¡Hola amigos! This week, we’re diving into the hidden pitfall that’s quietly wrecking real estate deals, decoding the one Spanish phrase that can speed things up without sounding rude, and spotlighting 5 national parks you’ll want to add to your bucket list.

Plus, we’re unpacking a surprise shake-up in Mexico’s digital law, the rising cost of healthcare, and why Mexico just hit pause on Brazilian poultry imports.

📣Que Paso

💊 Medical costs in Mexico jumped 6.1% in April – outpacing inflation and hitting a 20-year high – as shortages and rising drug prices widen healthcare gaps and push more patients toward private care.

💸 On May 15, Mexico’s central bank cut interest rates 50 basis points to 8.5% – its third straight cut –as inflation remains within target.

💸 A new bill in the U.S. House proposes a 5% tax on money transfers sent abroad by non-citizens – including green card holders and visa workers. Mexico is fighting back, calling it discriminatory and warning it would unfairly punish migrants who already pay U.S. taxes.

🍗 Mexico has suspended all poultry imports from Brazil—including meat, chicks, eggs, and even pet food products—after a bird flu outbreak was confirmed at a farm in Rio Grande do Sul. The ban is aimed at protecting Mexico’s poultry industry while awaiting Brazil’s full containment report.

⛵ U.S. federal officials have opened an investigation into the Mexican Navy ship Cuauhtémoc, which struck the Brooklyn Bridge after losing power.

🚆 Mexico's rail renaissance gains momentum as ARTF announces bids for the Queretaro–Irapuato and Saltillo–Nuevo Laredo passenger routes, with construction set to begin in July 2025.

🚎 Mexico just launched Line 11 of the Santa Marta–Chalco Trolleybus, cutting travel time from 2 hours to 30 minutes. The 18.5 km route links CDMX and the State of Mexico with 13 stations and metro connections.

🇺🇸 On May 19, former U.S. Army and CIA officer Ron Johnson formally presented his credentials to President Claudia Sheinbaum, officially assuming his post as the new U.S. ambassador to Mexico.

📡 Mexico has removed a controversial article from its new telecom law after backlash over potential censorship. Article 109 would have allowed authorities to block digital platforms — raising freedom of expression and trade concerns.

🚴‍♂️ 21-year-old Isaac del Toro just became the first Mexican ever to lead the Giro d’Italia, one of cycling’s biggest races. He finished second in Stage 9 but gained enough time to take the top spot overall.

🍎 Your Health Pulse

The Insurance Step That Could Save You Thousands

You schedule a surgery or treatment in Mexico, assume your international insurance has you covered — and only find out later you owe thousands out-of-pocket.

Why? No pre-certification.

Pre-certification is the step that sets up direct payment between your insurer and the hospital. And protects you from being overcharged.

Without it, you’re stuck fronting the bill and chasing reimbursements — or worse, facing denial entirely. And if your insurer isn’t notified in time, you could lose up to 40% of your claim reimbursement.

Click below to make sure your next procedure actually gets covered.

🏠 Real Estate Roundup 

Why Now Might Be the Best Time to Buy Property in Mexico

Thinking about buying property in Mexico? You're not alone — and for good reason.

With the peso working in favor of U.S. and Canadian buyers, this could be the moment to snag that beachfront home or investment property.

But there’s a costly twist most people don’t see coming.

Before you move a single dollar across the border, you’ll want to read this: a simple timing misstep could quietly add tens of thousands to your purchase price.

Fortunately, there’s a smart (and surprisingly easy) way to protect yourself.

🇲🇽 Viva México

Mexico, Unfiltered: 5 Must-See National Parks

Mexico is one of the most biodiverse places on earth. From vivid coral reefs to volcanic peaks, this country is bursting with life you won't find anywhere else on the planet.

It ranks #2 in the world for reptile species, #3 for mammals, and is home to 67 national parks and biosphere reserves.

We’re talking waterfalls that crash into pine-covered canyons, cave systems the size of small cities, and turquoise lakes hidden deep in the forest. This isn’t the Mexico of rooftop bars and resorts – this is the raw, untamed version. And it’s spectacular.

Here are 5 must-see natural wonders that deserve a spot on your bucket list.

Basaseachic Falls National Park (Chihuahua) 
Mexico’s second-highest waterfall drops 246 meters into a misty canyon deep in the Sierra Tarahumara. Surrounded by rugged pine-oak forest, Basaseachic feels more like Patagonia than postcard Mexico. It’s also home to the Rarámuri — Indigenous endurance runners known worldwide for their speed, strength, and connection to the land.

Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve (Quintana Roo) 
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest protected areas in Mexico, Sian Ka’an means “Origin of the Sky” in Mayan — and it lives up to the name. This vast stretch of jungle, wetlands, and Caribbean coastline is home to jaguars, manatees, crocodiles, and more than 300 species of birds. You’ll find ancient canals carved by the Maya, reef systems off the coast, and enough biodiversity to fill a field guide.

Lagunas de Montebello National Park (Chiapas) 
With more than 60 lagoons shifting between turquoise and emerald green, this place looks like it was designed by a painter with a thing for perfect gradients. Located in one of Mexico’s most biologically rich regions, it’s home to over 150 orchid species, 90 types of fungi, and dozens of rare birds – including the elusive quetzal. You might also spot white-tailed deer, ocelots, or even a tigrillo if you’re lucky. Paddle, hike, or just sit and take it in – the views alone are worth the trip.And just a short drive away? The ancient Maya ruins of Chinkultic, perched above one of the lakes.

Sierra de Órganos National Park (Zacatecas) 
Massive rock formations rise from the desert like giant pipe organs — giving this park its name and its surreal, almost spiritual vibe. Located near Sombrerete in the Sierra Madre Occidental, it’s a place of deep geological history, biodiversity, and cinematic fame – films like The Guns of Navarone and One Million Years B.C. were shot here. Hike among agave and cacti, spot golden eagles or coyotes, and stay for the stargazing – the skies are some of the clearest in Mexico.

Grutas de Cacahuamilpa National Park (Guerrero) 
Step into one of the largest cave systems in the world. This national park is an underground maze of ancient limestone caverns, sculpted by water over millions of years. Guided tours wind through vast echoing chambers, dramatic stalactites, and eerie rock formations that look like something out of myth and legend. Bring a sweater, it’s surprisingly chilly in this magical underworld.

🪷 Viva Wellness

Papalo Power: The Ancient Mexican Herb That’s Good for More Than Flavor

Before cilantro took over tacos and salsas, there was papalo.

This bold, peppery herb was cherished by indigenous communities long before the Spanish set foot in the Americas. Known as papalotl in Nahuatl, meaning "butterfly," its wing-shaped leaves flutter in a breeze. But don't be fooled by this gentle appearance — the flavor is anything but delicate.

Unlike cilantro, which wilts in heat, papalo thrives in the summer sun, earning it the nickname “summer cilantro.”

Used by the Aztecs and other Mesoamerican peoples for both culinary and medicinal purposes, papalo was believed to aid digestion, lower blood pressure, and even act as a natural antibiotic.

Today, it’s still a staple in many central Mexican towns, especially in Puebla and Oaxaca, where it adds a punchy, citrus-meets-arugula flavor to cemitas, guacamoles, and street tacos. You’ll often find it bundled beside epazote and hoja santa in mercados, quietly holding its place among Mexico’s most culturally significant herbs.

So, the next time you reach for papalo, remember you’re not just adding flavor – you’re getting a taste of Mexico's ancient past in every bite.

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🎉 Vamos! Can’t Miss Events

🍷 Festival del Queso y el Vino – May 22–June 8, 2025, Tequisquiapan, Querétaro
Mexico’s wine country turns up the flavor this spring as Tequisquiapan hosts the annual Festival del Queso y el Vino. Held across iconic plazas like Parque La Pila and Jardín del Arte, this free-entry event brings together 20 local wineries and 10 artisan cheesemakers for tastings, and live music. Expect everything from guided pairings to ballet folklórico, plus concerts from Grupo Primavera, Cuisillos, and more. Just 30 minutes from Querétaro, it’s the perfect long weekend escape. More details here.

🎶 San José Jazz Weekend – May 23–24, 2025, San José del Cabo, BCS 
Jazz under the Baja stars? Yes, please. Now in its 11th edition, the San José Jazz Weekend brings two nights of world-class music, exceptional food, and community vibes to the hotel zone of San José del Cabo. Expect Grammy-winning headliners, emerging talent, and open-air performances that draw over 5,000 guests each year. It’s free to attend, family-friendly, and officially one of Los Cabos’ top cultural events. Get more info here.

🛡️ Spartan Race Valle de Bravo – May 24, 2025, Valle de Bravo, Estado de México Spartan returns to the highlands of Valle de Bravo for a full day of grit, sweat, and mountain air. Held at Rancho Los Robles, this event features a 5K Sprint (20 obstacles), 10K Super (25 obstacles), Trail races (5K & 10K), and Kids races for ages 4–13. Expect forest trails, serious climbs, and that signature Spartan mud. Registration opens at 7 AM; races kick off at 8. Get the details here.

🍇 Vinart Ajijic – May 24–25, 2025, Ajijic, Jalisco 
Raise a glass lakeside at the third edition of Vinart Ajijic, a boutique wine festival set on the shores of Lake Chapala. This two-day celebration brings together top winemakers from across Mexico and beyond for tastings, pairings, workshops, and sensory experiences designed to deepen your appreciation for the art of wine. More info here.

🎭 Festival Cultural de Mayo – May 8–30, Guadalajara, Jalisco
Experience 44 events across 21 venues, including contemporary dance, jazz, mariachi, and immersive art installations. Highlights include Rubberband's Reckless Underdog, The Brooks' jazz-funk concert, and a tribute to Ravel by the Jalisco Philharmonic. Canada is the guest country, bringing a vibrant mix of performances and exhibitions. More details here.

💡 Say It in Spanish

¿Va a tardar mucho?

Translation: Is it going to take long?

Whether you’re waiting on the Telmex technician, a haircut, or your tacos al pastor — this is the golden phrase you want to keep in your back pocket.

“¿Va a tardar mucho?” is the polite (but subtly strategic) way to nudge things along when “ahorita” could mean five minutes…or sometime next Tuesday.

It’s non-confrontational, respectful, and often gets you a more realistic answer – or at least a smile and a shrug.

✨ Bonus tip: Add a friendly “gracias” and a smile, and you’ll sound less like an impatient gringo and more like a savvy local.

Why El Expat Insider Mexico? Life abroad isn’t just about relocating — it’s about reinventing. Every sunrise in Mexico brings new opportunities to explore, learn, and connect. Whether you’re here for a season or a lifetime, we’re your compass for making the most of every moment. Because life’s too short to live on autopilot.

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