My Take—and Why It Could Be Good News for You
Hey guys! Trisha here with My Trish Advisor!
If you’ve been following my videos or spending time in Puerto Morelos, Cancún, or Playa del Carmen lately, you’ve probably noticed something. Things have been SLOW here in the Riviera Maya!
Now, we always expect a slower season. We even have a name for September: Septihambre, a combination of the Spanish words septiembre (September) and hambre (hunger). It’s traditionally one of our slowest months for tourism, and local businesses definitely feel it.
But 2026 has been different. June and July are normally two of my busiest months because families are traveling during summer vacation. This year, they were among my slowest, and August wasn’t much better.
I’ve lived in Mexico since 2015, and I’ve seen plenty of high and low seasons. So what’s happening? I have a few theories based on my experiences and conversations with other business owners. And while slower tourism is challenging for our community, it may actually create some great opportunities for visitors, renters, and real estate buyers.
Sargassum: Are We Letting Seaweed Ruin Our Vacations?
Let’s start with one of the biggest concerns I hear from travelers: sargassum.
If you’re planning a vacation to the Riviera Maya, you’ve probably seen the Facebook groups and endless questions about seaweed on our beaches. I understand that people spend their hard-earned money to enjoy our beautiful turquoise waters and white-sand beaches. But I also think we’ve become a little obsessed with sargassum!
It’s not new. When I first arrived in Mexico on November 12, 2015, I even had my picture taken standing on sargassum, and it didn’t bother me at all. We experienced particularly heavy arrivals in 2018 and 2019, and I think that changed how people view our beaches.
Yes, some days are worse than others, but conditions change constantly. Local authorities and businesses also work hard to keep beaches clean using barriers, boats, and beach-cleaning equipment.
I love Puerto Morelos and the Riviera Maya with or without sargassum. There is so much more to experience here than just the beach! As some of my friends say, “It’s better than snow!” And as an Iowa girl, I can appreciate that!
Is Mexico Safe? Perception Versus Reality
Another issue I believe affects tourism is how people perceive safety in Mexico. Whenever something terrible happens somewhere in the country, I start getting questions from friends and family in the United States and Canada asking if I’m okay.
Sometimes the incident they’re asking about happened thousands of miles away!
I explain it this way: Imagine living in Florida and someone calling to ask if you’re safe because something happened in Arizona. Mexico is a HUGE country. I’ve driven from Tijuana to Cancún, nearly 3,500 miles, and one incident doesn’t automatically mean the entire country is unsafe.
Of course, Mexico has its challenges, just like the United States, Canada, and everywhere else. My advice is to research the specific destination you’re visiting, check current travel advisories, and make informed decisions rather than judging an entire country by one headline.
Higher Airfare, Exchange Rates, and Rising Prices
This is where I think we’re really feeling the impact. Travel has become expensive!
For example, I normally pay around $450 to $650 USD to fly back to Iowa. Recently, I was looking at tickets for October, and the prices ranged from $800 to $1,200, even with flexible travel dates. Imagine how much that adds to the cost of a family vacation!
The exchange rate also makes a difference. Remember when the US dollar was worth 20 or 21 pesos? When it drops to 16 or 18 pesos, visitors suddenly have less purchasing power. Combine that with inflation in Mexico, and vacations aren’t necessarily as inexpensive as people remember.
I also believe global economic uncertainty is making travelers more cautious about spending. Between international conflicts, rising living expenses, and concerns about the future, many people are holding on to their money rather than booking vacations.
And let’s not forget the competition! Destinations like the Dominican Republic are working hard to attract tourists with competitive vacation packages. When travelers compare the total cost of visiting Cancún versus Punta Cana, price can make a big difference.
I don’t believe there’s one single explanation for slower Riviera Maya tourism in 2026. It’s probably a combination of all these factors.
What Does This Mean for Puerto Morelos?
Recently, I walked along what I call our restaurant row in Puerto Morelos around 5:30 p.m. During high season, those restaurants are normally packed with visitors enjoying dinner. This time, there were empty tables everywhere.
I’ve been through plenty of low seasons, but this one feels unusually long. And for our local restaurants, tour operators, transportation providers, and other small businesses, fewer visitors mean less income.
These businesses are part of our community, and many are owned by families who depend on tourism. So if you’re visiting Puerto Morelos or anywhere in the Riviera Maya, please consider supporting locally owned businesses.
Now, here’s where things get interesting for YOU!
The Silver Lining: Better Deals on Riviera Maya Vacation Rentals
Even though slower tourism is difficult for businesses, it can create opportunities for travelers. Airfare might be higher, but once you arrive, you may find some excellent deals on accommodations.
Let me give you an example. My four-bedroom vacation rental, Casa Chakum, normally rents for around $150 to $160 USD per night. During this slower period, I lowered the price to approximately $90 per night just to attract guests.
That’s a significant savings!
With more properties sitting empty, some vacation rental owners may be willing to negotiate, especially for longer stays. My advice is to ask politely. There’s nothing wrong with negotiating, but remember that property owners and local vendors are trying to make a living, too.
Another benefit? Fewer crowds at restaurants, attractions, and popular destinations. For some travelers, that makes low season an even better time to visit the Riviera Maya.
Thinking About Renting or Buying Property in Puerto Morelos?
As a licensed real estate agent in Puerto Morelos, I’m also seeing opportunities for people interested in long-term rentals and buying property.
We’ve had considerable construction throughout the area, particularly new condos and apartments. With more properties competing for renters, some owners are adjusting their prices to attract tenants.
For example, I’ve seen properties that previously rented for around 17,000 pesos per month being offered for 15,000 or 16,000 pesos. If you’re considering spending six months or a year in Mexico, this could be a good time to explore your options.
I’m also working on adding verified vacation rentals to the My Trish Advisor website. Rental scams are a concern, especially for people booking from another country, and I want to help connect visitors with legitimate properties. Interested in adding your vacation property to my rental network? Please contact me here.
And what about buying real estate?
I believe we’re seeing conditions that may favor buyers in Puerto Morelos. With increased inventory and slower demand in some areas, sellers may be more open to negotiating. That doesn’t mean every property is a bargain, but it does mean buyers may have more choices and negotiating power.
If you’ve been dreaming about owning a vacation home, condo, or investment property in the Riviera Maya, it may be worth taking a closer look. Just remember to do your due diligence and work with qualified professionals before making a purchase. Reach out to me here if you’d like help buying or renting in Puerto Morelos!
Don’t Count Out the Riviera Maya!
I know I’ve covered quite a few challenges, but I don’t want this to sound all doom and gloom. I still LOVE living here, and I believe the Riviera Maya has so much to offer.
We have beautiful beaches, incredible cenotes, ancient Maya archaeological sites, wonderful food, and some of the most welcoming communities you’ll find anywhere. Yes, tourism has been slower than usual, but that doesn’t mean this incredible destination has lost its magic.
In fact, if you’re planning a vacation, looking for a long-term rental, or considering buying property in Mexico, this slower period might work in your favor.
At My Trish Advisor, I can help with private tours, transportation, vacation rentals, long-term rentals, and real estate in Puerto Morelos and the Riviera Maya.
And now I’d love to hear from you! Have you noticed fewer tourists this year? Have higher travel costs changed your plans? Or have you found some great deals during low season?
Watch my video below for more of my thoughts, and let me know what you think in the comments. Your likes, shares, and comments help me continue creating free content about life here in Mexico.
Love you guys!
Trisha
My Trish Advisor
Iowa Nice, Mexican Spice, Expert Advice
Watch the original YouTube video
Frequently Asked Questions About Riviera Maya Tourism
Why is tourism slow in the Riviera Maya in 2026?
Based on my observations, several factors may be contributing, including higher airfare, sargassum concerns, safety perceptions, inflation, exchange rates, global economic uncertainty, and competition from other Caribbean destinations.
When is low season in the Riviera Maya?
September is traditionally one of the slowest months, which is why locals jokingly call it Septihambre. However, I’ve noticed unusually slow tourism during June, July, and August in 2026 as well.
Is Puerto Morelos worth visiting during low season?
Absolutely! Puerto Morelos offers beautiful beaches, local restaurants, nearby cenotes, and easy access to Riviera Maya attractions. During quieter periods, you may also find fewer crowds and better accommodation deals.
Are vacation rentals cheaper during low season?
They can be. Some property owners reduce prices or negotiate longer stays when occupancy is low. Rates vary depending on the property, location, and demand, so it’s worth comparing options.
Is 2026 a good time to buy real estate in Puerto Morelos?
In my opinion, increased inventory and competition among sellers may create opportunities for buyers. However, every property is different, and it’s important to research prices, legal requirements, and market conditions before purchasing.
