Geographic Location: This region encompasses the Sierra Madre Del Sur, a rugged, mountainous area south of Mexico City and central Mexico.
States Included: Primarily comprises the states of Guerrero (identified as 24 on maps) and Oaxaca.
Socio-economic Status: The Southern Mountains are among Mexico's poorest areas, characterized by many small, isolated villages due to the rough topography.
Migration: A significant number of people from Guerrero and Oaxaca have migrated to the United States. Jalisco, for instance, is noted as the state that has sent the most migrants, alongside Michoacán and others.
Remittances: Money sent back home by relatives working in the U.S. constitutes a major income source for these states, forming a substantial part of the local economy. This phenomenon is also crucial in other countries, particularly in Central America and parts of the Caribbean (e.g., Dominican Republic), where remittances can represent a huge portion of the national economy.
Demographics and Well-being: These are considered two of the poorest and most isolated states in Mexico, home to numerous Native American groups, including the Zapotec and Mixtec. They exhibit some of the lowest levels of well-being in the country, alongside Chiapas.
Local Lifestyle: Life here generally proceeds at a more leisurely pace in small villages. People often cultivate small corn or maize patches on small plots of land. While the landscape is quite scenic, economic activity is limited, with little industry but some small-scale enterprises and businesses. Animal power is a common means.
Tourism and Contrast: Some tourists visit specifically to experience this traditional lifestyle, viewing villages relatively untouched by modern development. This starkly contrasts with urban centers like Mexico City, which boast high-rise buildings and suburban subdivisions, indicative of a growing middle class and elite. Despite the traditional lifestyle, rural electrification via power poles has reached many villages, though some areas remain off-grid.
The Chiapas Highlands (Chiapas Upland)
Socio-economic Status: Chiapas is arguably the poorest state in Mexico, grappling with widespread poverty.
Demographics and Language: It has a large indigenous population, primarily descendants of the Maya. Many residents do not speak Spanish, with Maya being their first language, and some are bilingual.
Geography and Tourism: The Chiapas uplands are very scenic, featuring a rainforest environment with substantial precipitation, making it the wettest part of Mexico. Notable features include rainforest canyons and waterfalls, which attract tourists despite some safety and geopolitical concerns. Rainforests are also found in parts of the Yucatan Peninsula's interior.
Historical Background: Chiapas was originally not part of Mexico; it belonged to the United Provinces of Central America (along with Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Costa Rica, and Nicaragua). It joined Mexico after the dissolution of this entity, post-New Spain independence.
Grievances and Conflict (Zapatista Rebellion):
Origins of Resentment: Due to extreme poverty, indigenous inhabitants experienced grievances. In the mid-to-late 20th century, cattle ranchers and loggers illegally encroached upon lands traditionally farmed by Maya descendants for generations. These indigenous groups, lacking formal land ownership rights or enforcement mechanisms, viewed these lands as communally theirs.
Zapatista Rebels: This resentment culminated in rebellion. The Zapatista rebels, a group of native inhabitants, emerged, feeling neglected by Mexico City and advocating for better economic conditions and recognition of their distinct cultural identity (many non-Spanish speakers). They sought greater autonomy or even their own country.
Armed Conflict: The initial violence erupted in early the 1990s, specifically 1994, coinciding with the implementation of NAFTA. The Zapatista rebels asserted control over parts of Chiapas, leading to armed conflict with the Mexican state and military intervention. This situation garnered significant international attention.
Current Status: While tremendous poverty persists, the overt armed rebellion has largely subsided over the past decade through talks and negotiations. However, some rural areas in Chiapas remain unsafe, though designated tourist areas are generally secure.
Urban Centers: Tuxtla Gutierrez is the capital, a growing city with modern urban aspects and suburban subdivisions, which can belie the state's geopolitical problems. San Cristobal is another major city, notably serving as a headquarters for some rebel activities.
Southern Poverty Belt: This region of poverty extends beyond Chiapas into adjacent states like Campeche, Tabasco, Quintana Roo, and Yucatan, particularly along the southern border with Guatemala and Belize.
Mexican Tourism Destinations
The Maya Riviera (Yucatan Peninsula)
Initiation and Success: In the 1970s, the Mexican government initiated significant tourism development along the Caribbean coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, creating what is known as the Maya Riviera. This venture was a resounding success, centered around Cancun and nearby Cozumel Island.
Key Attractions: Tourists are drawn by a combination of the stunning coastlines and beaches, alongside numerous ruins of the ancient Maya civilization (pyramids) scattered across the peninsula.
Geography: The Yucatan Peninsula is relatively flat, characterized by a limestone environment and numerous sinkholes, locally called cenotes.
Cancun Development: Cancun saw substantial government investment to build it into a major tourist hub, featuring large high-rise hotels and an international airport. The development also includes upscale, bungalow-style resorts outside the city proper.
Maya Heritage: The Yucatan Peninsula is strongly associated with the Maya, a once-thriving civilization. Descendants of the Maya still constitute a significant portion of the peninsula's current population.
Tourist Fringe: The highly successful tourist fringe primarily occupies the eastern side of the Yucatan Peninsula, benefiting from the combination of beach tourism and Maya ruins (some coastal, others inland).
Pacific Coast and Baja California Resorts
Cabo San Lucas: Located on the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula, this major tourist destination began development later in the late 1970s and early 1980s, following Cancun's success. San Jose Del Cabo is another nearby resort.
Acapulco:
Historical Prominence: From the 1930s through the 1960s, Acapulco was a premier tourist destination, especially popular with Americans, known for its numerous hotels and mountainous backdrop.
Attractions: Famous for its cliff divers, excellent climate, and a blend of rough coastline with sandy beaches and hotels built into the hills.
Decline Due to Violence: Unfortunately, pollution and, critically, armed gang violence (drug cartels) significantly impacted Acapulco, driving away tourists and leading to empty hotels. Reports of shootouts in the airport and innocent civilians caught in crossfire made it problematic. While there are some signs of improvement, many still avoid it due to past violence.
Other Pacific Coast Resorts: Other significant tourist destinations along the Pacific Coast include Manzanillo, Puerto Vallarta, and Mazatlan.
Mazatlan:
Features: Offers a mix of hotels, sandy beaches, and a scenic, rocky coastline. It has a prominent hill, a small port with fishing vessels, and hosts elaborate sand carving contests. Fishing is a vital part of its economy, commemorated by a dedicated statue.
Activities: Cruise ships occasionally dock here, and tourists can enjoy the scenery from atop the hill.
Potential for Growth: The Mexican Pacific Coast has extensive tourism development, with potential for further growth. Quelling violence, particularly in places like Acapulco, could significantly boost tourism across the region.
General Considerations for Mexican Tourism
Mexico offers a vast array of tourist attractions beyond just border communities, providing diverse experiences for visitors.
The country's tourist fringes along the Pacific Coast and Caribbean Sea are notable for their development and appeal.