trees over 50 years old, using porches and platforms of Texcal stone and sand-colored pigmented concrete. Throughout the park, nature and architecture combine, and a series of platforms, terraces and galleries connect the buildings with courtyards, gardens and rest areas, harmonizing them with the natural environment.

“We found a large number of endemic trees in the area that were over 50 years old. The challenge was to incorporate all the existing trees into the design,” the project description explains.

Stretching 1.15 km, the linear park is a continuous pathway that respects the existing vegetation while expanding in certain areas to incorporate sports facilities and playgrounds and reclaim previously hostile spaces.

It culminates in a multipurpose circular forum built with Texcal stone steps, encouraging community interaction. The fountain’s seasonal activation as a public pool has stimulated local commerce, revitalized the surrounding area and provided a recreation alternative on the hottest days. 

An all-community hub

The CIVAC Linear Park has become a popular meeting place in Morelos, thanks to the civic complex containing spaces for a ceremonial hall, a first aid center, speech therapy and psychological care workshops and a children’s playground. The civic center includes a public library, a cafeteria and customer service areas. Outside, residents use a purpose-built skate park for either practicing their skate moves or BMX freestyle cycling.

In the civic center library, the primarily wooden design is aesthetically pleasing, featuring an entrance filled with natural light. The structure also utilizes sand-colored pigmented concrete, creating a serene atmosphere and serving as a gateway to culture for visitors. The skate park was built with sand-colored pigmented concrete.

Recognition

Since its opening in 2022, thousands of visitors have frequented the CIVAC Linear Park, a testament to its popularity. The project has also garnered attention in the architectural world, winning awards such as the ADUS LATAM 2023/2024 Award from the prestigious French Saint-Gobain foundation, which recognizes sustainable and innovative architecture. It also received the Obras Cemex 2023 International Edition Award in the Social Value category and was nominated by the National Biennial of Mexican Architecture (FCARM) in the Landscape Architecture, Parks, and Squares category at the Biennial XVIII 2024. 

Additionally, it has been nominated for the Mies Crown Hall Americas Prize at the Illinois Institute of Technology, a biennial established to honor excellence in built works of architecture across the Americas.

But perhaps one of the greatest things about the CIVAC Linear Park is how it seamlessly integrates governmental administrative offices with the life of the surrounding community. It serves as a connector for mobility in the city while creating a green oasis that respects and enhances the native environment. It is truly a source of life in numerous ways.

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And over the past 15 years, outstanding minds like Tatiana Bilbao, Frida Escobedo, Alberto Kalach and Mauricio Rocha Iturbide have also contributed their unique expertise to the Mexican and international architectural scene. Now, a new generation of young architects is emerging with exciting ideas.

Movements such as the transformation of traditional houses into modern spaces and the resurgence of Brutalism have placed Mexican architecture in a remarkable position. New talents are establishing their creative studios, earning significant global awards and prompting reflections on the role and function of architecture.

So here we share a selection of some of Mexico’s rising-star architects, who inspire with their talent and fresh perspectives. 

Fernanda Canales

Recognized for her personal approach to architecture, Fernanda Canales is also a prolific architecture theorist and critic. She has published significant works, including “Architecture in Mexico 1900-2010: The Construction of Modernity” and “100×100+: Architects of the 20th Century in Mexico.”

She considers herself a “space activist,” believing that spaces should enhance living conditions and foster connections with others and the environment. In 2021, Canales was recognized by the New York Times as one of 10 women worldwide changing the landscape of leadership.

Among her notable projects are the Elena Garro Cultural Center in Mexico City and the UDG Performing Arts Center, created in collaboration with the Mexico City architecture firm Arquitectura 911sc and with architect Alejandro Hernández in Guadalajara. Canales has received prestigious awards, including the Dorfman Award by the Royal Academy of Arts in London.

Andrés Soliz and Pavel Escobedo 

Pavel Escobedo (1988) and Andrés Solíz (1990) founded the Escobedo Solíz studio in 2016. These young architects possess an exceptional vision for architecture, deeply attuned to the sociocultural context and the memory embedded in their projects, making their work both profound and socially responsible. 

Their architectural firm has garnered numerous awards, including the Holcim Awards for Sustainable Architecture (2014), the MoMA Young Architects Program (2016), Emerging Voices 2020 from the Architectural League of New York and the Fritz Hoeger Prize Grand Prix award in 2020.

Their work has been showcased at prestigious venues, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the MAXXI Museum in Rome and the Venice Architecture Biennale. 

Notable projects include the Casa Nogal in México state, designed with a low budget to reflect the realities of many Mexican families, and Casa Nakasone, built using common and economical materials to create a beautiful home on the outskirts of Mexico City.

Gabriela Carrillo

This talented architect began her career in 2011 at the renowned Taller de Arquitectura Mauricio Rocha. Her outstanding contributions led to her becoming a partner in 2011, at which point the firm was renamed Taller Mauricio Rocha + Gabriela Carrillo.

She currently leads Taller Gabriela Carrillo and has received significant accolades, including the Dorfman Prize and the International Women in Architecture Award in 2017.

Her designs are characterized by a keen sensitivity to context and environment, with notable works including the San Pablo Cultural Center (2013) in Oaxaca, the School of Plastic Arts of Oaxaca (2009) and the Library for the Blind and Visually Impaired of the Citadel (2013).

Héctor Barroso 

Héctor Barroso is also known for his desire to integrate his designs with the surrounding environment, considering elements like surrounding vegetation, soil composition and geographic features.

He places great importance on air as a fundamental element of architecture, viewing it as a force that shapes structures, making voids integral to his designs. Since 2010, he has led Taller Héctor Barroso, whose style reflects the minimalism of Japan and the elegance of the desert. 

His awards include the Silver Medal from the Colegio de Arquitectos de la Ciudad de México and the Sociedad de Arquitectos Mexicanos (CAM-SAM), as well as the Gold Medal from the Segunda Bienal de Jóvenes Arquitectos organized by the Federación de Colegios de Arquitectos de la República Mexicana.

Among his projects are the Salara Residences in Pescadero, Baja California Sur and the Los Helechos housing project in Valle de Bravo in México state.

Gabriela Etchegaray

Acclaimed architect Gabriela Etchegaray is remarkably versatile, designing everything from buildings to jewelry. She is also a critic and curator, viewing architecture as a social and artistic tool that creates experiences within buildings, landscapes, and cities.

Etchegaray has collaborated with notable architects such as Mauricio Rocha and Michel Rojkind and in 2011, cofounded the art and architecture studio Ambrosi|Etchegaray with Jorge Ambrosi. She is also part of the AMET studio, which focuses on real estate projects that engage in dialogue with their surroundings and promote urban development. 

Among her accolades are the Moira Gemmill Award for Emerging Architecture from the Women in Architecture Awards and the Emerging Voices award in 2015 from the Architectural League of New York for Ambrosi|Etchegaray.

Notable projects include the Edificio IT apartment building in Mexico City’s Hipódromo neighborhood, the EM house, a private residence in Querétaro, the pavilion for the Friendly Cultures Fair in 2016, the Antonio Sola apartment complex in Mexico City’s Condesa neighborhood, and the Milagrito Industrial Palenque in Oaxaca, an outdoor facility for making traditional tequila.

Carlos Faci and Marina Leboreiro

Architects Carlos Faci and Marina Leboreiro’s Faci Leboreiro Studio, founded in 2011, is an architecture and interior design studio focused on creating sensory experiences through meticulous space design.

Their project, Estudio Basalto, characterized by the use of basalt stone, oak wood, and marble, won the Grand Prix du Design in Québec, Canada. They have also earned awards such as Mexico’s PRISMA award for interior design and the DNA (Paris Design Awards), the latter of which also recognized their Estudio Basalto project. 

Other notable projects include Zeru restaurant in Miami, the 2024 Cesantoni pavilion at the Obra Blanca Expo in Mexico City, and the lobby bar at the Presidente InterContinental hotel in Mexico City’s Polanco neighborhood.

For Faci and Laboreiro, architecture is defined as the spaces carried in the soul, and they describe their style as contemporary, warm and timeless.

Mariana Ordóñez and Jesica Amescua

This duo views architecture as “a collaborative, living, open and constantly evolving social process that allows inhabitants to express their ideas, needs and aspirations, always recognizing them as the center of projects and decision-making.”

At their Mexico City architectural firm Comunal, their approach emphasizes functional, formal and aesthetically appropriate designs that resonate with the essence of a place and the culture and the people surrounding it. 

Their accolades include a 2020 honorable mention in the Oscar Niemeyer Award for Latin American Architecture and recognition at the AR Emerging Architecture Awards (AREA) in London.

One of their most recognized projects is Social Housing Production: Exercise 01, a communal home in a rural community in Oaxaca built using underutilized natural resources such as bamboo, wood and stone — and credited on their website as being built by the firm and the community of Tepetzintan. They also designed the Bachillerato Rural Digital School in Tepetzintan, a rural school in a Nahua community.

Architectural creativity is undoubtedly thriving in Mexico. What other talents would you add?

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Andrés’ personal style is characterized by allusions to pre-Hispanic culture infused with a modern abstract touch. He has created a personal line of furniture design, primarily inspired by pre-Hispanic mythology, gods, and mysticism, called Los Trece Cielos (The Thirteen Skies). Perhaps this is why the charm of his style, enriched with elements of Mexican culture, has transformed into one of the most original and sophisticated proposals in Mexico’s interior design landscape: Originario, which debuted in February 2022.

Originario is not just a showroom; it is a stage that creates a world of its own — a “countercultural platform to the normative artistic proposal,” according to its own description. It is an interior design store that showcases Mexican designers and emerging talents, curated by Andrés himself. “Originario was born first and foremost as an alternative platform for the Mexican design industry, offering a space for experimentation and the exhibition of new ideas by national talent,” reads the project overview on its website.

Additionally, this project “becomes a fun and unique place for everyone to appreciate and purchase furniture, objects, and art made in the country, presenting a new perspective on the aesthetics and panorama of Mexican design,” the statement continues. Today, this proposal exudes a futuristic neo-pre-Hispanic style with nods to abstraction and the digital age.

Echoes of the Past

Visiting the Originario concept is an experience in itself. Located in the heart of Colonia Roma, at 249-B Colima St. in Mexico City, within a classic French-style house from the early 20th century, this showroom feels like entering a fantastic new world — full of colors, with echoes of both the past and the future.

This space consists of five rooms that are constantly being redesigned. “Each area is transformed independently, paying careful attention to balance, color, and an eclectic, maximalist aesthetic.” Originario serves as a stage for Mexican talents in the contemporary scene: “The intention is collaborative; it seeks to discover and showcase alternative, young, emerging, and hidden Mexican talent, as well as to work with established artists and designers from the local scene,” claims the project statement.

From the beginning, talents such as Comité de Proyectos, Sustancia, CHUCH, Bestia, Piedra de Fuego, Mely Ávila, Raúl de la Cerda, Editora Nacional, Flama, and A-G Studio, among others, have been part of this proposal. Numerous artists have contributed to the visual composition of Originario.

Echoes of the past permeate the atmosphere, with a pre-colonial aesthetic throughout. Iconic ritual figures, such as the Mixtec jade snake known as the Two-Headed Serpent and the Mexica ceramic Tláloc pot, coexist with unique pieces like the Maquizcoatl Credenza and the Tláloc Cabinet.

Both pieces are part of Andrés’ personal furniture line, Los Trece Cielos. The Maquizcoatl Credenza is inspired by Maquizcóatl, the two-headed serpent, a symbol of justice and karma in Mexica culture, while the Tláloc Cabinet draws inspiration from Tláloc, “he who gives birth to life.” Los Trece Cielos explores Mexican cosmovision by “redefining the significance of Mexico’s emotional and mythological identity,” according to its description.

A proposal that makes a scene

What Originario has achieved is exciting because it has created an integrated aesthetic proposal, incorporating the projects of many artists. This manifestation is continually evolving with new talents. In essence, it’s a stage for the Mexican interior design scene.

Today, Andrés has brought together painters like Victor Torres, artists like Rocca Luis César and Ricardo Luévanos, photographers like Mariana Figueiredo, and mobile designers like Ad Hoc Mx. Indeed, Originario is a window to Mexican talent, and a historical Mexican touch is palpable in the air.

“I have a very strong bond with my country; I love being Mexican, and I recognize the enormous privilege I have to have been born in this country,” he says. “We have a very rich culture from which to draw inspiration. This is the opportunity to be free and to lead,” Andrés told the Expansión Group.

“From my point of view, if there is a well-executed conceptual work that manages to create a dialogue in which the user interacts with the space and tells a story, then that is a successful design,” he told Milenio. And indeed, he has achieved this goal in Originario through the collaboration of many artists, which is truly extraordinary.

Ana Paula de la Torre is a Mexican journalist and collaborator for various outlets including Milenio, Animal Político, Vice, Newsweek en Español, Televisa and Mexico News Daily.

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Located in the central highlands, Tlaxcala is bordered by Hidalgo, México state and Puebla. In 2017 when then-governor Marco Mena announced the inauguration of the state’s first-ever electric escalator, many on social media began to joke that they didn’t know Tlaxcala even existed in the first place.

Now, for a variety of reasons, the spotlight is firmly on the tiny state, in no small part as the rest of the country has come to celebrate its historical richness. Tlaxacala first came to prominence during the Spanish conquest, when the native Tlaxcalans allied with the Spanish to fight against the Mexica, their historical enemies, which significantly aided the conquerors.

Today, Tlaxcala boasts 1,143 historical monuments, 55 architectural sites and 87 culturally significant properties on the National Institute of Anthropology and History’s (INAH) Catalogue of Historic Monuments. It is also home to two Unesco World Heritage sites, as well as major archaeological digs at Cacaxtla-Xochitécatl, Ocotlan, Tizatlán, and Zultépec-Tecoaque.

A significant portion of these historic buildings and archeological sites are located in the municipalities of Huamantla, Tlaxcala city, Ixtacuixtla, Calpulalpan, Apetatitlán and Tlaxco, all of which are beautiful towns. The beauty and wealth of this state are also linked to its natural heritage: Tlaxcala features stunning forested areas, particularly in La Malinche Matlalcuéyatl National Park, which houses the La Malinche Volcano, standing at a towering 4,462 meters.

Tlaxcala is on the rise

In the last three years, Tlaxcala has become the safest state in Mexico, fuelling major economic growth in sectors such as construction, mining and trade.

The presence and investment of prestigious companies like Mercedes-Benz and Enel Green Power are indicators of the security and stability of this small state. According to Governor Cuéllar, in the last three years, 29 new companies have been established, and another 23 have expanded, with a total investment of 15 billion pesos (US $731 million).

Other factors have also contributed to the growth of tourism in Tlaxcala. The state has invested in tourism promotion that has apparently borne fruit: tourism — almost entirely domestic — jumped 42% from 2022 to 2023, and won the Tourism Innovation award at the Fitur 2024 Excellence Awards in Madrid, Spain.

Tlaxcala has also hosted various high-profile sporting events, including the World Archery Championships and the World Beach Volleyball Championships. The boom in tourism has led to the opening of at least 22 major hotels in the last three years. The industry’s importance is such that tourism is now Tlaxcala’s second most important source of income.

Today, there is also a public strategy to transform the city of Tlaxcala into a cultural hub for students in Mexico. Institutions such as the National Institute of Fine Arts and Literature (Inbal), the Tlaxcala School of Art (Edart) and School of Music (EMET) and the state’s Ministry of Culture offer bachelor’s degrees in visual arts, plastic arts, music and textiles.

Tlaxcala locations you need to experience

Huamantla: This beautiful town is renowned for its gastronomy, tradition, and natural beauty. Its annual festival, the Huamantlada, is famous for the floral carpets crafted overnight during “the night when no one sleeps,” when families of artisans create colorful sawdust and flower carpets that cover more than six kilometers of streets in honor of the Virgin of Guadalupe.

Santuario de las Luciérnagas: Located in the highest region of the state, known as the spur of the Sierra Nevada, this incredible pine, oak and oyamel forest is world-famous for its firefly sightings from June through August. 

La Malinche: The La Malinche volcano is situated in one of the country’s most stunning natural parks and is considered the fifth-highest mountain in Mexico. It offers opportunities for hiking and mountain biking and is regarded as one of the most beautiful natural formations in the country.

Tlaxcala is undeniably on the rise. Its rich history, cultural heritage, natural beauty, gastronomy and safety make this state one of the most promising destinations for tourism, living and investment.

Ana Paula de la Torre is a Mexican journalist and collaborator for various outlets including Milenio, Animal Político, Vice, Newsweek en Español, Televisa and Mexico News Daily.

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According to Federico Taboada, director of Mexico City’s Institute for Democratic and Prospective Planning, the city’s peripheral boroughs are emerging as key hubs to address the growing demand for housing in a structured and sustainable way. Areas like Tláhuac, Gustavo A. Madero, Magdalena Contreras, and even Iztapalapa are increasingly capturing attention as promising urban expansion zones.

But what do the figures indicate? Currently, boroughs such as Cuauhtémoc and Benito Juárez are experiencing the greatest growth, according to information collected by DD360, a financing platform for residential projects. Most of the city’s rental supply is also concentrated in areas such as Miguel Hidalgo, Cuauhtémoc, Cuajimalpa, Benito Juárez, Álvaro Obregón and Coyoacán.

Several factors, such as new housing developments, accessibility and connectivity, dining and entertainment options, security, the cost-benefit ratio of rent, and proximity to amenities, contribute to the increased value and real estate opportunities in a given area. In this sense, Mexico City is undergoing a transformation in its housing supply. 

Neighborhoods on the rise and new promises

There are new points of interest on the CDMX property map. “Emerging areas combine modern infrastructure, quality of life and options for different stages of life, from young people becoming independent to families seeking larger and safer spaces,” explains Melisa Gaitán, Director of Growth and Sales at Homie.mx.

According to the specialized website Propiedades.com, the 16 boroughs of Mexico City have shown an increase in rental housing value over the last five years. However, some areas are experiencing extraordinary growth, including Iztacalco (22%), Cuajimalpa (22%), Xochimilco (21%) and Iztapalapa (19%). Additionally, Azcapotzalco and Venustiano Carranza have each seen a 15% increase, along with Magdalena Contreras. 

Iztacalco

This residential area is characterized by the presence of the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, the venue for the Mexico City Grand Prix, and the Palacio de los Deportes, a large indoor stadium built for the 1968 Olympic Games. It is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Mexico City, even predating the city center, and boasts significant historical heritage with buildings dating back to the 16th century. 

Its booming neighborhoods in terms of property value include Agrícola Oriental, which has excellent connections to the rest of the city through Eje 4 Sur, Eje 4 Oriente, Eje 5, Eje 6 and Viaducto: In recent years, a large number of condominiums have been built there. Agrícola Pantitlán, located southeast of Mexico City International Airport, and Granjas México, characterized by an abundance of small shops, warehouses, and apartment blocks, also boast good security.

Cuajimalpa

Located to the west of the Mexican capital, Cuajimalpa is known for its low, forested hills within the Desierto de los Leones National Park, as well as the modern area of Lomas de Santa Fe. Its booming neighborhoods include Lomas de San Pedro, which is known for its quality of life, safety, and family-friendly atmosphere. San Lorenzo Acopilco is surrounded by nature and historic buildings and San Mateo Tlaltenango combines the comforts of urban life with the tranquility of nature, as does San Pablo Chimalpa, which offers a cool climate and scenic forests.

Xochimilco

Xochimilco is famous for its canals — the last vestiges of the extensive transportation system created by the Mexicas — and for its chinampas, an intricate system of water-based agriculture. Its most promising neighborhoods are San Lucas Xochimanca and Lomas de Tonalco, both close to natural beauty and charming villages. 

The area’s real estate growth is closely linked to its economic development. One advantage of buying here is that property offerings primarily consist of houses rather than apartments. Furthermore, the prices of these homes are generally on the lower end of the scale, ranging from four to five million pesos (US $195.000-$242,000).

Azcapotzalco

Located in the northwestern part of Mexico City, this district is home to Tezozómoc Park, Bicentenario Park, and Arena Mexico City, a venue that hosts a wide variety of shows, concerts, and sporting events. El Rosario neighborhood features a large concentration of residential units, whose construction adheres to the standards proposed by renowned architects Teodoro González de León and Pedro Ramírez Vázquez. Other neighborhoods experiencing an increase in property values include Colonia Pasteros Clavería, known for its quiet environment and proximity to Bicentennial Park, just 10 minutes away, and Colonia Arenal, recognized for its family-friendly atmosphere and well-planned urban design.

Azcapotzalco has hospitals, public and private clinics, reliable basic services, several universities, and is safe in general, making it a great real estate option outside of the usual expat areas.

Magdalena Contreras

This borough is rich in natural beauty and is home to the magnificent Dinamos Park and the Cumbres del Ajusco National Park. The San Jerónimo Lídice neighborhood is characterized by its quality of life and proximity to nature. Las Cruces is also on the rise, primarily due to its safety and pleasant climate.

Like Azcapotzalco, Magdalena Contreras has plenty of amenities as well as access to some of Mexico’s most exclusive and prestigious international schools. The borough also offers a signficant range of properties, meaning that whether you’re looking for a regular apartment or a spacious property within a gated community, Magdalena Contreras is sure to have something for you.

Venustiano Carranza

This borough is located in the center-east of Mexico City and is home to the capital’s International Airport. The Civil Aviation Extension neighborhood sees new real estate developments every year, thanks to its affordable prices. Also, Jardín Balbuena is an easily accessible area whose greatest advantage is its central location; here, you will find the markets of La Merced and Sonora, as well as the Ciudad Deportiva in the southern part.

While some districts of the borough have less than stellar reputations, there has been extensive development on the western edge of the area. Prices for new apartments in the region, which borders both the historic center and Benito Juárez districts, begin at around two million pesos (US $96,000).

What about capital gains?

The borough of Venustiano Carranza has experienced the fastest growth in property value over the last five years, with a remarkable 55% increase. According to 4S Real Estate, Iztacalco has achieved 30% capital gains. 

Focusing on specific neighborhoods, the specialized real estate site Houm reported that the area with the highest capital gains in the capital is Del Valle Norte, with an impressive 31%, followed by Narvarte (29%), Roma Norte (28.97%), Escandón (26.69%), and Anzures (17.48%).

Other up-and-coming neighborhoods include Santa María la Ribera, which features many houses of significant historical value and was considered one of the first modern neighborhoods in Mexico City. Additionally, Portales, located in the southeast of the borough of Benito Juárez, is gaining attention.

What other areas in Mexico City do you think show potential for organized growth?

Ana Paula de la Torre is a Mexican journalist and collaborator for various outlets including Milenio, Animal Político, Vice, Newsweek en Español, Televisa and Mexico News Daily.

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